Dog Safety & Health

Dog Safety and Health

Obesity in Dogs is a Growing Concern

Dog safety & health tips

Numerous studies have shown that more Americans are obese today than ever before and, interestingly, so are our dogs. Of course this is a serious matter for both humans and canines. Obese dogs run many of the same risks that obese people do. When a dog is over weight it is at higher risk for heart disease, respiratory ailments, weak joints and other problems. In short, it is every bit as dangerous for a dog to be carrying extra weight as it is for a person— perhaps more so due to a dog's shorter lifespan. An overweight eight year old dog is akin to an overweight fifty-six year old man and subject to many of the same health risks.

Fortunately for us and our dogs, a healthy diet and plenty of good cardiovascular exercise can trim down a chubby man and it can take the extra weight off a dog as well.

Doggie Diets. To reduce the overweight or obese dog's body weight, a program of diet and exercise should be introduced. It is important to visit a veterinarian as the doctor can determine whether the dog ís obese isimply due to high caloric intake or has a medical concern. The vet can also give you the best suggestions about diet and exercise. There are many brands of dog food on the market that are specially balanced to help a dog lose weight. Article continued here...

Grapes are Hazardous to Your Dog's Health

Grapes cause kidney failure.

Though the exact mechanism is unknown, enough data has been acquired by the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) to state that eating grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs. An article by Dr. Means of the APCC states that around 1989 the APCC began noticing a trend in dogs who had eaten grapes and raisins. She says that it did not seem to matter which brand of raisins were consumed or whether the grapes were grown commercially or in a backyard. Reports of disease occurred with dogs eating over a pound of grapes while others became ill after eating only a single serving of raisins.

Most of the dogs who were reported to the APCC had vomited within a few hours after consuming the grapes or raisins. Owners saw the partially digested fruit either in the vomit or in the feces. Many of those dogs became lethargic, stopped eating, developed diarrhea, and showed signs of abdominal pain. These signs lasted from several days to several weeks. Article continued here...

Purchase Melanie's book:

5 Tips to Help Your Dog Lose Weight

Dog safety while walking at night

Dogs don't care how they look. They don't think, "I've put on a couple of extra pounds around the middle, I better cut back on the dog chow for awhile." Nope. A dog will eat until the bowl is empty. You can help your overweight pooch to lose weight. In fact, you’re the reason your buddy is plump. You're the one that fills up that bowl and doesn't make sure he gets enough exercise! It's hard not to fall for those beseeching eyes that ask for just a few morsels more, that extra cookie from lunch, or the snack before bed. But for your dog's sake you need to harden your heart a bit!

1. Measure your dog's food. If he's supposed to have one cup of dry food twice a day, don't eyeball it. Actually use a measuring cup. Don't fill the cup to overflowing. One cup means filled just to the brim. Treats have to be included in his daily intake. Decrease the dry food by the amount of the treats. Tips to help your dog lose weight continued here...

Can Chew Treats Kill Your Dog?

You've probably given dozens of chew treats to your dog and they love them. They clean their teeth and keep them occupied for hours. A chew treat seems like a perfectly harmless canine treat, right? Wrong! Chew treats can harm or even kill your dog.

Why are chew treats dangerous? The two most popular kind of edible chew treats are those made of rawhide and those made from compressed vegetable protein. When your dog chews these treats, he may swallow large pieces of them. These pieces of chew treat cannot be digested by your pet and they can become lodged in their intestines. Intestinal blockages can kill your dog in hours. They can cause a condition called intestinal strangulation which is when blood flow is cut off to the intestines. The intestinal tissue then begins to die and rot.

How do I know if my dog has a blockage? If your dog has a blockage, it may vomit, refuse to eat, regurgitate food, have diarrhea or abdominal pain. If your dog has any of these symptoms, you should consult a veterinarian as soon as possible. A blockage does not clear itself. Your dog will require surgery.

Should I stop giving my dog chew treats? You do not have to stop giving your dog chew treats altogether. You should, however, monitor the use of these treats. When you cannot be around your pet, take the treats away. When your dog has worn the treats down into small pieces, replace them.

Dog Safety Articles:

Dog First Aid Kits
Pet Gates Protect
Dog Safety in an Emergency
Puppy Proof Your Home
Introducing a New Puppy
Tips for Bathing Dogs
Choose the Right Dog Fence
Dog Safety in Hot Weather
Dog Safety While Traveling
Dog Obesity
Grapes are Hazardous
Dog Arthritis
Help Your Dog Lose Weight
Caring for a Senior Dog