Dogs are not impervious to arthritis troubles. The structure of their muscles and tissues in the joint area is very similar to that of people, so arthritis can be just as much of a problem for them as it is for a person. And just like humans, dogs can start to limp and experience pain when arthritis attacks.
What causes arthritis in dogs? One of the main reasons is related to your dog's weight. Too much weight can lead to added stress on the joints. If this goes on for an extended period of time, it can develop into arthritis. So by maintaining a healthy weight for your dog, you can lower his risk of developing arthritis later in life.
Accidents and injuries are another thing that can lead to arthritis in a dog. When one of their limbs is injured, the muscles and tissue around the joint can also experience damage. This underlying damage leads to extra pressure on the joints. In addition, an accident or injury can also cause misplacement of the joint. This too will place pressure on the joint, and years of bone and tissues rubbing together will inevitably lead to an arthritis condition.
A diet low in nutrients is another contributing factor for arthritic problems in dogs. Your pet needs a well-balanced, nutritious diet for the healthy maintenance of his bones, muscles and tissues. If a dog has a chronically poor diet, it can lead to weakening of the muscles and bones. Once they begin to deteriorate, inflammation in their joints will take place.
An overabundance of physical activity without enough rest to balance the exertion is another contributor to arthritis. A dog is a physically active creature and bursts of activity are good for them. However, their muscles also need an appropriate amount of rest. Working their muscles too hard puts too much pressure and strain on their joints. Without sufficient rest, this condition will ultimately result in arthritis.
Now and then arthritis is a result of a tumor or disease that there is really no way to prevent. Some diseases strike without warning and inflict much harm on a dog’s body. Arthritis is one of the illnesses that can result in this type of situation.
Sometimes arthritis is simply a result of old age. Even though your dog has had a healthy, active life, once he’s older, he will inevitably slow down. And because he’s not as active as he once was, it's not uncommon for certain ailments to appear. Older dogs tend to rest more, but too much can cause their muscles to stiffen. Try to encourage as much activity as they can handle in order to ease the effects of arthritis.
Just because your dog has arthritis, it doesn't mean he has to live out his last years in misery. If you keep him comfortable and consult your vet regarding appropriate medicinal treatments, he'll be able to enjoy his final years in well deserved comfort.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Take Good Care of Your Dog’s Teeth
Your dog is much loved member of your family. He offers friendship and loyalty without demanding much in return. You want your dog to have a long and healthy life, so it's critical that you give him the care and tending he needs.
But one thing that many people don't really think about when it comes to taking care of their dogs is their teeth. Wild dogs manage to keep their teeth free of plaque by chewing on bones. This naturally scrapes off the plaque and helps to get rid of any food particles caught in their teeth that could lead to out of control bacteria growth.
But your dog isn’t a wild animal, and he needs some assistance in eliminating these bacteria, which frequently lead to health problems including bad breath. Dogs typically eat soft, wet food and small nuggets of harder food products. In comparison to the raw bones that wild dogs gnaw, these foods are of little use in caring for his teeth.
So your first step should be to give your dog bones to chew on a regular basis, preferably at least twice a week. They don't need to be actual bones. They can be the rawhide products that are readily available at a pet store or even the supermarket. As they attack the bone with their chewing, the plaque is scraped away from their teeth and meat particles that might be caught in their teeth will work their way out before they cause any problems.
If a bone isn’t doing the job, or if your dog isn't interested in this pastime, then you need to get up close and personal. This means brushing his teeth with a toothbrush and paste. But don't just use a spare toothbrush and a tube of Crest. Special toothbrushes and toothpaste for dogs are available at most pet stores. It's best to brush his teeth every day, but three or four times a week is the minimum if you want to avoid problems. Make sure you give his teeth a good scrubbing and also massage his gums to improve the circulation. Dig out any trapped food particles.
Dry dog food is better than the wet products for maintaining good dental health. It’s not a replacement for a good cleaning, but it does make a difference. So be sure to vary his diet to allow for both dry and canned products. Dog biscuits can also be useful for removing plaque because they’re dry and hard.
When you take your dog the vet for his regular checkup, ask the doctor to check his mouth and teeth. The vet will notice anything that you might have missed. And they can give you guidance on proper teeth cleaning and the foods that are best for clean teeth and the elimination of bacteria.
If you keep up on the maintenance of your dog's teeth, you'll be certain to save money in the end. And the most important thing is that your dog will be around for you and your family for a long time to come.
But one thing that many people don't really think about when it comes to taking care of their dogs is their teeth. Wild dogs manage to keep their teeth free of plaque by chewing on bones. This naturally scrapes off the plaque and helps to get rid of any food particles caught in their teeth that could lead to out of control bacteria growth.
But your dog isn’t a wild animal, and he needs some assistance in eliminating these bacteria, which frequently lead to health problems including bad breath. Dogs typically eat soft, wet food and small nuggets of harder food products. In comparison to the raw bones that wild dogs gnaw, these foods are of little use in caring for his teeth.
So your first step should be to give your dog bones to chew on a regular basis, preferably at least twice a week. They don't need to be actual bones. They can be the rawhide products that are readily available at a pet store or even the supermarket. As they attack the bone with their chewing, the plaque is scraped away from their teeth and meat particles that might be caught in their teeth will work their way out before they cause any problems.
If a bone isn’t doing the job, or if your dog isn't interested in this pastime, then you need to get up close and personal. This means brushing his teeth with a toothbrush and paste. But don't just use a spare toothbrush and a tube of Crest. Special toothbrushes and toothpaste for dogs are available at most pet stores. It's best to brush his teeth every day, but three or four times a week is the minimum if you want to avoid problems. Make sure you give his teeth a good scrubbing and also massage his gums to improve the circulation. Dig out any trapped food particles.
Dry dog food is better than the wet products for maintaining good dental health. It’s not a replacement for a good cleaning, but it does make a difference. So be sure to vary his diet to allow for both dry and canned products. Dog biscuits can also be useful for removing plaque because they’re dry and hard.
When you take your dog the vet for his regular checkup, ask the doctor to check his mouth and teeth. The vet will notice anything that you might have missed. And they can give you guidance on proper teeth cleaning and the foods that are best for clean teeth and the elimination of bacteria.
If you keep up on the maintenance of your dog's teeth, you'll be certain to save money in the end. And the most important thing is that your dog will be around for you and your family for a long time to come.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Natural Treatments to Keep Fleas and Ticks Off Your Dog
Fleas and ticks are aggravating not only for your dog but for you. Plus they can lead to other more serious health issues. There are a number of sprays and powders available to treat the problem; however their chemical ingredients could prove to be dangerous to both your pet’s health and yours.
Never fear - these chemical products are not the only way you can battle these miniature invaders. You can defend against them with natural treatments that are safe for all those concerned and are usually very effective at eliminating the problem.
For starters, investigate your nearby pet store. It will likely have a lot of different products designed for the elimination of fleas and ticks that are produced from natural components. These products will contain no chemicals that could potentially harm your pet or family members, but they do contain ingredients that are highly effective at eliminating the annoying pests. You should be able to purchase a variety of products from shampoo to flea brushes that will remove them from your dog’s coat. There are also a few remedies that you apply straight to your dog’s skin which will not hurt him at all, but will definitely obliterate the fleas.
One more alternative is a specially designed flea collar that drives off the fleas. These products contain no chemicals that can penetrate your dog’s skin, so there’s no risk to other pets that might touch the collar.
One way to both prevent and treat the problems associated with fleas and ticks is to keep your dog and your house as clean as possible. Give your dog a bath at least once a week and groom his coat daily. Vacuum the rugs in your house and clean your pet’s bedding as often as you can. Ticks and fleas flourish in warm and humid locations, and find them perfect for laying their eggs, so it’s advisable to vacuum these places frequently.
Another way to kill fleas and their eggs is to sprinkle some borax or powdered laundry detergent on your carpets. Let it sit for a couple moments, then vacuum it up along with the pests. Be sure your pets and kids aren’t nearby when you do this. These products aren't known to be harmful, but it’s always good to play it safe.
There are a few homemade remedies which some pet owners maintain are very effective. Brewer's yeast and garlic are believed to be a good treatment for guarding against and eliminating fleas on your dog. Use these treatments carefully. It’s suggested that you check with your vet to ensure that these remedies are actually safe.
It’s also essential that you mow your lawn and trim the shrubbery on your property regularly, so that the fleas have a harder time getting at your pet.
If you're dedicated to preventing the problem of ticks and fleas from taking hold in the first place, you can most likely do away with the chemical treatment options that may be toxic for your dog. If he still develops a problem, natural products will help to protect his health.
Never fear - these chemical products are not the only way you can battle these miniature invaders. You can defend against them with natural treatments that are safe for all those concerned and are usually very effective at eliminating the problem.
For starters, investigate your nearby pet store. It will likely have a lot of different products designed for the elimination of fleas and ticks that are produced from natural components. These products will contain no chemicals that could potentially harm your pet or family members, but they do contain ingredients that are highly effective at eliminating the annoying pests. You should be able to purchase a variety of products from shampoo to flea brushes that will remove them from your dog’s coat. There are also a few remedies that you apply straight to your dog’s skin which will not hurt him at all, but will definitely obliterate the fleas.
One more alternative is a specially designed flea collar that drives off the fleas. These products contain no chemicals that can penetrate your dog’s skin, so there’s no risk to other pets that might touch the collar.
One way to both prevent and treat the problems associated with fleas and ticks is to keep your dog and your house as clean as possible. Give your dog a bath at least once a week and groom his coat daily. Vacuum the rugs in your house and clean your pet’s bedding as often as you can. Ticks and fleas flourish in warm and humid locations, and find them perfect for laying their eggs, so it’s advisable to vacuum these places frequently.
Another way to kill fleas and their eggs is to sprinkle some borax or powdered laundry detergent on your carpets. Let it sit for a couple moments, then vacuum it up along with the pests. Be sure your pets and kids aren’t nearby when you do this. These products aren't known to be harmful, but it’s always good to play it safe.
There are a few homemade remedies which some pet owners maintain are very effective. Brewer's yeast and garlic are believed to be a good treatment for guarding against and eliminating fleas on your dog. Use these treatments carefully. It’s suggested that you check with your vet to ensure that these remedies are actually safe.
It’s also essential that you mow your lawn and trim the shrubbery on your property regularly, so that the fleas have a harder time getting at your pet.
If you're dedicated to preventing the problem of ticks and fleas from taking hold in the first place, you can most likely do away with the chemical treatment options that may be toxic for your dog. If he still develops a problem, natural products will help to protect his health.
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