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English Bulldogs are one of the most misunderstood dog breeds out there, with many people regarding them as “messy”, “lazy” and “destructive”. But the truth is they can be one of the most loveable dog breeds, since they are extremely loyal, playful and innocent. They are however, also a very delicate breed that demands a lot of attention and constant care. (more…)
Posts Tagged ‘dog food’
Dreaming Dogs: When Our Dream Puppies Have Dreams of Their Own
Tuesday, May 10th, 2011What is the Proper Diet for a Bulldog?
Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011When you think of the proper diet for your Bulldog, you should think about the proper diet for yourself. What goes into your healthy, or unhealthy, diet and how can you apply that to your dog to make sure they stay healthy and live for many years? A balanced diet that contains all the essential nutrients is the only way to go to make sure your Bulldog stays healthy. (more…)
Safely Shopping Online for a New Dog
Thursday, February 24th, 2011The Internet is a tremendously powerful tool that is used to by anything from cell phones, to software, to food, and even dogs. People can now buy anything with the click of a button, and canines are no exception to this rule. Dogs of all different breeds can be found online, and now people in many different places can purchase breeds of dog that have never been available before in their local area. Just like shopping for anything else online, some precautions should be taken before you make your purchase to make sure that you are making the best decision. Most online stores are there to help, but there are some who are just trying to rip you off.
Shopping for a new dog online can seem very exciting at first, but you must remember to stay calm during the decision making process. Wait until you can think clearly before making your purchase because you don’t want to buy something spur the moment when you are shopping online and then regret it later, especially a dog. The most important thing to remember when shopping online for anything is to get a clear description of what it is you are buying. Ask the seller as many questions as you can before you give them your credit card information because you will want to make sure you are getting the most bang for your buck. You may also want to check out the reputation of the website you are at because anyone who has had a bad experience at a store is likely to let the world know about it through the Internet.
The quality of a business’s website can be an indicator of how reputable they are, but it should not be taken at face value. As the old saying goes, you should never judge a book by its cover, so make sure you look into the details of a company thoroughly before you make your purchase.
“I Don’t Feel Well” – Signs Your Puppy May Be Sick
Tuesday, November 10th, 2009Unfortunately, or fortunately for those dogs with bigger mouths, our dogs cannot communicate to us in words. They can’t tell us when they’re hot or tired or want to play or if something hurts. This is why it’s so important for us as dog owners to know the most common signs of illness. And PuppyMatch4You.com has them!
There are plenty of different signs of illness, some more apparent than others. But these listed below are the most common and, sometimes, the most crucial to pay attention to if you notice them in your puppy.
- 1. Bad Breath – Some dogs just inherently have terrible breath. And we still love their kisses which says more about us than it does them. However, if your dog’s breath seems to have a little more kick than usual, this could be because of a dental disease. Dogs need clean teeth just as much as we do to prevent disease, infection and tooth loss. It is best to have regular dental exams with your vet to determine if a cleaning is necessary or a more serious issue is at risk.
- 2. Less Grooming – Dogs do not groom themselves as much as cats but they still like to maintain a certain appearance by licking their feet and other unmentionables which causes us to wonder, again, why we love their kisses so much. If you notice your dog not grooming himself as much, this may be a sign that something is amiss. Keep an eye on his grooming habits to be sure there is a decline in this behavior. Also, if you notice any changes in your puppy’s coat such as dullness or significantly more shedding, make an appointment with your veterinarian to ensure there is not a more serious condition causing this change.
- 3. Lower Activity Level – Some dog owners think that less activity is because of their dog’s age but this is not always the case. A decrease in activity may be caused by not feeling well. It is best to have a check up to ensure everything is just right before you decide he’s just “getting old”.
- 4. Weight Loss – Losing weight can be a definite sign of sickness as well. It is hard to notice a slight decline in weight when you see your puppy every day. If your dog is at a healthy weight, you should be able to feel his ribs with slight pressure as you stroke him. If you notice your dog losing weight suddenly, check with your vet to determine if an increase in food is necessary or if your dog is ill.
- 5. Increased Thirst – Drinking an entire bowl of water on a warm day is understandable. Drinking an entire bowl of water over and over again is not. Increased thirst can be a sign of diabetes or kidney disease. Check with your vet immediately if you notice this excessive behavior in your dog.
- 6. Lethargy – Loss of interest in his environment, toys, food and interaction is a sure sign of lethargy. This can mean your dog is just exhausted because he is sick and doesn’t have the strength to care about his favorite chew toy. See your vet immediately if this behavior becomes commonplace for your dog.
- 7. Weakness – Some older dogs show signs of weakness in their legs because of things such as hip dysplasia. If you notice your dog having a hard time getting up and down, limping or favoring a leg, having less activity or displaying loss of balance or coordination, see your vet. It may be that his joints and bones are just not as they used to be but it could also be a more serious condition as well. Catching diseases early is the best bet you have against treating them.
- 8. Lack of Appetite – When your dog has a constant food supply, it is hard to notice how much they eat each day or when they are eating. That is why it’s best to have scheduled feedings for your dog. Loss of appetite is a sure way to tell your dog is ill. If you notice your dog not eating as much, or at all, see your vet immediately to see what may be causing the problem.
The best way to ensure your dog is healthy is with regular visits to the vet for check-ups, exams and shots. Any changes in weight and activity can be discussed with your vet at this time to nip the problem in the bud, if there is one. Be proactive to keep your dog healthy and happy for years to come.
Recipe for Your Own Home-Made Dog Food
Friday, September 11th, 2009With the number of pet food recalls over the past few years, many dog owners have decided to prepare their own food for their dogs. We have the best ingredients and tips on making a mouth watering diet for your puppy!
Tips for Choosing a Good Dog Food for Your Puppy
Monday, August 31st, 2009There are dozens of brands of dog food on the market, but not all of them are good for your dog. Choosing a dog food means looking for one that’s nutritionally balanced and complete and made with top quality ingredients. Fortunately, dog foods have nutritional labels that outline the ingredients so that you can see for yourself what you’re feeding your new puppy.
Here are a few things to look for in a good dog food:
- At least 30% protein from meat (not meat by-products). The first two or three ingredients on the list should be meat from chicken, lamb, beef or poultry.
- Egg and fish are also excellent ingredients that can be near the top of the list.
- Fat content should be at around 18%. Look for specific fats such as chicken fat or lamb fat. When the label isn’t specific, the fats being used are sometimes difficult to digest. The more specific, the better.
- Vitamin C and E are natural preservatives that are also good for your dog’s overall health. Avoid chemical preservatives like BHA, BHT and ethoxyquin.
- Omega 3 fatty acids promote a healthy coat and are a powerful source of antioxidants.
- Avoid any artificial colors or preservatives. These aren’t necessary and can cause digestive problems and allergic reactions in some dogs.
- Dog foods will contain some grains, but be aware of what kind. Rice and barley are the most easily digestible. Corn and wheat are the least desirable.
Your puppy will have slightly different nutritional needs than an adult dog, so look for a dog food formula that has “junior,” “puppy,” or “growth formula” in the name. These are puppy food versions of adult dog foods and will have more protein and fat and a higher calorie content to promote healthy growth. Generally, large dogs should eat puppy food until they are about eighteen months old, while the smaller breeds can usually graduate from puppy food to adult dog food at around eight to ten months.
If you’re still unsure of the right puppy food or dog food for the new addition to your family, talk to your veterinarian for guidance.
