Raw Dog Food Recipes: Choose the Right One

Raw dog food recipes can help you a great deal to value your dog's loyalty. A dog is more than a pet; he/she is regarded as the most loyal of all the animals which is the reason why he/she is crowned as the man's best friend. But seldom are they treated like one. Most of us love our dog beyond any extent; we get them fancy sweaters for the winters, shiny collars and also some very nice and popular dog food. But is that enough and apt to keep them fit and healthy. 

The company manufactured food may look all colorful and sophisticated but we live in the world of lies and deceits. The companies pay a lot of money to some very intelligent people to try and devise new ways to fool you. The company think tanks are paid a fortune to decide the color of the packaged dog, what kind of pictures would it contain, ties up with veterinarians to give rave reviews about the products and many other things. All in all, they try their level best to raise the profit chart. The actual picture is somewhat different though. The manufactured food affects the dog's health in a lot of bad ways.

There are a lot of reasons why you should think of making raw food at home for your dog with the help some recipes. Some of them are as under

1. Preparation technique: The cook and pack technique which is employed quite often reduces the amount of nutrients in the dog food. The only purpose which is solved by such a food is to fill your dog's stomach so that he/she doesn't feel hungry; the health standards however remain the same.
2. Addition of Fillers: The kind of fillers includes wheat and grain products. This again has really bad effects on the health of the pet as a lot of dogs are allergic to such products. Once on a packed food diet the dog develops symptoms like hot spots, itchy skin bad breath etc.
3. Preservatives: Humans don't do pretty well with preservatives; the same is the case with dogs. The food manufacturers use a lot of preservatives for their products which in turn makes it a bad option to feed to dogs.

The list goes on and on. But as with every problem, there is a solution to this one as well, raw dog food. This is usually prepared with chicken, pork, eggs, fish etc. With the help of some raw dog food recipes, you can also make your own food for your dog at home. 

The kind of products which you would need can be found at any nearby grocery or butcher shop. This would also be a cheaper option as compared to the company manufactured dog food. However, if you think you don't have the time to make raw dog food at home, you can always go for frozen raw dog food, pre made raw dog food etc.

Discovering New, Fun Outdoor Activities With Your Pet

Aside from the usual walks around the park, there are actually many more activities that you can do together with your dog. These different activities will not only give them the exercise that they need but can also train them in specific aspects, such as agility and obedience. And the best part is they can also be a great way for you to bond with your pet. So here are a few of the best outdoor activities that you can do on that next date out.

Adventure Hike

A new trail will be more than a welcome change for your dog. Trail hikes can expose your dogs to different kinds of terrain than the usual concrete and Bermuda grasses in the park. But of course, the new view can pose new dangers and hazards as well, so always be prepared for these. Bring a short or retractable leash to keep the rope from tangling up with branches, and get a tick collar, which can effectively repel away any parasite from making its way on to your dog's fur.

Dog Agility Trails

Agility trails are parks that are made especially for dogs. They are made out of several obstacle courses that your dog will surely have fun going through. There are ramps, balancing bridges, hurdles and many other obstacles that will give your dog that full workout. Today, more and more dog friendly communities are offering them for the residents and their pets.

Water Sports

Most dog breeds are not scared of water and will even be delighted being in one. Aside from that, going out for some water sports during the summer months can be the most fun way to chase off the summer heat while still giving them physical activity. You can play the usually catch with a twist by using waterproof and buoyant toys instead. Just make sure to throw it at a safe distance and at shallower depths.

Soccer

It might be surprising to you but dogs can make tough soccer players. They can run very fast and are as intent in getting the ball as you are. This is a fun way that allows your dog and the entire family to have fun and exercise together. What you simply need is a good wide open space and a ball (not necessarily those expensive soccer balls) that he can bite onto or push around.

Drill Team

A drill team is actually a group of people and their dogs who do synchronized dances. Although this may not be that much of a physical exercise compared to those mentioned above, this can be a great way to teach your dog discipline and obedience and help him improve his social skills towards other dogs and people.

Although physical activities in dogs should be a must, this does not mean that it should all be repetitive and boring. So if you are ready to try something new, then these are the perfect activities to start with.

Dealing With Pet Grief

Dogs come into your life, provide companionship, and for many people become a very close friend. Years of romping in the grass, fetching sticks and warming your feet are great, but at some point in time, you are very likely to lose your pet to old age. The typical life span for dogs ranges between 12 to 18 years depending upon the breed in question. When the time comes, dealing with the death of your pet can be very difficult and if you have children, it can be even harder.

Normal Grief

People who do not own pets may not understand your grief, but that does not mean that your grief is unnatural or something to be ashamed of. Feeling pain and loss when a dog dies is natural and has the same stages of grief that you would experience when losing a loved one. Just know you are not crazy or silly to feel pain and grief.

Pet Grief

As stated earlier grief over the loss of a pet is similar to typical grief, the stages are a bit different however. Below are a few of the different feelings you may experience after losing a pet:

• Guilt - pet owners often blame themselves for a pet's death, running over in their mind what they could have done to prevent it. This is especially true when the death is the result of an accident.
• Denial - it will be difficult to imagine that your pet will no longer be there to greet you when you get home from work. This can become extreme and some owners find it hard to accept a new dog out of fear of being disloyal.
• Depression - grief can lead to depression and can leave you tired and lacking of motivation.
• Anger - there will be plenty of opportunities to be angry, toward the illness, the driver of the car or even your veterinarian who was unable to cure or save your dog.

It is natural for you to experience these feelings; however it is important that you work through these feelings so you can move on. 

  

Expression

You will need an outlet for your feelings because bottling them up inside will only make matters worse. Do not try to hide your emotions or deny feelings of guilt, anger or depression. Expression is your road to healing. There are many ways you can express grief, write poems, talk with friends, cry, scream or even pound the floor but get the frustration out of your system.

Conclusion

For the true pet lover the death of a dog is devastating and it can be difficult to explain these feelings to those who are not similar lovers of furry creatures. Remember that these feelings are normal and you have the right to process your grief. If you have children, remember to be understanding, as they will experience the same grief that you will. It is probably not a good idea to try to replace the pet immediately your child may have a hard time bonding with the new pet because of feelings of guilt.

Caring for Your Outdoor Pet Dog in Winter

For reasons of space limitations, personal preferences and breed disposition, many pet owners will choose to let their pet dogs live outside during the winter season. Well, of course, their pets are allowed inside once the weather gets too harsh as is the case with blizzards. For the most part, however, an outdoors life is the preferred choice for both man and dog.

As a responsible pet owner, you must ensure that your dog is comfortable even in the doghouse. Here are a few tips in this regard.

Shelter

The first need to look after is the dog's shelter, of which the most important requirement is that it should be warm, dry and comfortable. Your pet will then be assured of a safe place within which to escape the frigid snow and wind especially when the doghouse is equipped with a heating mechanism installed by a professional. We recommend staying away from heating lights and heating pads since these require electric cords, which can be chewed on and result to electrocution.

You must also regularly change the beddings in the doghouse lest diseases result from you negligence of such a basic hygiene issue. Take note that the straw can harbor molds that leads to skin and respiratory problems while the dirty blankets also harbor germs.

Food

Naturally, food is the second concern in keeping your pet healthy even when outside in the winter. You must increase its caloric intake as the cold weather demands more from the dog's body in order to keep it warm. Just increase the amount of dog food as well as the supplements preferably with advice from the veterinarian.

Water must also be regularly supplied to your dog on a daily basis. When your dog drinks from the melted or frozen snow and ice, you are exposing it to unnecessary health danger. Even humans will react badly to drinking melted snow once too often.

Hygiene

Even in the dead of winter when socialization opportunities are few and far between, your pet must be groomed for hygienic reasons. Regular grooming maintains a healthy coat, thus, better insulation for your pet.

Long-haired dogs are especially vulnerable to matted coats with debris embedded here and there. You must comb the coat to remove these dirt and debris, which means better insulation. Besides, it simply will not do for your dog to look scruffy.

Veterinary Care

Many dog experts recommend taking your dog to the vet for a physical check-up with the aim of ensuring that it is healthy and, hence, able to withstand wintry conditions. Vaccinations must be updated as many canine diseases become rampant during the winter season.

Plus, dogs are also more vulnerable to diseases during winter for many reasons. You have to carefully monitor almost every symptom of illness lest it becomes worse. We suggest regular checking of the ears, tail and feet since these are the most vulnerable parts of the dog's body during the winter season.

When the weather turns very unpleasant for man and animal, you must lead the dog inside. Hypothermia is a very real concern among dogs and it is not one that you will want your dog to suffer from in the outdoors.

Camping With Your Dog in the Great Outdoors

Taking the family and your dog camping in the great outdoors can be so much fun for all involved. Your dog can have as much fun as you and the rest of the family can. It will be able to romp and play with you like it can't at home because you have to work so much. The fun can be even more when you setup next to a lake you can swim in. If your dog is like mine he loves to swim!

You can take your dog for long walks through the area you have set up camp in. Go explore nature with your dog. Walk the paths through the woods and commune with nature. This will get both of you some exercise which will be good for your health. Your dog will love the attention too.

Another fun activity when camping is swimming if you are by a lake. This way you can let your dog enjoy the water too. Put his lifejacket on so he can swim safely. This keeps something from happening in case he gets tired in the water. Dogs can even be trained to get up on a foam raft so they can float around. My dog just loves doing this when we go to the lake.

At night around the campfire, your dog can lie down near it and warm its body. Also my dog is such a hoot and helps me break small branches up to use on the fire. She grabs the thin pieces of branch in her mouth and then takes her front paws and pushes down on them to break them. Oh how we laugh, it is such fun! She just started it out of the blue one time. Be sure to use only branches that have already fallen though. Most campgrounds permit this but will not permit you to bother living trees.

Another big rule to remember for the safety of your dog is that on dry land he should always be on a leash. Even if you are not in a public campground your dog could take off and chase some wild critter and get hurt in the process. Most public campgrounds will have a rule about the dogs being on leashes and how long they can be.

Make sure when you go camping with your dog that you have all of the flea and tick protection your dog needs. You need put it on the dog prior to going camping if you are using the top-spot applications or using a flea and tick collar, however, if you are using sprays you will need those with you on the campsite to apply probably more than once to protect your dog.

Make sure the dog has their food from home when camping. This will prevent his system from being upset from a change of food. Make sure he has enough water to drink too with being outside and more active than usual too.

Being outside with your dog is a great way to bond with him. Camping is a fun activity to do to accomplish this. It gives you both exercise and the fresh makes you both healthier too.

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.

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.

Practical Reasons to Buy Small Dog Clothing

Dressing up small breed dogs is often associated with simply making a fashion statement but there are many practical reasons for buying small dog clothing that may interest you. Dressing your pet does get attention and there are some fun reasons for doing it but as the owner of a small breed dog, you will learn that she has special needs that you don't have to worry about with some of the larger breeds.

Providing your pup with dog clothing is a great way to accommodate for some of these needs and you can keep him looking stylish all at the same time.

Here are 4 practical reasons to buy clothing for your small breed dog:

1. Some dogs have very short hair and they get cold easily. A small breed dog with little or no fur will shake and be uncomfortable when the temperature drops below a certain level, even when she's indoors. During the winter or if you live in an area that has a cool climate most of the year, small dog clothing can help to keep her warm.

2. Booties and rain gear can help to keep your pet's feet dry and warm when you go for walks and it's chilly outside or when it's raining.

3. There are a number of medical reasons to dress your pet in clothing. For example, if you dog has a cut, a rash, or recently had surgery, covering the area will discourage licking and biting, which will allow the wounds to heal faster.

4. Small dog clothing can protect your pet from the hot rays of the sun during the summer that can cause cancer in pets as well as humans.

Throughout the years, dogs have become more than just a pet. Many consider them a part of the family. Due to this change, dogs have adapted to living indoors and this has made them more susceptible to weather changes. They get cold and need protection from the rain, wind and icy just like humans.

If you've avoided the trend to dress your pet simply because you thought it was only to make a fashion statement, you may want to reconsider that decision. There are many practical reasons to dress up your small dog and in many cases, it can make him a lot happier and more comfortable. However, while searching for the best small dog clothing for your pet, there is no reason to not look at fashion too and get something that suits her personality.

Benefits of a Step in Dog Harness

The step in dog harness is a great alternative to the dog collar and they work great for any size dog, even the small breeds. More and more dog owners are turning to the harness instead of the collar because of all the benefits they offer. A harness works great for small breeds that tend to pull back on the leash or when you're training a dog to walk calmly by your side.

They provide you with more control over the pet without putting unnecessary strain on his body. This is due to the design that wraps around the dog's belly and then a buckle or clasp secures it in place. Designers created the basic design of the harness with the comfort of your pet in mind and the fact that they give you more control makes them even more popular.

Here are some of the benefits associated with the step in dog harness:

· They're easy to put on your pup especially if he is well behaved. Lay the harness flat on the ground, have him step over it and pull the harness up and over his back, then secure.

· There are many styles and colors from which to choose. This makes it easy for you to find something that suits your dog's style and personality perfectly. You can buy matching leashes and walk your dog in style.

· Due to the unique design, your pet will not be able to slip out of the harness so you never have to worry about her getting loose and running off when walking or playing in the park.

· You can use them to train your pet and teach him how to obey your commands when walking without causing any damage to his neck or spine.

· They can help pets recover from certain types of injuries faster by allowing you to support her weight when walking or going up stairs without making the condition worse.

· Harnesses have adjustable straps that will fit the contour of the dog's body.

You can easily attach leashes and leads to a step in dog harness and you can attach the seatbelt to many styles to secure the pet in a vehicle. This keeps them safer and it can ease your mind when taking them on vacations or just for a short drive.

With all of the benefits of a step in dog harness, it's easy to see why so many dog owners are adding them to their collection of dog accessories.

Choose a Soft Dog Harness for Your Small Dog

Small dog breeds are very special and so adorable that you just have to give them the best of everything and that includes a soft dog harness. They're the perfect choice for the small dog because of all the benefits they have to offer and they can even make training your pet easier. There are many colorful designs to choose from that are suited for both boy and girl dogs and you can purchase a matching leash to complete the look.

Small dog breeds may be tiny but they're big on energy. They like to run around and play all day long. Just like larger breeds, they need to go for walks and get exercise even though they can't last quite as long. Since they are so energetic, they often tend to pull back on the leash and when it's hooked to the traditional collar, this can end up hurting your pet.

This is why so many small breed owners are turning to a soft dog harness instead. These have many excellent qualities that will benefit both of you. For example, you'll love the affordable price and she'll love the comfortable fit. They're made from a soft, durable mesh fabric that allows air to flow through so this helps to reduce sweating and the no choke design prevents damage to the neck, throat and spine.

When using a soft dog harness, it's important that you get the right size. You want your pup to be comfortable as you go for walks in the park. You also want to make sure the harness is not restricting him in any way that could be dangerous.

Soft harnesses usually come in four sizes, which are as follows:

· X-Small- Chest size 11 to 13 inches

· Small- Chest size 13 to 16 inches

· Medium- Chest size 16 to 19 inches

· Large- Chest size 19 to 21 inches

Measure the chest of your small breed dog and compare the measurement to the sizes above to find the right fit. It's that simple. As your pup grows and gains weight, adjust the harness accordingly.

As a dog owner, you naturally want the best for your pet. She is part of the family and deserves the very best in comfort and style. Choosing a soft dog harness for your small dog will let her show off her sense of fashion while serving a functional purpose at the same time.