Dogs

Owners are always advised by dogs experts to use pet foods to ensure the healthy nutrition of the dog. Food poisoning can be prevented if the dog is given foods specifically formulated for dogs. No dog owner will intentionally feed the pet foods that can cause poisoning. However, not many dog owners are aware that some common human foods can have toxic effects on the dog.

Theobromine Poisoning in Dogs

Dogs must not be allowed to consume chocolate, coffee and tea because Theobromine in chocolate and caffeine in tea and coffee are naturally occurring substances that stimulates the nervous system and the heart.

Ethanol Poisoning in Dogs

Dogs are not only affectionate but also entertaining companions as they can be trained to do tricks. It would be a big accomplishment if a dog owner can teach the dog to drink beer from the can but ingestion of alcoholic beverages would have ill effects that can result to the death of the pet.

The chemical compound in alcoholic beverages called ethanol cannot be tolerated by the dogs system. This substance that is rapidly absorbed by the dogs system will affect the central nervous system and cause respiratory depression. Immediate medical attention is imperative for dogs that have swallowed sizeable amounts of alcoholic beverage as inducing vomiting will not help the pet.

Thiosulfate Poisoning Dogs

Onion is another common human food that is poisonous to dogs. This human food has thiosulfate that destroys the dogs red blood cells. Foods containing onions must not be given to dogs as the thiosulfate is not destroyed by cooking. A large dose or small but regular doses of onions can cause the death of the dog.

Xylitol Poisoning Dogs

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that has become increasingly more common in our food. Initially, it was found mainly in gum, mints, and candies, but now it is found in all kinds of processed foods like yogurt, can goods, and many low carb or sugar free products. It is also commonly found in toothpaste and mouthwash, so be sure not to brush your dog’s teeth with your toothpaste, or cure their bad breath with your mouthwash.

Even a little quantity of xylitol can cause complete liver failure and death. The poisonous effects will normally show up within 30 minutes of consumption. It causes a rapid increase in insulin and a sudden and dramatic decrease in blood sugar. The symptoms comprise of vormiting, ataxia (stumbling around with uncoordinated movements), and general weakness, seizures, and coma.

Common Foods Toxic to Dogs

It should never be assumed that foods eaten by humans are also safe for dogs. In spite of the similarities in genetics, dogs can get poisoned by some human foods because these animals have different metabolism.

You surely would be careful in giving your dog people food. Because of the bond children have with the pet, it would be very hard to stop them from giving unsafe foods. The grapes or the chocolate being eaten by the child will be shared with the pet.

Coffee, Tea and Alcoholic Beverages

Coffee, tea and alcoholic beverages will be listed as toxic to dogs. These are unsafe beverages for dogs because the caffeine in coffee and tea has the effect of stimulating the cardiac and central nervous system of the dog. Ingestion of alcohol will result to intoxication. Consuming large amounts of coffee, tea and alcoholic beverages can result to the death of the dog.

Chocolates and Candies

Chocolates and candies are favorite comfort foods especially by people with sweet tooth. Too much consumption of chocolate can result to obesity but consumed in moderation this sweet was found to be good for the heart. Chocolates and sugar-free candies are included in the list of foods poisonous to dogs.

Chocolate has the naturally occurring stimulant known as Theobromine that has dangerous effect on the dogs cardiac and nervous systems. The Xylitol in sugar-free candies causes blood sugar to plummet so that the dog can die in minutes after ingesting even a small amount of these candies.

Raw Eggs and Raw Fish

Raw eggs and raw fish are listed as foods toxic to dogs. Dogs that consume raw eggs regularly have skin and coat health concerns because the avidin the raw eggs contain hinders biotin from being absorbed by the body. Raw eggs also have Salmonella. Thiamin deficiency that causes the dog to have poor appetite, to seize and to die results if the dog is allowed to eat raw fish regularly.

There are a lot of human foods we’d love to share with our dogs, but among these foods some are healthy while others are toxic to our dogs. If you want to ensure a long, happy and healthy life for your dog, you need to make sure you’re feeding him or her healthiest food possible.

Just because a certain human food is good for you doesn’t make it the best food to feed your pet.

Though it can appear easy to provide your dog the same food you eat, you should never give them all types of human food.

Human Food Can Sometimes Cause a Health Risk for Dogs

With that said, it is important to understand which culinary treats make for great dog treats and which could bring you to the vet and lofty bills.

Egg

Hard boiled eggs are okay as a special treat, though, as long as your dog doesn’t show any unfavorable reaction to them. But like humans, dogs should avoid raw eggs. They can cause hair and skin issues and can pose a threat to your dog’s health.

Safe and Toxic Fruit for Dogs

Being omnivorous animals, dogs are known to eat anything even inedible things. Dogs, like humans would gain a lot of healthful benefits from eating fruits. Fruits are loaded with vitamins that will enhance the immune system of the dog and also strengthen the intestinal muscles for easier waste elimination.

Dogs owners can give the pet any kind of fruits but not grapes and avocados. An unknown substance in grapes and raisins is toxic to dogs as it can cause severe kidney damage. Avocado is very dangerous for dogs as ingestion of the fruit, leaves, bark and pit can result to the death when the toxin causes fluid to accumulate in the dogs chest, heart and abdomen.

Vegetables

They are normally perfect for a dog’s diet; although it’s not true for all of the vegetables. In larger amounts, items like onions, chives, and garlic can cause intestinal and red blood cell problems. Rhubarb leaves and mushrooms should also be avoided. Some acceptable vegetables to use as snacks are green beans, carrots, zucchini, and cucumber.

Chocolate

Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, which should on no account be consumed by dogs. It can cause severe agitation, abdominal pain, muscle tremors, irregular heart rhythm, vomiting, dehydration, raised body temperature, seizures, and, of course, death. So, chocolate is dangerous to your dog health.

Grapes

Grapes and raisins can cause rapid kidney failure. Although currently unknown what chemicals and compounds are in grapes that cause toxicity in dogs, the results of consumption can be pretty devastating. While it varies between dogs, symptoms may not show up in them. Dogs will also develop dehydration and lack of appetite. Death from kidney failure may happen within four to five days.

Bacon

It’s absolutely tragic that we can’t share one of the greatest foods out there with our dogs. Research proved that foods rich in fat, like bacon, may lead to disease, pancreatitis in dogs and all sorts of problems with digestion and nutrient absorption even coma.

It has been the habit of pet owners to share the food with the pet. Children form legendary bonds with dogs thus it would be difficult for them to refuse the food-begging pet. However, it is the responsibility of the parents to make the children understand the dangers of sharing common foods with the pet.

Given the close ties humans have with dogs, it would be very hard to remember that some foods safe for human consumption are poisonous to dogs thus a list of these toxic foods posted in a prominent place would serve as reminder to all the family members.

There are many reasons why we give our dogs treats. Sometimes, owners use dog treats to reinforce desired behaviors. Other times, owners provide them in order to help their dogs learn a desired response to a new command. Still other times, treats might be used simply as a way to express affection for our four-legged companions.

It’s important to realize the right dog treats can prove instrumental in motivating a specific behavioral response from your dog. Moreover, treats help ensure your pooch remains engaged during your training sessions, and healthy over the long run. On the other hand, the wrong treats can have the opposite effect, especially when given in excess.

The Different Types of Treats for Your Dog

Below, we’ll provide an overview of the different types of treats you can offer your canine. You’ll discover that some work better than others, depending on the circumstances and your goals.

Crunchy versus Soft Treats

Some are hard and crunchy; others are soft and pliable. Treats of both varieties are available in different flavors and sizes. Generally, smaller is better because they are less likely to become stuck in your dog’s throat.

When you’re training your dog, it’s a good idea to use softer treats. The hard and crunchy variety tends to break apart, which will distract your canine while he tries to clean up the pieces. Any distraction is an obstacle during training.

Dog Treats That Taste Like People Food

There are many dog treats that are formulated to taste like foods normally eaten by people. For example, some taste like liver while others are reminiscent of seafood and various meats. While these morsels are effective for training purposes, a lot of owners mistakenly believe they are always preferred by canines. In reality, it depends on the dog. Some canines will enjoy them; some won’t. The only way to know whether your dog likes these types of treats is to offer them and note his reaction.

Good For Oral Health

Some dog treats are designed to promote good oral health. They require a lot of chewing, which helps to keep your pooch’s teeth and gums clean. The problem is, if they’re swallowed, the wrong size can cause choking or problems in your canine’s GI tract.

If you’re going to give him treats that are meant to promote dental health, make sure they are the right size for him. Then, avoid letting him chew them unsupervised.

Table Scraps And Other People Food

First, some types of table scraps can be beneficial to your canine. For example, small pieces of lean meats and seafood carry nutritional value. The danger is that there are plenty of foods that can make your dog sick. Grapes, chocolate, onions, and macadamia nuts are all potentially harmful to your dog. Plus, veterinarians suggest the quickest path to canine obesity is through table scraps because there are far more calories contained in them than in treats.

The takeaway with table scraps is this: they can be good for your dog’s health. However, owners can do plenty of harm if they’re unaware regarding the types of foods their canines should avoid.

Dog Treats Are An Indispensable Training Tool

One of the most compelling reasons to provide your dog with treats is to influence his behavior in a way that conforms with your wishes. In fact, most professional trainers extol the benefits of using food as a positive reinforcement tool.

When you purchase treats for your dog, make sure they have similar ingredients to those you’ll find in commercial dog foods. Commercial brands are already formulated to deliver the vitamins and nutrients your canine needs. Don’t make the common mistake of providing him with certain treats just because the flavors appeal to you. Your dog is bound to have different tastes. Let him decide the flavors he enjoys.

Homemade Dog Food and Treats

Quality dog food and treats are very important if you want your dog to remain healthy and active. Making quality food for your dog can be the best solution if you want to have a healthy dog that will do what you want it do. This is because sometimes the food you purchase for your dog might be of low quality and perhaps, not safe for your dog.

As such, home made dog food and treats are the best solution for your pet. Making quality dog food is easy. All you require is to mix vegetables, starches and some meat. However, you need to know the following before and when preparing dog food and treats;

You need to consider the impact of the treats and food on your dog. For instance, if you are switching to homemade food for your dog from bought food, you may consult with your vet to find out possible effect of the foods on your dog.

Dogs Need a Balanced Diet

When preparing homemade dog food and treats, you need to understand that dogs need a balanced diet. The diet should have starch 30 percent; vegetables should also be 30 percent and meat 40 percent. Giving your dog this treat will ensure that it remains healthy and fit for role you want it to play in your home.

It is also important that you try mixing ground turkey, carrot and rice when making your homemade dog food. There are also popular meals which are manufacture using brown rice, ground beef, carrot and brewer’s yeast.

To ensure that you give your have the best dog food and treats to keep your pet healthy, rotate the foods to give your dog a wide variety of meals.

Give the dog Pasta, Potatoes, Rice and Oatmeal so that it can have enough starch.

Good dog food and treats will not only make your dog healthy. They will also ensure that your dog is happy and playful. Ensure that you store the dog’s meals in a refrigerator but not for over three days.

Starting to use Dog Training Commands it’s not that difficult but first you must ensure that you are the dominant alpha male in your ‘pack’– and that your dog acknowledges this. Without you taking the role of ‘boss’ and your dog knowing it, dog training commands can become an uphill struggle.

Whether training a puppy or an older dog the single most important thing is to establish your dominant Alpha male status within your home. Once you have achieved this then teaching dog training commands becomes so much easier.

Dog Training Commands – Being the Alpha Dog in Your Home

The number one thing that you must do to reduce the impact of bad behaviour, ensure your dog listens to you, and that he doesn’t embarrass you in front of friends and family, is to establish yourself in the role of pack leader.

However, for many this can be a tough task as you need to have a firm hand making sure that your dog knows who is in charge and obeys your dog training commands at ALL times. So, if you are just a big softie at heart like me or just don’t know where to begin, here are some simple tips.

Praise Correctly

Yes, there are right ways and wrong ways to give your dog praise. When your dog has responded correctly to dog training commands the correct way to praise him is to put your hands firmly on your dog and hugging him. Put your hands on him firmly, hold them there and don’t be skimpy with your praise.

Whenever you touch your dog you should do so firmly to ensure that he knows you’re in charge. You should never hit or punish your dog. Also, don’t drag out the praise too long. Give your dog praise, be warm and firm and then leave him be.

Reprimanding Properly

When your dog does something wrong or does not respond correctly to dog training commands don’t hit him or yell at him endlessly. This becomes very confusing for your dog and it can create fear issues that may led to even more aggression.

Use calm and assertive gestures to correct your dogs behaviour. You can take the leash or collar to adjust it, but don’t pull or yell as you do it. Be decisive and hold your authority. Show your dog that you are in charge of their movements and that they should heed your dog training commands. This always works extremely well.

Give Dog Training Commands that are Enforceable

If your dog is far away from you, then it would be difficult to stop him from doing as he pleases. Only use dog training commands that you can enforce as the Alpha Male.

Once you have been accepted as the Alpha male this is much easier to achieve. But you will still need to be at hand to adjust the behaviour of your dog should he decide for some reason not to listen to your dog training commands.

Boundaries and Permissions

Much like your children, a dog needs to be given boundaries of where they can go and when. Begin by making the sofa off limits, then make the kitchen off limits. Be sure that your dog is not allowed to change his behaviour whenever he wants.

The golden rule here is that your dog should always seek your permission to do these things. If you want him to stay on the floor, it doesn’t mean he is never to be allowed on the sofa – just that he has to have permission to do so.

Long Sit-Stays

One of the first dog training commands your your dog will learn should be „sit-stay“. This is a dominant command so if your dog is very dominant or aggressive you will need to make them lay down and stay. The longer you hold your dog in this still position, the greater the assertion of your Alpha male role.

Consistency and Calmness

It is sometimes said that dog owners look like their dogs. Even if that isn’t true in your case your dog will still mirror your personality. If you get angry easily and you are not consistent with your dog training commands, your dog will follow your lead and also become unpredictable. Don’t forget that just like a child, you are his role model.

Be consistent with your dog training commands and the way you follow through with them.Your dog will then respect you and want to please you. He will happily respond and do what you require of him, accepting your role as the Alpha male and leader of the pack.

Common Dog Commands:

Imagine what it would be like if you were to go on a walk with your dog. Your dog listens to your every command. When you say, “Stay” your dog stays. When you say, “Heal” your dog heals. Imagine your friends patting you on the back for the wonderful job you’ve done training your dog.

• Good dog
• Yes
• No
• Sit
• Down
• Stay / Stop
• Wait
• Here / Come
• Heel
• Stand
• Go
• Fetch
• Let loose / Give
• Shake hands
• Give
• Okay
• Find
• Speak
• Leave it

Your dog is very smart and very adaptable. This is how they survive in the wild. You must spend time to teach your dog to respect and follow your dog training commands at all times otherwise he will soon begin to see himself as the Alpha. So it’s essential that your dog knows the pecking order and that this is consistently enforced. Your dog will soon begin behaving better than you ever expected possible.

Your dog has a sore spot on her paw. She is licking and licking and licking. It is driving you crazy. You tell her to stop and she does until you turn your back or show that you are no longer paying attention. She goes back to licking and you wonder why she is so obsessed.

The answer is that the dog is doing what she instinctively knows to do. She is cleaning her wound. The tongue’s soft and moist surface makes it an effective wound cleaner. Saliva loosens any debris or scabs that may be lingering on the surface of the wound. The tongue serves the same capacity as the cotton swabs a veterinarian would use to clean a wound.

Dogs Have Cleaner Mouths Than Humans

There is an old myth that implies that dogs have sterile mouths. One of the reasons for this line of thinking is that dog’s wounds tend to heal faster than those of humans. This may be due to the fact that a dog’s saliva does have some antibacterial and antibiotic properties that help promote healing. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean you should allow your puppy to lick his wounds. Consider where his tongue has been in the past hour.

If you dog suddenly begins licking excessively at a spot on his or her body, take time to find out why. Constant licking of a thorn or splinter could drive it deeper into the dog’s body parts, creating a need for medical attention.

Dogs do not limit their wound licking to themselves. Most canines are all too happy to lick your wounds too.

Lick Granuloma in Dogs

Any wound that is excessively licked by a dog can become infected. Excessive licking can cause what is known as a lick granuloma. This is an area that becomes raw and it is ripe for infection to set in.

A lick granuloma often means a visit to the veterinarian’s office. In some cases, the wound may have to be wrapped or sprayed with a commercial product in order to keep the dog from causing more damage. In cases where infection has set in, antibiotics may be needed to cure the wound.

Cone-shaped Collar to Prevent Dog Licking Wound

No matter what you do, some dogs cannot be convinced to stop licking wounds. You can say no and the well-behaved dog will listen. Turn your back and the licking resumes. If you have a dog that orally fixates on a sore, you may have to use a cone-shaped collar to prevent him or her from reaching the wound.

The collar is guaranteed to make dog look pitiful, but resist those sad eyes. Leave the collar on until the dog’s vet tells you it is safe to remove it.

For some dogs, licking is simply a bad habit. Try supplying an array of chew toys to distract the dog. You might give a rawhide treat that will keep the dog happy and busy. Break up the day’s monotony with a walk in the park or a swim in the lake. Do anything you can to stop the habit as it truly can be detrimental to the dogs health and well being.

Dog Excessive Licking

It’s no secret that dogs enjoy licking and will take just about any opportunity to lick themselves, toys, furniture, and people. A dog’s tongue isn’t just for eating, they use it for a variety of reasons. Your dog’s tongue is highly sensitive, much like the nose or ears and is often used to evaluate novel stimuli. This is why it is not realistic to expect to stop your dog from licking completely.

There’s a balance that need to be met in order to fulfill your dog’s licking needs and your sanity. In some cases, dog excessive licking is caused by a health condition or medications. In these cases, the problem needs to be addressed in order to restore your dog’s health and also to reduce excessive licking.

Nausea is one of the most common causes of dog excessive licking and can be effected by your dog’s diet, medications and even dietary supplements. Table scraps and treats can also lead to dog excessive licking, so it’s important to identify everything your dog is ingesting, even if you don’t believe it is at the root of the problem.

Some potential causes of dog licking can include:

• Liver disease, pancreatitis, IBS or some kinds of intestinal tumors that lead to stomach discomfort or nausea.
• Tooth or gum disease that causes pain or infection.
• Conditions of the adrenal glands such as hyper or hypoadrenocorticism.
• Polyphagia, an excessive appetite.
• Nervous system malfunction including seizure disorders or water on the brain.
• Lack of exercise and/or attention, boredom.
• Anxiety or neurosis.
• Communication/mixed messages between owners and dogs, leading to frustration.
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder.
• Cognitive decline, as seen in dogs with dementia.

Some external factors that can lead to dog excessive licking include feelings of anxiety, mixed messages with their owners commands and lack of enough stimulation, particularly in breeds that are high energy. Owners who use punishment improperly or who leave their dog alone or with strangers frequently are more likely to have a dog who licks their paws out of frustration. Dogs who are already predisposed to anxiety are also more likely to turn to licking when anxious.

Dog Skin Problems and Solutions

Is your dog constantly licking, biting or scratching the same spot? Is your furniture wearing more of your dog’s fur than your dog itself? Does your dog appear to be in discomfort or pain? All of these may indicate dog skin problems that should be addressed as quickly as possible, not only for your dog’s current peace and comfort but for its future health and longevity as well.

Seemingly benign dog skin problems could develop into a severe and possibly life-threatening condition.

Dog Skin Problems Symptoms

As with a human, there are numerous different skin conditions that can affect a dog. They are:

• Allergies (such as to dust mites)
• Environment
• Infections (typically appearing as inflammation and redness)
• Neurogenic problems (relating to the nervous symptoms)
• Nutritional problems
• Parasites (such as ringworm, heartworm, fleas and ticks)

While this variety of types of skin problems exists, however, the range of symptoms they cause is similar.

Typical Symptoms of a Dog Skin Problem Include:

• Fur loss
• Skin irritation or inflammation
• Dog dandruff, or dry and flaky skin
• Painful redness and swelling
• Chronic licking, chewing, biting or gnawing, especially in a single spot
• Incessant scratching
• Skin infection

No one wants to let their pets suffer any longer necessary. The sooner you discover that something is wrong, the sooner you can identify the problem and take care of it.

It is often easier to find a dog bed when they are a puppy since they seem to be comfortable in any position. However, as they age many dog owners assume they no longer need the comfort of a dog bed, which leaves them neglected and in pain sleeping on hard surfaces when they would do much better sleeping on a cushioned dog bed.

Dogs that suffer from arthritis, hip dysplasia, and other ailments are also due to sleeping on hard floors.

Where to Start

The first step to finding a dog pet bed is to set a budget but keep in mind that cheap dog beds may not always be the best choice since their low-grade materials need to be replaced more regularly than dog beds that are higher in price.

Consider Dog Bed Materials

Although more expensive than other options, memory foam or orthopedic dog beds are an excellent choice because they will last much longer than cheaper beds with a regular cushion. Dog owners who want their pets to be well-supported throughout the night will find that memory foam dog beds helps to eliminate pressure points and keep large dogs from causing the cushion to form a dent to the hard floor.

There are the many different types of dog pet beds you can choose from for example Indestructible Dog Beds, Chew Proof Dog beds so you can find the best for your small, medium, or large dog beds. From a waterproof dog bed to an chew proof dog bed you can find a bed that suits your dog’s lifestyle and habits.

Ever wonders why dogs like to snuggle into bed with their owners?

Well, just like us, dogs love to have a place that could provide them with warmth, security and a good support for their backs and joints. That’s the reason why beds for dogs is so important. It is a piece of equipment necessary for all dogs regardless of size, breed or age.

Benefits Of Dog Bed

Not convinced? Well here are some benefits a dog bed could offer your dog that could well change your mind about digging into your pocket to yet it for your furry companion.

Providing Insulation

Without a bed, your poor dog would be freezing sleeping on the hard cold floor during the winter seasons. In summer, the heat from the floor may again be a problem. A good bed would provide the warmth in winter and in summer; a cool bed would help take away the heat from your dog.

Security

A bed for your dog would provide him with his own private space and give them a sense of security.

Cushion and Support

A nice soft bed would provide cushioning for your dog’s joints and bones. This is especially important for older, arthritic or overweight dogs.

Hair and Dander Control

With a bed for your dog, you need not be bothered by the spread of hair and dander, as it would be concentrated in one, easy-to-clean location i.e. the dog bed.

Prevent Injuries

Without a bed, dogs would tend to jump onto furniture like your sofa to take a nap. Jumping up and down theses sleeping places may lead to injuries to your dog.

Now do you see the importance in getting beds for dogs?

Of course, there is no one dog bed that would suit all needs. You need to understand your dog’s needs so that you can pick one that is most suited for its needs. Spend some time to do some research before buying beds for your dogs. Your dog would be thankful to you.

Soon you’ll realized that it will be your dog’s very favorite place be it playing with its toys or taking a nice long sleep to relieve its aching joints after a day of running around the house!

Best Dog Beds

To help you in choosing the right beds for your dogs, here are some dog beds that were designed for a specific purpose:

Lux Quad Element Orthopedic Dog Bed with Cooling Gel and Cover Features by Sealy Dog Bed

FEATURES:
With Quad Layer Technology, the Sealy Dog Bed is unmatched in terms of craftsmanship, design and durability.	Bed Cover Features: hidden zippers, machine washable cover, waterproof liner and non slip bottom.
Cooling Energy Gel regulates body temperature by dissipating heat away from the sleeping surface.	Breed Recommendation: All Breed Sizes.
Pet Rest Memory Foam conforms to your pet’s body, adapts quickly to movement, and helps increase circulation.	Specific Uses for Product: Pain and Arthritis, Suitable for Adult pets, Suitable for Young pets, Indoor.
Bio-Orthopedic Foam eliminates pressure points by evenly distributing you pet’s weight on the bed.	Bed Dimensions L x W x H: 32 x 42 x 8 inches.
Pro-Charcoal HD Foam Base provides an additional layer of support and aids in absorption of odors.	Bed Weight: 14.26 pounds.

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PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed In Solid Memory Foam

FEATURES:
Great for dogs of all ages and especially helpful for mature and older dogs who begin to have sore joints and arthritis.	Included Components: Memory foam mattress, waterproof foam liner, Removable and washable cover, Polyfilled bolster cushion.
Generously filled outer bolster (pillow) provides excellent support and opportunities for nestling.	Material: Polyester, memory foam, polyester fiber.
Water resistant to significantly slow absorption before reaching the waterproof inner liner.	Bed Weight: 14 Pounds.
Two zipper compartments (1 for foam, 1 for bolster) to make removal easier.	Bed Dimensions L x W x H: 36 x 28 x 9 inches.

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FurHaven Orthopedic Luxe Lounger Dog Bed with Machine Washable Cover

FEATURES:
The bed foam is manufactured in the U.S.A. and has been rigorously tested to ensure it meets standards for content, emissions, and durability.	This bed foam is CertiPUR-US certified, and has been independently tested for durability, performance, emissions, and content standards*.
The step-on design also allows pets of varying sizes and physical conditions to easily get on and off the bed.	Available in Multiple Sizes: Small: 14" x 21" x 4"; Medium: 20" x 30" x 5"; Large: 24" x 36" x 5.5"; Jumbo: 30" x 45" x 6"; Jumbo Plus: 36" x 51" x 8"; and Giant: 42 x 58" x 9".
The contoured form factor provides superior ergonomic support for the hips and back.	Pet bed cover is zippered and may be machine or hand washed.
Dense and sturdy in composition, the solid slab of medical-grade orthopedic foam provides comfort and great support for joints.	Orthopedic Joint Support.
The classy suede ends help to hide dirt and dander for a cleaner appearance.	Authentic Furhaven Merchandise.

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Best Friends by Sheri Luxurious Faux Fur Donut Pet Bed

FEATURES:
Donut shape intended for the cozy comfort your dog will love.	Available in 3 sizes.
Filled with premium quality virgin AirLOFT Fibers.	Material: Luxurious faux fur.
Super soft and cozy shag fabric mimics mother fur inducing deeper sleep.	Water and dirt resistant backing.
9" high walls provide head and neck support.	Maintenance: machine washable.

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4 Inch Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed by Brindle

FEATURES:
Provide a soft, comfortable, and durable place for your best friend to nap.	Cover can be removed and safely washed and dried for easy care.
Two inches of plush memory foam relive pressure points to provide a customized sleep surface for your pet.	Convenient waterproof layer beneath the cover protects memory foam from messes without changing the feel of the bed.
Two inches of high-density base foam provide just the right amount of support.	A non-skid bottom helps keep the bed in place; no matter what.
Zippered cover is not only incredibly soft, it’s also long-lasting.	This bed is also made to fit perfectly inside most generic dog crates.

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BarkBox Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed with Machine Washable Waterproof Cover

FEATURES:
Essential orthopedic bed made with ergonomic memory foam and gel foam.	Helps with dog hip dysplasia and arthritis.
The thick memory foam base supports your dog's joints and pressure points making it great for all dogs.	Every bed comes with a squeaky little sweet pea and wearable paper crown.
This bed is easy to step into and accommodates any sleeping position.	This bed is also great as a bed for other pets like mini pigs, hedgehogs, and cats.
Features high quality memory foam, a water-resistant cover, and a machine-washable top cover.	Available in 4 sizes and 4 colors.

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FurHaven Sofa-Style Orthopedic Foam Pet Bed Available in Multiple Sizes

FEATURES:
Smooth and soft, the quilted sleep surface is oh-so-cozy and provides the ultimate snuggling comfort for dogs.	Three-sided bolstered support cushions aching hips, back, and neck.
The matching quilted bolsters grant orthopedic support for joints while making for perfectly cozy headrests.	Bed foam is CertiPUR-US certified, and has been independently tested for durability, performance, emissions, and content standards*.
The deep, convoluted foam base soothes pressure points and aids in improving circulation.	Available in 5 Sizes (small, medium, large, jumbo, and jumbo plus) and several color.
Sofa design allows for easy access on and off the pet bed for older and arthritic dogs (or cats!).	Wash Instructions: For best results - Remove filling (foam core). Zip close. Hand or machine wash separately; cold water. Do not bleach.

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JOYELF Memory Foam Orthopedic Dog Bed with All-Around Zipper Washable Design

FEATURES:
Memory foam orthopedic dog bed promotes healthy bones and joints in your pet.	Each bed purchase brings squeaker toy gift for your dog, the size of the toy 4" x 6.2".
Provide incredible support and comfort and to really protect your dog's legs, elbows and hips from pressure from the floor.	Machine washable: Zip closed and machine was separately on cold. Do not tumble dry, better naturely.
Soft and Full comfy cotton-padded pillow 'Bolsters' (couch arms) surround a whole circle can protect your pet's neck.	Joint relief and ultra comfy.
There is a long encircled zipper be hidden inside and under the bloster (four sides).	Waterproof and non-slip backing.
PP cotton in filled, resilience is 2 times the ordinary cotton.	Bed is ideal for small to medium sized dogs.

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Finding a Bed for Pets at the Right Price

A bed for pets is essential for healthy pets. A comfortable place to rest is not something you should ignore even though the price for a pet bed can be daunting when you first start shopping. With so many beds to choose from you can easily find one that suits your dog the best, whether he has arthritis, spends his time outside, or likes to chew.

Most importantly, finding a dog bed that fits your budget does not have to be hard. Once you know what type of bed you want you can easily shop around and see who offers the best price in stores and over the Internet.

Choosing the Perfect Pet Bed

First and foremost, determine which type of dog bed you want before looking at money. The age of your dog will help determine how large of a dog bed you want to buy. If you have just brought a Great Dane puppy home you will not want to buy a small dog bed that will only last a few weeks. Instead, consider how large you expect your dog to be and buy a bed he will still fit in as an adult.

On the flip side, if you have an older dog you will need to consider his health and choose a bed that will support his older muscles and bones, such as memory foam dog beds. Also know your dog’s habits. If he is outside, look at waterproof dog beds.

If your dog is still young, consider indestructible dog bed options. Buying the wrong type of bed for pets will just be a waste of money even if you got a great deal on the bed.

Finding the Best Price

A bed for pets will vary in price depending on the store you buy it from. Do not just run out to your local pet store if you want to save money on your dog bed. Research online for the type of dog bed you are interested in and compare the price of what your local pet store is offering to what you can find online.

Remember to factor in any shipping costs and consider broadening your search to towns around you to see where you can find the cheapest price. Spending between $50 can typically be found for smaller dog beds that can last, while quality large dog beds can run around $100.

In today’s day and age, both adults in the family have to work, which leave pets home alone most of the time.

Having to get up early enough to get ready for work, get other family members out the door, and feeding your pet can be a juggling act.

Some people are turning to an automatic dog feeder to feed their pets the proper portions as well as keep them satisfied and happy.

Automatic Dog Feeders give you a worry-free solution to pet owners who value quality and allow them to program a diet for their pets’ health.

You can’t walk into a specialized pet store or even the pet section of your neighborhood supermarket without seeing some type of automatic dog feeder.

There a few automatic dog feeder designs on the market today.

There is the traditional canister with an open bottom with a bowl attached that allows your pet to eat freely and there is also a new design on the market that allows you as the owner to program a time and potion for your pet.

Traditional Dog Feeding Bowl

The more popular of the two is the traditional canister style mostly because of cost and availability.

It is a large container that you place the chosen dog food into and located at the bottom of this container is an opening that allows gravity to fill the feeding bowl at the base of the container.

This provides a continuous stream of food that allows your pet to eat whenever it feels hungry.

The downside to this design is that your pet can over eat, causing all kinds of health issues.

Modern Auto Dog Feeders

The new design on the market works on the same basic concept as your automatic coffee maker you use every morning to make you coffee.

You simply set a time and the portion amount you wish to feed your pet, and the machine does the rest of the work.

You can set the timer to whatever time however many times you wish to feed your pet.

You can set it for once, twice, or three times a day depending on what eating habit your pet requires.

Another feature offered with the new models is the sleek stylish design that will match any décor in your home.

Some models also offer a warranty just as any appliance your kitchen or home might have.

Both designs are available in many sizes to fit any size pet you may have from a tiny Chihuahua to a large St. Bernard and any dog in between.

Chose the Best Automatic Dog Feeder for a Better and Worry Free Way to Leave Your Pet at Home

Taking care of your dog companion can really be hard especially if you are a single person living alone in a house or an apartment.

There will be no one to take care of your dog if you are busy working during the day, and sometimes it can be a very difficult thing to keep thinking and worrying about your dog all the time you are separated.

But this type of problem can now be solved as a thing called automatic dog feeders are now available in the market for dog owners like you and I.

Just What is This Automatic Dog Feeder with Timer?

Simply put, this is a machine that actually has a container that will automatically release a set amount of dog food into a container at the set time of the day you plan it to.

This will help you stop worrying that your dog is not eating anything and will really be hungry when you get back from work.

In a way, this will also be much healthier for your dog as we all well know that overfeeding dogs is also not a good thing.

Controlling the amount of food that your dog eats is important because it prevents obesity in your pet.

Animal obesity is increasing in number nowadays and surely, you wouldn’t want your dog to be obese and suffer the health risks that come with obesity.

Since this machine moderates the amount of food intake, then no complication from overfeeding is possible.

User-friendly Automatic Dog Feeder:

Monitoring your pet’s food supply is sometimes a tedious job.

It would to your advantage to choose an automatic feeder that is easy to program when it comes to scheduling your pet’s meals at their specified intervals with correct appropriations.

Select for an automatic pet feeder that has an LCD screen to display the information you programmed on it.

It would be helpful to find a pet feeder that has an LCD screen display which has your programmed information on it.

This way you can easily change the programmed information with just pushing one button.

PETKIT 6.9L Fresh Element Smart Pet Feeder

Feature:		Details:
Double Fresh Lock Door: Keeps food fresh	1-20 Portions/Meal (20g-400g)	Total weight: 5 kg
Fits Different Dry Pet Food Sizes (5-25mm)	Up to 10 Scheduled Meals Per Day	Bucket Capacity: 5.9 L
Smart Phone Control	Long-range Remote and One Key Control	Wireless: Wi-Fi enabled
Ten High Precision Sensors	Receive Notices via the PETKIT App	Recommended pet type: Small to medium size dogs/cats

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HoneyGuaridan 3.8L Automatic Pet Food Dispenser with LCD Display

FEATURES:		What You Get:
Built in clock and touch LCD display, automatic locking keeps kids and pets from anti-touch setting	Motor: Working life – 20,000 hours	Automatic pet food dispenser
Manual feeding function immediately dispensing one unit size food for your pets	Food Category: Dry dog or cat food; no canned or wet food snacks	DC power adapter and cord
Locking lid and low food alarm keeps food fresh and blue light flashing indicates short of food storage	DC power: 5V1A standard power supply	Multiple languages user manual
Dispense portions from 1 to 80 portions of 0.3 oz (about 1/27 cup) each per meal for 1 portion	Removable stainless steel bowl and tray for easily cleaning	Gift card

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Arf Pets Automatic Dog Food Dispenser with 1.14 gallon Capacity, LCD Clock & Display, Magnetic Lock Lid and 4 Daily Distribution Alarms

Features:		What You Get:
4 Daily Distribution Alarms	ABS Material	1 Automatic Pet Food Dispenser
Blue Lightup LCD Clock & Display	Motor Working Life – 2,000 hours	1 DC Power Cord
Magnetic Lock Lid	3 D Batteries or DC Power Cable	A Gift for Your Dog
Record Personal Meal	1.14 gallon Capacity	The Ultimate Dietary System

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Urbenfit Smart Pet Feeder and 1080P HD Camera with 120° Wide Angle Lens

Features:
6L Large Capacity Hopper	Custom Feeding Schedule
About 10g Food Per Portion 1-10 Portions	Recording and Voice Interaction
Suitable for Pet Dry Food Less Than 12mm	Dual Power Mode and Prevent Getting Stuck
Watch Your Pet Anytime, Anywhere with HD Camera	Suitable for Small and Medium Pets up to 20kg

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PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Dog Feeder Feed Your Pet from Anywhere using Smartphone

Features:
Works with iPhone and iPad devices, iOS 9 or later and most Android Smartphones 5.0 or later	Hopper Latches keep hopper securely
WiFi Enabled	Pet-Proof Dispenser keeps prying paws from stealing food
Locking Lid	Removable Stainless Steel Bowl for easy cleaning
24 cup Translucent Hopper	Schedule up to 12 meals a day, meal sizes from 1/8 cup to 4 cups

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Large Capacity 6.5 Litre Automatic Dog Feeder with LCD Screen, Control Panel, BPA free Material, Up to 4 meals/day by TDYNASTY DESIGN

Features:		What's you get:
Safe Lock Design	Detachable Food Tray	Pet Food Dispenser
6.5L Hold up to 7.3lb Dry Food	Double Power Supply Battery and Plug-in Power	Feeding Bowl
Easy to Operate	Up to 4 Meals a Day	10 feet Power Cable
Voice Record/Play at Programmed Meal Time	Easy to Assemble and Disassemble	Power Adapter

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AnkWay Flat Round Design BPA-free 6 Meal Automatic Dog Feeder with Voice Recording and Programmable Digital Timer

Features:		Package Contents:
Built in Clock and LCD Display Screen Make Setup Easy and Quick	Schedule Meals: Program 1 - 6 Daily Meals on Your Pets Schedule	1* 6-Meal Pet Feeder
Intelligent Design: Lock to Prevent Accidental Setting Changes	3.6lb (1.36 kg no food) weight, So That Your Pet Can't Turn Over It	1* User Manual
Record Exclusive Sound for You Dog, Then Play it to Call Your Pets to For Meal	Low Power Design 4 C-cell Batteries (not included) Can Feed for up to 300 days ( no need adapter)
Low Battery Indicator: Red LED Flashing to Remind Replace with New Battery	Detachable Device Easy to Clean

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Automatic Food Dispenser with LCD Display and Built-in Voice Recorder by WOpet

Product Features:		What’s Included:
10 seconds Voice Recorder to Call Your Pets to Meals	Safe Storage of Food: The Safety Magnetic Lid	1x WOpet Automatic Pet Feeder
Detachable Feeding Tray	Food Container Capacity: 17 cups	1x Manual
Removable Stainless Steel Bowl	Exterior Material: ABS (Thermoplastic Polymer)	1x Power Adapter
LCD Display and Built-in Voice Recorder and Speaker	Battery Powered: Requires 3 pieces of D-size Batteries (not included)	1x USB Cable

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4L Capacity Automatic Dog Food Distribution System with Programmable Timer by ROMEKER

Features:		What You Get:
Locked Lid Design: Keep Food Fresh and Prevent Sprinkle Pet Food	1 -15 Portions (15 - 225 g)	1 Automatic Pet Food Dispenser
Fit For Small and Medium Dogs	Support 2 Kind of Power Supply: Adapter or Batteries Powered	1 USB cord
4L Large Capacity: 6 Feeding Times Per Day	Removable Tray for Easy Cleaning	A Gift for Your Dog
LCD Panel: Set Meal Time and Quantity of Food	Food Category: Dry Dog Food; no Canned or Wet Food Snacks

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UUNITONA 4.5L Automatic Dog Feeder with WiFi Remote Control, Speaker, Two Feeding Mode and Preset Timer

Product Features:
Auto Feeding or Manual Feeding	You Can Preset Timer to Feed Your Pet
4.5L Large Capacity	Removable Food Tank
Add an Audio Record: You Can Record Your Sound	Extra anti-bite Rope Prevents Your Pet from Biting Off the Power Cord
Product Size: Length:240MM, Width:170MM and Height:380MM	Two Power Mode: Power Off Protection - Three D Batteries (Not Included)

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If you are like most people, busy with the ins and outs of daily life and want your family pet to be properly taken care of then you need an automatic dog feeder.

An automatic pet feeder also gives you peace of mind because you know that your dog is fed even if you’re at work.

You won’t have to worry because an electric pet feeder can be programmed to dispense the amount of food that you want your dog to eat.

Pet feeders are easy to operate and are budget friendly. By spending a little amount of money, you’re sure that your dog is healthy without always monitoring it.

It will allow you to focus on other things in your life such as work, family, and even spending quality time with the pet you love.

For dog lovers like me, an automatic dog feeder with timer is just about perfect.

Benefits for Dog Owners from Owning an Automatic Dog Feeder

• You don’t have to manually feed your dog every meal. And then you can spend more time interacting and enjoying with your dog.
• It’s convenient for busy dog owners.
• It alleviates 5am begging to be fed.
• Don’t have to worry about forgetting to feed your dog manually every meal.
• There’s no confusion on who fed your dog.
• You can schedule feeding times while you are at work.
• It saves you money and stops food waste from your dog overeating (especially those costly specialty foods).
• The automatic dog feeder is great for elderly, handicapped and disabled pet owners.
• You don’t have to be home or worry about being home at a certain time.
• The automatic dog feeder is great for traveling because it stores your pet’s food and doesn’t have to be plugged in when batteries are used.

Benefits for a Dog from Owning an Automatic Dog Feeder

• Healthy portion feeding is ideal for weight control for your dog.
• You can maintain healthier, happier dog by feeding on a consistent schedule.
• The automatic dog feeder is highly recommended by Veterinarians.
• You are able to give automatic frequent, small meals that are healthier for your dog.
• It reduces stress from your pet not being fed on time or your pet worrying about being fed on a consistent schedule.
• It helps prevent your pet from overeating, pet regurgitation and obesity and other overweight pet diseases.
• Your dog won’t have to worry about begging or bothering you for its next meal.
• The automatic dog feeder is great for diabetic pets that definitely need to have their food intake monitored.

Dogs truly are man`s best friend, throughout history canines have played an important role and have a truly unique relationship with man.

Dogs have protected campsites, guarded flocks, assisted in hunts and pulled loads.

Man And Dog: How It All Began

To this day there are questions about who made the decision of domesticating wolves to create the obedient canine.

Some say that our ancestors actively made the choice and others argue that the wolves saw the many advantages of living in areas surrounding human campsites and so decided to hang around and become a part of that.

Either way it happened we are fortunate that it did. Eventually the dog lost its distrust and fear of humans.

Our relationship with wolves began well over 15,000 years ago. The modified wolf – what we refer to as a dog – evolved about 12,000 years ago.

Primitive canine heads were somewhat domed and more puppy like than that of a wolf. These dogs had smaller teeth and a shorter intestinal tract than the wolf. They were more playful and more obedient.

It’s no surprise that our ancestors soon came to value the relationships with these animals.

Throughout history… dogs have been portrayed in religion, art, literature and folklore. They have been involved in our daily activities, in our work as well as our play.

Dogs have assisted with various tasks and jobs such as: agriculture, sports, defense and security. Many of the dog’s senses are superior to that of humans.

Dogs have a very adaptable digestive system which permits them to live on a varied diet.

Dogs are social creatures and like humans they are pack animals. Just as with humans, dogs enjoy company.

Dogs come in a wide variety of sizes, ranging from tiny to very, very large. Through human intervention there are 100s of breeds that vary in size as well as other characteristics.

There are dogs with heavy coats that are well suited to cold climate areas, there are dogs with exaggerated scent capabilities, there are dogs that are bred to herd other animals… dogs have been bred to inherit desired characteristics for various reasons.

Dogs’ primary purpose it seems is to provide companionship. In doing so they make our life better.

It is therefore our responsibility to care for our canine friends and ensure that we make their lives rewarding.

The benefits received from having a dog include…

• The wonderful feelings associated with dog ownership.
• Our dogs make us feel loved and secure.
• They make us laugh.
• They make us happy.
• Dogs are fun to watch.
• You can be sure that their emotions and behavior are honest and sincere.
• They give us something to care for and thus make us feel needed.

The benefits a dog receives include…

• The fact that the dog is provided with a ‘pack leader’.
• As the pack leader you guide the dog to food, warmth, and comfort.
• Your dog will enjoy having a defined territory to defend.
• You will offer play and physical contact.
• Your dog will depend on you for all his basic needs.

If you love dogs you can find many amazing facts about them, such as that were the very first animals that humans domesticated. This article will highlight some other interesting dog facts for kids and adults to know more them.

Dogs belong to the Canidae family and they are actually the domesticated kind of the gray wolf.

They are versatile animals which can provide great assistance to humans such as giving them protection, aiding in police and military searches, herding, hunting, sniffing to detect bombs and various other weapons and helping handicapped persons, especially the blind.

Of all the animals, the dog behavior is generally associated with loyalty to owners.

If you have a dog and children at home, you might probably want to know how to get your kids involved in the caring process once they are old enough to learn about responsibility and building lifelong foundations of love and respect for animals.

In this case, you want to keep things interesting by making learning as fun as possible to engage your kids’ minds and get them excited.

Funny Dog Facts

Dogs are among the most intelligent animals around and they can be trained to perform just about any task.

The very first dog fossils were found in 10,000 B.C.

A dog is the best pet for anyone, due to their lovable and obedient nature.

There are over seven hundred types of pure breed dogs across the world. Some of the breeds include the Collie, Bulldog, St Bernard, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Greyhound, Chihuahua, Bloodhound, Labrador, Boxer, Great Dane, Cocker Spaniel and Rottweiler.

Throughout human history, the domestic dogs have been one of the most popular companion and working animals. They were first domesticated in the Paleolithic Age by the cavemen.

Domestic dogs feed on many different types of foods which include grains, meats and vegetables.

A dog has the average life span of about 10 to 14 years.

A dog has very sharp ears so it can hear sounds of a much as 35,000 vibrations in a second.

Puppies are born without teeth, plus they are deaf and blind. They usually develop hearing at about eighteen days old, whilst their initial set of teeth will start to develop at about six weeks old. As for their sight, puppies will start to see at 2 to 3 weeks old.

A dog only has sweat glands between their paw pads.

Dogs breathe only through their tongue.

Every dog has the same anatomy, which I 42 permanent teeth and 321 bones.

A female dog her young around sixty days before their puppies born.

Labrador is the most popular dog breed in the world, as recorded by registered ownership. Their intelligence, gentle nature, almost limitless energy and obedience make them reliable workers and excellent family pets. They are often used as guide and police dogs.

The funny dog facts also have breeds such as the Airedale terrier and Dalmatian born in one color at birth. The Dalmatian has a white color, while the Airedale is black. When they start to develop and grow after birth, the color of their adult coat will start to show. The Dalmatian will have black spots and the Airedale will have a mixture of tan, grey and black.

Small dogs are said to live the longest. The toy breeds can live for up to 16 years even or more, while the larger dogs live for 7 to 12 years on average. Bear in mind that this time is extended by around 3 years by veterinary medicine but some breeds like the Tibetan terrier can live for as long as 20 years.

A healthy dog has an average heart rate of 120 beats per minute. This is fifty percent faster than the human’s average heart rate that beats at 72 per minute.

Dogs do not love rain as the sound is intensified and can hurt their ears which are very sensitive.

Whenever dogs wag their tails, this indicates that they are excited. This however does not mean that the dogs are trying to be friendly.

An average dog does not have a keen vision, but they can see colors; just not as clear as humans. It is much easier for dogs to see movements than stationary objects. It is unlikely for a dog to see if someone is standing still at over 300 yards away but the person will become visible if he/she moves or waves their arms.

Dogs have unique nose prints, similar to the fingerprints of humans. It is possible to identify dogs accurately with the help of their nose prints.

Dogs have the most highly developed smelling sense. A dog has a sense of smell which is sensitive to people by more than 1,000 times. In addition to that, the area in the dog’s brain that is responsible for processing smell is more than four times larger than it’s in people. As of such, a dog is able to follow the smell or the scent of an individual or object as well as track it for a number of miles.

The normal body temperature of a dog is 100.5 – 102.5 degrees F.

A puppy is considered an adult at one year old.

Theobromine is a substance similar to caffeine that is found in chocolates and it can make a dog seriously ill and even cause fatal harm.

The smartest dogs in the world are said to be the Border collie, Poodle, and the Golden Retriever.

Laika is a stray dog that became the first astronaut canine to enter space inside a space shuttle. This happened in 1967 on the Russian Sputnik II.

The Irish Wolfhounds is the largest breed of dog in the world.

The greyhound dogs are ranked as the fastest dogs on the planet, as they can run for 45 miles in an hour.

Zorba, an English mastiff, is considered the heaviest and longest dog in the world. This breed of dog measures 8 feet, 3 inches long from their nose to tail and weighs about 343 pounds.

The Bluey, which is an Australian cattle dog, is oldest in the world. It has lived up to twenty-nine years and six months.

The Great Dane dog breed originates in Germany and it is supposedly the tallest dog.

The St. Bernard, among other breeds, is said to be heaviest dog.

The Chihuahua dog is the smallest breed. There are also other small dog breeds such as the Yorkshire terrier and the toy poodle.

The Basenji is an African wolf dog and it’s the only breed in the world that is unable to bark.

It is apparent that dog ownership is a privilege and anyone lucky enough to have the companionship of a devoted dog should value that. But along with that privilege comes the responsibility of providing quality care and love to your furry friend. Over the ages of time both dogs and humans have evolved, but throughout the evolutions we have found that life is better when we share our spaces and hearts.

How to buy dog food is a real challenging project when you go to the store and notice how many different brands are on the shelf to choose from.

There are different flavors, many size selections, a variety of price ranges and of course there is a high difference in the ingredients from each manufacturer.

So lets see how much you know about whether your dog has problems with the food they eat or not!

These are not temporary problems but I will provide permanent solutions to allowing your dog a longer life cycle.

What health issues do your dog(s) have?

I usually start with asking six questions when trying to determine which dog food would be the right one for the dog in question.

• Does your dog have hot spots?
• Does your dog have dry skin?
• Does your dog have excessive loss of hair?
• Does your dog have ear infections?
• Does your dog lick himself/herself excessively?
• Does your dog itch himself/herself excessively?

It’s amazing how many people answer yes to at least one of these questions.

Most people don’t understand or know that if you answered yes to any (normally more than on) of these questions, then your dog may be having an allergic reaction to the dog food they are eating.

Does Your Dog Have Allergies and How to Get Rid Of Them

Understanding your dog has a problem is of course the first step to feeding them better dog food.

More than 80% of all dogs in the world have had allergic reactions to dog food at one time or another in their live’s.

You can go to the vet’s office and they can give the dog a shot of prednisone and the symptoms will go away for a month or so, then the issues come back.

Not to mention your’re out $300 for the vet’s visit and they schedule you for another visit in one month because they know that the effects of the shot will wear off around that time.

For the dogs that have any of the symptoms from the above questions, I would say your dog has food allergies and to change your dog’s food and/or regular diet.

We are what we eat and the same is true for your dog.

Dog Allergy Solutions

• Take all grains completely out of the diet.
• Take all chicken out of the diet (what do chickens eat?)
• Remove all treats from their diet that has any grains or chicken.
• Never buy outdated products. Always check expiration dates.
• Always read the ingredients on bags of dog food before purchasing.

Recommended Dog Foods

There are some very good dog foods on the market. Here is my top four list of good dog foods;

1) Orijen
2) Taste of the Wild
3) Nature’s Variety
4) Natural Balance

Please keep in mind, if your dog has allergies then this could be a permanent solution to their problem.

Tips to Choosing the Best Dog Food for Your Best Friend

We all love our dogs.

They’re our best friends and we want to make sure that they remain healthy and strong.

We understand that with all the available brands and types of dog food on the market today, it can be challenging to pick the right kind of dog food.

How to Choose the Best Dog Food

Consider your dog’s age and breed

Different dogs have different needs and food requirements.

You should take the time to research on a particular kind of food so as to determine its overall effect on your dog.

Consider your dog’s situation

Does your dog have any particular problem?

If your dog has coat problems, for example, make sure that you get the type of food that will not aggravate the condition even more.

Dog food with medication

If your dog is obese, has diarrhea problem or even cancer, there are certain recommendable dog food types on the market that will help in easing the condition.

Check out the ingredients

Read the product labels carefully.

As much as possible, get those types of dog food that have natural ingredients. Avoid chemical ingredients as these can cause a lot of diseases including cancer.

Get meat-based dog food

As dogs are carnivorous in nature, meat will benefit them.

Look for lamb, chicken, beef and fish based types of dog food.

Rice ingredient is a good addition too as this is a natural source of protein.

Get vitamin-fortified dog food

Most dog food packs nowadays are fortified with vitamins and minerals.

Those with vitamins E and C and calcium are particularly good.

Dry, wet or canned dog food

All these types of dog food have different benefits.

Canned types of food are recommendable for dogs who are constantly constipated.

Wet dog food types are good for hydration purposes as some dogs are not drinking as much water as they need to.

And dry dog food types are not only convenient but they are inexpensive and nutritious too.

Always keep these best dog food tips in mind when looking out to buy food products for your dogs.

Avoid Preservatives

The side effects of food preservatives can lead to certain diseases and even early death.

You should avoid dog foods that have these ingredients: Ethoxyquin, Propyl Gallate, BHT and BHA.

Avoid ingredients that can cause allergies

Some dogs are sensitive to wheat, soy and corn. So take some precaution when purchasing dog food brands that contain said ingredients.

Buy only from trusted and reputable pet food manufacturers

Reputable dog food companies have high quality control standards.

Moreover, they are well-equipped with machines and resources to conduct effective scientific research in the production of their dog food supplies.

We hope that those tips will be of help to you when choosing the best dog food for your pet.

As we all want our beloved dogs to be with us for a very long time, we should exert all efforts to keep them healthy and safe.

Aside from providing your best friend with the best dog food available on the market, you should also visit the vet regularly for check ups.

Exploring Dog Food Varieties

Is your dog overweight?

Have food allergies?

Considering high protein dog food?

Compare dog foods, so you can feed kibble that meets your dog’s needs!

Pet owners spend more money on their pets today than ever before.

The pet food industry is not oblivious to this spending spree and has adapted to the high demand.

There is now a variety of dog food for almost every stage of a dog’s life.

Just browse around a pet food store and you’ll immediately notice the shelves are stocked with more than just adult and puppy foods.

This variety of dog foods is great news for owners who have dogs with dietary requirements or limitations.

Hypoallergenic (Limited Ingredient) Dog Food

Hypoallergenic Dog Food is perfect for a dog with a food intolerance or food allergy.

Limited ingredient foods typically have one protein source (one meat) and one carbohydrate source (rice or potatoes).

Besides these two ingredients, you will see oils, preservatives, vitamins and minerals.

This type of food is ideal for a dog with a sensitive stomach.

Most dogs don’t require hypoallergenic dog food.

If your dog has a food intolerance or a food allergy then a limited ingredient diet might reduce your dog’s digestive or allergy issues.

The Difference Between A Food Intolerance And A Food Allergy

Food Intolerance:

A dog who has a food intolerance will have a poor digestive reaction to an ingredient like, vomiting, nausea gas and/or loose stool.

A food intolerance is developed from the dog’s inability to properly digest an ingredient.

This can be genetic or develop from eating the same type of food for a long period of time.

Any ingredient can cause a food intolerance, but it is typically one of the first few ingredients listed on the dog label.

This is because the first few ingredients are what make up the majority of the food.

Food Allergy:

A dog who has a food allergy will have an external reaction to the food, like rashes, itchiness, yeast infections, ear infections, eye infections, dry skin and fur, etc.

A food allergy is caused by your dog’s own immune system.

The immune system recognizes an ingredient as a threat and over stimulates itself, creating an allergic response (rashes, infections, etc).

So, every time your dog eats a food with this ingredient, he will have an allergic reaction.

High Protein Dog Food

High Protein Dog Food, whether you believe dogs are solely carnivores or omnivores, it is hard to argue that dogs need meat.

High protein foods for dogs are high in protein and low in carbohydrates.

These kibbles typically have high meat content and little to no grains.

Why is protein so important for dogs?

Protein is a dog’s source of energy and when not converted to energy it can be stored as fat.

In canines, protein is necessary for proper growth and development of puppies, adults and seniors.

If a dog is fed too much protein, some will be filtered through the kidneys and excreted in the urine.

The rest can be stored as fat.

Quality meat based high protein dog food will not cause kidney damage to a healthy dog.

If your dog has kidney disease or any other urinary health problems, then protein levels and nutrition should be discussed with your licensed veterinarian.

Low Protein Dog Food

Low Protein Dog Food, due to certain health issues like kidney failure, some dogs require a low protein diet.

Low protein dog food is generally recommended by a veterinarian to help treat canine illnesses, like Kidney Disease (Renal Failure) and Cushing’s Disease.

In addition to low protein, a low phosphorus and low sodium (salt) diet may also be recommended.

To reduce stress on the kidneys, protein should come from quality meat sources (like chicken and lamb) and not rely on plant or by-product proteins.

Read the dog food label and analysis the ingredients for protein quality.

Grain Free Dog Food

Grain Free Dog Food is dog kibble that doesn’t contain any type of grains.

They are usually high-protein and have high meat content.

Many believe that dogs are carnivores and do not need grains.

Grain free dog food can provide many benefits for dogs:

• Reduces the chance of developing a food allergy or intolerance
• Easier for their digestive system to process
• Considered a more species appropriate diet
• May contain more animal-based protein

The downside is no grain free dog food can be carbohydrate free.

It may contain fewer carbohydrates, but it needs some substance (like potatoes) to help bind the kibble together.

When switching your dog to new food, we always recommend transitioning over the course of at least 2 weeks by slowly reducing the old food and increasing the new food.

This may help reduce digestive issues.

Weight Loss Dog Food

Weight Loss Dog Food is food for overweight dogs, who need to shed a few pounds.

Many of these foods are low fat, have less calories than regular kibble and may even have lower protein levels.

An overweight dog is the result of eating too many calories and not outputting those calories into energy, so the body stores it as fat.

Basically, obese dogs eat too much food and do not get enough exercise to burn those calories.

Yes, certain breeds like labs, pugs and beagles are prone to obesity, but that is why it is even more important for their owners to monitor their dog’s weight.

Dog food diet kibbles generally have less fat, protein and calories. They also usually have more fiber.

It’s great that weight management food have less calories, but the lower fat and protein may indicate there is also less meat.

Even overweight dogs need protein rich meats to maintain energy and eat a species appropriate diet.

If you analyze weight control dog foods, you will notice many have less meat content and more carbohydrates.

Either reducing calorie intake or feeding weight control kibble, while also increasing exercise can help a dog lose weight.

Senior Dog Food

Senior Dog Food is food specially designed for your aging dog.

Some low active seniors may not require as much protein and fat as younger dogs do.

Dog owners are usually advised by their trusted veterinarians to devote special care to the diet of their aging pets.

Dogs may also benefit from food supplements containing natural compounds that promote health and wellness.

For instance, senior dog food, which is rich in compounds such as chondroitin sulphate and glucosamine may help geriatric canines suffering from joint pain.

Food supplements are especially formulated for dogs, and may prove effective in alleviating symptoms.

Choosing the right senior dog food and giving them the recommended supplement can go a long way in improving their quality of life.

Puppy Dog Food

Puppy Dog Food meets requirements for a growing and developing puppy.

Puppy foods typically have more fat and protein than adult maintenance dog foods.

Giving your puppy the best puppy food you can buy will provide your puppy with healthy, whole ingredients that are easier for your puppy’s stomach to digest.

Free from artificial fillers and animal parts that are hard to digest, the best quality puppy food manufacturers offer a variety of healthy choices and flavors to satisfy your puppy’s growing appetite.

High quality puppy food is also often fortified with essential oils and fats to enhance the health of your puppy’s skin and coat.

Many premium puppy foods are specially formulated to pack all the essential nutrition a growing puppy needs into appetizing textures, colors and aromas designed to whet your puppy’s appetite.

Many puppy food makers also offer organic and natural puppy food options for owners who want to raise their dogs naturally and free from food additives and preservatives.

Feeding your dog a healthy, wholesome, balanced diet of premium food will help you raise a happy, trustworthy dog you can spend time with and enjoy for years.

Do not skimp on the quality of food you give your puppy or adult dog.

The benefits derived from premium foods include healthy skin, coat, joints, strong immune system, and are scientifically validated and proven.

The easiest way to give your puppy a good head start in life is by serving high quality, premium puppy food at every meal from the very beginning.

Ask your veterinarian for recommendations and give your pet only the very best food.

How Much to Feed a Dog Per Day

WEIGHT OF DOG	AMOUNT PER DAY
5 lb (2.3 kg)	3/8 cup (40 g) - 1/2 cup (55 g)
10 lb (4.5 kg)	2/3 cup (70 g) - 7/8 cup (90 g)
20 lb (9.1 kg)	1 1/4 cups (130 g) - 1 1/2 cups (160 g)
40 lb (18 kg)	2 cups (210 g) - 2 2/3 cups (280 g)
60 lb (27 kg)	2 2/3 cups (280 g) - 3 2/3 cups (385 g)
80 lb (36 kg)	3 1/4 cups (340 g) - 4 1/2 cups (475 g)
100 lb (45 kg)	3 3/4 cups (395 g) - 5 1/4 cups (550 g )

WESTLINK Automatic Dog Feeder

• Safe lock design avoid food spinkle.
• Small portion rotator avoid food got stuck.
• Meal setting LCD panel easy to operate.
• Build in infrared sensor helps to stop dispensing when there are food left in the bowl.
• Ultra low power consumption.
• USB and D battery for power supply, more convenient and practical.

Like people, dogs suffer from a range of ailments that require attention and care.

While skin problems in dogs are sometimes caused by neglect they are also often difficult to prevent, and in some cases the cause may remain unknown until skin irritation develops.

Pet owners should be aware of a variety of culprits that cause skin problems in dogs in order to be best prepared to deal with this issue.

Sometimes dog skin conditions or infections can be caused by the poor living conditions of a dog.

A lack of cleanliness will cause bacterial and yeast infections.

If he is left outside, for example, there are various factors in the outdoors that could spark infection.

Constant exposure to dirt and fecal matter will cause skin problems in dogs.

Bacterial infections manifest themselves as small bumps on the skin.

Skin problems in dogs need to be addressed in order to keep your pet happy and healthy.

Most skin conditions cause irritation which results in constant scratching and leads to distress.

In severe cases it can even result in premature death.

What Causes Skin Problems In Dogs?

A dog’s skin problem may be caused by something the dog has eaten, something that has come in contact with their skin or a genetic skin condition the dog has inherited.

There are 5 categories of skin problems in dogs:

Infections

Common dog infections include bacterial, fungal or yeast.

Allergic Skin Disorders

One of the most commonly over looked causes of skin problems in dogs is an allergic reaction to something in the food they are eating.

Some commercially made dog foods contain minerals and dyes that can cause an allergic reaction, or even be very harmful to your dog’s body system.

Parasites

External parasites known as Ectoparasites include mites, fleas and ticks.

These parasites can penetrate the skin barrier, leaving the area susceptible to bacterial infections.

Neurogenic

Is characterized by a dog excessively licking and chewing an area of their skin.

Common causes include boredom, separation anxiety disorder, confinement or frustration.

Environment

There are many things in your home that could be irritating your dogs skin condition.

Did you know that chemicals in your carpets, on your dogs collar and those on your lawn or garden maybe making your dog sick?

Are Skin Problems In Dogs Contagious?

There are both contagious and non contagious skin problems in dogs.

Contagious infections include parasitic, bacterial, fungal and viral skin diseases.

Mites, lice and some forms of mange are also contagious.

What Is The Best Shampoo For Skin Problems In Dogs?

The best shampoo for dogs prone to skin problems is a natural product which contains oatmeal and aloe.

Oatmeal keeps the coat healthy while aloe is a natural skin treatment for both humans and animals.

You should never use a human shampoo on a dog.

Dogs and humans have different skin types.

Human shampoo is designed to removed oils and a dog need their natural oils to keep their coat and skin healthy.

It’s best to use a dog shampoo that contains oatmeal and is formulated specifically for dogs.

Natural Treatments For Skin Problems In Dogs

These natural remedies can help to keep your dog healthy and happy.

Food allergies frequently manifest themselves as skin problems in dogs.

Taking your dog off all foods that contain food color, grains and corn may completely relieve the skin problem.

Feeding your dog hypoallergenic food may also solve the problem and is a common dog allergies treatment.

Baking soda and water applied directly to the skin of a dog can help to provide relief from itching.

Apple cider vinegar applied 2 or 3 times per week to the skin fold areas of the neck, groin and armpits can elevate yeast and fungus infections in your dog.

Two natural treatments for dry itchy or irritated skin in dogs are Milk of Magnesia and coconut oil.

Milk of Magnesia can be applied directly to the skin using a cotton ball or cotton pad.

Coconut oil can be applied directly to the effected skin area.

Allow the oil to soak into the skin for 4-6 hours.

Dog Skin Conditions

Oftentimes this condition is an indication that the dog has a compromised immune system and is unable to fight off the attack.

In this scenario, the root problem must be addressed.

If your dog suffers from allergies, excessive stress, or some other illness these primary problems must be dealt with first.

When your pooch’s immune system returns to normal, it will be easy for him to kick the infection.

Yeast infections

Yeast infections appear as a greasy brown paste, most often found in the ears.

Symptoms include a very bad odor and excessive itching and chewing of infected areas.

If your dog struggles with yeast infections, it is important that you keep him clean at all times.

Regularly bathe him and be sure that his environment, preferably indoors, is kept clean and regularly disinfected.

Dog skin allergies

Dog Skin Allergies – Dog skin allergies is the primary cause of skin problems in dogs.

When your dog has skin allergies, he or she will constantly chew or scratch at the same spot on their body.

This will then result in hot spots, red skin and hair loss.

In order for you to determine the cause of your dog’s skin allergies, you will need to add and remove things from the environment and diet, and watch what items your dog will have a reaction to.

Add more Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids to your dog’s diet.

These include seasonal and food allergies.

Like people, dogs can be susceptible to allergens that come and go with the changes of season.

Pollen, mold, certain plants, and even dust may trigger an immune response that results in skin problems.

If you notice your dog scratching more during a certain time of year when these allergens are abundant, you should take him to the vet for confirmation.

He can prescribe your pooch a simple antihistamine that will great help to relieve skin irritations.

A change in diet might also help the problem.

Several well-known dog food brands carry special food for dogs with skin allergies.

Food allergies can be very dangerous in dogs because they are so hard to detect.

Although they are rare, they can become very serious when left untreated.

Keep an eye on your dog in the hour or so after he eats and observe any unusual behavior like chewing the feet, which is a symptom of food allergies.

Purchasing food made from all natural ingredients is a good way to avert skin problems in dogs caused by diet.

Parasites

Parasites – Generally, dogs are outside on a regular basis; as such, it is easy for them to pick up parasites.

The top three parasites that are responsible for causing dog skin problems are mites, ticks and fleas.

Fleas are quite difficult to deal with, as if they are not treated properly, your dog will most likely develop anemia and tapeworms.

One of the most effective ways to treat parasites is by having your dog take medication regularly, especially during April to September, which is the flea season.

Seasonal Allergens

Skin problems in dogs can also affect your pet only during specific parts of the year.

For instance, if your dog has an allergic reaction to pollen, then he or she will not show any symptoms during the winter season; however, as soon as spring returns, then you will notice him or her scratching incessantly.

Mold and ragweed are also common seasonal allergens.

In trying to treat your dog’s skin problems, you should use hypoallergenic shampoos and anti-inflammatory agents.

Remember that when you shampoo your dog, you should use cold water to assist in soothing the skin; hot or warm water will only cause the condition to get worse.

What Are The Different Types Of Skin Problems In Dogs?

Your dog’s skin and coat says a lot about its overall condition and health.

Skin problems in dogs are very common, and factors such as hormonal stimuli, environmental stimuli and insects are the primary causes of dogs’ skin problems.

Coat and Skin – A dog’s skin is nothing like that of a human.

While the human skin is tough and is made up of sweat glands and blood vessels, dog skin tends to be thinner and more sensitive and only has sweat glands in the feet pads.

Additionally, a dog’s skin aids in retaining water in various tissues, which is vital for protecting against foreign bacteria and bodies, providing insulation for cold and hot temperatures and producing vitamins.

Fleas – The most common of the skin problems in dogs are fleas.

Fleas are considered to be a type of parasite, and often times appear in small white and black specs of the coat of dogs.

When a dogs are bitten by fleas, they will experience mild itching, which is generally found in areas such as the back, hindquarters and tail.

In severe cases where the condition is untreated, dogs may either die or develop anemia.

Flea spray, dusting, collar and shampoo can be used to treat fleas.

You would also need to treat the dog’s bedding.

Ticks – Ticks are flat, small parasites that will attach themselves to dogs and continually feed on areas such as between the toes, in the head and around the neck.

All types of ticks have the ability to transfer various types of diseases, and may result in tick paralysis.

You have to kill the tick first, in order to start treating skin problems in dogs.

Use a Q-tip to apply ether, fingernail polish or alcohol to the tick, then you should grab the tick in the closest area of the skin and pull it until it is free from the dog.

If the infestation is in a small area, then this method is effective; however, if the area is larger then you need to try the dusting method.

Hypothyroidism – Hypothyroidism can be defined as a thyroid gland deficiency, where there is not enough thyroid hormone produced.

This is one of the skin problems in dogs that results in the hair becoming course and falling out, and the coat of the dog becoming thin.

Additionally, the skin will become tough, dark colored and thick.

This skin condition is also known to have an impact on the energy level of your dog, resulting in he or she lacking in mental sharpness, developing droopy eyelids and becoming sluggish.

How to Escape Dog Skin Problems?

There is nothing more drastic and terrible than watching as your pet suffers.

Dog skin problems can appear despite the season and other health conditions of your pet.

Some of them are often neglected by the dog keepers.

However some symptoms can be significant signs of more serious disease developing in the body of your pet.

How to indicate some skin problems in dogs?

You should be attentive and follow the behavior of your dog.

If you notice your pet is constantly scratching and biting its fur, if you notice some bold spots and excessive fur fall off you should carefully watch through the dog’s skin.

There should not be red spots, bruises and clotted blood on the skin surface.

There are some breeds of dogs to indicate the dog skin problems are easy as they are bold (it means that their bodies are not covered with fur coat).

However those breeds with excessive fur are difficult to diagnose some skin disorders.

To find out something is wrong with the dog’s skin you should pay attention to those body parts which are not covered with fur (inner side of the paws, stomach and inguinal region).

Why it is important to examine the skin of your dog?

Dog skin problems are indicating the general health condition of the dog.

These are meaningful to perform the inner problems the dog is suffering from.

As other symptoms may be absent some skin problems in dogs are indicative of serious diseases.

That is why timely indication of the skin disorders can help to rescue the pet from suffering.

Another reason why you should be attentive to dog skin problems is that most of them can be contagious to humans.

Some of the diseases as fungal skin infections can be transmitted to people and be human health challenging.

If you pet suffers from such infections you should limit its contacting with other animals and people to escape contamination of other pets and humans.

Dog skin problems can be of different nature.

Some of these are immune-mediated and can be determined by the immune system deficiency or over activity.

Other dog skin problems are determined by outer physical and environmental factors (flees, impetigo, ticks, fungi and others harmful agents a pet can catch from the environment).

Mind that you should not try to treat dog skin problems on your own as these may be just symptoms of more serious disorders in the pet body.

You should consult with the veterinarian to choose the proper treatment.

Most skin problems in dogs needs complex treatments requiring skin and fur applications and manipulations as well as injections and oral administrated pills.

Some skin infections need a repeated treatment as the infection can not be totally fought in the body.

Together with infection treatment you should take care of the pet immune system strengthening.

Be careful of your pet health as some dog skin problems may challenge your well being.

There is nothing happier in your life watching as you pet enjoys its clear skin and fur!