By Darrell Miller

Animals also experience arthritis. Like humans, the joints and its synovial fluid also follows the theory of wear and tear. As animals age, their joints become weak and lesser fluid is being produced as lubricant. They may experience joint pain which can make your pets immobile, irritable and stressed. Unfortunately, since dogs are carnivorous, they usually feed on meat in which uric acid is high. Uric acid is one of the precipitating factors arthritis and other joint discomforts.

MSM or Methylsulfonylmethane is a food supplement which can significantly relieve joint pains. One of MSMs precursors is sulfur. Sulfur has an anti inflammatory property thus preventing joint pains. Sulfur is also an important component of joint cartilages. It makes the cartilages that make up the joints stronger. MSM is also necessary to the body because it is the compound which supplies sulfur to the body. This chemical compound is composed of about 34% sulfur. MSM is more effective if taken together with other anti arthritic agents such as glucosamine. MSM can be found naturally in trace amounts on many foods. Studies reveal that MSM absorption in the stomach is that it is attached to proteins and absorbed into the connective tissues of the joints.

Additional sulfur supply of sulfur is important in the body because it is required ion the synthesis of collagen for a healthy connective tissue and improves cellular regeneration. As a result, this will promote joint strength and flexibility. MSM also has an antioxidant property in which it is capable of attaching to free radicals thus facilitating elimination out of the body.

Among dogs, MSM can be given orally, topically or by injection (Veterinarian only). Oral preparations come in liquid or pill form. Topically, gel preparation of MSM is applied on joint area. More importantly, injection must be done by a trained medical professional.

Another food supplement which can improve a healthier joint is Glucosamine. It is very effective in maintaining the health of dog joints. A healthy joint ensures proper mobility. Glucosamine is a precursor of your pets glycosaminoglycans which is a main component of connective tissues throughout the body. In addition, glucosamine can also provide a relaxing effect to dog joints.

Types of glucosamine include a combination with sulfate, hydrochloric acid and two molecules of potassium chloride. Glucosamine comes in the form of liquid or pills. Injectables glucosamine is also available just like MSM. Chemically, if MSM is primarily sulfur based, Glucosamine is an amino acid derivative of glucose. This chemical is isolated from the hydrolysis of chitin. Chitin is a complex carbohydrate from the shells of crustaceans such as crabs, shrimps, lobsters and the like. Glucosamine supplement is very cost effective and reliable since it can be extracted from shells which are often thrown away.

Generally, Glucosamine and MSM supplements are good for the joint health of your dog. Most pet owners supplement their dog foods most especially when their dogs are experiencing decreased mobility. The effect of these supplements can be seen within a short period of time.

Joint supplements for dogs are available at your local or internet vitamin store. Always choose name brands like Actipet to ensure quality of what you buy for your dogs health.

About the Author: Give your dog a glucosamine

Hip and Joint

boost from Actipet at VitaNet, LLC Vitamin Store. http://vitanetonline.com/actipet.cfm

Source:

isnare.com

Permanent Link:

isnare.com/?aid=746805&ca=Pets

Submitted by: Kelly Marshall

You may have heard of raw diet feeding for dogs and maybe even balked at the idea. However, many studies are showing there are many benefits to feeding a raw diet over a processed one. One of the main problems that many people run into is cost and preparation of the raw dog food.

What is Feeding Raw?

Feeding raw means, you are feeding your dog whole ingredients that are raw. The raw food you are feeding is human food, this way you know exactly what your dog is eating, no preservatives and no additives, just pure food.

What do You Feed?

You will be feeding raw meaty bones, and the dog will eat the meat and the bones. The bones when they are raw are soft and pliable; they only become splintered when they are cooked. Therefore, you never want to give a dog a cooked bone of any kind, because it will splinter and it can cause the dog to choke.

Additionally, you will not be feeding any grains to your dog, which they do not need, instead, you will be feeding some vegetables, eggs, yogurt, and some fruits. Many of the raw meats you will be giving your dog includes chicken, turkey, quail, pork, beef.

What About Bacteria?

This is where you will need to handle meat just as carefully for the dog as you would if you were eating it yourself. You can freeze the meat in portions and take it out the night before to thaw for the next day’s feeding.

Moreover, many companies make it very easy for you to purchase frozen raw meat for your dog or a mix of vegetables and fruits that can be mixed with the meat. This is very handy if you simply do not have time to handle the meat yourself. In addition, you can feed partial raw and partial grain-free kibble, to make it more affordable and easier for you.

What are the Benefits of Raw Feeding?

The benefits of feeding raw are the main reason many people have switched. These include:

Healthier skin and coat

Cleaner Teeth

Better digestion

Fewer allergy problems

Less shedding

Smaller and less frequent stool

More energy and stamina

Better overall health

While many people are not convinced that feeding raw meat is in their dog’s best interest, they may bring up many reasons why it is not the best diet, but those in favor say the proof is in the results. Many dogs have such food sensitivities and allergies that the only thing that cleared up their problem was a raw diet.

Final Thoughts

Many dog owners have found raw feeding to be right for their dogs because of the many improved health benefits. Others are not as convinced and stick with can or kibble. One way to test the waters, so-to-speak is to try your dog on a semi-raw diet, keeping the kibble as the main food while introducing some raw meat.

About the Author: Kelly Marshall is a popular contributor at

Oh My Dog Supplies

– where you can find

designer dog beds

, dog steps, pet ramps, and more unique dog gear that you’ll never find at your local pet store.

Source:

isnare.com

Permanent Link:

isnare.com/?aid=591564&ca=Pets}

Why dog harness is important.

by

Todd Martin

Dog harnesses are more than ever important for small dogs. Tremendous pulling at the end of a lead, when your dog is only with a collar can cause choking, hacking and even dangerous throat problems. Maltese and other weak breeds are mainly susceptible to this circumstance. The way out is to add a harness to your small dogs walking gear. Harnesses can also offer a twin purpose with car or bicycle travel. With a harness, these events are very safe for dogs. Dog harnesses are now as smart as they are sensible, so you will not be compromising style when faced with the need of a harness for your little one. Equip your dog in the correct walking gear today!

A lot of us like to tour with our animals in the car. It’s real fun to take our Dogs with us when we go out and it is also great to take our Dogs to different places. Normally dogs are on the back seat which can be very risky. A lot of dogs can become volatile in the car, particularly if they see something new. They can start jumping around and even get in to or get out of the car. Even if your dog is completely peaceful and when never dream of getting in to the front or disturbing you, what if you had a mishap?

To keep away from such situation a dog harness for the car is therefore very essential. There is a large range of different ways to keep your dog protected in the rear seat. Also, you can get a seatbelt accessory that just clips on to the dogs collar or a full harness. Just select a product that is appropriate to the size of your dog.

Lack of such safety precautions in place there is a valid danger attached to traveling with your dog. If you had to brake all of a sudden your dog may well easily come crashing in to the front of the car, causing unspeakable harm either to you or to itself. If it gets eager and gets in to the front it can simply cause a major disturbance to you that might end up with you having a very severe mishap.

If you have not already done so, ensure that your dog and you are safe in the car by getting a good, strong harness so you can have many more years of traveling with your dog in total safety. Then, do so by buying anyone dog harness like Daisy all in one harness and lead online at very competitive price!

Before you buy any dog accessories, do visit Todd Martin’s superb website for all your

Dog Carriers

, and

Dog Clothes

needs.

Article Source:

Why dog harness is important.}

Sled Dog Breeds – The Fleet Of Foot

by

Rebecca Prescott

Sled dog breeds are characterized by endurance, strength, and intelligence. They are usually medium to larger dogs, with a very muscular build, and have helped mankind transport supplies in times before the automobile.

Nowadays, sled dog breeds are found as pets, as well as trained to participate in sled dog racing.Sled dogs were developed to withstand very low temperatures. Their coats have a double layer, with the undercoat acting as insulation against the ice and snow. Because they have such thick coats, they need regular brushing and grooming. They also shed a lot, especially at the beginning of summer when they lose a lot of their undercoat. This could be a problem for people with dog allergies.Traditional sled dog breeds include the Siberian Husky, the Alaskan Malamute, the Chinook, the Sakhalin Husky, the Canadian Eskimo dog, the Seppala Siberian sled dog, the Tamaskan husky, the Samoyed, the Eurohound, the Mackenzie River husky, and the Greenland dog.Whilst these dogs were purpose bred, many other breeds have been used, including mixed breeds. These days, that tradition lives on in sled dog racing, where the most popular breeds include the Alaskan Husky, and various cross breeds, often based on the German Shorthaired Pointer. However, many breeds have been used, including the poodle!Alaskan huskies are favored in modern sled dog races because they are faster than traditional breeds like the Alaskan malamute or the samoyed. They are not as strong, but in sled dog racing where speed is important, and the distances are shorter, Alaskan huskies were found to perform better.Alaskan husky dogs are not a recognized breed. They are bred for their performance, and so they cannot be easily characterized as a breed. Alaskan husky dogs represent a variety of types with different lines. They are hybrid dogs – a husky with another breed, that is determined by the needs and ideas of the breeders. A husky may be bred with a wolf, setters, or any other breed that can bring genetic advantages in speed and endurance. Sled dog racing is a winter and fall sport where the sled dogs are attached to a sled (or a 3 or 4 wheeled cart in autumn), and pull the driver along. The driver stands on runners. The dogs are harnessed individually, with tug lines attached that are linked into a central gang line. The dogs are linked in pairs, and there are up to 22 dogs in a racing team. Teams race either against the clock, and a winner then announced, or against each other in a seemingly chaotic race. There are dog sled races in three categories – short distance, middle distance, and long distance. Like the sled dog breeds themselves, the sport of sled dog racing has seen some interesting adaptions to modern times and different climates. In Australia, for example, where there is very little snow, even in winter, sled dog races are held. Here, modified scooters are used, and racing is done on dirt tracks. Australian sled dog racers tend to use all sorts of dogs as sled dogs, including kelpies, english pointers, and red heelers.Rebecca Prescott presents this site with information on dogs

, with articles on the

Alaskan Malamute sled dog breed

, and

purebred Siberian Husky dogs

Article Source:

Sled Dog Breeds – The Fleet Of Foot}

By Martha Vasquez

Rubber mats for horses, or floor coverings, are used to help keep a horse comfortable and also for their ease of surface cleaning. The covering provides cushion, which lessens stress on joints and do not cause sore spots like hard surfaces such as concrete. They also help insulate against cold and dampness.

Some of these coverings are manufactured with ribbing on one side and a smooth surface on the other. If the grooved side is placed up it provides good traction and drainage, however, it can slip on the flooring and get displaced. If the mat is placed so the smooth side is up, it provides little traction for the horse.

The benefits of using this type of product are many. They are cleaner than alternative bedding, such as straw or wood shavings, and save money on bedding since a good quality mat rarely needs replaced. Some, among many, of their uses include horse stalls, trailers, and wash areas.

These floor coverings do require a periodic thorough cleaning and must be removed from the stall or other area to clean underneath them. The underside and the floor it lays on must be washed with water and detergent and must be disinfected to remove urine and other contaminants. Both the covering and the floor underneath should be allowed to dry before replacing the mats.

The majority of this type of product available are made of rubber, however, there are a few manufacturers who make the floor coverings out of different types of materials. Some manufacturers use recycled truck tires to make them. A benefit of this practice is that it assists in keeping old tires from being stored in piles and becoming breeding grounds for mosquitoes and rodents or from ending up in landfills.

Flooring of this kind can be purchased in many different sizes and styles depending on what they will be used for. Most can also be cut to size, if desired, but the specifications of the manufacturer should be checked before doing so to ensure that the guarantee on the product will not be voided. Some are made with protrusions that interlock with other pieces of the flooring and, therefore, can be sized to fit with only the very edges needing to be trimmed.

Thickness varies from three quarter inch up to one half inch. The thinner ones tend to curl at the corners and are more likely to absorb urine odors, which makes them unusable over time. The thicker the mat, the better its quality tends to be. The thicker coverings, however, are more difficult to move around due to their weight. As an alternative, smaller sections of a heavier mat can be placed together to cover a desired area making them easier to clean or to relocate as the need arises.

Rubber mats for horses are very beneficial when used as the manufacturer intend. Horses will be much more comfortable and their stall or other areas they occupy much cleaner. As with any product, the benefits of using the product must be weighted against the disadvantages. In the case of rubber floor coverings, there are many options available to suit individual needs. It must be kept in mind, however, that mats are not always an ideal alternative to conventional horse bedding.

About the Author: Looking for a cost-effective stall flooring for your horses? These environmentally-friendly rubber mats may be just what you need. These horse stall mats provide comfortable support for your horses, and help to relieve join pressure and can absorb shocks.

Source: isnare.com

Permanent Link: isnare.com/?aid=1316297&ca=Pets

Why it is important to potty or dog door train your dogs?

by

Angelo Everton

Training a dog to learn certain skills is beneficial not only for the dog but also for the owners, themselves. Dogs are highly intelligent animals that are very capable of learning skills they can use in their everyday lives. Training your dogs to become accustomed to using a dog door, a walking leash or any other petsafe accessories can have a substantial impact in the way owners interact with their canine buddies. There are plenty of valid reasons why it is important for you to train your dogs and make them learn certain skill sets.

One reason is that it teaches them obedience. Any kind of training teaches our dogs the basics of being obedient, whether its using a dog door, learning how to wear petsafe barking collars or learning how to pee outside the house. You want your dogs to be disciplined and obedient to you at the same time. You do not want your dog to become clumsy and wreaking havoc to your house or the playground. A trained dog is an advantage to the owner since it will be easier for them to keep their dogs under control in any situations.

Training is also a good bonding activity for the owner and their pets. It is an activity you and your pet can do in order to strengthen the bond that the both of you have. Training your dogs also gives you the chance to get to know your pets better since you will be exposed to their mannerisms and the way they will be behaving while in training. A training session will also help owners establish their authority over their pets. You want your pets to recognize you as an authority figure. Someone they can follow and have to obey at all times. Training your dogs gives you the opportunity to establish this relationship with your dog.

Training also eliminates the mannerisms of your dogs that can cause problems for you and your family. You can train your dog to use the dog door in order to do their natural business outside: both number one and two. Having your dogs engage in these training sessions also help them become more open and sociable to other people. These trainings help them become more responsive to the people around them. It can also teach them how to act whenever other people are around. You can teach your own dogs valuable social skills when you train them the proper way.

While most people hire professional help in order to have their dogs trained and learn certain sets of skills, owners are very much capable of conducting and providing training for their dogs on their own. Some owners prefer to train their own dogs instead of sending them to obedience school for practical reasons such as saving money. Simple dog door or potty training can go a long way for your dog. You can also take pride in having trained your pooch to become the sociable dog that he has become.

Want to learn more tips and techniques in effectively

dog door

training your dogs? How about some information on some

Petsafe

accessories that can help you in your training? Visit our websites now.

Article Source:

ArticleRich.com