PetGuard Joint and Hip Care, 30 Tabs

• PetGuard Joint and Hip is a unique formulation of nutritional factors important for joint health and support.
• Because dogs may not naturally manufacture optimal amounts of Vitamin C, many veterinarians recommend supplementation of this important nutrient to maintain and support healthy connective tissue and joint structure.
• Non Acidic Ester C Calcium Ascorbate is a natural form of Vitamin C that allows tissues to absorb and retain high levels of the vitamin.
• Glucosimine and Chondroitin, widely used for treating arthritis, helps the body reduce the destructive enzymes within the joint while providing the basis for strengthening cartilage.

Product Description
PetGuard Joint and Hip is a unique formulation of nutritional factors important for joint health and support. Because dogs may not naturally manufacture optimal amounts of Vitamin C, many veterinarians recommend supplementation of this important nutrient to maintain and support healthy connective tissue and joint structure. Non Acidic Ester C Calcium Ascorbate is a natural form of Vitamin C that allows tissues to absorb and retain high levels of the vitamin. Glucosi… More >>

PetGuard Joint and Hip Care, 30 Tabs

The Whole Dog Journal’s Guide to Optimum Dog Care: Good Eats

Product Description
Find the best foods, treats & Supplements. Wet…dry…raw…special formula… homemade. Dog food choices continue to expand. Good Eats explores and explains what distinguishes the best foods from the competition. You’ll discover the “lasting”advantages of canned foods, and you’ll learn why you should never buy commercially manufactured treats at the grocery store. Read how to improve your dog’s digestion, or how to combat an eating disorder. You’ll learn the three… More >>

The Whole Dog Journal’s Guide to Optimum Dog Care: Good Eats

Dog Vomiting Can Be Serious — How to Take Care of Your Dog Vomiting Problem

www.dogvomitingcure.net Dog vomiting can be a symptom of many different things. The reason can be straight forward, like if your dog ate something bad, but sometimes it’s something much more serious. The commercial dog food industry is poisoning our dogs with all kinds of atrocious ingredients they put in the food. Your dog is dying for the profits of these companies. Learn the dog food secrets they don’t want you to know about, and learn about healthy alternative foods so you can save your dog from a premature death. http

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How To Take Care Of Your Dog’s Health

Product Description
Have You Heard That Prevention Is Better Than Cure? This Applies Not Only To Humans, But Even To Dogs! So Don’t You Think It’s The Right Time To Take All Measures To Ensure That Your Dog Remains Healthy, Fit And Happy?

At Last! A Complete Guide That Gives You The Perfect Tips And Tricks To Keep Your Little Pet Happy… Save Trips Down To Your Local Vet… He Might Be Giving You The Same Tips, And Charge You For It Everytime!

Your dog’s health is just … More >>

How To Take Care Of Your Dog’s Health

Luxated Patella – Taking Care of Your Dog During

Even thought luxated patella is not considered a condition that needs to be treated in the emergency room, getting your dog tested for this disorder stops it from progressing.

Every dog owner should be tested their dog for this because a slipped kneecap can affect dogs of all breeds and sizes. On the other hand, if you own a small or a toy dog breed, you should have him tested for luxated patella immediately.

Reputable dog breeders should know that this condition is hereditary, so, they should know the importance of having their puppies tested at around 6 weeks old, preferable before sending them to their new homes.

Important Treatment Options For A Dog’s Slipped Kneecap

Physical tests are essential, along with the length of time that the dog is showing symptoms such as limping, skipping, and carrying his leg, will decide your dog’s diagnosis. To point out the severity of the condition, an X-ray of the thigh bone and the knee will be administered.

Keep in mind that treatment is not necessary for Grade I, although you should check your pet just in case the problem gets worse. For example, Grades II, III, and IV, surgery can be done in order to repair the malformation.

Also, surgery is done by an Orthopedic surgeon and includes fixing the dog’s bone alignment, tightening his joint capsule, and/or deepening the groove where the kneecap rides.

On estimate, the total cost for this kind of surgery is between $1,500 to $3,000. This depends on the severity of the case.

Although this may not be a dire emergency, we recommend that you consult your vet as soon as possible if your dog is suffering from a slipped kneecap. If surgery is needed, your vet will refer you to an orthopedic specialist who will perform the operation.

Never wait till the last minute. If your dog has a condition of Grade II, Grade III, or Grade IV, it is recommended that you give him the surgery now before the condition worsens. Further damage of the bone and joint may make the outcome of the surgery less successful.

How to Care For Your Dog After The Surgery

Immediately following surgery, your dog’s vet will prescribe medications for your dog’s pain as well as anti-inflammation to be taken for an average of seven days. Your pet will need plenty of rest during this time period. So, he should be involved in very little activity for at least 1½ weeks.

Your dog should be kept on the leash when outside of the home. It is important to be aware that he should be placed in a small and comfortable room to avoid jumping, running around, or other types of activities that can put pressure on his knee.

Your dog will need physical therapy will begin around 7 days after the surgery. Take your dog for a slow walk for about five minutes. If all possible, take your dog swimming – this is good exercise for him. Eventually, your dog should be able to handle longer walks on the leash 6 weeks following the surgery. He will eventually be able to have complete recovery and normal use of his knee around 15 weeks following the surgery.

Dental Care for Dogs

Did you know that dental disease is the most common disease in our canine friends? Stinky dog breath isn’t just a nuisance- it’s harmful to your dog and a sign that something is wrong. Dogs don’t get cavities the way humans do, but they do get plaque, tarter, and gingivitis, all of which cause foul breath and tooth problems. Poor dental care for your dog can lead to dental infections that travel to your pup’s heart, causing major problems- or even death. A quick, simple way to help avoid tooth problems is brushing your dog’s teeth. Many people do not know how to brush their dog’s teeth, but it’s really quite simple.

You should always have your vet check your pet’s teeth before you start a tooth-brushing program. If your dog has gum disease or damaged teeth, teeth brushing will be painful and your dog will associate this pain with tooth brushing and you could also be bitten. When you are ready to start, you’ll need to buy a few things from a pet store or vet. You’ll want a toothbrush made for dog’s teeth. You can use a regular toothbrush with soft bristles, but the brushes made for dogs are much longer, and you will be able to reach the back teeth much easier. There are also toothbrushes that fit on your finger and dental wipes that you can buy for dogs that refuse to let you use a traditional brush. You should buy a tooth paste made especially for dogs. Do not use human toothpaste. The fluoride compound in human tooth paste isn’t suited for a dog and may make your dog ill. Dog tooth paste comes in many flavors including mint, beef, or poultry. Try them out and find a flavor your dog likes. You’ll want to have treats on hand to reward your dog for good behavior.

Prior to brushing you dog’s teeth, you should get your dog used to you looking into his mouth. Each time your dog lets you look into his mouth, reward him with a treat and praise. You should place your dog on a comfortable surface while brushing his teeth. It may be tricky to brush your dog’s teeth at first, but the more it is done, the easier it will be. Put some toothpaste on your dog’s toothbrush. Hold his muzzle gently and with a finger, lift his lip on one side. Gently brush the teeth using a circular motion, all the way to the gum line. Make sure you get the back teeth, and add more toothpaste if needed. When you are finished, make sure you clean the toothbrush and store it somewhere sanitary. Praise your dog and give him treats. You’ll want to let him get a drink of water to rinse his mouth out.

Try to make your dog’s tooth brushing a daily habit. If you can’t manage to do it daily, try every other day. With a little time and patience, you will find that while your dog doesn’t look forward to having his teeth brushed, he will at least cooperate, and his clean teeth and fresh breath are worth the effort.

Care For Older Dogs

As your dog gets older, you will witness noticeable differences in him or her physically. Their teeth will begin to wear down and will change color. Their eyes may begin to change color as well and start to appear gray or blue. The tone of their muscle will decrease and they won’t be able to get around as fast or as easily as they once could. As your dog ages, they also will begin to experience various illnesses and chronic health problems.

Because dogs are often like part of the family, you will want to be able to care for them as best as you can and in a manner that the dog is still experiencing a good quality of life. You want to make sure that you are very vigilant and that you watch them closely. Study them and see if they begin to act differently, or if they seem to be in pain. It will be more important than ever to get checkup visits on a regular basis so that your vet can pinpoint any serious problems. You may want to do this as often as two times every year. These exams should include a blood workup.

If you are not sure of what warning signs to look for as your dog gets older, consider the following list.

-Your dog suddenly needs a lot more water than normal
-Your dog begins to throw up
-Your dog starts to gain or lose weight.
-Your dog suddenly has a change in their stools
-Your dog may have a harder time urinating
-Your dog’s stools suddenly become very loose or contain blood
-Your dog may begin going to the bathroom in the house
-Your dog may appear weak in the leg area or have a hard time walking, running or sitting down
-Your dog’s coat may begin to look dry, flake or lose fur
-Your dog may begin having a difficult time eating and digesting food.
-Your dog may exhibit behavior changes. They may be more cranky then usual.
-Your dog may begin coughing
-Your dog may begin to have trouble hearing
-Your dog suddenly becomes easily labored

Many dogs, as they get older, begin to suffer from diseases of the heart and kidneys. They will begin to have problems with their teeth and perhaps even their thyroid. If a dog is able to receive lots of good care, they can live for quite awhile even up to 15 years. However, this will differ based on their breed. Dogs that are neutered or spayed generally live longer. Some breeds of dogs such as Poodles, Airedale Terriers and Cocker Spaniels may live up to 20 years or more. Again, It depends on the breed, the individual dog and how well they are taken care of.