Best Dog Food Choices

1. If a dog food is more expensive, does that mean it’s better?

Many dog owners these days splurge on expensive dog foods, thinking they are buying the best for their dog. But when it comes to quality, price isn’t a good guideline, says Joseph Wakshlag, DVM, PhD, assistant professor of clinical nutrition at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.

“I’ve seen ‘all-natural, holistic’ dog foods that perform really poorly in dogs, and I’ve seen some dog foods that you might not want to feed your dog, that perform better,” Wakshlag says. “I don’t think you get what you pay for.”

2. What is dog food made of?

Dog food ingredients vary, depending on the manufacturer and the brand, but most meet standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Those standards cover protein, which supplies necessary amino acids; fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.

Depending on the manufacturer, the food could contain protein from animal and/or plant sources, grains or other types of carbohydrates, fat, moisture, vitamins, and minerals. The FDA is responsible for ensuring that pet foods are safe and labeled appropriately.

3. How do I choose a high-quality dog food?

Check the label first for the AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement, which indicates the food provides complete and balanced nutrition. It should also include the life stage for which the food is appropriate. Life stages include growth (appropriate for puppies), adult maintenance, gestation/lactation, senior (appropriate for older dogs), and “all life stages.” A food labeled for all life stages can be used throughout a dog’s life, from weaning through adulthood.

When choosing a food, look for one that fits your pet’s flavor preferences, lifestyle, medical conditions, and environment, says Susan Wynn, DVM, AHG, a nutritionist for Georgia Veterinary Specialists in the Atlanta area and a clinical resident in small animal nutrition with the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine.

Use the food for six to eight weeks to see how it affects your dog, says Wakshlag, who accepts some research funding from a major pet food manufacturer. Good signs: A shiny coat and a pet that looks healthy. If the dog is producing a large volume of stools or develops diarrhea, he may have problems digesting a food. If a dog has skin, ear, joint, or other problems, try another food to see if there’s a connection, Wynn says.

“What’s great for one dog may not adequately support another,” she says. “It’s important to try a wide variety of diets to find the optimum.”

Arthritis in Dogs: Symptoms and Causes

Arthritis is a degenerative condition that affects one or more joints. Most cases occur in dogs with an inherited orthopedic disease such as osteochondrosis or hip dysplasia, or those with a joint injury. Some cases of arthritis are related to an immune-mediated joint disease or a joint infection.

Osteoarthritis (Degenerative Joint Disease)

Osteoarthritis is a common disease that affects one out of five dogs during their lifetime. The problem isn’t confined to older dogs. Hip dysplasia, ruptured cruciate ligaments, patella luxation, joint trauma, and other joint conditions can cause degenerative arthritis, even in young dogs. Large-breed dogs are affected more often than small dogs. Heavy dogs are more likely to experience symptoms because of the extra strain placed on ligaments and joints.

Dogs with degenerative arthritis experience varying degrees of lameness, stiffness, and joint pain, which is more apparent in the morning and after getting up from a nap. They often exhibit irritability and behavioral changes associated with increasing disability. Cold and damp surroundings increase pain and stiffness. Degenerative arthritis is progressive, and in time makes the dog’s life miserable.

The diagnosis is made by joint X-rays that show bone spurs at points where the ligaments and the joint capsule attach to the bone. There may be varying degrees of joint space narrowing and increased density of bone around the joint.

Treating Osteoarthritis

Degenerative joint disease is incurable, but treatment can substantially improve the dog’s life. Treatment involves physical therapy and weight control, the use of analgesics and corticosteroids to relieve pain and improve function, and the use of chondroprotective agents to repair joint cartilage and prevent further damage. Acupuncture is another therapy that has shown good results for arthritic dogs. All of these should be used at the same time.

Acupuncture and physical therapy are alternative or additional ways to make arthritic dogs comfortable.

In severe cases, surgical fusion of painful joints, such as the hock or elbow, relieves pain and restores limb movement in some dogs.

Physical Therapy

Moderate exercise is beneficial because it maintains muscle mass and preserves joint flexibility. Excessive exercise, however, is counterproductive. Arthritic dogs should not be allowed to jump up and down and should never be encouraged to stand up on their back legs. Dogs with pain and lameness should be exercised on a leash or a harness. There are veterinary physical therapists who can help design an exercise (and weight loss) program.

Swimming is an excellent exercise that improves muscle mass without overstressing the joints. Exercise can be increased as the dog improves with the use of medications.

Overweight dogs should be encouraged to lose weight. Being overweight seriously complicates the treatment of osteoarthritis.

Immune-Mediated Arthritis

This is an unusual group of diseases in which antibodies are directed against the dog’s own connective tissue, resulting in either an erosive or nonerosive arthritis. In erosive arthritis, cartilage and joint surfaces are destroyed. In nonerosive arthritis, there is inflammation but no tissue destruction.

Dog Training Promotes Useful Skills

Domesticated dogs have been called "man's best friend" for years and years. Before a dog reaches maturity, an active puppyhood must be dealt with. Puppy training is important; it forms the basis of all future learning. Initial lessons include coming when called, learning to sit, and dropping items on command. Potty training a puppy is also a challenge that needs to be dealt with patiently and consistently.

House training a puppy is something that is done by the pet owner at home. Tips may be learned by attending dog training school in regards to this matter yet repetition coupled with a reward system is usually the most successful approach. Dog obedience training is every bit as much of a learning process for the human owner as it is for the canine companion. Proper dog training is imperative for a positive relationship between owner and dog to survive the ups and downs of daily life.

Prior to bringing a new puppy home for the first time it is advised to research the different breeds. Knowing a specific breed's strengths and weaknesses ahead of time will help in the decision making process. Personal living space needs to be thought of during this time also. Smaller homes do best with small dogs; this is especially true if the dog will be living indoors most of the time. Breeds including beagles, the Maltese, and Yorkshire terriers all make for nice pets within small homes.

Beagle training, just like training any other small or large dog, demands daily participation. This is true for both indoor and outdoor dogs. Prospective puppy owners also need to be aware that not every dog has the right personality and intuitive nature to be trained as guide dogs for the blind or guard dogs. Guide dog training is reserved for puppies that stand out from the rest. These special dogs exhibit certain skills at an early age that signal to the trainer or owner that they are capable of doing the job. Guard dog training is just as particular. Dogs, like people, have distinct personalities. Their unique characteristics need to be identified for the well-being of both dog and owner.

Other articles on this site that might be of interest include: Beagle Training

Eddie has been involved in dog training of many breeds for more than 20 years. For more articles on dog and puppy training, visit us at http://trainpuppyfun.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eddie_De_Jong