As unpleasant at it may sound, your dog’s stool is a clue to their health.
Dry, hard stools that cause your dog to strain on elimination may be a sign your dog isn’t getting enough water, or oil.
Squiggly, rice-shaped segments in the feces indicate worms.
Diarrhea, straining, or mucous-or blood-tinged stool lasting more than two days should prompt a visit to the vet.
A healthy dog’s stools are small, firm, and moist. It’s not unusual for an occasional stool to be loose or liquid or to contain mucous or even a tinge of blood. But if the elimination problem is accompanied by other signs — fever, vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, bloody diarrhea — call the vet immediately.
HINT: Pumpkin filling can be used to aid in helping dogs who are suffering from diarrhea. So can steamed white rice. Make sure your dog is hydrated too. For the final touch, give that pup a soothing massage, they deserve it for letting you play Doctor.
This information was provided by Susan Hartzler with AlphaDog PR, which is based in Los Angeles and a chosen resource for editors, producers, writers and reporters. Alpha Dog PR is dedicated to providing the media with the most up-to-the-minute information about the rapidly growing pet industry. For more information, please visit www.alphadogpr.com or call (818) 998-6299.
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K9 Cuisine is a provider of premium dog food. We’re committed to providing our customers with the knowledge, and the products, to help their faithful friends be the best they can be.
I think we all know that over weight or under weight is a sign of a problem, don’t ignore it. We all know that carrying extra weight isn’t healthy for humans, and the same goes for dogs. Obesity is the most common canine nutritional disease in this country, occurring in up to 25 percent of the population. Chubby dogs are more likely to develop serious diseases like diabetes, joint problems, infections, skin disease, and even certain cancers.
Of course, the best thing for your dog is not to let him get fat in the first place. Good habits start young, so if you have a puppy, don’t overfeed him, and don’t leave food out all day for your dog to nibble, cut out snacks, and make sure he gets exercise.
No more free feeding! Food is for mealtime only.
Exercise your dog daily.
Be careful about the type of exercise you give your puppy. Make sure it is age appropriate.
A veterinary checkup will ensure your dog doesn’t have any health problems that would preclude regular exercise and a change in food and current exercise. Your vet will also advise you on the safest rate of weight loss; losing too much weight too fast can be dangerous. Monitor your dog’s progress with weekly weigh-ins, either at the veterinarian’s office or at home.
HINT: To determine whether your dog is already too heavy, stand over him and check for a waist — a visible indentation behind his ribs. Then give him a hands-on test. Can you feel his ribs? They shouldn’t be sticking out, but you should be able to find them through a layer of skin and muscle. If all you feel is rolls of fat, it’s time to work with your veterinarian and develop a diet and exercise plan.
Offer the best quality all natural food at mealtimes. Offer pieces of fruit (apples or bananas) or vegetables (carrots or broccoli) for treats. Dogs love them. The right food is more important than anything else, make smart choices.
This information was provided by Susan Hartzler with AlphaDog PR, which is based in Los Angeles and a chosen resource for editors, producers, writers and reporters. Alpha Dog PR is dedicated to providing the media with the most up-to-the-minute information about the rapidly growing pet industry. For more information, please visit www.alphadogpr.com or call (818) 998-6299.
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K9 Cuisine is a provider of premium dog food. We’re committed to providing our customers with the knowledge, and the products, to help their faithful friends be the best they can be.
Name: Lynda
Pets species and breed: Toy Poodle
Pets age and weight: 10 lbs., 10 yrs. old.
Pets health status: Excellent
Are they spayed or neutered? Yes
Brand of food: Wenaewe
Animal owned for: Since her birth
Question:
Her stool is mushy. It has been going on for most of the last year and a half. I took her to a high tech animal hospital in Downers Grove, IL where they ran all kinds of tests on her. They said she was in great shape and that I should add a teaspoon of Benefiber to the wet food in the mornings and to the dry food I give her in the evening. At that time, she had been on prescription vet food - salmon and potato – and when I learned they had no solution other than Benefiber, I tried Wenaewe, which she has been on for over a year.
The Benefiber does not work, and I don’t know what else to try. Thank you!
Answer:
Dear Lynda,
Many dogs are plagued with soft stool problems, and the solution can be easy–such as adding fiber to the diet–or more complicated, depending on the problem.
I am unsure what tests your vets have run but “fiber-responsive diarrhea” is a common condition in dogs. Many dogs require more fiber in their diet to maintain digestive health as they age. Fiber can improve the stool consistency and it helps produce fatty acids that nourish the colon and discourage the overgrowth of potentially harmful bacteria.
There are two types of fiber: soluble and insoluble. Neither type of fiber is digested by the body and therefore can have beneficial effects on colon health. Soluble fiber forms a gel when mixed with liquid, while insoluble fiber does not–it passes through the intestine largely intact. Benefiber is classified as a strictly soluble fiber. Dogs with “fiber-responsive diarrhea” often require a healthy mix of both fiber types or just insoluble fiber in order to have improvement in their stool. Good natural sources of insoluble fiber include wheat bran, whole grains and certain vegetables (root vegetables and skins). This form of fiber may be “just what the doctor ordered”.
Also consider selecting a food that has both prebiotics and probiotics that help promote excellent intestinal health. Read my article here to learn more about the addition of these to your dogs diet here.
If your dog still has no response, speak to your veterinarian about Inflammatory Bowel Disease, as this is another common problem that often causes diarrhea. You can read more about it here.
Hope this helps.
Dr. Donna Spector
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K9 Cuisine is a provider of premium dog food. We’re committed to providing our customers with the knowledge, and the products, to help their faithful friends be the best they can be.
October usually means that the holidays are upon us. Many traditions, decorations and parties get planned and executed throughout October, November and December.
This also provides your pets with new objects to sink their teeth into. Remember to ensure your pet’s safety this holiday season with these top tips. Your pet will love you even more when they are safe and sound.
Planning a Halloween party? It’s fun to decorate the home with scary things and eerie sounds, but how does that affect your pet? If you are putting out Halloween decorations, be sure your pet is not the one that gets the pee scared out of him! Trick or Theaters are just the beginning – think about your doorbell and how many times it will ring on Halloween. The constant ringing of the doorbell and people coming and going can cause some pets to become stressed out, and stressed out pets can be unpredictable, run out the door or even lash out at people. The neighborhood kids can be cute in their costumes, but to your pet, they are unrecognizable, so be careful even with even familiar neighborhood kids. You may want to move your pet to another room during the party or trick or treat time, give them a treat to chew on or turn the TV on to distract them from the door. If you know your dogs stresses around crowds, consider day camp or overnight boarding. This gives you peace of mind that your pet is taken care of while you can focus on your guests.
We all pig out during the holidays, right? Well, just as over-eating turkey & dressing, potatoes and pumpkin pie can upset your stomach, feeding your pets table scraps can also make them sick. Too much fatty foods can be detrimental to your pets, such as pancreatitis in dogs and can make cats vomit easily. In addition, animal bones from dinner can be a tempting but potentially deadly treat. Everyone has heard this before, but NEVER let dogs or cats eat chocolate. It contains theobromine that is extremely toxic to pets. Even though the amount of chocolate varies that can be harmful depends on your pet’s size and how much it consumes, small pets can die from eating too much chocolate. It’s simple, do not feed your pet chocolate and keep it out of reach. If you pet does ingest chocolate, contact your veterinarian or local emergency clinic immediately.
The smell of a fresh Christmas tree is great during the holidays. It can also be a great tree for your dog to relieve himself on or a fun climb for your cat! Placing the tree in an area your pets can’t get to will help to preserve the beauty of your tree and the health of your little ones. If not, try to create barriers around the tree and always supervise your pets when they are near it. Halloween, Hanukkah, and Christmas often mean candles will be burning in the home. If the Festival of Lights fills your home, make sure to keep your pets away from your menorah. A jumping cat or waging tail can knock candles over and easily start a fire during your Hanukkah or Kwanzaa celebrations. Never leave burning candles unsupervised when pets are near.
The Christmas tree is not the only thing to be careful with. All the decorations that go along with it can have potentially dangerous consequences for your pet. Tinsel or popcorn on a string looks especially inviting to cats and dogs. While cats are less likely to eat a glass ornament, some dogs may think it is a ball and chomp down on it, ending up with a mouthful of glass. If this happens, call your nearest veterinarian or local emergency clinic immediately. Don’t forget about all the live plants that make the holidays special. Poinsettias, mistletoe, holly and amaryllis plants can be toxic to pets, so let your pets admire those plants from afar.
The holidays can also mean cold weather….. brrr! Keep your pets safe and warn during the season. Dogs’ paws are extremely sensitive to the cold. If there is ice or snow, booties are a way to protect them from the elements. If your dog doesn’t like booties, make sure to wash your dog’s paws after they have been outside to get any ice that may have collected between their toes. Cats like warm places and what better place than uner the hood of a car! If your cat has access to the garage or you have outside cats, make sure to check your automobile for sleeping cats before you start the engine. If your pets are normally outside and you bring them in during cold weather, keep in mind the change in air and humidity, which can dry out a pet’s coat. Brushing your pet more often will keep their coats clean and shiny.
The holidays are a wonderful time of year filled with family, friends and get togethers. Make sure your pets are included in a safe and appropriate way with treats, toys and most of all, love. Being prepared can prevent mishaps and trips to the vet’s office. However you chose to celebrate the holidays, we hope you have a dog-gone good time!
This article was written by Stacey Copeland, owner and operator of Camp Bow Wow and Home Buddies SWDallas located at 519 U.S. Highway 67 in Duncanville, TX. Camp Bow Wow is the Premier Dog Daycare & Overnight Camp, also providing in-home pet services. For more information, contact Stacey at 972-296-WOOF.
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K9 Cuisine is a provider of premium dog food. We’re committed to providing our customers with the knowledge, and the products, to help their faithful friends be the best they can be.
Following is our next post in our series of articles on “Evaluating Your Dog’s Health”. This week — Paws and Toes!
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Don’t overlook routine dog paw care. Because your dog spends so much time on their feet — without the protection of shoes – they are prone to punctures or wounds from glass and other sharp objects, as well as scrapes and abrasions from cement and gravel walkways. Their little pads can even get burned on a hot sidewalk. Examine your dog’s feet on a regular basis to make sure they have not picked up any foxtails, stickers or something else sharp.
Look for any foreign objects stuck on their feet or between the toes
Look for cracked, dry, irritated skin, or swelling
Watch their gate, see if they are limping
Are the toenails to long?
Small cuts or mild skin disease may cause infections in the sweat glands of your dog’s feet, resulting in swelling or abscesses between the toes – Soaking the afflicted foot in warm salt water often will relieve the pain. A more severe or persistent infection calls for veterinary care, antibiotics, and other follow-up treatment.
Invest in a pair of booties, for the hot sidewalk or the snow
HINT: If your dog steps in something gooey soften it up by rubbing the foot with margarine, peanut butter, or shortening; then work it off. Apply ice to chewing gum to make it brittle and easier to remove. You can also try soaking the foot in a mixture of warm salt water and olive or mineral oil.
This information was provided by Susan Hartzler with AlphaDog PR, which is based in Los Angeles and a chosen resource for editors, producers, writers and reporters. Alpha Dog PR is dedicated to providing the media with the most up-to-the-minute information about the rapidly growing pet industry. For more information, please visit www.alphadogpr.com or call (818) 998-6299.
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K9 Cuisine is a provider of premium dog food. We’re committed to providing our customers with the knowledge, and the products, to help their faithful friends be the best they can be.
This article was written by Dr. Susan Wright, a licensed veterinarian who writes for DogFenceDIY.com. We provide do-it-yourself petsafe underground fence solutions and free step-by-step guide to installation and dog fence training.
It’s not easy to watch our beloved dogs develop the signs of advancing age. It reminds us that they don’t live as long as we do, and that our time with them is limited. Advances in veterinary care mean our dogs are living longer than ever.
Dogs are considered elderly at different ages, depending on their breed. Large breeds such as Bull Mastiffs and Great Danes are old at 6-8 years, whereas smaller breeds such as Chihuahuas often don’t start to slow down until they’re well over 10.
As our dogs age, they can develop a range of conditions that make life less enjoyable. Although many of these conditions are not reversible, there are things we can do to reduce their impact on our dog’s well being.
Most geriatric dogs will have a degree of arthritis and joint pain. This can make it uncomfortable to go for a stroll, walk up stairs, or jump into the car. Fortunately, there are some very effective pain relief medications that will help your dog feel so much better, and these are the mainstay of arthritis treatment. Other things you can do for your stiff and sore senior is to avoid slippery floors which can be difficult to walk on without falling, and give them a soft bed that keeps them off the hard floor. In cold weather, a hot water bottle or heating pad can make their nights more pleasant.
You may be aware that elderly dogs, like elderly people, can develop a type of dementia known as cognitive dysfunction, which comes on slowly and gradually. This doesn’t just distress your dog, but it plays havoc with your lifestyle. These old souls often wake at night and pace the floor, they go to the toilet in inappropriate places, and seem to forget everything they’ve learned. They can have separation anxiety if they’re left alone, and they are easily frightened by loud noises. You can see why you could find it frustrating!
While medication can really help settle these dogs, it’s also very important to manage their environment. They do well if they can stick to a familiar routine, and it helps if you don’t make sudden changes to their daily life. They enjoy outings – while they may not be up to a long walk, they’d love to go to the park to sniff the trees. Gentle playtime with other dogs is also an activity that can improve their state of mind.
Losing the senses is another unpleasant part of advancing years. Dogs develop nuclear sclerosis, a white hazy appearance to the lens of the eye. This affects their vision. It’s also not uncommon for them to go deaf. There’s not a lot you can do about either of these. As they lose their senses, these old dogs also lose touch with their world around them, and can become more anxious and afraid. Some dogs adapt better than others, but again, it’s critical to keep their environment and routine as familiar as possible. Don’t go moving the furniture if your dog can’t see, and approach them gently with a soft touch so they don’t get a fright.
Virtually all elderly dogs have a degree of dental disease. This can hurt when they eat, but more importantly, it can act as a source of infection that can affect other organs in the body, particularly the heart. If a dog has gingivitis, having his teeth cleaned by the vet will make dinnertime more enjoyable and remove the infection which could be making him feel a bit off color. You may be surprised at the improvement in his demeanor.
Female spayed dogs may become incontinent with age. This can lead to urine scalding around the vulva, and possibly a secondary bacterial infection. This is extremely painful. There are medications that will improve their bladder control and prevent scalding, and trimming the fur in this area will help keep it dry.
For dogs, getting old is inevitable. Being uncomfortable is not. If you work closely with your vet to manage these age related conditions, you’ll make sure your dog’s twilight years are as good as they can be.
Dr. Susan Wright
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K9 Cuisine is a provider of premium dog food. We’re committed to providing our customers with the knowledge, and the products, to help their faithful friends be the best they can be.
Name: Sally
Pets Species and Breed: Yorkies
Pets Age and Weight: Almost 9 yrs. old
Pets health status: Very good
Are they spayed or neutered? Yes
Brand of food: Royal Canine
Animal owned for: 9 years
Question:
What would be the best food for our two litter mate female Yorkies? It seems that one might have an issue urinating slightly in the house on the carpeting. We have not been able to catch her, however she does not potty immediately when we let her out like the other one does. We feed only dry dog food. Please suggest some good dog food and treats. They are very loving dogs! We could also use something for bad breath. Thanks!
Answer:
Thanks for your questions Sally. Any middle-aged to older dog who starts having urinary accidents or inappropriate urination (indoors, on the carpet, unusual pattern, straining, etc.) should be evaluated by a veterinarian. Not only are female dogs at risk for bladder infections (UTIs), Yorkies are known for developing bladder stones. I recommend that you see your veterinarian for a urinalysis, urine culture and possible some x-rays to check out these possibilities.
As far as the bad breath, just a change in food is not going to solve this problem. Most often, bad breath is a sign of a more serious underlying problem called periodontal disease. Periodontal disease often results in tooth and gum infections, pain, loss of teeth and even organ damage in pets and affects approximately 80% of dogs by age 3. At-home prevention (daily brushing) is as important as regular dental cleanings by your veterinarian. Please read my article about bad breath in dogs.
As far as the best food for your Yorkies, I always prefer a natural food that uses ONLY human-grade ingredients and avoids the use of meat “meals” (like chicken meal) as these are always considered “unfit for human consumption” due to the questionable quality of rendered ingredients. Natural diets will also avoid exposing your pet to artificial dyes, preservatives and flavoring additives–many of which are known to be cancer-causing agents (carcinogens). As the consulting veterinarian for Halo, Purely for Pets, I know these are the standards for this particular pet food, and I recommend it highly. You can also ask your veterinarian for other healthy alternatives.
How many times have you caught your dog drinking water out of the toilet and thought, “no worries, I cleaned it yesterday?” Or what about finding Fido licking the kitchen floor and feeling a bit relieved because it was mopped that morning?
The truth is that despite the fact that the toilet and floor are technically considered “clean”, it’s highly likely your pet is ingesting toxic chemicals. Unless of course, you use non-toxic, pet-friendly cleaning products.
Household cleaning products are not the only hazards to your pet. A recent study conducted by The Environmental Working Group, a Washington, D.C.-based not-for-profit research organization, reported some pretty alarming results. In the study, 23 dogs and 37 cats were tested for the presence of 70 industrial chemicals. Findings revealed the following:
The animals tested showed contamination with 48 of the 70 chemicals tested
Forty-three of the chemicals were found “at levels higher than those typically found in people”
Blood and urine samples taken from the dogs studied were found to be contaminated with 35 chemicals, including 11 carcinogens, 31 chemicals toxic to the reproductive system, and 24 neurotoxins.
So, you ask, how can I protect my pet? While there are no sure-fire solutions, there are some sensible precautions you can take, including:
Don’t use chemical pesticides and herbicides on your lawn
Select pet foods that are free of preservatives and dyes
Replace foam pet beds and furniture with ones using natural materials
Avoid flea and tick collars, which deliver a constant dose of pesticide to your pet; consult your vet for alternative flea and tick treatments
Avoid optional stain-proofing treatments on furniture, carpets and auto upholstery
Use filtered tap water in your pet’s water bowl
Use metal food and water bowl, rather than those made of plastic
Most pet owners are terribly diligent when it comes to monitoring their pets’ diets and general health. However, sometimes it’s those things right in front of us that we overlook and as a result, don’t realize how they can negatively impact our pets’ health.
So, as the loving pet parents we know you are . . . stop, take a look around and get a clear vision of what’s going down. If you do, you’ll ensure you keep your pet safe, sound and happy!
This post was written by Hope Shultz, President and COO of WebVet.com.
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K9 Cuisine is a provider of premium dog food. We’re committed to providing our customers with the knowledge, and the products, to help their faithful friends be the best they can be.
Following is our next post in our series of articles on “Evaluating Your Dog’s Health”. This week — Mouth and Teeth!
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A healthy mouth has nice white teeth and pink gums. To check your dog’s mouth, lift their lips to look at the color of the gums. Red and pale white gums could mean a serious problem. Next, examine their teeth. Dark yellow or loose teeth are also signs that attention is needed. Bad breath can be another bad sign. Problems in their mouth can spread to the kidneys and heart.
Look for redness or pale gums
Look for dark yellow, loose or discolored teeth
Look for tarter build up: usually along the gum line
Bad breath could be a sign of an infection or stomach problems
Good dental hygiene can begin in puppyhood to greatly reduce the chance of your dog developing periodontal disease. To brush a dog’s teeth, use a small, soft toothbrush or finger brush with toothpaste or tooth-cleaning solution formulated for pets. Human toothpaste foams too much, and the additives can upset your dog’s stomach.
Ideally, you should brush your dog’s teeth every day, but even a weekly brushing will help. Although dogs don’t usually get cavities, they are prone to gum disease caused by tartar buildup. Tartar is a by-product of plaque. Tartar buildup has to be removed by your veterinarian, so the extra effort of regular brushing will save you, your dog and your vet.
HINT: To make toothpaste for your dog at home, mix baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) with a little salt and water. Apply it with a toothbrush or with gauze wrapped around your finger. Don’t use this recipe if your dog is on a sodium-restricted diet.
This information was provided by Susan Hartzler with AlphaDog PR, which is based in Los Angeles and a chosen resource for editors, producers, writers and reporters. Alpha Dog PR is dedicated to providing the media with the most up-to-the-minute information about the rapidly growing pet industry. For more information, please visit www.alphadogpr.com or call (818) 998-6299.
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K9 Cuisine is a provider of premium dog food. We’re committed to providing our customers with the knowledge, and the products, to help their faithful friends be the best they can be.
There are many reasons a family might be moving into a rental home. Just a couple might be needing a new location or moving from a single home to a rental. However, this often means the family dog needs to find another home. With forethought and responsibility from landlord and renter, there’s no reason the family dog can’t be a welcome tenant. Below are links to several resources for keeping dogs in their homes.
Canine Good Citizen
The American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen® program is a certification program that is designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community.The Canine Good Citizen Program is a two-part program that stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test may receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club. Mixed breed and purebred dogs are eligible. Visit website here http://www.akc.org/events/cgc/index.cfm.
S.T.A.R. Puppy
The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy(sm) is an exciting new program designed to get dog owners and their puppies off to a good start. The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program is an incentive program for loving dog owners who have taken the time to take their puppies through a basic training class. Mixed breed and purebred puppies are eligible. Visit website here http://www.akc.org/starpuppy/about_the_program.cfm.
How Pets Can Be a Landlord’s Best Friend
“In what may be the only published research on the subject, a 2003 survey (.PDF file) by FIREPAW found that apartments that accepted pets not only didn’t lose money, they actually gained more, to the tune of nearly $3,000 per apartment, per year.” Visit article here.
What to put in it, how to write it. Visit website here.
Condos Go Dog Wild
“Doggy interviews are mandatory prior to moving in at Porto Bellagio and Aventi complexes.” Visit website here.
How To Create Pet Policies For Rental Properties
“Just look at all of the issues that need to be policed and enforced for pet policies to work. On the other hand, there’s a growing demand for apartments and condominiums that cater to pets.” Visit website here.
With honesty and responsibility, the family, the pet, and the landlord can all benefit.
This article was provided by Marilyn Wolf, BS, CPDT-KA, Pet Trainer & Behavior Consultant, www.KorrectKritters.com, 727-372-9825.
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K9 Cuisine is a provider of premium dog food. We’re committed to providing our customers with the knowledge, and the products, to help their faithful friends be the best they can be.
