Importance of a raw food diet for your dog

Master — Wed, 25 May 2011 18:48:42 +0000

Dogs have been eating raw food for centuries. Living in a pack, they used to hunt for survival and feed on raw meats and bones. Then dogscame across humans, they were domesticated and they began to eat what humans used to eat. Fast forwarding to modern times, dog food was created to make feeding fast and easy. With dog food companies becoming a multi million dollar business and owners feeding their dogs conveniently, not much thought is therefore given about questioning if such foods are the appropriate for our canine friends.

With the recent dog food recalls, and as people are more educated about the negative effects resulting from additives, grains and preservatives, many owners have looked for alternate feeding methods. When it comes to feeding your dog healthy as nature intended, therefore, nothing issuperior than bringing dogs back to what their bodies were made for.

Many owners have noticed remarkable improvements after feeding raw particularly in their dog’s over all health, their dog’s skin condition and their over all well being. Itchy, allergic dogs have miraculously been able to finally wean off allergy shots and anti-histamines. Dogs have been able to maintain bright, plaque free teeth from gnawing on bones. Coats have become glossy and healthy within weeks. Energy levels and stamina returned dogs to an nearly puppy hood state. Even stools became less smelly and less bulkier as dogs absorb betterthe nutrients found in raw meat. Stoolsalso seem to decompose easily as they become similar to a white ash like powder due to the presence of natural calcium.

While many owners have reverted their dogs to a raw diet, some owners may still be nervous about their dogs ingesting bones. The truth is that raw bones are much more safer than cooked bones. On the contrary of what people think, raw bones do not splinter as much as cooked bones do. However, it is never bad to be overcautious and only feed specific raw bones that are less likely tocause problems.

There are several guidelines to follow when providing a raw diet. An eye must be kept on providing the correct amount of minerals. Particular attention must be paid to calcium/phosphorus ratios. Also not all meats and bones are good for dogs. For instance, too much raw liver may cause vitamin A toxicity. Good research is key to a proper andbalanced raw meat diet.

Once upon a time there was a healthy dog. Now modern times have created a weak canine specimen chewing its paws raw and itching and scratching from food allergies. Also other diseases have greatly increased such as diabetes, Cushing’s disease andAddison’ disease, just to name a few. Vets offices are more and more full of sick, weakened dogs with dull coats. Modern times seem to have cast a spell even on man’s ideal friend.

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My Dog’s Aching Back

Master — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 22:07:45 +0000

Like humans, our canine friends can suffer back pain. It is especially prevalent in small breeds like Dachshund and Lhasa apso, butLargerbreeds like German Shepherds and Great Danes can also suffer. Additionally, dogs that are overweight are moreapt to have back problems than their leaner counterparts.

Some back injuries involve nothing more than sore muscles. However, for others, disc injury or degenerative disc disease may be the problem. This can cause extreme pain, lost muscle control, nerve damage and paralysis.

Like man’s, a dog’s spine is made up of small bones called vertebrae. They run from the base of the skull to the end of the tail. Flexible discs made of cartilage provide a cushion between each vertebra. Above the discs and running through the vertebrae is the spinal cord made up of nerve fibers. A disc can weaken with age or trauma, causing a portion of the disc to be pushed out of place, putting pressure on the spinal column.

A dog that has suffered a disc injury will exhibit symptoms such as: yelping when handled, lethargy, shivering, whimpering,poor appetite, inability to urinate, clumsiness, reluctance to climb steps, walking “drunk”, unable to move, paralysis of back legs.

To tell the difference between a easy sore muscle and disc injury, check your pet’s “placing response.” While supporting him with one hand under his belly, flip one of his hind feet so that the top of his paw is touching the ground. He should[ quickly | swiftly place the foot right side up when you let go. If he doesn’t, he could have nerve problems. Even if he passes the test, if pain lasts more than a day or two, consult your vet. Nerve problems don’t always show up right away.

Your vet will perform diagnostic tests to differentiate disc disease from other illnesses that may cause similar symptoms. A neurological assessment could include applying gentle pressure to the spine to localize the pain. He may check to see if only the back legs are affected, or also the front legs and head. A test the toes of the back legs indicates reflex responses and indicators of pain. He may also x-ray your dog’s spine, or obtain a myelogram or CT scan.

Treatment will depend on the severity of the clinical findings. Dogs with milder injuries may be treated with cortisone injections, steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and rest. This helps shrink the herniated disc and swollen tissue and at the same time relieves inflammation that has occurred within the spinal cord. Pain medication may also be prescribed.

Surgical treatment may be recommendedif the signs are severe and do not respond to other management trials.

Whether medical, surgical or a combination of the two treatments is used, it may be several weeks before your dog recovers fully. Crate care may be recommendedfor at least four weeks when undergoing treatment. Rest is essential to allow the disc material to “scar over”. Early return to activity may worsen your dog’s condition. Don’t let him run around the yard or go for long walks.

Don’t be fooled by what appears to be a fast return to normal behavior. Dogs treated with cortisone injections and steroid treatment, may be relieved of their pain, but the injury is still present and caution must be observed.

Don’t allow your dog to jump up or down from objects such as the bed or the groomer’s table.

When lifting your pet, never use the front legs. Instead, use both hands, supporting him from underneath the rib cage and the back legs.

When walking your dog, use a chest harness instead of attaching a leash directly to the collar. Any jerking motion or sudden movement of the head can cause pain and reinjury.

Use a glucosamine and chrondoitin supplement to help speed recovery and strengthen damaged cartilage.

Help your pet keep his weight down. Check by lightly running your hands over his ribcage. If you can count each rib, he’s at a good weight. If all you feel is padding, it’s time to try a sensible weight-loss plan.

90% of all disc problems can be successfully treated with conservative medical management. Don’t hesitate to get your dog to the vet if you suspect a back injury.

Portuguese Water Dog Magazine » Canine Friends

Importance of a raw food diet for your dog

My Dog’s Aching Back