On Pets As Presents – On Veterinary Care

Apart from looking into a gift recipient’s capacity to actually take care of a pet and a type of pet’s lifespan, a pet’s veterinary care requirements and particulars is another consideration which many fail to think about.

When talking about giving pets as gifts, it pays to think about its veterinary care necessities and costs, given the fact that – one way or another – a pet is liable to visit the vet at least once.

On Veterinary Care

From dog breeds known for joint problems to animals prone to periodontal disease and gum issues, “pet gift givers” should think about the veterinary care needs of certain pets before giving them to friends or loved ones.

Generally, cats and dogs are not all that problematic with where the services of vets are concerned, but the more exotic variety of pets – like tarantulas, iguanas, pythons and the like – tend to be another matter altogether.

There’s also the matter of the types of medicines that are specifically made for certain pets, another

consideration one should think about before giving someone an exotic pet as a gift. Dietary requirements should also be thought of when pets are being picked out as a gift, something which proves to be a big problem for pets which require live feeding.

Though giving someone a “cool” pet as a gift promises to be a great idea, the reality of pet care and maintenance should be considered by gift givers. Veterinary care is one consideration that shouldn’t be ignored, most especially when exotic animals involved in the matter.

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The Top Doggy Accessories of the Season – Martingale Collars

Collars are widely viewed as the most basic of doggy accessories, items that is often put on dogs as a means of doggy identification – apart from a collar’s function as the item to which leashes are linked to.

As such, they easily are among the top dog accessories available in the market this holiday season, with Martingale Collars being one of the best in the market today.

Martingale Collars

Designed to be comfortable and non-obtrusive for dogs, Martingale Collars are made without buckles, but are designed to be fit and secure when put around a dog’s neck.

Available in a wide variety of sizes, Martingale Collars are also available in different designs and color templates, affording dog owners with options that can be readily picked out to match with their dog’s natural coat hue and tone.

Elegantly simple in terms of overall feel and design, dog owners can easily fit Martingale Collars onto their dogs with the least amount of fuss, just as they can be readily taken off for washing or cleaning.

Made with materials that aren’t liable to chafe a dog’s skin, Martingale Collars are designed to only “tighten” when a dog “pulls”, making them the ideal dog collar of choice that isn’t uncomfortable when worn by dogs.

With a classy look that readily matches with different dog breeds, dog owners are sure to find the perfect Martingale Collar for their furry buds, affording them with a nifty holiday doggy accessory that is sure to be loved and appreciated by one’s dog.

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The Top Doggy Accessories of the Season – Dog Beds by Yogibo

As one of the holiday season’s top doggy accessories, dog beds are, without a doubt, a huge hit for dogs and dog owners alike.

Available in different varieties and conventions, apart from being produced by countless brands and manufacturers covering the basic and premium rated spectrum of products, dog beds by Yogibo stand out as the most often recommended brand this year.

Dog Beds by Yogibo 

While dogs, just like human beings, can be creatures of habit, the idea of separating a dog from his or her favorite bed doesn’t exactly come as appealing, but the necessity of doing so tends to be a reality which dog owners have to deal with – particularly when talking about pooches who tend to be “bed wetters”.

If you happen to be among the many dog owners who are keen on getting a new bed for their furry best buds, looking into Yogibo’s featured range of dog beds leads to quality best money for value purchases.

Keen on only designing and manufacturing the best, Yogibo has built a trusted reputation in the pet accessories and products arena, with its select range of dog beds easily standing out in the market.

From beds designed for different breeds and ages, the brand matches its superior products with reasonable price tags, making them effectively ideal when price points and product value are being talked about.

Though elementally simple and straightforward as doggy accessories, Yogibo’s doggy beds are certainly outstanding holiday season gift items that are sure to be appreciated by your furry ward(s).

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Markers of the best dog food options – The Dog's Say

To some extent, finding the best dog food of choice for dogs can be a game of trial and error, with responsible dog owners, at times, required to give different dog food brands and meals a go before an ideal can be found.

Should you be undergoing your own trial and error phase in finding the best dog food of choice for your dog, don’t fail to consider what your dog has to “say” over the matter.

The dog’s say in spotting the best dog food of choice

A dog’s say in finding the best dog food of choice goes beyond how he or she heartily partakes in a meal that is given to him or her. A positive change in his or her digestive system, the frequency of how “regular” he or she has to answer nature’s call, and the evident condition of his or her coat are also a crucial factors.

Generally, a good dog food option induces better “toilet habits” in dogs, saying something about how well-tuned its ingredients are in matching with a dog’s natural diet in the wild. This dog food factor essentially says something about how favorable a dog food option is in keeping a dog’s nutritional needs in check, deeming it as a good choice.

Also, the more obvious positive upsides of a given dog food type can be found in how healthy a dog’s coat becomes after some time. Since good nutrition would evidently appear in a dog’s physical characteristics, a healthy coat is something to watch out for as a dog’s “say” in the matter.

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Markers of the best dog food options – On Preservatives

Preservatives have somewhat become a subject of concern for food items today, with dog food choices even having their share of concerned dog owners who question the type of preservatives being used in the making of dog food meals.

In defining the best of dog food options available in the market from the rest, the type of preservatives used in their making remains to be a maker that weeds out the best from the rest.

The type of preservatives used in the making of dog food meals

Organic preservatives are viewed to be better than their more artificial or chemically-riddled counterparts when generally talking about food or consumable products, regardless if we’re talking about products for human beings or for pets.

For dog food items, the organic preservative standard remains to be the same as a marker that comes as an upside for dog owners and dogs.

Dog food choices made using natural or organic preservatives are particularly advantageous for dog breeds which are susceptible to certain ailments or conditions, including breeds known for joint problems.

Though responsible dog owners are reminded that opting for dog food products made with organic or natural preservatives should not be viewed as medicine, opting for dog food meals with the least amount of chemicals helps keep the more adverse effects of old age and other associated ailments at bay.

While it can be argued that dog food options made with natural preservatives don’t keep as long as those made with artificial preservatives, products made using natural preservatives are certainly healthier for dogs of different ages and breeds.

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New Zealand’s Driving Dogs

New Zealand’s local SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) gives dogs driving lessons to drive up dog adoption.

Meet Porter, Monty and Ginny, the world’s first driving dogs. They have been trained how to drive modified cars by the New Zealand SPCA. The aim was to demonstrate that rescue dogs are not only as good as dogs obtained from breeders, sometimes they could be even better — as they have shown by their driving skills recently.

SPCA is hoping the resulting publicity would raise the rate of adopting rescue dogs like Porter, Monty and Ginny.
Porter, a 10-month old bearded collie cross, was an abandoned dog. Monty, an 18-month old Giant Schnauzer was given up by its owner to the SPCA (apparently too much to handle). Meanwhile Ginny, a bearded whippet cross, was literally a whipping dog — coming from an abusive home.

And now they have become internationally famous.

Porter and Monty made their unassisted driving debut in their first live driving test (December 10th) at an Auckland racetrack. Strapped to a modified Mini Countryman, Porter and Monty used their paws to do all the driving work: from starting the modified ignition key, hitting the brake, setting the car into gear, steering the wheel, to turning on the accelerator (there was a speed limiter so the car could not go above walking speed).

Ginny didn’t take the live test drive but her driving skills were similar to Porter and Monty’s.

And the offers for adoption poured in — for Porter and Monty. Ginny got less interest — possibly because she had less airtime, mused SPCA CEO Christine Kalin.
Which is understandable. People flock to the superstars. They missed out seeing more of Ginny, so many didn’t know she was there.

But the point of the campaign was not to produce dog superstars but to gain attention to the plight of rescue dogs who need ‘forever’ homes.

As the Drivingdogs admin posted back in December 12:

“If you are looking, there are loads of dogs at the SPCA, not all can drive, but all are just as amazing!.”

And slowly but surely, the option of getting rescue dogs is getting popular with those who are looking for pet companions. And getting there may be the best drive of all.

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All Meat vs. all Dog Food Diets – Which is better for your Dog?

Our pet’s nutrition has always been a main concern. We want to make sure that our dog stays healthy, happy and in good shape. There are a lot of things to consider when picking out the right diet for our pet. Some people say that an all meat diet is the best way to go while others say that dog food is enough for your dog. Both diets have their pros and cons and it may be difficult to choose from one. Here is a short comparison between the benefits and downside of an all meat and an all dog food diet.

 All meat

Dogs naturally eat all meat in the wild. They more or less have the same dietary need as humans however they need more meat and protein in their diet. Dogs that have meat based diets usually have shinier coats, strong muscles and bones and healthier jaws and teeth. Meat and bones also go along with each other and your dog will definitely enjoy chewing on a bone for hours on end. Some people recommend raw meat while others prefer to serve their dogs cooked and prepared meat. A downside of giving them this diet is the cost. Luckily, dogs don’t mind what type of cut or meat you give them so you can just purchase the most affordable parts and serve it to them, but this still gets a bit expensive over time. Some dogs are also not allowed to go on all meat diets, such as dogs that have degenerative myelopathy. You will also need to give them vitamins and supplements since meat doesn’t contain all the nutrients they need.

Dog food

Easy to serve and buy, dog food can be bought anywhere these days. Today, dog food formulas have become more complex and contain all the important vitamins and minerals your dog needs so you don’t have to give them food supplements anymore. You don’t have to prepare this and you can easily store in in a cupboard somewhere in your kitchen. Semi-solid dog food, like the ones you get in cans, are also easy to feed to dog. This makes feeding time for dogs that have mobility issues, like in cases of dogs that have degenerative myelopathy, easier. Price is more reasonable, but you should never feed your dog cheap dog food. The main down side of giving your pet dog food is that you don’t really know what the mixture is made out of. If you want to make sure your dog’s getting nothing but natural ingredients, it’s going to be difficult.

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Dog Care – 5 Tips on Taking Care of a Sick Dog

Many of us start to panic when our dog gets sick. This is mainly because we do not know what to do. Below are some simple tips on how to take care of a sick dog.

Keep them warm

When your dog is sick, it’s best that you keep it warm. As much as possible, keep your dog inside the house at all times. If you have to go for a walk or a trip to the vet, do not say outdoors for too long. You can also bring around a blanket with you or make your dog wear some kind of jacket. Dogs that have degenerative myelopathy might have a hard time moving around so use a body supporting contraption to keep them warm and support them as they move.

Give them water

Like humans, dogs also need to consume enough water so they recover from their illness faster. Keeping your dog hydrated will not only prevent it from suffering a heat stroke, the water also helps flush toxins out of the body. Give your dog clean drinking water and change it every few hours or so. You also need to clean your dog’s water bowl every time you change the water.

Change of diet

Some vets will actually advise dog owners to change the dog’s diet when they are sick. If they are having a hard time eating on their own, you can help them by giving them semi-solid food and use a syringe to feed them.

Other people would also give their dog puppy-specific food when they are sick. Puppy food contains more nutrients compared to normal dog food, helping ensure that even a dog that’s ill still the nutrients it needs even it doesn’t consume the amount of food it normally does. For example, dogs that have degenerative myelopathy will need more vitamin B in their diet, so a vitamin rich brand or type of dog food could be beneficial.

Medication

Medication is important to help the dog get well, but before giving any medication to your dog, you have to talk to a vet first. Get the correct prescription and dosage because giving your dog too much or the wrong medication can poison it. But the medication from the vet or from the pet shop and do not give your pet human medicine.

Veterinarian

Visit the veterinarian to get a full diagnosis of your dog’s illness. Ask what you can do to help the dog get better as soon as possible.

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Common Nerve Disorders Amongst Dogs

In humans and animals, nerves control all body movement. Any disorder that affects the nervous system is bound to cause mobility problems. In many cases, the normal function of that body part will never get back to normal. Dogs are also affected with nerve disorders, especially if they are already in their senior years. Below are some common nerve disorders amongst dogs that you should know about.

Peripheral Neuropathy

This illness is caused by damage or an injury caused by outside sources. Nerves that are spread all though-out the body, controlling the different systems and sending back responses to external and internal stimuli, become weakened as a result of the problem. Loss of consciousness, instability, and spatial disorientation are also other symptoms. This could be caused by toxins, infections, immune or metabolic diseases, and even certain medications that are used to treat cancer.

Radial Nerve Paralysis

Radial nerve paralysis is by far one of the most common nerve problems experienced by dogs. When the dog has this, they have a very hard time using their front legs, resulting with them dragging their paws while walking and damaging their nails. This is usually caused by an injury or excessive stretching. The dog will need some form of therapy and rehabilitation to be able to walk properly again.

Degenerative Myelopathy

Genetics plays a vital roles in this illness. Degenerative myelopathy or DM in dogs, is an illness that affects the dog’s spine and nerves. It usually first affects the dog’s hind legs, causing it drag them while walking. The dog will also shake and lose balance because of the loss of control. The illness will progress and begin to affect the dog’s body, moving up to its torso, front legs, and then their head. DM in dogs eventually results in full body paralysis and manifests in dogs that are in their older years.

Neuromuscular Disorder

With neuromuscular disorders, illnesses such as diabetes, Cushing’s disease, botulism, Addison’s disease, cancer, and tetanus could affect the dog’s neuromuscular system. These disorders could cause swelling of the nerves, leaving the dog in pain. They may also have a hard time when exercising, eating, and even supporting their own weight.

Axonotmesis

This is when nerve fibers rupture due to prolonged pressure, crushing and pinching. It normally takes the dog about a few weeks to a few months to recover from the damage.  Depending on how damaged the body part is, the dog may not regain full ability and control of that part of the body.

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3 Tips for Keeping your in Top Shape

Keeping our pet dogs healthy is one of our top priorities. We treat our pets like a part of our family and we want them to live a long and happy life. Many dog owners would go the extra mile when it comes to taking care of their pet dogs. Some even buy the best and most expensive necessities, accessories and toys just to keep their dogs cheerful. However, health and proper care is still the best thing we can give to our pets. There are many things to consider in making sure that our pet dogs are always healthy.

1.    Expert Vet Care

The best veterinary care covers the overall health of our pet dogs. We need to make sure that our vet is trustworthy. Dogs also need to be given regular checkup; a routine wellness test should be given to the dog twice a year. Moreover, senior dogs and puppies need more visits to the vet because of their age. Dogs that have special needs, such as the ones that have degenerative myelopathy, might need an on call vet in case of emergencies.

2.    Optimum Nutrition and Exercise

Picking out the right diet is one of the pillars of keeping a healthy. We can’t just feed them table scraps and bones. They need a balanced diet to stay in good physical shape. There are hundreds of brands of dog food that offers a special formula for certain types of dogs. Ask the vet which one is the best for your dog’s breed and age. Along with a balanced diet, dogs also need a good amount of exercise. Exercise is also a form of therapy for dogs that have joint diseases and degenerative myelopathy. Besides, taking your dog out for a walk will let you bond and build a stronger relationship.

3.    Dental Care and Grooming

Taking care of your dog’s teeth is one of the most forgotten tasks. Just as in humans, tartar and plaque can build up in dog teeth, leading to mouth and gum problems. Most find it difficult to brush their dog’s teeth since dogs move around a lot. A simple solution to this is to give the dog a dental treat that they can chew on that doubles as a way for them to clean their teeth remove oral odor.

Grooming is also important. Besides giving the dog regular baths to keep them clean, their fur also needs to be brushed. Depending on the breed, some dogs might also need to be taken to a grooming parlor to get their fur trimmed and have matted fur removed.

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Dog Care – Skin and Fur Care

Knowing how to take good care of your dog’s skin and fur should be something that you as a dog owner learn about. Different dogs have different fur and coat types so care will vary from dog to dog. They require special grooming, fur care and prevention against any bacterial infections that could possible result from exposure to dirt and grime.

Unlike human hair, dog hair has a more coarse texture to it. They also shed a lot, so dog owners need to clean up after them. Depending on the dog breed, some might require a higher level of maintenance then others. Here are some basic tips on how to take good care of your dog’s skin and fur.

Check their Diet

Making sure that your dog is getting a balanced diet will help ensure that their skin and fur stays healthy and shiny. A dog’s fur does not only need care from the outside, but also from the inside. If you are planning to give your dog chicken meat, slowly introduce this to their meals and check if it’s causing any problems with its skin and fur. Some dogs are actually allergic to chicken. You can also give them food supplements.

Brush regularly

Regularly brush your dog’s fur to help take out dander and dead hair. It also helps spread natural oils found on the dog’s pelt and enhances circulation.

Bathe them

The issue on how many times a dog gets bath varies from one vet to another. Some say once a week, while others would go for once a month. Too much bathing will cause the dog’s skin to dry out and cause hot spots. But not bathing it frequently will make it dirty and smelly. Dirt and bacteria could also become trapped on their skin. In certain cases, especially with DM in dogs, owners will have a hard time cleaning and bathing their dog. Although DM in dogs will cause them to lose their ability to walk and go out, you will still need to make sure they stay clean. Medicated soap and shampoo helps kills and prevents pests like ticks and fleas.

Have regular vet visits

By going to the vet regularly, the vet can inform you of any problems with their skin while it’s still early. If the dog is already developing skin and fur problems, the vet can prescribe or administer medication. You can also have a little talk with the vet and ask them about what you can do to keep your dog generally healthy and happy.

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