What Your Dog’s Ear Care Can Tell You About Your Pet’s Health
May 13, 2010 by Diane Watkins
Filed under Dog Care Tips
By Jennifer P. April
Checking your dog’s ears regularly can tell you a lot about his health. In fact, dog ear care is an important component of your companion’s health.
Keep in mind that if you check your dog’s ears every couple of days, you might see some early signs of problems. Use both your sight and smell in checking for any symptoms. Actually, your sense of smell may be more effective at times.
This technique could definitely help you notice any signs of problems or infections.
On a normal basis, dog’s ears do not smell bad. A stinky ear is a sign of trouble.
One possibility for problem dog ears are ear mites. These can be detected if you see there is a waxy, dark-colored discharge.
Another symptom of illness are pus-like discharges which means that there may be a bacterial infection.
Yet another reason for a dog’s foul-smelling ear is allergy related. There can also be a secondary yeast infection. If you don’t find and end the source of the yeast/allergies, this will require ongoing treatment with mixed results.
According to some vets, ear problems in both ears can even indicate ailing liver or kidneys.
Which canine breeds can contract ear infections most easily?
Having floppy ears is a reason some dogs contract frequent ear problems, since there is less air that pass through the ear canals. This is why spaniels and bloodhounds can be pretty susceptible to such.
Thick hair growth inside the ear may also cause a problem, like that of a Lhasa Apso. Dogs that like to swim may also expose their ear to ear infections.
In case that the thick hair growth is the cause of the ear problem, you can trim the hair on the inside of the ears.
How do you clean your dog’s ears?
A simple solution of water and vinegar is the best and provides antibacterial properties. Just mix 1 part plain vinegar to 2 parts water. Use a clean cloth or cotton balls. Wet the fabric with the vinegar/water solution and wipe out the inside of your pet’s ears.
Dog ear care is so important to your pet’s health.
If you’d like to learn more about dog ear care and natural solutions to your dog’s health problems, please visit my website where I share natural solutions to your dog’s health and you can sign up for my free 7 part ecourse, All Natural Dog Solutions.
Jen P. April is passionate about dogs! Visit her website http://www.all-natural-dog-treat.com for tips, tricks and all natural techniques for caring for your dogs in the healthiest way possible.
There are homemade dog treat recipes and you can sign up for her 7 part ecourse, All Natural Dog Solutions Free!
Keeping Your Dog Healthy With All Natural Dog Food
March 5, 2010 by Diane Watkins
Filed under Dog Nutrition & Recipes
Photo by exfordy
Have you noticed everything that is going on regarding the commercial dog food industry?
With all of those recalls last year, dog owners are rethinking the type of dog food to give their beloved four legged friends. Have you given much thought to all natural dog food? There is one main issued in the commercial foods and that is quality… Or lack there of. The commercial brands of food that we are feeding our dogs is causing them to get sick.
When it comes to the benefits of feeding your dog natural dog food, you are going to find many. Simply put, it is much more healthy for your pet – just like eating natural foods is more healthy for you. Natural foods do not have harmful chemicals or fillers in them which can cause illness and disease.
There are plenty of natural foods on the market that you can buy for your pet, but before you settle on a brand, you might want to talk to your Vet and see if they have something they recommend. Take note that dogs systems can be sensitive and if you change your dogs diet suddenly it can cause stomach upset and diarrhea. So, if you are switching foods, you’ll want to add in the new food gradually.
So, what exactly should you choose for your pet to eat?
As you know, meat is known for being the main part of a dogs diet. Beef, in addition to chicken and fish are important to make that your furry friend is getting enough protein. In effect, your dogs diet should consists of about 50% protein which should come from full meat products (not by-products).
As stated above, you can buy natural dog food, or you can simply cook the foods for him yourself. Dogs eat a very similar diet to humans so you could include some of your dinner meats along with some grains (oats, brown rice, pasta) and vegetables for a well rounded diet. Dogs need a bit of extra fat for healthy skin and a nice coat so add some fresh fish oil to your pets meal. Finally, don’t forget the veggies – green beans, carrots, peas, apples, blueberries, and spinach are all great foods to feed Fido – they’ll help provide him with vitamins and minerals for health and longevity.
