How Is Your Pit Bull's Diet?: Dog Nutrition Tips

Part of being a loving, responsible Pit Bull, Dog Tip, owner is providing him with the proper diet to ensure he stays healthy. Many owners believe just because they purchase the most expensive brands of dog food for their Pit Bull that he is getting all of the vitamins and nutrients he needs, but often, Dog Tip, times, that is not the case. Humans can't meet all of their nutritional requirements by eating one particular food, and neither can your Pit Bull. You are the one who is in control of this day to day aspect of your Pit Bull's life, so essentially his health is up to you.



It is important to try to make sure your Pit Bull's diet consists of all the vitamins and nutrients he needs to be healthy. A lack of vital vitamins and nutrients can cause your Pit Bull to have stomach problems, bones that break easily, and, Dog Tip, have weight problems.



You can take the best care of your Pit Bull, but if he doesn't have a proper diet, it isn't going to make any difference. Diet also plays a role in your dog's ability to fight off disease and infection, much the same as it does with humans. Your veterinarian can help made recommendations, Dog Tip, to help you provide the best diet possible for your Pit Bull.



When purchasing food for your Pit Bull, you should get a variety. Mixing up dry food and canned food will help give you a good mixture of ingredients and nutritional value that should help you to cover all the bases. Your dog will also enjoy the different textures of the food. They also enjoy bones and meant flavored treats.



Pit Bulls prefer dog foods made of meat, as they are primarily carnivores. Meat is a good source, Dog Tip, of energy and helps your Pit Bull grow, but he also needs fiber and carbohydrates to help with food absorption.



Many Pit Bulls also love to eat vegetables, hard to believe, huh? Check with your veterinarian first to make sure it is okay, then try it out. If your Pit Bull likes them, he will be getting plenty of additional vitamins and nutrients that dog food alone may not offer.



It will also help to add some variety into his diet.



Making certain your Pit Bull's diet is up to par is one of your responsibilities as a loving owner. It is important to talk to your veterinarian to see what his thoughts are and what he recommends, but whatever you decide, your Pit Bull's health depends on you making smart choices on his behalf.



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Tips that May Help Your Arthritic Dog

Arthritis refers to inflammation or swelling in a joint. The cause can be abnormal bone or joint development, instability of the surrounding ligaments and tendons, damage or injury to the joint, an infection, or injury caused by, Dog Tip, the immune system.



While anti-inflammatory medicines are popular treatments for arthritis, another approach involves protecting the cartilage in the joint and "nourishing" the joint.

Here are tips that may help your arthritic dog.

Slip-free Flooring. Hardwood and, Dog Tip, tile are slippery, Dog Tip, and can be very difficult for dogs with arthritis to navigate. Placing carpet or area rugs will help secure your dog's footing. This can help prevent him from slipping and injuring himself. Glucosamine for dogs

Swimming is a good aerobic exercise and is especially good for arthritis symptom dogs because there is no jarring impact.



As swimming is a non-weight bearing activity.

It exercises every muscle of the body without any stress. When swimming, muscles and joints are able to move through a complete range of motion without bearing any weight.

Swimming in warm water has the added benefit of relaxing muscles (specially, Dog Tip, important for arthritis symptom dogs) and increasing overall blood circulation.



Warm water relaxes muscles so the dog will not feel pain when exercising, thus improving joint lubrication. Older dogs have the added benefit of cardiovascular strengthening and weight loss, improving general fitness.

Your dog should use all four legs to doggie paddle. If he paddles with just his front paws, lift his rear legs to help him float. He'll quickly understand that he needs all four of his legs to swim.

Daily, low-impact exercise helps to improve strength and stamina, joint mobility, and stimulates joint cartilage metabolism.



While helping maintain your dog's weight, it also decreases the need for pain-relieving medications.

A Soft Bed. Soft bedding and heated beds can help support the bones and joints, making your pet more comfortable. This can be especially important in thin dogs in which bony prominences are likely to rub on hard surfaces. Some beds are made especially for dogs with arthritis, such as waterbeds, hammock beds, and beds with plenty of extra cushion. Our new Durabed may be right for your older do.

Grooming should not be neglected, especially in the older dog.



Arthritic dogs have a difficult time keeping themselves clean, especially in those hard to reach areas. Help your dog stay clean by trimming the hair around, Dog Tip, the rear end. Brushing will help remove mats and tangles, which can injure delicate older skin.



Keep eyes & ears clean, also.

Peace & Quiet. As your dog ages, he may not be as tolerant or patient as he used to be. Sore joints make it difficult for your pet to enjoy rambunctious playful children. Supervise playtime and consider keeping your dog away from very young children. Even parties and holiday time can be distressing for an arthritic dog. He may want to join in the festivities regardless of the discomfort. To reduce joint pain and inflammation, you may want to limit his time as the center of attention.



Massage. Massage can increase flexibility, circulation, calmness and a general sense of wellness. Professional, Dog Tip, animal massage therapists are available to provide your pet a more thorough treatment.

Weight Loss, Dog Tip, . Arthritis is more of a problem in obese pets. Weight loss can be beneficial by helping to reduce the workload on the bones and joints.

Exercise. Modest daily exercise can help some dogs. Special care is needed, so it is important to first see your veterinarian, who can recommend an appropriate exercise program.



Exercise can strengthen the muscles and ligaments thus reducing the potential and risk of injury.

Supplements. There are many products on the market that can be used in addition to a good diet.

Extra Time. Don't rush a dog with arthritis. It often takes them extra time to walk, climb stairs or get in and out of the car. Support and help them if needed or just give them extra time to get around.

Mary E. Joyce
http://www.pet-dog-cat-supply-store.com
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Buying Dog Food Online Tips for Finding the Best Deal

Buying dog food online is a great way to save yourself the hassle of hauling around those huge bags of food in the grocery store. However, how do you know if you are getting a good deal by purchasing your dog food online. Well that is easy to answer and here are four tips to help you to get the best possible deal in buying dog food online.



1. You will want to price the bags at your local store and compare it to the cost online. If your state charges sales tax on your pet food you will want to make sure to take that into account for the store purchase and remember to check to see if the website that your purchasing off of charges taxes or not.



2. After you have compared the prices you might notice that the online purchase of pet supplies might be slightly cheaper, but you will then need to look at the shipping cost and add that in as well. Now granted some websites will, Dog Tip, offer free shipping if the total order cost is a certain amount, Dog Tip, of money which if you are buying in bulk can lead to tremendous savings.



3. Determine how much food that you need or friends might need. If you are able to buy dog food online in a bulk order you might save, Dog Tip, a ton of money as some places will offer a discount, Dog Tip, if you order x amount of food at one time.



So if you go in with a group of people you might even qualify for a lower cost than what you can find at the store.



4. Bargain shop to the best of your ability! I know that with the internet power you will be able to research multiple selling sites. Depending on how many you look at you can find some dog food for a super low cost and not spend a fortune on food anymore.
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