Finding Food That's Good for Your Dog

Just imagine the wagging tail that greets you once you step inside the house. You wouldn't dare feed him with just anything, would you? However, quality nutrition for your loyal companion is usually expensive. You would even hear of stories about pet owners selling their pets or having them adopted, because they couldn't afford the costs of keeping them anymore.

But, these days, you can purchase from online pet stores good brands that are priced cheap like Eukanuba dog food, Hills Science Diet and Royal Canin. So, you should not despair anymore. What you should think about first is what would be good for your canine companion.

First of all, they are not built for vegetarian diets. You should, therefore, feed your pet high-quality, animal-based proteins. When buying their treats and eats, you should always read the label. Usually, the first ingredient on the list is what consists most of the product. Your pet does not require a lot of carbohydrates, so you should minimize his intake of flour, wheat or corn. Whether his meal that you are buying is dry or canned, you should compare which ingredients are prioritized in the label. Of course, other things that you should check on the label are the complete vitamins and minerals your pet needs.

You should feed your canine according to life stages. A puppy should be given a puppy diet, while adult ones should get adult nutrients. Puppies need calories and vitamins more than adult canines. The adults should have less calories and energy, but more vitamins.

Sometimes special canine cases require special diet prescribed by veterinarians. Obese dogs, for instance, still need to eat, but with reduced calories. For sick dogs, you need to be more delicate in feeding. Some dogs may require a very specific diet like lamb and rice only. Others might need to have much less protein. You must consult a veterinarian about your pet's diet if you suspect or know that he has any illness.

In addition to this, canines should also be fed according to their breed. A canine's breed defines his size and function, among others. Similar to human beings, their nutritional requirements differ according to the shape of their body and their natural activities. For example, if your pet is in the medium-sized working category, he does not have the same diet needs as those of a small toy canine.

If you are a canine lover, you would be glad to know that pet nutrition companies have introduced diets that fulfill all these various requirements. You also don't need to look far for canine diets that are effective but affordable. Online pet stores today offer you recommended products like Royal Canin and Eukanuba dog food at cheap prices.

Even Dogs Can Be Taught Proper Etiquette

Let's face it; your dog is a very important member of your family. You want to introduce them to your friends, family, and of course other dogs. Having said that, you expect them to have a little etiquette and manners around other people and pets. However, they cannot do it on their own. Just like raising a child, dogs need to be taught how to act properly in social situations and when at home alone. It's best to start them when they are puppies, because they are the quickest to learn. However, you can teach any dog at any age, but you will just have to be a tad more patient with older dogs.

If you are adopting a puppy, this is the best time to teach them proper manners and socialization. Dogs at this young age are like little sponges and will quickly learn what they are taught. A good rule of thumb is that a person should strive to expose them to a hundred different social situations within the first ninety days of taking puppy home. This way they will be familiar with the different noises, smells and touches. This can mean anything from the washing machine going into the spin cycle, to the doorbell ringing, to a car honking. When they are exposed to this, they will "remember" it, and not be scared when exposed to it in the future. Think of it as climatizing or acclimating your dog. This is a brand new world for them, and they deserve a chance to adjust to it safely with you by their side.

Along with introducing Fido to environmental elements, you should also have them meet several different types of people. This means people with high and low voices, loud and soft voices, and different accents. Let your friends and family hold your puppy and play with them. Your puppy will not only have a great time because he is the center of attention, but it will also give the humans a fun time as well. During this time you can also teach your puppy how to not jump on guests or "kiss" them.

Although puppies are the easiest and fastest dogs to train, adult dogs can be trained to be social as well. It just takes a little more time, patience and consistency. You can get suggestions from your vet or a professional dog trainer if need be. If your dog doesn't fare well the first time around, don't give up on him, because he wants to please you as much as you want him or her to act correctly. Always reward your puppy for his good behavior with a doggie treat, and he will work hard for that food in the training you'll be providing to him.

Even though it might seem like an overwhelming task, socializing your dog is really worth the time and effort. You'll be able to relax much more when guests come to your house, and be able to take them out with you more often. The same rules apply when you train dogs to be around other dogs. Over time, your dog will leave you smiling when your friends and family say how well behaved he is.

Detecting Signs of Gastro Parvo in Your Dog

Gastro Parvo is a serious illness for all dogs but, young puppies and older dogs are often hit hard, and when they are the disease can be deadly unless you seek immediate treatment for your pet. Unfortunately for many puppies and older dogs by the time most owners realize that their dog is seriously ill, it may already be too late to save them. Knowing the signs to look for in your dog may well save his life and help prevent the spread of this illness to other dogs as well.

Lethargy

While it is natural for your dog to want to just lie around after a long exercise or play session, most dogs quickly recover after a nap. If your dog is lopping around for an unnaturally long period of time and doesn't seem to want to move even when encouraged or moves slow you might want to make an immediate appointment with a vet. While being lethargic may be a sign of a less serious illness or no illness at all; it is also one of the first signs of parvo and the cost of the vet may well be worth it even if turns out to be nothing at all.

Loss of Appetite

Like lethargy, loss of appetite in your dog may be caused by many things including too many snacks. However, if his loss of appetite is unexpected and accompanied by being lethargic then there is probably something that is making him feel ill even if the cause is not parvo. Again seeking vet care is the best thing to do in order to find out exactly what is wrong and to get prompt treatment.

Fever

Almost every dog who contacts parvo will have some level of fever. Keep in mind however, that some dogs will carry and pass this disease without ever showing any real symptoms. These are usually adult dogs that have been in good health and may have received a parvo vaccine.

Diarrhea and Vomiting

Once the Parvo virus really takes hold, your dog may vomit and/or have diarrhea. In cases of parvo induced diarrhea your dogs stool will not only be liquid but may be almost black in color and extremely foul smelling. In most cases once a young puppy or older dog begins having diarrhea or vomiting he will quickly dehydrate and it is this dehydration that can kill a dog very quickly. 

If your dog, especially a puppy shows signs of vomiting or diarrhea then call your vet immediately. Get a stool sample and try to feed your dog as much fluid as possible. Giving him water laced with Gatorade will help him maintain his electrolyte levels until he can be treated.

Once diarrhea and vomiting have set in, treatment for parvo may include the use of an IV to replace fluids and perhaps even an extended stay at the Vet clinic which will be far more costly than an early visit to your vet, even if the visit proves to be a false alarm. While vaccinating your puppy at the appropriate times can help lessen the effects of this virus it does not mean that your dog still cannot catch it. So take care and be alert in order to protect your beloved pet's health.

Degenerative Joint Disease - What It Is and How It Is Treated

It's a sad fact that all dog owners have to face. Our beloved pets are going to get old someday, and with age come inherent health problems such as degenerative bone disease, or what is better known as arthritis. With the right nutrition from birth this risk dramatically decreases, but that's not always the case. Some breeds, such as large breeds, are more prone to bone problems than others are. However, there are ways to effectively manage and treat it and keep the symptoms at bay via natural treatment options and medications.

Dog arthritis is probably as common in middle-aged and elderly dogs as it is in people. The degenerative nature of the disease begins when the joints, which are normally smooth and covered in cartilage makes moving the joints easy and pain-free. When this cartilage begins to wear down with age, the bone surfaces are exposed to the bones around it and can rub against each other, which results in swelling, inflammation, and pain when the affected joint is moved.

Most dogs are affected by some type of wear and tear arthritis as they enter their senior years, but there is also a form of juvenile arthritis that affects some younger dogs due to a genetic factor. There are ways that you can spot arthritis or at least begin seeing the signs of it, these include:

• Joints that are tender and swollen: check the knees, hips, and elbows for signs of tenderness.

• You may be able to hear a cracking or grinding sound when your dog walks or gets up from a laying down position.

• Your dog may have trouble getting up when he or she is laying down.

• You may notice your dog is reluctant to do things he always did in the past, such as climb a flight of stairs.

• Lameness in any of the legs.

Your veterinarian will use several diagnostic tools to make the diagnosis and begin a treatment plan. First, x-rays will be performed of the suspected joints as well as the spine, since it is often hard to tell if your dog has arthritis of the spine. Once the diagnosis is established, a treatment plan will get underway, which will include:

Weight loss: if your dog is just two pounds overweight, this can be a significant amount of extra weight for him or her to carry and therefore, losing weight will help ease the pain.

Regular and gentle exercise will keep the joints moving and make it less painful for your dog to move more freely

Anti-inflammatory drugs that they have available for dogs today are called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs such as Rimadyl can help to significantly reduce the inflammation and some dogs respond very well to these newer medications, but some do have side effects and cannot tolerate them, depending on how sensitive they are to the drugs.

You can add glucosamine and MSM to your dog's diet as these are natural anti-inflammatories and glucosamine can actually help to build more cartilage naturally.

Does My Dog Need to Be a Water Dog to Swim in the Ocean or Lake?

Water sports are very popular with families. Whether it is on a water skiing expedition or a leisurely trip in your boat, you need to pay attention to the dog. It is extremely important to keep your dog safe while in the water, and don't wait until the trip to start familiarizing your dog with the water conveyance.

Whatever your mode of travel is, your dog should have a flotation device. These dog specific life jackets could save your dogs life. Some dogs cannot swim. If your dog takes a dive into the water in search of a fish or as an escape, the life jacket could save their life. Hypothermia is another possibility that you need to consider. They serve three purposes; they prevent your dog from drowning, becoming exhausted or hypothermic due to the temperature of the water.

You can find life jackets at most boat shops, major pet stores and online. Be sure you are getting a size that fits snugly and properly to ensure their safety. Your dog may not like the jacket at first, so it is best to acclimate him to the process before you venture out onto the boat. Put the jacket on for a few minutes and repeat for several days. Leave it on a little longer each day and make it a rewarding experience. If you give your dog a verbal, tactile or food reward for behaving until you take it off, he will look forward to the experience in a short time.

It would be wise not to assume that your dog will love being on a boat. Dogs walk on floors and ground, not on a surface that is constantly in motion. Here again it is important to acquaint your dog to the boat. While your boat is on the trailer or at dockside, let them get a turn to get onboard with their life jacket on. Once your dog seems adjusted to the boat, you should start the engine. New noises can startle a dog and set them on a running spree.

Your first trip should be a short one. It will give your dog the opportunity to get used to the travel. There is a possibility that the dog will get seasick, just as humans do.

Dogs are sensitive to heat and sun. It is important to provide them with some shade to get some relief from direct sun exposure. The deck of your boat will get very hot in direct sun. Dogs absorb heat through their feet, so provide them with a padded area to give them some relief.

Have a good supply of drinking water on hand. Dogs can become dehydrated in heat. A sport bottle filled with water is probably the best method to get water in your dog's mouth. You should make every attempt to force water into your dog to prevent dehydration.

Allow your dog a dip in the water to cool. Be sure the life jacket is on before the dog hits the surf or lake. It will be a great relief from the sun and heat and probably a good photo moment.

Dogs need to eliminate their bladder, so if your boat surface isn't appropriate, make plans to hit the shore from time to time.

A Great Option For A Family Dog

You may have heard about them or maybe not, but lately, many Cavalier King Charles puppies for sale have been turning up. No, it's not that they have been featured on TV shows or any of the Hollywood rags-although a famous television personality and his girlfriend do have one-people seem to be discovering or re-discovering this lovable breed.

There's a lot to love about this particular dog breed. One of the most important factors why there are more Cavalier King Charles puppies for sale nowadays is that pet-owners and the dog-breeders find their even temperament quite remarkable. Not only that, their sweet dispositions also complement their "sporting-toy" breed characteristics; this is where the combination of spaniel and toy traits show through; Cavalier King Charles puppies are playful yet gentle.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a happy dog by nature. They are active and smart enough that you can train them so easily. They love to be with people most of the time, they are easy to please too. However, people should always have to impose rules and limit what they can do around the house.

This very social breed loves being part of the family; snuggling against legs, resting on laps, and quietly spending a day indoors is not a problem for them. They do have their athletic instincts as well, more than most people think. Let loose outdoors, this diminutive pet can be quite the runner and chaser. So much so, that allowed to run free, they should be kept within enclosed or fenced yards; Cavaliers have a tendency to run after birds, squirrels, chipmunks, and even butterflies, and they will keep chase even right onto the street.

Another point going for Cavalier King Charles dogs stems yet again from their even temperaments. These dogs are generally happy and eager to please. They are friendly and people-oriented. Their demeanor toward other people and other pets is peaceful and non-aggressive; they can get along well with other dogs and cats. Early socialization will build their confidence and easygoing personality.

A family with or without children will have an easy time welcoming a Cavalier King Charles puppy into their home and their life. Companionship, moderate exercise and activity, attention, and affection are all they need. This breed is also intelligent enough to understand what their owner or family wants and are quite responsive to gentle obedience training. They have all that going for them; and as if that isn't enough, they also have the cutest faces.

Cats and Dogs Living Together

It's been a long held myth that cats and dogs can't live together. It's been said that to have a cat and a dog living together is like mixing oil and water. But many pet owners have dispelled this myth. The fact is that when a dog and a cat have been socialized to live together, not only can they get along, but they can even become dear friends, in as much as pets befriend each other.

There are some things to keep in mind when you want to keep a dog and a cat in the same household. First, you need to take the energy of the household into account. What type of environment is your home? Is it full of children and rambunctious activity? Is it a very quiet environment? Are there any senior citizens in the home? 

These will all determine what types of pets that a person would want in the home. Just like with humans, pets have personalities. Having said that, cats tend to be very independent; they just don't require that much attention. Some breeds of cats flat out don't want your attention. If someone tries to pet a cat, some of them are okay with it for a little while, and some of them will hiss and snap at the person touching them. Cats in general want to be social on their terms, and on their time table.

Dogs on the other hand need lots of attention. They crave lot of love. They are very active, and they want to be touched. As such, they will assume that the cat in the home wants to play with them, just like the humans do. Here lies the problem between cats and dogs. They are both loveable, but for different reasons. They naturally have different temperaments. So the human pet owner has to decide what breeds of cats and dogs would fit into their household and with each other.

It would make the most sense to pick out cat and dog breeds that complement each other. For example, you wouldn't want to get a rambunctious dog to live with a very independent and scary type cat. The dog will want to play, and the cat will scratch and hiss at it. On the other hand, kittens can be an issue with a huge, older dog. Older dogs are slow and impatient. Kittens are frisky and all over the place. Plus, the large dog might crush the kittens. So be mindful of size and personalities.

It might take some work to get your dog and cat to live together, but don't believe the myths. Dogs and cats can live together, and they can both be valuable parts of the family.

Why Give Dog Gift Baskets?

There are many reasons why you would give dog gift baskets: an arrival of a new puppy, a get well for a sick dog or even birthdays. Yes, people do celebrate their dog's birthdays; they are a part of the family and should be treated as such, so why not celebrate the day they were born or even the day they came into your life?

What's the Occasion?

If you are planning on buy dog gift baskets, you need to know the occasion that is being celebrated. There are many different items that can be included and each basket can be customized to perfectly fit the occasion as well as the dog and its owner's tastes or needs.

New Puppy: If you are buying a gift basket for a new puppy, then you could include some very necessary items as well as fun ones. Puppy training pads are a great choice for the basket as well as dental bones, vitamins and nail trimming sets. You should always throw in a few chew toys, since puppies love to chew, and also add something for the owner like a manual on how to train a new puppy.

Sick Dog: If you are buying gift baskets for a sick dog, be careful what you choose. You may not want to include items that will require them to run, chase or tug such as Frisbees, ropes or other toys. Place a stuffed animal in the basket for them to snuggle with while they recover and maybe even a small blanket. Items like easy-to-chew treats, soft dog food and dog brushes are great to place in the dog gift baskets.

Birthdays: When you are celebrating a dog's birthday and want to create the perfect gift basket, the ideas are endless. Depending on the dog and the owner's style, you may want to include something whimsical such as a cute outfit for the dog to wear. You can include treats of all kinds; after all, it is a celebration and there are no limits. Make sure there are toys included in the basket and maybe even a cute photo frame or album to use for captured moments of the special day.

Just Because: There are times that you want to do something special for someone and there is no other reason. On those occasions when it happens to be a dog that you want to make feel special and loved, use dog gift baskets.

You can customize the baskets to fit your needs and include personalized items as well as ordinary everyday items. There is no need to get fancy or go overboard; a few basic items included with a few special ones will make the perfect basket. Dog and owner alike will love the idea of getting dog gift baskets. So be sure that you check into the gift baskets for dogs, and the next time an occasion comes up or even just a moment that you want to acknowledge, put together the treat of a fun-filled basket.

Types of Small Dog Apparel

There are many different types of small dog apparel available for your pup to sport around. Dressing your pet in clothing is a great way to let her personality shine. You can dress her up to match your own clothing or let her sport around something totally unique that suits her own personal style, it's up to you.

If you haven't looked at some of the clothing accessible today, you may be a little surprised at how many different styles and outfits there are available. These will surely keep your pet in fashion for any special occasion or event.

Here are some of the different types of small dog apparel that you can buy for you pup:

· Formal Wear- There's many occasions in which you can dress your pup in formal wear from weddings to parties. You can buy suits, tuxedos, bridal gowns, shirts, party dresses and more. All of which will ensure your pet is properly dressed for the occasion.

· Sports Apparel- These are a fantastic way to show off your team spirit. A cute dog jersey with your favorite player's number or the team logo is sure to be a hit at your next sports get-together.

· Pajamas- Keep your small dog warm and comfortable during the chilly nights with a cute pair of doggie pajamas.

· College Apparel- From sweaters to cheerleader outfits there are many wonderful designs to choose from that will let your small dog join in and help you support your team. You can also find tees and jerseys to show your support in a more casual way.

· Casual Wear- This describes the apparel used to help keep your pup warn and comfortable. A bright yellow raincoat and hat combined with a matching pair of booties is a necessity when you live in areas where it tends to rain often. A sweater can help keep your pup warm on those cold winter days and t-shirts are available as well. There are many cute, comfortable and outlandish designs in all types of colors and patterns available. This makes it easy to find something to suit your pet's style perfectly.

After choosing the small dog apparel that suits your pup, you can add a few accessories that will give it that special touch. These include hair bows, studded collars or harnesses, bowties and jewelry. Dog apparel is fun, exciting and functional all at the same time. After you begin collecting a few items for your pet, you may find yourself buying small dog apparel for every occasion.

Qualities of a Good Small Dog Harness

When searching for a good small dog harness for your pet, there are a few qualities that you need to look for to ensure you're getting the best design for your dog. Small dogs tend to pull at their collars causing discomfort and sometimes neck injuries. One of the best ways for pet owners to avoid these accidental injuries while walking and playing with their dogs is by using a harness instead of a regular collar.

A harness will take the pressure off the neck and place it evenly over the whole body including the shoulders. This will help to protect the fragile part of your pet's body and he will no longer be at risk when he pulls away from you during your walks. You'll have peace of mind and be able to enjoy the time spend together when walking your pet.

When searching for a good small dog harness for your pet, there are three main features to look for that will ensure both of you will be completely satisfied with your purchase.

What to look for when buying a harness for a small dog:

1. Durability- Look for a harness made from good quality material so you can get your money's worth. The better the material and design the longer it will last.

2. Comfort- Look for soft fabrics that won't irritate her skin such as, nylon, suede or a fine mesh because these will provide the most comfort. This will help to ensure your little friend is as comfortable as possible when wearing the harness.

3. Machine Washable- Look for soft fabrics that you can place in the washer and clean. The first time your adorable little pup rolls around in a mud puddle, you'll be glad you did.

A good small dog harness that fits correctly will remove the strain on your pet's neck. Find one that fits him snug but not too tight. A good quality harness will distribute the weight evenly on his shoulders when walking.

Style is also very important when choosing a harness. After all, you want your pup to look fashionable as she parades around the block. Fortunately, you can find harnesses in all types of colors and styles making it easy to find the one that perfectly matches your pet's personality.

When you find the right fit and style for your small breed dog, he will be more comfort and this may even make him obey your commands better during your walks. Look for the things discussed here and you should be able to find a quality small dog harness that will provide years of comfort and style for your pet.

Small Dog Accessories Needed for Traveling

Small dog accessories can make traveling with your pet much easier and safer. There are many places where you can take your pet where he can have a good time too. Take him on a fishing trip, to the beach, to the park, to visit friends or even for a short drive. Before traveling with your pet, it's important to know that he can be injured in the same way as kids if you slam on the brakes or if you're involved in an accident.

For this reason, pets need to be secured in a vehicle to keep them safer and there are several accessories available to accommodate this need. Small dog car seats and baskets will help secure your pet and keep her safer while riding. She won't be flying into the back of the seat if you suddenly hit the brakes or from one side of the car to other when you go around sharp curves.

If your pet doesn't seem comfortable in one of these or refuses to use them, there are other small dog accessories available. Try using a small dog harness instead. Place the harness on your pet as normal and then slip the seatbelt through the opening for the leash. This will strap him in and prevent him from bouncing around while on the road.

Once your pet is secured, you can think about some of the other small dog accessories that can make traveling even more enjoyable. Seat covers are a great investment if you want to protect your car, truck, or van from claw marks or any accidents that your dog may have. It can be hard to control the bathroom urge when traveling especially if your pet is not used to riding in a vehicle. Seat covers come in a variety of sizes and are usually waterproof. It's a great way to keep anything unwanted off your seats and floorboard.

You must carry along the basic supplies such as fresh water and food but don't forget the food and water bowls. You'll also need a leash so you can walk your dog once you reach your destination and when she needs to go for a short walk during the trip. Having your pet on a leash is the law in most places but it's also a great way to protect her from running around in an unfamiliar area where she could be injured.

Now that you have all of the necessities, it's a good idea to add a few things your pet would like to have to make him feel more comfortable. Take along his favorite toy, sweater or blanket to keep your dog happy and feeling secure while riding. This will help him relax and feel more at ease. Using small dog accessories can help to make any trip a lot easier, safer and more fun for everyone.