Best Dog Food Choices

Pet store aisles are lined with dozens of brands of dog food. There’s dry food, canned food, and semi-moist food. Then there are all the labels: natural, holistic, super-premium, organic. How do you know which one is right for your dog?

To help you find the best food for your furry companion, PHT (Pet Health Tips) went to the experts to get answers to eight common questions about dog food.

1. If a dog food is more expensive, does that mean it’s better?

Many dog owners these days splurge on expensive dog foods, thinking they are buying the best for their dog. But when it comes to quality, price isn’t a good guideline, says Joseph Wakshlag, DVM, PhD, assistant professor of clinical nutrition at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.

“I’ve seen ‘all-natural, holistic’ dog foods that perform really poorly in dogs, and I’ve seen some dog foods that you might not want to feed your dog, that perform better,” Wakshlag says. “I don’t think you get what you pay for.”

Cats and Scratching: Practical Tips for Owners

Cats like to scratch. They scratch during play. They scratch while stretching. They scratch to mark territory or as a threatening signal other cats. And because cats’ claws need regular sharpening, cats scratch on things to remove frayed, worn outer claws and expose new, sharper claws. Unfortunately, all this scratching can cause a lot of damage to furniture, drapes and carpeting!

What to Do About Your Cat's Scratching Habits

The best tactic when dealing with scratching is not to try to stop your cat from scratching, but instead to teach her where and what to scratch. An excellent approach is to provide her with appropriate, cat-attractive surfaces and objects to scratch, such as scratching posts. The following steps will help you encourage your cat to scratch where you want her to.

Ten things you should do before you board your Dog

CHECK LIST

Here is a checklist of 10 important steps to consider before boarding your dog. Consideration of each of these items will help you and your dog to have a good boarding experience.

1. Interview - Interview the kennel on the phone. Find out how long they have been in business and ask for references. Use those references. Make a surprise visit or tour the facility before you schedule the boarding. Notice the place is clean, smells, check out where the dogs are boarded, where they are walked and if they seem….happy. Do any dogs have messes in their cages?

2. Look for Recommendations - Talk to a few kennels before you decide where to take your pet. Also, ask your friends or neighbors where they have boarded their pet and what their experiences have been. Recommendations go along way. Don’t go for the cheapest place. Go for the best place.

3. Determine Kennel Requirements - Does your pet need any special vaccines for this kennel? If so, what and when? Do they need a copy of the vaccine record? Can you supply your own food and treats? Can you leave any toys or his favorite blanket? Can you leave your pets leash, collar or harness?

4. Check out Kennel Staff - Find out about the consistency with the staff – is it the same person seeing your dog everyday or someone new? It is someone who knows about pets or a high school student shoveling food into the cages? Does the staff appear competent and do they look like they enjoy working with the dogs?

5. What is the Dog’s Schedule? - How often do they go out? Where are they walked? For how long? Is that enough to make your pet happy? Will you dog interact with other dogs? Is that what you want?

6. Feeding Instructions - Consider taking your dogs own food and request that they kennel only feed his food. Many pets are fed other foods and treats and can develop gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting and or diarrhea. Your pet is already in a new environment which is most likely a bit stressful; so don’t change anything you don’t have to.

7. Contact Information - Ensure that the kennel has your numbers where you can be reached in the case of an emergency. Include your cell phone and any emergency contacts. Plan for the unexpected.

8. Emergency Instructions - Just in case of an emergency, leave instructions on how to proceed. During emergency hours, the kennel may use a certain veterinarian or emergency hospital. During the day, if you want your pet to go to your regular veterinarian – leave your vets name and phone number. Leave instructions on what you do and don’t want and a contact number or credit card number for emergency medical care. If you are not available by phone, make sure they have the authorization to make charges if care is required. You don’t want your pet “waiting” for medical care because of lack of credit card authorization.

Getting a pet sitter for your dog

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

A good professional pet sitter is a true find. Instead of relying on a friend to feed your dog, walk him and spend an hour or so playing with him, you can relax while you’re away, knowing that your dog is in capable hands.

A knowledgeable sitter should be able to spot medical problems and handle emergencies - and make your absence less stressful all around. “The pet gets to stay in his own environment,” says Lori Jenssen, president of the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS), which lists more than 1,200 members. “He gets to stay in his own house, his own bed. And he gets fed with his own food. And when you get home, your pet is there to greet you.”

In fact, she says, some animals get spoiled when their owners are away. “We spend a half hour, but that half hour is 100 percent with the pet. So, when you get home, they’re going to expect the same from you.”

Crate Training

Crate training is an excellent way to teach your dog good behavior, as well as give your dog his own special space. Benefits of crate training include:

• Prevents damage to your furniture and other household valuables while you are away or sleeping


• Helps you teach your dog proper chewing and elimination (bathroom) behavior


• Provides security for your dog and safety for young children in your home


• Easy traveling


• Improves your relationship with your dog


• Gives your dog a den which is the natural habitat for dogs

Before you begin crate training, make sure that the crate is large enough for your dog to stand up and turn around in. When using the crate for house training it is important to make sure the crate is only large enough for your pet to stand up and turn around in, because any larger and they can potty in one area and sleep in the other. Pet stores carry many different sizes of crates so you can find the one that best fits your dog.

Because dogs are social animals and need interaction to be happy, place the crate in a room where it is bright and there is lots of activity, i.e. your family room. If you put the crate in an area that is dark and lonely the dog will feel it is being punished and will learn to hate the crate. Finally, the crate should be used as your pet’s retreat, or “sanctuary” — it should not be used for punishment (the crate should contain his favorite safe and suitable toys). Use the crate to avoid problems such as chewing and jumping before they occur, and use a separate space if you wish to put your dog in “time out.”

Crate Training Puppies

Begin crate training with your puppy early in the day so he has the whole day to adapt to the crate. Place his favorite treats, toys or food in the crate to motivate him to enter the crate on his own. The first time you confine your puppy to the crate he should be ready to take a nap, so schedule this for after a play or exercise session and after he has gone to the bathroom. Leave the room but stay close enough to be able to hear him. It is normal for your puppy to cry or whine at first, but never reward him by letting him out when he cries. It may be difficult, but you must ignore his cries until they stop before you release him from the crate.

Playing “crate” games can help dogs learn to love the crate. One such game is to teach your dog to lie down and stay when you open the door to the crate. Once the dog has done this they are given a “release cue” and are given a treat for their good behavior. Other games include “go to your crate” game. This game is done by hiding treats in the crate or throwing treats in the crate when the dog goes in so that they associate going into the crate with rewards. It is important that the dog not see you put the treats in the crate

Crate Training Adult Dogs

Crate training an adult dog is similar to crate training a puppy except for the introduction of your dog to his crate. Set up your dog’s crate in his feeding area and leave the door open for a few days. Place food, treats and toys in the crate so the dog is motivated to enter on his own. Close the crate door only after your dog fully enters the crate on his own.

As with puppies, your dog may cry or whine at first (remember not to reward them by going to them when they cry). Gradually increase the amount of time that your dog must remain quiet in the crate before you release and reward him. With patience and lots of treats you dog will learn to love his den and will go to it whenever he wants some personal time.

Article source: www.healthypet.com

Dog Bites: Easy Ways to Protect, Educate Children

The statistics are scary: Every 40 seconds someone seeks medical attention for a dog bite, and the majority of victims are children under the age of 15.

According to data tracked by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 25 different dog breeds were involved in biting incidents in 2006, a statistic that shows that any dog can bite if provoked.

To keep pets and people safe, veterinary professionals have joined forces. The third full week in May is National Dog Bite Prevention Week, and doctors promote year-round education of pet owners and parents. Teaching children how to approach dogs slowly and carefully as well as how to recognize warning signs are critical components of dog bite prevention. Remember, not all dogs are friendly and not all dogs want to be touched.

“Any dog may bite, even your family pet,” said Marie Wheatley, president of American Humane, an organization that works to protect children and animals. “Adults should always supervise children when they play with any dog, and they should teach children the best ways to approach and treat animals to avoid being bitten.”

Some children, eager to play or touch an animal’s soft fur, move quickly or lunge at dogs. Such abrupt actions can be misinterpreted by dogs as an attack, and dogs may try to protect themselves by snarling or biting.

Here are a few suggestions to help keep kids and pets safe:

• Never approach unknown dogs or dogs whose owners are not present


• Always ask an owner’s permission before petting a dog


• Stand still, like a tree, if an unfamiliar dog approaches you


• Never run from or scream around a dog


• If you believe a dog is about to attack you, place something (backpack, bicycle) between yourself and the dog


• If a dog knocks you over, roll into a ball, cover your face, and stay still


• Do not disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies

-Provided by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)

Dog Bite Statistics:

• Children under 15 years of age represent 70 percent of dog bite victims


• At least 25 different breeds of dogs were involved in 238 dog-bite–related deaths. Out of all the human deaths that resulted from dog attacks, 24 percent involved unrestrained dogs off their property and 58 percent involved unrestrained dogs on their property.

Article source: www.healthypet.com

Separation Anxiety: When Your Dog Misses You Too Much

Is your dog clingy? Does he whine or cry when you leave the house? Do you come home to find torn-up curtains? Are there deep scratches on your doors? If so, your dog may have separation anxiety.


It is often difficult to determine the cause of separation anxiety. Some pets are genetically predisposed, but there are many other causes, such as poor socialization, past neglect or abandonment, and changes in routine, to name a few.

Ask Your Veterinarian: Is it anxiety … or is it medical? If your dog is destructive, barks or whines repetitively, or has elimination problems while you are home as well as while you are away, she may be suffering from an undiagnosed medical condition. Before embarking on any behavior program, check with your veterinarian to confirm that the problem really is separation anxiety and not a physical illness.

When left alone, these dogs may show subtle signs, such as whining or loss of appetite, or they may develop destructive or even self-injurious behaviors, such as urinating in the house, destroying furniture, obsessively licking or chewing their bodies, or jumping out of windows.

Dogs with separation anxiety are often unfairly labeled as “bad” or thought to be spiteful, but they are actually suffering from uncontrollable fear, akin to panic attacks in humans, and scolding them will only make the problem worse.

Suzanne Hetts, PhD., a certified applied animal behaviorist in Littleton, Colo., said, “True separation anxiety problems don’t have quick fixes.”

But most pets can and should be helped.

According to Stefanie Schwartz, DVM, director of behavior services at VCA South Shore Animal Hospital in Massachusetts, even pets with mild separation anxiety experience real emotional distress and deserve relief.

If you think your pet may have this disorder, make an appointment with your veterinarian to discuss the symptoms and possible treatments.

Most behaviorists will focus on relieving the animal’s distress through positive desensitization techniques and behavior and environmental modification. There are also prescription medications available from your veterinarian that can help ease your pet’s anxiety.

Hetts explained, “You have to deal with the underlying phobia.” The key to success is to be consistent with your actions and understand that changing the behavior will take time, she added.

Don’t Leave Me! Signs of separation anxiety can include Howling, barking, panting, or whining as family members prepare to leave Destructiveness at doors and windows Vomiting or incontinence when left alone Trembling or restlessness Excessive salivation Reluctance to spend time outdoors alone Loss of appetite when alone Prolonged excitement during homecomings

For more information about separation anxiety and tips on how to work with your pet at home, ask your veterinarian for the pamphlet, “Home Alone: Solving Separation Anxiety Problems,” from AAHA Press.

Source: healthypet.com

Keeping Pets Safe and Happy

Brad Benz remembers the Fourth of July he spent in Seattle with his Border collie mix, Maggie – and not in a good way.

“At about midnight, our neighbors had an impromptu fireworks display that lasted over an hour,” he recalls. “Maggie was terrified. She was up on the bed panting and shaking – a nervous wreck. Nothing could calm her down.”

The Fourth of July and its accompanying celebrations can be a traumatic experience for pets like Maggie. A little preparation can go a long way toward making sure that they are safe and happy when the festivities begin.

Eliza Mazzaferro, MS, DVM, PhD, DACBECC, director of emergency services at Wheat Ridge Veterinary Specialists in Colorado, says the Fourth of July is a busy time because of the inherent risks the holiday poses to pets. The most common culprit: fireworks.

“Pets get anxious and break out of kennels, jump through windows and get lacerations, and when loose, can get hit by cars,” Mazzaferro says. “We have also seen where people toss a firework or firecracker into the air, and the dog jumps up, swallows it, and the firecrackers cause severe damage to the internal organs.”

Obviously pet owners should prevent their dogs from swallowing firecrackers, but even the noise can injure their stomachs; in large breed dogs, Mazzaferro has seen an increased incidence of bloat or GDV (gastric dilation and volvulus), where the stomach twists. This occurs when dogs are nervous or excited, which happens during firework anxiety.

You can tell if the noise is affecting your pet if they tremble, bark, howl, try to hide, or get so anxious that they attempt to break free from their enclosures. In these cases, Mazzaferro recommends staying with them to help calm them down, rather than leaving them home alone. It’s a good idea to keep them inside, making sure that they don’t chew anything in their excited state.

“Moving things that can be destroyed or are harmful is beneficial,” Mazzaferro says. “However, in very anxious pets, I have seen them bite through a metal cage and injure their teeth and gums, and also jump through plate glass windows. They try to escape the noise, not knowing that it is outside. I have seen dogs chew through doors and dry wall, so just keeping them confined to a room or a dog crate is not always foolproof to prevent injury.”

In such extreme cases, it may be wise to have a prescription for anti-anxiety medication from your veterinarian. Testing the medication before the holiday is a good idea to ensure that it has the appropriate effect.

In case your pet does run away, it is important to be sure their collar has a tag with the current phone number on it. Mazzaferro suggests that all pets be microchipped, and that the contact information it contains is current as well.

“Too frequently, we see pets brought in by Good Samaritans having been found injured, and we attempt to contact the owner with the information provided by the microchip company, and find that the numbers are not current or have been disconnected, and we cannot reunite the pet with their owner,” she says.

Other problems for pets that occur around the Fourth of July include pets getting wounded during fights at backyard barbecues with other animals, or eating table scraps like corn cobs, ribs, hot dogs or shish kabobs that can cause gastrointestinal upset (vomiting and diarrhea) or even pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas. Cats can get an obstruction in the stomach or intestines that can be life threatening without surgery.  To keep pets safe, partygoers should not put their plates or drinks on the ground where pets can reach them.

Barbecues can also attract bees and wasps. Allergic reactions to insect stings can cause swelling of the face, hives, itchiness, vomiting, diarrhea, and in the worst case scenarios, respiratory distress and collapse. If a pet shows any of these signs, they need to go to the nearest veterinary hospital for treatment.

Finally, summer heat can create health issues. Mazzaferro stresses that pets should never be left in a car under any circumstances to avoid heat stroke. She also suggests walking or exercising pets during the coolest part of the day, with plenty of shade, and access to water every 20 minutes to avoid heart exertion. If your pet is tired, collapses, or starts making increased breathing sounds, stop the activity, have your pet rest in the shade with cool water, and have them evaluated by a veterinarian.

By taking these precautions, you’ll ensure that both you and your pet enjoy a happy Fourth of July!

Source: healthypet.com

DOG Health Information

DOG Health Information

"Woof, woof, woof! Ruff, Ruff!" ...DOG

DOG Medicine Information

Pilling your dog

The easiest way to give your dog a vitamin or pill is to hide it in food. Cheese, meat, or other favorite food items can be used to bury the pill. To ensure that the dog swallows the pill, the pill or food item should be placed as far back in the dog’s throat as possible. Hold the upper jaw by both sides with one hand, and lift it up, holding the lower jaw with the other hand, and using your first finger and thumb to place the pill quickly in the tongue's base. Keep his mouth close, lifting the head a bit, and rubbing the throat to encourage him to swallow.

Administering liquid medication

Liquid edication is generally easier to give to dogs than pills. Place the liquid into a paper cup and pull the dogs lip out to form a pocket to receive the liquid. Pour the liquid into the dog’s mouth in small amounts at a rate that allows the dog to swallow evenly. To prevent the liquid from entering the dog’s air passage, the nose of the dog should be elevated only slightly.

DOG Vaccinations

Information from The Humane Society

Distemper - an airborne viral disease of the lungs, intestines and brain.
Hepatitis - a viral disease of the liver.
Leptospirosis - a bacterial disease of the urinary system.
Parainfluenza - infectious bronchitis.
Parvovirus - a viral disease of the intestines.
Rabies - a viral disease fatal to humans and other animals.
Corona - a viral disease of the intestines.
Bordetella - a bacterial infection (kennel cough)

Puppies - 6 weeks to 1 year
6 to 8 weeks - First puppy shot (DHLPP) + Corona
11 to 12 weeks - Second puppy shot (DHLPP) + Corona
15 to 16 weeks - Third puppy shot (DHLPP) + Corona
Over 4 months - Rabies (repeat l year later)
7 to 9 months - First heartworm test

Adult Dogs - After 1 year
DHLPP - Yearly
Heartworm test - Yearly
Rabies - Every 3 years (after second Rabies shot)
Bordetella - Yearly
Note: Some states have their own laws regarding the frequency & requirement of certain vaccinations. When in doubt, always ask your veterinarian or local humane society.

DOG Emergencies

Pet First Aid

Injured dogs will react to pain by experiencing fear and panic. It is common for dogs to be uncooperative during treatment, even going so far as to try and bit or scratch the caretaker. When dealing with a frightened dog, it’s important to secure the dog so it calms down and doesn’t aggravate the existing wound or cause additional harm to itself. It may be necessary to muzzle the dog to protect the caretaker. To muzzle the dog, use tape or a cloth to loop around the dog’s mouth and then tie off the material behind the dog’s ears.

Treating injuries is done through basic first aid. A simple pet first-aid kit should consist of scissors, tape, bandages and basic medications such as milk of magnesia, antibiotics, mineral oil and a common antidiarrheal formula – milk of bismuth.

Poisoning

It is not uncommon for dogs to get into baits (such as rat poison) or chemicals that are harmful to their system. A dog exposed to a poison may react in various ways, including, but not limited to, paralysis. Veterinary help should be sought immediately. To purge the dog’s system of poisons, you will need to induce vomiting by feeding the dog small amounts of hydrogen peroxide. Give the dog about a tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide about every 10 minutes for a maximum of 30 minutes.

Puncture wounds

From time to time dogs may encounter barbs, thorns or fish hooks that puncture and embed themselves in the dogs skin. If your dog gets a deep puncture wound, seek out a veterinarians help before attempting to remove the item. Veterinarians can provide the dog with pain relievers and anesthesia to relax your dog and provide the veterinarian with the best possible situation to remove the hook or barb.

If the hook or barb is only slightly embedded in the skin, be sure to cut off the sharp barb before attempting to slide it out. To remove a thorn use a needle and tweezers as you would for a sliver in your own hand or foot.

With any puncture wound, it is important to use a good antibiotic and to cover the wound with a bandage until it’s healed.

Broken bones

Bone fractures in dogs will require the help of a veterinarian. Before moving the dog, be sure to secure the broken area by wrapping the injured area with a towel or blanket. Use rope or some type of cloth to tie the wrap to hold it in place. In addition to wrapping the wound, cover the dog with blankets to keep the dog warm as such injuries generally induce shock.

Heat Stroke

A dog experiencing heat stroke will become disoriented and eventually lose consciousness. To treat heat stroke, immediately begin cooling the dog by running a hose over the dog – continue dousing the dog for several minutes. If after several minutes the dog does not revive, take the dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible.

To prevent heat stroke, make sure dogs can find shade and have adequate air circulation. In hot climates dogs should not be left outside in the sun during the heat of the day.

Bleeding

When a dog is cut and begins bleeding the wound should be immediately covered with gauze or cloth and moderate pressure should be applied. Hold the dressing over the wound for at least five minutes – do not pull the gauze or cloth back to peek and see if the bleeding has stopped. If after five minutes the bleeding has not stopped, take the dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Source: simplepetcare.com