Helpful Articles

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After your dog dies, you will go through a period of mourning. Do not let anyone make you feel you are being foolish to act bereaved. You have suffered a genuine loss. Ensure you visit and talk to people who understand your situation. If someone has never had or loved a pet, they will not be able to fully comprehend how or what you feel.

In time, you will be ready to pick a new dog to befriend, a new family member. Do not feel guilty. You are not replacing a beloved dog. You know that is impossible. It is why you should never choose a dog immediately after your loss. Your new dog is a completely different soul. While your dog may have similar characteristics, he or she is not the same dog. You are not attempting to forget your old friends. You are giving a good home to a new one.
You should not get a dog under the following circumstances:

1. Immediately after the death of the old one. You will probably feel guilty. You may not be in the right frame of mind.

2. If the dog looks exactly like your old one. This may be counterproductive. It can be harmful to both you and the new dog. You will expect, even subconsciously the same reactions, behavior and nature. This dog has its own personality. It is not fair to make it live in the shadow of another.

3. Do not go looking for a pet, if you are still sad. Your moods will effect the behavior of the animal. It is hard for a puppy to continue to be happy when you are upset constantly. If you burst into tears every time you see the new dog, you are not ready. It is not a healthy atmosphere for either you or the new dog. Wait until your are through this stage of mourning.

4. The same thing applies if your family is still grieving. It is not fair to the new dog to come into such an atmosphere. In some instances, members of the family may reject the new dog. This is harmful to both you and your family. Wait until everyone is on the same page. You need to welcome the new dog whole-heartedly into all aspects of your life.

5. Do not bring a dog into your home is you are going to consistently compare it to its predecessor. If this dog is a puppy, it is a new and fresh slate. It has its own personality. It has its own characteristics. It will be better in this and worse in that than your former pet. It is NOT a clone. It is not a carbon copy. It is a unique individual. It deserves better than a constant comparison in which he or she always falls short. This dog is not the other dog. He or she will never be the other dog. Until you can accept this fact, do not bring another dog into your home. It is simply unfair to all involved parties.
You will know when you are ready to bring home a new dog and accept him or her totally as an integral part of your life. Do not let anyone push you into it. Move through the grieving process at your own pace. When you are truly ready to embrace the life of a new dog, you will know.Article written by Calvin Carter of ohmydogsupplies.com, check out our diverse selection of orthopedic dog beds online.

As a dog owner, you will discover eventually that you have something in your home that can be dangerous or fatal. Keeping these items away from your dog is very important and avoids possible concern or problems that may result from your dog ingesting something harmful in your home.

Play dough, for instance, can be deadly for your dog, because of its high salt content, which can cause swelling and fluid retention in your dog's brain. If your dog ingests enough of this toxic childhood toy, it can develop seizures, go into a coma and die. If your dog has had small amounts of this dough, it may recover, but constant nervous disorders will remain as a result.

Antifreeze, of course, is not good for either a person or animal to ingest. This chemical is usually found on in a garage or basement, but if a dog less than 20 pounds, for instance, ingests just a tablespoon of antifreeze, it can be lethal. Your dog can receive treatment if it receives prompt medical attention within the initial 24 hours of ingestion.

Christmas plants and decorations are also lethal culprits for dogs. Plants, such as mistletoe and poinsettia plants are deadly to dogs. While, tinsel, if ingested by a dog, can block its intestines thus causing death. Tinsel can also be a choking hazard for your dog. Dry retching and discomfort are the first signals that your dog has eaten something not right for its system. Moreover, glass ornaments can be dangerous if the dog puts it in his mouth and the ornament breaks.

Medications, such as Tylenol and Advil can be dangerous unless prescribed by a vet. Additionally, if your dog gets a hold of some medication prescribed for a person, this can also be dangerous if swallowed. Vitamins, especially those containing iron can be deadly to your dog. Only give your dog vitamins prescribed by its vet.

It goes without saying that cleaning products are not safe to leave out around your dog. Some dogs like the taste of cleaning products, but they should still be kept out of the dog's vantage point.

Electrical cords and sockets are also dangerous and have caused many dog-related deaths. When a dog chews on an electrical cord or licks an uncovered electrical socket, this can be dangerous and deadly. The aforementioned should be kept out of reach from your dog.

Beehives should always be kept away from where dogs spend a lot of time, because many dogs are allergic to bee venom.

Keeping your home safe for your dog also includes removing any houseplants that may be poisonous. Your vet can provide information on the various types of houseplants that are highly toxic to dogs and puppies.

Moreover, following the above tips will keep your dog safe and alive, while providing many years of companionship for you and your family.Article written by Gary Hamilton of Oh My Dog Supplies, the best shop to buy chew proof dog toys online. 

In spite of what cigarette companies say, we all know it. Smoking is a serious health problem. Some people consider it child abuse to smoke in the same room as children. Second hand smoke can be as deadly if not more so than actually puffing on a cigarette. People, especially children, have little say in the matter. Although laws and restrictions continue to improve the situation, there are still problems. There are also areas where research has yet to extend beyond the surface. Of particular concern to dog owners is the issue of second hand smoke and its impact on their pet.

Can secondhand smoke affect your favorite canine? This is a matter under investigation. The first study dates from 1992. More recently, others have begun to accumulate data. You, as a pet owner, should take to heart the questions these studies raise. Your dog has no choice but to breathe in the same air as you. When you omit toxic chemicals into your environment, you are forcing the same materials into the lungs of your dog.

While it is true dogs are closer to the ground than taller living beings, this will not allow them to escape  the smoke of cigarettes or cigars. While the air around them may not have as high a rate of toxicity, the carpet they lie in may actually have higher levels. As anyone who smokes or knows smokers is aware, the odor clings to carpets, rugs, clothing and the physical space. Your dog lies on the carpet. He or she gets to breathe in all the smoke and its components after it sinks down and settles there.

Dogs may actually suffer from a triple whammy. They breathe in second-hand smoke directly as they sit, lie or walk beside their smoking person. They obtain further toxins when they absorb the smoke and chemicals from chairs, furniture, carpets and other materials conducive to acting like a sponge. Dogs also may suffer because of a habit. Dogs clean themselves. As a result, they ingest the chemical toxins.

Dogs with owners who smoke are at a heightened risk for several health problems. These include

• Respiratory infections
• Asthma
• Lymphoma
• Cancers of various types. For some long-muzzled dogs, nasal cancer is of serious concern. The incidence rate jumps by 60% if the dogs live with a smoker.

Vet studies are underway to research the links between poor dog health and second hand smoke. The anecdotal evidence, however, seems to indicate there is a link. Dogs who belong to owners who smoke, are more prone to certain illnesses.

Moreover, cancer does not seem to care about the shape of a dog’s nose. While Greyhounds, Collies and German Shepherds with their long noses, may be prone to nasal cancer, short muzzled dogs are not free from cancers caused by passive smoke. Dogs like pugs and bulldogs may actually be at high risk. They have less effective means of filtering out the toxic chemicals.

If you put together the anecdotal and the medical evidence, the result is clear. Smoking is bad for both you and your pet. If you want to help your pet live a long healthy life, do this. Stop smoking now. If you cannot, take it outside and away from your dog.
Article provided by Joe Cooper of www.ohmydogsupplies.com, where you can find a incredible selection of interactive dog toys online. 

Taking your dog on vacation with you and your family is preferable to leaving them in a kennel or at a friend’s home. You will discover that there are now more pet-friendly vacations available than in the year’s prior. With a few considerations and adjustments, you and your family can have an enjoyable vacation with your dog.

One of the first considerations when taking your dog on vacation is finding out what options are available for pet-friendly vacation locations. You should not, for instance, assume that most camping grounds allow dogs, because this is not always the case. Many campgrounds even restrict dog access to only leashed dogs at all times of the day. This is true even with major local and national parks. If a game warden should notice you walking your dog off leash, you may be subject to a ticket or even summoned to leave the park area. To avoid such issues, it is strongly advised to check ahead of time for regulations and rules concerning dogs.

Most hotels and other types of lodging make it clearly known as to whether or not they allow dogs or other pets. You should not consider staying in a hotel if you own a dog that incessantly chews or barks. Even if you stay at a pet-friendly hotel, the hotel’s management will request you and your dog to leave if they discover that your dog is partaking in the aforementioned activities, especially if guests are complaining. Under these circumstances, many hotels and motels will not provide you a refund and this is a costly lesson to have to learn. Moreover, many pet-friendly lodging facilities will require a deposit for your dog, which is used to treat the room for pet odors and fleas once you and your dog have checked out.

Another great option for vacationing with your dog is to take your dog with you to a friend’s home. You should find out before leaving if your friend has a fenced yard and if they own other pets. You should try to find out if your dog is compatible with the other dogs beforehand or you may have to shorten your stay.

If you have a crate-trained dog, you should bring the crate along with some toys in case your dog is left unattended. Using portable dog pens is a great option if you own a small breed dog, this would not be advisable for larger dogs. If you choose this option, familiarize your dog with the pen before going on your vacation.

Finally be sure to check with your vet to see if any additional vaccinations or treatments are required before you leave. Heartworm and tick treatments are very important if you do not currently use these in your area but are traveling to area where heartworms or ticks are a problem. In addition if you are traveling to other houses with dogs you may want to have your dog given a booster for Kennel Cough just to avoid any possible problems.
Article provided by Joe Witherspoon of www.ohmydogsupplies.com, where you can find a extraordinary collection of toys for large dogs online.

It’s In The Bone. Dog Chiropractic Practices

Chiropractic work is now common usage among humans. A chiropractor carefully manipulates the vertebrae of a patient to restore the body into its correct alignment. Doing so is said to restore body functions, particularly the improvement of the nerve function through the spinal column. The manipulation of bones helps to alleviate other problems such as chronic pain. Many people go regularly to a chiropractor to help improve their ability to function.

Recently, this practice of bone manipulation has moved into veterinarian medicine. There are licensed vets who practice the science and art of chiropractic medicine. There are also chiropractors who work with vets. Although the evidence is primarily anecdotal, some dogs do benefit from this type of alternative medicine.

Uses of Chiropractic On Canines

There are many possible uses of chiropractic medicine for your beloved dog. They mimic those employed for humans. With both humans and animals chiropractic medicine performs its work without surgery or medication. This is one of the benefits. It can be particularly beneficial for animals for whom surgery poses a high risk. This includes senior canines.
The following is a basic look at when a chiropractor may benefit your canine.

1. Neck, back, leg and tail pain

2. Disc and joint problems - such as limping

3. Trouble getting up and down

4. Muscle spasms or nerve problems

5. Jaw problems, including difficulty when chewing

6. Behavior or mood changes

7. Injuries from slips, falls and other accidents

8. Event or sport-related injuries. This is a common usage for canines who are actively participating in some form of sport such as Agility or Fly Ball

9. Post-surgical care. In some instances, a chiropractor may help with the healing and recovery process.

10. Maintenance of joint and spinal health

Technique

A chiropractic vet or a chiropractor who works with animals should be your primary choice. In this way, you guarantee your canine receives the correct type of care. Canine chiropractic medicine requires a technique that is animal-friendly. A good canine chiropractor understands more than the spinal arrangement and bone structure of a dog. He or she understands their nature.

Before manipulation can even begin, the chiropractor will ask about your dog. He or she will request to see the notes from the veterinarian. A chiropractor will not proceed to work on an injured dog without knowing what the vet has said about the illness or injury and its possible causes.

The chiropractor will provide his or her own assessment. This is done by thoroughly examining the dog. He or she will consider the stance of the dog. The stance, gait and other critical indicators are also analyzed and considered. Only after a complete assessment is completed will a chiropractor agree to work upon your dog. Only then, will the chiropractor start to adjust the spine and joints of the dog.

Results

The results of chiropractic work vary. In some cases, the results are nothing short of miraculous. The effects are felt immediately and there are immediate signs of improvement. In other cases, the results only come after several sessions. This is also true with chiropractic practices on humans.

Conclusion

Many owners are now electing to use alternative means of treating their pets. Among these newer methods is chiropractic treatment. If you decide to follow this route, be sure to choose a chiropractor suitable for your canine friend’s needs. Always select a chiropractor who is a vet or works with a vet. While positive results and/or improvements are not guaranteed, there is a chance this method will work. Moreover, it is a means of treating certain problems without resorting to surgery or medication

Information provided by Linda Jones of Oh My Dog Supplies, where you can find a fantastic selection of big dog clothing online. 

Grooming is an integral part of dog ownership. It is up to you to ensure your dog looks as well as he or she feels. It is not merely about looks. It is about keeping your dog healthy, socialized and happy. If you groom regularly, you notice any aberrations of skin and coat texture. You can feel bumps and notice small cuts or abrasions.

Many people consider grooming to deal with the body hair. It should also include the eyes and the feet. It is normal that you will need to trim your dog’s nails at some point of his or her life. It is also essential. You make it easier for your self or for the groomer by acquainting them with the process at an early age. In this fashion, the dog will become accustomed to having toe nails trimmed.

Tools Of The Trade

The items you will require for nail clipping are very basic. They are trimmers. This is not as simple as it seems. There are many different types of trimmers from which to choose.
They also come in varying sizes. The three basic kinds are

• The Guillotine - stays sharpest the longest of traditional clippers. It is best for small dog grooming.

• The Scissor - The scissors nail clippers resemble scissors. Some feature a safety stop. This tool stays sharp for a longer time than many clippers. They are easy to use and can cut through various types of nails.

• The Plier - Some claim this is the easiest type of nail clipper to use. It obtains its name from its resemblance to pliers. It comes in sizes suitable for all dogs.

A new addition to the nail clipping scene is the nail grinder. It grinds down the edges of the nails. Some prefer this type of nail clipper. It avoids the somewhat pointy nail tip left behind by the scissor or plier types of clippers. It also gives the groomer better control over the process.

Clippers are not the only tools of the trade. You require several other items to help you perform a safe and effective job. These include a nail file and styptic powder. The latter helps stop the flow of blood if you cut too close to the quick.

Trimming Techniques

It is essential you start trimming your dog’s toe nails when he or she is a puppy. Even if you simply play with the paws and never remove anything but the tip, it introduces the puppy to the concepts. It makes it easier when he or she becomes an adult and the process is carried out on a regular basis.

It is true. Some dogs do not need nail clipping on a regular basis. Some may even spend most of their life without seeing a nail clipper. For those who are not so fortunate, here is some basic information.

1. Hold the paw firmly, but gently in your hand. In your dominant hand, you will have the selected clipper.

2. Place the device on the nail. Make sure it is at the tip. You must ONLY trim the tip of the nail. You must never clip higher up where lies the fleshy part of quick.

3. Work the device quickly over the nail. The faster you do so, the more comfortable the dog will be holding his or her sit or lie position. To ensure speed and safety, ALWAYS use a sharp clipper. Dull ones will crack and damage the nails. You want to avoid this.

4. Once the nail is completed, move on to the next one.

5. Do not forget the dew claws. They require frequent trimming to prevent ingrowing.
It also helps cut down on accidental damage from catching on items.

Conclusion

Nail clipping is part of your dog’s road to health. Make it part of his (or her’s) regiment. It should be a routine affair. If you have any difficulties and/or questions, talk to an expert. In fact, let an expert be the first to cut your dog’s nails. This way, you can see how it should continue to be done.Content written by Harry Washington of Oh My Dog Supplies, check out our diverse selection of memory foam dog beds online.

You wouldn’t leave hazardous objects lying in the reach of a child, so why would you think it’s okay to do that with a pet bulldog? Bulldogs, especially puppies, are very similar to children: if they can get into something they shouldn’t, they will. Pet proofing your home is extremely important for the wellbeing of your pooch. There are a few simple things you can do to make sure your home is ready for your new bulldog.

You should always have an emergency contact list stored somewhere that’s easily accessible. Create a list specifically for your pet. Important numbers to include are your local poison control, a veterinarian, and an after-hours or emergency veterinary care facility. You never know when an emergency will arise; the last thing you want to do it waste precious time by flipping through the phonebook.

People love to keep plants inside the home; and why not? They are beautiful and add warmth to the space. Unfortunately, there are many plants that are extremely poisonous to bulldogs. If you already have plants, look them up on the Internet, and decide if you need to toss them. If you are thinking of buying plants, do research first to ensure you won’t be bringing in something poisonous. Many popular, yet poisonous, house plants include oleander, English ivy, mistletoe, and azalea. If your pet ingests any of these, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Just because a poisonous plant is outside your home does not mean your bulldog is safe. Keep an eye on him when you go for walks, and don’t let him ingest anything that you don’t give him. On the same note, you should use extreme caution when you spray your yard with herbicides or insecticides. If you hire a company to treat your yard, make sure you are given the “rules” of the chemicals before you take your pup out. If you apply these treatments yourself, pay close attention to the product labels.

Candy is another commonly found item in the home. Most people know that bulldogs, really all dogs for that matter, cannot ingest chocolate.
However, not everyone keeps chocolate out of the reach of their dogs. A cute candy dish filled with chocolate may be tempting for your bulldog. If you want to sit out candy, make sure it’s out of the reach of your pup.

Unfortunately, what is inside the wrapper is not the only thing that can cause your pet harm. The candy wrappers are a choking hazard, so don’t leave them lying around.

Household cleaners are something else you want to lock up properly, since they are extremely poisonous. If the cleaning supply cabinet is on your bulldog’s level, consider using a child’s lock to keep your pooch out. Otherwise, put the cleaning supplies out of reach.

There are many additional items that can cause your pooch harm, including over the counter prescriptions. If you are questioning an item, the best thing you can do is place it out of reach of from your dog. Once you can verify whether or not it’s a hazard, then you can decide how to store the item.
If you suspect that your pet has been poisoned, contact poison control or your veterinarian immediately.

Written by the team of Pet-Super-Store.com, a place where you can find discount products, such as dog carriers and elevated dog feeders. 

Dogs bark because it is the only way they know how to verbally communicate. Some dogs bark at the drop of a hat, which can be good if they are guard dogs, but most people tend to get annoyed with a dog that barks incessantly. There are many reasons why a dog will bark obsessively and fortunately you won’t have to remove your dog’s vocal chords to get him to stop barking nonstop, there are ways to get your dog to calm down.

Some dogs bark because they are bored. Barking becomes a self soothing activity that also keeps them entertained, barking is fun! Put yourself in your dog’s position, if you’re cooped at home alone all day with no one to talk to, surely you wouldn’t be too happy either.

Some dogs bark at objects or sounds they perceive as threatening. It could be another dog, a loud noise or even thunder. Some dogs just bark to get your attention.

Territorial dogs bark if they sense anything in their territory. This is a great talent if you want a guard dog, but many people just want a mellow family pet and may find this frustrating.

Deaf dogs and dogs who are elderly can’t hear themselves bark and this can make them prone to incessant barking. These dogs can be taught the command to be quiet through hand gestures or with the use of a flash light. Aging dogs also sometimes develop senile dementia which can be helped with medication, so if your formerly quiet dog starts barking for no apparent reason you should have him checked by the vet in order to rule out any medical problems.

If you own more than one dog you should train each dog not to bark at the doorbell. Training two or more dogs at the same time can be very difficult, especially if you’re not a qualified trainer.

Now that you know a few reasons why dogs bark we will examine how to train your dog to not bark. You will have to arm yourself with infinite patience and self control as this can be a challenging task. The most important thing to remember is never to lose your patience and shout at the dog, you will essentially be barking back at your dog and this will never help teach him to be quiet. Dogs sense stress easily and being stressful yourself won’t be conducive to making your dog calm.

When your dog barks, ignore him, don’t look at him or talk to him or anything, act as if he doesn’t exist. As soon as he stops barking praise him profusely or offer him a treat. The dog will eventually learn that being quiet gets your attention and is a good thing.

If your dog barks at certain objects you can desensitize him by gradually moving the object closer. You will have to do this in steps and whenever the dog doesn’t bark, praise and offer a treat.

Teaching your dog a “quiet” command is also very important. You will have to do this when he barks and then offer him a treat without letting him eat it. He will stop barking to sniff the treat, give the command “quiet” then praise him and give him the treat. In time, your dog will learn to be quiet when you use the quiet command.

If your dog barks when the doorbell rings, send him to another room or his crate. When he eventually starts going to the room or crate that on his own, offer him a treat and lots of praise. Your dog will eventually start going to his designated spot when he hears the doorbell in anticipation of a reward instead of barking.

Taking your dog on daily walks and keeping him mentally stimulated should also make him less prone to obsessive barking. If your dog barks because he is bored or frustrated, some exercise will do him (and you) a lot of good! 

Most dog owners are tempted to give their dogs treats and once they submit to this behavior it is hard to go back. Treats are meant to be offered to dogs only when they have went through a command successfully. Offering a dog treats on various occasions will make the dog refuse to obey commands and become somewhat lazy always expecting to get his own way. The health impact of offering treats to your dog more often than you should is also a negative one. A dog simply loves to eat and food is the center of his world. The most exciting moment for a dog is the moment when he is offered some food. If you are prone to giving too many treats to your pet, like dinner scraps or sweets purchased from your local store this will affect his health in time and will lead to complications.

Do not feed your dog table scraps. Some of the food we eat as people is not recommended for animals because they will have allergic reactions to it. There are some human foods  you can feed your dog if you can’t afford to buy dog food but you shouldn’t teach your pet to take the food directly from your own plate otherwise he will expect to receive it that way daily.

This type of behavior will lead to other personality changes. The most frequent example we have encountered is begging. A dog will plead and beg quite often and if you give into his behavior he will be the leader and he will own you instead of you owning him. You should put a stop to his demands and work hard to eliminate this type of behavior from his life. A dog will ignore the dog food he received if he has been taught to expect human food all the time. Prevention is a lot easier than fixing the problem because once the behavior is set into his mind he will not be convinced by any methods you try to employ.

A good amount of people are in the habit of offering their food to their pets. This is most frequent when the dog is in training and the owner is interested in having his commands obeyed. If a dog receives treats too often he will ignore his training so you should restrain yourself from such conduct. The only moment when a dog is entitled to receive a treat is after a hard exercising session and after learning to obey a command. The dog will no longer work for his treat if he receives the treat ahead of putting the effort. This is the worse behavior a dog can display and if he does display it you should correct it as soon as possible because once the habit is installed then there’s no breaking the habit.

A dog’s behavior is not the only thing affected by treats, his health will suffer as well. A dog needs to have his daily portion of calories just like any man but these treats often break the necessary limit. The dog will be influenced to act inappropriately and he will develop bad health like high cholesterol levels and obesity. A dog is even more excited when receiving praise. You should reward him in different ways for each of the successful actions he has completed so he will not become accustomed to one method and begin asking for it without having his turn. Rewarding a dog should be done only in certain occasions when he has earned the right or he will become spoiled.

Content provided by Kelly Marshall of Oh My Dog Supplies, check out our awesome assortment of designer dog beds online. 

As a pet owner, one of your most important responsibilities is feeding the dog with the right kind of food in the right amounts at the right time. The statement sounds simple, yes, but it can be difficult to determine the right balance for your dog. In this article, the basics of providing for the right balance in dog food will be discussed although it must be emphasized that working with a veterinarian in this regard is still advisable.

Why the Right Balance

But first, let's discuss why the right balance - neither too much nor too little - is essential in feeding your dog its food. On one hand, underweight dogs can suffer from delayed healing from injuries and illnesses, poor muscle tone and skin quality, sluggish movements and metabolic disorders. Your dog will definitely not be good for shows.

On the other hand, overweight dogs have more than their fair share of health problems, too. Arthritis, diabetes and other chronic degenerative diseases affecting the internal organs like the heart, kidney and liver are all too common in overweight dogs. Physical manifestations of obesity include lack of energy to even move from the couch, lack of luster in the skin and coat, and even a shortened life expectancy.

Indeed, you should also be concerned about your dog's food consumption. As experienced dog owners will tell any new ones, the rule of thumb is to feed your dog more food when it appears skinny and to lessen its food when it appears too fat. Your months of living with the dog should give you an idea about which category - too skinny or too fat - your dog falls into.

How to Achieve the Right Balance

So, how much is too much or too little in dog food? The answer can become complicated when concepts like the Resting Energy Requirements (RER) are introduced. In this case, we suggest the following steps to determine the right amount of commercial dog food for your pet:

- Always choose high-quality food from the first get-go. Low-quality dog food provides little of the nutritional requirements of pets, thus, leading to health issues caused by poor nutrition including metabolic, digestive and behavioral problems.

- Determine the current weight and the target weight for your dog depending on its age (puppy or senior dog), present and future physical demands (participation in a race, pregnancy and other strenuous activities) and breed. You must work with the veterinarian in this regard as he is in the best position to know about canine nutritional requirements.

- Feed your dog the recommended amount of food. Be sure to also adhere to the rule of thumb for water - 2.5 times higher than the amount of dry and wet food provided for good health.

- Regularly monitor your dog's weight - two times a month is a good interval - to look for the desired changes. You must adjust your dog's food intake depending on the target weight.

Content written by Kate Perry of Oh My Dog Supplies, where you can find a fantastic collection of personalized dog dishes online. 

Stenotic Nares are malformed nostrils that are narrow or collapse inward during inhalation, making it difficult for the dog to breathe through its nose.

Certain breeds of dog are prone to difficulties breathing because of the shape of their head, muzzle and throat. The most common dogs affected are the “brachycephalic” breeds. Brachycephalic means “short-nosed.” Examples of brachycephalic breeds are the English bulldog, Pug, Pekingese, and Boston terrier.

These dogs have been bred to have relatively short muzzles and noses and because of this, the throat and breathing passages in these dogs are frequently undersized or flattened. The pinched nostrils, are a common problem in the brachycephalic dog. This condition results in a smaller passageway to the lungs with a markedly increased resistance to airflow. These dogs are born with cartilage malformations in the nose that limit or restrict the opening of the nostril, which can reduce the airflow through the nose in varying degrees from minor to major.

Stenotic nares in themselves may not be problematic for the dog unless there are other complications that make breathing difficult for the dog which can be corrected with minor surgery.  Many of these dogs get better as they get older, so may end up not needing surgery, therefore prompting a need to be patient unless it is a severe case which is problematic for the dogs breathing capacity. The surgery itself consists of making slits along the sides of the nostrils to open up the nares to allow for easier breathing. 

Owning a pet can help you stay healthier. You probably know how much fun it is to have a dog and how much affection your pet can bring to your life. What may come as a surprise is how many powerful physical and mental health benefits your dog can also provide. Dogs are particularly good at reducing anxiety, stress, and depression. They can help ease loneliness and will often encourage you to exercise more which improves your overall health. If you have children, caring for a dog provides them an opportunity to learn responsibility. A dog also provides much-needed companionship to older adults who may become isolated and depressed.

Dogs Can Improve Health And Mood

More than any other animal, a dog is acutely aware of their owner's feelings and emotions. They study our behavior patterns and when something is awry, they notice it immediately. Dogs interpret the sound of our voices, our gestures, and our body language. Your dog will gaze into your eyes to ascertain your emotional state and will try and figure out what you are feeling and thinking.

Most dog owners understand the benefits of owning a dog, but may not be aware of just how important playing and snuggling with their dog can be to their mental health. In recent years, scientific studies have explored the benefits of the bond between humans and animals. The American Heart Association's research linked reduced the risk for heart disease to pet ownership. Other studies have found that people who own dogs often have lower blood pressure and that dog owners are less likely to experience depression. When you play with your dog, your body produces more dopamine and serotonin, both of which help us relax and feel more calm. Other studies indicate that those who are over age 65 will visit the doctor 30 percent less if they own a pet. Owning a dog provides us with the most basic of human needs - to touch another. Hugging, stroking and interacting with a dog will help soothe and calm us when we are anxious or stressed. This provides us incredible mental health benefits over the long term.

Healthy Lifestyle Changes

Owning a dog can also help us make lifestyle changes that can lead to a healthier, more active life. While you are caring for your dog, you can care for yourself and both of you will feel better. Some of the healthy lifestyle changes you can make with your dog include:

- More daily exercise. You can take your dog for a walk, hike, or a run and both of you will reap the benefits. It is easier to meet your daily exercise requirement if you can take along your dog.

- Socialization. It is amazing how many people you can meet just by walking your dog. Dogs love to stop and smell and sniff each other and while they are doing this, you can meet a new friend. You are also likely to meet people at training classes, the pet store, and even clubs for your breed of dog.

- Companionship. Owning a dog means you have a loyal and affectionate companion. This can help prevent loneliness and depression. When you care for your animal, you know another living being is dependent upon you and loves you. This can often help take your focus off your own problems.

It is important to understand that owning a dog is a commitment. You must take the time and energy to provide your dog with exercise and care. While a dog can provide you with many health benefits, but you will also need to make an investment in caring for the dog.

Jonathan Leger is a small business owner and freelance writer. He also runs a popular question and answer site with a section dedicated to pets and pet care.