Dog Health Care Blog

M Bauer Pulis asked:




Recently, much news was published about unsafe commercial pet foods. This news, of course, sounded an alarm among pet owners. But, unfortunately, this problem isn’t really ‘news’. It seems that incidents similar to this occur from time to time. Perhaps this is one reason more and more people are opting to ‘home cook’ for their pets. However, in order to properly home-cook for your pets, you should first have a basic knowledge of canine nutrition; and, even more importantly, a thorough knowledge of human foods that are harmful to dogs. Some foods which are safe for human consumption can be poisonous for our canine companions. E-dog-training.com has put together a list of 25 common human foods that are toxic to dogs. Of course, when in doubt, always check with your vet. Here is a list to get you started:

1. Onions (Both onions and garlic contain the toxic ingredient Thiosulphate. But onions are more of a danger. Many dog biscuits contain *small* amounts of garlic – garlic contains less of this toxin so huge amounts would need to be consumed to be toxic. And, by the way, this poison builds up the system – it can be toxic in one large dose – or with repeated consumption of small amounts.)

2. Chocolate (Chocolate contains Theobromine, a compound that is a cardiac stimulant and a diuretic. This can be fatal to dogs.)

3. Grapes (Grapes are dangerous because of an unknown substance which is toxic to dogs – affects canine’s kidneys)

4. Raisins (See above.)

5. Most Fruit Pits and Seeds (Contain Cyanogenic Glycosides resulting in cyanide poisoning – though the fruit itself is OK.)

6. Macadamia Nuts (Macadamia nuts contain an unknown substance that is toxic to dogs.)

7. Most Bones should *not* be given (especially chicken bones) because they can splinter and cause laceration of the digestive system and/or become lodged in your pet’s throat – so they also pose a choking hazard.

8. Potato Peelings and Green Potatoes (Contain Oxalates, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems.)

9. Rhubarb leaves (see above)

10. Broccoli (Broccoli is only toxic in large quantities.)

11. Green parts of Tomatoes or Green Potatoes(Contain oxalates, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems.)

12. Yeast Dough (Yeast Dough can produce gas and swell in your pet’s stomach – leading to rupture of the digestive system)

13. Coffee/Coffee Grounds and Tea ( are dangerous due to the caffeine.)

14. Beer/Wine/Alcohol of any kind (Alcohol of any kind could lead to coma or even death.)

15. Human Vitamins (Human vitamins, especially those containing iron, can cause damage to the lining of the digestive system as well as cause kidney and liver damage)

16. Moldy or Spoiled Food (though I think this goes without saying.)

17. Persimmons (Persimmons can cause intestinal blockage)

18. Raw Eggs and Raw Fish (Raw eggs and some raw fish can cause Salmonella poisoning.)

19. Salt, Baking Soda, Baking Powder (In large amounts these can cause an electrolyte imbalance – and severe electrolyte imbalances can lead to muscle spasm or even congestive heart failure.)

20. dental supplies . Mushrooms (Mushrooms may contain toxins which could cause liver and kidney damage)

21. Sugar-Free Foods (Sugar-free foods containing Xylitol have been found to cause liver failure in some dogs.)

22. Nutmeg (Nutmeg can cause tremors, seizures, and central nervous system damage.)

23. Excessive Fatty Foods (Excess fatty foods can cause Pancreatitis.)

24. Avocado (All parts of the avocado and avocado tree are toxic to dogs.)

25. Diary Products (Dairy products don’t usually pose a great danger; but many dairy product have high fat content (see number 23) – and many pets are lactose intolerant – some pets more than others. Lactose intolerance leads to gas and diarrhea; though small amounts of yogurt and cheese are usually fairly well tolerated.)

Keep these 25 toxic foods in mind when cooking for your dog. There may be other foods that your dog can not consume; so always ask your vet when you are unsure about anything concerning your pet. Green Jobs . Please visit [http://www.e-dog-training.com] for more FREE tips, advice, and canine cuisine recipes. Happy Home Cooking!



Website content

John W. Wylie asked:




Dog food is for dogs and human food is for humans, and never the twain shall meet. Unfortunately, this is a rule that many dog owners do not follow when they feed their dogs "people food" and some suffer the consequences. There are 10 foods you should never give your dog because these items are unsafe, and in some cases toxic, for the pooch.

Chocolate- this is toxic for dogs and can therefore kill them. The caffeine and several other ingredients affect the heart and nervous system of the canine. Based on the fact that caffeine is toxic, coffee and tea are also on the do-not-feed list.

Bones- bones from real animals should not be given to dogs to chew on. They can splinter when the dog bites them and these splinters enter the digestive tract, causing harm to the system.

Grapes- this can be tempting because humans view these fruits as healthy, but they are not good for dogs. Grapes contain a toxin that can damage canine kidneys or cause them to fail. Raisins are dried grapes, so these should also not be fed to dogs.

Pork- though the dog may love it, this food is not good for its digestive tract. Dogs who have consumed pork frequently develop diarrhea, a sure sign that the food is not sitting well.

Mushrooms- these have toxins in them that can put a dog into a coma and may even cause death.

Milk (as well as milk-based products)- the lactose enzyme is needed to digest milk and dogs do not have enough of this enzyme. Dogs love ice cream, but owners should resist the urge and instead purchase frozen treats sold especially for dogs.

Onions & Garlic- they both contain ingredients that can affect the dog's red blood cells. Eaten in large quantities, these items can cause the dog to become anemic.

High sugar and processed foods- dogs cannot digest these well, so they should not have them. Foods containing artificial fats and sweeteners are also harmful to canines.

Foods that are spicy or rich- these can harm a dog's stomach. A dog does not need additional spices or other added ingredients in order to enjoy its food.

Spoiled foods- do not use the dog as a trash compactor. If the item is not able to be consumed by humans and is headed for the trash, that is where it should go. Dogs can no more tolerate rotten foods than can humans.

So there it is, 10 foods you should never give your dog without expecting the pooch to become ill or develop a serious health condition. Some of these foods are more harmful than others to dogs, but each should be avoided. Doing so will save unnecessary trips to the vet and the guilt of knowing that the reason the dog is ill is because of the humans in its life.



Caffeinated Content

John W. Wylie asked:




Many pet owners like to feed their dogs scraps from the table as a little treat. In most cases, this habit will not lead to any serious health problems. However, there are some foods that a dog should absolutely never eat because they can lead to serious issues and, in some cases, even death.

Some people believe that it is a misconception that dogs cannot eat chocolate but, in truth, chocolate is actually very dangerous for dogs. The caffeine in chocolate acts as a stimulant and can cause their hearts to beat irregularly or accelerate, which can lead to seizures or cardiac arrest. Chocolate also acts as a diuretic and causes severe diarrhea and vomiting. If someone even suspects that their dog may have ingested chocolate, they should take them to an animal hospital immediately.

Another food that many people do not realize can be harmful to dogs is onions. Onions are particularly dangerous because they cause a breakdown in the red blood cells of the dog, which means that oxygen will not travel properly throughout their bodies. Symptoms can include vomiting and diarrhea, as well as loss of appetite, exhaustion and fever. If someone has fed their dog onions before and has not had a problem, they should be aware that these symptoms can develop over time if a dog continues to eat onions.

There are some dog owners who are less than responsible and think that it is funny to feed their dog alcoholic beverages such as beer. This is a terrible idea because the body of a dog is not equipped to process alcohol. As a result, dogs are very susceptible to alcohol poisoning and even a small amount of alcohol can lead to serious digestive problems or even death.

Bread dough is also a human food that can be very dangerous for a dog if they eat it. Since it is so soft, dogs usually swallow bread without chewing it and then their body heat causes it to rise. This can lead to severe bloating and vomiting. In addition, the rising action of the bread can create an alcoholic by-product which is extremely dangerous for dogs.

In most cases, it is safe for a dog owner to feed their pet scraps from their table every now and then. However, they should be aware of what they are feeding their dog and the effect that it will have on their bodies. An occasional treat is fine, but there are some human foods that can have serious and potentially fatal effects on a beloved pet.



people food that dogs can eat

Brenda Jean Martin asked:




What kind and how much? What are you feeding your dog now? Would you eat it? Does it taste good and have a good smell? Is it glossy nuggets or crumbly pieces?

Today there are so many dog foods on the market. So many people say "don't feed that; it has corn or other filler in it". "Feed this; "it's all natural with no fillers in it" and so on.

Well I know for a fact there is something like a dog food that is too good for dogs, meaning it's too full of vegetables and/or human grade meat. God created dogs, not to eat human food, but to eat the bones, skin, and innards of animals that most people throw away. Dogs do not thrive on all human grade food. But don't go out and buy the cheapest dog food either. Some fillers in cheap dog foods are chicken feathers, beaks, and other stuff that dogs would never eat if they killed an animal themselves.

Now if the food you are feeding your dog is made by an inspected dog food company it will say chicken by-product as an ingredient if it contains chicken skin, organs, feathers, beaks and such. It's a shame, because skin and organs are a must in a good dog food, where as feathers and beaks should NEVER be found in any food.

So before purchasing food for your dog visit their web site, Google it to see its reviews and talk to people who have fed it. Another factor to consider when purchasing dog food is how long was the food made before it was put on the shelf for sale? Does it have more than 1 year expiration date? The best dog food is made after its been ordered, has more then 1 year until it expires. Most dry dog kibble found in grocery stores and other stores are made quickly on high heat and in huge amounts so that a profit can be made quickly. The best grade food is cooked slowly at a milder temperature conserving the nutritional value and taste. If you feed your dog a good kibble such as Eagle Pack that contains nutritious skin and organs, but does not contain feathers and other bad fillers, you can expect less allergies, less skin problems, a good appetite and less vet bills.

But don't just feed your dog dry kibble, feed him a raw beef femur bone from a butcher from time to time. If your dog lives in the house, put the bone in a Ziploc bag in the freezer and get it out just when your dog needs something to chew on or play with, then put it back in the freezer. For a puppy this feels really good when they are getting new teeth.

Most articles are paid to be written by dog food companies to write what they want people to think, not actual facts. This article was not paid by a dog food company, but comes from a personal experience. Find puppies for sale at puppytrader.com



Create a video blog

Karen Edwards asked:




Most dog owners, old or new make the common mistake of not knowing the dangers that lurk behind the human food they hand over. There are certain foods to avoid feeding your dog. Note that the items on the list should not be taken for granted as some dog foods contain such ingredients.

1. Chocolate, as tempted as you are to hand that luscious bit of heaven on your fingertips to Spot, STOP!! Chocolate tops the list of foods to avoid feeding your dog. Chocolate makes our canine friend's heart rate irregular. To be safe always read the label of products you intend to feed you pet. It is unlikely but then again it doesn't hurt to check dog foods to avoid any form of cacao in their diet.

2. Caffeine just like chocolate is a major no, no! Chocolate caffeinated products and beverages wreck havoc to their circulatory system.

3. Avocadoes are also foods to avoid feeding your dog and many other animals. Chemical damages and imbalances causes heart, essential tissue and lung disorders. So before you redeem those dog food coupons for guacamole flavored treats say adieu and pick up some plain beef treat instead

4. Raw fish, dog is not spelt as c-a-t, it does not purr or meow. Salmon contains parasites that can hatch in your dog's digestive system once consumed and takes more than a week for the pet to exhibit any symptoms. Salmon let alone raw is an unlikely ingredient in dog foods to avoid since again fish is more of a cat thing.

5. Another unsuspecting type of foods to avoid feeding your dog is onions. It causes the breakdown of red blood cells, which then leads to an insufficient supply of oxygen and can cause organ failure.

6. Alcohol to dogs is poison even in small amounts and can lead to death. Dog foods to avoid are definitely ones that contain alcohol and it doesn't matter if it comes free from dog food coupons. Remember there isn't an AA chapter for dogs!

7. Are you a baker? Do you have a dog? Do not feed it bread dough. Dough is too soft and cannot be chewed, swallowed and it will only rest in your dog's stomach. With his body heat your dog's tummy makes an instant oven. Seriously that dough will rise and this is not the time to rise! Grab dog food coupons instead and pick up a tasty treat, it's cheaper than vet bills.

8. Raisins and grapes are bad for your dog's kidney. Dog foods to avoid would be anything named Raisin Woof Bran!

9. Macadamia nuts in any form are foods to be avoided. Check dog foods to avoid mind paralysis problems, seizures and fevers.

10. Fruits with pits get lodged in your dog's intestinal tract.

Generally foods to avoid feeding your dog are human food, and before feeding table scrap make sure that none of the above is included.



Caffeinated Content

Matthew Bandas asked:




There are plenty of foods you should never give your dog. Some foods aren't even that good for people, but dogs always seem to want what we're eating. And how can you resist that little begging face? You know, the one that practically says "pleeeeaaaasssse." But, before you give in to that K-9 companion of yours, take a look at this list and make sure you never give your dog any of these foods.

1. Chocolate. It's toxic to dogs and tops the list of foods you should never give your dog. Baking chocolate is the worst and white chocolate is the least harmful, but please avoid giving any to your dog no matter how much he begs!

2. Grapes and raisins. These can cause kidney failure. You would think that these little morsels would be okay and even fun for your dog to eat, especially grapes because they roll around and your dog can chase them, but they can also be very deadly.

3. Onions are very bad for a dog's digestive system, especially in large quantities, so please avoid them in any amount.

4. Bones. They are probably a dog's favorite thing to eat, which is why this is the most surprising of all the foods you should never give your dog. They can chew, chew, chew and then bury them and dig them up for later. But the truth is, bones can splinter and become lodged in your dog's intestines or even puncture them. Dogs can also choke on bone fragments. And it's not just chicken bones. This is true of any bones.

5. Milk and milk-based products. An enzyme called lactose is needed to digest them, but dog's don't have enough of it. Even though dogs love ice cream, it's a no-no for them.

6. Sugary and processed foods. Yeah, people eat a lot of that stuff. That's why so many humans are obese and the weight loss industry is so lucrative. Dogs don't digest these foods very well, so stick to healthy, nutritious, whole foods (it's good advice for people too!).

7. Artificial sweeteners and artificial fats are harmful to dogs. In fact, they don't really need any flavor enhancers to enjoy their food. They are happy with cooked foods just the way they are.

8. Any spicy foods or rich foods can harm your dog's stomach. And like number 7 above, your dog does not need any spices or seasonings on his food to encourage him to gobble it up!

9. And here's the last of the foods you should never give your dog. This one is hard because so many people do it. Instead of throwing food out that is going bad, many dog owners give it to their dog. Somehow it's believed that dogs can tolerate this better than people. The fact is, you're putting your dog's health at risk by giving him food that should be thrown out.

Remember these important guidelines whenever you are considering sharing your table scraps or snacks with your dog. Fortunately, there are many people foods that are good and healthy for dogs. In fact, there are many dog food and treat recipes you can make with them. Just be sure the foods you should never give your dog, which are listed above, are not in any of them.



10 “People” Foods for Dogs

Jenifer Gate asked:




Dogs are always born aggressive. It is in their nature to be so. However, if we train them well enough, they would become more tamed. It is the reflection of the owner on how obedient and disciplined their dogs are. If we want to stop our pet's aggressiveness, we should know the proper steps for training aggressive dogs. This is a job for every pet owner.

To successfully train your pets, here are the steps for training aggressive dogs:

1. Be a role model. Once we adopt a dog, they become a part of the family. We should then treat them as one. If you want your dog to respect you, then you should initiate that attitude by respecting the dog first. You need to know that the moment you choose to have a pet, a responsibility comes after that.

2. When dogs become violent, they are actually just the result of playing too rough. Dogs always like to play. If you start playing with them they will always ask for more. But if you don't want them to be aggressive, make sure that you play gently with them. If you have kids at home, tell the kids not to play rough with the dogs or they will bite them. It is all due to the excitement of the dog. Limit yourselves when playing.

3. Try bringing your dog to some of your outings. A walk in the park would be nice for the dog to have a chance of socializing. That way, he won't be too curious with other people. If the dog is seeing other people, it won't be aggressive when your friends visit your home.

4. Always have a time allotted for your dog. Pat him, cuddle with him and be with your pet. This will help your dog be at ease with you so he won't have aggression over you. Most of the time, when owners don't spend time with their dogs, the pet is usually afraid of them. This is because the relationship between them hasn't been nurtured. Dogs are very pleasurable company. They make you feel not alone. If you have a pet, you are very lucky so always spend time with them whenever you can. That will keep the both of your free of loneliness.

5. Reward your pet's obedience. All of the steps for training aggressive dogs must involve treats. If you train your dog how not to bite perhaps, you need to award his obedience with some dog treats. The dog will then understand that you love being obeyed and he can get a prize with that. That will keep him obeying your commands.

6. If your still cannot control your dog's aggression, you better seek for professional help. You can enroll your dog into some obedience training camps where both you and your dog can learn how to end his aggression. This is very helpful for new dog owners who are yet to understand how to care for their pets.

These steps for training aggressive dogs will help you and your dog have a closer bond and relationship with each other. Always value your pets who are your most loyal companions.

aggressive dogs

Suzanne Leather asked:




Puppies and separation anxiety is the most common canine behavioral problem. In fact it is believed that up to 35% of puppies and dogs suffer from Separation Anxiety, and it is also one of the main reasons for puppies and adult dogs being relinquished to animal shelters. The symptoms of puppies and separation anxiety (e.g. barking, crying, chewing, etc.) are instinctive behaviors that also occur within wild dog packs. Build A Website . The purpose of this behavior is to make sure that a pup doesn't stray too far from the pack, and that his mother can locate him easily. Domestic puppies can also display this behavior when they are separated from their owners (or in the puppy's mind their 'pack'). The causes of puppy separation anxiety can be numerous, I will list some possible causes and go into them in more detail:

The puppy being taken from its mother too early:

A puppy should not be removed from its mother until it is at least 8 weeks old. Puppies taken earlier than this do not learn about "acceptable biting" and other social skills from their mother. They also need to spend time with the rest of the litter in order for them to establish "their place" within the litters social structure. Taking a puppy too early means that they don't receive these natural socialization lessons, and it can lead to separation anxiety.

Re-homed puppies from shelters:

Puppies and dogs that have spent the majority of their time in shelters or have been re-homed before are particularly prone to separation anxiety. They have lived a life of uncertainty from being shifted around and having no control over their environment, they are confused and frustrated. So when they are finally placed in a loving home with people that love them, it is easy for the puppy or dog to become over attached to somebody.

Pack leadership issues:

It is possible that your puppy believes he is the 'Alpha' dog of his pack. tree removal nj . When you leave your house, he believes that his 'pack' has left him without his permission. To a dog that feels this dominant,that kind of behavior is extremely distressing to them and they will try anything to get to their 'pack'. What this tells us is that in this instance, the puppy's understanding of his place in the family's social structure is skewed, which causes distress when he is left alone.

Change in the owners routine or family social structure:

Dogs are very intelligent and perceptive animals. Sometimes a simple change in their owners daily routine, such as a new job can bring about separation anxiety. Another possible cause is change to the social structure of the family, for example; a child has grown and left home, another family pet has passed away, or there is a new family member.



Website content

April Toche asked:




There are many foods that we eat that we should never feed our dogs. Some are obvious, and most are things most people would never think would harm their dog. This list will tell you some of them.

1. Onions and garlic- Can damage red blood cells because they contain sulfoxides and disulfides.Can also cause anemia.

2. Persimmons- May cause enteritis and intestinal obstruction.

3. Peach and plum pits- Can cause digestive tract obstruction.

4. Raw fish- May cause loss of appetite, seizures, and may cause death if fed regularly, because raw fish causes a thiamine deficiency.

5. Sugary foods- May cause Diabetes Mellitus, dental problems, and obesity.

6. Table scraps- Never feed in large amounts. Bones should never be fed, and fat should be trimmed from meat and fed sparingly.

7. String- May become trapped in the digestive system causing it to have to be removed.

8. Salt- If fed in large quantities, can cause an electrolyte imbalance.

9. Yeast dough- Can cause pain and rupturing in the digestive system.

10. Tobacco- May result in rapid heartbeat, collapse, coma, and death, because tobacco contains nicotine.

11. Raw eggs- Raw eggs may contain Salmonella. They also contain an enzyme known as avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin.

12.Mushrooms - May contain toxins, which can affect several organ systems, cause shock and even death.

13. Hops- Causes panting, fever, elevated heart rate, seizure and possibly death because of an unknown compound.

14. Spoiled food or garbage- Can contain many toxins which may cause diarrhea and vomiting.

15. Dairy products- Can result in diarrhea because adult dogs and cats do not have enough of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down the lactose in milk. There is lactose-free products available for pets.

16. Liver- If fed in large amounts, can cause Vitamin A toxicity, which affects muscles and bones.

17. Macadamia nuts- They contain an unknown toxin, and can affect the nervous system, muscles, and digestive system.

18. Vitamin supplements for people- Supplements that contain iron can cause damage to many organs and harm the lining of the digestive system.

19. Raisins and grapes- May damage the kidneys because of an unknown toxin.

20. Baby food- May contain onion powder, which can be toxic to dogs.

21. Alcoholic drinks- Can cause coma, death, and intoxication.

22. Bones from fish, poultry, and other meats- Can cause laceration and blockage of the digestive system.

23. Chocolate, coffee, tea, and other caffeine containing products- Contains theobromine, theophylline ,and caffeine, which can be toxic and affect the heart and nervous system.

24. Cat food- Usually contains too much protein and fats for dogs.

25. Citrus oil- May cause vomiting.

26. Fat trimmings- May cause pancreatitis.



10 Foods You Give Your Dog

For a family with young children the question will come up when choosing a small pet dog. You want to know if the dog will get along with the all of the family. So, before you make any decisions you need to know where to find small dogs that are good with kids and perhaps other pets you already have.

It is not a good idea to adopt a new dog when you have a new born or young toddler. You will be very busy training one small human to locate the bathroom and eat on their own that a puppy or even a full grown dog can be a little too much all at once. Puppies keep their new families up while they are growing and getting settled just as babies and young children do. Waiting until all the excitement of a new person's arrival has died down to get a new pet is usually recommended.

Pugs

Pugs are a good mix with younger passed the toddler stage. These little dogs with a big personality seem to consider children as siblings. They like to play games that involve a lot of actions, but fetching the ball might not be this little fellow's thing. He will also loyally follow the family around everywhere really getting his feelings hurt if he is left out. Children will need to be firmly taught to leave this guy alone when he is at his water or food bowl. He is easily leashed trained and housebroken.

Affenpinscher

The Affenpinscher might not be the best choice for most children. He will do well with a studious student who likes visits to the library and some playtime in the park, but while this little guy has comic side most children enjoy, he's just fragile for roughhousing and can be hard to train. An active or hot tempered child might lose their temper with this guy despite his cute monkey like furry face. The little balls of fur are also difficult to house train.

Toy Fox Terrier

Some small dogs good with kids can be hurt by them. If your child can be taught to be gentle and careful than a great playmate might be the Toy Fox Terrier. This little guy is a light weight with soulful eyes and quick energetic movements. His coat is soft and smooth and easy to care for, and he will become very protective of those he loves. He likes to play ball, and he can play the clown seeming to know when he's attracted an audience for his antics.

The downside is he can be hurt, even killed easily due to the same fragility you find in most small breeds. When you have this type of dog child must be made to understand that have to keep an eye out for him. A backpack full of books slammed down in frustration, or a slammed door can cause a serious if not fatal accident for this little sweetheart. Otherwise their health is unusually good for a small breed and a Toy Fox terrier living to 14 years or more is not that uncommon.

Conclusion

Finding a new family member is a serious commitment that needs to be taken seriously by the oldest and youngest members of the family. If a parent teaches a child how to care for a pet successfully this is a lesson that will serve this young person all their life.

By: Megan Woods

About the Author:


Caffeinated Content for WordPress