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Should You Buy Wet or Dry Dog Food for Your Dog?

Most dogs will eat whatever food they are given when they are hungry, but how do you know whether wet or dry dog food is best? Choosing food for your dog is generally down to personal preference, as both wet and dry dog food products offer plenty of variety and nutrition. It may also be the case that certain dog food products are more suitable for some dogs than others.

The benefits of wet dog food

The main benefit of wet dog food is that it has a high water content (around 60 – 84%) which can help to ensure that your dog is kept well hydrated – especially if it doesn’t drink as much water as it should. Wet dog food has a stronger taste and smell than dry dog food, so it may be a better choice if you have a dog that is a picky eater or is losing its sense of taste and smell. Wet dog food can also help your dog to eat more slowly and maintain a lower weight.

The benefits of dry dog food

Dry dog food, or kibble, has quite a low water content (around 3 – 12%) and doesn’t deteriorate when left out in your pet’s bowl for long periods of time – therefore leading to less waste. Kibble has a high calorific value that enables you to feed your dog comparatively less food and, due to less packaging, is more environmentally friendly. Kibble is a more cost-effective option, too, because you can buy it in large quantities and adjust portion sizes more easily.

When you are training your dog, dry dog food can make the perfect treat to reward good behavior. Using dry dog food as treats can prevent you from overfeeding your dog, as you can use the treats as part of your dog’s daily food intake. Dry pet food is also lightweight and easy to clean up, making it a great choice for trips out and holidays.

Can you combine the two?

Both wet and dry dog food offers your dog different benefits, and therefore shouldn’t generally be served at the same time. Mixing two different types of dog food also makes it more difficult to keep track of your dog’s daily food intake. It is worth noting that some dogs may be sensitive to certain ingredients, so mixing two different types of food could lead to stomach upsets. Overall, it is best to find a food that suits your dog and stick with it.

Age can matter

Older dogs may struggle to eat dry dog food, due to dental issues and difficulty in chewing, so it is important to consider this situation when choosing food for an aging pet. When it comes to feeding puppies, it is important to buy dog food that is suitable for the age of the dog. Puppies may also benefit from having dry dog food moistened up with a little warm water at first until they get used to the hard consistency.

Consider the content

There are so many dog food products available to buy these days that it is difficult to know which ones are best for your dog. You should always read the back of the dog food packaging carefully before buying to ensure that you are getting the purest ingredients and all the nutrients your dog requires. Dog food products are essentially made up of around 70% meat and 30% vegetables, along with permitted fats and oils. Avoid any dog foods that list high levels of artificial flavors, preservatives, or sweeteners.

Conclusion

There is no such thing as a perfect dog food product that suits all dogs, as every dog has different requirements and preferences. If you decide to move your dog over to a new dog food product, remember to change it over slowly in case any adverse reactions are experienced. Whether you decide to give your dog wet or dry dog food, remember that the most important thing is that your dog remains in good health and enjoys its food.

Should You Buy Wet or Dry Dog Food for Your Dog?

5 Signs You’ll Be an Incredible Dog Owner

Are you on the fence about adopting a dog? Dogs come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities, and there are many dogs searching for the right owner.

But would you be a good dog owner? If you can’t decide whether introducing a dog into your life is right for you, here are some signs that you’re the perfect person to adopt and love a dog.

You Don’t Mind Having a Constant Companion

A dog’s brain is wired in a way that makes them perfect helpers to humans, unlike cats who prefer to do things on their own time, not yours. They are extremely loyal, but this isn’t the only reason people enjoy the company of dogs.

Dogs like to be with you every minute. In fact, they might follow you into the bathroom! If you don’t mind wet noses pushed into your lap, a wagging tail when you return to a room after only being gone for a minute, and sheer exuberance much of the time, a dog might be for you. But ost dog owners wouldn’t have it any other way. And for a dog, it’s like Christmas every time their owner arrives home.

You Enjoy a Little Sloppy Affection

They cover your face with sloppy kisses when they’re delighted to see you. Germ phobes need not apply. On the plus side, science says dog mouths are cleaner than a human’s. However, the American Kennel Association says the mouths of dogs aren’t necessarily cleaner, but they have a bacterial population that’s incompatible with a human’s and less likely to cause illness. So, be prepared for wet kisses and a cold nose pressed against your face. If you find that comforting, it’s further confirmation that dog ownership is for you!

You Could Use More Activity

Dogs love to stay physically active, and the extra steps you take and hikes you go on because of your dogs are good for you and your four-legged friend. If you’re not getting enough activity, a dog offers just the push you need. Unlike humans, dogs don’t make excuses about taking a walk or a run, they’re ready to go! If you have a thousand excuses why you don’t want to take that 6:00 a.m. walk, one look at your dog will shoot them all down. For dogs, every morning is a new adventure, and that enthusiasm is contagious. Studies show that people who own dogs are four times more likely to meet the suggested physical activity guidelines of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week. Your dog can be your motivation to move more and be more active.

You Don’t Mind Being a Leader

Dogs depend on you to be a leader and set boundaries. In turn, they’ll give you love and affection. Setting boundaries and being a strong leader makes a dog feel more secure. In turn, that makes the more well-adjusted. Although it’s tempting to give in to your dog’s every demand, dogs like knowing you’re in charge, and they can feel safe and secure. It’s one less thing for them to worry about. Establish boundaries, but use kindness and positive reinforcement to enforce them.

You’d Like to Improve Your Health

Dogs aren’t merely cute or cuddly pets that are loyal friends and protectors. They even have health benefits. Studies show dogs can lower blood pressure, reduce stress levels, and improve cardiovascular health. Some even show that people who own dogs live longer than those who don’t. There’s no doubt you feel happier after spending time with your beloved pet. So, their companionship is a boost for mental health too. No wonder dogs are often referred to as man’s best friend, because they bring us joy and better health.

The Bottom Line

Would you be an incredible dog owner? If so, do your research and adopt a loyal canine companion. You’ll be rewarded with unconditional love and companionship. Best of all, they never criticize and don’t care what you look like in the morning. Shouldn’t more humans be like that?

3 Tips for Keeping Your Dog Calm at the Groomer

Tips for Keeping Your Dog Calm at the Groomer
Having your pup groomed can be a nerve-wracking experience for both dog and owner alike. Pets may react unpredictably in a new environment with strangers and loud noises. By using the power of positive reinforcement, you can ease your dog’s anxiety and teach them to associate the groomer with a pleasant trip to visit a new friend.

Go for a Walk

Nervous dogs have a lot of pent-up energy. Before your trip to the groomer, make sure to bring Fido for a long stroll. In addition to distracting him from the upcoming visit, he will be more relaxed, as he’s channeled his physical energy into marking his territory on every mailbox in your neighborhood.

Take a Test Run

In the days leading up to your big visit, ask the groomer if you can bring your dog into the salon to get a feel for the space. By desensitizing him to the unusual sounds, smells, and staff members, he’ll be less anxious about the real deal.

Keep Treats Handy

Have a pocketful of treats on standby during your trial run and grooming visit. Give your pup a treat at the beginning of any stressful situation, such as the car ride over and meeting the groomer, to associate these experiences with something he loves (who doesn’t love a good treat?). Be sure to reward them afterwards for doing such a great job handling their fear.

Ready to Get Fido a New ‘Do

With these useful tips in mind, you and your pup will be better prepared to conquer the stressful task of visiting the groomer. As frustrating as your dog’s anxious behavior can be, never resort to punishment, as this can be even more traumatic and lead to additional avoidance tendencies. Positive reinforcement-based techniques are the key to soothing their fear and will turn any trip into an exciting adventure!

How to Keep Your Dog’s Ears Clean and Healthy

How to Keep Your Dog's Ears Clean and Healthy

Most dogs are not excited at the prospect of having their ears cleaned, but it’s a necessary part of their overall health care. Your dog may be fortunate and not need very frequent ear cleaning, but most dogs need to have dirt buildup cleaned every so often to discourage infections. If your dog’s ears seem sensitive when they are touched, there is most likely some issue causing discomfort.

Cleaning the Ear

Purchase an ear-cleaning solution recommended by your veterinarian. Other supplies needed include cotton balls or gauze pads and a towel. Don’t use any other products, such as cotton swabs which can result in trauma to the inner ear. The process can be a bit messy, so dress appropriately and do the procedure in the bathroom or kitchen where it is easy to clean up. When ready, follow these three steps:
1. Choose a time when your dog is relaxed to make the process go smoothly. Have some treats handy to distract your dog if it starts to get restless.
2. Squeeze enough of the cleaning solution into the dog’s ear canal and gently massage the base of the ear for about 30 seconds. Listen for a sound (squishy) indicating any debris or buildup has been broken.
3. Your dog will start shaking its head. Use the towel to wipe down the dog’s face, and to protect your clothing. When the head-shaking is finished, use a cotton ball or gauze pad to wipe out the ear canal, going no deeper than the length of one knuckle. Stop cleaning immediately if your dog appears to experience any pain, and call your veterinarian for advice if this happens.

Ear Infection Symptoms

An ear infection requires a trip to the veterinarian’s office to verify the problem and determine the course of treatment. The following symptoms are indicative of an ear infection:
• Redness and inflammation in the ear canal
• Scratching the ear and surrounding area
• Head shaking
• Odor coming from the ear
• Rubbing the ear on furniture
• Discharge from the ear (bloody, yellow, or brown)
• Crusty scabs on inside of the outer ear
• Hair loss in the area of the ear
• Walking in circles
• Unusual eye movements
• Loss of hearing
• Appears to be experiencing ear pain

It’s important not to try to clean an infected ear at home, as it can worsen the problem. If you recognize any of the listed symptoms occurring with your dog, call your veterinarian for an appointment. Ear infections can happen quickly. Your dog may be fine in the morning, but be uncomfortable and displaying symptoms in the afternoon. Whether the problem is due to an ear infection, ear mites, allergies, or fleas, it requires medical attention and evaluation from your veterinarian.

Certain dogs, especially those with long droopy ears (for instance cocker spaniels, setters, and basset hounds) are more prone to ear infections, as are those who are swimmers. Droopy ears are harder to get dry, and bacteria forms in the moist climate inside. The ear hair traps moisture and other debris inside. Keeping the hair around the ears trimmed helps some. If you dog loves to swim, ask your veterinarian about drying agents for your dog’s ear care following time in the water.

Taking care of your dog’s ears is an important part of a good health regimen. Always consult your veterinarian if anything appears abnormal. Protecting your dog’s ears today can help prevent deafness in the future.