Dog Blog | Dog Treats

If your dog is shedding and you want to control the shedding even to a lesser amount there are a few things you need to consider.

Look at what you are feeding your dog. Is the food good and nutritious? Does it have a lot of fillers? Is there a good amount of fat content in the food? Your dog’s food should not have a lot of fillers like corn or wheat as a primary ingredient. Also if you read “meal” as one of the main ingredients you may also be wondering how full of actual good items the food actually is. Your dog should also have fat in the food. Contrary to what we consume, dogs need fat in their diet to maintain a healthy coat of hair and keep their glands producing oils their coat needs.

Does your dog stay inside mostly and go outside only for potty breaks or is he outside a lot? The more he is in and out in an artificial climate will keep your dog guessing whether the temperature is getting colder or warmer.

Let us face it, all dogs shed to some degree and many are known to shed very heavy. If you have one of those types of dogs and your friends are horrified to come to your house do not worry you can use products on the market also to reduce the amount of hair Fido is losing.

One of the greatest tools on the market today is the furminator, which helps to reduce the shedding up to 90 percent, be removing the loose, dead undercoat without damaging the topcoat.

Grooming can be a bonding time with your dog and should be done at least once a week. The more often your dog does it the less excess hair you will see in your house and your dog will look better as well.

Try to allow 15 minutes to thoroughly groom your dog but you can do a quick groom in as little as 60 seconds a day.

Every time it rains, thousands of pounds of pet waste wash down storm drains and into streams, rivers and lakes. If not disposed of properly, pet waste flows directly into nearby streams and creeks without being treated at wastewater treatment facilities.

When pet waste is disposed of improperly, water quality isn’t the only thing that suffers — your health may be at risk, too. Adults working in their gardens, children playing outside and family pets are the most at risk for infection from some of the bacteria and parasites found in pet waste. Carrying a baggie with you on your walks may be one of the most important pet supplies in your arsenal. And don’t be fooled: every dog has to poop.

With summer here I’ve been struggling to find ways to make spending time outdoors with my family a little more enjoyable.  Since one of our favorite family members happens to be our dog, I was thrilled to find some healthy dog treats for our barbeques. 

I love taking our dog with us to the park and now we don’t have to give him some table scraps when we fire up the grill; he can actually get the food he deserves to eat!

Obesity is one of the most common medical conditions affecting dogs and cats in the U.S., according to recent studies indicating that 30 to 40 percent of U.S. pets are overweight and 25 percent of pets in the U.S. are obese. Similar to people, too much weight causes health issues in pets such as respiratory problems, diabetes, arthritis and heart disease. Overweight pets also have a greater chance of tearing ligaments and wearing down their joints, both of which make getting around painful.

Pets weigh much less than people, so an extra pound or two makes a big difference. It is important to keep an eye on your pet’s diet, exercise routine and weight throughout his or her life. Average-sized cats should weigh between eight and 10 pounds, while a dog’s ideal weight varies with his breed and size. A small dog may weigh about the same as a cat, while large-breed dogs may weigh sixty pounds or more. Your veterinarian can tell you what your dog’s ideal weight should be based on his size and breed.

How do I determine if my pet is overweight?
Your veterinarian can tell you if your pet is overweight during your pet’s regular wellness exam. Your veterinarian may take a sample of your pet’s blood for laboratory tests to determine if there is a medical reason for your pet’s increased weight. If your pet is older, his weight gain may be attributed to lower activity and metabolism levels. Another cause of weight gain is giving your pet too many treats.

At home, you can monitor your pet’s weight by feeling her ribs. Place your fingers on the side of her rib cage and press or rub gently. If you can easily feel your pet’s ribs, she is probably not overweight, but if you have to press against her sides to feel her ribs, she may be overweight. You should also be able to easily spot your pet’s “waist,” that is, her body should become more slender as you look from the end of the ribs to the hindquarters.

What should I feed my pet?
The same weight loss methods that work in humans also apply to pets. Controlling your pet’s caloric intake and making sure he gets the right amount of exercise is the best way to help keep your pet at a healthy weight. Your veterinarian can help you develop a diet and exercise plan to keep your pet fit and trim.

If your pet needs to lose weight, he should do so gradually — a one to two percent loss per week is best. You can control his caloric intake in a few ways:

Give him less food
Give him dry food rather than canned food (dry food usually has fewer calories)

Your veterinarian may prescribe a special diet designed specifically for weight loss
For dogs, the best diet is low in fat and high in fiber. Puppies (dogs that are less than one-year old) need a diet with extra protein, calcium and iron that is specially formulated for their developing bodies. Cats need a diet that is higher in protein.

“Treat” your pet right
If your dog gets too many treats because you just can’t resist his charm, try feeding him low-calorie treats, (like beef trachea) Your dog may enjoy fruits and raw vegetables such as apples, oranges, carrots, broccoli, potatoes and green beans. If he has trouble digesting raw vegetables and fruit or if the weather is hot, you can also give him an ice cube for a calorie-free treat!

Dog and cat treats are widely available at pet food and grocery stores. It is important to consider your pet’s entire daily caloric intake, no matter what type of treat you give him. Therefore, you should not add treats to his daily food allotment, but rather substitute treats for a small portion of your pet’s food. An easy way to do this is to take a few pieces of dry food from one of your pet’s meals and give them as treats.

Never give your pet table scraps. People food usually contains fat, salt and other ingredients that your pet does not need and will cause him to gain weight. People food may even cause indigestion or diarrhea in your pet. Make sure to keep all people food in a place where your pet can’t reach, such as your refrigerator or a covered trash can.

Most pets get the appropriate amount of fat, protein and other nutrients from their pet food, so treats should be only occasional indulgences. You should not make it a habit to vary from your pet’s regular diet of pet food. Talk to your veterinarian about the best diet and treat plan to meet your pet’s unique needs.

Your pet’s diet is just half the battle

Following is a list of practical items to pack on your trips. Store these items out of the sun in waterproof packs or bags, clean tackle boxes, or similar latching boxes. Out on the trail, carry only emergency items like an extra leash, bandages and tape, and tweezers. Don’t forget to pack drinking water and snacks for your pets, too! Leave the rest stored safely back at camp or in the car.

Sample First-Aid Kit
Gauze bandages and pads
Wide bandage tape, preferably waterproof
Scissors, tweezers, and pliers
Antibiotic cream or ointment, rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide
Shampoos for skunks and poison ivy/sumac contamination
Thermometer (protect from excessive heat)
Instruction sheets from your veterinarian with clinic and emergency telephone numbers

Your Dog’s Suitcase
Dry food in waterproof, airtight containers
Safe drinking water (do not drink ocean saltwater or creek water)
Extra snacks for strenuous days (like cow ears)
Prescription medications (take enough supply for at least three or four extra days)
Extra leashes and collars
Identification tags with current address and phone, current rabies tag
Blankets and towels
Brush and comb
Spray bottles for water and rubbing alcohol (To cool your pet off, use alcohol on foot pads, water on the face and body. Label bottles clearly.)
Favorite toys and chew bones

 
Temperatures are soaring into the 90s and 100s and such intense heat is not only dangerous for humans but for pets as well. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) offers a few tips to protect pets during summer heat waves.

Cars are potential death traps during the hot summer months because inside temperatures can quickly climb to more than 120 degrees Farenheit on even a mild sunny day. It’s best to leave your pet at home while running errands during hot weather. Give them a dog treat to chew on, like bully sticks to keepy them busy while you’re gone.

If your pet lives outdoors, make sure there is adequate shelter for protection from the midday sun and heat. Outdoor kennels should be well-ventilated and in a shaded area. There should always be some shade for the pet to get out of the sun.
Also, make sure there is plenty of fresh drinking water available to your pet. The bowl should be placed in a shaded area where it cannot be heated by the sun.
Exercise is important, but overexertion during hot weather commonly causes heat stress. Avoid excessive exercise during hot days.
And, keep your pet well-groomed. Long hair and hair mats may need to be clipped to help cool the animal.