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Dog Harnesses & Dog Head Halters

Dog Grooming Equipment | Dog Harness

How to Use Body Harnesses & Head Halters for Better Leash Control

Dog Grooming Equipment | Dog HarnessYou might consider a dog body harness instead of a collar for your puppy. This works well for smaller-sized dogs. You can secure the body harness with adjustable straps that will fasten across the chest of your puppy and then over its front legs.

Most harnesses have a basic metal D-ring which hooks on to the leash. You can locate this clip on the strap, running down a dog’s back. You can use these instead of collars and they provide a safer environment as the puppy tries to pull away. There are other harnesses available but the majority of them are this style.

The puppy will receive most of the tension from the leash and not the neck or head area. Since puppies dart and run everywhere a collar could injure the dog easily and a serious spinal injury could even occur. When you remove the pressure on the airway you’re using a safer method. These harnesses are effective and safe and are better than regular neck collars for your puppy.

Other Styles of Body Harnesses

You can also get a great body harness that is designed specifically to discourage your dog or puppy from pulling away. On this harness the cords go down and then under the front legs and then route backup to where the lead attaches. If your dog attempts to pull the cords will press on the armpit of the dog and the dog will stop pulling away from you.

There’s another type of harness that you can use to deter your puppy from going its own way. This harness is called a “no pull” harness. On this harness the chest strap is attached to the center where the leash is attached. This allows the leash to turn the body of the dog away from the direction the dog is headed in. if the dog tries to pull away the dog will be shifted into the opposite direction.

Are Head Halters Safe and a Good Alternative?

Dog Head Halter | Dog grooming equipmentThe dog head halter is preferred as an alternative to a body harness by many dog owners. You can buy several different styles of head halter for your dog. These are designed to keep the dog from pulling on the leash.

All the styles have a strap that you put around the muzzle for your dog. Another strap is secured around the dog’s neck. If your dog happens to pull away the halter forces the dog’s head to towards the opposite direction from where the animal is trying to move to.

There are some drawbacks to head halters although they do work quite well. The halters look similar to muzzles so if someone sees your dog with a halter they might think the dog isn’t friendly. Some make act rudely to you, have nervousness around your dog, or stare at your animal.

Another challenge would be getting your dog to get accustomed to the head halter. It may take some time before your dog is able to get used to the halter fitted around it. This usually takes about 2-3 weeks but some dogs may take longer or shorter periods of time. If the dog reacts negatively towards the halter, your dog may begin to associate leash-walking as an unpleasant experience. Walking outdoors should be a favorite “hobby” for your dog, so when you notice that your dog is not happy with the head halters on, do not try to force it upon the dog lest it starts to find walking a great displeasure.

 

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Best Dog Food: How To Choose Wisely Healthy Foods For Your Dog

best dog foods

dog food As you probably know, you do not simply feed your dog anything.

This is because you also need to consider your pet’s nutritional requirements. So what are the best dog food to choose from?

For a start…

It is important that you opt for one that contains the right ingredients. The dog food should include a great amount of vitamins and minerals that could boost your dog’s stamina and your dog’s overall health.

You can choose between homemade dog food and commercialized dog food.

There are also different types of dog food such as raw food, canned food and dry food.

If you go with commercialized dog food, there are countless premium brands of dog food available in the market today. Choose the best brand of dog food for your dog.

One of the things you need to consider when searching for the right dog food is its ingredients. This is to ensure your dog is getting what it needs.

A healthy dog food brand should promote your dog’s wellness. It does not need to be expensive, as long as it meets certain standards.

Before we go into the best dog food we recommend…

Here’s a quick guide about 12 things that any dog owner should look for in a brand of dog food they feed to their dogs.

Guide To Selecting a Healthy Brand of Commercialized Dog Food

1. Specified Meat

The primary ingredient in your dog’s food should contain some kind of meat – beef, chicken, lamb, fish, etc.

Be sure that it is specified on the label and not listed as either “animal” or “meat”. You need to know exactly what kind of meat is in their food.

Be mindful that many dry dog foods will list their first ingredient as a meat with the second ingredient being corn. For that reason, many people think there is more chicken than corn in the food.

What is done though is that the chicken is weighed before water is taken out of it and before it’s cooked.

Raw meat has about 80 percent water. After the moisture has been removed, just 20 percent or so of the meat’s original weight is left. Thus, the second ingredient is usually the primary ingredient in the dog food – usually corn! When you see “meat meal”, it’s usually the meat after water extraction.

Be sure you read the labels of your dog food, as some do not even have actual meat in them.

2. It Should Contain Organic Ingredients

Organic IngredientsMake sure that the dog food brand you are choosing contains organic ingredients. This is because organic foods are healthier because they are free from preservatives.

Therefore, you can assure that their immune system will be stronger if you feed your dog natural or organic food. Organic food also improves digestion and promotes a shiny and healthy coat.

3. It Should Contain Vital Vitamins And Minerals Necessary For Your Dog

Vitamins and minerals are essential to your dog’s health. For this reason, you need to look for a dog food that contains ample amounts of these. Make sure that the ingredients are enriched with vitamins and minerals to maintain your pet’s nutritional balance.

In addition, these will boost your dog’s immune system. This also helps in keeping your dog’s coat shiny and healthy. Here are some important vitamins and minerals you need to look for on the label:

  • Vitamin A and EVitamin A and E: These vitamins are ideal for overweight or obese dogs. This is because vitamins A and E both play a role when it comes to trimming down the weight of your dog, since both promote a faster metabolism.
    These vitamins are antioxidants, which helps keep your dog’s immune system.
    Through this, it will be easier for your canine pet to fight off free radicals that cause illnesses and diseases.
    Vitamin A and E can also effectively slow down your dog’s aging process; hence, your pet has better chances of living for a long time.
  • Vitamin C: Just like humans, dogs also need vitamin C. This is because this vitamin helps boost their immune system. Thus, make sure that you also check that the dog food you are considering contains vitamin C.
  • IronIron: Pet owners should look for this mineral when choosing a dog food. Iron enhances your dog’s blood circulation. Dog food that contains by-products is a good source of iron so consider opting for a brand that has these ingredients.
  • Phosphorus, Vitamin D And Calcium: These vitamin and minerals are responsible for making your dog’s teeth and bones healthy. For this reason, ensure you look for these when looking at the label of a dog food brand. This way, you can ensure it is healthy for your dog.
  • Potassium: This kind of mineral promotes a healthier heart, making it a must when looking for a healthy, nutritious dog food.

4. It Should Contain Protein And Carbohydrates

These minerals are essential for your dog, because it will keep it energized throughout the day. With these, your dog will be less likely to become lethargic.

5. No Meat By-Products

Be sure that the food you purchase has no meat by-product including but not limited to:

  • Beaks
  • Eyes
  • Feathers
  • Fur
  • Hooves
  • Skin
Canned Dog Food
Photo Credit: Canned dog food, By Clean Wal-Mart, Creative Commons Attributions 2.0 Generic

It’s important to understand that these things are not meat. Rather, they are the leftover parts after the good meat has been removed. Simply put: it’s what humans won’t eat.

When meat is not clearly specified or listed as being “animal” or “meat”, it may mean the meat comes from a rendering plant, which uses any type of meat from euthanized animals, road kill, diseased animals, etc. These rendering plants will sell the meal to cat and dog food companies as being any of the following things:

  • Meat by products
  • Animal fat
  • Animal by products
  • Bone meal

If you don’t see what kind of meat that’s being used in the product, skip it!

6. Soy Free

Any food product you buy for your canine needs to be soy-free, as a good many of the breeds are allergic to it. Soy allergies can manifest itself in many conditions such as:

– Breathing problems

– Skin problems

– Diarrhea

7. It Should Not Include Ingredients That Are In High Fat And Sugar

High Fat And SugarEvery pet owner who searches for a healthy dog food should ensure that the brand they are considering does not contain high levels of sugar and fat. Too much sugar or fat in your pet’s system is bad.

This is because consuming these will put your dog at risk for developing diabetes and various heart problems, as well as obesity. The ingredients are not the only thing you need to consider when looking for a healthy dog food.

8. Make Sure The Dog Food Does Not Contain A Lot Of Preservatives

Lot Of PreservativesA healthy brand of dog food should not contain high levels of preservatives. This is because preservatives will harm your dog instead of making them healthy. Thus, avoid dog food brands that have these ingredients as much as possible.

9. The Label Should Provide a Nutritional Statement And Feeding Trial Information

Feeding Trial InformationHealthy brands of dog food should contain this information in their label because these are the first things pet owners look for.

Nutritional adequacy statement will give you an idea about vitamins and minerals the dog food contains. Moreover, this will inform you whether it is for all dog ages or it is just for puppies.

Make sure to check on this so you will be able to ensure that you are getting proper nutrition for your dog. In addition, ensure to check the feeding trial information. This will serve as verification that the adequacy nutritional statement has undergone a series of trials.

10. Certified By The Food And Drug Administration (FDA)

 Food And Drug AdministrationAnother thing you need to look for in a healthy brand of dog food is if the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) certifies it.

This will give you an assurance that what you are feeding your dog has undergone a series of tests, as well as passed the FDA standards.

A responsible owner ensures that quality and healthy food is given to their dogs. For this reason, you must consider checking this the next time you buy food for your dog.

11. Detailed Nutritional Facts

Detailed Nutritional FactsA healthy dog food brand should contain this on their label. This is important since it will provide you the information you need when it comes to the nutrients your dog is getting.

The nutritional facts includes percentage amount of each kind of ingredients included in the package. You should also check the caloric content, especially if your dog is overweight.

12. Look For Premium Labeled Brands of Dog Food

Healthy brands are premium labeled because they contains ingredients packed with vitamins and minerals. These products will also keep your dog healthy and strong. You will know that the brand is premium labeled if your vet suggests it.

Premium Labeled Brands of Dog FoodThere are many dog food brands to choose from nowadays. This might make things easier since you have so many different options available. However, this makes it harder to find which of the brands is right for your dog.

If you take note of the things discussed above though, the search will become easier. Moreover, this will give you the assurance that the brand of dog food you are choosing is healthy.

Make it a habit to read the labels whenever you go shopping for dog food. It will only take you couple of minutes to study the nutritional facts enumerated there.

Moreover, your dog deserves the healthiest food you can find. If you are still confused, talk to your dog’s veterinarian. They can recommend the right formula for your dog.

The Quality of Pet Food Ingredients

Check out the three videos below.

Dr. Karen Becker, a proactive and integrative wellness veterinarian, shares tips on what are the best and worst ingredients found in dog food and evaluate the quality of the different types of pet food. When deciding what to feed your pets, remember these tips from Dr. Becker.

Do not skip these!!!

Watch the videos below. There’s a ton of critical and useful information to show you how to choose wisely great dog food for your dog.

 

 

Here’s an eBook to find out more about dog food nutrition and diet that is safe and healthy for your dog.

In Summary

The first ingredient should say a certain meat or meat meal. Anything with the following must be avoided:

  • Added colors and/or dyes
  • Animal digest
  • “Animal” or “meat” not specified
  • Bone meal
  • By products
  • Corn syrup
  • Flavor added animal fat
  • Grains
  • Sugar

It’s better to spend more for great dog food then going for the inexpensive stuff.

Dogs that eat junk dog food are not getting the vitamins and minerals they need so they’ll consume more of the cheap dog food. On top of that, it can cause them to have a dull coat, body odor and shed more.

With the best dog food, they are not going to eat as much because they will feel content afterwards.

This all means a reduction in health problems later on.

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Why You Should Not Dye Your Dog’s Fur?

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When it comes to hair dyes, they are not meant for animals. Many canine owners think it’s so cute to dye their dog’s hair. You may have even seen pictures on the Internet of dogs with their hair dyed and thought, “how cute”. It’s not cute. In fact, it’s downright harmful to a canine’s health because of the dye’s toxic chemicals.

Emma Watson, the actress who played Hermione Granger in Harry Potter, was seen leaving a salon with Darcy, a one-year-old Maltese terrier believed to be her flatmate’s dog friend. The dog’s fur had been dyed pink. The pictures began a vicious discussion among canine lovers with many of them critical of it. Continue reading Why You Should Not Dye Your Dog’s Fur?

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Why Does My Dog Scoot His Butt Across The Floor?

dog scooting on floor

The age old dog question is – why does my dog scoot his but across the floor? Well, the answer is it could be caused by several reasons. Yet, either way, scooting occurs when a dog drags its butt across the floor, and in any case – it signifies something is irritating your dog’s behind.

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The cause of this irritation can be a range of things from inflammation to worms. The following are the most common reasons for a dog to scoot his butt across the floor:

Anal Sac Issues

Despite what you would think, dogs communicate with their behinds, so when anal sacs become blocked, inflamed or abscessed dogs will scoot to relieve their discomfort or pain. Other signs that your dog is having an anal sac problem is licking or chewing of the area, difficulties defecating and swelling of the anus.

Fecal Contamination

Diarrhea leaves dogs dehydrated, messy and weak. Additionally constipation can lead to the collection of feces around the anus. Regardless how it gets there, the point is that fecal contamination under the tail will lead to enough discomfort for the dog to begin scooting.

Worms

Another, less common, reason for dog scooting is tapeworm. Tapeworms are transmitted to dogs after they consume an infected flea. To prevent this from ever being an issue for your dog, you need to simply control fleas using one of many flea preventatives on the market.

Rectal Prolapse

Referring to part of the rectum, rectal prolapse occurs when the last portion of the large intestine protrudes through the anus. This condition can happen after severe bouts of diarrhea or after your dog has strained too hard with constipation. If along with the scooting you see a long, cylindrical mass protruding from your dog’s anus you should call the veterinarian immediately.

Other Possible Causes Of Dog Scooting

Discomfort and pain caused by tumors or wounds can cause a dog to scoot its butt across the floor. Swelling is the most noticeable sign to watch for when it comes to a tumor in the anal gland. Any sightings of bruising, discharge or redness can mean that an abscessed anal gland could require immediate medical attention.