How Much Food Should I Give My Dog?


How Much Food Should I Give My Dog?
 by: Brigitte Synesael







You would think that feeding your dog would be the easiest part of your responsibilities as a dog owner. Wrong again! You'll need to make some decisions and that means you may have to do some homework.

First of all are we talking about a puppy or and adult dog? That will make a difference as to the amount of dog food required. When thinking in terms of food, puppies are typically considered adults at the age of 1 year at which time you would switch to adult food. If there's any doubt or concern about this, or if you just want to be safe, consult your Vet. Your Vet is a fabulous resource for any questions you may have and it's always a great idea to consult with him/her on anything concerning your precious pet.

For obvious reasons, the proper feeding of your dog is extremely important. Over feed and you put your pet at risk for obesity and serious health issues. Under feed and you end up causing a problem dog that chews on toys, books, etc. and steals food off the counter or table and is constantly into the garbage. (Find Product)

How often should you feed your dog?

Next decision... regular scheduled feeding or free feeding. Free feeding means that you keep food in the puppies bowl all the time and he/she eats whenever their hungry. There are different schools of thought regarding free feeding. Some Veterinarians feel this is the best option for your puppy because they're growing quickly and may require more food one day than another. Others suggest feeding your puppy about 4 times each day.

My personal vote goes with the later. Here's why... Free feeding your dog can be difficult if you have other pets (trying to keep the other pets away from it). Then, when your puppy becomes an adult, one short year later, you'll need to retrain your dog to eat only once or twice each day. If you continue to free feed your dog throughout adulthood, you are setting the stage for an overweight dog and likely serious health issues.  (Find Product)

Having said all of this, my recommendation would be to feed your puppy 4-6 times each day. They're little and have lots of energy. They need to eat often to fuel their little bodies and mature properly. Maintain a regular time schedule for feeding, and leave the food available for 15-20 minutes. Then take it away. If your puppy is hungry he'll eat, if not he'll have another opportunity in a few hours. Upon adulthood reduce the feedings to 1-2 times each day.

You'll notice that there are no absolute answers to the number of times each day to feed your dog. That's because there are so many variables involved in determining the answer; age, size, breed, how much exercise does your dog get, is your dog underweight now or overweight, how many treats does he/she get each day. Each of these points need to be considered before deciding how often to feed your pet. I absolutely recommend that you consult with... guess who? Say it with me... your Veterinarian! He/she can help you set up the perfect schedule for your pet.  (Find Product)

What about that People food thing? Okay? Or not so okay?

The answer is... not so okay. Truth be told, in moderation, some people food is harmless. However there are some foods that can be very harmful to your pet. For instance it isn't a good idea to trim the fat off your meat and feed it to your dog. This kind of fat overload can give your dog pancreatitis which causes chronic abdominal pains.

Ham & bacon are too salty and contain too much fat. This can cause your pet to have pancreatitis and, in some breeds, could ultimately result in bloat. Bloat is a potentially life-threatening condition arising from your dog drinking too much water from the salty food.

Large amounts of liver can cause vitamin A toxicity. This is serious because it affects the muscles and can cause deformed bones. Because vitamin A also has an impact on the metabolism, severe weight loss and anorexia is also a concern.  (Find Product)

Any dairy products like butter, cheese, and milk are harmful to your dog. They weren't designed to eat these types of food so their bodies can't digest them properly. The consumption of these products could cause bloating and diarrhea in your pet.

Bones, particularly small bones from chicken and fish can get lodged in your pets' throat which can cause choking. Bones can also cause splinter and tear a dog's internal organs.

Cat food is much higher in fats and protein than dog food. Just like baby food, dog and cat food is designed with the specific needs of each animal in mind. The extra fat is not healthy for your dog and eating cat food instead of dog food means that your pet is missing essential nutrients for his/her health. That's why it's called Dog Food and Cat Food, not Pet Food.  (Find Product)

Chocolate and caffeine are toxic to dogs and negatively affects their heart and nervous system. Chocolate can cause seizures, coma and ultimately death. One 1 ounce of baking chocolate can poison a 10-pound dog. There are different kinds of chocolate some not as toxic as others. But let's face it... does it matter? None of them are good for your pooch, so a BIG no on this treat.

Of course there's the obvious... drugs and alcohol are absolute no no's. You might find it comical to watch a tipsy dog, but I'm sure that you will not see the humour in knowing that the alcohol you gave him put your precious pet into a coma and possibly resulted in his death.  (Find Product) 

There are many other people foods that can cause serious health issues for your dog. There is enough evidence that many foods are harmful for your pooch that the simplest solution is to just NOT feed your dog people food at all. Another bonus to this solution is that you will not have a dog that begs for food while you eat at the table. There are so many treats that have been designed especially for your pet that it really just makes sense to stick to those. What should you feed your dog?

Which is the best for your dog, dry food or canned food? That's the great debate. There are pros and cons to both, so... let's make a list:

Dry Dog Food Pros

Helps keep dogs teeth clean from tartar

More nutritious

Dogs have better breath

Easier to store

Easier to handle

More cost effective

Less likely to spoil

Wet Dog Food Pros

More proteins included

Contains fewer preservatives

Contains less grain and more moisture keeps a dog hydrated and benefits the urinary tract

Is very flavourful, often the preferred taste for dogs

May be better if your dog has certain health issues

Dry Dog Food Cons

Not all dry foods are quality foods

Usually has more preservatives

Wet Dog Food Cons

Sticks on dogs teeth causing tooth problems

Requires more dental treatments

Gives dogs bad breath

More expensive

Less healthy because it contains a higher fat content and more water

Once opened canned food can spoil quickly

Now that we've gone over the list of pros and cons, let me say that absolutely nothing is carved in stone. Your dog may have a health issue that requires him to eat canned instead of dry. For example, dogs that have lost their chewing teeth or have dental disease may not be able to chew dry dog food, and may only be able to eat canned food. I fostered a dog once that would only eat her dry dog food with 2 tablespoons of canned food mixed in.  (Find Product)

You will find that some experts promote canned food for puppies and switch to dry food for adult dogs. The obstacle with this is that it's difficult to make the switch.

You may have a dog that is a really picky eater or one that gulps his food with the speed of light and then throws up. These dogs need your help. Work out a plan with your Vet. This article was not meant to have all the answers. It was intended to give you some things to think about. It's not as simple as "grab a bag of dog food from the store" and we're good to go. As a responsible pet parent, you've got some things to think about. Now, talk to your Vet, ask your questions (be sure to ask for the rationale behind the thought), and together build your strategy.

Above all else, remember to hug your pet today.

Brigitte Synesael

The author invites you to visit:
http://www.fabulouspetsupplies.com


Tidak ada komentar:

Is My Dog's Breath Supposed To Stink?


Is My Dog's Breath Supposed To Stink?
 by: Brigitte Synesael



Well, I wouldn't expect any dog to have "minty fresh" breath, but it shouldn't smell so bad that you can't be near your canine friend. There could be several reasons for your dogs' bad breath including a broken, decayed or abscessed tooth, mouth tumors, periodontal disease, gingivitis, diabetes, sinus infections, and inflammation of the gums, kidney disease, and gastrointestinal problems. This is not an exhaustive list, but you can clearly see that it's not as simple as "fixing your dogs' bad breath". You'll have to 
become a bit of a detective. We'll start with some trial and error. (Find Product)

If the bad breath is temporary, then it's quite likely just something your dog has consumed. Pay attention to what your dog eats (and gets in to). Some canned food will result in foul smelling breath. Raw meat can have the same results. A naughty dog that dines on the garbage regularly will also cause bad breath. If any of these are possibilities, then I suggest you find a way to keep you pooch out of the garbage and/or change his/her dog food to see if that makes a difference. If it is just bad breath from something your favourite friend has eaten, you can squeeze a drop or two of lemon into his water.

If you've ruled out anything consumed, it's time to consider a possible health issue. The most common cause of foul breath in your canine is periodontal disease. Just like people, food particles get stuck in between your dogs' teeth. Decomposed food causes bacteria and this combination results in plaque. This is no different than in humans. Plaque appears as a yellowish, brownish film on the dog's teeth. As with humans, untreated plaque will develop gingivitis and will ultimately progress into periodontal disease. All dogs need their teeth brushed. Brushing their teeth is the best way to proactively prevent this health issue and it is also one of the best ways to resolve it while it's in the early stages.  (Find Product) 

You can purchase toothbrushes especially for dogs, or you can use a soft bristle toothbrush. You may also want to consider a finger brush; a rubber cap with rubber bristles that goes over your finger. Some dogs aren't comfortable with the toothbrush and you may have better luck with the finger brush. If you start brushing your dogs' teeth when he/she is a puppy, there shouldn't be any problems with it as an adult dog. Even if you're starting with an older dog start by letting him/her sniff and lick the toothpaste. Make this a positive experience. Lots of praise and be very gentle. You may not get all the teeth brushed the first time. It's more important for both of you to have fun with it.

As for toothpaste... do not use people toothpaste. It shouldn't be swallowed and dogs don't like the taste. You can buy toothpaste for dogs or make your own.

Mix:

6 tsps. baking soda

2 dashes of salt

4 tsp. glycerine

2 tsps. either beef or chicken broth

You can try 2 tsps. of peppermint extract for the "minty fresh" breath, but no guarantee that you dog will like it. If there is evidence of swelling of the gums or gingivitis, adding a little crushed sage may help with the swelling.  (Find Product)

It's important that you provide your pet with chewing opportunities. Dental chews can be purchased and will help to prevent tartar and plaque build-up. Bones, rawhide, dried pig's ears etc. are a great way to avoid plaque build-up. Be careful of the bones you choose; heavy shin and shank bones are best. Do NOT give your dog chicken bones. You can also take your dog into the Vet on a regular basis for a thorough teeth cleaning. It's also possible that there is an abscessed or decayed tooth that may need to be extracted. The only solution to this is a visit to the Vet. In fact, as we have already discussed, there are several health issues that could be the cause of your dogs' bad breath. Each of these would have to be diagnosed and treated by your Vet. During this time you should keep a close eye on your pet for anything out of the ordinary. Watch for symptoms like abnormal drooling, blood or other discharge from the mouth. Is your pet sneezing or is there a discharge coming from his nose? Is he pawing at his mouth? Is he having difficulty eating or not wanting to eat? Do you notice any swelling in his face?

Also check out what's happening at the rear. Is your dog constipated or does he have diarrhea? Is he passing gas? Bad odour from both ends... big trouble! Is he scratching himself? Does he eat grass but not his food? Is he vomiting? Anything you notice should be brought to the attention of his Vet.  (Find Product)

The important thing is to remember is that there could very well be a serious health issue involved, and your dog doesn't have any other way to tell you or to ask for your help. If your pets' bad breath is not resolved, take him to his Vet.

Remember to hug your pet today.

Brigitte Synesael

The author invites you to visit:
http://www.fabulouspetsupplies.com


Tidak ada komentar:

Mind Stimulation for Your Dog

Mind Stimulation for Your Dog
 by: Brigitte Synesael








Do you come home from work and find your garbage strewn all over the house? Are there holes dug all over the yard? Do you find chew marks on your furniture? Has the stuffing been pulled out of your couch? Are all of these and other naughty things being done by your lovable pet pooch? The cause is simple. Your pet is bored!

Now a more challenging question; what do you do about it? All dogs need to do more than eat, sleep and love you. All dogs need exercise to start with. A walk isn't just about having a pee or a poop. A walk is a fabulous way to build a strong bond between you and your dog, and an opportunity to demonstrate to your pet that YOU are the leader. As Cesar Millan, the dog whisperer, would say, "YOU need to be the Pack Leader". Remember that when you walk your dog, you should be the first one out of the house, the first one back into the house, and your dog should walk beside you or slightly behind you. (Find Product)

I know that we all love our dogs and often think of them as our children... our babies. Truth be told, in order to provide your pet with what he/she truly needs it is important that you think of your dog first as a dog, and then consider the characteristics of the breed. Then you need to remember that your pet is also an individual.

Some breeds need more physical exercise than others. Some need more exercise than others. Herding dogs, as an example, were bred to herd or move livestock. This "job" requires intelligence and an enormous amount of running and endurance. There are dozens of breeds belonging to the "herding" family of dogs including the various types of Sheep dogs and Shepherd dogs, Collies, and Giant Schnauzers to name a few. Other breeds like Jack Russell Terriers, Shelties, and sporting dogs, although not herding breeds, are high energy breeds; requiring more exercise than some lower energy breeds. Think in terms of a 5 mile RUN (not walk) each day as a guide. Also, you can ride a bike or roller blade while your pet keeps up beside you.  (Find Product) 

On the other side of the spectrum; Poodles, Terriers, Shih Tzus, Schnauzers, Bull Dogs, and Pugs, for example have a much lower demand for exercise. Understand that these dogs still need to be walked, at least once each day for at least one hour.

You'll know if your dog is getting enough exercise based on its' behaviour and weight. If your dog is gaining weight you're either feeding him way too much, offering too many treats, or not giving him enough exercise. If your dogs' weight is fine and he's behaving, then the exercise that you're giving him is likely sufficient. Remember, too, that older dogs will need less exercise than puppies. If there is any question or concern, get advice from your Vet.

One thing to note about walks is that you do NOT want the walk to be about your dogs' bathroom duties. Dogs absolutely LOVE their walks. If the walk is over immediately after the dog does his "business", he will try to hold it so the walk will last longer. In fact he may wait until you give up and go home, then do his business in the house. It will work better for you if you wait for the dog to "potty", and then reward that behaviour with a one hour walk.  (Find Product)

If you have some reason that you're not able to provide your dog with the kind of walks he requires, there are a couple of things you can do. For high energy dogs you can put a back pack on them filled with water bottles. The extra weight will add more of a challenge on their walk and tire them out quicker. You can also consider purchasing a treadmill. There are treadmills designed specifically for dogs that can also accommodate the speed that your canine companion needs. When using this type of device please do NOT leave your pet unattended. Any number of accidents can occur if no one is watching. Besides, you can still use the "pack leader" attitude and strengthen your bond while your dog is on the treadmill.

Now that covers the dog walking part of this segment. Here's another newsflash. Dogs also need to be mentally stimulated. Again, the amount of stimulation necessary is dependent on the breed and the individual dog. If there's any question or concern, remember your Vet is an excellent resource and can guide you appropriately.  (Find Product)

Mental stimulation can take numerous forms. Rough housing with your pet can help to stimulate them mentally; as does training. Once they're completely "behaviour" trained, you can work on fun tricks. Playing catch or fetch is also helpful. These activities can be fun for both of you, enhance the bond between you, and keep your pets mind active. You can also consider agility training for all the same reasons. NOTE that before you begin any serious, intense regimen you should consult your pets' Veterinarian. Some agility drills can be harmful for your dog under certain conditions; like dogs suffering from arthritis, hip or joint problems, or young pups. Agility drills involving a lot of jumping can be too stressful for young developing joints. Intense weaves are another obstacle you'll want to be careful of when training your puppy. 

Swimming is a great activity for your dog. Most dogs enjoy it; it's good exercise and builds strength. You can have a lot of fun with your dog while swimming. It can also be easier on the joints of an older dog. Again, please check with your best resource, your Vet to make sure this is a good activity for your specific dog. There may be a health issue that would be aggravated by a particular activity. I know, like any good parent, you want what's best for your pet.  (Find Product)

Remember to hug your dog today. 

The author invites you to visit:
http://www.fabulouspetsupplies.com


Tidak ada komentar:
Langganan: Postingan (Atom)