One of the questions dog owners’ ask on their visit to the vet is the best food to feed a dog. Should you consider feeding your dog what they call as “human food”? All living creatures deserve real food. Humans and dogs can share several common foods to maintain good health in general. Below are some “human foods” which can give your dog a nutritional boost!
Yogurt is a good treat for dogs, especially for those who suffer from digestion problems. It is best to choose plain yogurt, one that does not contain added sugar or artificial sweeteners. Yogurt contains a number of nutrients including calcium and protein. Salmon is a fatty fish which is a good source of omega- 3 fatty acids. These fats can do wonders for the skin and also give dogs a healthier and shinier coat. Pumpkin is a good source of fiber and beta carotene. It helps maintain a healthy digestive tract. Eggs are healthy treat for dogs because of its high protein content. You just have to make sure that you’re giving them cooked whole eggs to avoid contamination from bacteria such as salmonella which can make your dog sick. Green beans are good source of iron and vitamins. They are also low in calories that can help dogs maintain a healthy weight. Carrots are great dog snack! Crunching on carrots can be good for dogs' teeth. They are loaded with carotenoids, fiber, vitamin C and K (needed for blood clotting), as well as potassium. They have magnesium, manganese, most of the B vitamins and phosphorus, which is required for energy production, among other things. Introduce these foods gradually, always keep in mind that every dog is different. If your dog has any dietary or health concerns, please check with your veterinarian.
0 Comments
Grooming is an essential way of keeping your dog healthy and happy, but large breed dogs might be more difficult to handle than smaller breeds.
When you’re experiencing something for the first time, it makes sense that you’ll feel a little unsure. Wouldn’t your dog feel the same? Dependent on your pooch’s temperament, you might need to give him a bit more assurance. You could put your dog at ease by giving him lots of pets, talking gently to him and giving him at treat as a reward after. Brushing There are some large breeds that have especially long fur or double coats. Couple this with how much time your dog spends outside, and you’re probably forced to brush your dog daily. Brushing will ensure that you get all the dirt, mats, and dead fur out of your dog’s coat. There are a variety of brushes for specific types of fur and purposes. These include: • Slicker brushes for de-matting • Pin brushes for de-tangling • Bristle brushes for removal of debris and to shine • Undercoat rake for de-tangling and removal of undercoat for double and heavy coats Bath Time Most dogs don’t need to be bathed but once a month, depending on their coat and how often they spend time outside. The last thing you want to do is irritate your dog’s skin, so don’t overdo this. With larger dogs, it might be difficult to get them into the bathtub. Another option is a portable doggie tub. There are some made of hard plastic, but some are collapsible. These can be used outside in good weather, or in a mud room if it’s too cold. If you check around, some grooming and pet supply stores rent out tubs so you don’t have to worry about storage. Once you have a set schedule and place to clean your big dog, make sure to: • Use the proper shampoo for your pooch’s coat and skin • Scrub extra well under the collar • Rinse all the shampoo thoroughly away • Towel dry and air dry Clipping It’s not uncommon to fear this part of the grooming process, and for good reason. Like you have a quick under your nails, so does your dog. The quick is a blood vessel inside the nail. You want to be sure to make small cuts at a time and trim your dog’s claws more often, to keep from hurting him. Big dogs need different clippers for their nails. You might want to check your local pet supply store for ideas on which clippers are best for your dog. Starting your dog’s grooming routine early on will help to get him comfortable with the process. Also, lots of soothing words and treats will make the experience far more enjoyable for both of you. |