 |
Most dog owners enjoy going outside and walking their dogs. I have a small tote I bring with me on my own dog walking outings. Inside my tote I like to keep all of the items I may need. My handy little tote makes it easy for me to get outside without having to search throughout my house for the things I might need. Here is a list of items you should have whenever you’re out with your best friend at the local dog park. |
Water
I bring water and a collapsible water bowl. Some dog parks provide a good water source, but not all. It is always best to be prepared.
Leash
Even if your dog park doesn’t require a leash. Your dog will be safer entering and leaving the dog park wearing one. Remember parking lots can be very dangerous places and silly as it may seem not everyone who is visiting the dog park likes dogs. A leash gives you time to assess the other dogs in the park before your dog interacts with them. A leash also gives you options while walking your dog, should any problems arise.
Biodegradable poop bags
Some dog parks provide poop bags for you, however you want to be prepared just in case. I like to use Mutt Mitts
Treats
Bring treats your dog likes. Treats will help you maintain control and train your dog while at the Dog Park. I especially like to reinforce my dog’s training on recall.
Toy
I don’t recommend bringing your dog’s favorite toy, but some toys will help entertain your dog while simultaneously burning off some energy. A toy like the Bamboo Chuck-It
First Aid Kit
You never know when something may go wrong, and once again it is better to be prepared. You can make your own first aid kit or buy one.
Brush or Comb
Some dogs have a knack for finding every sticker and bur in the area. A quick brushing can help to get most of the stickers/burs off your dog. I also fine this is a great time to check for any ticks.
Related Posts
]]>
When you have an emergency situation with your pet every minute can make a difference. I like to be prepared in case of an emergency, you never know when your dog’s life can depend on you having the right information at your finger tips when you need it. You know it is important to have your veterinarian’s number. Most dog owners also keep the number and location of nearest emergency vet hospital in case our pet gets sick or injured on weekends or after hours. Here is a list of numbers you may need in addition to these two essential telephone numbers:
Emergency Disaster Hotline: 1 800 22 7 4645
Provided by the American Humane Association, this number is your first point of call in earthquake or any disaster preparedness for your pets, what to do and where to go. They provide support and relief information.
FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency): Information for Pet Owners
If you evacuate your home, DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS BEHIND! The federal government now officially supports including pets in disaster plans. In 2000 The HSUS and FEMA signed an historic partnership agreement to encourage and assist people who want to safeguard their pets in a natural disaster. Before disaster hits, reach out to local officials—work with them to confirm that you will be allowed to evacuate with your pets.
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: 1 888 426 4435
If you think your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, you can call this poison control center 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The cost for a poison-related emergency consultation with a veterinarian or toxicologist is $65, which can be billed to your credit card.
Pet Poison Helpline: 1 800 213 6680
This 24-hour animal poison control service for the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean charges a $35 per incident fee, payable by credit card. This fee covers the initial consultation as well as all follow-up calls associated with the management of the case.
Spay/USA Helpline: 1 800 248 7729
This national spay/neuter referral service can help you find a low cost clinic in your area. Their mission is to reduce pet overpopulation by making spay/neuter services affordable to everyone who has a cat or a dog. Phone counselors are available M-F from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST.
The Animal Legal Defense Fund: 707 795 2533
The nonprofit ALDF was founded in 1979 by attorneys active in shaping the emerging field of animal law. Contact them if you have questions about animal neglect or abuse, pet related landlord-tenant issues, pet custody concerns during a divorce, or if you need information on how to include animals in your will.
ASPCA Pet Loss Hotline: 877 474 3310
This program was created to help pet owners who are dealing with the loss of a pet. You can also call them for assistance with the decision to euthanize, advice on how to help children, disabled individuals and other family pets who are grieving the loss of their companion, and help establishing a relationship with a new pet.
Animal and pet travel resources, airplanes and airline regulation: 1800 545 USDA
Whenever you need to travel with your dog(s) locally or even internationally, it is important for you to know your dog is protected by the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) which is enforced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). Before taking a flight, call this number for all your needs about transporting your pet, best airline resources, Licensed pet transporters contact, and even file complaint regarding your pet if you feel an airline has treated your pet or animal inhumanely during transportation. They also ensure airlines treat animals humanely, has facilities to handle animals at airports and maintain allowable temperature limits for animal holding areas. They provide touch tone and recorded messages only. Press option 3 for pet related information.
Pet Travel Information: 877 241 0184
Do you want to travel with your dog? Call or visit Pettravel.com for information on regulations and restrictions, pet container requirements, vet certificates, and clearing security.
Pet Airways: 1 888 738 2479
The only airline that transports dogs in the cabin of the plane.
Animal Behavior Hotline: 312 644 8338, ext. 343
Have a behavior question, call and get answers to anything from separation anxiety to aggression.
Lyme Disease Foundation: 860 870 0070
This nonprofit organization looks for answers to all tick-borne related questions. If you need information about Lyme Disease, Colorado Tick Fever, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever or anything else tick related give them a call.
These are some phone numbers I think will be a useful resource to all dog owners. Remember numbers can change and some agencies are only open Monday though Friday during business hours. If I have forgotten a number you think should be included please add it to the comments below.
Related Posts
]]>
// ]]>
Happy Halloween! I thought it might be helpful to give a few tips on how to keep our pets happy and healthy for this fun holiday.
1. Keep all candy away from your dog. Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs and of course sugar is not good for dogs either. It can make them sick.
2. Designate a safe spot for your dog indoors. Costumes can scare dogs. Costumes change the way we look, add that to unfamiliar people knocking on the door and your dog might run out the door. Also, Halloween is a night for pranks, most are harmless but your dog may not like an egg being thrown at them.
3. Glow sticks can be harmful. Make sure you dog does not chew on a glow stick. The chemicals inside of glow sticks can make your dog sick and burn their mouth.
4. Watch out for candy wrappers, they still smell yummy enough to eat even when the candy is all gone. They can become a choking hazard to your dog.
5. Be careful when using candles near your dog. Your dog may knock over a candle-lit pumpkin leading to burns or a fire. Consider using a battery-lit no flame candle instead, and as an extra bonus you can use it for many years to come.
If your dog or cat accidentally ingests any potentially harmful products and you need emergency advice, please consult your veterinarian or the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 (a fee applies). Have a safe and fun Halloween.
Related Posts
]]>
Food is almost always one sure fire way to get your dog’s attention, but there are some foods that can have truly monstrous results for dogs. Some foods a dog may like, but should never eat. So here are some people foods that you can safely share with your four-legged friend. My dogs, Sadie and Rusty, love these foods and I’m sure your dog will too. You can feel good about divvying out these tasty morsels.
Carrots – they are high in fiber and low in calories. Carrots also contain Vitamin A and Beta-carotene a powerful anti-oxidant which aids in improving eye-sight.
Apple slices - contains Vitamins B and C as well as Pectin, a unique fiber which helps to improve intestinal function and aids in the removal of toxins from the gut.
Sweet Potatoes – contains high levels of Beta-carotene, Vitamins A and C, and Potassium. These nutrients have been known to promote heart health and eyesight.
Pineapple - contains high levels of Vitamin C and Bromelain, an effective anti-inflamitory. They are rich in Manganese, a trace mineral which helps promote strong bones and a good source of anti-oxidants.
Banana - contain high levels of Vitamin C and Potassium and serve as a natural antacid for the stomach.
Raw Bone - helps clean teeth and gums and is high in Calcium. As an added bonus raw bones give them metal and physical stimulation. Always supervise your dog when they’re chewing on a bone.
Lean Meat – plain (no sauces, seasonings etc) with no visible fat. Good source of protein and amino acids which are the building blocks to the muscle in your dogs body.
When possible get your treats from 100% organic sources, get the freshest produce possible. I like to go to our local farmers market when buying produce and fruit. I also get the bones and meat from 100% organic grass feed livestock. I order my bones and meat from Scott River Ranch.
Related Posts
]]>This past year we have seen several different types of man made emergency’s as well as natural disasters. These emergency’s had me thinking, if a natural disaster hit here in Chico, would I be prepared? The answer was a resounding no, so I decided to make a pet emergency travel kit.
Here is a list of the items I have decided to have in my pet emergency travel kit:
First aid kit and book
Muzzles
Gloves
Can opener
Utensils (spoons, forks etc)
2 containers of dry food
Bottled water
Heart worm medicine
Paper towels and grooming wipes
Plastic sheet
Pocket knife
Natural dish soap and Parsley Plus cleaner
Three folding bowls for feeding and water (I have two dogs)
One extra collar and two extra leashes
Four trash bags
Flashlight with extra batteries
Three blankets
A flash drive with my pets photos and medical information
A ground stake and cable in case I need to keep my dogs in one spot
Maps in case GPS no longer works
Collapsible Dog Crate times two (one for each dog)
I have been looking for a small portable radio to add to the kit also.
In a waterproof zip lock gallon bag I have:
A picture of me with my pets in case I have to prove they belong to me
A written copy of each dogs medical records
A note on each dog that tells how they react to stress, travel and other animals in case I’m not in the area.
The ASPCA has a list of what items you should include in case of an emergency. What items do you keep in your pet emergency travel kit?
Related Posts
]]>
Push Button Pet Gate
Do you have a puppy? If so you have probably had few things chewed up and maybe a piddle or two to clean up when you get home. One way to help control what gets chewed up and where you will find the next piddle puddle is to use a pet gate to confine your puppy inside a specific area when you’re not home to keep a close eye on your pet’s behavior.
Of course there are many other uses for pet gates in addition to basic puppy management. One use is to keep the dogs from getting to the cat’s room. Cats of course can jump right over the majority of pet gates, this keeps Fido from away from Fluffy, and helps keep your dog from consuming kitty kibble or litter box munchies. “Gross!”
Maybe you plan on taking your dog to work with you and want to keep them where they are allowed.
Gates can be used to keep your clever dog, (Who knows better than to jump on the coach when you’re home.) from getting too comfortable when you’re gone. Use a pet gate to block access to the room wherever the forbidden furniture is located. The possibilities are endless.
Probably the most compelling reason to own a pet gate is to keep your pet safe. For example, you can use a pet gate to keep your pet out of the kid’s room or out of the garage. Sometimes there are just certain places, people and things you don’t want your dog around and a pet gate is the perfect solution.
Finding the right gate for you
- It should be easy to install. You do not want to get home and discover you need to be Einstein to install your pet gate.
- Make sure your gate is strong enough to withstand any jumping, climbing or crashing into it. You may be lucky and have a dog that sees the gate and doesn’t try to test it. However, if you have a dog that tries to make a jailbreak every chance they get, you’re going to need a heavy duty gate.
- Tall Pet Gates
– for the tall dog breeds such as great danes.
- It should be easy to open and close. Some gates don’t open and close, don’t create a tripping hazard in your home.
- Does your dog like to chew a lot? If so you will want to avoid pet gates with wood and plastic, otherwise it might not last very long.
- It should be safe and aesthetically pleasing. It’s going to be in your home, you don’t want something ugly. Avoid any gates that have holes large enough for your dog to get their head through; your dog could get injured if it gets stuck.
Amazon has a large selection of Pet Gates
Related Posts
]]>
As dogs age it becomes difficult for them to do some of the activities you both may have enjoyed when your dog was younger. For example, running alongside you while you’re riding your bike or jumping up into the back of your pickup truck. However, just because your pooch is experiencing their golden years doesn’t mean they have to be left out of your life. A proper diet and age-appropriate exercises will help keep your four-legged companion happy and healthy.
Here are five fun activities for you and your senior dog. These activities will keep both, you and your elderly pooch entertained while helping to improve your dog’s physical fitness, combat arthritis and stimulate your dog’s mind.
Sit up and Beg
Sitting up strengthens a dog’s hindquarter, back and stomach muscles. Senior dogs hindquarter muscles tend to atrophy from lack of use. This exercise will help keep those back-end muscles strong, which will aid your dog in getting up and down on their own.
Tug-o-War
This is a good strengthening exercise. Dogs love to play tug-o-war with their owners and other dogs. Tugging works the back-end and neck muscles while simultaneously strengthening teeth and gums. Be wary if your dog has weak gums or decayed teeth, you may want to avoid initiating any vigorous tug-o-war play until you can implement a dental care plan.
Swimming
Swimming is a low-impact exercise that strengthens the whole body. Senior dogs need to keep moving in order to retain muscle tone and sensory awareness. Don’t push your dog, let him determine his own pace. Swimming is excellent for the cardiovascular system. Never leave a dog unattended while swimming. Keep in mind older dogs tend to get cold more easily than when they were younger.
Walking
Walking is a great way to exercise a senior dog, and it’s good for the owner too. Walking will strengthen leg muscles and provide a good endurance workout. Walk at a pace that is comfortable for your dog. Take breaks as necessary and remember to avoid over doing it. Two or three shorter walks may be better for your dog than one long walk.
Hide and Seek
You can hide your dog’s favorite toy and have them find it. This is a great way to keep your senior dog mentally stimulated as well as physically active. Plus if the weather is too unpleasant for venturing outside this is the perfect indoor game to play.
Remember, if your dog has not been exercising you’ll want to start out slow. Watch for signs your dog may be over exerting itself: lying down or excessive panting may be symptoms. You may also want to have your veterinarian perform a health check-up on your pooch before beginning any new exercise program. These are just a few of many activities you can do with your senior dog. Do you have a senior dog? What do you like to do to keep your elderly pooch fit as a fiddle?
Related Posts
]]>
Summer time has finally arrived and with it, many of us enjoy going out to the lake with our boat. Several of you are probably considering taking your dog out on the water with you. Taking your dog on the water is fun for both, you and your dog. Boating with your canine companion can be a great way to explore the outdoors.
Any dog can enjoy being on a boat. Dogs that enjoy swimming and playing in the water often enjoy spending time out on the boat with you, and even dogs that do not enjoy the water can still have a great time in a boat. Even if your pup prefers to stay dry, it’s very likely they will enjoy being with you and will have fun riding around in the boat.
When taking your dog out on the water don’t forget to bring a waterproof bag of dog food (for longer trips), a bowl for water, pet waste bags and a pet first aid kit.
Here are a few safety tips when taking your dog out on the water.
I suggest starting with a short trip, especially if it is the first time your dog will be in a boat. You might want to spend some time in shallow water so your dog can get her/his sea legs and allow time for her/him to adjust to the sounds and movement of being on a boat.
Make sure your dog is under constant supervision. It only takes a split second for something to go wrong.
Keep a life jacket on your dog, even if he knows how to swim. There are many different types of vests, you’ll want to make sure to buy the correct size for your dog. I know what you’re thinking, whatever, my dog is a great swimmer. Just keep in mind some dogs may panic when they accidentally fall over board. Another reason to keep a life vest on is in case your dog does not know his limitations. Some dogs will keep going until they pass out. Most of the life jackets come with a nifty handle to help pull your dog safely back onto the boat.
Another thing to consider is your dog’s footing. Dogs do not have boating shoes and boats with fiberglass decks can become especially slick for your dog to walk on. Consider putting down some carpet, which will allow your dog to have better footing. This will also keep your dog’s paws from burning on a hot deck.
We all wear sunglasses to protect our eyes from the harsh sun when out on the water. You may want to provide your dog with a pair of doggles. What in the world are Doggles? Doggles are safety glasses made for dogs. If your dog will tolerate wearing them, they will protect your dog’s eyes from the sun.
You’ll also want to make sure you have sunscreen for your dog. There are special sunscreens available, which are formulated to protect your pooch. A dog’s nose is very susceptible to sunburn. If you have a dog with very short hair you’ll want to make sure he’s protected on his head, belly and anywhere else he may burn.
Make sure if you’re out fishing that all hooks, bait and anything else a dog is likely to get into is kept away from your dog.
You will also want to make sure your dog has a place to get out of the sun. This is important so your dog has a place to cool off when temperatures and sun can become overwhelming, and always keep plenty of fresh drinking water on hand for your canine sailor.
Related Posts
]]>
The dog days of summer are fast approaching; and even though we might have a little time until summer is “officially here,” we’re already experiencing warm to hot days. It’s during these days that pet owners need heightened vigilance to guard their pets from the uncomfortable dangers of the heat. Here are 7 tips to help keep your dog cool this summer:
Get your dog a pool
Ice Cubes in their water - the water in your dog’s water bowl tends to warm up a lot during the summer. Drop a few ice cubes in their dish throughout the day to keep the water cooled down. Nothing like drinking some nice cold water to help keep you cool during the summer. Make sure your dog always has access to fresh water.
A dog cooling bed
Pupsicles – many companies offer frozen treats for dogs, however, you can make your own. I like to take plain yogurt and mix it with fresh blueberries or bananas. Then I put the mixture into ice cube trays. When it gets hot outside I like to pop one of these out and give it to my dog.
Exercise in the morning – get your pet outside before the heat of the day and limit activity on hot days. I like to take the dogs out to the river where they can swim during the summer. I take them early in the morning, so they don’t overheat and neither do I.
Bring your dog inside – if you need air conditioning then so will your dog. Remember your dog has a fur coat that they cannot take off. If you have to leave your dog outside make sure they have plenty of shade, fresh water and ventilation.
Never leave you dog in a vehicle – temperatures can reach over 100 degrees in just a few short minutes and over 120 degrees or more in less than 10 minutes.
Related Posts
]]>
When choosing what plants to grow in your yard consider your dog. When Spring arrives so will the bugs and among them fleas. Here is a list of plants you may want to consider if you own dogs and want some natural flea repellent. Each one of the plants listed will help to repel fleas from your yard and keep them off your beloved pets and none are harmful.
Rosemary
When planting Rosemary you want to make certain you get the herb plant. The Rosemary Pea or Rosemary Bog are both poisonous to dogs. You can use the Rosemary herb when cooking. It’s one of my favorites to cook with.
Sage
Is another plant that can double as a cooking herb. It repels fleas and other pests. The blooms attract honeybees and butterflies.
Chamomile
A wonderful plant because it can be made into a tea and it repels fleas and rodents when planted in your yard.
Lemongrass
A member of the citronella family is great for soups and seafood, plus its oils keep pests at bay.
Lavender
It repels moths and mosquitoes. I love the smell of this plant when it’s blooming.
Mints
Easy to grow and wonderful to smell. Mint spreads aggressively so you may want to grow it in a pot or other container. It also doubles as a cooking herb and makes great tea.
Taking the time to plants some of these around your home can help repel fleas naturally. I enjoy the fact that many of these plants can also double as cooking herbs. I like to dry the Mint leaves and sprinkle them on my dogs’ beds, under the couch, between the couch cushions, or anywhere I want a little more flea repellent.
Related Posts
]]>
While I was out hiking today I realized another great reason to teach your dog the “Stay” command. We were coming down the trail when I saw a Timber Rattler. He was sunning himself right across the trail. Both Sadie and Rusty had already gone past him before I even realized what I was looking at.
The Rattler didn’t even try to move. I think it had just come out of hibernation because I could tell by its breathing that it certainly was alive. Still it didn’t seem to care that we were on its trail and curiously looking on. Ok so I was doing a little more than simply looking. How else was I supposed to get a picture to share in this post.
Since I was taking a more than a casual interest in something, both Sadie and Rusty decided it must be awesome. Why else would Mom and Dad, my husband was with me, stand around and take pictures of something? Sadie and Rusty then decided to turn around and come back to see what we were looking at.
That’s when I told them to, “Stay,” and fortunately due to frequent practice, they both obeyed. I did have to repeat it after about a minute. Yes I spent a couple of minutes looking at a rattlesnake. I blame it on the fact I grew up in the country, and this was by no means the first rattlesnake I have encountered.
This was the first rattlesnake I had encountered that just didn’t feel like moving at all. How could I pass up the chance to get some photos? Unfortunately, I only had my cell phone to take pictures with.
It just goes to show how important the “Stay” command it. You never know exactly when you might need to use it for keeping your dog out of harm’s way.
Related Posts
]]>It can be hard to find a safe way to get rid of dog waste. Disposing of your dog’s waste the green way can help protect your local watershed from disease and pollution, not to mention save you and your pet from painful infections and hazardous parasites. How does your dog’s waste end up in the watershed? Run off from rain goes into storm drains, most cities do not connect their storm drains to the local waste processing plant. In fact most storm drains empty into rivers where the bacteria, viruses or parasites that are in dog waste can get mixed into the drinking water.
You might be saying, “but the water is treated before it is dispensed as drinking water.” You are correct, however most treatment facilities are not able to eradicate all parasites. Some tenacious parasites like cryptosporidium can live and have the potential to pass right though the treatment center into your drinking water.
In 1993 Milwaukee had an outbreak of cryptosporidium. The cryptosporidium hit the water supply causing more than 400,000 people to get sick. The cryptosporidium was too small to be filtered and too tenacious for the treatment facilities’ parasite-killing practices to kill.
Dog waste is a huge problem in the U.S., the EPA estimates an average dog creates 273 pounds of poop every year with an average of 74 million dogs. That means we produce 10 million tons of dog waste every year, that is enough poop to cover 1,100 football fields five feet deep.
The most common way to get rid of dog waste involves using a plastic bag, which usually ends up in your local landfill along with the poop. Even if the bags are “biodegradable” unless they are composted correctly they will not break down.
So what is a safe way to get rid of dog waste? You flush it, just as you do your own poop. This way it goes to the sewage treatment center a place, which is designed to deal with poop appropriately.
Don’t really want to flush your dog poop! Try a Doggie Doo Drain.
Doggie Doo Drain attaches to your sewer or septic clean out where dog waste is easily deposited directly into the sewer or septic and heads straight to the sewage treatment center.
Related Posts
]]>
This is a guest post written by Bobbi from All Dogs Big and Small. Bobbi believes dogs should receive the best possible care and her store has nothing but all natural and healthy items.
There are those who question, are we humanizing dogs too much?
Expensive outfits, designer collars, organic treats and feed, human grade, vegan grooming products…
Of course, for the most part, I have shared my life with Dobermans, German Shepherds and other large breed dogs. Cute, frilly or matching designer outfits are not really my accessories of choice, but an occasional collar charm, a decorative bandanna, or some holiday bling are not out of the question. If a dog is decked out in pinks and frills and is enjoying some oohs, aahs and extra attention because of it …why not?
When it comes to health care, I do have a strong opinion, because I feel dogs deserve the best health benefits and treatments that pet owners and science can provide them. Every day their presence in our lives is scientifically proven to provide us with numerous life enhancing and medical benefits. Why would we not want to provide them with the same?
As science begins to recognize not only the long-known and accepted emotional advantage of pet interaction, but also the documented evidence of how the companionship of our pets lowers our blood pressure, which in turn helps to prevent heart disease. The health and wellness factor of pets is leading to even more proven in-depth benefits to human health care.
According to an article by the editor of Your Dog, American Association of Pet Product Manufactures, ultimately pet interaction can lower health care costs. Since stress has now been identified as one of the leading causes behind many diseases and scientific research has proven that pets reduce stress levels.
Service dogs can sense oncoming and possible life threatening medical conditions can alert their human in time to prevent a potentially more costly health crisis. Other studies our showing that autistic children are benefiting from close interaction with specially trained dogs.
So when I hear someone ask,” are we going too far by integrating human-grade organic treats, natural chemical free skin care products or holistic health care alternatives into our dog’s lifestyle?” I have to reply, with the many ways in which they enrich our lives, are we going far enough?
All Dogs Big and Small
Related Posts
]]>
This is a guest post written by Lorie Huston, she is an amazing veterinarian who is always willing to share her knowledge with others without reserve.
Anyone who has cared for a puppy realizes how quickly they grow. Sometimes, it seems as though you can see them growing overnight. This rapid growth means that puppies have very special nutritional needs that differ from those of an adult dog.
Why feed puppy food?
Among other nutritional demands, puppies require higher energy levels and higher protein levels than most adult dogs to reach optimum growth. They also have different calcium and phosphorus needs. As a result, feeding a puppy food that is formulated to meet these specialized needs is a good idea for a growing puppy. Puppy foods (also sometimes referred to as growth formulas) are produced to meet these special nutritional demands and provide optimum levels of energy, protein, calcium, phosphorus and the other nutrients that growing puppies need to thrive.
Can puppies be raised on adult dog foods instead?
In truth, yes, they can. However, though a puppy fed an adult diet may do okay on the diet, he may not actually thrive on the diet. Though some of the puppy’s nutritional needs may be met by simply increasing the amount of food consumed, other needs may remain somewhat unbalanced.
Imbalances in nutritional needs can lead to many health problems. For instance, particularly in large breed puppies, imbalances in calcium and phosphorus can lead to abnormalities in bone development. And excessive calorie intake can lead to a puppy that becomes obese, leading to a number of health issues as the puppy ages.Feeding a well-balanced puppy food instead of an adult dog food diet will help avoid these types of imbalances.
How long should a puppy be fed puppy food?
Puppies should continue to be fed a high quality puppy food until they have reached maturity. The age this happens will vary from breed to breed.
Generally, small breed dogs mature faster than large breed dogs. Small breed dogs usually mature around a year of age and should remain on puppy food until at least that point. For large breed dogs, maturity may take up to 1 ½ years. Therefore, large breed dogs should continue to eat puppy food longer than most small breeds, generally up to about 1 ½ years of age. Giant breeds mature more slowly still and may not reach their full growth until around 2 years of age. These breeds need to stay on the food longer still.
Lorie Huston is a veterinarian, a free-lance writer and blogger. You can find her on Suite101.com where she is the feature writer in pet care, on About.com where she is a contributing writer in veterinary medicine, on Examiner.com where she is the National Pet Health Examiner and on the Untrained Housewife, where she is the pet columnist. In addition, Lorie maintains the blog, Pet Health Care Gazette.
Related Posts
]]>
With Christmas right around the corner, I thought it might be helpful to give a few tips on how to keep our pets happy and healthy throughout the holiday season.
Several of the plants commonly purchased for decorations during the Christmas season are poisonous to pets and children, such as poinsettia and mistletoe. Choose a non-poisonous plant instead; the ASPCA has a listing of poisonous plants and non-poisonous alternatives.
Be wary of tinsel, lights, bulbs, and many other decorations on Christmas trees. These decorations are pretty and festive, but are dangerous to your pet. Keep ornaments out of your dog’s reach. What looks like a fun toy are disastrous if swallowed or chewed and result in serious damage to your pet’s digestive systems.
Christmas is the t
ime of year when we have our family and friends over for holiday festivities. Lots of people, strange smells, and loud noises can spook even the calmest of dogs. It will probably a good idea to keep your dog away from the party-goers and occupied with a long-lasting chew or toy. Sadie and Rusty love elk anters.
While you may enjoy the holiday candies, treats and drinks be sure to keep them away from your pets. Do not reward your dog’s cuteness by giving him/her a tummy ache. Many holiday treats involve chocolate and while chocolate is wonderful, it also has an ingredient called theobromine. Theobromine is lethal to dogs, and the darker the chocolate, the more theobromine it has. Also keep an eye on those candy wrappers they smell like the treat they once contained and if swallowed they are harmful. Be strong, if you want to give your pet a sweet treat, offer your pet one of his/her favorite dog treats. Consider giving Muttos Treats
Sweets are not the only thing to avoid feeding your dog. Steer clear of giving your pet table scraps too. Dogs only need so much food each day and human food is not designed for your dog. Just like with sweets your food can cause problems to their digestive tract. You will especially want to avoid giving your dog bones from the table; they can break into sharp splinters and cause serious health problems, and sometimes death.
If you intend on traveling this holiday season and plan on bringing your dog, make sure your friends or family do not mind. Some people get frightened of dogs, so perhaps leaving your pet with a friend is a good idea. If you cannot find a friend to watch your dog you could board your dog or hire a pet sitter.
If you burn candles during the holidays remember that they can pose a fire-risk, especially if they get knocked over by a curious cat or a wagging tail.
If you are thinking about getting a pet for Christmas, I suggest adopting one from your local animal shelter. There are many wonderful dogs and cats waiting to find their forever home. Both of mine, Rusty and Sadie came from our local shelter.