Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian dog food recipe or a purely meat-based one, it’s important to understand the fundamentals of a healthy dog food diet. A healthy dog food recipe should consist of mostly protein with the ten amino acids and some carbohydrates. You should also add more vitamins and minerals to the recipe with fruits and vegetables.
You can give your dog most vegetables and fruits but you should avoid onions, avocadoes, and mushrooms because they can cause health problems. You can make a healthy dog food recipe based off of a protein source like eggs, fish, lamb, beef, pork, chicken, pheasant, etc. Add a carbohydrate like oats, barley, wheat germ, or quinoa to the meat.
A healthy dog food recipe should be served at room temperature. Don’t serve your dog food that is hot from the stove or cold from sitting in the refrigerator. Adult dogs only need one meal a day.
It might seem expensive to feed your dog home cooked food. It is certainly time-consuming but it doesn’t have to be expensive. You don’t have to give your dog prime cuts of meat. Chicken parts like veal, liver, and neck for example are very palatable for your dog and cheaper for you.
A healthy dog food recipe can consist of sautéed liver or different animal parts made into a stew with some vegetables and wheat germ added. You can also blend liver and mix it with honey, dried milk, and wheat germ and bake it in the oven to make liver cookies for your dog.
Instead of following a particular healthy dog food recipe, you can also just make a little more of the food you feed yourself and family to give to your dog. Human food with meat, vegetables, and grains is perfect for a dog. It contains the antioxidants that commercial dog food lacks and that your dog needs in order to maintain good health.
Wash all of the produce well that you feed your dog. You can cook the meats or you can feed them to your dog raw. Some pet owners swear up and down that a raw meat diet is the most natural diet for dogs. Make sure to seek variety when preparing food for your dog so your dog gets a wide array of nutrients from his food. Give your dog organic foods when possible and make sure he gets plenty of fresh, filtered water to drink.
Your goal? Take this information as a guide and use it to help you come up with healthy dog food recipes for your dear pet. You can help your dog live a healthier, happier life by giving him home cooked food. Remember to be creative and use a variety of ingredients in your dog’s food so he gets plenty of nutrients.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Wellness Dog Food is a Good Choice for a Healthy Dog
Increasingly we are becoming more aware of the dangers of chemical additives in our food. These days, this concern extends to the food our pets are eating. We have come to realize that healthy pets need a diet that is free from chemicals and additives.
This is hard to achieve sometimes when most pet food brands contain preservatives or colorings to increase shelf life and make the food look more attractive. However, Wellness dog food has produced food that is great for all dogs. Countless pets with dog allergies and skin problems have benefited from eating Wellness dog food.
Some dogs that suffer from allergies need to be fed special diets that are protein rich. Both dry and canned dog food products are available from Wellness for dogs suffering from allergies, in particular skin allergies that can arise from wheat or soy found in widely available lower grade dog foods.
The range of allergy sensitive food is known as the Wellness Core. This line of dog food provides dogs that suffer from allergies a balanced nutritional diet. The products are rich in protein and go back to the basics. They provide dogs with the kind of diet that they would eat if they were hunting and fending for themselves.
Many cheaper and lower quality brands contain animal byproducts, meaning the ground up beaks, hoofs, and bones of animals rather than actual meat. You can be assured that Wellness dog food does not contain any kind of animal byproduct. This range also does not contain any corn, soy, or wheat; all major culprits of skin allergies.
If you are concerned about fat content and would like to put your dog on a low fat diet then there is a solution with Wellness dog food. This brand of dog food has formulated a specific product range that is low in fat while still catering to dogs that need a protein rich and grain free diet to combat allergies.
The minerals and fat are highly controlled so that they are in a balanced volume. Some high protein dog foods have excessive amounts of minerals not recommended for everyday consumption. You can be assured that your dog is in good hands when you choose Wellness dog food. It is a brand that has a good reputation with both owners and dogs. Try it now and see the difference in your happier and healthier dog.
This is hard to achieve sometimes when most pet food brands contain preservatives or colorings to increase shelf life and make the food look more attractive. However, Wellness dog food has produced food that is great for all dogs. Countless pets with dog allergies and skin problems have benefited from eating Wellness dog food.
Some dogs that suffer from allergies need to be fed special diets that are protein rich. Both dry and canned dog food products are available from Wellness for dogs suffering from allergies, in particular skin allergies that can arise from wheat or soy found in widely available lower grade dog foods.
The range of allergy sensitive food is known as the Wellness Core. This line of dog food provides dogs that suffer from allergies a balanced nutritional diet. The products are rich in protein and go back to the basics. They provide dogs with the kind of diet that they would eat if they were hunting and fending for themselves.
Many cheaper and lower quality brands contain animal byproducts, meaning the ground up beaks, hoofs, and bones of animals rather than actual meat. You can be assured that Wellness dog food does not contain any kind of animal byproduct. This range also does not contain any corn, soy, or wheat; all major culprits of skin allergies.
If you are concerned about fat content and would like to put your dog on a low fat diet then there is a solution with Wellness dog food. This brand of dog food has formulated a specific product range that is low in fat while still catering to dogs that need a protein rich and grain free diet to combat allergies.
The minerals and fat are highly controlled so that they are in a balanced volume. Some high protein dog foods have excessive amounts of minerals not recommended for everyday consumption. You can be assured that your dog is in good hands when you choose Wellness dog food. It is a brand that has a good reputation with both owners and dogs. Try it now and see the difference in your happier and healthier dog.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Soothing Bug Bites And Stings On Your Dog
If you are like me, you love your dog, as if it was an integral part of your family. And when your beautiful dog suffers pain from bug bites and stings you want to relieve that suffering as quickly as possible. However, you also know that a visit to the vet, to help sooth bug bites and stings, can cost you upwards of a $100 or more by the time you pay for the visit and the medicine. Frankly, you don't have to pay that kind of money to help your dog or any pet that is suffering from bug bites and stings.
The tips you will find below are inexpensive and the chances are you will already have some of the ingredients in your medicine cabinet or in your kitchen. I have used everyone of these over many years too treat my dogs. And the good thing is I'm still using them today to treat my 'best friend' Princess when she has bug bites and stings.
This first tip is one you may have never even considered or even thought about it:
Meat Tenderizer. Yep! You heard right. All you have to do is pour the meat tenderizer into the bowl and then add water. Once it has thickened into a paste simply apply it directly to the sting or bite. There is a good chance your dog will experience almost instant relief. The really cool thing is you can reapply it if needed, without worrying about it maybe harming your pet.
2nd Tip: Chances are this one is going to shock you, but again it works. Try dabbing ammonia directly to the bite or sting with a cotton ball. However make sure not to apply around the nose and eyes of your 'Fido'. Also if your animal has extra sensitive skin it's a good idea not too use it to smooth bug bites and stings.
The 3rd tip I have for you is absolutely one of my favorites, too smooth bug bites and stings and I have to tell you Princess loves it. I apply aloe vera gel, from a aloa vera leaf, when I can get my hands on it. But for a backup I keep a aloa vera gel that I get from my local drug store. Again it's a simple matter of applying the gel directly onto the bite. The results are almost instantaneous. Not only does it work good on my dog, I use it on myself for mosquito bits and the occasional wasp sting.
Now this tip is one that will reduce the swelling and itching right away. However, it may require some patience on your part and on your dogs (any pet) part. If it's a sting, search the area where your dog is biting and scratching. There is a good chance the stinger may still be embedded in the skin of your precious pet. Once you find it and remove it then you can apply some healing gel or even bathe it with a cold cloth.
Speaking of a cold cloth this is going to be my last tip to you. Try putting several pieces of ice into a wash cloth and hold directly on the sting or bite. Just like you, your animal will find it will smooth bug bites and stings.
If your wondering if these tips are safe for your dog when your trying to relieve the pain and itching, check with your local vet. Or you can do a search on the internet and find where they are perfectly safe. These smooth bug bites and stings tips are not the only ones out there. It may pay you to find out about others.
The tips you will find below are inexpensive and the chances are you will already have some of the ingredients in your medicine cabinet or in your kitchen. I have used everyone of these over many years too treat my dogs. And the good thing is I'm still using them today to treat my 'best friend' Princess when she has bug bites and stings.
This first tip is one you may have never even considered or even thought about it:
Meat Tenderizer. Yep! You heard right. All you have to do is pour the meat tenderizer into the bowl and then add water. Once it has thickened into a paste simply apply it directly to the sting or bite. There is a good chance your dog will experience almost instant relief. The really cool thing is you can reapply it if needed, without worrying about it maybe harming your pet.
2nd Tip: Chances are this one is going to shock you, but again it works. Try dabbing ammonia directly to the bite or sting with a cotton ball. However make sure not to apply around the nose and eyes of your 'Fido'. Also if your animal has extra sensitive skin it's a good idea not too use it to smooth bug bites and stings.
The 3rd tip I have for you is absolutely one of my favorites, too smooth bug bites and stings and I have to tell you Princess loves it. I apply aloe vera gel, from a aloa vera leaf, when I can get my hands on it. But for a backup I keep a aloa vera gel that I get from my local drug store. Again it's a simple matter of applying the gel directly onto the bite. The results are almost instantaneous. Not only does it work good on my dog, I use it on myself for mosquito bits and the occasional wasp sting.
Now this tip is one that will reduce the swelling and itching right away. However, it may require some patience on your part and on your dogs (any pet) part. If it's a sting, search the area where your dog is biting and scratching. There is a good chance the stinger may still be embedded in the skin of your precious pet. Once you find it and remove it then you can apply some healing gel or even bathe it with a cold cloth.
Speaking of a cold cloth this is going to be my last tip to you. Try putting several pieces of ice into a wash cloth and hold directly on the sting or bite. Just like you, your animal will find it will smooth bug bites and stings.
If your wondering if these tips are safe for your dog when your trying to relieve the pain and itching, check with your local vet. Or you can do a search on the internet and find where they are perfectly safe. These smooth bug bites and stings tips are not the only ones out there. It may pay you to find out about others.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Signs That Your Dog Is Sick
Your dog isn't able to let you know when she's ill. You need to pay attention and notice when she's not acting like usual. This will provide you with a strong warning that there might be something amiss. Read on to learn about the most common ailments that dogs experience, and how you can stop them in their tracks.
Fleas. Fleas don't entrench themselves in a dog’s coat. However, they do thrive on the skin. To steer clear of fleas that are determined to take over your dog, don't take your pet for a walk in areas that are wooded or locations where fleas travel. Typically, fleas will gather in the grass in your own backyard. Therefore, you need to brush your dog each day with a flea comb.
Ticks. These pests are another common cause of sickness for dogs. Ticks often get embedded in a dog's undercoat where they can easily transmit disease. Once they become attached to your pet's body, it can be very painful to remove them. You really need to stay away from areas where your dog can pick up ticks. Don't walk her in tick territory, which includes any parks or forested areas that have dense bushes. In particular, avoid shady spots where ticks like to make their homes.
Ear mites. Another typical health problem among dogs is ear mites. You might notice that your dog is scratching her ears a lot. If so, take a look to see if her ears are leaking. The infection caused by ear mites results in mucus seepage that is brown in color. This is a sure sign that your pet's ear is infected. You'll need to take her to the vet.
Worms. There are all sorts of worms that can lead to health problems in a dog. The most typical invaders are heartworms, tapeworms, hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms. It's particularly essential that your dog be examined for these parasites because they are highly likely to be passed along to your kids.
Allergies. Yes, even dogs suffer from allergies. An insect bite or sting can lead to a severe reaction in allergic dogs. If your dog suddenly starts to swell up in a specific area or experiences diarrhea or vomiting, don't delay in taking her to the veterinarian.
Even though you can steer clear of many of these ailments, oftentimes it's beyond your control. However, you should always use caution in order to keep your dog healthy.
Fleas. Fleas don't entrench themselves in a dog’s coat. However, they do thrive on the skin. To steer clear of fleas that are determined to take over your dog, don't take your pet for a walk in areas that are wooded or locations where fleas travel. Typically, fleas will gather in the grass in your own backyard. Therefore, you need to brush your dog each day with a flea comb.
Ticks. These pests are another common cause of sickness for dogs. Ticks often get embedded in a dog's undercoat where they can easily transmit disease. Once they become attached to your pet's body, it can be very painful to remove them. You really need to stay away from areas where your dog can pick up ticks. Don't walk her in tick territory, which includes any parks or forested areas that have dense bushes. In particular, avoid shady spots where ticks like to make their homes.
Ear mites. Another typical health problem among dogs is ear mites. You might notice that your dog is scratching her ears a lot. If so, take a look to see if her ears are leaking. The infection caused by ear mites results in mucus seepage that is brown in color. This is a sure sign that your pet's ear is infected. You'll need to take her to the vet.
Worms. There are all sorts of worms that can lead to health problems in a dog. The most typical invaders are heartworms, tapeworms, hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms. It's particularly essential that your dog be examined for these parasites because they are highly likely to be passed along to your kids.
Allergies. Yes, even dogs suffer from allergies. An insect bite or sting can lead to a severe reaction in allergic dogs. If your dog suddenly starts to swell up in a specific area or experiences diarrhea or vomiting, don't delay in taking her to the veterinarian.
Even though you can steer clear of many of these ailments, oftentimes it's beyond your control. However, you should always use caution in order to keep your dog healthy.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Your Pet Can Benefit From Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is a well-known treatment for various human conditions. It’s traditionally known to help people with mind and body ailments, but it’s gaining a reputation for its effectiveness on pets as well.
Pets, like humans, can suffer from many of the same medical conditions. Arthritis, for instance, is a painful condition that can affect a Chihuahua the same way it affects its 65-year old owner.
No one likes to see their pet suffer. It can be heartbreaking because to most pet owners, their four-legged friend is a part of the family. Aromatherapy can be the non-intrusive, affordable remedy you need to help your pet feel better.
While we may not be able to know the exact mindset of our pets, we do know that pets sometimes exhibit anxious feelings when they’re feeling scared, intimidated, or unsure of their surroundings.
These feelings can cause them to lose sleep and be on edge, often snapping at those they love. Some pets will “voice” their frustrations while others will be quiet, but their nervous conditions cause chunks of their fur to fall out. Aromatherapy can have a calming effect on your pet.
Hyper-activeness is another condition some pets may experience. Certain scents used to deliver a calming effect during aromatherapy can help calm your pet down to a certain degree and will work wonders when paired with positive training.
Some pets can benefit from adding aromatherapy to the medical treatments they’re receiving from their veterinarians. It sometimes helps the medical treatments work faster and may calm the animal down enough to have these treatments performed on them without extreme anxiety and fear.
Before starting an aromatherapy program on your pet, educate yourself thoroughly. While traditional aromatherapies are effective and safe for humans, not all are recommended for pets.
Animals can be sensitive to some aromas and the oils should be diluted before using this therapy on them. Consult your vet on which oils can be used and how much they should be diluted.
It’s also important to know that oils are the best form for use in pet aromatherapy. Candles can be easily knocked over by the pet and they may even try to lick the hot liquid from the candle.
Dried potpourri flowers aren’t recommended either, since the pet could try to eat them and they’re not good for their digestion. Oils are the best form, but they should be kept well away from the pet’s reach. Consult your vet before starting any aromatherapy program for your pets.
Pets, like humans, can suffer from many of the same medical conditions. Arthritis, for instance, is a painful condition that can affect a Chihuahua the same way it affects its 65-year old owner.
No one likes to see their pet suffer. It can be heartbreaking because to most pet owners, their four-legged friend is a part of the family. Aromatherapy can be the non-intrusive, affordable remedy you need to help your pet feel better.
While we may not be able to know the exact mindset of our pets, we do know that pets sometimes exhibit anxious feelings when they’re feeling scared, intimidated, or unsure of their surroundings.
These feelings can cause them to lose sleep and be on edge, often snapping at those they love. Some pets will “voice” their frustrations while others will be quiet, but their nervous conditions cause chunks of their fur to fall out. Aromatherapy can have a calming effect on your pet.
Hyper-activeness is another condition some pets may experience. Certain scents used to deliver a calming effect during aromatherapy can help calm your pet down to a certain degree and will work wonders when paired with positive training.
Some pets can benefit from adding aromatherapy to the medical treatments they’re receiving from their veterinarians. It sometimes helps the medical treatments work faster and may calm the animal down enough to have these treatments performed on them without extreme anxiety and fear.
Before starting an aromatherapy program on your pet, educate yourself thoroughly. While traditional aromatherapies are effective and safe for humans, not all are recommended for pets.
Animals can be sensitive to some aromas and the oils should be diluted before using this therapy on them. Consult your vet on which oils can be used and how much they should be diluted.
It’s also important to know that oils are the best form for use in pet aromatherapy. Candles can be easily knocked over by the pet and they may even try to lick the hot liquid from the candle.
Dried potpourri flowers aren’t recommended either, since the pet could try to eat them and they’re not good for their digestion. Oils are the best form, but they should be kept well away from the pet’s reach. Consult your vet before starting any aromatherapy program for your pets.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Common Diseases Among Terriers
Because the group of terrier breeds is so diverse it's difficult to find a single set of diseases common to all. Even calling a condition common is a little misleading, since it means only that it tends to occur more often within that breed. It does not mean that most individuals get that disease.
That said, here are a few things to watch out for when buying a terrier puppy or caring for your dog.
von Willebrand Disease
Also referred to as vWD, von Willebrand's disease is an inherited condition that may lead to excessive bleeding, similar to hemophilia in humans. The absence of a certain protein may cause some dogs to bleed profusely when their quicks are nipped during nail grooming, for example. But it can occur at other times, producing bloody urine, bleeding at the gums and nose, and elsewhere.
Several breeds can have the condition, with pure breds at greater risk than those of mixed parentage. Jack Russells acquire vWD, but less often than others. It's more common in Scottish Terriers and Miniature Schnauzers.
Testing prospective parents can help avoid the production of new puppies with this genetic disorder.
Legg-Perthes Disease
Another condition that has a strong genetic component, Legg-Perthes causes the tip of the femur (the thigh bone) to degenerate. The result is pain and a limping gait. While it occurs in only a small percentage of individuals, it's most common among Yorkshires. The cause is thought to be insufficient circulation around the hip joint more common in these than in other terrier breeds.
When it does occur, it's most likely to be seen within the first 6-8 months of life. Surgical treatment can usually correct the condition, though, by removing the affected portion of the bone. Fibrous tissue then forms, which prevents the wear on the joint. The procedure does, however, leave the dog with a slightly shorter leg so it should be discussed thoroughly with your vet.
Patellar Luxation
Patellar luxation is another genetic defect more often found in Yorkies than other terriers. Their weaker ligaments and tendons supporting the knee joint can cause the cap to slip out of the V-shaped groove in which it naturally lies.
The result is considerable pain and lameness. A similar condition can occur to humans and any who have suffered from it can report that it is very uncomfortable. Here again, surgery can correct the defect, often with excellent results. However, the procedure doesn't strengthen the components that help hold the joint in place. Affected dogs should maintain a less vigorous lifestyle than otherwise.
Heart Disease
Terriers can suffer from various heart ailments, most of them the result of a genetic defect.
While unlikely, cardiomyopathy is one of the more common. This abnormality of the heart muscle can lead to lung edema (fluid into the lung). One of the symptoms is weakness during mild exercise. It occurs in Jack Russells and others. In other diseases, valves may not open and close properly, causing abnormal blood flow. American Staffordshire Terriers are somewhat more prone than others to this defect. Among Bull Terriers aortic stenosis is more common.
Like many other breeds, worms can be responsible for heart problems if proper vaccination schedules haven't been followed. That can affect any breed. A series of heart tests is always wise when any heart malfunction is suspected.
Most terriers, at least until old age when many body systems weaken, will lead healthy lives. They're energetic and have great endurance. Simply be on the lookout for any unusual dampening of those high spirits and seek professional advice when they occur.
That said, here are a few things to watch out for when buying a terrier puppy or caring for your dog.
von Willebrand Disease
Also referred to as vWD, von Willebrand's disease is an inherited condition that may lead to excessive bleeding, similar to hemophilia in humans. The absence of a certain protein may cause some dogs to bleed profusely when their quicks are nipped during nail grooming, for example. But it can occur at other times, producing bloody urine, bleeding at the gums and nose, and elsewhere.
Several breeds can have the condition, with pure breds at greater risk than those of mixed parentage. Jack Russells acquire vWD, but less often than others. It's more common in Scottish Terriers and Miniature Schnauzers.
Testing prospective parents can help avoid the production of new puppies with this genetic disorder.
Legg-Perthes Disease
Another condition that has a strong genetic component, Legg-Perthes causes the tip of the femur (the thigh bone) to degenerate. The result is pain and a limping gait. While it occurs in only a small percentage of individuals, it's most common among Yorkshires. The cause is thought to be insufficient circulation around the hip joint more common in these than in other terrier breeds.
When it does occur, it's most likely to be seen within the first 6-8 months of life. Surgical treatment can usually correct the condition, though, by removing the affected portion of the bone. Fibrous tissue then forms, which prevents the wear on the joint. The procedure does, however, leave the dog with a slightly shorter leg so it should be discussed thoroughly with your vet.
Patellar Luxation
Patellar luxation is another genetic defect more often found in Yorkies than other terriers. Their weaker ligaments and tendons supporting the knee joint can cause the cap to slip out of the V-shaped groove in which it naturally lies.
The result is considerable pain and lameness. A similar condition can occur to humans and any who have suffered from it can report that it is very uncomfortable. Here again, surgery can correct the defect, often with excellent results. However, the procedure doesn't strengthen the components that help hold the joint in place. Affected dogs should maintain a less vigorous lifestyle than otherwise.
Heart Disease
Terriers can suffer from various heart ailments, most of them the result of a genetic defect.
While unlikely, cardiomyopathy is one of the more common. This abnormality of the heart muscle can lead to lung edema (fluid into the lung). One of the symptoms is weakness during mild exercise. It occurs in Jack Russells and others. In other diseases, valves may not open and close properly, causing abnormal blood flow. American Staffordshire Terriers are somewhat more prone than others to this defect. Among Bull Terriers aortic stenosis is more common.
Like many other breeds, worms can be responsible for heart problems if proper vaccination schedules haven't been followed. That can affect any breed. A series of heart tests is always wise when any heart malfunction is suspected.
Most terriers, at least until old age when many body systems weaken, will lead healthy lives. They're energetic and have great endurance. Simply be on the lookout for any unusual dampening of those high spirits and seek professional advice when they occur.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Health Care for Your Golden Retriever
Any dog owner will want to take the best possible care of his or her companion. For Golden Retrievers, that can be a challenge. Because of their popularity they've had a long history that has involved a fair amount of inbreeding.
Mating dogs that are too closely related increases the chances that specific genes will be emphasized. This has resulted in a large number of Goldens with various weaknesses. Hip dysplasia and certain kinds of cancers are among the two most common. But each breed has its weak points, and Golden Retrievers are no more liable to health problems than any other breed.
To keep them in good shape is actually pretty easy, just by following some basic guidelines.
From the earliest age possible they should have the best diet you can afford. There are different views about what that is, with many citing the benefits of a fresh meat diet. All dogs are meat eaters. But the right meat protein is more important according to most studies than that the meat be fresh. Fresh meat comes with its own risks, for example, such as contamination and spoilage.
Golden Retrievers in particular have a somewhat higher tendency to sensitivity to the grain products that are found in many commercial dog foods. Wheat and, to a lesser extent, corn can cause itching and some nasal or stomach sensitivity. Signs of skin problems are excessive paw licking and scratching of the face on the carpet or grass. For those with digestive sensitivity, the problem is even easier to spot: feces will be runny. In either case, that's the time to consult your vet about switching food.
A good diet will help them develop bones and joints that are resistant to hip dysplasia, minimize skin problems and produce a healthy looking coat. And, since they're such an active breed, it gives them all the nutrition and calories they need to run and play, which also keeps them mentally active and physically fit. Goldens are very active and a high meat protein, moderate fat diet is essential for energy and building strong muscles.
Regular vet visits for the appropriate shots are also a matter of some controversy, with some arguing that vets tend to over-medicate. Weighing the pros and cons, take into account how much contact your Golden Retriever has with other dogs, since most of the diseases that vaccinations guard against are spread by contact.
Parvo, lepto, distemper and others are the most common for Golden Retrievers to be vaccinated against. Shots should start young and be carried out according to your vet's proposed schedule, usually every six months to a year past the initial shots they receive at 6-8 weeks.
Rabies in Golden Retrievers is a little harder to advise about. It's rare, but the consequences are so severe that most will want to get the shots, provided their pet isn't unusually sensitive and the right vaccine is used. In any case, most states require the shots be given at least every other year for the first few years.
Apart from diet and vaccinations, the best thing you can do for your Golden Retriever is give it a healthy lifestyle. Lots of outdoor activity in a low-risk environment keeps both you and your dog happy and in great shape.
Mating dogs that are too closely related increases the chances that specific genes will be emphasized. This has resulted in a large number of Goldens with various weaknesses. Hip dysplasia and certain kinds of cancers are among the two most common. But each breed has its weak points, and Golden Retrievers are no more liable to health problems than any other breed.
To keep them in good shape is actually pretty easy, just by following some basic guidelines.
From the earliest age possible they should have the best diet you can afford. There are different views about what that is, with many citing the benefits of a fresh meat diet. All dogs are meat eaters. But the right meat protein is more important according to most studies than that the meat be fresh. Fresh meat comes with its own risks, for example, such as contamination and spoilage.
Golden Retrievers in particular have a somewhat higher tendency to sensitivity to the grain products that are found in many commercial dog foods. Wheat and, to a lesser extent, corn can cause itching and some nasal or stomach sensitivity. Signs of skin problems are excessive paw licking and scratching of the face on the carpet or grass. For those with digestive sensitivity, the problem is even easier to spot: feces will be runny. In either case, that's the time to consult your vet about switching food.
A good diet will help them develop bones and joints that are resistant to hip dysplasia, minimize skin problems and produce a healthy looking coat. And, since they're such an active breed, it gives them all the nutrition and calories they need to run and play, which also keeps them mentally active and physically fit. Goldens are very active and a high meat protein, moderate fat diet is essential for energy and building strong muscles.
Regular vet visits for the appropriate shots are also a matter of some controversy, with some arguing that vets tend to over-medicate. Weighing the pros and cons, take into account how much contact your Golden Retriever has with other dogs, since most of the diseases that vaccinations guard against are spread by contact.
Parvo, lepto, distemper and others are the most common for Golden Retrievers to be vaccinated against. Shots should start young and be carried out according to your vet's proposed schedule, usually every six months to a year past the initial shots they receive at 6-8 weeks.
Rabies in Golden Retrievers is a little harder to advise about. It's rare, but the consequences are so severe that most will want to get the shots, provided their pet isn't unusually sensitive and the right vaccine is used. In any case, most states require the shots be given at least every other year for the first few years.
Apart from diet and vaccinations, the best thing you can do for your Golden Retriever is give it a healthy lifestyle. Lots of outdoor activity in a low-risk environment keeps both you and your dog happy and in great shape.
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