When the seasons move from summer into fall and winter, people adjust their routines and plan for colder weather. At the same time, take a few minutes to prepare your pets for the changing seasons. The following is a list of dos and don’ts to help you give your pets the cold-weather care they deserve.

Do provide proper shelter:

If you can’t keep your dog indoors during winter months, provide an elevated structure with a door to protect pets from wind and weather.

Provide dry, clean bedding materials such as straw or blankets and replace bedding if it becomes damp or wet.

Find a house large enough for you dog to be able to stand up and turn around, but small enough to retain her body heat.

Do provide indoor dogs with a warm sleeping area away from drafts.

Do use caution around bodies of water. Keep pets away from rivers, ponds and lakes as they begin to freeze. Continue to use caution even when the water appears completely frozen.

Do keep hair around paw pads trimmed. Less hair will help keep paws free of ice and snow, which can quickly ball up between footpads and create uncomfortable walking conditions for pets.

Do check paw pads for small cuts and cracks. Consider dog boots for dogs that react negatively to walking on ice and snow – especially dogs that react to snow removal products.

Do clean your dog’s paws after walks to remove salt and snow removal chemicals, which can be toxic to pets.

Do check your dog’s ears, tail and feet for frostbite. Just as dogs are sensitive to hot summer sidewalks, cold winter walkways may cause pain or contribute to frostbite. A dog that continually lifts individual legs off the ground during a winter walk may feel the effects of frostbite. Frostbitten skin may appear red or gray. If you suspect frostbite, wrap your dog’s feet in a blanket or towels to gradually warm them and contact your veterinarian.

Do provide the proper type and amount of food for the season. Dogs housed outdoors and dogs that participate in strenuous outdoor activities may require additional food during colder weather. On the other hand, indoor dogs that exercise less frequently in colder months may need less food.

Do provide adequate fresh, unfrozen water. If your dog lives outside, consider investing in a heated water bowl. Indoor dogs also may require more water to combat dry winter air.

Do invest in a pet sweater for shorthaired breeds. Watch for telltale signs that your pet is cold. Like us, pets will shiver in response to being chilled.

Do keep puppies and older dogs indoors except for short periods of time. As with humans, young and old dogs are more susceptible to the effects of the cold.

Do keep dogs on a leash – especially during bad weather or snowstorms when they can lose their ability to find their way by smell.

Do pay attention to snow removal. Avoid piling snow near fences and creating an escape route for curious pets.

Do keep identification tags updated in the event your dog runs away.

Do clean up antifreeze spills immediately. Many dogs like the sweet smell and taste and, unfortunately, even very small amounts can be lethal to them. If you suspect that your dog has ingested antifreeze, take your dog to your veterinarian immediately. There may be time for Antizol-Vet, an anti-freeze antidote, to help your dog. Also consider using an animal-friendly anti-freeze.

Do maintain your pet’s grooming schedule. Regular brushing keeps your dog’s coat supple and prepared for the cold. However, when you bathe your pet, be sure to dry his coat thoroughly before allowing him outside.

Do visit your veterinarian for a checkup before the cold weather strikes. Cold weather may exacerbate certain conditions, such as arthritis. Sudden changes in the weather or drops in temperature may affect pets suffering from osteoarthritis.

Don’t suddenly house an indoor dog outdoors. Dogs require a month or more (as seasons change) to become accustomed to lower winter temperatures.

Don’t keep your dog outside in all conditions. Pay attention to the thermometer. If it dips too far below freezing, it’s too cold for any dog – even those accustomed to being outside.

Don’t treat all dogs alike. While some breeds such as Alaskan malamutes or huskies may be able to spend long periods out of doors in cold weather, other breeds such as greyhounds or Dobermans to not have the same protective fur.

Don’t leave pets alone in cars during cold weather months. When the engine is off, a car can act as a refrigerator, holding in the cold.

Dr. Bernadine Cruz, DVM, is an associate veterinarian at Laguna Hills Animal Hospital in Laguna Hills, California. She specializes in small animal medicine and has been practicing veterinary medicine for more than 16 years. She also serves as a volunteer veterinarian for a number of organizations and has done veterinary consulting for national television programs.

Although our pets can be a wonderful addition to our lives, unfortunately, this also means the addition of certain odors as well. The litany of odors can range from simple “doggy” breath to unsightly stains on your carpet. However, there are numerous ways that you can keep your friend and your house smelling fresh.

For “doggy” breath, you can try feeding your pet specialized treats that are formulated to fight bad breath at its source. These treats will normally contain cholorphyll or barley, which has been proven to reduce bad breath. In addition to fighting your pet’s bad breath, these treats may also be effective in blocking body odors and reducing bodily function odors.

Bad breath can be caused a number of factors, from poor diet, dental problems and sinus infections. If your pet has consistently bad breath and you have not had any luck treating it, you may need to take them to a veterinarian.

As we mentioned above, there are several pet odor removal products that work on reducing body and bodily function odors. These treats will normally contain Yucca, which reduces the smell from urine and stools. If you are noticing that your pet is leaving particularly odiferous accidents, you might want to try adding these treats to your pet’s daily regimen.

If your pet has had a run in with a skunk, treating the smell can be very difficult. Skunk is one odor that refuses common methods and can linger for months if not completely removed. Popular remedies, such as tomato juice may be effective for a slight amount of spray, but will generally not help your pet if they received the full impact of a skunk’s spray.

Instead of using tomato juice, there are a number of products available that use citric acid to remove the oil that is present in a skunk’s spray. Since the spray is oil based, it is important to find a product that will actually break down and remove this oil instead of masking it. There is nothing quite as offensive as skunk spray and it is important to treat the affected area as quickly as possible.

For pet stains, there are a number of methods that can effectively remove lingering odors. If you plan to use regular cleaning supplies, please use caution. Many commercial household products contain ingredients that can be harmful to your pet. There are several products available that are formulated with pets in mind to reduce these risks.

Enzymes are commonly used to completely remove odors from pet stains. These enzymes work by penetrating into the stain and breaking up tiny molecules that are causing the odor problem. This is an effective way to naturally remove stains.

Pet owners can now relax knowing that there are a number of viable alternatives designed for efficient pet odor removal that make living with our best friends a little easier. Always make sure to read the labels on any products before applying them to your pet.

Article courtesy of Pet Supplies Review | http://www.pet-supplies-review.com/pet-odor-removal.html

Traffic Accidents
A traffic accident is probably the most common cause of serious injury to a cat or dog. Always approach the animal with caution, it may react aggressively because of the pain.

Move the dog as little as possible, but if you must move it, it is probably best to use a blanket, sliding it underneath the dog. Seek the assistance of another person and lift the dog gently to safety. Check for heartbeat and any hemorrhaging. Attempt to stem excessive bleeding by holding a clean pad or clean handkerchief over the wound, binding it tightly with a makeshift bandage. Call the nearest vet’s surgery to warn of your arrival.

Burns
The only recommended first aid is to clean off the offending substance and immerse the body part under cold running water for as long as possible. Seek professional advice immediately.

Heat Stroke
This occurs most commonly when a dog has been left alone on a hot day without ventilation. If your dog has not already collapsed it may be panting, vomiting or frothing at the mouth.

Remove froth and lower the dog’s temperature as soon as possible by placing or dousing the animal in cold water. Take the dog to the vet immediately where it will be treated with drugs and more cold water.

Poisoning
Signs of poisoning may include collapse, muscular twitching, vomiting, bleeding or convulsion. Do not hesitate to contact the vet. Take some of the noxious substance to the vet with you if you know what it is. If the dog has recently swallowed the poison, try to make it vomit. Salt and mustard in water will usually work quickly, or a small piece of washing soda (sodium carbonate0 pushed down the throat.

Drowning
It is a popular misconception that all dogs can swim, but this is not always the case. You must attempt to empty the dog’s lungs of water as soon as possible. You must attempt to empty the dog’s lungs of water as soon as possible. Place the dog’s head lower than its body, open its mouth and begin to pump the chest by pressing down on the ribs and releasing the pressure immediately. Repeat at five-second intervals.

Choking
Sometimes a piece of stick, bone or small rubber ball may get stuck in a dog’s throat. Your dog may be unable to breath as a result and swift action is necessary.

Open the dog’s mouth carefully and see if you can see the object. Pumping the chest, as in the case of drowning (see above) may dislodge the foreign body, get your dog to the vet as soon as possible where the object can be removed under anesthetic.

Do you have any problems with your pet? Then why not send your problem to DAVID THE DOGMAN. David is a Canine Behaviorist who works and lives in Marbella, Spain. Tel/Fax (00345) 2883388. His web site is located at: http://www.thedogman.net. David has his own radio and TV shows, and writes for many newspapers and magazines. David has been working with dogs for many years and started his career in Israel, working on the Border Police. He has been involved in all forms of training, including air sea rescue, air scent work, and has trained dogs for finding drugs. David has devoted the past 10 years to studying behavior and the very passive approach. He does not use choke chains, check chains, or any form of aggression.

David The Dogman is available for private consultations in your home, for further details telephone; Tel; (95) 2883388

You’ve seen athletes stretch and warm up before an event. You’ve been told in fitness classes that you should stretch and warm up before any workout. It stands to reason that dogs need to warm up too before any physical activity. Just like their human counterparts, dogs can and do sustain injuries during physical activities. A proper warm-up will help keep your dog safe.

Start with a slow walk, then slowly increase the speed. Spend about 10 minutes going from a slow walk to a trot. When your dog is comfortably trotting, slow down and start stretching.

These stretches must be gentle, slow and not forced. You should only stretch the body in a position that’s natural to your dog. Anything else could cause serious injury. If your dog shows pain at any time or if the stretch looks uncomfortable, stop immediately. Ask someone who knows how to show you if you aren’t certain you’re doing it right.

These leg stretches will mimic natural motion — don’t bend your dog any way that looks unnatural! Start with the front legs. Stand beside your dog next to the leg you’re going to stretch and face the same direction as your dog. Support your dog’s elbow underneath and hold your dog’s front leg. Push gently upward on the elbow. Stretch the leg to its full extension so that you are holding his leg out in front of him (and you). Then, put your hand on the front of his shoulder blade and bring the leg backward so that he has a slow stretch in the opposite direction. Release. Do this a few times. Then work the opposite front leg.

Now the back legs. Stand facing the back end of your dog. Take one of the back legs and use your hand to support your dog’s knee. Push gently on the hip so that your dog’s leg flexes backward. Now put your hand on your dog’s rear and move the leg so that it is in a natural forward position. Don’t force it; it won’t have quite the flex. Hold the stretch and then release. Do this a few times and then work the opposite back leg.

Once your dog is stretched, walk and then trot with him again. He’ll now be warmed up for whatever competition awaits.

Many dog owners seem to feel that walking their dog is something that must be done; a chore that goes along with dog ownership. But walking your dog doesn’t have to be a chore — it can be so much more. When you’re out walking your dog, you are spending time together, interacting with each other, and sharing the sights and sounds of the world around you.

The time spent walking your dog is also a great time to refresh training skills. Obviously, walking your dog is no fun if she is dragging you down the street, so teaching her to walk nicely on the leash is a good skill to emphasize. Have a few treats in one pocket, or if your dog isn’t really motivated by treats, take a favorite small toy. When your dog begins to surge forward on the leash (before she is pulling hard), show her the treat or toy, tell her “Sweetie, watch me!” and make a 180-degree turn. Use the treat or toy to make sure she turns with you, and praise her, “Good girl! Super!” Give her the treat or let her play with her toy for a few moments. After a few surprising turns, she will begin to keep an eye on you when you’re out walking. When she does, praise her.

Walking your dog is a wonderful time to meet and greet your neighbors. To protect your neighbors from your dog’s enthusiastic greetings and dirty paws, teach your dog to sit when people greet her by holding her collar with one hand and tucking her hips under her with the other hand. Don’t let your neighbors pet her while she’s misbehaving; that would reward her bad behavior. However, once she’s sitting (even if you have to help her do it), your neighbors can greet her and make a fuss over her.

You can also give your dog a job to do while walking. You might be amazed at how much satisfaction your dog will get from something as simply as carrying some of your junk mail home from the mailbox! Put a rubber band or two around several pieces of junk mail or advertisements, making the mail into a tube shape. Hand it to your dog and tell her, “Take it!” and encourage her to follow you with it. Praise her, “Good girl to take it! Super!” Begin by having her carry it just a few steps and make a big deal over her efforts. With praise and encouragement, she will be able to carry it longer, or even to carry a small bag home from the grocery store.

Walking your dog is so much more than just a chore. While walking your dog you are outside in the fresh air, you’re getting some exercise, you’re meeting people and you’re practicing your dog’s social and training skills. All these things are wonderful ways to strengthen your relationship with your dog.

No doubt you’ve looked at the label on your dog’s food and seen a lot of things that may not be so clear. What’s really in that food? There’s a lot of information on the label, but you have to know where and how to look for it.

First, all pet foods, by law, must have the following information: product name, manufacturer’s name and address, weight, guaranteed analysis, ingredients, a nutritional adequacy statement and feeding directions. We’ll focus on the last four.

The guaranteed analysis lists the minimum percentages of crude protein and crude fat and the maximum percentages of crude fiber and water. Nutritional experts call this “as fed,” meaning everything that’s in the product. This includes the weight of non-caloric items such as water, fiber and ash. The standards for dog food set forth by the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) require a minimum of 18% crude protein for adult dogs and 22% crude protein for puppies on a dry matter basis (that means with the water removed; canned foods should have more protein because they have more water). A dog food must also have a minimum of 5% crude fat for adults and 8% crude fat for puppies.

The guaranteed analysis doesn’t give you any information about whether the protein and fat is of high quality. That is up to you to find out. One way is to read the ingredients. The ingredients list the most common item in the food first, and so on until you get to the least common item, which is listed last. A dog food that lists an animal protein source first, such as chicken or poultry meal, beef of beef by-products, is offering an excellent protein source. Other ingredients may include a carbohydrate source (rice, corn, barley), fat (chicken fat, lard, tallow), vitamins and minerals, preservatives (mixed tocopherols, ethoxyquin, BHA), fiber (beet pulp), and sometimes other additives purported to be healthy (glucosamine, yucca, etc). Some grocery store brands may add artificial colors, sugar and fillers.

Somewhere on the dog food package should be a nutritional adequacy statement saying that the dog food meets or exceeds the AAFCO nutritional guidelines. If the dog food doesn’t meet AAFCO guidelines, it can’t be considered complete and balanced, and can cause nutritional deficiencies if it is the only food your dog eats.

Finally, the dog food should have some kind of feeding directions. Usually these directions are more than the average dog needs, but it’s a good guideline when starting out.

Next time you feed your dog, look at the label. There’s lots of good information on it.

Do you know the facts about commercial dog food? How do you choose what kind of food to feed your dog? Here is some interesting “food for thought” about what to feed your puppy or dog.

Are Dogs Really That Different?

You are standing in front of a huge aisle of dog food. You just adopted a new puppy and you are wondering which food to get. The choices are overwhelming. Puppy food, small dog food, small bites, large breed puppy, large breed adult, active dog, senior small bites, senior large bites, adult maintenance, adult premium… Holy Cow! How do you know which one to get?

Are dogs really that different?

Yes, and no.

Dogs certainly come in all shapes and sizes. Ask any dog owner, and they can tell you with a detectives eye, the minute differences between their two nearly identical Westies. And that’s just looks. Their will be an even greater discrepancy in their personalities. They are even fed different dog food.

So, here you are, new puppy in tow, reading labels. Percent protein, low fat, organic, omega 3, glucosamine. You close your eyes, grab a bag, and head off to the cashier.

As you stand in line, the person behind you starts to witness about her philosophies on dog food. She isn’t talking to you directly, but you can hear her. You start to learn how terrible the brand of dog food is that you are in the process of buying. You sheepishly grab the food, the puppy, the receipt, and head out the door.

You look your new puppy in the eyes and exclaim “Mommy will buy you better food next time”.

Guess what? You won’t and you can’t. It doesn’t exist. The perfect dog food doesn’t exist. Super premium, puppy food, large breed puppy…there is hardly a difference at all. Not only that, but protein level differences in dog food is hardly a percentage worth writing about, let alone making a dog food label out of it.

“But my friend has a large breed dog that is in physical therapy for eating too much protein as a puppy.”

Did you know that people used to think the large mammals in the exhibitions at places like Sea World were smaller than their wild counterparts because they were kept in captivity? The truth about those captive whales and dolphins was they were receiving smaller amounts of food. This was done so the animals would have appetites during training and performances.

Less food intake means smaller body size. It was thought a hungry mammal would be more willing to work for fish. Todays performance mammals are the same size as their wild counterparts. It has also been discovered that performance animals do not work better when they are hungry. (you can read about this in Don’t Shoot The Dog by Karen Pryor)

What does this have to do with protein and my dog?

Large dogs that grow too fast are simply fed too much food. Even if you feed exactly as directed on the bag, it may have been too much food for your dog. Here’s the catch. Your dog needs X amount of nutrients. He can only get X amount of nutrients if he gets X cups of food. But X cups of food might be too much for your particular dog. Presto, too much food equals growth issues. This problem has translated into a large breed puppy food marketing scheme. It is really just the same old dog food with more fillers.

Protein was never the issue, but getting the proper amount of nutrients is. This will always be the issue with commercial dog food.

What about puppy food?

Puppies do not have any special requirements for food after they are weaned from their mother. By 8 weeks of age, if they have properly formed teeth, they can eat dry and wet food. They need to eat more often than an adult, but that is about the only difference. Puppies do not need any special nutrients compared to their adult counterparts unless they have a medical issue.

Think of it this way. In the wild, after an animal is weaned, there isn’t a special baby forest section where all the baby animals go to get their food. Once an animal is weaned from his mother, he eats what everyone else eats. How do we know this? The study of teeth and poop. Scientists have been using these two methods to determine what animals eat in the wild for years. Like it or not, domestic dogs have not evolved dramatically since domestication to warrant a special food mix for every breed or length of time spent on earth.

About the Author
Kirsten Frisch has worked with sled dogs for over 10 years. She has handled dogs in Alaska for mid and long distance races such as the Copper Basin 300 and Yukon Quest 1000 mile race. Her background also includes Veterinary Technician, sled dog rescue and foster, dog trainer, and webmaster.

You can learn more about Kirsten and sled dogs at http://www.alaskan-husky-behavior.com and http://www.new-dog-owner.com.

Do you have a pudgy puppy? Many dogs, like their owners, could stand to shed a few pounds. That extra weight isn’t healthy and can lead to serious health problems. And some canines are simply couch potatoes — which is never what nature intended for our dogs. But how do you trim down and fire up your pudgy pooch?

1. Visit your veterinarian for advice. Some obesity stems from medical conditions such as hypothyroid. Have your vet check for health problems. If your dog is simply exploiting your heavy-handed feeding practices, your veterinarian can recommend a prescription dog food that will help shed those unwanted pounds, or recommend sensible proportions.
2. Cut out snacks. That includes the pizza and dinner scraps you’ve been sneaking under the table.
3. Have your veterinarian clear your dog for exercise. Start slow — a daily walk around the block or a short game of fetch — but do this every day and gradually build up to longer and more strenuous activity. Easy and fun exercises include fetching a ball or Frisbee, creating a small obstacle course and having your dog negotiate it, or short, brisk walks. Remember to start slow and keep cool, especially in hot weather. As your dog becomes more fit, increase his activity. Bicycle with your dog (provided your dog is well-trained to run beside your bike) using a Springer or similar device designed to safely tether your dog to the bike.
4. Participate in a dog sport or activity. In my book, The Simple Guide to Getting Active with Your Dog (TFH, 2002), I discuss activities and dog sports for your pet. Backpacking with your dog (even in urban areas), agility, flyball, Frisbee, and skijoring are all activities open to all dogs.
5. Warm up and cool down your dog. Warming up can include a slow walk before beginning an activity or a slow stretch, where you gently move your dog’s legs through a full range of motion. Doing this before an after exercise will help keep your pooch limber and fit. So will bringing along extra water so your dog does not become dehydrated.

For dog owners across the North, late-January to early-March can be the “dog days” of winter and with the Holidays in the rear view mirror and Spring oh so far away, it’s easy to see how laziness can start to set in for both pet and parent alike. But don’t give in! It’s extremely important to keep your dog active this time of year, as a lazy pooch is more susceptible to illness or injury. It also helps with behavior, as exercise gives more hyperactive dogs an outlet for energy that would otherwise be spent causing trouble around the house. Here are a few simple suggestions that if followed will leave your pup healthy, wealthy, and wise:

Outdoor Activities

Winter weather can provide for a lot of fun outdoor exercises for your pet, especially if they tend to be active. A good romp around the snow or a simple game of fetch can be a fun way to burn a lot of energy while keeping your dog occupied. And as long as it is dry outside most dogs can tolerate cold weather for long periods of time, especially if they have longer hair or fur. However, before getting into an outdoor exercise routine make sure that your pooch is up for it. Puppies don’t have the same cold tolerance as adults and older dogs might be more susceptible to muscle or joint injuries caused by cold air. If you think that there might be any reason why your dog would have issues exercising outdoors, take it to a vet first for a routine physical checkup and ask whether they would consider outdoor exercise a healthy activity for your pet. If you’re all set to take them outside just make sure to keep a close eye on your pooch as they romp around. Dogs are oftentimes more likely to get lost when there’s snow on the ground, as it hinders their sense of smell. And after a long enough time outdoors even the hardiest dogs are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia, especially if they are dealing with cold, wet weather.

Indoor Activities

If you don’t feel comfortable having your dog outside for an extended period of time, try to see if there is a pet-friendly indoor area near where you live, such as an arena or an empty basketball court. But even if you find your best friend confined to the house there’s still plenty you can do to keep them occupied. Try taking advantage of the time spent indoors to do some simple training exercises, such as having your dog do “pushups” by commanding him/her to sit, and then lie down, and then sit again. Doing this repeatedly will give your pooch a good indoor workout while reinforcing key commands. If you already have a well-trained dog, try playing hide-and-go-seek by having him/her stay in one room while you “hide” and have your pooch find you by calling out their name. Using rewards in these types of activities help positively reinforce cues and increase reliability in addition to helping him/her stay fit. The one thing to remember is that you don’t want your pet flopping around in their dog bed all winter, but make sure to be vigilant about your pet’s safety if you are planning on taking them outdoors. And always remember that you don’t have to leave the house to get them in shape for warmer weather.

Dog Article courtesy of Emily @ AllPetFurniture.com

by Dr. Larry Siegler from Only Natural Pet Store

The Foundation

Diet is the foundation of health – nothing can replace a healthy diet of the freshest food you can provide for your cat or dog when it comes to promoting health and warding off both acute and chronic disease. But what can you do in addition to a healthy diet, or to improve the mostly processed food diet that most dogs and cats eat? In my practice I recommend regular daily supplements depending on the individual’s specific diet and lifestyle, but there are some essentials that almost every cat and dog can benefit from. Here’s what I recommend for a healthy dog or cat for general health maintenance and “health insurance” – insuring your pet has everything he needs to best ward off immune stressors and disease.

Digestive Enzymes

When food is not properly broken down before reaching the large intestine, particles that are too large for the body to process are absorbed into the bloodstream, setting off an immune response that can lead to inflammation, allergies and chronic health problems. Nature’s way of preventing this was to endow every vegetable, fruit and animal food source with enzymes that help break it down. These enzymes are destroyed, however, by heat and processing. Every dog or cat that is eating a processed food (anything other than raw or lightly cooked) diet should receive digestive enzymes with every meal. This will not only improve digestion and the assimilation of nutrients, but it will also help protect against the development of allergies and immune disorders such as IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) which can be caused by poor digestion.

Improving digestion and utilization of nutrients can help to prevent and eliminate a host of diet related problems such as eating stools, body odor, excessive shedding, flatulence and itchy skin. Digestive Enzymes are a crucial part of improving digestion and gastrointestinal health.

Essential Fatty Acids

Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) are required in the diet – they cannot be produced by the body (hence the “essential” in the name). The two fatty acids required in the diet are omega 3 (linoleic acid) and omega 6 (alpha-linoleic acid). Most animals and people’s diets are higher in omega 6 than omega 3 fatty acids. These essential fatty acids are necessary for proper formation of cell membranes, are precursors for prostaglandins (hormones involved in pain regulation among other things), aid in proper cardiovascular function and nourish the skin and coat as well as the lining of the digestive tract. In addition, omega 3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA act to reduce inflammatory processes in the body.

Essential fatty acid supplements are not all created equal. Some are strictly fish oil, such as salmon or cod liver oil, which provide readily available omega 3 fatty acids. Some are fish and plant blends including borage, flax and other oils that provide both omega 3 and omega 6 oils. Some of these blended oils are formulated for a ratio of 4:1 or higher omega 3 oils to omega 6 as the omega 3’s are most lacking in typical diets. Some oils are all plant based such as pure flax oil, or may be a blend of flax and other plant oils. The best source of omega 3 fatty acids for animals is cold water fish oils like salmon oil or cod liver oil. Animals do not efficiently convert the fatty acids in plant oils such as flax to the form most readily utilized by the animal’s system.

Multi Vitamins

Many of us take a daily multivitamin to insure we receive a base amount of important vitamins and minerals. The typical American diet does not provide a well-balanced source of these nutrients for most people, so we take supplements as “insurance”. Much of the vitamins and minerals in packaged dog and cat foods are destroyed during the processing of both dry and canned food. Even when added back in after the cooking or extruding processes, the vitamins and minerals break down rapidly when exposed to light and air. The first bowl of kibble from a bag may contain most of what the label claims, but each time the bag or container is opened, the nutrients are affected. It is difficult to know how much, if any of the vitamins are left by the last portions from the bag.

Even the best diet for our dogs and cats of fresh raw foods can be lacking in some essential vitamins and minerals. Many whole food sources no longer contain the high vitamin content they have in the past due to depleted soils and modern farming practices. This is why a basic vitamin and mineral supplement is a good investment for most of our companions. Think of it as health insurance – making sure the body has everything it needs for proper cell function and health maintenance will keep your companion healthier, possibly reducing your veterinarian visits and costs in the long run.

As with any other supplement, all multi-vitamins are not created equal. And not every dog or cat needs the full dosage suggested on the label. While supplementing for “insurance” is helpful, too much of a good thing can be harmful. If you are feeding a fresh food that is professionally formulated, then your companion does not likely need the full dose of a daily vitamin; half would likely suffice. If you are feeding home-made food (which I enthusiastically support), then a full dose of a multivitamin supplement is a good idea. Also, when feeding homemade food or raw food, pay close attention to the calcium content of the food and be sure to supplement if need be. Raw diets tend to be higher in phosphorus, and calcium must be supplemented to insure a proper balance. Raw bones are an EXCELLENT way to do this – especially raw chicken and turkey necks. (No, they do not splinter when raw, only when cooked).

Ideally, vitamin supplements should be rotated. Just like rotation and variety in the diet is important for complete and balanced nutrition, rotating vitamin supplements can provide greater balance through a wider assortment of vitamin and mineral “sources”. You can rotate from one bottle to the next or even from one day to the next. I sometimes use a multivitamin one day and a “greens” supplement another day. I like adding Wysong’s Call of the Wild to raw food, especially if it’s not a professionally formulated “dinner” or complete diet. At any given time I keep 3 or 4 different vitamin and mineral and greens or whole-food supplements on hand to rotate in our companions’ diets. There is no hard and fast rule.

You know your dog or cat best, so watch them closely and notice when they seem livelier or more sluggish, or their eyes are brighter or their coat a bit more shiny or dull, and adjust your supplement regime to meet their needs. Also consider your companion’s health issues; for animals with allergies of any type I recommend Thorne Research vitamin supplements as they are hypoallergenic and contain no fillers.

Amino acids deserve a special mention here. Some amino acids are required in the diet, while some are produced by the body. A healthy, well-rounded diet will provide all the essential amino acids required from food, except for the amino acid taurine required by cats. Commercial cat foods are almost all supplemented with this essential amino acid, but if you are making part or all of your feline friend’s meals at home, then be sure to add taurine to their diet. This can be accomplished with a good multi-vitamin made for cats or by including mackerel, clams or raw hearts (beef, lamb, chicken or turkey) in the diet. Taurine is destroyed by heat, however, so be sure these are fed raw or the supplement is added to food after it has been cooked.

If you are unsure or overwhelmed by the process of choosing supplements, a consult with a holistic veterinarian can set you and your companion on course with a healthy diet and supplement regime that meets your lifestyle and your companion’s health needs.

Extra Support for Puppies and Kittens

Puppies and kittens are more vulnerable than mature animals to parasites and disease because their immune systems are still developing. In addition, they are under a good deal of stress as they leave the safety and familiarity of their mothers and try to learn the ways of living with a human family. I highly recommend that all puppies and kittens diets be supplemented with colostrum to help boost their immature immune system for at least a month or two after weaning.

Aging Animals

As animals age they need extra support to stay healthy and maintain the best quality of life well into their senior years. I often recommend starting dogs on extra support for joint health at the age of 8-9 years old, and cats at the first signs of stiffness. A good joint supplement including glucosamine and chondroitin, as well as MSM is helpful in reducing the symptoms of arthritis and joint degeneration. Supplements such as bromelain, boswellia and Chinese herbal formulas can be added for additional joint support as needed.

A senior vitamin or extra antioxidants added to their vitamin regime can help fight the damage caused by free radicals and give their immune system a little extra help in keeping illness at bay. CoEnzyme Q10 is another nutritional supplement I often recommend for older animals to help protect the heart and support gum health.

For senior animals beginning to show cognitive decline, supplements such as Thorne’s Memoractiv can be very helpful. There are some Chinese herbal formulas that can be helpful as well. Adaptogenic herbs can be supportive for the aging animal. Again, working with a holistic veterinarian is the best way to insure you choose the right support for your companion.

Author: Dr. Larry Siegler from Only Natural Pet Store

How can my child benefit from having a pet?

1. Social skills and self-esteem. Feelings and positive experiences with their pet can help children feel good about their own. Loving a pet can also help kids to love and trust other people.

2. Exercise. All pets need to exercise, and playing with their pet is a fun way to incorporate some physical activity to your kid’s lifestyle.

3. Responsibility and respect. To learn how to take care of their pet can help kids develop empathy, concern and responsibility towards other beings. On top of that, during the life cycle of the pet, parents have the opportunity to talk to their kids about birth, sickness and death.

4. Parent interaction. Kids and their parents can spend more time together playing and taking care of their pet.

How can my child help take care of the pet?

1. A small child can help out by feeding or providing fresh water to their pet (portions must be measured by you).

2. The child can help walking the pet, not alone of course, but just another time to spend together with your kid.

3. Children can help you in bathing and grooming the pet.

4. Assign to your child small, simple tasks that can be performed under your supervision.

How can I keep my child healthy and safe around a pet?

1. Choose your pets wisely, if you don’t already own a pet, study and learn from the different breeds and species, you will find that some are specially “kid friendly”.

2. Consider any allergies a family member could have, before acquiring a pet. Consult with your kid’s pediatrician about any allergies that may be present.

3. Take your pet to the veterinary to a general check up before you bring it home.

* Always supervise interaction between pets and kids.
* Teach your child not to touch any pet, unless you say it’s OK to do so.
* Never leave pets and kids unattended. Kids tend to play rough and that could provoke an attack or harm a small pet.
* Make sure your child stays away while the pet is eating, sleeping or taking care of its own offspring.
* Teach your child to keep good hygiene, not touch the pet droppings, & wash hands after playing with the pet.
* Treat immediately any scratch or bite caused by a pet. Consult with your child’s pediatrician if the scratch or bite tears your child’s skin.

About the Author: Mariangie González is an Agronomist with a major in Animal Science and runs the day-to-day operations of her home-based business and website which carries natural pet care, pet aromatherapy, holistic pet health, pet toys, pet jewelry and much more. She can also help you start your own home-based 100% natural pet supplies business, you can visit online at: http://www.MindBodyAndPaw.com

All dog owners are familiar with the problems caused by pesky fleas. Fleas are very small wingless insects, brownish red in color, and have sharp mouths by which they obtain blood from their canine hosts. Flea bites usually cause your dog to scratch at affected areas and some dogs are more sensitive than others and can have allergic reactions to flea bites. In general, fleas do not transmit diseases from dogs to humans, but the potential for this exists and they can and do bite humans as well as dogs and cats. Fleas and flea larvae live in warm climates and will live until the ground freezes in cooler climates. They can live on in your home well past this time also.

If you suspect that your dog has fleas, you should take him to your veterinarian. Your veterinary staff member will first use a flea comb on your dog. Flea combs are wide tooth combs and “flea dirt” or dried blood flea excrement is what they are looking for. If this is found, your veterinarian will recommend treatment. Most veterinarians recommend preventive treatment for fleas as it is much easier to prevent them than to treat them.

For those of you that wish to treat your dog for fleas without commercial products, there are a few recommendations. One way is to comb your dog with a flea comb regularly. You can put some petroleum jelly on the comb to help fleas stick to the comb. Other people recommend using rubbing alcohol to slow down the fleas so they are easier to catch. Garlic and Brewers Yeast added as supplements to your dog’s food are recommended by those who prefer the natural approach to treating fleas, however, the benefits of these treatments have yet to be proven.

There are several over the counter flea treatments available at your local pet store. However, many of these contain pyrethrins, which are natural insecticides derived from the chrysanthemum plant. In the past, this kind of treatment of fleas was the only one available to veterinarians. If you choose to use a product containing pyrethrins, you should be aware of the potential side effects. There is a potential threat of toxicity when using a product containing pyrethrins, not just to your dog, but to other animals in the house and humans as well. Make sure you follow the label usage directions and if you have any questions about using these products, consult your veterinarian.

Today, there are much safer products available. Most of these products are only available through your veterinarian. One of the most popular treatments for fleas is Frontline Plus by Merial. It is topically applied to the skin of your dog on the back of the neck. According to Merial, Frontline Plus kills 98-100% of adult fleas within 24 hour and will also kill eggs and larvae to prevent fleas from recurring. Frontline Plus is waterproof for up to 30 days and is safe to use on puppies as young as 8 weeks of age.

Another popular flea treatment is Sentinel by Novartis. Sentinel is a monthly pill that also prevents heartworms. Sentinel kills adult fleas, eggs, and larvae. Novartis also makes the flea control products Program and Capstar. Program is a flavored tablet that is given monthly, and while it does not kill adult fleas, it does interrupt the flea life cycle by preventing the development of flea eggs. Program is safe to use in dogs and puppies four weeks of age and older. Capstar is a pill that is given to kill adult fleas. It can be given as often as once per day. According to Novartis, Capstar will begin killing adult fleas within 30 minutes. One pill should kill all adult fleas. Capstar is safe for dogs and puppies four weeks of age and older.

Remember that it is much easier to prevent fleas than to treat them once your dog has them. As with all medications, follow the advice of your veterinarian. If you need more information about fleas and flea prevention, contact a member of your veterinary staff or pet professional.

Dog Article courtesy of I-Love-Dogs.com

When choosing a dog for you child you should consider several factors since not all dogs are right for all children. Here are some tips to help.

A dog can be a wonderful addition to your family, and a great companion for your child. Choosing the right dog for your child and your family is something that should be thought about before going “dog shopping”. It’s really easy to choose a dog based on how cute they might be, and later finding out that this particular dog doesn’t fit in to your family or living situation. Here are a few things to consider before you decide on your new “furry friend”.

The first step to take, especially when this dog is for your child, should be asking yourself, “Is my child old enough and responsible enough to care for this new pet”? If you are counting on your child to be the one who gives the dog the care and attention that it will need, this should always be the first thing to consider. Are you willing to make sure this animal receives proper care if your child isn’t willing or able to provide for it’s needs.

Then take some time to think about where you live, before you decide on which breed or size of dog you will get. Ask yourself questions like these. Will this dog be mostly kept inside, or will this be an outside dog? Is my yard large enough for a larger dog to get exercise? Is my yard fenced, if I choose to keep my dog outside? Even if my yard is fenced, will my neighbors be compatible with this dog, e.g. will my fence keep my dog out of their yard? Do any of my bordering neighbors have children that would tease or harass my dog (this would be one good reason for choosing to keep your dog inside)?

These may seem like things of little importance before you get a dog, but any problems that can be prevented, are worth giving some thought to.

Another consideration should be what breed of dog you are thinking of getting. Have you had experience with that particular breed or have you done any research to find out what the characteristics of that breed are. Sometime just looking at a dog or even being around them for a very short time can be deceiving. For example; I once fell in love with a German Shorthair at our Humane Society. She loved my children, and they loved her.

She had a sweet nature about her, but what we didn’t know was that she was extremely active, and not only that she was also very strong. My children couldn’t even take her for a walk, for she would drag them down the street, and she never tired. Do some checking before you decide which one you will get. Some ways to do this could be to talk to a Vet, or talk to the staff at your local Humane Society. They have a great deal of experience with most breeds of dogs. You might try your local library for books on specific breeds of dogs. If you have friends who own or have owned a certain breed, ask them what they have observed about that breed. All breeds of dogs have exceptions to the rules, but there are certain characteristics that are generally consistent with each breed. This would be especially helpful if you are planning on getting a puppy. That little puppy won’t always be that size, and will have a grown-up disposition someday.

The addition of a dog to your family can be one of the most rewarding experiences you and your child my have. Thinking ahead, and knowing which dog would fit your family and lifestyle will only make this experience even better. Take a little time and do some research. The benefit will be worth your time spent.

Canine Allergies – Does your dog have an Allergy?
Did you know that your dog can have allergies, just like you?

The most common dog allergy is itching of the skin. Their respiratory tract can also be affected causing them to wheeze, sneeze, and/or cough. You may even notice a discharge from their eyes and nose. In some cases, the digestive system can be affected which will cause them to vomit or have diarrhea.

In the United States around 20 percent of the dogs suffer from some type of allergy. Some of the allergies might be allergic to fleas, atopic dermatitis, allergies to food, allergies to some thing in the air, allergies to some thing they come in contact with or a bacterial allergy.

Atopic Dermatitis

This canine allergy is caused by the dog’s immune system hypersensitivity to common substance around them, such as dust mites or mold. Atopic Dermatitis is an allergic skin disease that usually appears within the first two years of a dog’s life.

Watch your dog for grooming excessively, by licking or chewing his back legs, paws, and abdomen, these are signs that he may suffer from atopic dermatitis. Another way to check is to see if his ears are reddened and hot to the touch.

There are signs that are not as noticeable like in the armpits, groin, and between the toes of his paws. Saliva staining is another sign of atopic dermatitis. It appears as a reddish brown stain. If the case becomes severe, the skin may change color, especially the abdomen, from a pink to a dark red to a very dark black.

It can be difficult to diagnose because flea allergy, food allergy and parasitic infections have some of the same signs. After you have ruled out the three above allergies from you list you may then need to have your dogs skin tested for allergies such as dust mites, pollens, and mold. After your vet has determined the cause of the atopic dermatitis he can recommend treatment.

Flea Allergy

No the flea is not the real allergy here, it is the fleas saliva. Your vet can perform a skin allergy test to determine if your dog is allergic to flea saliva. If he is then a regular strict flea control regimen is required to reduce your dog’s symptoms. But, be sure to use the chemicals with caution, as some can harm your dog.

Inhalant Allergy (allergies to some thing in the air)

These allergies are caused by the same things that cause allergies in humans, tree, grass, weed, dust mites, molds, and chemicals.

Any dog is susceptible to inhalant allergies, but the most common dogs affected are terriers, golden retrievers, poodles, dalmations, German shepherds, Chinese Shar-peis, shih tzus, lhasa apsos, pugs, Irish setters, and minature schnauzers.

If you notice your dog chewing at his feet and constantly licking then he may have inhalant allergies. Other common symptoms include biting, and scratching. The worst itching will be on his feet, hind legs, groin and armpits.

Inhalant allergies are often associated with recurring ear infections in you dog.

Food Allergy

Food that your dog may have eaten for years may become a food allergy. So, this type of allergy is often overlooked.

Dogs usually cannot tolerate fish, eggs, whey, milk, chicken, pork, beef, corn, wheat, soy products, chemical preservatives, and artificial sugars in their meal.

It may take a long while to determine the food allergen. A way to find the allergen is to put your dog on a diet that consists of protein and starch that your dog has not eaten before.

Start adding back the ingredients of the dog food you have been feeding him, spreading this out over a week. If the symptoms return then you should be able to determine the food allergen.

Then look for a dog food that does not contain the allergen. Symptoms of food allergies in your dog may be scratching at ears, shaking of the head, itchy skin, licking and biting their back legs, rubbing their face on carpet, inflammation in their ears, coughing and in rare cases vomiting, sneezing, and diarrhea.

Contact Allergy (allergies to some thing they come in contact with)

This is the least common type of allergies in dogs. Some of the common items that may cause a reaction are wood bedding, grass, plants, and flea collars.

Bacterial Allergy

There are several different types of Staphylococcus (Staph) living on your dog’s skin. That is normal! Most dogs do not develop an allergy to them, but some dogs might.

Bacterial allergies will cause hair loss that looks similar to ring worm. The areas that are infected need to be treated with antibiotics.

About the Author
http://www.dog-pictures.co.uk/ – A dog lovers website with plenty of dog breed information and pictures.

Teaching children the do’s and don’ts regarding animals is among one of the most important lessons you’ll ever teach them. Animals are everywhere and though many are domesticated, this does not automatically make them safe. For example, in the U.S. alone, 1-2 million dog bites occur annually.

Today many homes are raising children along with the family dog. Naturally kids delight in hugging, petting, and playing with their pets. But unfortunately, many children grow up believing that all dogs are gentle and friendly like their pets, and commonly fall victim to a dog attack, simply because they’d never been taught when it’s not okay to approach a dog.

Start teaching your children the following safety guidelines regarding dogs when they are quite young, and continue reinforcing these precautions frequently.

1. Never run up to a dog.
2. Never attempt to touch a neighbor’s dog through a fence.
3. Never touch a dog that is growling, showing his teeth, or barking hysterically.
4. Young children must never approach dogs without a grown-up’s supervision.
5. Always hold your hand out first and allow the dog to sniff your hand.
6. Never grab at a dog.
7. Don’t approach a dog that is a watch dog protecting his property.
8. Never attempt to touch a dog that is eating or in possession of a bone or a treat of some sort.
9. Never hurt the animal by pulling it’s tail or fur for example.
10. If the dog is leashed, ask the dog’s owner permission to pet the dog first.
11. Keep your face away from the dog’s, when approaching or playing with them.
12. Don’t make loud noises or sudden moves when approaching a dog. Speak softly to it.
13. If a dog is chasing you, stop running, as this encourages him to chase you.
14. Avoid eye contact with an aggressive dog, and back off slowly and non-threateningly.
15. Do not touch, or attempt to touch, the animal’s eyes.

Copyright © by Sheila Blythe-Saucier. Founder and owner of Safety Net-Child Safety Consultants, Sheila Blythe-Saucier is in the business of protecting children from the hazards that exist in their homes and communities. An R.N. for the last 20 years, Sheila extensively researched and authored a child safety book, which lead to the development of her business. Through a home inspection covering over 600 hazards commonly found in and around homes with young children, parents receive an education on protecting their kids fully, in a few hours time.