The Natural Healthy Pet

Author: Isabella Smyth

Homemade puppy food is an easy solution to finding some of the best puppy food available to give your growing bundle of joy. However, for some people they might not realize that it can be easily done and help provide your little bundle with some of the healthiest food around. Here are a couple of the benefits that I have found by giving homemade puppy food to my own growing pets. Read the rest of this entry »

For some, it might be funny even to imagine of possessing "homemade pet food". Funny since in all these years we are feeding our dogs canned foods that have been processed by commercial doggie food producers. Perhaps most of us are led to think that our dogs can not survive devoid of those packaged commercial canine foods.

Now, we might feel that giving our dogs food that\'s built from scratch from our own kitchen is usually harmful to dogs. Quite a few vets even make this suggestion in favor of feeding the so-called "complete nutrition" that will supposedly be served up from a can or bag. Read the rest of this entry »

You will certainly do necessarily things when your dog suffers from fleas and ticks attack. You can go to local pet stores and find various flea repellents to get rid of these disturbances. Since there are so many repellents to choose from, you might get confused which one to choose. You also need to know that such repellent application over your dog's collar can be dangerous because they contain toxic chemical substances at times. Therefore, you can start considering to undergo a natural alternative treatment to eliminate the fleas and ticks from your dogs. They are safe to use and very effective too. Read the rest of this entry »

There is a significant increase in the market share of Natural and Holistic Pet Food, and it is predicted to double over the next five years. But why the sudden increase in our pets health? It seems that as we become more concerned with our own family's health and what we eat, it's natural to also be more concerned about what our pets eat, as they have truly have become part of our families. Today, it is now easier to provide a complete healthy meal for our pets. In fact, our pets may be eating better than we are! Read the rest of this entry »

"We are seeing disease conditions in animals that we did not see years ago. Many of these may be traced to nutrition as the source…" Don E. Lundholm, DVM

Dr. Kollath, of the Karolinska Hospital in Stockholm, headed a study done on animals. When young animals were fed cooked and processed foods they initially appeared to be healthy. However, as the animals reached adulthood, they began to age more quickly than normal and also developed chronic degenerative disease symptoms. A control group of animals raised on raw foods aged less quickly and were free of degenerative disease. In nature, we see another example of wild animals eating entirely enzyme rich raw foods being free of the degenerative diseases that afflict humans. Read the rest of this entry »

Pet immune disorders can be a serious problem, especially as our pets are exposed to an increasing number of toxins and an unusual amount of stress in their everyday lives. In order to counter the effects of domestic life, it is important that you bolster your pet's daily diet with a regular herbal supplement which can provide the extra boost they need to ensure good immune system health.

Pet immune system issues are the single biggest cause of health problems seen by most vets. A weakened immune system can leave your pet open to a variety of illnesses. As with humans, pets can benefit from the healing power of nature when it comes to ensuring that they get the right amount of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients on a daily basis. Read the rest of this entry »

 Being the caretakers of our treasured pets, why not give them the best all natural dog treats and eliminate dangerous dog food from their diet. It's true, we could give them off the shelf, well-known, name-branded treats, but why would we when there is an alternative.

Pets have always being very special to their owners and thus, they always take special care to nurture them. Earlier pets were given the table scraps or left over food items but now with the recent trend even their diet have come a long way. With new and improved life style the pets are being given special treat and thus, they are being feed with the most nutritious and healthy food items. The variety available in the market and even in the online market such products can be easily found and preferred by the entire concerned person in all over the nation. Mostly, cats and dogs are being preferred as pets, though the variety of pets is huge but then one commonly chooses them the most. Read the rest of this entry »

In a nutshell, we need to pay more attention to our pets diet. We can prepare pet food which we prepare with ingredients we’re familiar with.

A good quality diet can help prevent health conditions by providing the body with the clean fuel needed to thrive. Read the rest of this entry »

Some if not many of us love animals and enjoy taking care of them as pets especially dogs. I for one enjoy the company of dogs and take pleasure in giving them a pat, a hug or a walk in the park. Some families even treat their pets as members of their family. Dogs as they say are man’s best friend and of all the animals I have known the dog is one of them who would always remain loyal and stay by your side no matter what.

There may be times when our dog may be feeling weak or getting sick. You bring them to the vet and have them treated. Your dog may not be getting enough nutrients to keep him or her healthy and strong against sickness.

Dogs just like humans need essential vitamins and minerals to enable their bodies to function effectively. Vitamins and minerals are essential for its growth, repair of damaged tissues, having strong teeth and bones and digestion. It doesn’t mean that just because a dog is lower than that of a human being that it doesn’t need to have a well balanced diet as well. In fact, like us it is important for them to eat healthy as well. Animals that lack the needed vitamins and minerals are more at risk to developing diseases and to having a shorter life span.

Your pets, I suppose usually eat dried or canned food. You have to take note that no matter how much these pet food manufacturers guarantee to providing a balanced and complete meal, we won’t really know where its primary ingredients come from. These foods have also already undergone a process, packed with chemicals and artificial coloring. Many of the natural vitamins and minerals usually get lost in the processing stage of dried or canned pet food.

All of us even pets, without an exception are living in a world full of toxic chemicals that may cause harm upon us. So it is with utmost importance that your pets have vitamins to help him or her fight combat against all these harmful elements.

You need to give your pets vitamins aside from the usual pet food to ensure that he gets enough of what is needed to stay healthy and strong. Pet food is not enough and vitamins and minerals fill the gaps that pet food may lack. Visit your vet and consult on what supplement he would recommend for your pet’s needs.

Mary Lorainne writes about Doctor’s Coupon, Nutrition promo and buyvitaminsmart code
Published At: Isnare Free Articles Directory http://www.isnare.com

What causes pet allergies? The primary agents are proteins produced in the hair, feathers, fur, urine, saliva, and feces of pets. These proteins can stimulate a wide and uncomfortable variety of symptoms in sufferers.

Pet allergies can spring up all at once, or they can evolve over months or years. A new cat owner, for instance, may suffer no allergy symptoms until six months after introducing a pet to her apartment. It’s important not to jump to conclusions about the cause of symptoms.

Many environmental and physiological factors can produce “pet allergy like” symptoms. You may be allergic to other substances (e.g. pollen, mold, poison ivy, certain foods, climatic variations, and even stress) or suffer a medical condition like influenza, eczema, lupus, or chronic fatigue syndrome.

The best way to settle the diagnosis is to discuss the matter with your doctor. He or she can perform a range of tests (including skin and blood tests) aimed at pin pointing triggers. Be aware that allergies can often be comorbid with other conditions. To relieve symptoms, you will need to treat all triggers.

Symptoms of Pet Allergies

Pet allergies can present in vastly different ways in different patients. Some sufferers may experience eczema, nettle shaped rashes, and other skin blotches. Others may get asthma or other bronchial problems. Still others may present with full-on “hay fever like” symptoms, such as watery eyes, runny nose, headache, and congestion.

Symptoms can also vary in how, when, and how intensely they present, and individuals can respond to allergens in their environments differently at different times. For instance, let’s say you’re allergic to dogs. During one encounter with a golden retriever, you may develop hay fever symptoms and difficulty breathing. Several weeks later, you can encounter the same golden retriever, and this time, you may experience an allergic rash but no hay fever symptoms.

Allergic symptoms can create secondary health problems as well. Pet allergy sufferers are statistically more likely to develop ear infections, insomnia, and the common cold. Moreover, if left untreated, these symptoms can impede one’s ability to travel, visit friends, or even go shopping.

Notwithstanding all of these negative symptoms, a surprising number of Americans “work through” their symptoms just to have the joy of spending time with their favorite companions. Approximately two millions Americans, according to one study, keep cats even though they are allergic to them.

What Makes Pet Allergies Worse?

Just because you have a pet allergy doesn’t mean that you can’t be allergic to other things in your environment. Indeed, your allergy symptoms can be exacerbated by a whole host of environmental factors, such as cigarette smoke, pollen, dust in the air, and even your diet. If you don’t stay in shape by running, eating well, sleeping enough, limiting your stress, and avoiding excess consumption of drugs, alcohol, and caffeine, you can make your symptoms worse. Some studies even suggest that non-allergic pet owners who lead unhealthy lives put themselves at risk of developing allergies to their pets down the line.

How to Treat Pet Allergies

Fortunately for pet allergy sufferers, solutions abound. The simplest but in some ways saddest solution is to avoid pets entirely (or at least the pets which trigger your allergy symptoms). Thankfully, there are intermediate solutions you can try before parting with Fido or Mittens.

Taking allergy shots can prevent symptoms from developing. Minimize exposure in your environment by cleaning your house of pet dander particles or setting up a HEPA filter to circulate the air and eliminate pet allergens.

Shop for so-called low allergy pets, such as shorthaired cats or “low allergy” dogs like Bichon Frisé’s. If you can wrangle your pet for regular baths, you can reduce the amount of pet dander that will circulate in your house. Also, make sure to keep your pet healthy and active — studies suggest that pets that are confined can become more allergenic over time.

If you’re “super allergic” to pets and you need to visit someone who owns an animal which triggers your symptoms, wear a mask, and/or bring medications to control symptoms. Finally, declare an “allergy free zone” in your house. You may be able to control your symptoms simply by staying out of rooms your pet occupies regularly.

Medications to Control Symptoms

You can find over-the-counter and prescribed antihistamines to control symptoms, and corticosteroids and/or bronchodilators can be effective as well. You can also try over-the-counter topicals, such as eye-drops, nasal sprays, creams, and even non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Finally, it is possible to build up tolerances to pet dander through a program of controlled exposure over time. You may want to speak with an allergy specialist to come up with a comprehensive treatment plan. If you’re really allergic to a certain type of animal, make sure to carry emergency medication on your person in the event that you encounter that animal, since you may not have time to get to medical help before severe symptoms set in.

By: Colleen Finnegan

Article Source: http://www.articleinfo.org

Obesity in pets is common nowadays causing real problems. The obesity in pets is due to either over feeding or not providing any exercise to the pets or not providing the right diet. Obesity in pets is also attributed to the modern lifestyles of people, who leave their pets alone in their house, eating for themselves whatever they want and not providing any exercise. Obesity conditions of pets can lead to devastating state of their health like high blood pressure, skin problems, increased risk to diabetes mellitus and heat intolerance resulting in pets facing high risks of heat strokes during hot weathers, risk towards infections and towards anesthesia.

Obesity in cats:

Nearly 25 percent of cats are known to be clinically obese, meaning excess fat accumulation of the body. Not having a check on the cat’s obesity may lead them to the reduction of the cat’s life span. Obese cats are prone to heart diseases, arthritis, skin disorders, fatty liver disease, lower urinary tract diseases, diabetes and cancer. Obesity can lead to or can be a cause for diabetes.

The main reasons for obesity in cats:

Obesity in cats may be due to aging process or due to the breed, or due to genetics which can cause increase in body weight. Mixed breed cats suffer from obesity than pure breeds.

Neutering female and male cats’ bodily functions gets reduced up to 25 percent leading them into obesity. By eating extra calories too, they become obese. Low thyroid hormonal levels also cause obesity.

Obesity in dogs:

The incidence obesity is more when the dogs are owned by an obese person than the dogs owned by a physically fit person. The dog breeds, which are more prone to obesity, are small terriers, cocker spaniels, dachshunds, beagles etc. This does not mean that other dog breeds are not prone to obesity. Any dog, which is lethargic and lies down all the day, is obese. It has been found that around one third of people do not know that their dogs are obese.

The reasons for obesity in dogs:

When dogs are fed on table scraps they become obese as the food cannot be monitored for quality. The food with a good nutritional balance and value has to be provided for their well being rather than feeding scraps of food.

Spayed female dogs are more prone to obesity. Likewise castrated male dogs too are prone to obesity. A dog may be obese due to under active thyroid hormones making it overweight and sluggish. Also when dogs are not provided regular walks and exercise they tend to become obese.

Ways to overcome obesity in pets:

The pets should be provided with good nutritional food with rich protein content and make the weight loss procedure to take its toll gradually. They have to be supplemented with amino acids, vitamins and minerals for regaining their stamina.

Time should be spent with the pets to make them run, jump and do mild exercises to keep them fit. The valuable time spent with the pet can be very relaxing to both the pet and the owner.

By: Subasree

Article Source: http://www.articleinfo.org

Pet owners are very loyal to their pets and there is nothing a pet owner will do to make sure their pet lives long and is healthy. Instead of buying a more than one puppy it is better to purchase a single puppy this way the puppy will have a better chance bonding with the owner and it will be easier to will bond to its owner better and will be easier to train than having many puppies. Avoid the temptation of buying two or more puppies. Depending on the breed, the best time to purchase a puppy is between 7-9 weeks of age. The puppy should get used to being around people and other dogs. Your puppy should not be allowed to roam the house freely until he is properly housetrained. A common misconception is that healthy dogs and cats must eat every day when in fact they do not. Smaller breeds are an exception, but even then pet owners must take care not to overfeed.

For a little bit of responsibility, time, and money on your part, you and your family will get a lifetime of love and unconditional adoration. The positive effect a dog can have on your family is amazing.

With all animals make sure the water and food bowls are cleaned regularly, the reason for this is to keep them free from germs and bacteria. Place your pets bowl so it is not in the way of walkways or in places where someone could knock into it. Keeping the area sanitized will help keep your pet healthy. Since medicines for pets are not easily distributed, it would help if you would also ask your veterinarian where the drug shops for pet care are.

Many dogs and even cats become very attached to children. Parasites that are internal and external are mainly responsible for illnesses and diseases seen in the large population of dogs. The common dog flea is the number one health problem facing these pets.

Exercise is every bit as vital to your pets health and well being as good food, clean water and shelter. Eating well and getting enough exercise are as important for dogs and cats as they are for people.

Vegetables and some fruit in your dogs diet and a small quantity of such can provide many of these active compounds. For any weight loss program, human or animal, diet is the first essential part.

A pet tag is a very affordable way to help keep your pet around for many years to come. Pet name tags can also be chosen from a variety of materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, brass and even plastic. You want to make sure that your pet tag is made durable enough to last many years, and will not fade or rust. You want to make sure that your pet tag is made durable enough to last many years, and will not fade or rust. 90 percent of pets carrying an identification tag will return to their homes. You should always make sure your pet/dog is wearing his/her id collar tag, the contact information on the tag should be up to date just in case your dog is missing. The ID tag should have your pets name, destination address, your name and telephone number.

By: David Fishman

Article Source: http://www.articleinfo.org

Preparation for home cooked meals for your dog is simple and need not be a pain at all. I have switched from commercialized pet food to home cooked meals after my family two lovely dogs died of cancer suddenly. They were on premium dried pet food all their life but still, both of them died at a young age at 6 and 7 of cancer. This was way before the pet food recall event.

I knew at that time that their commercial pet food must have contributed somewhat to their condition as both were rather young when passed on. Putting aside my initial struggle with thoughts about how difficult to cook home cooked meals for my dogs and just got started with it.

I do not even cook for myself! How can I cook nutritious meals for my pets! I started reading loads of books on home cooked food and came out with this simple and easy to prepare recipe for dog food. It can be done even for busy people like you and me. If I can do it, so can you! So let us step up and commit to making the lives of our pet a long, happy and healthy one.

Take note that we cannot change our dog diet overnight as it may cause stomach upset. Start gradually and mixing their feed gradually until she is completed switched to home cooked food.

Preparation

Purchase the following ingredients, all the ingredients below in equal proportions, supplements should be added separately. The amount to cook depends on your pet size.

Use your own judgment when it comes to quantity to feed. The suggestion below is meant for a week supply for a 1 medium sized dog, healthy dog with normal weight range.

Please change the quantity for your pet needs (This suggestion provides 1 week food for a 10kg dog):

1) Grains choice: Brown rice, provide for 2-3 cups cooked rice (less if your dog is obese or require some weight loss)

2) Vegetables (Add 3 varieties): Broccoli, cauliflower, any green leafy vegetables and beans. Make about 4 cups of pulp vegetables for easy absorption.

3) Meats 500gms: Choice of Chicken, Lamb, Beef or Kangaroo (rotate weekly).

4) 2 Eggs

Avoid night shade vegetables, onions and cabbage for your pets. Some dogs experience more gas when fed with cabbage.

Quick Easy Cooking Steps
Step 1: Put some olive oil in your pot and cook meats

Step 2: Cook rice (or any grain choice, I personally prefer brown rice)

Step 3: Pulp or chop finely the vegetables

Step 4: When meats are almost cook, add the pulp vegetables into the pot

Step 5: Do not overcook the vegetables. Keep them half raw for the enzymes.

Step 6: Add eggs and cook the vegetables in the pot to make the vegetables palatable.

Storage
For convenience, cook your pet homemade meals up to one week supply. Freeze them in daily portions separately for convenience.

Just remember to place next day food supply from the freezer to chiller compartment of your refrigerator. Place a note at your fridge to remind you to do so everyday if not, your poor pet has not food to eat.

Feeding Preparation
Step 1: Place chilled food in your pet bowl

Step 2: Boil some hot water

Step 3: Warm up the food to room temperature with some hot water.

Step 4: Add necessary supplements such as Vitamin C, Flaxseed oil, Egg shell
meals for calcium.

Step 5: Mix and serve!

Using boiled water to warm up food is a recommended. If you prefer microwaving to warm up food, note that this method may destroy some nutrients.

Emergency meals
In case you have forgotten to defreeze your pet food. Here is a simple guide to a quick no hassle wholesome meal in just 5 minutes!

Ensure you home has these at all times in case you need to whip out a wholesome meal in 5 minutes!

All you need are:
Step 1) Oats (get those quick to cook kind or just add hot boiling water)

Step 2) Eggs (Break an egg for a small/medium sized dog)

Step 3) Supplements (Add your regular supplement)

That is all you need for the emergency meal! To ensure not to upset the digestive system from sudden change in diet, feed this option once a while so she is well adjusted to this diet when the need arises.

By: Veronica Eng

Article Source: http://www.articleinfo.org

Not surprisingly, many pet owners are now passing along some human lifestyle habits to their furry housemates. For a number of reasons, pet owners are opting to provide their animal companions with dietary choices once reserved for humans. Maintaining a proper diet regimen for our pets has always been an important responsibility of overall pet ownership. The trend toward more healthy pet foods has been growing for several years.

Dogs and cats are susceptible to many of the same diseases as their human counterparts. Diabetes, heart disease and other medical conditions strike pets with some regularity. Prevention or treatment of these illnesses often requires changes to the animals diet. My own beloved Golden Retriever was stricken with canine diabetes that required daily doses of insulin and very careful monitoring of his blood glucose.

Just like a human with this debilitating disease, Einstein needed a very special diet in order to control his weight and keep his blood glucose levels in line. A local vet recommended a very expensive brand of food that was not much different in nutritional content then the cheaper stuff.

After consulting several veterinary specialists, we settled on a combination of off the shelf foods that worked fairly well. We would occasionally prepare home cooked meals for this sweet dog, following the same dietary prescriptions that would be used for humans. We found recipes that contained high protein levels, and were low in fat and carbohydrates. Vegetables like green pepper and zucchini made great snacks.

Aside from the obvious need to treat a medical condition with proper diet, many pet owners are looking for ways to prolong the life and good health of their animal companions. Home cooked pet food recipes are widely available giving pets access to some foods that they would only dream about while napping on the couch. Begging at the dinner table has become a thing of the past for many pets. Providing the proper balance of fats, proteins and carbohydrates can be tricky at first, but some types of people food can be prepared to your pets benefit.

In 2005, there was a nationwide scare over pet foods that had been contaminated with a naturally occurring grain fungus. The fungus produces the poison aflatoxin that resulted in the recall over a dozen brands of dog and cat food. Sadly, there were reports of pets that died or became seriously ill because of the contamination.

Pets were again put at risk in 2007 when two cases of pet food contamination reportedly caused the deaths of thousands of dogs and cats world wide. Two industrial chemicals, aminopterin and melamine, was found in dozens of pet food products. Two massive product recalls were ordered but not before thousands of family companions died or became seriously ill. Pet owners were forced to spend enormous amounts of money to treat their sick pets.

These tragic events have driven more and more pet owners to reconsider what their pets eat. As a result, the market for natural and organic pet foods has grown significantly. Many pet owners are not only cooking for themselves but for their pets as well. When preparing food for your pet, always consult a veterinary professional. Cats, dogs and other domestic pets have very different dietary needs and owners need to educate themselves before firing up the stove.

When choosing a store bought pet food product, take the time to read the content labeling carefully. Just like humans, our pet companions need us to provide them with a balanced diet. If you have questions about what is best for your pet, always consult a veterinary professional.

By: Mitch Endick

Article Source: http://www.articleinfo.org