Large dog beds for big dogs
November 17th, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed
Got a big dog? Finding a large dog bed can be a challenge, especially if your dog sleeps in the house.
You need to find a large dog bed that will enable your dog to rest comfortably while stretching into its favorite sleeping position. You can find large dog beds for purchase in many shapes, sizes, styles and designs. The prices range from very cheap to very expensive. If you are looking to save money, you can make your dog a large dog bed all on your own, it is actually quite easy to accomplish.
Make your own large dog bed
The first thing you will need is some type of padding; you can use a large pillow that can be purchased from a craft store. While you are at the craft store you will want to pick up some fabric to use for the large dog bed you are about to create. If you know how to apply a zipper or some type of Velcro you will be able to make a washable cover for the large dog bed. You can even use buttons or snaps. Be creative and find out exactly what will work best for your specific large dog bed. You can choose from different colors or patterns depending on the sex of your pup and the décor in your home. Before you know it you will have created a dog bed that is perfect in every way for a fraction of the price.
It is important to have a bed that fits the size of dog you have.
Putting a large dog in a small dog bed is not a wise decision and can actually pose health risks for your pampered pup. Some issues you may end up dealing with are calloused elbows, achy joints and even patchy hair loss. So it is very important to find a large dog bed if you have a large dog. Some dogs may get agitated and experience anxiety from being confined area and this could directly affect the relationship between you and your pet. So if you really love your dog, you will find appropriate sleeping quarters to meet its specific needs. Once you do this your dog will be happy healthy and sleeping somewhere besides your furniture.
Tip: if you have a large dog, ensure that you get dog training.
Here’s how to keep your dog healthy: Dog Food Secrets.
Dog allergies: is your dog allergic?
November 12th, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed
There are many things that both the dogs and the dog owners could have in common. For example, both dogs and dog owners could be prone to obesity if not regulating food intake and by not exercising.
In addition, dogs and humans may also acquire diseases that results from improper dietary regimen like diabetes, heart diseases, etc.
Moreover, the most amusing thing that both dogs and humans share is the fact that they are both vulnerable to allergies.
Sounds impossible? Think again.
Veterinary experts assert that dogs have allergies too. One of the primary signs of allergies is the itching of their skin. Their respiratory tract system can also be affected with allergies.
Normally, dogs will manifest symptoms of respiratory tract allergies like sneezing, wheezing, and coughing. Their nose and their eyes may also manifest a discharge just like humans do whenever they have colds or flu.
There are also allergies that may have an effect on their digestive system; hence, it may result as watery stools, diarrhea, or vomiting.
Experts say that almost 20% of the dogs in the United States suffer from several types of allergy. So, for people who want to know more about the different allergies that dogs acquire, here is a list of the most common allergies:
1. Allergies with fleas
It is a well-known fact that dogs are usually infected with fleas. However, what most people do not know is that they can get allergies through these fleas, too.
Well, it is not the fleas that actually cause the allergic reactions in dogs but the flea’s saliva. Hence, it is important for the dog to undergo a skin allergy examination so as to determine if a particular dog is sensitive to flea saliva.
In the event that the dog is allergic to flea saliva, it would be better for the owner to implement a rigorous flea control or flea eradication treatment in order to lessen the allergic reactions. Though, it must be kept in mind that solutions that are used in flea control should be safe for the dog.
2. Allergies pertaining to foods
Like humans, dogs get allergies from food as well. There are instances wherein dogs get allergies from foods that their system cannot tolerate, such as wheat, soy products, pork, beef, whey, fish, eggs, milk, corn, artificial sweeteners, and chemical preservatives that are placed in their food.
Moreover, dogs can get allergies in food that they have not tried before. The best way to combat this particular allergy problem is to feed the dog commercial dog foods more often instead of homemade products.
Some signs of allergic reactions to food in dogs are shaking of the head, scratching the ears, irritated skin, biting and licking at the rear feet, inflammations in the ear, sneezing, behavioral changes, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.
3. Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is a known allergic skin disease in dogs. This is usually caused by the hypersensitivity of the dog’s immune system to ordinary substances that can be found in the environment like molds or dust mites.
Usually, a dog is said to be suffering from atopic dermatitis when the dog begins to excessively lick and chew its paws, licking the abdomen and its rear feet.
Atopic dermatitis can be seen as a saliva staining found in the armpits, between the toes of the paws, and in the groin. In light-colored canines, atopic dermatitis can be seen as a red-brown stain found on the same parts that were mentioned.
4. Allergies resulting from bacteria
This is the most common cause of serious allergies in dogs. Generally, there are certain bacteria that thrive in the dog’s skin. This is known as the species of Staphylococcus bacteria. In most cases, this does not cause allergies in dogs. However, there are certain types of dogs that develop an allergy to it.
The most common symptom of this kind of allergy is hair loss along with the development of ringworm like marks in the dog’s skin. The areas where these marks appear usually get infected, hence, it is important to treat them with antibiotics.
Indeed, allergies are not for humans only. Allergies great affects almost 20% of the total population of dogs in the United States, and that is a pretty alarming number. Therefore, it is extremely important for dog owners to know these dog allergies in order to prevent them from further exposure.
Not sure what to feed your dog? Keep your dog healthy with Dog Food Secrets.
Dog dental care — take care of your dog’s teeth
November 12th, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed
Clean teeth and gums are very important to the overall health of your dog. Here is some information on the most common dental problems in dogs and ways of treating them.
Common dental problems
- Periodontitis
It is very common among dogs to have gum disease. At the age of two or three, many dogs have either periodontitis or gingivitis.
The most common dental problem for canines is periodontitis, also known as periodontal disease. The disease is caused by various factors: plaque, food debris, cell mucus, and a mixture of bacteria. This results in a film characterized by milky-white on the dog’s teeth as well as the gums. When this film gets combined with saliva, the plaque it causes becomes tartar, and very hard to remove.
- Gingivitis
Gingivitis, also known as gum disease, happens when gum tissue suffers from an inflammation. Without treatment, it can lead to periodontitis, teeth loosening, bone loss, and ultimately, loss of teeth.
- Tooth fractures
Tooth fractures occur when dogs chew hard substances, such as hard rocks and cow hooves. The fractures result to infection inside the broken tooth, which is known as the endodontic disease.
How to prevent dental problems
Your dog can fight off these dental problems by removing the plaque before it actually develops as tartar. How to do it? The most effective way is by brushing the teeth of your dog in a mechanical fashion. The brushing would reduce much of the bacteria presence in the mouth, not to mention making your dog’s breath smell sweeter. Make it a habit of brushing your dogs’ teeth on a daily basis.
Toothpaste. There are toothpaste products made especially for dogs. Brush your pet’s teeth using dog toothpaste. Human toothpaste is specifically designed for humans to spit the paste washings out. Dogs cannot do that, so pick a dog toothpaste that is safe enough for dogs to swallow.
Toothbrush. Using a toothbrush in its teeth will take some time for the dog to get used to. Let your dog be acquainted and get used to this is by putting some garlic salt, mix the salt with water, and dip the solution in an old toothbrush. Hold the old brush, and let your pet taste and chew it. Your dog will start to realize that chewing a toothbrush is and tastes good. Make it a habit a few times, until he feels comfortable brushing with it.
Finger brush. You could also use a finger brush instead of a toothbrush. A finger brush is a good alternative, although nothing could replace the good ol’ toothbrush. The finger brush just fits onto one’s fingertip and can let you brush the dog’s teeth without the dog knowing it. Well, at least almost. The disadvantage of getting a finger brush to clean your dog’s teeth is that its bristles are quite large for the brush to go under the gumline’s margin as effectively compared with regular toothbrush.
Professional cleaning. If you don’t want to do the cleaning by yourself, you could take your dog to a veterinarian and have his teeth professionally cleaned. A good veterinarian will take additional measures in ensuring your dog’s clean teeth by anesthetizing your dog, scraping the buildup of plaque from all over the gumline areas, and polishing the teeth for a sparkling finish.
Home checkup. Try to make it a regular habit of checking the teeth of your dog for any cracked or broken teeth. If you see some problematic teeth, check promptly with the veterinarian.
Home safety. Of course, cleaning your dog’s teeth does not mean you should disregard other areas of concern. Tough substances, such as bones, rocks, hard nylon, or cow hooves should be removed from areas where your dog could see. Buy your dog chewing toys that are safer like rubber-made toys. You could also provide bones that are soft enough for your dog to chew.
Mouthwash. There are some products in the market that deal very well in helping to kill the bacteria in your dog’s mouth and could actually help heal damaged gum tissues. Do not forget to ask your veterinarian on the best products in the market.
Dental problems do not only happen to humans. Dogs also have dental issues as well. It is up to the owners on how to help their pet dogs overcome their dental problems.
Not sure what to feed your dog? Keep your dog healthy with Dog Food Secrets.
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