Dog Health Blog

 Dogs need different diets at different ages. Yes. This is true. For example, the puppy needs milk as the major food item while an adult dog may need beef or chicken in addition to the boiled egg and milk. So depending on the age factor, the diet schedule varies in reality for the dogs like any other species.

 Puppies need greater amounts of protein, fat and carbohydrates than an adult dogs.  Furthermore, puppies need more frequent feeding schedules in a day, unlike an adult dog. The movement based requirements of diet are more in the case of puppies, since they are often more active than the adult dogs.

 Elder dogs need restricted protein but the protein needs to be easily digestible and easily assimilated in the body.  The diet schedule should have ample supply of water for them. Feeding aged dogs too much protein may finally lead to over burden to the renal structures and ultimately, the dog may end up damaging filters in the kidney.

 This is true especially when the immune system of these dogs is compromised due to many factors.  Similarly, the elderly dogs need less food only because the movements of the adult dogs are highly restricted and hence, they have to spend a limited of energy.

 Female dogs in the pregnancy stage need not be fed a full stomach since it may cause some discomforts to the animal. However, the pregnant animal and the nursing animal need special type of food items that deliver a balanced type of nutrition with proper supplementation of vitamins and minerals.

 The nursing animal with puppies need to be fed with enough amounts of calcium and hence, there will not be any calcium based deficiency and the bones of the puppies will be strong without any curving. 

Shiba Inu breeders and owners should take great care when attempting to breed this variety of dog. When choosing the dogs which a Shibu Inu breeder is planning to breed, they should first look into the medical history and general health of the dogs in question.

Overall the Shiba Inu breed of dog is very healthy and energetic. They are able to brave outdoor conditions but adjust well to living indoors as well. They do not require a special diet like many other breeds of dogs, and can simply sustain a healthy lifestyle from general exercise and basic dog food. This is one of the many qualities that draw Shiba Inu breeders to this specific type of dog.

-Their great agility alone is enough to assist them from abstaining from general injuries that could render other breeds helpless.

However, this specific type of dog does have a few heredity defects which all owners and potential Shiba Inu breeders should be aware of. However, there are not too many serious disorders to concern yourself with.

Patellar Luxation is one of the more prevalent and possibly devastating conditions that all Shiba Inu breeders should take note of. In this disorder the kneecap is displaced in the dogs body. There are various stages of this disease. The first stage involves the dislodging of the kneecap, however it can manually be returned to its proper place. In stage four of this disease the kneecap can not be replaced or moved back into place and can cause possible lameness or bowed legs. However, most cases of this involve stage one.

A Shiba Inu breeder should have their possible breeding partners checked for this abnormality.

Another common issue amongst the Shibu Inu breed is hip dysphasia. Alongside this are heredity eye defects which are widespread throughout the entire canine world. Cataracts is the common eye defect. Recent studies show findings that eye defects are more common in the females than males of this breed.

However, the most common health care concern that Shiba Inu breeders should be aware of is simple allergies such as flea allergy dermatitis, also known as FAD. When a dog is suffering from this health problem they will generally chew on their skin and eat away at their hair. For the majority of Shiba Inu’s, this disorder can simply be treated with over the counter topical canine products. However, more serious cases require the dog to receive injections.

One other major concern that all Shiba Inu breeders should be aware of is possible dental health problems. A good deal of small breeds of dogs suffer from these common issues due to weak jaws, poorly aligned teeth and early tooth loss. However, this is not a major concern unless it is actually affecting the eating habits of the dog.

A detailed health history of dogs being considering for breeding, along with a few tests at a local Vet can truly benefit a Shiba Inu breeder, when it comes to choosing the right pair of dogs to breed.

Steve Peters is a caring and loving dog owner and owns a number of pet related websites. To find about more on shiba inu health and Shiba Inu breeders. Or to claim an extensive ten part must have course, filled to the brim with Shiba Inu tips and secrets goto: http://www.inu-dogcare.com/Shiba_Inu_Health.html

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There was a time when no one gave a second thought to whether their dogs nutritional needs were being met. At that time, any old dog food would do. Now however, after study and research, we have learned that a quality food, wet or dry will impact our dogs health. A quality dog food has minimal fillers, added vitamins and minerals, and is appropriate for the dogs life stage. Dogs do not naturally produce all the nutrients they require so they depend on us to feed then quality, nutrient rich dog food.

There has been a trend lately to feed dogs bones and raw food, or “BARF” as it is known. The idea is to feed dogs what they ate in the wild, before they were domesticated. The truth is, it is hazardous to your dog due to toxins, food borne bacteria, intestinal obstruction and the possibility of intestinal perforation. If you stop to think about it, you will realize dogs did not live as long or as well in the wild as they do now.

In this article, I will discuss just a few of the important nutrients required for a healthy dog. One nutritional element you may not be familiar with is Iodine. Iodine is crucial for proper functioning of the thyroid gland. Just as in humans, the thyroid plays a major role in regulating metabolism and growth. Symptoms of hypothyroidism, which is not enough thyroid hormone, include poor growth, weight gain and hair loss, as well as weakness and irritability.

Zinc is a mineral that works with red blood cells to move carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs. Zinc also promotes normal growth and wound healing. Zinc toxicity is rarely a problem, but certain dog breeds, such as Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes have an inability to absorb zinc. The most common problem associated with zinc deficiency is a skin condition known as “zinc responsive dermatosis”. Symptoms include hair loss and dry, crusty skin around the head, face and legs and a dry, dull hair coat. Zinc can be supplemented by providing a good, quality pet vitamin. A high grade, all natural pet vitamin contains ingredients that aid in the absorption of zinc.

Two more well known nutritional supplements are Glucosamine and Chondroitin. These nutrients are especially beneficial for older dogs and large breed dogs because they treat osteoarthritis. Glucosamine and Chondroitin ease joint pain in the hips and many other joints. They are also used to aid healing after spinal or joint surgery. The use of these two supplements have eased pain for some dogs enough to allow them to be more active later into their senior years. Glucosamine works by providing the necessary elements for joints to produce new cartilage. Chondroitin fight the enzymes that break down cartilage. Pets can stay on Glucosamine and Chondroitin indefinitely.

These are just a few of the many nutrients necessary for your dogs health. Thanks to research and study by veterinarians and other scientists, we are now able to extend the lifespan of our beloved dogs for as long as possible, by providing the best nutrition available.

Joseph M. Sabol is a world class doberman breeder. For further information please visit http://petvitamins4u.com or http://theroadhousedobes.com

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Any dog that exclusively consumes commercial dog food is at a noticeably greater risk of dying prematurely according to many renowned Doctors of Veterinary Medicine and published Dog Care Experts. And by the time symptoms are noticeable, it’s often too late to avert a distressing death apart from a lethal injection.

In other words commercial dog food you trust may be killing your dog as the frequent disease and death of dogs from nutritionally insufficient and poison-laden commercial dog food is no secret in the world of vets and dog experts.

It’s a little known fact amongst the general public that many pet foods claimed to be preservative-free do, in fact, include preservatives, as manufacturers are not obliged to list preservatives that were not added during the production process.

Before the meat is even sent to the manufacturer many preservatives find their way into pet food at rendering plants and research has found that some pet foods that came with chemical free or all natural ingredient labels were found to contain synthetic antioxidants.

You can potentially love your dog to death with the wrong foods even though you may be paying for top range products. However, there are alternatives.

Stop using commercial dog food as your dogs only or main diet. This is the most important step you should make for your dogs well being. However, most people would find it unrealistic to never use commercial dog food ever again, but if it is essential use it cautiously for a few meals during the week.

Start feeding your dog home made food. It’s easier than you think to cook expressly for dogs with healthy, well-balanced dog food recipes. But be sure you have a good supply of recipes written particularly for dogs because they have very precise needs.

For a confirmed alternative, cheaper plan, proven recipes and a one-of-a-kind, step-by-step survival guide click here.

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The German Shepherd breed is an excellent choice for a canine companion. However, just like many other popular breeds, there are certain health problems that you need to be aware of. Here are a few of the most prevalent German Shepherd dog health issues to look out for:

Developmental bone and joint disease is a problem common to many large dog breeds, affecting the younger animals. If your dog is affected, he may show no symptoms at all, or he may demonstrate pain or lameness, and seem cautious about movement. Hip dysplasia may cause leg muscles to actually waste.

Many German Shepherds also suffer from Hemangiosarcoma, a cancer of the cells of the interior lining of the blood vessels. This condition can affect the skin, heart, liver, and spleen, as well as other organs. If you dog has Hemangiosarcoma, he may display weakness, light-colored gums, a distended abdomen, or even physical collapse.

Another German Shepherd dog health problem is weakness in the hind legs. This can also include wobbliness or a lack of coordination in the affected limbs. Multiple factors can cause this, including bone or spinal degeneration or possibly a slipped disc in the dog’s back.

Another problem to look out for is a diseased thyroid gland which will cause either over or under-production of thyroid hormones in some dogs. If your dog is experiencing skin infections, lethargy, hair loss, or cold intolerance it could indicate a thyroid problem.

Keep a keen eye on the eyes of your German Shepherd, especially if you notice apparent squinting, excess tearing or discharge, redness, or rubbing of the eyes. You should also be alert for any growths over the eye, regardless of the color. A condition called Pannus, an inflammation of the dog’s cornea, could cause any of these problems and be detrimental to your dog’s optical health.

A bacterial infection of the skin, sometimes accompanied by puss, is known as Pyoderma and can be a problem in German Shepherds. It is unknown what causes this condition, but it may be due to an immune deficiency. Your dog may have this if he displays pimples or sores, hair loss, redness or other abnormal skin conditions. Some dogs also become lethargic, or lose their interest in food.

A first step to avoiding these German Shepherd dog health issues is to make sure that your dog does not come from a breeder where other dogs had these issues. Watch your dog carefully, and be sure to consult your Vet if your dog displays any symptoms, or behavior out of the ordinary.

For more on German Shepherd dog health, including a free weekly newsletter with dog care and training tips, please visit http://www.germanshepherddoghealth.com

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