Keeping your pet’s flea free while still allowing them to get wet is easy this summer; with Bayer’s range of waterproof products.
Advantage, Advantix and Advocate allow you to treat your pets against summer nasties, including fleas, ticks, heartworm, gastrointestinal worms and mites, without you having to worry that the treatment will wash off if they get wet or go for a swim.
When
choosing dog food for your pet dog, make sure you read the list of ingredients
and make sure that the food you plan to give your dog has the necessary
nutrients he needs to thrive. Keep in mind that buying the cheapest or the
first dog food you see on the shelf may cause your pet to become malnourished.
Rather, feed him good food full of nutrients for a high quality life.
Fat Content
Dogs
need fat since it is the main source of energy for him. It also is needed for healthy eyes, skin,
brain and coat. Some healthy fats are
lamb fat, chicken fat, herring and sunflower oil.
Carbohydrates
Dogs
also need carbohydrates because it is also a major source of energy in his
body. It is this energy that fuels their
muscles and brain. Usually commercial
dog food contains as much as thirty to sixty per cent carbohydrates there is a
needed minimum proportion needed for the commercial dog food extrusion
process. Grains cannot be digested as
easily by dogs. They must be simmered or
cooked well for better digestion. Some
good carbohydrates are whole grain bread, barley, potatoes rice and corn.
Vitamins
Dogs
need an external source for vitamins and minerals except vitamin C, since dogs
cannot make their own vitamins except this.
Your dog need magnesium, calcium and iron which are readily found in
fish, bread, milk, fruits and vegetables and grains. Even if your dog's commercial dog food claims
to be complete in its vitamins and minerals, it may be cancelled out by the
heating process in making this commercial food.
It is best to consult with a holistic veterinarian for advice on whether
to supplement your dog's diet with vitamins and minerals.
Fatty Acids
They
also need fatty acids which are divided into essential and non-essential fatty
acids. Non-essential fatty acid are
synthesized inside the dog's body that meet his own requirements.There is
only one essential fatty acid is needed by dogs and it is linoleic acid. Linoleic acid clots blood after a wound, help
them reproduce normally and regulates the bloods' flow to the different organs
and tissues in his body, maintain his skin and coat and boosts his immune
system. Non-essential fatty acid is
synthesized inside the dog's body that meet his own requirements.
Mark Perissinotto has been a practicing veterinarian for over 20 years, 14 years of which he was the owner and principal of a busy multi-vet mixed animal hospital. One of the two co-founders of Vet Shop Australia, graduated from the University of Queensland with Bachelor of Veterinary Science and one of the best retailer of pet supplies Australia.
The moment you yell “Marco Polo” your pet dog may
just decide to jump into the pool. This is why there are a few important tips
for safety you need to put into effect as some breeds of dog are able to swim
naturally while others are not able to.
Not all dogs love water, but for their own safety they should definitely
be exposed to it. With some safety devices and training, you can protect your
dog this summer and ease your mind in the process.
Baby
Steps
You can gradually introduce your pooch to the lake
or the pool by snugly holding him and walking slowly into the waters. A little
bit at a time, let him get wet and let him swim a little eventually. Make this
experience something positive with a lot of praise and encouragement.
The
Right Techniques
The proper techniques for swimming will be something
to teach your dog. Instinctively, all dogs paddle when they are under water.
Swimmers who are not experienced however will have the tendency to rely on
their front paws and do hardly anything with their rear paws. The result of
this is loads of splashing and a swim technique that is almost vertical. It is
very easy for a dog to become exhausted doing this. With the right training,
many swimmers who are vertical can learn to use their hind paws to even out
their swimming style to something that is safer. You need to watch your dog
safely and if you start seeing signs of fatigue or over-stimulation, you can
then call them to shore. Also, take note that advanced dog swimmers that lower
their lower back is a sign of fatigue as well.
Depth
Perception
A pool with steps should be marked with potted
plants as dogs tend to have poor perception of depth in a swimming pool. If
there are no steps, provide a ramp with a non-slip surface to server as an
exit. Spend enough time to help him exit at the ramp if he is by himself in the
pool. It is a good idea to keep safety devices for floatation not too far away,
in case of emergency.
Mark Perissinotto has been a practicing veterinarian for over 20 years, 14 years of which he was the owner and principal of a busy multi-vet mixed animal hospital. One of the two co-founders of Vet Shop Australia, graduated from the University of Queensland with Bachelor of Veterinary Science and one of the best retailer of pet supplies Australia.
Christmas is a time of giving and sharing; where the best presents for pets and pet owners alike are the gifts of love, good health and good will.
This Christmas, as a way of saying thank you to the Sunshine Coast Animal Refuge and to show our support for the wonderful work it does in ensuring all rescued animals are adopted into a loving home, VetShopAustralia is calling out to all animal lovers to 'help feed those in need.'
During December, VetShopAustralia will be donating one bag of pet food to the Sunshine Coast Animal Refuge; for every 10 bags sold.
Every time you purchase pet food from VetShopAustralia’s online retail store, or from our local Forest Glen wholesale warehouse, you won’t just be feeding your own cats and dogs this Christmas, you’ll also be helping to feed the animals the refuge rescues. By providing good quality food to the animals at the refuge, they can be kept healthy and happy until they find a happy home forever.
If you would like to ‘help feed those in need’ please visit www.vetshopaustralia.com.au for your next pet food purchase; this December.
Wishing you, your family, friends and your pets a happy and safe Christmas.