Title: Healthy Pet Food Tips Author: Jane Dinunzio
Healthy Pet Food Tips Deciding what to feed your pet isn't easy these days, especially after the unprecedented pet food recalls in 2007 that pulled more than 100 brands off store shelves. The culprit of the contaminated food was wheat gluten, poisoned with melamine, a chemical used to make plastics and fertilizers. The tainted food caused kidney failure and other illnesses, and may have killed thousands of pets.
Recalls and poisonings aside, there are plenty of other reasons to be aware of what's in your animal's food. A good diet keeps your pet's coat healthy and keeps his digestive system running smoothly. Also, you pay for what you get. Foods with a lot of fillers are cheaper but less nutritious. Just as with human food, good ingredients will go a long way toward giving your pet a long, healthy life.
Learn to decipher labels on commercial pet foods. The most important parts of the label are the nutritional adequacy statement and ingredients list. The former tells you whether a food is suitable as the sole nourishment for a healthy pet. The label will specify that the product "provides a complete and balanced nutrition."
A well formulated cat or dog food will list chicken, beef, lamb, poultry, or fish meal first.
Cats are carnivores and dogs are omnivores, so both need their meat. Bone meal and other meat by-products are poorer sources of protein. Soy, rice, oats, yeast, wheat, corn, and other fillers provide protein but aren't as digestible, so look for foods that list these lower in the ingredients.
Manufacturers sometimes try to mask the amount of fillers in pet foods by breaking them into components. For example, corn may be listed as cornmeal, corn gluten and ground corn. If all three were grouped together, corn would appear much higher in the ingredients. At the end of the list you'll find preservative. Ethoxyquin is one of the most controversial, because it may affect a dog's liver. Look for foods preserved with Vitamin C (also called ascorbic acid) or Vitamin E (listed as tocopherol) instead.
A better alternative is to buy organic pet food. An organic pet food marked 95% organic meets the same guidelines as organic food produced for humans. The food won't contain pesticides or antibiotics, and it's preserved with natural substances like Vitamins C and E. As with any food, the organic option will be more expensive, but it's healthier for your pet, and the way it is produced is definitely better for the environment.
The best choice by far is making your own pet food so you know exactly what you're feeding your animal. Ensure you're preparing nutritionally balanced food, or your pet may suffer from malnutrition. Consult your veterinarian before starting your pet on home made pet food.
Home made pet food tends to be the most expensive option, but may be worth your peace of mind. While some pet owners feed their animals raw meat, you'll be hard-pressed to find a vet who thinks it's a good idea. There is always a chance that you or your pet could be exposed to E.coli or salmonella.
About the Author:
I am a strong advocate for feeding your pet healthy nutritious food which will extend their lives and increase their health. Find recipes and info at: http://recipes4gourmetdogs.com
Title: How To Get Your Dog Health Questions Answered Author: Sylvia Dickens
How To Get Your Dog Health Questions Answered Are you reluctant to ask your veterinarian those touchy dog health questions? Some people accept the veterinarians' first suggestion for treatment without knowing all the options. They might be concerned about stepping on the veterinarians' toes by challenging their decision.
Unfortunately, this can lead to dissatisfaction when the bill comes in. It's important to get your dog health questions answered before any treatment begins. If you're hesitant, especially if you're questioning his decision, here are some tips to help you.
Always remember that your dog's health is your responsibility in conjunction with your veterinarian's expert advice. A good veterinarian will want to provide you and your dog with the best and quickest solution, which can be dramatic and expensive. Sometimes, however, there are less expensive options that he can try first.
Is he open to your input?
One of the first considerations is whether he is open to your dog health questions. If he isn't, if he rushes you through and shows little time or patience to listen to your concerns, find another vet.
It's not uncommon for personalities to clash. It happens between dogs, it happens between people and it happens between vet and dog/dog owner. Don't be afraid to find someone who is better suited to your needs.
Prepare yourself
Before making a decision about treatment, do some research on your own about your dog's condition. Check the Internet. Read up on the disease at your local library. Sometimes, the vet will have pamphlets that can be quite helpful. Look at the treatment options suggested in those resources.
Offer suggestions
Make notes and take them to your veterinarian. Get clarification from him that his treatment choice is the best. Find out why the others are not viable options for your dog. There are always variables, including your dog's overall condition, his age, the extend of the disease, the location of the disease, and your dog breed. Your vet will take all these into consideration.
Ask for payment options
As the client, you have every right to get your dog health questions answered. If the treatment is expensive, don't be afraid to ask if he has a payment plan to make it more affordable for you. He doesn't want to see your pet suffer any more than you do. Be honest about your situation and he is sure to do whatever he can to help you through this difficult time.
Ask the tough questions
Some clients complain about paying a huge bill, only to have their pet die shortly thereafter. It's easy to accuse the vet of taking advantage of the situation to make money.
Good veterinarians will assume you want to spend as much time with your dog as possible, even if it only means a few more months. As long as the dog can be treated and saved from pain and discomfort, he will want to do whatever is necessary to make that happen.
These are questions you might want to ask your vet before agreeing to treatment: will your dog be comfortable, will he be in pain, and what is his life expectancy at that time. Once you have these answers, you will be better able to make a good decision for you and your dog.
Take every opportunity to be up front with your veterinarian. Prepare for his diagnosis and recommendations, and then get your dog health questions answered before treatment begins.
Title: What To Do About Beagle Health Problems Author: Michelle A Adams
A lot of people love the beagle breed of dog mostly for its friendly demeanor and its ability to be a good dog with children. But beagle health problems are somewhat common and can range from the regular cuts and scratches that any dog gets all the way up to ailments that are almost completely proprietary to the beagle. Keep an eye on your beagle and start to become familiar with the warning signs for beagle health problems.
Beagles are well known as a breed of dog that will eat anything in sight and then not care so much about their "girlish figure". Beagles are big on eating and not so big on exercise so your beagle will gladly trade off a run in the sun for a bowl of food. It is for that reason that you have to protect your beagle from obesity by keeping an eye on its diet. Beagles will eat anything put in front of them whether they are hungry or not so be diligent a bout supplying a healthy balanced diet.
Beagles suffer beagle health problems like problems with their eyes. An eye condition common among beagles is a condition called distichiasis, which is a condition where the eyelashes grow into the eye and cause irritation and potentially infection. This condition can be solved with surgery and if you notice a problem with your beagle's eyes get them to a vet right away. While this problem can be solved with surgery it is important to identify the onset of the problem as soon as possible and seek proper medical assistance right away.
A beagle is also apt to contract some form of renal atrophy where parts of the eye begin to deteriorate over time. If you notice that your beagle's eyes are especially dry, or the other end of the spectrum and you notice that they tear up excessively, then you need to get your beagle to the vet right away.
Nature has a way of playing a mean little trick on the beagle in that some of the beagle health problems are directly related to something the beagle and its owner can do nothing about, that is the way the beagle is built. The beagles' big floppy ears can sometimes prevent air from flowing in and out of the ears like it should and this can cause a lot of problems. One of the main problems is a build up of moisture in the ear that can cause serious beagle health problems. So always check in around and under your beagle's ears on a regular basis.
Some of the things that sound awful with a beagle are completely harmless. For some reason beagles occasionally experience what is known as reverse sneezing. It sounds like they are trying desperately to catch their breath but they are just fine and it is harmless. But don't let little warnings go unattended with your beagle and get it to the vet if you think something may be wrong.
Title: Havanese Health Problems: How You Can Prevent Them Author: Fiona A Kelly
The Havanese is a rare and fine animal. Havanese health problems can be kept to a minimum by utilizing the utmost in preventative care, namely regular cleaning of eyes, ears and teeth and regular visits to a veterinarian. Keeping your Havanese from ingesting foods that are harmless to humans but poisonous to dogs (e.g., chocolate) is another everyday preventative measure. Hereditary Havanese health problems can, in some cases, be prevented before an animal is born. Havanese are prone to vision, hearing, knee and hip problems. Breeders are starting to test their Havanese for these problems and then not breeding the afflicted animals. Additionally, national registries maintain databases on these hereditary problems. Prevention may not always be enough to ward away Havanese health problems. Sometimes you may need to find emergency care for your Havanese. If you have an established relationship with a veterinarian, this will help. He or she will probably have previously given you instructions about how to contact his or her office in an emergency.
You either have welcomed or will shortly welcome your new Havanese puppy into your home. She will adore you completely. You will be a hero simply for coming home from work. More importantly, your new Havanese puppy will trust you completely. Her wellbeing is entirely in your hands. In addition to providing her with food, water and attention, you know you want to do whatever it takes to keep her happy and healthy. Some health promotion measures are things you would want to do for any puppy. Other health promotion measures come with the extra fur on the Havanese.
You will want very much to learn about common puppy health problems in general and common Havanese health problems in particular. You should also know about arranging regular veterinary care for your Havanese puppy as well as how to arrange emergency care for your Havanese. Havanese care is a new adventure in your life.
Some health problems are common to any breed of dog. You should keep your Havanese's eyes and ears clean to prevent infection or infestation with ear mites. Also, many puppies develop internal parasites, such as worms. Regularly check your pet's coat for ticks and fleas. Even indoor animals can get them. Your veterinarian can provide treatments for worms and can provide you with the best treatments for fleas.
Some Havanese health problems are genetic. Problems such as knee and hip dysplasia (dislocation), early onset cataracts, retinal atrophy and genetic deafness tend to run in the Havanese breed. These problems are not fatal, but might affect the quality of life for your Havanese. For instance, eye problems can lead to blindness. You will want to make sure that your breeder has tested the sire (father) and dam (mother) of the puppy you wish to purchase. Breeders should remove animals with eye or joint problems from their breeding stock.
Prevention is worth many ounces of cure when it comes to Havanese health problems. You can prevent ear parasites by cleaning your Havanese's ears once a week. (Ear mites are a particular problem for all floppy eared dog breeds—the Havanese included). You can prevent eye infections by cleaning your Havanese's eyes once a week. Be sure that your Havanese does not ingest common foods that you enjoy but that are poisonous to all dogs. These foods include chocolate, caffeine, grapes and raisins, tomatoes, onions, garlic, chives, nutmeg, and walnuts.
Some pet owners forget to take their pet for regular veterinary checkups. Don't do this to your new Havanese. Additionally, be sure to keep your veterinarians contact information handy in case you need emergency care for your Havanese. You can also take your Havanese to the nearest emergency pet clinic. Additionally, many pet supply super stores have an on site veterinarian
Title: Different Allergies Of Shih Tzu Author: Rebecca A Simpson
Both Shih Tzu and Shih Tzu owners share some common qualities such as obesity, which primarily come about due to improper diet and not getting enough exercise. Additionally, both may suffer from a few illnesses such as diabetes and cardiac problems, which can be the result of long-term obesity. Besides that both Shih Tzu and Shih Tzu owners are susceptible to allergies. In fact, veterinarians have many treatments for Shih Tzu allergies.
The most common symptom of allergies is an itching sensation on the skin. In addition, the allergies may affect the respiratory tract system as well. The common symptoms of respiratory tract allergies may include sneezing, wheezing and coughing. The Shih Tzu can have almost all the same symptoms that humans do. They have discharge coming from the nose and eyes just like when they suffer from a cold or the flu. Allergies may also occur that effect the digestive system and may suffer from the common symptoms including diarrhea, watery stools and vomiting.
In practice, there is a great variety of allergies that may affect the Shih Tzu. For instance, flea saliva may cause the Shih Tzu an allergic reaction. In order to understand whether a Shih Tzu is being affected by flea saliva a skin allergy examination is essential. In the case of a positive result, the owner must use an effective flea control program. But using safe products must be ensured in order to avoid any possible harm to the dog.
Many humans have an allergic tendency towards certain types of foods. The Shih Tzu is also susceptible to food allergies.. In fact, there is a whole host of foods such as fish, beef, soy products, milk, wheat, eggs, chemical preservatives and artificial sweeteners that may function as allergens to a Shih Tzu dog. Non-verified foods should be strictly avoided for the Shih Tzu. If commercial dog foods are served to Shih Tzu instead of homemade food, it lessens the possibilities of developing a food allergy.
Molds and dust mites, the most common forms of environmental substances, may also lead to the development of allergic reaction in the Shih Tzu. These types of Shih Tzu allergies occur due to a hypersensitivity to the immune system in the presence of these substances. The condition is known as atopic dermatitis. It becomes evident that the dog is suffering from atopic dermatitis when you find them licking and chewing different areas of the body including the paws, abdomen and rear feet. Atopic dermatitis may strike areas like the armpit, central areas of the toes of the paws and the groin.
There are few non-harmful bacteria on the body of a Shih Tzu. Most of these bacteria come from Staphylococcus family. However, only a few harmful bacteria may affect Shih Tzu leading to a bacterial allergy. If you find your Shih Tzu is lacking hair unusually and some ringworm type of markings appear all over its body, it is quite possible that the Shih Tzu may have developed a bacterial allergy on the skin. In United States, over twenty percent of all dogs are unfortunately suffering from allergies.
Title: Knowing About Rottweiler Health Problems Author: Sharon A Davies
One common Rottweiler health problem is shedding so know that before you get a Rottweiler. Two other common Rottweiler health problems are gas from a bad diet and bone disease. Rottweiler health problems can arise from not enough exercise.
Part of the responsibility of owning a Rottweiler is becoming familiar with the common Rottweiler health problems that can occur with your dog. Some of the health issues are more of an inconvenience than anything else and others can be quite serious. If you take the time to become familiar with potential Rottweiler health problems then you can help your dog cope better if some of them come up and you need to act. It always helps to know what to tell the vet when you feel something is going wrong.
A Rottweiler will shed a lot all through their lives and they have very short hair that is hard and pointy and gets everywhere. They shed when they are petted and when they scratch themselves so if you do not want to have to pick small coarse dog furs out of all of your clothing then you may want to consider not getting a Rottweiler.
Like any other living creature a Rottweiler will develop some health problems if it is not fed the proper diet. As your dog's owner it is your responsibility to make sure that your dog is getting all the nutrients it needs and none of the stuff it does not need. One good indicator that your dog is getting a bad diet is that your Rottweiler can develop a bad case of gas from a poor diet. Flatulence is a result of poor diet and for your own sake you probably want to avoid that.
Another common Rottweiler health problem is bone and joint disease. A good diet can help strengthen bones and help them fight bone disease but sometimes it is in their genes and it cannot be helped. If you notice your dog having any difficulty at all in getting around then get your dog to the vet right away.
It can be a little confusing dealing with some Rottweiler health problems if you do not take the time to work with your vet and discuss these issues with them. While a good diet is extremely important to a Rottweiler so is the right amount of exercise. The problem is deciding how much exercise is the right amount for your dog. Too much exercise can cause problems for a Rottweiler and not enough exercise can lead to obesity so it is up to you to work with your dog and your vet to come up with a program that can lead to good health.
Keep an eye on your Rottweiler, as some health issues are more common with them than other breeds. A Rottweiler is more apt to get cancer than some other breeds and it is health concerns like this that you need to keep track of. Regular visits to the vet can help keep your Rottweiler alive and healthy for a very long time.
Title: Beagle Health Tips Author: Michelle A Adams
Pet owners are always concerned with the proper way to care for their animals and when you decide to invest in a beagle for your family pet then your first concern should be the proper beagle health care tips. Owning a pet is a lot of work but there are some very simple ideas you can use to help keep your beagle healthy and happy and a part of your family for many years to come. Make sure regular visit to the vet is part of your beagle's health plan and contact the vet if persistent problems arise.
Beagles love to eat just like any other living creature and the idea that there is such a thing as human food separate from any other creature's food is wrong. A healthy diet for your dog should consist of properly cooked meats, raw vegetables, and raw fruits as well. All creatures eat food and you should help keep your dog healthy by feeding your beagle the foods that are best for it.
Beagles have a very thick coat so a major part of proper beagle health is to make sure that their coat is clean and that nothing has a chance to get in there and cause any major health problems. Plan on bathing your beagle at least once a month and if your beagle goes outdoors at all, or comes into contact with dirty situations, then plan on bathing them more often than once a month. The benefit is for your family as well because your family is also coming into contact with your beagle's coat so keeping it clean is essential.
Your beagle also needs regular grooming as well and some of this you can do on your own and some of it you may want to leave to the professionals. Brush your beagle's thick coat regularly and make sure there are no tangles or debris caught in it. Your beagle's nails also need regular clipping and while you are invited to try this yourself this is something you may want to send out for.
Beagle health concerns are much more than just providing a balanced diet and bathing. Your beagle's ears are famous for not only their look, but also their ability to block the proper airflow in and out of the dog's ear. Check under you beagle's floppy ears regularly and if you see any build up then contact your vet right away.
Your beagle's teeth are also in need of attention and this is a process that starts when they are very young. As a puppy get your beagle used to your finger gently rubbing across their teeth. As they get used to it then add a small wrap of wet gauze to your finger with some baking soda. If they are okay with this then you can probably move on to a dog toothbrush. Always keep an eye on your beagle and make sure you make their health your primary concern for your pet's sake and your family as well.
Title: Dog Nutrition - Keeping Your Dog Healthy Author: Jane Dinunzio
Dog Nutrition - Keeping Your Dog Healthy With so much in the news about contaminated commercial dog food, I have started making home made dog food for my two beloved girls, Lady and Lola. Of course the number one natural ingredient in healthy safe dog food is meat.
Did you know dogs need and enjoy the fresh addition of vegetables to their daily diet? My dogs love mashed carrots in there freshly cooked meat as it is naturally sweet.
Rice or pasta mixed in with the meat and vegetables every day is not just used as filler and in proper proportion makes a healthy nutritious diet. The proper mix of meat, vegetables and grain every day, made with ingredients that you or I would eat is the basis of proper nutrition for your dog. There are many resorses available on the internet for more information and healthy dog food recipes.
We have been told that feeding dogs our food is bad for them for so long that it has become an unsubstantiated part of our beliefs. We have actually come to believe and trust that commercial dog food with additives, toxins and all sorts of preservatives is better than home made healthy dog food. There is startling and upsetting information in the news on what we have been really feeding our beloved pets.
Before you start making healthy, home made dog food you must be aware that there are certain human foods that are toxic and can make your dog sick or worse, Most people know about chocolate being bad, but did you know that onions and raisins or grapes can harm you pet.
Always check with your vet before starting your pet on a completely new diet. They need to be slowly swithched over, and your must make sure you have the proper amounts needed for your pets size.
Feeding your dog super tasty calorie controlled, home made healthy food has other incredible benefits other than just having the most adoring loving pets. Your dog will live longer. He/she will also look and feel healthier. Because you are not adding sugar, salt and fat to your home cooked recipes, you can help an overweight pet lose weight.
A chemical free diet can be nothing but an improvement over what we now know is being put in a lot of the commercial dog food. I know I have seen major changes in my two special girls and you will also with a healthy diet fed regularly to your pet.
About the Author:
Check out my main site at : http://www.recipes4gourmetdogs.com to see what my pets favorite recipes are. I also have special treat recipes that are healthy, nutritious, and easy to make.
Title: Top 5 Dog Health Problem Symptoms Author: Wade Robins
Protecting your dog's health is the most important thing over anything else. With the proper diagnosis and knowing what to look for will help, you determine some possible reasons for the dog health problems. The top 5 dog health problem symptoms provide knowledge about parvovirus, skin disorders, eye problems, rabies and ear problems. When you see the first signs of a problem, you need to respond appropriately to protect the health of your dog.
Dog Health Problem Symptoms of Parvovirus
Some symptoms of the disease are weight loss, dehydration, vomiting, fever and nasal discharge. If you see any of these signs, you will need immediate medical attention for your dog. Diarrhea is usually the first symptom, which could be from anything, but when other symptoms appear, you will have a better idea of what you are dealing with. A puppy under the age of six months can contract this disease and will ultimately die. Proper vaccination at an early age will protect the puppy from this horrible disease and death.
Dog Health Problem Symptoms of Skin Disorders
Some symptoms of a skin disorder will be scratching, inflammation of the skin, and is some cases a discharge of pus from the area that breaks open due to excessive scratching. This requires medical tests and observation to determine if it results from a parasite, both internally and externally, allergy, bacterial or fungal infections and hereditary. The bottom line is there are two different types of shin diseases, hereditary and acquired.
Dog Health Problem Symptoms of Eye Problems
Red eyes, swollen eyes and weepy eyes are signs of something wrong and should be checked by your veterinarian to determine if is caused by an allergy or a more serious health problem such as conjunctivitis. The problem may also be the result of an injury if the dog plays with other dogs or cats with claws.
Dog Health Problem Symptoms of Ear Problems
Scratching of the ear, discharge, odor and shaking of the head might indicate some type of ear infection. This also might come from a parasite infestation that invades the ear such as an ear mite. Other reasons for symptoms may be trauma, bacterial and allergies, which will result in ear problems as well. Dogs that have ears that hang down covering the ear canal are more prone to ear problems than other dog because no air gets into the ear to dry it up, so it stays moist and invites infection. For more info see http://www.aboutdoghealth.org/doghealthproblems/waukesha-dog-care.html on Waukesha dog care.
Dog Health Problem Symptoms of Rabies
Without proper vaccination, the dog that has an encounter with a rabid animal can contract rabies, which will result in death. Symptoms to watch for are change in behavior, foaming of the mouth, biting and aggressive behavior towards people and other animals. This is probably the most serious dog health problem ever, since it can spread the virus through biting. Immediate containment and medical help is needed at the onset of such symptoms to protect your family and society from the spread of rabies.
The Right Food for Your Pet To have a pet in your home is like adding another family member to the well established set up. One needs to know how to properly feed them following the right techniques. Usually, the owners either go for neoteric foods or the ones available in the market and ready to eat. The best approach is to provide an ideal diet which should be a combination of all. This holds true not only for dogs but for any pet including cats and rabbits.
Rabbits
When you think of a rabbit diet, the first thing that comes to your mind is a carrot. It is a universal truth that rabbits love vegetables and need a constant diet including lettuce and carrots which are considered rabbit foods. They need high fiber content. An indefectible diet is the one which contains moderate quantities of hay, pellets, and vegetables making your rabbit healthy.
Dogs
They are usually considered as flesh eating animals and believed to be carnivores. People still debate on whether they should be served human food or not. So, when you design your dog's diet, the topmost priority is to include meat even though some human foods are good for them in moderate amounts. The meat should be fresh and not sorted out through different course of actions. Ideally, human food is not meant for the dogs as it could be too oily and fatty for them leading to blockage of blood vessels. They are easily susceptible to changes in the digestive tracts leading to water loss and stomach ailments. Maintaining the right diet for them is difficult as they like variety and easily get bored with a routine food pattern. It is a trick, so consult your vet and design the diet accordingly. You should not change the food types overnight; give it some time which could be up to two weeks. This would avoid any sudden changes and prevent health related disorders. Try incorporating the new items in their regular foods, check how they respond and then gradually change it to different items altogether.
Cats
As they are believed to be from the lion family, these fragile looking creatures are great huntsman and need adventure. Keeping them confined indoors is difficult as they love to walk around and discover everything on their own. You would find them seeking their own food like hunting for mice, birds and other small animals. Even then, it is important that they are fed with a reliable and steady diet to meet all cardinal nutrient requirements out of which protein is the most important. Like dogs, even their digestive system is perceptive to any food items which might not be appropriate. The litter box in which they are carried might have a foul smell and stink a lot. This is a sign to clean and change them with fresh food. It also indicates that that the food quality is not apposite and needs attention. You would need to change the food pattern gradually, ideally within a duration of two weeks. Along with proteins, vitamin is another essential component to be included and is primarily obtained from milk. You can get cat milk in pet stores which is not excessively processed as compared to the one we use. If you feed them with cheese sometimes, it would not be harmful, though you should have other dietary options to fulfill the nutritional requirements. When we have an upset stomach or digestive problems, doctors suggest high fiber content as it provides roughage and helps in bowl movements. Similarly, in such a condition, a cat will opt for eating grass.
It is all about making the best choice for your pet which should meet both the qualitative and quantitative needs. It is not only restricted to reduce the amount of human food on their plate but also to ensure that they are getting the best deal. Their overall well being is as important as yours. Just like kids need different approaches to be brought up, your pets might need individual attention. By providing the right food, you help your pet to get a sound physical condition, a balanced life style leading to strength, vigor and longevity.
Title: Pet Beds Mean Sweet Doggie Dreams Author: Mike O'Brien
Without a doubt, Americans pamper their dogs and cats and the simple pet bed has been transformed into a warm, plush retreat. Now if your pets are anything like mine, they prefer your bed to anything else. Given the choices in pet beds available to owners, even the most finicky dog or cat may change their behavior. Using materials that are found in bedding products for humans, pet beds have benefited from advancements in materials and technology.
Our pets are susceptible to many of the same physical maladies that affect us. As our pets get older, it is very common for them to develop conditions such as arthritis. Spinal misalignments, and the plain old aches and pains of old age can be made worse by sleeping on the wrong surface. Though not much is known about the sleep habits of the average pet, we might assume that our furry companions need quality sleep. This must be especially true for working dogs.
Twenty or so years ago, a new material was made available for human sleep systems. Originally developed for use by manned space flight crews, visco elastic memory foam is now being used extensively in the bedding industry. Not only have mattresses been made using memory foam, there are aftermarket mattress pads made from this unique product. Though it was never used in the space program, visco elastic memory foam has found its way into pet beds of all shapes and sizes. Using body heat, the foam molds around the body, providing support without creating pressure points.
The principle is very similar to that of a waterbed. Now there are waterbeds designed for pets. Pet waterbeds are very similar in design and construction to waterbeds for people. With frames, safety liners and other components, pet waterbeds can get a little complicated. Like a hybrid waterbed for humans, pet waterbeds do not need a hard wood frame to support the water mattress. Accessory heaters are available for pet waterbeds that add to the comfort level. Still, memory foam pet beds offer the same comfort features as a waterbed without the assembly and maintenance.
Utilizing the tried and true innerspring, orthopedic pet mattresses offer an ailing pet, and their human companion, another sleep option. Built along the same lines as a full size mattress for humans, orthopedic pet mattresses can help ease the pain of achy joints. Removable covers allow for the bed to be kept properly cleaned and pest free.
Watch your pet dog or cat and you will notice something interesting. Like most people, animals like a warm cozy spot to rest in. Like memory foam and orthopedic pet beds, heated pet beds are gaining in popularity, and not just for the average pet. Older pets often develop the same maladies that effect humans, such as arthritis. The comfort of a heated bed or a bed topped with memory foam can be very therapeutic for pets suffering from muscular skeletal conditions.
Accessory pet bed heaters operate in much the same way as a waterbed heater. Most pet bed heaters feature a temperature control. Some pet beds designers integrate the heater into the bed. Resembling waterbed heaters, a pet bed heater can be added to an existing bed. Since your pet will not be able to tell you whether the bed is too hot or too cold, it is very important to test the temperature yourself. Dogs and cats do not sweat and it is important to never expose your pet to excess heat
So whether your pets share your bed or have one of their own, a quality pet bed can be a great investment.
Title: Increase Your Dog's Life Span Author: Jane Dinunzio
Increase Your Dog's Life Span Making natural home made dog food at first thought may seem like a lot of work in today's stressed out busy world. In actuality it is easy to do once you get into the routine. You can make your dogs home made meal at the same time as you are preparing your own dinner, or even make it in batches and keep it portioned and store it in the freezer.
Switching to fresh natural home made dog food for you best friend will increase his/her life span up to 8 years. Fresh organic ingredients win every time when compared to artificially flavored, preservative filled, and sometimes worse, commercial dog food.
When I think of what the commercial dog food industry considers edible food for my pets it disgusts me. When you find out the facts of what is really in commercial dog food a true animal lover will be shocked.
There are so many chemicals that are permitted in dry pet food that are straight out toxic. One of these is the chemical ethoxyquin (EQ), which is added at the rendering plant. This way it does not have to be listed on the ingredients on the food label. EQ is one the most powerful preservatives, and also one of the most toxic. Side effects of factory workers exposed to it caused symptoms similar to Agent Orange. Who in their right mind would think this is okay for our pets to ingest?
This is only one of many ingredients that are unfit that our pets get when eating their kibble. Yuck for sure. That is why we should consider feeding them home made human grade food.
This is why making all natural, home made dog food seems the safer, better alternative. You know exactly what fresh, healthy ingredients are put in the food because it is the same food you buy for yourself.
Given in the correct proportion, this promotes the healthiest, happiest pets and peace of mind for us, the owners. Any pet lover knows of the adoring looks given by your dog. They don't care what you feed them, because they trust us. Knowingly giving them food that causes illnesses, poor health and early death is something I just won't do. I return the favor of unconditional love by making the right choice for them. That way they will be around much longer.
Never give the dogs raw garlic or onions, as this could be potentially fatal. Also note that chocolate, raisins and grapes are dangerous to feed to your dog.
About the Author:
You can quickly and easily cook nutritious healthy dog food. Check out more about all natural dog food, cooked at home at my main site: http://www.recipes4gourmetdogs.com
Title: How to Protect Your Pet in the Event of a Tornado Author: Julie Calligaro
How to Protect Your Pet in the Event of a Tornado The destructive tornados in Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois and Kansas are reminders that disaster can strike anywhere. The U.S. averages 1,000 tornados each year. And while we tend to think of tornados as a weather phenomenon of the Midwest, they have been recorded in every state. This year, although only half over, is already the deadliest tornado year in the U. S. since 1998 and seems on track to break the record for the number of tornados in a year.
By their very nature, tornados come at us fast and furiously and often with little notice. Consequently the only way to safeguard your family pet is to be prepared before a tornado strikes. Take action now, our companion animals depend on us for their survival.
Prepare in advance. Keep pet supplies in a tornado-proof room or cellar. For example: Food, water, and treats in sufficient quantities. Sanitation items i.e. litter box, litter or puppy pads. Crates for a cat or frightened dog to provide your pet with a cozy, secure hiding place to weather the storm.
Practice getting your family and pets to the safe area. Train your dog to go to the safe area on command. Learn how to quickly and safely secure your pet. Know your pet's hiding places and how to safely extricate them.
Make your tornado safe area pet friendly. Eliminate unsafe areas where cats may try to hide. Remove dangerous items such as tools or toxic products stored in the area.
Identify your pet If your pet gets lost, his identification is his ticket home. Your options include: collar tags imprinted with your pet's name, your name and phone number; a tattoo with an identification number i.e. your social security number; a GPS tracking device attached to your pet's collar; or a microchip. Microchips provide identification that is permanent and uses a unique number that cannot be altered. Approximately 1.5 million dogs and cats now have microchips.
Use pet rescue window stickers Attach pet rescue stickers on prominent windows in your home. If a disaster strikes when you're not home, the stickers will alert rescue workers that pets are inside. Be sure the stickers are visible to rescue workers and include the types and number of pets in your household. If you and your pets evacuate (and time permits) write "Evacuated" across the stickers.
Heavy rains and flooding often follow tornados so be prepared to evacuate with your pet if that becomes necessary.
About the Author:
Julie A. Calligaro is a probate and estate planning attorney and the author of How to Safeguard Your Pet in an Emergency and at Your Disability or Death and Arranging Your Financial And Legal Affairs. http://www.SafeguardMyDog.com . A free checklist of steps that protect pets during an emergency and at your disability or death and a Pet Care Card to carry if you are injured or hospitalized, http://www.safeguardmydog.com/Nutshell.pdf
