Better Health For Dogs February 2, 2021

Choosing What Your Dog Eats

Choosing What Your Dog Eats

Proper Nutrition

When you decide to bring home a new puppy, you have lots of decisions to make. You need to figure out how you are going to train your dog, and where it will sleep in your house. You have to purchase the right accessories for your pet and also find it some fun and appropriate toys. You need to make vital decisions, such as deciding on the veterinarian who will take care of your dog’s medical needs. Another decision that should not be made lightly is what food you will feed your dog. Instead of simply looking at the packaging and the price of the food, you should look for the following items.

Dogs have their own dietary needs, which differ greatly from those of humans. When you understand what your dog needs to eat, you can choose the right dog food and healthy treats while making sure your furry friend is getting the essential nutrients they need for optimal wellness. See what every dog needs to eat in order to thrive and how you can brighten your dog’s day with the right food and treats.

6 Essential Things Dogs Need in Their Diet

So that your dog has a balanced diet, they must get the following:

Water: Dogs need water for hydration, just like you do. Always make sure your dog has access to fresh water throughout the day.
Protein: Protein supplies energy and essential amino acids, which dogs are unable to produce naturally. It’s thanks to protein that your dog has strong nails, muscles, and bones. High-quality protein sources for dogs include lentils, meat, fish, and eggs.
Fat: Fat delivers energy, protects your pet’s internal organs and nervous system, and provides omega-3 and omega-6 essential oils. The best fats for dogs include fish and natural plant oils, like hemp.
Vitamins: Vitamins aid in metabolic function and must be soluble in either food or water. Vitamins crucial for dog health include A, B, C, D, E and K.
Minerals: Minerals help regulate your pet’s systems, create strong bones, and maintain fluid balance. Minerals important for a dog’s wellbeing include calcium, potassium, selenium, magnesium, zinc, chloride, and sodium. Since dogs do not synthesize minerals, these must be part of your pet’s food.
Carbohydrates: While carbohydrates are not strictly essential for dogs, they do help dogs digest vitamins, minerals, proteins, and other essential nutrients. Carbohydrates break down into glucose, a type of natural sugar that acts as fuel for your pet’s energy. The highest quality carbohydrates include vegetables, such as sweet potatoes.

Dogs need different amounts of these 6 things based on age and size. Large dogs that are very active will need more quantities of pet food than small dogs that are largely sedentary, for example. Senior years, which are generally start around age seven to twelve for dogs, bring additional dietary changes. During your dog’s golden years, you will want to focus on preventing cognitive decline, maintaining healthy weight, and managing any chronic health conditions through the right pet food and supplements.

Unhealthy weight gain is a problem for pets. Excess weight places pet joints under pressure and cause premature wear and tear. To protect your pet’s health, do not overfeed or over-treat.

5 Things to Look for When Choosing Your Dog’s Food

Look at the first ingredient on the nutrition label. This is the primary ingredient in the dog food, and it should be a healthy protein such as beef, chicken, lamb or fish.
Read the rest of the ingredients on the label in order to understand the rest of the composition of the food. Look out for filler products that are adding weight to the dog food without adding any substance or nutrients.
Find an adequacy statement on the dog food label. It will help you understand what type of dog will benefit the most from that particular food.
Choose a food that has feeding trial information on the label. A feeding trial statement assures the pet owner that the product was offered to living dogs who not only enjoyed the food but stayed healthy, well, and active while eating it.
Keep an eye out for advertising keywords that may not have much meaning. For instance, dog food companies can advertise that the food is made from natural ingredients. However, the use of this phrase is not regulated and does not necessarily guarantee the quality of the food itself.

When to Consider a Pet Supplement for Dogs

Knowing what your dog needs to eat, you can find a high-quality pet food that is not subject to recalls and give your pet treats. Yet you may be wondering when your dog might need a pet supplement like NuVet. Estimates indicate that anywhere from 10 to 30 percent of dogs take supplements. However, quality varies widely among supplements with some containing few to no beneficial ingredients and others having more than the daily dosage.

Poor quality supplements are not healthy for your dog, for instance if a pet ingests too many supplements they may interact poorly with veterinary medications. Yet anecdotal evidence as well as veterinary studies do show that the right pet supplement can be beneficial. Joint supplements are one example of something with proven benefits for pets who may be dealing with joint problems as a result of aging. Joint supplements can increase flexibility, so a pet can enjoy greater mobility. While pet foods contain antioxidants, pet owners may wish to supplement with antioxidants to support the cognitive wellbeing of senior pets.

Pet multivitamins may not be needed, since your pet should be getting all the vitamins and minerals they need when you feed a healthy diet and treats.

As always, you should let your vet know what if any pet supplements your furry friend is taking, such as an immune system booster. Your vet will let you know of any contraindications for the medications you dog needs.

Choose the Best Supplement

There are a lot of supplements on the market; the number of choices can be overwhelming, especially if you have never shopped for a supplement for your dog before. Always do your research before you settle on one product. Choose a supplement that has all of the vitamins and nutrients that your dog needs. The best supplements target skin, coat, joints, bones and muscles, as well as eyes, teeth and other aspects of your dog’s body. You can find recommendations online or from your vet. You should also check out reviews from other dog parents like yourself.

Administering Pills and Supplements

Wasted medicine, battle wounds – just a few of the remnants left after trying to give your dog a pill. You think you’ve hidden it perfectly inside a ball of cheese, but out pops a soggy tablet while your pup gleefully swallows the treat. Maybe your dog knows his pill comes after breakfast, so you’re cornering him, trying to force the meds down his throat, sometimes getting a bite for your troubles.

Often, your dog is turned off by the scent of the medication. Chicken may be his favorite food, but he won’t go near it when there’s a pill inside.

Smother the med’s smell by surrounding it with a strong-scented food like liver or Limburger cheese. The taste will win him over despite the intense smell.

Coat the pill with peanut butter, soft cheese or salted butter. This not only helps it slide down your dog’s throat, but if your dog spits it out, the pill’s coating remains intact to try again. Regulation of the medicine’s time-release often depends on the coating.

Make the whole experience worth your pet’s while by playing a treat game. Mold several small “meatballs” of tasty food or treats with the pill inside one of them. Toss them one at a time to your dog and he’s less likely to notice that one was just a little different.

Confirm that the pill or supplement can be taken with food before using these methods.

Some dogs simply won’t fall for the pill-hidden-in-a-treat ploy. “Pilling” him is your only option – putting the medicine right in his mouth. The trick is doing it quickly and safely.

With the pill between the thumb and forefinger of your dominant hand, hold the top of his muzzle with your other hand and tilt his head back. Put the thumb of your top hand on the roof of his mouth, wrapping his lip over his teeth if you’re afraid he’ll bite. Press his lower jaw down with your middle finger over the small incisors. Drop the pill as far back in his mouth as you can and immediately hold the dog’s mouth closed. Blow into his nostrils until he licks his nose – this is the sign he swallowed.

NuVet Plus

There are more effective, less stressful ways to administer pills or supplements like NuVet Plus. NuVet Plus is made of human-grade ingredients and contains everything your dog needs to help stay happy and healthy. Dogs love this immune system building supplement because it contains real chicken liver and comes in an easy to swallow wafer form. You can also try our NuVet powder which contains the same unique formula in a powder form. It’s easy to administer, just coat it on your dog’s food and they will never know the difference.

For more information on NuVet Plus, including NuVet reviews and NuVet Plus reviews, as well as a secure way to order, visit our site: https://www.nuvet.com/. NuVet Plus will help supplement your dog’s regular diet so you can be sure you are providing the best in nutrition for your best friend.

Choosing the Right Dog Bone

When you pull out a fresh, new bone, your dog probably starts wagging its tail and jumping up and down with excitement. It’s one of the facts of life — dogs love to chew on bones. However, as a pet parent, you will want to make sure that you choose the right size and style dog bone for your particular dog. Small dogs require different types of bones than large dogs. Bones will help occupy your dog, stimulate them and allow them to satisfy their urge to chew on something. It’s up to you to choose a bone that is safe for your small dog.

Your small dog also has a small mouth, and proportionately-sized teeth. This means that it needs a smaller-sized bone than a larger dog. If you give your dog a bone that is too large, it may also be too hard for your dog to chew and can cause damage to your dog’s teeth. Also, your small dog may be intimidated or lose interest in a bone that is too large for it.

Take note of how often your dog likes to chew on a bone and how long it takes your dog to chew an entire bone. This will help you choose the right bone for your dog. If your dog is an avid chewer, you might want to consider an indestructible Nylon-based bone. These bones will keep your dog occupied while also preventing your dog from ingesting the material. However, if your dog spends less time chewing, you may want to consider a soft-treat bone, such as an all-natural chew. This is more like a dog treat than a dog toy.
Always consider what the dog bone is made of. Many real-meat bones are not considered safe for dogs. Other types of bones, such as rawhides, may pose a choking risk to your dog. Talk with your veterinarian about what products he or she recommends before purchasing any bones for your dog.

In addition to stimulating your small dog with a new, safe bone, be sure to consider adding a pet nutritional supplement to its diet. NuVet Plus provides your pet with all of the amino acids, antioxidants vitamins, nutrients, and minerals that it needs in order to live a long and healthy life. Find out more information on the NuVet Labs website today.

Tips for Choosing the Healthiest Dog Treats

When looking at the different treat options in the pet store, always check the ingredient list before you buy a product. Make sure the first ingredient is a healthy choice — such as chicken or beef. The first ingredient is the ingredient that weighs the most within the treat package, and therefore makes up the largest portion of the treat itself. Avoid treats that list by-products as the first ingredient.
Opt for natural treats rather than processed dog treats. You don’t have to buy your pet specialty dog treats at the pet store. Instead, pick up a bag of organic baby carrots at the grocery store. Your dog will love them and it provides your pet with an added boost of nutrients rather than an extra dose of fat.
Make sure you know where the pet treats were manufactured and produced. It is wise to choose treats that were made in the United States, because this means you will be giving your dog a treat with the freshest ingredients. In some cases, treats that were manufactured in other countries are not held to the same safety standards as they are in the United States. It is always a wise choice to choose domestic dog treats for your pet.

Next time your dog behaves well on its walk or it looks extra cute lying on the kitchen floor, you’ll feel good about tossing it a treat that is not only tasty but also good for your pet. Healthy dog treats ensure that your dog gets the reward it deserves without forcing your pet to gain extra weight. In addition, consider adding a pet nutritional supplement to your pet’s diet. Supplements, such as NuVet Plus, fill in the nutritional gaps in your dog’s diet. It provides your dog with all of the antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins, and nutrients it needs. This product is proven to help boost your dog’s immune system and help protect your pet against sensitivities. For more information, visit the NuVet Labs Facebook page today.

Recalls

Dog food recalls are very serious, and have happened quite often in the last few years. Unless you are feeding your dog a completely homemade diet, you should be alert for dog food recalls. The following information will help you provide the very best nutrition for your four-legged friend.

How to Find Pet Food Recall Information

There is a variety of ways to find information on dog food recalls. The best place is from the manufacturer’s website. The news media will sometimes publish this information. There are also a few websites that attempt to stay up-to-date with this information, so a quick Google search should yield results. You should check for recalls fairly often, to ensure that your pet’s food isn’t subject to one of these issues.

Common Recalls

The most common recalls involve unsanitary processing conditions, or food that is tainted by foreign objects. In most cases, recalls don’t involve actual sickness of pets. Most companies issue recalls in advance of any serious issues.

Act Quickly

If your dog’s food is subject to a recall, it is important to act quickly. Immediately stop serving the recalled food to your dog and remove it from his reach. Then follow the instructions that are issued as part of the recall. Most companies will instruct dog owners to discard any uneaten food. Some companies will also provide instructions for obtaining a refund or replacement food. You may need to keep the bar code or other information from the food packaging to obtain this refund, so be aware of these things when you read the details of the recall.

Source

http://www.petmd.com/dog/slideshows/nutrition-center/choosing-best-dog-food, http://www.dogster.com/dog-food/how-to-choose-a-healthy-dog-food http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?aid=242 http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?aid=241
http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/healthy-dog-treats
http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/12_11/features/Treat_16175-1.html http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/how-to-give-medications-to-dogs;
http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/pets/dog-care/how-to-give-your-dog-pills?page=2; http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/cliented/dog_meds.aspx

Better Health For Dogs January 9, 2021

NuVet Labs – Canine Breed Groups

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NuVet Labs – Canine Breed Groups

People who are looking into adding a new dog to their family should understand the various canine groups and the breeds that are a part of them. This will help them select the pet that is right for their home and for their family.
Gundogs, Hunting and Sporting

Sporting dogs, hunting dogs and gundogs were originally bred to help their owners on hunts and other sporting events. Common breeds in this group include the Brittany Spaniel, Cocker Spaniel, Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever. The dogs in this group are loving dogs who dote on their owners, but they require vigorous and regular exercise.

Pastoral and Herding

Pastoral dogs were bred to work a pasture and to help farmers complete their daily tasks. In a family setting, pastoral dogs are friendly and love their owners. They are smart and can easily be trained by their caretakers. Examples of dogs in the herding group include the Australian Cattle Dog, the Border Collie, the Corgi and the German Shepherd.

Terriers

Terriers are a group of smaller dog breeds, many of which are active and spirited. Terriers make great household pets, but their personalities should be matched by their owners. Terriers can have a feisty demeanor, so it’s important to consider this when choosing a pet. Examples of dogs in the Terrier group include the Airedale Terrier, the Bull Terrier, the Irish Terrier and the Miniature Schnauzer.

Toy

Toy dogs make wonderful family pets, especially for those who live in small spaces such as an apartment. They are sweet and loveable, and easy to control because of their size. Toy dogs have desirable personalities, and many of these breeds love to be lap dogs and true companions to their owners. Examples of dogs in the toy group include the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, the Chihuahua, the Miniature Poodle and the Pug.

Hounds

Hounds were bred in order to develop their sense of smell and to assist on hunts. They were often used by aristocratic families as a sporting dog on their country estates. Today, hounds make wonderful family pets, but they definitely need the space and time to run and exercise. Hounds that many people have heard of include the Beagle, the Basset Hound, the English Foxhound and the Otterhound.

Working Group

The dogs that are a part of the working group were original bred to do just that — work. Working dogs held a variety of different jobs, such as pulling sleds, guarding owners and property and helping law enforcement officers with land and water rescues. While working dogs make good companions and they are easy to train, they aren’t always the best choice for a family pet. They are very strong and large, which can make them intimidating to children. Dogs in the working group include the Bernese Mountain Dog, the Boxer, the Mastiff, and the Newfoundland.

Non-Sporting Group

The non-sporting group is a varied collection of dogs that were not always bred for a specific purpose. While some make good companions, others have a more challenging personality. Each breed should be investigated on an individual basis when choosing a pet. Dogs in the non-sporting group include the Bichon Frise, the Chow Chow, the Shiba Inu and the Standard Poodle.

Dog Breeds That Don’t Bark

If you live in an apartment or other space with close neighbors, a dog that doesn’t bark a lot is a great choice. Likewise, if you have small children or elderly family members that live with you, you may also wish to find a dog that is quiet and won’t make a lot of noise. While it is not possible to find a dog that will never bark, there are several breeds of dogs that are very quiet and though they have the capability to bark, they will rarely do so. One thing you never want to do is adopt a dog and have it debarked; this is painful to the dog and can have serious repercussions.

Shiba Inu

The Shiba Inu is a gorgeous dog, with a rich, full coat. The Shiba Inu is a very quiet dog. He won’t bark much and isn’t very vocal normally. His quiet nature makes him a perfect choice if you live in close proximity to your neighbors. However, the Shiba does shed quite a bit, so if you are looking to avoid the vacuum, he may not be the best choice.

Collie

The collie is another dog that typically does not bark a lot. This medium-sized dog has a lot of energy and enjoys lots of play time and long walks, so he’s a great (and quiet!) companion for those with an active lifestyle.

Mastiff

The Mastiff is another quiet member of the canine species. Mastiffs are large and have lots of energy. If you live in a small space, this dog’s great size can pose a problem. However, if you have a large yard, a mastiff is a great choice. And he will enjoy his yard quietly, so you and the neighbors will be happy.

Bulldog

Bulldogs are small and need little exercise, so they are a great choice for those with a more sedentary lifestyle. Bulldogs are also typically quiet and rarely bark, so they are a great choice if you are looking for a dog that isn’t loud.

Shar-Pei

The Chinese Shar-Pei is another quiet dog. He’s also fairly small in stature, so he’s great for apartments and small homes. This little guy is adorable, and loyal to a fault, so he’s a great companion for singles and families.

Keeping Your Dog Healthy

Your dog deserves the very best in nutrition, regardless of his size, breed or the amount of barking he does. It is important to choose a high quality food made of the best ingredients for your dog. Many dogs do well on a high-protein, low-carb food. Grain-free foods are highly recommended.

Best Dog Breeds for Kids

Families with young children often love the idea of having a dog as a member of their brood. Dogs can provide kids with companionship and love, while also teaching them about responsibilities and the importance of caring for others. However, if you are thinking of adding a dog to your family, you may want to find a breed that is known for being good with kids.

Beagle — Beagles are known not only for their energy but also for being friendly pets to have in the house. If you are at a loss for how to entertain your child all day and how to use up your child’s energy, send them out into the yard with a beagle. These dogs become a true companion and they enjoy the company of young children.
Newfoundland — The Newfoundland is a gentle giant who has always been known for its love of children. This large breed dog loves to spend time around its family, but it does require a home with plenty of living space, both indoors and outdoors.
Bichon Frise — The Bichon Frise is sweet and loveable, and it loves to be around kids. It is an ideal family dog for those who live in apartments or who would prefer the company of a small breed, and many parents love the fact that it is a non-shedding breed.
Golden Retriever — Golden Retrievers are beautiful dogs that have plenty of energy available to play with young children. They are naturally patient, making them a great choice for families.
Labrador Retriever — Labrador Retrievers have long been a popular dog among families with kids. They are loveable and kind, and they enjoy romping with the kids. They are an intelligent breed that is protective of loved ones.

Once you have decided which breed is best for your particular family and your lifestyle, you should think about providing your dog with a happy, healthy life. Many pet parents know that they want to feed their dog nutritious and quality pet food, but they don’t realize that the average pet food will not meet all of their pet’s nutritional requirements. NuVet Plus is an immune system booster product that can be easily incorporated into your dog’s daily diet. It provides your dog with all of the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that it needs, which in turn gives it a strong immune system and plenty of energy to play with your kids all day. For more information on NuVet Plus and to get first-hand reviews from other dog owners, check out the NuVet reviews page today.

Source

http://www.cesarsway.com/dog-behavior/basics/The-Ten-Best-Family-Dog-Breeds

http://www.dogreference.com/16-best-dog-breeds-to-get-along-with-kids/2/

https://www.akc.org/breeds/

Better Health For Dogs March 20, 2019

Holistic Medicine: What It Is and How It Can Benefit Pets

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The Goal is to be Whole

Holistic medicine is an alternative approach to conventional medicine, which can be applied to both human health care practices as well as veterinary practices. Holistic medicine views the body as a whole — and the goal is to ultimately treat the mind, body and spirit as one entity. In most cases, holistic practitioners look to identify the root cause of an issue rather than relieve the symptoms associated with an affliction. There are many benefits to holistic health care for pets.

How Can Holistic Medicine Benefit Pets?

Holistic medicine focuses on preventative care for pets. Instead of waiting to treat a condition when it develops, holistic medicine works to prevent deficiencies, issues, and complications from happening in the first place. The goal is to work with the animal on a regular basis and use natural products in order to enhance its health as well as boost its immune system.

This approach to medicine tends to use natural treatment options that are better tolerated by the pet’s body. Prescription medications, even for pets, can have a wide variety of negative side effects. Natural products, including supplements made from the finest natural ingredients, will work with the body in order to provide your pet with the most benefits.

Research has shown that holistic medicine can be effective at relieving poor health. Pets that may have complications, deficiencies, need joint support or need to regulate blood sugar levels may benefit significantly from holistic medicine. Given the fact that holistic practitioners look to treat the entire body — including the emotional impact of poor health — pets often will feel their best despite having to manage a difficult issue.

Pet parents should discuss their medical care preferences with their veterinarian, as well as discuss other preventative care options such as all natural pet nutritional supplements. NuVet Plus is a natural pet supplement product that is formulated to provide your pet with all of the vitamins, minerals, nutrients, amino acids and antioxidants that it needs. Pet owners will find the NuVet reviews page to be especially beneficial, because it provides them with an opportunity to get feedback from other pet parents who have used this same product for their pets. In general, the NuVet Plus reviews are extremely positive and people report that their pets have received plenty of benefits from this one small supplement. For more information, visit the NuVet Labs reviews page today.

What to Expect With a Holistic Vet Appointment

On the surface, a holistic appointment may look similar to an appointment at your current veterinarian. Your pet will be weighed. The veterinarian will examine his coat, eyes, teeth, paws.

Once the vet begins to ask about pet behavior and symptoms, you will notice the difference in the holistic approach. Holistic medicine focuses on the interconnected systems of mind and body, and looks to find the root cause behinds a health issue rather than simply helping the symptoms with medication the way a conventional vet might. Your vet may ask unusual questions in an effort to identify the pattern. Do your best to answer these questions even if you think they’re strange.

Holistic medicine understands that a symptom may have different causes and in fact different levels of causes, such as mental, physical, or emotional. Without correctly understanding the pattern of poor health, real help cannot be possible. Consider pets that are prone to ear complications. Until you determine what’s causing the irritation and provide effective aide, your pet will continue to develop ear problems. Rather than administer medication for every problem, why not fix the root cause and end the cycle?

Once the vet understands the underlying condition, they will discuss ways of helping it. These vets usually look for the least invasive (and least expensive) way of helping a condition. Holistic vets often use light laser therapy or acupuncture, both non-invasive methods, to control discomfort rather than prescribing anything, which may come with unwanted side effects. Holistic medicine is highly individualized, so what’s best for one dog with a condition may not be recommended for another dog with the same health problem.

Once your pet is comfortable, the holistic vet will try to benefit the animal’s overall wellness by leaving them in a better state of heath than before they started treatment. Often, holistic vets recommend complementary aide ranging from a new diet or beneficial herbs to canine massage or chiropractic care. The goal is to give your pet the best quality of life while preventing future injuries or complications.

Holistic veterinary practitioners offer a varying range of services; some integrated more with traditional veterinary care than others. If you are interested in holistic veterinary care for a specific type of relief, research vets near you who offer those specific services.

Benefits of Organic Dog Food

Organic Diet

As more people turn to healthier whole foods, it raises the question of whether your dog would benefit from an organic diet. Although no scientific studies exist to prove or dispel the claims of organic pet food, you may still find advantages to feeding your dog this type of diet. You should speak with your holistic veterinarian before changing your pet’s food, but if your dog is experiencing certain conditions, it may be your vet who recommends the switch.

What is “Organic?”

The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center notes that the U.S. Department of Agriculture does not have a specific classification of “organic” in relation to pet food. The definition used for human food applies in the meantime. The USDA requires organic farmers to meet guidelines for soil composition, pest control, animal care practices, additives and farming methods.

If your dog food displays the USDA organic seal, its ingredients are 95 to 100 percent organically grown. If less than 95, but more than 70, percent of the product’s ingredients are organic, it can’t use the seal, but can advertise that the food is “Made with Organic.”Anything less than this and the organic components can only be listed as such on the ingredient panel.

Weight Control and Improved Digestion

Organic dog food lacks fillers that contain calories but don’t provide the same nutritional value as the all natural ingredients. Without these unnecessary components, your dog will get the vitamins, minerals and calories he needs from a smaller quantity of food.

Organic ingredients are easier to digest, meaning your dog will absorb the nutrients faster. Not only does this improve his metabolic processes, it also leads to easier elimination. More complete nutrient absorption boosts your dog’s immune system, protecting him against complications.

Skin Problems and Irritations

Dogs that have skin issues may see relief from an organic diet. Chemical and artificial additives, as well as toxins from chemical pesticides, could be the root of your dog’s issues. Organically grown foods don’t have these potential irritants.

Quality of Life

The cumulative result of better nutrient absorption and improved immunity is a greater quality of life for your dog. A healthy skin and coat, controlled weight and increased energy level mean your dog can enjoy exercise, play and downtime to its fullest.

Source
http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2013/03/11/pet-holistic-medicine.aspx

http://www.petmd.com/cat/wellness/evr_ct_hollistic_medicine_and_how_it_can_help_your_pet

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/01/health/01brod.html?_r=0;

http://vet.osu.edu/vmc/myths-and-misconceptions-surrounding-pet-foods

http://blogs.usda.gov/2012/03/22/organic-101-what-the-usda-organic-label-means/

http://www.organicauthority.com/organic-living/organic-living/the-top-five-benefits-of-natural-organic-pet-food-for-your-dog.html

http://www.vetinfo.com/the-benefits-of-organic-pet-food.html#b

https://www.ahvma.org/what-is-holistic-veterinary-medicine/

Better Health For Dogs September 10, 2015

BHD: How To Teach Your Dog the “Quiet” Command

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Ever find yourself getting irritated by your pup’s persistent barking? The ding-dong of the doorbell, a deliveryman stopping by or somebody walking past Fido’s window-front perch are all triggers capable of setting him off. Don’t despair! There is actually something you can do to help alleviate some of your four-legged friend’s barking. It’s called the “quiet” command and it is simple to teach. In an effort to help you restore some peace and reduce the amount of barking in your home, Better Health for Dogs has put together some step-by-step instructions.

Why do dogs bark?

Dogs bark for many reasons. It’s how they communicate. If your dog is getting what he wants when he barks then he is going to continue to do it. Anything from an afternoon snack to a fun game of chase with his favorite human can get Fido barking. Social barking with other dogs, barking to say hello to humans, attention-getting, alarm, and compulsive barking are all types of barking that you may experience with your pup. Once you have figured out the trigger then you can move onto teaching your dog how to be quiet with a simple command.

What you will need:

Your dog’s favorite treats – something he loves but doesn’t always get like cheese or hot dogs, for example.
A little bit of Patience
A human volunteer (optional)

There are a couple ways you can proceed; either wait for the next time your dog encounters a barking trigger or employ the help of a friend to walk past your house and get your dog to bark.

Step 1: Allow your pooch to bark a few times then say “quiet.” Don’t yell. Stay calm. Your dog can sense when you are upset. This is where you can ask your friend to help by walking past your dog’s field of vision, by pretending to be a mailman for example, and getting Fido to bark.

Step 2: Gently hold your dog’s muzzle closed. Say, “quiet” again. Note: If this seems to upset or make your dog uncomfortable then do not hold his muzzle.

Step 3: Remove your hands from your dog’s muzzle.

Step 4: Walk away from the barking trigger and call your dog to follow.

Step 5: Give him treats and praise.

Step 6: Repeat. Work on this over several days with your pup. You will know that your training has begun to pay off when your dog is quiet when you give the “quiet” command.

Alternate plan – Make some noise!

If you find that your attempts at getting your dog to understand the “quiet” command are not working then you can try to surprise your dog by making a loud or unpleasant sound. A noisemaker, a musical instrument such as a maraca or even an aluminum can filled with coins will work to make a sound your dog will not like.

Step 1: Allow your pooch to bark a few times then say “quiet.” Don’t yell. Stay calm. Your dog can sense when you are upset. This is where you can ask your friend to help by walking past your dog’s field of vision by pretending to be a mailman, for example, and getting Fido to bark.

Step 2: make the unpleasant noise. Your dog should stop barking.

Step 3: Walk away from the barking trigger and call your dog to follow.

Step 4: Give him treats and praise.

Step 5: Repeat. Work on this over several days with your pup. You will know that your training has begun to pay off when your dog is quiet when you give the “quiet” command.

If your pooch persists in barking despite your best and most consistent training efforts, it may be time to seek out the help of a professional dog trainer.

Better Health For Dogs wants to make sure that life with Fido is as happy as possible, which is why teaching your pooch the “quiet” command can help. If you would like to learn more about what happy dog parents are saying about NuVet Plus, check out the NuVet Reviews.

Better Health For Dogs August 31, 2015

BHFD: 7 Things Not To Do At A Dog Park

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For dog parents the fact that there are parks out there that exist solely for the socialization and entertainment of dogs is a great thing. The advantages of having a safe, dogs-only place for your pooch to play can take some weight off of a puppy parent who may be concerned about where to take their dog so that they can socialize with other canines. If you are planning to set out for the dog park soon, Better Health for Dogs thought we would help by sharing a few things not to do at the dog park that will work to make your experience as fun and safe as possible for you and your pup.

Forgetting to pick up after Fido

Probably one of the worst things to do at the dog park is to forget to pick up after your pooch when they poop. In addition to your dog, chances are many other dogs are also going to be making deposits at the dog park, which can make for quite a messy and bacteria-riddled situation, which is why it is so important to pick up after your pup. The more folks remember to pick up, the less likely your dog (or you) will step, roll or play in it. Worse yet, your dog could ingest another dog’s fecal material, which could contain harmful bacteria or other things that could make your dog ill.

Using a leash in an off-leash park

If you are not comfortable taking your pup off-leash at the dog park then it may not be the right time to bring him to an off-leash dog park. The concern here is that your leash can actually get tangled up with your dog, another dog or a person and cause a tripping hazard or worse. Additionally, if your dog feels threatened by another dog and is confined by the leash, then it could cause a lot of unwanted anxiety for your dog.

Bringing a hyper dog

This might see counter-intuitive but bringing a hyper dog to a dog park can actually cause problems. The dog park should be a fun and laid back experience for everyone involved. A dog who has been cooped up all day is going to have a lot of excess energy and be prone to over-stimulation, which can end up annoying other dogs who may not appreciate your dog’s abundance of energy. To prevent this, take your dog for a good walk, an easy jog or have a fun game of fetch at home first.

Use a training collar, harness or other similar restraint

Like leashes, training collars, harnesses or restraint devices like prong collars can actually cause harm to your dog as well as other dogs. Simply, dogs can get tangled up or literally stuck to these items, which can cause things like broken teeth, jaws or worse. A dog stuck to another dog can become quite fearful and anxious which is also problematic.

Bringing an unvaccinated dog to the dog park

This advice especially holds true for puppies that may have not received all of their vaccines yet. An unvaccinated dog is more susceptible to catching an illness or disease like distemper or Giardia, for example, from another dog, which you will definitely want to avoid because nobody wants to see his or her puppy sick.

Allow your small dog in with the big dogs

There is a good reasons many dog parks have a small dog and a large dog section and it is simply because your small dog can in some instances appear as prey to a larger dog, which nobody wants. In other words, in a stimulating environment like a dog park a tiny little dog running around, which by all accounts might look like a speedy little bunny, could set off a larger dog’s prey instinct.

Ignore your dog

Although it is fun to mingle and talk with other dog parents, always be sure that keeping an eye on your pup is your main priority. It is not uncommon for a fun game of doggie-chase to quickly turn into something less light hearted. Also try to keep peaking at your phone at a minimum.

Better Health For Dogs June 29, 2015

8 Reasons to Foster a Dog

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If you have often considered becoming a dog parent but were not 100% sure, then maybe fostering a dog would be a good place to start. In addition to opening up your home to a furry companion, fostering a dog (or dogs), has many benefits not only for you but for your potential four-legged friend. Continue reading to learn eight reasons why fostering a dog might be right for you.

1.You are giving a homeless or shelter dog an opportunity to live in a home. By allowing a shelter dog this opportunity you are not only providing the foster pup with some normalcy you are also giving the dog a break from the shelter environment.

2. Bringing a pooch into your home is a learning experience. There is probably no better way of knowing how much you will enjoy being a dog-parent then allowing a pet to live in your home. In most cases the experience is pretty great and one most humans will want to repeat. But you may also decide that having a dog full time is not what you thought, in which case you may choose to help homeless animals in other ways.

3. Having a pup around allows great socialization for pets you may already have. Having a foster dog is like having a long-term playdate. What better way to socialize your own dog or other pets then by having another dog around? Your pets will be constantly entertained and you can feel good that you are opening up your home to a shelter dog. It just makes sense.

4. Free veterinary care! If you are bringing a dog into your home for the short term, it is the responsibility of the animal shelter or other animal organization to pay for any veterinary costs that your foster-dog may incur. In some cases the shelter will also cover the cost of food.

5. You will get to learn all about your foster dog. And by getting to know and learn about your foster dog, which includes his likes, dislikes, behavior patterns etcetera, you will become the most knowlegable person when it comes to making a dog-to-human or dog-to-family match for Fido and his forever home.

6. The use of your home frees up space in animal shelters. When you open your home to a shelter dog, you are not only giving him an opportunity to live in a loving and safe environment you are also allowing your animal shelter extra space to take in another dog in need.

7. You get to pick when you foster. As a foster parent you get to decide how little or how much fostering you want to do. You can take shelter dogs in on the weekends and give them a little break from shelter life or you can choose to keep a pooch until his forever home is found. There is a lot of flexibility!

8.You may meet your next best friend. Who knows? You may take in a shelter dog only to discover that you can’t see your life without him, in which case your home becomes the forever home. It is truly a win-win situation.

Here at BHFD we like to see all dogs live happy, long lives (in loving homes), which is why we recommend NuVet Plus. NuVet Plus is a nutritious, vitamin supplement especially made for dogs. Comprised of human grade ingredients, NuVet Plus is trusted by foster-parents as well as forever-home parents to help provide their beloved canines with proper nutrition. NuVet families regularly share reviews of how NuVet Plus has helped ease the painful irritation of allergies as well as arthritis. Learn more about how NuVet Plus has enhanced the quality of life for many, many dogs please visit the NuVet Reviews.

Better Health For Dogs June 29, 2015

Stopping Dog Barking- Part 2

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In part one of this blog post, we shared with you 5 tips on solving problem barking. To make sure this topic is fully covered, we’re bringing you part 2, with “5 More Tips to Stop Problem Barking.” Continue reading to learn more.

Remove the stimulus – If a window with a tantalizing view of the street and all its comings and goings (including other dogs walking by) is your dog’s biggest motivator, it might be time to get some curtains. You may also choose to keep your pup out of the problem room. Gates are a good way to keep your dog out of places they are not allowed. On the other hand, if your dog is barking due to loneliness, you might consider getting him a friend or taking him to doggie daycare.

Use sound – Drown out problem sounds that get your dog barking. Fans, soothing harp music and even your dog’s favorite Scooby Doo cartoon are good ways to block out the sounds of other dogs or people.

Figure out why your dog is barking – Naturally, you are going to want to find out why your dog is barking. Your dog may be trying to tell you something. He may be hurting or even feeling left out. Some patience and careful observation of your pup’s behavior should tell you.

Evaluate your expectations – One family recently brought a dog into their lives because it was little, fluffy and just plain cute. Their hope was that the dog would happily play with the kids when the kids were interested and then sleep the rest of the time. What ended up happening is that Fido began to bark all night long when everybody went to sleep. He was bored and a bit anxious. He wanted to spend time with his family. Not able to handle Fido’s barking, his new family would let him outside at 4:30 in the morning where he would bark incessantly in the backyard and quickly disturb the neighborhood. The result was an angry, sleep-deprived family as well as really unhappy, sleep-deprived neighbors. The same family is strongly considering getting rid of the dog. If you don’t have the time and the attention to spend with a dog, then do not get one, no matter how cute they are.

Get professional help – If all else fails, your next step may be to get professional assistance in helping you and your dog work through this frustrating behavior. There are dog trainers willing to work with you and your pup. Many of these individuals can be found through your local pet supply store or via word of mouth from dog loving friends and family.

A Note on bark collars:

When it comes to bark collars the general consensus is that they simply do not work and for a number of reasons:

Your dog can build up a resistance to the shock or squirt of citronella of the collar – so when the collar comes off and you try to train your dog, say, verbally and with treats, it is going to be harder because Fido’s motivation threshold is higher.
A bark collar doesn’t address the reason why your dog is barking in the first place, such as loneliness, boredom, anxiety etcetera.
Loud sounds and the barking of nearby dogs can also trigger the collar to shock or squirt. You speaking loudly or yelling can also make the collar react.

BHFD understands that problem barking can have a significant effect on the peace and tranquility of a person’s environment and quality of life. Time, consistency, patience and a lot of love are often required to remedy problem barking. Fortunately, you may find it easier to make sure you are meeting your dog’s nutritional needs, which is why we recommend NuVet Plus. Comprised of human-grade ingredients and manufactured in an FDA approved lab, NuVet Plus is an excellent option when it comes to nutritious dog supplements. Especially made for dogs, you too can see why dog parents are starting to make the switch to NuVet Plus when you visit the NuVet Reviews where happy dog parents who have taken the time to share with us how NuVet Plus has helped improve the health and quality of life for their beloved canine companions. If you would like to learn more, take a look at the NuVet Reviews.

Better Health For Dogs June 25, 2015

Stopping Excessive Dog Barking

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Why do dogs bark in the first place? Every dog and situation is different but a dog will bark for a number of reasons. Those reasons include but are not limited to:

Happiness
Excitement
Boredom
Anxiety
Fear
Saying hello
Aggression
Wanting your attention
Not feeling well

The inclination for dogs to bark is normal and to be expected on several accounts. Unfortunately, with problem barking the longer a dog has been allowed to get away with it, the harder it can be to get your pup to stop. What usually results are frayed nerves, sleepless nights and even community discord. In other words, a problem barker may negatively affect you as the dog’s parents, your neighbors and other people who your dog and you may come into contact with. In an effort to help those living with a problem barker, we thought we would help by providing you with some helpful tips:

Train your dog to understand the “quiet” command – Believe it or not but you can teach your dog when it is okay to bark. One way to do that is through teaching him the “quiet” command.
Don’t yell – Yelling at your dog will never help because to a dog, when you shout, it just sounds like you enjoy barking too. Staying calm and speaking in a normal yet firm tone will work better.
Consistency – Always be consistent when trying to get your dog acclimated to a new behavior. If you allow him to bark during one problem barking moment and not another – you will be giving your dog a mixed message, which will only cause confusion and most likely more barking.
Mental and physical activity – Imagine being home alone all day with little to nothing to do. Chances are, you would probably do a bit of barking too. A mentally and physically bored dog is not a happy dog! If your pup spends most of his time sleeping all day and not at all engaged, this can cause a number of problems for your pooch. In addition to boredom, your pup could also develop some anxiety and, which can also make dogs barky. Experts say a happy dog gets an hour of activity a day. You can easily break this up into 5, 10 or 15 minute increments. Also, don’t forget to keep your pup mentally active. Try a Kong with peanut butter or cheese or another reward type, chew puzzle toy made for dogs. Remember, a bored dog also has a tendency to chew on things it shouldn’t!
Positive reinforcement – Treats will help get you to where you want to be in the barking department. Use treats to reward your dog when they stop barking or to divert them away from a barking situation.

A lot of love and a strong commitment to instilling positive behaviors is a good place to start when curbing problem barking. At least when it comes to good nutrition, companies like NuVet Plus makes the work easy. Manufactured in an FDA approved lab and comprised of human grade ingredients, NuVet Plus is quickly becoming the go-to supplement for discerning dog parents. Especially designed to meet the unique nutritional requirements of dogs, you too can learn why so many dog lovers are making the switch to NuVet Plus when you take a look at the NuVet Reviews. See the amazing things that happy dog parents are saying about NuVet Plus and the wonderful things it has done for their beloved canines..

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