Showing posts with label #dog health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #dog health. Show all posts

Thursday, June 6, 2024

Is expensive pet food worth it? According to experts, not necessarily

  Is expensive pet food worth it? According to experts, not necessarily 

Attention Walmart shoppers: bags of dry Pedigree-branded dog food sold by the retailer have been recalled because they may contain loose pieces of metal, posing a health hazard to pets.

The recall involves 44-pound bags of Pedigree Adult Complete Nutrition Grilled Steak & Vegetable Flavor Dry Dog Food sold by Walmart in these states:

  • Arkansas
  • Louisiana
  • Oklahoma 
  • Texas

Franklin, Tenn.-based Mars Pet care, which manufactures Pedigree dog food, said in a notice posted on Saturday by the Food and Drug Administration that the recall involves 315 bags of the kibble.

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Image of recalled dry dog food. U.S. Food and Drug Administration

The recalled product has a best-by-date of March 4, 2025 and the lot code 410B2TXT02 printed on the bottom of the back of the packaging, according to the company, a division of food conglomerate Mars Inc. of McLean, Va.

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Image of recalled dry dog food. U.S. Food and Drug Administration

The recalled dog food was sold at 176 stores in four states, according to Walmart. See list of stores here.

Those who purchased the impacted dog food should stop using it and contact the the company for a return. Mars Pet care can be reached at 1-800-525-5273 or by visiting https://www.pedigree.com/update.

Mars worked with Walmart in the four states where the product was distributed to ensure the recalled food was taken off store shelves, it said.

Extraneous pieces of metal as well as plastic are a frequent source of food recalls. The Department of Agriculture earlier in the month issued a public health alert due to worries raw pork chorizo products might be contaminated with hard plastic and metal, and H-E-B last month recalled ice cream due to potential metal fragments in cups of Creamy Creations. 

Commitment To Positive Dog Training

Commitment to positive dog training is a training philosophy that focuses on using positive reinforcement techniques to encourage good behavior in dogs, rather than punishing them for unwanted behaviors. This approach is based on the idea that dogs will repeat behaviors that are rewarded, and it emphasizes building a strong, trusting relationship between the dog and its owner.

Here are some key elements of commitment to positive dog training:

  1. Positive Reinforcement: This involves rewarding the dog for good behavior with treats, praise, or play, which makes it likely that the behavior will be repeated.

  2. Avoidance of Punishment: Instead of punishing bad behavior, which can lead to fear or aggression, positive training focuses on redirecting the dog to the desired behavior and rewarding it.

  3. Consistency: Consistency in commands, rewards, and interactions is crucial to help the dog understand what is expected.

  4. Patience: Positive training requires patience as learning takes time. Different dogs may learn at different speeds, and it’s important to maintain a calm and patient demeanor.

  5. Communication: Clear and consistent communication helps the dog understand what is being asked of it. This includes using specific commands and maintaining body language that is easy to read for the dog.

  6. Understanding Canine Behavior: A good positive trainer invests time in understanding canine behaviors and psychology to tailor the training to each individual dog’s needs.

  7. Ongoing Learning: Commitment to training is an ongoing process that continues throughout a dog’s life. Advanced training, new tricks, and regular practice help keep the dog engaged and well-behaved.

This approach has gained popularity due to its effectiveness and the positive impact it has on the dog-owner relationship, promoting a more harmonious living environment.

Saturday, June 1, 2024

Combatting Dog Diarrhea: Essential Tips to Restore Your Pet's Health

 Ease Your Dog's Discomfort: The Pet Owner’s Guide to Handling Diarrhea



Discover the causes of dog diarrhea and learn practical solutions to treat and prevent it. This guide provides essential tips to quickly restore your dog’s digestive health.

Is your dog suffering from diarrhea? Don't panic! We’ve compiled essential tips and home remedies to manage and treat dog diarrhea effectively. Read on to learn how to comfort your furry friend!

Introduction

Hey there, dog parents! Has your pup been experiencing some tummy troubles lately? Diarrhea in dogs can be quite a headache—not just for our four-legged friends but for us too. It's like, one minute they're fine, and the next, you're on cleanup duty! So, what can you do when your dog's digestive system goes haywire? Don't worry; we've got you covered with some practical tips and solutions that can help manage and even prevent dog diarrhea.

Understanding Dog Diarrhea: What's Going On?

What Causes Diarrhea in Dogs?

  • Dietary Indiscretion: Ever caught your pooch snacking on something they shouldn’t? Whether it’s garbage, or table scraps, dogs aren’t shy about eating first and asking questions later. Unfortunately, their stomachs don’t always agree.
  • Infections: Bacterial or viral infections can mess up your dog’s digestive system.
  • Stress: Just like us, stress can upset a dog’s stomach. Moving homes, a new family member, or any big change can trigger digestive issues.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Besides the obvious, look for:

  • Lethargy
  • Loss of Appetite
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal Pain

Home Remedies and When to Visit the Vet

DIY Care for Mild Cases

  • Rice and Chicken Diet: Bland foods can soothe an upset stomach. Boiled chicken and rice are gentle on the digestive system.
  • Probiotics: These can help restore healthy bacteria in your dog’s gut.

Note: Always consult your vet before making dietary changes or giving medications.

Signs You Should Call the Vet

  • Persistent Diarrhea: More than 24 hours? Time to call the vet.
  • Blood in Stool: This could indicate a more serious condition.
  • Dehydration Signs: Dry gums and lethargy are big red flags.

Preventing Future Episodes

Tips to Keep Your Dog’s Digestion on Track

  • Consistent Diet: Stick to a regular feeding schedule with minimal table scraps.
  • Regular Vet Visits: Keep up with check-ups to catch any underlying issues early.
  • Stress Management: Keep your dog’s environment as stress-free as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I give my dog over-the-counter medications for diarrhea? Always consult your vet before giving your dog any medications.

  2. Are certain dog breeds more prone to diarrhea? Some breeds with sensitive stomachs may be more susceptible, but diarrhea can affect any dog.

Wrapping Up: Keeping Your Dog Happy and Healthy

So there you have it! While dog diarrhea is no picnic, understanding the causes and knowing how to respond can make a huge difference. Remember, when in doubt, it’s always best to consult your vet. They’re your best resource for ensuring your dog’s health and well-being.

Remember, the key to dealing with dog diarrhea is a combination of vigilance and quick action. Keep an eye on your dog’s health, maintain a routine, and you’ll have a happy, healthy pooch running around in no time!

Unveiling the Intelligence Quotient of Chimpanzee's

   Unveiling the Intelligence Quotient of Chimpanzee's Chimpanzees, our closest living relatives in the animal kingdom, have long capti...