Healthy, Nutritious and Balanced diet for canine (dogs) Part - 1

 

Every dog has different nutritional requirements (like every human). As a responsible dog lover you should know what is good, bad, safe, unsafe, dangerous for the dog. It is the most important to check with experienced veterinarian to determine what foods are best for a dog because the food is the foundation of all life.          

Dogs require  a diet with a balance of protein, carbohydrates, adequate amounts of fats and essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals in order to maintain good health. They do well on a small breakfast and two proper meals daily. Well-planned diet vegetarian or non- vegetarian can work good for dog.

Dogs should be fed a combination of fresh and dried foods.The fresh home made food is much healthier than the processed food for dogs. Fresh home made food is beneficial to the dog's diet because you can include any type of vegetables, non vegetarian, fruits, etc according to choice. I always prefer and feed fresh home made food to my pet. 

According to my research I would like to share about the healthy and balanced diet for dogs and what is good, bad or harmful for them. But as i said above, you consult the vet.

 

Safe and beneficial fresh vegetables for dogs :

Most vegetables are good for dogs. Vegetables are rich in Vitamin A and C as well as minerals.

Vitamin A - promotes immune system and also is essential to healthy skin, eye function, skeletal growth, etc.

Vitamin C - strengthens the immune system and promotes cell growth, etc.

Minerals -  transportation of oxygen to the blood, produce hormones, help to normal functioning of nerves and muscles, work with vitamins to cartilage formation, etc.

Some examples :

* Sweet potatoes - good source of dietary fiber, carbohydrates and vitamin B6, vitamin C, beta carotene, healthy for dogs.  

* Carrots : good for dog's eyesight

* Spinach - rich in iron and vitamins

* Celery - quells nervousness

* Parsley - good source of calcium, potassium, beta-carotene. Few tablespoons of chopped parsley is nice for food flavour and good for improve dog's breath

* Broccoli - is rich in calcium, vitamin A and vitamin C ( as much calcium as a glass of milk/ more vitamin C than an orange ). It is rich in a substance caused isothiocyanates chemicals which increase the body's production of cancer fighting substances. It is always available in winter season.

Remember Broccoli should be giving around 10% of the dog's diet because isothiocyanate can cause gastrointestinal irritation in dog.

* Peas - peas are a good source of the vitamin B, potassium, phosphorous. It is safe to add in dog's food. 

* Pumpkin - pumpkin is a good source of fiber and beta carotene and converts to vitamin A. Fiber is very good for puppies and dogs.

But never over do, give small amounts because vitamin A in large dose can be highly toxic for them so be aware.

* Green beans - good source of plant fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese. This is a great low calorie way to fill up and help in maintaining dog's weight.  

* Squash - is a good source of beta-carotene. Safe for dog's diet. Before giving to dog remove the seeds first. 

* Cucumber, Zucchini, lettuce, Cayenne pepper, Red and Green bell peppers, Kale are also safe and beneficial for dogs.

 

Unsafe and toxic vegetables for dogs.

* Onions - Onions are toxic for dogs. Very unsafe. It destroy red blood cells and can cause anemia.

* Garlic - like onion, N-propyldisulfide compound found in garlic also ( but in lesser amount ) which can cause oxidative damage to red blood cells. If regular large doses of this compound are given to dog in his/her diet, the process can lead to Heinz-body anemia.In a very small portion only you may give to do dog in his diet as it is considered natures antibiotic.

* Tomatoes - Tomato plants are toxic. Unsafe to add in dog's diet because it can cause heart arrhythmias and tremors.

* Potatoes - is unsafe if dog is diabetic or suffering from arthritis or cancer disease. Because potato convert to sugar/ starch which is very unsafe for dog who is suffering from above diseases.

 

Safe and beneficial fresh fruits for dogs :

Dogs can benefit from the nutrients derived from fruits such as vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium , fiber. There are some fruits which you can safely give to dogs as treats.

Apple, banana, orange, pear, peaches, plum, cherries, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, cranberries, watermelon, cantaloupe, apricot, kiwi. Even you can give Eggplant fruit and pineapple in very small amount to dog. You may give Eggplant, only the fruit, but not any other part. And pineapple contains calcium and potassium but also contains high sugar. So not advisable to give frequently/ to diabetic dog.

Remove pits or seeds of most fruits for sure. Because pits or seeds have a toxic effect and contains some amount of cyanide which can be poisonous to dog and can cause dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.

 

Unsafe fresh fruits for dogs :

Grapes/ raisins, avocados, contains a toxin. Dog exhibit gastrointestinal problems, also can cause difficulty breathing and fluid accumulation in the heart, chest and abdomen. And cause acute rental failure.

Apple, peach, pear, cherry seeds contains a powerful toxin ( though in small amounts ) so do not feed frequently to dog and remove seeds before give to dog.

 

Safe and beneficial non-vegetarian food for dogs :

* Eggs - are loaded with Vitamins, proteins and minerals. It should not be given raw. It can result in salmonella poisoning. Best way to give is scrambled or hard-boiled. Not advisable to give in hot summer. It can cause stomach upset/ diarrhea.

* Fish - is an excellent source of protein. It is good for skin and fur of dog. Meat of Solomon fishes good source of Omega 3 fatty acids. These fats support to build a healthy immune system and is good for dog with arthritis disease.

Never give fish raw to dog. It is extremely unsafe for dog. Because there are parasites in the fish meat that can be very harmful for the dog. Consider giving cooked fish meat. Also make sure there are no bones in the fish meat that could be stuck in dog's throat.

* Lean meat ( chicken, beef, pork ) - is source of B Vitamins which are involved in energy metabolism. And also is an source of amino acids which help build your dogs muscles. Before giving to dog it should be fresh, washed and cooked.

* Liver - is excellent source of vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin K and Iron. Wash and cook before giving to dog.

Remember because of high A vitamins it may be toxic so it should be given in limited amount to dog.

Note - Before adding in dogs diet be sure meats should be boneless and skin is removed, cooked. Raw meat may cause food poisoning and parasites.  

 

Safe / unsafe Grains, pulses, cereals for dogs :

Grains, pulses, lentils, cereals are important part of a healthy and balanced diet for dogs. They can be a source of energy for dogs. Any grain should be used in whole form to dog, that supplies more vitamins, fiber, minerals. Best grains for dogs are oats, millet, barley, quinoa, brown rice.

* Brown rice, White rice, wheat, whole wheat Couscous, barley, rolled oatmeal, Millet, Barley, split yellow lentil, split red lentil, etc are good to add in dogs diet but not in large amounts.

* Brown rice is a little higher in protein and lower in fat as compare to white rice. White rice is more easily digestible when dog has an upset stomach/ for an older dog, even for puppies.

* Lentils are good for dogs. They are good source of protein and do not cause gas problems. Split yellow lentil and split red lentil are most digestible lentils for dogs. They should boil and mix with rice, vegetables, meat. Even they can be mix in soups also.

* Oatmeal is beneficial for dogs specially older dogs. It is a good source of soluble fibre and good alternative source of grains for dogs. It should be cooked without sugar while giving to dog.

* You can add plain white yogurt, cottage cheese, popcorn, flax seeds, brawn , plain pasta in dogs meals. But everything should be given in small amounts.

 

What is unsafe and dangerous for dogs :

Dogs have a shorter digestive tract than humans.There is a lot of people food which dog should never eat. Some foods are very dangerous for them.

Onion, garlic, raw eggs, avocado, grapes, raisins, pits of most fruits, tomato-potato leaves and stems, rhubarb leaves, macadamia nuts, tea, coffee, coffee grounds and other caffeine, candy and gums, chocolates, alcoholic drinks, strong spices, seasonings, nut meg, salt, cornstalk, yeast dough, animal fats, fried foods, etc.

 

* Always put fresh water for the dog in stainless steel bowl rather than plastic bowl. Because bacteria grows faster on plastic.

 

* I will repeat -

It is the most important to check with experienced veterinarian to determine what foods are best for a dog because the food is the foundation of all life. 

 

Do not care only for your pet but care for all animals/ homeless animals. They desperately need our help, love and care. Do not let them die on the streets. They deserve happiness. They have right to live their lives without pain and sufferings. Consider adopt a homeless animal.

Arthritis in dogs :

Arthritis in dogs is very painful disease just like in humans. It can develop at any age of dog and can make dog's life miserable. It is an inflammation of the joints. Joints are the site of the junction of two or more bones and the joints of the skeletal system are responsible for co-ordinating the movement of a dog. All activities of dog like jumping, running, etc require the use of him/her's leg joints. Arthritis cause the severe pain for the dog because it causes stiffness in the joints and muscles. So early diagnosis can save dog from discomfort.

Types of Arthritis:There are two types of arthritis in dogs.

Degenerative arthritis (DJD)/ Osteoarthritis - which result from damage to the cartilage cushioning the bones of the joint. Cartilage  protects the bones that make up the joints . Normal stress from years on abnormal joints can cause destruction of the cartilage. Hip dysplasia and malformation of the hip sockets, loose knee caps, trauma are the example of normal stress on abnormal joints. Constant jumping,stretching,injuries because of accident or fall, are the examples. Since cartilage has no nerve, it lost ability to protect the bone surfaces and the damage can progress with no outward symptoms.

Inflammatory Joint Disease ( IJD) - can be caused by infection/ by underlying immune-mediated diseases. Fungal infection, bacteria, tick-borne disease also can be the cause of inflammatory joint disease. It affects multiple joints. It cause fever, stiffness, anorexia ( lack or loss of appetite for food/ desire to lose weight by not eating food.

One more rare type of arthritis is Rheumatoid arthritis. It is rare in dogs.  

Types of arthritis can be distinguished by their causes and symptoms.

Causes :
Age, obesity, hip dysplasia and related to it diseases, injuries, improper nutrition, poor breeding practices, pain in the legs, etc.

Symptoms :
Stiffness, intermittent lameness, swollen joints, reluctance to move/ rise, depression, lethargy, irritability, weight gain, painful joints, sleeps/rest more than usual, loss of appetite, aggression when joints are touched, disinterest in physical activity, visible joint deformities, while walking abnormal stance, limping, lagging behind on walks, yelping when touched, difficulty in changing position, etc.
Dog arthritis usually so mild and appear gradually then slowly worsen over time that's why owners/ animal lover people may miss them. Affected dog may become three-legged lame.

Diagnosis :
Because infectious joint disease and immune-mediated joint disease call for different treatment protocols so no doubt diagnosis must be accurate. A complete physical examination  can help to see the location of dog's joint pain. MRI ( Magnetic Resonance Imaging)  and CT ( Computed Tomography ) will help to diagnosis arthrisis in dog. Also it may be diagnosis by present symptoms, history, sample and analysis of synovial fluid and lubricating inside of the joint capsule may help to diagnosis of infected joints.

 

Treatments :
There are Surgical and non-surgical types of treatment in dog's orthritis. These options can improve in dog's comfort. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug ( NSAID's,drugs like Rimadyl, Deramaxx are the example which may advised by vet), vaccines, surgery, joint fluid modifiers, natural cures, etc.
According to veterinary doctor If surgical/surgery is not advisable then vet may suggest for non-surgical treatments like massage therapy, weight management, diet, supplements, acupuncture, rest, etc. which are the best ways to improve dog's comfort in orthritis.

There are some Natural cure treatments like massage oils, herbs, vegetable's intake, these are the natural remedies which will help in dog's arthritis. But be sure, in dog's arthritis any type of treatment surgical/non-surgical/natural cure, should be given under veterinary care only.

 

Animal lovers and pet lovers should be aware of all diseases of dogs/cats/stray animals. All diseases are painful. Arthritis in dogs is really a worse disease.

 

Make a difference by taking care of not only your pets but be kind to all stray animals and take care of them. They desperately need your help. By helping them every time you will be saving voiceless innocent lives.

How to Take Care of a Canine (Dog)

 

 

All animal lovers should know - How to take Ccre of a Canine (Dog). Here are some tips.

 

 

 

Owning a pet, means it becomes a family member. They are adorable. They share all your joys, pains, sorrows, everything. Caring for your pet involves a lot of responsibilities, since you are the sole provider for him social, dietary, health-related needs.

So you should know everything about them and you should take proper care of your pet. Rather you should take care of all strays/animals.

There is no way you can ignore the situation/ about your family member. Rather you should not. In case of emergencies, knowing how to treat a canine, can prove to be a life saver for it.

Taking care of a canine when ill is essential and requires a lot to be done depending on the illness. Here are some tips about how to take care of a Canine in case it is sick or injured. Please read carefully.

How to Treat a Canine's Wound

Canine wound needs to be treated efficiently. It does not turn into an infection and worsen. Treating canine wounds may not be that easy, as the it may not allow touching the wound. So you will need to tie the canine by a leash and muzzle it. Clean the wound with clean running water, don't use antiseptics at that time as it is wet so might cause pain. So first dry the wound using cotton, then apply an antiseptic cream and put on a bandage. Be careful about the canine it does not lick or bite around the wound, this can cause an infection. For deeper wounds, get the wound checked immediately and treated by a veterinarian.

How to Treat a Canine's Sprained Leg

To treat a canine's sprained or broken leg, very first thing, minimize your canine's walking activity. Immediate veterinary consultation is advised. Do not try to treat it on your own, as you can damage the sprain further.Canine sprains just like human ones. Canine owners should notice the injury when their it begins to limp or appears to be pained by walking. If there have doubt that canine has a sprain, get him to a vet to rule out something more serious.It should be checked out by a vet.

After the veterinarian has checked canine and has allowed it to get back home, you should make sure the canine takes complete rest and if possible should be kept in a crate. Take it frequently to the veterinarian until the sprain or broken leg heals completely and administer the medicine as and when prescribed. It is very important to make sure that the canine does not put any weight on the sprained /broken leg.

Remember, delaying treatment may cause injury to worsen. This may cause injury to worsen so seeking care early is important.

How to Treat a Canine's Upset Stomach

If Canine is overfeeded accidentally, it can result in an upset stomach for him. Also, canines are known to eat stuff they are unfamiliar with. To treat a canine's upset stomach, need to first ensure that the situation is not a serious one. For mild stomach upsets, it may need to starve the dog for 24hours. This is first natural cure.

Normally canines will eat grass to cleanse out their system. This is the natural method for curing canine's upset stomach. If the stomach is even a little better, it can introduce bland food like steamed chicken with rice ( quantity should be 50% from normal feeding). Pure clean and freshwater needs to be givin all the time. If the symptoms persist for more than the stipulated time, consult a veterinarian immediately before proceeding with any treatments.

How to Treat a Dog's Ear Infection

Ear infection is a common condition most canines suffer from. This is caused on the external ear, mainly due to a bacterial or yeast infection.This can cause a very intense irritation for canine. Once you see the early signs that canine is uncomfortable, So as to avoid any further complications, will need to treat the ear infection. First you need to clean the infected area with an antibacterial solution, using a cotton swab. Applying an anti-microbial ear drop thrice a day will help cure the infection. If the infection persists for more than three days and causes discomfort for your dog, consult a veterinarian for an antibiotic treatment as your canine is totally reliant on you and no doubt that canine ear infections often require Veterinary Care.

How to Treat a Canine With Fever

Fever in a canine is typically a sign that the body is fighting infection. You may tell whether your canine has a fever by feeling his nose hot and dry. Cool and wet nose is good. But it is not that simple. Some times canine fever often goes unrecognized.

The most accurate way to detect a fever is by taking canine's rectal temperature. A normal temperature for a canine is 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. The word fever is typically used to describe elevated body temperature caused by infection or inflammation. A temperature of more than 103 degrees is considered a canine fever. Although there are no definite symptoms for fever but some symptoms that might indicate illness and fever in canine like - Shivering, vomiting, coughing, nasal discharge, lethargy, loss of appetite, depressed mood, etc.
A variety of illnesses and conditions may make your canine run a fever. Any type of infection in the body may cause fever in canin

Now, if you are taking canine's temperature with a mercury thermometer, shake the mercury down. While using an electronic thermometer, it should be ready to go with either thermometer, you will need to lubricate the tip with either a jelly or an oil such as almond or olive oil. Lift canine's tail gently to insert the lubricated end of the thermometer right inside of his rectum. Don't push the thermometer too far. It may hurt/cause injury. Mercury thermometer will need to leave three to four minutes before reading and for digital, hear the beep before removing it.

If canine's temperature is above 103 degree, do not give him any human medicine. Above 105 degree fever can be fatal for canine. Remember, Canine is not a human. Human drugs can be dangerous to canine. You are not a vet. So you need to take him to the veterinary doctor immediately. By doing so your canine will be in great hands and will be safer for quik recovery.

How to Treat a Canine With cold and cough

Canine suffering from cold have experience symptoms like constant sneezing, coughing, and runny nose with runny eyes, lethargy, poor appetite. These symptoms are associated with the various respiratory diseases. The immune system of canine has the capacity
Some common symptoms are -
Parainfluenza, Canine Kennel Cough,Adenovirus type -2, Pneumonia, Distemper.
If you have a young puppy or an old canine suffering from the above symptoms of cold, you should take your canine to a good vet immediately. Initially you may treat canine with home made remedies unless symptoms of cold are too severe.

How to Treat a Canine With Parvo

Canine Parvovirus is the most common serious infectious disease. Parvo causes ulcreative enteritis and diarrhea. This diarrhea can be bloody and life threatening. Early in the disease canine may run a short period of fever. The most common form of Parvovirus infection is a acute inflammation of the small intestine. This is characterized by vomiting, diarrhea, profound dehydration and depression.True diagnosis requires an antibody test that detects the actual parvovirus in stool samples. Survival ratesdepends on how quickly parvovirus is diagnosed, even the age of canine and how aggresive the treatment is. Due to the severe dehydration and damage of intestines, treatment usually involves hospitalization. It ideally consists of crystalloid IV fluids and may collorids,antinausea injections. IV fluids should be administered and injections should given subcutaneously or intravenously.The fluids are typically a mix of a sterile and balanced electrolyte solution. A solution called colloidal silver is especially useful in treating parvo.Once canine keeps fluid down, the IV fluids are gradually discontinued and compeletly bland food slowly introduced. Oral antibiotics should administered for a number of days depending on the white blood cell count and the canine's ability to fight with secondary infection.

Remember, the virus lives for long periods of time on food containers, floors and household objects. Treating a canine with parvo would involve confining it to a separate room, away from other canines and children. Make sure the canine has everything it requires around the crate. Administer the prescribed dosage of medications regularly.Take good care of the canine. Parvo can be prevented with the administration of yearly vaccinations and preventing it is essential.

The virus lives for long periods of time on food containers, floors and other household objects.Treatmenttreating parvo. Take good care of the dog and feed it well. Parvo can be prevented with the administration of yearly vaccinations and preventing it is essential for your canine.

How to Treat a Dog With Distemper
Canine distemper is a highly contagious and sometimes fatal disease that is seen in canines. It is caused by the canine distemper virus. Commonly observed signs are a runny nose, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, coughing, excessive sallvation, loss of appetite, weight loss, etc. Distemper in canine diagnosis is based primarily on the history and clinical signs. Signs are variable and may take time to appear. Secondary infections are common, diagnosis can be complicated. Other infections can produce similar signs to distemper. A variety of laboratory tests can help confirm the dignosis.

Neurological symptoms of distemper may not develop later in the disease ( sometimes even after several weeks). Neurological symptoms of distemper may include muscle twitching, paralysis, increased sensitivity to touch or pain. Canine distemper also occurs in wild animals, contact with wild animals may contribute to the spread of distemper to domestic canines.
Treatment of distemper in canine includes fluids to combat dehydration, medication to reduce vomiting, antibiotics and some other medications to treat pneumonia, antiboitics for secondary infections, anticonvulsants to treat sezures. Neurological symptoms may get progressively worse and may not respond to treatment.
The fact is there is no cure for the actual virus which causes canine Distemper. Treatment is supportive. Vet will treat the symptoms as they occur. Canine may need an intravenous drip if it is dehydrated, or anticonvulsants if it is having seizures. The canine is kept as comfortable as possible with constant nursing in a warm dry draft free area.

Proper veterinary care is extremely important when understanding how to take care of a canine. It’s best if you bring your pet in for veterinary regular checkups. If you’re worried about costs, you may want to invest in pet insurance for your dog. Pet insurance can cover some or all of your veterinary bills, and will usually also cover emergency procedures.
Many pet owners often underestimate how important veterinary care is for knowing how to take care of a dog.
Make sure you take good care of your pet to prevent illness and help it recover quickly. Always treat your pets by an experienced and qualified Veterinary Doctor only. They are your family members.

Canine Kidney Problems

Some signs of kidney problems in canine

§  Pale gums

§  Vomiting

§  Loss or decreased appetite

§  Depression and restlessness

§  Change in water consumption

§  Blood in urine

§  Change in volume of urine produced

§  Pale gume

§  Weight loss

§  Mouth ulcers

§  Stumbling

Various forms of canine kidney diseas

§  Acute kidney failure

§  Kidney failure due to Lyme/othertick born diseas

§  Chronic kidney failure

§  Glomerulonephritis

§  Congenital kidney failure

There are three possible outcomes from the first phase of treatment of kidney failure in dogs.

§  The kidneys will resume functioning and continue to function for a few weeks to a few years.

§  The kidneys will resume functioning during treatment but fail again as soon as treatment stops.

§  Kidney function will not return. Unfortunately, there are no reliable tests that will predict the outcome.

The second phase of treatment in dogs is to keep the kidneys functioning as long as possible.

Here are some steps to give your pet the very best chance at recovery.

§  Diet:  The  diet should be low in phosphorus, low in protein and it shoud be not acidified. This type of diet will help you  to keep the blood tests as close to normal as possible, and your pet will feel better.

§  Fluids: Fluids should given at home. Once your  pet is stabilized, fluids can be given under the skin (subcutaneously). It will restart the kidney function and will help your pet function begins to fail again. Initially it should done daily then once weekly. Its  depending on the degree of kidney failure.

§  Pure drinking water: Clean and pure filtered drinking water should be given to  canine.Tap water can be poison for him.

§  Calcium and Phosphorus must remain  in blood of canine. Ratio: approx 2:1, A drug to regulate the parathyroid gland and calcium levels. The increase in blood phosphorus level, as mentioned above, stimulates the parathyroid gland to increase the blood calcium level by removing it from bones. This can be helpful for the sake of the normalizing calcium:phosphorus ratio, but it can make the bones brittle and easily broken.

§  Hydrotherapy: This therapy utilizes alternating hot and cold water on the affected area, which promotes rapid healing. Hydrotherapy is found beneficial in repairing injured and torn muscles more quickly by bringing more blood, oxygen and nutrients to the affected area. This therapy can  heal a canine from chronic sinus infection, repair torn ligaments.

§  Phosphorous should  be removed from the body by filtering through the kidneys ( a phosphate binder). Once the filtration process is impaired, phosphorous begins to accumulate in the blood. Certain drugs will bind excess phosphates in the intestinal tract so they are not absorbed, resulting in lower blood levels of phosphorus.

§  Exercise: This is the thing many neglect when pet is sick. Many owners don’t realize that exercise not only stimulates circulation and strengthens muscles it also strengthens your canine’s organs, intestines and stomach and creates wonderful healing chemicals within the body. But  if your  canine is extremely sick so you should always start off slowly,  with short walks and build up day by day.

§  Many canines in kidney red blood cell count, anemia, synthetic forms of erythropoietin. A drug to stimulate the bone marrow to produce new red blood cells and will correct the anemia in most canine .But  it is sad that for some dogs, the drug cannot be used long termfailure have a low    

If your canine shows any symptoms, please take him/her to see your veterinarian immediately.It does not matter what stage your dog is at, the sooner you start doing everything you can to naturally support his body in the healing process, the better his chances will be for recovery.

Always treat your pets by an experienced and qualified Veterinary Doctor only.