Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Benefits of Organic Dog Food

Benefits of Organic Dog Food

Everybody has heard of “going green” for the environment. But did you know you can do the same with dogs just by switching to organic dog food? Organic dog food may be a bit more expensive but it’s worth it! Your dog will show improvements such as reduction of skin ailments and allergies, more energy and healthy weight, and fewer digestive disorders. Thus you will have a healthier, happier, more energetic dog.

Sometimes dips, sprays, shampoos, creams, medications, and even premium brand dog foods, that is recommended by your vet, still leave your dogs with irritated skin and/or bald. Organic dog food is free of artificial colors and flavor enhancers, chemical additives and toxic pesticides which could be the source of your dog’s allergies. Quality protein and grain sources of outstanding nutritional value are just some of the perks of organic dog food. Therefore, it supports your dog’s immune system to help build resistance to any skin infections, leaving your dog with a fuller, healthier, and shinier coat.
Just like humans, overweight dogs suffer from diabetes, organ failure, a back ailment, hip displasia, and have less energy for the exercise that could improve their health and physical condition. Many people say their dogs eat less organic dog food than other commercial varieties. This is because, in organic dog food, it is naturally more nutritious and it doesn’t contain bulk-fillers so he or she eats only what it needs to maintain healthy energy levels and normal functions.

Superior sources of grains proteins and a lack of chemicals and artificial substances make organic food more digestible. If your dog vomits occasionally after meals or commonly experience gas, bloating, or diarrhea, check with your veterinarian for an underlying illness. Oats, barley, or other natural whole grains and human-grade turkey, lamb, or chicken make a tremendous difference to your dog’s digestive system. When your dog consumes corn or other bulk-fillers and chemical additives, your dog will ingest only what it needs for healthy metabolic functioning. In conclusion, dogs eat less when they are on an organic diet.

Just as the quality of your diet affects the quality of your life, what you feed your dog will have a direct impact on how he or she feels, looks and acts. By feeding organic food to your dog, you can help ensure your dog lives a long, happy and healthy life. It is one ingredient in an overall healthy lifestyle you can help your dog enjoy. A luxurious, shiny coat, energy to run and play, and healthy weight can maximize your dog’s life expectancy and quality of life into old age.

This article was written and provided by pet-super-store.com a site featuring orthopedic dog beds & dog training collars.

Labels: , , , , ,

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Dog Insurance is a Sensible Precaution for Your Dog's Health Care

If you have taken out dog insurance to cover the veterinary costs you may incur for your dog or puppy, then you're in the minority. The majority of pet owners never think about dog insurance - until, that is, they receive a vet bill in the hundreds, or thousands, of dollars. And to think that dog health insurance would have covered those fees!

How easy would it be your dog or puppy to break his leg? It happens every day, regardless if these pets stay indoors or are allowed to roam free in the yard. And can you guess how much it will cost you out-of-pocket? The average veterinarian costs for a broken bone is around $900. The monthly premium for dog insurance is pennies compared to such an expense for medical care.

Dog Insurance Coverage

As with any type of insurance, dog insurance types vary from company to company. Some label their products as pet assurance, as opposed to pet insurance, but it's pretty much the same type of cover. Either way, you can expect most dog health insurance plans to provide coverage for the following:

Spaying and Neutering: As you know, all dogs (except those being professionally bred, or shown) should be de-sexed. Many dog insurance policies cover the entire cost of spaying and neutering, which is great, because those procedures cost at least a couple hundred dollars for a straightforward operation - never mind if your dog experiences expensive complications, which can happen with any surgery.

Prescription Flea Control: Most dogs remain flea-free with Frontline and similar flea control products that are available over the counter at your veterinarian (or at pet stores or online). But a few dogs have ongoing problems with fleas such that prescription flea meds may be required. Most dog health insurance plans cover these prescription flea control meds.

Annual Exam Costs: Even if your dog is 100% healthy, he should still be taken to the veterinarian annually for a complete checkup. Why spend this money out of your pocket when dog insurance can cover the fees each year?

Heartworm Treatment: If your dog is diagnosed with heartworm, immediate treatment is required. And it's expensive. Although it's certainly by far preferable to avoid the heartworm infestation in the first place by using heartworm prevention, your dog insurance should in fact cover the cost of heartworm treatment should the need ever arise.

Pathology Lab Fees: Blood tests and other lab work is covered by most dog insurance. You never know when blood work will be needed, and it is important in quickly identifying serious conditions such as heartworm and dog diabetes.

Teeth Cleaning: If your dog suffers periodontal disease, or you are unable to keep his teeth clean by other means, surgical teeth cleaning is often required. And because it's performed under anaesthetic, it's pretty expensive. Good news - your dog insurance should cover this, too.

Hospitalization Costs: As mentioned previously, accidents do happen and should your dog suffer a broken leg or get diagnosed with a serious illness, the high fees of hospitalization time can be enormous. Instead of paying thousands of dollars out of your pocket, you can be worry-free knowing that these fees are taken care of by your dog insurance coverage.

To find out about dog insurance info and other options for ensuring your pet's health, choose a dog insurance for every budget.

Labels: , , , ,

Thursday, April 12, 2007

Treating Anemia in Your Dog

Anemia is a condition that is commonly caused by blood loss from wounds or parasites such as worms and fleas. Symptoms of anemia in dogs include white or pale gums, weakness, and a fast pulse. Sometimes this condition indicates a more serious illness such as toxicity that results from a drug exposure. However, the more simple and common cause of anemia which is blood loss can be easily treated with a view toward promoting the growth of new red blood cells.

You need to give your dog a special diet rich in iron, protein, and vitamin B12. The following lists of foods and supplements are especially helpful and provide the necessary nutrients that your dog needs to treat anemia.

1. Beef liver which contains iron, protein, B complex, and B12.
2. Kelp powder which contains iodine and other trace minerals.
3. Green vegetables which contains iron and other minerals.
4. Nutritional yeast along with B12 which offers the same benefits as the liver.
5. Vitamin C, from 500 to 2,000 milligrams per day (depending on the dog’s size) which helps with the absorption of iron from the intestinal tract.

If the condition is caused by parasites, then you will need to nip the problem in the bud and treat the parasite infestation first before using any other forms of treatment.

Labels: ,