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How to Help Your Dog Adjust to a New Diet

Are you planning on moving your dog onto a new diet soon? Whether your canine is growing into an adult or they are not enjoying their current food, there are a number of reasons why owners want to switch the meals they are feeding to their pets. But, no matter what the reason is, you have to be aware that it can take some time and patience to switch your pooch over to a new food. They have very sensitive stomachs and you should be cautious with this process. So, here are some tips on how you can help your dog adjust to a new diet.

Give a Probiotic

First of all, you want to make sure that you are giving your dog a probiotic before introducing them to a new diet. This is going to help their stomach break down all of the new food and digest it properly.  It can make them feel a lot better since it is not easy for canines to suddenly eat new foods. This can lead to diarrhoea, gas and vomiting. For example, PeakPets sell a fantastic probiotic. This is going to help your furry friend get the most from their new diet and so that they do not feel unwell in the process. You can feed this supplement with food and it should make a big difference for your furry friend

Understand Your Dog’s Needs

One of the main reasons why people change their dog’s diet is because the food they are currently eating is not agreeing with them. It might be causing gas, discomfort and vomiting. It can also cause diarrhoea or constipation. Try to figure out what in the food is doing this to your canine. This is going to allow you to find another diet that is going to be better for your pup’s needs. For example, a veterinarian might be able to help you with an elimination diet to see what is causing the sensitive for your furry friend. This way, you can make sure that it is not included in the next diet. After all, you want your dog to feel good!

Choose a Healthy Diet

You should always do your research when it comes to your dog’s diet. After all, you want to make sure that you are giving them nutritious food that is going to deliver all of the goodness they need to be happy and healthy. Therefore, spend a good amount of time researching what food is going to suit your dog, as well as your lifestyle. For some people, this might be kibble. For others, they will be interested in starting a raw diet. Either way, understand if you are giving your dog everything they need. Purchase this food in advance and read the instructions when it comes to serving sizes and how much to feed your pooch.

Start Slowly

The biggest mistake that pet owners make when they want to introduce a new food to a dog is simply switching all of their food. In this way, canines are not like humans. While we can eat whatever food we want, dogs have sensitive stomachs. You simply cannot just give them different food. This is going to lead to bloating, nausea and toilet troubles. Instead, you have to make sure that you introduce the food slowly. For example, keep them on their current food and offer small pieces of the new one. This is going to allow them to get adjusted to it. You can do this over at least a week, steadily increasing how much of it they eat. Before you know it, they are going to have switched foods and there should be no side effects to their new diet.

To summarise

If you want to move your canine to a new diet, you need to remember that they have a sensitive stomach. In particular, you need to show caution when you are wanting to switch their food. In order to make sure your furry friend does not feel unwell, start by giving them an antibiotic. This is going to help them get the nutrition they need from their new diet and avoid unpleasant side effects. In addition, make sure that you understand your dog’s needs and research the diet before switching. This is going to ensure it is the right decision for your pooch. With a new diet, always make sure that you start slowly. Gradually introduce the food over time.

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Eight Human Foods That Are Bad For Your Dogs

Of course, you cannot resist those big and brown eyes and that cute puppy face. So, can a little extra treat from your plate to the doggo be bad for them? To tell you the truth, it totally depends on what you feed them. If the treat has xylitol in it, which is a sweetener, then it can cause serious trouble to your paw friend. As a matter of fact, there are so many things, which may be healthy for you, but can be outright dangerous for your doggo. What are these things? Here, in this article, we will share some of the foods that you must never feed your dog. So, let us get started and address these foods one by one. 

Alcohol

Foods containing alcohol or even alcoholic beverages can be life-threatening for your dog. It can result in diarrhea, vomiting, reduced body muscle coordination, breathlessness, abnormal blood acidity, coma, depression, and even death. Hence, under no circumstances should you ever feed your pet with alcohol. If your pet mistakenly ingests alcohol, you must immediately take them to the vet.

Avocadoes

‘Avocadoes have persin in them. Some people may be allergic to persin and might not be able to consume avocadoes. However, universally persin is not good for dogs. It might result in diarrhea and vomiting in your paw friends,’ comments Steve, an educator who offers accounting homework help services. 

If you tend to grow avocadoes at home, then you must keep it away from the reach of your pet. Persin is present in the bark, seed, fruits, and leaves of the avocadoes. If care is not maintained, the seed in the avocado might also get stuck in the stomach, or the intestine of the dog and might be fatal. 

Bread

Dogs can consume bread in small quantities but without any raisins or spices. However, it offers absolutely no health benefit or nutritional value to them. The carb-rich is pure calories and should not be given as a snack to the dogs. However, if you wish to feed your dogs with bread, you can instead bake it at home because the grocery bread has added preservatives, which may not be suitable for your dog’s health. 

Almonds

‘Almonds can result in loss of appetite, bloating, diarrhea, vomiting, upset stomach, and lethargy in dogs. They might also cause choking by obstructing your dog’s airways. Furthermore, almonds may have a high fat and salt content, resulting in weight gain and water retention. So, it is best to keep it away from your dog,’ advises Rosy, an educator who offers do my assignment services. 

Uncooked or raw bones, meat, and eggs

The raw eggs and meat have E. coli and Salmonella bacteria in them. These are harmful to both humans and pets. In addition, following a study by ASPCA, raw eggs have avidin in them. Avidin is an enzyme that lowers biotin (B Vitamin) absorption. Consequently, it might result in coat and skin problems. 

Raw bones are also dangerous for pet animals. These can cause choking. If ever the bone splinter gets stuck in the food pipe, it might result in the puncturing of the food pipe. 

Chocolate

‘We all love chocolates, don’t we? Unfortunately, this delicious melt-in-the-mouth item can be incredibly dangerous for your dog. Chocolates have theobromine and caffeine in them. These are the two stimulants, which can result in high blood pressure, increased heartbeat, seizures, and, at times, even death in dogs. Unfortunately, the darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is because then, it would have more of theobromine and caffeine,’ points out Sonya, an educator who offers do my computer science homework services. 

Well, that’s absolutely correct. Hence, chocolates are something that is a big no-no for your dog. If you have a smaller breed, then even a tiny portion of the chocolates can cause more significant damage. 

Onions and garlic

This is one combination that gives us humans dragon breath, strong enough to repel vampires. However, these pungent ingredients can be incredibly bad for your dog. The impact of these two ingredients can be so bad that they might destroy the RBCs in dogs, which might, in turn, result in anemia, especially if consumed in greater quantities. Deciding the quantity can be pretty tricky because experts say that the small amounts of onion and garlic might not cause any harm. However, regular small doses and even large quantities can result in poisoning. Thus, if possible, you must avoid it altogether. Some of the symptoms of poisoning resulting from onions and garlic are loss of intestine in food, vomiting, and weakness. 

Resins and grapes

Experts do not know yet, but grapes and raisins can result in kidney failure in dogs. Unfortunately, you cannot give these two foods even in smaller portions. It might result in vomiting or hyperactivity in the initial stages. In only a few days following the consumption of grapes and raisins, your dog might start feeling lethargic. In some cases, it might also lead to depression. If your paw friend starts showing these signs after grapes or resin consumption, it is advised to take them to the vet at the earliest. 

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Can dogs eat tomatoes?

Can dogs eat tomatoes? As you come to this article, you are most likely wondering if tomatoes are a good dog food. Well, yes, tomatoes are healthy for our daily meals and the dogs’ diet as well. That said, not all kinds of tomatoes your dog can eat. Read on as you will find out more.

Can dogs eat tomatoes?

Dogs can take the tomatoes safely. We have reason to believe that they also love tomatoes – because they taste so delicious! But many suggest you give a minor number of tomatoes to your loyal friends.

You might be curious about the fact as you know that they are harmless. Why can’t we feed dogs with some bowls? We can’t for one cause. Because they can make a dog’s stomach unhappy.

Just to be sure when offering some new food to your dog, make them take a small bite to see how they are.

How are tomatoes good for your dogs?

Tomatoes have lycopene, this nutrient has the benefit of heart health and supports strong bones. The second nutrient is beta-carotene, which can be found in many rich colored fruits and can be good for awareness ability. The third nutrient is vitamin C, a necessary help for the skin. And last but not least, vitamin A, which is important for good vision.

We should also take potassium and folate into account here, they are needed to contract muscles and support blood pressure, respectively.

Tomatoes are the food of nutrients. They are a good helper for dogs if we serve them with the correct amount.

Can dogs eat unripe tomatoes?

A heap of unripe (green) tomatoes can be harmful since they have a poisonous outside cover. 

Dogs and squirrels are always curious and want to try a new thing – sneak in the yard of hardworking gardeners and eat some green tomatoes. The situation can be worse, our squirrel friends have stomach aches somewhere in the forest, but our dog friend can go to the vet.

If you want to give a ripe tomato snack for your dogs, not the green one, we should follow the safe way. First, we rinse them well because some of them might have skin full of pesticides. Second, we remove their peel.

A good practice for daily meals is “do not eat the green fruit”. Some green vegetables may be safe to eat like lettuce but the crucial point is that we should wait until a green tomato turns red.

Can dogs eat tomato sauce and tomato ketchup?

All red sauces (tomato and pasta sauce, tomato soup) should not be put on the menu for your dogs. It is not about the tomato itself, but all ingredients inside the sauce. They are chives, garlic, and onions in large amounts which is a negative for dogs.

And what about plain ketchup? Well, it doesn’t include much nutrition so you should not try a test on your dog. 

We also need to consider the chili flavors of sriracha and jalapeño as they are not a green light for a “fun food test project” on your dogs. But if you want to give them a try with your hot dog, go ahead.

When you check the outside of a ketchup bottle, you can find out all the information about the ingredients. Almost all bottles will have an enormous amount of sugar, but some bottles may have xylitol, a chemical compound that is classified as a deadly goodbye to your dog.

Be aware of tomatine poison

Nightshade plants such as tomato, potato, and aubergine can irritate your pet’s stomach. If your four-legged friend eats some of the green leaves, stem, fruit of a tomato, there is a list of symptoms to check whether your dog consumes poisonous plant or not:

• Hypersalivation (it mean your dog drools a lot)
• Don’t want to eat
• Weakness
• Lack of will to coordinate and confuse to understand
• Lethargy
• Dilated pupils
• Vomiting 

Treatment for tomatine poison in dogs

Fluid therapy

The first treatment is called fluid therapy. If your dog has diarrhea symptoms, your veterinary surgeon will consider the treatment. In the treatment, to push the toxin substances out, fluids and electrolytes will be injected into the pet’s body. 

The practice will handle the dehydration and it can be controlled through the abdominal wall, the veins, or under the skin. If your dogs are vomiting as well, they will need a check at the vet.

Gastric lavage

Veterinarians also have another treatment, gastric lavage (it means “pumping the stomach”). To carry out the treatment, a tube will be placed through the dog’s stomach, it will help to wash out the poisons. 

The treatment is effective especially when you can’t bring about vomiting for your dog. In case of difficulties in breathing, a backup airway can be used to prevent asphyxiation.

Precaution practices

We have a solution to avoid the above treatments, it is called “precaution practices”. 

If you have tomato plants in your house, you should have some pots for them. And you should place the pots high above the ground so the dogs can’t reach them. 

You should check your garden too, make sure to fence off the tomato plants. At least we have two best ways, and surely, we should put them into practice to avoid seeing our best pooches with tubes inside their body.

How should you feed your dog tomatoes?

Remember to remove the leaves, vines, and stems of the red tomatoes when your vet thinks that they are good for your dog.

Don’t add salt or other additives to the fresh tomatoes, because such practice may be dangerous for dogs. Herbicides or pesticides are factors that you need to check, make sure that you pick the right organic tomatoes when feeding dogs.

The best tomatoes for your dogs should be fresh, ideally, homegrown by yourself. If you buy any tomato canned product, check everything, information about ingredients, are there any dangerous substances? If so, don’t give it to your dog.

Conclusion

Now you know that your dogs can eat tomatoes but with a small amount. We should take care of our tomato plants and more importantly, our dogs. If you see your dog is eating a tomato plant outside, you should examine him carefully on your way to the vet. Don’t forget the symptoms in this article since they may be a good help. If you have any questions or doubts, you can go to Thanesix.com to find out more useful information related to your pet dog.

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The Benefits of Feeding Raw Bones to Your Dog

As a pet owner, you may have heard some rumours spreading over the years about the dangers of feeding raw bones to our dogs. These warnings may be depriving you the pleasure of seeing your lovely dogs gnawing with pleasure on raw bones and depriving them of the many benefits of eating raw bones. So, are bones really dangerous for our furry friends? Apart from the myths, this article will help you to understand more about the benefits of feeding raw bones to our dogs.

Why bones are beneficial to your dog?

Feeding raw bones has many benefits for our canine friends. Veterinarians suggest raw bones as a great addition to your dog’s diet. Dogs can easily digest all types of bones, and these bones comprise a huge amount of nutrients that help promote good dental health, growth, and overall development. Here are some more benefits of feeding your dog raw bones:

1. Dental Health: The chewing action is an important part of dental care in dogs. In addition to the presence of bacteria-fighting enzymes in raw bones, chewing helps to remove dental plaque and keep their teeth strong and healthy ¹. Raw bones are a great and simple way to maintain a dental care routine of your dog. Avoid giving large and hard bones to your puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with poor/weak teeth. Softer bones like brisket bones or chicken necks are more suitable in this case.
2. Recreational Activity: Bones are an excellent way to keep your dog happy and occupied. Raw meaty bones prevent boredom in adult dogs and act as a great chewing outlet for puppies. Besides providing a fun activity to distract them and hold their attention for long periods of time, raw bones help to strengthen a young dog’s jaw and fulfil physical and psychological needs.

3. Nutritional Source: Raw bones, and the bone marrow inside them, act as a great source of nutrition. They comprise of an abundant source of proteins, fats, calcium, minerals, phosphorus, etc.² Calcium usually acts as a vital constituent of bone and for dogs, calcium helps to make their bone stronger and performs its action in blood coagulation and muscle contraction. Poultry bones contain wet glucosamine that helps strengths a dog’s own bones. Usually, a dog’s raw diet should comprise of at least 10-15% edible bone content.
4. Healthy Coat and Skin: A variety of minerals inside the bone helps to improve skin and coat health. Bone marrow and cartilage usually contain collagen, an abundant protein that makes your skin and coat shinier and healthier ³. You can choose raw bone with marrow and connective tissues to give more nutrition to your dog.

How to source raw bones affordably?

You can easily purchase raw meaty bones from your nearest local butcher shops, farms, or local grocery shops. You can also find and order bulk bones from several online sites. While searching for affordable raw meaty bones, you can easily compare the price between online raw dog food retailers and other grocery stores. One thing you need to keep in your mind that these online shops will charge you a shipping fee that will be added to the actual price. The shipping fee usually depends upon the distance between your home and its warehouse. Several retail stores offer free shipping costs if you spend a minimum amount, which is a great chance to reduce your total cost. Also, if you’re living close to their warehouse, you may be able to pick the products in person and minimize your costs.

What kind of bones is best for certain ages or sizes of a dog?

Every pet owner should know about safely feeding raw bones to their canine friends by picking the right bones. Since dog safety is our first priority, you need to consider your dog’s size, chewing style, and age before feeding just any raw bones. 

• While choosing the right bone for your dog, you need to think about the density of the bone ⁴. Thick bone will make it difficult to break when chewing and can cause choking in your dog. Avoid giving a large-sized bone to your puppies. Some dogs are very choosy about the size of the chew bone you give them. If the bone is too big, they might not touch it. Usually, smaller dogs prefer smaller bones. 
• You also need to consider the surface of the bones, whether it is smooth or rough. Bones with smoother surfaces are usually considered a safer option because they are less likely to splinter and cut the mouth of your dog. Bones usually comprise of a lot of small pores across the outer surface. Numerous small holes are the sign of weak bone which makes it vulnerable to fracture when your dog chews it.
• Veterinarians recommend avoiding beef, bison, or buffalo shank bones due to their hard appearance. These may cause injury and crack one or more teeth of your dog. 

Finally, the right-sized bones can save you and your dog a lot from trouble. Many veterinarians suggest feeding bones like soft beef bones, lamb or goat bones twice a week. Feeding chicken bones are also safe and perfect for keeping your dog’s teeth without any risk of dental fracture.

References

 1. Freeman, L. M., Chandler, M. L., Hamper, B. A. & Weeth, L. P. Current knowledge about the risks and benefits of raw meat-based diets for dogs and cats. J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc. 243, 1549–1558 (2013).

2. Schlesinger, D. P. & Joffe, D. J. Raw food diets in companion animals: A critical review. Can. Vet. J. 52, 50–54 (2011).

3. A Guide to Feeding Raw Bones For Dogs. https://blog.homesalive.ca/dog-blog/raw-bones-for-dogs.4. How To Safely Give Your Dog a Bone | Redbarn.com. https://www.redbarn.com/blogs/blog/how-to-safely-give-your-dog-a-bone.

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5 All-Natural Supplements For Dogs

Like humans, our furry pets need a well-balanced nutrition to live healthier and longer lives. Unfortunately, like us, your dogs aren’t capable of producing all of these essential compounds, hence the need for consuming vitamin-rich foods.    

Ideally, all of these needs should’ve been provided by the nourishment from the food we eat. But it’s not every day that our pets have access to these foods, which is where supplementation comes in. 

One of the most effective ways to ensure that your dogs get the right amount of these essential vitamins is to know the most important types of vitamins and minerals our fur babies need in order to boost their health. In choosing the best nutritional supplements for your dogs, look for the presence of these compounds: 

1. Glucosamine

One of the most popular all-natural supplements for dogs is glucosamine, a compound that’s naturally present in your dogs’ joints, cushioning them against impact and preventing the joints from rubbing against each other. Glucosamine works two ways–it helps protect the joints and aids in building cartilages. Glucosamine is typically sourced from shellfish or synthetically produced in the laboratory to be sold as supplements.

In younger dogs, glucosamine can help improve mobility, making running and playing with your dog seamless. This supplement may later contribute to the prevention of arthritis in dogs. As a degenerative disease, arthritis wears away the cartilage in the joints, making basic movements extremely painful. A 2007 study showed that a glucosamine supplement aid pain and increased mobility over a month of treatment.

Glucosamine supplements come in many forms–capsules, powders, and as dog treats. It’s often mixed with chondroitin sulfate, another naturally occurring compound found in the bone and cartilage tissues.    

2. Fish Oil

Fish oil bursts with essential fatty acids such as Omega-3, which is believed to be effective in improving cardiovascular health, boost your dog’s coat health, as well as reduce skin allergies. In humans, the Food and Drug Administration has approved a drug sourced from fish oil. Its aim is to reduce triglyceride levels and alleviate the risks of heart attack and stroke.    

A study suggests that fish oils also reduce inflammation, which may be beneficial in reducing the incidence of seizures, meningoencephalomyelitis, and other similar inflammatory diseases that may develop in your pets. 

Despite its benefits, your dog can’t organically produce Omega-3 fatty acids, hence the need to source them from food or supplements. Some Omega-3 supplements are mixed with turmeric to boost immunity, moisturize the skin, and relieve all types of allergies. If you’re thinking about the plausibility of giving turmeric to your dogs, learn the facts here. 

3. Antioxidants

The chemical reactions from metabolizing food generate free radicals, which contain electron-deficient oxygen. These free radicals steal the electrons from the body’s healthy cells, especially when our dogs get sick or are exposed to poisonous substances and stress. When free radicals successfully take away electrons from the cells, it can damage the cells. When antioxidants are introduced in our body and that of your pet’s, free radicals are weakened and cells are repaired.

Antioxidants are found in supplements that are rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, Selenium, and Coenzyme Q10 for dogs. In humans, CoQ10 has been used as a supplement for the treatment of various health conditions. Few studies reveal that this compound can help lower blood pressure, lessen the risks of heart attack, and Alzheimer’s disease. However, more studies are needed to support these claims. 

In dogs and people, antioxidants are perceived to have anti-aging effects, including cognitive problems and memory gaps. Some pet owners swear by the effects of antioxidants in helping treat heart disease and minimizing inflammation. 

With these same benefits believed to be applicable to dogs as well, it’s no wonder why some dog parents rely on these supplements to keep their dogs healthy.

4. Probiotics

More and more people are taking probiotics for gut health, and so should pets. Probiotics refer to the friendly microbes, composed of bacteria and yeasts present in the gastrointestinal systems of all animals. They’re responsible for aiding the digestion process and the maintenance of intestinal health. 

Maintaining gut health is said to be one of the keys to maintaining overall well-being. It’s believed that those who take probiotics are able to produce essential nutrients needed to combat disease-causing organisms and augment the immune system. When probiotics are damaged or destroyed, our pets may suffer from diarrhea and upset stomachs.       

Probiotic supplements benefit dogs in the same manner that they benefit humans. They help increase the good bacteria in the gut. In the immediate terms, it helps the digestive tract break down food better, therefore nutrient extraction becomes more efficient. Probiotics may likewise prevent the growth of harmful bacteria that make your dogs sick. 

Supplements of this type may come in the form of chewables, yogurts, drinks, capsules, and powders. 

5. Multivitamins 

Like us, our beloved pets need their daily dose of multivitamins to support their overall health. While a balanced diet can get some or most of these nutrients, complementing these nutrients is critical to make sure that your dogs get the ideal doses. Besides, our pets cannot get all these recommended vitamins from their normal food consumption. Additionally, some of the vitamin content integrated into most ready-to-eat dog meals break down and disappear in the cooking or preparation processes.    

Before feeding your dog with multivitamin supplements, take time to consider these essential vitamins for your four-legged companions:       

• Vitamin A – for better vision, improved immunity, and overall growth 
• Vitamin B1 or Thiamine – for carbohydrate metabolism and energy facilitation
• Riboflavin (B2), Niacin (B3), and B12 – aids in the proper functioning of your dog’s enzymes 
• Vitamin B6 – responsible for multiple processes such as better immune response, nervous system functions, production of glucose, red blood cell generation, and hormone regulation   
• Pantothenic Acid – helps with metabolism and energy regulation 
• Folic Acid – facilitates your dog’s production and proper use of proteins, including amino acid metabolism
• Vitamin C – boosts the immune system and a great source of antioxidants 
• Vitamin E – for boosting cell functions, metabolism of fats, and anti-oxidative functions
• Vitamin K – helps with blood clots and the production of proteins, which is important for bone health

Final Thoughts 

If your dog exhibits normal behavior for its age and breed, doesn’t show any symptoms of sickness, and you believe that they’re getting the essential vitamins and minerals mentioned earlier, your dog may not need supplementation. 

If you decide to push through with the use of nutritional supplements, discuss with your veterinarian first to find out the best nutrients your dog needs. Once your vet comes up with some recommendations, look for a reputable company with science-backed claims about the efficacy of their products. Read the label properly to ensure that your fur babies are getting the amount they need.

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6 Potential Benefits Of CBD For Your Pets

If you’d search for the potential benefits of CBD (cannabidiol) for pets, it’s thought that its therapeutic effects are almost the same as the effects that it may contribute to humans. The reason behind this is that both humans and animals have endocannabinoid systems (ECS). Furthermore, it’s believed that CBD is activated in the endocannabinoid system to deliver its therapeutic potential. 

Since the endocannabinoid system is where most of the bodily processes of both humans and animals, such as mood, immune response, metabolism, appetite, communication, etc., take place, the regulation of these processes is then affected when the Cannabidiol receptors bind with the natural receptors of the body. 

With its promising effects, which animals may also acquire, more and more people are intrigued about the uses and benefits of medicinal cannabis. If you have a pet that has an underlying condition, these potential benefits of CBD may aid in your pet’s health and wellness:

1. Reduce Stress and Anxiety

Your pets are also susceptible to experiencing stress and anxiety. The contributing factors why your pet undergoes these kinds of emotional changes include separation from the owner, loud noises, exposure to phobias, and even traveling. Since CBD has no psychoactive compound that produces a ‘high’ effect, it may induce calmness and relaxation without intoxicating your pets. A rare cannabinoid with 0.01% to 10% concentration and a THC content with no more than 0.03% may effectively improve your pets’ mood to combat their stress and anxiety.

In some cases, stress and anxiety are caused by an underlying sickness that makes your pet suffer from pain and physical discomfort. Fortunately, there are plenty of CBD oils and topicals in the market that’s thought to improve your pet’s mobility.

2. Minimize the Risk of Seizures and Epilepsy

CBD is usually described as a natural anticonvulsant that may help control tremors, seizures, and spasms. It’s thought that your pet may suffer from seizure and epilepsy when there’s an abnormal burst of electrical activity into the neurons of their brain. CBD is believed to treat seizures and epilepsy because its anticonvulsant properties may help normalize the neurons in the brain. 

In severe cases of epilepsy and seizures, the episodes can be experienced more than once, increasing the possibility of adverse side effects such as dizziness, lethargy, and liver damage. It’s believed that CBD doesn’t only take effect during the episode, but it may also lessen the condition’s duration and counts. 

Since there’s no definitive cure to these brain disorders, there are Cannabidiol products in the market, specifically for pets, that may be used as their maintenance to control its effects.

3. Relieve Pain and Inflammation 

It’s thought that one of the main reasons why CBD may help in a wide variety of conditions is because of its anti-inflammatory properties. CBD interacts with the brain’s immune cells receptors, specifically the CB2 receptor. When the receptors are activated, the response to fight inflammation is revitalized. 

CBD products are commonly used to alleviate joint pains in pets, such as those that are caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The reduction of intestinal inflammation that leads to irritable bowel disease is also another condition wherein cannabis may be administered to cats or dogs. 

4. Help Treat Skin Conditions

Telltale signs that your pet may be suffering from skin conditions are excessive scratching and licking that leads to skin rashes, red skin, and hair loss. Most skin conditions of animals are due to infection and allergy. It’s believed that CBD’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may help reduce potential triggers of skin irritation. 

When the cause of irritation is due to insect bite or pest infestation, CBD ointment or topical is advised. However, if the skin condition is caused by an internal factor such as allergy and infection, CBD oil or supplements can be administered to your pet. 

Even though you’re just applying the CBD product externally, it’s still important to consult your vet for proper dosage and ensure that the product’s ingredients wouldn’t trigger your pet’s condition.

5. Improve Appetite and Prevent Nausea

Loss of appetite and nausea for pets is due to several factors, like illness, current medication, stress, or anxiety, all of which stems from the endocannabinoid system’s activity that regulates feeding behavior. When your pet consumes CBD, it’s thought that the cannabinoid receptors interact with the serotonin receptors that may affect appetite.

Moreover, it’s believed that when the serotonin receptor in the brain is boosted, the nervous system and the digestive tract are pacified to suppress nausea. The antispasmodic agents found in CBD are also thought to inhibit smooth muscle contraction to prevent nausea and to further improve the functioning of the GI tract of pets.

6. Improve Neurodegenerative Diseases

Like humans, neurodegenerative diseases are also common for elderly pets, such as myelopathy, which influences spine and other nerve diseases. Inflammation of the neurons is the cause of neurodegeneration, which affects the cognitive and motor skills of pets. The use of CBD is believed to prevent DNA damage, autoimmune degradation, and to reduce neuroinflammation.

Through the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD, it’s possible to gradually decrease the neurons’ speedy degeneration so that recovery is still possible. It’s also believed that CBD helps in the recovery process by increasing blood flow in the brain’s cerebral part. 

For any pet condition that concerns the nervous system, it may be best to administer CBD oil rather than supplements or gummies because its effects tend to kick in faster. 

Final Thoughts

Before letting your pet try different CDB products that aim to help your pet’s mental or physical condition, keep in mind that there’s no definitive scientific proof supporting the idea that medicinal cannabis is indeed effective. However, there are positive reports about the administration of CBD to pets who are suffering from mental disorders, physical illnesses, and emotional stresses. 

Due to its potential benefits, CBD has become the talk of the town. Still, it’s best to consult your veterinarian so they can guide you on how to properly administer it to your pets and to rule out possible side effects.

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How To Pick The Best Treats For Your Dog or Puppy

Any dog owner knows just how excited our furry friends become when they hear the word “treat.” It’s almost as if they can hear the bag crinkling from miles away, and they come running full speed to get a little bite of heaven. Dogs just LOVE treats! This is why using treats when attempting to train a new behavior is a great option.

Using training treats can be highly motivating for some pups and can bring the training process to the next level. Whether your dog is young and you’re working on basic training or you’re trying to teach your old pup some new tricks, treats are a welcomed reward no matter what age. Read on to discover what to consider when looking for the best training treats for your best friend. Or visit best dog treats: how to choose the best treats for training.

Top Dog Treat Brands on the Market 

Most pet owners know that there are pet food brands that have excellent reputations- and others that do not. Being selective about the type of treats you will be giving your pet is essential. Treats can be incorporated throughout the day, every day, making them a notable part of your pet’s diet. For dogs with sensitive stomachs, choosing the right brand could be the difference between a happy pup and a pup whose struggling with a tummy ache.

Some of the well-known and reputable dog treat brands include:

Old Mother Hubbard Backing Co.: This brand offers healthy dog biscuits made with fruits and vegetables. They offer their popular peanut butter biscuits in three sizes: mini, small, and large. These treats are all natural and tend to be a pet favorite.

Nudges Natural Dog Treats: This brand creates a satisfying meaty treat for larger dogs. Their grillers are made with real, natural steak bites and contain no fillers (i.e., wheat, soy, corn, or animal by-products).

Hill’s Science: This brand’s natural jerky strips are the perfect option for pet parents on a budget. They are made with natural jerky with no artificial preservatives.

Blue Buffalo: This brand’s Bits Soft-Moist Training Treats are the perfect healthy treat for puppies. The treats are bite-sized and made with beef, flaxseed and salmon oil for Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. Perfect for healthy brain development in a growing pup!

Momentum Carnivore Nutrition: Momentum treats are all natural dog treats, freeze-dried raw ingredients. There are a variety of flavors to choose from, some of which include chicken, beef, turkey, pork, and buffalo tripe, among others.

Consider the Different Sizes of Dog Treat

It’s important to know what the right size for training treats is. For those who may be unfamiliar, during any given training session your pet could receive as many as 30 or 40 treats! That being said, we want to think small when looking for new training treats.

It is beneficial for the treats to be small and delicious. The goal of training is to get your dog to do the desired behavior, and receive a tasty treat in return! For a small dog, go for treats that are half of the size of a pea. For medium to large dogs, treats that are the size of a full pea are okay.

Think About the Treat Consistency

Another important thing to consider is the consistency of the treat. Hard, crunchy treats are delicious, but the extra time it takes for your dog to chew a crunchy treat may take away from the training experience. Small treats that are soft and easy to chew and swallow are best. You will want the treat administration to be swift and supplemental to the training process, meaning it only takes up a small percentage of the time you are using to train your pet.

Understand High Value versus Low Value Treats

High value and low value treats are just as they sound- treats that your pet values either highly or lowly. It is important that your pet likes the food you are using enough to be willing to work for it.

High value treats are those that your pet will do anything for. Think of the treats that your un-trained pet may jump up on you to get, such as pieces of hot dog, deli meats, bits of bacon, chicken, etc. Low value treats are foods that your pet still likes, but may not drool as much over. An example would be pieces of kibble that they receive every meal time.

When you are training in your home with minimal distractions, low value treats may be all you need to get your dog to cooperate. Going out to new environments to train, such as a park or a veterinarian’s office, may require more high value treats in order to capture and maintain your pet’s attention.

There’s a lot of consideration that goes into choosing the right training treats for your pet. We all want the best for our dogs and making sure their treats are not only tasty but nutritious too!  It’s always wise to have multiple treat options at hand, try a few different ones until you find the ones your pet seems to respond to best!

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8 Tips For Looking After Your Dog’s Nutrition

Choosing the right food for your dog can be challenging, but their nutrition is very important. As a dog owner you want them to be satisfied and nourished, so it should be a priority to find the best dog food on the market.  

Sadly, buying products branded as ‘organic’ or ‘nutritious’ at the store doesn’t always mean you’re providing the best food for your dog. But the good thing is there are sites, such as dogfoodcare.com and others like it, that can help you choose the finest food for your pet. 

Along with that, here are some tips that may help you keep your dog’s nutrition in check. 

1. Learn About the Fundamentals of Canine Nutrition 

The following nutritional elements are the most important factors of a dog’s diet: 

• Proteins: Proteins serve as the foundation of cell formation, preservation, and restoration. For dogs, one of the major uses of protein is for fur/coat maintenance. This could require up to 30% of their total protein consumption. 
• Fats: In a dog’s diet, fats are the most potent source of energy. They also provide fatty acids, which are necessary for preserving active and strong cells. 
• Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are another source of energy for dogs. They are metabolized by the digestive tract to produce glucose. 
• Vitamins: Vitamins are substances that are essential for optimal physiological functions. They also play a role in enhancing the immunity of dogs.  
• Minerals: Minerals are vital for several purposes, including development, building solid bones, and maintaining strong teeth. 

The proportions and variations of these factors are solely determined by the dog’s age, condition, and lifestyle. That’s why there are different types of dog food for the different stages of your dog’s life. 

2. Keep Your Dog’s Age in Mind 

One of the most overlooked pieces of nutrition advice is that not all dogs are the same. When it comes to diet, a dog’s distinct variations should be taken into consideration. One of these considerations is age. 

The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all dog food product that will be sufficient for every age. For instance, senior dogs have different dietary requirements than younger dogs. They’re often more vulnerable to certain ailments and illnesses, so you’ll need to nourish them accordingly. 

3. Feed the Right Amount 

It’s just as necessary to feed the appropriate amount as it is to give the appropriate food. There are feeding instructions on every pack of dog food product. You could begin by observing your dog’s weight recommendations as given by the food instructions or your vet.

When your dog is satisfied with the food, monitor its weight. This is the most efficient method of determining whether or not you’re feeding it right. If your dog is gaining too much weight, switch to a lighter diet. But, if your dog is not gaining enough weight, consider adding about 10% to its food intake.  

Less often, dogs that are overfed don’t gain weight but acquire digestive issues instead. When a dog is given far more than it requires, its body may react by forcing the food through the system. This may result in diarrhea and vomiting, which could eventually cause weight loss. 

4. Develop a Good Feeding Schedule 

The feeding routine for normal dogs is very versatile. If you’ve decided on a regular feeding quantity, you can split it into as many meals as you’d like. You can also feed them at times that are convenient for you. 

Another option is free feeding, which is a common solution for rigid feeding schedules not working well. This is done by leaving food in the bowl and allowing your dog to eat as they please throughout the day. Though this could work for some dogs, it’s still safer to set out the required dose at the beginning of the day and work from there. This is crucial for limiting the risk of them overeating, or getting too hungry.

Just remember that dogs enjoy consistency, so if you’ve discovered a routine that works for you and your dog, commit to it. 

5. Avoid Sudden Food Changes 

As it comes to routine, dogs don’t cope well with sudden dietary shifts. This may induce bowel discomfort for your dog. If you’ve examined your dog’s regular food and concluded that you ought to make a transition, don’t immediately toss out the old product and start with a new one. 

Instead, combine a small amount of the new and old food. Raise the amount of the new food gradually until your dog is consuming 100% of it. If your dog presents unusual symptoms, discontinue serving the new product and contact your veterinarian. 

6. Consider Your Dog’s Health 

It’s normal for your dog’s natural body processes and systems to decline as it matures. The organs are subjected to deterioration that occurs with aging. Here are some of the health issues that senior pet owners may have to face: 

• Arthritis 
• Liver disease 
• Kidney failure 
• Heart problems
• Hearing and vision loss

These are common, but that doesn’t necessarily imply that you can’t do something about them. Always consider your dog’s health when selecting their food. You could give your dog food rich in omega-3 to enhance its kidney health. Other food items and nutrients that could support your dog’s health include: 

• Fish oil 
• Lipoic acid 
• Fruits 
• Vegetables 
• Protein-rich food 

7. Don’t Forget the Water 

It doesn’t mean a thing if you feed your dog the best food on the planet if it doesn’t have access to water. Dogs require clean drinking water because they generate a lot of heat especially when playing.   

They could become dehydrated if they don’t drink enough water. Dehydration would greatly reduce their efficiency. It could also make them sick. Thus, it’s best to give them access to clean water around your house. You should also carry some water for your dog whenever you’re going out for a walk. 

8. Consult a Veterinarian 

Veterinarians are professionals specializing in animal health. They can provide dog nutrition guidance. So, it’s best to seek their assistance when it comes to feeding your dog. You can also hire a veterinary nutritionist to prepare a meal plan for your pet if needed.

Proper Nutrition is Key 

You certainly want your dog to have a long and happy life. So, the best thing you could do for them is to make sure their diet is tasty and nutritious. Remember, nutrition is just as essential for dogs as it is for humans!

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10 Tips For Raising A Happy And Healthy Dog

Since they’re adorable, furry, and lovable, dogs can make a lot of people feel happy and appreciated. But having them will also make you look back on how you’ve treated them lately as they often treat their owners better than other people. Did you play with them long enough to make them feel loved? Have you walked your dog lately? 

You may be one of the countless dog owners who think they’re not doing enough to make their pups happy and healthy. So, if you want to give your furry friend the best quality of life, this list is for you!

1. Make Sure They Have A Healthy Diet

Giving your dog the right amount of healthy, edible dog foods can help them keep a healthy weight. This is very important as obesity-related illnesses are one of the most serious health risks for dogs, and keeping them healthy will extend their lifespan. Although most pets can get all of the nutrients they need from a balanced diet, you should still consult a veterinarian to check if your furry friend needs to take supplements.

Aside from food, your pet also needs to be properly hydrated as it’s a critical factor in maintaining their health and happy mood. You should also monitor the number of treats you give them, as most veterinarians suggest that they should comprise less than 10% of their daily calorie intake.

2. Keep Them Active

Keeping your dog active by taking them on walks, swimming, letting them play fetch, hiking, and other activities will make them a lot healthier. But you need to stimulate their minds to keep it active, too. You can do this by giving them toys, letting them hunt for treats, letting them solve puzzles or go through obstacle courses, and teaching them new tricks that will make them always alert and engaged. You can also take your dog to a new street or another park to shake up your walking routine. Expose them to new environments. 

3. Take Them To The Vet Regularly

Like humans, dogs also need a yearly general check-up as it’s one of the best opportunities for your veterinarian to gauge their health and screen them for diseases and serious illnesses. They also need to have annual dental check-ups to protect their oral health.

4. Give Them Preventive Medications

Giving your dog protection and taking them to the vet regularly makes it less likely for them to develop serious health problems such as parasite-borne diseases, oral health problems, and other illnesses. Also, brushing their teeth regularly and giving them dental chews can help prevent gum diseases, which can cause more serious health issues.

5. Always Make Them Look Good

Keeping your dog properly groomed will also make them happier. Having their nails trimmed, brushing their hair, and giving them baths will do the trick. Aside from making them look and feel better, grooming will also allow you to see if they have bald patches, dry skin, dandruff, and other problems. It’s also the best time to look for lumps that may be an early sign of a health concern. You should also consult your veterinarian for the best grooming tips for your pet.

6. Make Them Feel Loved

Making and maintaining a strong bond with your little friend is beneficial for both of you. When you cuddle, rub their belly, or brush their fur, you’re showing your pet affection, and they will greatly appreciate it. It’s not only good for making a strong connection to your dog, but it can also make them more sociable toward other people and animals.

7. Expose Them To Others

Socialization is as important for dogs as it is for humans. Most veterinarians recommend that dogs be exposed to new environments and people right when they’re pups to make them less aggressive and antisocial when they become adults. You need to expose them to unfamiliar things and people as early as 16-18 weeks old as it is a critical period in their development. But they should still interact with people and animals regularly when they are older.

It’s a good thing that making your dog more sociable is relatively easy as you can just go for a walk around your street, take them to a park, or leave them on a pet daycare, and it’ll do the trick. 

8. Get Your Dog Neutered

If you have a male dog, getting them spayed can have quite a few benefits. They won’t be at risk from some forms of cancer and develop certain diseases. It could also reduce their aggression and increase their life expectancy. For female dogs, this procedure will help them become less irritable and noisy when their cycle comes.

9. See If They’re Acting ‘Normal’

Paying attention to your pet’s behavior is very important. You need to see if they are scratching a lot more than normal, eating less or more frequently, among other changes. These actions can be some early signs of an underlying issue, or it’s their way of showing that they’re uncomfortable. So, if you notice something weird about your furry friend, you need to book an appointment with your vet as soon as possible to see what causes it.

10. Keep Them Safe

You can keep your dog safe by using collars with ID, injecting microchips, or simply making your home more pet-friendly by keeping toxic substances out of reach and making sure there are no potential hazards. You should also steer clear of unhealthy snacks, poisonous plants, and harmful insects. 

Aside from keeping them safe, you should also make sure that the people your dog will interact with are protected, too. So, you must train your pets to be friendly toward strangers and animals. And more importantly, have them vaccinated.

Closing Thoughts

If you’ve been blessed by a new pup or have an adult dog in your home, you should cherish them. These creatures are extremely loving and loyal that a lot of people consider them as family members. To reciprocate everything your dog does for you, you should ensure that they have a happy and healthy life. By following the tips listed above, you can make that goal possible, and you will see that they’ll love you even more.

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5 Top Nutrients to Supplement Your Dog’s Diet

Every pet parent knows that living with a dog makes everything instantly better. Whether you are going through happy or sad times, these four-legged animals offer devoted companionship and unconditional love to their owners who in return provide them with a warm home and constant care.

One essential way of taking care of your dog is by giving them healthy and well-balanced food. This is important because a high-quality diet helps keep your pup’s overall health in great shape and prevents the development of various health conditions.

Generally speaking, every dog needs to obtain nutrients from various foods and supplements which serve as sources of energy and help in the process of maintaining their well-being.

So, whether you have just become a dog parent or you still aren’t sure what to feed your pup, take a look at these five essential nutrients you should include in your dog’s everyday regime.

Vitamins and minerals

The implementation of vitamins and minerals in a dog’s diet is very important. They bring numerous benefits that maintain the general health of every canine, boost their energy and help them fight against severe medical conditions.

For example, liver disease is very common in dogs. Unfortunately, if it isn’t properly managed it can lead to greater liver dysfunction and abdominal pain. One of the most efficient ways to prevent this from happening is to use liver supplements for dogs which serves as a homeopathic formula that helps to alleviate the symptoms of this condition. 

In addition to giving your dog dietary supplements, you can also turn to actual foods that contain various vitamins and minerals. For example, leafy green vegetables such as spinach and cabbage are some of the favorite foods among pups from which they can get their daily doses of vitamins A, E and K. 

Water

Probably the most important nutrient for your dog is water. This is because it is the main component in healthy cells and if there is a lack of it, your pup’s body wouldn’t function properly. Plus, water deficiency can easily lead to severe dehydration and even organ failure within a few days.

So, the best way to prevent this from happening is to supply your dog with fresh and clean water every day. By doing so, you are helping them regulate their body temperature as well as break down carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

Also, if you want, you can opt for a blend of caffeine-free herbal tea to use as a water alternative which you can give your pup once in a while. Tea is loaded with antioxidants as well as relaxing and soothing properties. Always take note that the tea should be with no caffeine. Before giving any herbal tea infusion to your pooch, make sure to consult with your vet first for the right daily dose and type. 

Besides drinking it, dogs can also get the daily minimum of water through food. Fruits and vegetables such as carrots, watermelon, green beans and pumpkin are some examples of how you can increase moisture in their diet.

Proteins

Unfortunately, dogs’ bodies aren’t able to produce the required amount of protein. For that reason, it is important that you include this essential nutrient as part of your pup’s regime in order to supply them with sufficient levels.

The reality is proteins are considered the best sources of energy because they are made up of amino acids that are essential in maintaining your dog’s health. They are important for giving your best friend a strong bone structure and assisting in muscle, skin, hair, nail and blood formation.  

One of the best sources to obtain the highest amounts of amino acids comes from animals such as pork, beef and fish.

However, if you want to avoid giving your dog animal protein, you can turn to plant proteins. Although they tend to have a lower digestibility, they can still provide the daily minimum of protein your pup needs to maintain good health.

Carbohydrates

Another important nutrient which should be part of your furry companion’s diet are carbohydrates. They are the main sources of dietary fiber and provide energy in the form of glucose. In addition, carbs help generate heat in the body and form the foundation for other nutrients.

While there is no specific required amount of carbohydrates for dogs, it is recommended that every meal contains just enough carbs to meet the daily dose of glucose. This can come either from digestible carbs such as starches and sugars or soluble and insoluble fibers.

For example, one very common type of carbohydrate you can give your dog are cereal grains. These can include barley, oats, brown rice, corn or potatoes. The most important thing you should remember about these grains is that they must be either ground up or cooked well enough so your pup can digest them easily.

For example, one very common type of carbohydrate you can give your dog are cereal grains. These can include barley, oats, brown rice, corn or potatoes. The most important thing you should remember about these grains is that they must be either ground up or cooked well enough so your pup can digest them easily.

Fats

Fats also play a major role in maintaining your dog’s health. Similar to proteins and carbs, they are another excellent source of energy and are best known for helping with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

The essential fatty acids are one of the most common types of fats which are crucial for lowering inflammation at the cellular level and helping dogs maintain healthy skin and coat. The best-known types of fatty acids are omega-3 and omega-6 which can be mainly found in fish and flaxseed oil.

Other great sources of fats for dogs are coconut, sunflower and olive oil as well as plant-based spreads. For example, sunflower oil is highly rich in omega-6 fatty acids which can certainly benefit your pup’s immune system, coat, heart and energy levels.

Also, peanut butter is another canine favorite healthy fat. Although they love its flavor, you should give it in moderation in order to avoid weight gain in your pup.

Final thoughts

In addition to giving your dog unconditional love and attention, you must always strive for keeping their well-being in the best possible shape. An effective way to do so is to provide them with a well-balanced diet filled with protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and water.

By including these nutrients as part of your dog’s regime, you will be able to maintain their health at all times and help them fight against various health conditions.

In case you still aren’t sure how each nutrient benefits your dog, make sure you refer back to this post and use it as a guide to help you create the best diet for your pup.