Things to Know About Dog Nutrition

Dog nutrition is something that every pet owner should prioritize. But with the availability of instant dog foods, are you really giving your pets the necessary nutrition? Veterinarians advise that pet owners should make dog nutrition balanced and complete. Experts say that you can achieve this by switching from one dog food brand to another. There are important things to remember though when you are switching brands and assuring your dog's nutrition.

Here is an interesting fact that you should know about dog food. If you give your pet the same brand every month, you are actually risking his health. You are exposing your pet to potential health problems, which include malnutrition and even food poisoning.

Everyone is also familiar with the presence of additives and preservatives in most packed dog foods. The accumulation of these synthetic elements may cause harm to your pet. This build up of unnecessary chemicals can weaken the immune system of your dog and may lead to sickness and infection.

With this, one can really assume that there is no guarantee of complete and balanced dog nutrition by using packed dog foods. Manufacturers and producers may claim that their products offer the best nutritional value. But there are factors that can affect and reduce the quality of packaged dog food. For example, during the distribution and storage of dog products, certain elements like temperature changes can affect the nutrients inside the product.

Another likely cause of decreased nutritional value is the fact that manufacturers use ingredients from outside sources. Manufacturers have little control over the nutritional quality of these ingredients. There is even a possibility that dog food brands may contain excessive amounts of magnesium and calcium, which do not meet the requirements of veterinarians and dog nutritionists.

During the manufacturing stage, some of the most important vitamins and minerals weaken due to the application of heat and chemical processes. At home, most pet owners love to stock up on dog foods, which of course leads to over storage.

Switching from one dog food brand to another does not even guarantee perfect nutrition for your pet dogs. But the idea is to prevent you from exposing your dog to excessive and unwanted amounts of chemicals. Diversifying your dog's food in a monthly basis provides balance. To make sure that your dog gets complete nutrition, read the nutritional labels of the different brands. Make sure that you buy fresh dog products only.

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Interactive Toys Are Good for Your Dog

Just like people, dogs can also benefit from playing. It helps them build their coordinating skills, thinking faculties and also improves their behavior. Play will also keep them from getting bored. Yes, dogs too, can get bored... even depressed.

Spend time with your dog by playing with him whenever you can. Take him out to the park and let him run around or play fetch with him. You can also buy him some toys, preferably interactive toys which are better because these keep your dogs thinking and not just playing.

Train Your Dog At An Early Age To Take Care of Future Behavioral Problems

The old phrase, 'You can't teach an old dog new tricks,' irritates dog owners to no end.

"That's absolutely not accurate," says Darr Houssen, who's trained many an old dog in her 27 years in the business.

Houssen, who operates Houssen's Dog Training Centre with her husband Jim in Indian Mountain, says it may take a little longer to train an adult dog, and you may have to use different methods, but they can certainly learn 'new tricks.'

Read more at "A Trained Dog Is A Happy Dog"

Importance of Dental Care for Pets

(Media-Newswire.com) - Just like your own dental health, pet dental care begins in the home – it’s a good idea to make sure Poochie’s pearly whites are in good shape.



Experts say that by taking a few preventative steps, you can help ensure your pet’s dental health for years to come. Brushing, chews and a good diet are all great ways to prevent periodontal disease, but further steps can and should be taken, they explain.

Dr. Johnathon Dodd, clinical associate professor at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, explains the essentials for a healthy dental regimen.



“Brushing is the gold standard for dental health,” Dodd, explains. “It is the best way to clean your pet’s teeth and gums.”



Pediatric and rubber fingertip toothbrushes are great for scrubbing your cat or dog’s teeth. Pets beginning to have their teeth brushed tolerate this better than toothbrushes, and it also creates a bonding time for the pet and owner, Dodd believes.



“Pediatric or finger toothbrushes work great for pets, and ones with a triangular head are best,” says Dodd. “Brushing is the absolute best way to keep your pet’s mouth healthy.”



He says to be sure to use toothpaste specially formulated for your pet. Pet stores offer an abundance of flavored pastes that help make the experience more beneficial and flavorful. Pastes containing enzymatic ingredients or chlorhexidine are great because they serve as an antibacterial and antiseptic in the mouth.



When browsing through dental products, Dodd says it is best to look for ones with a VOHC seal of approval. The VOHC seal represents the Veterinary Oral Health Council. Products with this seal are much like products with the ADA ( American Dental Association ) seal of approval on human dental products. A list of approved products can be found at http://www.avdc.org/vohc.html.



Chew toys also help with dental health, Dodd notes, and they can physically remove tartar from the teeth. An assortment of chews and toys line the aisles of pet stores. Many have ingredients that can do more by having enzymatics and chlorhexidine within the actual chew.



When approaching your pet’s diet, many options are now on the market. Some feeds will mechanically remove tartar from teeth or inhibit the bonding of tartar.



“Hills T/D or Purina DH are some of the more popular foods on the market,” says Dodd. “Another option is to use a water additive. Aquadent is an example, and can be added to your pet’s water to help keep up with home dental health.”



Dodd also stresses the importance of annual dental cleanings. Annual cleanings not only keep your pet’s mouth clean and tartar free, but also allows a professional to view the pet’s mouth and look for problems or potential problems that may not be noticed by owners.



“Brushing is essential in the home, but annual professional cleanings are necessary as well,” explained Dodd. “It is always best to stay in the maintenance mode rather than being forced into a therapeutic situation. Prevention is key.”



Another option for pet owners is a vaccine against periodontal disease. Recently released on the market, the vaccine is an aid and not a sole preventative. The vaccine attacks the bacteria known to cause periodontitis ( inflammation of the tissues that support the teeth ) and helps prevent bone loss around the teeth. As with many vaccines, it is given once, then followed by a booster shot after three weeks, then again once every year.



“No matter what practices you employ to keep your pet’s teeth clean and healthy, remember that brushing is the gold standard and annual exams are recommended,” Dodd adds. “By taking the time to maintain good dental health, you avoid some serious and costly damage down the road.”

Great Dog Training Treats

Ingredients:

2 1/3 cups flour -- all-purpose or whole wheat
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup applesauce
1/2 cup grated cheese -- like parmesan
1 large egg
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 cup powdered milk -- non-fat


Preparation:

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl; mix well; Roll the dough out to size of a cookie sheet; Pat the dough onto a lightly greased cookie sheet, bringing it to the edges. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut desired sizes into dough (just score through).

If you're using as training treats, cut them into small pieces. Sprinkle a little extra cheese and garlic powder if desired on dough for flavor. Bake in a 350 degree oven about 15 minutes until golden brown. Turn off the oven and let cool for a few hours. They will keep hardening the longer you leave them. Break them apart, store tightly covered or in the freezer.

How To Buy A Purebred Puppy

Shopping for and buying a purebred puppy is a lifetime commitment for the animal which you choose, by following a few simple steps you will be able to find happiness for both you and your puppy.

Steps you must follow for the best possible purebred puppy for you and your lifestyle.

Before you purchase a purebred puppy you should do some research on the breed that you are interested in to find out if the mannerisms of that particular breed is a well suited for your lifestyle. You need to realize your focus for having a dog, for instance, are you more interested in a family pet or perhaps you favor a show dog or a guard dog. Your motive for the animal is one clue that will help you in finding the best choice of breed.

It is in the best interest of your new purebred puppy and yourself to learn the mannerisms of the breed you choose, this will help you to know if the animal will fit well in your home. You must keep in mind other factors, like, the amount of room the dog will require as well as its recommended exercise and daily diet plans. In addition, you should consider the animals grooming needs as well as the factors of drooling and hair length as well as its loss. You might want to call you local rescue organization and ask what the most common reason for a particular breed of dogs display when being entered into rescue.

You can get information as well as join respected breeder’s clubs according to the potential breed of your choice in puppies. To find these parent club groups you can do an online search with Google for many different breeds as well as find parent club groups AKC breeds at akc.org. Also, you can ask your family, neighbors and friends if they knowledge of anyone with the particular breed of animal of which you are interested and then make arrangements to visit with them and their pet, this is especially helpful if you have never encountered the breed that holds your interest.

Once you have spent time with the animal and decide this is indeed the breed you want, you should search for a reputable dog breeder, this will allow you the opportunity to receive the very best chance of owning a dog that is both of sound in temper and health. Since puppies, temperament is fully formed by its genetics and environment, those that are provided by both the litter’s mother and its breeder, by the time it is six weeks old.

You should contact the breeders in the parent kennel club, then take a visit through their facilities and get to know their dogs. Their animals should behave in the manner you would prefer your future dog to behave and their facilities should be spotlessly clean and odor free.

All of their animals should be free of parasites as well as clean and healthy. A good breeder is generally happy to share his information with you, concerning the screening of breeding stock for any common health problems before they breed their animals. Any reputable breeder of dogs is able to produce the proper veterinary certifications proving that the bitch and sire are both free of any serious health issues. You should always trust your instincts when shopping for a purebred puppy, if you feel like something is not right, or if the breeder is not forthcoming with all needed information, then look elsewhere for the animal you take home with you.

Once you have found a breeder that you can relate to, you will have to wait for a litter of puppies. Any good breeder will more than likely have a few requirements for individuals who wish to have one of their puppies. You will be presented with a written sales agreement that will give all the requirements and obligations for all concerned the purchasing a purebred puppy.Any reputable breeder will provide a guarantee that allows you within a few days of ownership, to return your puppy, if your veterinarian were to discover a serious health condition in your animal. Normally a good breeder will also suggest grooming equipment, diet and exercise information as well as a few books for you to read to help you take good care of your new purebred puppy.

Although it is extra work for the breeder, the best time to take you new puppy home is no earlier those nine weeks, as this will provide the puppy and its litter mates more time for socialization. When puppies are picked up to early, they are likely to suffer from anxiety and be fearful of other dogs its whole lifetime.

You should have your new puppy checked by your veterinarian within at least twenty-four hours of having picked it up from the breeder. Tick and heartworm prevention should be started as soon as possible. You will need to consider what you will feed the new puppy, such as canned pet food, dry kibble or a raw meat diet.

You should ask your veterinarian for suggestions on obedience classes for your puppy, keeping you animal in its particular age group returns the best results in their classes. You should also determine the same potential expectations for your new puppy as you would have for an older dog.

Tips for choosing the perfect purebred puppy for you and your lifestyle.

You may wish to consider adopting a purebred animal from your local rescue organization as an alternative to the purchase of a puppy. Be sure to read How to Adopt a Purebred Dog. You may be fortunate enough to find an adoptable purebred puppy in need of a home. This is always a great idea when looking for a puppy of your own.

If it is possible to visit with both parents of the purebred puppy, you will generally find that their temperament will affect their litter results, as the apple does not fall far from the tree. For instance, you may find that one of the parents show signs in their temperament that you would find annoying in an animal you own, such as being afraid of people, if so, then consider finding a different breeder.

Keep in mind that by spending a little more on a puppy to begin with will often save you a great deal of money for medical expenses, which is always a wise investment.

You should only deal with breeders of purebred dogs who are responsible dog owners and who will routinely screen every animal they encounter for their facilities as being disease free including other various conditions that may harm their breed. Although, this is no guarantee for the health of their animals, this will prove that the breeder is indeed doing his very best to ensure that any animal you take home, will be the healthiest and best choice in the puppy you choose.

If done properly it does take a good deal of effort, energy and time when choosing the perfect purebred puppy as your companion, yet it is something that you will never regret in the future.

The best purebred puppies come to those who wait, enjoy the new addition to your family.

Purebred Dogs

A purebred dog is more likely to be preferred by most people because of one thing: their predictability. And just what do we mean when we say they are predictable? Read on.

Predictability

For more than 100 years, people have been breeding dogs to suit their needs. Sheep herders bred shepherd dogs to watch over their sheep. The German Shepherd dog and the rottweiler have been specifically bred as watch dogs and sometimes attack dogs. The Bichon Frise and the Pekingese as toy dogs, chosen for their beauty and their physical quality of being able to be petted on people's laps.

Purebred dogs are genetically predisposed to possess the qualities and attributes of their breed. Although the environment and the dog's training also have an impact on its behavior.

Before you choose a dog, ask for advice

As always, you should ask for a breeder or dog expert's advice on which breed of dog is best for you. He can, without any bias, decide what dog fits your lifestyle. Let's say you want to have a Siberian Husky. An expert may give his opinion whether you are capable of taking care of such a dog. A Husky is a working dog. It needs to have constant exercise. If it is just left alone in a house, especially a small house or apartment where space is a problem, a Husky can easily get bored and restless.