5 Tips For Feeding A Happy, Healthy DogWritten by Mark Eckenrode
5 Tips For Feeding A Happy, Healthy Dog by Mark Eckenrode Do you really know all there is to know about your canine companion’s nutritional needs? Many pet owners think they’re doing what’s best for their dogs when it comes to food, but in reality they rely on pure instinct more than science. Nutrition isn’t a guessing game, even when it comes to your pooch. Think about it – if you were left to feed yourself based only on what you craved and had no knowledge of what your body needs to function, would you be eating 5 servings of fruit and veggies or would you head straight for Ding Dong case at market? 1. Cover all of bases. A dog’s diet can be as complex as any human’s (including yours!), and it’s absolutely essential that you, as an owner, hit all of vital nutritional bases. A deficiency of certain vitamins and nutrients can lead to upset tummies, overly dry or oily skin, brittle bones, weight issues, and, in some of worst cases, death. A balanced and proper diet is building block of your dog’s overall health – if he doesn’t get right blend of nutrients, most impeccable care otherwise won’t mean a thing. But with right diet, his defenses against disease and disorders are infinitely stronger than a dog whose owner hasn’t put much thought into an eating plan. 2. Mix it up! For most part, pre-packaged food will help you cover all of major nutritional requirements a healthy, fairly young dog has. This where many owners trip up simply because of ease of decision. Most think that major choice is between dry and moist food, when in reality best diet you can provide your dog is one varied in ingredients, textures, and nutritional value. Dogs, of course, are carnivores, and that instinct remains in their blood to this day. They continue to hunt prey (poor Kitty), love sausage-flavored treats, and adore great crunch they get when chowing down on a bone. Those varied elements should give you a little bit of insight into how diverse your dog’s diet can be. 3. Move beyond meat. Building some portion of his diet from meat gives you many of crucial nutrients he needs for energy and growth, but he also needs fiber and carbohydrates to aid in digestion and stability. You could throw down a bowl of dry food every day and maybe give him a “treat” of moist food once a month, but how would you like it if tables were turned and he insisted on feeding you pancakes every day for rest of your life? Not such a sunny outlook, is it? 4. Make it a real meal. Listen, nobody ever said you had to rely on a bag or can of food to feed your dog. You cook for your family all time. Doesn’t your dog deserve similar treatment? Most owners say they’d love to cook for their pups but just don’t know where to start, and that’s where I come in. Now you can help fulfill all of your dog’s nutritional needs as well as his taste desires with just one quick flip through my new book, 180 Delicious Gourmet Dog Recipes. I know, I know, you’re busy, and there’s barely time to cook your family a proper meal. That’s why you’ll love this book – in addition to covering all of usual recipes like traditional dog chow and cookies, I’ve created several that are healthy and delicious enough for you, your dog, and your family. Being skeptical is natural; after all, I never dreamed I’d come up with recipes I could easily share with my dogs! But how can you pass up recipes like biscotti, muffins, omelettes, dinner mints, and even sushi?
| | "How To Keep Your Cat Healthy - Your Guide to Cat Diseases and Conditions, and How to Cure Them"Written by NS Kennedy
Even with best care, cats can become ill. Sometimes this means a simple "kitty cold," at other times disease might have a more lasting or even fatal result. The following are some of more common causes of serious illness in cats. An upper respiratory infection (URI) is medical term for what many cat lovers call a "kitty cold." Indeed, symptoms match those of a human cold, sneezing and discharge from nose. While they seem similar, human and cat version of this infection are different, and one species cannot be infected by other. However, URI is highly contagious among cats. If you have a multi-cat household and notice URI symptoms, isolate cat immediately. The best treatment for URI is time and loving care. Use a warm, moist cloth to keep your cat's eyes and nose free of discharge. You might need to warm her food to enhance smell to encourage your cat to eat. URI symptoms, which include a decreased appetite, can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Watch your cat carefully; not eating or drinking can lead to dehydration. Also, if your cat becomes extremely lethargic, it may mean URI has turned into something more serious. The symptoms of URI may last a few days to several weeks. Cats with URI may also be lethargic and have a decreased appetite. Monitor cat carefully; a growing lack of appetite and fever can lead to dehydration. Not eating can lead to liver problems. Lethargy can mean a minor URI has become a more serious problem, such as pneumonia. If you notice this occurring, or if discharge becomes very thick and yellowish-green, contact your veterinarian. Severe URIs may need to be treated with antibiotics. Chlamydia is a type of bacteria that has many variations. Usually, each variant is species specific; feline Chlamydia is not transmitted to humans. In cats, bacteria usually infects eye, causing conjunctivitis. Chlamydia can be treated with antibiotics. Symptoms of Feline Chlamydia * Anorexia (loss of appetite; may occur as disease progresses) * Coughing * Difficulty breathing * Fever (may occur as disease progresses) * Pneumonia (in young kittens 2 to 4 weeks old, which could be fatal) * Runny nose (rhinitis) * Sneezing * Watery eyes due to conjunctivitis (either one or both eyes)
|