bigbangarkha

[bigbangarkha]

8 Signs of Joint Pain in Dogs and 3 Ways to Help (Without Surgery)

As your dog ages, you may notice that they are slowing down and exhibiting several of the classic signs of joint pain in dogs. This can be devastating for any pet parent because you want your dog to be comfortable and happy throughout their lives.

However, there are several things you can do to help ease your dog’s discomfort without having to have them undergo surgery. These simple things can lead to a happy, healthier dog, even as they get older.

Signs of Joint Pain in Dogs

Since your dog can’t come out and tell you that they’re in pain, you’ll have to observe them and look for one of these classic signs.

1. Limping

If your dog hasn’t experienced any trauma and you notice that they seem to limp when they get up and walk, this is a sign of joint pain. Dogs experience joint pain commonly in their hips as they age, and this can lead to limping.

Your dog’s hip joints can become inflamed as they age from simple wear and tear, and this makes them less prone to use them. By limping, they avoid using the joint as much, and this can help reduce the amount of pain or stiffness they may feel.

Arthritis is a common ailment in older dogs, whether they’re a large or small breed, and this can cause them to limp. By definition, arthritis is an inflammation of the joint, and it came come from simple aging or trauma to the area.

2. Slipping on the Floor

Many homes have more slippery floor mediums in places like hardwood flooring, tile, or laminate because they’re easier to clean and they look very nice. However, they can be a safety concern for your dog because your dog won’t be able to get a good grip as they walk or run over this type of flooring.

Your dog is even more prone to slipping on your floors if they’re experiencing joint pain because their gait is off due to them being in pain. They may try to favor one leg over the other, and in doing this, they are more likely to overbalance or slip, especially if your floor doesn’t have any traction.

Hardwood or slippery flooring can also cause your dog not to get enough traction to move or bend their joints properly, and this increases the chances that your dog can experience loss of mobility or stiffness when they do move.

3. Loss of Muscle

As your dog ages, their bodies begin to produce less growth hormone and they begin to have difficulty processing protein. When you combine this with joint pain, you have a powerful combination for muscle loss, and some cases develop very rapidly.

You may notice this loss of muscle in your dog’s hindquarters, especially around their back legs and hips. If your dog is experiencing joint pain, they’re more hesitant to extend and use their joints, and this leads to muscle disuse as well.

A healthy dog works all of their muscles, and this increases the blood flow through all of them. When your dog doesn’t move or use their muscles as much due to pain, the blood flow is reduced, and the muscle begins to deteriorate.

4. Weight Gain or Change in Appetite

It’s normal for your dog to move less and sleep more as they get older, but this can also produce problems with their appetites and weight. If your dog is experiencing joint pain, they’re typically more hesitant to get up and move around unless they have to.

If you continue feeding your dog the same amount of food but their activity level decreases, they can start to gain weight. However, this can also go in the other direction as well.

Your dog may experience a change in their appetite and it may decrease because it is common for dogs to reduce the amount of or stop eating altogether when they’re stressed or in pain. If you’re concerned about your older dog’s lack of appetite, you may want to consider taking them to your veterinarian for a checkup.

5. Hesitation to Jump or Go on Walks

Arguably one of the easiest signs of joint pain with your dog is that they’re more hesitant to jump on and off furniture, or they suddenly dislike to go on walks when they enjoyed it before. Your dog may also become hesitant to climb up and down stairs or get in or out of the car.

Your dog quickly learns what hurts and what doesn’t when they have joint pain, and jumping or walking puts pressure on their already inflamed joints. In turn, they experience more pain, so they go out of their way to avoid those common activities.

Additionally, the more your dog uses their joints, the more inflamed they can become, and this may be a reason why they don’t want to go on walks like they used to. Walking on uneven ground can also irritate their joint pain as well.

6. Irritability

When dogs are stressed out, anxious, or in pain, they can quickly become more irritable and have noticeable personality changes. Again, they can’t tell you that something hurts, so by becoming more prone to snap or growl at you, they’re communicating that they’re in pain.

Your dog may not know what is causing their pain, but sometimes something as light as touching their sore areas is enough to make them snap at you because the pressure causes their pain to increase. This can also increase their aggression levels if their pain increases.

Once you’ve begun to treat the cause or causes of your dog’s pain, their irritability levels should begin to drop as well. Nipping, snapping, growling, or just not wanting to be touched can all be signs that your dog is suffering from joint pain.

7. Licking, Chewing, or Biting

Your dog may start to lick, chew, or bite at any areas where they are experiencing pain in an attempt to alleviate it. One of your dog’s first instincts is to clean and care for a wounded area, whether the pain is internal or external, and they do this by licking or chewing at the area.

You can usually tell if they’re fixated on an area because the skin may be irritated from the constant attention. It can also lead to hair loss or even open sores where your dog had dug at their skin in an attempt to soothe their joint pain.

8. Lethargy

Your dog is smart, and it won’t take them long to figure out that when they move around a lot, their joint pain can increase. They can quickly become very lethargic and not want to move around a lot because it feels better when they’re still.

Also, older dogs generally have less energy than they did when they were younger, and this can lead to them being more lethargic as well. If you combine this reduced energy levels with inflammation or pain, you have the perfect recipe for a lethargic older dog.

Ways to Help Joint Pain Without Surgery

Now that you know what the eight common symptoms of joint pain are, you have to know how to treat it without surgery to give your senior dog some relief.

Glucosamine Supplements

One of the most popular arthritis supplements is Glucosamine, and this is a naturally occurring substance that you can find in your dog’s healthy cartilage. As your dog ages, their bodies naturally produce less glucosamine, and this will eventually lead to joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness.

The natural and ongoing wear and tear on your dog’s joints combined with your dog’s slower ability to repair their cartilage can develop into more severe medical problems like arthritis. Pet parents frequently give their older dogs Glucosamine supplements in order to help them combat their joint pain and stiffness.

The Glucosamine supplements will help reduce your dog’s pain levels due to their joint inflammation because Glucosamine is a natural anti-inflammatory. In addition to this, it will also help to lubricate your dog’s joints, and this can lead to easier movement, better muscle support, and easier movements.

Weight Management and Exercise

On a medium-sized dog like a Golden Retriever, an additional seven pounds is equivalent to 12.5 pounds to a human and on a small dog like a beagle, an additional five pounds is equivalent to an additional 20 pounds to a human. Just like a human, the additional pounds put more stress on your dog’s joints.

If you notice that your senior dog is slowing down and starting to gain weight, you can help them combat this by implementing weight management strategies and an exercise routine. You can start by adjusting your dog’s calorie intake or by putting them on a weight management dog food formula to help them slim down.

You can also get your dog out and more active because light exercise will help them lose weight. If you’re worried about their joints, you can take your dog swimming or utilize water-based exercise because the water will keep your dog from putting extra stress on their joints.

Pain Medications

If you’ve tried natural supplements and helping your dog lose weight, but they’re still experiencing a lot of pain and stiffness, it may be time for pain medications. It doesn’t have to be strong painkillers to do the job either as aspirin is an excellent anti-inflammatory pain medication.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) are usually the first tier of pain medications your veterinarian may recommend to help you combat your dog’s joint pain and stiffness. You may use these alone or along with natural herbal supplements like Glucosamine.

The next tier of pain medications that your veterinarian may recommend are Corticosteroids, and these pain medications mimic the effects of normal steroids, but it might higher concentrations. These pain medications require a prescription, and they’re met to be used on a short-term basis rather than a long-term basis because they come with more serious side effects.

As your dog ages and they start to experience common symptoms of joint pain, there are several things you can do to help alleviate your dog’s pain without having to put them through surgery. Natural supplements, weight management, and pain medications can all help to make your dog’s joint pain lessen, and this can lead to a happier, healthier, and a more active senior dog.

[bigbangarkha]

8 Alarming Signs Your Dog May Be Sick

It is not always easy to determine if your dog may be sick or in pain.

The reason for that developed from their roots as wolves. Just like many groups, packs or herds, sick and weak animals have a high risk of getting killed and being abandoned from their group.

So animals that are hurt or sick will only show signs when it is practically too late for them.

As we have domesticated dogs for so many years, we can better tell if our companion is not feeling so well.

The best way to quickly cure any illness is by noticing early signs and taking your dog to the vet. For this, here are 8 alarming signs your dog may be sick.

1. Taking Distance

Your dog might be ill if he starts to retreat to his crate, dog bed or another room when he normally would lie near the family.

If he should be active and playful and is instead avoiding activity and interaction that may indicate that he is not feeling very well.

2. Breathing Issues

Every dog owner knows that snoring can get really intance when their pet is sleeping.

But there are many signs that you should be looking out for that may be caused by a respiration illness.

Symptoms include coughing, load breathing, gagging, and nasal discharge. You have to seek a vet immediately if the gums and tongue of your dog are more blue-ish whereas they should be pink.

3. Diarreha

If the poop of your dog doesn’t contain any solid texture and is watery then your dog is suffering from diarrhea.

Diarrhea should be checked with your vet to determine if it is caused by digestive problems or something else.

I always treat and prevent light diarrhea symptoms with lactose-free and low-fat yogurt.

The next day my dog is diarrhea free. You can also add coconut rasps for the taste and health benefits.

4. Less or No Appetite

Dogs love food more than anything. If there have been no changes in his food, daily schedule or circumstances and your dog refuses to eat then he might be ill and should be checked by a vet.

5. Runny and Cloudy Eyes

If your dog is constantly scratching himself, has diarrhea, dry skin and runny eyes then you could have an autoimmune reaction or other health issue.

Just like humans, dogs can also suffer from allergies against dust, pollen, mites or food. A vet can give him an allergy test to determine the cause of this reaction.

6. Pain

Like I said before, dogs just like wolves do not show any signs of pain and it is not an indicator that the pain can’t be bad. He will most likely suffer quietly.

You should get help for your dog if you recognize swelling, fatigue, drooling, growling or pulling away the hurting body part.

Do not give your dog human pain killers as they can be deadly for dogs and rather visit the vet.

7. Dizzy or Confused

If your dog seems to have a problem keeping balance and wanders around aimlessly through your house that is probably an indication for a certain illness.

He can also experience neurological issues that come with loss of consciousness, seizures, stumbling, and disorientation.

A sudden change in behavior should also concern you as dogs are pretty consistent with what they do and how they react every day.

Either way, a vet should have a look at your dog espacially if it is a very young or very old dog.

8. Dull Coat

The skin and fur of a dog is a great indicator for their health. The more shiny and smooth it is the healthier your dog.

If the coat of your dog is looking dull or even has bald patches which could be cause by parasites or other health problems.

Generally speaking, you should always keep an eye on your dog as nobody knows your dog as good as you do.

If you notice any changes in his body or behavior, go to a vet and consult him first before giving any medication.

How to Treat a Sick Dog

Pay attention to the exact symptoms your dog is showing and when they are occurring. You can also write them down in case you will need them when visiting the vet. Is he eating and drinking? Is he able to urinate and defecate? Does he have a fever or seizures? Is he limping or in pain?

If your dog is vomiting, withhold any food for 12 to 24 hours and see if the symptoms get better. Encourage your dog to drink some water to keep him hydrated and start with small amounts so he won’t throw it up. If your dog didn’t throw up for 24 hours, you can give him some easily digestible food like white rice and cooked chicken for 1-2 days.

You can also add some cheese or yogurt which helps build up the bacteria in the intestine. Split his food into 4 small meals per day and feed him one cup per 10 pounds of weight. So if he weighs 40 pounds, you can feed one cup in the morning, lunchtime, afternoon and evening.

Encourage your dog to rest while he is sick and restrict him from playtime so his body can heal. Do not leave him outside in the backyard and provide him with a comfortable, quiet and warm space inside.

Do not leave him alone at home when he is ill and keep paying attention to his symptoms. Do not hesitate to call your vet when in doubt.

When to Visit the Vet

There are certain symptoms that will require immediate veterinary care:

Severe vomiting and diarrhea

Bleeding

Sudden behavior change

Ingestion of foreign object or toxins

Broken bones

Breathing issues

Seizures

Unconsciousness

Not producing urine

Unable to defecate

Shivering

Sudden pain without a trauma

Refusing to eat or drink for 24 hours

Red/Swollen gums

Runny nose or eyes

How to Prevent Your Dog from Getting Sick

You cannot avoid that your dog will get sick some day but there are a few things that are totally preventable that will keep your dog healthy and happy.

Keep your home puppy proof – Restrict your dog’s access to chemical cleaners and other household items that are dangerous for him. Do not spray deodorant or any other chemical in the same room with your dog.

Lock away toxic foods – Do not give your dog access to any type of food or the garbage can. Keep everything behind counters and closed up. There are many beverages that most dog owners don’t know that they are toxic to dogs, like chocolate, avocado, bacon, sugar, raisins, grapes and so much more.

No table scraps – Never feed your dog food from the table. You neither want to encourage begging and it is not healthy for your dog. Most human food is full of fat, oil, and seasoning, so a big no for any dog.

No over the counter medication – Never give your dog human medicine. It will make him sicker and most are extremely deadly. Vets can’t treat your dog as long as pain killers or other medicine is still in the system, so you are putting your dog’s life at risk

[bigbangarkha]

10 Signs of Cancer in Dogs

1. WEIRD SMELLS

You’ve probably grown accustomed to your dog’s bad breath, but you should be on the look out for any unusually bad (or just plain different) smells coming from your dog when you’re close enough to smell their breath.

Most times, it will just be due to something easily explainable like a change in diet, but you can never be too careful. Also pay attention for any odd odors coming from the nose or rectal area as potential signs of dog cancer

2. PALE GUMS

Be sure to occasionally check the color of your dog’s gums. Pale gums can be a sign of many health issues with dogs, cancer included. If you notice a change in this area, contact your veterinarian right away.

Here’s how to check your dog’s gums:

lift the jowl so you can get a good look

press the gums with the ball of your finger

observe the gum’s color where you’ve pressed

In healthy dogs, after pressing on their gums the area should turn white briefly. After about 2 to 3 seconds, the color should return to its normal pink. If not, pay attention for other warning signs and consider talking to your vet.

3. LACK OF ENERGY

Has there been any significant changes in your dog’s energy level? Lethargy is also one of the common signs of cancer in dogs. No one knows your dog’s normal behavior better than you, so this is one your veterinarian may not always catch.

Is your dog spending less time playing? Do they tire quickly? Are they spending a lot more time sleeping or just generally seeming disinterested in their usual activities? Look out for these, and when noticed begin looking for other signs your dog has cancer

4. VOMITING AND DIARRHEA

Sometimes when your dog is vomiting or has diarrhea it can be due to something gross but normally harmless, like eating poop. Unfortunately, though, it’s also one of the common signs of cancer in dogs.

If you notice your dog having diarrhea or vomiting — especially when accompanied by other warnings signs from this list — consult your veterinarian right away. Even if it’s not dog cancer, there could be another health issue that needs to be addressed.

5. BREATHING TROUBLE

Like with people, there are many different types of dog cancer. And like people, you need to be on the lookout for the warning signs of lung cancer in dogs. Pay attention to your dog as they play and go about their usual life.

Are you noticing differences in their breathing, such as coughing, wheezing, or becoming short of breath much more quickly than normal? Be on the lookout for other warning signs and consider speaking to your veterinarian very soon.

6. BUMPS OR LUMPS

If you’re not already,  you should get into the habit of checking your dog’s skin on a regular basis. About once a month is fine. Check by slowly and gently running your hands over your dog’s body, taking notice of what you feel.

Make note of anything that seems unusual or out of place, and if this isn’t your first time checking you’ll certainly want to investigate anything new. Your dog should enjoy this petting, so don’t be afraid to take your time.

Don’t forget to feel behind their ears and around their face. If your dog does not want to be touched in certain areas, investigate closely. Contact your vet immediately if you notice any bleeding or discharge.

7. UNEXPECTED WEIGHT LOSS

If you don’t have your dog on a weight loss regimen, and haven’t been feeding them weight control dog food, then unexpected weight loss is one of the most common signs of dog cancer you should be on the lookout for.Your dog suddenly losing weight may not be cancer, but if there’s no other obvious explanation there’s a very good chance some type of health issue is the cause and you should get into touch with your veterinarian.

8. CHANGE IN APPETITE

Have you noticed any changes in your dog’s appetite? Are they eating less or not showing interest in food they normally love? Many health issues for dogs could be the cause here, and cancer is unfortunately among them.Sometimes it can be just a brief issue of not feeling great, or maybe someone else has been sneaking them food when you weren’t looking. Pay close attention to their eating habits any time you notice a change and talk to your vet right away when problems persist

.9. CHANGE IN BEHAVIOR

Another sign of cancer in dogs you’ll want to be watching out for are changes in behavior. Is your dog limping, walking, or playing differently than normal? Is your normally quiet dog irritable and barking or snapping even at you?Dogs, just like people, get annoyed or lethargic when they aren’t feeling well. If your dog begins acting strangely and there’s no obvious reason why, there’s a good chance they’re sick and you should speak to your veterinarian.

10. WOUNDS OR SORES

If you notice any wounds or open sores on your dog that aren’t healing as quickly as you’d normally expect, or are appearing with no obvious explanation, get in touch with your veterinarian as soon as possible.Unexplained sores or slow healing times can be the sign of something serious — including dog cancer. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with a professional right away who can examine your dog for anything that needs to be addressed.

[bigbangarkha]

4 Signs Your Dog or Cat May Have Arthritis

Owning a pet can bring a tremendous amount of joy to your life. At the same time, no one ever wants to see their dog or cat suffering from pain. Unfortunately, arthritis is a fairly common problem in pets, which makes it something that every owner needs to be on the lookout for. The good news is that the issue is often treatable as long as it is caught before the problem progresses too far. With this in mind, here are four signs your dog or cat may have arthritis

Limping or Difficulties Moving

Animals with arthritis will often start to limp or walk differently as they try to favor their non-arthritic legs or joints. Similarly, you may notice that your pet no longer moves around as well as they once did. For instance, your dog or cat may suddenly have problems going up and down the stairs or jumping up on the furniture. These problems are often especially noticeable earlier in the day and may then fade later in the day as your pet moves around and loosens up their stiff, arthritic joints.

Licking or Biting

Other signs your dog or cat may have arthritis are licking, biting, or chewing at their joints or the areas on their body that are causing them pain. This is another thing that you’ll want to stay on the lookout for. However, it is important to note that animals will do this whenever they are in pain, which means that this behavior could indicate that they have arthritis or that some other issue is causing them pain.

Becoming More Irritable

Just as with people, animals that are in pain tend to become more irritable. You may notice that your dog or cat suddenly starts snapping or lashing out, or that they suddenly no longer want to be touched since this could increase their pain. This is especially common when you happen to touch them in the areas where they are the sorest and thus most sensitive.

Tiredness and Lethargy

Animals with arthritis also tend to tire much more easily than before and may end up spending far more of their time resting or sleeping than they once did. This problem is especially common with dogs, and owners will often notice that their dog can no longer take long walks and will be far more tired than usual once they get back home.

The good news is that there are some arthritis treatments and medication that may still allow your pet to live a normal life. Of course, the first step is to schedule an appointment with your vet so that they can make a proper diagnosis. In some cases, a thermal camera can be used to quickly and painlessly diagnose whether or not your pet has arthritis. Therefore, it is vital that you speak with your vet as soon as you notice any of these possible signs.

[bigbangarkha]

15 Signs Your Dog  May be Sick or in Pain

Seeing your dog or cat sick or in pain can be devastating. Making the decision to take them to the vet can be equally as harrowing. How do you know when it is time for your pet to see a professional? These signs can help you decide.

What is Normal Dog Behavior and Cat Behavior?

Normal dog behavior varies with the breed,1 as anyone with a Basset Hound or a Jack Russel Terrier can attest! Same goes for cat behavior. A Siamese will act a lot differently than a tabby. There are some general behaviors, however, that will indicate all is well with your furry friend.

First, they should be eating and drinking normally as well as urinating and having bowel moments on a regular schedule, but not in excess. In addition, when your dog or cat is healthy, they will have a normal amount of energy and maintain consistent behavior tendencies for them.

#1 – Panting. Dogs especially will pant in hot weather or when they are tired out from playing. If neither of these conditions are present, however, panting may be a sign of discomfort. Take notice of how long the panting continues and if it is accompanied by other behaviors such as audible noises. Excessive coughing or sneezing are other behaviors to watch out for as well.

#2 – Increased heart rate. Along with panting, increased heart rate could be a sign of a heart condition or other serious issue. Consult your vet if your pet’s heart rate remains elevated.

#3 – Falling over. Lack of balance could be a sign of a severe condition in your dog or cat, such as injury, stroke, poisoning, or ear infections.3

#4 – Not eating or drinking. Refusing to eat or drink for long periods of time, or vomiting when they do eat, is a tell-tale sign of a serious condition. If your pet is very old, it may be the first signs of death.4 See your vet if your dog or cat refuses to eat or drink for more than a day or two or if this behavior is accompanied by other symptoms.

#5 – Pacing. Is your dog or cat pacing the floor or displaying other nervous behaviors? This could be a sign of physical pain or an anxiety disorder.

#6 – Change in temperature. Is there an area on your pet’s body that is excessively hot or excessively cold? Changes in temperature are red flags that injury or infection may be present.

#7 – Tension to the touch. Many pets do not like certain areas of their body touched in general, such as the belly or the feet. However, if your dog or cat noticeably tenses up or is “on guard” when you touch other spots, that could be an indication of pain.

#8 – Reduced range of motion. Stiffness when walking or climbing stairs could be a sign of several things including arthritis, injury, diabetes, Cushing’s Disease, or degenerative myelopathy, which is common in older dogs and certain breeds.

#9 – Licking or chewing. Licking or chewing a particular area of the body is a clear sign of discomfort, either in that area or in general. Be sure to check for rashes, sores, and lumps.

#10 – Drinking a lot of water. Excessive drinking and urination could be a sign of bladder, kidney or liver infection, or diabetes.6

#11 – Lack of interest. If your dog or cat has lost interest in their favorite toy or treat, this could be a sign they are under the weather in some way. This is especially true if this lack of interest is accompanied by general malaise.

#12 – Change in behavior. Sleeping more than normal is an indication that something may not be right with your furry friend. Outright changes in personality, such as a normally mild-mannered dog turning aggressive, could be a sign of neurological or other issues.

#13 – Odor coming from ears or mouth. Strong odor can be a sign of digestive disorders, dental issues, and other challenges in the internal organs. Excessive drooling in dogs may also be an indication.

#14 – Red, cloudy, or dry eyes. Changes in the eyes could be a sign of cataracts, glaucoma, and eye tumors.7

#15 – Going into hiding. Cats especially may “go into hiding” when they aren’t feeling well. Cats are “crepuscular,”8 meaning that they are most active at dawn and at dusk. If you notice your cat is nowhere to be found or is lethargic during these times, it may be time to investigate if a problem exists.

[bigbangarkha]

How to Solve the Top 3 Most Common Leash Problems

Going out for a walk with your dog can be the most relaxing thing in the world – or the most challenging, if the two of you have control issues. One way to tell if you do is if your dog struggles with its leash – pulling on it, barking while on it, and many more. It’s a behavioral problem, of course – but not without solutions!

Your dog pulls on its leash because it’s annoying, which is a signal to you that he has a need that has yet to be met. It’s your responsibility as a dog owner to make your walk more relaxed and at the same time more controlled.

You can do this be figuring out the meaning behind the behavior and how to redirect your dog to an alternative that’s more constructive.

Leash Problem 1: Leash Pulling

If your dog is straining at its leash to the point where it is practically choking himself, then you have a leash pulling problem. The pulling action may happen at predictable times, such as when you are starting out on your walk or walking into a highly-exciting situation.

Leash pulling happens when your dog wants to go to a particular area or place and wants to get there fast. When this happens, it means your dog has very little connection with you, the human on the other end of the leash, and more with what he is interested in.

To change this behavior, you should only let your dog move a little bit forward when its leash has been loosened. If your dog starts to pull, simply stop in place and wait for the leash to loosen before resuming your walk.

A resistant dog might benefit from a verbal marker such as “oops” uttered when the leash has become taut, followed by a very gentle tug that will signal a stop to any forward motion.

When the two of you get closer to your dog’s area of interest, always require a quick behavior check such as sitting or hand target before you release him and let him explore what it is that he wants. See to it that he understands it is a reward for him to seek out his interest.

Make it a point to have treats on-hand to reward your dog with when he turns his head to you, thus better establishing awareness of you. The bottom line is to make your dog realize that looking back at you will yield more rewards than looking all around him ever will.

Management tools that will help with leash pulling behavior include a harness that has a front-clip feature, which will cross the front part of the dog’s chest. If your dog is stronger or has the tendency to go out of control, you might also consider a head halter to hinder pulling.

Leash Problem 2: Leash Mouthing and Chewing

If your dog uses his mouth to grab your leash, you have a leash mouthing and chewing problem. Other observable behaviors of this include pulling it like it is a tug-of-war game, nibbling, or biting whether you are standing still or walking.

Leash mouthing or chewing occurs when your dog is feeling nervous or agitated. Grabbing the leash with their mouth and nibbling on it is a calming way to manage the situation, especially for dogs that are bred for retrieving various objects like Labradors. You can also see it as a way for your dog to grab your attention or to elicit a reaction from you.

To change this behavior, your dog will need an alternative. It can be simple for some dogs, who may be satisfied or satiated with simply asking to heel while out on a walk or being given a reward command of ‘down’ if he makes an effort to demonstrate quiet behavior.

You can also try using two kinds of leashes, with one attached to a harness and the other attached to the collar.  If your dog chews on one leash, drop it to dissolve the resistance on that leash and switch to holding the other one more firmly. This eliminates the ‘tug factor’ which your dog is using to signal a leash game.

A management tool for addressing leash mouthing and chewing is to switch to a chain leash because it’s not fun to chew on and hard to grab. You can also bring a stuffed ball or toy that your dog can use as a pacifier when out on a walk.

Leash Problem 3: Leash Lunging, Barking, and Reacting

If your dog seems to always react to things in the environment and demonstrates this by lunging, standing on hind legs, spinning in circles, or barking, then you might have a leash lunging, barking, and reacting problem.

Again, you can see this behavior as one that is rooted in frustration or anxiety. He is upset at the stimulus for some reason, perhaps because he cannot take a closer look at it due to his being leashed. It may also be because he wants to get away from it as fast as he can but cannot do so because of his leash.

The bottom line is there is something in the environment that makes him either very uneasy, anxious, or excited – and he wants to get away or get closer ASAP.

When this happens, remember not to punish your dog because this can aggravate the behavior. Changing it might require the help of a behaviorist or a dog training professional to find out which positive reinforcement behavior will work best for your dog.

A deeper analysis of your dog’s behavior will be required, and only a professional can accurately determine the exact stimulus and recommend a specific response.

[bigbangarkha]

How Long Can a Diabetic Dog Go Without Insulin?

Diabites in dogs is one of those chronic diseases that can be managed with certain precautions and drugs, particularly insulin. Insulin goes a long way in providing an excellent quality of life and extending life expectancy for your dog.However, insulin for dogs is quite expensive, and the prices have been going up in the last five years. A 100-units insulin bottle can cost anywhere from $200 to $300. It also requires regular administration and commitment. So you might ask yourself, what would happen if you skip a dose and how long can a diabetic dog go without insulin.

In most cases, a diabetic dog can go anywhere from 1 to 3 days without insulin injection and not go into a crisis mode. The exact time highly depends on each individual pet. Eventually, the symptoms of lack of insulin will start showing, and will get worse with time, to the point of needing to hospitalize the dog. So here's what else you should know.

What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes in dogs is a permanent endocrine disorder. The characteristics and effects of canine diabetes are similar to that in humans, but the disorder still differs in certain regards.

There are two types of diabetes in dogs.

Type1diabetes prevents a dog's body from creating sufficient insulin. This is a hormone used for regulating the glucose level and the lack of it means that the organism cannot adequately regulate blood sugar levels.

Type 2 is also called insulin-resistant diabetes. In this case, the dog’s organism creates insulin but the cells don’t respond to the normal insulin level.

Your dog is far more likely to develop Type 1 diabetes than Type 2. In any case, diabetes is not that common but according to statistics, the number of dogs suffering from this disorder is somewhere between one in 500 to one in 100.

Diabetes mostly affects middle-aged and senior dogs, usually after the age of 5 or 6. The dog can be born with diabetes, but these cases are quite rare. Overweight dogs are more likely to have diabetes as well.

Why Is Insulin for Dogs so Important?

Since lack of insulin in your dog's body is the problem, injecting insulin is the only way to manage this condition. Therefore, insulin is the only adequate treatment for a dog with diabetes, and there are different types of it.

While additional exercise and losing weight will improve the quality of your diabetic dog's life, insulin will be the main medicament for maintaining the condition. Appropriately adjusting diet for a diabetic dog can help a little further with managing the condition.

You can give insulin to dogs as a syringe shot, but recently, insulin pens have become very popular among pet owners. When using a syringe, you'll need to buy a box of them and a bottle of insulin then inject it the standard way, while with an insulin pen, you'll be applying a needle tip, choosing a dosage, and then just press a button.

In the past, vets tried to prescribe some other medications, such as oral hyperglycemic, but they proved ineffective as virtually all dogs have the insulin-dependent type of diabetes.

Obligations That Come with Insulin

 insulin needs to be administered twice a day.

After your dog is diagnosed with diabetes, it will take some time until the vet is able to prescribe an adequate dosage of insulin, and there's going to be some trial and error.

You or your vet will run tests on the dog's glucose level several times a day or a week in order to see the reaction of your dog’s organism to a particular dosage. The positive thing is that once a good dosage is established, the dog won’t need the check-ups as often.

Insulin needs to be administered around the same time.

This means creating a schedule around your dog’s injections. If you have frequent business trips, irregular working hours, or stay overtime often, you would need to think about the alternatives for keeping up with the schedule. You can ask a friend, family member or a pet sitter to administer it to your dog when you are unable.

Some dog owners feel anxious about giving a shot to their dog, especially because the dog is not thrilled about it either. But giving injections to dogs is fairly simple, and most people get used to it very quickly; it becomes a regular routine for them and their pet.

What Happens If You Skip Your Dog's Insulin Shot?

With such a rigorous schedule in place, missing an insulin shot for your dog can happen occasionally. It is natural for pet owners to wonder what will happen in such cases.

The answer is – not much (at first). In a few days, your dog might have symptoms which they had when they were first diagnosed with diabetes. The symptoms are excessive appetite, increased thirst and drinking a lot of water, excessive urination and weakness. They will get worse/stronger with time.

If you miss a dosage of insulin, it's best to contact your vet and ask for advice. The vet will tell you when to administer your dog’s next injection.

What Happens If You Don’t Give Your Dog Insulin At All?

Not giving your dog insulin will in most cases be like not treating diabetes at all. This can affect the dog's life expectancy and significantly decrease their life quality.

Apart from less serious effects like excessive urination, thirst and appetite, your dog will experience a significant weight loss. Living with diabetes can impair a dog's eyesight, and they can develop cataracts and even go blind very quickly.

Your dog can also completely lose appetite, feel weakness and anxiety, and catch other diseases that are not related to diabetes but result from a dog's organism having to cope with the constant lack of insulin and weakened system.

A diabetic dog's life expectancy will depend on various factors, such as breed, age, general health, weight and lifestyle. In general, dogs with diabetes can live (uncomfortably) anywhere from two months to two years if not given insulin.

Summary

Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects dogs and requires daily administration of insulin or your dog’s quality of life and long-term health will be seriously affected.

If a diabetic dog skips an insulin shot, in most cases, nothing serious will happen in the first few days. Eventually, the symptoms will be more and more visible as your pup's life quality decreases. Your vet will most likely advise you to give the dog their next dosage at the regular time.

Refusing to give your dog insulin altogether will have significant long-term health effects. Your dog’s symptoms will reappear and get worse with time. And after a while, the consequences will get more serious and the dog's health will quickly deteriorate, and they  will likely need to be hospitalized.

[bigbangarkha]

5 Things You Can Do About Your Dog’s Runny Nose

When you are concerned about a dog’s health or safety, always consult a veterinarian so that they can rule out the more serious potential causes of your dog’s symptoms. Never hesitate to take them down to a clinic, even if it is just for a runny nose.

In the meantime, here are five things you can do immediately to help alleviate your dog’s runny nose symptoms and minimize any discomfort your pet could be experiencing due to nasal discharge.

1. Observe Your Dog for Other Symptoms

Check to see if your pooch is experiencing any other symptoms other than the runny nose that could give you a clue as to what the problem might be.

If you find that the dog seems happy and healthy and is not acting out of the ordinary, aside from a dog's runny nose, at least you will know that there is no need to panic. Things to look out for include: a lack of appetite, coughing, strange discharge or blood.

2. What to Do If Your Dog’s Nose Is Bleeding

If you notice blood (PDF) coming out alongside regular nasal discharge, hold the dog’s head back and hold a tissue, towel, cloth or anything absorbent to the nose to control the bleeding if it's heavy.

You can also apply a cold compress the top of a dog’s nose between the eyes and the nostrils. However, do not insert anything into the dog's nostril. You should then get your dog to the vet immediately.

3. Avoid Allergy Triggers

If you are lucky enough to know that your dog has an allergy or sensitivity to certain irritants then you can simply reduce your dog’s exposure to these things.

This might mean not smoking or burning strong candles or incense around your dog, and ensuring that their bed or crate is well ventilated.

Typical signs that your dog is experiencing allergies are sneezing and coughing, eye discharge as well as a runny nose, breathing problems and itchy skin.

4. What to Do If Your Dog Has Inhaled an Object

A sign that your dog’s runny nose is due to them inhaling something, like a blade of grass or a seed, is when the discharge only seems to be coming out of one nostril. That is a clue that one nostril only is blocked.

As a rule, it's best to take the dog to a vet. Alternatively, if you can see it, and your dog is calm and patient, perhaps you have a friend with you to sooth or hold the dog, then you can attempt to remove the object carefully with a pair of tweezers.

Do not attempt this if the object is large or further up in the nostril. If your dog jerks you could injure them or make the problem worse.

5. Take Your Dog for a Vet Check Up

Even if you think you have solved the problem, for example, by removing an obstruction from the dog's nostril, you should still follow up with a vet check in case your dog needs antibiotics to prevent infection.

Visiting your veterinarian and getting the advice of a professional about a dog's runny nose, prevention and future treatment will always give you a peace of mind, knowing that you have done and will be able to do all that you can for your pet.

Best Treatments and Tools for Dogs with Runny Nose

There are some natural treatments developed specifically for dogs with runny nose, sneezing, congestion, upper respiratory issues and for sinus relief. There are also tools commonly used to unclog a dog's nose with there's an object stuck in it. Here are some of our favorites we've tried in the past.

[bigbangarkha]

10 Science-based Ways to Relieve Anxiety in Dogs

1/Desensitization or Counter-Conditioning

Studies on the introduction and elimination of neuroses in animals show that fear, anxiety and other undesirable behaviors are persistent habits that occur through learning (Wolpe, 1961). One effective method to successfully un-teach an undesirable behavior in animals is through counter-conditioning. Counter-conditioning is training the dog to behave positively in place of a negative behavior (such as fear or anxiety).

Repeatedly feeding your dog while it is responding to a stimulus that elicits weak anxiety, then slowly increasing to a strong stimulus may be successful in reducing anxiety. Each time the animal is exposed to food, the anxiety response becomes inhibited and is replaced with positive responses associated with eating.

On the other hand, desensitization is the repeated, controlled exposure of the stimulus that usually elicits fear or anxiety in your dog in such a way that your dog no longer has the undesirable response. When owners were provided a desensitization program for their pets, dogs showed a decrease in fear for loud noises, such as fireworks (Levine et al. 2007). In addition, systematic desensitization was found to be a successful treatment for dogs with separation-related anxiety (Butler et al. 2011).

2 /Exposure to Different Social Situations and Environments as Puppies

Exposing puppies to various situations and environments when they are still young will reduce the chances of them exhibiting fearful behavior. Deprivation of experiences can make young dogs habitually fearful and anxious.

Training and learning during early life is critically important for learning of appropriate behaviours. For example, studies on rats and dogs show that restricting early experience (Thompson et al. 1954), such as removal of an enriched environment and learning new things, will results in better behaviour, learning ability and intelligence as adults.

Exposure to an enriched environment may also prevent the animal from being anxious or fearful of different stimuli.

In Scottish terriers, animals that were restricted of early experiences shows that there is a deficit in problem-solving ability and a retarding effect on intelligence at maturity. Exposure to different environments can be a learning experience in early life and can also contribute to the dog’s personality, such as emotional behaviors, fears and anxiety (Hebb, 1955).

ALSO READ: 7 Proven Ways to Calm Down A Dog (Backed by Science)

3 /Pheromones

Synthetic pheromones, such as Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP) or Adaptil, mimic the natural pheromones that mothers release during nursing. It's one of the most studied methods to help anxious dogs today.

Dog Appeasing Pheromones can be sprayed around the house or anywhere else your dog may be exhibiting anxious behavior. DAP is believed to make your dog feel safer and relaxed, resulting in very effectively relieving anxiety in dogs.

Pheromones, in general, can be used for general stress, separation anxiety, noise phobias and travel. A recent article we've published have analyzed more of the studies of dog appeasing pheromone collars for dogs and their proven effectiveness on anxiety in dogs.

In a study with 54 dogs that were afraid of fireworks, there was significant reported improvement in total fear severity scores and global fear scores (Tod et al. 2005). Some veterinary clinics use DAP in the waiting room to prevent anxiety and fear of dogs.

DAP resulted in greater relaxation of dogs in the clinic setting. In a shelter setting, DAP was effective in reducing barking and other indicators of stress in dogs (Mills et al. 2016).

4/Melatonin

Melatonin is a natural hormone that the body produced in the pineal gland that helps to control your sleep and wake cycle. Melatonin is often used to calm nerves, reduce anxiety, and facilitate deep sleep.

In an animal model, melatonin was shown to exhibit anxiolytic activity (Papp et al. 2006). In humans, an increase in melatonin secretion is associated with relaxation and decreasing anxiety and insomnia. Melatonin at doses of 4 and 6 mg/kg was able to reduce anxiety elicited by injections of lipopolysaccharide (Nava et al. 2001).

The amygdala area of the brain may be involved in the beneficial effects of melatonin on anxiety. When rats were administered melatonin in the amygdala, animals decreased behaviors of anxiety; however, spatial memory performance was negative affected (Karakas et al. 2011).

5/Anti-anxiety Medications

Anti-anxiety medications are drugs that are useful for alleviating symptoms of anxiety, and are typically used in combination with other types of therapy, including counter-conditioning and desensitization.

Some commonly used anti-anxiety medications for dogs include:

Alprazolam (Xanax): These are typically used for dogs with noise phobias, and can reduce signs of anxiety, such as panting, pacing, trembling, hiding, excessive salivation, destructiveness, excessive barking, and self-trauma when given at a dosage of 0.02mg/kg 1 hour before an anticipated storm (Crowell-Davis et al. 2003).

Clonazapam (Klonopin): Can be used to relieve anxiety in dogs as well as seizure control (at higher doses) (Crowell-Davis et al. 2008).

Diazepam (Valium): 24% of owners that use diazepam to decrease fear and relieve anxiety in dogs during thunderstorms reported Valium was effective (Herron et al. 2008). However, some negative side effects of Valium include sedation, increased appetite, agitation, and aggression.

Clomipramine: Separation anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and noise phobia was effectively controlled with the use of another anti-anxiety medication called clomipramine (Seksel et al. 2001).

Trazodone hydrochloride: Enhances behavioral calming and relieves anxiety in dogs when administered daily or on an as-needed basis (Gruen et al. 2008).

6/Diet

If your dog’s diet consists mainly of junk food, he may become hyperactive or anxious. Although not a lot of studies have looked at this relationship, a study of 4,000 children in the UK showed that diets high in junk food intake was associated with an increased level of hyperactivity by the age of 7 years old and were likely to fall in the top 33% of the hyperactivity scale (Wiles et al. 2007).

In contrast, including polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as Omega-3 and Omega-6, can improve symptoms and help to relive anxiety in dogs, including appetite, mood, poor sleep, attention, focus and fatigue (Yehuda et al. 2013).

7/Bach Flower Remedies

Bach flower remedies are a mixture of water, brandy and dilutions of flower materials, including chicory, heather, red chestnut, and honeysuckle, that was originally developed by a renowned homeopath named Edward Bach. It was thought that the flower petals have healing properties.

An example of a marketed Bach flower remedy is a product called Rescue Remedy, which contains five flowers. In a double-blind clinical trial, Rescue Remedy was shown to decrease measurements of anxiety (Halberstein et al. 2007). Although no formal experiments have been conducted on these herbal drops in animals, some dog owners attest to their ability to reduce anxiety.

INTERVIEW: How To Deal with Separation Anxiety in Dogs

8/Skullcap

Skullcap is a powerful medicinal herb that is grown in eastern North America and has been traditionally used to alleviate nervous tension, exhaustion, as well as to promote relaxation (Brock et al. 2014). Results from preliminary clinical research and in vitro studies are promising for the potential use of skullcap for anxiety and anxiety-related disorders (Brock et al. 2010).

Skullcap is used to treat a wide range of nervous conditions, including insomnia, hysteria, and withdrawal. It can also help to relive anxiety in dogs and humans.

9/Valerian

Valerian, like skullcap, is an herb that has traditionally been used to treat insomnia, stress and anxiety. In a study comparing the effects of valerian to anti-anxiety medications, they were comparable in relieving anxiety (Shahinfar et al. 2016). Because valerian is a natural herb, it may be more beneficial to use instead of chemical medications to relieve anxiety in dogs.

However, Pet Remedy, a product containing Valerian, vetiver, basil and sage, and applied via a spray, was shown to not reduce the stress response in dogs (Taylor et al. 2016). This indicates that further research on valerian's ability to relieve anxiety in dogs is necessary.

10/ Zylkene

Zylkene is a natural remedy that helps to relax and calm your pets, particularly in stressful situations, such as thunderstorms and a clinic environment. The active ingredient in zylkene is a refined protein that is typically found in milk that stimulates receptors in the brain.

Numerous studies have looked the effects of Zylkene.

Zylkene was effective in:

Reducing compulsive behavior (Beata et al. 2007)

Reducing fear-related aggression (Beata et al. 2007)

Reducing fear towards unfamiliar humans (Araujo et al. 2010)

Reducing fear of loud noises and overall anxiety (Mojarrady, 2013)

Anxiety in dogs may seem innocuous at first, but the cascade of emotions and actions that come after can have massive repercussions not only for the health of the dog, but also the health of the relationship with its owner(s). Thanks to medicines helping in treating anxiety in humans, combined with some canine specific solutions, treatments now exist to ease the stress and relieve anxiety in dogs.

[bigbangarkha]

5 Top Dog Food Brands in 2020

This top dog food brands list has only dry dog foods (grain-free and well-balanced) varieties.

For these dog food reviews and ratings, we've used adult dog food recipes/formulas. If you're feeding a puppy or senior dog, simply pick their puppy/senior formula, since they rank closely in rating.

5 Top Dog Food Brands in 2020 :

1: Merrick Chicken Sweet Potato Recipe

Find it on Amazon ($47.99) Find it on Chewy ($47.99)

Dry matter content:

Protein: 43%

Fat: 19%

Carbohydrates: 30%

Fiber: 3.9%

Calories: 381 kcal/cup

Description: Merrick Grain Free dog food ranks high on the list of top dog food brands as it fits most of our ranking criteria, with high quality ingredients and little to no controversial items on the list. Depending on the formula you pick, the first ingredient will always be real protein source (chicken, lamb, duck, buffalo, etc.) Some healthy additives like a balance of omega-3s and omega-6s with additional glucosamine and chondroitin makes this a decent choice

2 :  Nature’s Variety Instinct

Find it on Amazon ($59.99) Find it on Chewy ($59.99

Dry matter content:

Protein: 39%

Fat: 22%

Carbohydrates: 31%

Fiber: 3.9%

Calories: 499 kcal/cup

Description: Nature's Variety Instinct Grain Free dog food formula is yet another high quality brand that's a popular choice among pet owners who understand the importance of using different criteria for vetting their top dog food brands. The company is known for producing great quality pet food always with added omega-3 and omega-6, vitamins and minerals and never artificial preservatives, colors or flavorings. The ratio of high amount of protein and ultra-low amount of carbohydrates makes this a perfect grain free choice.

3 :Taste of the Wild High Prairie Canine

Find it on Amazon ($48.99) Find it on Chewy ($48.99)

Dry matter content:

Protein: 32%

Fat: 17%

Carbohydrates: 43%

Fiber: 5.6%

Calories: 370 kcal/cup

Description: Taste of the Wild dry dog food is arguably the most popular top dog food brand on the market today. They use a simple formula that closely follows (yet not to the extreme) the ancestral diet of dogs, and prioritize high protein and extremely low carbohydrate recipes. Their Bison and Venison formula is the most well-known that contains high quality protein source as the first ingredient, with the rest of the food supplemented with low calorie healthy additions such as vegetables and fruits.

4 :Wellness Core Natural Grain Free

Find it on Amazon ($67.99) Find it on Chewy ($67.99)

Dry matter content:

Protein: 38%

Fat: 13%

Carbohydrates: 41%

Fiber: 6.7%

Calories: 421 kcal/cup

Description: Wellness Core Natural Grain Free dry dog food is another extremely popular brand that hasn't been poisoned by the multinational corporations gobbling up natural dog food manufacturers that still care about producing high quality dog foods. It ranks high on our top dog food brands list due to its continued dedication and promise to provide reduced fat, low carbohydrate and high amount of good quality protein pet foods. Always made in the USA, this is never a bad choice as long as your dog loves the taste.

5:Canidae Grain Free PURE

Find it on Amazon ($64.99) Find it on Chewy ($64.99)

Dry matter content:

Protein: 33%

Fat: 13%

Carbohydrates: 45%

Fiber: 4.4%

Calories: 509 kcal/cup

Description: Canidae Grain Free Pure dry dog food formula has been around for a while but deserves a lot more attention that it has received to date. This company similar to the other top dog food brands I've mentioned above follows a very simplistic formula to manufacture pet food with high quality protein sources, no additives or unnecessary carbohydrate fillings, with an addition of vital vitamins and minerals. Their PURE recipe is especially great for dogs with sensitive stomachs and is one of the most popular choices.

[bigbangarkha]

14 Most Healthy Homemade Dog Food Recipes

1. Turkey, Rice and Greens Dog Food

Ingredients:

3 lb. ground turkey

1 Tbsp. olive oil

2 shredded carrots

3 cups chopped spinach

½ cup peas

1 ½ cups rice

1 shredded zucchini

Directions:

Cook the rice according to package directions, as you have to do with a few of the other healthy homemade dog food recipes on this list. Heat the oil in a large pot and brown the turkey. Crumble the cooked turkey, then stir all ingredients together. Cook the food until the spinach is wilted and the mixture is heated through. Cool before serving.

2. Tapioca and Egg Dog Food

Ingredients:

3 whole chicken eggs

Calcium carbonate dosed as directed.

1 Tbsp. chicken fat

2 cups cooked tapioca

Multi-vitamin and mineral tab. dosed as directed.

Directions:

Hard boil the eggs and allow them to cool completely. Add the chicken fat to a skillet and combine all ingredients while heating. Dice the hard boiled eggs, and add them to the pan. Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Allow to cool completely before serving.

3. Salmon and Broccoli Dog Food

Ingredients:

2 portions salmon with skin

1 head broccoli

3 potatoes

2 carrots

1 squash

2 Tbsp. olive oil

Directions:

Chop your broccoli, squash and carrots and steam until cooked. Shave potatoes and bake in the oven until cooked through. Cook salmon in 1 tbsp. olive oil in a skillet. Once everything is cooked, allow it to cool and mix together well before feeding

4. Beef, Beans and Veggies Dog Food

Ingredients:

2 ½ lbs. ground beef

1 ½ cups rice

1 ½ cups squashed diced

15 oz. drained/rinsed canned kidney beans

½ cup peas

1 ½ cups carrots chopped

Directions:

Add all ingredients and 4 cups of water to a slow cooker. Stir. Cover and cook on low heat for 6 hours, stirring periodically. Turn off the heat and stir. Let cool completely before serving.

5. Meat Muttfins for Dogs

Ingredients:

1lb ground beef

1 ½ cups rice

1 ½ cup rolled oats

8 eggs

2 grated potatoes

2 chopped celery stalks

4 grated carrots

½ cup olive oil

3 cups water

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400 ˚F and grease 36 muffin cups. Add rice and water to a saucepan and cook according to package directions. Let rice cool completely. Mix together carrots, potatoes, beef, celery, and eggs and stir well. Add the other ingredients and mix. Spoon mixture into muffin cups and cook for 45 minutes or until cooked through. Allow to cool before serving.

WATCH: Grain Free Homemade Dog Food

6. Muttloaf Dog Food Recipe

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef (lean is best)

½ cup cottage cheese

1 ½ cups rolled oats

2 eggs

1 ½ cups shredded mixed vegetables

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350˚F. Using your hands, combine all the ingredients together in a large mixing bowl. Grease a loaf pan and gently press the ingredients into the pan. Bake for 40 minutes. Cool then slice before serving.

7. Chicken Cake for Dogs

Ingredients:

2 lb. minced chicken

1 cup rice

1 egg

1 apple

½ cup corn

½ cup peas

½ cup carrots

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 340˚F. Cook the peas, carrots and corn on the stove until tender. Peel the apple and chop. Cook rice according to package directions. Use a potato masher to mash the vegetables. Add the egg to the vegetables WITH shell and mash completely.

Mix the chicken apple together in a clean bowl and combine thoroughly. Add cooked rice to the vegetable mix. Grease cake pan and layer half the chicken mix in the bottom of the pan.

Layer 2/3 of the vegetable mixture over the chicken. Use the leftover chicken to make another layer. Top the “cake” with the leftover vegetable mix. Cook for 35 min or until cooked through. Cool before slicing and serving.

SIMILAR: Best Homemade Dog Food Recipe with Chicken and Rice

8. Salmon Scramble for Dogs

Ingredients:

3 oz. cooked skinless, boneless salmon

2 eggs

½ cup chopped spinach

1 tsp olive oil

Directions:

Heat the olive oil in a skillet. Cook salmon and spinach in the skillet until heated. Break eggs into the skillet and stir while cooking for 2 mins. Mix together, remove from heat and allow to cool before serving.

9. Chicken and Greens Skillet Dog Food

Ingredients:

1 lb. chicken breast sliced.

1 cup quinoa

3 handfuls green beans

3 cups chopped kale

2 zucchinis chopped

Directions:

Cook the quinoa according to package directions then set aside to cool. Add chicken slices to a skillet and cook until browned. Add vegetables to the skillet and stir. Mix in the cooked quinoa. Allow to cool completely before serving. This is one of the simplest healthy homemade dog food recipes to prepare.

10. Turkey Egg Meatloaf for Dogs

Ingredients:

ground turkey

½ cup rolled oats

3 hard-boiled eggs

2 raw eggs

½ cup peas

½ cup chopped carrots

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350˚F. Combine the carrots, turkey, and peas in a bowl and mix well. Stir in the raw egg and oats and mix with your hands to get a loaf like mixture. Grease a loaf pan and spoon half the ingredients into the pan. Add the hard boiled eggs on the center-line of the pan then cover with remaining ingredients. Cook for 45 minutes or until cooked through. Cool completely before slicing.

11. Chicken and Rice for Tummy Aches

Ingredients:

2lb. ground chicken

2 cups cooked rice

2 eggs

1/3 cup low sodium chicken broth

3 peeled, diced carrots

¼ cup canned butternut squash

1 Tbsp. ground flaxseed

Directions:

Cook chicken thoroughly in a skillet. Drain chicken fat and set aside. Blend eggs in a blender with shell then stir into the chicken. Cook chicken and egg mix until cooked through.

Add 2/3 cup chicken mixture, 2 tbsp. carrots, 1/3 cup rice and 1/3 cup chicken broth to blender and puree. Mix leftover chicken with carrots and rice in a large bowl. Stir in puree until combined thoroughly. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper and spoon out round portions. Allow to cool completely before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.

12. Beef and Liver Homemade Dog Food

Ingredients:

8 oz. ground beef

3 oz. finely chopped liver

4 cups rice

2 beaten eggs

2 cups chopped mixed vegetables

9 cups water

¼ cup rolled oats

2 Tbsp. chopped parsley

½ cup milk

3 Tbsp. olive oil

Directions:

Add the water, rice and oats to a large saucepan and bring to boil. Stir in the remaining ingredients and reduce heat to low. Cook 20 mins or until water has absorbed completely. Spread the mixture in a container to cool. Once cool, cut into servings and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.

SIMILAR: Homemade Ground Beef Dog Food Recipe

13. Healthy Thanksgiving Dinner for Dogs

Ingredients:

½ cup cooked diced white meat turkey (NEVER use deli meats)

½ cup plain mashed potato

2 whole eggs

½ cup steamed vegetables of your choice

Directions:

Heat a small amount of olive oil in a saucepan. Whisk egg into the mashed potatoes. Stir potatoes, veggies, and turkey together to mix. Cook in the pan while stirring until eggs are cooked thoroughly. Cool thoroughly before serving.

14. Homemade Winter Stew for Dogs

Ingredients:

l beef stew meat

1 sweet potato

1 potato

½ cup chopped carrots

½ cup flour

½ cup water

1 Tbsp. olive oil

Directions:

Peel the potatoes and cut into chunks. Bake the potato chunks until firm but tender. Heat the oil in a large skillet and cook beef through. Set cooked beef aside and add the water and flour to the skillet. Stir while heating until you get a gravy. Mix in the rest of your ingredients into your gravy and cook until heated through. Allow to cool before serving.

[bigbangarkha]

Vegan Dog Food, 6 Tips to Get Your Dog Started on Vegetarian Dog Food

If you are looking for good vegetarian dog food tips to keep your dog healthy, l have here 6 tips to get your dog started on vegetarian dog food.

There are a lot people who are starting to feed their dogs vegetarian diets. Curiously enough, most people do not really understand that dogs are not genuinely true carnivores, merely they’re in reality omnivores. Thus, this means that your dog actually can get along without getting meat as a part of their diet. Nevertheless, if you desire to start your dog on vegetarian dog food, you will want to do it cautiously. Thus, if you’re ready and waiting to take your dog down the vegan route, the following are some tips that will assist you to do so.

Vegan Dog Food, 6 Tips to Get Your Dog Started on Vegetarian Dog Food

Tip #1

Read Books – Foremost, if you wish your dog to begin consuming vegetarian dog food as a part of a vegan diet, then you need to start out by doing some reading. Reading books is a way to do some inquiry and the web could be very helpful likewise. Read up on foods for dogs that are healthy and find out more about vegetarian diets for dogs. Then you will know more about what your dog requires and learn how to easily bring them over to a vegetarian diet.

Tip #2

Test Your Dog’s Urine – If you are starting your dog on a vegetarian diet, you’ll want to have your dog’s urine examined regularly. You’ll be able to do this at home; nevertheless, you may get better results if you have your veterinarian perform this test. When your dog eats vegetarian dog food, it can turn the dog’s urine a little bit more alkaline, which could make your dog more susceptible to urinary tract infections. Therefore, keep an eye on on your dog in order to prevent this from occurring.

Tip #3

Get a superior Quality Vegetarian Dog Food – If you’re going to start out your dog on vegetarian dog food, you want to be sure that you only choose a high caliber dog food that’s from a quality company. Whilst you can make your dog’s meals at home, it’s less complicated to buy a good vegetarian dog food. Check out the food and read reviews on the food prior to you buying it and then you can make sure that it will do a good job for your dog and give him with the whole nutrition that he requires.

Tip #4

Make Sure that Your Dog Gets Amino Acids and Vitamins – Another thing you would need to do, if you would like to get your dog on a vegetarian diet, is to be sure that he gets all the amino acids that he requires, besides the vitamins that are needed too. Particularly be sure that your dog is receiving enough vitamin B12. This makes it particularly important to become very well-educated in the nourishment that your dog needs in order to be healthy.

Tip #5

Consult with a veterinarian – Prior to you make up your mind to put your dog on a veggie diet that includes vegetarian dog food, take the time to consult with your dog’s veterinarian. There may be a few serious consequences to making this alteration overly fast, and your veterinarian can provide you with some guidelines that will be helpful as you make the switch. They can as well give you a good idea of how to keep your dog’s diet supplemented in order that they get all of the nutrients they require in their diet.

Tip #6

Supplement the Diet – You might want to as well supplement your dog’s diet with some doggie biscuits and treats as well. There is an assortment of vegetarian dog cookies and treats that you’ll be able to buy to give to your dog. These will provide them with even more nutrition and help to keep your dog healthy as you start to make this huge change in his diet.

If you plan on starting your dog on a vegetarian diet in the upcoming future, it’s important that you keep these tips in mind. For certain, vegetarian dog food could comprise an outstanding alternative for your dog, merely the switch needs to be done slowly. Been careful when doing the change and keeping your dogs’ well being in mind will help keep your dog content and healthy during this big modification in his nutritional habits.

[bigbangarkha]

9 Vet Approved Homemade Dog Food Recipes for a Thriving Pup

#1.  

Massachusetts' MSCPA-Angell Animal Medical Center Recipe

This recipe is versatile and scalable. You can use a wide variety of ingredients, as long as they're safe for canines. The following recipe is portioned for a 15-pound dog. You can easily modify the ingredient amounts to match your pup's weight.

Ingredients

3 Ounces of a cooked protein

1 and 1/3 cups of a cooked carbohydrate. - oatmeal, brown rice, sweet potato, or more.

1 Tablespoon of vegetables

1 to 2 Tablespoons of fat source, such as olive oil or vegetable oil

Directions

Simply combine the ingredients and you're done! Before you feed your dog, make sure the food is completely cool and safe to avoid burns. The next time you make this meal, you can try the recipe out with different ingredients. Stick with the same ratios and the meal should retain its nutritional value.

#2.  

Founder's Veterinary Clinic Recipe

Like the previous recipe, you can substitute a number of ingredients for things you have on hand. For example, you can swap out the main protein source for deboned fish and the carbohydrates for standard potatoes.

If you choose to feed your dog this food, it's recommended that you add calcium or bonemeal pattern to ensure that your dog's bones remain healthy.

Ingredients

1/4 of a pound of cooked skinless chicken

1 Cup of cooked brown rice

1 Cup of cooked brown rice

1 Tablespoon of vegetable oil

1/4 Teaspoon of potassium chloride

Directions

Once the cooked chicken and rice have cooled down, mix the various ingredients to form a mash. This recipe is portioned for a 20-pound dog. However, you can scale the ingredients amount accordingly.

#3.  

VE&CC Vets Healthy Dog Food Recipe

This recipe from VE&CC Vets is simple but balanced. Its main protein source is ground turkey. Your dog will reap the benefits of the carrots, zucchini, and spinach. Not only are they chock-full of essential vitamins and minerals, but they're also a great source of fiber.

Ingredients

1 and 1/2 cups of brown rice

1 tablespoon of olive oil

3 pounds of ground turkey

3 cups of chopped baby spinach

2 shredded carrots

1 shredded zucchini

1/2 a cup of peas

Directions

The first thing you'll need to do to make this dog food is to prepare the brown rice. Cook it in a rice cooker or on the stove according to the package instructions. Once it's finished, set it aside to cool.

Then, heat the olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook it until it's browned. This should take between 3 and 5 minutes. As it cooks, break down the turkey into a crumble.

Stir the vegetable ingredients and rice into the ground turkey. Cook this mixture for another 3 to 5 minutes. After the leafy spinach has wilted, take the pot off the heat and let it cool down completely before you serve it to your dog.

#4.  

Zoey's Favorite Fully Balanced Gourmet Dinner

Want to spoil your pooch and give them a meal that they'll love? Try out this gourmet recipe. It features many different ingredients to ensure that it's balanced. The numerous ingredients also blend well to create a delicious taste your pup won't be able to get enough of.

Ingredients

3/4 of a cup of brown rice

1 and 1/4 cup of chopped raw chicken

1/4 Cup of chopped zucchini

1/4 Cup of steamed and chopped broccoli

1/4 Cup of steamed mashed sweet potato

1 and 1/2 Teaspoons of virgin olive oil

Vitamin and mineral supplement

Enzyme supplement

Directions

The first thing you'll need to do to make this dog food is to prepare the brown rice. Cook it in a rice cooker or on the stove according to the package instructions. Once it's finished, set it aside to cool.

Then, heat the olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook it until it's browned. This should take between 3 and 5 minutes. As it cooks, break down the turkey into a crumble.

Stir the vegetable ingredients and rice into the ground turkey. Cook this mixture for another 3 to 5 minutes. After the leafy spinach has wilted, take the pot off the heat and let it cool down completely before you serve it to your dog.

#5.  

Whole Vet Pet Cooked Dog Food Recipe

This is a home-cooked meal your dog will enjoy. The following recipe is for a 20-pound dog. You can multiple or halve the ingredients to match your pup's current weight. You can also incorporate additional ingredients for nutritional supplements. These include cod oil, parsley, and mineral nut mix.

Ingredients

8 Ounces of organic ground turkey

1/4 Cup of finely grated organic vegetables

1/2 Teaspoon of organic coconut oil

1/2 Teaspoon of salmon oil

1 Teaspoon of ground raw sunflower seeds

500 Milligrams of calcium citrate

2 Tablespoons of ground turkey organs. This could be hearts, livers, or gizzards

Directions

Blanch the vegetables by lightly boiling them in water. After a few minutes in the water, remove them with a strainer and dunk them in an ice bath. This process softens the fibers while retaining a lot of the vegetable's nutritional value. Once they have cooled completely, toss them in a blender or food processor to grind them down further.

Cook the turkey and organ meat gently over medium-low heat. After the meat has turned white, allow it to cool. Then, mix together all the ingredients.

#6.  

VetCo Dog Christmas Meal

Treat your pup to a festive meal around the holidays with this recipe from VetCo. It utilizes a lot of leftover ingredients you'll find on your dining room table. The ingredients are safe for your dog. You can whip this meal up in only a few minutes and spoil your canine companion. The recipe makes a lot of food, so you'll need to portion it out based on your dog's size.

Ingredients

3 Pounds of skinless and boneless turkey meat (cooked)

1 Cup of cooked oatmeal

1 Pound of cubed sweet potatoes

2 Tablespoons of homemade cranberry sauce (with no alcohol)

4 Tablespoons of onion-free turkey gravy or olive oil

Directions

The first thing you should do is prepare the sweet potatoes. You can either boil them for 20 minutes or roast them for 45 minutes. As the potatoes are cooking, chop up the cooked turkey into small bite-sized pieces.

After the sweet potatoes are cooked and cooled, mix them with the oatmeal, cranberry sauce, and turkey meat. Then, add in your gravy or olive oil.

#7.  

DIY Slow Cooker Dog Food

Creating a balanced dog meal can be as simple as tossing some ingredients into a slow cooker. This recipe takes several hours to make, so it's best to do it overnight or when you're out for the day. You can split this meal up into several portions and pop them in the freezer for later.

Ingredients

2 and 1/2 to 3 pounds of boneless and skinless chicken (breasts and thighs)

1 Cubed sweet potato

2 sliced carrots

2 cups of frozen peas

1 large cubed apple (remove core and seeds)

1 can of drained and rinsed kidney beans

2 Tablespoons of olive oil

Directions

Place the pieces of chicken in your slow cooker and add enough water to cover them. You can add the pieces whole. They will fall apart as they cook. Add the potato, carrots, apple, and kidney beans. Set your slow cooker to the lowest setting and let the mixture cook for 8 or 9 hours.

At the end of the cooking cycle, add the frozen peas and let the mixture continue to cook for another 30 minutes. After that, drain the excess water out of the slow cooker pot.

Add the olive oil and stir it thoroughly. Then, pulverize the mixture in a food processor. Wait until the meal is completely cool to feed it to your dog.

#8.  

Homemade Beef Stew for Dogs

This beef stew recipe will produce a meal that's very similar to canned options you can get at the market. However, you'll have complete control of the ingredients. The recipe makes a meal for an 11-pound dog, but you can adjust accordingly.

Ingredients

1 Pound of ground beef (ground chicken or turkey is also acceptable)

1 Large sweet potato

1 Diced medium-sized carrot

1/2 a cup of frozen peas

Directions

Cook the beef in a large pot until it is no longer pink. Do not drain the excess fat. This a good source of fat for your dog, so you can leave it in without issues. Then, add the carrots and potatoes. Cover the vegetable and meat mixture with water and bring it up to a boil.

Once the water is boiling, turn down the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. After simmering, add the frozen peas and let the food cook for another 5 minutes or so. Wait until the food is cooled before putting it in your dog's dish.

#9.  

Walkerville Vet Dog Food Recipe

The safety and effectiveness of a raw food diet is still a point of contention among veterinary professionals. Walkerville Vet recommends the best of both worlds. This recipe is based on the raw food diet of wolves, your dog's natural ancestors. however, it also takes into account the dietary changes in domesticated dogs. It has raw meat as well as cooked carbohydrates and vegetables.

Ingredients

About 9 ounces (250 grams) of raw chopped beef or lamb

1 cup of chopped raw carrots

1 cup of chopped raw apples

1/4 cup of defrosted frozen peas

1 and 1/2 cup of chopped pumpkin or squash

2/3 cup of uncooked brown or basmati rice

4 Teaspoons of sunflower oil

4 Grams of fish oil

Nutritional supplements

Directions

First, cook the rice and pumpkin together. You should end up with approximately 3 cups of cooked rice mixed with softened pumpkin. Let these ingredients cool. Then, simply mix the rest of the ingredients with this mixture.

You can portion this food up and keep it in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.