Category: Food

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Ears Food

Stress-Free Tips on Giving Your Dog The Medicine She Needs

by Cate Burnette, RVT

Getting your dog to take her medicine can be like putting toothpaste back into the tube…it needs to be done, but can seem like an impossible task at the time. If your dog is anything like the normal, every day house pooch, you’ll have to drag her out from under the bed to medicate her.

AND, if you’re anything like the normal dog owner, making your pet the least bit uncomfortable sends you into reams of remorse and guilt that can cause you to quit the job way too easily.

There are ways to give your pet her medicine without traumatizing either one of you.

Pills

One of the most common forms of medicine you’ll get from your veterinarian comes in pill form. Whether its an antibiotic you only need to give for 10 days to 2 weeks, or a thyroid hormonal supplement that your dog requires a couple of times a day for life, getting the pills down your dog’s throat is the ultimate goal.

For dogs that don’t have weight or diabetic issues, the easiest way to give a pill is to pop it into a small chunk of soft meat or cheese. You just need to have a big enough bite of food to cover the pill. Make sure you push the pill all the way into the middle of the food so that it can’t be seen and offer it to her as a treat.

If your dog is a fan of peanut butter – or any nut butter – stick the pill into the middle of a spoon of peanut butter and let her lick it up. With her favorite treat hiding the pill, your pooch is more likely to swallow the medicine without even thinking about it.

For those animals that can smell one tiny pill in a plate full of meat, and eat around it or spit it out, you’re going to need to try another method.

You can buy a “piller” at your vet’s office, online, or at some pet supply stores. The “piller” looks like a long, plastic tube with a plunger on one end and a rubber cylinder on the other that is designed to hold different sizes of pills.

Once you place the medicine in the holding end of the piller and draw back the plunger, you’ll need to open your dog’s mouth just wide enough to get the pill all the way over her tongue to the back of her throat. When the pill is in the right spot, push down on the plunger, quickly pull out the piller making sure you’ve left the medicine behind, and gently hold her muzzle shut. Point her nose to the ceiling and rub her throat to encourage her to swallow the pill.

Using another method along those same lines, gently pry her mouth open with one hand, then, with your other hand, push the pill to the back of her throat, making sure you set it over the base of the tongue. Hold her mouth closed, gently push her nose to the ceiling, and rub her throat until you feel her swallow.

If your pup is reluctant to swallow the pill, you can try gently blowing into her nose. The air flowing backward into her lungs causes and automatic swallow reflex that will get the medicine down her throat and into her stomach.

Liquid Medicines

You’ll probably find that giving your dog liquid medicines is an easier proposition than pilling her.

Once the proper dosage of liquid is drawn up into the medicine dropper or syringe, gently slip the end of the applicator into the side of your pup’s mouth in the pouch between her cheek and gums. Point her nose to the ceiling, and slowly expel the medicine into her mouth allowing her time to take a breath between each swallow.

Keep giving her the liquid until she’s swallowed the prescribed dose.

Some all-natural, organic tonics you can squirt directly onto her food or into her water dish, so that she gets her medicine when she eats.

Ear Medications

If you pet has any kind of ear disease caused by bacteria, yeast, or even ear mites,

You’re going to have to treat her ears at home with either a medicated ointment or liquid to clear up the infection.

Your dog’s ear consists of the earflap (or pinna), and the outer, middle, and inner ear canals. For minor infections, you’re only going to be treating the pinna and the outer ear canal.

Hold your dog’s ear open and gently pull up from the base of the ear to straighten the L-shaped ear canal. Place the tip of the applicator bottle or tube into the out part of her canal and squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the ear. By stretching her ear away from her head, you allow the medication to be deposited all over the little valleys of the ear canal.

Gently massage the base of the ear to distribute the medication evenly. You’ll want to make sure and do the massage with minimal pressure because her ears might be particularly sensitive and painful from the infection. Make sure that the underside of the earflap also receives enough to the medicine to cover it.

You’ll want to use the same method when using regular liquid organic ear cleansers to help keep her ears free of the yeast and bacteria that cause infections.

Eye Meds

Giving your dog eye medications can seem particularly scary, especially if your pooch is a squirmy, little thing, so you may want to ask someone to help you hold her head while you do so.

Gently open her eyelids with the fingers of your non-dominant hand. If you’re right-handed, that would be your left hand.

Hold the open tube or bottle of medication in the other hand with the tip of the applicator approximately ½-inch above her eye orb, making sure not to touch the eye. Drip the prescribed number of drops or approximately ½-inch of gel down onto the eye and allow the eyelids to close.

Gently massage the eyelids to evenly distribute the medicine over the entire eye.

Subcutaneous (“Under the Skin”) Injections

If your pooch is diabetic or needs regular allergy injections, you’re going to need to learn how to give her a shot of medicine subcutaneously, or just under the first layer of skin.

Draw up the proper amount of medicine in your syringe and replace the cap so that you don’t stick yourself with the needle.

Place your dog in your lap or ask someone to hold her for you. Once she’s relaxed and comfortable, pull up a loose flap of skin between her shoulder blades so that it forms a “Vee.”

Remove the cap from the needle and syringe and quickly thrust the needle into the middle area of the “Vee,” making sure it doesn’t come through the other side of the skin.

Most diabetic and allergy syringes have very small, thin needles, so if you push the needle in quickly, all your dog will feel is a tiny pinch.

Pull back on the syringe’s plunger and look for any blood filling the tube. If you see blood, you have accidentally hit a small capillary and you’ll need to reposition the syringe. If you don’t see any blood, gently push down on the plunger until all the medicine is dispensed.

Giving your dog medicine takes a little time and patience, but with the proper techniques, can be accomplished fairly easily and stress-free for both of you.

Categories
Food

DOGSBUTTER – The Perfect Treat For Any Dog

Have you ever known any dog that doesn’t go crazy over peanut butter? Just a little bit on a spoon or a cracker satisfies even the pickiest eater. The fresh, nutty smell alone can bring dogs running for a taste.

With DOGSBUTTER Skin and Coat, you’ll be able to treat your pooch to an all-natural peanut butter specially formulated to help prevent dry, itchy skin and add to moisture and shine to your dog’s coat. Made with organic peanuts, golden flaxseed, palm fruit oil, and coconut, DOGSBUTTER contains no added salt, sugar, or hydrogenated oils.

Additionally, the Vitamin E and fatty acids in DOGSBUTTERare known to have antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-oxidizing properties to keep your pet healthy inside and out.

How will eating peanut butter benefit my dog?

Organic peanut butter is full of the B Vitamins and minerals that can contribute to your dog’s health. Some of those nutrients include:

– Niacin (Vitamin B3) – Converts food to energy and benefits your dog’s skin, digestive system, and nervous system.

– Folic Acid (Vitamin B9) – Helps in the production and maintenance of new cells and, according to various studies, may help prevent heart disease

-Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) – Critical for metabolism and the synthesis of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in food.

-Thiamin (Vitamin B1) – Converts carbs into energy and is essential for the proper functioning of the heart, nervous system, and muscles.

-Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) – Serves a key role in metabolizing fats, carbohydrates, and proteins.

-Choline – Critical for the maintenance and function of healthy body cells and is needed for the development of lung and brain tissue in puppies.

– Vitamin B6 – Involved in protein and red blood cell metabolism and has a role in the nervous and immune systems. Studies show an increased intake of B6 may be beneficial to dogs with heart disease.

-Vitamin E – An antioxidant, Vitamin E has been shown to effectively increase the immune system and works to speed up the healing process on a cellular level. Additionally, Vitamin E maintains the integrity of skin cells by protecting them from harmful oxygen-free radicals.

-Magnesium – Maintains normal muscle and nerve function thereby keeping the heart rhythm steady, supports a healthy immune system, promotes normal blood pressure, keeps bones strong, and helps to regulate blood sugar levels.

-Phosphorus – Functions in the formation of bones and teeth. It also helps synthesize protein for the growth, maintenance, and repair of cells and tissues.

-Potassium – Critical to maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance in the body. It is important to brain and nerve function and is necessary for normal growth and muscle development.

-Zinc — Supports your dog’s immune system, helps in wound healing, and is involved in building proteins. Zinc also supports normal growth and development during puppyhood.

-Iron – Iron is involved in transporting oxygen throughout the body via the circulatory system and helps regulate cell growth and differentiation.

-Copper – Plays a role in the production of key proteins in your pet’s body such as collagen and hemoglobin, which helps to transport oxygen.

-Manganese – Works to promote enzyme production in the body.

-Selenium – An antioxidant, selenium helps to prevent cellular damage from free radicals. It regulates thyroid function and plays a role in the immune system.

-Oleic Acid – A fatty acid, oleic acid lowers LDL, or “bad cholesterol,” and increases HDL, or “good cholesterol,” in the blood that can help prevent canine heart disease.

What are some of the ways I can use peanut butter?

Hide the bitter taste of your pet’s medications in a spoonful of DOGSBUTTER. Tuck a pill down into a mound of the tasty stuff and your dog is compelled to eat it all without even thinking about that nasty medicine.

Keep your pooch occupied with hours of concentrated fun by placing a spoonful of peanut butter into the deep recesses of her Kong toy or into any other hollow chew toy.

Cool your dog down with peanut butter popsicles. Mix water and small spoonfuls of peanut butter in the pockets of an ice tray and freeze them. Keep a bag of these peanut butter popsicles indefinitely in your freezer for those extra hot summer days.

Bake DOGSBUTTER in your homemade doggy treats. Substitute DOGSBUTTER for the peanut butter in these treat recipes and your dog will love them.

From the kitchen of Paula Deen: Bodeen’s Peanut Butter Dog Biscuits

Servings: varies

Prep Time: 15 min

Cook Time: 40 min

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

· ¾ cup nonfat Milk

· 1 Egg

· 1 cup Peanut Butter, smooth

· 2-1/4 to 2-1/2 cups Whole Wheat Flour

· 1 tablespoon Baking Powder

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, egg and peanut butter.

3. Add in the flour and baking powder to make a very stiff dough, using your hands to work in the last of the flour if necessary.

4. Flour a work surface and roll out dough to a 1/4” thickness.

5. Cut into desired sizes depending on the size of your dog.

6. Bake on a parchment lined baking tray for approximately 20 minutes.

7. Turn biscuits over and bake for an additional 15 minutes.

8. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

9. Bodeen’s Dog Biscuits can also be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

(Paula’s note: as a general rule, most homemade dog biscuits do well with 1 part liquid to 3 parts dry. You can customize the recipe by adding and subtracting ingredients your dog likes.)

From the pages of Modern Dog Magazine: Peanut Butter and Banana Oat Drops

Ingredients

· 4 cups rolled oats

· 2 Tbsp. ground flax seed

· 2 medium very ripe bananas

· 1/2 cup natural (no sugar or shortening added) peanut butter

· 1/2 cup water

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2. Mix together oats, flax seed, bananas, and peanut butter in an electric mixer.

3. Add water and mix well.

4. Drop 1/2 teaspoon-sized drops onto greased cookie sheet or roll out and cut with a cookie cutter (let dough stand for a few minutes before rolling; it’s sticky initially).

5. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.

6. The drops last longer and are delightfully crunchy if they are placed in a dehydrator for several hours after baking to remove all moisture. This can also be done in a low temperature (170 degrees) oven.

What about peanut allergies?

Dogs, like humans, can be allergic to peanuts and the symptoms are similar. You’ll see the signs of an allergy immediately after ingestion – skin irritation, scratching and biting that can lead to hair loss, and, occasionally, mouth and lip inflammation. Long-term after effects include chronic ear and skin infections. If you notice the symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately. Typically, you’ll be prescribed anti-inflammatory medications to administer to your pet.

Categories
Food Itchy Skin & Allergies

How Food And Nutrients Positively Affect Your Dog’s Skin

by Cate Burnette, RVT

Just as in our human diets, the nutrients in your dog’s food can affect how her skin does its job – protecting and covering the muscles, bones, and internal organs in the canine body while providing a transport system for blood cells, oxygen, and water. A malnourished and dehydrated animal will show the effects of a lack of water and nutrients first in the skin by exhibiting dry and flaky skin cells, a decrease in skin pliability, and an inability of the skin to heal itself.

Re-introducing those particular nutrients – Vitamins A, C, E, and B3 – that nourish and promote skin health can be as simple as looking in your pantry or refrigerator and adding particular foods to your pet’s menu.

Using the list below, you can find safe, canine-friendly foods that your dog will love as a treat or special supplement, and that are easily added to her regular meal plan.

————————————————————————————-

Vitamin A is an essential vitamin for great skin health. It promotes new cell growth, boosts the immune system, and works to allow your dog’s cells to transcribe energy from one to the other – the prime component in healing.

Foods rich in Vitamin A include:

· Liver

· Sweet potatoes

· Carrots

· Dark, leafy greens, such as kale, spinach, collards, and turnip greens

· Butternut squash

· Dried parsley, basil, and oregano

· Cantaloupe

· Green peas

· Milk, both whole and non-fat

· Oatmeal

Vitamin C – ascorbic acid – works on your dog’s skin by developing and maintaining healthy blood vessels and scar tissue. A powerful anti-oxidant, this nutrient is known to combat the effects of aging and strengthen your pet’s immune system. A major component of cartilage, Vitamin C helps lubricate your pet’s joints and keep her skin soft and supple. Because vitamin C is one of the vitamins your pooch doesn’t manufacture in her own body, daily supplementation of foods rich in this nutrient are essential for her healthy skin.

Foods rich in Vitamin C include:

· Fresh thyme and parsley

· Dark, leafy greens, including kale, mustard greens, turnip greens, and watercress

· Broccoli, cauliflower, and brussels sprouts

· Kiwi fruit

· Oranges and tangerines

· Strawberries

· Cantaloupes

· Mangoes

Vitamin E is a group of 8 fat-soluble compounds – meaning it stays in your dog’s body – geared toward boosting your dog’s immune system and preventing the effects of aging. This nutrient functions at the cellular level by boosting the healing power of skin cells and promoting the destruction of cells that are already damaged. Vitamin E eases skin inflammation and facilitates the production of the collagen and elastin skin fibers that keep your pet’s skin soft and pliable.

Foods rich in Vitamin E include:

· Chopped almonds

· Shelled sunflower seeds

· Peanuts and organic peanut butter

· Cooked spinach

· Wheat germ

· Flaxseed, corn, and canola oil

· Broccoli

· Kiwi fruit

· Asparagus

· Butternut squash

Niacin, also known as Vitamin B3, is known to promote water retention in skin cells, effectively hydrating and moisturizing your dog’s skin. It also has been shown to help in the removal of dead skin cells that thicken and stiffen the upper layers of skin associated with such health conditions as dermatitis and hypothyroidism.

Foods rich in Niacin include:

· Wheat bran

· Fish, mainly anchovies, sardines, and tuna

· Liver

· Peanuts and organic peanut butter

· White-meat chicken

· Bacon

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 Food

Is Your Dog’s Dinner Making Him Cranky?

by Audrey Harvey

Aggression in dogs comes in many forms – food aggression, fear aggression and dominance type aggression towards people and other dogs. If you own a dog that shows this type of behavior, life can be challenging. You must always be on guard to make sure he isn’t put in a position where he becomes a danger to others.

There are several ways of managing aggression in dogs, most of which involve medication and retraining. This isn’t a job for the faint of heart; you really need support and guidance from an expert in dog behavior. However, there are some things you can do at home that can make him less grumpy and easier to live with.

Meals and Mood Swings

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and one of them, namely tryptophan, is involved in the production of serotonin in your dog’s brain. Serotonin is a feel good chemical that will make him feel happier and more relaxed.

It would make sense to assume that more protein in his diet would mean he’d absorb more tryptophan and make him feel less aggressive. However that hasn’t been proven to be true. If your dog eats a lot of protein in his diet, then it has to fight with all the other amino acids for the ability to move into his brain and affect his mood.

A study was performed in 2000 which involved feeding dogs a low protein diet, then adding a tryptophan supplement to it. The expectation was that less amino acids and more tryptophan would result in more serotonin production in his brain and therefore less aggression.

There have been few studies that have shown any real reduction in aggressive behavior in dogs fed a low protein diet. Some reports suggest that a high protein diet works better. The only thing you can do is give both a try. Change your dog’s diet for several weeks to either a low protein or a high protein diet and just see if it makes any difference.

Sleepytime Tonic for Aggression

Sleepytime Tonic is an all natural remedy for aggression that can be used in conjunction with a training program to manage your dog’s behavior. It has no side effects, and because it contains honey as a sweetener, your dog will love it. All it takes is a few drops on his tongue and you’ll see him become noticeably calmer after 20 minutes. You can even use it regularly to help him to become more balanced, and less likely to become grumpy.

When you read the list of ingredients, you’ll understand why it works so well. The herbs Skullcap, Passion Flower and Valerian reduce anxiety and stress, and will help your dog to relax. Add to this a selection of Bach Flower Remedies that have been carefully chosen for their positive effects on fear and aggression, and you have the ideal treatment to improve his behavior.

Aggression in dogs is a challenging condition to manage. With the right diet, professional support and a bottle of Sleepytime Tonic, your dog has the best opportunity to learn new behaviors and become a happier and more relaxed member of your family.

Categories
Food

My Dog Won’t Eat!

by EcoWellDog– The Natural Leaders in Grooming & Wellness

At some stage, most owners become frustrated by a dog that refuses to eat. And often no amount of coaxing will entice him back to that food bowl! Although there are many reasons why a dog may stop eating, these tend to fall into one of two categories:

  1. Medical: Many conditions can cause your dog to stop eating. These can range from dental disease to chronic kidney failure or various forms of cancer. Even a recent vaccination or anesthetic protocol for a routine surgical procedure might be enough to leave your dog off his food for a day or two.
  1. Behavioral: When there is no evidence that underlying disease is causing your dog to stop eating, then you are likely dealing with a behavioral issue. Although owners are often relieved that there is no illness to worry about, behavioral problems can still be difficult to deal with – often because the owner also has to change their behavior to help resolve the situation!

What Do I Do If My Dog Stops To Eating?

It is important to first rule out any possibility of underlying disease that could be at the root of the problem. Sometimes you may see other signs that lead you to suspect a medical condition – maybe he is lethargic, or has vomiting and diarrhea. If so (or even if he seems otherwise healthy but you wish to be sure), you should visit your veterinarian for advice and any necessary treatment.

If, however, there is no underlying illness, then behavioral reasons must be considered for his refusal to eat:

What Might Stop Him Eating For Behavioral Reasons?

  • Environmental changes: The list of possible reasons here is long, but can include things such as the arrival of a new baby or pet, relocation, owners being away, a new dog sitter, or increased travel.
  • Dietary changes: If you frequently change his dog food for any reason, or have no routine for his feeding times, then these reasons may be enough to create a fussy eater. Feeding lots of treats too, or “people food”, are big offenders!

When your dog stops eating for behavioral reasons, one important thing to consider is your own contribution to the problem. Usually, behind every dog that is a fussy eater, there is an owner who enables him! Sometimes the most difficult behavior to change in these situations is our own. The frustration of the finicky eater can quickly leave us changing his food every few days, or hand-feeding him, or providing the finest peanut-butter in town to get him to eat just about anything. In some cases it’s no wonder they turn up their nose at regular dog food – there are boutique snacks at stake!

So it’s important to evaluate your situation, and determine what problems or triggers could be contributing to it.

Eight Tips To Try If Your Dog Refuses To Eat

  1. Keep a consistent routine (If you wish to feed him twice daily, do this at the same times each day)
  2. At mealtimes, leave his food down for a defined period of time (Remove it after say 30 minutes, even if he hasn’t eaten, and don’t put food down again until next meal time)
  3. Don’t change dog foods (Choose one, and stick with it)
  4. Don’t give him your food
  5. Don’t give any treats
  6. Don’t make a fuss if he won’t eat (But praise him if he does eat)
  7. Feed him separately from other pets (This can help if food aggression from other pets is a problem)
  8. Exercise him before feeding time (This can help to make him hungry!)

It can take some time to get to the bottom of problems like this, and many cases require assertiveness on your part – sometimes your behavior needs change in order to let your dog know who’s boss.

So in general, first rule out any underlying illness that may stop your pet from eating. Next tackle any behavioral or environmental issues that could be contributing to the problem. The most important thing to remember, however, is that if there is no medical reason preventing your dog from eating, believe me, when he is hungry – he will eat!

Categories
Food

How Often Should I Feed My Dog?

Choosing how to feed your dog isn’t a walk in the park! It always seemed to me that dogs are fed according to the owners schedule. Why do humans eat three times a day while dogs only eat twice. Well duh, usually the owner isn’t home during the day so Fido goes with out.  And it always seemed counter intuitive. Usually the smaller the creature the more small meals per day they should eat.  And now, more nutritionists recommend eating less.

But like most things, when it comes to calculating how much to feed each day, many factors must be taken into consideration, and these can include:

· Baseline metabolic rate

· Stage of growth

· Level of activity

· The type of food

Once you’ve decided on the optimum diet for your dog’s nutritional needs, the difficulty doesn’t stop there! You also have to figure out how often to feed him each day.

Once A Day Or The Free-Feed Buffet?

One daily meal: Some owners feed their dog one daily meal, for some dogs this may result in blood sugar levels swinging quite low for much of the day. This can then lead to extreme hunger when feeding time rolls around, and the dog may end up eating too much and too fast. This can also be a particular problem for larger or giant breed dogs, such as Great Danes for instance, that have an increased susceptibility to gastric dilatation (“bloat”). This potentially fatal condition is impacted by many different factors, and feeding frequency is one of them. Multiple, smaller meals each day are better for these dogs than a single, large meal.

Two daily meals: Due to work schedules, many owners feed their dog twice daily, and most dogs do just fine with this regime. This seems to be the most commonly used feeding schedule for dogs, and typically involves a meal at breakfast time before the owner leaves for work, and a meal at dinnertime.

Multiple daily meals: This option is optimum for any dog, but in particular for small breed puppies and toy breed dogs. Small meals 3-4 times daily will prevent large fluctuations in blood sugar levels. If your work schedule makes it difficult to achieve, try using an automatic feeder to dispense a few meals at regular intervals throughout the day.

Free-Feeding: This method involves free access to food at all times. Although technically it allows your dog to eat whenever his body needs fuel, many dogs don’t do well at self-regulating their calorie intake (unlike cats). As a result, many dogs overeat and gain too much weight. So this method of feeding is best employed if your dog has some self-control!

There is no “one size fits all” feeding regime for all dogs, but as a general guide, the smaller and younger the dog, the more meals he should have each day. And although personal preferences and schedules will inevitably affect our dog’s feeding regime, it’s good to remember that our four-legged friends are not so different from us when it comes to their feeding needs. Smaller meals given more frequently will help to stabilize your dog’s energy levels, leaving him more satisfied throughout the day and ready for action when you come home and show him the leash!

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
Food

What to do with dogs who won't eat

by Audrey Harvey, DVN
Some dogs have gourmet tastes, and turn their wet noses up at regular dog food. This is more common in smaller dogs, which can be very finicky indeed.
Fussy eaters are made, not born. Dogs are fast learners. They quickly realize that if they refuse to eat the dog food they are given, then there’s a good chance their owner will give them something that is more appetizing. After all, no dog owner likes to see their best friend go hungry.
Problems with Fussy Eaters
I would love to spend my days eating chocolate and drinking my favorite red wine, but that’s not good for me. They don’t contain all the nutrients I need to stay healthy. The same goes for your dog. If he will only eat the best steak or finely diced chicken, he will ultimately end up with nutritional deficiencies.
There is a more practical reason that you need to deal with your dog’s gourmet tastes. If he only eats the best meats, he will be very expensive to feed. It doesn’t make sense to spend more money on your dog’s food than you do on your own.
What to Do if You Have a Fussy Fido
The first thing to do if your dog refuses to eat anything but the best is to take him to your vet for a full checkup. There may be a medical reason for his fussy eating habits. For example, a dog with sore teeth will happily eat soft chicken breast, but won’t be comfortable chewing on dry kibble.
Choose a food for your dog that is of good quality and nutritionally balanced. Initially combine some dog food with a small amount of his regular meal and over the next few days, increase the amount of dog food and reduce the diced steak or chicken breast, until you are just offering him dog food.
Feed him twice a day, but only leave his food out for 10 minutes. After that, you must take it away. If he doesn’t eat all of what he is given, he will be hungry. This may make him more interested in eating at his next meal time. It may also make him gaze at you with his soft brown eyes, and beg for more of his favorite food. Don’t give in!
If you are concerned that your dog really won’t eat, you can start the process by hand feeding him, which may make the transition to dog food easier. When he is quite happy to eat his new food, try feeding him from a bowl. It’s important to remember that hand feeding is only for a short time; otherwise you will have made a rod for your own back.
It can be a long slow process but with patience and persistence, any dog can be taught to eat a wider variety of foods. If you keep in mind that it is for his benefit, it will be easier for you.
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
Food Itchy Skin & Allergies

What is my dog allergic to?

 

This guest post is brought to you by Dog Fence DIY’s staff veterinarian Dr. Susan Wright.

 

Just like people, dogs can be allergic to what they eat, and can develop itchy red skin from these allergies. Before you throw out that new kibble you’re feeding your dog, there are a few things you should know about food allergies in dogs.

 

Although food allergies can develop at any age, they usually occur in middle aged animals. Dogs don’t become allergic to new foods, they develop an allergy to a food they’ve been eating for a few years. They are often allergic to dairy products, wheat, beef, lamb and corn but can, in fact, be allergic to anything.

 

Although dogs with food allergies can have upset stomachs and diarrhea, the most common indicator of these allergies in dogs is itchy skin. These poor dogs scratch their face, ears, feet and legs. They can often scratch so much that they traumatize the skin and cause an infection. It can be hard to tell a food allergy apart from a condition known as atopy, which is an allergy to dusts and pollens. The symptoms are very similar.

 

While skin allergy testing may identify what foods your dog is allergic to, the best way to get a diagnosis of food allergy is with a feeding trial. This isn’t hard, but it takes a lot of commitment from an owner. You will basically need to choose a protein and a carbohydrate that your dog has never eaten before, so he can’t possibly be allergic to them. Turkey or venison can be good options for a protein source, and you can feed him an unusual carbohydrate such as cous cous.

 

Now comes the hard part. Your dog must eat this, and only this, for eight weeks. No snacks, no training treats, no leftovers from your dinner plate. The idea is that if your dog isn’t allergic to his food, then his skin itch will resolve.

 

After that eight week period, if your dog’s skin is better, then you can start a food challenge. This is more labor intensive than the food trial. It involves  adding one ingredient to your dog’s dinner, for example beef, for two weeks to see if he starts itching again. If he does, then beef is a no-no for him. If he’s okay then you can add beef to his list of “safe foods”.  Do this with each individual part of his previous diet. When you’re finished, you’ll have a list of foods your dog can safely eat, and those he must never have again. It is a lot of work, and can be frustrating, but the good thing is that when you’re finished, you’ll be able to  manage your dog’s food allergy without using drugs.

 

While you’re going through this process, you can help ease your dog’s itch by washing him in Comfy Dog Shampoo. It contains colloidal oatmeal which has been proven to soothe itchy skin. Wash him in it weekly, and if you feel he needs extra help, condition his coat with Fur Butter, which also contains oatmeal. If he has developed a particularly itchy area, a quick spray with Itchin’ for Relief will make him more comfortable.

 

Food allergies are a nuisance, but if you are prepared for a bit of hard work, you can manage them long term without steroids and other harmful drugs. It’s worth the effort.

 

This guest post was brought to you by Dog Fence DIY’s staff veterinarian Dr. Susan Wright. Dog Fence DIY will help you choose the right system for you and your pet. They will also train you on using your new system. Dog Fence DIY has a variety of underground fence systems at the best available prices.

Categories
Arthritis & Hip Dysplasia Food

Is Your Dog Fat?

It’s an unfortunate fact that over 40% of our pet dogs are overweight or obese. The excess weight they are carrying not only reduces their quality of life, but also the length of that life.

Many of the problems that an overweight human has to deal with also occur in our dogs.

One of the most significant effects obesity has on a dog’s body is the increased stress on the joints . The more weight the joints have to carry, the more wear and tear on those joints. The end result is pain and difficulty in moving around.

There is a connection between obesity and the health of your dog’s heart. If your dog is a bit on the heavy side, the heart has to work a lot harder to push the blood through his body. Hypertension, or increased blood pressure, is also directly linked to obesity in dogs. The end result is heart disease, and an increased risk of heart attack.

Overweight dogs are also more prone to sleep apnea. This is a condition in which your dog has difficulty breathing while he’s asleep. Diabetes is more common in obese animals, and an increase in weight can play havoc with regulating a diabetic dog’s blood glucose levels. You can try an all natural supplement like Sleepytime Tonic if your dog is having trouble sleeping (or if you are having trouble sleeping!)

There is another condition we may not always associate with obesity in dogs, and it too can make them quite uncomfortable. Overweight animals often have more skin folds than a lean dog. These folds can trap dirt and debris, and this may lead to skin irritation and scratching. If moisture accumulates in these folds, bacteria and fungi may grow and cause skin infections which can be painful. Click here to read more about caring for wrinkly dogs.

Why Is It So?

There are several causes of obesity in dogs, and you may need help from your vet to determine which is the cause of your dog’s weight problem.

One of the most common causes is simply over eating. All dogs need to eat a certain number of calories per day. This number varies depending on factors such as their breed, size, age, and level of activity. For instance, the more active your dog is, the more calories he will need to eat to provide energy and maintain his body condition. Some dogs just eat too many calories, and don’t use them up by exercising, so the excess is deposited on their waistline.

If a dog has a fast metabolism, it uses up calories very quickly, so it can cope with an increase in food without putting on weight. Dogs with slower metabolisms aren’t so fortunate, and you need to watch closely how much you feed them. Neutering does slow a dog’s metabolism, so a neutered dog won’t need as many calories after their little operation.

There are some medical conditions that can cause your dog to gain weight. Hyperthyroidism and Cushings Disease are two such conditions, and can be diagnosed with a blood test.

Let’s Move That Weight!

There are a few logical steps to getting your dog back to a healthy weight.

Firstly, take him along to your veterinarian for a full checkup. If there is a medical reason for his obesity, you’ll have to deal with that before you try any other strategies.

If all is okay, then look at what he’s eating. You need to feed him a good quality balanced diet with a low fat content. Many dog foods have a feeding guide on the packet, however it’s better to “feed to condition”. If you’re feeding the recommended amount, and your dog is too heavy, then that’s obviously too much for your individual dog. Feed the amount of food that keeps him in good lean condition, even if it is less than the pet food manufacturers recommend. While he’s losing the weight, skip any table scraps or between-meal snacks – they all add to the calorie count.

The other important part of weight loss is exercise. This can be difficult, because a heavy dog often has sore legs, and doesn’t want to walk very far. Swimming is an excellent exercise for an overweight dog, because he can burn calories without putting any weight on his legs. You may also be able to find a dog physical therapist who has an underwater treadmill, so your dog can walk while his body is supported by water. Read more about caring for a dog that likes to swim.

While you’re working hard to help your dog lose that excess weight, don’t forget to treat any obesity related conditions, so he feels more comfortable. Joint Resolution contains natural ingredients to help restore damaged cartilage and reduce wear and tear on his joints.

If you do find any moist itchy skin folds, the colloidal oatmeal in Comfy Dog Shampoo will soothe inflamed skin and make your dog feel so much better. It doesn’t lather excessively, which makes it easy to work into those skin folds, and easy to rinse off. Click here to read more about colloidal oatmeal.

Your dog didn’t gain his excess weight overnight, and he won’t lose it quickly either. Be strong and stick to your plan, and you’ll both enjoy a longer, healthier life together.

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
Food Itchy Skin & Allergies

My Dog Has Itchy Skin, Could Diet Be The Answer?

Stop Scratching!!

Imagine the scene – you’re curled up on the couch, watching your favorite television show, and your dog climbs up on your lap for a cuddle. Mmm, nice – until he starts biting at his back and scratching at his ears. The fidgeting is so annoying, and the chewing so noisy that you may as well give up on seeing your show.

When your dog is itchy, the constant scratching and biting at his skin is distressing for both of you. It’s not fun to see your best friend so uncomfortable.

Your dog may have an allergy. In people, allergies usually cause sneezes and runny eyes. This can also be the case in dogs, but it’s much more common that his allergy causes red and itchy skin.

No doubt you’ve heard of flea allergy – it’s by far the most common allergy in dogs. Why then does your dog still scratch and itch, when you’re using a gentle and effective flea control product, such as Flea the Scene ?

The culprit may be what’s in his dinner bowl. Recent studies have shown that up to 20% of itchy dogs have a food allergy. Another 20% on top of that have a food allergy combined with another allergy, such as flea allergy.

He Eats Only The Best!

Dogs can react to any protein or any carbohydrate in their food, but they are most commonly allergic to beef, dairy or wheat. Whether he’s eating a gourmet diet or a bargain basement dog food, if it contains an ingredient that he’s allergic to, he’ll scratch.

The other important thing to keep in mind is that allergies don’t occur when you change your dog’s diet. Food allergies don’t develop suddenly. He will have been eating the same food for a long time with no problems, then bang! The itching starts.

Most dog foods contain similar combinations of meat protein and carbohydrates, so changing brands of food isn’t likely to help. He will still be eating the same proteins and the same carbohydrates, so he’ll still be itchy.

How do you know if your dog has a food allergy? There’s no blood test to tell if it’s his diet that’s causing the problem, but there are some features of food allergies that can give you a hint.

Most food allergies start to rear their ugly heads when your dog is a young adult. It’s not worse at certain times of the year, as you’d expect from a flea allergy, or an allergy to dusts and pollens.

Your vet may have prescribed some corticosteroids to relieve your dog’s itch. In a lot of cases, food allergies don’t respond very well to this treatment, and your dog may still chew, scratch and rub.

If any of these are starting to sound familiar, it’s time to seriously consider checking your dog for food allergy.

Getting To The Bottom Of The Problem

Let’s start by saying that diagnosing a food allergy in a dog takes a huge amount of commitment from his owner. We’ve already mentioned that a dog becomes allergic to a food he’s been eating for years. So, the only accurate way of diagnosing food allergy is to feed him something he’s never had before.

Your first job is to rule out any other causes of itchy skin . Make sure your flea control is good: Flea the Scene is a safe and gentle flea control that won’t cause irritation to traumatized skin. Often skin that is red and itchy can develop a secondary bacterial infection, which is also very itchy. Your vet may suggest a course of antibiotics to help with this.

Next, choose one protein source, and one carbohydrate source that your dog has never eaten before. It’s easiest to use a commercially available diet like those from the Honest Kitchen which contain low allergy foods such as potato, venison or salmon. If you make it as convenient as possible, you’re more likely to stick to the program.

Here’s the hard part – your dog must eat this food, and only this food, for at least 10 weeks. No other food, no treats, no table scraps. If you feed a monthly beefy chew for heartworm prevention, you’ll have to find an alternative. If your dog wanders to the neighbor’s place for snacks, you’ll have to put a stop to that too. You need to control everything that goes into your dog’s mouth. Vets have suggested that less than 20% of dog owners folllow through on a food trail.You can see where the commitment is needed!

While you’re going through this lengthy process, you can help to control the irritation by being careful about what you use for bathing him. Comfy Dog shampoo contains oatmeal and herbs to gently soothe his skin and stop the itch. If there are one or two areas on his body that are specifically irritated, try some Itchin’ For Relief . It has a nozzle that allows you to apply the soothing formula directly to a hot spot, and its all natural ingredients will stop inflammation fast.

When The Scratching Stops

If your dog stops itching and scratching while he’s on the low allergy diet, that’s fantastic. However, there’s one more step to take, to be sure it’s the diet that’s the problem. You need to feed your dog his old diet, to see if he starts scratching again.

Why on earth would you want to do that? Maybe he’s stopped itching because the seasons have changed and the pollens have gone, or maybe the flea numbers have dropped. You need to rule out any coincidental factors that could have eased his itching.

If you feed him his old diet, and he starts scratching again, you can be pretty sure it’s a food allergy. Most dogs will start scratching again a day or two after eating a food he’s allergic to, but some can take up to two weeks to show any signs.

Heading For The Future

There are no cures for allergies. The best that you and your vet can do is control the symptoms, and manage the condition to keep your dog as comfortable as possible.

If you’ve confirmed your dog has a food allergy, and you’re managing it with a prescription diet, you can then start looking at increasing the range of foods or treats you can give your dog. Again, this takes time and commitment.

Choose one food or treat at a time, and give it to your dog for up to two weeks. If he starts scratching, it gets added to the banned list. If he doesn’t, then it will be okay to feed him that. By doing this, you can build up a list of safe foods for your dog.

Food allergies are a common cause of itchy skin in dogs, but they can be well managed. If you take the time to find out what your dog is allergic to, and remove it from his diet, you can control his itch safely, effectively and without needing to use drugs. Isn’t that worth the effort?