Homemade Treats for a Happy and Healthy Dog

Baking your own dog treats

Are you aware of the ingredients on a box of dog treats? Do you choose the ones with orange color for that cheese flavor? Or the ones with red because it’s reputed to taste like liver? Have you seen an expiration date for dog-food products? It's like these foods can last forever. You'll never how long these dog treats have been sitting on the shelf.

The things to avoid when buying your dog treats are the ones with the words containing "by-products" and "meal" on the label. Chances are these are food-processing by-products that humans will not consume. Ingredients including chemicals, preservatives, artificial flavorings and artificial colorings are some unsuitable or sometimes potentially harmful contents of these treats.

Proper nutrition and regular veterinary care are the two key ingredients for a healthy, happy dog. If people only knew the quality of ingredients in dog treats that are readily available in the store, people would cook for their pets. Making homemade, all natural dog treats is one step to take control of your dog's health, and do something special for your best friend.

Alternative to baked treats

When you don't have time to bake for your dog, there are many other healthful foods you can offer as treats. Choose dried dates and dried apricots, both must be without sugar, baby carrots, seedless grapes and apple slices. Be sure to remove any seeds, and wash fruits and vegetables well to remove pesticides and preservatives before feeding these foods to your dog. Keep portions small. And remember, anytime you give your dog new foods, watch for allergic reactions.

When do you buy commercial products?

Not everyone has the time nor the desire to cook for their pets. When buying dog treats or dog food, make sure you choose the ones whose primary products, the first few that are listed in the label, are whole foods like beef, lamb, chicken, brown rice, whole wheat, barley and oats. By-products such as meal, corn, and other weird ingredients that you can barely pronounce should be at the end of the list. The best treats have a short and simple list of ingredients.

A lot of pet owners today are concerned about their pet's diet, which has led to the development of more healthful and all-natural products. There are several pet specialty stores and Internet resources that offer a huge selection of dog treats and dog foods. Don't just go for the price or get fooled by the packaging, always read the ingredients and make educated choices.

© 2010 Athena Goodlight

Housebreaking Your New Puppy

The more time you spend with your new pup or dog, the faster she will learn not to urinate or defecate in the house. A puppy is just a baby and must learn what you expect of her. An older dog may have to learn new habits, depending upon how she was housed and trained before.


What Doesn’t Work
You have probably heard someone say, "If the puppy makes a mistake, rub his nose in it," or "Drag him to the site of disaster, point at the puddle or pile, and scold him." Don’t use either of those methods. They don’t work. All you’ll do is frighten the pup and make a mess for yourself to clean up. A dog is so upset when he is being scolded that he can’t even begin to understand exactly what you are angry about.

What Does Work: 6 Easy Steps
1. Watch out for the signs. Be with your puppy as much as possible so that you can learn his different noise and behaviors. You will soon detect that the puppy behaves in a certain way immediately before he begins to relieve himself like when you see your pup start to circle and sniff the floor, he’s almost certainly looking for a place to potty. Watch for this cue and use it to your advantage. You will only have a few seconds to get the puppy out to the place you want him to use. Don’t scold him if you are not fast enough.
2. Pick out your potty area. Pick a spot that you want your puppy to use as his potty area. Place a piece or two of his stool in that spot. This will be a cue to the pup. Take him to that spot immediately after eating. Praise him gently the instant he starts to relieve himself. The praise must be quiet and calm so that you won’t excite him to a point that he forgets what he started to do. When finished, shower him with praises and let him play in another area.
3. Be patient. Don’t play with your pup until he relieves himself. If he does not relieve himself within 10 minutes, put him in his crate and try the whole thing again in about 20 minutes.
4. Keep the potty area clean. Clean up the area everyday, leaving a small piece behind as a reminder for a few days. Once you are sure that the pup understands what the potty area is for, clean up the area completely each day
5. Maintain control. If your puppy is very small, you may have to carry him to the potty spot. Or take him out wearing a collar and leash. Never let the puppy follow you without any type of restraint. Keep a leash and collar by the door.
6. Introduce the puppy to the house in small steps. Confine the pup to a single room at first, preferably one with a tiled floor. Put a baby gate across the entrance when possible. You must be able to observe the puppy when he is out of the crate, so don’t lock him in the bathroom. The best time to allow the puppy freedom in his room is after he has relieved himself outdoors. When you are confident with his behavior, gradually allow him freedom to the rest of the house. Too much too soon may allow him to spot a nook or cranny as a perfect spot to relieve himself. Just take it slow and you will have a reliable puppy.



© 10/19/2010 Athena Goodlight

Brief Guide to Dog Surgery

Dog surgery pertains to any canine veterinary operation. It ranges from minor surgery, which usually only requires a few stitches, to major surgery, which involves medical solutions to multiple body organs.

One of the most common types of dog surgery is cataract surgery. Just like humans, dogs are also subject to complications in vision and blindness. A dog with cataracts gradually loses its eyesight. A palpable symptom of canine cataract is change in color of the dog's pupils. The eyes develop small spots that are either blue or gray in color. In terms of movement, a dog with cataracts tends to look lethargic. It walks uncomfortably and easily bumps into things.

The solution to cataracts is of course, a surgery. During a cataract surgery, the veterinarian removes the lens of the dog and replaces them with artificial substitutes. Cataracts in dogs are caused by consistent exposure of eyes to foreign objects. Just like in humans, the chances to have cataracts among dogs also depend on their genetics.

Read more: Brief Guide to Dog Surgery

Dog Scabbing 101 - What You Need to Know About Dog Scabs

Causes

If you've noticed scabbing in your dog's skin and other skin problems erupting all over your dog's body, it may be because of a developing skin infection caused by different factors such as the environment, the food that your dog eats, certain substances in the house that causes scabbing, or others. There are a lot of reasons why dogs develop scabs such as abnormal sebaceous glands, parasites like fleas and mites, and severe sores due to irritants. So you need to know what the factors or changes are to be able to cure the disorder and prevent it from occurring again.

The thing about dog scabbing is that these are usually the end result of too much scratching and itching, which normally causes sores to develop in the areas where the scratching occurs the most. Dermatitis, a general term for dog skin disorders, usually is the diagnosis for dogs that experience pain, itch, and irritation all over their bodies and would scratch endlessly, causing them to pull of their fur, lick and scratch raw skin, and develop sores that later on would develop into scabs. Another explanation for dog scabbing could be flea bites that have healed over, so most likely there would be cases where you would find fleas dwelling within those scabs.

Solutions

Here are some solutions that would help stop your dog from forming scabs and treating scabs that have already manifested in your dog's body for quite some time:

• What you can do to prevent dog scabbing is to give it regular flea baths in which the scabs would eventually come off on its own. It is important that the baths are done every one to two weeks so that the flea bites will be able to heal and be prevented in the future when your dog is ready to go out and play again.
• Try not to pull out too many (or at all) of the scabs as this is usually discouraged because of possible scarring, especially when the scabs haven't healed yet over time. Most vet nurses and practicing doctors would encourage dog owners to take their pets to clinics and veterinary centers for good treatment. Though this would be more expensive than home remedies, in most cases flea bites and scabbing heal faster with proper medication and treatment.
• Visiting the veterinarian is always a good idea, especially if you're handling strays, because they will be able to observe if the dog has other diseases and skin infections that could be causing the abnormal dog scabbing. Another reason why it is best to take dogs with scabs to the vet is because these scabs are normally caused by parasites like mites and fleas, so even humans could get affected by this skin disorder.
• I also recommend you check out products that naturally help to clear up dog scabs by working with your dog's immune system. Some of these products will also help to relieve scratching and itching that accompanies or causes the scabbing.

by Brandon Roe

If you're looking for more information on what to do, the World Wide Web is usually the best place for information and actual forum discussions between pet owners and vets. You can also call the hotlines of vet clinics if you think professional advice is needed.

Help get rid of your dog's scabs quickly and naturally with the veterinary-approved K9 KlearUp! Guaranteed to help clear up your dog's scabs and skin problems... or you get 100% of your money back, no questions asked. Visit k9klearup.com for a FREE Dog Skin Care Guide.

My Dog Has Ringworm, Now What?

Ringworm in dogs is a very common disease, but ringworm is not a worm but a fungus - little spores land on susceptible skin and start feeding on the dead skin cells. Its appearance as a red ring of rash led to the misnomer ringworm!

SYMPTOMS

Some of the visible signs to detect whether your dog maybe suffering from ringworm disease:

- Small hairless patches on the body
- Scaly skin with dandruff like flakes and with pus in the area
- Red ring of rash
- Common areas of attack are the face, tips of the ears, tail and paws

CAUSES

There are several different types of ringworm or fungi; Microsporum canis is the most predominant one found on dogs and cats. Transmission happens through direct contact with another infected animal or person. People can give it to dogs and vice versa. The fungal spores can live for a very long time in the environment and can usually be found in carpets, bedding etc and infects dog or human when they come in contact with it.

Once your dog is infected with ringworm it can remain contagious for up to 3 weeks and this duration is when the dog is undergoing aggressive treatment. What is heartening to know is that most dogs usually develop immunity to the ringworm disease.

SOLUTION

Ringworm usually last as long as 8 weeks without treatment and then disappears. However to avoid your dog suffering, treatment must be given to cut down the time it will be contagious (please consult your vet if you suspect your dog has ringworm.)

Vets usually prescribe the anti fungal drug Giseofulvin that acts as a fungal inhibitor. This drug has side effects like diarrhea, vomiting and nausea. This tablet does not get absorbed from the stomach unless there is fat included so try giving it to your dog with some fatty meat for it to be effective.

Vets may also prescribe a topical antifungal medication to be applied on the affected areas for a specific period. Be very careful not to get in your dog's eyes.

Antifungal shampoo baths should be given under the guidance of your Vet. You should also bathe any other dogs and cats you may have one time with the shampoo. Don't forget to lather well and leave on for 5 minutes at least.

Lime sulphur dips twice a week are often recommended. It is better for your Vet to administer the dip as it stains clothes and jewelry and worse - it stinks like rotten eggs!

Using a mixture of bleach and water in the ratio 1:10, wipe down all visible surfaces and vacuum daily. Steam clean your carpets and curtains and wash out your dog's bedding and kennel with the bleach solution and lots of hot water. This should kill most of the spores.

PREVENTION

While there is no definite procedure to guarantee prevention of ringworm, you can adopt preventive measures like limited exposure of your dog to other dogs; maintain good hygiene in your home and with your dog's things; groom your dog thoroughly on a regular basis; and by taking steps to avoid cross contamination and human transmission.

by Brandon Roe

Dog Flea Bites - Home Remedies For Your Dog's Relief

Dogs love to play and explore their surroundings, especially when there are other dog playmates around the neighborhood. But when left unattended, especially in areas where all kinds of filth can be found, some dogs suffer from what is popularly known as "fleas" or "dog flea bites". If your dog was once a happy and enthusiastic playmate and is now suffering from hair loss and incessant scratching, this could be a case of dog flea bites and should be treated immediately before it becomes worse.

To be able to understand how dogs suffer from these bites, it is important that you know what really happens when fleas crawl up into the dog's body and start to bite all over. Basically when a flea bites, it excretes saliva and other irritating substances that usually cause an allergic reaction in some dogs, making them scratch all over until hair falls off and sores begin to develop. Such skin eruption is usually characterized by red spots surrounded by a reddened circle or halo, so if you see these kinds of spots on your dog, which is usually either on the lower back or tail, abdomen, and thigh areas, it's most likely a case of dog flea bites. If left untreated, the skin disorder will become severe, causing the skin to thicken and darken and hot spots to start developing, which normally appear as red painful sores, which are extremely uncomfortable for your dog.

Solutions

The good thing about dog flea bites is that there are home remedies which can stop the itching and rid your dog of these parasites. Here are some remedies that you can apply if you've discovered that your dog is suffering from nasty flea bites:

· To be able to prevent the alleviation of inflammation, bathe your dog with cold water to stop the itch and keep him or her clean so that secondary infections won't occur in the future. Never use warm or hot water as this could stimulate the itching again and increase the pain of the sores at the same time.

· Most veterinarians and experts suggest using fresh aloe vera and other herbal plants to sooth the inflamed skin of the dog. Aloe vera is especially recommended since it has significant properties meant to heal and sooth the pains of skin infections and disorders, even on humans.

· You can add foods with fatty acid (ex. Flaxseed oil) in order to supplement your dog's diet with foods that have anti-inflammatory effects. This will be very helpful as it will increase your dog's chances of healing faster from flea bites.

If none of these home remedies work for your dog and the condition becomes chronic in nature, it would be best to visit your local vet for observation and stronger medication, which could be in the form of steroid creams or injections. This will promote faster relief for your dog as well as healing.

I also strongly recommend you check out natural products that specialize in treating dog flea bites. There are a variety out there but one of the most effective ones I've ever seen contains the Mayan traditional herb Tepezcohuite.

by Brandon Roe

What's the Best Dog Shampoo?

There are hundreds of dog shampoo products and dog product manufacturers. Because of this, many dog owners find it difficult to choose one that fits their dog's needs the best. It is important to take note that human shampoo, no matter how expensive, elegant, or mild, is not appropriate for a dog's hair.

Human hair and dog hair have very different genetic structure that should be treated with care. Presently, you may have your trusted dog shampoo brand, but please two minutes to read this short guide in order to make sure that the product you chose is the best shampoo for your dog.

How To Decide?

There are five factors that you must consider in choosing the best dog shampoo-the quality, the promised efficacy, the ingredients, the fragrance, and of course, the price.

QUALITY - When it comes to the shampoo's quality, test how the dog responds to the product, and see for yourself if bathing your dog with this shampoo is easy or not. It's very important that the shampoo you choose can be lathered and rinsed well.

EFFICACY - By promised efficacy, it means that the product should highlight the desired results that it presented in the package. A dandruff shampoo, a shiny coat shampoo, a moisturizing shampoo, a hair growing shampoo and many other types must fulfill the promise that they leave to the consumers.

INGREDIENTS - As much as possible, owners must choose shampoos that are hypoallergenic. This type of product contains mild ingredients that do not irritate the skin and produce serious allergic reactions. Choosing products with natural ingredients is also recommended, as biological conservation and eco-friendliness have also become pressing concerns today. Some of the most popular natural and organic ingredients used in dog shampoos today are aloe vera, peppermint, burdock, and shea butter.

It is important to take note though that many dog shampoos are not mild and natural, in as much as these dog products are aimed to cure certain skin conditions. There are shampoos for dogs suffering from itchiness caused by ant bites, fleas, ticks, and many other insects. There are also shampoos for dogs experiencing skin inflammation, wounds, and hair loss. Serious skin conditions, it must be emphasized, are a veterinarian's business. Over the counter dog shampoo medications sold at pet supply stores are only for mild cases.

FRAGRANCE - The dog must feel homey, and this can be heightened by choosing the best dog shampoo whose fragrance is sweet and reminds the dog of his or her home. In picking a scent, choose something similar to the smell of home-the smell of jasmine, or orange, or strawberry, or lavender, or anything that reminds the dog that it is indeed at its home sweet home.

PRICE - The price of the product should also be a concern, but it is advised to check the label first before worrying about the tag price. Since the bottle will be consumed in perhaps two to three months, it is better to put in the basket something that is mid-range or expensive in price but very worthy to be used than a less-expensive one that does not show satisfying results.

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Brandon Roe is the author of "The Official Dog Coat and Skin Care Guide", a comprehensive 52-page guide to healthy dog skin. To receive your complimentary copy FREE today, visit www.K9KlearUp.com