Archive for category Dog Advice

Human Foods That Can Harm Your Dog.

Posted by Animal Spirit on Tuesday, 15 September, 2009

dog eating from dogfood bag

Just because your dog will eat it or seems to like the taste, it doesn’t mean these foods are good for them. Dog also love attention, so they might eat certain foods when you feed them, but not when they see them lying on the ground. Human food can be unhealthy for dogs and even toxic. Here are some foods to avoid feeding your dog:



*chocolateChocolate (also coffee or anything with caffeine)
The chemical stimulants in these human foods are too much for your doggy’s system. They can lead to heart-irregularities, bleeding, hallucinations, seizures and death.

*Beer (the hops in beer is also harmful to dogs), alcohol, marijuana or drugs:
Can result in intoxication, heart-irregularities and death.

*Onions or garlic:garlic
Can cause anemia

*Grapes and raisins:
Can cause kidney damage.

macadamia nuts*Macadamia nuts and walnuts:
Poisonous to dogs.

*Bones – especially fish or chicken bones.
Might obstruct breathing or pierce organs.

*Fruit pips:
Can obstruct digestion. Some pips when chewed release a substance poisonous to dogs.

lollipop candy*Xylitol (A sugar-alcohol used in sugar-free gum and candy)
Might cause liver damage. But don’t give your pet a lot or sugar either because it might cause diabetes.

*Raw dough containing yeast.
It will swell up in the dog’s stomach

*Cat food
Contains too much protein and fat for a dog’s system

*Dairy milk in glass
Dogs and cats are lactose intolerant.

*Raw eggs and fish (especially salmon))
Can spread salmonella. Fish also has other parasites which are harmless to humans, but bad for dogs.

*Human medications.
Ask your vet for medicine suited to your dog.



Some people say raw meat is dangerous (salmonella etc), whilst other seem to believe that dogs should be eating raw meat, since that is what they would eat naturally

In general if you’re not sure about a human food, don’t give it to your dog. Don’t give your dog junk food. Ask the vet about human foods that are okay for dogs. Don’t give your dogs foods that are off or mouldy that you wouldn’t eat yourself.

Stick to a good quality dog food that is especially formulated to give dogs the nutrients they need. You could also look at dog food labels to see what ingredients they contain. For instance some dog foods contain rice, so you can in most cases give your dogs rice. They can also eat peanut butter, which is useful for keeping them busy. Don’t overfeed your dog. Ask your vet about proper nutrition.





Sources:  Wikipedia,    Pet education

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Ticks and Fleas. Natural Remedies

Posted by Animal Spirit on Friday, 4 September, 2009

bordercollie-shepard-dog-picture

I have been ask by a reader about natural remedies for ticks and fleas. Frontline seems to irritate their dog’s skin.

The saliva of parasites contains and ingredient that irritates the skin. Some dogs have sensitive skins and should not use strong soaps or parasite repellent or  parasite-killing products.

Personally I haven’t really used natural remedies yet but I would like to try them with my next dog. I think we and our pets could all do with fewer chemicals. When it comes to animals, natural is definitely better.

I found an ad for Eco-dust in the pet classifieds. It is organic and eco-friendly and can be used on cats and dogs and their bedding. It is also available from Eco-stuff.

A company called Vondis sells all natural pet products including, skin care products and food. A natural Khakibos remedy for parasites is available from them. They also have a Rooibos remedy to relieve itchy skin.

Lavender: a versatile natural remedy

Aloe Ferox is also recommended since it is soothing on the skin. Diluted lavender  and lemongrass oils  help to ward of both ticks and fleas. Lavender also repels mosquito and soothes the skin. Other useful essential oils are citronella, lemon, geranium and peppermint. Have a look at the essential oils labels at your health shop or pharmacy.

You can also boil fresh lemons in water,  let it cool and spray it on or put a bit of apple-cider-vinegar in the rinsing water after you bath your pet. These are probably good options to try first.

It is also suggested that your pet can ingest garlic to ward off parasites. This should how ever be giving in small doses and can be mixed into your pet’s food.

In general: Bath your pet as regularly as in recommended for the breed. Keep your pets bedding clean. Vacuum carpets regularly

If you sell natural remedies you can advertise it by placing a free ad in the classifieds.

Important Disclaimer:
Consult your veterinarian or local health shop. The information above serves merely as suggestions.


sources: mandalahealth and  PAW animal rescue

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Buying a dog (part 5)

Posted by Animal Spirit on Tuesday, 23 June, 2009

BUYING FROM A BREEDER

736631_lying_puppies


If you buy a dog from a breeder you should also be careful so that you’re not supporting puppy mills. Many registered breeders also advertise their litters in classified ads. Go to the facilities before deciding on buying a puppy.

Follow where possible the same criteria as for buying privately. Here are some tips:

  • Are the dogs and the puppies registered with your national kennel association?
  • Ask the dealer questions about the breed.
  • The dealer should also ask you questions, because if they care where
  • the puppies are going to they very likely care about their dogs.
  • Look at the living conditions of the animals.
  • Are they in proper kennels or in cages?
  • Do the dogs seem happy?
  • Do they respond to their names? Or do you get the feeling they’re just incubators?
  • Do an internet search on the breeder beforehand if you can.
  • Trust your instinct. If something appears off leave!
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Buying a dog (part4)

Posted by Animal Spirit on Monday, 22 June, 2009

BUYING FROM A PRIVATE SELLER:

puppy love

puppy love

When buying a puppy, there are some things to look out for. Is the price they ask in line with other sellers of the breed? A private seller will probably give you a better price than a breeder, but the puppies won’t necessarily be registered. When you have done your research and decided on a breed you can now start the buying process. When you go to view your potential puppy, there are some things to look out for.

Here are some tips:

  • Always go see the puppy at their premises, don’t meet them somewhere.
  • You have to see the living conditions of the dogs.
  • Take some one with you for safety and an objective opinion.
  • See all the dogs in the litter if they’re still there.
  • Ask to see the parent dogs.
  • Are they well taken care of and in good condition?
  • Do they seem to like the owners?
  • Do they have a friendly temperament?
  • Are they pets, or does it appear that owners only have the dogs for the purpose of selling puppies?
  • Are the puppies inoculated and dewormed?
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Buying a dog (part3)

Posted by Animal Spirit on Friday, 19 June, 2009

CHOOSING THE RIGHT BREED OF DOG

681494_puppy

So now you’ve decided to buy a dog, now you have to decide which breed of dog you want. Do you want to buy a specific breed or adopt whatever dog “speaks to you” at the rescue shelter? Do research on the breed. Don’t simply get the dog because it looks cute or you’ve seen it in a movie. There are some websites like  http://www.iams.com where you can fill in some questions and they’ll give you some dog breed suggestions.

Here are some questions to consider:

  • Do you want a pure breed or a “pavement special”?
  • Do you want a small, medium, large or giant breed?
  • Do you want a lazy, average or highly energetic dog?
  • How big is your yard, will it be suitable to the dog’s size and energy level?
  • Do you want a lap dog, a dog that doesn’t like to be picked up or a dog that doesn’t mind either way?
  • Will it be an inside or an outside dog?
  • Do you want a dog with long hair or short hair?
  • Does the breed need specialized grooming (a specific haircut)?
  • If you have a dog allergy in the family, is the breed of dog “hypoallergenic”?
  • If you get a highly energetic dog, will you have 1-2 hours a day to walk/exercise it?
  • If you live in a complex, does the corporate body allow big dog breeds?
  • Do you want a dog that likes living with other pets or a territorial dog that likes to live alone?
  • Will it be an inside or an outside dog?
  • Do you want an aggressive dog or a friendly dog?
  • Will the dog fit in with your life style?

Next: Buying from a private seller.

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