The Japanese Akita Dog

Origin and History of the Akita Dog.

The Japanese Akita is not a
suitable dog as a normal family pet. It was originally bred in the
Akita Prefecture in Japan, as a hunting dog, for deer, wild boar and
even bears. For this purpose, it required to be a large, strong dog
with confident, dominant tendencies and an independent nature. The
Akita is also known as Akita Inu, which is Japanese for dog.

The
average height for the Akita is between 24 to 28 inches and will weigh
from eighty to one hundred and ten pounds. He has strong, heavy bones
and a muscular body. This is a lot of dog!

The Akita has a
double coat, which is harsh and waterproof, with a thick, dense
undercoat. It sheds profusely, all year round and requires brushing and
grooming every day. Colors include white, white with tan patches and
other combinations, including brindle. The dense coat of this breed
means that he is happy in the snow but he will suffer in a hot climate.

This
is not a dog for inexperienced owners, or for people who are elderly or
weak. Akitas are intelligent and athletic and when socialized are
faithful and affectionate but will always strive for the dominant
position in the family group. He may show aggression towards family
members and may not suit a family with small children. With this breed,
it is vital that you are the Alpha Dog and that he knows his place in
your "pack"!

The Akita may show aggression towards other dogs
and small animals and should not be allowed to roam off-leash in public
areas where there are many people and other dogs.

Training Akitas

The
Akita can be difficult to train because they are intelligent and
stubborn and can quickly become bored. it should never be a question of
"asking" an Akita to do something. It must always be a strong command
from a dominant owner. When you say "NO", mean it and make it stick.
You may have problems with house training, as Akitas suffer from
urinary infections in infancy.

There is plenty of information
available online, much of it Free, on the subject of Dog Aggression.
Any dog which shows undue aggression, to people or animals, is in
urgent need of proper expert training.

If you take an Akita into
your family, you must be prepared to spend time and effort on training,
socializing, excercise and grooming. This large dog also costs a lot to
feed.

Akitas in the Family

There are conflicting opinions
about the suitability of Akitas with young children. Historically, the
breed had a strong reputation for being protective of young children
and were often left in sole charge. Other opinions point out the
dominant nature of the breed and the fact that these dogs will compete
for their place in the pack. Certainly, a young child will be no match
physically for an adult Akita.

Proper supervision of the
behavior of the dog and the children is essential in this situation.
Having said this, a well socialized Akita will be more comfortable with
this.

Akitas make extremely good guard dogs. They have a strong
territorial instinct and will be very protective of family and
property. As a watch dog, they are quietly effective. They do not bark
unnecessarily but will certainly raise the alarm at the approach of any
strange visitors or sounds.

The average lifespan of the Akita is
about 12 years. Like many other breeds of dog, cancer is the most
common cause of death. Recent surveys in both the United Kingdom and
the USA/Canada revealed this to be the case, with other causes
including cardiac and bloat/torsion.

By Ken Charles
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Great Article! I have posted it on my blog at bigmuttblog.blogspot.com.
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Dog Illnesses Guide

For many of us, when our dogs are sick, it is often quite difficult to
know whether or not dogs illnesses warrant a trip to the emergency room
for a dog illness diagnosis.

In an emergency, the first thing
you should know is where to take your dog. Many veterinarians offer 24
hour emergency service. Please make sure to ask your vet if this is a
service offered by their office. If your vet does not offer this
service, know where your local veterinary emergency clinic is located.

So
how do you know if you are having an emergency? Most veterinarians will
tell you that if the owner feels the dogs illnesses are urgent to
please call the local emergency clinic and speak to a veterinary staff
member. They will evaluate the situation and in most cases, have you
bring your dog in to be examined. The following are some common
emergency situations and ideas for how to treat them.

Symptoms of Pain in the Abdomen

If
your dog is showing signs of abdominal pain, such as tenderness to the
touch, standing with his back arched, or refusing food, you should take
him to the closest emergency establishment immediately for a dog
illness diagnosis. Other signs of abdominal suffering can include
vomiting, crying, shaking and difficulty breathing. These may be signs
of Gastric Torsion. This situation can come on suddenly and in most
cases affects large, deep chested dogs, but any dog can be afflicted.
This condition must be treated as early as possible. There are other
conditions associated with abdominal pain such as constipation, kidney
or liver disease, or even a common stomach ache, but it is vital to
have tests done to rule out any other serious problems.

Uncontrollable Bleeding

If
your dog gets a cut, you should apply direct pressure with a clean dry
bandage to the injury. The bleeding should stop within ten minutes,
after which time, you should make an appointment to see your vet as
soon as possible. The vet can only give your dog stitches within a
small window of time. However, if the bleeding does not stop within
twenty minutes or the bleeding is from the chest, you should take your
dog to the emergency clinic immediately.

Broken Bones Need X-Rays

If
your dog has been in an accident where you suspect broken bones, first
call your regular vet to see if you can get an appointment quickly. If
not, take your dog to the emergency clinic. They will need to take
x-rays to determine whether or not bones have been quickly.

Hard To Breathe

If
your dog is having breathing problems, take him to the closest
emergency hospital immediately. There are many reasons why your dog
might be having breathing problems and many of them are critical.

Auto Accidents

If
your dog is hit by a automobile, it is important to take him to the
closest emergency clinic immediately. Even if he is acting normal, he
may have internal injuries that need to be taken care of urgently. Wrap
your dog in a towel to help prevent shock, and keep away from his
mouth, as many dogs that are in pain will bite (even if they never have
before).

Dog Illnesses Guide

Continuous Convulsions

If your dog has a minor seizure or two,
it is a serious problem and you should call your veterinarian at once.
However, if your dog has a series of seizures that last for more than a
few minutes, you should place a blanket over your dog, keep away from
his mouth and get him to the nearest emergency establishment
immediately. There are several reasons why your dog could be having
convulsions, including epilepsy, metabolic problems, brain tumors, and
poisoning. Fits of seizures are considered to be life threatening in
many cases.

For any dogs illnesses, if the you feel that your
dog should be seen by a veterinarian, contact his office to see how
soon you can get in for a dog illness diagnosis. Many veterinarians
have aides available to assess the dogs health problem situation and
answer questions to help you determine the seriousness of your dogs
condition. If your regular veterinarian is not available, or if you
feel that it is an emergency, the best thing to do, if at all possible,
is to call the emergency clinic, tell them what is going on, and that
you are on the way. This helps the staff prepare for your arrival in
advance so the veterinary team is ready to work on your dog when you
get there. If you have further questions on what kinds of symptoms are
emergency situations, please ask your veterinarian.

By Ron King
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For more about dogs, visit Dog Illnesses . Also check out Diet For Dogs. For Ron’s website, visit .Guide To Dog Illnesses – Articles .
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Dog Carriers Demystified: How to Select the Perfect One

Dog carrier fashion is the hottest thing to hit the runways of Tokyo,
LA, and Milan. But what does that mean to you and how do you select the
best one for your canine friend? A dog carrier is your best choice when
it comes to traveling long distances with your little friend. It is
basically a padded bag with sufficient space to accommodate your pet
comfortably. They are of varied sizes, shapes and styles. The market is
flocked with different types of dog carriers like dog strollers, dog
crates, designer dog carriers and the newly fashionable dog backpack.
Which one you choose depends largely upon the size and the breed of the
dog you have; and the lifestyle you wish to include your dog in.

First,
try to acquire as much information as possible from the manufacturers
or retailer before making your purchase. Safety, security and comfort -
are the three most important aspects you should look for when choosing
a dog carrier. The type of dog carriers that you purchase depends on
size, length and the weight of your dog, not all dog carriers may work
for your pooch. A big dog may not fit in the standard size strollers,
backpack and most designer carriers; your choices would be limited to
carriers and crates to transport your dog. Small dogs on the other hand
can comfortably fit into any carrier or stroller, but again you should
be vigilant about the attributes of the carrier and your intention for
its primary use.

A comfortable dog carrier gives your pet
sufficient room to move around yet not big enough to allow him to rock
around inside especially if you intend on rigorous activity while
carrying your dog such as jogging and hiking. The most vital
characteristic you should always check for is that the carrier has good
ventilation to allow for fresh air to circulate. Your dog can easily
dehydrate in a poorly ventilated dog carrier, especially on those hot
summer days. If you wish to pamper your pet then make sure that the
carrier is comfortably padded and has a seat belt – of course there is
nothing wrong with making sure you look good while carrying it around
too! Also check out other points like durability, detachable shoulder
straps, rubberized fabric and four mesh viewing panels. Let me point
out from personal experience that you should also look into the
cleaning directions of the dog carrier; some have machine washable
linings that can easily be cleaned.

Those on the look out for
trendy and chic dog carriers will have no problem locating fashionable
and pocket friendly dog carriers at most pet stores. For those that
want maximum indulgence for dog can browse the many styles from the
best designer houses in the world. Remember, that the dog carriers are
not only for the fashion conscious but can also be used if your dog is
blind, too old to walk or has hearing problems. A good idea is to try
to reflect your dog’s personality and taste have some fun with it.

Initially
your dog may be reluctant to sit inside the carrier, but this depends
entirely on your skills to compel him/her to venture into a small case.
Start with a bone shaped biscuit or fake bacon strips to urge your
little friend towards the carrier. Your next other option is to entice
the little pet with an endearing smell or a favorite toy kept in the
vicinity of the carrier. This will tempt the dog to step inside the
carrier, though it may show some hesitation. Nonetheless, keep in mind
to always place the dog carrier on the ground. Never force your dog in
the dog carrier; this will likely cause anxiety and an irrational fear
of carriers. Take your time and be patients, your rewards will make it
all worth it.

By Ruby Fayed
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Ruby Fayed is an avid dog lover and premier article author for www.tailoredtail.com/dog-carriers.html. For more information on dog carriers, dog beds, and dog clothes, please visit our website for everyday savings.
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Dog Day Care Home Business

Dog Day Care home business is booming internationally due to its
multitude of facilities provided to the dog owners who do not find time
to groom or walk their dogs and have difficulties while traveling as
well as providing home security, picking up mail, newspaper and
watering the potted plants. Considering the number of dog owners in the
country today, Dog Day Care business is one of the best small business
ventures that you can undertake having sufficient clients who will ask
to take care of their dogs when they are out. Survey report reveals
that this is the best time to start a business in the Pet Care Industry
for increased inclination to pets that will thrive even in the coming
years.

It is amazing to find that in United States alone there
are upwards of 63.2 million individuals who own a pet, or two where
roughly 64 million are dogs in the households. This small report is
enough to support reason behind the swinging up of Dog Day Care home
business. Pet owners throughout the world are mentally at peace and are
breathing a sigh of relief at the thought they need not to worry about
their dogs when they travel which was a great problem in the past when
the owners have to rely on grandparents or relatives and the neighbors
to see to the needs of their pets when they had to travel for business,
or a family vacation. Due to several other problems some people gave up
and simply refused to have an animal. The unbearable scenario that has
to be viewed by the dog owners when traveling, or how they behaved
after being picked up from a kennel after a week or more away from home
persuaded them to come out with an unique idea of a pet care business
which spread like a wildfire.

Before starting Dog Day Care
home businesses chalk out the recognition of true animal lovers. Though
the foundation of your business depends on your love for animals but
the success of your business lies in your smart business sense that
will keep you maneuvering. You can set up the business for a minimum
budget but care should be taken that a budget should be laid out to
meet the costs of the outgoing business. Some research work is needed
to expand your business. Go for niche and be competitive in your rates.
Learn to be people person and cultivate warm and friendly temperament.
Get acquainted with each pet and their habits, character and
personality. You should also collect history of illnesses, vaccination
records, veterinary information, as well as a place to contact the pet
owner if needed.

By Peter John
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Examining Two Sporting Breed Dogs

Sporting Breed dogs love to be with humans. These dogs were bred to
hunt. They were also bred to follow your commands and give humans their
unrelenting attention. These people-oriented dogs have a lot in common.
Some dogs in this category are retrievers, spaniels, pointers and
setters. These dogs love to look at birds, chase small animals,
retrieve things, investigate their surroundings and be with you outside
all the time. Sporting dogs are remarkably tuned in to you and love to
please. This makes training them remarkably easy. However, you must be
warned of their high energy level. These dogs need a lot of exercise,
and will want to be close to you all the time.

There are many
sporting breeds to choose from. Each has been bred for specific
purposes. Let’s take a look at some popular breeds from this category.

The
most popular dogs in the US and England are the Labrador Retrievers.
These dogs were originally bred in Canada. Labradors were bred to work
with fishermen to recover fish that were accidentally dumped out. They
would help to save men that fell overboard in the cold water and guard
the fish that were caught. These dogs were bred to tolerate cold
conditions. They also can function on small amounts of food. The
Labrador’s temperament is cheerful and is a hard working dog. They will
retrieve anything you train them too. Labrador Retrievers need plenty
of exercise, attention, and customary brushing of their beautiful coats
to reduce shedding.

The Cocker Spaniel is smallest of the
sporting breeds. They may look like lap dogs but they are impressive
hunters. The Cocker Spaniel was fashioned for taking birds out of the
bush. These dogs are known as the, "American Cocker Spaniel" in every
other nation except the U.S.A. Nevertheless, Cocker Spaniels in this
day and age are pets instead of hunting partners, but they still detect
birds and love to be outside. These dogs require you brush and comb
them several times a week. They also need to be professionally groomed
once a month to prevent their fur from getting too long. These dogs are
wonderful friends. They always seem to be happy and ready to give you
lots of love and affection.

These two sporting breed dogs are
wonderful companions. They love to be with their masters all the time.
Because they were bred to work with humans they are easily trainable.
They will work to please you and go well above the call of duty to earn
your love and respect. Since they love to run around and retrieve
things they naturally have a high energy level. If you are looking for
a calmer dog, I recommend the non-sporting breed. These dogs love to be
with people all the time but won’t drive you crazy with having to take
them outside all the time. If this describes you, I suggest you
research English Bulldog Puppies. These are wonderful, well-bred dogs.
For those who love to run around and be outside all the time than a
non-sporting breed is not right for you. However, if this does describe
you than consider a loving, affectionate, sporting breed dog.

By Rick Davila
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I love to write about all types of dogs. It’s important to match the right dog with the right type of person.
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What Makes A Beagle Famous

Do you know Snoopy, coined as the world’s famous beagle? The cartoon
character Snoopy became so popular among kids and even among adults. It
has became popular not just in television shows, magazines and films
but also in different collectibles such as mugs, pillows, towels, bags
and other stuff. What’s in a beagle that makes him famous?

The
beagle, a medium-sized dog is a member of the hound group. These scent
hounds, primarily developed for tracking hare, rabbit and other game
are better at ground-scenting. Moreover, their sharp sense of smell and
tracking instinct are the reasons why they are used to detect
prohibited agricultural imports and foodstuffs in quarantine.

These
medium-sized dogs are generally between 13 to 15 inches at the withers
and weigh between 20 to 25 pounds. This breed’s muscular body is
covered with medium-length, smooth, hard coat and comes in a range of
colors. The most common is the Tricolor, white with large black areas
and light brown shading. There is also Classic Tri as well as Faded
Tri. Beagle may also appear in two-color variety with white as the base
color.

Their happy temperament is another reason why they are
chosen as pets by most dog lovers. These pack animals enjoy company and
can get along well with other dogs. They are also good with children.
Despite their intelligence, beagles can be hard to train because they
are bred to become single-minded and determined ideal for long chase.
They have their minds of their own and tend to follow their own sense
of smell that’s why they are sometimes difficult to recall.

This
breed can live for up to twelve years. They are known to have less
inherited health problems but they are prone to epilepsy,
hyperthyroidism, ear infections because of their long floppy ears and
eye problems such as glaucoma and corneal dystrophy. In rare cases,
beagles at a very young age can be affected by immune mediated
polygenic arthritis, a condition wherein the immune system attacks the
joints.

Since they are primarily developed to hunt hares, their
stamina is great and energetic. They do not tire easily when exercised
however, regular exercise is necessary because inactive beagles may
become obese. Beagles rely on their owners to regulate weight and
owners must also be aware that this breed eats whenever there is food
around. Something for owners to watch out! Their nature as working dogs
may lead minor injuries such as cuts and sprains so make sure to bring
along with you the necessary items when you’re out for hunting.

By Richard Cussons
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Richard Cussons is a dog lover with a passion for helping people with their dogs. Discover more about puppy training and care at http://www.all-about-puppies.com/puppy_training.html.

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Dog Treats as an Effective Training Tool

As we all know,training dogs has never been easy. If not for the tools
that we use in dog training we may have gone nowhere and probably rats
became man’s best friend. As a dog lover, I actually shudder at the
thought. And if that were the case, then there would never have been a
domesticated dog and they would all be in the wilderness living like
wolves. Thank God for the training tools.

One of these tools
happens to be the Dog Training Treats, also known as doggie treats but
for this purpose, are to be used as a training tool. Using dog training
treats is also known as the reward method in dog training. Training
treats are very effective in the learning phase of the training.

A
pat on the head may be sufficient for some dogs who has shown good
behavior, other dogs may need a little incentive to consistently
respond to our commands. Treats thus become an excellent way to
reinforce desired behavior if they are used properly.

Using
dog training treats is one of the most positive and encouraging ways to
train your dog to behave in an acceptable manner. This is a better
alternative to other training methods that use violence and physical
punishment. The dog training treats method is used together with a lot
of praising for something the dog has learned and done well.

Using
training treats also gives your dog something to look forward to during
these training sessions. They are always happy to receive these treats
from you and they don’t even know it’s a learning process.

It is
important to note that in using training treats the reward must be
given to the dog immediately. Otherwise the dog might believe that it
is being rewarded for another thing that he has done rather than the
behavior that we want rewarded.

Consistency should also be
practiced by the owner and all members of the family that interact with
the dog. The same commands should be used by all so as not to cause the
dog some confusion. It also means that we should reward the desired
behavior and not the unwanted ones.

For the dog training
treats to be fully effective, always use treats that your dog really
likes. Something enticing and irresistible to him. It should be small
and soft, something that he could gulp down immediately. Something from
your refrigerator can be used as treats like small pieces of hotdog,
cheese, cooked chicken and beef have proven effective. While others
prefer to purchase small soft commercial dog treats that are readily
available.

Most dogs prefer the food treats but some of them
respond to toy treats rather than the former. In the same way, give
your dog their favorite toy every time he has done good in the training
process.

There are two ways in using training treats. First as a
reward for a desired behavior, and second as a motivator, in the class
of the carrot and stick method, to induce a certain behavior.

Using
training treats is an enjoyable learning experience for the dog and his
owner/trainer. But full knowledge of using training treats is
essential. If used in an improper way, the dog might develop some
unwanted traits like always expecting treats before doing something
desirable or even begging.

Dog Training Treats is an important
tool in training. It also strengthens the bond between the owner and
pet more than any other training method because it is not based on
fear. Trust and respect grows between them and the experience is
something that cannot be forgotten easily. Training treats make the
training process fun for both dog and owner simply because the dog gets
a reward and the owner gets so much satisfaction in getting the desired
behavior from the pet.

As pet lovers, we all know that, that feeling is priceless.

By Scott Williams
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Scott Williams is a freelance copywriter with a special interest in pets and an expert in dog training . For effective and easy dog training please visit http://dogpottytraining.blogspot.com. He has also been a frequent traveler and expert in finding cheap vacation packages and plane tickets
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Will You Buy Your Dog the Right Bowl?

There
was a time that we thought as long as our dogs were fed daily they were
getting everything they needed to live a long and happy life. But
fortunately advancements have been made in the veterinarian world and
research has proven that there is a lot more to feeding a dog than just
providing food for him.

We now know that dogs – like humans,
require specific diets and nutrients. The days are gone that one has to
choose from only a few select brands of dog food in the grocery store.
There are now stores that cater only to our pets and their needs. In
those stores we can choose from dozens of brands of food that were
carefully blended in order to provide a balanced and nutritious diet
for our dogs. In some cases we can even have the diet custom blended
for our special dog. As responsible pet owners we also know that water
is essential to a dog’s health and that water consumption should always
be encouraged.

In addition to learning about our pets’
nutritional needs we have also learned more about how to make their
meals more relaxing and enjoyable for them. In very recent years we
have learned about the advantages of using particular dog bowls or dog
bowl styles. We’ve heard it said before that presentation is everything
and when discussing our dog’s food that remains true. Although your
dog, like mine, may be willing to eat off the floor at times, it is to
his advantage as well as yours to provide him with an appropriate dog
bowl.

The bowl should be big enough to hold a full feeding for
your dog. If the bowl is oversized it is easy to give the dog more food
than is required which can result in your dog becoming overweight. If a
bowl is too small you will find that your workload is needlessly
increased.

It’s important that the dog is able to reach the food
without difficulty. This means that the diameter of the bowl must be
appropriate to the size of the dog’s face and nose. If your dog has
long floppy ears it is necessary to find a bowl that will allow his
nose and mouth to reach the food, but at the same time one that does
not allow the ears to fall into the food.

Buying a bowl that has
rubber feet or a rubber rim around the bottom will minimize tipping,
spilling and sliding. This makes eating more enjoyable for your pet and
fewer clean-ups for you. Elevated dog bowls can make eating a more
pleasurable experience for your dog because he will not need to bend
his neck so far to reach the food. This aids in proper posture and
digestion. If your dog has pain related to stiff joints or arthritis
this may be something you will want to consider.

Although being
a responsible pet owner is always our goal there may be times in which
we simply cannot be available for our pets as often as he/we would
like. For those times it might be wise to invest in an automatic or
self-feeding system. These are simply bowls that have a large reservoir
containing a substantial amount of food. As the dog eats more food will
fall into the bowl. Similar bowls are available for water. These can be
ideal if you will be away from your pet for an extended period of time.

As
time passes we are sure to learn of other ways we can accommodate the
needs of our pets. For now most are happy with the love and care
provided by a responsible owner – perks include things like dog bowls
that are right for the individual dog.

Mike Brown The best resource online for everyth

By Michael Brown
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Mike Brown The best resource online for everything about dog bowls.
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Dealing With Obese Labrador Retrievers

Labrador Retrievers are known to have hearty appetites and are often
overfed causing weight to increase even above what is normal. Obesity
is a major problem in people nowadays. It leads to the development of
various diseases causing series of death to a number of people. Obese
people, even those who are not, are spending time, effort and money to
address this problem. The government is also active in battle against
obesity.

Obesity troubles not only people alone but also dogs.
Yes, Fido is in danger! Obesity in dogs is a serious problem. Obese
dogs are more prone to have high blood pressure, heart disease,
respiratory difficulties, diabetes mellitus, back and joint pain, hip
dysplasia, heat intolerance and skin problems. These diseases
contribute to the deterioration of your pet’s health and can eventually
shorten the lifespan.

A pet is considered obese when he is
15-20% over his maximum weight for its breed. So if the normal weight
for Labrador Retrievers is 60-75 lbs (27-34 kg), your dog’s weight
should not be over 20% higher than the normal. You can tell that your
dog is obese by simply looking at it. But you can make sure if your dog
is really obese by placing your hands on your pet’s rib cage with your
thumb on his back. If you feel the dog’s rib easily without pressing
too hard, then your pet is obese. You will also notice that the
abdominal area behind the rib is wider than the chest when viewed from
either side or above.

There are lots of reasons why dogs gain
weight. Dog owners should always remember that their dog’s health
largely depends on their hands. They should control the amount of food
during mealtime. Instead of giving one full meal, better give several
small meals a day to help in the digestion. Extra snack, treats, table
scraps and high fat diets also contribute to your dog’ obesity. Dogs
who lack exercise and physical activities are more likely to become
obese. The same to older dogs and dogs with orthopedic injuries because
they are less active.

Better consult your vet if you suspect
that your dog is obese. Ask for suggestions on weight reduction plan
and proper diet and what foods they should eat. It is also important to
ask what and how much exercise your pet needs. Remember that too much
exercise can also cause problem to your dog.

Weight loss cannot be achieved over night. Just be consistent and be patient for soon you and your dog will reap your reward.

By Richard Cussons
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Richard Cussons is a dog lover with a passion for helping people with their dogs. Discover more about puppy training and care at http://www.all-about-puppies.com/puppy_training.html.

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Choosing Natural Dog Food – Four Tips

There
has been an increasing number of concerns and criticisms over a good
number of commercially sold dog food. Because of such, many people have
turned to feed their pet with natural dog food. In this writing, I am
about to show you some important tips in choosing natural food for your
dog.

* Understand Your Dog and His Food Needs

The first
thing you have to remember is that natural dog food comes in many
forms. Natural may mean feeding your dog raw meat and vegetables,
cooked meat and vegetables or commercially sold natural food. You have
to find out which one is best for your dog.

Not all dogs are
same. Their nutritional requirements vary dependent on their different
breeds and specific health conditions. You should always observe your
dog’s behavior and health condition, especially after changes in food.
Consult your veterinarian with your observation and ask for his advice.

* Prepare Food for Your Dog

Some
dog owners like to prepare natural dog food for their pets. This is a
very good idea, but, to do this, you should have very good knowledge of
what your dog exactly needs and with what quantity to feed him. Some
people feed their dogs with raw meat, and others prefer cooked meat and
vegetables as heating will kill most bacteria in the food.

Another
thing to keep in mind is that many human foods are not suitable for
dogs. For example, chocolates, raisins, mushrooms and onions are either
dangerous or even toxic to dogs and should be on your "to avoid" list.
You can make up your own list, though, with some research and
observation. Compared to self-prepared food, commercially sold natural
dog food is probably a safer choice.

* Check What is On the Labels

When
shopping dog food, you should always read the labels just like what you
do with human foods. Pay close attention to its ingredients. Fillers
like wheat and corn, artificial coloring and flavoring, animal and
plant by-products, and artificial preservatives should never appear in
natural dog food. These synthetic ingredients are very likely to lead
to gastrointestinal problems, malnutrition and behavioral changes in
dogs.

* Get Enough Proteins and Nutrients for Your Dog

Dogs
were built to be carnivorous so the bulk of their diet should remain
protein-rich. The protein sources however should never be low-grade
meat by-products. Your dog should be fed high quality lean meat and
poultry.

Apart from protein, vitamins and minerals are also
essential nutrients that should be found in natural dog food. You may
choose to buy foods with fortified nutrients, or may feed your dog with
vitamin-rich foods, such as squash, beans and peas.

If you are serious about keeping your dog healthy and happy, be sure to read more about natural dog food from our site. You may also like to check more about dog food from our dedicated section if you would like to dig further.

By Kim Fleming
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If you are serious about keeping your dog healthy and happy, be sure to read more about natural dog food from our site. You may also like to check more about dog food from our dedicated section if you would like to dig further.
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