How to Choose Healthy Dog Food for Your Pet

Author: Sylvia Dickens
Is healthy dog food a myth? You've probably wondered, since hearing about the recent dog food recalls. Pet lovers like you fear that their dogs will suffer like so many others that ate food containing dangerous ingredients - wheat gluten and a product used in the production of plastics.

If you're like other dog owners, you're taking a much closer look at those dog food labels. They claim to offer the top quality, balanced diet for your pet, but how can you know if it's true? How do you guarantee that your dog eats only healthy food? Is it even possible to get healthy dog food from manufacturers now?

It has become tougher to find inexpensive healthy dog food. They use high levels of preservatives and take a lot of processing that destroys nutrients. Many use filler to make up the quantity but it does nothing for quality. The most common fillers are wheat and corn. Dogs don't need corn. In fact, it can be slow to digest, giving your dog no nutrients whatsoever.

Corn and wheat can also trigger allergies in some dogs. Any grain product should include the entire grain so your dog gets all the benefits including fiber, vitamins and minerals. Look for rolled oats, barley, millet and brown rice as these will provide the best nutritional value.

When you read the dog food label, look for those with the best ingredient ratio, which is 40% meat, 50% vegetables and 10% grains. The items are listed in order of quantity. You'll want to make sure meat is at the top of the list.

Watch out for meat by-products as this can include indigestible parts of the animals such as feet and beaks. Also, be aware of manufacturers who list meat as the main product, and then follow it with meat by-products. This alters the nutritional ratio significantly.

Did you know that Vitamins A and B make good preservatives? Look for labels that list these instead of the cancer-causing chemical preservatives BHA, BHT and Ethoxyquin.

Choose a good quality, reputable dog food rather than economy brands as the premium food will contain ingredients of higher nutritional value.

Keep in mind that your dog might benefit more from a specific type of dog food, rather than a one-for-all brand. While both types of food offer value, some dogs have additional needs. Factors include your breed's inherited health risks, your dog's activity levels and any other underlying conditions that require certain dog food nutrients.

If you want to ensure your dog receives only healthy dog food, you can make it yourself. There are many recipes available online and in dog recipe books. Run an Internet search and you're sure to find a wealth of choices. Look for dog-related forums. People love to go online and chat about their favorite subject - their pets - and share recipes.

Knowing how to read dog food labels will help you to identify the best product for your pet, but you can't beat homemade for your peace of mind and to provide the best nutritional and healthy dog food to your beloved best friend.
About the Author:

Sylvia Dickens is an award-winning journalist who is also a lifelong dog owner. You can read more Dog Training tips on her site. Pick up your free copy of her latest booklet, "Unveiling the Myths & Mysteries of Owning a Puppy"

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A Healthy Dog Diet for Your Pet Will Keep it Happy and Healthy

Author: Graham williams

When choosing a healthy dog diet it can often be difficult and confusing, that is if you let it be. The packaging and marketing of the products you wish to purchase will often blur your perception of it. Your dogs diet is the easiest and best way to keep your pet in good health and happy for the many years you will have together. it is better for you to find a diet that will provide all the essential nutrients that are needed for your pet to thrive rather than merely survive.

So here are some basic guidelines for you to follow when you are selecting the food for your dogs diet. you should know that every dog is different and what is the right diet for your neighbors dog may not be exactly what your pet needs.

The first step should always be when deciding your dogs diet, is to talk to your vet. They will always have your pets interest at heart, just like you. The vets recommendations will help you make the right decision.

What you need to do is find a reputable brand of dog food to be the main ingredient of your dogs diet. It is not impossible to come across a high-quality dog food that you have never heard of or seen before, but a well known and manufacturer provides you with an amount of safety and security about the decision to feed your dog a healthy diet.

Reputable and recognized dog food manufacturers take the time to research animal nutrition. This allows your pet to benefit from the company's research rather than going it alone.

What you should do is select a dog food that is appropriate for your pets age. With a older that is showing signs of aging, then it is best to consider a dog diet that is specially formulated for senior dogs. On the other hand puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs.

You will need to find a variety of food that meets your dogs needs. Even the breed and size of your pet will make a difference in the type of diet you should feed it. Diets formulated specifically for small dogs and large breeds are readily available. You will want to keep this in mind when selecting your dogs diet.

The activity level and weight are the other factors for you to consider when making the decision of what to feed your dog. When you decide on a diet for your dog, pay attention to the portion size. Obesity is a serious problem in pets. It can lead to hip trouble and take years off your pets life.

Table scraps are definitely not a healthy diet. Your dogs diet should consist of a high-quality food specially designed to meet your pets dietary needs.

Only supplement a high quality diet when recommended by your vet. If you give your pet too many supplements in the dogs diet then this can lead to a poor of health.

Your dogs diet will fuel his health, so choose your dogs diet wisely. You need to select a brand of food that is reputable and suited to your dog. When you find the right diet for your pet it will promote good health and allow your dog to thrive for many years to come.

About the Author:

For more free information on your dogs diet try visiting Free Dog Diet Tips, A popular website that provides dog diet and health tips, advice and resources to include information on your Dogs Diet .

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Dog Training - Overweight Dogs

Author: John Williams Dog Training

An overweight dog is something many owners should be very aware of especially after the middle age of about 7 years of age (depending on dogs’ size). A dogs weight can seriously put your dogs health at risk and cut their life short as well as causing a unnecessary painful ending.

Dogs tend to be able to eat as much as we choose to feed them at times and feeding your dog till he/she is full is a bad idea at the best of times. A set amount should be given to your dog each day and some notification next to your dogs bowl might help the confusion of who’s fed the dog and who hasn’t.

As your dog becomes older, you will need to check their weight more often as their metabolism will slow down and overeating will become out of control and a problem for your dog. Obviously dogs come in different sizes and shapes so there is not set amount of food that has to be given to your particular breed of dog and a small amount of research or a trip to the vets will be needed to see how much your dog should eat.

Determine the weight of your dog is correct by checking that your dogs’ ribs can be easily felt with little pressure, and are not visibly noticeable. Your dogs’ hips should be easily felt and not are surrounded by too much flesh and fat, and from looking down on your dog the body curves inwards after the rib cage slightly.

If these are all in place then your dog appears to be a healthy weight and this should be maintained throughout their life. Always ensure your dog has plenty of exercise and play time to maintain a healthy dog. If your dog becomes too thin then a vet should be contacted for advice and support as well as if your dog is very overweight.

About the Author:

For more information visit our dog training website at this link... Dog Training

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Dog Illnesses

Author: Dog Care Tips

All pet dogs should be treated as members of our family and adequate attention must be paid to the canine's health. Sometimes dogs become sick but may not look so. It is very important to recognize and understand dog illnesses symptoms.

Since prevention is a better cure, we must learn something about dog illnesses and symptoms so we can better understand their conditions. This will help us recognize some common dog illnesses. If appropriate and adequate vaccinations are administered to the puppies, most of the common dog illnesses can be easily prevented.

Some elementary observations are useful to recognize certain common dog illnesses. Dogs take a lot of sleep but their sleep is marked by alertness. If a dog is sluggish then there may be various causes contributing to it, right from anemia to old age. If the dog is limping then you should check for prospective painful areas using a firm and yet gentile hand. Check out for any signs indicating lameness from time to time.

The appetite of the dog is bound to be affected by ill health. Look for any signs of loss of appetite. An important sign of dog health problems is excessive thirst. A pronounced weight loss is also an indicator of ill health. Check the eyes for any ulcers, discharges, veins or sores.

The mouth of a healthy dog is pink. There should not be any discoloring or cavities in the teeth. Look for signs of discharge from ears. It is advisable to clean the ears from time to time. The dog's head should be regularly checked for sore patches, hair loss, or deep wounds.

Investigate the limbs and trunk for the same signs. If the dog is vomiting, there may be various underlying problems. If the body temperature of your dog is not between the range 38 to 39 Celsius it is an indication of some kind of illness. Check the female dogs for any kind of foul smelling vaginal discharge, which needs attention of a vet.

The symptoms of pain and discomfort experienced by a dog can give us many clues about the possible underlying illness. If the dog is suffering any abdominal pain, it may be due to canine hepatitis, enteritis or it can be a simple case of constipation. The abdominal swelling dogs indicate canine bloat and roundworms in puppies. Aggression of the dog may be caused by rabies. Roundworms, tapeworms, and whipworms my cause anemia in dogs. Any behavioral changes in dog can be an indicator of hookworms, tapeworms, whipworms, canine arthritis, heart disease, canine, or parvovirus.

Kidney diseases sometimes cause blood in urine. Eye infections and entropion cause bloodshot eyes in dogs. A ruptured diaphragm, obstructed airway, lungworm, bronchitis, pneumonia, food poisoning, heatstroke, allergies can cause respiratory problems in dogs.

There are various reasons of sudden change in weight of dogs like heart disease to heartworms. Hernia might be caused due to long term constipation in dogs. Allergies, parvovirus, hepatitis, lungworm, TB, pneumonia or distemper may be one of the reasons of coughing in dogs. Cannine parvovirus can also cause dehydration in dogs. Any pancreatic disorder, food poisoning can give rise to diarrhea in dogs. The dog may suffer from hair loss due to mange, red mange demodectic, scabies, cheyletiella mange, or cushings syndrome.

If dog indicates any signs of failing genital bleeding, persistent constipation, projectile vomiting, fainting, hair loss, seizure, stumbling, trauma, trembling, mouth bleeding, rectal bleeding, lethargy, shaking, urinating problems contact a dog care specialist.

About the Author:
If you love your dog, you've got to know "What to do if Your Dog is Poisoned" just in case. Hope you'd never have to use it. http://www.2knowabout.com/dog/what_to_do_if_your_dog_is_poisoned.php

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Your Pets Should Get Vaccinated

Author: John Samson

Active immunization is the introduction into the body of killed or satisfied microorganisms or their products for the purpose of stimulating the body\'s defense mechanism. This concept is also applicable to other species like the dogs.

Historically the area of veterinary medicine had not yet realized the potential benefits of vaccinations. It hasn\'t been until recently, that veterinary experts formulated certain solutions so as to combat the alarming increase of death in digs. Namely, most of the causes are viral infection.

With the inception of vaccinations, many dogs were saved from probable death brought about by many diseases like leptospirosis, hepatitis, upper respiratory infections, and parvovirus.

Like humans, dogs need vaccinations even at an early age. That is why it is important to immunize puppies so that they will survive until they are fully grown.

Basically, puppies get their immunity from their mother\'s milk, which is also the same as that of human beings. However, these immunities tend to lose their effects by the time the puppies are already 6 to 20 weeks old. It is during this time that they have to be immunized.

Hence, in order to protect the puppies against infectious diseases, it is best to give them their shots and they should be re-immunized after 3 to 4 weeks. In this way, the puppies will be able to endure any infectious disease that may come their way.

Rabies and Immunization

Rabies is an acute and almost invariably fatal disease communicated to man through the saliva of a rabid animal, usually dogs, foxes, squirrels, and bats.

Dogs, fortunately, always present evidence of the disease before becoming infective. The etiologic agent is an ultramicroscopic virus present in the saliva and the central nervous system.

The course of rabies in dogs is characterized by an incubation period of 20 to 30 days. This is followed by a period of excitement, when the animal becomes vicious. The excitement stage may be evident at all or may be entirely absent. Paralysis then develops, first involving the hind legs and thereafter becoming general. Death occurs within 10 days following the first symptom.

Alternatively, the effects of rabies in human beings can be fatal as it is with dogs. Hence, in order to avoid these problems, it is best to have your dogs vaccinated with anti-rabies shots.

Rabies vaccines can be given during the 16th to the 26th week of the puppies. This requires a follow up shot one year after for total protection.

On the other hand, dog owners should take note that not all vaccinations will generate adverse effects on their dogs. So, it is best to always observe your dog after vaccination. When certain reactions occur like vomiting, facial swelling, or trembling, it is best to discuss these matters immediately with your veterinarian.

Moreover, certain precautions should also be made when the age of the dogs are taken into consideration. For some guides regarding this matter, here are some tips:

1. The age of puppies

It is best to consider the puppies age before subjecting them to their shots.

For puppies that are 4 to 20 weeks old, their first shots should be given during their 6th to 8th weeks of age. The last shots shall be given on the 14th to 16th week of age. These date apply to all primary vaccines.

For rabies, puppies should be 16 to 26 weeks old.

2. For dogs that are 20 weeks old up to 2 years old

During this age, dogs should have received their booster shots already. This is essential so as to lengthen the immunity of the vaccines in the dog\'s system. At this stage, additional vaccines are recommended for added protection such as vaccines against bordetella and other newer vaccines.

3. For dogs that are older than 2 years

By this time, the dogs should have been through with their booster shots. What comes next is the annual revaccination. These kinds of vaccines are still recommended so as to lengthen their protection against certain diseases.

The bottom line is that vaccinations are extremely important to your dog\'s life. Like the way it functions in human beings, vaccines are needed in order to protect the dogs from imminent risk of acquiring diseases brought about by viruses.

With dog vaccines, you can be assured that your dog will be at its peak of health for a longer period of time, free from any life-threatening diseases. Indeed, with vaccines every life is lengthened.

About the Author:

Learn about beagle rescue and beagle breeders at the About Beagles site.

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Dog Dental Care Is Essential

Author: Benjamin Brook

Dogs are an absolute pleasure to have around; they are loyal, loving, playful and always happy to see you. However, they are also a big responsibility from regular vet check ups to providing a nutritious diet and grooming. Taking of a dog is like taking care of a child; it needs to be done on a daily basis to ensure you have a healthy and happy dog.

Why Do Your Pets Have Bad Breath?

Bad breath (also known medically as halitosis) in pets is caused by gum disease such as, gingivitis and it almost always occurs because of poor oral hygiene. Statistics show that almost 70% of pets (cats and dogs) will suffer from some form of gum disease by the age of 3 and that is because of the tartar that deposits on the gums due to poor or no oral hygiene.

Poor dog dental care does not only lead to gum diseases but also to disorders that spread to the entire body and that is yet another reason you must take a few minutes every couple of days to indulge in applying proper dental care for your pet.

Proper And Essential Dog Dental Care

There are a few ways in which you can ensure proper dog dental care so your dog will not only not have bad breath but his teeth will be healthy and along with his teeth his entire body as well. Dry food by itself or mixed in his or her food will help clean the teeth in the process of eating as well as keep the teeth strong and this practice can and should be done on a daily basis.

Brushing your dog's teeth every other day is the other way to ensure proper dog dental care. It is true that your dog may not be exactly delighted with brushing his or her teeth but it is for his or her good health and it all depends on you and how you approach it in order to make it playful and fun experience to which he or she should looks forward.

Last but not least, you can take your dog to the vet for the best dog dental care, as there are special tools that will ensure all the teeth are cleaned thoroughly as well as the gum. During your dog regular check ups with the vet ensure his or her teeth are checked as well to ensure there is no tartar deposit and if there is, only the vet can remove it successfully.

Keep Your Pet Healthy

Clean teeth will ensure good health for you best friend and great breath as well. Your dog's dental care is as important to his or her health as the diet or grooming and must never be neglected.

About the Author:
Please visit my following sites Dental Care Credit Leather Dog Collar

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Home Dog Grooming Tips

Author: Garry Neale

Dog grooming refers to the practice of maintaining the appearance of a dog for public showing or personal hygiene reasons. Grooming dogs includes things like shampooing, hair clipping, hair styling, powdering, nail clipping and teeth cleaning. Grooming is healthy for your dog and can be somewhat pleasing to the owner. It also helps reduce shedding and odor. Grooming further serves to reduce allergies for both the dog and their owner.

The health benefits derived from regular grooming are numerous. It keeps the dog's coat glossy and the skin healthy. It also serves to improve circulation and helps keep the their coat free from fleas, ticks and other parasites.

The first step in grooming dogs is to find a clean and comfortable area with adequate lighting to use as a workspace. Being groomed must not be a traumatic experience for your dog. It's also very important to purchase high quality pet grooming equipment and supplies.

Dog grooming and dog health go hand in hand. If you have a dogs that sheds a lot, regular grooming will speed up the shedding cycle and stop all those floating hair tufts. Dog grooming is not only healthy, it helps you to create a bond of trust and love with your dog. Pet grooming is an expression of your affection and if started early in your dog's life will server to establish a regular routine that will contribute greatly to the future health and well-being of your pet.

Here's a dog grooming tip; when trimming your dog's coat, don't forget about the hair around legs, ears and eyes. However, these areas are important to remember. Dogs should be bathed about once a week. Be sure to remove any tangles before starting a bath and don't get water and soap in their ears or eyes. You can clean the ears with a damp cloth or use a dog ear cleaner that can be purchased at any pet store.

Clipping your dog's nails once every month is enough to keep them in fine condition. However, be sure to use only good quality nail clippers. Trim each nail while be careful you don't cut back too far as this may result in pain and potential infection. If you're uncertain how far back to cut, just cut back to the point where the nail starts to curl and you should be okay.

Dental health is very important for dogs as well as humans. Even though you are having your dog's teeth look at on your regular vet visits, you still need to take care of their teeth at home also. You should brush your dog's teeth once a week with one of your old discarded toothbrushes. You can find special dog toothpaste at your local pet store. Don't use your toothpaste because dogs do like the taste and will fight having their teeth brushed.

Regular dog grooming can become a integral and relaxing part of your life and your pet will love the extra attention. Regular grooming provides many positive health benefits and helps the dog to understand its place within the family social order. This leads to a healthy, happy and well adjusted pet who will appreciate your affection.

About the Author:
Garry Neale is and avid dog enthusiast and creator of the popular e-book, "http://www.dog-lovers-guide.net>The Dog Lovers Guide", a FREE dog owners handbook you can download at no cost from his http://www.dog-lovers-guide.net>Dog Lover Website.

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Dog Care: Top 10 Ways to Keep your Dog Forever Young

Author: Dr. Debra Primovic

There is a large disparity between the life spans of dogs and humans. After having loved a pet and lost one, it seems unfair. The best we can do is to keep our friends as healthy as possible and "forever young." Here are My Top 10 Ways to Keep Your Dog Forever Young:

1. Know When Your Pet is "Old." The time when your dog is considered a "senior" depends largely on his or her breed and size. According to Dr. Johnny Hoskins in Geriatrics and Gerontology of the Dog and Cat, small breed dogs (less than 20 pounds) are in their senior years around nine to 13 years of age. Medium sized dogs (21 to 50 pounds) around nine to 11. 5 years; large breed dogs (51 to 90 pounds) around 7.5 to 10.5 years and giant dogs (more than 90 pounds) between six and nine years. In general, smaller breed dogs live longer.

2. Wellness Exams. When your pet is considered a senior, you should bring your dog for regular geriatric examinations. These examinations help identify early diseases or problems in older pets. Exams should include a history and physical examination with evaluation of the teeth, listening to the heart and lungs (by stethoscope), abdominal palpation (feeling of the abdomen) and inspection of your dog's ear and eyes. Weight monitoring, parasite check (fecal examination) and blood work and urine tests are also often recommended. Other tests may be indicated depending on your pet's symptoms.

3. Watch for Illness. Careful observation at home is extremely important. By nature of survival, dogs are very good at hiding their illness until it is too late. Take time to examine your pet. Feel him or her for masses and indications of weight loss or loss of musculature. Things to watch for include changes in water consumption or patterns of urination, poor appetite, weight loss or gain, coughing or difficulty breathing, changes in activity level, vomiting, diarrhea and skin lumps or masses. If you have questions or concerns about your pet, play it safe and have him or her evaluated by your veterinarian. Early diagnosis is vital to the success of treatment.

4. Weight Control. Obese dogs have shorter life spans than non-obese dogs. Obesity may lead to a number of health problems. Excess weight puts excess stress on your dog's heart. When the heart doesn't function properly, other organs may suffer including the brain, lungs, liver and kidneys. Over time, these problems may become severe enough to cause life-threatening conditions.

5. Keep Close Tabs. In general, "outdoor" free roaming dogs have shorter lives than indoor animals. Infectious diseases, poisonings and trauma are common killers. Senior dogs have decreased reflexes and may not see and hear as well as they used to. This makes them vulnerable to outside dangers such as predators or cars. Keep dogs on leashes or in fenced-in yards.

6. Monitor Your Environment. Keep poisons up and out of your dog's reach. Common toxins include antifreeze, rat poison and slug bait. Keep trash out of reach. Don't count on your pet to "know better." It doesn't take a large amount of a dangerous substance to make your dog seriously ill.

7. Nutrition. Feed your pet a premium high quality diet supplements such as Hill's Science Diet®, Iams® or Eukanuba®. Feed low fat and high fiber foods since high fat and/or low fiber foods are thought to decrease life expectancy. Minimize treats and make them nutritious and low in calories. Air-popped popcorn is often a good treat for dogs. With your veterinarian, you should discuss the merits of a diet formulation for your senior dog.

8. Exercise. Exercise helps to maintain a healthy body weight, strengthens joints and muscles and provides mental stimulation for your dog.

9. Spay and Neuter. Spayed and neutered dogs tend to have fewer health problems. Spaying is the removal of the ovaries and uterus. Without these organs, ovarian cysts, uterine infections and cancer of the reproductive tract are no longer a concern. Studies have shown that dogs spayed before puberty have a significantly lower chance of developing breast cancer than unspayed dogs, or dogs spayed later in life. Health problems that can be associated with birthing are also eliminated with spaying. Neutering is the removal of the testicles. Without these organs, testicular cancer is no longer a concern and the risk of prostate problems is reduced. In addition, the desire to "wander" is diminished, which lowers the chance of your dog running away and suffering trauma, such as being hit by a car.

10. Mental Stimulation. Provide your pet with toys, games and quality time. Most pets are never too old to play. Encourage mental stimulation. It is never too late to teach old dogs new tricks. Follow these top 10 tips, and you'll keep your dog forever young.

About the Author:

With her PetPlace.com columns, Dog safety and health expert, Dr. Debra Primovic has helped thousands of dog owners keep their dogs living longer and stronger.For more information, check out www.petplace.com for 8,000+ veterinarian approved articles guaranteed to keep you from compromising the care of your dog.

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Do You Spay and Neuter or Not?

Author: Russell Hancock

You have a great little bundle of joy in your new canine companion. You did all the right things so far. Shots, worming, a general checkup and you have acquainted your dog to its new environment. You may have even gotten some fancy doggie bowls, a collar and leash; maybe even a new doggie outfit for your friend. Your doggie seems to be settling in well and everything is going fine. So, have you fixed your pet yet?

Having your pet spayed or neutered is regularly the last event to cross a new pet owners mind. Some people feel it's unhealthy to fix their dog, while there are some people who just want that first litter and then will get around to fixing their pet. Then again, there are some people who don't take notice of the fixing issue until the neighbors dog becomes pregnant or aggressiveness begins to develop.

So, let's take a moment to look over some common myths that people think of when it comes to spaying or neutering their dogs.

My dog will feel less of a male/female once fixed. Although this may be a fear that humans have when it comes to the topic, dogs don't have that fear. Dogs in general do not have an inherent sense of sexuality as we do. Fixing your dog won't give him/her a complex about their gender.

I'll let my dog breed once, because it's healthier for them that way. Actually, letting a female have a litter at all can be unhealthier for her than getting fixed. Many females, unless in a controlled breeding environment sometimes don't make it past the birth of the litter and normally when they do then not all the puppies make it. It is pretty much universally agreed upon by vets that the best time to spay is BEFORE the first heat period

My dog needs to be a watchdog, he won't be if we fix him. Neutering your dog won't make him any less protective. The testosterone levels do drop but they are not eliminated by the process. A dogs personality based on dominance or submission is just that; based on their personality. Dogs do not have the same attachment to testes as humans do.

Okay, so we have taken a quick look at some common misconceptions but now we are going to look at the central reasoning for fixing your dog. That reason would be population control, plain and simple. If you don't fix your dog and you cannot guarantee that all the puppies find good homes you will be adding to the amount of sheltered and homeless pets that run the risk of being euthanized every day. Currently in America there are between ten to twelve million pets euthanized each year. That number is so high because there are just not enough people willing or able to give a pet a good home. By breeding your dog for more puppies you ignore the thousands of homeless puppies that are already in the system looking for homes.

Please be responsible and consider spaying or neutering your new best friend.

About the Author:

Russ Hancock writes articles on many subjects including Dogs. He owns the rSeek Network of websites which include Cliksearch Search Portal and Informational Sites and Just Dogs is JUST for DOGS and A Dog Nutrition Information Site

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Your Dog's Health is in Your Hands - Learn How to Spot the Warning Signs

Author: Mike Long

Owning a dog can be a truly rewarding experience if you take the time to educate yourself on the proper care of dogs. There are two main areas of focus when examining dog health, disease preventative care and recognizing signs of potential problems.

Preventative medicine is paramount in effective dog care. At six weeks old puppies should begin a series of four DHLPP/CCV vaccinations three or four weeks apart. Puppies should be de-wormed often and started on heartworm preventative at four months old.

This program should be maintained indefinitely. An annual visit to a local veterinarian is necessary to maintain your dog's health. In addition to administering vaccinations, the vet will examine the dog's teeth and stool, and look for any obvious maladies.

What kind of dog health problems should I be on the look out for?

It is also important for new pet owners to be able to recognize any signs of potential dog health problems. Skin problems are quite common and can present themselves in a number of various ways. Skin allergies are very common in many dogs and can cause hair loss and 'hot spots'. These 'hot spots' are sores on the skin surface that ooze and become easily infected.

They are also very painful and hard to deal with because of the dog's constant licking. The skin allergies that cause 'hot spots' are often mistaken for flea infestation problems; an easy way to tell the difference is by watching the dog.

Chewing the top of his rump is a good indication of fleas, while scratching his head, neck and front legs indicate allergies. Signs of potential health problems also present themselves in the dogs stool. If the stool appears runny or discolored you may need to visit the vet.

Parasites or a change in diet are usually the culprit and most often easily remedied. Another less common but very serious threat to your dog's health is Gastric Dilatation Volvulus. Large, deep crested dogs are predisposed for this condition which causes their stomachs to flip if they exert themselves after ingesting large amounts of water.

Your dog's health is not something to be taken lightly. It is a huge responsibility you have chosen to bear, but it doesn't mean that is has to be hard. Just make sure you take him for a check up every year and be attentive to any imminent health problems. If you follow your veterinarian's advice your dog should have a happy, healthy, and long life.

About the Author:
Mike Long runs a dog training website that focuses on educating people about the different ways of training your dog or puppy. If you would like to learn more, including additional articles, and training tips, tricks, and ideas, check out his site at http://dogtraininginfo.wordpress.com.

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Basic Signs of a Sick Dog

Author: Lizzie Novotny

You don't have to be a trained veterinarian to know when you have a sick dog on your hands.

As a dog owner, you know how your buddy acts, smells, and feels when he's healthy, and any change from that norm should be a tip-off that something is wrong.

It is a gut feeling, that your dog might be sick. Here are some signs to look for.

What's the norm?

First, like humans, dogs will often show signs of fever when their bodies are fighting off infection. Although exact norms vary by breed, most healthy dogs will have:

A rectal temperature between 101 and 102 degrees Fahrenheit.

A respiratory rate between 15 and 20 breaths per minute.

A heart rate that falls between 80 and 120 beats per minute.

Pink mucous membranes on the gums, the tongue, the insides of the eyelids, and inside the lips.

Clean-smelling skin and ears, and clear, bright eyes.

When should I call the vet?

The short answer is: whenever you suspect there is a problem with your dog that you don't know how to treat.

But there are also specific signs to look for, that should trigger a call to the vet, because they can indicate serious illness.

Do a quick check of your dog if you think something might be wrong.

Check the eyes: Is there redness, discharge, or swelling?

Check the nose: Is there discharge, running, or crusting?

Check the ears: Is there odor, debris, or discharge? Are they twitching or shaking?

Is your dog scratching at them?

If your check reveals anything out of the ordinary, call your animal health care center.

Warning signs

Warning signs that your dog is unhealthy and needs medical attention

Coughing, vomiting, gagging, and retching.

Heavy panting, shortness of breath, or irregular breathing patterns.

Discolored bowel movements, diarrhea, or constipation without a known cause.

Discolored urine, frequent urges to urinate, or straining during elimination; out-of-character "accidents."

Unexplained changes in body weight, thirst, or appetite.

A change in your dog's odor.

Lumps, cuts, scratches, or bite marks on your dog's skin (self-inflicted or otherwise).

Hair loss or excessive dander, often accompanied by excessive licking.

Any evidence of parasites.

Even if there are no outward warning signs, changes in your dog's behavior can be indicative of a serious problem.

Talk with your animal health provider if your dog displays signs of anxiety, depression, lethargy, fatigue, trembling, falling, stumbling, or sleepiness.

These behavioral cues, which may only be noticeable to you, may be your sick dog's way of telling you he needs help.

Knowing your dog

You won't always know the cause of your dog's medical problem- but simply by caring for your dog and knowing his personality and daily routine, you will more often than not be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of pain, discomfort, and illness. Watch for changes in behavior, appearance, and appetite. Even if he can't tell you why his stomach hurts, he will try to let you know - listen and watch, and you'll get the message.

About the Author:
Lizzie Novotny R.N has an informative website about dogs, especially the hunting dog breeds. She raises, trains and shows dogs and horses, and is familiar with all aspects of their care. Find answers to your dog-related questions by visiting her website at http://www.the-hunting-dog.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Basic Signs of a Sick Dog