Cat Health – Dog Health – Pet Clothes |

When you think about it, what does your dog need from its food in order to be healthy?

Today our pets have a wide variety to meet their tastes and needs and we have our choice of what kind of food we can choose to feed them. Despite the variety, pet foods usually fall into three major categories. These categories are: Grocery store foods, these types of dog and pet foods are usually found in grocery stores and mass marketed retailers and can contain lower quality, less expensive ingredients. The second category is “premium dog foods,” which can also be found in grocery’s stores but are also found in pet stores and through your local veterinarian’s office.

These types of foods are usually made from some higher quality ingredients and are usually made evident by the expense of the food. Some of these pet foods though can contain lower quality ingredients that you aren’t aware of. The third and final category is healthy dog foods which are a relatively new addition and make use of the latest research into the best foods and blends for your pet.

So what is best for our pet and how do we choose the proper dog food?

Quality, healthy ingredients make quality, healthy dog food. Nutrition is important no matter whether you’re a person or a pet. Pets, just like humans, need good nutrition not just to survive but to truly be healthy. They need good quality protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and fats. This is where premium, healthy dog food can benefit your pets.

Typically, healthy dog food contains quality protein, good quality carbohydrates and fiber, natural fats and preservatives. The protein does not come from dead or diseased animals and you will never see the word by-product on the label. By-products (feet, bones intestines, etc) are inferior protein sources that are sometimes used and can be very hard for your dog to digest. Less digestion means less nutritious and therefore not as healthy. Quality protein helps build and maintain muscle strength.

If you see corn, soy or wheat used as protein sources instead of meat, you now know your pet isn’t getting healthy dog food. Good quality carbohydrates give your pet the energy to be active. Good fiber sources help promote a healthy digestive system and colon. Quality fats from animal sources contain omega fatty acids that benefit the skin and coat.

Believe it or not dog food manufacturers that label their bags “premium food” use these ingredients as well as chemical preservatives and artificial colors that can be harmful to pets.

Benefits beyond healthy nutrition

When your pet is eating right, it feels better, giving you a happy and more playful companion, fewer trips to the vet, and less wasted food. Ultimately, giving your pet better food might seem expensive initially, but keeping your pet healthy saves you money, time and expense in the long run. Healthy, premium dog food can possibly extend the life of your pet giving you more quality years together.

Lori Matthews
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/what-does-your-dog-food-need-to-be-healthy-113526.html

Diabetes is a silent killer. Slowly, it can take the life out of your pet. This disease may not show any outward symptoms, which actually makes it deadlier.

Most dog owners don’t know that their pet is suffering from this disease until it is too late. Dogs with diabetes should be cared for accordingly for their condition not to exacerbate.
Just follow the guidelines below and your dog will be in the pink of health at all times despite its present condition.

1. Visit the vet regularly.

Once your dog has diabetes, it would require regular appointments with the doctor. The vet would diagnose the present condition of your pet and would provide it with the right medications. It is very important that your pet’s health is monitored as frequently as needed because its condition may change from good to worse without you knowing about it.

2. Give your dog its medicines.

The vet would give your dog the necessary medications it needs to manage its disease. It is best that you follow all the vet’s instructions from dosage to the frequency of shots. Dogs suffering from advanced cases of diabetes may require regular insulin shots in order to experience immediate relief from their condition. You would have to give the shots yourself so make sure that you do it well.

3. Give your dog regular exercises.

Exercise is very important for dogs with diabetes. Take your dog out for a walk more frequently this time around. Doing so would allow the dog to manage its insulin levels and keep it active. It is possible that your dog would experience lowered energy after the walks. This is one of the effects of diabetes. To counter this, try to you can give your pet healthy honey or anything that the vet recommends.

4. Provide your dog with a high fiber diet.

More than anything else, your dog needs added nutrients in the food that it eats. Dogs with diabetes need a fiber-rich, low fat, and high carbohydrate diet. It may also be necessary for you to change your dog’s feeding schedule for it to correlate with its shots. The quantity of food you should give your pet must be monitored closely as well. Let the veterinarian guide you accordingly so you’ll know which foods to give and which foods to avoid.

5. Give your dog some vitamin supplements.

Most dogs with diabetes have problems meeting their nutritional requirements for the day. If this is your biggest problem with your pet, it is best that you give your pet some helpful supplements that can help improve its health. You may have to give your pet Vitamin A, B, and C. Regular intake of the mineral Chromium would help a lot as well.

Dogs with diabetes can still live a normal life. It is but a matter of managing the disease well. Pet owners should be very wary that their pet’s condition may worsen anytime soon so they have to do everything that it takes to make sure that their dog is living as comfortably as possible. Work closely with the veterinarian and your dog will continue to live a happy and a contented life with you.

Cristian Stan
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/canine-diabetes-caring-for-diabetic-dogs-680706.html

The Papillon continues to be among the less popular breeds in North America. Papillon production in the United States has increased in recent years. A Papillon, Ch. Loteki Supernatural Being, won Best in Show in 1999 at the Westminster Kennel Club show. He also won many hearts. Kirby, who won the most in breed history also won the World Dog Show in Helsinki Finland, and the Royal Invitational in Canada in 1998, which has also attracted many new admirers of the Papillon.

As for the Papillon’s ability as a service dog, yes most definitely, the Papillon dog can be well-suited for service work. The Papillon has been bred for centuries as a companion dog and possesses one of the most important assets of a good service dog. This asset is how the Papillon enjoys spending the majority of time with his human partner and creates the ultimate in human-animal bonding.

Although larger dogs are required for some tasks for the disabled such as providing brace and balance, pulling wheelchairs, opening heavy doors, the Papillons are able to perform the majority of required tasks for a variety of disabilities. These tasks may include but are not limited to:

• Picking up objects dropped on the floor like pens, hairbrushes, keys or coins;

• Papillons can learn to make beds, tug clothing from the dryer, put clothing in a basket and it from room to room;

• Papillons can learn to take clothing from their human’s body;

• The breed can learn to open and shut doors, drawers and cabinets inside the home, bring the telephone when it rings, shut off the alarm clock;

• From the lap, a Papillon can activate light switches, press handicap door openers, elevator buttons or hand change purse to a cashier.

The Papillon is naturally alert. This natural ability makes the Papillon an excellent choice as a hearing dog. He may also perform well as a seizure alert dog.

As a hearing ear or signal dog, the Papillon can be trained to alert their hearing impaired or deaf owners of environmental sounds, and to take their owner to the source of the sound. The Papillon may alert his hearing impaired owner to:

• A baby crying;
• Someone calling the owner’s name in the event of immediate danger;
• A siren going off;
• A smoke detector going off;
• The sound of the alarm clock, microwave ring of completion, washer or dryer ring of completion;
• And a telephone ringing.

As a seizure alert dog, the Papillon is one who alerts his owner to impending crises, and responds in a trained way. The Papillon’s owner who has Epilepsy or a brain disorder is then given a chance to move to a safe area before a dangerous episode occurs. They can also be trained to respond by seeking help in these situations, or by aspirating fluids from their owner’s mouth during convulsions.

The uneven distribution of Papillon breeders presents a major challenge for those who are seeking a Papillon just for a pet companion. Some resources for locating a Papillon with aptitude to become a service dog are:

• Breeder lists published by national or regional breed clubs;
• The Papillon Club of America.

These organizations should be able to guide you in the appropriate direction to acquire a Papillon with the aptitude of becoming a service dog or a Papillon already performing service work.

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.

Connie Limon
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/the-papillon-as-a-service-dog-140765.html

If you’ve owned a dog for awhile, you most likely are aware of the benefits of a healthy and nutritious dog diet. With so many excellent dog foods on the market today, how do you decide which are the best?

It’s a difficult question to answer because dog food scientists are more aware that dog diets are equally as important as our own. Dogs need proper vitamins and minerals every day. They need a balanced diet, one that contains meat and vegetables.

We often don’t think of it, but dogs are carnivorous, but they also eat berries and vegetables if necessary for survival in the wild. These products provide nutrients that are not readily available from protein-rich diets.

Researchers also know that certain ingredients can produce negative reactions in dogs that are sensitive to them. As dog food manufacturers improve on their products by adding more of the nutritious elements and less of the harmful ones, dog owners can rest a little easier.

Many excellent products are on the market today. They come in a variety of forms, including canned, bagged and as individual treats that provide extra benefit such as teeth cleaning. Chain stores that once focused more on providing moderately adequate economical food are now beginning to offer dog foods that are higher in quality yet still at a low cost.

While economical food is better than it once was, it still doesn’t match up to the superiority of premium dog food that has a price to match.

If you would rather not risk your dog’s health, consider stores that sell feed for other animals and that regularly deal with customers interested in excellent nutrition for their pets. They would undoubtedly be able to help you decide on a specific brands that suit your dog’s particular needs.

Look online and you will find companies that specialize in organic and natural dog diets. Some of the merchants will deliver the food right to your door, making it extremely convenient for you to find and purchase the best option for your dog.

Some people are still reluctant to buy online which is always a risk unless the company is well known and established. Take whatever steps you can to check them out. See how long they have been online and in business. Look for reviews of the company and their products to see what users might be saying.

Barring the internet, do not overlook your veterinarian as a good source of information. He will be able to make a recommendation based on your particular dog’s breed, size and any health conditions that might exist. The food you choose can help or hinder your dog’s condition, especially if he is in a weakened state.

Many vets sell specific brands and varieties of dog food from their office. The price might be a bit higher, but the value is worth to your dog’s health is worth it.

Buying from your vet is handy as you can collect the food during your pet’s check-up or when going to get your dog’s monthly medication in the case of heartworm or other condition. If the vet recommends a particular type of diet for your dog due to health reasons, he likely will be the best person to talk to about finding the exact food your dog requires.

Of course, what better way to guarantee your dog gets only the freshest food than to grow your own. Since dogs require vegetables as well as meat and grain, you can prepare some recipes yourself from your own garden stock. Choose green beans and carrots which provide are excellent food value.

For quality meat and ideal bones, check with your local butcher who will have fresher food than you will get from processed dog food. Once you have decided on a specific diet for your dog, take advantage of the healthiest and most convenient method available to you.

Francis N. Tressler
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/dogs-training-series-where-to-find-the-best-food-for-a-nutritious-dog-diet-694430.html

Cat litter has definitely provided a lot of pet and homeowners with so much convenience. Before cat lovers had to put up with the unbearable stench of cat urine and feces but thanks to cat litter, Pussy’s excrements are easy to eliminate and no longer as bad smelling. There are many different kinds and brands of cat litter in the market and one of the best of them all is pine cat litter.

Cat litter is used as a filling material for cat litter boxes where house cats defecate or urinate. The cat litter is supposed to absorb the moisture and reduce the bad smell coming from urine and feces, making the litter box more bearable at home. Pine cat litter fulfills these roles remarkably well, making it one of the best choices as a litter box filler.

There are different kinds of cat litter available in the market, allowing cat owners to choose from the wide variety according to their tastes and purposes. Some cat lovers choose cat litter for their odor control and absorbing power. Others choose cat litter that cannot easily be scattered all over the house. Some buy cat litter because they are biodegradable and environment friendly. Pine cat litter apparently can fulfill these considerations as it quite absorbent, track-resistant, and easy to dispose of.

Pine cat litter is a very much recommended type of cat litter for all cat lovers everywhere. A lot of people who have tried other kinds of cat litter such as clay, silica, sand, have ended up using pine cat litter because of its many advantages. There were people who first doubted using pine cat litter, but eventually they realized that it probably is the best kind of cat litter available commercially.

What Makes Pine Cat Litter So Good

Pine cat litter is a very good choice among other kinds of cat litter. First of all, it is organic – a gift of Mother Nature. It comes from recycled materials and it is in itself recyclable. Pine cat litter comes from biodegradable pine sawdust, it can easily be flushed down your toilet in small amounts. It can also be mixed into your garden soil to be used as compost fertilizer, saving you the need to buy synthetic or commercial plant food.

Pine cat litter also does not contain silica dust, unlike other types of cat litter like clay. Silica dust can be hazardous to health, and it would not be advisable to have them in products like cat litter. The dust particles can go airborne and be inhaled not only by your cat but other members of the family as well and this can cause a lot of problems in the lungs. When inhaled, silica dust can induce bronchitis or even lung cancer. It is not worth the risk to get these diseases just for a cheaper brand of cat litter. Pine cat litter would probably be a better choice for you and your cat in terms of health concerns.

Some cat owners get worried that their cats would not welcome the switch from their old cat litter to pine cat litter. Pine cat litter may have a very different texture from other kinds of cat litter. It usually comes in pellet form unlike the softer texture of other types, which seems to be more comfortable for cats. However, cats are actually tougher than most people think and they can definitely withstand the rougher texture of pine cat litter. Some cats may even like the tough consistency better than the sandy and smooth grain of other cat litter types.

Pine cat litter can be the best choice for you and your cat. It does most, if not everything that you would expect from an excellent cat litter. It is a good absorbent and deodorizer. It is easy to clean up and can even have other uses after consumption. It is safe for your health and that of your cat’s. Most of all, it is environment friendly, so you do not have to worry about contributing to the deterioration of the planet.

The next time you buy cat litter for your feline friend, consider getting pine cat litter. It is good for you cat, good for you, and good for the planet. What more can you ask for?

Lee Dobbins
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/keeping-your-feline-friend-fresh-with-pine-cat-litter-93119.html

looking for vitamins that they sell at a local pet store like petsmart, pet co. , ect. Looking for a good pill that covers everything for my two big dogs (50-70 lbs) .

If you’re feeding your dogs one of the top quality dog foods, they don’t really need vitamins. However, if there’s something specific your dogs need, there’s a great book out there called "Dr. Pitcairn’s Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats". In there, you can read about every supplement you could possibly give a dog, what they do and how much to give. I was reading this book in my vet’s office and bought a copy for myself when I decided I was going to start feeding them home-made, fresh food using the recipes in the book.

Shiny coat, bright eyes, etc. What else? What would a vet look for it if had to determine whether a dog was in good health or not?

I know that a way to tell if a dog is hydrated is to grab the skin on the back of it’s neck, and pull it (not like yank it, just tug it back gently) and let go. If it takes too long for the skin to go back to the way it was before you touched it, it is dehydrated.

I have two room mates that are completes slobs. We live in a large house and they keep the cats in their room mostly, but when they open the door it smells up the whole house with cat feces. They are always caughing, I can’t imagine breathing cat poop all night is very good for you. What health problems can this cause them and maybe me?

Just smelling cat poo? Nothing harmful except it stinks. If you were to get it on you over and over you could potentially be at risk for toxoplasmosis (cat scratch fever), but it has to be direct physical contact, not smelling it. Technically breathing ammonia from the pee could cause some respiratory issues, but it would be unlikely except in an extreme circumstance where the matter was allowed to build up to a very unsanitary level.

Every year, thousands of families bring their pets along on their vacations. Some feel as if their pets are part of their families, and don’t want to leave them behind. For others, there is simply no one at home to watch the pet, no funds available for boarding, or the trip was a spur-of-the-moment plan and there was no time to consider anything else except to bring the pet along.

Of course before you head out the door with your pet, there are some things to consider like accommodations, because not all hotels, motels, campgrounds and other lodgings accepts pets. So go through this checklist before you hit the road so you don’t have to leave your cat or dog in an unsafe environment.

Do Some Research & Confirmation Work

Check popular campground guidebooks, hotel, motel and other lodge listing research work to see which places accept pets. Then call ahead to confirm, as most print publications went to press at least a year ahead of time, and places may have changed hands or ownership status along with their pet policies. Find out if the location charges extra per night, plus if there are deposits and if there are any size requirements (for example, do they accept large dogs).

Portable Pet Kennels

Many pets ride fine in automobiles. However, some do not. Plus you may be traveling part way by airplane, bus or other means, and not only that, once you reach your destination, pet kennels turn into pet beds, making safe havens for your furry friends each night away from home. So you might want to check out portable pet kennels.

For airline travel with pets, call ahead to the specific airlines you’ll be using for exact details and requirements for traveling with pets. On some fights, you need to have given your animal food and water roughly 2 hours before take off, so you’ll want to check for exact details to see what your pet will need and the size carrier that’s allowed, etc. Some smaller ones for cats and small dogs may be allowed under the seat, so ask.

Fido’s Belongings

When you are vacationing with your cat or dog, pack a favorite toy or two, blanket or pillow, and any special things it may need, just as you would your own. Don’t forget some pet food, of course, plus some snacks or treats. And if your pet may need medication of any kind, bring along any medicines and / or any Pet Vitamins, etc. that might be needed. And as an added precaution, bring along the phone number of your vet, in case there is an emergency.

Dawn Orbeck
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/tips-for-traveling-with-pets-135554.html

Taking care of a pet is quite easy as well as should be well taken care. Pet care is in fact a simple job, and includes the very important functions of grooming and striving to maintain good pet health care. General pet supplies could be considered a definition of useful tools for grooming and keeping your pet in good health.

Let us consider some useful terms which should be taken care for the well being of your pet:

Choosing A Pet:

The process of choosing a pet is very important. Choosing a pet depends on one’s preferences, but there are still some important things that should be kept in mind. One should always choose an animal of good breed. Secondly, the pet should be healthy especially if it is still in the initial stage of its life. A healthy young pet shows good fast growth.

Pet Supplies:

You should make a complete list of pet supplies and include the following: pet food and food bowls, pet id tags and collar, pet medications, supplements and tonics, etc. Some other items to consider are animal carriers, pet houses and furniture, pet beds, clothes, and pet jewelry.

Online Pet Supplies:

Online pet supplies are supplies that can be purchased from pet stores over the Internet. There are numerous pet grooming product manufacturers and pet-grooming stores selling their products online through their individual official websites.

Pet Grooming Supplies:

Pet grooming supplies include items such as grooming clippers, pet hair care products, soaps, shampoo and perfumes.

Pet Health:

Pet health is a very important responsibility of pet ownership. For puppies and kittens, or any other four-legged pets, important treatments would include giving a hygiene bath, cleaning, combing, brushing, checking ears, paws, teeth and underside of the tongue, nail trimming, removing fleas and insects, and fixing regular meetings with a professional veterinary. A good pet owner should follow a regular schedule of grooming sessions.

Pet Care:

Pet care can require a lot of patience. Like children, pets often require special attention. A puppy, kitten or any other pet in its infancy needs to be handled with extreme care. In particular they must be groomed properly, fed carefully, and bedded properly.

Pet Insurance :

When you are treating your pet as your family member why not covering your pet with an insurance policy. Yes! That’s absolutely possible and you will find many insurance companies providing policies for your beloved pet. Pet insurance is now a days very common and used largely by many pet lovers. Though how much you take care of you pet but you never know when an emergency situation arrives.

There is a very famous saying from George Eliot “Pets are such agreeable friends, they ask no questions and they pass no criticisms” about pet animals. Pets have always been friendly to humans and often show their love and affection by licking, hickeys, even love-bites.

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