Author: Alex Valentino

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Food Puppies

The DO’s and DONT’S of Training Your New Puppy

Socializing your puppy to new people, animals, and situations is of utmost importance in her training. Un-socialized pups mature into dogs that are untrustworthy; they often become fear-biters, like to fight with other dogs, are difficult to train, and unpleasant to be around. These are the dogs that end up being euthanized in shelters every day in this country.

Studies by the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine agree that a puppy’s initial period of socialization begins at birth and lasts up to about 12 weeks (3 months) of age. While a dog must continue learning social skills after that period, veterinarians agree that starting socializing after 3 months is often a difficult and time-consuming process. Begin teaching your puppy early by following some simple steps.

What to do…

As you begin introducing your puppy to new people, places, and experiences, you want to ensure that she is not anxious or frightened during training sessions. If you don’t recognize that your puppy is overly anxious or fearful of these changes and make slow adjustments, you may be creating a phobia that turns your pup into an adult dog with fear-aggression issues.

For puppies that need a bit of extra coaxing to get calm, an all-natural herbal tonic may be just the remedy you need. Made with herbs that reduce restlessness, anxiety and aid in physical relaxation, you can place a few drops of the tonic in your pup’s water or on her tongue, and, in approximately 20 minutes, notice a marked change in her anxiety levels. Once she’s stress-free, you can try some of the tactics suggested below:

· Accustom your new puppy to being handled and inspected by regularly feeling all over her body, looking in her ears, opening her mouth, and playing with her toes. Begin brushing/bathing her, cleaning her ears with a simple cotton ball, and clipping her nails. You’re preparing her for later trips to the groomer and the veterinarian.

· Invite some of your friends over to your house to meet the new puppy. Include all ages, ethnic backgrounds, men and women. Make sure you’re with your puppy at all times as she’s meeting new friends so that she feels safe. Use this opportunity to educate any children around that she is just a baby and needs gentle, calm handling. If you notice your little pooch becoming stressed, allow her to take a time-out in her crate away from all the hustle and bustle.

· If your friends have healthy, vaccinated dogs, puppies and even cats, arrange a “play date” with your pup at your house. You’ll want to monitor all activity very closely so that nobody gets hurt and/or frightened. By extension, you can introduce your pooch to these pets in their own homes to help her gain confidence and be able to move out of her “safe” place.  **PLEASE NOTE: Make sure your pup has all of her vaccinations – the final series typically occurs around 15 to 16 weeks of age – before you allow her to walk in public places or socialize with animals that may not be up-to-date on their shots. Until her immune system is fully activated, it will be very easy for her to pick up diseases from other un-vaccinated, unhealthy dogs.

· Once your new dog is vaccinated, take her for short trips in the car where she can get used to the motion and watch the sights from her car window. Carry her into parks, school playgrounds, shopping areas, etc.; anywhere there is plenty of activity, crowds of people, and noise.

· Present your puppy with various sounds; music, loud laughter, screaming kids, dogs barking, car horns – all are noises she will need to get accustomed to as she ages. Particularly loud noises should be introduced from a distance and gradually brought closer as she becomes more acclimated to them.

· Have her approach new, unfamiliar objects in the same fashion; keep umbrellas, big balls, bags, boxes, the vacuum cleaner at a distance and allow your pup to take her time going up to them on her own. Encourage her to explore and investigate her environment, including going up and down stairs, in and out a doggy door, and into and out of your car.

· Now would also be the time to introduce your new puppy to her collar and leash and show her how to behave while walking beside you. All-natural peanut butter treats enhanced with fresh fruits and vegetables can be used to reward your pup when she listens and moves along correctly and confidently during all phases of socialization and training.

What NOT to do…

When working to socialize and train a young puppy, it’s best to keep learning sessions to around 20 minutes each. Your pup’s attention span doesn’t last much longer than that time period and you take a chance on tiring her out if you go longer than that.

Remember to not force or rush your puppy into any new situation too quickly. Learn what triggers her anxieties and fears and work through them at her pace. Your job is to provide the opportunity for her to learn.

Never punish your pup with swats, smacks, heavy jerks on the leash, or a loud, angry voice when she does something inappropriate. Treating a puppy in that fashion only reinforces fears and can turn her anxieties into aggression as she matures.

Always use positive reinforcement when she accomplishes something new. Praise her with your voice, love and rub on her with your hands, gift her with treats or toys when she takes a new step forward. Throw her favorite ball or stuff her Kong with an all-natural peanut butter as a reward for good behavior.

Categories
Activities & Fun Puppies

The importance of setting boundaries with your new puppy

Why Early Puppy Training Makes All The Difference In Your Pup’s Life

Early training for your new puppy is essential to help her learn her place in your home as part of your family. How quickly you begin this training can determine how long it takes for your little dog to adjust to new experiences both inside and outside the family.

Your new puppy’s first primal instinct on entering her new home is to find her place in your “pack” – and she will do this by testing the boundaries you set for her.

Your job, as leader of the family “pack,” is to mimic the mother dog’s actions and do the same. You have to set the boundaries on when and where your new puppy eats and sleeps. She needs to be taught that the only place she can urinate and defecate is outside the house, and she needs to receive this information from the first day she sets foot in your home. If she bites, nips, or barks inappropriately, it is up to you to gently reprimand her and show her how to behave.

Your puppy’s canine ancestors traveled in groups of 8 or 10 dogs. This “pack” was ruled by the most dominant couple – the alpha male and female – who gained power by proving their strength and courage during the daily travails of living in the wild. The alpha male determined where the group would hunt, where they would rest, and who would eat first. The alpha female controlled the other females and disciplined the pups.

Watch a litter – or even a group of unrelated puppies – playing together. You’ll be able to distinguish the more dominant puppies from their more passive siblings by their behavior. The “alpha” puppies will growl and “bark” at their brothers and sisters in a form of communication that says, “Listen to me!” Their submissive littermates tend to be quieter and to follow the stronger puppy’s leads.

As the litter matures, you’ll see some of the more adventurous pups attempt to strike out on their own and explore their surroundings. The “alpha” mother dog, with her gentle pulls and nips, nudges them back into place, establishing boundaries and a sense of appropriate, safe behavior for her puppies.

For that “alpha” puppy who gets excited to the point of not listening during training sessions, you may want to try giving her an all-natural herbal tonic developed to relax her in about 20 minutes. Given orally, tonics made with aspen and cerato Bach Flower Essences reduce general anxiety and increase attention span in dogs. Additionally, the herb Skullcap, included in the tonic, works as a mild natural sedative. Helping your new, highly-strung puppy remain calm enough to pay attention during training is necessary to make her an acceptable member of your family.

The newest member of your family needs to learn how to walk on a leash, how to act appropriately with other people and other animals, where she can go and explore in your yard and house, and where and how she is allowed to sit with you and the rest of her “pack.”

Most dog training experts will tell you to teach your new puppy using treats as a reward for good, correct responses. As a pet parent, you’ll want to make sure these treats are full of the nutrition needed by a growing puppy without all the chemicals and fillers found in commercially-processed treats and foods. All-natural peanut butter treats enhanced with fresh fruits and vegetables can be given during regular training sessions as healthy, low-calorie rewards.

Dogs love the smell and taste of real peanut butter, and with its Omega-3 fatty acids, extra protein, and Vitamin E, an all-natural, organic peanut butter is perfect to use on just your finger or stuffed in a Kong as a special reward to keep your active puppy occupied.

With consistent, kind training, your new puppy will learn to turn to you for guidance when she is unsure what to do or how to behave – a necessary step in puppy development that assures you of a well-behaved dog for years of loving, canine companionship.

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Uncategorized

5 Easy Steps to “De-Ticking” Your Dog

by Cate Burnette RVT

If your dog spends any time outside, whether it’s playing in wooded areas around your house, out in the tall brush or grass of surrounding fields, or even around the closest woodpile, checking him for ticks needs to be on your list of things to do when he comes inside.

The tick, one of the nastiest-looking parasites out there, sucks your dog’s blood for nourishment and, when full, can look like an extra-large, puffy, brown or gray skin tag. Known to attach themselves to any part of the body, including inside the ears, between the toe pads, in the armpits, and inside the folds of the genitalia, ticks are responsible for such deadly diseases as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, and babesiosis. Not only can these diseases prove fatal to your pet, they are transferable to humans if a tick also bites you.

So how do you safely get rid of the revolting creature if you happen to find a tick on your dog? Here are 5 easy steps to walk you through the process.

1. Put on a pair of surgical gloves (you can find these at your local pharmacy) and grab hold of a pair of fine-tipped tweezers or a commercial tick remover.

2. With the heads of your tweezers, grasp the tick as close to your dog’s skin as possible, making sure not to accidentally pinch the skin. If you’re using a tick remover, press the remover against the skin near the tick and slide the notch under the tick’s belly and head.

3. Use the tweezers to pull the tick out of your dog’s skin in a steady, straight motion, making sure that you remove the entire tick, since any part left behind can cause infection. With a tick remover, continue sliding the remover until the head of the tick is caught in the small end of the notch and the entire pest is pulled free.

4. Drop the tick into a small pill bottle or similar container with several milliliters of isopropyl alcohol and mark the date on the container. The alcohol kills the tick and preserves it, just in case your pooch later begins to show symptoms of a tick-borne illness and your vet needs to identify or test the tick.

5. Clean the tick bite area with a disinfectant and apply a small amount of triple antibiotic ointment.

Of course, the easiest and most effective way to deal with ticks on your pup is to regularly use a flea-and-tick preventive. Veterinarian-recommended products, such as Frontline® or Advantix®, have been shown to effectively and safely protect pets from external parasites. For added protection, you can try an all-natural, 3-in-1 spray containing no pesticides or chemical poisons that works as an adjunct to your regular preventive. Gentle on a dog’s sensitive skin, a quick spritz of this blend of natural ingredients ensures that your pooch is fully armed against unwanted pests when he’s outdoors having fun.

Categories
Grooming

What Your Dog’s Nose Can Tell You About His Health

by Cate Burnette, RVT

Did you know that your dog’s nose is completely individualized? Just like the human fingerprint, the ridges on the canine nose are distinctly individual for each dog – no other dog in the world has the same nasal imprint. There are other things your pup’s snout can tell you about his health and what is going on in his environment.

Whether your pooch’s nose is the palest pink, a soft brown, or the deepest black, a variety of things can cause it to change color.

  • Dogs with pale or sensitive noses will show some minor color change with the change in the seasons – similar to people who easily tan.
  • Dogs that eat or drink out of plastic dishes may suffer from contact dermatitis caused by the chemicals used to make the plastic, and their noses can redden and start flaking. Changing to a glass or ceramic dish will take care of this problem.
  • Normally light-colored noses easily sunburn and can redden and become painful with overexposure to bright sunlight. Repeated exposure over the years can result in skin cancers, called melanomas, on your pup’s snout and other pink-skinned, pale-haired areas of his body. Make sure your dog has plenty of shade if he’s outside all day and consider keeping him in during the hottest part of the day. There are canine sunscreens out on the market that you can purchase to protect sensitive areas. Please note: if your pup has a bad burn that blisters or bleeds, you need to contact your veterinarian.

A dog’s wet nose serves two purposes –

1) to help the dog smell

2) to help the dog shed heat. The thin mucus on your dog’s nose allows heat to evaporate from his body and works the same way as panting does to bring down internal body temperature. This same liquid also provides a sticky surface for chemicals in the air to become trapped and dissolve down into the skin, where the olfactory cells (the ones that detect and differentiate smells) are located.

Typically, a dog that is alert and actively sniffing the air or ground will have a wetter nose than one who is relaxed or sleeping. It is not uncommon for your dog to lick his nose so that the chemicals that are there go from his tongue directly onto another smelling organ located in the roof of his mouth. This type of sensory adaptation, coupled with the long folds of olfactory tissue located in a dog’s snout, is the reason canines have such an excellent sense of smell.

It is a common myth that a dry nose means your dog is sick. Relaxed and sleeping dogs commonly have dry noses. Watch for symptoms of illness to determine if your dog is unwell. A dog with a dry, hot nose that is lethargic and also running a fever needs to see a veterinarian. So does a dog with a nose that is wetter than usual and runny with a thick or crusty discharge. Many vets think this myth came about when the canine distemper virus was common. One symptom of distemper is skin-cell thickening of the nose and footpads. A cool, wet nose was considered a good sign the dog was healthy back before distemper vaccines made this horrible disease less common.

If you feel like your pup’s nose is a bit too dry or you just want to clean his nose and muzzle, you can try all-natural, pre-moistened pads or wipes to keep him moisturized and dirt free. Find the kind that are alcohol-free and made with colloidal silver (a broad-spectrum natural antibiotic) and herbs such as Golden Seal and Eyebright that work to reduce inflammation and contain skin enriching nutrients.

If you’re looking for a moisturizing effect, try Paw & Nose Rub by Cain & Able Collection. Unlike some balms that are petroleum based Paw Rub is made with shea butter. It’s an excellent carrier of other healing ingredients but shea butter itself helps improve the healing process, improves moisture retention, soothes and protects the skin from environmental damage.

Categories
Activities & Fun Dental Hygeine Food Grooming

New Year’s Resolutions For Your Dog…And You

Everybody wants to start the New Year off on the right foot…or in the case of pet parents, the right feet. What are some of the changes you want to see in your dog’s life for the coming year? If you and your dog need to get in shape, find a better eating plan, or just generally de-stress, we have some suggestions for you. Here are five resolutions you and your dog can enjoy together.

1. My dog and I need to get in shape…

If you can’t easily feel your dog’s ribs under a thin layer of skin and there is no significant waistline dip between her ribs and her hips, then chances are your pooch may be anywhere from slightly overweight to obese. Extra pounds can add stress to your pet’s cardiac and respiratory systems, make it difficult for her liver and kidneys to function normally, and strain her joints. As it does in humans, the added weight can detract from her health and take years off her life.

This year, make a plan to take your pooch for longer walks instead of just quickly traipsing around the block after dinner. Go on some over-country hikes or even short runs to increase her activity level. Take her to the doggy park so that she can socialize, run, and play with her canine friends. Throw a ball and play fetch (or just chase her down to retrieve the ball) for an afternoon in your backyard.

All of these activities are guaranteed to increase muscle strength and burn calories and fat on your dog…and you.

2. I want to make sure my pooch gets more nutritious foods and treats…

Now that your dog is playing harder and exercising more, take a look at the kind of foods she eats and what ingredients are in her kibble. Most commercial foods and treats are processed with fillers, chemical preservatives, and un natural coloring and flavoring agents. These ingredients may or may not be harmful to your pet, but by and large, they have no nutritional value. Additionally, if you have a dog with skin allergies, commercial foods containing corn or wheat gluten may be exacerbating her itching problems.

Because of those additives, we recommend feeding your pooch grain-free kibble, a homemade diet using products found in your pantry and refrigerator, or a raw diet. You can go online and research to find which foods or diet would work best for your dog, your budget, and your time. If your choose a homemade diet, look for easy one-, two-, or three-ingredient recipes that provide all the proteins, carbs, and fats your dog requires. Additionally, acquaint yourself with those foods that your dog can eat safely and those foods that she should never eat. Onions, grapes, avocados, chocolate, and yeasty bread dough come to mind. Look for healthy, all-natural, organic treats and nutritional bars and supplements that not only taste good to your pet, but also are good for them.

**Please note: Never start your dog on a new diet or a new food without first consulting with your veterinarian.

3. Giving back to dogs in need

Let’s face it, your dog is pretty lucky, The fact that you are reading this educational dog health blog means you care! Why not give back to other dogs that aren’t as lucky. One really easy way to do that which won’t cost you an extra penny is by buying your dog food and treats from DOG for DOG. For every bag of food or treats you buy one is given to a dog in need! Check out their all natural food and treats and amazing mission.

4. Take care of your dog’s teeth!

Caring for your dog’s teeth is as important a part of owning a pet as feeding and bathing him. It’s unfortunately true that a large percentage of dogs have oral health problems by the time they are three years of age. You can reduce the likelihood of your dog becoming one of these statistics by establishing a dental care routine right from when he’s a puppy.

Other statistics show that just by caring for your dog’s teeth, you can add 3-5 years to her life! Isn’t that amazing? Most of us don’t ever brush our dog’s teeth– EVER. But now you know, so you’ll do something to change that.

The most important part of your dog’s home dental care routine is brushing his teeth (or if your dog resists brushing there are lots of other ways to take care of her teeth). This prevents plaque accumulating on his teeth and gums, and hardening into tartar. Ideally, you should brush his teeth twice daily, just as you do your own. However, life can sometimes get in the way, so if you can manage it once a day, that’s certainly better than not at all. And if you’re like most people once every few days would still be heroic!

5. Grooming should not be so stressful…

Some dogs love the water and love getting regular baths. If yours is one that hides when she hears the bath water running, it may be time to try de-stressing her.

The scent of lavender has long been shown to have a calming effect on both humans and animals, so bathing and conditioning your dog in an lavender shampoo might be a way to ease her water anxieties.You can also try using a leave-in spritzing conditioner made with lavender and calming chamomile to help her stay relaxed after bathing.

For maximum effect try an oral calming remedy. We like Sleepytime Tonic which helps to calm and soothe an anxious pooch. Also perfect before fireworks, travel and trips to the groomer and vet.

For those times when bathing is not an option, a spray-on waterless shampoo and dry bath might be just the ticket. Made with ingredients that eliminate the odor-causing proteins on your dog’s skin and fur, you won’t need to drag her to the tub and get her wet to help her smell and feel better – easing stress levels for both of you.

Categories
Food

What You Should Know About Additives in Commercial Dog Foods

If you are concerned about the additives and GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) found in human food, you should be equally concerned regarding the components of your dog’s food and treats?

We know that most dog foods contain either beef or chicken (known to bother some food sensitive dogs), or some other kind of protein considered non-allergenic. We also know that corn and wheat grains and glutens can exacerbate symptoms in a dog with allergies. But do you know about the chemicals and supplements in your dog’s food that can be potentially harmful? Reading the ingredients list on your dog’s food will tell you if the commercial food you are buying contains additives that might be making your pooch sick.

The three basic types of chemicals and supplements added to commercial dog foods can be classified based on the effect they have on foodstuffs. The main classes of additives include: a.) preservatives and antioxidants, b.) binders and emulsifiers, and c.) coloring and flavoring agents.

Preservatives and Antioxidants

Preservatives and antioxidants are added to commercial dog foods and treats to preserve their shelf life. They’re also used to prohibit the growth of bacteria and molds that can render the foods inedible and have negative effects on the health of your dog. Manufacturers employ both natural and artificial preservatives and antioxidants to this purpose.

Natural preservatives include Vitamin E, Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), clove oil, rosemary extract, and other spices. Although these natural additives don’t guarantee as long a shelf life as their artificial counterparts, they are normally not considered harmful to canines.

On the other hand, foods containing artificial preservatives such as BHA (butylated hydroxysanisole), BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene), propyl gallate, and ethoxyquin, last longer on store shelves, but have been known to cause chronic toxicity in dogs. BHA and BHT may contribute to some cancers, while ethoxyquin and propyl gallate are suspected of causing disorders of the thyroid, kidney, and liver, and certain cancers in dogs.

Binders and Emulsifiers

Binders and emulsifiers, both natural and artificial, are used to help the ingredients of commercial dog foods and treats hold together without separating, keeping the foods edible for longer periods of time. Corn and wheat gluten are the most commonly used binders, while glyceryl monostearate, a type of artificial fat, is the most common emulsifier. Phosphoric acid, a clear, colorless liquid found in fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, and detergents, is also used in lower-end dog foods as an emulsifier.

While none of these ingredients have been found to be harmful to dogs, they have almost no nutritional value. If you home-make your own dog food, you can provide the same properties to your food by adding whole-wheat flour, baking soda, corn meal, and eggs, and still have all the nutrients of those foods available to your pet.

Coloring and Flavoring Agents

Manufacturers commonly add large amounts of coloring and flavoring agents to commercial foods and treats to mask the poor quality of their ingredients. The artificial ingredients of Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6 food dyes added to dog food, while not necessarily toxic, have caused allergic skin reactions in hypersensitive dogs, particularly those sensitive to aspirin products.

Flavoring agents can be either chemical, such as phosphoric acid, or natural, like Animal Digest, the most commonly used flavoring agent in store-bought canine food. Animal Digest is a cooked-down broth made from different parts of unspecified animals. There is no control over quality or contamination. Any kind of animal can be included: “4-D animals” (dead, diseased, disabled, or dying prior to slaughter), rats, goats, horses, pigs, animals euthanized at shelters, miscellaneous roadkill, supermarket and restaurant refuse, and so on. Who wants their dog eating that?

If you’re looking for an all natural brand to purchase, look for foods that are baked not extruded, contain fruit, probiotics, vegetables and flax.  Our top pick is DOGSFOOD Grain Free.  This food contains healthy stuff like flaxseed, salmon, loads of veggies, amino acids and probiotics! And the best thing is when you buy a bag of this food one is given to a dog in need!

One of the best flavoring additives you can put in your dog’s  meals is a spoonful of all-natural, peanut butter. Full of Omega-3 anti-oxidants and Vitamin E, peanut butter can protect your pet’s hair coat and prevent the dry, itchy skin that causes hot spots and hair loss. Other healthy snacks can include DOGSBARs, your pup’s very own all-natural protein bar made with organic peanut butter, oats, blackstrap molasses, and organic brown rice syrup. You can also try DOGSTREATS. 100% natural peanut butter dog treats made with fresh bananas, carrots, spinach, green peas, broccoli, strawberries, and more.

Knowing what goes in your dog’s food can help keep him healthy, happy, and with you for a long, long time.

DOG for DOG is an all natural dog food and treat company with a mission to help dogs in need. You buy one we give one! 52,000 pounds were donated in 2013

Categories
Anxiety & Nervousness

Help For Nervous Dogs During Holiday Craziness

Your nervous or anxious dog may exhibit some behaviors around the busy holiday seasons that are atypical during her normal daily routine. Loud noises, screaming babies, and the bustle of people coming in and out of your home may cause her to retreat and try to find a place to hide. She may become unexpectedly aggressive around strangers (and visiting dogs) who are moving in on “her” family and territory.  She may become over-excited and jump and nip at young children or adults who are trying to play with her. If you’re leaving for a holiday away from her, she may become anxious as you pack and prepare to leave, craving constant contact or proximity to you.

Veterinary behaviorists say that the first step to overcoming these problems is by totally avoiding the situations causing your dog’s anxiety. Asking your youngest family members to stay away from your get-togethers or your guests to whisper is probably not going to win you points as a favorite party host, so you may want to consider either crating your pooch in a quiet part of your home or boarding her for a day or two if she’s used to being boarded elsewhere.

The next step to solving the problem of a nervous dog is called “desensitization.” Desensitization is a way to socialize your pup to unknown people and unknown situations by showing her that what she fears won’t hurt her. For example: if new people and new dogs are her anxiety trigger, you can ask a friend with a passive, compliant dog to come over for a visit. Make sure your dog knows the visitors are there, but place them far enough away from her so that she isn’t yet showing her fear response. Slowly decrease the distance between the visitors and your dog, stopping each time she moves behind you or tries to move away. Don’t move any closer until your dog is showing she’s relaxed. Ideally, your pooch will eventually make the move closer on her own without feeling trapped or anxious and will begin to feel comfortable in the presence of strangers.

While you’re exposing your pup to the things that bother her the most, you can try adding treats into the mix as a positive reward when she behaves correctly. This type of training is called “counterconditioning” and involves the pairing of a stimulus that causes a negative response from your dog with a positive reward until she makes a pleasant association between the two. Consider the desensitization training described earlier; each time your dog doesn’t hide or show fear of the approaching visitors, give her a treat and praise her lavishly. When she moves to the visitors on her own, have your friend present her with a treat and praise her. Your end goal is to ensure that your dog has a positive experience.

Some veterinarians recommend placing dogs with anxiety issues on medication to help them cope during times of stress. Drugs classified as benzodiazepines (canine Valium®) can be used on an as-needed, short-term basis, while dogs with more generalized fears may be given a maintenance medication such as clomipramine (Clomicalm®) to be used daily. Veterinarians typically prescribe anti-depressants such as Trazadone® to dogs that become anxious or fearful around certain events – thunderstorms, fireworks, or family visits.

If you’re one of those pet parents who prefer holistic, natural remedies, you can try a liquid, organic compound designed to calm, not sedate, your dog. Formulated with herbs known to reduce restlessness, treat anxiety, and aid in physical relaxation, these tonics can safely be given twice a day by mouth and will help to calm your dog in approximately 20 minutes.

Another holistic solution includes applying essential oil of lavender (known to be a soothing agent) to your dog’s bedding or a bandana to decrease anxiety; this can be especially useful for anxiety during car rides. Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP), a derivative of a hormone produced by nursing canine mothers, is now being used in diffusers and sprays as a way of promoting calm and secure behavior in fearful dogs.

Categories
Food

HEALTHY HOLIDAY LEFTOVERS FOR YOUR DOG

Holidays with the family typically means sitting around the dining table consuming huge meals filled with oodles of deliciousness – and leaving behind a ton of leftovers. For many of us, sharing those leftovers with our nearest and dearest also means giving our furry family members a taste of holiday cheer. By consulting the list below, you’ll get an idea of what kinds of holiday foods you can share with your dog – and what kinds of foods you need to keep strictly for the humans in your family.

– Baked turkey or chicken is an excellent source of protein; one ¼- to ½-cup serving will typically give your dog her daily needed amount depending on her weight. Turkey and chicken is also packed with vitamins and minerals, including Vitamins B, B6, C, D, E, B12, and magnesium. Because we don’t recommend feeding your dog the skin, they are also very low in fat. Please note: Giving your dog cooked chicken or turkey bones to chew on can be dangerous. These bones tend to splinter apart and, if swallowed, can puncture your pup’s esophagus, stomach, and intestines.

– Plain, baked sweet potatoes can be a nutritious source of fiber for your dog and can help with digestive issues. They are also fat-free and filled the beta-carotenes needed to fight chronic illnesses such as cancer and heart disease. Rich in potassium and Vitamin C, the nutrients in sweet potatoes work combat diseases related to inflammation, including canine asthma and osteoarthritis. Leave off the butter, nuts, and sweet toppings to avoid causing any tummy upsets.

– Plain mashed potatoes without all the butter, salt and pepper and other additives, are an excellent source of several nutrients, such as vitamins C and B6, potassium, pantothenic acid, niacin and dietary fiber. The protein in potatoes contains lysine, an essential amino acid that works as an anti-viral agent and helps build muscle. The lectins (proteins that specifically bind with carbohydrates) found in potatoes are known to inhibit cancer cell growth.

– Leafy green vegetables, such as spinach, kale, Swiss chard, and beet greens, are probably the most concentrated source of nutrition of any food for your pet…or you. They are a rich source of minerals (including iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium) and vitamins, including vitamins K, C, E, and many of the B vitamins. Slow to digest, greens are a great source of fiber and have negligible amounts of carbohydrates, so they’re the perfect food for dogs on a weight-loss regimen. Make sure to feed your pet greens without any seasonings or pork fat as those ingredients can cause intestinal issues.

– Plain green beans, not the ones found in everyone’s favorite crispy onion-topped casserole, are rich in various nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese, iron, potassium, folate, calcium, magnesium and thiamin. These vitamins and minerals enhance your dog’s immune system, allowing the body to heal faster. They also protect the body’s cells from damage and abnormalities, lower the risk of arthritis, and help with the absorption of other nutrients into the body.

– Any type of plain, fibrous vegetable, such as broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, or legumes (most beans) can help to prevent or relieve constipation in your dog and normalize loose stools. Additionally, these veggies help your pooch maintain a healthy weight and lower the risk of her contracting diabetes mellitus by helping to control blood sugar levels. Fibrous vegetables have been shown to lower cholesterol levels, and reduce your pet’s blood pressure.

– Baked or steamed squash (acorn, butternut, zucchini, or yellow squash) is low in calories and carbohydrates and cholesterol-free. It is a rich source of Vitamin C and a very good source of magnesium, vitamin A, fiber, folate, copper, riboflavin and phosphorus. Squash is abundant in the magnesium and potassium needed to provide your dog with muscle energy, reduce her high blood pressure, and keep her electrolytes balanced – a key element to heart health.

Away from the holiday table, one of the best snacks you can give your dog is a spoonful of all-natural, organic peanut butter. Full of Omega-3 anti-oxidants and Vitamin E, peanut butter can protect your pet’s hair coat and prevent the dry, itchy skin that causes hot spots and hair loss.

Please note: Feeding your dog fatty and/or sweet scraps from your holiday table can lead to pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas characterized by extreme bouts of vomiting and diarrhea. If you notice your pet having these problems after a particularly heavy meal, contact your veterinarian immediately as pancreatitis can be deadly if left untreated.

DOG for DOG is an all natural dog food and treat company with a mission to help dogs in need. You buy one we give one! 52,000 pounds were donated in 2013

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Dental Hygeine

Taking Care Of Your Dog’s Teeth Could Add Years To Her Life

by Cate Burnette, RVT

As your pet ages, she becomes more susceptible to the chronic diseases that can make her senior years painful and unhappy. Her heart, kidneys, and liver are more sensitive to the effects of the bacteria in her body that causes dental disease. Keeping her teeth clean and her mouth free from periodontitis can extend her life.

Veterinarians estimate that between 75 and 80% of middle-aged dogs have gum disease, and a new study out of Purdue University shows a clear link between gum disease and heart disease in canines. In the study, dogs with no periodontal disease were diagnosed with endocarditis, an inflammation of the heart valves, in 1% of the cases. Those dogs with chronic periodontal disease were diagnosed with endocarditis   in 15% of the cases.

Researchers believe that the bacterium causing the gum disease is the culprit behind the heart disease. Mouth tissue – the gums and the other soft areas of the mouth – are rich with blood vessels, and this hastens the speed at which bacteria can enter your dog’s bloodstream and travel throughout her body.

In periodontal disease, the surface of the gums is weakened and compromised. That breakdown of gum tissue allows the bacteria in your dog’s mouth to go directly into the blood coursing through the rest of her organs. The Purdue study indicates the same strain of oral bacteria causing gum disease infects the heart valves and results in endocarditis.

Certain strains of oral bacteria leave behind sticky proteins that can adhere to the walls of your dog’s arteries. As that protein builds up, the arteries thicken and this narrowing of the blood passageway is closely associated with heart disease. Bacteria are also known to cause the formation of blood clots that can damage the heart and lead to heart failure and stroke.

Not surprisingly, those same bacteria can infect your dog’s kidneys and liver, leading to chronic disease and eventual organ failure.

The best preventive measures to ease your pooch into her senior years without organ disease revolve around regular, at-home dental brushings and annual oral examinations with possible prophylactic tooth cleanings by your veterinarian.

You can go to your vet clinic, your local pet stores, and online retailers to purchase doggy toothpaste and a toothbrush for daily brushings. The toothbrushes are manufactured to fit in your dog’s mouth comfortably and the toothpastes come in flavors that she will love – all to make it easier for you to perform this daily chore with little to no hassle.

Additionally, for those times when you don’t have her toothbrush/toothpaste handy, all-natural dental wipes that can keep the teeth clean and the breath fresh are available for use. You could also try a probiotic anti-plaque spray that goes directly onto her teeth and gums to reduce the bacteria causing gum disease and infections. All-natural fresh breath foams take just a squirt after mealtime to check the growth of microbes and stem bad breath.

Perhaps one of the easiest ways to help prevent periodontal disease in your pup is also one of the newest on the market. Organic, oral care water additives make it easy to loosen plaque build-up and freshen her breath and while she drinks from her water bowl. Just a few drops a day added to her regular drinking water are all that is needed to help her stay gum disease free.

Categories
Dental Hygeine

Home Dental Care Can Save You Thousands At The Vet

by Cate Burnette RVT

We’ve all heard that old adage “Prevention is worth a pound of cure.” That could NOT be truer than when it comes to keeping your dog’s teeth and gums free of disease through annual veterinary cleanings. Often, that “pound” becomes a large amount of British Sterling “pounds,” Dollars, Euros, Pesos, or whatever monetary unit your home country designates.

In 2011, Neena Pelligrini, a reporter for the Seattle Times newspaper, received an estimate from her vet’s office for a prophylactic cleaning of her dog’s teeth for an article she was writing on veterinary costs.

According to the article, “It appears to be a standard itemized estimate that ranges from $500 to $900. The cleaning itself is $99. Add $33 for X-rays, $11 for polishing and $21 for sealing. There are separate charges for pre-anesthesia, induction, monitoring and the general anesthesia itself. This adds $120 to the estimate. What’s left? Drugs before, during and after the procedure, hospitalization fees, etc. The bill could jump by hundreds, even thousands, if you add extractions, fillings or even root canals. Is all of this really necessary?”

Her article went on to say that most veterinarians charge individual costs for a pre-anesthetic physical exam and bloodwork, dental x-rays, an oral exam, anesthesia, a complete dental cleaning, any type of oral surgery – including extractions, and all medications. The more detailed procedures, including those with extended periods under anesthesia and those with numerous tooth extractions, were more expensive.

If the dog has advanced periodontal diseases, deep scaling and even surgery might be required. Early stage disease may require only a thorough cleaning, but late-stage surgery or extractions can cost $1,000or more.

Costs also depend on where you live. Veterinary cleanings are typically more expensive in large, urban cities than in smaller cities or rural areas.

Most veterinarians will tell you the best way to cut costs is to brush your pet’s teeth daily at home so that plaque and tartar don’t build up and periodontal disease is kept at bay.

Veterinary clinics, pet supply stores, and online shops sell doggy sized toothbrushes that cost very little money. Many vets and retailers often combine doggy toothpaste and a toothbrush into a combo pack that allows you additional savings.

If brushing regularly is not an option, other substitutes for dental hygiene are available. Alternative cleaning solutions include dental wipes that can keep the teeth clean and the breath fresh, and a probiotic anti-plaque spray that reduces the bacteria causing plaque, bad breath, gum disease, and infections.

Oral care water additives make it easy to freshen your dog’s breath and loosen plaque build-up while she drinks from her water bowl, and are a relatively new innovation to at-home dental care. All-natural fresh breath foams also make it easy to keep your pet’s teeth clean at home. Just a squirt after mealtime daily inhibits the growth of microbes that cause periodontal disease.

According to pet insurance companies, these at-home products typically cost between $30 and $60 per year, but they can save you thousands of dollars on veterinary dental bills.