Dog Health Report

• Homemade Dog Treats

  Homemade dog treats have become a sort of a fad nowadays due to the hidden dangers that were discovered in commercial dog foods. So it is very easy to find recipes for dog treats online. Although finding these so-called recipes online is very convenient for the busy dog owner, he must be on the lookout for unhealthy ingredients. Dog treats must contain foodstuffs that will keep the dog full in the stomach as well as safe from any danger. This article will help to open the mind of every dog owner on the hidden danger of a common household foodstuff that is commonly given to the dog without thinking of its health effects. This dangerous foodstuff is none other than the onion. This is not meant to scare anyone from eating the onion. It is perfectly safe for humans but for dogs it can cause a medical condition known as hymolitic anemia. This is an unknown fact unlike the danger of feeding chocolate to dogs. So it is natural to hear of pet lovers having given their dogs leftovers containing onions such as pizza, burgers and even the gravy. Although taking a small amount of onion may not produce any ill effect on the dog’s health, still it can lead to a life-threatening hemolytic anemia. How does onion toxicity come about? Dogs have red blood cells that carry the protein hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is very important because it delivers oxygen to the tissues and organs. However, onions contain a substance called thiosulphate which dogs and cats have difficulty to properly digest because they do not have the right enzyme to break it down. Thiosulphate causes oxidation of hemoglobin in the dog’s red blood cells. It then forms clumps that weaken the cell membranes. These clumps, called Heinz bodies, stick out from the cell and eventually cause rupture. In the end, it shortens the life span of the cell. Anemia results when enough red cells are destroyed as the body begins to starve oxygen. Another foodstuff that contains thiosulphate is garlic although it comes in smaller amounts. If the amount of red blood cells decreases significantly then many health problems can come about. One of which is heart failure. It is important to mention that the number of red blood cells which is destroyed usually depends on the amount of onion that has been eaten by the dog. However, some dogs can develop very serious reactions even after eating very little amount of onion. Small amounts of onion fed over a period of time can create illness just as a one-time dose can because the Heinz bodies can build up over time. On the other hand, some minor cases of onion toxicity may go undetected because it only results in a slight damage to the red blood cells. Sometimes, it may take several days before symptoms begin to be noticed. What are the symptoms of Onion Toxicity? Some of the obvious symptoms of onion toxicity are the following: weakness and lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea, difficulty breathing, pale or bluish gums, bloody urine, jaundice, decreased appetite, and increased heart rate. It can also lead to the death of the dogs if the dog eats a lot of the onion. Keeping the danger of onions in mind, homemade dog treats must not contain any onion, even in only small amounts. Here at the Dog Health Report we are concerned that the commercial pet food conglomerates have convinced the majority of pet owners to feed their pets commercial pet food that is made up of very questionable ingredients, and cooked in a way that strips out practically all the nutrients that may have been there. We firmly believe that all dogs deserve to be fed homemade dog food. For some great healthy homemade dog food recipes, that will seriously make your dog's mouth water, click here.

• Dog Food: Maintaining A Happy And Healthy Pet

  by Melinda Smith Owning a dog can be very beneficial and worthwhile. You want to make sure your dog stays healthy by providing him with nutritional food, making sure he gets enough exercise, and maintaining his hygiene. To ensure your dog grows properly it is necessary to provide him with proper training, adequate shelter and fresh food. Consuming unhealthy food is just as detrimental to your dog as it is to you, and eating foods like this can lead to diseases in human beings and hamper the growth of a dog. It is crucial that every dog owner realizes the importance of healthy food versus unhealthy foods. There are hundreds of different breeds in the dog world, so it is important to choose the proper food. You should always feed your dog high quality food. There are certain foods that are not very good for the health of your dog. Each breed of dog is unique in terms of it's dietary needs, such as size and color. Also, walking your dog each day is very important, as well as ensuring that the shelter meant for your dog is cleaned regularly. Foods such as chocolates, coffee grounds, tea, grapes, raisins, onions, and tomatoes are foods that must never be given to dogs. In addition, you should make sure the dog food you purchase does not contain excess salt. Giving your dog cooked bones is also a bad idea and should not be done. The rules for finding a good dog food are fairly straight forward. A good dog food will have no sugar in it and will be fairly low in fats. (Never make the mistake of giving your dog foods like fried potatoes or cashew nuts.) The dog food may contain some cooked or raw vegetables but should not be made up solely of vegetables. (Your dog would find this hard to digest). Checkout the internet for more information on how to create a health diet for you pet. There is no dearth of dog products available in the shops. But when it comes to the best dog food, no brand comes even close to Sojos Food for dogs. It is important to give your dog the right kind of foods. Remember, a healthy dog will bring happiness to you and your family members. For the proper growth of your dog, you must ensure that it is provided with proper training, clean shelter and fresh food. You should always feed your dog high quality food. Foods such as chocolates, coffee grounds, tea, grapes, raisins, onions, and tomatoes are foods that must never be given to dogs. In addition, you should make sure the dog food you purchase does not contain excess salt. Most pet shops have a wide array of dog products, and the choice of foods for the dog can be overwhelming. Brands such as Sojos Food for Dogs are healthy dog foods you should consider for your healthy dog.

• What is That Smell?

  In the past, dog odors were never a problem. Generally, the dog was kept outside except in extreme weather conditions. Now, most owners keep their pets inside, allowing them on the furniture and in the beds. A stinky pooch can be a big problem. Not only is odor bothersome and often repulsive to the family, it can also be a sign that your dog is having troubles with his health. If your pooch reeks, then you need to get to the bottom of the smell. The first step of getting to the bottom of the smell is obvious: has your pooch rolled and played in a foul-smelling substance? It is not uncommon for a dog to take a bath in feces, trash, or the muddy yard. Many experts believe that a dog’s tendency to roll in smelly substances is his way of covering up his natural odor. So, if he were to hunt prey in the wild (or prey were hunting him), his doggy odor wouldn’t give him away. Other experts, and owners alike, think it’s out of enjoyment. If you have ever witnessed your dog rolling around, you’ve probably noticed how happy he was about it. If your pet likes to roll around, then you may need to give him an extra bath or two. Don’t overdo it, though, because excessive bathing will dry out his skin. Typically, one bath per month is acceptable; but, an extra stinky pet may need more. Just make sure that you use a conditioning shampoo and completely rinsing it out of his fur. If your pet hasn’t been applying his favorite perfume, then you need to figure out exactly where the odor is coming from. First, take a whiff of his ears. Ear infections and wax buildup can cause seriously smelly ears. To prevent infections, clean out your pooch’s ears once a week. If an infection is already present (the ears may be red or swollen with black specks or discharge), then head straight to your veterinarian. Your pup’s ears may be sore or painful, so let the vet take care of the initial cleaning. The next place to check is his mouth. Open your pooch’s mouth and let him breathe on you. Dog breath is normal, but a strange odor can be a result of a number of problems. Gum disease, ulcers, diabetes, and stomach or gastrointestinal problems can all be causes of smelly breath. If the odor is coming from your pooch’s mouth, then take him to the veterinarian. Your vet can decide whether he needs a good teeth brushing or if something more serious is causing the odor. Once the ears and mouth have checked out okay, it’s time to check his coat. Mats and tangles can trap dirt and other smelly substances against your dog’s skin. Your dog also releases a smell when he “sweats.” Sometimes, the smell coming from his paw pads may not be agreeable to humans. Give him a good brushing, followed by a bath. If the odor is still present, then keep checking. Allergies and mange can lead to skin infections that also smell. If your pooch is scratching, then look closely at his skin. If it is irritated or hair is missing, then, once again, go visit your veterinarian to find the cause of the irritation. The final causes you should consider have to do with your pet’s behind. First of all, is it gas? Animals get gas just like humans. However, if your animal seems to be in pain or the gas persists longer than a few hours, he needs to be checked out by the vet. Flatulents can also be a sign of a stomach problem. Second, is your dog having a problem with his anal glands? The anal glands, or sacs, are responsible for releasing a smelly substance when your dog does his business. They also release an unpleasant odor if your dog becomes overanxious or frightened. Sometimes, the sacs can get infected or impacted, causing pain for your pooch. Let your vet decide if the sacs are a problem, and instruct you on what you can do to help. There are a number of reasons your dog may stink. If the cause of the odor is not obvious, then you will have to do some investigating. Sniff around certain areas of his body to find the cause. The ears, mouth, skin, and anus can all produce foul smells. If your pooch is odorous for a non-obvious reason, then visit your veterinarian. There may be an underlying health problem. This article was provided by pet-super-store.com an online pet shop featuring the latest in rugged Aluminum Dog Crates and luxurious wooden pet gates.

• How to Stop Your Dog From "Marking"

  Dogs mark for a variety of reasons. If your pooch is marking a tree or two, then you probably don’t mind it much. However, if your pooch has resorted to marking inside your home, then you probably want to stop the behavior. Before you can stop the behavior, you’ve got to get to the bottom of the marking. Once you figure out why your dog is marking, you can implement an anti-marking plan. First off, make sure the marking isn’t a problem with housetraining. Even a fully housetrained dog can experience a relapse. To tell the difference between marking and a housetraining problem, look at the “accident.” Animals normally do not mark with feces, so feces in your home may require additional housetraining. Also, consider your pooch’s schedule. If you are away from the home all day, then he may just not be able to hold it. Try to have someone stop by your home and let your dog out during the day. If the indoor urination ceases, then you can blame the problem on a full bladder! If you are unable to let your dog out during the day, then you may have to go back to crate training. Since dogs like to spray to get the word out about their mating availability, have your pooch spayed or neutered. Spaying and neutering are great ways to stop mating urination. If your adult pet has not been spayed or neutered, then the procedure may not completely stop the problem; often, if a dog gets accustomed to marking, then it becomes a habit. Still have your pet spayed or neutered, then take additional steps to stop the marking. If your pet is marking his territory, then it’s a good idea to try to keep him away from other animals. A dog that watches a stray through the window all day will be more likely to urinate in your home as a way to protect his space. Try keeping your pooch confined to a specific area when you are away, preferably a place where other animals can’t bother him. If he is marking because of another animal inside the home, then you need to take necessary steps to make peace between the animals. There is a ton of information on the Internet about how to go about this dilemma. When your pooch marks as a way to establish familiarity, then the best thing you can do is to not allow him access to unfamiliar objects. For instance, if a stranger stops by for a short visit or a long stay, then keep the stranger’s belongings away from your dog. Place bags and purses in out-of-reach areas. If the person is staying overnight, then keep his or her bedroom inaccessible to your pet. The same is true with a new family member: keep the belongings out of reach until your dog gets accustomed to the new person. In order to help your pet cope with the newness, have the person help in feeding, exercising, and playing with your pet. Your pooch will welcome the new person into the home once he gets accustomed to the change. If your pet soils your home, then you need to take care of the mess immediately, because your pet will use the same spot again. Clean the area thoroughly, removing any odors. A good way to make the area less attractive to your pooch is to start playing with him or feeding him in the places he likes to urinate. He’ll soon be turned off by the idea of urinating in his dining area. If your pet starts to circle or sniff out the spot that he has used before, distract him from the area and take him outside immediately. The same is true if he starts to urinate in your home: stop him abruptly, and take him outside. Give him a treat for urinating outdoors. If your pet is urinating all over your home, then you have a problem. There are many reasons why a pet may mark his territory. In order to stop the marking, you must be able to identify the cause. Common causes include outdoor animals, other pets, strangers, and new additions to the family. If your pet urinates inside your home, it is important that you clean the spot right away. In order to correct the behavior, you must interrupt your pet and show him the proper place to do his business. This article was provided by pet-super-store.com an online pet shop featuring the latest in rugged Aluminum Dog Crates and luxurious wooden dog gates.

• Transport Dog Crates for Travel With Your Dog

  An alarming number of dogs and other pets become injured, lost, or even die on board an airplane when traveling in transport dog crates. Compared to the number of successful animals transported from one location to another via the airlines, this number is low. But dog enthusiasts and breeders routinely fly their dogs in transport dog crates or pet travel carriers without having any trouble at all. The airlines claim to make every effort possible that dogs that travel on-board will be perfectly safe. Simply because thousands and thousands of pets are safely transferred from one destination to another via the airlines, does not mean that dog owners do not need to take responsible precautionary measures to ensure the safety of their family pet. After all, it only takes one incident to change your life forever when your dog becomes seriously injured or dies because of a lack of preparation on your part. The first thing to consider is whether your dog needs to travel at all. The second thing is whether your dog needs to travel by airplane, or whether dog transport via train or car is a possibility. It is essential before proceeding with any type of dog transport, to take your dog to your vet for a complete checkup to ensure that there are no medical conditions that might be aggravated by any type of travel, or confinement for a number of hours in transport dog crates or pet carriers for small pets. If the trip will take a few hours, try not to have your dog travel during the heat of the day. An early morning or an evening flight will be far more comfortable for your dog so as to avoid hot weather. If cold weather is the issue, then the middle of the day is fine, and in fact preferable. Puppies, in particular, are likely to suffer from stress or anxiety if put into transport dog crates in the cargo area of the plane. Unless your puppy is already very large, it is really important to ensure that if flying is your only option, that you will be permitted to bring him with you in the passenger compartment. Not all dogs can easily cope with the experience of being locked up in transport dog crates and placed in the cargo hold during an airplane ride. Every dog owner knows what his or her dog's personality is like. Trust your gut instincts on whether or not you think your dog can handle the flight. If you anticipate that there is any possibility that your dog will suffer from separation anxiety whilst in the cargo part of the airplane, investigate the possibility of treating him with a course of natural anti-anxiety treatments. Discuss this option with your vet. If your dog is prone to anxiety, your vet may even suggest that your dog be sedated. This is a last resort measure, but you should be guided by your vet's advice, particularly if your vet knows your dog well and is making this recommendation. Will you be traveling with your dog? Find out about transport dog crates and other types of dog transport utilities.

• Benefits of Organic Dog Food

  Benefits of Organic Dog Food Everybody has heard of “going green” for the environment. But did you know you can do the same with dogs just by switching to organic dog food? Organic dog food may be a bit more expensive but it’s worth it! Your dog will show improvements such as reduction of skin ailments and allergies, more energy and healthy weight, and fewer digestive disorders. Thus you will have a healthier, happier, more energetic dog. Sometimes dips, sprays, shampoos, creams, medications, and even premium brand dog foods, that is recommended by your vet, still leave your dogs with irritated skin and/or bald. Organic dog food is free of artificial colors and flavor enhancers, chemical additives and toxic pesticides which could be the source of your dog’s allergies. Quality protein and grain sources of outstanding nutritional value are just some of the perks of organic dog food. Therefore, it supports your dog’s immune system to help build resistance to any skin infections, leaving your dog with a fuller, healthier, and shinier coat. Just like humans, overweight dogs suffer from diabetes, organ failure, a back ailment, hip displasia, and have less energy for the exercise that could improve their health and physical condition. Many people say their dogs eat less organic dog food than other commercial varieties. This is because, in organic dog food, it is naturally more nutritious and it doesn’t contain bulk-fillers so he or she eats only what it needs to maintain healthy energy levels and normal functions. Superior sources of grains proteins and a lack of chemicals and artificial substances make organic food more digestible. If your dog vomits occasionally after meals or commonly experience gas, bloating, or diarrhea, check with your veterinarian for an underlying illness. Oats, barley, or other natural whole grains and human-grade turkey, lamb, or chicken make a tremendous difference to your dog’s digestive system. When your dog consumes corn or other bulk-fillers and chemical additives, your dog will ingest only what it needs for healthy metabolic functioning. In conclusion, dogs eat less when they are on an organic diet. Just as the quality of your diet affects the quality of your life, what you feed your dog will have a direct impact on how he or she feels, looks and acts. By feeding organic food to your dog, you can help ensure your dog lives a long, happy and healthy life. It is one ingredient in an overall healthy lifestyle you can help your dog enjoy. A luxurious, shiny coat, energy to run and play, and healthy weight can maximize your dog’s life expectancy and quality of life into old age. This article was written and provided by pet-super-store.com a site featuring orthopedic dog beds & dog training collars.