Biggest Loser - Pet Edition

When a cup is not a cup…

Many pet owners try to be careful about how much they feed their pet. They attempt to follow the feeding suggestion on the pet food bag or what has been recommended by their veterinarian. Unfortunately, when measuring the food, the proper measuring device is not always used. A standard measuring cup actually contains 8 ounces. Take the time now to check how much your pet food “cup” really holds.

Battle of the Bulge Affects People and Pets

Obesity is now the most common nutritional disease in humans and dogs.  The consequences are also similar.  Diabetes, heart conditions and breathing problems can affect overweight cats and dogs.  This podcast explains and gives good tips for easy ways to exercise with both cats and dogs.

AVMA podcast: Excercising with Your Pets

Source: northcentralanimalhospital.com

Did you get a new puppy for the holiday? Need help with housebreaking??

Housetraining

The key to training your dog to eliminate outside (where you want him to) is to prevent accidents, and to reward success. Adult dogs have better bladder and bowel control, and can “hold it” for a longer period of time than puppies. The rule of thumb with puppies is to take their age in months, add one, and that’s the number of hours the puppy can “hold it” during the day..(i.e. A 4 month old puppy can be expected to be clean for up to 5 hours during the day).

• Feed your dog on a schedule (he’ll eliminate on a schedule, too).
• Keep his diet simple and consistent (avoid table scraps and canned foods; a high quality dry kibble produces the least waste).
• Choose an area, about ten square feet, outside, where you wish your dog to potty.
• Take your dog on leash to the area, pace back and forth (movement promotes movement) and chant an encouraging phrase (“do your business, do your business “).
• Do this for maximum 3 minutes:
  • if he eliminates, huge praise and play.
  • if he doesn’t eliminate, keep him on leash, go back indoors, keep dog on leash with you or confined in a crate.
• Try again in an hour; eventually your dog will eliminate appropriately and
  • You can give huge praise and play.
  • After each success, allow 15 minutes of freedom in house, before placing dog back on lead or back into crate.
  • After each 3 consecutive days of success, increase freedom by 15 minutes.
  • If there is an accident; decrease freedom by 15 minutes for 3 days.

REMEMBER! DO NOT PUNISH ACCIDENTS! IGNORE THEM, AND REWARD SUCCESS!

Source: petfinder.com

Dangers of Rawhide Bones

Rawhide dog chews are one of the most common pastimes of treats for dogs. Dogs love the taste of rawhide and owners love to give them something that they will enjoy. Rawhide is a product which is made from the skin of bulls and cows. It used to be common place knowledge that rawhide was the perfect and most safe treat to give your dog. However, recent research has indicated that rawhide treats can prove detrimental to the health and safety of your dog.

Contents of Rawhide Dog Chews

The most dangerous aspect of rawhide is that there is no FDA, or Federal and Drug Administration, regulation over them. Rawhide chews are certainly not a human food, and they are not deemed a pet food, therefore there is no regulation surrounding them and their consumption.

The problem with this is that they can contain powerful animal by-products and chemicals that are extremely harmful to your dog. Mercury and lead are a few of several chemicals which have been found in rawhide chews. Mercury and lead are both known for causing massive destruction to internal structures. They are also known for causing reproductive issues and respiratory conditions. 

Furthermore, because rawhide is a product of animal skin, it is equally dangerous when you think of the pesticides, manure and environmental factors that the animal was subjected to before his skin was used to create rawhide.

What Happens During Digestion

Once your dog ingests the rawhide, not only has he ingested several harmful chemicals, but the rawhide also expands in his stomach. When this happens, it can block major passageways in the digestive tract; which can lead to a fatal situation. In addition, rawhide poses a major choking hazard because as your dog chews it, the pieces break down into shards which can become lodged in the throat.

If your dog is regularly given rawhide, you may notice some stomach upset and digestive complications. Diarrhea and vomiting are not uncommon in dogs that are exposed to rawhide. Be aware that the seriousness of your dog ingesting harmful chemicals is unlimited.

Try Some Safer Treats

Rawhide is absolutely one of the most dangerous treats that you can give to your dog. Unfortunately, a lot of manufacturers and pet stores still do very well at selling the product. But because there are a lot of uninformed consumers, the sale of rawhide products will likely continue. However, because you are informed of the dangers of rawhide chews, it is best to never allow your pet to eat or chew them.

Alternative Treats for Dog Safety

With all of the alternatives on the market today, there is no reason why feeding rawhide chews should continue. Some alternatives are made of rubber, nylon or beef. Any alternative to rawhide will be a healthy step in the right direction for your dog. Some of the great alternative products you may want to consider include:

• Nylabone
• Beef bones
• Healthy Edibles Natural Dog Chews
• Dental Chews
• Dogzilla
• Booda Bones 

The bottom line is this: rawhide is not safe for your dog. There is no regulation over ingredients used in them, they contain many harmful chemicals and they present a serious choking hazard for your dog.

To read more go to http://www.vetinfo.com/how-safe-are-rawhide-dog-chews.html

Source: vetinfo.com