What Age Can I Start Jogging With My Dog?

Generally, dogs are able to run for longer periods after the age of 7 months old.

Ideally you should speak with your vet and have your dog health checked.

For your dog to start jogging they'll need firm pads, this will come as they do more roadwork.

When jogging with your dog you should never let them run free if you intend to go to near busy roads, similarly it's always advisable to be extra vigilant early on with a dog new to jogging to ensure they are comfortable at the pace you intend to jog. ]]> http://www.dogweight.co.uk/what-age-can-dogs-start-jogging/feed/ 0 http://www.dogweight.co.uk/fat-pets-can-die-warns-charity/ http://www.dogweight.co.uk/fat-pets-can-die-warns-charity/#comments Thu, 20 Oct 2011 08:16:36 +0000 admin http://www.dogweight.co.uk/fat-pets-can-die-warns-charity/ 12 million UK pets are being fed too many fatty treats, including takeaways, cheese, crisps and cakes, often on a daily basis, which is fuelling the UK pet obesity epidemic. That is the finding of the biggest national pet health Report conducted by leading veterinary charity, PDSA. 
 
What is even more concerning, according to the animal health and welfare charity, is that 50% of owners say they think treats make their pet happy with just 2% confessing to feeling any guilt about feeding naughty treats. And with just one cube of cheese* given to a medium sized dog the equivalent of us eating four shortbread biscuits, half a margherita pizza, or one and a half burgers, PDSA is urging owners to give their companions’ diets a health MOT to prevent long-term, life-threatening illness for the nation’s pets.
 
In response to these worrying statistics, PDSA is launching its annual search to find the UK’s most overweight pets with the worst diets and help them slim down and get fit as part of its pet slimming competition, Pet Fit Club. People can enter at www.pdsa.org.uk/petfitclub.
 
Dogs, just over six million of them, are fed the greatest amount of junk food with 90% of dog owners admitting that cheese, toast, crisps, biscuits, takeaways, cakes and other fatty treats form part of their doggy’s diets. Cats have the second worst meal plans with 43% being given fatty treats (over five million). Rabbits have the least amount of junk foods (26%) but even so, this still equates to over 430,000 bunnies eating a diet that includes toast, biscuits, cake, cheese and crisps – a far cry from the hay, fresh greens and rabbit nuggets that they should consume.
 
The groundbreaking PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report**, the largest of its kind ever to assess and measure the health and welfare standards of dogs, cats and rabbits, was produced in conjunction with YouGov and involved 11,000 pet owners. The Report lifts the lid on all aspects of pet wellbeing, and when it comes to what our pets are eating, millions of pets are set to develop obesity related, life-threatening illnesses if their diets don’t improve.
 
29% of owners admit to feeding treats, often on a daily basis, which suggests pet waistlines are set to continue to expand. Dog obesity levels are now higher than human obesity figures. Data from the Department of Health show that a quarter of Brits are now overweight. But dog obesity is much higher and currently stands at around 35% (one-in-three), which is a rise of 14% over the past four years***.
 
Regional overview:
Overall, pets in Wales and the North West fare the worst with 67% fed on unsuitable foods. In contrast, pets in London have the least fatty treats (53%).
 
When it comes to assessing dog, cat and rabbit diets individually across the regions, dogs get the most fatty foods of all the species assessed across the UK; the worst diets are fed in Yorkshire and Humberside where 92% are given junk food on a regular basis. Londoners feed the least amount of fatty dog treats but the figure is still a staggering 88%. 
 
Yorkshire and Humberside cats are in need of the biggest diet overhaul with 48% lapping up junk food. The least fatty feline diets are in London and the East Midlands (39% & 40%).
 
Bunnies in the East Midlands (30%) hop in with the worst diets, while those in Yorkshire and Humberside are likely to be a bit healthier with 15% fed on fatty treats.
 
According to PDSA, the PAW Report provides the most compelling evidence to date that too many people are sharing junk food with their pets and putting their furry companions’ long-term health at risk.  PDSA Senior Vet, Sean Wensley says: “With so many pets being fed inappropriate diets, the effect on their health is devastating. Many owners may think that their favourite treats are harmless to pets. This is not the case. Pets need diets that are suitable for their species, age and body-size. As in humans, unsuitable diets containing lots of unhealthy food items are linked to medical conditions including diabetes, arthritis and heart disease.”
 
Dr Alex German, leading animal obesity specialist at University of Liverpool Veterinary School says:
 
“PDSA’s Report reveals some very worrying findings. The use of inappropriate treats is particularly concerning, especially the frequency with which these are being given. Although there are many contributing factors to pet obesity, inappropriate feeding habits, especially the use of unbalanced foodstuffs as treats, is a major concern in the ongoing rise of pet obesity.”
 
PDSA’s current pet slimming champions are Labrador, Lucky (5) from Cardiff and Rottweiler Maddison (8) from Liverpool. With PDSA’s help these two pets have lost around 25kg, the equivalent weight to around eight Yorkshire terriers. Both hounds were morbidly obese when they started PDSA Pet Fit Club back in December 2010.
 
Lucky’s owner, Alyson King, who also went on a joint weight-loss journey with Lucky and lost an incredible five stone in six months, says: “I’m sure if Lucky could talk he’d say how much happier he is now that he’s slimmed down and would urge other pet owners to help their pets get fitter too. Working with PDSA really helped me to stay focused and I would highly recommend anyone with an overweight pet to enter Pet Fit Club. It really could make the difference between life and death for your pet. As for me, I’ve got fitter too, so I hope our story encourages others to take part.”
 
PDSA’s pet obesity advice clinic – top tips:

    Preventing obesity is much easier than getting a pet to lose weight. A good diet when a pet is young is essential.  Young overweight dogs are one and a half times more likely to become fat adults****.
    Watch out for the treats: feeding a pet even a small treat can significantly increase their daily calorie intake. If you give your pet a treat, perhaps for training purposes, reduce the amount given in their main meal on that day.
    Weight loss requires a combination of the right diet and the right amount of exercise, so discuss an exercise programme for your pet with your vet. Build up exercise gradually, as a pet shouldn’t go from couch potato to marathon runner overnight.
    PDSA advises pet owners to speak to their vet about the right shape for their pet. A pet’s shape gives a good indication of the amount of body fat the pet is storing. Many owners aren’t aware of what a healthy shape is for their pet.
    PDSA offers owners advice and guidance on a correct body shape for their pet at www.pdsa.org.uk/obesity.
    Some owners are worried about seeking advice for their overweight pet for fear of being prosecuted. However, cases of prosecution for pet obesity are very rare and are usually a result of owners habitually ignoring advice from their vet over a period of time.
    In some pets, such as cats and rabbits, weight loss must be very gradual. If these pets lose weight too quickly, it can be fatal. ]]> http://www.dogweight.co.uk/fat-pets-can-die-warns-charity/feed/ 0 http://www.dogweight.co.uk/kidney-disease-in-dogs-doesnt-have-mean-the-end/ http://www.dogweight.co.uk/kidney-disease-in-dogs-doesnt-have-mean-the-end/#comments Fri, 10 Jun 2011 11:15:53 +0000 admin http://www.dogweight.co.uk/kidney-disease-in-dogs-doesnt-have-mean-the-end/

Kidney Disease In Dogs by K9 Magazine – The Dog Magazine For Modern Dog Lovers Listen on Posterous

Government Barking Up The Wrong Tree On Fat Pets says Catherine O’Driscoll, Canine Health Concern

New codes of practice state that people who refuse to put seriously fat pets on a diet could be prosecuted under the Animal Welfare Act, facing a fine of up to £20,000 or 12 months in jail. Proposed legislation fails to take into account the role of the pet food manufacturing industry, which sells junk food laden with unnecessary grains and sugars. Junk food causes obesity in pets.

The result of poor quality junk foods are just the same for pets as they are for humans. You end up with obese but malnourished individuals, prone to chronic illness and early death.

Dogs and cats are carnivores. If left to their own devices, their diet would consist of small to medium-sized prey. However, the pet food industry ensures that dogs and cats now eat industrial waste, laden with grains and sugars. According to the Pet Food Manufacturers Association website, “The industry’s use of by-products from the human food and agricultural industries prevents the need for, and the costs of, disposal.” Pet food saves on landfill sites – which is great for the environment, but not necessarily good for pets. (1)

In the natural world, dogs and cats eat muscle meat, bones, organs, and only a small quantity of grains and vegetables. Pet food, however, typically contains snouts, feet, spleens, skin – inferior parts of animals that cannot go into the human food chain. Not wholefoods. The natural diet for dogs would consist of about 60%+ raw muscle meat, offal and bones, and the percentage would be even higher for cats. The balance in manufactured pet food does not match this criteria.

According to the PFMA web site, “Dogs and cats have no absolute dietary requirement for carbohydrates”, but admits that cereals such as corn, rice, wheat, and barley are added to pet food. Some grains might be acceptable, although not necessary – but many pet foods are mostly grain-based. (2) The PFMA also admits that sugar is added to dog and cat food. (3) Dogs and cats have no dietary requirement for refined sugar.

“Of course animals are going to be obese if their ‘energy’ requirements are met by grains and sugars – foods that they are not designed to eat in large quantity,” says Catherine O’Driscoll of Canine Health Concern. “They are also going to be malnourished, because they’re not getting the balance of nutrients they need. Since the introduction of junk pet food dogs and cats are suffering life-long chronic illness, and dying years before their time.”

“Unfortunately,” says vet Richard Allport, “the pet food industry unduly influences the veterinary profession. Some pet food manufacturers even pay the salaries of lecturers who teach in veterinary teaching colleges. This is reprehensible. It unfairly influences vets, who in turn unwittingly mislead their clients. The result is a chronically malnourished yet obese pet population.”

Dr Michael Fox, formerly chief vet at the Humane Society, says: “Processed carbohydrates cause a periodic ‘sugar rush’ every time the dog or cat eats. This damages the liver and the pancreas, resulting in the conversion of sugar into body fat. The ‘sugar rush’ and insulin surge (until the pancreas becomes exhausted) make many dogs and cats constantly hungry, so they quickly become obese. Owners think their pets love the dry food because they always want to eat it.

“Animals who become overweight primarily as a result of the kinds of manufactured foods they are fed, rather than simply being over-fed and under-exercised, are likely to develop a host of health problems like diabetes, arthritis, skin disease, chronic inflammations, and infections like cystitis, gingivitis, and otitis, heart and liver disease, and cancer.”

If the government insists upon instigating legislation that penalises pet owners whilst ignoring the role of the multi-million pet food industry, it does a disservice to pets and their owners. It is targeting pet owners who have been misled by industry through massive advertising campaigns and veterinary misinformation.

The manufacturers of unhealthy foods for children are curtailed in their ability to propagandise their products to children. Canine Health Concern and its veterinary supporters suggest that the pet food industry needs such curtailment.

In the past few years drugs companies, TV shows and book publishers have all made moves into a rapidly emerging area of the British dog ownership market. All are keen to tap into a growing trend which has been expanding every year for the past decade. And expanding really is the best placed adjective to describe what’s happening. Britain’s dogs are getting fat, they’re dying and the cause is, quite simply, their owners.

Picture in your mind, if you can stomach the thought, an image of an abused dog.

What do you see?

A timid, cowering bundle of bones, wide eyed and frightened of its own shadow?

Understandable. It’s the stereotypical image of an abused pet. We’d probably be able to reach a similar consensus when conjuring up a mental picture of a ‘typical’ animal abuser.

It’s a fair bet that not many people, when asked to imagine an abused dog and the perpetrator behind the cruelty would visualise a fat Labrador and a little old lady, responsible for the dog’s condition.

Tragically though, the obese Labrador is probably going to suffer just as many, if not more health problems than the skinny, under fed dog and it’s just as likely that his misguided owner is sending the poor animal to an early grave.

Let’s be clear. There is no such thing as killing with kindness when it comes to the animals we chose to share our lives with, killing is killing. Abuse is abuse and animal cruelty comes in many forms regardless of its intent.

Britain is suffering from a growing number of obese pets. As our domesticated animals share the lives and lifestyles of their owners, as society gets fatter so do our pets.

As a society it’s time to give a name to the fat dog epidemic sweeping the country in order that the people responsible are completely aware of what they are doing. It’s animal cruelty. Plain and simple. Abuse by any other name is still abuse and whilst over-feeding our pets to the point of obesity may be a very modern form of animal cruelty, it is cruelty nevertheless and must be described as such.

Dogs rely 100% on their owners for the diet they eat and lifestyles they lead. Unlike children of a certain age, dogs – with the odd exception – can not open cupboards, can not be duplicitous and conniving spending their dinner money on junk food instead of the healthy option they swore they were eating at school. Dogs are unable to read labels and they surely can not be expected to self regulate their calorie intake when their very instinct is that of the scavenger, eating as if unsure where their next meal will be coming from. It is this very instinct in fact which leads many owners to constantly give into the longing eyes, the charge to the biscuit tin and the general pressure our clever pets are able to exert over us with that ‘never been fed before’ facial expression that have mastered so well. Are they hungry? No, very unlikely. They are simply doing what dogs do, using their canine skills to convince their sole providers of their desire to eat.

Fat people, by and large, get fat by eating more than they need to and simply not burning off the calories they take in with an appropriate level of exercise. Dogs are no different except, maybe in one area. Most dogs WANT to burn the calories off but often they are not given the opportunity to do so.

A fat dog is a less healthy, less happy dog. A seriously fat dog will undoubtedly die as a result of their weight. Owners need to take responsibility for the health of their pets, regardless of how they lead their own lives.

Gone are the days when we should laugh or attempt to find some twisted humour when looking at newspaper images of the ‘super’ fat pets we often see. Would we laugh if the images we were seeing were that of a seriously underweight dog, suffering from malnourishment? Doubtful, yet the obese dog is likely to die a slower, more painful death. That’s the harsh reality and that’s why we can no longer see past this issue as anything other than neglect of responsibility on behalf of pet owners.

Understanding a dog’s basic nutritional requirements does not take a great deal of research or time. Failure to comprehend what a dog needs in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle is, plainly, unforgivable living in the information age as we do.

Britain is in need of a culture change. Fat pets should not be a source of amusement. Unless someone helps them, they will die. They will suffer and die. Their neglectful owners will have killed them. That is not a form of kindness no matter how you look at it.

How to Help Your Dog Lose Weight in 5 Very Simple Steps

Speak with your vet and get an understanding of what your dog’s ideal body weight should be.

Get a solid understanding of what nutrients and daily calories your dog needs to reach and maintain his/her ideal weight.

If you are going to feed snacks in between meals, reduce their main meal(s) accordingly. Don’t feed snacks AS WELL as their normal meals.

Give your dog the chance to exercise properly. That means running, allowing their heart rate to increase. Do this gradually.

If you must feed your dog whilst you snack, do not give them tidbits of the snacks you eat. Your dog will be happy to eat a small handful of their normal food and will not then suffer by consuming the calories of the sugary or starchy food you might snack on. Remember, dogs are scavengers by nature and will do what it takes to make you feed them, they are NOT actually hungry.

Finally, if you are still not motivated enough to make the changes necessary to help your dog become fit and healthy, picture yourself in the vet’s waiting room as you sit with your beloved best friend sharing the last few moment of their life before the vet is called upon to end their suffering. How will you feel knowing that it is YOU who has denied your precious companion many months and possibly years of their life? You won’t sleep and it will haunt you forever. Making a change is easier than living with the grief and guilt of denying your dog the life they deserve.

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RELATED

Pet Obesity Task Force

The overweight finalists, comprising five ‘huge hounds’ and six ‘mega moggies’, have been put on a strict diet and exercise plan by the charity’s vets to help them slim down to a healthier weight and improve their life expectancy.

The combined total of this year’s finalists excess weight amounts to nearly 87kg which equates to the weight of 290 tins of pet food, 19 average sized cats or 6 medium sized dogs*.

PDSA Senior Veterinary Surgeon, Elaine Pendlebury, said: “Overweight pets are less mobile, less willing to play and more likely to develop a number of serious health conditions and have a reduced life expectancy. The good news is it’s never too late to achieve positive change with the help of your veterinary practice.”

Pet obesity revealed:
Over the last four years, PDSA has assessed the weight and general health of nearly 25,000 dogs across the UK. Over that time, the percentage of overweight dogs seen has risen from around one-in five (21%) to more than one-in-three (35%). Cats don’t fare much better either with current PDSA statistics showing that around one-in-four are overweight. Obesity in pets not only means a reduced quality of life but a lower life expectancy due to obesity-related health issues such as diabetes, heart disease and arthritis.

Pets carrying 20% or more of their ideal body weight are classed as obese, while pets carrying over 50% are deemed morbidly obese.

The heavyweight finalists:
Diabetic Ginger tom cat, Percy (10) from London is currently 9.85kg which makes him 97% overweight when he should be nearer 5kg. Owner, Rebecca Hougham (29), re-homed the already-overweight Percy around 18 months ago and has been battling to help her beloved cat slim down ever since. She says: “We really want him to lose weight so that he lives a long and healthy life but we need PDSA’s help as we have been trying and nothing seems to be working.”

Black and white cat, Badger (8), from Edinburgh is 74% overweight with the scales currently showing 8.7kg when they should be nearer 5kg. Owner David Louden (45) and his family, who have had Badger since he was a kitten, really noticed just how large he had become when he stood alongside the family’s other two ‘normal sized’ cats and the difference in size was clear to see. Badger’s favourite foods include Chinese take-away and fish and chips but he’s never turned his nose up at anything.

Black and white cat, Pie (10) from Nantwich, Cheshire is so big that he once got stuck under a fence. He is carrying 87% extra weight than he should be with the scales currently showing 8.4kg when they should be nearer 4.5kg. Pie, (named after a mince pie) has a slim sister called Pudding, (full name Christmas Pudding), and was nominated for the fat fighting competition by his owner Brenda Sandland (55).

Rottweiler, Maddison (8) from Thurstaston, Wirral, is around 24% overweight. She was adopted from a rescue centre earlier this year by new owner, Bobbie Rhys-Chadwick (38). At her heaviest she tipped the scales at 58kg but currently weighs 52.2kg but should be nearer 42kg. Bobbie says: “She’s a really friendly dog who loves meeting new people, but it’s so sad to watch her waddle around the garden. We don’t know much about Maddison’s past, but her weight might be the reason she was abandoned. Bobbie adopted Maddison in July after seeing a video of her struggling to walk on a local animal rescue centre’s website.

Black and white cat, Tigger (10+) from Middleton in Manchester, is around 80% overweight with the scales currently showing just over 8kg when they should be around 4.5kg. Owner, Debbie Bagshaw (47) re-homed the former stray-cat eight-years-ago after finding her underweight with a terrible flea and tick infestation.
Debbie says: “When we first took her in she was skin and bone, so we gave her extra portions to feed her up and we just never stopped. Before we put her on a diet she was getting six packets of food a day as well as cat biscuits which we know now was far too much.”

Cocker Spaniel, Ellie (9) from Edinburgh is carrying 69% extra weight with the scales currently showing 23.6kg when they should be nearer 14kg. Owner Angie Stevens (46) first brought Ellie home as a tiny puppy, but years of too many titbits have finally taken their toll. “We’re guilty of overfeeding her,” admits Angie. “We’ve always followed the feeding guidelines on her food, but we’ve never accounted for all of the extra treats and titbits she was getting as well. She will literally eat anything – chicken, cakes and biscuits are her favourites – and she would always end up finishing our meals. We simply couldn’t resist her sad eyes.”

Labrador, Lucky (4) from Pontypridd, South Wales is 46% overweight with the scales currently showing 51.2kg when they should be nearer 35kg. Owner, Alyson King (49) is determined to help her podgy pooch slim down and live a healthier life. She says: “I have tried really hard dieting Lucky. I walk him twice a day but to my sadness his weight is not going down. He does have the odd biscuit treat and especially likes roast chicken on a Sunday. I’m also on a diet myself, so I’m hoping we’ll spur each other on. I have already lost two-and-a-half stone and feel wonderful for it. I now want Lucky to slim down too, so the challenge is on! Making him healthier and slimmer is my ultimate goal.”

Black and white cat Socks (5), from Houghton le Spring, Tyne and Wear. Socks is 48% overweight weight with the scales currently showing 8.15kg when they should be nearer 5.5kg. Owner, Jenna Greenwell (30), re-homed Socks and his brother three years ago. Jenna says Socks has always been a large cat but has been getting bigger over the last few years. “I feed the cats separately so he doesn’t eat everything himself, but nothing seems to work. We’ve never given him treats, but he’ll hunt down anything the children drop on the floor and will sit at their feet begging like a dog. He is so big now he can hardly jump onto the windowsill where he likes to sit and watch the world go by!”

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Max (2) from North End, Portsmouth is more than double the size he should be, at around 124% overweight. The scales currently show 20.2kg when they should be nearer 9kg. Owner, Michael Stapleton (41) says: “Max deserves his place in PDSA Pet Fit Club because he is a lovely, playful dog. His weight has gradually crept on over the last few years, probably caused by all the leftovers and treats he is given. We knew he was carrying a few extra pounds, but were shocked when PDSA told us just how overweight he is.

Rottweiler, Holly (7) from Monk Bretton, Barnsley tips the scales at 52.5kg making her 50% overweight. She should be nearer 35kg. Owner, Pamela Rymer, says: “We’ve had Holly since she was a tiny puppy and absolutely adore her. We are guilty of spoiling her and didn’t realise how overweight she was until the vet told us. She loves her food and used to eat the leftovers from our dinner – she never turns her nose up at anything. But we’ve stopped that now and won’t be giving in to her begging eyes.”

White cat, Lady (6) from Maidstone, Kent, is 65% overweight with the scales currently showing 8.3kg when they should be nearer 5kg. Owner Louise Lane says: “Lady had skin cancer earlier this year and had to have the tips of her ears removed, so I think we’ve compensated for that by spoiling her. On top of her normal cat food she used to get bowls of milk or cream every day and scraps of meat that we didn’t finish – including ‘cat bags’ that I’d bring home from restaurants for her. She also has a very sweet tooth and loves chocolate and ice cream.”

PDSA Pet Fit Club is backed by one of the country’s leading animal obesity specialists, Dr Alex German, from the University of Liverpool Veterinary School. He said: “PDSA is doing great work in highlighting this important animal welfare issue via its slimming competition. It’s vital that owners recognise their pet’s weight problem, seek veterinary advice and do something about it.

“PDSA is putting the spotlight on the pet obesity epidemic and offering practical help to improve the quality of life of the participating pets. Previous years’ finalists have achieved fantastic results and similar success this year will once again provide real-life demonstrations to pet-owners of what can be achieved with commitment and veterinary assistance.”

Elaine adds: “Ultimately, owners control their pet’s diet and exercise. We know from our work with pet-owners that many view an overweight pet as cute and cuddly. What they don’t see is the threat that obesity poses to their beloved animals’ health and lifespan.”

The diets for all of the finalists are being supplied by Hills pet food. The overall winner of the competition will receive a pet-friendly holiday with Cottages4you worth £300.

PDSA’s pet obesity advice clinic – top tips:

• Prevention is better than cure: Preventing obesity is much easier than getting a pet to lose weight. A good diet when a pet is young is essential – fat puppies and kittens are more likely to become fat adults pets due to the number of fat cells they produce during growth.
• Watch out for the treats: feeding a pet even a small treat can significantly increase their daily calorie intake. If you give your pet a treat, perhaps for training purposes, reduce the amount given in their main meal on that day.
• Balanced diet and regular exercise: Weight loss requires a combination of the right diet and the right amount of exercise, so discuss an exercise programme for your pet with your vet. Build up exercise gradually, as a pet shouldn’t go from couch potato to marathon runner overnight.
• Seek veterinary advice: PDSA advises pet owners to speak to their vet about the right shape for their pet. A pet’s shape gives a good indication of the amount of body fat the pet is storing. According to vets, many owners don’t know what a healthy shape is for their pet. Some owners are worried about seeking advice for their overweight pet for fear of being prosecuted. However, cases of prosecution for pet obesity are very rare and are usually a result of owners habitually ignoring advice from their vet over a period of time.
• Learn about a pet’s healthy shape : PDSA offers owners advice and guidance on a correct body shape for their pet at www.pdsa.org.uk/obesity.
• Follow veterinary advice and guidance: In some pets, such as cats and rabbits, weight loss must be very gradual and supervised by a vet. If these pets lose weight too quickly, it can be fatal. ]]> http://www.dogweight.co.uk/charity-reveals-top-dog-weight-loss-tips/feed/ 0 http://www.dogweight.co.uk/quick-tips-on-dog-food-safety/ http://www.dogweight.co.uk/quick-tips-on-dog-food-safety/#comments Mon, 29 Nov 2010 16:27:47 +0000 admin http://www.dogweight.co.uk/quick-tips-on-dog-food-safety/ Check the colour and odour of your dog's meat. Whatever type (fresh or defrosted frozen), it should be moderately bright in colour. It should not appear darkened, black or crusty. Nor should the meat appear weakly coloured, or look as though food colouring had been added, making it artificially red. Place the meat on a dish and check the "blood" collected at the bottom. The meat should be richly dark in colour with an invitingly fresh scent, not rancid of odour. If the meat you feed does not meet these standards, find another brand.

Simply because a canned food is expensive does not necessarily mean it is good. Meat should be palatable and nutritious. Some readily available products have little nutritional value. Foods that look palatable to you, and that your dog relishes, are not always the best to feed. Some of these canned products list, for example, carrots, peas and corn, which unprocessed are completely not digestible.

Cooked or raw, these vegetables exit your dog's system in the same recognizable form by which they entered. Also try to avoid those cans that have a high amount of cereal content, artificial food colouring and water. Some canned foods are approximately 70% water! This narrows your choice on your grocer's shelf. Generally select the commercially prepared foods packaged by reputable companies which are available nationwide.

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More: Dog food reviews ]]> http://www.dogweight.co.uk/quick-tips-on-dog-food-safety/feed/ 0 http://www.dogweight.co.uk/cushings-disease-in-dogs/ http://www.dogweight.co.uk/cushings-disease-in-dogs/#comments Tue, 23 Nov 2010 10:09:55 +0000 admin http://www.dogweight.co.uk/cushings-disease-in-dogs/ Canine Cushing's syndrome is a chronic illness that, if left untreated it can rapidly and severely affect your dog's quality of life and can lead to a range of more severe health problems and in certain cases can cause fatal complications. Understanding the causes and symptoms of Cushings Disease in dogs could save your pet's life.

Cushing's syndrome is an incurable but entirely treatable condition that is caused by a malfunctioning pituitary gland. The pituitary gland governs growth and governs adrenaline production. The pituitary gland produces a hormone called cortisol, which stimulates growth and also stimulates the adrenal glands in to production.

A healthy pituitary gland will create growth hormones during the normal canine growth period and will cease production once the dog is fully grown. An over active or otherwise malfunctioning pituitary gland can cause excessive growth.

Click here – save your dog's life

Cushing's disease can also cause excessive adrenaline production as it sends incorrect messages to the adrenal glands. The over production of adrenaline is what causes Cushing's Syndrome in dogs (and people).

In most cases Cushing's disease affects older dogs but if the disease is diagnosed in its earliest stages and the correct treatment is provided, it is possible that the dog's life expectancy can be normal.

The symptoms of Cushing's syndrome are often mistaken for the regular signs of old age but some symptoms are more pronounced, including:progressive hair loss starting from  areas like elbows, thinning of skin which becomes susceptible to damage and slow to heal, increased intake of water resulting in increased urination and increased appetite.

Some breeds are more prone to the disease than others and MyPetLibrary.com has teamed up with the pet health care experts at Dechra Veterinary Products to offer a completely FREE report on Canine Cushing's Syndrome which includes advice on:

• breeds most at risk of Canine Cushing's disease
• spotting the symptoms of Canine Cushing's disease
• what to do if you think your dog has Cushing's syndrome

You can download this report – completely FREE of charge.

Canine Cushing's Syndrome ]]> http://www.dogweight.co.uk/cushings-disease-in-dogs/feed/ 0 http://www.dogweight.co.uk/symptoms-of-diabetes-in-dogs/ http://www.dogweight.co.uk/symptoms-of-diabetes-in-dogs/#comments Wed, 17 Nov 2010 16:41:08 +0000 admin http://www.dogweight.co.uk/symptoms-of-diabetes-in-dogs/ If you have a dog that suddenly develops a higher than normal thirst level or urination, it's important to keep a close eye for signs of diabetes.

Many people are unaware that diabetes in dogs is a serious and potentially fatal disease, but it can be prevented if the symptoms are recognised early.

Excessive drinking and urination are two of the first signs to be aware of.

Even the colour of the dog's urine can offer a tell tale sign as a symptom of diabetes mellitus and canine diabetes insipidus.

Sudden urination in the house should be referred to a vet for closer inspection.

Diabetes can be more common in older dogs and often this new habit of suddenly urinating in the house can lead owners to mistakenly believe the dog is simply showing signs of old age.

In actual fact, the onset of urination in the house can be a result of the dog drinking more, which in turn can be a symptom of canine diabetes itself.

Dogs suffering with diabetes can be prone to becoming dehydrated, particularly in hot weather.

Spotting The Symptoms of Diabetes in Dogs:

- Sudden weight gain
- Sudden excessive thirst
- Increase in panting and wanting to go outside to urinate

These three common diabetes pointers can be harmless, symptoms of nothing more than ageing. But if it is an early pre-curson to diabetes, spotting it early and getting it treated can very well save your dog's life. ]]> http://www.dogweight.co.uk/symptoms-of-diabetes-in-dogs/feed/ 0 http://www.dogweight.co.uk/diabetes-%e2%80%93-treatment-options-for-your-diabetic-dog/ http://www.dogweight.co.uk/diabetes-%e2%80%93-treatment-options-for-your-diabetic-dog/#comments Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:05:25 +0000 admin http://www.dogweight.co.uk/?p=78 If your dog has been diagnosed with diabetes, early treatment by your veterinarian will help prevent further complications from this disease. Your pet may be saved from the painful experience of nerve damage as well as avoiding blindness. Conventional treatments will go a long way to keeping your dog healthy.

Insulin Injections

Depending upon your dog’s needs, insulin injections will be given one to two times daily. The amount of insulin used for each dose and how often these doses are given will depend upon your veterinarian. Some dogs will be able to take tablets instead of being given shots.

Insulin doses are typically given in smaller amounts at the start of treatment so that the blood sugar levels can slowly stabilise. Under extreme circumstances this may require your dog to be treated in the hospital for a few days. If his diabetes is more stable, then your dog may receive outpatient treatment.

During this period, your dog’s blood sugar will be monitored every hour in order to determine the exact dose of insulin he will need on a regular basis. Once the correct measurement of insulin has been reached, your veterinarian will instruct you to monitor your dog by testing his urine and/or blood.

The Right Diet

With diabetes, there is nothing more important to increase your dog’s life expectancy than with a strict diet. In fact, it is so important to your dog to eat accordingly when he has this disease, that there is a chance that his diabetes can go into full remission just from the change of diet alone.

You should be feeding your diabetic dog meals that are high in fibre and low to moderate in carbohydrates, such as High Oats from Burns Pet Nutrition. Now is the time to start cooking your dog’s meals from the home with meats and other raw ingredients.

Before you decide what to feed him, it would be wise to consult with a holistic veterinarian or nutritional expert who can offer expert advice. Your goal should be to utilise food as “medication” so that hopefully one day your dog can stop taking “official” medication.

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Are you looking for the ideal natural diet for your dog?

High Oats from Burns Pet Nutrition is higher in natural fibre which is recommended for the overweight or diabetic dog.*Available in 2kg, 7.5kg and 15kg.

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