Changing Your Dogs Diet

Adding energy in a dogs diet is indeed necessary when you notice lethargic behavior in your dog. Some people prefer to feed their dog a homemade food for energy. They also require protein for energy in their diet to build muscle. Like people, dogs get energy from vitamins and minerals in their diet. While some need attention from a veterinarian, you can try home or natural approaches to help overcome energy problems and add energy in a dogs diet. Adding charcoal to your dogs diet can help detoxify some of the noxious gases while they are still inside the intestine.
Dogs are able to get energy from carbohydrates in their diet as well as from protein, which is why we are able to feed them diets high in carbohydrates. Feed them too much and they get fat and develop serious health problems. Feed them too little and they become scavengers and eat anything that looks like it might have a taste. Corn, soy and wheat are three of the biggest culprits as far as food allergies in dogs go and finding a brand of dry dog food that is free of these ingredients can be tricky. A change in diet done gradually makes for a more comfortable dog.

Indeed, most dogs eat commercial dog food and most of these foods provide a fairly balanced diet. If your dog has special dietary needs due to a health condition, talk to your veterinarian about the best brand of food to feed your dog. Puppies should be fed a brand of food formulated specially for puppies because they need more protein and fat in their diet than adult dogs.
It is not the same thing as just feeding your dog table scraps, which you should not do. If you want to feed your dog a homemade diet, take the time to learn about nutrition for dogs first. A homemade diet can be very healthy for dogs but it is important that you educate yourself about your dogs nutritional needs. Dogs, if left in the wild would eat primarily protein foods with carbohydrates making up no more than 25% of their diet.
However, commercial dog foods contain anywhere from 25-60% carbohydrates. If dogs get more carbohydrates than they expend in energy, the carbohydrates turn to fat and the dog gains weight. Excess carbohydrates can be unhealthy for your dog. The kind of carbohydrates dogs need for energy are soluble carbohydrates. Soluble carbohydrates are the starchy part of a plant that can be easily broken down in a dogs digestive tract. If they get more protein than their body needs for energy and muscle, it is excreted in the urine.
Also, a change in diet done gradually makes for a more comfortable dog. This means that we have absolutely no intention of incorporating whole grains into their diet. You should know what foods to give that can be eaten to assist weight loss in your dog and what foods should be avoided at all costs. Eating a lifetime diet of processed food places a great demand on their pancreas to produce digestive enzymes.
Nevertheless, behavioral problems such as hyperactivity, listlessness, short attention span and the ability to learn can also be affected by your dogs diet. Be very mindful of what vitamins and other nutrients to add in their foods.


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About the Author:Obinna Heche. Los Angeles - California An acknowledged expert in his field. You can get more free advice on dogs diet by visiting.. http://www.biggsmall.com.com

Dog heartworms, dog fleas and other dog parasites

Heart worm, fleas and other parasites in dogs need to be eliminated by following appropriate medications in them. Many products have come up in the commercial fields to protect the dogs from heart worms, fleas and other parasites like hook worms, whip worms, round worms, lice, ticks.
Among the heart worm, fleas and other parasites, the fleas produce the hyper sensitive reactions in the affected animals. Hence, the animals infested with fleas start severely scratching of body. Many times, the scratching is so severe and the skin becomes more hyperemic and dermatitis occurs in the affected areas.

Animal will not lie down or sleep comfortably due to the constant bites by the fleas. Hence, animal looks as if affected by some severe skin disease. If the animal is not properly attended for this tick bite problem, there will be often secondary bacterial invasions in these sites and there may even be a bad smell emanating from the skin areas.

Close observation of the dog is highly essential to rule out the occurrence of fleas disturbing the animal to a greater extent. Similarly, the skin of the animal needs to be tested for the presence of ticks, lice. For this, the hair materials need to be separated and the close observation with patience is required for the proper diagnosis.

In many incidences, if anemia is present, the blood protozoa need to be ruled out in addition to the hookworm problems. The clinical problems like anemia, loose motion, pot belly etc. might be recognized by the dog owners themselves and however, the dog needs to undergo the routine health related examination involving fecal examination, hematological examination and blood smear examination.


Many commercial products have come up in the market, which are useful to deal with all these conditions by single dose. Drugs like Ivermectin are highly useful and are available in both injection and oral form in addition to the solution form that can be applied on the skin. These drugs in dogs can lead to the prophylaxis of these conditions also.

DogHeartWorm.Org – dog heartworm articles dealing with the main dog heartworm symptoms and dog heartworm treatment options.

Breeds of Hypoallergenic Dogs

Submitted by jared lansky
Sun, 23 Nov 2008



Hypoallergenic dogs are ideal for dog lovers who suffer from allergies. Although there are no dogs that are 100% non-allergenic, some dogs are more "low-allergy" than others. Though these kinds of dogs shed little to no hair and less dander than typical dogs, all dogs will still shed some dander, even includes hairless dogs. Generally, dogs without hair or with continuously growing hair tend to be the most hypoallergenic. However, a lot of these dogs will need to be kept on a high-maintenance grooming schedule.


There are certainly other alternatives to hairless dogs, and that includes hybrid dogs. Hybrid dogs are the result of controlled cross-breeding. Dogs such as labradoodles and goldendoodles, which are poodle mixes, tend to take on hypoallergenic qualities. Dogs that are mixed with known hypoallergenic breeds can sometimes be considered low-allergy, but it is nearly impossible to know the true makeup of a mutt and whether or not it is really low-allergy.


Jared Lansky recommends that if you suffer from allergies, but happen to find a mixed-breed dog that you think might be hypoallergenic, try spending some time with the dog to see how you react before committing to it. There would be nothing worse than taking home a dog you love and having to give it away because your allergies are affected and you didn’t realize it at first.


Depending on the severity of your allergies, you may still be able to live happily with dogs. The ultimate key is to minimize the amount of allergens in your home. Vacuum your rugs and upholstery frequently and wash your curtains and drapes often. Consider using some type of air purifier. You can also talk to your physician about medical therapies. It really just depends on your particular severity.


Those with very severe allergies may still not be able to tolerate hypoallergenic dogs. If you are allergic but love dogs, consider some of the hypoallergenic dog breeds listed below. If you decide one might be right for you, Jared Lansky suggests spending some time around the breed to see if you have an allergic reaction before you decide to get one of your own.


Some good breeds of hypoallergenic dogs include: Basenji, Bedlington Terrier, Bichon Frise, Chinese Crested, Coton de Tulear, Havanese, Irish Water Spaniel, Kerry Blue Terrier, Maltese, Poodle, Portuguese Water Dog, Pail (Pulik), Schnauzer, Shih Tzu, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Xoloitzcuintli, and Yorkshire Terrier.


As you can see, it is not such a small list after all, and there really are a lot of choices. If you are allergic to dogs, hopefully you can still find one you love and that doesn’t cause too much of a reaction.

Dog Training Hand Signals

When you are training your dog to respond to your verbal commands, you can train him to respond to hand signals also. These can be learned in conjuction with the verbal commands and can be very usual in certain situations. There are a few common hand signals that you can teach your dog.

When you are training your dog, the very first command that you should teach him is the sit command. Teach him the verbal command first and then you can incorporate the hand signal. The hand signal for sit is to start with your right arm at your side, bend your arm at the elbow with the palm facing up. Slowly bend the arm until it is above the dog's head. Do this while giving the verbal sit command. Once he seems to have that mastered, do the motion without the verbal command. If he follows the hand signal, praise him immediately and give him a treat.

Once he has the sit command mastered you can teach him the down command. This command will have the dog lay down with head up and paws forward. This is one of the first verbal commands that has a hand signal. Once your dog learns the down command, incorporate the hand signal into the lesson. The hand signal for down is palm down, fingers together and you slowly lower your hand to the ground. Keep your dog focused on your hand signal as he obeys your verbal command. Slowly, verbalize the command in a softer and softer tone until he is able to do the command on hand signal alone.

The next hand signal that you can teach your dog is the come signal. When teaching your dog to come on command use his name first and then say "Come." If he comes right away, praise him greatly and give him a treat. If he doesn't come you may have to pull his leash toward you while saying his name and the word "come." Once he has the verbal command mastered, just add the hand signal. The hand signal for come is the same as the hand signal for a person to come. Bend your right arm at the elbow and move in backward toward your left shoulder in one sweeping motion. Make sure you have your dog's undivided attention when using the hand signal.

Teaching your dog hand signals along with the verbal signals can be very usual if you need to get your dog to obey you in a crowded, noisy area. It can also be usual as your dog grows older and his hearing declines. The most important thing is to never hit or spank your dog. You do not want your dog to associate your hands with pain. Be patient with your dog and before you know it he will be obeying your every command!

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Steps to Toilet Train Your Dog

The last thing any dog owner wants is a lot of nasty messes to clean up all over the place. If you take the time to toilet train your dog, you'll not only avoid stepping in an unpleasant surprise as you head to the bathroom at night, you will confine all mess to a specific area. However, it does take some time and patience to teach your dog, particularly if you are starting with an older canine.

How to Toilet Train Your Dog

Your dog instinctively prefers to stay clean. If you watch a puppy that has been tied up or left in a kennel, he will automatically defecate away from where he eats and sleeps. You will be able to use this to your advantage when training your dog to use one particular spot for his or her physical needs.

Step One: Creating a Bathroom Area

It's a good idea to choose one specific spot where your dog will be eliminating before you even bring the puppy home. The best way to do this is to pick a spot, perhaps in the corner of the yard where your dog will be comfortable defecating. Some dogs prefer to do their business on grass, while others will actively seek out dirt. If you know ahead of time which type of area your dog prefers, this will help you prepare a nice spot.

Step Two: Establish Living Areas

Your dog will instinctively avoid defecating or urinating within living areas, so you'll need to make sure he understands that the entire house is considered a living area. If you are crate training, you can simply move the crate from room to room, while keeping the dog inside. Otherwise, establish one spot as a sleeping and playing area and then begin to move the dog's bed and toys from room to room until he has accepted that the house is his home. Be sure to progress slowly so the dog has a chance to get used to each area.

Step Three: Be Regular

Dogs do very well on a schedule and this goes for a feeding schedule, as well. If you are starting with a small puppy, you'll notice that he needs to eliminate after each feeding. So, once he has eaten, simply take him to the assigned toilet area and let him do his thing. Your dog will catch on very quickly that this is where he should be defecating.

Step Four: Rewards and Consistency

It will take some time to toilet train your dog. Be sure to allow him frequent access to the toilet area and never leave your dog too long in his crate or alone in the house, since this will result in training issues as your dog won't be able to hold it.

Rewards every time your puppy uses the assigned elimination area will help increase his interest in the toilet training. You don't necessarily need to use edible treats, simply responding with a fun toy or verbal praise is often more than enough to let your dog know that you are pleased with him.

By staying patient, not getting upset when your dog slips up and being sure to let him know that you are happy when he uses the toilet area, you'll find that most dogs pick up the idea of house training rather rapidly. Confusion or being shut up indoors can cause delays in the learning process, so be sure to be consistent and calm about the whole thing. Your dog wants to please you and by using his natural instincts, you are encouraging traits that will come naturally to your pet.

Be Merry & Paw-sitive

Author: Sheryl Matthys

While the economy may not have us so cheerful - dogs always help us to remember to be happy! It's been proven petting a dog can relieve stress - so now is the best time to bring a dog into your home. Give yourself the perfect present that will have you a better person for others ? and that truly is the best gift for everyone in your life.



Now, even though the pet industry has more than doubled in ten years, reaching more than 43 billion dollars in sales -- don?t worry ? you don?t have to spend a fortune. First, look to your area shelter to adopt and lift your spirits as well as be the hero to a dog.



How does a dog lift your spirits? Laughing and playing with your dog can lead to: reduced risk of heart disease, decreased stress, lower blood pressure, a boosted immune system, a natural painkiller for your system, massaging of your abdominal organs, a natural anti-depressant, and reduced blood sugar levels which will help keep diabetes at bay. We may want to ask ourselves what?s stopping us from gaining all these benefits right now? Start bringing in the laughs and play ? even if it feels stilted at first.



And, the best benefit (I think) is that laughing can actually make you look younger and that?s reason enough to do it more! While laughing, your facial muscles are working out, which increases the blood flow around your face.



So back to the dog itself that?s going to bring you stress relief. It happens in a circuitous manner with your first mate drooling at the bit to help. Here?s the key - don?t think pet and owner; don?t think master and beast; don?t think pack leader and follower ? in this instance, think friend and partner; think counselor and co-conspirator. This will start you off in a new direction by improving all your relationships. Remember, this is not just about slowing down and communicating with your dog; it?s about learning how your dog communicates, and seeing the world through your dog?s eyes to help you have better relationships with human beings ? the people we love, cherish and want to understand better in our lives.




Stress Relief To Do List:



1. Adopt a dog ? Be a hero!

2. Participate in dog training classes, agility, Reiki, dog therapy, T-touch ? A great way to learn something for you and your dog while meeting others.

3. Talk with your dog ? Dogs don?t judge what you say and they won?t throw it back in your lap later.

4. Walk with your dog ? Dogs need about 30 minutes of exercise everyday and so do you!

5. Socialize with your dog ? Dogs are the perfect ice-breaker and take part in social communities to make more connections with dog lovers world-wide.



All the above items bring relief to one?s physical, mental, and emotional well being ? more than going to the gym three times a week. With a dog you gain the benefits of a workout, the results of a shrink, and the social activities to put that spark back in your life. Just ask Bruce Goldstein, author of Puppy Chow is Better than Prozac. He claims getting a dog saved him from the black hole of depression.



To think that dogs can comprehend so many of the complexities of human emotions without ?speaking our language? Dogs ?read? our emotions, our tears and fears, our anger and our hurt through our body language.



Perhaps that explains why so many women feel completely comfortable bringing their dogs into social situations they might not otherwise be comfortable in alone. I met Wendy and her dog at a Leashes and Lovers event. I asked her, ?Did you come by yourself?? ?I did,? confessed Wendy. I inquired, ?Would it have been difficult for you without your dog by your side?? Wendy agreed. ?When I have my dog, it makes it much easier for me?Guys want to talk to you, and girls want to know where you got your dog?s sweater?? And, with her dog by her side, she can hear ?behind the words? for the truth into others? intentions.

About the Author:

As the Dogsexpert, and Founder of http://www.LeashesandLovers.com , Sheryl Matthys talks with dog lovers on how their dogs impact their personal relationships. Leashes and Lovers offers online connections http://www.FetchaFriend.com where dog lovers can search and connect around the world for friendship, doggie playdates, same breed of dog, and possibly love!

Sheryl has two children, two greyhounds and is a certified dog trainer.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/be-merry-pawsitive-673831.html

The New Classiest Trend in Dog Housing

True dog lovers always like to provide their canine familiars with the best treats available in the market. For the most dedicated luxury dog houses are one of the best and classiest ways for the owners to show their love for their pet. Luxury Dog houses are easily becoming a tendency among the classiest dog-friends.


As they become ever more popular among the buyers, so does the offer of this product grows and luxury dog houses come as varied as the client’s taste and wallet; If you are out to get one for your beloved dog all you need is a little market research and you will find plenty of places already selling and/or making you a fully customized dog house.
If you don’t know where to start looking, the internet might be just the perfect place to start looking for luxury dog houses, as there are already many websites dealing with this kind of specific product and the offer keeps getting more advanced and attractive.

Some companies who offer custom dog house building even offer you the possibility to specifically choose all the type of materials involved in the building of the house. The available offer of custom features is immense and they range from actual wall paper, window covering, interior and exterior special wall painting , specific dog furniture- including beds, sofas and even some design pieces that serve also as dog toys- to lighting and air conditioning. The outside of the luxury dog houses have not been forgotten , and if you think your beloved dog deserves it, you can even manage to build him his own private dog house garden, with his own lawn , sand boxes and even a pool . The possibilities are truly virtually infinite.
As long as you keep it functional in the dog’s point of view, you can really build your hearts desire. It is important to keep the dog’s perspective in mind when dealing with custom luxury dog houses. Some features are beautiful and look really good on human’s houses but for the obvious reasons, just don’t work with dogs. Remember you are trying to spoil your dog and make him as happy as possible, not making his life harder.



Popular among this new trend is to build the luxury dog houses in accordance to the dog owners´ own house, including matching the architecture and the design of both the interior and the exterior of the house, thus creating a visual harmony.
The prices of such houses vary as much as the price of houses for human habitation. It will all depend on the level of luxury you are willing to offer your dog; nevertheless it is not an inexpensive business to build luxury dog houses. If you really want to bring something special home to your dog, you need to be ready to loosen up your wallet. This houses can be come a very expensive gift but they are also a great and classy way to show some love to your furry friend.

Source: Free Articles