Healthy Puppy Food Reviews: A Comprehensive Guide to Nourishing Your Pup

Discover the best puppy food options for your furry companion in our detailed healthy puppy food reviews. Make an informed choice to support your puppy’s growth and overall well-being.

Introduction

Bringing a new puppy into your life is a moment of pure joy. As a devoted pet owner, it’s your responsibility to ensure your puppy receives the best care, starting with the right nutrition. The vast array of puppy food choices available can be overwhelming, but fear not! This article provides an extensive exploration of healthy puppy food reviews, helping you navigate the intricate landscape of puppy nutrition with confidence.

The Significance of Optimal Nutrition
Optimal nutrition plays a pivotal role in your puppy’s formative months. This period of rapid growth necessitates a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients. Not only does the right nutrition set the stage for healthy development, but it also paves the way for a lifetime of well-being.

In-Depth Healthy Puppy Food Reviews

1. Nutro Wholesome Essentials Puppy Food

Key Features:

• Real chicken as the primary ingredient for premium protein content.
• Rich in omega-3 fatty acids to support brain and eye development.
• Contains essential antioxidants for a strong immune system.
• Crafted with non-GMO ingredients and no artificial flavors.

Nutro Wholesome Essentials Puppy Food stands as a testament to the brand’s commitment to quality. Real chicken serves as the foundation, providing the necessary protein for lean muscle development. Omega-3 fatty acids are abundant in this formula, aiding cognitive function and visual health. Additionally, antioxidants derived from natural sources bolster your pup’s immune defenses. This blend is free from GMO ingredients and artificial flavors, catering to the discerning pet owner.

2. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula

Key Features:

• High-quality deboned chicken as the primary protein source.
• Wholesome grains including brown rice and barley for sustained energy.
• Fruits and vegetables for a holistic approach to nutrition.
• Exclusive LifeSource Bits containing a precise blend of vitamins and minerals.

Blue Buffalo’s Life Protection Formula is a testament to their dedication to holistic nutrition. Deboned chicken, a lean protein source, takes center stage in this recipe. A medley of wholesome grains like brown rice and barley supplies complex carbohydrates for energy. The inclusion of fruits and vegetables introduces a diverse range of vitamins and minerals. What sets this brand apart is their proprietary LifeSource Bits, a blend of nutrients carefully selected to support immune health, oxidative balance, and life stage requirements.

3. Royal Canin Health Nutrition Puppy Food

Key Features:

• Tailored kibble size and shape to suit different breed sizes.
• Enriched with EPA and DHA for optimal brain and skeletal development.
• Highly digestible proteins and prebiotics for a healthy gut.
• Supports the puppy’s natural defenses with a unique blend of antioxidants.

Royal Canin Health Nutrition Puppy Food underscores the brand’s dedication to breed-specific nutrition. Their range accommodates different breed sizes, ensuring each puppy receives the appropriate kibble size and texture. The inclusion of EPA and DHA contributes to cognitive and skeletal development. Highly digestible proteins and prebiotics foster a thriving digestive system. Moreover, a specialized antioxidant blend bolsters the puppy’s immune system during this crucial phase of growth.

4. Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Food

Key Features:

• High-quality, real chicken as the primary ingredient.
• DHA from fish oil to support optimal brain and eye development.
• Balanced minerals for strong bones and teeth.
• No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Food stands out for its commitment to natural ingredients. The recipe revolves around real chicken, providing essential amino acids for growth. DHA sourced from fish oil promotes brain and eye health. The inclusion of balanced minerals, including calcium, nurtures strong bones and teeth. Free from artificial additives, this formula aligns with the brand’s dedication to wholesome nutrition.

5. Merrick Grain-Free Puppy Plate

Key Features:

• Deboned chicken as the main protein source.
• Grain-free recipe suitable for puppies with sensitivities.
• Rich in omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat.
• Probiotics and prebiotic fibers for optimal digestion.

Merrick Grain-Free Puppy Plate caters to puppies with dietary sensitivities. Deboned chicken provides the necessary protein without grains, making it an ideal choice for sensitive stomachs. The inclusion of omega fatty acids ensures a lustrous coat and healthy skin. Probiotics and prebiotic fibers support digestive health, making this formula an excellent option for puppies requiring extra digestive care.

Frequently Asked Questions About Puppy Food

How often should I feed my puppy?
Puppies should be fed three to four times a day to accommodate their small stomachs and high energy levels.

Can I feed my puppy homemade food?
While homemade diets are an option, they require careful planning to ensure all necessary nutrients are met. Consult a veterinarian for guidance.

Which is better: wet or dry puppy food?
Both wet and dry food have their benefits. Dry kibble can assist with dental health, while wet food offers additional hydration. Combining the two might be an ideal solution.

How do I transition between puppy food stages?
Gradually introduce the new food by mixing it with the old food, increasing the proportion of the new food over a week to prevent digestive issues.

What ingredients should I avoid in puppy food?
Steer clear of foods containing excessive fillers, artificial colors, and preservatives. Additionally, be cautious with high salt content, as it can harm your pup’s health.

When can I switch to adult dog food?
Transition timing depends on your pup’s breed size and growth rate. Small breeds can typically transition around 9-12 months, while larger breeds might need to wait until 12-18 months.

Conclusion

Selecting the right puppy food is a cornerstone of responsible pet ownership. Our comprehensive healthy puppy food reviews provide invaluable insights to guide your choice. Each brand’s commitment to quality and optimal nutrition ensures your puppy’s growth and well-being are in safe hands. Remember, consult with your veterinarian for personalized recommendations and monitor your puppy’s response to the chosen food for long-lasting health and happiness.

Visit Us On Facebook –YouTube.com/@PuppyblogOrg

The post Healthy Puppy Food Reviews: A Comprehensive Guide to Nourishing Your Pup first appeared on Puppy Blog.

Summary:
When you decided to get a dog, I’ll bet you daydreamed about the great times you’d have with your new best friend. However, there are many things that you need to consider in order to keep your pooch happy and healthy. Things that perhaps you’d rather not even think about!

When you decided to get a dog, I’ll bet you daydreamed about the great times you’d have with your new best friend. However, there are many things that you need to consider in order to keep your pooch happy and healthy. Things that perhaps you’d rather not even think about!

When you go to the veterinarian he may ask you to bring along a urine sample from your dog. How do you do this? Your dog surely won’t be able to hit a sample bottle. The easiest way to accomplish this is to tape a polythene container to the end of a yard stick. While your dog is out doing his business, position the container underneath his urine stream. This is easier to do with male dogs than female dogs but you can usually get a sample with one or two tries. Your veterinarian will want as fresh a sample as possible so if you won’t be taking the sample to the vet right away, keep it refrigerated until you bring it in. Your veterinarian will be checking the sample for a variety of things like bacteria and crystals. If bacteria is found it could mean that your dog has a urinary tract infection and will most likely require your dog to be put on a course of antibiotics. Crystals form in the urine whenever minerals bind together, there are several different kinds of crystals and these are most often treated with prescription diets.

If your veterinarian asks for a stool sample it could mean that he suspects that intestinal parasites are bothering your dog. They can get these by eating fecal matter from another affected animal, carcasses, or other unsavory things. You will want to bring in a fresh sample. The doctor will examine it under the microscope and look for telltale eggs of parasites. Commonest parasites are roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms. Several of today?s monthly heartworm medications also protect against roundworms and hookworms. If you live in the country or your dog is outside for much of the day, he may need to be treated with a tapeworm wormer on a quarterly basis. Other diseases like coccidia, can also be seen under the microscope from your dog?s stool sample.

What about anal glands? The anal glands are two small glands located just on the inside of your dog?s anus that secrete a foul smelling liquid. Usually the glands will be emptied when your dog defecates. Unfortunately, in some dogs, the anal glands become impacted and do not empty properly. If your dog is urinating more than usual or licking his hind quarters more often, there may be a problem with his anal glands. In this case it’s important to make an appointment with your veterinarian who will check the anal glands by gloved touch. If the anal glands are full, he will be able to empty them manually. it is possible, however, to learn how to do this yourself at home. Some dogs require their anal glands be manually emptied regularly. Some owners have their dog?s anal glands surgically removed but if you choose to do this, discuss the possible outcomes with your veterinarian as there is often a risk of fecal incontinence if the surgery goes awry.

Occasionally in dogs, dandruff is just dandruff caused by skin allergies, nutritional deficiencies, or improper grooming. Sometimes, however, dandruff can be a sign of a parasite called mange of which there are a few different types:
a) Demodectic Mange is caused by a mite which all dogs have but are rarely adversely affected by it. Sometimes however, there can be an overabundance of these mites which causes skin irritation and hair loss.
b) Sarcoptic Mange (also known as scabies) is caused by another type of mite. A female mite buries herself in the dog?s skin and lays her eggs there. When the eggs hatch, the cycle begins again. This causes severe skin irritation and hair loss in dogs but is easily treatable.
c) Cheyletiella Mange is caused by a large mite that lives on the surface of the dog?s skin. This infestation is also known as ‘walking dandruff’. This type of mange causes minor skin irritation but is easily treatable with topical medication.

So, now you can talk about those unpleasant things! It’s important that you are properly educated and can recognize signs and symptoms so that you keep your dog as healthy as he can be.

The post All The Things You Should Know About Your Dog – But Don’t Want To Talk About! first appeared on Puppy Blog.

Your dog’s health and wellbeing are important to you and your family. Not to mention keeping down the cost of veterinarian bills! So you need to carefully consider the food that you give your dog. People sometimes just pick the first dog food bag they see at the store. It?s easy to overlook the importance of dog food but it is essential to pick the right one for your dog.

To keep your dog healthy he needs plenty of fresh water and should be fed good quality dog food in amounts just right to meet his energy requirements. Always follow the guidelines on the dog food package for recommended feeding amounts.

The first challenge in choosing a dog food is picking one that has overall quality. The term that comes up a lot about dog food is human grade. Human grade implies that the dog food is good enough for us to eat. Many commercial dog foods are made from materials unusable or less desirable for human consumption. Often the meat that is used in dog food is of a quality considered unfit for humans to eat.

Major dog food companies try to provide balanced proportions of vitamins and minerals for maximum benefit to your dog. Although you may see that many brands of dog food have almost identical labels, a reputable dog food company will provide an explanation for each supplement and how it benefits your dog.

Always read the label to see what proteins, vitamins and minerals are being provided to your dog. Try not to use store brand dog food they may short change your dog on much needed nutrition.

Studies have shown that the primary ingredient in dog food should be meat-based protein, not corn meal, flour or corn gluten meal. According to reviews a better quality dog food results in a healthier coat, fewer digestive problems and firmer stools. Pet-nutrition experts agree that the best dog food is made from human-grade ingredients like meat, whole grains and vegetables. Premium dog food is so important because good nutrition is essential for a long, healthy life.

There are many varieties of dog food to choose from. The three most popular types of dog foods are dry, semi-moist and canned products. Check the color of your dog food. Usually dog food made from natural ingredients will have soft earth tones and contain no preservatives, artificial colors and flavors.

Raw dog food is becoming more popular. More and more veterinarians recommend feeding your dog with raw dog food. They feel that this is the best choice and is the healthiest food for your dog. After all, you’ve never seen your dog enjoy commercial dog food the way he enjoys a good meaty bone.

Raw food advocates concede the diet costs more than traditional dog food, but they argue it’s worth it. You may find that locating free natural home made dog food recipes is not easy. Try making a mixture of ground turkey, rice and carrot as your own dog food. Your dog will thank you for it.

If you decide to go the commercial route, try and choose a good premium dog food since it contains more energy and protein than an economy brand. Unfortunately not all dog food brands contain high quality and natural ingredients, so always check the label. It is best if you seek advice from your veterinarian before deciding on which dog food to feed your dog or puppy. He will know your dog?s dietary needs and you will find that veterinary offices and feed stores often carry excellent and natural dog food.

Many natural dog foods contain only fresh, natural and wholesome ingredients for your dog. Not only are the protein ingredients digestible, but the carbohydrates in the dog food are digestible. Natural dog food has 100% nutritional value which is important for healthy strong dogs. Chicken, egg and fish are examples of protein that is provided in natural dog food. There are also ingredients in natural dog food that really help the health of your dog?s skin and also your dog?s coat. One of the main draw backs of natural dog food is that it has a shorter shelf life and may spoil before it is used.

A good high quality dry dog food will work out to be more economical than the generic brands even though they cost more per pound. A vast majority of dog owners go for dry dog food for its convenience and ease of storage. The cheaper dry dog foods are made from soybean, corn or rice, while many premium dry dog foods are made with all-natural, human-grade ingredients.

There are dog foods specially formulated for dogs that are allergic to wheat, corn, and/or chicken. There are also vegetarian dog foods marketed to owners who do not want their dogs to consume meat products. Most vegetarian dog foods use soy as a protein source. If your dog has allergies consult your vet before putting him on a specialized diet.

Overall it’s usually best to let dogs enjoy dog food and not our food, even though they may prefer what we’re eating! Of course you can feed your dog treats from time to time, every dog needs some TLC from time to time!

The post All Dog Foods Are Not The Same first appeared on Puppy Blog.

Separation Anxiety In Dogs – Why and What To Do

This article discusses separation anxiety experienced by dogs who have become so attached to their owners.

A world without dogs would be crazy. It would be solitary for most of us if we lost our favorite canine companions. Fortunately, almost every American household has at least one dog.

Dogs are animals that require special care and and lots of attention from us humans. Compared to cats for example, dogs are more active and more dotting for their companions.

They are playful, they also interact with other people and other dogs. They show their appreciation to their owner, one way or another. People and dogs became ultimate partners, helping each other … enjoying a interconnected relationship.

Dogs are Different

Dogs have different personalities. These personalities depend on the breed or family history of the dog.

From puppy to adult dog, they are accompanied by their human masters. These people are familiar with dogs and their daily lives. The dog’s daily routine usually depends on the lifestyle of their master.

However, some dogs experience an anxiety that comes almost instantly when they are left alone by their master. These dogs can become destructive if left alone. This is how they express their frustration or loneliness. This is called separation anxiety in dogs. Dogs can become restless and bored, and if they see that their master is not there, they will risk nibbling on anything they can get their paws on: slippers, furniture, any objects found in the house.

In fact, chewing some items that have the smell of the master (socks, shoes, sofa or even the door) is one of the many symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs. Other symptoms to watch for are continuous barking, uncontrolled “poop” and many ways to get the master’s attention.

The probable causes of such behavior often include poorly socialized dogs or living in different homes. With this in mind, owners should re-examine their dogs and see if they exhibit such behavior. This will give them the idea that their dogs may be suffering from separation anxiety.

Common Symptoms of Separation Anxiety

Here is a list of symptoms that may indicate separation anxiety:

Urinate and defecate
Some dogs urinate or defecate when they are alone or separated from their owners. If a dog urinates or defecates in the presence of his owner, the problem is probably not caused by separation anxiety.

Barking and howling
A dog with separation anxiety may bark or howl if left alone or separated from their owner. This type of barking or howling is persistent and does not seem to be triggered by anything other than being left alone.

Chew, dig and destroy
Some dogs with separation anxiety chew objects, window sills, door frames or they scratch at doorways and doors, or destroy household objects when left alone or separated from their humans. These behaviors can lead to injuries such as broken teeth, cut and scraped paws and damaged nails. If the dog chews, digs and destroys is caused by separation anxiety, there is usually no presence in the presence of his guardian.

Escape
A dog with separation anxiety may try to escape from a place where they are confined while he is alone or separated from his owner. The dog may attempt to dig and chew doors or windows, which could lead to injury, such as broken teeth, severed and scraped forequarters, and damaged nails. If the dog’s behavior on escape is caused by separation anxiety, this does not happen when his guardian is present.

Stimulation
Some dogs walk or run on a determined path in a particular pattern, when they are left alone or separated. Some stimulation dogs move in a circular fashion, while others walk in a straight line. If the stimulation behavior of a dog is caused by separation anxiety then you will not see this behavior when you are present.

Coprophagia
Left alone or separated from their owners, some dogs defecate and eat all or part of their excrement. If a dog eats excrement because of separation anxiety, they probably do not adopt this behavior in the presence of their humans.

Why Do Some Dogs Develop Separation Anxiety?

There is no conclusive evidence showing exactly why dogs develop separation anxiety. Many more dogs adopted in shelters have this behavioral problem than those kept by a single family since their early age. Because of this it is thought that the loss of a significant person or group of people in the a dog’s life can lead to separation anxiety. Other less dramatic changes can also trigger the disorder. Below you will find a list of situations associated with separation anxiety.

Change of Guardian or Family
Being abandoned, given to a shelter, or given to a new family may trigger separation anxiety.

Schedule Change
Separation anxiety can be caused by a sudden change in the time or time a dog is left alone. For example, if a dog’s guardian works at home and spends the whole day with his dog, but gets a new job requiring him to leave his dog alone for six hours or more at a time, the dog may develop an anguish separation because of this change.

Change of Residence
Moving to a new home can trigger separation anxiety.

Change in The Size of The Household
The sudden absence of a resident family member, due to death or departure, can trigger separation anxiety.

Dealing with separation anxiety in dogs can be serious.

How to treat minor separation anxiety:

• Ignore your dog for the first few minutes and leave them calmly.
• Do not make a big deal with arrivals and departures.
• Leave your dog with recently worn clothes that smell like you.
• Define a word or action you use each time you leave and inform your dog that you will be back.
• Consider using a soothing over-the-counter product that reduces fear in dogs.

How to handle a more serious problem

Use the techniques described above with desensitization training. Teach your dog sitting and rest commands using positive reinforcement. This training will help them learn that they can stay calmly and happily in one place while you go to another room.

Create a “safe place” to limit your dog’s ability to be destructive during your absence.
A safe place should:

• Lock the dog tightly (a room with a window and toys, not a total isolation)
• Contain busy toys for distraction
• Have dirty laundry to give a soothing mark or other signs of safety

How to cope while your dog learns to be calm

It may take time for your dog to unlearn his panic reaction to your departures. To help you and your dog cope in the short term, consider the following tentative solutions:

• Ask your veterinarian for medication to reduce overall anxiety.
• Take your dog to a dog nursery or kennel when you need to be away.
• Leave your dog to a friend, family member or neighbor when you are away.
• Bring your dog to work with you, if possible.

The post Separation Anxiety In Dogs – Why and What To Do first appeared on Puppy Blog.

Simple Homemade Pumpkin Dog Treats

Today we are doing a two ingredient pumpkin Dog treat. We’re going to show you guys how to make healthy dog treats and dog food. If you’ve been following us you know that this is something that we are completely dedicated to. We are so excited to share everything with you.

Ingredients

The ingredients that you’re going to need for these treats are 2 cups of whole wheat flour, 3/4 cup of pumpkin puree. Also optionally you can add some cinnamon and some flax/chia seeds. Both the cinnamon and the flax seed are optional but they’re super healthy for dogs. That’s why we like to put them in our recipes. Maybe you could alternate between adding them and not adding them to change up the treats.

We use a bone shaped cookie cutter to make our dog treats but you can use any shape that you want. Also if you add the cinnamon and the flax seed you might need to add a little water just to make it more of a dough consistency. If you do we use bottled water. Remember the cinnamon and the flax/chia are optional although they are perfect with any type of dog recipe. The reason why is flax seeds and chia seeds are filled with omega-3s. Omega-3s help with dog’s joints and it helps with their coat and is so healthy for them. Ground cinnamon is also optional although we think that it’s a great thing to use. It is completely safe and non-toxic to dogs. The pumpkin puree is good for their digestive tract. We always use whole wheat flour over white flour when we’re cooking for our dogs.

Tools

The tools you’re going to need to make this recipe are a big mixing bowl, a cutting board so you can roll out your dough and a rolling pin. Also a fork so when you cut them out with your cookie cutter you can put little indents on the tops. Just to make them look more “authentic”.

Getting Started

First you start with the flour. Once you’ve added your two cups of flour to your mixing bowl then you can add your 3/4 cup of pumpkin. Next you can add the flax/chia packet and you are going to just sprinkle it in. Then you can add some ground cinnamon and just eyeball the amount. (probably about a 1/8 teaspoon) You can now mix your dough by hand or you can use a spatula whichever you prefer.

So after you mix all the ingredients just dig in to the bowl with your hands and just form the dough into a nice ball. If your dough is not forming into a dough consistency then that’s where you can add your water. You would add a little bit at a time so that you do not add too much.  Once again we use spring bottled water since that’s what we drink. And we know that it’s safe for dogs also there’s no chemicals in it so that’s why we prefer to use bottled water.

When you know your dough is the perfect consistency you just want to lay down some of your flour on a cutting board and then you’re ready to roll out your dough with a rolling pin. When ruling out your dough you just want to leave it a little bit thick because it will not rise when it gets in the oven. It’s going to pretty much stay as thick as you make it when rolling it out. Once your dough is rolled out and at the perfect thickness the fun part starts. Now you can start cutting out your cookies. The last step is to just poke the indents in the tops.

Time To Bake

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and you’re going to leave these on an non greased cookie sheet. Once the oven is at 350 degrees you are ready to put them in the oven. You are going to put them in for 20 minutes at 350 degrees or until you notice that they’re getting hard. You should make sure that you keep a check on the treats while they are cooking to make sure that they do not burn. Since every oven cooks a little differently they may need less or more time to be cooked properly.

Cool Down

Finally our treats can come out of the oven and we let them cool down. When they are nice and hard and cooled down they are ready to serve to your little (or maybe not so little) friend. The most important thing is to make sure that our best friends actually like them.

Also Great For Gifts

Also here are three simple ways that you can package up the dog treats so you can give them as presents for dog lovers. You should be able to get the supplies for gift-giving in a dollar store. Also try the bargain section of a retail store like Walmart or Kmart etc. So it’s very inexpensive. So the first thing are cute little bags. They have all different designs and they have a pull string on them. You can just open them up and fill them with your treats close them up. Then you can even add a little tag on the string to make it even more cute.

The second way that you can package up these dog treats is putting them into mason jars. That is still trendy on tumbler and they look so cute going into the little mason jars.

And one last way to package them as gifts is with baker’s string. You can take a stack of cookies and tie the string around them and give them as a present that way. This gives it a rustic and more homemade feel I think it is so cute. I’ve also seen people doing this on Pinterest.

Thank You!

If you liked this post please give me thumbs up, leave me a comment or a vote. Thanks a million for reading my post and I’ll catch you wonderful people later!!

Post By PuppyBlog.org

The post Simple Homemade Pumpkin Dog Treats first appeared on Puppy Blog.

Why Dogs Eat Grass And Is It Harmful?

Why do dogs eat grass? Your beloved canine companion clearly isn’t a cow, so you might be confused when you see him eating grass. You might even be worried. Are they hungry? Bored? Sick? Will eating grass hurt them? First, rest assured that you’re not alone in your concern, especially if your dog is eating grass and vomiting. Statistical findings support the perspective that plant eating is normal behavior among domestic dogs. Pica is the technical term for the disorder characterized by eating things that aren’t food. Though it’s important to understand why your dog may be displaying this behavior so that you can address it if needed. Sometimes pica indicates that your dog has some type of nutritional deficiency, though it is often simply a sign of boredom, especially when practiced by puppies and younger dogs.

Dogs eating grass is actually quite common (it has been observed in wild dogs, too, and may be completely natural) and this form of pica does not usually cause too many problems. In fact, most veterinarians consider it a normal dog behavior. Here are a few reasons why your dog may be eating grass.

Reason Number 1

Your dog needs to clear his throat by vomiting. In many cases the dog isn’t actually throwing up. Evidence suggests that most dogs that eat grass aren’t unwell beforehand, or at least they don’t seem so. In fact, fewer than 10% of dogs seem to be sick before eating grass, according to their owners. Canines cannot clear their throats so they often swallow grass because it helps the frothy stuff that collects in their throat to come up. When ingested, the grass blade tickles the throat and stomach lining; this sensation, in turn, may cause the dog to vomit, especially if the grass is gulped down rather than chewed.

Reason Number Two

Your dog is bored. Eating grass as a form of entertainment. If this is the case your dog needs to exercise more. Often perhaps a walk or provide them with toys to pass the time. In other words give your dog something to do or play with. If you suspect your dog is eating grass because they are bored, it might be beneficial to be sure they’re getting enough exercise. Engage them in some fun activities. Try tossing a Frisbee or playing another interactive game with them.

Reason Number Three

Your dog likes the texture or taste of grass. They may just like the way it tastes. It is as delicious to them as the salad is to you. Remember, dogs enjoy all sorts of things that disgust the human palate—dirty socks and gristle from the trash can, anyone?

Reason Number Four

Your dog may be self-medicating by seeking a remedy for a gassy or upset stomach. Your dog may have a feeling of nausea and eats grass as a solution for his stomach irritation. It does seem like dogs will seek out a natural remedy for a gassy or upset stomach, and grass may do the trick. There is little nutritional value in grass for them because dogs cannot digest it. It’s worth calling your vet if your dog doesn’t normally display this behavior and just suddenly started eating grass to rule out any intestinal issues that can potentially be serious. Your veterinarian can determine whether your dog has an underlying gastrointestinal disease with a physical exam, fecal exam, and blood tests including a blood count and chemistry panel.

Tip Number One

Ensure your dog gets plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Dogs chew things frequently when they’re bored and need “something to do.” Be sure to provide plenty of enrichment and activity and even appropriate chewing options, like chew toys.

Tip Number Two

Ensure your dog has a balanced nutritional diet and that he gets enough to eat and drink. On the chance that your dog’s pica behavior is caused by a nutritional deficiency, switching to a better dog food, especially a high-fiber variety, could help alleviate the problem.

Tip Number Three

If the eating of grass is not sudden or excessive then don’t fret it’s normal dog behavior and not necessarily a bad thing. Remember that grass-eating is a common dog behavior that usually occurs in normal dogs and is generally not associated with illness or dietary needs. Signs of illness are infrequent and vomiting afterward is also not common.

Most experts say that letting your dog eat grass poses no real risk. But do keep an eye on it, especially if there is a sudden increase in grass eating; it could be a sign of an underlying illness. And always monitor a teething puppy, because ingesting a lot leaves, grass, and sticks can lead to a blockage. So when should you call your veterinarian? If your pet experiences lethargy, diarrhea, weight loss concurrent with grass-induced vomiting, they should see the vet. If not, you can probably rest easy knowing that your dog is just doing what dogs do.

If you liked this post please give me thumbs up, leave me a comment or a vote. Thanks a million for reading my post and I’ll catch you wonderful people later!!

Post By PuppyBlog.org

The post Why Dogs Eat Grass And Is It Harmful? first appeared on Puppy Blog.

11 Great Tips If Your Dog Is Afraid Of Thunderstorms!

So the topic here is thunderstorms, loud noises, fireworks and other things that can distress a dog. When you think about dogs think about the fact that their hearing is different than ours. Noise phobia, particularly from thunderstorms and fireworks, is extremely common in dogs. Trembling, pacing, salivating, hiding, and even destructive behavior are all too familiar for some pet parents during the fireworks and storm season. Why are they getting distressed?

Let’s think about for a second. What happens when you have a thunderstorm coming? I noticed that the birds tend to die down they’re their noises and the squirrels and the rabbits go and hide. You don’t hear anything. They’re all kind of going to a safe spot to get away from the weather. Now a dog does the same thing. They just want to go to a “den” or “cave” or small spot where they can feel safe and protected. But they also want to have a little bit of a view out to see as well to make sure that they’re safe.

So our question today what to do if your dog or puppy is very afraid of thunderstorms? If your dog is panting or starts to develop a look like it’s a little bit uncomfortable when a thunderstorm approaches then that’s where these tips will help. You need to put these tips to work right away because if you wait too long the anxiety is going to build up. There’s not going to be as much of an effect if you wait.

Click HERE For a FREE Training Course

Now puppies are a little bit easier because you can do exposure therapy while training them. What you do if you have a puppy is, during your training sessions with them, play an audio track of a thunderstorm during the sessions. Then gradually you can build up the volume and they’re going to get used to the sound. Now with the positive reinforcement they’re getting, like treats, as they are learning and playing they will be more relaxed. Also you are there so it’s comfortable for them and eventually they are just going to get use to the sound and they will see it as a positive thing.

Grown dogs are a little bit different. To a dog thunderstorms are going be similar to fireworks and other loud noises.

So what can you do to help?

First, a couple of things we don’t want to do. These are things that might be instinctual for us.

1.) We might want to call the dog and hold it and make it feel better. What we want to do ultimately is help it feel better of course. But what that’s going to do is actually validate the dog’s fear and can cause more anxiety.

2.) The other thing that we don’t want to do is to transfer any anxiety that we may have onto the dog. So we want to maintain calmness ourselves and just be aware of how you’re feeling. Dogs are very intuitive and they definitely pick up on your energy.

3.) Monitor weather broadcasts and websites during the storm season to make sure that you know what’s coming. Also know when fireworks will be scheduled in your area.

4.) If possible, stay at home with your pet so you can supervise them.

5.)Ensure all their microchip details are up to date too, just in case they manage to escape.

6.) Your pet may have a particular area that they choose to go to where they feel safe. If not, choose a quiet part of the house where you can close the blinds or curtains, and where your pet can’t injure themselves.



7.) Similar to swaddling a baby in a blanket, the Thundershirt (Click HERE) and anxiety wraps work by applying gentle pressure to the sides of the torso, helping to reduce stress and fear. These are safe, and very easy to use.

8.) Did you know, that after giving birth, female dogs release a pheromone from their mammary glands to help calm her puppies? Clever, huh? Lucky for us, there’s a synthetic version of this pheromone that can be used for a variety of anxiety conditions in dogs. Adaptil (Click HERE) is safe, odorless to humans, and it comes in a spray (Click HERE), diffuser, or Collar (Click HERE). You can use these in that safe haven we were talking about earlier.

9.) Ever made a chamomile tea for yourself to help unwind after a stressful day? Natural Animal Solutions Calm (Click HERE) contains chamomile, among other beneficial ingredients, in an easy-to-administer liquid.




10.) Another daily supplement that you can try is Complete Calm Chews (Click HERE), which contain tryptophan, a precursor to serotonin, which contributes to a sense of well being in dogs.

11.) Finally, have a chat to your vet about behavior modification techniques that you can try. These might involve relaxation training, the use of a thunder CD for Desensitization, as well as Counter-Conditioning, which trains your dog to associate a scary sound with something positive like treats or playtime. Your vet can also discuss medication with you, if appropriate.

All in all, it’s important to never punish your pet if they display fearful behavior, as this will ultimately only exacerbate the problem.

Click HERE For a FREE Training Course

That’s all for now, I hope that’s been helpful. If you liked this post please give me thumbs up, leave me a comment or a vote. Thanks a million for reading my post and I’ll catch you wonderful people later!!

Post from PuppyBlog.org

The post 11 Great Tips If Your Dog Is Afraid Of Thunderstorms! first appeared on Puppy Blog.

If you’re wondering how to keep your dog cool in summer when it’s hot outside how to help keep your dog comfortable and prevent heatstroke then I’ve got eleven tips for you.

Hi, PuppyBlog.org here helping you and your dog to live a healthier happier life. Make sure that you let us know in the comments down below which tip your dog enjoys the most. Make sure you read right to the end as we run through the eleven tips to keep your dog cool in summer. Plus we’ll let you know an essential summer dog care tip you might never have thought of.

TIP NUMBER ONE TO KEEP YOUR DOG COOL

The first tip is to make sure that your dog has access to plenty of water. So at home and in the yard this can just mean that you’ve got plenty of water bowls dotted around the place making sure that they’re regularly refreshed. Sometimes even adding ice to them can help keep that water cool and that can encourage your dog to to drink more water. Now if you’re outside, if you’re on a walk somewhere then actually make sure that you carry a water bottle not just for yourself but for your dog. This is very important and we can help our dog drink this water in a couple of different ways. The first is that you can carry a Folding Bowl that you can just then pop out and pour the water into to allow your dog to have a drink. You can also get Water Bottles specifically for your dogs that have got a fold-out drinking bowl attached to it.

TIP NUMBER TWO TO KEEP YOUR DOG COOL

Tip number two is to use a fan. Now obviously when it’s hot we have a fan it helps blow the air over us it helps us lose heat better. Your dog is exactly the same. This can just be, if you’re at home, a normal household fan directed over your dog’s bed or the area that they like to sit. You can also get Crate Fans that attach onto the side of the crate, onto the bars, and that will blow the air through the crate and over your dog. That really can be useful actually if you are at home and if that’s the place that they like to sit. If you’re traveling in the car you can use a Summer and Winter Vehicle Traveling System to Keep Dogs and Cats Comfortable in the Car. So using a fan to help keep your dog cool can really help.

TIP NUMBER THREE TO KEEP YOUR DOG COOL

Tip number three to keep your dog cool in hot weather is actually use cooling ice packs, Cooling Towels or Cooling Mats. You can do this in a number of different ways. Get cooling towels and mats that you just add a little bit of water to kind of shake them out. These are a great thing. The water starts evaporating and it cools the dog down and there can actually be quite a big difference between the temperature of the towel and their outside temperature. You can also get other cooling aids and one of these is an ice pack or a cool pack that goes around their neck so you pop that in the fridge and then when you need to cool your dog down you just take it out and put it around their neck and it provides some nice cooling. And yet another option is Cooling Vests or Harnesses that you put on very much like any harness and they won’t slip off. If your dog’s out and about then you just soak the vest in water, wring it out and place it on your dog. The light-colored fabric reflects solar radiation, while evaporative cooling pulls heat from the dog’s back, chest and belly. The integrated leash portal allows leash attachment when the vest is worn and can make a really big difference.

TIP NUMBER FOUR TO KEEP YOUR DOG COOL

Tip number four to keep your dog cool is to use cooling treats. We like ice cream or ice blocks and our dogs
are no different. What you can do is actually make up treats, pop them in the freezer in advance and then when it’s hot you can take those out and give them to your dogs to help them stay cool.

TIP NUMBER FIVE TO KEEP YOUR DOG COOL

Tip number five to keep your dog cool and prevent injury is to actually use Booties for their feet. This is especially important if you live in the town or in the city and you’re walking on concrete or pavement. It’s amazing how quickly they can heat up. Using booties on their feet will make a really big difference. It provides a layer of insulation so it will stop them conducting heat from the ground into their body. And it will also stop their paws from getting burnt. This can really help to certainly not only keep your dog cool but prevent them from getting some quite serious injuries.     

TIP NUMBER SIX TO KEEP YOUR DOG COOL

Number six is to use a sprinkler or a Wading Pool of some sort in the yard. This will allow your dog to get wet which will help cool them off. We can think of this almost like sweating for dogs. Dogs can’t sweat but they lose heat in the same way that we do. If they can get wet then that water then evaporates and actually takes a lot of heat with it. This will keep your dog cool! Be sure that there’s no water restrictions in your are for having the sprinkler running on low. Having a Wading Pool that you allow and encourage your dog to use might be the best option and can make a really big difference in keeping them cool and help prevent heatstroke.

TIP NUMBER SEVEN TO KEEP YOUR DOG COOL

Tip number seven is to have shaded areas. If your dog is outside then just make sure that they’ve got somewhere shady and cooler for them to retreat to. There’s nothing worse than seeing dogs in yards where there’s absolutely no shade. Or you see them really tucked up against this thin slither of shade on the side of the fence and that’s really the only place they can get out of the beating sun. If you don’t have any tress or other shade in your yard you can get a Dog Cot with Canopy. Just providing a nice shady spot can help keep your dog cool and safe.

TIP NUMBER EIGHT TO KEEP YOUR DOG COOL

Tip number eight might not be quite so obvious and that’s Weight Loss. Losing weight can make a huge difference. Just like humans when a dog has a lot of extra weight it will not only make them hotter but it will also make it harder to breath. The extra weight will also make it harder to move and the extra struggle will make them hotter. Help your dog Lose Weight and you will help them in a lot of ways!

TIP NUMBER NINE TO KEEP YOUR DOG COOL

Tip number nine is to groom your dog. This is important especially if they have a long coat. If they have a thick coat then actually clipping them out in the summer can make a big difference in their temperature. Just imagine a big heavy thick long coat is a bit like wearing a big insulated jacket. You need to remove that jacket in order to get cool. Getting your dog regularly groomed or Grooming Them Yourself will make a big difference in keeping them cool in the summer.

* Get a FREE Dog Grooming Course – Just Click HERE

TIP NUMBER TEN TO KEEP YOUR DOG COOL

Number ten is to only exercise or walk them in the cool of the day. The best time is generally first thing in the morning before the sun is at it’s full strength and before the temperatures star to really warm up. Targeting the Morning is best but late evening is another option. Limiting their exercise actually in the middle of the day is very important. So even if you think that your dog wants to run, if they want to chase a ball or any other exercise just don’t do that for them. Not taking them out and not playing with them too exuberantly will help to prevent heatstroke because overexertion actually is a really big cause of heat stroke.

TIP NUMBER ELEVEN TO KEEP YOUR DOG COOL

Final tip tip number 11 is quite simple – never leave your dog in a parked car! There’s very little that’s better at killing a dog through heatstroke than leaving them in a parked car in warm weather. It doesn’t even really need to be that hot outside and it doesn’t take that long. If you’ve got any doubts about that and you’re not sure about how quickly a car can get warm then here is a video about that – CLICK HERE to watch it. I’d really encourage you to watch the video and share it with your friends and family, it’s very important. Every year dogs die in hot cars and it’s so avoidable and completely unnecessary!

BONUS TIP TO KEEP YOUR DOG COOL

As promised here is a bonus heat care tip for you and that is to actually consider using sunscreen for your dog It’s something that we often don’t think about but our dogs noses, especially the tips, are really susceptible to sunburn and sun damage. That definitely can lead to some cancers which can be very aggressive and very difficult to treat especially if they’re not addressed straight away. I would recommend a specific pet sun cream because other sun creams can have harmful or irritating ingredients. Using a pet specific sun cream can just help prevent skin irritation while at the same time preventing burns. Here are links to Dog Sunscreen – Click HERE and Dog Nose Sun Protector – Click HERE.

Post from PuppyBlog.org

The post 11 Tips for How to Keep a Dog Cool in Summer + Prevent Heatstroke first appeared on Puppy Blog.

No matter how hearty and fun-loving your dog is, as a pet parent you know there will come a time when it’s just too cold, snowy, icy, wet or windy for your pup to comfortably exercise outdoors. When the weather outside is frightful and the fire inside delightful, it’s important to find ways to help your dog stay active indoors where it’s safe and warm.

PetMd recommends dogs get 30 minutes to two hours of physical activity every day, with the specific amount that’s best for a dog depending on her age, size, breed and overall health. Pets who get plenty of exercise are happier, healthier and less likely to engage in destructive behaviors like chewing.

Five tips for helping your dog stay active indoors throughout the winter:

1.) Play Fetch Indoors

Your dog’s favorite game doesn’t have to be just for outdoor fun. Indoor fetch toys like soft balls or flying discs allow your dog to safely exercise her body and her retrieving instincts indoors. Be sure to select soft toys such as the Chuckit! (R) Indoor Ball and Flyer for your indoor game of fetch, since plushy items will be less like to cause damage in the house. Score bonus pet parenting points for tossing the toy in such a way that your pooch gets the extra exercise of navigating a furniture obstacle course to retrieve it!

2.) Hide And Seek With a Twist

You loved this game as a kid and your dog will too. Sneak off to a far part of the house and call her name. She’ll love the mental challenge of hunting for you and the sense of victory when she finds you — and you make a big fuss over her for it!

For even more fun, take along a toy that features a squeaker to help the dog find your hiding place. You can also hide a favorite toy and encourage her to find it. Reward her with pats and praise when she brings it back to you.

3.) Twice The Treat

Every dog loves a treat, but just as you’re susceptible to packing on pounds during less active winter months, your pooch can be at risk for weight gain, too. This does not mean no snacks at all, just be sure to work in some exercise and double the enjoyment by making your dog work for a reward. Slip your dog’s favorite treat inside a JWPet(R) Treat Pod or classic Hol-ee Roller(R) toy and let her figure out how to retrieve the treat from inside it.

4.) Walk in a Winter Wonderland

A dog’s tolerance for cold temperatures depends on many factors, including her size, breed and personal preference. A big dog with lots of hair will probably be better equipped to handle cold better than a small, short-haired pooch, but you know your dog best and you can tell when it’s too cold outside for her. Use common sense; keep your dog (and yourself) off ice and out of deep snow during walks, and bundle her up in a warm sweater and booties if she needs them. Since evenings and nights are darker in winter, check out Petmate MaxGlow(R) collars and leashes. They absorb light throughout the day and then glow at night to help make your dog more noticeable in the dark.

5.) Cater to Comfort, too

Everyone experiences the winter blues from time to time, during the winter months, when you’re stuck indoors. The climate and atmosphere can affect your dog, too. Be aware your dog may need some extra comfort and safety measures to weather the winter. Just as you dress her in a warm sweater for outdoor playtime, your dog may appreciate a warm, snug bed during the winter. A great choice would be a Self-Warming Lounger Bed with reflective heat technologies, no batteries or plug needed to keep your pet warm and toasty.