Nutrition and Arthritic Pets

Written by JR Rogers


We have talked aboutrepparttar 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)repparttar 141614 "Generic" group, 2)repparttar 141615 "Premium" group, and 3)repparttar 141616 "natural foods" group. The first group isrepparttar 141617 focus of this discussion. All three groups appeal to us for obvious reasons. We likerepparttar 141618 convenience factor. All we have to do is "scoop and dish it."

This first group that I will callrepparttar 141619 "generics" isrepparttar 141620 least desirable from a nutritional standpoint. Of course, that is why they carryrepparttar 141621 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 isrepparttar 141622 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 usesrepparttar 141623 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" ofrepparttar 141624 human food industry. As we all know,repparttar 141625 standards are certainly higher for food manufactured for humans than it is for pets. What happens is thatrepparttar 141626 pet food segment of this industry getsrepparttar 141627 opportunity to "unload" ingredients that would not pass muster for humans.

This is where you will find that evenrepparttar 141628 "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 notrepparttar 141629 least bit desirable.

Measuring Up

Potty Training Your Puppy

Written by Timothy Robinson


A new puppy is a joyous addition to any home. Who can resist that cute little bundle of lovable furry fun? Wouldn't it be great if puppies were potty trained and came into our homes without any mess or bother? OK, reality check here.

Just ask any dog owner whatrepparttar hardest task at hand is, and most will agree, that potty training is high onrepparttar 141460 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 withrepparttar 141461 basics, and you will have a well trained and obedient friend for many years.

A sure fire method of potty training, at least inrepparttar 141462 opinion of a kennel and breeder friend of mine, is to simply catchrepparttar 141463 puppy inrepparttar 141464 act of relieving itself.

First, you need to decide where you want him to go torepparttar 141465 bathroom. Immediately approach your puppy, pick him up gently but firmly, and tell him "No No" with a firm clear voice. Carry your puppy immediately outside, preferably to a pre designated area, and set him down on his haunches, holding him firmly for a few moments. If he still needs to relieve himself, keep him in that spot and pat and praise him when he's finished. OK! Not so hard, eh?

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