Tag Archives: dog health

Swimming Dogs

Swimming is not just good for your body, but also for your dog’s. That is, if your dog likes swimming. Some really don’t and would rather stay on land. But there are plenty of ways to make your dog comfortable in the water, it takes time and patience if your dog isn’t really a fan of water – it is worth the effort though. It is fun to join your dog in the water. A bit different from a walk in the park!

An added bonus is that dogs need to use more of their muscle power to get around in the water than on land, this is a great way to get dogs into shape. Regular swimming sessions will help build muscle. The added muscle mass can prevent injuries, especially at an older age. At first your dog may be hesistant to spend a lot of time swimming, this is quite normal. He or she needs to adjust to water – but you should see a gradual increase in time spend swimming.

And here are some cute dogs enjoying the water :

Credit : onegreenplanet.org

Credit : pacificnwpools.com

Credit : petfriendlytravelus.wordpress.com

Credit : passpawt.com

Credit : pets4homes.co.uk

How To Treat Dogs With Dry Skin

Dry skin isn’t a nice feeling at all. Your skin can get really itchy, right? Well dogs have the same kind of problem, yet they can’t just go out to the pharmacy and purchase a remedy. But, as the owner you can certainly help. Here are some remedies that might just help your dog.

Some of these remedies sound familiar, and actually they are! Plenty of dry skin treatments for human beings are applicable to dogs.

One such remedy is vitamin E. Give your dog a nice massage with vitamin E oil and he/she will thank you for it later. You can also buy foods rich in vitamin E, there are plenty of dog food products available these days with extra vitamins for your pet.

Are you using a dog shampoo? It is possible that your dog’s skin can not stand one of the ingredients, try a different shampoo – one that contains fewer aggressive ingredients. Oh and don’t use human shampoos, dog skin is different from human skin!

Photo credit photosz.com.

Brushing your dog’s hair regularly helps remove loose hair, which can cause irritation if left alone. The loose hair can build up and prevent the skin from breathing properly.

Could there be something in your dog’s diet causing the dry skin? Try a different diet, one containing fewer or no ingredients associated with dry skin – or, as mentioned above, see if a vitamin E rich diet improves skin hydration.

If you are going to change your dog’s diet by increasing the vitamin intake then it would be wise to consult your vet first.

Dry skin is associated with a range of different medical conditions. If your dog’s skin does not improve after treatment then you may want to pay a visit to your vet. Perhaps an allergy is causing the dry skin problems? Also note that some dog breeds, such as the Chinese Crested, are more susceptible to skin issues. Taking action early will help prevent more serious skin conditions from developing.

Taking Care Of Aging Dogs

Old dogs can live the last few years of their lives in happiness if you take good care of them. Unlike their younger counterparts, older dogs do require extra attention. They aren’t as active anymore, and due to their more inactive lifestyle they might gain weight. Older dogs can also become more attached to their owners, spending more time in their vicinity. Others can a bit grumpy, whilst some actually get more friendly. Sounds quite a bit like humans, right?

Photo credit : belladogmagazine.com

Make sure you keep a close eye on your dog’s weight. Weight loss can point to underlying health problems that require medical assistance. You may want to adjust your dog’s diet somewhat as they age. Since they aren’t running around as much they will usually gain weight. If your dog has always had a healthy weight, and he adds a bit of fat as he/she is aging then there is no need to panic – but keep it under control!

Old age often brings physical discomforts, but thanks to modern science many problems can be alleviated. Making sure that your dog receives all the necessary vaccinations, and the regular flea treatment, will help make his/her life at old age comfortable.

Even though your dog’s daily routine consists of less physical/mental activity, that does not mean that you shouldn’t bother with mental stimulation. Just like in old people, keeping your dog’s brain active will help slow down the aging process.

There are many different brands of dog food that are specifically catered to senior dogs. They often contain less calories to offset possible weight gain as your dog ages. Some products have been designed for specific medical issues that your dog may be affected by. It would be wise to consult a veterinarian before serving such products to your dog. Another reason why you should keep your dog’s weight gain in check are arthritis-related symptoms. Bones lose strength at the later stages of life, and the more weight they have to carry around – the more pronounced the health issues of your dog become.

As always, if your dog’s health concerns you then take him to the vet. The earlier health problems are detected, the better the chances of solving them – especially in older dogs.