Whether you are raising a puppy or caring for a dog into it’s last days of life, gaining an awareness and overall knowledge of the dog health issues will benefit you, and your best friend, in a variety of ways. Of utmost importance is learning how to best keep your dog healthy, as health problems can be progressively painful and equally expensive sometimes leaving the dog owner with the difficult choice of putting their dog down / to sleep / basically having to have their dog killed for not being able to afford whatever health care measures are needed to keep your dog out of pain.

Providing proper, well-rounded diet and exercise to your dog is the imperative first step to maintaining their long-term vitality. Just because the dog food you see in the grocery store says that it’s complete, or that it offers full nutrition, as there are no stringent regulations to this sort of advertising/labeling we advise you to guide your dog food choices with the assistance of a veterinarian so as to ensure that their nutritional needs are being fully met. Sometimes it is necessary to imbibe guidance from your veterinarian based on a specific dog health assessment as vitamin, mineral or enzymic supplementation may be needed to help prevent or treat certain dog’s health conditions. Insofar as exercise is concerned, having the correct balance of exercise needed for your dog’s breed, genetic disposition or health conditions (i.e. arthritis, anxiety) is also something from which you will likely benefit from professional veterinarian advice.

The best types of exercise that you can give your dog may include interaction with other dogs (social running and playing) as this can ease their anxiety in some cases. Some dog owners take their dogs running when they go running, and while this is convenient especially in the case of a cooperative dog this kind of exercise can be sub-par to play-central types. Furthermore, running your dog along side your running routine can in some cases over-exert your dog.

If your dog is feeling pain or not healthy, it can be difficult to know – especially since they can tend to try to hide any ailments due to their animalistic nature not wanting to reveal weakness to possible predators. This can make it difficult for the pet owner to know if their pet needs treatment or a change in diet, and can be dangerous even if rigorous exercise is forced upon the discreetly unhealthy dog. Overall, your best bet with keeping your dog’s health in tip-top shape is to steward him or her with the close guidance of a trusted veterinarian. Build a relationship with a local veterinarian who takes the time to answer questions, and you can help assure that your dog’s and your relationship can be as long-term and happy as possible.

Is your cat or dog showing signs of inactivity? Sometimes this is a sign of their joints not working properly. Joint pain, as is the case in humans, can be aided by the addition of glucosamine to the diet. The availability of Glucosamine and Chondrotin Sulfate can be supplemented to your pet’s diet so as to aid in the joint and overall physical health of your pet.

Glucosamine is key in the formation of pet’s cartilage as well as collagen production, the absence of which leads to health problems in your pet’s joints and skin. Joint health is essential to upkeep in order to keep your pet pain free. The cartilage between our bones acts as a shock absorber when we walk or run, and if it’s deteriorating or not properly lubricated pain can ensue due to arthritis. If your pet is in pain, they will not be able to exercise and will likely gain weight as a result, which in turn can lead to even more health problems.

There are no foods that contain Glucosamine, it’s a naturally occurring amino acid in the body. If your pet is diabetic, the provision of supplemental glucosamine must be given with care as a risk is posed. As is the case with all dietary supplementation, the guidance of a veterinarian must be sought in order to ensure that the proper type and amount of Glucosamine is being provided. Glucosamine should always be given to your pet along with a meal to ensure proper absorption as well as to reduce digestive problems including nausea or indigestion.

While many dog health issues may go unnoticed until they have manifested as painful, some health problems are very apparent in the form of a mangy, spotty fur coat. Unhealthy dog fur, in the form of hair loss or thinning as well as skin eruptions, can be a sign of larger problems that most often can be tackled with a dietary change or dog supplement.

Sometimes loss of fur can be caused by an allergy or irritation, not related to diet (i.e. if your dog fancies rolling in fluffy though fiberous insulation). Matting (think dredlocks) on the other hand can often-times be ’solved’ with proper grooming, either by the owner occasionally taking a brush to the dog’s fur or taking the pup to a professional groomer. There are mobile groomers in many areas as well who bring all grooming accoutrements (i.e. bath, clipping, etc.) right to your home. If taking these precautions to both properly groom your dog, and to make sure they aren’t getting mixed up with insulation or other allergic-response triggering environments then the cause of their lackluster coat may be rooted in a dietary insufficiency.

Dog fur problems such as dandruff and shedding may also be solved by the addition of missing nutrients to your dog’s diet. Dog coat supplements can be administered in the form of a liquid that’s added to the dog food (i.e. flax seed oil), and there are also dog supplements to help the health of their fur available in the form of treats or (the more difficult) capsules. The essential Omega fatty acids 3, 6 and 9 are most often suggested to help heal dog’s fur and skin, though there are other supplements available. Brazil nuts and Flax Seed Oil have also been recommended for the treatment of dog’s fur problems. It is imperative that any nutrient supplementation be reviewed with your dog’s veterinarian, as should your dog’s diet so that it’s best tailored for their specific health needs.

Is your dog tired? Is your dog showing signs of joint pain? Is your dog’s fur thinning, are they overweight, or is your dog’s health having any other slew of apparent health problems? Diet enhancement may be considered as a way to aid your dog’s failing health, and pet supplements are as key to rounding out their diet as is the case with human diet (as in how we take multi-vitamins, probiotics, etc.).

The term diet ‘enhancement’ is a misnomer as supplementation really should be considered as part of the core dog food diet. As a ‘human’ we know how difficult it is to meet all dietary needs as dictated by the nutrition pyramid without supplementation… the same principle applies to pet health and dog food needs as well! There are genetic predispositions, aging prevention measures and general health considerations that all can be addressed head-on with proper nutritional administration. Pet supplements play as key a role in replacing the missing nutrients – vitamins, minerals and enzymes – not found in your readily available dog kibble.

It’s best to provide your dog the diet necessary for health so as not to see these health issues come forth, though if you see your dog having skin or fur problems then fatty acids should be considered as a means to increase collagen production. If your dog is having pain getting up or veterinarian-diagnosed joint problems (i.e. arthritis or degenerative joint disease, etc.) the addition of glucosamine via dog diet supplementation may be necessary. Insofar as dog weight issues are concerned of course proper measurement of food is key. If your dog is tired this may be caused by many health problems, including joint pain (which as we just mentioned can be aided by the addition of glucosamine to the pet diet) though other causes may be at play. If you wonder ‘why is my dog tired’ there are many dog energy supplements available that will aid their general alertness and interest in life in general, however… unmet dietary needs are usually related to your dog’s lack of energy (just as we see in us humans). All dietary supplementation in dogs should be first reviewed with your veterinarian after first reviewing your pet’s health status and genetic history.

Given that the regularly available dog food available is simply dehydrated carbohydrate and protein meal sprayed with vitamins and minerals, the availability of enzymes is generally nullified. Enzymes, as well as probiotics, are essential for promoting proper digestion and absorption of vitamins and minerals in your dog. Here we will look at the importance of both enzymes and probiotics in promoting dog health and longevity.

Even if you are able to provide your dog with the best pet meal available, if ample required enzymes and probiotics aren’t also provided then the nutrients you are attempting to provide them with a superior diet cannot be absorbed thus rendering your higher-quality diet as useless as most mainstream kibble for benefiting your dog’s health. Raw dog diet’s generally do contain more enzymes than the dry or wet processed alternatives that have been stripped of necessary dietary requirements due to overprocessing. Enzymes in dog food are necessary to enable nutrient absorption, as we already mentioned, as well as maintaining energy levels, immune system strength, healthy weight and white blood cell production. Providing enough enzymes to aid your dog’s digestion also can prevent degenerative diseases as well as cancer. Reduced cholesterol and artery plaque, as well as increased ability to shed toxins from the body, are also seen with the addition of required enzymes to the dog’s diet. There are many other benefits seen with enzyme supplementation. Not having ample enzymes in your dog’s diet will require their body to draw on any stores they have in their body, putting further pressure on their health.

Probiotics on the other hand, or Microflora, are bacteria that live inside your dog’s intestines the presence of which is required for maintaining health. They kill bad bacteria and fungus and enable proper nutritional absorption as seen with the enzyme dog diet requirement. The term ‘Probiotic’ literally means ‘for life’, and is the case with all nutritional needs normally not met by regularly available diets they are popularly supplemented with the guidance of a veterinarian to ensure that your dog’s diet is properly rounded out so as to maximize their health.

The Maltese, originally coined the “Melitaie Dog” and known throughout the centuries by a slew of other names, is a small, toy thought to have originated from Asia. It’s theorized, though debated, that the term “Maltese” refers a time in history when women from Malta took a liking to this dog’s looks thus resulting in domestic popularity in this region. The first written reference of the Maltese dates back to Greece around 350 BC. Through cross-breeding it’s size has been reduced in some cases to the size of an adolescent rabbit or squirrel, and it’s ‘cute’ look makes the Maltese a sought-after breed to this day.

The Maltese is a small (3 to 7 pounds), long-haired dog with very dark eyes and short, floppy ears. Their hair is groomed at full length though for ease of care is often cut short into what is referred to as a ‘puppy-cut’. Without enough sunlight exposure their normally black nose can fade to lighter shades, even to pink, a ‘condition’ that has been coined “winter nose”. Any digression from pure white in the Maltese coat is regarded as an undesirable trait.

In addition to their adorable, stuffed-animalesque cutesy looks the Maltese has an equally desirable temperament. Bred to be all cuddles they are attention lovers who maintain an interested, active personality even into old age. Unfortunately the Maltese are reputed barkers, maybe due to their need for incessant attention. For this reason it is important to make sure that when purchasing a Maltese they will be in a home with ample attention and the companionship they desire as well as are considered for training to stave off yapping spells. Noted so much for their barking they are unfortunately often given away from their owners. They do not hardly shed, so regular grooming is essential to ensure their coats do not mat or become dred-like.

As is common with similar breeds to the Maltese, their tears often stain the pure-white fur surrounding their eyes and if not tended to can leave the dog with brown-red fur covering down to their snout. Distilled water may reduce the red staining, as does the avoidance of dog foods that contain dyes. There are numerous reasons why the red-tear staining occurs in the Maltese, including problems with eye ducts such as blockages or excess tearing. Ear infections and genetic predispositions also play a role. In some cases pet diet, dog treats, mineral-level of water. In most cases the red tearing is resultant from irritation or allergies. The red that you see in the tears is actually a sign of bacteria being present in the tears.

To control the bacteria that causes the red tearing there are many dog diet supplements to be considered. Colloidal Silver is popular among show-dog owners as it works as an antibiotic and is used on the surface to remove the stains caused by bacteria on the facial fur. Omega 3 essential fatty acid added to the Maltese diet has also been touted as a solution for preventing the bacteria at the root. If your Maltese tears excessively there are drops available to slow the tear generation and therefore controls the environment in which the red-staining bacteria normally thrives. If the tearing is caused by ear infections, there are ear drops to assuage the infection thereby clearing up the tearing that’s normally caused by ear infections. There are many other options available, including dietary pet supplements and topical agents for both cleaning and clearing your red-tear-stained Maltese, though unless they are suffering from an allergy which is causing the cosmetic affliction it’s not required for their well-being that the staining is treated.

As with all nutrient intake, ingesting too much or too little will result in imbalances in the body and health issues may thereby manifest. Having the intake of essential fatty acids balanced is equally important to stave off health problems. Here we will take a look at the role, and necessity of balance, of essential fatty acids Omega 6, Omega 3, and Omega 9 play in dog and cat health. We will first examine the notion of preventative healthcare vs. supplementation to simply assuage the health effects that often-times result from an unbalanced lifestyle/diet.

Modern diets have much evolving to do, especially when caring for pets who by nature are unable to articulate complaints of ailments and who therefore may have health problems that go unnoticed for longer without treatment. All in all, pet health is approached at this time in a way similar to the way human health longevity is attempted to be preserved – in a reactionary way. In other words, only when we see a health problem manifest is care taken to help resolve the issue. Preventative human healthcare is relatively new to the mainstream, which takes the approach of trying to balance lifestyle and dietary needs before rectification of discomfort becomes necessary via medication and/or dietary supplementation. This same issue of preventative vs. reactionary health care for pets is also present in our society, though pet supplements are becoming increasingly popular in the interest of pet owners desiring a longer, carefree life for their pets which are normally considered part of the human family.

With preventative care, dietary needs must be properly met in order to help ensure imbalances that lead to health problems do not occur. Nutritional supplementation, both in humans and pets, can be dangerous as often-times it’s a lifestyle-route that’s administered in excess. Worried that your pet may develop poor skin or fur due to the main diet you feed them being sub-par and you can’t afford raw, natural core, holistic diets for your pet? Many pet owners will consider an addition to their pet’s diet with fatty acids due to this fear, the supplementation of which is generally quite inexpensive (think flax seed oil, one bottle can last 6 months or so for a pet if not longer and this costs $10 on average… if you can’t afford a high-quality diet then this supplementation is logical). The problem is proper balance with current diet, as that care is taken that over-administration is yielded against.

Giving Omega fatty acid 6 and 3 in equal proportions to your dog, for instance, can result in health problems. Omega fatty acids must be added to your pet’s diet such that Omega 6 is given in a higher amount than Omega 3 in a ratio between 5:1 and 10:1 – and you see, this already is complicated enough that the advice of a veterinarian is needed to asses your pet’s specific breed, genetic predispositions, age and current health issues (if known) so that you can best regulate the fatty acid balance necessary. On the other hand, if not enough of these essential fatty acids are given to your pet you can see a slew of deficiency-related health problems arise, including but not limited to: fur loss, delayed would healing and susceptibility to infections, skin eruptions, male sterility, liver problems, miscarriages, any one of the spectrum of arthritis-related pet conditions, kidney failure, heart health deprecation, physical growth and learning retardation, gland issues and weakness. In short, it’s essential that fatty acid intake is guided and balanced as with all nutritional supplementation in your pet.

In addition to exercise, proper diet and general nutritional dog supplements canine health can be rounded out in such a way that’s catered and tailored. For instance, there are some health issues that plague dogs later in life that can be helped with certain dietary dog supplements that cater to specific health needs. Here we will look at some of the most common dog health issues and the dog supplies that can be provided to help ease, or altogether avoid, these problems thus enriching your dog’s health late into life.

Arthritis in dogs is as common with old age as it is with humans, and with similar symptoms. And although the dog cannot speak, per se, to complain about this ailment, it will be evident that they are experiencing pain. Further confusing is that there are about twenty different types of arthritis that can plague your dog, each with their own symptom and having an affect on a different part of the dog’s body. Some types are general, affecting the entire body (Inflammatory Arthritis, Degenerative Joint Disease, Auto Immune Arthritis etc.) and others are joint-specific (Knee Arthritus, Hip Dysplasia, Shoulder Degeneration etc.). A supply that can supplement your dog’s diet is Glucosamine, which serves to ‘lubricate’ the joints thus easing the ailing affects of dog arthritis.

Digestion issues in dogs can be abated with the addition of yoghurt and Kefir, homeopathic dog supplements, to your dog’s diet. These supplies contain ‘good’ bacteria which aid in your dog’s digestive process. Kefir, for instance, has bacteria that will colonize in your dog’s digestive track thus reducing intestinal disorders by reducing gas and improving solid wastes (and also removal) making for an overall promotion of proactive dog health. This supply can also aid your dog’s coat and skin health, as well as assuage anxiety issues.

Skin and fur health in dogs can also be aided with the addition of fatty acids to their diet. There are nearly 70 fatty acids available, and all play an important role in the structure of cell generation and many chemical body reactions (such as hormones and overall dog energy). The dog’s liver and other tissues can produce many of the required fatty acids, though the one the dog cannot make on it’s own is Linoleic Acid (Omega 6 fatty acid). This one fatty acid that is missing from the dog’s inherit nature is called an essential fatty acid as it’s supplementation is necessary to ensure optimal dog health. Omega 6 can be supplemented by certain dog supplies found at reputable dog stores, or naturally in fish or Flax Seed oil, for instance.

Most dog food that you will find at your local grocery store will be dry, semi-moist or wet. Dry dog food is also termed ‘kibble’, and what you will find of this type without seeking out better-brands will be mostly based with corn or grain-based fillers. Dog kibble’s benefit is that it can help keep the dog’s teeth clean, though with all dog foods that are accessible (i.e. at your grocery store or local pet store) the nutritional density must be considered. Most dry dog food is simply sprayed with the vitamins and minerals listed on the label after the drying process is done to the grain-base. This delivery of vitamins is not as ideal for absorption as when the dog nutrition derived from natural sources. Please note that a dog food can be labeled as ‘all natural’ and still undergo this process. Wet food, which is most often sold in canned form, on the other hand provides more protein than the other types of dog food. Semi-wet dog diet is often served in single-packets. Regardless of moistness-level, a dog’s diet must be tailored to breed, size and age. There are ‘alternative’ dog diet’s available, including raw food that you would cook and serve just as you would serve yourself (and of comparable quality).

Aside from protein-levels and doggie-dental maintenance qualities, there is so much more to know about how dog food relates to your furry-friend’s health than is promised on the labels on said dog foods sold at mainstream grocery stores. Even if you suss out a good alternative source for your dog’s diet, are you sure that it’s providing all nutrition necessary to maintain your pet’s health and longevity? As is the case with the human diet, and our seemingly-impossible-to-satisfy Food Guide Pyramid, the dog diet is nearly as complex. Nutritional supplementation, or the addition of certain dietary needs directly rather than organically derived, is often necessary to keep up with the scheme that nutrition experts have proven relevant for extending health and vitality.

Awareness of your dog’s health, and aging, is key to determining a well-rounded diet for your pet’s health. A puppy in it’s earliest days requires collistrum to ensure that their immune systems are built strongly enough to sustain life-long health. Most dogs require certain dietary attention catered to specific health manifestations, such as coat-health, weight issues or temperament. Pedimenz is a pet supplement that we offer that can round our your dog’s diet. Taking care early-on to ensure that your dog’s dietary and emotional needs are met can mean the difference between disabling health conditions later in life and maintaining a happy-natured pet companion. The investment, both in time, veterinarian consultation, specialized core diets and nutritional supplementation is as likely to ensure the longevity of your pet’s health as is the same care-approach to our own, human health. Dog food and dog health are intrinsic to pet health and longevity.

The Greyhound dog breed, demure in nature and looks, is the type of dog from which all seminal canines descend. Known for their aptitude for speed they have been used in racing since the nineteenth century. The Greyhound is popularly adopted when retired from racing, when their ‘use’ has waned with age and the racing owner no longer has the need to upkeep and maintain the animal. This breed of dogs make for wonderful companions as they have already been trained and will likely be grateful to have a new caring, attentive owner. Unfortunately there are thousands of Greyhounds who are unable to find new homes upon ‘retirement’, and the Humane Society simply does not have the resources to maintain them all. This results in the very sad ending of the Greyhounds being sold to research labs, breeders or foreign racetracks with inhumane conditions. If you are looking for a dog companion, the retired Greyhound is a no-brainer.

By ‘retired’ Greyhound it’s not to be inferred that their companionship will be sub-par. The term is simply used to describe the fact that they are no longer in optimal racing condition, possibly making their upkeep more costly than what could be earned through coursing. As with all dogs however, when entering middle-to-older age, tending to nutritional and emotional sensitivities will be as challenging as rearing young pups – this is why pet supplements can be important. The addition of dog supplements to their diets will likely be necessary. Personality-wise, the Greyhound is a naturally sensitive animal, so if your household is not conducive to their nature then it may be best to consider a different breed (i.e. tugging children, no one at home, etc.).

Adopting a Greyhound who has been ‘retired’ from racing will likely ensure that you acquire a companion who is gentle and non-aggressive, highly intelligent and trained, warmly affectionate, peaceful, quiet and clean. In addition to these personality characteristics, the Greyhound is a beautiful, elegant dog breed. If you have the space for him or her to get ample exercise and feel comfortable, there are many caring adoption centers who care for and place Greyhounds when they are in-between their racing careers and settling into a caring home.

A factsheet on Greyhound racing and adoption can be found here.