5 Effective Ways to Treat Your Dog’s Arthritis

Dogs can develop problems with arthritis as they get older, just like people, and it can be similarly painful. If your dog has problems with joint pain, it is important that you make a point of looking into some of the more effective treatments that exist. The more time you spend researching these options, the more likely it is that your pet will get the relief it needs.

In this article, you will find a number of effective solutions for canine arthritis. If you don’t want your dog to be in pain, it’s important that you get this information.

1. Weight Management

Helping your dog to lose weight can result in less stress on its joints, which in turn will greatly reduce the amount of discomfort it feels on a daily basis. There are lots of different ways that you can help your dog to lose weight, such as by avoiding giving it human food and changing the food you do give it to something healthier. There are certain brands of dog food that are good for losing weight.

2. Physical Therapy

There are certain exercises that you can do with your dog to significantly reduce the amount of pain it experiences. Physical therapy can be extremely effective when it comes to treating arthritis in dogs, but you will need to seek out a professional to get you started. These exercises can go a long way towards helping your dog to lead a healthier and happier life.

3. Natural Supplements

There are many different dog supplements for joints that can be a safe and definitive way to treat arthritis for dogs. These supplements are made up of all-natural ingredients that have been proven to help with reducing the pain and inflammation that is closely associated with arthritis. If you want to help your dog heal naturally, this is the best option you have.

4. Acupuncture

Believe it or not, acupuncture can also be a good way to get your beloved pet the relief it needs from its pain. Acupuncture isn’t just for people and it can be helpful in treating a myriad of ailments, including arthritis. If nothing else you have tried has seemed to work at all, you can always look into this option. Just make sure that you find someone who has experience performing acupuncture on animals so that you don’t end up doing more harm than good to your dog.

4. Take Your Dog for Regular Checkups

Just making a point of taking your dog to get regular checkups at the veterinarian can go a long way towards helping them. The vet will be able to detect any changes in the dog’s overall health and may be able to suggest treatments that will be of help.

Arthritis is actually fairly common in dogs and it can cause intense joint pain. If you want your dog to lead a long and happy life, it is important that you review these treatment options carefully.

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The Truth About Dry Cat Food

We’re not sure what exactly started the feud between the Hatfields and the McCoys, but it may well have been an argument about cat food. No matter how far veterinary medicine advances or how much we enhance our understanding of our pet’s nutritional needs, the debate over dry versus wet cat food rages on. In truth, both are acceptable options and you need not feel shame or guilt if you feed your pet dry cat food. Here is the simple truth about dry cat food and what you need to know when choosing your feline’s diet.

You are the target.

Your cat doesn’t go to the grocery store. When creating commercials food makers are appealing to your senses, not your pet’s. Buzzwords like grain-free, all natural and raw mean nothing to your cat, who honestly don’t care if the first ingredient in his food is corn meal or de-boned white meat chicken. Ignore the hype and focus on facts when picking your cat’s diet.

Don’t fall for the outdoor diet myth.

To entice you into buying wet or fresh refrigerated food, cat food manufacturers like to remind you that your cat would never eat dry kibble if he were living in the wild. Instead, he would eat only the fresh meat that he hunted and killed himself. What these carnivorous purists neglect to mention is that your cat would actually be eating his entire catch – not just the meat. According to Dr. Richard Hill of the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine, meat alone doesn’t contain all of the amino acids, minerals and vitamins a healthy cat needs. It may, however, contain harmful bacteria.

Indoor cats do eat differently than their outdoor counterparts, but they also live much longer. Indoor cats typically live 9 to 15 years while outdoor cats live only 4 to 5 years. Diet and nutrition play a role in the longevity of indoor cats, so don’t be fooled into thinking your indoor cat’s diet is lacking if it isn’t full of moist meat morsels.

Cats are obligatory carnivores, however, so please don’t attempt to turn your pet into a vegetarian.

Dry cat food offers several advantages.

Pet parents choose the foods they do for a number of different reasons, and there are some compelling benefits to dry cat food. One is cost. Dry pet food costs less than canned, but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking in quality. In fact, a high-quality dry food can provide more nutritional value than poor quality canned food and may do so at a fraction of the price.

Dry cat food is also extremely easy to store and takes up less space in your pantry than individual cans. It also makes cleanup after feeding time much easier. Wet cat food requires washing of the bowls and feeding area after every meal and may require you to clean off your kitty as well if he is a messy eater. Some dry foods are formulated to reduce tartar and promote oral health, as well, potentially minimizing the number of dental hygiene visits your cat requires.

Value nutrients over ingredients.

What is in your cat’s food matters, but what she gets out of it matters more. It doesn’t matter if your cat gets a certain nutrient from corn or another grain. It’s far more important that she gets enough of the nutrient. Cat food manufacturers, however, will try and convince you that one ingredient is better than another, even when it’s not true. Focus more on what your cat is getting out of her food, not how she is getting it.

Think of feeding your cat like feeding your children in this regard. It’s important to make sure that your child’s growing bones receive adequate amounts of calcium. Milk is an excellent source of calcium, but so is cheese. If your child refuses to drink milk but absolutely loves cheese, the easiest and smartest course of action may be to fill the fridge with cheese rather than fighting over milk.

The same is true for your cat. It is more important to focus on meeting your cat’s nutritional needs than worrying about how you’re getting there. So long as the food contains no harmful ingredients, there is no reason to worry about whether meat or grain is the first listed ingredient.

So, what should I look for?

When you strip away the hype and the buzzwords, what you need is a nutritionally sound food your cat is willing to eat. To find it, choose foods that contain an American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) feed trial statement. This helps ensure that the food you are buying has been tested and meets recommended nutritional feed standards.

You’ll also want to dig a bit deeper and look for the words “manufactured by” on your cat food bag. You don’t want a food that was made for, distributed for or manufactured for someone else. Quality pet food companies generally opt to manufacture products themselves so they can maintain strict control over the ingredients and manufacturing processes used. It is also best to purchase foods made in the United States that adhere to our national ingredient and labeling laws.

Remember your greatest ally.

When thinking about your cat’s dietary needs, remember to talk to your veterinarian. It’s easy to think of the vet only when there is something wrong with your pet, but he is a great source of wellness information, too. Your vet is also in tune with your cat’s special needs and can help you deal with food allergies, weight issues, dental problems and other issues that may impact your cat’s specific dietary needs.

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Breed Breakdown: The Tibetan Mastiff

The Tibetan Mastiff is an absolutely massive Tibetan dog breed. It has its origins in the nomadic cultures of Tibet, India, Nepal and China. In fact, in the vernacular, the Tibetan Mastiff is referred to as “Drog-Khyi” which roughly translates to “that a dog that may be tied.” This fits in with what the Tibetan Mastiff is primarily used for: protection of cattle from bears, wolves, tigers, etc.

A Brief History

The Tibetan Mastiff is said to be among the oldest breeds that are still around. Marco Polo mentioned the Tibetan Mastiffs as far back as the 13th century. From the evidence that is actually available, it appears that the breed has remained virtually unchanged for an extraordinary number of years. Bones and pictures from earlier eras attest to this.

General Information

The Tibetan Mastiff is arguably the most courageous dog breed that you will set your eyes on. Independent and territorial, it is a guardian of cattle par excellence and its loyalty to its family is of the highest order. Its appearance is scarily impressive. It has a heavy coat that is both thick and long. With a heavy undercoat in cold weather and little undercoat in warmer temperatures, the Tibetan Mastiff is well equipped to handle all kinds of weather.

Below is a breakdown of the basic facts of as well as the pro’s & con’s of The Tibetan Mastiff:

Height

The Mastiff has an average height of 25 to 28 inches. They are usually slightly longer than they are tall. Males tend to be taller than females.

Weight

They can weigh anywhere between 140 pounds to 170 pounds. There are a few owners of Mastiffs who swear that their pets weigh about 200 pounds. Regardless of the veracity of their claims, the vast majority of Tibetan Mastiffs fall in the aforementioned weight range.

Litter size

The Tibetan Mastiff has a litter size of 6 to 12 puppies.

Color

Usually black, brown, blue/gray and shades of gold.

Life span

The Tibetan Mastiff typically lives from 10 years to 14 years.

Shedding

Moderate to heavy shedding.

Pros Of The Tibetan Mastiff

The pros of having a Tibetan Mastiff may be enumerated as follows:

Extremely Loyal And Protective

The Mastiff is one of the most loyal and protective dog breeds that you will set your eyes on. They will do anything to protect their family. Think a million times before messing with their families!

Aesthetic Appeal

They have a very pretty coat which comes in myriad colors. The Mastiff packs a punch when it comes to aesthetic appeal.

Imposing Figure – Great Deterrent

Its towering figure acts as an excellent deterrent. With the Mastiff next to you, you can be sure that no one will come to you looking for a fight in a hurry. The best part is, the Mastiff is not aggressive by nature.

Loves The Outdoors But Is Quiet Indoors

This is a dream combination for pet owners. Sometimes dogs which are more inclined to be outdoors have trouble staying indoors which may result in unwanted demand barking. The Tibetan Mastiff could not be more different. Whilst it is an outdoor dog in every sense of the word (rejoice all you nature fans!), it is extremely quiet indoors (as an adult).

Cons Of A Tibetan Mastiff

Requires Rigorous Training

If you want to have a fulfilling experience of owning a Tibetan Mastiff, then you have to put in the hard yards as the dog owner. Your Mastiff requires a lot of training. Given how strong-headed and independent it is, this is by no means the easiest task in the world.

Takes Up A Lot Of Space – Not Ideal For Apartments

Let us get this straight at the outset: you CAN have a Tibetan Mastiff in an apartment. However, they need to be trained very well otherwise it is just not viable. Moreover, the apartment has to be spacious as the towering figure of the Mastiff takes up a lot more space than you can imagine.

They Take Time To Socialize

Tibetan Mastiffs are somewhat introverted in that they take time to socialize. However, with quality training and constant supervision, this can be achieved.

Things To Consider Before Getting A Tibetan Mastiff

Exercise Needs

The Mastiff requires a reasonable amount of exercise. Daily walks are imperative. It is a bad idea to let it stay indoors all day. Over-exercising him is not advisable since that takes away energy that the Mastiff puppy needs to grow and gain a healthy weight.

Does Not Always Get Along With Other Animals

It can be aggressive towards other animals, particularly those of the same sex. You will have to factor this in if you already have several other animals.

Trainability

Obedience training has to take place when the Mastiff is young. Do not be too harsh on it and avoid punishments. Mutual respect and compassion go a long way with training the Tibetan Mastiff.

Guard Dog Capabilities

As mentioned earlier, the Tibetan Mastiff is an excellent guard dog.

Health Problems

The most common health problems with the Mastiff are ear infections, thyroid disorders, hip dysplasia and skin problems.

They Do Not Like To “play fetch”

The Tibetan Mastiff is not your average dog that is happy to play fetch. If a dog like that is what you are after, then the Tibetan Mastiff may not be the right choice for you.

Conclusion

All things considered, the Tibetan Mastiff is not for everyone. However, if you are keen on getting one, then there are plenty of good reasons for doing so. If possible, adopt one from an animal shelter. These typically tend to be more sociable and less aggressive.

Are you an owner of a Tibetan Mastiff? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.

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13 Puppy Potty-Training Hacks

If you have a puppy, you probably already know they can be a bundle of joy. Puppies are full of fun, energy and good spirit. However, puppies can also be extremely challenging, particularly when it comes to potty training them. Getting a young dog to go to the bathroom outside can be difficult. Luckily, there are some simple tips you can keep in mind to help them learn not to go in the house, and to let you know when they need to go outside. If you want to potty train your dog simply and easily, check out these great potty-training hack ideas.

1. Stick to a Schedule

Start by taking your dog outside every day at the same time, even if he doesn’t have to go to the bathroom. As soon as you wake up in the morning, go out; right before bedtime, go outside, and so on. A routine not only gives a puppy many chances to go outside, but it also teaches him that these specific times are the ones when he should go to the bathroom.

2. Spend as Much Time with Your Young Pup as Possible

Your dog will catch on pretty quickly that going to the bathroom in the house is a bad thing. So, spend as much time with your pup as possible. He won’t want to do something bad in front of you, and when you see signs that he’s about to go, you can run him outside.

3. Take Him Out After Every Meal and Snack

Every time your dog has a meal or a snack, take him outside to the same designated place. Wait for him to go. This will give your pet the idea that outside is the place to go when he has to go potty.

4. Reward Going Outside

If your puppy goes to the bathroom outside, reward him with praise or a treat. Positive reactions reinforce good behavior.

5. Use Crate Training

Try keeping your puppy in a crate when you’re not around and when he sleeps. Dogs won’t go to the bathroom in their sleep area. When your dog is aware and ready to go out, you can take him from the crate and immediately outside, where he can go to the bathroom.

6. Use a Bell on Your Door

Connect a long bell to your doorbell that your dog can make noise with when he goes to the door to be let out. That way, you make sure you don’t miss him asking to be let outside.

7. Get Rid of Odors

Your puppy will probably have an accident at home from time to time. You want to make sure you get rid of the odor so he doesn’t find the same spot to urinate in again. One good way is to pour baking soda on the urine spot, then spray it with a mix of equal parts warm water and white vinegar.

8. Always Use the Same Spot

In the beginning, always take your puppy to the same spot outside to go to the bathroom. That way, he will learn to associate that specific spot (which is outside) with whenever he feels like he needs to go.

9. Try a Puppy Pad

You can use puppy pads inside your house as another way to teach him to go to the bathroom in a specific place. Teach him to go to the pee pad when he’s inside; then eventually move the pee pads outside.

10. Use Prompts

Try not only using the same spots for your dog to go to the bathroom, but also the same vocal prompts over and over again. You might say “outside” to indicate you’re taking the dog outside to go, then “do your business” when you want to prompt him to actually go to the bathroom.

11. Take Your Dog Out Before You Greet Him

Before you greet your dog when you get home, immediately take him outside to go potty. Use the commands you’ve made up. That way, you can ensure your dog goes to the bathroom first — outside — before you excite him and reward him with your attention.

12. Avoid Punishments for Accidents

If you find an accident in the house, don’t punish your dog. He won’t associate it with going to the bathroom in the house, and he’ll feel a sense of shame and sadness for no reason. If you do catch your dog going in the house, make a sharp sound to startle him (and stop him from going to the bathroom), and immediately take him outside to finish going.

13. Keep Your Dog on a Leash

When you’re potty training your pup, whether with pee pads or outside, keep him on a leash. Hold him in the place where he’s supposed to go for 5-10 minutes until he goes. If he doesn’t go, go back inside. The process takes patience, but ultimately, your dog will get the hang of it, and it will be worth it.

Getting a puppy is a great experience, but also one that requires a lot of responsibility. One of the most important things you can do as a pet owner is to train your dog to be housebroken so he can comfortably live inside your home and visit other peoples’ spaces. Another important step in caring for your pup at a young age is taking him to the vet regularly. Regular vet care can help detect diseases or illnesses early, and it can also prevent unwanted health conditions, like flea- and tick-borne diseases with NexGard. By putting a little love and care into your pooch at the get-go, he can enjoy a long, happy, healthy life alongside you.

Credit: AlliVet

What are your puppy potty train tips? Let us know by commenting below.

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What You Need to Know about Aromatherapy for Dogs

Aromatherapy for dogs wasn’t mainstream until recently after experts tried it on dogs and found that it has a number of health benefits. Over the last few years, the number of dog owners who consider aromatherapy as an alternative treatment for canine well-being has grown significantly.

It is common belief is that if aromatherapy is beneficial to humans, then it would make sense for it to be also good for animals, too.

In humans, the use of essential oils is known to reduce anxiety and inflammation. It also helps to calm the nerves and lessen the harmful effects of stress.

Here, you will discover what the benefits of using aromatherapy for pets are. Specifically, you will learn about how safe essential oils are for dogs, how to properly use essential oils, and which essential oils are beneficial for dogs.

What is Aromatherapy for Dogs?  

Aromatherapy for dogs is when essentials oils are used therapeutically to treat behavioral and physical problems. You might already have seen grooming services offering the use of essentials oils, but aromatherapy is more than that. The practice of aromatherapy involves the careful combination of several oils for a certain healing purpose to help improve a dog’s overall health and well-being.

It is important to use 100% pure essential oils for aromatherapy treatment for dogs. This is emphasized by dog experts. Using poorly made essential oils may lessen their therapeutic effects. It may even cause more harm than good for dogs.

How Aromatherapy Works for Dogs

Aromatherapy targets the brain’s limbic system, which is responsible for regulating emotions and mood. This is why aromatherapy is often used by people to address feelings of anxiety, anger, fear, stress, and many more.

Using essential oils can be done in two ways, inhaling through the nose, or absorbing through topical application. There are occasional instances where essential oils are taken orally, but it’s not too common to use essential oils this way.

The following are some of the effects of essential oils, depending on which combination is used.

• Anti-fungal

• Anti-inflammatory

• Anti-microbial

• Anti-viral

• Calming

• Diuretic

• Energizing

• Pain-relieving

• Repelling insects

• Rejuvenating

• Sedating

Dogs with anxious personalities usually go through a lot of stress, especially when they have to engage in activities that require going outdoors, meeting a lot of people, and hearing loud sounds (e.g. fireworks, loud music, etc.). Aromatherapy promotes a feeling of calm and helps them relax after a long, stressful day.

In addition to helping calm anxious dogs, aromatherapy has also been known to help with the following:

• Aggressive behavior

• Bad breath

• Flying insects (e.g. flies and mosquitos)

• Joint problems (e.g. arthritis, growing pains)

• Minor skin irritations (e.g. allergies, burns, or rashes)

• Nervousness

• Parasites (e.g. ticks and fleas)

• Separation

• Anxiety

Aromatherapy can also help with preventive health maintenance, particularly with keeping a dog’s liver, immune system, or digestive tract healthy. Since dogs have a stronger olfactory sense than humans, inhaling essential oils quickly transports the effects into their bloodstream. This makes aromatherapy fast-acting for dogs and is the reason why it can help with the treatment of certain conditions so well.

How to Use Essential Oils for Dogs

Generally, essential oils should be massaged directly on a dog’s coat. Depending on the dog’s condition, you might need to concentrate on certain parts of the body. If the condition has to do with parasites, you might want to go all over to spread the oils evenly. If the condition involves joint pains, you might want to gently massage the oils into areas where the joints are.

To get the maximum benefits, it’s better to apply these oils to areas with less fur. These areas are the belly, inner thighs, and legs, or under the neck.

There are tons of dog products nowadays that are infused with aromatherapy oils. There are already a lot of shampoos and conditioners infused with lavender, orange, and other essential oils.

Another way to use essential oils for dogs is to allow them to inhale the oils. For this, the use of a diffuser is necessary. Simply heat the oil blend in the diffuser and the essential oils will get released into the air in the form of tiny particles over a period of time. The diffuser acts like an air-freshener and pet owners can enjoy the benefits of inhaling the scent of essential oils as well.

Some essential oils can be taken orally, but this is only advisable when instructed by your veterinarian. Because pure essential oils are highly concentrated, taking them orally without observing the proper dosage might be dangerous and even toxic.

Are Essential Oils Safe for Dogs?

Because of the growing popularity of aromatherapy for dogs, there are now specially formulated aromatherapy blends for dogs. These are crafted specifically for use with dogs and therefore, are guaranteed to give the best results.

Although there are ready-made blends available, dog owners are free to mix their own blends if they wish. It is common to blend around three to five different types of oils, depending on the treatment needed. Again, using 100% pure essential oils is important to get the right results.

The number of essential oils needed to treat a specific condition also depends on the size of the dog. Big breeds such as German Shepherds or Great Danes might need 6 drops of oil massaged throughout their body. Smaller breeds such as Chihuahuas or Shih Tzus, on the other hand, might only need 1. Again, it is important not to go over the recommended dose when using essential oils for your dogs.

If a dog is ill, it is advised to use less oil than usual. When in doubt, use a diffuser instead so the oils don’t have to go directly to the dog’s body.

Essential oils should also not be applied near the dog’s eyes, ears, or nose. The scents are a too strong and might only cause irritation when placed near sensitive areas. Another area to avoid is the dog’s genital area, especially when rubbing oil on the belly.

What Essential Oils Should I Use?

Here is a list of the recommended essential oils used in aromatherapy for dogs:

1. Elemi – antiseptic, anti-infectious, and also works as a sedative.

2. Clove, Oregano, and Mountain Savory – for immune support and allergy treatment and prevention.

3. Lavender – great as an anti-fungal, analgesic, antihistamine, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory.

4. Myrrh – antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-infection, and also an astringent.

5. Peppermint – antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic.

6. Roman Chamomile – anti-infection and anti-inflammatory.

Precautions to Observe When Using Essential Oils for Dogs

While aromatherapy for dogs is beneficial to their overall health and well-being, it’s still important to observe some safety precautions to avoid any mishaps.

• Again, always use 100% pure essential oils for maximum benefits.

• Remember to dilute essential oils before using them. The recommended measurement is 1 oz. of carrier oil to 3-6 drops of essential oils.

• For small dogs, use less. For big dogs, use more.

• Use a small amount of diluted essential oils on puppies, old dogs, and sick dogs.

• Consult a veterinarian before using essential oils on any dog, and in particular, on a pregnant dog. Avoid using essential oils such as rosemary, tea tree, and peppermint.

• Refrain from using essential oils on dogs who suffer from seizures.

• Avoid using essential oils too close to sensitive areas (e.g. eyes, nose, ears, genitals)

The use of essential oils can be beneficial to your dog’s health. When used properly, these oils lessen anxiety and promote overall well-being over the long term.

However, aromatherapy is not a magical solution to all ailments. It’s still important to regularly visit the veterinarian to better assess the dog’s health. The use of aromatherapy for dogs serves only to support and complement the health-related care and treatment given to dogs.

Source: Little Doggies Rule

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