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Search results for: “What Dog Food For Older Dogs”

  • Have You Read This Theory on How Wolves Turned in to Dogs? It’s Pretty Wild!

    Have You Read This Theory on How Wolves Turned in to Dogs? It’s Pretty Wild!

    You may or may not know this but despite all the science and stuff that we have at our disposal, carbon dating and all that malarkey, experts still don’t actually know what, when or how wolves became dogs.

    They just know that they did. DNA studies have shown that what we’ve always suspected is true, dogs were once wolves but then something happened and they became dogs.

    We do, of course, know how dogs became breeds. We did that. For better or worse. That was all on us.

    https://i.imgur.com/4m79Zsv.jpg

    Now an interesting theory has cropped up and it goes a little something like this:

    A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away (not really, it was definitely our galaxy), some cocky wolves started to hang out in little gangs around human settlements in much the same way that teenagers hang about outside of shops once its gone dark.

    However, instead of trying to get older people to buy them booze, what these wolves were up to make much more sense. They were looking for food. Rather than eating humans, they were thinking it might be a good idea to eat what the humans were eating.

    Now geneticists think what could have happened is that one of the key differences between our dogs and their wolfy ancestors is their ability to digest and properly process carbohydrates.

    Ever seen a dog eat crisps? Well, you won’t see many wolves diving into a bag of Walkers any time soon (even if our interest in taking a dog’s diet back to basics is on the rise – raw dog food pros and cons debate anyone?).

    This is the researcher’s thesis:

    “The domestication of dogs was an important episode in the development of human civilization. The precise timing and location of this event is debated and little is known about the genetic changes that accompanied the transformation of ancient wolves into domestic dogs.

    “Here we conduct whole-genome resequencing of dogs and wolves to identify 3.8 million genetic variants used to identify 36 genomic regions that probably represent targets for selection during dog domestication. Nineteen of these regions contain genes important in brain function, eight of which belong to nervous system development pathways and potentially underlie behavioural changes central to dog domestication.

    “Ten genes with key roles in starch digestion and fat metabolism also show signals of selection. We identify candidate mutations in key genes and provide functional support for increased starch digestion in dogs relative to wolves. Our results indicate that novel adaptations allowing the early ancestors of modern dogs to thrive on a diet rich in starch, relative to the carnivorous diet of wolves, constituted a crucial step in the early domestication of dogs.”

    So let’s add two and two together and see if we can make four, or a dog.

    Wolves that were prone to eat human food were also the ones who were more willing to encroach on human territory. Far from being adversaries, the wolves learned that humans could be a useful source of food, even if it wasn’t the sort of food they were used to.

    When those human-tolerant, or who knows, maybe even human-friendly wolves learned to stay around humans, they settled there, had their own families, sent their cubs off to good schools in the area and generally started to get along great with people.

    After a while, the new wolves being produced in this environment had different digestive systems and even started their lives understanding that humans were a natural companion rather than a meal or competition for meals. Then….voila. Domesticated wolves eventually turn in to dogs.

    What do you reckon? We think it’s certainly possible.

  • 6 in 10 Dog Owners Suspect Pets of Suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

    6 in 10 Dog Owners Suspect Pets of Suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

    New research out this week claims that 6 in 10 dog owners suspect their dogs of suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Often more associated with humans than man’s best friend, SAD, also known as the winter blues is a type of depression that recurs on a seasonal basis.

    Experts believe that the less time spent outside in the sunshine during winter months can cause dogs to suffer the same symptoms as humans who have the seasonal condition – and with British dog owners admitting to walking their dogs up to 50% less in the winter months, this could lead to problems in itself.

    The research, which was commissioned by Forthglade, has revealed that of the 61% of dog owners who are concerned about their pets’ behaviour over the winter months, an increased appetite, a reluctance to go outside, low mood and lethargy are the most common signs picked up on by the pet owners.

    Almost half (44%) also told the dog food firm that they had consulted a behaviourist about concerns.

    Speaking about the findings dog behaviourist Nick Jones, said: “The long dark days of winter don’t just take a toll on the two-legged population. Our four-legged friends also feel the strain with many exhibiting symptoms that replicate the human condition Seasonal Affective Disorder.

    “Lethargy, an increased appetite, irritability and a reluctance to go outside and exercise are typical behaviours exhibited by dogs in the colder months when natural sunlight is at a minimum.

    “There are simple steps dog owners can take to help their pets. Taking walks in daylight hours is a must, and good nutrition also plays a very big part. Poor diet can be directly linked to lethargy and depression within canines. It’s more important than ever during winter months to feed your dog a healthy natural diet – comfort eating in winter is as bad for pets as it is for humans.”

    Nick offers these top tips if you are concerned about your dog suffering from Seasonal Affected Disorder:

    • During the week, when your time is limited, try placing your pet’s bed under a skylight or close to a window to help take advantage of what little light there is
    • Nutrition also plays a big part, and poor diet can be directly linked to lethargy and depression within canines
    • Play games inside the home to stimulate the dog, such as ‘find it’ games up the stairs and in rooms, indoor agility or ‘take it and leave it’ games
    • No matter the size or shape, the garden also offers a great outdoor space for your dog to get some natural sunlight
    • Feed your dog a healthy, natural diet with no artificial additives – eating poor quality dog food, or even our leftover food can increase behavioural problems and isn’t good for your dog’s overall health
  • Could This Revolutionary SmartBone Completely Transform Your Dog’s Alone Time?

    Could This Revolutionary SmartBone Completely Transform Your Dog’s Alone Time?

    Every week that goes by a new dog toy, food or accessory will be amid fanfare that it’s the most revolutionary or biggest game changer. Rarely are those claims able to stand up to serious scrutiny. This one might be different. This one really could be as game changing as products like the Kong.

    Take a look at the concept for the GoBone. Can you picture this product lighting up your dog’s life in those moments when they’re on their own?

    PulsePet, the company behind the product, opened pre-order sales for the smartbone on May 31 via the crowdfunding site Kickstarter and met its first goal in just five days. The firm says:

    The GoBone keeps dogs active with automatic, all-day entertainment while their owner is unavailable. The GoBone can also be used as an app-controlled gaming device for owners to play with their dogs in a fun, unique way when they are together. Working toward meeting its stretch funding goal, today PulsePet announced a new charitable contribution.

    https://i.imgur.com/I3JDQ8c.gif

    “As a dog owner and animal shelter volunteer, I know how much being bored and lonely can stress a dog,” says Santiago Gutierrez, CEO and founder. “When I created the GoBone, my original goal was to keep my dog Rufus entertained while he was home alone. But then I realized the GoBone could also be used to improve the bond between owners and their pets through interactive games they can play together. When we tested the GoBone initially, we did so with shelter dogs of all sizes. I saw the impact it made so donating to a local Dallas shelter just made sense as a great way to give back”

    GoBone is partnering with Dallas Animal Services and Adoption Center to donate more than $1,000 worth of GoBones to the shelter. The GoBones will help mentally stimulate the dogs and engage them in their kennels. The GoBones will also help engage volunteers under the age of 18 who are not allowed to physically interact with animals. With the GoBone App, they will be able to play with the dogs by controlling the GoBone and playing games with them from outside the kennels.

    “As the Dallas Animal Advisor Commissioner (District 1), I’ve been involved with several recently-adopted dogs from local animal shelters that were very reclusive and withdrawn,” said Chris Watts. “The GoBone provides mental and physical stimulation that brings out their personalities. Since interacting with the GoBone, they’ve become entirely different dogs.“

    Using patent-pending algorithms, the GoBone automatically adjusts its behavior based on the dog’s age, weight, breed, and play style to engage them longer and more often than other toys. For example, the GoBone moves quickly and takes sharp turns for an Aussie puppy. It slows down and takes easy turns for an older bulldog. Owners can set the GoBone on auto mode or they can schedule playtime via the GoBone App. When together, owners can choose to control the GoBone via the app, giving them more ways to play and interact with their dog.

    “The GoBone is effective for playing with and exercising animals,” said Laura Young, Dallas Dog Behaviorist and AKC certified evaluator. “ As a dog behaviorist and trainer, I also see it as an innovative training and assessment tool. The GoBone lets me observe a dog’s natural style of play and drive, which helps me custom-tailor my training techniques to the individual dog’s personality.”

    The ultra- durable exterior is replaceable so owners don’t need to buy a whole new GoBone if by chance it gets damaged. It is lightweight so pups can easily carry it around inside or outside. Owners can also customize colors and attachments as they’re introduced. The GoBone’s rechargeable battery lasts eight hours in autonomous mode and 30 minutes in freestyle (manual) mode. As many dogs may not have encountered an automated toy, the creators at GoBone have developed an introduction process to ensure even the most timid dogs gradually fall in love with the GoBone.

    https://i.imgur.com/h1AKVjS.gif

    The GoBone was designed with safety and durability in mind. All parts that come in contact with dogs are made from FDA food-grade, eco-friendly materials. Multiple hardware and software safeties are in place to keep dogs safe. The GoBone has been tested for over 1,000 hours with more than 120 dogs in homes and shelters, where it has already demonstrated its positive influence on many dogs. For shelter dogs in particular, the GoBone has helped them become more active in their pens, showing potential adopting families the dog’s true self. The PulsePet team believes so strongly in the benefit shown to shelter dogs, that in addition to providing GoBones to a local Dallas shelter, PulsePet offers two Kickstarter pledge options that allow consumers to donate a GoBone to the shelter of choice to help as many dogs as possible.

    Visit http://bit.ly/GoBone to pledge your support and save off the final retail price. For the cost of a week’s worth of doggy daycare, your best friend will enjoy all-day mental and physical exercise no matter how your day unfolds. For more information about GoBone, please visit http://www.mygobone.com.

  • Staying Safe When Walking Your Dog

    For those of us partial to a heart-warming re-homing story or the occasional cheeky Labrador video, the pet news is a regular coffee break go-to. Unfortunately for dog owners, it seems that dog thefts and malicious acts against our pets are constantly in the headlines at the moment.

    Coupled with the time of year, many of us are still walking our dogs in the hours of darkness, making those usual strolls seem a little more secluded and lonely.

    spot

    While it’s nice to think that your faithful friend will protect you if you were ever threatened, for most of us our soft, loveable pets are more likely to lick a perpetrator then growl at them. We also know that most dogs can’t resist anything edible, making recent ‘spiking’ stories (The Mirror, 28/02/16) even more worrying.

    Staying safe when out and about is a matter of keeping alert, but it helps to reinforce those key safety guidelines that we often forget to put into practise when we’re going about our daily routines. Read our top tips and add your own safety advice to the comments below.

    Tell somebody where you’re going

    Even if the rest of the house is still sound asleep when you’re heading off into the elements, send a text or write a note letting everybody what route you’ll be taking and what time you set off. It’s also worth going on a route that you regularly take with the family so everybody has a good idea of roughly where you’ll be at what time. For more information about walking alone (or working alone if you’re a professional dog walker), The Suzy Lamplugh Trust website is full of useful advice on personal safety – http://www.suzylamplugh.org/personal-safety-tips/

    It’s also worth sticking to routes where you know you’ll have phone reception if you should injure yourself on your walk or see anything which immediately causes suspicion.

    Clear your head

    For many, an early morning or evening walk is an ideal time to relax, but try not to listen to music at times when you need your wits about you. As well as potentially failing to hear oncoming traffic, it makes it easier for somebody to approach you from behind without your knowledge. Wearing things around your neck (such as head phones or placing a lead around your shoulders) also makes it easier for somebody to apply pressure to your throat. Wear a hat instead of a hood too – hoods restrict your peripheral vision, making it harder to see traffic and anybody else who might be around.

    If you’re worried about visibility in poor light, LED dog collars and fluorescent strips are widely available from pet stores. If you can, try and spread any fluorescent clothing/lighting evenly about you and your dog – this will ensure that it’s clear you’re a dog walker (as opposed to a single person or cyclist) to oncoming traffic.

    Set up a walking group

    Most dog owners get to know all the local dogs – from the bulldog around the corner to the dachshund from the park. If there’s fellow dog owners you get on with, set up a walking group with set times that suit everybody. If you live in a rural area, this may be even more essential when your usual routes become increasingly isolated in the colder months.

    Dog in woodland

    Don’t assume a boisterous dog is safe off its lead

    If your dog is unpredictable around other dogs, don’t assume an early morning jaunt is going to mean you’re the only one about. A classic long lead will allow you to give your dog some freedom and bring him in if any other dogs come in sight.

    101

    Sadly, there have been numerous news articles of late reporting ‘spiking’ in popular dog walking spots. The Mirror and the Manchester Evening News have shared news of spiked food reports at Dovestone Reservoir (North West), Wandsworth (London) and Connah’s Quay (North Wales) in recent weeks. If anything makes you suspicious, call the local police line and report what you’ve seen. If you can try to alert other dog walkers and report your findings to the RSPCA.

    Dog Thefts

    Contrary to popular belief, it isn’t only pedigree dogs that get stolen for selling on. Criminals can target any pet where there’s a chance of a reward. When you’re out and about, always keep your dog in sight and train him to be obedient to your calls (easier said than done!). By simply calling him back and giving him some fuss and a small treat when he responds, you can soon train your dog to come running even when they’ve spotted something that really tempts them! It’s also worth making your garden secure from snoopers by fitting a bell or security light on your garden gate. It goes without saying that dogs should be micro-chipped, but the Blue Cross also suggest avoiding adding your pet’s name on their identification tag.

    This article was provided by the pet care team at Swell Pets. Specialising in dog food, bedding, healthcare and grooming, please contact our team for advice on caring for your dog – http://www.swellpets.co.uk/dog/dog-food-698.html

    screenshot-www.swellpets.co.uk 2016-03-14 11-31-12

  • When Someone is About to Die, They Want Their Dog to be Close

    When Someone is About to Die, They Want Their Dog to be Close

    Many people consider their pets as part of the family. When a person is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, the challenges and stress from the illness become the priority, and a pet may be overlooked. A program called Pet Peace of Mind is helping families alleviate the stress of caring for a pet while dealing with an end of life situation.

    "I know of countless numbers of older adults – widows and widowers, veterans, those living with chronic illnesses and those on hospice care – who have said that their pet is their lifeline," says Dianne McGill, President of Pet Peace of Mind.

    Pet Peace of Mind has helped thousands of people with pet care needs and preserves the bond that exists between hospice patients and their pets through the patient’s end-of-life journey.

    Non-profit hospice programs can apply to become a Pet Peace of Mind program partner. If awarded, the organization is given the education and tools necessary to run a successful program.

    Pet Peace of Mind is the focus of the newest video from the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization’s public awareness campaign, "Moments of Life: Made Possible by Hospice."

    Cornerstone Hospice patient Donna Sarner – featured in the video – is 68 years-old and lives in a small, rural town in Central Florida. She has late-stage cancer, which causes her a great deal of pain throughout her back, abdomen and legs, and limits her ability to care for her dogs, cats, and various other animals around her property.

    The Pet Peace of Mind volunteers at Cornerstone Hospice are helping Sarner by delivering dog and cat food regularly and transporting her dogs to the veterinarian for vaccinations and medication.

    "Along with caring for the dogs, our program arranged to have the stray cats she feeds spayed, neutered, and vaccinated," says Kristine Murtz, volunteer services manager and Pet Peace of Mind program coordinator at Cornerstone Hospice.

    Sarner is adamant about keeping at least one of her four dogs by her side, and grateful that the Pet Peace of Mind volunteers are committed to making that happen. "She understands that it may not be realistic to have the three large dogs with her until the end, and we are already looking for loving homes for them," says Murtz.

    The "Moments of Life" public awareness campaign, launched by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, features stories from hospices and palliative care programs across the United States of patients and families experiencing hospice and palliative care first hand.

    https://youtu.be/5LQ_m2aZXKQ

  • These 10 Dogs Would Love a Home to Call Their Own for the New Year – Could It Be With You?

    These 10 Dogs Would Love a Home to Call Their Own for the New Year – Could It Be With You?

    As another year draws to a close, the UK’s animal rescue and charity system has experienced yet another rise in dogs being abandoned and taken into care, according to the UK’s largest dog adoption site, www.dogsblog.com.

    But there is hope for the dogs currently sitting in kennels and foster homes across the UK, and that’s the hope that someone out there is looking for a dog just like them.

    Here are 10 dogs who are looking for a loving new home to call their own in 2016, could it be with you? If you know someone who’s thinking of getting a dog please do share far and wide. Your share could be the one which helps their dream of a forever home come to life.

    Meet Benny!

    Benny’s a beautiful 3 year old brawny, active Staffie boy who has spent over a year in rescue waiting for a new home to call his own.

    We are confident that with lashings of TLC, some encouragement and patience a true friend and great pet is waiting underneath his sometimes nervous exterior. Once on his walk, Benny enjoys taking in the air and keeps a cracking pace comfortable with human company and would be best suited to experienced owners who can work with him and in an environment with older children.

    Find out more about him here: http://www.dogsblog.com/benny-38/

    Meet Ripple!

    Ripple is 1 year old and a English Springer Spaniel cross who is as fun loving as she is gorgeous. She has long legs and doesn’t really act like a Spaniel so could have some sighthound in her.

    We are looking for a calm home that can continue with her training. She can get very excitable around children, so we are looking for an adult only home or a family with teenage children.

    Could she be the ripple to your raspberry?

    Find out more about her here: http://www.dogsblog.com/ripple-5/

    Meet Norman!

    Norman is a 7 month old Doberman boy who’s legs clearly belong to another bigger dog or possibly a giraffe! He is going to be a big boy and this should definitely be something to consider.

    A fan of the Christmas jumper trend, we are looking for a home that already has a resident dog to show Norman the ropes and continue his love of doggy company and is fine with cats. He can live with children over 7 years old as he is still a goofball puppy.

    Find out more about him here: http://www.dogsblog.com/norman-17/

    Meet Precious!

    Precious is a 3 year old small, female Chihuahua cross Shih Tzu. She’s a girl of few words who’s looking for a home with lots of cuddles and in return she’ll repay you with bucket loads of love.

    Being so small, she’s looking for a home without larger dogs and would be best suited in a home without small furries.

    Find out more about her here: http://www.dogsblog.com/precious-5/

    Meet Sherman!

    Sherman is an adorable 14 year old Parson Russell Terrier boy who is in an Oldies Club foster home in Lincoln, waiting for someone to offer him a permanent home. He would make a wonderful companion for an older person who he can snuggle up with, once he trusts them. Life is very much on Sherman’s terms (and who can blame him!).

    Sherman’s favourite pastimes: Eating and sleeping, with occasional bursts of energy playing with his fosterer’s little Yorkie. He also likes squeaky toys, but they don’t last long.

    Sherman has been good with his foster carer’s grandchildren aged 10+. He should be fine to live with sensible older children who will allow Sherman to do his own thing.

    Find out more about him here: http://www.dogsblog.com/sherman-4/

    Meet Alice!

    Pretty Alice is a friendly and happy young medium sized tan and white 13 month old Podenco girl, with a cheeky loving character. A very lovely girl and standing about as big as a Springer Spaniel. She was abandoned in a box on the pavement outside a shop at only 4 weeks of age.

    She is very intelligent, and learns quickly and would easily take to obedience or agility. She has a comical air about her and she keeps her foster carers laughing with her antics. Alice loves her cuddles as you can see and is fine with other dogs but isn’t keen on cats (sorry cats!).

    Find out more about her here: http://www.dogsblog.com/alice-32/

    Meet Badger & Bowen!

    Badger and Bowen are two 10 month old Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross Sharpei’s brothers who are looking for a loving new home together. This beautiful double act have come into the Leicester centre as their owner could no longer care for them.

    They are medium sized, neutered dogs and such happy souls, full of spirit and can’t wait to get back into a home and a routine. They are very friendly, a little too enthusiastic sometimes but are just eager to love everyone they meet!

    They LOVE to play and would need a supply of non-destructive toys to enjoy and an active new home where they could continue their adventures together meeting new people and other dogs along the way.

    Find out more about the boys here: http://www.dogsblog.com/badger-bowen/

    Meet Cinnamon!

    Cinnamon is a gorgeous 6 month old female Lurcher cross with a Collie (we think). She is a wonderful, friendly, playful girl and all she wants to do is play, cuddle, run, play some more.

    She’s a fantastic all rounder, great with everyone and other dogs. What a super personality lovely Cinnamon has. Everybody who’s met her loves her – could she be the one for you?

    Find out more about her here: http://www.dogsblog.com/cinnamon-2/

    Meet Milo!

    Milo is a one year old standard Chihuahua, who is being fostered in South Wales but can be rehomed to the right home anywhere in the UK.

    Milo is large for his breed and there is potential that he has some terrier in him, but we are not 100% sure of this. He’s a gorgeous boy, who’s also a handful having no real manners and little socialisation until arriving in rescue. But he is young and so can be taught while he grows, and he’ll repay you in spades for all you teach.

    Milo is very active and loves going out for his daily walks and can walk for miles and miles. In the evening he is contented to curl up on a lap or sofa to watch TV with his humans.

    Find out more about him here: http://www.dogsblog.com/milo-159/

    Meet Holly!

    Holly is the most beautiful girl with ears almost as big as her personality, she’s just super. She is the most beautiful, obedient, Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross French Bulldog and we think she’s approximately 5 years old.

    She came to us from the council pound as an unclaimed stray, she was due to be put to sleep and so we took her in, as such we have no previous history for her.

    In foster care she is impressing everyone she meets, she is always on your lap wanting cuddles. She is fantastic on and off the lead, brilliant with other dogs but untested with cats.

    She is not food aggressive and will not steal other dogs food. She enjoys a good play session with a ball and is eager to please.

    Find out more about her: http://www.dogsblog.com/holly-153/

     

    You can find many more dogs of different ages and breeds all looking for a loving new forever home online at www.dogsblog.com

    #bring joy, adopt a dog!

     

  • Dog Owners Need to Beware of this Autumn Danger – Acorns

    Dog Owners Need to Beware of this Autumn Danger – Acorns

    An acorn poisoning warning has been issued to animal owners by the RSPCA who are urging farmers, smallholders, and dog owners to be aware of the signs and symptoms of acorn poisoning.

    Acorns fall from oak trees between September and November and are an important source of food for many birds and some mammals, such as squirrels, but for many animals – including our beloved pets and livestock – they are extremely poisonous, and because of climate change they are set to ripen 10-13 days earlier.

    Why acorns are poisonous to dogs

    Many animals are susceptible to Quercus – or oak bud/acorn – poisoning, but cattle and sheep are affected most often. However, horses and dogs can become very ill if they consume acorns or oak leaves.

    Most species of oak are considered toxic. If animals eat young oak leaves, during the spring, or acorns, during the autumn, symptoms of poisoning can begin to display within hours or after several days. However, if you are concerned that your animal has eaten anything that could be poisonous, rather than waiting for any symptoms to appear, you should consult a veterinary surgeon immediately.

    Symptoms of acorn poisoning may vary between species, but include vomiting and diarrhoea, abdominal tenderness, depression, rapid weight loss, loss of appetite, tiredness and dehydration.

    Acorns appear to contain tannins (a type of biomolecule) which get converted to acids in the rumen, these then cause ulcerations in the digestive tract leading to bloody diarrhoea. These acids also damage the kidneys, causing them to stop working so toxins which are normally excreted in the urine build up in the body and cause problems in the brain and the rest of the body, and can ultimately result in death.

    Dogs have also been known to fall ill if they have eaten acorns

    Dr Samantha Gaines, head of the RSPCA’s companion animals department, said: “It is difficult to watch your dog’s every movement but if owners are concerned that their dog will show interest in, or eat, acorns then it would be best to find a different place to exercise their dog away from where oak trees are present or take along something really tasty like a toy or treat so that their pet can be easily distracted and recalled.”

    Although rarely reported, according to the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS), there have been some cases of severe acorn poisoning in horses. They can suffer from a range of symptoms, including colic, haemorrhagic diarrhoea, weakness, head pressing, and incoordination.

    If you are concerned your animal may have been poisoned, contact the vet and tell them when, where and how the poisoning occurred.

    Follow the vet’s advice and never attempt to treat or medicate your pet yourself. Never attempt to make your dog vomit on your own and do not use salt water.

  • Dementia in Dogs – What Are The Early Symptoms?

    Dementia in Dogs – What Are The Early Symptoms?

    If you think your elderly dog may be going senile and losing his mind, you may be right.

    Studies have shown that over one third of 11 year old dogs suffer from dementia, or canine cognitive dysfunction. By the time they reach 16 years, they are all showing some signs of this condition, writes Audrey Harvey BVSc(Hons).

    Dogs with dementia typically have memory loss, confusion and disorientation. They stare into space and wander aimlessly around your house. They forget their toilet training, and act like they’ve never had any obedience training at all. Night times can be difficult; they are often wakeful and pace the floor, which keeps you awake too. These symptoms are due to a lack of dopamine in the brain.

    old dog photo

    The characteristic behaviours associated with dementia in dogs appear slowly and progress gradually, so it’s easy to miss the early stages of this disease in your four legged family member.

    What can be done to make life easier for your old friend?

    Medication

    Drugs such as L-deprenyl can improve your dog’s condition because it makes what dopamine that is left in your dog’s brain last longer. It can take a couple of months to see any response, but over 75% of dogs showed improvement on this treatment. The earlier your dog starts taking this medication, the better his response is likely to be.

    Diet

    Antioxidants and omega fatty acids can improve your dog’s mental abilities, and positive results can be seen within 8 weeks of changing his diet. There are commercial kibbles available from your veterinarian that are specifically designed to treat dementia in dogs.

    Training and Environment

    Even though your dog is getting older, he can still learn new tricks. It’s a good idea to use hand signals as well as verbal commands so that if one of his senses fails, he can still understand what you want him to do. Use food rewards and take into account his reduced mobility when you are training him. This will help to slow the onset of dementia.

    Environmental enrichment includes such things as playdates with other dogs, and daily play time with interactive toys. These too have been shown to improve an elderly dog’s mind.

    With a little bit of effort on your part, your older dog will be better able to cope with the changes in his mental abilities. Old age isn’t an illness and dementia shouldn’t stop you enjoying the company of your canine senior citizen.

    Photo by normanack

  • How Much Fun Would Your Dog Have As A DockDog?

    Dock jumping, the World’s premier canine aquatics competition, also known as dock diving, is a sport where dogs compete in attempting to make the longest or highest distance in to a safe body of water, typically a pool set up by the event holders.

    Dock jumping events now take place all across the globe ever since the sport made its debut in 1997 at the Incredible Dog Challenge.

    Read more online at: http://www.k9magazine.com/dock-dogs

    Brought To You By Fit & Fun Dog Month, sponsored by Butcher’s Lean & Tasty, a more natural dog food brand.

    Fit & Fun Dog Month sponsored by Butchers Lean & Tasty

    ‘It’s Fun to be as Fit as a Butcher’s Dog’

  • Is My Dog Overweight?

    Is My Dog Overweight?

    Can Your Dog Pinch an Inch or Two?

    Ever met a dog with the innate ability to be self critical? A dog with an acute introspective view of him or herself? No? It’s unlikely our dogs would ever wake up on a Monday morning and question whether they’d overindulged at the weekend and needed to cut the calories in order to get down to their ideal body weight.

    By and large, we are 100% responsible for what our dogs eat. In the wild, dogs use energy to acquire food and, as nature intended it, will essentially burn just about the perfect amount of energy/calories in balance with what they consume. In domestic situations this balance can be lost.

    Twelve million UK pets are being fed too many fatty treats, including takeaways, cheese, crisps and cakes, often on a daily basis, which is fuelling the UK pet obesity epidemic. That is the finding of the biggest national pet health report conducted by leading veterinary charity, PDSA.

    is my dog overweight

    What is even more concerning, according to the animal health and welfare charity, is that 50% of owners say they think treats make their pet happy with just 2% confessing to feeling any guilt about feeding naughty treats. And with just one cube of cheese given to a medium sized dog the equivalent of us eating four shortbread biscuits, half a margherita pizza, or one and a half burgers, we need to consider what we give our pets and the potential for long-term illnesses as a result.

    The PFMA, who recently launched Weigh In Wednesday’s also claim that by keeping pets at their ideal body size, their lifespan can be extended by up to 2 years, which is huge.

    Older dogs are about twice as likely to be overweight as younger dogs. This is most commonly due to owner’s maintaining the same diet for a dog who had greatly reduced their physical output due to slowing down with age. Ask yourself this, can you eat the same food you did when you were a teenager without gaining weight? If you can, you’re one of the lucky few.

    Given the fact we know our dogs are, as a population, getting fatter, the question we should be able to regularly ask and answer is: is MY dog overweight and, if so, what can I do about it?

    Here are four quick ways to make an initial evaluation of your pet’s weight.

    Remember though, regular veterinary or maintenance examinations can give a much better, more accurate view of your pet’s weight and general condition. So many dog owners only visit the vet when their dog is due their annual check-up or is showing signs of illness or injury.

    1. Stand over your dog viewing their back-line from above. You should see a distinct indentation showing a defined waistline. Long haired dogs need to be physically examined by hand, try and feel for definition around the waist.

    2. When viewing your dog from the side, can you make out the shape of the rib cage when your dog breathes in? Again, with a long haired dog, this examination needs to be done by hand. If your dog does not have a discernible waistline from above or the side, they could be overweight, If you require further assurances speak to your vet.

    3. Look at pictures of your pet from when they were in their peak shape. Has their face changed? Is there more signs of excess skin or a rounding of the face (loss of definition)? Many a successful diet has been prompted by looking at unflattering photographs. Use photos to compare your dog’s current shape to how they looked when they were at their best. Remember, we can’t expect to maintain the health and shape from our youth but we can (and should) always seek to ensure our dogs are in the peak shape for their age, breed and life stage (here are some of the most common age-related reasons dogs can gain weight).

    4. Keep a food diary to track what your dog eats on a daily basis, and use this to help you identify the extra 1/2 biscuit here and there contributing to the problem. Download your own food diary here. During your weight loss journey, why not also download your dog his own weight loss certificate to celebrate the moment. Create your own here.

    Proof It Can Be Done!

    Mylo is a 7 year old Finnish Laphund who lost 1.7kg in 16 weeks, with a final weight of 17.8kg, the ideal weight for his breed.

    Mylo, before trialing Butcher's Lean & Tasty

    Mylo, before trialing Butcher’s Lean & Tasty

    Mylo is a very active dog, his owner, Simon first noticed him gain weight after being neutered when he became very food driven. Simon who owns other Laphund’s and looks after many dogs for other people told us “It is really easy to miss the signs of your dog being overweight but it isn’t hard to lose that excess weight – Butcher’s Lean & Tasty really does work!” stating that Mylo “is as fit as he has ever been”.

    Mylo, after trialing Butcher's Lean & Tasty

    Mylo, after trialing Butcher’s Lean & Tasty

    Choosing the right natural dog food can be a huge part of your dog’s success, like Mylo’s. Some foods, such as the variety Mylo enjoys, include less calories for a start without missing out on the nutrients your dog needs to live a happy, healthy life.

    Don’t be embarrassed to ask for help, remember that tackling the problem could give you up to two extra years with your dog. That’s got to be worth it, hasn’t it?

    Butcher’s Lean & Tasty meaty complete meals with 30% less fat is a more natural dog food, as are all of the Butcher’s products, because they contain no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives.

    Butchers-Lean-and-Tasty-dog-food-pack

    Visit the Butcher’s Pet Care website and use the tool to find the right food for your dog – butcherspetcare.co.uk

  • Help! My Dog Has Canine Osteoarthritis, Should I Change His Diet?

    Help! My Dog Has Canine Osteoarthritis, Should I Change His Diet?

    If your dog has just been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, you may be confused and worried about the effect of his condition on his enjoyment of life. Fortunately there are several things you can do to slow the progression of the disease, and keep him happy and mobile. Lifestyle changes, anti-inflammatory/anti-pain medication and nutritional supplements are the cornerstones of treating osteoarthritis.

    Lifestyle Changes

    The great thing about making lifestyle changes for your dog is that they are within your control. They are not going to be easy to make, but keep in mind that pet dogs are like toddlers in that they are largely a reflection of their parents. Managing your dog’s lifestyle is almost completely your responsibility.

    Here is what you should be focusing on:

    Weight Reduction

    This is a biggie! The target weight for an arthritic dog should be leaner than normal to ease the burden on his joints.

    Aim for a gradual reduction in weight. Numbers are your friend in this: weigh your dog regularly and chart it; initially every two weeks, then every month. Once his target weight is reached, put him on the scales quarterly or semi-annually. Similarly, use a weighing machine or a measuring cup to ensure that his food intake is regulated.

    As your dog gets older, his energy needs will reduce. If you continue to chart his weight, you should have no trouble noticing the weight gain and reacting to it.

    A weight reduction program is a lot easier to write about than to implement. You must ensure that all members of the family realise the importance of the program. Table scraps have to be few and far between; better still, eliminate them completely. Your pet will not be happy during the period that he is losing weight. But, once his weight is stabilised, he will be healthier and happier than before.

    Exercising Your Dog

    Exercise is important for your arthritic pet. Not only will it help him remain at his target weight, but regular mild exercise has been known to improve the health and mobility of the affected joints. It reduces the pain of arthritis and the progression of the disease while maintaining good muscle mass.

    The important part of any exercise program for arthritic dogs is that it is low impact.

    Try to prevent him from jumping; also, avoid asking him to repeatedly climb up and down stairs. Remember that medications could mask his pain, thus allowing him to get more vigorous than is good for him. To prevent such ‘accidents’, it is best to exercise him on a leash.

    Swimming is an excellent exercise for dogs with osteoarthritis. It encourages mobility in the joints, but without painful weight-bearing. Hydrotherapy also builds up muscle mass which helps to support the painful joint.

    Medication and Nutritional Supplements

    As well as help you with a weight loss diet, your veterinarian can prescribe pain relieving medication and suggest nutritional supplements that will make your dog feel better. Glucosamine and chondroitin are safe and effective at relieving joint pain and can be used in conjunction with prescription treatments. It’s very important that you give the correct dose of medications in the correct schedule as some drugs can have side effects. You may also want to consider other natural therapies such as acupuncture or laser treatment, which may help ease arthritic pain.

    Supleneo flex is a nutritional joint supplement, which is suitable for all breeds, sizes and ages of dog and contains the key ingredients that can improve joint health, such as glucosamine.

    In addition, Supleneo flex’s natural liver flavour means dogs love the taste, making it’s easy and fun to give them their supplement every day. It is low calorie, so you can give it to your dog, instead of a treat without worrying about weight gain.

    For further information go to www.freedomtomove.co.uk

    Conclusion

    Canine osteoarthritis is not life-threatening, but it is progressive and can make your dog extremely uncomfortable.  With your help and support, there is no reason why he cannot enjoy a happy and fun-filled life.

    [note color=”#fddda5″]For further information about canine arthritis and canine arthritis treatment, including an on-line symptom checker please go to www.freedomtomove.co.uk[/su_note]

  • 27 Amazing Dog Training Tips to Remember

    All of us dog owners can identify with that moment where our dog does something that, frankly, we really wish they wouldn’t. Millions, no, billions are spent and earned around the world as a result of dog owners who simply want their beloved canine to behave more appropriately. Here we’ve got 27 foundational dog training tips that you should memorise to your internal hard-drive (that’ll be your brain!). Each excellent in its own way, but together – these are 27 rules that any dog owner will benefit from when it comes to having better behaved, happier dog and owner. Enjoy!

    1. Concentrate on what your dog is doing right. Professional dog trainers everywhere tell their students to reward their dogs when they do something right. This “positive training” method is in contrast to training that centres on punishment. Trainers recommend that owners praise and reward their dogs with treats and affection for good behaviour instead of just scolding them for bad behaviour.

    2. Be proactive and keep your dog from behaving badly in the first place. One of the most important tips that a professional dog trainer will tell his or her students is that good behaviour is not just the responsibility of the dog. The owner must make every effort to avoid giving the dog the ability to engage in bad behaviour while they are still learning the ropes. For example, if you notice that your dog likes to chew, it’s important to make sure that everyone in the home puts their shoes behind closed closet doors to remove temptation.

    3. Stop saying NO! One of the biggest mistakes that people make when training their dogs is saying NO without giving the dog an explanation of some type. Dogs, much like children, will become confused with a simple command of NO! Here’s what you should do instead. If your dog is stealing the cat’s food, tell him NO and then gently guide him to his own food dish. Or, if your dog is chewing on a table leg tell him NO and give him rawhide or another toy on which he can chew. Once your dog begins to actually use the new behaviour, reward him with treats, toys and praise.

    4. Learn the difference between boredom and separation anxiety. It is important to determine whether your dog is misbehaving when you leave home because he is bored, or because he is experiencing a case of separation anxiety. Figuring out why your dog is engaging in bad behaviours is usually the quickest way to combat the problem. If boredom seems to be the issue, you can probably keep your dog from destroying your house during alone time by providing him a toy stuffed with treats or something else that will help exercise his mind a little. If separation anxiety is the problem, you will need to learn ways to desensitise your dog to not only your absence, but also your “preparing to leave” routine.

    5. Consider trying clicker training. Clicker training is a relatively new technique in the dog training world and involves the owner using a specific sound to indicate to their dog that a particular behaviour is acceptable or desired. The owner will repeat the “click” and then reward their dog for his or her good behaviour. The positive feedback will encourage the dog to repeat the good behaviour.

    6. Be patient, persistent and consistent. These three behaviours on the part of an owner will develop similar behaviours in a dog. Patience means that you understand that learning new behaviours may take some time and a lot of practice and repetition. Persistence means that you, as the owner, do not give up when training does not seem to be going well. Consistent means that your dog knows what to expect from you. For example, if you always say NO when your dog is misbehaving, they learn to recognise NO as a sign of disapproval. Conversely, if you only give treats for good behaviour, your dog will learn to recognise such positive feedback.

    7. Start early. As soon as you get a dog, you should begin training in some capacity. If you are getting a late start, it may take some time to catch up. The key to remember is that training is often nothing more than reversing bad habits and behaviours. If your dog is young, they haven’t had a chance to develop a significant number of these bad behaviours and training will be simple. With an older dog, you really have to unteach everything the dog knows about behaviour and start to reteach behaviours that you find acceptable.

    8. Be kind and gentle for best results. An owner who constantly punishes his or her dog for bad behaviours is bound to be a lot less successful than an owner who is gentle and kind, rewarding his or her dog for acceptable behaviours. Consider offering your dog plenty of praise, and be gentle when redirecting his attention from a bad behaviour to one that is more acceptable to you.

    9. Have reasonable expectations. For example, if your dog misbehaves at home you are wise to expect that he will misbehave at the dog park or in the yard. Therefore, if your dog is having trouble paying attention to your commands you will want to make sure to keep him on a leash when outside. If your dog jumps on people in the house, expect that he will be rough with other dogs. You can reverse these behaviours through positive training, but you need to realise that bad behaviours will most likely continue regardless of the circumstances until they have been unlearned by your dog.

    10. Always enforce your commands. If you give commands, but do not enforce them, your dog will learn that there is no reason to listen to you. On the other hand, if you back up your commands with reinforcement he will quickly learn that you mean business. For example, if you tell your dog to sit and he ignores you, gently push him into the desired position and praise him. Always praise good behaviour as a means of enforcing your commands.

    11. Use the ONE command rule. Only give your dog each command one time. If you want your dog to sit, tell him SIT! If your dog decides to ignore the command the first time, gently place him into the sit position and then praise him. Do this with every command, so that your dog doesn’t think that your commands are optional. Stick to the ONE command rule, and your dog will quickly learn to take your commands seriously.

    12. Clearly define your commands. If you expect your dog to follow commands, then it is imperative that he understands what it is that you want him to do. For example, if you are trying to teach him to sit you will only confuse him if one time you use the command SIT and the next time SIT DOWN. If he’s confused he’ll most likely just ignore you. And this can lead to a vicious cycle. So, pay attention to the commands you are teaching and don’t confuse your dog by being inconsistent.

    13. Teach your dog to read your tone. Tone is just as important as the actual command that you are giving. Therefore, try to always use a consistent tone when issuing a command. Yelling a command will be less effective than just using a firm and authoritative tone. Pick a tone, and stick with it. Your dog will begin to recognise that tone, and respond to what you are telling him more effectively.

    14. Analyse stubbornness. If you find that your dog is stubborn and does not want to listen to your commands, there may be a simple explanation. Look for signs to see whether you are giving commands that your dog understands, whether your dog knows what to do when they hear a certain command and whether the command is creating an uncomfortable feeling in your dog. Most likely, you need to simply repeat training for a specific command and make your dog feel more comfortable through rewards and praise.

    15. Never use your dog’s name in anger. You should try to reprimand your dog without using his name so that there is no negative association with the name itself. When you praise your dog, call him by name so that the dog responds happily when he is called by name. You may find that simply using the dog’s name will get him to come to you eagerly in just a short period of time.

    16. Earn the respect of your dog. If you hit or scream at your dog, he will quickly lose respect for you. And instead of becoming a loving companion, will become reserved and fearful. Therefore, be sure to avoid training when you are in a bad mood and avoid negative reinforcement whenever possible. Staying upbeat will make your dog more willing to do whatever it is that you expect from him and help the two of your form a good relationship.

    17. Never use a training technique that is not natural and comfortable for you. If you are using a technique that does not come naturally, your dog will sense your hesitation as quickly as he will sense fear or anxiety. This can lead to your dog ignoring any commands given and cause frustration for both of you. Therefore, work to find techniques that you understand and feel comfortable with before starting to train your dog.

    18. Consider an obedience training class. There is no shame in asking for help with training your dog. Some people are simply not equipped to train their dog on their own, either due to a lack of patience, inexperience or not enough knowledge. Investigate different obedience training classes in your area and sit in on a few to determine whether or not they might work for you.

    19. Consider a training club. Some kennel associations offer training clubs to their members and the general public. These groups will often allow member access to professional trainers, and the knowledge of other members. Some breeds are more difficult to train than others, and having this type of resource available may be an excellent asset to your own training program.

    20. Learn about your dog’s breed. Different dog breeds may respond better to different methods of training. Dogs of different sises may also require different types of training. For example, if you have a small terrier who likes to jump it is less dangerous to all involved than if you have a St. Bernard that weighs in at 150 pounds who likes to jump! You will need to concentrate on different areas with different breeds and sises of dogs, and knowing what to expect is half of the battle.

    21. See yourself as the team leader during training. You are not the only one responsible for successful training sessions. If you see yourself and your dog as a team in training, you will be much more successful than if you assume the burden of all responsibility. You need to be aware of everything that goes on during training, because you are the leader. However, realise that your dog must be a willing participant for training to succeed.

    22. Remain calm and relaxed. Your dog will sense fear, anger and anxiety. Therefore, in order to be effective you must stay calm. Issue commands in an authoritative voice and be firm and consistent to keep your dog’s attention. Any behaviour on your part that is out of the ordinary will keep him from staying focused and reduce the effectiveness of your training efforts.

    23. Be consistent. If you aren’t serious about wanting your dog to perform or stop a specific action, then do not issue the command. Otherwise, you are going to teach your dog that you only mean what you say some of the time. This will lead to confusion on your dog’s part and frustration on yours. It’s much easier to only issue commands that you will enforce.

    24. Recognise and respect your dog’s needs. Just like people, you will find that when a dog’s basic needs are not being met he will misbehave more often. Be sure that you are providing quality food, plenty of water, constructive socialisation with people and other pets, adequate shelter and safety and lots of exercise. When these needs are met, teaching your dog the basics will be much easier.

    25. Practice, practice, practice. Practice makes perfect, isn’t that what your mom always said? Well, dog training is no exception! If you’re going to work on training your dog, make sure that you practice consistently for several 5-10 minute intervals throughout the day. Focus on practicing one skill at a time until your dog has mastered it and then move on to something new. Be sure to revisit already learned tricks and behaviours regularly though so they are not forgotten.

    26. Expose your dog, slowly over time, to different situations. It is critical to emphasise to your dog that you expect him to behave consistently regardless of his surroundings. One of the best ways to do this is to socialise with your dog. Introduce him to new people and other animals (dogs, cats, etc.) so that he learns to be social. Take him into unfamiliar surroundings whenever feasible so that he learns that regardless of where he is you are still there and in charge. This will allow you to have more effective control, and will alleviate anxiety caused by unfamiliar people and surroundings that can lead to misbehaviour in the future.

    27. Find out what works. Not every child learns the same way, and not every dog learns the same way. Therefore, you should attempt to use different training techniques until your find one that you are comfortable with, and that works with your particular dog. The general rule to remember is that if a technique isn’t working after a week, you should try something else.

  • My Dog is Nervous, What Can I Do?

    Owning a dog with a predisposition toward nervousness is not an insurmountable obstacle. These top tips should help.

    5) In situations where your dog shows fear towards strangers or visitors to them home, try and explain to visitors that you would prefer if simply ignored the dog completely, not even looking at the dog once or paying them the slightest bit of attention. Very often visitors feel the need to try and ‘comfort’ the dog and this can lead to the dog feeling even more threatened. 

    http://i.imgur.com/K2LQJ.jpg 

    Once the dog has learned not to react at all to visitors, ask the occasional ‘dog-knowledgeable’ guest to nonchalantly and without any ceremony, simply drop a treat by the dog and then walk off in another direction. It is important they don’t try and make a fuss of the dog or offer the treat from the hand. Doing this regularly with different guests will accustom the dog to the idea that all visitors are not intruders to the ‘den’ and they are not intent on causing harm to the dog or his pack. 

    4) Complimentary therapies and treatments can be very helpful for aiding nerves. Diet also plays an important role. If a dog is unusually nervous, listless, depressed or lacking coat condition a change of food may be in order. There are specialist dieticians and holistic vets who may be able to greatly increase your dog’s physical and psychological well-being, thus improving the dog’s confidence and reducing nervousness. Try the Internet or Yellow pages and look for holistic vets and animal dieticians. 

    3) Keep in your mind at all times how your body language impacts the shy or nervous dog. You are a very large creature with an ability to make all sorts of frightening noises (hoovers, washing machines, shouting at the TV). Imagine another creature that was the equivalent distance in size to what you are to a dog and you will have an appreciation of how the shy or nervous dog may see you. 

    Now imagine that creature ‘bearing’ down on you with wide eyes, a booming voice and hands the size of saucepans on their way to touch your face. Frightening isn’t it? Well, to a shy or nervous dog that can be how they see the world of humans and your body language can be interpreted wrongly by the dog. 

    The fact that you are so much bigger than him and the fact that people at large generally have a tendency to approach dogs from a standing position thus bearing down on them can make the world a scary place. Always try and narrow the size difference with a nervy dog by getting down to their level. Avoid direct eye contact at all times, don’t wear sunglasses (to a dog, they look like a pair of wide, staring eyes that never go away) and remember how the dog sees the world from different angles than you. Body language is vital in helping nervous dogs overcome their fears. 

    2) Make use of other dogs. Dogs, as a rule, will copy and emulate their canine counterparts. If you have a nervous dog it can be a wonderful experience for him or her to meet a carefully selected friend. Just one other dog to begin with. Let them play, let the explore and the nervous dog will very soon begin to absorb the confidence of their bolder playmate and mimic their behaviour around people. It may take a while but regular ‘play sessions’ with other dogs can be the ultimate technique for curing many of the nervousness dog’s hang-ups about life. 

    Ensure the play mate is well selected, is playful but not boisterous and has no aggressive tendencies. Don’t, under any circumstances try and help a nervous dog by introducing them to an equally nervous playmate, it will double the problem. Meeting other dogs is a pastime best done socially where a ‘screening’ process can take place. Taking a nervous dog somewhere where there are likely to be lots of other dogs can be problematic. Explain your problems to friends, family, co-workers and be honest about your need to find a well-mannered, confident dog for yours to play with from time to time. 

    1) Consistency is a word used by all dog trainers and behaviour experts on a, well, consistent basis. Never is it more pertinent than in the case of the nervous or shy dog. You may be an erratic person, disorganised, impulsive, loud, prone to bad moods or shouting with none of these characteristics meant for the dog’s consumption. However even the most ebullient of pooches will catch the vibes if something’s ‘up’ in the household. 

    Ensuring stability, calm and an even tempered approach to home life will not only allow you to live longer and avoid an ulcer it will, above any other training tip or technique, help the more nervous of dogs to adjust to the world. Be patient, be calm, be understanding and be empathetic towards the dog’s disposition. Even if he or she has done something particularly naughty you must accept that there are certain ways to correct the problem that may work on 99.9{d4f4ff813a06e2c77cbb9c6effe011ebffe2f8986e44983e90e08c54deb62f63} of dogs, even on dogs you have previous owned, but on THIS nervous or shy pet, the wrong response from you could literally kill their spirit.

  • Feeding Older Dogs

    Feeding older dogs doesn’t have to mean drastic changes. Obesity is possibly the most common health related problem to affect dogs as they get older. An overweight dog is an unhappy dog and subsequent health problems can drastically reduce a dog’s life and render his later years void of any real quality. The key is to be aware of nutritional requirement changes when feeding older dogs, adjust slowly and gradually and keep on top of your older dog’s specific feeding requirements on a regular basis.

    Feeding Older Dogs: Nutritional Requirements

    All dogs relish a tasty treat and they are an excellent way to reward good behaviour, but if overused your dog could end up suffering from obesity before you even realise you are spoiling him. It is important to pay close attention to your dog’s diet for many reasons, but particularly if your dog is overweight. A balanced diet is essential to keeping a dog fit and healthy.

    Feeding Older Dogs

    Modern prepared foods contain an adequate supply of essential nutrients without too many calories, as do many home mixed diets. Complete, dry dog food is popular today, as it is an easy to prepare meal which contains a good supply of all the right nutrients. Commercial canned foods, whether mixed or on their own, are a good source of nutrition and are easy to prepare and store. Some dog owners favour a nutritional supplement to add to the dog’s meal, rice is a good source of carbohydrates and is easily mixed with other foods.

    Feeding Older Dogs: Be Treat Aware

    Certain treats make a nutritious supplement to a meal and also serve as a good reward for him, but dog biscuits alone to not offer adequate nutrition to be served as meal on their own.

    The majority of young, healthy and active dogs are at a low risk of becoming overweight as most of their calorific intake is used during play but as they get older and their metabolic rates slow in conjunction with a decline in expended energy, the chances of calories leading to a piling on of the pounds grows higher every day.

    If you have ever taken your dog off the lead in a large forest or field you will have noticed that they will always do more miles than you because they run off and come back as you are walking and thus for every mile you walk, they will normally RUN four!

    This is one of the reasons that young, active dogs stay healthy whether their diet is perfect or not. But there will come a point in the dog’s life when he or she is unable to do as much exercise so it is important to control the diet accordingly.

    Scroll down for some expert nutritional advice in our Q&A with Suzie from  Pawtions.co.uk about the benefits of portion control

    feeding older dogs

    Monitor Lifestyle Changes in Your Older Dog

    During the more active years, it is still important to take care of your dog’s diet to ensure that they are receiving a good balance of protein and other valuable nutrients. Your vet will be able to advise you on this matter should any uncertainty arise.

    You may not notice it at first, but should your dog become obese there are certain tell tale signs apart from the obvious physical weight gain. A diminished level of activity not conducive to their age is always a cause for concern, but a likely cause is that he or she has put on a little weight.

    Another symptom is laboured breathing. If your dog struggles for breath after an activity which he or she could once perform effortlessly then perhaps it is time to get the scales out.

    Avoiding Weight Gain in Older Dogs

    As a dog owner it is often difficult to notice if your dog is putting on weight because you see them every day. Paying close attention to other elements of their physical state may enlighten you to any weight problems.

    As the majority of dogs become less and less active in their later years it is often difficult for them to loose weight through increased exercise, so it is up to you as an owner to monitor and control what your dog eats. Prevention, as is so often the case, is better than cure, especially when it comes to a more senior dog and weight control.

    A good way of monitoring weight is by simply reducing portion size. It is often the case that a regular portion of dry or complete dog food offers more than enough nutrition and therefore it is quite possible to reduce the meal sizes without affecting the nutritional intake of the dog. In this day in age, with the science behind many commercial pet foods, you may be able to find the perfect, balanced diet your breed of dog needs, relating to their age, on your supermarket or pet shop shelf.

    Target Weight When Feeding Older Dogs

    You should have a target weight in mind and plan thoroughly to ensure your dog does not err over or above it to any great degree. Your vet should be able to advise what your dog’s ideal target weight is – don’t go on breed averages – one Labrador could be as many as 10lbs heavier than another yet still be perfectly fine weight wise.

    If your dog has put on a few too many pounds as they have gotten older, a diet is needed. Unlike us, a dog is unable to steal biscuits or cakes in the middle of the night so they are not reliant on their own will-power to lose weight, they are reliant on YOU ensuring they don’t become dangerously obese, so don’t give in to his pleas for a chocolate digestive every time you go to the kitchen!

    As a dog owner it is important for you to be disciplined. Your dog will probably not notice the reduced size of his meals. But you will, so ensure you don’t sneak him a treat unless you have reduced a similar amount of calories from his main meal – it’s a balancing act of which you have complete control and your dog is relying on you to get right.

    Older dogs have special needs in many areas and diet is one of the most important.

    Don’t let your dog’s later years in life be ruined by health problems that can easily be avoided when it comes to weight, too many calories or general nutritional mismatch between your dog’s age and their specific daily nutritional requirements. If you feed a natural diet, monitor the volumes. If you feed a commercial pet food, make sure you have the most suitable one for your dog’s age, weight, breed and activity level. When it comes to feeding older dogs, the science is all there, you just need to follow it.

    Expert Advice from Suzie, Pawtions Veterinary Nurse and Nutritionist

    feeding older dogs

    Why is portion control so important for dogs?

    At Pawtions we believe that portion control is very important to maintain a healthy life for each and every dog. When faced with the massive choice of dog foods available to us, it is very easy to become confused when trying to work out how much food our dog actually requires. Feeding guidelines are often very generalised and can’t take into consideration your dog’s age, breed, level of exercise, or whether your dog has been neutered.

    We often over-indulge our dogs out of love, but a quick treat a little too often or a bowl of leftovers from your own meals may lead to dietary problems or your dog becoming overweight. This can also upset the careful balance of nutrients provided by the dog food. By feeding a portion size which has been recommended for your individual animal – such as that provided by Pawtions – you know that you are providing enough nutrients, vitamins and minerals to meet your dog’s unique needs.

    In their PAW report of the last year the PDSA assessed the weight and general health of nearly 30,000 dogs across the UK. They discovered that 35% of UK dogs are overweight. This is a very alarming figure, especially when we consider ourselves a nation of dog lovers. An overweight dog cannot possibly enjoy life to the full, is likely to encounter more health problems, which may sadly lead to an early grave.

    What are your key priorities when choosing the perfect plan for dogs from Pawtions?

    We understand that all dogs are unique, so we make sure we have all the information we need to really help us to understand each dog better.

    By asking the owner relevant questions about their dog, our veterinary nutritionist can work out the portion size for each and every dog individually. This takes the confusion away from the owner when trying to work out how much food their dog actually needs. It also means continuity in the household when the job of feeding pets is shared by several people.

    In order to provide customers with a recommended feeding plan, we ask them to provide us with vital pieces of information including:
    • age
    • breed
    • weight
    • sex
    • whether your dog is neutered
    • daily exercise
    • physique
    • any special dietary requirements
    • your preferred flavour

    It’s very important that the information customers provide is as accurate as possible and also kept up to date. We recommend that owners regularly weigh their dogs so that we can change their portion size should their nutritional requirements change.

    However, the Pawtions perfect plan isn’t just about the food! We also include treats, poop bags, flea and wormer treatment (just when they’re needed) and free gifts to provide a complete care package.

    Do you think age and breed make a difference in selecting the right diet for your dog?

    Yes, definitely! By telling us your dog’s breed we are able to check whether this falls into the recognised weight bracket. If the dog’s weight doesn’t fall within this bracket, we discuss this further with the owner, as all dogs are unique, and breed standards can very significantly.

    We understand that small dogs may prefer a smaller kibble, and larger breeds a larger one. Also, different breeds are classed as puppies and senior dogs at different ages. Therefore knowing the breed allows us to decide when to recommend a change from a puppy diet to a maintenance one, or a maintenance diet to a senior one.

    Puppies require very different levels of nutrients to adult dogs, so must be fed a diet that meets their specific needs. They also need more regular feeding, and we take this into consideration when calculating portion size.

    However, as dogs age, their energy levels decrease, reducing their calorific need. Their nutritional requirements also change with the aging process and we believe the diet should change to support this.

    What 5 top tips would you give dog owners who might be thinking about changing diet to a more portion controlled diet?

    When thinking about changing your dog’s diet to a recommended Pawtions plan you should consider the following points:

    1) If your dog has serious medical problems, we strongly advise you contact your vet before
    you make any change of diet.

    2) Provide us with as much information as possible so that we can recommend the right Pawtions plan for your dog.

    3) It’s really important to make sure you gradually introduce a new food. The best way is to start adding a small amount to the current food. Slowly increase the proportion of new food to current food over the period of a week until a complete change is achieved.

    4) We encourage you to weigh your dog regularly so that we can make any alterations to the diet as necessary.

    5) If you have any questions regarding your dog’s health or diet, we encourage owners to ask, it could be important. We are here to help.

    Lastly, tell us a little about Pawtions. Where did your inspiration to start the company and healthy menu for dogs come from?

    The idea for Pawtions stemmed from our founder’s own frustrations with looking after and feeding Bella, his cocker spaniel. First he would have to drive to a supermarket or pet store and carry a big heavy bag back to the car. Then, once home he would have to find somewhere to store it. He found there was a tendency to be over-generous when the bag was first opened and the food fresh, whilst towards the end of the bag the food often become dried out and crumbly, losing its appeal. He also found that he would run out of food, treats and poop bags at the most inconvenient times.

    But the biggest problem came with the inconvenience of deciding how much to feed, due to the vague feeding guidelines, and then weighing out the correct amount every day!

    At Pawtions we know what it means to be lucky enough to own a dog and we want to encourage people to be more aware of their dog’s nutritional needs. Through our complete care package we hope to promote responsible dog ownership. The package includes wormer and flea treatment throughout the year, so you’ll never forget when treatments are due, free tasty treats, and free poop bags. Now and again we’ll also pop in a surprise toys as a little present for your best friend. All this is delivered to your door every 4 weeks.

    To find out more about Pawtions and investigate a plan for your dog, visit www.pawtions.co.uk today!

    Resources: Older Dogs

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HimMjk-1rg4

  • Small Breed Dog Food

    Small Breed Dog Food

    Small Breed Dog Food – Is A Specialist Diet For Small Breeds Worthwhile?

    Small dog breeds have specific, specialist nutritional requirements. In the case of a small breed puppy, their stomach is not large enough to hold sufficient food in one feeding to provide his daily nutritional needs without causing stress to their system, so smaller, broken down meals are advised. This is why some commercial dog food suppliers are now providing dog owners with the option of specialist small breed dog food.

    Small Breed Dog Food (Chihuahua)

    Small Breed Dog Food For Puppies

    When a puppy graduates from mother’s milk to solid food at about six weeks of age, he will require three to four meals a day, with the exception of Toys, who may need four to six meals. When he reaches about four to five months old, twice-a-day feedings may be sufficient. He can graduate to once-a-day meals at eight to nine months of age.

    A pup’s nutritional requirements for growth and development are greater than those for an adult dog. If you opt to feed your small dog breed pup a commercially prepared diet try to ensure it is a feed specially formulated for puppies and enables the youngster to get the full range of nutrients he needs.

    Balanced Diet: Small Breed Dog Food

    A small dog breed pup who eats a complete and balanced commercial puppy diet – whether it is a small breed dog food prepared diet or another puppy formulated specialist food – doesn’t need additional supplements. Adding supplements can cause nutritional imbalance as most modern commercial dog foods are prepared to contain all required nutritional elements your small breed puppy will require in this important growth stage. However, if you are supplying your dog with a home-cooked or fresh-diet meal plan, supplements may be necessary. Consult with a veterinary nutritionist to get further advice.

    Dry food can be moistened with warm water to encourage puppies to eat. Milk can be used, too, but only in extremely small amounts. Goats milk for puppies is often favoured by many breeders. Cow’s milk causes digestive upset in some puppies and dogs. A tablespoon of canned food can be added to increase interest, as well. These are general guidelines for feeding your small dog breed pup; consult with your veterinarian for more specific advice. If your pup doesn’t appear to be developing as you believe he should, feeding small breed dog food without first consulting a specialist in the area of dog nutrition would not be advised as your dog may have underlying problems that need to be investigated by a professional expert first.

    Small Breed Dog Food: Adults

    Feeding Adult small dog breeds: The adult small dog breed is a mature dog, usually age one year or older. Healthy adult dogs who are not pregnant, nursing, or hardworking have somewhat low nutritional requirements. Feeding is fairly straightforward if you’re feeding commercially prepared kibble. Buy a complete and balanced diet made for the adult dog and give your dog the recommended amount once or twice a day. Add a tablespoon of canned food for taste if you wish. Adjust the amount according to the small dog breed’s activity level and body condition.

    Feeding Hardworking small dog breeds: Highly active small dog breeds use a lot of energy. The hard-working dog can require two to three time more kilocalories per pound of body weight than what is required for normal activity. To maintain good body condition and keep up his stamina, the hardworking small dog breed must eat a high-energy diet.

    Many veterinarians recommend commercially prepared “performance” diets for highly active dogs. Higher fat, higher-protein diets supply the working dog with needed calories. Because performance diets are higher in protein than maintenance diets, there s a misconception that the active dog just needs extra protein. However, all nutrients are required in greater amounts. Additionally, research indicates that moderately high-protein diets are unlikely to cause kidney damage – in spite of some breeders’ and owners’ beliefs that it does.

    Feeding Your Elderly small dog breed: Older small dog breeds (those who have reached the last 25 percent of their expected life span) are usually less active than adult dogs and pups. Thus, their energy requirements are reduced and they can gain weight easily if fed too much or fed a high-calorie diet. Some veterinarians recommend “senior” diets; foods high in nutrients but reduced in calories to keep senior small dog breeds at a healthy weight.

    Feeding Small Dogs

    How Often Should a Small Dog Breed be Fed?

    There’s no exact answer on how much and how often to feed your small breed because it depends on the size, age, and activity level of each individual small breed. Feeding amount and schedule also depend on which diet you’re using and how cold it is outside. (Dogs who spend a lot of time outdoors in cold temperatures require more food.)

    Begin by following the feeding instructions spelled out on the dog food package. Realize that these instructions are a starting point, and apply to all breeds of a certain weight. Your small breed is an individual and every dog is different.

    Following that, observe your dog’s body condition:

    Is my puppy too thin?

    An overly thin small breed will have visible or easily felt ribs and hip bones may be visible. The waist and belly are obviously tucked up when viewed from the side. Increase food. Speak to your vet to find out if there are any underlying medical conditions causing your dog to be underweight.

    Just Right: The ribs should have just a little fat over them; you should be able to easily feel them with slight pressure. Your small breed should have a waist when viewed from above, and the belly should be tucked up when viewed from the side.

    Is My Dog Overweight?

    Too Fat: If you can’t easily feel your small breed s ribs and can easily see fat covering them, he is too heavy. His waist is absent or barely visible when viewed from above, or his belly may hang. Decrease food.

    How often you feed your small breed depends on how old he is and his (or your) personal preference. Pups must be fed several times a day, usually three..The average adult small breed can be fed once or twice a day, in the morning, evening, or both. Many owners like the idea of feeding twice a day, while others find it inconvenient and opt to feed once a day. Toy puppies have a very rapid metabolism and may require four to six meals a day to avoid hypoglycemia, a life-threatening drop in blood sugar levels. By six months of age, most Toy pups can cut back to three or four meals a day.

    Dogs are creatures of habit, and seem to enjoy eating at the same time every day. Feeding your small breed pup at the same time every day helps establish eating habits and makes housebreaking easier. Pups usually need to urinate or defecate after eating. If you feed him at the same time every day, you can predict when nature calls.

    Note: Free-feeding, leaving food out for the small breed at all times, is not recommended because it can lead to excess weight gain.

    Small Breed Dog Feeding: Conclusion

    Dog owners are fortunate to live in an age where there is an increasing awareness about proper dog nutrition. We understand that there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to feeding dogs. Specialist diets, such as small breed dog food, large breed dog food and dog foods specialist formulated for active/working dogs allow us to match our dog to a nutritional plan that perfectly matches their age, weight, breed and overall lifestyle. If you are considering feeding a dedicated small breed dog food, it makes sense to first understand the basic principles of why your breed would benefit for a tailored feeding plan.

    As with humans, dogs all have varying degrees of dietary requirements. Olympic athletes may require double the volume of calories in comparison to an ‘average’ person even if they are the same age, weight and height. On this basis, feeding a dog on the wrong diet could lead to weight gain, weight loss or even more serious health and behavioural problems. Dedicated diets can be a great benefit to owners who are keen to make sure their dog is receiving the right nutrition to match their breed’s individual requirements. On this basis it would be worthwhile to investigate the options when it comes to selecting small breed dog food that has been specifically formulated to provide the proper nutrition for your dog.

    Small Dog Breed Resources

     

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