First Coast Pet

Posts Tagged ‘Canine’

Even those of us who do not have dogs at home know that dogs are highly prone to dog arthritis. How often have you viewed some dog which moves as if its joints are not exactly in working order? This is specifically the case with advanced aged and/or overweight canines that are largely inactive physically. Is this familiar? It could, because that is exactly the kind of life which brings on arthritis in people, as well. Nowadays, we refer to arthritis a lifestyle disease with reason.

Happens to all of us
Actually, arthritis in canines is very similar to arthritis in humans, because it is a degenerative disease that creates hardening of the joints and muscles. And as with men and women, arthritis in canines is quite usual as joints do, in the normal course of events, suffer an amount of wear and tear. And also as in people, arthritis – most usually osteoarthritis – in dogs can be an uncomfortably painful condition which, left untreated, causes great distress.

Age factor

One thing to consider is that arthritis can affect dogs at all ages. Yes, older dogs are more vulnerable to it, but that doesn’t mean younger dogs will not get it at all. And if a puppy or young dog has suffered an accident, this increases the chances of developing gog arthritis early. Also there are ailments that can help induce the onset of canine arthritis, such as the ailment known as hip dysplasia, which is a common cause of limping in dogs, and that can lead to arthritis later on.

First steps
Naturally, at the first signs of movement difficulty you should take your dog to a vet. Getting the right treatment is essential as dog arthritis is not  100% curable, but, given the right kind of dog arthritis treatment, it can be kept in check.

Of course, one of the most effective ways to combat dog arthritis is to give your dog plenty of exercise, which may sound paradoxical since exercise will cause increased joint movement, but is actually of great help. That is because the exercises are not meant to be vigorous physical workouts, which will no doubt worsen the condition, but perhaps a steady walk, which releases lubricating fluids for the joints and aid their smooth movement.

See it coming
There are also, of course, over-the-counter medicines that can at least help alleviate the pain of dog arthritis, though as we have already said, there is no permanent cure. But these medications are assuredly prescribed by the vet. And a vet is also your best chance for helping the onset of canine arthritive, which really are the best ways to treat canine arthritis. So, assuming that dogs have an average life span of 14 years, if your pet is getting near 10, you should know that it’s time to ask your vet about ways to keep your dog healthy so that dog arthritis does not strike.

Puppies need a different nutritional diet than that of adult dogs. Their coat, bones, organs, and teeth are still maturing. The foods they eat must have an ample supply of nutrients to support their growth. Remember the difference in energy levels there come from puppies as compared to older dogs. In order to remain energetic, they need a constant supply of foods that provide a source of vitamins, minerals, and the right kinds of fats. Further we will review four tips you can use to feed your new puppy.

#1 – Buy Commercial Brands

Many owners are tempted to prepare specific meals for their pups, but it’s usually a bad idea. Without rigorous attention to detail, it’s practically impossible to measure the right level of vitamins, fats, proteins, and other nutrients.

By contrast, commercial puppy foods are specifically formulated to provide the right blend for a puppy’s growing body. Manufacturers understand the special needs of puppies. These formulations take into account the high energy and protein requirements of puppies. As a side note, if you’re raising a large breed (for example, a Bernese Mountain Dog), visit your pet supply store to check whether they carry a breed-specific brand.

#2 – Be Consistent

In many ways, puppies are creatures of habit. Once they start eating a brand they enjoy, changing that brand – even for “variety” – isn’t normally welcome. When food is available, all dogs whether young or old will rarely pass it up. However, unless there is a compelling reason to change brands, avoid doing so. If you must switch, try to wean your pup off the old food by gradually mixing the new food in.

#3 – Set A Time And Stick To It

In the same way people normally establish certain times to eat meals, you should create a feeding schedule for your puppy. Puppies if not supervised will often times overeat. Because canine obesity is such a debilitating problem, try to encourage the right eating habits when your pup is young. Pick two or three times during which you’ll feed him. He’ll quickly come to recognize those times instinctively.

#4 – Make Drinking Water Available

Puppies need water just like people and some breeds require more than others. Even if your pup doesn’t normally drink a lot of water while eating his meals, you should make sure he has the option available. Puppies are constantly on the move and utilize more energy than the average adult dog. That means he’ll be drinking more water to keep hydrated. Provide him with all he needs.

It’s not difficult to design an easy feeding plan for your pup. Invest in a high-quality commercial brand, avoid switching it, pick feeding times and don’t deviate from them, and give your puppy all the water he wants. You can add all natural dog treats or dog chews as a special bonus for your dog as well. If you follow those guidelines, your pup should grow up to be a healthy, happy adult dog.