Are Dog Strollers Luxury or Necessity?

It is never ridiculous to think about your dog's welfare and safety. Who would dare to disagree?

A lot of dog owners probably think that putting a dog inside a stroller is a useless idea, but they are definitely wrong. They dismiss the fact that dog strollers can bring a lot of benefits and advantages for both pets and the owners in terms of transporting a dog from one place to another.

If you want to protect your dog from many possible dangers in the outside world, buying a stroller is a practical option to ensure the safety of your dog while providing huge amount of comfort and convenience. You can also easily carry your senior pets or dogs with disabilities using this type of dog carrier.

Nobody wants to bring large dog with a fractured leg, right? It is a very difficult endeavor and risky at the same time for the condition of your dog. Caring for a disabled or injured dog will be a lot more manageable if you use a stroller.

Indeed, strollers for pets are not luxury items, most especially for physically challenged k9s. Older dogs will definitely feel more comfortable whenever you put them inside a stroller.

For dog owners who love taking a long walk in the park or around the block, a pet stroller is more than a necessity. If you are worried about your dog getting away or lost when you’re walking in the streets, you can prevent such unlikely incidents from happening by using a dog stroller. Dog strollers are also a healthy solution if you reside in an area where it isn't too safe to walk. Many outdoorsy dog lovers have heralded the use of a dog stroller as a fantastic way of incorporating dogs into their workouts.

Is Your Pet Overweight?

Your Pet's Weight Matters

Just like with humans, the primary cause of pet obesity is too much food and too little exercise. Obesity presents cardiovascular, musculoskeletal and digestive dangers to your pet's health while also increasing the risk for diabetes, arthritis, fatigue and heat intolerance. In all overweight dogs and cats, the body structure ages prematurely and can reduce the lifespan of your pet.

Checking Your Pet for Weight Gain

By monitoring changes in your pet's body, you can identify additional pounds early. Here are a few areas to check:

* Run your hand over your pet's hips. You should feel the bumps of two pelvic bones without applying pressure.
* Place your thumbs on your pet's back and run them along the backbone with your fingers over the ribs. You should be able to feel the bumps of the ribs without applying any pressure. If you can see the ribs or they are protruding, your pet is too thin.
* Push your thumb and index finger into the flesh at the side of the neck above the shoulder and pinch together. Your fingers should not be more than a half inch apart.
* When you look at your pet from the side, the abdomen should not be hanging down
* When looking at your pet from above, you should be able to see a waist behind the ribs

Making Changes to Reduce Obesity Risk

The first step is to consult your veterinarian. He or she will be able to provide you with a detailed feeding and exercise plan if necessary. Ask about regular follow-ups to ensure the plan is working. Here are other things to help reduce weight gain:

* Don't misinterpret an empty bowl as an empty stomach. Even if your dog or cat "cleans their plate", make sure you are controlling portions appropriately.
* Make time for extended exercise. Playtime alone or outside is not enough. Schedule a play session or a long walk to help keep your pet's muscles toned.
* Pay attention to the fat and calorie content in the food you buy. Fats are an energy source, but excess fat adds pound quickly. Similarly, look for low calorie diets that offer the same quality ingredients found in higher calorie foods.
* Don't let your pets snack on your table scraps.

To promote your own health along with the health of your pets, explore ways that you and your dog or cat can exercise together. Some canine breeds can be great company for a long walk or jog. Keep in mind, cats prefer frequent periods of intense activity rather than longer exercise sessions.

Contributed by Pet First Health Care

How To Treat Dog Arthritis

Dog arthritis, a canine illness characterized by a pain in the joint, is a common problem among senior or old dogs. It comes with age and mostly affects large dog breeds. A dog with arthritis or hip dysplasia faces difficulty in moving, jumping or playing and also shouts in pain when tapped.

There are many ways to cure a dog with arthritis, ranging from herbal remedies to pain relief medications. But whichever treatment option you choose for your beloved canine, just make that you to seek the advice of your veterinarian first to know which treatment is most applicable for your dog’s condition.

A dog with arthritis often experiences severe pain. To address this, vets prescrible anti-inflammatory medicines such as aspirin and carprofen, both of which are helpful in minimizing pain and inflammation caused by arthritis. These drugs can significantly lessen the inflammation at the nerve endings, giving relief to your dog comfortable for some time. Other drugs such as steroids prednisone dexamethasone and anti-inflammatory medicines are also given to alleviate pain and reduce swelling of joints.

You can also feed your dog foods rich in omega 3 & 6 fatty acids. Fish oil, for example, is a natural anti-inflammatory agent, which is essential to reducing pain where inflammation is present.

For best results, any medical treatments need to be matched with proper dog diet. A dog with arthritis needs nutritious and well-balanced food in order to maintain the proper weight for his age and boost his immune system. Your dog must also get exercise on a regular basis to improve his strength and metabolism. Even if your dog is old, he still needs to move around and exercise. Walking the dog around your backyard or neighborhood 2-3 times daily will help him feel better in the long run.

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