-The idea of homemade pet food sounds appealing for dog owners. After all, it is but logical to prefer home-cooked diet to something out of can or packet. And absolutely, there are some concerns over the safety of some commercial pet food. While homemade diet for your dogs can be safe and nutritious, is yet to be widely approved by veterinarians.

- Melinda Smith

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This article attempts to shed light on the lack of attention given to dog health by most dog owners by describing how the conveniences of most dog food is offset by the fact that they are made mostly without any concern for a dog's nutritional well-being. To that end, one must consider purchasing natural food for their dog from trustworthy companies. Sojourner Farms is one such company and their line of Sojos food is a great alternative to kibble.

- Melinda Smith

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This article introduces readers to the benefits of natural dog food as a nutritional alternative to the staple forms of commercial dog food which are filled with unhealthy components. While commercial dog food can be very convenient, they do little for a dog's nutritional well-being. However, do not be fooled by false advertising notions of "natural" and turn only to trustworthy brands such as Merrick Dog Food and Honest Kitchen.

- Melinda Smith

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As you may know, I stopped vaccinating my dogs when they were 8 years old.  So they have not been vaccinated now for the past 6 years.  I only wish I had known earlier how unnecessary, and yes, harmful, regular annual vaccinations are.  Had I known the facts, I would have stopped years before.

Some vets, such as the eminent Dr Jean Dodds, who I have been fortunate to hear speak in person, actively spread the word that annual vaccinations are not required.  But the vast majority of vets continue to advise pet owners that ongoing vaccinations are essential, even though the evidence is clearly to the contrary.

Dr Andrew Jones is another kindred spirit where vaccinations are concerned.  As you would expect from any responsible vet, he does not say you should do away with vaccinations altogether, but he gives the following recommendations for vaccinating your dog:

Puppy Vaccination Regimen:

8 weeks:

Parvovirus (MLV – Modified Live Vaccines) and Distemper (MLV)

12 weeks:

Parvovirus (MLV) and Distemper (MLV)

Only give Bordatella vaccines if going to a kennel or puppy class

6 months:

Give Rabies vaccine (killed)

Adult Dogs:

1 year:

Parvovirus (MLV) and Distemper (MLV)

1 1/2 years:

Rabies vaccine (killed)

No further vaccines for 3 years.

4 years:

Parvovirus (MLV) and Distemper (MLV)

4 1/2 years:

Rabies vaccine (killed)

After this, in Dr Jones' opinion, no further vaccinations are required.  Ever.

Of course, State or local laws may require you to vaccinate against Rabies, in which case you have a legal obligation to do so, even though medically there is no requirement for this.

For more on vaccinations, as well as information on pet food, keeping your dog's immune system healthy, conventional medications for pets, pet supplements, and much more, go grab your FREE  Top 10 Veterinary Secrets 49 page report now (before Dr Jones comes to his senses and starts charging for it) – Click Here!

Actually, I would call it the Top 10 Veterinary Secrets ebook – it's too long to be called a report.

You can actually use the information contained in this very comprehensive free report right now to heal your dog (or cat) at home, keep your pet healthy and help your pet live a longer life.  Click here for your FREE  Top 10 Veterinary Secrets ebook. 

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On the question of NSAIDS for dogs, you may have read my articles on Rimadyl for Dogs – and specifically the dangers associated with giving these drugs.

Following is an article by Ashley Mitek from VetMed.  And please note that this is a conventional veterinary view, so any holistic vet would be a lot more circumspect and cautious about these drugs. …

Here is the article:

" Pets More Susceptible to Side Effects of NSAIDs

It is now widely accepted in human medicine that one of the largest causes of liver failure (and also liver transplant surgery) in the United States is due to the overuse of a particular type of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) named acetaminophen. This stunning research finding was first published in the December 2005 issue of the journal Hepatology. Nearly every person in the country has used one type of NSAID or another, whether that be ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin. When taken correctly, these drugs have very few side effects.

However, "the use of NSAIDS is one of the most controversial topics in veterinary medicine," says Dr. Stuart Clark-Price, a veterinary anesthesiologist and internal medicine specialist at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana. As many pill-popping humans can attest, these drugs have great anti-inflammatory, anti-fever, and pain relief properties because they inhibit certain enzymes in the body. If these drugs have such great properties, then why is their use so controversial in animals, one may ask?

"Cats and dogs are much more susceptible than people to the adverse effect of NSAIDs," explains Dr. Clark-Price. In short, dogs and cats are not simply smaller versions of people. They lack certain enzymes that we have, and also may process these drugs differently. In short, the use of NSAIDS in dogs and cats comes with a smaller safety margin. Because of this, it is critical that veterinary patients be accurately dosed and routinely monitored for side effects.

Despite of the increased risk, NSAIDS are frequently used in veterinary patients with minimal adverse effects. For example, in a routine spay or castration in a healthy dog or cat over the age of the age of 6 weeks, NSAIDS are a good choice for pain relief.  Because there will be mild to moderate inflammation in these instances, which is exactly what these drugs work to prevent, "NSAIDS are probably better for consistent pain control in cases of inflammation than even opioids," notes Dr. Clark-Price.

Another reason dogs are prescribed NSAIDs is due to chronic arthritis. For example, an older Labrador that has a hard time getting up in the morning due to joint pain may be given a certain NSAID daily. But careful monitoring is critical in these patients.  The most common complication is gastro-intestinal tract ulceration.  This can be a minor problem, but it can also progress to life threatening perforations.

Other problems that can develop are kidney and liver dysfunction, or blood abnormalities such as the decreased ability to clot. Because liver and kidney disease are potential side effects of NSAIDs, it is important that a dog starting on a course of these drugs have its blood tested frequently to determine if kidney and liver function are starting to decrease. If so, it is imperative that NSAID use be terminated.

Symptoms owners should watch for while their pet is on NSAIDS include:

• Decreased appetite
• Lethargy or other changes in behavior
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Yellowing of the skin, whites of the eye, or gums
• Skin redness or scabs

For more information on the risks of NSAID use in pets please talk to your local veterinarian or visit the American Veterinary Medical Association's Web site on the topic at http://www.avma.org/products/gov_materials/nsaid.asp .

Please do not give any NSAIDs to your pet without first contacting your veterinarian. For example, one acetaminophen (Tylenol) pill may kill a cat.

An archive of Pet Columns from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine is available online at www.vetmed.illinois.edu/petcolumns/ .

Veterinary Extension/Office of Public Engagement

University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine

217/333-2907

Source: Stuart Clark-Price, DVM, MS, DACVIM, DACVA "

And again, if you are interested in learning more about the dangers of NSAIDs in pets, and some natural alternatives – particularly if the issue is an arthritic or related condition, go to – Natural Arthritis Treatment for Dogs.

There are alternatives to using NSAIDs.  Be guided by your vet, but always make your own decisions for your dog once you have all the facts.

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In order to find the right kind of dog food, it is important to know the wrong kind first; some dog foods are made with ingredients that are harmful to our dogs. So the better choice to start off with is a brand that is made with fresh, all natural ingredients.

When choosing a brand, select those that are made with fresh and all natural ingredients. Human grade labels are even better as they are of the highest quality, safe even for human consumption. If certain brands of dog treats are labeled as such, you can rest assured that the quality is top notch.

When choosing your brand of dog food or dog treats, try out brands like wellness dog food and innova dog food. Both brands are made with the highest quality fresh human grade ingredients. They are balanced for optimal nutritional development to ensure your dogs wellbeing.

Dog foods that are made with preservatives or by products like intestine and bone are not very healthy to the animals' development. All natural dog treats are made with fresh ingredients; they are also especially made with optimal dog wellbeing in mind. Sure it is easy to serve the ready made ones for our convenience, but when your dog encounters health problems, then you will realize how much better all natural dog meals are.

Selecting the right kind of dog treats may indeed be difficult, but knowing that all natural and fresh is the best way to go is a great way to start. Select brands that can make your dog healthier and happier. With this, you can be sure that you will be spending more good times with your pet and less trips to the veterinarian due to health concerns. So go fresh and natural and in the long run you will actually spend less.

Selecting the perfect kind of dog treats can be difficult with the hundreds of brands and dozens of kinds to choose from. However keeping in mind that healthy brands like wellness dog food and innova dog food is made from fresh all natural ingredients that is nutritionally balanced to ensure optimal development can make it easier. Go all natural today!

- Melinda Smith

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Dogs sometimes develop allergies to foods they have been eating for a long time, and it's not always easy to identify which component of ingredient is the real cause. If you suspect that your dog suffers from allergies of any kind, it is best to first visit your vet for allergy testing and dog information, and advice on how to treat them.

Be armed with reliable dog information about dog food and health, from reliable sources. for example, corn and wheat are grains that are unnecessary in your dogs' diets. They are used as low-cost fillers and are a bog source of canine allergies. Chemicals are another problem, and if these are what's making your dog sick, you might choose to switch to organic dog food to avoid them altogether.

Making your own dog food is the best way to really isolate all of the ingredients being fed to our pets. There are many sources of dog information on dog food recipes and how to prepare them. Protein, vegetables and a carbohydrate source like sweet potatoes are the essential components of a well-balanced dog food.

Here's one dog food recipe that your pooch is sure to love. Take one pound of turkey meat and sautee in olive oil. Then, add another pound of cooked, mixed vegetables. Add potatoes (1/2 to 1 cup) and bone meal or a dog vitamin supplement.

After feeding your pet a balanced home made or organic diet, you might first notice some of the more superficial signs of improvement. Your pet's coat might become softer and smoother, and his mood might improve too. But these are nothing compared to the benefits to your dogs's lifespan, and overall well-being.

Dog allergies sometimes manifest themselves over time, triggered by components in dog food, and environmental factor. By feeding your dog organic dog food and preparing home made dog food recipes, you can avoid some of the possible allergy triggers, which include grains, and chemicals used in commercial dog food preparation. Remember to consult with your veterinarian for dog information on allergies and nutrition

- Melinda Smith

For more dog food recipes, discover 180 Gourmet Recipes for Dogs – your dog will thank you!

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It is of utmost importance that a pet owner do research on canine nutrition to be armed with the dog information he needs for his furry friend's health and well being. Here, the most essentian pieces of knowledge on dogs and nutrition will be discussed, in the following paragraphs.

As carnivorous animals, dogs eat meat in the wild and their food as pets should always contain a good quality, meat-based source of protein. In the ingredients listing of your dog food, look for a named meat source, like beef or turkey, rather an a generic "meat". More than one of these should be listed in the first five ingredients on the list. Animal by-product, is another story and should be avoided, as it can contain meat from dying and diseased animals.

Dogs need carbohydrates too, and a dog food should contain some vegetable starches to provide these. Rice, potatoes and oats are sources that a dog can easily process, while corn, corn meal, wheat gluten and similar items are not. These are not necessry for canine nutrition and can cause problems like food allergies in dogs.

There are a lot of labels like premium, organic and human grade that are used on dog foods. Premium and human grade are regulated very little, if at all, and may not be very beneficial for your dog. Organic dog food should follow the standards for organic food, meaning they should be grown without chemicals. Organic foods are thought to prevent things like cancer by not introducing possibly dangerous chemicals into the body.

Many dog owners also opt to feed raw in order to ensure that their dogs get the same diets as they would in the wild. There is a lot of dog information out there on the benefits or raw feeding. However, for the more squeamish pet owner, home made dog food, while more time consuming than commercial feeds, may be the best and most cost-efficient way to give your dog the best nutrition we can provide.

Any pet owner needs the right dog information to educate themselves on what foods their dogs need in order to live happy and healthy lives. They need to learn to read labels on their pet food to know exactly what their dogs are putting into their bodies. Many commercial pet foods contain ingredients like grains and by-products, which provide little benefits to pets. Organic dog food, home made dog food and raw feeding are excellent alternatives to commercial feeds.

- Melinda Smith

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Can a dog die from eating chocolate? It’s a good thing this does not apply to human beings but yes, the heavenly substance is unfortunately harmful to canines—potentially leading to their untimely demise.

It is important to know this because sometimes we unwittingly feed our pets scraps from our table without realizing that there are chemicals in them that prove to be hazardous to our pets. One of them is chocolate. The main culprit on this is a substance called theobromine and it is found inside every cocoa bean—the amount of which varies per type of chocolate.

So we know that the theobromine causes the damage in a canine’s system—but what happens if a dog eats chocolate? Upon the first few hours of ingestion, the dog will begin to show harmful symptoms such as vomiting, hyperactivity and/or diarrhea. When this happens, rush him to the vet immediately. If left untreated, you will notice the animal will exhibit more alarming signs like restlessness, muscle twitching, increased urination, an accelerated heart rate and excessive panting after several more hours. This means that there are higher levels of toxin present as it is absorbed in the canine’s bloodstream.

Of course, how chocolate will affect dogs will vary on several factors like the weight, age and the general health of the particular animal, as well as the type of chocolate. A small block of white chocolate will not cause critical problems to a 60 lb dog as it will to a pup. The darker the chocolate, the less chocolate that is required to cause serious problems if your dog ingests it.

To be safe, I strongly advise the reader to avoid feeding any amount of chocolate to their pets.

It is proven that the dog will crave for more of chocolate when they get the opportunity to taste it. It is best to prevent this by supplying him with healthier dessert fare like fruits and alternative treats.

We know what happens if a dog eats chocolates; so what can we do when they have already ingested it to prevent the danger to escalate?

The first thing you should do is induce vomiting immediately. It takes an average of 24 hours before the danger of theobromine reaches its peak—which is evidenced with epileptic like seizures, hyperthermia and coma leading to death. If your dog has diarrhea, supply him with large volumes of water to consume.

If you have an animal first aid kit, that will be helpful in treating the dog until you reach the veterinarian to get proper medication. The vet will most likely also administer activated charcoal to your dog. What the activated charcoal does is draw the chocolate to it so that it may be eliminated without much danger.

In the recovery phase, your pet should be given plenty of fluids, oxygen and his progress should be monitored regularly.

Can a dog die from eating chocolate? Yes – but fortunately we can make the necessary provisions to keep them away from this danger.

Now that you know better, do the best that you can and enjoy the company of a healthy and happy dog without the worries.

by Madeline Keite

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Dog food and dog treats make feeding our pets easier, but what's really in those cans and plastic bags? In most cases, sad to say, it's some of the worst things you could feed your dog. To know what your dog food is made of, read the label. The components are listed by weight, and the first few ingredients comprise what makes up the majority of the dog food.

Meat and grain by-products are some of the least-desirable ingredients you may find in your dog food. If you dog food or dog treats list these as main ingredients, find another brand. A lot of grain and grain-related ingredients may increase the amount of carbohydrates in your dog's food, buy up to seventy percent, while your average dog really only needs less than thirty percent carbohydrates. The reason that so many pet food makers put wheat byproducts is simple: they're cheap to use. These byproducts act as filler: they will result in more dog food produced, for a lower price. But too much carb can seriously shorten your dog's lifespan – it leads to digestive problems and obesity, along with all the obesity-related health problems.

Animal by-products aren't much of an improvement. While they do contribute protein in the diet, this meat is basically parts that are thrown away because they're unfit for human consumption: lungs, spleen, kidneys, brain, liver, blood, bone, and stomach and intestines. To make things worse, there is little to no regulation for the sources of this meat: it could be from a meat processing plant, but it could also be roadkill, or 4-D (dead, diseased, disabled, dying) livestock.

So please- take the time to read those labels and understand what they mean. Find a premium dog food that can assure you that your pet is receiving only the best nutrition. There are brands out there like Wellness dog food, which produce dog treats and food made of mostly whole foods like human-grade chicken and lamb meat. It may cost a bit more than the cheap brands, but it pays off more: you'll have a healthy, happy canine companion.

Buying premium dog food can help you avoid harmful ingredients that can be found in many dog food and dog treats brands today. Those cheap brands have animal and grain byproducts which come from questionable sources and can lead to problems like digestive diseases and obesity. Manufacturers like Wellness dog food is one of the brands out there that contain only the freshest, most nutritious ingredients, so that you dog is happy and disease-free.

- Melinda Smith

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