Category: Good Pawrenting

Paleo diet for dogs and cats

Healthy Dog Club

In a recent poll, 91% of pet owners consider their animals to be an important part of the clan,1 an evolutionary process that began over 12,000 years ago when the first hunter-gatherers began to domesticate dogs.2 In fact, Americans care so much for their pets, they spent approximately $60 billion on their pets last year, with close to $22 billion on food alone.3 However, although many commercial pet food brands market themselves as natural and organic, a Paleo style diet may truly be best for our pets. Scientific research comparing…

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The Truth About Dog Years

Healthy Dog Club

For many pet owners, their animals are more than companions — they are true members of the family. It’s therefore no surprise so many people are interested in trying to understand how to translate dog years to people years, improve pet health, and increase the dog lifespan. Translating dog years to people years is far from an exact science, especially given the fact that their life expectancy varies greatly depending on the size and breed. “Large breed dogs, such as Mastiffs and Newfoundlands, live typically 9 to 11 years while…

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Water From The Food vs. Water From The Bowl

Healthy Dog Club

“The requirements for performance dogs do vary because the energy requirements increase with exercise. The type and duration are the factors that dictate the energy requirement. For long-duration exercise, fat is the most important source of energy.  For sprinting exercise (similar to a greyhound race), the energy requirement is quite similar to a normal dog. You would increase the carbohydrate level and keep the fat level low. The sled dogs for instance, require much higher levels of fat and low carbs to provide the energy needs for endurance work. When using a raw meat…

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Grooming rules

Healthy Dog Club

With busy schedules keeping us on the go, dog grooming often gets pushed aside for other commitments. However, proper pooch hair care is crucial — not just to keep your dog looking good, but also to ensure he’s in good pet health. “Dogs, like humans, feel better when they are clean and healthy,” says Alicia Seguin, a groomer at 2 PAWS UP in Cranston, R.I. Whether you’re grooming your dog on your own or taking him to a professional, remember the importance of proper brushing and combing. Dog grooming spreads…

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Is your dog really too fat?

Healthy Dog Club

By Robert Mueller  Your dog‘s weight could cause health problems. Veterinarian Dr. Denise Elliott DVM, PhD of Banfield Pet Hospital in Portland, Oregon recently published a report noting that diabetes is on the rise in our pets. This disease can include symptoms of excessive urination, increased thirst, lethargy and sudden blindness. Did you know that diabetes is closely tied to obesity and often requires lifelong veterinary treatment? Obesity in dogs has many other negative implications: Obesity can lead to further complications like cardiovascular disease, skeletal problems such as hip dysplasia,…

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Healthy Dog Club

Healthy Paws Pet Insurance covers everything that matters including injuries, illnesses, genetic conditions, and emergency care. With unlimited lifetime benefits, protect your pet with the #1 customer-rated pet insurance plan! Get a free quote and let Healthy Paws pay your vet bills while you care for your pet.   When it comes to our pets, my hubby and I will spend whatever it takes to give them the best medical care possible. Like so many other people today, we consider them to be members of the family. Our dog, Misha,…

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Is Convenience Killing Your Pet?

Healthy Dog Club

“I must warn you about the use of bone meal in pet foods. Primarily because of the way it is manufactured. It is generated by a disgusting collection of dead animals, many which have been euthanized with Pentobarbital. This deadly chemical is not destroyed with high heat. These dead animals are sent to rendering plants and dried. Most uses of bone meal are to provide a Calcium source other than ground bones. The Calcium in bone meal is not readily absorbed. In addition, some bone meal contains toxic heavy metals…

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