People Foods Good For Dogs

We have heard that most “people food” is not good for dogs. “But my dog likes table food”, you say. Well, there are some table foods that are good for dogs. You can feed your dog: melon, berries, bananas, vanilla or strawberry yogurt with no artificial sweeteners, ground flax seed, salmon, pumpkin, squash, peas, sweet potatoes, green beans, eggs, brewer’s yeast, apples, carrots and oatmeal. Peanut butter and cream cheese can also be given to your dog. These foods have nutritional value for your dog.
Lean proteins such as cooked chicken without the skin and bones, turkey, fish and pork as well as diluted broth are fine for your dog as long as the meat is cooked and you are easy on salt and seasonings.
Dog food is formulated to give dogs the nutrition that they need. If you like to feed your dog table food, try to keep it in moderation. For more information, click here!

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Dog Allergies

If your dog is scratching a lot and you don’t see any fleas, he may have skin allergies. Dog allergies can be identified by itching, hair loss and redness often followed by skin infections. Some dogs may even develop ear infections from the allergies. What should you do to help? You must first try to identify the cause of irritation. This could be anything from food, shampoo, residue from plants or an allergic reaction to fleas.
There are many different treatment options to help with allergy symptoms. The first option is to treat your dog to cool oatmeal baths, Epsom salts, or medicated shampoos. The second option is allergy shots. Dogs can be tested and treated with immunotherapy, just like humans. The third option is Corticosteroids; they work by reducing inflammation. Over the counter oral antihistamines such as Benadryl can be used to help control the symptoms. Just remember, if one type of treatment does not work for your dog, try another. All dogs are different and can respond differently to treatments. For more information click here!

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Service Dogs

What is a service dog? A service dog assists people with disabilities. It helps them to be as independent as possible, in spite of their disability. These dogs are specially trained to open doors, turn on light switches, and many other things. Service dogs can assist people with mental as well as physical disabilities. They can pull a wheelchair, carry a backpack, pick things up, or help a person dress. They can help someone walk, who has problems with balance. They can even save someone’s life by dialing 9-1-1 or getting help. A service dog can be the eyes for a blind person, or be the ears for a deaf person.
The most common breeds of dogs used for service are Labradors, Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds. Other breeds are used, but these are the most common due to their temperament, intelligence and versatility. These dogs are placed in a home to begin their training as puppies. Our local 4-H program had opportunities for this. The family will teach the puppy basic commands as well as socialize him. When he is about a year and a half old, the puppy will go back for formal training. At this point, he is screened for hip issues or other health problems. If he has any hip problems, he will immediately be eliminated from the program. It is important that a service dog be in optimum health.
A service dog is an awesome gift to a disabled person. For more information go here!

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Help, My Dog is Overweight!

Is your dog overweight? Overweight dogs are prone to health problems. The extra weight puts stress on their, joints, heart, lungs, liver and kidneys. It is just as dangerous for your dog to have the extra weight, as it is for humans. But you can control this.
When you feed your dog, make sure you are giving him the instructed amount on the dog food bag. Read the ingredients label on the dog food and make sure the food has nutritional value. You can divide the instructed amount written on the label in half; give half to him in the morning and the other half in the evening. This will help prevent his stomach from getting too acidy because of being empty too long. Do not feed your dog from the table. Limit the amount of food scraps he is getting.
Monitoring the amount of food your dog is getting along with regular exercise will help keep your dog from becoming obese. For more information, click here!