6 Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Vitamins
Article by Doghealth
Many pet owners give their dogs vitamins and food supplements so that they can have a better quality of life. These help regulate the dog's body processes, break down the nutrients they take in so that their bodies can use them, and even protect them from toxins found in the environment.
Below are the most common questions asked about dog vitamins
1. What are vitamins for?
Vitamins are needed for many chemical reactions that the body needs. They usually work together with enzymes and minerals to ensure good digestion, normal reproduction, bone and muscle function and growth, healthy hair and skin, and blood thickness, just to name a few. If the dog grew up with the right amount of vitamins, there is a big possibility that it won't get sick easily. A dog that's give vitamins also has a better chances of evading genetic illnesses like DM in dogs.
2. How many different vitamins does my dog need?
Many different vitamins have different effects on a dog's body. They are mainly divided into two types: fat-soluble and water-soluble. Fat-soluble vitamins are kept in the fatty tissues and liver while water-soluble types are kept in small amounts in the body. Both types are needed only in certain amounts, with the excess normally excreted out of the body.
3. Do I have to give my puppy supplements?
This depends on your dog's situation. If you are feeding your puppy a puppy starter kit, then giving them vitamins could cause growth spurts. Pre-mixed puppy food already contains all the needed vitamins and minerals that pups need to grow. If you are planning to give your puppy food supplements, consult your vet.
4. What about adult or older dogs?
Regular dog food mixes are enough to give your dog their daily dose of vitamins, but if you want to supplement them, then you may. Some veterinarians and breeders even advise you to give your dog some vitamins to help keep them active.
5. Can they take vitamins with medication?
You will need to talk to your vet about this. In some cases, such as with therapy for DM in dogs, some dog heath experts will tell you to give them vitamins to support and speed up their recovery.
6. How much should I give to my dog?
Remember to only give your dog the prescribed amount of vitamins. Their bodies may not get rid of the excess vitamins causing more harm than good damage. A common side effect of too much vitamins in pups would be hyper activeness, and sometimes even damage to the kidneys and liver.
About the Author
A dog that's give vitamins also has a better chances of evading genetic illnesses like DM in dogs.
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whereby the original author's information and copyright must be included.
Important Questions About Dog Muzzles
Article by Chris Robertson
Dog muzzles can be a useful tool to use with your dog. They can help you train your dog not to chew, help you control him when you take him on a vet visit or when you take him or her to the groomer. There are some important things to know and think about when choosing a muzzle for your dog and deciding when to use it on him.
When Should I Use a Dog Muzzle?
If your dog snaps when he's being handled - nails clipped, grooming or during routine veterinary care, for example - a muzzle can be a good idea. You might also want to use a muzzle when you're working on behavior modification, especially if the dog is prone to snapping or nipping while training.
What Is the Best Kind of Muzzle to Use?
There are a number of different types of muzzles, and the right one depends on both your dog and the reason you're using the muzzle. The Baskerville muzzle and Baskerville Ultra muzzle, for example, are plastic basket muzzles that are best used to help contain a dog who occasionally gets aggressive or who can't be trusted around other dogs. The soft plastic basket design prevents the dog from biting, but doesn't restrict his need to pant or drink.
The Mikki muzzle, on the other hand, is made of firm nylon webbing. It keeps your dog from biting, chewing and barking, but allows him to drink and doesn't restrict his panting or breathing. It's an ideal solution for the times when you need a little more control over your dog, such as when you take him to the vet or to the groomer.
How Long Can I Leave My Dog Muzzled?
In general, you should be more concerned about supervision than length of time. It doesn't matter how long you leave your dog muzzled, especially if you've taken care to choose a muzzle that fits well and is comfortable. But it is important that your dog should not be out of sight when wearing any type of dog muzzles. While problems aren't likely to arise, you should always have your dog within sight to ensure that you can deal with any issues that do arise.
What Kind of Muzzle Should I Use on My Dog for a Vet Visit?
Choose dog muzzles that are the least intrusive and most comfortable for your dog. A model that doesn't obstruct his vision and that provides lots of room for him to pant and breathe easily is the best choice. An adjustable muzzle can be the best choice for short term wear.
Whatever type of dog muzzles you choose, the most important part is getting your pet used to it before you use it for real. Follow these steps to acclimate your dog to wearing dog muzzles.
Make your pup's first experience with the muzzle a positive one. Show it to her while she's relaxed and while she's exploring it, offer her a treat. After she has the treat, put the muzzle away. Repeat this several times until she starts looking for the treat when she sees the muzzle.
Get your dog to place her head in the muzzle. Hold a treat just inside the rim of the dog muzzle. Praise her lavishly when she takes it. Gradually put the treat further inside the muzzle so that she eventually has to place her head into the muzzle to get the treat.
Once she's used to seeing and interacting with the muzzle, put it on her head and give her a treat while she's wearing it. Again, keep the time she's wearing it short, and don't try to fasten it until she can wear it for several minutes without getting upset.
Finally, fasten the muzzle and let her wear it for short periods of time, gradually increasing it until she's comfortable wearing it. Help her associate the muzzle with good times by playing with her and paying attention to her when she's wearing it.
Dog muzzles may look uncomfortable, but they can often save your dog from getting into trouble or acting out in stressful situations. Teaching her to wear a dog muzzle and choosing the best muzzle for your needs can make the use of dog muzzles comfortable for you both.
About the Author
Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the world's MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web.Learn more about Dog Muzzles.
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Questions About Dog Health – What Every Dog Owner Should Know
Article by Michael Lee
Are you a concerned dog owner? Have you been asking a lot of questions about dog health but don't know where to find the answers? It's normal for you to want to get the facts about your pooch to give it the best care possible. Here are the answers to your burning questions about dog health.
Question #1: How can I tell if my dog is sick?
It can be easy to tell if your pet is sick if you take the time to observe its appearance and its demeanor. As with people, it can be simple to spot if a dog is suffering from an illness. Unfortunately though, while people can say upfront how they're feeling, dogs can't. So it's best for you to be extra attentive to your dog's condition.You should be alert to any changes your dog may be exhibiting. Take note of his appetite, his liquid consumption, urinary frequency, general appearance, sudden weight loss, and a significant in energy level. Ask yourself these questions while observing your pet: Does he refuse his food completely? Is he vomiting? Does he limp or have difficulty getting around? If you answered "yes," then your dog may be suffering from a health problem and should be taken to the vet.
Question #2: How often should I have my dog checked at the vet?
The ideal number of checkups for dogs is once a year. Of course, this should be more frequent if your dog is very young or has a serious condition that requires monitoring and attention. Starting the age of six, you must take him twice yearly so that any health problems that may come with age may be detected and fixed straightaway, and that the right course of action may be taken to ensure good and continued health as he matures.
Question #3: Should I have my dog neutered/spayed?
Unless you're planning on putting up a breeding facility, it is highly recommended that your dog be neutered (if it is a male) or spayed (if female) once it has reached six months of age.
This makes them less aggressive. It also boosts their health. A male's chances of getting prostate and testicular cancer falls to almost zero, while the same rate holds true for females getting mammary cancer.
Spaying significantly cuts down their risk of contracting a form of diabetes, as well as womb infections or pyometra. On a more practical and humane note, it prevents overpopulation or the swelling in numbers of poor, unwanted puppies in rescue shelters.
Moreover, it saves you the trouble of having to deal with the horde of male dogs trooping to your house each time your female dog is in heat.
Question #4: Is excessive drooling normal?
Dogs drool. That is a given fact. But relative to his size, a good tip would be to take note of whether or not there is a sudden increase in his salivary output as this could be an indication of periodontal disease, tongue injuries, or even cysts, in which case you must take him to see the vet immediately.
Question #5: How do I deal with ear mites?
Before using your vet's prescribed ear mite medication, first clean off the deposit of hardened debris in your dog's ear by applying some drops of baby oil in the ear canal and letting it stand for a few hours.
Once the coating has softened, you can flush it away with vinegar and distilled water (avoid tap water) in equal parts using a rubber ear-cleaning syringe. Do this with extra care as too much pressure will cause pain.
Once clean, apply a few drops of the medication; after which, gently massage the ear's base for a few minutes so that the medicine can be properly absorbed into the affected area.
Don't forget to read the medicine's instructions first before applying. When in doubt about the procedure, your vet could always do the cleaning and medicating for you, though it would be advantageous for both you and your pet if you knew how to do it yourself.
To get a handle on how this procedure is done, carefully observe the steps your vet is going through. You can take better care of your pet if you know how to do this yourself, especially if you live in a household with several dogs. If that is the case, then you will have to check them for any symptoms of ear mites.
Got more questions about dog health? You can get all the answers you need from your veterinarian.
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