At one time dog owners would readily give their pet dogs table leftovers, often straight from the table. However, these days, advice generally warns against this. This is not simply modern society gone mad but instead it is sound advice.
Too much salt Many foods made for human consumption contain far too much salt. Products such as gravy granules have so much salt that they could cause a dog serious health problems. A dog's small kidneys would be unable to cope with this amount of salt and it would be bad for the animal's heart as well. Sugar Dogs do not need sugar, especially in its refined state. The sugar that we consume is harmful to dogs in many ways. These days the incidence of Diabetes in dogs in increasing. This is mainly due to the sugar in their diet. What may seem like a treat to you could, in real terms, be poison to a dog. Fats Similarly, rich fatty food is not good for a dog. It can increase a dog's weight and block its arteries in the much same way that a human's arteries become blocked. Such blockages can lead to heart failure. At the very least these fats will lead to weight gain which is not good for a dog. If the dog becomes obese its life span will be shortened and it may suffer from poor mobility and muscle and joint health. Excess protein Too much protein can make a dog hyperactive and restless. Onions Onions can be very dangerous to a dog. Having said that this may not apply to all dogs. However, is it worth taking the risk? Bones When you feed your dog table scraps, the dog could easily ingest a bone. Small bones such as those in poultry, like chickens and turkeys, are harmful to dogs. Digestive problems Many of the food manufactured for human consumption is just too rich for a dog. It will provide poor nutrition and may cause digestive problems. Problems could be diarrhoea, constipation, vomiting and more. Behavioural problems Feeding your dog scraps and titbits from the table can cause bad behaviour. Your dog may become fussy and only eat certain foods. The dog may also pester you and your family as you eat. Feeding your dog table scraps may also cause it to scavenge any old, discarded food that it comes across. Milk Do not give your dog milk to drink. This can cause tummy problems. Dogs like clean, fresh water. Overall Be kind to your dog. In the long run tasty titbits from the table may cause problems and giving them to your dog is not an act of kindness. Make sure that you NEVER give your dog chocolate, raisins, grapes or white bread as all could cause severe health problems. There are some foods that would not be harmful, but it is best not to start bad habits in the first place. Feed your dog its own sensible diet in order to ensure it keeps in tiptop condition. After all, you would not eat left over tinned dog food, would you?
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When you take that cute little puppy into your home, it is easy to forget that sooner or later this animal will get old.
Ageing is a fact of life, for all living creatures. How quickly a dog will age though, does depend on certain factors. Like people, there will be genetic predispositions toward certain health problems. Different breeds of dog have different life expectancies also. On the whole, though there are some obvious signs that your dog is getting old. Older dogs often have poor hearing That once alert dog, who heard the slightest rattle of the garden gate, may hear little these days. In fact, a burglar may be able to enter, raid and leave your home without your dog hearing a sound. Weight gain can also be associated with age in dogs Some of this will depend upon how well you have cared for your dog. Giving the animal too many treats to show your love is not really an act of kindness. Make sure that your dog has a healthy diet and reduce the amount of food accordingly as the animal becomes less active. An older dog generally has less nutritional needs. Creaking joints affect a dog in much the same way as a person The animal's mobility may decrease and it may be in pain. If a dog shows signs of pain be assured that the animal is suffering. Dogs tend to hide their pain well. No dog should ever be allowed to suffer so consult your veterinarian in order to receive advice and treatment regarding pain management. Poor eyesight affects dogs in much the same way as people An older dog may develop cataracts. Many eye problems are treatable but can be expensive. Some breeds of dogs are more susceptible to have eyesight problems than others. Dental problems can cause older dogs problems Tooth pain and infections may mean that the animal finds it difficult to eat properly. If your dog has bad breath this could be a sign of dental problems. A good dental routine, started when the animal is young, will help. Tooth scaling is possible at the veterinary surgery but will be costly. You also have to remember that the dog will need to be anaesthetised which may be problematic for an older dog. Heart problems and even heart failure can occur in dogs If the animal has led a healthy life style with a sensible diet and plenty of exercise heart heath issues may be minimised. Your dog's hair or fur will probably turn a little grey and the texture will change. You may notice that the dog's coat is less sleek and shiny and is more wiry and sparse. As we see our pets everyday it is often a person who visits rarely who will notice the changes in your dog. You may find that you have to walk more slowly and less distance with your pet, raise the height of the dog's feeding bowl because it has back problems or even help the animal to its feet at times. As long as the dog is not in pain and has some quality of life this part of ageing is simply nature running its course. Regular health assessments by a veterinarian will help nip health issues in the bud; the vet will also be able to offer advice on keeping your pet well and happy in older and old age. But every living thing has its time and must die hopefully later rather than sooner. Enjoy your pet throughout his or her life. Every stage of life has something to offer. If you are a dog lover you will already be well aware just how intelligent dogs are. You will also probably know that they are used to aid man and woman in many ways. You may not however have heard of Pets as Therapy. This charity uses various animals to help people in need. The animal may be used for example as a visitor to an elderly person or a sick child. The charity uses dogs more than any other animal and these are usually referred to as PAT Dogs. I was lucky enough to watch a demonstration by this charity at a local veterinarian event a couple of years ago. I have to say that I was more impressed than words can convey. Before my dog Leo became ill I considered offering him to PAT dogs. He would still have been my dog but acted as a volunteer and taken on visits to residential homes, children's wards, hospitals and more. He had the perfect nature to be a PAT dog; sweet tempered and adorable looking. He was also well behaved and loved all people and children. Perhaps your dog would make a great volunteer? The volunteer visiting scheme usually includes you visiting also. This can be fun as well as difficult at times. It is yet another pull on your time but a worthy pull. Many people who perhaps now have to reside in a residential home adore animals. Perhaps they always kept a pet dog at home. As someone who would fall into this category I can understand how much they may miss having a pet. But there is also the therapy side of a visit from a sweet animal. It has been well reported that stroking a dog is very calming and relaxing. If you are stroking some dogs it is hard not to smile as you do so. Dogs respond well as they love attention. This may mean that the dog snuggles gently into the patients' legs. All of this can be very therapeutic for all concerned. I have copied this brief PAT dogs history for their website:. PETS AS THERAPY IS A NATIONAL CHARITY FOUNDED IN 1983. IT IS UNIQUE IN THAT IT PROVIDES THERAPEUTIC VISITS TO HOSPITALS, HOSPICES, NURSING AND CARE HOMES, SPECIAL NEEDS SCHOOLS AND A VARIETY OF OTHER VENUES BY VOLUNTEERS WITH THEIR OWN FRIENDLY, TEMPERAMENT TESTED AND VACCINATED DOGS AND CATS. What wonderful statistics. As PAT dogs say this charity brings a little home life and normality to those away from their home environment. The animals can bring comfort and so much more. The charity is researching the many benefits PAT dogs can offer the disabled. This final statement from the PAT dogs website is very important: "There is an ever-growing demand for visits by our volunteers with their P.A.T. dogs and cats. We rely on your donations to help us satisfy that demand. PLEASE GIVE GENEROUSLY" I do hope that you can. This charity deserves more recognition and funding than it currently receives. |
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