Category Archives: Dog Health

Top 10 Ways to Better Care for your Dog

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Spending time with our dog at the parkJulie, Murry and Blue Belle recognize the importance of taking good care of your dog. The picture to the right shows Blue Belle shortly after she was adopted. We took her for a walk in the park. She loves to go for walks. Our guest blogger shares ten ways to better care for your dog, including spending time with them.

Guest Writer: Ryean Bishop

We all do what we can to make sure that our pets are healthy, happy and well loved. But could you be over looking something? Here are the top 10 things to do for optimum health and happiness in your pet.

  1. Spend time with them! It is not enough to simply leave them in a room with a toy all day, every day. Dogs need that interaction with you to form a bond, trust you, and respect and take direction from you. They need cuddle time, walks, or play time with you to combat loneliness and feel loved.
  2. Exercise, exercise, exercise! Our pets need exercise to keep them healthy just like we do. Exercise will help keep them from getting more health problems or becoming overweight. It will also help to work off all their built up energy; thus creating a less crazed, well behaved pet.
  3. You are what you eat! Make sure that what your pet is eating is helping out his health instead of causing more problems. Your Veterinarian will be your biggest help in this department-don’t trust what foods the neighbors use, but get professional advice about what is healthy for your pet specifically. Whether they have allergies, digestive problems, or constipation, switching dog food may be the simple answer.
  4. Healthy, Positive Discipline. Mastering this will make both you, and your dog happier. You will be happy because your dog is behaving better and he will be happier because he knows what is expected, right and wrong, and what is allowed versus what isn’t. This sets him up for success more than guessing and trying feverishly to get approval when he doesn’t quite know how.
  5. Vet Visits. The minimum requirement for Vet checkups is once a year for most dogs. Doing this can help prevent future health problems from happening or properly treat existing ones. When a pet is healthy inside and out, it is easier for him or her to fully enjoy life.
  6. Keep Their Brain Active! One of the most common causes of behavioral issues in dogs is that they are simply bored. Keeping their mind active will not only help their overall well-being, but keep your house intact. A dog that is not being challenged mentally by you will make up their own challenges and games, and their ideas you probably wouldn’t like. Having toys with treats trapped inside or training them new tricks are ideas of how to give them constructive challenges.
  7. Gorgeous Grooming. Grooming will not only make your pet pretty, but healthy as well. If fur becomes matted it is unhealthy for the skin, and skin infections may occur. Grooming also helps prevent dogs from getting ear infections, excess tartar on the teeth, and ticks or fleas.
  8. Use Positive Reinforcement. Pets need to be appreciated just like we do. You don’t want the only attention that he or she gets to be negative. Let them know when they are doing something right or being obedient. Give them lots of praise and positive attention when they are behaving well, and they will want to do that more often.
  9. Social butterflies! It is important for dogs to be socialized to other dogs, animals, and humans. Socializing your pet will make it easier to go for a walk, to the vet, or into a pet store without pandemonium. Teaching your dog to maintain his or her manners and remain calm in lots of different situations will help him to be a better behaved and well rounded pet.
  10. All you need is love! Your pet feeling love from you and a secure attachment to you is obviously crucial. However, do not confuse the concepts of love and treats. Throwing the dog a bone is a nice reward, but will not help him to feel the love. Spend the time, and give him actual love instead of just treats.

Add these ideas to your routine and customize them to your pet and your life. There is no cookie-cutter, perfect way to take care of a pet; so do it your way. By following these simple steps, your dog is on its way to being the healthy, happy pet you want him or her to be.

Author Bio– Ryean Bishop is a health and wellness expert for dogs. He is a strong promoter of annual Veterinarian visits. Please click here to learn more about pet checkups and what you can do to keep your pet healthy.

Sparky Needs Annual Veterinarian Checkups!

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Guest Writer: Ryean Bishop

When in doubt have the vet check it out.You feed him, water him, take him for walks, and occasionally get him shots. So that means Sparky is perfectly taken care of and healthy….right? This might not always be the case because of health problems that may be occurring internally. Even if the problems are more obvious you may not be doing the right thing to treat them. Since dogs cannot communicate illness as well as humans can, it often goes unnoticed until it is too late. Annual checkups help with that problem by detecting any health irregularities early or helping to educate on what prevention may be needed.

It is just as important for your pet to get a check up as it is for you. Veterinarians can educate pet owners on signs of threat and how to combat them. For example, certain dogs are prone to hip dysplasia. If you find out your dog is susceptible early, you can prevent spending thousands on surgery later on by making sure that they have a healthy weight and lots of low impact exercise like swimming. With their expertise, Veterinarians can help Sparky to maintain a high quality of life for a long time.

So what exactly do they check? The typical procedure is called the “Head to Tail” method. A vet will literally work his or her way down the body inspecting for possible irregularities. At the head they inspect the nose for hints of Canine Distemper or a respiratory infection, the mouth for tartar build up, anemia, or oral tumors, and the ears for ear mites or other pests/infections. In the chest region they check the lungs and heart of the animal. An irregular heart beat or fluid in the lungs can be found with the simple use of a stethoscope and a trained ear. Vets then go on to check the skin and coat, spine and tail, digestive tract and abdomen. Dogs could get ticks, fleas, spine abnormalities, stomach pain or lumps, abnormal stool, and muscle damage in the legs or feet.

They are looking for very small details and narrowing down from wide range of possible issues. Without a trained eye and professional tools made specifically for examining dogs, the decision that your dog is “fine” may not be true. This professional advice is irreplaceable when it comes to the life of your precious pet.

Many believe that they will be able to detect health issues on their own by noticing a change in the pet’s temperament. The truth of the matter is, changes in temperament do not usually occur until the problem has become severe. Your dog could be suffering from bacterial infections, parasites, or allergic reactions and you wouldn’t even know it. Vaccinations are not a complete health care package for dogs. Most vaccinations do not expire until 1-3 years after the fact. Because of this, remaining attentive to your dog’s health throughout the year is crucial.

The minimum schedule for dogs to get checkups is once a year. However, if your dog is hereditarily prone to having a certain health issue, you may need to take more trips to make sure that you are still on the right track for prevention. If you live in an area where ticks are common or other dogs around are getting Heartworm, Bordatella, or ear mites a checkup will be necessary as well. A simple motto can be used to remind you when you to go to your Veterinarian. “When in doubt, have the Vet check it out.” Constant vigilance is key to your pet remaining happy and healthy.

The perfect way to ensure the health of your sweet, little Sparky is to trust a professional. Yearly checkups will allow him to live a better life, and you to provide that for him the best you can.

Author Bio- Ryean Bishop is a health and wellness expert for dogs. He strongly believes that annual Veterinarian visits are the number one thing owners can do to maintain a healthy pet. For more information, or to schedule your pet’s checkup today, please visit BAMCvet.com.

Boise Has a New Elite Store For Pets

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We went to visit our vet today. Don’t worry Maggie wasn’t sick – it was her annual checkup at her favorite Boise veterinarian – Dr. McKown. Before we went into the exam room we were excited to visit their new shop. Pets First Animal Clinic expanded their clinic and added a cute shop of elite pet products. I asked Dr. McKown to tell me more about their new shop.

Spoil that pet of yours at Elite Foods and Apparel; We carry a full line of hard to find items such as LED Collars, outdoors gear, ecofriendly clothes, bowls, and gifts; High quality leather collars and leashes, bamboo leashes and collars; a full line of specialty foods including Canidae, Felidae, Natural Balance, Evo, Innova, Ivet, Taste of the Wild, Blue Buffalo, Premium Edge, Wellness and many more.

We also carry enormous Elk antlers, bully sticks, treats, tough-to-destroy toys, enameled dog and cat treasure boxes, and much more.

We carry a full line of BSU, Vandals, and Packer gear for you pet as well! Open Saturdays AND Sundays!!!

Pets First Elite Foods and Apparel is having their Grand Opening this weekend, May 5th, 2012.   Pets First Animal Clinic is located at 9730 Fairview Ave  Boise, ID.

Boise Idaho Pet Food and Apparel

Pets First Elite Food and Apparel

Can I Give My Dog Raisins? How About Grapes? Learn About Lesser-Known Dog Health Hazards In Your Home!

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Guest Writer: Alicia
http://bisketbaskets.com
Follow her at Twitter.com/BisketBaskets

BisketBaskets.com is here to share their insight and expertise on lesser-known household products and foods that can harm your canine best friend. Bisket Baskets was the first company to design and sell Pet Gift Baskets, ensuring their baskets have only pet-approved treats in them! Their Gourmet Gift Baskets are quite delightful for the humans, too!

We’ve all heard that we should keep our pups away from chocolate and poinsettia plants, but did you know that ferns, garlic, and even raisins can be harmful for your pooch? There’s a whole slew of common home products that can harm your pet, and some of them you wouldn’t even think of! All of us here at BisketBaskets.com have grown up with dogs and of course have dogs in our adult lives, so we know firsthand how important it is to keep your dog healthy and happy. After all, they’re a part of our family, and such loyal companions!

Common household items like mothballs and cleaners are pretty obvious hazards, but you may not realize giving your dog acetaminophen and ibuprofen products can also hurt your pet. They do make dog-friendly versions, so stick with those! It’s important to also keep your dog away from reed diffuser oil (the smell can be tempting!), fly fishing bait, and your vitamins.

Most plants are also a “no”, so keep them on shelving your dog can’t reach, or be sure you have a watchful eye over him or her if you have plants lower to the ground. If you notice your dog has been chomping on plants, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for help, at 1-888-426-4435.

We were quite surprised to see that dogs should avoid garlic and raisins – as well as grapes, onions, avocados, and even macadamia nuts! Of course, it’s always best to feed your dog healthy dog foods and treats specifically designed for our canine friends, helping to keep your dog healthy and in shape. All chocolate should be definitely avoided, as well.

Be careful with objects left lying around the house, such as spare coins, hair pins, and paper clips. Your dog may want to play with these “toys”, and end up with getting one stuck in her or her throat! Do your best to use common sense and judgment in determining what can be left around the house, and what should be tucked safely away.

Does that seem like quite a big “don’t” list? Just like humans, dogs have special dietary needs – you wouldn’t feel too swell after eating a ton of fatty foods, would you? Table food might seem like a tasty treat for your pooch, but stick to dog food and healthy dog teats – after all, it’s made for dogs!

Do you know of any other common household items that are an absolute “no” for dogs? Share your insight with us!

Keep Dogs Healthy and Happy This Summer

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Maggie at Red Fish Lake, Stanley Idaho (the dog wallk section).(ARA) – When the warm summer months roll around, our dogs are just as eager as we are to get outside and enjoy the season. Whether he tells you by nudging his leash or staring at the door knob, one way or another, your pup knows it’s time for some fun in the sun.

Before you head out, keep in mind that warm weather and sunny days are fun, but they can also mean you might need to take some extra precautions with your pet. The whole family can rest assured knowing their four-legged best friend is healthy, hydrated and happy by keeping the following tips in mind:

1. Schedule a checkup.    Before you go anywhere that requires your dog to interact with other dogs, be sure to schedule a visit with your veterinarian. Get updates on shots for dangerous communicable diseases like bordetella.

While you’re there, ask your veterinarian to evaluate your pet’s overall health. Your veterinarian’s office is also a great place to pick up two essential medications for the season – heartworm preventers and flea and tick control.

2. Run free.    It’s easy for humans and canines alike to slide out of shape during the winter months, and now is the perfect time to work off what you’ve packed on. Taking your dog on regular walks will help, but even more fun for him is a trip to the dog park. Off-leash areas are a treasure for pets and their owners because dogs can run free and play to their heart’s content. They also get natural lessons in socialization. In fact, 44 percent of dog owners who take their dog to the dog park say their dog is more social with other people and dogs. Plus, it’s fun for you, too!

Because pet owners value off-leash areas so much, dog parks across the country are expanding and improving now more than ever.

3. Be prepared.    Dogs aren’t much for strolling around the mall. They love to be out running around and often don’t want to stop no matter how warm it is or tired they feel. Brush up on the signs and symptoms of health problems like dehydration and heat stroke, as well as basic first aid techniques.

Keep a canine first aid kit in your car. At a minimum, it should include antiseptic spray, water-based antibiotic ointment, bandaging (including sterile gauze and a binder like Vetrap or other elastic bandages), a thermometer, tweezers and single-use cold packs. You should also keep the number and address to your veterinarian and an emergency vet stored in your phone or on a slip of paper in your wallet.

4. Good on the inside.    To keep your pet’s energy and health at optimal levels for increased summer activity, be sure you feed a high-quality dog food. It’s easier than ever to make sure your dog is getting complete, healthy nutrition without fillers. High quality foods can be found at your pet store and come in a variety of options that cater to your pet’s size or life stage.

Whether you’re going on a weekend camping trip with your four-legged friend or just heading out for a romp at the dog park, a safe summer is the happiest kind of summer there is.

Majority of content courtesy of ARAcontent
Photo: Julie K. Walton, Internet Success