One of the most frequent questions I get asked during this time of the year when working at one of our stores is, "My puppy is going through the chewing stage, what can I do?" The problem is that puppies teeth just like our children when they are getting new teeth. The difference is that our kids usually fuss or cry while our dogs chew everything in sight!
Although there is not a fix all solution, one of the best things you can do to manage the situation is offer your puppy a variety of puppy-appropriate treats. Keep their attention focused on something that is challenging and rewarding and keep your couch from being shredded:)
Some great puppy treats include: beef tendons, bully sticks, puppy nylabones, Everlasting Treat Ball from Star Mark, frozen raw bones.
Remember that children cry and puppies chew, a lot!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Monday, March 9, 2009
Pet Dental Tips
Our pets' oral health is essential to preventing systemic problems down the road. Oral health is also an indicator of potential internal and systemic ailments. As a former OHSU dental student, I realized a long time ago that we cannot avoid taking care of our teeth and gums if we are to live comfortably for years to come. The same principle applies to our pets. Unfortunately, they cannot take care of their own teeth or we would probably have a bunch of pets much more concerned with what they eat and drink. The responsibility is on our shoulders. Below, I have listed a number of recommendations that will help keep your pet's teeth healthy and strong.
1) Brushing regularly (just as important for our pets as it is for us)
2) Raw bones (from pet store - need to be properly handled and stored); raw bones have intact enzymes that help with digestion as well as keep the oral cavity cleansed (my personal favorite is the Nature's Variety raw bison bones)
3) Mouthwash for dogs/cats (basically the same as over-the-counter human brands but designed specifically for dogs/cats to be placed in their drinking water)
4) High-quality pet food (low-grade pet foods often have simple carbohydrates that convert easily to sugar and change the pH of the oral environment. The drop in pH is the reason for many dental problems, so make sure your pet eats good treats and good food to minimize sugar in the diet)
5) Dental treats (although raw bones are the best dental treat, they are not always the most practical, so research and look for good dental treats to help reduce plaque buildup); some of the best dental treats include - dried sweet potato chews, breath-a-licious, Merrick breath biscuits & the newly reformulated greenies (old formulation caused serious problems so make sure you are getting the new formulation)
Even with the best pet dental hygiene, problems may arise. Visit your local veterinarian regularly for a dental checkup. The time and money saved long-term through good oral care and regular checkups is worth it.
Visit your local Nature's Pet for other great pet oral health ideas.
1) Brushing regularly (just as important for our pets as it is for us)
2) Raw bones (from pet store - need to be properly handled and stored); raw bones have intact enzymes that help with digestion as well as keep the oral cavity cleansed (my personal favorite is the Nature's Variety raw bison bones)
3) Mouthwash for dogs/cats (basically the same as over-the-counter human brands but designed specifically for dogs/cats to be placed in their drinking water)
4) High-quality pet food (low-grade pet foods often have simple carbohydrates that convert easily to sugar and change the pH of the oral environment. The drop in pH is the reason for many dental problems, so make sure your pet eats good treats and good food to minimize sugar in the diet)
5) Dental treats (although raw bones are the best dental treat, they are not always the most practical, so research and look for good dental treats to help reduce plaque buildup); some of the best dental treats include - dried sweet potato chews, breath-a-licious, Merrick breath biscuits & the newly reformulated greenies (old formulation caused serious problems so make sure you are getting the new formulation)
Even with the best pet dental hygiene, problems may arise. Visit your local veterinarian regularly for a dental checkup. The time and money saved long-term through good oral care and regular checkups is worth it.
Visit your local Nature's Pet for other great pet oral health ideas.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Low Cost Natural Dog Foods
In today's difficult economic times, many are searching for reasonably priced alternatives to some of the high cost super premium pet foods. This post addresses 2 foods that are directly targeting the new economy: (1) Dog Lover's Gold & (2)Taste of the Wild.
Dog Lover's Gold: A great low cost super-premium pet food. This food has no corn, wheat or soy and uses lamb meal, chicken meal & fish meal as its primary protein sources. The ingredient list is simple and the formulation is excellent, especially for active dogs. I like this food so much that I recommend it to all customers looking for a great food at a great price (part of the reason it is priced well is the packaging is horrible - looks very generic). My dog loves it and so has just about every dog that's tried it. Cost is between $39.99 - $43.99 for a large bag.
Taste of the Wild: A low cost brand free of corn, wheat & soy with some of the most palatable formulas on the market. This all-stages brand has an excellent allergy fish formula and a bison formula. Cost is in the mid to upper $40s for a large bag.
Customers are often surprised that they can purchase super-premium all natural dog food for less than national brands like: Eukanuba, Science Diet and others. Spend less, get better food, feed less because of the quality of ingredients, and pick up less during walks. Sounds good to me!! Natural Dog Food
Dog Lover's Gold: A great low cost super-premium pet food. This food has no corn, wheat or soy and uses lamb meal, chicken meal & fish meal as its primary protein sources. The ingredient list is simple and the formulation is excellent, especially for active dogs. I like this food so much that I recommend it to all customers looking for a great food at a great price (part of the reason it is priced well is the packaging is horrible - looks very generic). My dog loves it and so has just about every dog that's tried it. Cost is between $39.99 - $43.99 for a large bag.
Taste of the Wild: A low cost brand free of corn, wheat & soy with some of the most palatable formulas on the market. This all-stages brand has an excellent allergy fish formula and a bison formula. Cost is in the mid to upper $40s for a large bag.
Customers are often surprised that they can purchase super-premium all natural dog food for less than national brands like: Eukanuba, Science Diet and others. Spend less, get better food, feed less because of the quality of ingredients, and pick up less during walks. Sounds good to me!! Natural Dog Food
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
How pet food is made
There are several different methods of how pet food is made. I have attached a link to a podcast by Natura Pet Products (manufacturer of brands such as Innova, EVO, California Natural & Healthwise) that explains the process in detail for anyone interested. http://podcast.naturapet.com/
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