We have talked about importance of both diet and exercise when dealing with a pet that has arthritis. I think that diet is such an important issue that it is one we should discuss in greater detail. It is becoming common knowledge that as humans, our bodies perform better when we "eat right." It is equally important for pets to follow healthy food guidelines as well.

The Generic Foods

There are three "groups" of processed foods and it usually one or more of these that we purchase to feed our pets: 1) "Generic" group, 2) "Premium" group, and 3) "natural foods" group. The first group is focus of this discussion. All three groups appeal to us for obvious reasons. We like convenience factor. All we have to do is "scoop and dish it."

This first group that I will call "generics" is least desirable from a nutritional standpoint. Of course, that is why they carry lowest price tag. Unfortunately, when you are trying to provide a healthy diet to an arthritic pet, it frankly does a less than desirable job in my opinion.

What is that stuff? This is category of pet foods that contains animal and plant by-products. If you are paying attention, they also contain artificial preservatives and additives. This group of pet foods uses cheapest possible ingredients. Unfortunately, manufacturers are not held to extremely high standards here.

It is also important to note that pet food is a "spin-off" of human food industry. As we all know, standards are certainly higher for food manufactured for humans than it is for pets. What happens is that pet food segment of this industry gets opportunity to "unload" ingredients that would not pass muster for humans.

This is where you will find that even "grains" purported to be in these foods is either over processed or is whole grain that is simply not fit for humans to eat. As well, there are often parts of an animal used in manufacturing pet food that frankly put, is not least bit desirable.

Just ask any dog owner what hardest task at hand is, and most will agree, that potty training is high on list of unpleasant tasks. Actually, potty training is a simple task, requiring merely a little patience and diligence.

First, be mindful of puppies as infant dogs, not children. Dogs are creatures of Habitual Re-enforcement. Start early with basics, and you will have a well trained and obedient friend for many years.

A sure fire method of potty training, at least in opinion of a kennel and breeder friend of mine, is to simply catch puppy in act of relieving itself.