Health – Page 19 – Healthy Dog Club

Safety Alert: This artificial sweetener can kill your dog

November 21, 2012November 21, 2012 Healthy Dog Club

What is Xylitol? The artificial sweetener xylitol is a sugar alcohol extracted from corn, birch, raspberries and plums. Often consumed by diabetics and people on low carbohydrate diets, xylitol is gaining popularity as a sugar substitute. Xylitol is toxic to dogs. Xylitol is used to sweeten the following: Sugar-free gum, mints and other candy Nicotine gum Certain prescription drugs Dental hygiene products Baked goods Xylitol is also: Available in granulated form as a sugar replacement to sweeten beverages and other foods. Now being added to some human vitamins (including chewable…

Holiday reminder: What not to feed your dog

November 20, 2012November 20, 2012 Healthy Dog Club

I have put together a small list of foods your dog should never eat. These foods are in our kitchens during the holiday season, raw, baked or cooked. While you’re busy with Thanksgiving and Christmas preparations, remember to keep an eye on your dog and what he/she is up to. The spilled raisins on the floor or the bowl of candy sitting on the coffee table could harm them. It may be a good idea to print out a list reminder about foods dogs should never eat and put it…

New technique enables your dog to walk again!

November 19, 2012November 19, 2012 Healthy Dog Club

In a new study, a team of scientists at Cambridge University have successfully invented a new technique where dogs had olfactory ensheathing cells from the lining of their nose removed, grown in laboratory for regeneration, and then re-injected in the injury site resulting in considerable improvement. The dogs also regained the use of their back legs and coordinated movement with their front limbs. Higher functions lost in spinal injury– hand function, bladder function, temperature function are at this time are still a long way away as they are more complicated.…

Reasons why feeding raw may be better for your dog’s health

November 16, 2012November 16, 2012 Healthy Dog Club

A growing number of veterinarians agree that processed pet food is the main cause of illness and premature death in the modern dog and cat. In December 1995, the British Journal of Small Animal Practice published a paper contending that processed pet food suppresses the immune system and leads to liver, kidney, heart and other diseases. This research, initially conducted by Dr Tom Lonsdale D.V.M., was researched further by the Australian Veterinary Association and proven to be correct. If you study the physical condition of animals in the wild, you…

When puppies play, young boy dogs often let the girls win — anything to keep the game going

November 15, 2012March 20, 2014 Healthy Dog Club

Did you know that puppies start to form play partner preferences very early in development (prior to 7 weeks of age) and their preferences for play with the same individuals intensifies over time? This was found in a study published in prestigious scientific journal Animal Behavior. The study also found that puppies almost never balanced out their play style (i.e. took turns being in the top dog/bottom dog roles). Lessons learned? We shouldn’t necessarily break up play just because it looks one sided. We should let the dogs decide. If…

Why your dog gets more bored with some toys than others

November 15, 2012November 16, 2012 Healthy Dog Club

You give your dog a new toy only to find he/she neglects it after seconds of play? You may be able to avoid this from happening in the future as a recently released study is shedding light into which toys will either interest or bore your dog. The study, published in the journal Animal Cognition reveals why some dogs lose interest in a toy just after a minutes play while other toys become their favorites. John Bardshaw, co-author of the study and a researcher of University of Bristol’s Veterinary School says that because we think…

Effortless fun way to get back your dog’s sparkling white teeth!

November 15, 2012November 16, 2012 Healthy Dog Club

My dogs Misha and Nadya are at that age where their teeth are starting acquiring plaque and it is getting harder to find ways in keeping it off. I tried everything, natural gels, teeth brushing, everything. Nothing worked until recently when I by accident discovered a trick that did the job : raw bones! You may buy them at any pet store and they usually come in a pack of six at $4.95. Not only will your dogs love them, it gives them something to “work on”, play with and adds calcium…

Why devocalization of your dog is a bad idea

November 14, 2012November 16, 2012 Healthy Dog Club

Neighbors keep knocking on your door about your dog’s nonstop barking. You reach out to your vet and he suggests devocalization as an option. He explains what the procedure means and you are convinced this is the best solution for you and your dog. What you may want to know is that this procedures is not without consequences. Many dogs have breathing as well as gagging problems after the surgery. Another warning flag, the procedure has been banned in several countries around the world as well as some parts of…