One of the most difficult—and important—decisions dog parents need to make is what type of food to give them. Choosing the best option is not always as easy and straight-forward as one might hope because there are so many options out there to choose from, as well as so many ingredients in the mix (which aren’t all good for your pup). For this reason, ConsumersAdvocate.com came up with a new guide after comparing and vetting 65 dog food companies, using over 20 different sources, and spending hundreds of hours conducting research. This thorough guide offers helpful information about dog food, an FAQ section, simple “what you need to know” facts, top picks with reviews, and insight into the research methodology.
Most
pet owners have developed their own way of communicating with their
pets. Your furry friend can often tell by the tone of your voice when
you’re praising or reprimanding them, and you know by those big puppy
dog eyes that they want a piece of the food you’re eating.
This
communicating goes for body language as well. You can tell by a wagging
tail or raised hackles that your pet is excited or unhappy. Likewise,
they can often tell when you’re angry or upset based on how you move.
Take some time to notice how often you’re reading your four-legged
friend’s body language, and you may be surprised how clearly their
personality comes through. So even if your pet can’t talk to you,
there’s an unspoken bond that doesn’t need words.
But did you know that just like their waking body language, there are insights to be gained from how your pets sleep? There are many subtle cues to pay attention for that could reveal whether your furry friend is happy, cold, anxious, or comfortable. If you’re not checking out the signals they’re sending while asleep, you’re missing out on valuable insights into your pet’s state of mind.
For more insight into what your pet’s sleeping position means, Sleep Advisor compiled a list of your pet’s most common sleeping positions and what they mean. Check it out below:
Dogs are prone to skin allergies
and yeast infections, particularly when they get older or fall sick. If the
health of their skin is compromised, it’s easier for yeast and bacteria to grow
on it, causing itchiness and bad odours. When your pet scratches these itchy
spots, they get hot, inflamed or swollen due to increased blood flow, making
the problem even worse.
Skin
problems are particularly common among many popular breeds and knowing about
these can help you prevent or manage them before they become serious.
Which Breeds Are at Risk of Skin and
Yeast Infections?
While
any dog may have skin problems or yeast
infections, these 10 breeds are
generally at higher risk:
Spaniels – Their
long, floppy ears and heavy jowls put spaniels at risk of numerous skin
problems. They are especially prone to infections in the folds of their lower
lip and their ears, which provide the ideal environment for the growth of
bacteria and yeast.
Cocker Spaniels –
Cocker Spaniels are prone to eye problems and ear infections as well as a
higher risk of seborrhea. This genetic condition leads to the chronic growth of
a waxy substance on the ears, and may also cause greasy, scaly or smelly skin.
Boxers – These
compact, muscular and athletic dogs often face a wide range of serious health
concerns, including cancer, hip dysplasia, arthritis, knee and heart-related
problems, thyroid issues etc. They’re also susceptible to skin allergies and
infections.
Standard Poodles –
Poodles are prone to developing granulomatous sebaceous adenitis, an inherited
skin condition that affects the oil glands. In addition to making them more
prone to secondary skin infections, this condition can also cause hair loss.
Chinese Shar-Peis –
With short-haired dogs like Shar-Peis and bulldogs, skin irritation is a common
problem. Folds in their skin cause short hairs on one side to poke against the
other side when the dog moves, causing irritation and making allergies or skin
infections worse. Young English bulldogs are also prone to skin tumours called histiocytomas.
American Bulldogs –
Along with irritation caused by skin folds and short hair, this breed tends to
have food and environmental allergies that affect the health of their skin.
They may also inherit canine ichthyosiform dermatoses, a condition that causes
skin along the armpits, groin and belly to become red and scaly.
Basset Hounds –
Large sad eyes and droopy ears make these dogs look adorable, and they love
sniffing everything they can reach. Coupled with their short legs and droopy
skin, this raises the risk of picking up infection-causing bacteria, viruses
and parasites, or even inhaling them.
Doberman Pinschers –
These dogs often have low thyroid function or hyperthyroidism, which affects
their skin health. Hyperthyroidism can lead to alopecia or hair loss,
especially along the flanks, while low thyroid function may cause a dry or flaky
coat. Both issues can lead to secondary skin infections as well.
Labrador Retrievers –
Labradors are generally robust and healthy as long as they get a good diet and
plenty of exercise. However, they can face allergies due to dietary, genetic
and environmental factors, causing skin problems such as itchiness, hot spots,
etc.
Pit Bull Terriers –
A weak immune system makes pit bulls more prone to infections, as well as
issues caused by tiny demodex mites that reside in hair follicles. In dogs with
low immunity, demodectic outbreaks can cause secondary skin infections or
itchiness.
In
addition to the breeds listed above, dogs with hormonal imbalances, excessive
earwax, weak immunity and food, environmental or genetic allergies also face a
higher risk of skin and yeast infections. Certain medications such as
antibiotics, or warm and humid living environments can also pose a threat.
How Does Copper Help with Treating
Skin Problems?
Copper
is not only an essential mineral found in all mammals, but its additional health
benefits for your canine companion include:
Incredible antimicrobial powers, which kill a huge variety of bacteria, fungi and viruses through contact. Historically, copper has also been used to fight fleas, mites and other parasites that affect household pets.
Eliminating bad odours from your pet’s fur, skin and bedding. These unwanted odours are usually caused by sweat, bacteria and fungi, and copper effectively fights this nasty mixture in a safe and chemical-free manner.
Boosting blood flow, circulation and regulation of body temperature. Copper helps keep your dog warm and comfortable, and can even provide relief from arthritis, joint pain and other mobility issues in older canines.
Owning a dog is a huge responsibility, since they need as much love, care and attention as a young child. Copper pet beds are a great way to help your furry friends stay healthier and happier, so switch to them today!
Author Bio:
Kunal is a young and passionate entrepreneur, fascinated by the workings of the human body and natural solutions for common health problems. He’s single-minded in his aim to make Copper Clothing a brand that’s recognised across the globe, by partnering with global brands to make these high-tech materials easily accessible for everyone.
The prospect of adopting your first dog is incredibly exciting. Regardless of if you’re considering taking home an older dog, or a puppy, you’re in for an adventure. If you treat a dog well, they will be with you through thick and thin no matter what. With a new dog, there is a lot to be excited about! But there’s also a lot you need to know sooner rather than later.
First off, thank you for doing research before simply diving into dog ownership. Many people skip this part and end up becoming overwhelmed, irresponsible pet parents.
Owning a dog is a long-term commitment that comes with more responsibility than most people realize. This little animal now depends on you to be the sole provider of care, nutrition, entertainment, and love for the rest of its life. Although there’s a lot of work that goes into your potential new role as a pet parent, the advantages will far outweigh any possible drawbacks.
Here are a few basics you need to know about dog ownership.
1. Look at food costs, and how much you’ll need to feed your dog
Not all dog food is created equal, and not all dogs are grazers. In fact, many of them are gluttons. They will eat everything you give them. Many people make the easy mistake of not paying attention to how much you’re feeding your dog or just eyeballing what you feel looks right. This can lead to overfeeding or underfeeding your dog.
To guarantee that you’re feeding your pet the proper quantity each day, do a little bit of research online. You can look at things like the type of food you’re giving your dog, how old they are, how much they currently weigh, and what a healthy weight range should be. This way, you’ll be able to accurately gauge where your dog falls in terms of weight standards and feed accordingly.
2. Be ready to potty train ASAP
Although it might be tempting to get a bit lax in your potty training schedule as your new pet dog gets familiarized with your house, it is necessary that you put together a potty training regime and stick to it– particularly in the developmental phases of your dog’s relationship with you and your home.
If you have not potty trained a pet previously, you’ll want to do some research into this as well. There are plenty of techniques for making the process easier. You can also learn what warning signs to look for to indicate your dog may have to go outside. If you tackle this challenge sooner rather than later, you’ll save yourself on cleaning and headaches in the future.
3. If you’re not prepared to clean, don’t adopt a heavy shedding breed
Unless you have a hairless dog, you can expect to have a new chore on your hands, regular vacuuming sessions to help control pet hair. With some breeds, you may even need to buy a certain vacuum that doesn’t clog or get tangled as easily with large amounts of thick fur/hair. If you let your pet go on the couch, make sure you have a vacuum with upholstery attachments to help keep your couches clean.
It is also a good idea to start your dog on a regular grooming schedule to stay ahead. If you have a heavy shedder on your hands, daily brushing can help cut down on the amount of fur that ends up around your home.
Most dogs need to be bathed at a minimum, once every three months. However, many pet owners choose to wash their dogs as often as every other week, as long as a gentle shampoo is used.
4. See if your friends will help you socialize your dog
Socializing your dog early on will pay off significantly in the long run. By introducing your dog to new individuals and animals now, you substantially increase their ability to have healthy interactions with other people and dogs later.
Many pet owners choose to jump right into socializing their dog right away. However, professionals suggest developing a socializing strategy to make the procedure safer and more effective.
Dogs that are not properly socialized can be defensive and aggressive. A properly socialized dog is a happy dog.
5. Recognize there are leash laws
There are few things more enjoyable than watching your dog run around having a great time. Although it’s okay to let your pet run around a leashless dog park or in your back yard, complying with the leash laws where they are in place is very important when it comes to keeping you, your dog, and others safe.
It is a good rule of thumb to keep your dog on a leash by default unless you know the area allows dogs to run free. Even if you have a well-trained angel of a dog, you never know when they might see a squirrel and go sprinting across the street. Some things are out of your control, and keeping your dog on a leash can help prevent a slew of issues.
Now that you’ve got the basic guidelines down, you’re ready to start the search for your perfect new canine companion. Remember, adopting a dog is not a short-term endeavor. A good pet owner (under most circumstances) should be ready to commit to a dog for the rest of it’s life.
Many of us are familiar with arthritis, especially those of us who are getting older. Arthritis is an all-too-common problem for humans, but what about when it comes to our furry friends? As it turns out, as many as one in five dogs have arthritis within the course of their lifetime. Luckily, most dogs who are diagnosed with arthritis are still able to live a healthy and active lifestyle–they just need us to lend a helping hand.
Recognizing the Signs of Arthritis
The signs of arthritis can be hard to spot, even if you’re familiar with your dog’s unique mannerisms. It may be something as subtle as joint stiffness in the morning. If allowed to progress, however, you’ll eventually notice your pup having trouble sitting, laying down, and walking around. Some dogs may even become depressed and change their eating habits.
The only way to know for sure if your pet is experiencing arthritis is by booking an appointment with your vet. By looking at blood tests, X-rays, physical exams, and medical history, your vet should be able to determine the cause of your dog’s joint pain. If it is arthritis, you should also be able to find out whether it’s osteoarthritis, septic arthritis, or immune-mediated polyarthritis.
Making Life Easier for Your Four-Legged Friend
Arthritis can make it difficult for your dog to get around the house. They won’t be able to climb stairs as easily or jump up onto their favorite piece of furniture. Of course, there are plenty of ways that you can modify your home and make things a little bit easier for your pooch.
Keep food and water at a comfortable height instead of on the floor.
Build ramps upstairs and to climb on communal furniture.
Put no-slip paint or runners on slippery surfaces such as tile and hardwood.
Provide your dog with a heating pad or hot water bottle in bed to help ease discomfort.
Use a sling to help your pup climb stairs, enter the car, or get into a carrier.
Treating Arthritis in Dogs
After a diagnosis is made, your vet can recommend treatment options that may help your pet. Steroids and anti-inflammatory drugs help to decrease swelling and discomfort around the joints, while dietary supplements strengthen bone and muscle. There are also surgical options that reconstruct damaged joints.
If your furry friend has been diagnosed with arthritis, don’t worry. With your help, your pet can continue to lead an active and fulfilling lifestyle. There are modifications you can make to your home and medical treatments that you can try to give your best friend a better quality of living.
Guest Post By: Tess Halpren Community Outreach The Zebra
Easiest Ways to Pet Proof Your Car
Most dogs love going for car rides. With their head out the window, ears blowing in the wind, dogs are the picture of bliss when they tag along for the trip.
In reality, though, car rides can be very stressful for even the happiest dogs. Whether going on a cross-country road trip or just down the street, dogs often experience anxiety during a drive. This anxiety is caused by a number of things, including the movement of the car, the sound of the engine, or the possibility of a trip to the vet’s (eek!). If you aren’t careful, you’ll land up with a jittery pup and maybe even a ruined backseat.
The following post from The Zebra gives a collection of tips and tricks for keeping you, your dog, and your car happy on your next road trip. These tips give advice on what to do before, during, and after your car ride to keep your pup calm and your car clean.
