Dogs We Luv!

Among humans, the problem of obesity is very real. Among pets, obesity is a problem often overlooked. Based on the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention’s (APOP) 2008 Pet Obesity Study , “an estimated 50% of dogs and cats in the United States are overweight or obese.” Apparently, the prevalence of preventable diseases in pets such as Osteoarthritis, Type 2 Diabetes, Hypertension, Heart Disease, respiratory disorders, and some forms of cancer is directly related to the increase of obesity cases in both dogs and cats. Causes of Pet Obesity It is interesting to note that pet owners who lead an inactive lifestyle are most likely to have overweight pets as well. The lack of physical activity can be unhealthy and even dangerous for humans and pets alike. Having a dog can be physically beneficial if the dog owner actually walks his/her pooch regularly. If you’re too lazy or too busy to go out and walk your dog or run with your dog, either you, your dog or both of you may be...

Teaching a dog about discipline is very important and meal times are the perfect time to teach your dog a few tricks about good behavior. Here are three important lessons on dog feeding: Use feeding time as trainin g time. Because you are the one providing food, your dog should learn to recognize you as the leader of the pack. Never tolerate barking, jumping or growling as you prepare his food or as you put down his feeding bowl. Your dog should patiently sit and wait for you and not the other way around. Say the command “Sit” and wait for your dog to do so before letting him have his food. If he refuses to obey your command, ignore him. Don’t give his food until he stops barking or jumping. When he’s quiet, say the command “Sit” and observe. If he’s done well, praise him and give him his bowl. Soon your dog will learn that if he wants to be fed, he must behave properly. *If your dog isn’t trained to “Sit”, you can start the lesson on How to Teach Your Dog to Sit a...

When buying a feeder for your dog, don’t simply buy a cheap one. Choose a dog bowl that is safe, durable and made for your dog. Since dogs come in different sizes and dogs have different personalities, certain dog bowls are made for specific breeds. It’s important to choose a dog bowl that’s easy to clean, chew-resistant, spill-proof, and one that doesn’t tip off. Consider the following factors when buying a feeder for your pet dog: The Right Shape. Make sure that your dog’s feeding bowl does not block his vision while eating or drinking. If you have a dog with a short snout, you may choose a shallow bowl. Meanwhile, taller dogs need taller bowls. A tapered bowl with a wide base will also keep it from moving around or tipping off. If your dog doesn’t seem comfortable with his feeder, perhaps you got a bowl in the wrong shape. The Right Size. Dog bowls can either be small, medium or large to match small, medium and larger dogs. Make sure that your dog’s feeder is jus...

Just as we should be concerned about the food we eat, we should also be concerned about what we feed our dogs. But what really is a healthy dog food? According to dog experts, a healthy dog’s diet must contain 50% veggies, 40% meat and 10% whole grains. Understanding what the label says is important in choosing your dog’s food. Watch out for dog foods that contain too many by-products (chicken beaks, feet, bones, etc.), artificial preservatives (BHA, BHT, Ethoxyquin) and fillers. This is why pet owners are advised to go holistic when it comes to feeding their pets. What are the benefits of holistic or natural dog food ? Why Go Holistic: Your dog would be healthier. Because holistic dog foods do not contain chemicals or preservatives, you will be giving your pet the chance to become healthier and live longer. A holistic diet reduces the risk of cancer and other diseases. Holistic is cheaper on the budget. Switching to a holistic diet for your dog is actually cheaper. ...

Some foods that we eat as humans are not safe or even fatal for canines. So before you give your dog anything that you eat, make sure that it’s safe. Here are some of the foods that humans often eat which can be life-threatening for dogs. • Chocolates. Even an ounce of chocolate (especially dark chocolate) can be fatal for dogs. Symptoms like vomiting and seizure may not show up right away but it can lead to comma and even death. • Ham and bacon. Both contain too much salt and fat which can cause pancreatitis. Eating salty foods can also lead dogs to drink too much water which can cause bloating and death. Onions and garlic. Both can destroy a canine’s red blood cells and may cause anemia. • Grapes and raisins. Even a few pieces of grapes or raisins can cause kidney failure on dogs. • Avocado. Avocadoes contain persin which can be damaging to the heart, lungs and other body tissues in animals. It can also lead to pancreatitis and cardiovascular ...

Are you feeding your dog with the right kind of food? If you’re a dog owner, you should consider this question seriously, as what you feed your dog directly affects his health condition. How do you know which dog food is best for your pet? Here are some points to consider: The age of your dog. Dogs have different nutritional needs depending on how old they are. “Puppies” need higher levels of protein and fat than adult or older dogs do. It’s very important not to feed an adult dog with food that is especially made for younger dogs. Your dog’s breed. Specific dog breeds also have varying nutritional needs. Larger dog breeds such as German Shepard, Labradors and Great Danes need foods with high calcium content because they are more prone to bone and joint problems. Your dog’s level of activity. How active is your dog? Again, a dog’s nutritional need also depends on his level of activity. Obviously, work dogs or active dogs use up more energy than dogs...