Seeing your pet wobbling in pain due to arthritis can be heartbreaking. Every year, millions of dogs develop arthritis. The condition is most common among large and old dogs, and many people think that having arthritis in dogs is something that cannot be stopped. The causes of arthritis in dogs vary. Age is definitely a factor but this does not mean that arthritis is an inevitable fact.
The truth is, there are things that you can do right to make sure that your pet will not have to go through the pain and the suffering that comes with arthritis. All you need to do is follow some basic dog joint care practices to make sure that your beloved canine companion will not be hit by this dreaded condition.
Dog joint care practices are not only recommended for old dogs. In fact, there is a greater chance that a dog will avoid having arthritis if it has been provided with arthritis preventive care when it was still a puppy. Below are some dog joint care practices that you can apply to a dog regardless of age.
Feed your puppy natural and fresh food as much as possible. Diet is a very important factor in developing arthritis. Proper nutrients are needed for healthy growth and development of your dog's joints and bones. Sadly, most commercial dog foods lack these necessary nutrients. This is why it is recommended that dogs be fed with fresh and natural foods whenever you can. This is the best way to ensure that your dog is getting the proper nutrients and avoiding the chemicals and preservatives that are usually found in commercial dog foods.
Maintain a healthy weight for your pet. Being overweight is also a factor in developing arthritis among dogs. Make sure that your dog stays lean by feeding him the right food in the correct portions and by making sure that he gets plenty of exercise.
Provide natural supplements. Food supplements containing potent herbs are very effective in keeping the joints of your dog healthy. These supplements can also greatly reduce the pain that your dog is feeling.
By following the dog joint care guidelines above you can make sure that your dog will be running and jumping until old age.
Don't let your dog suffer from arthritis and other forms of dog joint pain. Provide a safe and effective dog joint supplement and keep your pet's joints strong and healthy well into old age.
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If you have a dog with behavioural issues, the simple addition of a wire dog crate to your daily routine can have a big impact. There are some things that are just part of the personality of an individual dog, for which training will never be a definitive solution. In these cases, trainers recommend the principle of management. That is, you manipulate the conditions so that your dog simply cannot choose to engage in the bad behaviour.
For example, if a dog suffers from separation anxiety, he may become destructive when left at home alone. Other dogs just become bored and are looking for something to pass the time, which may take the form of destroying the sofa or raiding the kitchen. The effects may be not only aggravating, but potentially expensive and dangerous. With a wire dog crate, you control the situation by confining your dog, removing the source of temptation. No more do you have to wonder what you'll come home to.
You can provide appropriate entertainment for your dog in the crate. There are a number of different kinds of interactive food dispenser toys, which require the dog to work - using his mind and tongue - to get the food out. Just be sure not to go over your dog's allotted daily calories. Even a regular chew toy (make sure it's not a choking hazard) or bone can provide something to keep your dog occupied while you're away.
Many dogs come to enjoy their wire crates so much that they'll choose to go there on their own whenever they want a little privacy or a good deep sleep. Make sure that everyone in the house respects this and doesn't tease the dog, or try to pull him out of the crate. The crate should have only positive associations.
The size of the wire pet crate should be such that your dog can just stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. It's like a den, stimulating your dog's instinctive desire for an enclosed, cosy place to rest. You can drape a blanket or towel over three sides to enhance the den-like feel.
Occasionally, it may take some time to get the dog used to the crate. Do so by starting slow, allowing her to explore the wire crate at first with the door open. Use treats to make it a fun exercise. Then, gradually add short periods with the door closed. Always wait until your dog is quiet and calm before opening the door, to avoid teaching her that whining or pawing is the key to getting out.
Even well-behaved dogs benefit from pet crate training. You'll always have the peace of mind of knowing exactly what your dog is doing: relaxing in the wire crate. You won't have to worry about your dog getting into something she shouldn't, or eliminating in the house.
Wire dog crates are popular because they're versatile. Since they fold up easily, they can be stored out of the way when not in use, and can be transported easily. Many people keep a folded wire dog crate in the car which can be set up when travelling with the dog. Every dog can learn to love a pet crate, and the peace of mind it will give you is well worthwhile.
Are you looking for more information regarding dog crates? Visit http://www.petextras.com.au/wire-dog-crates/ today!
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