Ever funny pets

Adult Dog Feeding Guide

If you are planning on adding an adult dog to your home
you need to get an idea of the adult dog feeding guidelines
that you will need to follow. Our canine friends come in
many shapes and sizes. The levels of activity can vary
greatly among pets and is an important consideration
in determining energy needs. Sufficient nutrients are
necessary to meet energy needs and to facilitate the
repair and maintenance of body tissue.
There are a number of methods you can use to feed your
dog dependent on your particular schedule and needs.
One method is to provide two meals in a day preferably
served in the morning and evening. This method employs
giving equal portions for both meals and helps to monitor
an animals caloric intake and thus maintain a desired weight.
Another method is designed to make food available
through out the day. This method benefits owners who may
be away for long periods during the course of a day. This
method runs the risk of your dog consuming excess calories
which leads to weight gain. Dry food is best used for this method as dry food is less likely to spoil when left out all day long.

Another method for feeding your dog involves
feeding your dog for a specified time period say thirty minutes
and then removing the food. Again this can be used if your
dog has a weight problem and you want to control how many
calories she is consuming. For practical purposes it is advised
that you feed your dog twice daily.

Activity level is an important consideration in determining
how much food your dog will need. If your dog is a normal
house dog he should receive a maintenance level of energy.
If you have a less active dog you should reduce by 10 percent
the maintenance level of energy. If you have an extremely
active outdoor dog you should increase the maintenance
level of energy provided by 20 to 40 percent.
Get the advise of your veterinarian for the best type of food products
and feeding schedule for your particular dog. Additionally an animal
that is ill or recovering from surgery will have differing dietary needs.
Consult your veterinarian for proper guidelines in this instance.

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Chesapeake Bay Retriever information

Overview:

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is originally from the United States, and often referred to as the "Cheese". These dogs are enthusiastic hunters of fowls on both land and water. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever was the first retriever to be documented by the American Kennel Club. Even though they are not as well known today as the Golden or Labrador Retrievers, the Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are wonderful family and field companion dogs.

Description: 

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a muscular dog with a lot of power. The head is broad. We see the muzzle is the same length as the skull. This breed has small ears that are high set and hang loosely. They have wide set eyes which are amber and yellowish colour. Their teeth meet in a scissor or level bite. Their height is between 21 and 26 inches, dependant on sex of your dog. Their weight is in the range to 65 to 80 pounds, for the male dog, with bitches, 55 to 70 pounds. The body is muscular and is in keeping with a working dog. The tail is medium in length and is rather thick at the base.

This breed has webbed toes, which helps them when swimming. Their coat is short, with a slight wave to the fur, the coat is oily, which enables the dog to dry off quicker and swim in colder waters than other breeds. Coat colours include light tan, red, brown and sedge, occasionally, we see small white spots upon the breast, toes and back of the feet and also on their tummy. They live for about 12 years. This breed does have an odour.

History: 

of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever: An English ship was wrecked on the coast of Maryland, in the winter of 1807. Everybody was successfully rescued including two dogs that were given to a family of dog lovers; these were Newfoundland dogs, and the start of this breeds of dog. The Newfoundland dogs were mated with the flat coated retrievers, curly coated retrievers and the English otter hounds.

We see in this breed, the outstanding abilities of the retriever, the enthusiasm from the Newfoundland, combined with all these breeds love of water and the webbed feet from the Newfoundland. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever has received some wonderful skills from their ancestors. Some of the talents we see are retrieving, hunting, guarding and more recently, competitive obedience, field sports and schutzhund.

Temperament: 

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever breed is highly trainable, willing and able to please. Training can be slow sometimes on learning new training commands. Here we have a dog that is great with children, and is a very friendly dog. This breed has a lifelong passion for water.

Care:

These dogs should be brushed about once during the week to remove the dead hair. It is vital for these dogs not to be groomed too much as this will harm the coat. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever should only be bathed when it is really necessary in order to protect the integrity the coat. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is an average shedding dog.

Training:

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is very clever dog an intelligent dog that is very precise and devoted to their family when socialized and trained correctly. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is not quite as fast to learn as some of the other breeds, and will require a tolerant trainer that will offer plenty of repetition. This breed should only be taught by one person until they have learned the command, otherwise they might become confused.

Health problems:

Overall, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a rather healthy breed. They are however prone to bloat, and it is therefore advised that they rather have a number of small meals rather than one large meal. These dogs should also not exercise directly after eating. Hip dysplasia is a minor concern with these dogs, and progressive retinal atrophy and entropion are eye conditions that are also seen with the Chesapeake Bay Retriever.

Labrador Retriever Information

In 1903, the English Kennel Club recognized the Labrador Retriever breed, then later in 1917 by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Today, it is listed as the number one registered dog breed with the AKC and is popular with dog lovers all around.

Labrador Retrievers are a type of gun dog that are naturally friendly, loyal, playful, and trainable. Because of this, it is no wonder that in 1991, it was voted as the most popular dog breed. Even children are drawn to Labradors.

This very active dog is highly trainable and it enjoys learning anything that would please its owner or audience. Other than retrieving, this dog enjoys, playing frisbee, running, swimming, and just about anything that entails play.

Labrador Retrievers can be very gentle too and if they want to, they can carry an egg in their mouth without breaking it.

With their natural curiosity and trainable characteristic, Labradors are often employed in police work for detection and retrieval assistance.

Dog Care

Since the Labrador Retriever is an active dog, dog owners are advised to allow play time on a daily basis. This breed needs to be able to swim, run or just be outside and play. Engage your dog in games that will stimulate him physically and mentally.

Although Labradors can withstand all types of weather, it still would prefer to be indoors where the temperature is constant and is in the company of family. So keep your Labrador safe inside the home where it could be comfortable.

Upkeep must be fairly active on a daily basis. Labrador retrievers must have daily exercise in the form of running and swimming. Retrieving, however, is at the top of the list of fun games that Labs really enjoy, especially through water such as the beach or even a large outdoor swimming pool.

Health

In general, the Labrador Retriever can live anywhere from ten to twelve years if cared for properly. Annual checkup is advised since this breed has major health problems like OCD or obsessive compulsive disorder, CHD or coronary heart disease, elbow dysplasia, obesity, and patellar luxation. Dog owners should be on the lookout of other health concerns such as diabetes, distichiasis, muscular dystrophy, tricuspid valve dysplasia, and even collapse due to over-activity.

Dog owners are advised to give the Labrador Retriever a diet best for its size and activities so that it can reach its full potential and keep it healthy and strong.

How To Feed A Puppy

It is Important to look after our dogs to the best of our ability, and feeding a puppy correctly is important to give it the very best start in life. For optimal growth and health, a balanced diet is necessary. This means the diet includes the right amounts of protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, and minerals, in the right proportions.

Puppies need to take in proportionally more calories per pound of body weight than adult dogs do, because they need more energy to grow. Commercial puppy foods take this into account. It is very calorie dense, which means that it includes more calories per bowl, compared to adult dog food.

Since puppies have little stomachs, they should be fed small meals regularly. This means three small meals a day up to twelve weeks of age, then reducing frequency to two meals a day. You can keep feeding your dog two meals a day throughout adulthood, or further reduce to one meal when he's around 12 months old and close to fully grown.

You should feed your puppy according to the guidelines on the food packet. Overfeeding puppies can make them overweight. This can predispose to orthopedic problems such as hip dysplasia, and may lead to obesity later in life. It is undoubtedly easier to prevent your dog from getting overweight in the first place than it is to get rid of the excess weight later in life.

It is a good idea to base your puppy's diet on quality commercial dog food, and then add extra things such as rice, pasta and raw bones. Remember to never feed your dog cooked bones, as these are dangerous and may splinter, damaging the gastrointestinal tract. When choosing a dog food, take a close look at the ingredient list. The top two or three ingredients on the list should be meat or meat protein. Dog foods which may be less expensive are higher in cereal, and therefore not as good for your pet.

Home cooked diets are possible, but it can be very hard to maintain nutritional balance. One of the best examples is calcium. A predominantly meat based diet can contain too little calcium, leading to poor bone density and increased risk of fractures. Conversely, adding too much calcium supplement to a diet can also lead to developmental orthopedic disease. It is very important to get the balance just right.

It is also important to choose a commercial dog food which is appropriate for the breed. For example, giant breed puppy food allows for slow steady growth. This helps to avoid orthopedic problems in your dog such as osteochondrosis dissecans which is often associated with rapid growth in large breeds of dog.

As puppies get older, their growth rate slows, and they can be switched to adult food when they're close to maturity. This is usually around twelve months for most breeds, and eighteen months for giant breeds.
It is very important to choose the right dog food for your puppy, as the effects of poor nutrition can last a lifetime. Make sure that the food is both of high quality, nutritionally balanced and appropriate for the breed.

dog food feeding tips

Maintain a regular feeding schedule, twice a day or three times a day depending on your schedule and your animal.  Due to the fact that puppies have smaller stomachs, they will need to eat at least three times a day.  By the fifth month your puppy can be fed twice a day.  Don’t let your pet eat when he/she feel like it.

Measure out the food that your pet should eat in one sitting.  Dog foods packaging will have a serving suggestion based on the weight of your dog.  But also consider the energy of your pet.  The best rule of feeding is first start with the amount of food he/she eats within a 15-minute period, which will be what he/she needs per feeding time.  Adjust the amount of food being fed based on the weight gain or loss of your pet.  Soon you will have just the right amount of food.

Each dog should have his or her own dog food dish.  Supervise that one of the dogs is not taking the other dogs’ food.  Using this method will allow you to notice if one of them has lost their appetite indicating a health problem.

Feed your pet in various places--inside, outside, in the kitchen, or anywhere that works for you.  This will come in handy when you have to travel with your dog or if he/she has to be placed in a kennel that will have its own way of feeding them.

Don’t change dog food brands and types on a regular basis.  Change of food can cause upset stomach and possibly diarrhea.  A good quality dog food will provide everything your pet will need in nutrition.

If you do have to change dog food, change it gradually.  Start making the transition by mixing a little bit of the new dog food with your dog's current dog food.  Over days increase the new food and start phasing out the old food.

Wash the dog food bowls and water dish regularly.

Don’t leave food and water outside while your pet is inside overnight.  Unwanted critters can come along to freely eat out of your dog’s food and water bowl putting your pet at risk of catching disease or illnesses.

Store the dog food in a container that you can close to protect it from getting stale.  The older the food gets the more nutrients it will lose.  Don’t purchase more than a months worth of dog food that your pet can eat.

Expecting mothers will need more protein and calcium added to their deit .  Change her food over to puppy type dog food and mix it with cottage cheese.

Raw Dog Food: Transitioning Your Dog From Dry Food

Raw Food and Your Dog

Dog lovers know that no two dogs are the same, and because of this, there isn't a single answer when it comes to weaning your dog off of dry kibble and into a natural, raw diet. You can still employ some basic techniques which can get you moving in the right direction, though.

1. Stay positive. Your pets can be extremely perceptive, and they'll know if you have any doubts about this transition to a raw food diet. If you are confident, your pets will feel more certain about this alteration of their usual diet.

2. If you have an older dog who has been eating the same food for a long time, it will take more time to establish this raw diet.

3. It's important to employ variety when introducing a meat-based, raw deit to your dog, but it's usually best to use only one kind of meat to begin your transitioning with - usually the type of meat which is already in your dog's kibble. By doing this, your dog's digestion will be made simpler.

4. Don't feed your dog prior to beginning this change. If your dog is hungry, it will be far more interested in what's in their bowl, and it will also provide some down time for their digestive system.

5. As this transition is happening, don't give your dog too many treats. This will prime your dog's appetite for its new food.

6. Give your dog lots of clean, filtered water to drink.

Raw Diets for Puppies

A puppy will usually be able to make this dietary transition in just a couple of days, as their digestive systems are able to process new foods with greater ease than older dogs might. To begin, switch out a quarter of your dog's food with Darwin's. As time goes on, increase the amount of Darwin's and decrease the amount of kibble, until all that's left is the new, raw diet.

Healthy, Young Dogs & the Raw Diet

Younger dogs will have a simpler, more rapid transition when compared to older dogs, or dogs who might be unhealthy. Transitioning within a week is generally possible, providing that your dog doesn't show symptoms of being sick, such as vomiting, constipation or loose stools. By making this transition slowly, your dog's digestive tract will have more flexibility to adjust to new foods.

1. Start out by switching out 1/8th of your dogs usual meal with raw food.

2. Once your dog has eaten three times, try switching out 1/4 of your dog's food.

3. Repeat this again after three meals, introducing a mixture which is half kibble and half raw food.

4. Finally, after three more meals, give your dog a completely raw meal. Ideally, your dog will not show any signs of distress. If your dog seems okay, you've successfully made the switch!

Old Dogs & Choosy Eaters

Dogs who have old habits might not accept the texture or scent of a raw diet. This is not uncommon, especially with smaller breeds of dogs. There are a few simple steps that you can take.

1. During the change, don't allow your dog to have treats.

2. Don't feed your dog prior to switching their food.

3. Raw meals can be lightly cooked in order to activate their flavors and smells. Be sure to only cook these slightly. A quick poach on the stove or a pass through your toaster oven should do the trick.

4. Present this meal in a way which will make your dog comfortable, such as a secluded spot in your home or kitchen.

5. By adding extra flavor to their meals, like egg yolks, cheese or garlic powder, most dogs will give in and try out their new food without much trouble!

German Shorthaired Pointer

Description :

The German Shorthaired Pointer is a medium sized hunting dog with a slender, athletic build. The dog is 23 to 25 inches at the shoulder with the bitch 2 inches less. This dog ranges in weight from 45 to 70 pounds. The German Short haired Pointer has a short coat with a rough texture. The coat of this dog is liver (dark brown) and white, liver, or liver roan. The tail is generally docked. The German Short haired Pointer has a life span of 12 to 15 years. It is used as both a hunting dog and as a companion.





History:

 It is likely that the arrival of the Spanish Pointer in Germany during the 17th century led to the development of the German Shorthaired Pointer. The details regarding the exact breeds used is not available, but it is thought that the Foxhound, Hounds of St. Hubert, and even the English Pointer were used with the foundation stock. The search was for a dog that could hunt over most terrains, but would also serve as a reliable and good-natured companion. The AKC recognized the German Short haired Pointer in 1930.

Temperament :

The German Shorthaired Pointer is renowned for its good disposition. It is intelligent and can be trained easily. This dog wants to be close to its human family and is very affectionate and loyal to them. The German Short haired Pointer is fine around children, but because of its active nature would probably be better suited for older children. It is protective of those it loves and is a very good companion dog.

Health Issues:

 The German Shorthaired Pointer is basically a healthy, sturdy dog, but can suffer from some hereditary problems. The most serious is Von Willebrand's Disease (a form of hemophilia) and bloat, which must be treated immediately by a veterinarian. Hip dysplasia can also occur as can entropion of the eye. Epilepsy can sometimes be present in this dog. The German Short haired Pointer can rarely suffer from heart problems.

Grooming:

 As the German Shorthaired Pointer has a short, smooth coat, grooming this breed is easy. An occasional brushing will suffice, but care should be taken to examine its feet for injuries when it has been outside. The pendant ears will increase susceptibility to ear infections, so they should be kept clean and dry. If the German Short haired Pointer has been hunting, it should be examined for ticks or other parasites, and dried off if it has become wet.

Living Conditions:

 While the German Shorthaired Pointer is a friendly and loving dog, it is probably happiest with an active family. This dog should not be kept in an apartment, it is simply too energetic to be content there. The owner should be aware that the German Short haired Pointer will be able to jump over a 6' fence, so even a large, fenced yard may not be secure. Involving the dog with family activities such as jogging, bicycling, or hunting is a good way to keep it happy and healthy.

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Italian Greyhound information

Description:

 The Italian Greyhound is a very small sighthound. This is a lightly built, graceful little dog that will be 12 to 15 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 7 and 14 pounds. The long, narrow head, long neck, deep chest, and long legs all mark this as a dog in the Greyhound family. The coat of this dog is short and comes in a variety of colors including cream, red, black, fawn, or grey, sometimes with white added. The Italian Greyhound will live for 12 to 15 years on average. It is also called the IG or Piccolo Levrieve Italiani.

History:

Mummies from Ancient Egypt have been found that contain a dog very similar to the Italian Greyhound. The Italian Greyhound was also known in Ancient Rome and was very popular during the Renaissance in Italy. This dog has been used in hunting, often in collaboration with falcons. When early breeders tried to make the Italian Greyhound even smaller than it is, the results were extremely bad, with many deformed dogs being born. The breed almost died out, but was rescued by dedicated breeders who restored the dog.

Temperament:

The character of the Italian Greyhound is excellent for a companion dog. This dog is very affectionate and desirous of attention and wants to be around its humans at all times. Unless it is socialized with other people and animals while it is young, however, it can be somewhat timid. The Italian Greyhound does very well with children, but because of the dog's fragile build, it is probably advisable to keep very small children away from it so that they do not inadvertently injure it. This is a hunting dog, and it will chase small game if given the chance.

Health Issues:

One of the biggest problems with the Italian Greyhound is that the puppies are quite delicate and fragile. Even jumping off furniture can sometimes break a leg. Extra care must be taken to protect the young dog from harm, but once the dog is about 18 months old it will be more sturdy. This breed can suffer from progressive retinal atrophy and epilepsy. The kneecap can slip, also. The IG is not able to tolerate cold, so should be warmly dressed when taken outside in cooler weather.

Grooming:

The Italian Greyhound does not need to have its short coat groomed intensively. An occasional brushing or wiping with a chamois cloth will keep the dog looking good. If a bath is absolutely necessary, be sure to dry and warm the dog afterwards so that it does not catch a chill. The IG does not shed very much, and could be considered hypoallergenic.

Living Condition: 

This is a purely indoor dog. The Italian Greyhound will be fine in an apartment, but will definitely appreciate a walk every day. It will want to be around its human friends as much as possible and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long. If possible, let the IG have an unrestricted gallop from time to time, a chance to really stretch out its legs and body. Just make sure that the spot chosen for this is safe, a fenced yard probably being the best.

German Shepherd Care Tips

German Shepherd dog is a very healthy breed Offen that is capable to living an average of 12 to 16 years. For those with a well-bred German Shepherd it is unlikely that they will have any major health problems. However, all German Shepherds are susceptible to certain health conditions. This includes Canine Hip Dysphasia or CHD in which the skeleton has a developmental problem and the femur doesn't sit correctly within the hip socket. Another condition is Von Willebrand's Disease, which is a blood disease that affects the ability to the dog's blood to form clots. Without proper care and regular baths a German Shepherd can also develop skin allergies.

An important part of caring for your German Shepherd's health is a balanced diet. You need to give them fresh food in order for them to have a long and happy life. Fresh meats such a turkey, chicken and beef are okay. Although you should also mix in some vegetables, rice and eggs for a balanced diet.

By feeding a good and healthy diet, brushing the teeth as often as possible, regular grooming and providing plenty of exercise and attention you can make sure you keep your German Shepherd in excellent health. In order to spot any common German Shepherd health conditions before they become serious it is a good idea to perform a weekly home health exam. This can also help you to easily detect any changes that can occur due to injury, disease or dog related emergencies because you will be aware of your dog's body.

Taking your dog to the veterinarian on a regular basis is the best way to care for your German Shepherd. All vaccinations should be current and you should have a regular physical and health exam done. It is best to choose a veterinarian that is familiar with the health problems specific to a German Shepherd and can deal with any specific hereditary disease of the breed.

Maintaining good German Shepherd health relies greatly on diet. An adult German Shepherd can eat at least forty pounds of dry food a month, although this amount can change for a dog with a higher metabolism or a dog with an increased activity level. For example, a younger dog that is more active will require more fuel in the form of food than an older dog or one that is more inactive.

Most owners choose to feed a high quality commercial food and then supplement it two to three times a week with a little bit of meat. Again the amount of food you feed depends on the dog's activity level but most will take two cups of food a day and you should take away any uneaten portions after thirty minutes.

You want a food that will be high in protein so it should focus on lamb, fish or chicken rather than wheat, rice or corn. Meat based foods will benefit your German Shepherd in the long run even though they are more expensive. It is also best to avoid feeding your dog anything that has additives if possible.