Why You Should Consider Getting Your Dog a Raw Food Diet

Dr. Ian Billinghurst, a veterinarian from Australia, has proposed a feeding program for dogs which completely consists of raw meat, bones, vegetables and fruits. It is referred to with the acronym BARF, which initially stood for "Bones and Raw Food", then eventually "Biologically Appropriate Food". The latter meaning came from the idea that a raw diet for dogs is best for their digestive system and overall health, because before dogs were domesticated their ancestors used to eat raw meat in the wild.

Dog owners who adopted this program found themselves with pets who sported glossier coats, cleaner teeth, fresher breath, smaller stools, decreased shedding, and overall improved health. Also, some owners tried giving a raw diet when their pets were sick or feeling unwell. They noticed a speedy recovery in their dogs' health. This has led several people to think, "If a raw dieteffectively improves their health when they're sick, why not give them the same diet even when they're in the pink of health?"

Most people who are skeptical about raw feeding base their objections that 1) raw meat might contain bacteria such as Salmonella and E. Coli, 2) raw bones could cause choking, break teeth and cause internal injury, and 3) a raw diet might not contain the right balance of nutrients that dogs need.

However, a raw diet for dogs is not as unsafe and unhealthy as these issues purport it to be. Firstly, raw meat could indeed contain bacteria, but it is also important to remember that the digestive system of dogs is built differently (compared to humans'). Theirs contain particular enzymes and acids that are intended to deal with these bacteria. Next, it is also the duty of the dog owner to provide meat which came from a trusted source. You should also handle meat properly. Thaw out a piece of meat which is just enough for one meal. Do not save leftover meat for later.

Secondly, cooked bones are actually more dangerous than raw bones because they splinter easily and could cause choking and internal damage. Raw bones can make your dog's teeth stronger as it continuously grinds against the hard bone, and at the same time it cleans those teeth. If your pet has just started on a raw diet for dogs, crush raw bones with a hammer first, or with a meat grinder. Raw bones are an excellent source of calcium for your dog.

Lastly, to ensure that your dog receives the right amount of nutrients, be creative and vary his food. Dogs are not as strict carnivores as most of us believe them to be. In fact, cats are more picky and carnivorous when it comes to food. Your dog can hands fresh sliced vegetables and fruits, and even yogurt. Pumpkins for example are good for their system and eggs are a good source of calcium, aside from raw bones.

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Where to Go When You Have Cat or Dog Health Questions

Being a pet owner is a rewarding and wonderful experience, as the unconditional love that owners receive from their dogs or cats is truly life-affirming. As a responsible pet owner, however, you likely spend time worrying about the health of your pets. Many pet owners have questions about what they need to do to keep their animals in good shape and want to learn as much as they can about pet health issues. Of course, pet owners also want answers when their pets are exhibiting signs of illness or injury so that they can help their dogs or cats to get better.

Knowing who to trust when it comes to pet information can be a challenge, however. If you are lucky, you may have a trusted and reliable vet that takes care of your pets- but you typically won't see this vet more often than once or twice a year for routine exams. You can always turn to the Internet to ask questions, of course, but often information from the web is unreliable or you cannot verify the source. If you need answers quick, a 24-hour animal hospital may be the solution, but the cost and expense is often great if you take your animal to one of these places and going to the vet may not be necessary if you have a simple dog or cat health question in a non-emergency situation.

Finding Answers to Dog and Cat Health Questions

Fortunately, while you cannot trust every source of information on the Internet, it is possible to find knowledgeable and experienced veterinary professionals online who are able to provide you with the answers to all of your pet health questions.

In order to make sure that your Internet source is a good one, you should be sure you are asking questions of a licensed and experienced veterinarian. You should also pay careful attention to the other information and services provided by the website you are using. If the website provides a number of helpful articles on animal and pet health as well as a place to ask questions and communicate with both vets and other animal lovers, then there is a good chance that the site is legitimate and that the information you receive will be trustworthy and accurate.

Typically to have specific questions answered quickly by an online vet, you will pay a small fee for services. However, you want to make sure that the information you are getting is worth what you pay for it. As such, make sure that the site you are using offers a satisfaction guarantee so that if the answers are sub-par or don't make sense, you won't be out the cash you spent. A site that offers a guarantee is more likely to provide you with accurate and correct info anyway, since the website and the experts will know that they have to satisfy their customers in order to be able to earn their fees.

If you pay attention to these factors and take the time to carefully consider the services provided by different online websites, you can find the perfect Internet source of answers to dog and cat health questions. You will be able to get your questions answered quickly and can feel confident you are providing the best possible care to your furry family member.

Every Boy Needs a Dog

Why do boys long to have a dog by their side during life's adventures? How does a busy mom cope with this additional responsibility?

After raising six boys, I realized... every boy needs a dog. Dogs and boys get along very well. The boy provides activity and adventure for the dog and the dog provides for the boy companionship, friendship and someone to turn to. Having a dog will build a boys self esteem.

My son often said, "Missy is the only girl who accepts me for who I really am". Missy was rescued from a snow storm by my son the day after Christmas. He found her in the middle of the snowy field, half frozen and half starved. He was able to bring her back to life with tender love and care. Missy, in turn, gave back to him unconditional love and companionship.

Dogs have the instinctual ability to read human emotion. They have a sixth sense, of sorts, to tune into what their owner is feeling. They will wait by the door, knowing that it is time for their boy to come home. A dog gives a boy confidence and an ego boost. Dogs know how to comfort us. One of the reasons that dogs are, "mans best friend", is that dogs are always there for us. Dogs don't have to go to school or meet a schedule. A dogs every waking hour is dedicated to being there for his boy. Emotionally, knowing this, a boy will develop courage and self confidence. He will learn that he is good enough, because his dog loves him no matter what mistakes he might make.

Providing your boy with a dog to love and care for is a great boost to his development. Caring for his dog will give a boy the opportunity to care for someone else. This will help develop compassion. He will learn to take responsibility for caring and providing for his dog.

Moms will find that the responsibility of dog ownership will often fall on her shoulders. Boys are learning and, at times, will let care of their dog slip. Understand, moms, that the benefits greatly out weigh the work.

There are several ways to make the transition to dog ownership easier. First, take the time to learn more about training a dog. A well behaved dog will decrease the stress on mom. Second, realize that the first year of a puppies life will be the most challenging. Fortify yourself with the knowledge that it will get easier. After the first year of training, a dog will settle down. The "naughty" puppy behaviors will diminish and eventually stop. Third, stand firm. Your boy must provide his share of the work. Boys will lose interest in caring for their dog. Make sure that you follow through with teaching your boy how to become a responsible dog owner.

Soon you will provide an invaluable companion for your son. His dog will give him a best friend to help him through times of trouble and distress, and will give him someone to play with, love, and adore. This makes a Moms job of raising her son easier... thus... EVERY boy needs a dog.

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Your Growing Great Dane Puppy

If you already have your Great Dane Puppy, then you will have noticed how extremely fast it is growing. When your pup arrived at around eight weeks of age, you could pick it up and have a good cuddle. At ten weeks old you can barely lift the dog. This period of growth is the most stressful time in the life of a Dane puppy, as many things can go wrong during this critical time when the skeleton is fast reaching the adult height.

There are many problems that can occur while the Great Dane is growing. One of the most common is panosteitis. Usually, panosteitis develops while the pup is between four and nine months of age. Otherwise known as "wandering lameness", it causes inflammation in the long bone of one of the legs and often moves from leg to leg. The degree of panosteitis can range between a mild, unnoticeable lameness to an excruciatingly painful condition that causes your dog to cry and not want to get up. You will notice limping on one leg this week, and another leg next week. By the time the puppy is a year old this condition has usually disappeared. Panosteitis is an example of one of many problems that can afflict a Great Dane pup. If you suspect that your puppy might have a medical problem then speak to your veterinarian. Early diagnosis of these issues is of paramount importance.

Even though a Great Dane puppy is large, do not be misled into confusing it with strength. A growing Dane pup is actually very fragile. Do not force your dog to exercise until it is at least a year old. The skeletal structure is growing at such an alarming rate that it needs time to set correctly so that it can support the future weight of the dog. By all means, take your puppy for walks and allow off-lead play in a secure environment - just do not overdo it. If you enjoy jogging, do not take your puppy with as the jarring of the bones, sockets and joints can cause later damage. Supervise activity with other dogs. Large dogs can play rough games and crash into the puppy with such force that your dog will go flying. This can seriously damage the bone structure of your dog.

It is also important to understand how to play with a Great Dane puppy. Some people like thumping, shoving and pulling a large puppy around while playing. This is decidedly a bad idea, as is jerking on your puppy's neck while playing tug-of-war, and pulling the tail and legs during play. Pulling hard on a collar can have the same negative effect. These kinds of games can cause severe injury that will afflict the dog for life. Rather encourage your puppy to chase and fetch a ball. You can play tug-of-war together, but gently. Allow the pup to do all the pulling while you passively hold the other end.

You will certainly notice some oddities with your growing Dane puppy's conformation. Growth spurts often occur. Suddenly the rear-end of the pup will be much taller than the front. Perhaps the front-end my rise higher than the rear. A cow hock (toes that turn outwards) may present itself in the hind legs, and sometimes in the front legs too. The rear of the dog might seem pinched, making the dog look very wide from behind. Sometimes, they seem wider down the entire length of the body too. It is rather frightening watching a Dane puppy go through what is known as the "ganglies". Be assured that this is normal.

It is not uncommon for a puppy to "knuckle" over in the front pasterns (ankle joints). When the dog is sitting it will be particularly noticeable, as the front legs will seem as if they are bending over at the pasterns. Often this is a phase and if your pup is eating a quality premium food for large or giant breed puppies, then the dog will grow out of it. If not, perhaps you are making the food yourself (or if it is a poor quality dog food), then you need to contact your veterinarian, breeder or a nutritionist before making changes to the diet. Many experienced breeders lower the protein levels and increase the intake of vitamin C to correct this condition. Without proper experience, never attempt this alone!

Great Dane puppies are clumsy. Sometimes they fall over as they are not well-coordinated. However, a Dane pup should not fall down constantly. If you feel your puppy is toppling over excessively, is overly clumsy or very un-coordinated in the legs, then you need to visit your veterinarian.

When a Great Dane puppy is under a year old, you will notice that the front pasterns (ankles) appear "knobbly" and the joints seem enlarged. This is the case of the back pasterns as well, but it is not as pronounced. If you are a new Dane owner, this will seem abnormal. Before rushing off to your veterinarian, know that this is a completely normal phase of growth in the Great Dane. Throughout growth, these joints will be "knobbly". As the dog matures, the pasterns will smooth out and blend nicely into the leg and the joints will not look large anymore. This is not a disease and must never be treated as such. It is known that some veterinarians have diagnosed this incorrectly and prescribed calcium to combat it. This is extremely dangerous as high calcium levels will cause serious bone problems.

Great Dane puppies often get juvenile acne. It is a common staph infection that is easily treated. Human teenagers suffer from this too. You can buy a medicated ointment for acne, use it the way you would yourself, and keep your puppy's chin dry after drinking water or eating. Acne usually disappears in Danes when they grow past adolescence, which is at about one and one-half years old.

Bloat is a common and serious problem in Great Danes. It causes air to become trapped inside the stomach and is fatal if not treated quickly. Usually affecting dogs five years or older, bloat is a condition you need to understand. Prevention is better than cure. As your puppy gets taller, you can begin placing the food and water dishes above the ground, at the pup's shoulder level. It is commonly believed that by elevating these dishes, the volume of air consumed by fast eaters and drinkers is much less, if any. There is no scientific evidence for this, but most Dane owners believe that it works. With bloat being such a killer of Danes, it makes perfect sense and can certainly not harm your puppy in any way.

Once your Great Dane reaches the age of one-half or two years, the awkward puppy growth spurts will vanish and your dog will no longer be so fragile. At the age of two years, your dog will be fully grown and you can switch its food from large or giant breed puppy, to large or giant breed adult. Keep your Dane on puppy food until it has reached the age of two. Your dog will continue to mature until three years old.

A Dane puppy needs plenty of friends to grow into a well-socialized dog. There are three that your dog can not go without - yourself, the veterinarian and a responsible, caring Great Dane breeder. It is a good idea to contact the breeder should you have questions. A Dane breeder is familiar with puppies of this breed and has experienced their growth phases many times. A good breeder will be able to tell you if something worrying you is normal - or not.

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Canine Addison's a Letter to Owners of Any Breed That Is Known to Carry Addison's

Where is Addison's centered?

Addison's is an imbalance in the adrenal glands; it is an imbalance in hormone levels. Addison's is believed to be primarily genetic with environmental triggers. The adrenal glands are located in front of the canine kidneys and produce hormones. These hormones are important in a body's ability to cope with stress (physical and psycholocigal) plus balance minerals critical to life. Of the two adrenal glands, the Adrenal cortex produces hormones essential to life, including mineralocorticoid, glucocorticoid. Addison's is basically hyposecretion of the hormones or the lack of mineralocorticoids whereas the result is a loss of sodium, and the ability of the body to retain potassium and water. All of the various adrenal produced hormones (there are more than just mineralocorticoid) need to be balanced, the increase in one or decrease in one hormone causes illness. Commercial drugs (corticosteroids or steroids) are available to substitute for the lack of mineralocorticoids produced naturally. However, while low levels of mineralocorticoid causes illness (Addison's), high levels of these steroids (given for other reasons) has a profound effect in the opposite direction and can actually trigger Addison's or bring on an Addison's crisis in dogs that carry the genetics for Addison's. Simply put Addison's is believed to be genetic, even requiring two or more specific genes; however environmental factors are believed to trigger these genes. Without the trigger even those with Addison's genetics may never have or even know they carry Addison's.

When would you see the signs?

Usually after a stressful situation (psychically or psychological) in dogs between the age of 18 months to 7 years of age Addison's symptoms may arrive. The younger age in that range occurs if, for other reasons, steroids have been given to the dog.

The problem with Addison's is that many times it goes undiagnosed until it is too late. What to look for are the commonly reported symptoms, which can vary from dog to dog, and include loss of appetite, weight loss, depression, listlessness, vomiting, diarrhea, hind-end pain, muscle weakness, tremors, shivering, increased thirst, dehydration, excessive urination, a painful or sensitive abdomen, muscle or joint pain, and changes in coat, which may become thicker, thinner, longer, or even curly and about 15 to 20 percent of Addisonian dogs will have dark, tarry stools or blood in their vomit, mental depression, patches of darkened skin, a slow and weak pulse, low body temperature, low blood pressure, and pale mucous membranes. These symptoms usually come in waves; the dog is sick and then seems to get over it for no apparent reason multiple times over a year or longer. Many owners miss these bouts as they can be short in time. This temporary illness is when the adrenal functions are fluctuating but not yet at a critical stage. As the illness progresses a lack mineralocorticoid results in marked changes in blood serum levels (potassium, sodium and chloride). Excess potassium causes a decrease in heart rate leaving the dog predisposed to circulatory collapse and renal failure (acute renal failure is a common misdiagnosis). An adrenal crisis is an acute medical emergency. The dog will need fluids, emergency doses of glucose and perhaps glucocorticoid. This is sometimes given even if the ATCH (Addison's test) is not back yet but blood levels indicate changes in levels of potassium, sodium and chloride (specifically elevated potassium, low sodium, elevated BUN and creatinine, elevated liver enzymes, low glucose, high calcium, low protein (albumin and globulin), anemia, low cholesterol, and metabolic acidosis. A sodium/potassium ratio of less than 27 is strongly indicator of Addison's) indicating Addison's. Once these drugs are given the dog will be over the crisis and seem back to normal. This of course is a preliminary indication that the problem is indeed Addison's. Note, only an ACTH stimulation test can determine positive Addison's. Currently there is NO test to determine if your dog carries the necessary genetics for Addison's. UCDavis is working on this test but it may be years before one is available. Currently, prior to any illness the best you can do is follow the recommendations:

Always keep your dog on high quality foods low in grains (no wheat, corn, and soy); I cannot say this enough; a good food is well worth the price in exchange for long term health. Dogs are carnivores not omnivores, they are not able to digest grains and making a canine body to digest grain causes daily stress on the dogs complete system.

If you are worried, because a dog in your dog's pedigree line has Addison's, you can supplement with licorice root (pill or liquid) daily (consult a holistic vet) to help your dogs body deal with stress. Research has shown that licorice helps prolong the activity of natural (and synthetic) corticosteroids like hydrocortisone.

Digestive enzyme powders (probiotics or good bacteria) are a sensible addition for any dog with digestive problems and can be found at almost all pet stores.

Melatonin (consult a holistic vet) is recommended occasionally (one 3-mg tablet or capsule for a medium-sized dog) 20 to 30 minutes before stressful events such as fireworks, thunder, long distance moves, etc., if a dog has reactions.

Be aware of Addison's symptoms

IF a crisis arrives along checking for other issues (obstructions, etc) request a blood test be preformed to check potassium, sodium and chloride levels. If levels indicate possible Addison's, run a ACTH test (this test is two blood draws one hour apart, after the first an injection is given to stimulate cortisol both blood tests check for cortisol levels) and IF the crisis is a critical situation treat for Addison's with fluids and glucocorticoid. The ACTH test is a blood test and can take up to 24 hours to get the results, the time some dogs do not have.

IF your dog has been diagnosed with Addison's the recommendation is to move to a holistic veterinarians for long term treatment. A dog on long term treatment can lead a normal happy life. Treatments vary depending on a dog's size and the extent of illness plus a negotiated price at your vet for blood work and finding the lowest cost treatments. But in general, long term treatment can be holistic or commercial drugs or usually best a combination of both to reduce dependence on synthetic drugs and lower costs, all and all about $30/month on average. Addison's groups on line can help find the lowest prices for long term treatments. Each dog will vary on what is effective and what is not so obviously that cost varies as well.

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How to Prevent Unwanted Chewing Behavior From Your Puppy

Step One: Provide chew toys for your puppy

At first, when they are young, buy dog toys and chews that are your puppy's size; then graduate the size as they grow. Because you don't know what they like, get a variety of chews. I suggest one plush toy, a hard toy, a teething toy, and some rawhide chews. Once you establish their preference buy multiples of that toy. Once the toy wears out or gets torn apart, it should be thrown away. Ingesting the stuffing and small parts of toys are not healthy for your puppy. It will cause stomach irritation and digestive problems. Note: Avoid toys that replicate real items in your home like socks and shoes. A rolled up or knotted sock might teach them get into your laundry basket when your back is turned.

Step Two: Puppy proof and scatter

Scatter your dogs favorite toys in all the rooms that you spend much of your time in. At first the only thing on the floor should be their toys and chews. Praise and encourage your puppy when they play and chew on the dog toys. After a week you can leave your things on the floor, like shoes, books, your child's toys, and bags. If they move toward your items, interrupt their approach with a quick command like "eh uh". When they leave your shoes alone or stop, call them to you and direct them to their toys. Praise your puppy when they begin to play or chew on their toys. Repeat these steps over and over and be consistent. A tip to prevent aggressive play is to not tug-a-war with their toys. You are their pack leader and this is a way for them to challenge your authority. If they feel they are winning you may undo the many leadership battles you have won already. Note: "eh uh" can be a common stop command to your puppy with other bad behavior you wish to guide them on.

Soon you will not need to keep an eye on your things. Maintain this training consistently until they get through their first year. It takes a puppy a year to make all of their changes hormonally and physically. Your puppy will know what is yours, and what is theirs. This method of training is more effective than scold... scold... scold. A positive relationship will develop and they will see you as their pack leader.

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Dog Obedience Training - Why It's For The Best

Having a dog isn't always a walk in the park with a loving and loyal companion. Living with the often demands some meeting of the 'minds'. You dog's mind is not in the level of people and you have to keep that into perspective even if it is easy to lose track because of the dog's lovable nature. Their minds 'operate' uniquely forming a set of ways and instinct that requires distinction when developing techniques on how to train them for obedience.

The best time for pups to start obedience training is at a tender age of 2 months. This is when they begin to explore beyond their immediate surroundings as well as their mother and siblings. The longer you wait the longer and more difficult the training becomes as each age group requires some tweaking in the strategies for maximum effect. This does not also mean that you cannot teach old dogs new tricks. It is also important that you first spend time with your dog while he or she undergoes regular training. The purpose of this exercise is to set the tone for how you and your dog relate and communicate with each other.

Ordinarily, there are two basic classifications of dog obedience training. The first classification is known as the leash type, as known as "hard" type. The second is the reward type, also known as "soft type". Their applicability is based on the breed of your dog, your dog's tendencies and what you intend the training is for. If you want consistency in your dog's response, it is recommended that you employ the leash type. This is best for avoiding situations where your dog gets easily distracted as in the case of K9 dogs that need to focus on their master and at the same instance forego with the instinct to fight.

It is essential in absolute terms that you consider the leash style as merely a tool to 'connect' with a dog therefore you must be very careful in its implementation to ensure success in teaching, correcting and reinforcing good behavior. Inconsistency in the use of the leash in training could lead to confusion in the dog's part rendering the obedience training unsuccessful and a waste of time.

On one hand, the reward style of training elicits the obedient behavior through rewards that include treats or praises. Treats usually come in the form of food or toys. It is an excellent way to train dogs on different types of skills. These skills range from simple actions to elaborate ones that include, but is not limited to, performing tricks, tracking, detecting scents and arresting criminals. This style is preferred by more trainers and owners because it does not employ any physical manipulation of the dog though nudging or yanking instead the obedient behavior elicited more naturally or voluntarily.

You must keep in mind that when you enroll your dog in obedience training, it is important to reinforce good behavior and correct bad behavior as soon as they surface. Incorporate in the training 'feelings' of compassion and understanding so that you and your dog can enjoy the rewards of your efforts in tandem.

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