Posts Tagged ‘Dog Owners’

The Daisy-Dog Pooper Scooper was designed to leave nothing on the ground as Dog droppings are one of the leading sources of E. coli (fecal coliforms) bacterial pollution. The current range of pooper scopper require the feces to be removed from the ground, which does not stop the contamination of the e-coli bacteria to the surface from where the feces has been removed.

The cumulative effect of thousands of dogs and cats in a metropolitan area can create serious problems due to contamination of soil and water supplies. The runoff from neglected pet waste contaminates water, creating health hazards for people, fish, ducks, etc

The Daisy-Dog Pooper Scooper prevents this by catching the fecal matter before it touches the ground.

Many of the European Union countries have laws requiring pet owners to clean up after their pets, Germany has laws that allows the authorities to take DNA samples to match the poop with the dog. In general though it is considered anti social for dog owners not clear up their dogs leave behind, so fines and public shaming are used to bring the nuisance under control.

In the UK a nation of dog lovers. All dogs, whether they are ‘by Royal Appointment’ or just hapless hounds, have something in common that makes them the scourge of the human race: they produce dog poo.
However, it is unfair to blame the canine population; it is the responsibilty of the dog owner to ensure that the dog’s mess is cleaned up. Although there are a great number of owners that do clear it up, there are still some people who feel it is unhygienic. However, it is even more of a health hazard to leave it where it lies – on pavements, in parks and playgrounds, or even on the beach. It is also against the law.

We are now many months removed from the dog food recall. For those that don’t remember or just weren’t checking the news, the dog food recall was where several different brands of dog food were recalled due to impurities in the food that were causing dogs and cats to get sick and/or die. These foods were coming from some of the biggest names in dog food. Dog owners around the world were running scared as they realized that they had been taken by large corporations who weren’t held to high food processing standards. To this day I often get asked by my clients what type of dog food I recommend. Many of my clients have dogs who suffer from allergies, eat their own stool, shed excessively, poop excessively, and have all sorts of other issues related to poor quality pet foods.

It was around that time that I started searching for the right pet food so that I would have an answer when my client asks, “What should I feed my dog.” My criteria for choosing the right food was the following in no particular order:

1. Quality- I love my dogs. They deserve good food. Not only that, a quality food is going to save me money at the vet. The pet food industry has a very wide berth to do what they want. It is not illegal for them to put rotting carcasses into your dog’s food or use the ground up euthanized animals from shelters as filler. Disgusting, I know, but these are standard practices for some of the largest pet food manufacturers.

2. Cost- I’m a dog trainer. What that means is that I enjoy my job but I’m not a rich man. It has to be a good quality but at a fair price.

3. Taste- My dogs have to like it. I have been through tons of dog foods that my dogs just can’t stand.

4. Simplicity- There are a lot of premium dog foods that are great but you can’t find them anywhere. If you are able to get them to special ship the food to your door it costs an arm and a leg.

5. Corporate responsibility- I wanted to make sure that if was recommending a dog food company that they would take care of my clients and that they were constantly innovating to make sure that the food remains quality.

So after an exhaustive search I was finally able to come by a food that I can recommend without hesitation. I recommend it so much that it is the only food I feed my own dogs and I even started selling it on this website. It hit every one of the check marks with no problems at all:

1. This company uses only human grade ingredients. They don’t use chemical preservatives, no fillers, high quality proteins, and the list goes on. Basically, you could eat this food. You probably wouldn’t want to but you could.

2. This food costs more than the commercial dog food I used to feed. It is much more nutritionally dense, however, so I end up feeding my own dogs less than what I would of a commercial food. As a result, I end up paying about $5-$10 more per month to feed this food than I used to with a commercial food. I can live with that.

3. I have recommended this food to the most picky of eaters. So far I’ve got a perfect record, every dog likes the taste of this stuff.

4. This dog food is delivered to your door, provided you live in the lower 48 states. Whenever I order I usually get the food the next day or the day after, provided I didn’t order over the weekend.

5. This company was not involved in the dog food recall. Not only that they offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on their food. You can get a full refund if you aren’t satisfied. Who does that anymore? Heard enough? I recommend you check it out.

The label on a dog food product gives a great deal of information about the product inside the bag, box, can or carton. To interpret this data properly, it is necessary to know and understand the various parts of the label copy and the regulations involved. The purpose of this article is to explain current pet food regulations, and what the dog owner can determine from information provided on the label.

Manufacturer’s Information

Each label shall show the name and address of the manufacturer, packer or distributor of the dog food. If a manufacturer has several locations where dog food is produced, the name and address of that manufacturer’s principal place of business will be used.
Net Weight

The net weight statement must be shown on the principal display panel. The declaration of the net weight shall be made in conformity with the U.S. Fair Packaging and Labeling Act and the regulations promulgated there under.

The figures for net weight will be in the lower one-third of the display panel, and the size of the numbers and letters will be determined by the package size.

Net weights may appear on other parts of the label as well as the principal display panel, particularly on larger package sizes. Net weight statement must include weight in metric conversion.

Nutritional Adequacy Statement

The label shall show whether or not the product provides complete and balanced nutrition, and if it is adequate for all life stages or just for a particular life stage, such as maintenance of the adult cat or dog.

Toll-Free Consumer Information Number

Although this is not a required element, some manufacturers include an 800 number on the label. This is an important element for consumers because it can be a source of information not available on the label and a way for dog owners to learn more about the product they are feeding.

Who Establishes and Governs Label Requirement Policies?

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) develops the regulations for livestock and companion animal foods. The regulations are published annually in the AAFCO Official Publication.

Many dog owners, typically have a difficult time reconciling themselves with their dog: they love them, but hate the fleas and especially that “doggie” odor. Very typically, the dog owner becomes so inured to the odor, that often they will not even notice it, until they’re in the process of trying to sell their home. And even then, when the realtor suggests that they do something dramatic to kill the dog odor, but owners generally are surprised that anyone would even notice the smell.

If this is a typical experience you’ve had with friends, then take heart, there are some approaches with respect to combating dog odor that can be beneficial.

The Causes of Dog Odor

There are a host of reasons and circumstances that contribute to dog odor and many have much to do with typical dog behavior. The most often mentioned one is the fact that typically dogs roll around in the dirt and on the grass. This is a natural instinctive behavior resulting from the canine need to mask their scent from prey. Dogs, as we know, were originally domesticated from wolves.

There are other factors that contribute to an unpleasant “dog odor”:

Diet
Outdoor activity
Weather conditions
Overall cleanliness

Dietary Approaches

There is a great deal of truth in the saying, “You are what you eat” One of the most obvious things that helps in controlling odor, to an extent, is providing a dog the best food that is available. Many of the common commercially available dog foods found in supermarkets are made of animal byproducts that most owners would be shocked at.

Poor food quality will definitely contribute to dog odor. There are many excellent dog foods formulated from organic and plant based proteins that will help to combat this problem. Additionally, using natural or green products is always the best way to approach most home/pet problems. Also, there are additives that will help a dog with general hygiene and enhance overall health. This normally will translates into decreasing dog odor.

Outdoor Activity Contributes to Dog Odor

When dogs run around outdoors, their skin excretes an oil that helps to keep the skin and fur supple and resist the elements. If your dog is basically a small lap dog, probably most owners usually restrict outside activity, but the dog’s body and skin will still excrete a certain amount of oil into the fur. In any event, the oil/weather/activity combination that may be coupled with dirt will obviously contribute to dog odor.

Cleanliness

One of the first lines of defense is to bathe the dog. First, a dog owner will need to have the right shampoo. It is advisable to never use human shampoo on a dog. A dog’s skin requires a shampoo with a higher PH than does a human. PH is a measure of the alkalinity/acidity of liquids. Good quality dog shampoos will typically have a neutral PH of about 7.5.

Shampoos that are designed for human usage would require a much lower PH shampoo; well below 6.5. The more acidic (PH <7.0) human shampoo drys out a dog’s fur causing your pet to scratch frequently. Also, if a dog is bathed too frequently, even with a good, organic dog shampoo, the resulting dryness will contribute to the odor problem, as well. One should consult a veterinarian, but bathing more than twice a month for a dog is unnecessary, at best and does the dog a disservice, at worst. So the bottom line is to bathe the dog with a dog shampoo, but not too frequently.

If Pet Odor Persists, Other Natural Approaches for a Dog

There are commercially available natural, green dog shampoos that have a neutral pH, and will kill dog odor. The best are made from essential oils, like orange oil, lemon or grapefruit. These will chemically alter the oil in a dogs fur, neutralizing the unpleasant odors.

Of course, as the dog’s skin continuously excretes the oil, this will be a continuing process. Additionally, there are sprays that contain some of the essential oils, as well. After spraying, the dog odor will dissipate for one to two days or so, but the dog can be re-sprayed with the above mentioned products, whenever the odor returns. When it comes time for a bath, merely repeat the process. The combination of steps as mentioned above, can radically eliminate most, if not all of your dog odor issues. You can obtain a little more infromation on the web site: http://www.orangedogproducts.com

Many dog owners are turning to homemade treats verses store-bought or processed treats and snacks. The health benefits of homemade dog treats parallel our human need to snack healthier and live healthier lives, so it only makes sense that we not only want the best nutrition for ourselves, but also for petsafe of our canine companions. Sometimes the dog food you buy in stores are not safe and to be on the safe side you will want to feed your dog homemade dog food. Should that ever be the case, all that is required is a simple mix of meat, vegetables and starches.

From 50% to 70% of the ingredients should be meat, such as beef or chicken. Be sure to take all the bones out first, as dogs can choke on bones, especially soft chicken bones. The remainder of the meal should be made up of carbohydrates and vegetables. Good carbohydrates are potatoes or rice. Do not use pasta or any other carbohydrates made from corn, wheat or soy, since they are not good for dogs.

Good vegetables to use are: carrots, peas, green beans, spinach, beans, cabbage, yams, sweet potatoes, etc. Also, ask your vet as to what vitamins and minerals should be added to your dog’s meal. The amount you should feed your dog varies, and depends upon the size, breed, age and activity level of your dog. John Miller’s Book has hundreds of dog food recipes based on the above building blocks, and has recommendations as to serving sizes and other things to take into account when cooking for your dog.

Homemade dog foods and treats are safer since you have more control on what your dog is eating, taking and his dog poop, they should be prepared chemical and preservatives free to avoid harmful effects and allergies, as well as possible cause of certain diseases and cancer. Some researches have also found that some chemicals from commercialized foods may interact with dog’s delicate brain and causes to impede dog’s behavior and aggression. We all know that less fat, means a healthier heart, the same principle for our dog’s heart by reducing or eliminating fat contents on their food, also beneficial for dogs to avoid becoming obese later in his life.

Make homemade treats taste better, also consider ingredients that will keep your dog’s teeth and gums clean. Overall digestive tract will be seemed healthier and in control against stomach upsets, bad dog waste and diarrhea. You dog will surely appreciate your effort for him and could love you more. Just like a caring for your children, they also love to smell your homemade treats for them coming from the kitchen and made especially for him.

There are many people who take their pets along with them on vacation because in today’s world many hotels allow small animals to stay and live along with their owners. Thus pets can also be taken on vacation. But if you feel it would not suit there are many centers that will take care of your pet till you return. There are many choices to go about it.

Like the overnight services in child care there are boarding services provided to animals. You can trust that your will be happy hail and healthy in your absence and you can have a peaceful trip not worrying too much about your pet. So choose the cost effective quality boarding care centre for your pet. They will take care of them providing all sorts of facilities.

The most important in doing this would be to select the best care centre of all. For this collect information about few renowned care centers and get feedback from other dog owners. Seeking a veterinarians help will also serve the purpose. He will be the right person to come up with some suggestions. The yellow pages can also be gone through to find out some good concerns. After listing them down you can call up few centers and know about their conditions if any, working time and whether they would accept the pet.

The trainers working for that care centre must also be good and qualified. They must be professionals and a nutritionist must also be present. Will all medical and other emergencies be managed in a proper manner? These important questions must be answered first prior to taking any action. Will there be a veterinarian available full time working exclusively for them? Anything can happen at anytime and so properly programmed organizations must be chosen. They must be able to manage all the tiny problems with your pet without getting agitated and angry. They must be soft by heart to your pets.

The cleanliness of the daycare centre must be investigated and must be made sure that the atmosphere is a healthy one for your pet and it will not get harmed. Well organized concerns must be chosen so that your dog is safe from all possible dangers. Adequate space must be available for your pet to play and run around with all fencing provisions of safety. They must feel comfort and never congested. The equipments to play with must go in tune with the size and age of the pet with the appropriate style. Your pet should be healthy and safe in your absence.

Once these aspects are taken care you can take a proper decision and also trust that the decision you have taken is right. There are many advantages of sending your dog to a care center because it gets to see many other animals and mingles with many new faces enhancing its activity to a great extent. They must be groomed, fed, made to work with trainers, rest, play both with staffs and also on their own. If everything happens well then you can definitely feel secured about leaving your pet in a care centre and enjoy your vacation to the fullest trusting that your pet is also enjoying its time in the care centre though both will feel each others absence.

There are many people who take their pets along with them on vacation because in today’s world many hotels allow small animals to stay and live along with their owners. Thus pets can also be taken on vacation. But if you feel it would not suit there are many centers that will take care of your pet till you return. There are many choices to go about it.

Like the overnight services in child care there are boarding services provided to animals. You can trust that your will be happy hail and healthy in your absence and you can have a peaceful trip not worrying too much about your pet. So choose the cost effective quality boarding care centre for your pet. They will take care of them providing all sorts of facilities.

The most important in doing this would be to select the best care centre of all. For this collect information about few renowned care centers and get feedback from other dog owners. Seeking a veterinarians help will also serve the purpose. He will be the right person to come up with some suggestions. The yellow pages can also be gone through to find out some good concerns. After listing them down you can call up few centers and know about their conditions if any, working time and whether they would accept the pet.

The trainers working for that care centre must also be good and qualified. They must be professionals and a nutritionist must also be present. Will all medical and other emergencies be managed in a proper manner? These important questions must be answered first prior to taking any action. Will there be a veterinarian available full time working exclusively for them? Anything can happen at anytime and so properly programmed organizations must be chosen. They must be able to manage all the tiny problems with your pet without getting agitated and angry. They must be soft by heart to your pets.

The cleanliness of the day care centre must be investigated and must be made sure that the atmosphere is a healthy one for your pet and it will not get harmed. Well organized concerns must be chosen so that your dog is safe from all possible dangers. Adequate space must be available for your pet to play and run around with all fencing provisions of safety. They must feel comfort and never congested. The equipments to play with must go in tune with the size and age of the pet with the appropriate style. Your pet should be healthy and safe in your absence.

Once these aspects are taken care you can take a proper decision and also trust that the decision you have taken is right. There are many advantages of sending your dog to a care center because it gets to see many other animals and mingles with many new faces enhancing its activity to a great extent. They must be groomed, fed, made to work with trainers, rest, play both with staffs and also on their own. If everything happens well then you can definitely feel secured about leaving your pet in a care centre and enjoy your vacation to the fullest trusting that your pet is also enjoying its time in the care centre though both will feel each others absence.

Lets face it, do we really know what goes into the food that we feed to our dogs.Personally, I had no idea until I started doing a little research on it.After reading certain articles written by doctors, I was shocked to find out that most dog foods were all made with a variety of unhealthy chemicals. At this point it is not a secret, but again needs to be pointed out to those who are great animal lovers,with dogs being in particular.

Having read this, I decided to go about doing a small amount of research on how I could go about making my own homemade dog food, just to experiment and change my dogs diet .This is when I came across a website which was created by a doctor himself who was marketing his own dog food recipe book for dog owners.The guide contains some 250+ home made dog food recipes which exclude the usage of harmful products which are infamous for mineral deficiencies. The guide not only contains healthy dog food recipes but also other aspects of keeping your dog healthy such as:

1. Healthy dog food recipes for both younger and older dogs

2. Natural recipe to keep fleas away

3. Gourmet Biscuit recipes

4. Dozens of recipes for delicious, economical, healthful dog food

5. Various other treats

Im sure most of you who care greatly for your dogs have probably spent hours talking to dog experts,as well as reading many books on dogs in order to get the sort of information available in this guide. So before you go and spend more money on expensive vets and other dog experts, do yourself a favour and try this ebook, because by the time you have finished reading this guide, you will probably know more than the pro’s do.

They say that dogs are a man’s best friend.

It’s true, isn’t it? There is nothing better than waking up to slobbery kisses first thing in the morning, or getting jumped in the excitement of you coming home to your dog. Dogs absolutely love their owners and the owner’s love their dogs and whenever a dog has a serious medical issue is almost the same as having a family member or relative having a serious medical issue. Some medical issues in dogs are extremely similar to the ones people have, and one that is on the rise is cancer.

Bad Dog food not bad dog

Cancer is more prevalent in dogs these days than ever. Believe it or not, the current rate of cancer in dogs is much higher than it is in humans. It’s commonly known that part of the problem is when the majority of dog owners switched to kibble as opposed to natural food.

There are several factors that can go into why dogs are getting cancer. The least controllable one is genetics. If the parents of the dog or any dog in the family line have had cancer that means the dog is more susceptible to getting it, just like in humans. The environment can affect this as well, if dogs are around a lot of smoke or pollution.

You are what you eat – even if you are a dog

Then of course, their nutrition and diet is a huge part of keeping a dog healthy in general. This is the one we have the most control over. It’s important, just like us, to have healthy eating habits. Yes, it’s easier to just scoop a cup of kibble or dry dog food into their bowl and let them eat, but it’s not always the best thing.

Consulting with a nutritionist that specifically deals with animals is the best way to see what kind of nutritional options that is out there. There are even herbal and vitamin supplements that can help give your pet the nutrition they need. It’s understandable that feeding a dog steak every night is out of the question, no matter how much the dog would love it.

Of course not all dry food is the same for your dog but if you don’t do your research you could really be harming your dog. Just like keeping your body healthy, keeping your dog healthy is a great way to keep them happy, and in turn having them around longer will make you happy as well. Exercise everyday, along with proper feeding habits is a great way to battle a potential thread of the ever-increasing cancer in dogs.

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