Thinking about choosing a veterinarian for your new dog? Where do you start? Usually, when picking a veterinarian, we thumb through the phone book until we find one close to home. But just like a doctor, you might not be happy with his "bedside" manner. I've heard people complain that their animal's veterinarian doesn't handle their animal well or they just didn't like his manner.

Below are some helpful hints in choosing the best veterinarian for your animal.

If you have friends, family or neighbors with animals, ask them for a recommendation. If they do, ask questions about their experiences with the vet.

How does the veterinarian handle their animal?

Is he gentle?

Does he thoroughly explain to the pet owner the health of the animal after being looked over?

It's good to choose a veterinarian that is informative about the animal he is checking.

A veterinarian not only has to be good with animals, but he has to be people friendly as well. Don't forget your instincts. After meeting the vet, if you don't feel good about him, don't go back. Even if he has a good reputation, don't feel pressured to go back. What is good for one person, may not be good for you.

Look up the Veterinary Medical Board and see if he has been any complaints again him. This way, you can eliminate without having to go any further.

You can also check with the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). These are vet hospitals that have achieved high animal care standards. These vet hospitals fill out a detailed explanation of its equipment and services they offer.

Afterwards, a consultant inspects the facility to ensure it meets AAHA's standards. The following areas are checked: medical records, dentistry, anesthesia, dentistry and surgery. Knowing this, may give some dog owners peace of mind before taking their animal for and of the above reasons. There are only around 17 percent of vet hospitals around the US and Canada that are affiliated with the AAHA. You can find them by going through the Healthypet's Hospital Locator. 

Make an appointment to meet the veterinarian as well as the staff. How do they interact with customers as well as each other? While you're there, ask for a tour of the facility. It would be a good idea to not ask for the tour in advance. This way you can see how the facility is kept without being warned of a visitor.

Look for cleanliness especially in the kennel area. If you see unclean kennels or droppings on the floor, it might mean they do not have enough staff to care for the animals. Sanitation is important due to the spread of diseases among animals.

Also, ask the vet if it would be ok to sit in during a treatment of an animal. This way you can see how he handles the animal as well as the pet owner. You can also see if he has a genuine care for animals or does he just see it as a job?

Any veterinarian practicing in the United States has to of graduated from an accredited school. Just like any doctor, he must have a license that should be on display. If you don't see one displayed, ask him about it. Check to make sure it is a current license.

Ask about emergency care? Is it even offered? Accidents can happen to your pet, and they don't always happen during the 8-5 Monday thru Friday schedule.

Is there 24/7 emergency pet care? Find out if your dog does have to stay overnight, will there be a member of staff staying with him?

If possible, get a good veterinarian that is close to home. You don't want to drive an hour away if you have a restless or hurting dog in the back seat.

If you have pet insurance, find out if they accept it? If not, what about credit cards or payment plans? Vet bills, especially emergency bills, can be costly.

Do your homework if you want to get a respected veterinarian that you feel safe going to. Visit several veterinarians before making a decision, and then compare notes. Finally, go with your instinct. 

For more great information on Dogs Visit: www.doghealthrevealed.com

You’re the proud owner of a new puppy.  Unfortunately, you are also the not so proud owner of a soggy living room carpet.  It doesn’t take long to realize this can’t keep happening.  So what do you do?  It might just be time to housebreak your new pet. 

Housebreaking may sound painful but relax.  It really isn’t all that difficult.   It is your dog’s natural tendency to want to keep its living area clean so once the home is firmly established in your pets mind the problem will be resolved.  There are several ways you can assist the process to move faster.

The first thing you want to do is be sure your pet is healthy to start with.  If your pet has not been to the vet already, make an appointment.

Your dog should be checked for overall healthiness and for conditions that would make house training difficult, such as cystitis and kidney or bladder dysfunction. 

While your pet is visiting the veterinarian, ask to have them checked for worms and parasites also by way of a fecal exam.  Also bear in mind the truthfulness behind mothers’ wisdom when she said “You are what you eat.”

A poor quality dog food, in addition to contributing to a poor nutritional state, can cause digestive problems resulting in loose stools, thus contributing to your pup’s inability to control itself. The most important part of housebreaking your pet is close supervision.  This is necessary because your puppy learns by repetition. 

If you see your dog showing signs of needing to relieve itself, then immediate action must be taken to get the animal outside to its designated area.

Consistency in training is critical.  Do not think being lax because it’s cold or dark outside is acceptable or your pet will adopt these same attitudes.

Close supervision during housebreaking is also necessary because it gives you time to learn your dogs special quirks such as needing to urinate right after eating or a certain action they take prior to soiling the floor so you can watch for these actions and respond in the future.

Also it allows you to correct a situation while it is still fresh in the dogs mind.  While being very intelligent creatures, short term memory is not the strong point for most animals of this species and correcting them after more than a few minutes have passed serves no real purpose. 

Another key to Housebreaking is giving your dog a limited amount of space.  Baby gates across doorways or a pet crate help to make a more confined area and help your pet to recognize this as his living space.

Their natural tendency is to go outside of their own living space to urinate so making this association for your pet will make your job easier.  Lining this space with old news papers is a good idea at first as it facilitates a much easier cleanup of any accidents your pet might have.

Also be aware that some surfaces are more pet-friendly than others.  Try to confine your new pet to areas of the home with tile or vinyl floors which are much easier to clean.  Avoid letting them have access to carpet or hardwood floors which retain odors and can be extensively damaged by an errant pup.

Remember to limit the amount of water your dog has access to at the end of the day as you will otherwise be making a walk with your pet in the middle of the night.

A quick walk outside at regularly timed intervals is advisable to training as this helps your pet to set an internal schedule.

Be certain to use a consistent keyword to tell your pet why you are out in the yard such as “potty” or “toilet” or anything you choose and do not return indoors until they have relieved themselves. Also remember to give praise when your dog relieves itself in appropriate places such as on newspapers or outdoors. Again consistent training is the key.

If your pet does have an accident indoors, correct the animal immediately and then clean the area using non-ammonia based products.  Instead use an Enzyme based deodorizer to clean the area and be sure to remove all odor of the accident or the animal will repeat the behavior again.

If you follow these simple rules, your carpets and your new pet should be able to coexist peacefully and relatively free from stress.

For more great information on Dogs Visit: www.doghealthrevealed.com

In choosing a dog for the family, it's a good idea we keep the children in mind. Some dogs are not tolerant of children and can be a threat to them. There are many breeds of dogs out there to choose from. Do your homework to see which one works the best with your family and especially your children.

By far the number one best dog breed for children hands down, would have to be, you guessed it, Labrador Retriever. This dog is well accepted because of its good nature. It is not generally aggressive or hyper. It is playful, easy-going, intelligent and patient.

No wonder it is loved by the young and old. Because of its mild manner, it is first choice in working with the handicapped. It is has desire to please as if it knows its plight. The Lab is also a great pick if you have other animals. They are very accommodating.

A well taken care of Lab can live up to 13 years. In order to reduce boredom in these dogs, they should be kept active. These dogs love playing in the yard or taking walks.

Number two on the list is the Golden Retriever. They are similar to the Lab in their personality. They are also mild mannered, kind and they enjoy being around people. They too are a top pick for working with the handicapped as well as the elderly.

They too get along with other pets. These dogs are intelligent creatures to train. Playing fetch is a favorite game for them. Because of their playful nature, this breed of dog would be great for an older child who enjoys the outdoors. Regular grooming is required because of their long hair.

The next pick is the Beagle. Even though they have a baying bark, they are not aggressive dogs. What their barking does say about them is they make great watch dogs. These dogs have a friendly demeanor about them.

Their tails seem to be in an unending wagging motion. Because friendliness comes natural with them, they do not like being left alone. They become bored when left by themselves for too long. They are great picks for smaller children because of their size.

Another great pick for children is the Basset Hound. They are generally docile, yet they're known for their stubbornness.

They are also known for their gentleness and are quite sweet by nature. They're great with children of all ages and enjoy attention from them.

The German shepherd is another pick. Again, these are probably best for older children who enjoy playing outdoors. Because of their size and strength, they are probably not suitable for younger children. 

German Shepherds are known for their loyalty. Police often use this type of dog for search and rescue missions. They are protective by nature and are quite tolerant. It's best to start training these dogs as pups. Without training, they can be a handful.

The black and white spotted Dalmatian is associated with fire trucks. But for a family, a Dalmatian would be a trusted friend. They are very outgoing dogs with lots of energy to spare.  This dog needs companionship from humans.

The Bearded Collie is another great pick. These are active dogs and would do best outdoors. They like to have open space to run, so being confined to an apartment would not suit these dogs.

Then there's the American Cocker Spaniel. They are sensitive and sweet dogs. They are generally obedient to their master and enjoy the attention of children. They are definitely a people friendly dog.

The Bearded Collie is known for its bounce. This dog is very playful and happy. They like to be around people and will not hide their excitement of being around you. Female Collie's tend to be calmer, while males are more rambunctious.

Cockapoos not only are good around children, but they get on with other pets as well. They do not need a lot of space. Apartment life is OK with them.

In choosing the right dog for your family, always remember that there are always exceptions to the rules. Each dog is an individual, and why for the most part certain breeds are more children friendly, you should always be cautious with your child around unknown dogs.

For more great information on Dogs Visit: www.doghealthrevealed.com

If you have a child, you've probably heard those familiar words, "Can we keep him?" Dog's aren't just a man's best friend anymore; they've become the whole family's friend. If you're like any typical family, the children will probably spend the most time with your new dog. This is why it's very important you teach your child how to take care of him.

Here are a few dog rules to teach them:

1. Make sure you remember to feed the dog and give him fresh water each day. Explain that dogs, especially puppies, need nutrition each day for energy and proper growth. 

If you have an outside dog, it's especially important that his water dish is changed everyday. Standing water is a breeding place for mosquitoes. Also dirt can get flung into their dish.

It is equally important for small children to be supervised when dealing with this type of responsibility. Sometimes smaller children can be too eager to help.

Explain to your children why we don't feed dog's certain foods such as sweets. Dog food is made to meet their dog's nutritional needs and sweets can make their dog sick.

2. Being N-I-C-E to your dog is another lesson to teach children. Younger children, particularly under the age of four, have a tendency to be rough with animals.

Pulling tails and ears just comes naturally with their curiosity.  With a new dog, you may not know his temperament very well or how he may react to your child's curiosity. Lead by example.

Show your child how to be kind to animals. Show them how to gently pet them on the head or back and that hitting or pulling can hurt the dog. 

3. Teach your child about the importance of exercise with the family dog. In order for the dog to stay healthy he must move around and play.

If the dog is not overpowering, let your child walk the dog with a leash. Another fun activity for exercise is fetch. Let your child throw a ball or stick for the pet to chase. This is lots of fun for both participants.

4. If you have a rambunctious puppy, make sure your child doesn't leave things lying around. Puppies love to chew on whatever they can sink their teeth into. If they see your daughter's favorite dolly on the floor, or your son's tennis shoe, the puppy will show no reserve.

They will usually dive right in. Tell your child that your puppy is too young to understand, and that until he gets older, be extra careful about leaving things lying around.

5. Keep bathroom doors shut. Dogs are notorious for drinking from the toilet bowl. If you can help it, reduce the temptation for him, by teaching your child to keep bathroom doors shut.

6. If you have an indoor dog then he's got to have potty breaks outside. Keep a schedule of bathroom breaks for your dog. This is one of the not so fun parts of taking care of a new pet.

Remind your child that if the new dog doesn't keep to the scheduled potty breaks that he may find a place in the house. In training a new dog to use the bathroom outside, the scheduled times must be strictly kept.

7. Make a chart. If you child is having problems remembering to feed the pet or take it out for breaks, it would be a great idea to make a chart of things to do each day. Let your child mark a check when the chore has been completed. The more he completes the chore, the easier it will be to remember.

Children don't always see the bigger picture of taking care of a new dog, but with our guidance, they will no doubt become good little pet owners.

It's a good idea to applaud your child when he takes on responsibility and follows through with it. This will give them confidence to mature and take on more responsibility as they get older.

Taking care of a pet is a big responsibility. Teach your kids that just as they have to be taken care of by parents, their pet has to be taken care of as well. Our pets depend on us everyday.

For more great information on Dogs Visit: dog health care questions

When you think of Beagles, you probably picture a pack of these little guys baying at the top of their lungs as they race after a fox or rabbit. While it is true that these dogs are popular hunting dogs and have been used to hunt for several centuries, they also make wonderful family pets.  The Beagle has a keen sense of smell and a strong hunting instinct. This member of the American Kennel Club's hound group actually comes in two sizes, under thirteen inches and thirteen to fifteen inches.

Except for the difference in size, both Beagle varieties are identical. The beagle has dark eyes, droopy ears, and a long tail.

Its coat is short and most commonly comes in a combination of tan, black and white colors. You can also find orange, black, or tan dogs with white markings.   

The Beagle can adapt to apartment life, but may prove to be annoying to neighbors if he constantly warns you of strange noises.

These dogs are tireless hunters and need a way to burn off some of that energy, so you will need to take your Beagle for long walks or go for a romp in the park. Think twice before letting him off the leash, however, since a Beagle who is hot on the trail of a rabbit will forget all of his obedience training while he tracks down his prey.

The Beagle loves children and other dogs, but will probably take every available opportunity to harass the family cat. These dogs are very playful and affectionate, but they do tend to sulk if they don't get their own way.

In fact, these dogs are so sensitive that something as simple as someone laughing at one of them when he has gotten into some mishap can cause the Beagle to brood for days.

You may need to warn your children to avoid upsetting your dog's delicate sensibilities.  
 
Although Beagles occasionally get too caught up in the chase to obey commands, they still should learn at least basic obedience.

It will require patience and hard work to teach your dog, and you may want to consider getting some professional help by enrolling your little guy in puppy obedience classes. 

Beagles love to eat and they aren't picky. If you put your dog on a diet, he will happily eat garbage.

In fact, even if he isn't on a diet, he may still hit the trashcans for an after dinner snack.

Your Beagle should be groomed once a week to alleviate shedding.

Beagles usually get enough exercise to wear down their toenails on their own, but you may want to check your dog's nails to see if they need to be trimmed at least once a month.

Beagles are generally a healthy breed. However, some of these dogs can develop heart disease or epilepsy. Of course, with their propensity to overeat, Beagles can also develop weight related diseases.

If you want a dog who is a happy, well mannered little companion, then a Beagle may be the right dog for you.

For more great information on Dogs Visit: dog health care questions

Dogs are very curious animals and as omnivores and natural scavengers, can get into and eat just about anything.  However, there are many toxic substances found in your home that could potentially kill your dog.  The following is a list of ten common household substances that you should make sure to keep out of your dog’s reach.

1) Antifreeze:  Many people do not realize it, but common antifreeze kills many pets each year.  It smells and tastes very sweet to your dog and is very appealing to him. Ethylene glycol is toxic however, and each winter, many animals are killed by it. 

Symptoms of toxicity include seizures, vomiting, stumbling and lethargy leading to kidney failure.  Make sure to keep your antifreeze out of your dog’s reach.  If you suspect that your dog has ingested antifreeze, take your dog to the veterinarian immediately.

2) Chocolate:  Chocolate contains a substance called the obromine which is toxic to dogs.  Baking chocolate and dark chocolate is especially dangerous. 

While it usually takes a somewhat large amount of chocolate to kill a dog, poisoning and death does occur with smaller amounts ingested.  Signs of chocolate poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, increased urination, and increased activity. 

This can progress to seizures and unusual heart rhythms.  Call your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate.

3) Bleach:  As you might imagine, household bleach is toxic to dogs.  Keep all products containing bleach out of your dog’s reach. 

Symptoms of bleach poisoning include drooling, vomiting, and abdominal pain.  Do NOT induce vomiting if you suspect your dog has ingested bleach and contact your veterinarian immediately.

4) Tylenol:  As little as two regular strength Tylenol tablets can kill a small dog. 

Dogs lack the proper liver enzymes to break down acetaminophen.  Signs of toxicity include drooling, lethargy, and abdominal pain. 

If you suspect your dog has ingested Tylenol, call your veterinarian immediately.

5) Watch Batteries:  If your dog ingests a watch battery, it can cause a potentially fatal ulceration in the stomach within 12 hours. All other alkaline batteries are toxic to dogs as well.

Symptoms of toxicity include drooling, lack of appetite, vomiting, and lethargy.  If you suspect your dog has ingested a watch battery, contact your vet immediately.

6) Moth Balls:  Moth balls are very dangerous to dogs.  They contain an insecticide that causes central nervous system excitement and seizures.

When metabolized, ingestion of moth balls can lead to liver failure.  Symptoms of poisoning by moth balls include vomiting and seizures.  If your dog has consumed moth balls, do NOT induce vomiting.  Seek veterinary care immediately.

7) Fabric Softeners and other detergents:  All sorts of household detergents are toxic to dogs at one level or another, but fabric softeners fall into the highly toxic category.

Signs of toxicity include vomiting, lethargy, burns to the mouth, drooling, muscle weakness, and even coma.  Do NOT induce vomiting if your dog has ingested any detergent.  Contact your veterinarian immediately.

8) Mouthwash:  Mouthwash can contain boric acid which is highly toxic to dogs.  Symptoms of poisoning by mouthwash include vomiting, drooling, seizures, and coma.

You should take your dog to the veterinarian immediately if you suspect poisoning by mouthwash or other household item containing boric acid like contact lens solution or denture cleaner.

9) Peach Pits:  With most fruits, the pits and the seeds are toxic to dogs.  Signs of poisoning include drooling, vomiting, and lethargy.

If you suspect your dog has eaten a peach pit or the pit or seeds of any fruit, take him to the veterinarian immediately.

10) Household Plants:  Many common and popular household plants are highly toxic to dogs.  A partial list of toxic plants includes poinsettias, lilies, ferns, devil’s ivy, aloe, and ivy.

Symptoms of poisoning due to ingestion of toxic plants include vomiting and central nervous system excitement.  Many of these plants are fatal if ingested.  Please contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your dog has eaten a toxic houseplant.

With diligence on our part, we can help prevent our dogs from getting into substances that are toxic to them. 

Many veterinary school websites offer lists of things that are toxic to dogs and what you should do if your dog ingests such things. 

As always, if you think your dog may have eaten something dangerous, contact your veterinarian immediately or take your dog to the closest emergency clinic.

For more great information on Dogs Visit: http://www.doghealthrevealed.com

Summer is typically a time of great family fun and activity. The days are long and warm, the kids are on vacation, and the sun worshipers are out in full force. Unfortunately, the season also brings with it some very specific hazards - sunburn, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Not only are these hazards a threat to your human family, they can endanger the lives of your furry family members as well. As temperatures soar, your dog will need a little attention in order to ensure his safety.

Protecting Your Dog from a Nasty Sunburn

Many people don’t realize that dogs, just like humans, can be burned by the sun. So what can you do to protect your pooch from those burning rays?

Just use the same common sense and know-how that keeps you and your family from burning up in the sun.

First, keep your dog in the shade during those times when the sun’s rays are most intense – approximately 10 am to 4 pm.

Second, apply a little sun block to your dog’s most exposed areas – the tip of each ear and the nose. While your dog’s lip area is also vulnerable to sunburn, the chance that your dog will ingest any sunscreen applied there is too great. Instead of applying sunscreen to the lip area, just keep a close eye on it and make sure that the area doesn’t get too pink.

Third, pay special attention to your dog if he has a lighter colored fur. Just like their pale human counterparts, these dogs are more vulnerable to the burning effects of the sun.

If, after a day out in the sun, any portion of your dog’s skin is reddened or blistered, immediately seek a veterinarian’s opinion and care.

Protecting Your Dog from Heat-Related Conditions

Just a few simple actions on your part can help protect your dog from heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

First, never leave your dog in the car without the air conditioner running.

Even a few minutes in the sun can send the interior temperature of a car (with windows open or closed) soaring to fatal temperatures.

If you’re doing errands and know that you’ll be in and out of the vehicle, your safest option is to simply leave the dog at home.

However, if you really must leave your dog in the car for even the shortest period of time, leave the air conditioner on.

Second, provide your dog with a shaded, well-ventilated resting area that will remain shaded at all times, regardless of the sun’s position. 

You may have to move the dog’s shade throughout the day in order to achieve this. Of course, during the most excruciating heat of the day, the ideal place for your dog is an air conditioned structure.

Third, make sure that your dog has unhindered access to cool, clean water.

You’ll want to place the water in a shaded area so that it does not heat up as a result of direct sunlight. Change the water often, as stagnant water can harbor bacteria and insects that are harmful to a dog’s digestive system.

When traveling, make sure that you have a water dish and fresh water (figure on one gallon per day) on hand at all times.

If your dog spends all day outside, provide him with a small, shaded wading pool filled with water. Your dog can cool himself off throughout the day by jumping in and out of it. Make sure, however, that the pool is in the same, consistently shaded area as the drinking water.

Fourth, avoid any situation that would force your dog to stand on a sun-baked surface for any length of time. Such surfaces include truck beds, sidewalks, streets and beach sand.

The heat can not only burn your dog’s skin, but can also prevent your dog from efficiently expelling heat from his body. If you must walk your dog in the heat of the day, walk him on a grassy area.

Recognizing and Treating Your Dog’s Heat Stroke

If your dog’s body temperature gets too high, he could develop heat stroke, or hyperthermia.

In addition to a high body temperature (over 105 – 110 degrees F), the signs that indicate potential heat stroke are: an inordinate amount of panting, labored breathing, bright red gums or eye membranes, pronounced fatigue, collapse, unconsciousness and seizures. If your dog displays any of these symptoms, get him out of the heat immediately and into the shade.

If possible, put your dog in a tub of cool water or bathe him with a series of cool, wet towels. Do not use cold water or ice!

Either will cause your dog’s blood vessels to constrict and impede the body from being able to release heat. Heat stroke should be treated as an emergency; therefore, as soon as possible, seek a veterinarian’s care.

For more great information on Dogs Visit: http://www.doghealthrevealed.com

For people that love dogs, yet have allergic reactions to them, there is a simple alternative. If you can’t do without a four legged “friend,” choosing a hypoallergenic dog is the best alternative. For those who are scratching their heads, a hypoallergenic dog is not a special breed of dogs. They are dogs that generate less (hypo) allergens (allergenic) in the air, which has a lot to do with the dog’s physical size and length of its fur.

For allergy sufferers, finding an allergy-friendly dog is the most reasonable choice. This doesn’t mean that the dog will be completely allergy proof, but it does mean that this type of dog tends to generate less amounts of allergy causing elements.

It is impossible to find a dog that causes no degree of allergens.

Allergy reactions from dogs can consist of skin rashes, watery and itchy eyes, sneezing and a stuffy nose. More serious reactions are wheezing, asthma attacks and not being able to breathe deeply.

These can be frightening reactions and choosing not to have a pet, for these reasons, out ways the benefits of having one. For dog lovers, who suffer with allergies, this is a hard fact to accept.

The reason some people suffer from simple pet hair is because of their immune system. They are hypersensitive to the components found on the dog hair. Many people think it is the animal hair that causes the problem, but in reality it is what attaches itself to the pet hair.

The dog’s hair picks up pollen and dust attaching itself to the hair follicle. With normal movements, the elements are distracted on whatever it comes across. 

Hence, larger and longer haired dogs have a tendency to generate more allergens than smaller and shorter haired dogs Therefore, the bigger the dog, the more allergy components it will distract.

If choosing a dog from a breeder, try spending at least 30 minutes playing with the dog and being in the dog’s area to see how you react to it.

If you have a severe reaction in that amount of time, then you can be assured that having it as a live-in would not be a good idea.

If you’re choosing a breeder who lives a substantial distance away, send a clothing item to the breeder and ask them to place it near the dog for a day and send it back to you in a plastic bag. Wear the clothing item or breathe in the smell and see how you react.

If no reaction, you might want to consider visiting the breeder in person. If you do get a negative reaction, it’s best not to waste your time visiting in person. The allergic reaction would probably be worse if you were around the real thing.

Another thing you might want to consider when choosing a dog is the temperament.

You want to choose a dog that will meet your needs, and you in turn, can meet its needs as well. Not only do you want to choose an allergy-friendly dog, but if you have a family, you want one that is family-friendly as well.

Here are a few breeds to consider: Bichon Frise, Irish Terrier, Poodles.
 
These dogs enjoy family surroundings, they’re excellent with children and they make great watch dogs. They also have low shedding levels.
 
If you are a single adult, you might want to consider a dog that is happy with minimal people surroundings. A couple of good choices would be Chihuahua or a Portuguese Water Dog. These dogs tend to bond with one person rather than several.

Here are a few dogs to stay away from due to their high shedding ability. They are: Cocker Spaniels, Irish Setters, Dachshunds, Basset hounds, German Shepherds and Afghan Hounds.

If you choose an indoor dog, it’s best to choose one that can be groomed regularly or that you can bath easily. It’s best to bath them at least 1-2 times per week.

This will reduce the amount of pet dander. Taking care of your dog’s hair is an important part of reducing the components that cause allergies.

You can even choose a hairless dog such as the Chinese Crested, American Hairless Terrier or the Mexican Hairless. 

Some people claim that certain breeds bring out the worst in their allergies than others. In choosing a breed, be open to find the best one that fits your lifestyle.

For more great information on Dogs Visit: http://www.doghealthrevealed.com

Just like to thanks to Peter for sending in his photograph of his Bearded Collie (Chloe). Please keep the pictures coming in.

So you've got a new dog and you're wondering what to feed him.  The market is full of commercial diets, and you've heard that some people feed their dogs raw meat.  What should you do? Dogs are omnivores which means they require meat, fiber, and other nutrients to stay healthy.

Generally, adult dogs need a diet that consists of  22-25% protein and 15-19% fat, although puppies, pregnant dogs, and active dogs will have different nutritional requirements.

If you choose to feed your dog a commercial based diet, it is very important to choose a high quality food.

You want to make sure that a good quality protein source such as lamb meal, chicken meal, or turkey meal is the number one ingredient. 

You want to stay away from foods that list a grain as the number one ingredient or contain lots of byproducts and preservatives.

Many people choose to feed their dogs raw food or the BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food or Bones and Raw Food) Diet. 

This diet consists of raw meaty bones, vegetables, offal (the organ part of the protein source), recreational bones, and proteins like cottage cheese and eggs with the shells.  Proponents of this diet claim that it keeps their dogs healthier than commercially prepared diets.

The following are some pros and cons of both diets:

Testing: People who advocate raw diets claim that the diet is tried and true and has been tested positively for centuries on wild dogs. 

They say that since commercial diets have been around since only the 1950's, there is no long term testing that has been done on this food.

Proponents of raw food claim that the increase in allergies, dysplasia, and other health conditions is as a result of dogs being fed commercial dog food.

People who believe in commercial dog food point to the millions of dollars each year companies such as Purina, Iams, Hill's, and Nutro spend on scientific and field testing of their products.

They believe that commercial dog food contains all of the nutrients that a dog needs to grow and be healthy and that since the BARF diet is complicated, expensive, and difficult to prepare, many people do not properly understand it and are not appropriately feeding their dogs.

Grains: Advocates of raw feeding say that dogs cannot properly digest grains and therefore do not feed them.  They feel that the commercial market uses grains because they are inexpensive fillers.

Proponents of commercial dog food say that as dogs are omnivores, it is only natural that they require the nutritional benefits of grains.  They feel that people who feed raw food are depriving their dogs of this nutrient.
 
Raw Ingredients vs. Cooked Ingredients:  People who feed their dogs raw food diets feel that nature intended for animals to eat their food raw and that cooking damages the chemical makeup of foods and that cooking the food actually damages an animal's immune system.

Those that feel that commercial food is the way to go, claim that there is no difference between cooking the animal's food and cooking human food. 

That all of the nutrients are still active in cooked food providing healthy meals for animals.

Additives: People who believe in feeding their dogs raw food feel that no additives are needed and that their animals are getting all of the nutrients they require. 

 They feel that the commercial food companies use additives to enhance the palatability of their food effectively "addicting" a dog to it.

Commercial food advocates say that additives such as omega 3 and 6 fatty acids are essential to giving the dog the proper balance of nutrients he requires, while raw food is missing some essential vitamins and minerals.

Variety: Those who feed raw food feel that dogs need variety in their diet and that commercial food is very boring for them.

Commercial food advocates say that dogs have very sensitive digestive systems and that variety actually can cause things such as vomiting and diarrhea.

Whether you choose to feed your dog the BARF diet or commercial food, it is important to be educated on what a dog's nutritional requirements are.

You should also consult your veterinarian for his recommendation on diet.

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