Dogs are referred to as man’s best friend for a good reason, they’re loyal, protective, and intelligent. Man generally returns the favor by providing the pet with the very best sustenance and care. Recently, a popular trend among canine owners has involved switching over to grain free dog food. And while the grain-less diet may not be suitable for every dog, those with certain allergies, skin problems, and stomach issues will most likely be better off on one.

Before they were quickly domesticated, canines’ diets typically consisted of meats and they generally only ate plants and carbs when it was already in the stomach contents of their dinner. Most pet food companies, however, tend to ignore this information when it comes to the contents of their items. Most commercial brands have ingredients such as grains, corns, and meal, none of which were ever intended to be eaten by mankind’s most loyal friends.

Corns are included as a filler in dog food and isn’t even able to be digested by them. Many companies, up until recently at least, would even promote their corn usage since most owners were unaware of its negative impact and simply considered it a healthy additive. For a canine, eating foods that contain corns is just like eating a fast food combo for every meal. A dog’s stomach literally turns the ingredient into sugars.

Grain is another story altogether, grain isn’t bad for pets, other than wheat, but some may have some allergies to it. Owners who notice diarrhea, bloating, excessive gas, or similar symptoms in their dogs should consider switching her or him to grain free dog foods to ameliorate them.

Animals who are not suffering from food related allergies will most likely still benefit from a grain-less diet. This is because manufacturers of this type of dog kibble include alternate sources of carbohydrates and other nutrients. Most use potatoes which have highly digestible proteins and essential amino acids.

Eating foods that don’t contain grains like wheat can provide benefits other than eliminating allergy problems as well. A young pet will be able to maintain its healthy weight and an older one who has a little trouble getting around will eventually shed its extra pounds. The formula will provide an old dog with easier passing stools and a noticeable increase in energy.

The Omega-6 and amino acids included in the recipes will make the coat of your pet noticeably softer and shinier too. In most cases, they leave them with skin that is significantly healthier too. Kibble that is grain free can be obtained at most feed shops and pet stores easily. However, you should research a few brands online before to make sure you get a product that’s legitimate.

A canine has bacteria in his stomach that recognizes and attacks elements which are foreign so a sudden diet change could temporarily result in vomiting and diarrhea. Make the switch easier by adding only small amounts of the product at a time to your dog’s bowl and slowly increase the amount every few days until the old stuff has been completely replaced.

Jamie is a pet health expert who specializes in the raw dog food diet.

As a cat owner, you are more than likely familiar with the myriad of infectious diseases that can infect your beloved feline. Despite your best precautions, your cat may still contract any of these common diseases which, according to data gathered by PetFirst Healthcare, a nationwide provider of pet insurance, have average national claims ranging anywhere from $120 to $402. Unfortunately, some are easier to catch than they are to get rid of. Fortunately, though contagious, they are often quite preventable.

One of the most common infectious diseases, feline upper respiratory infections can be caused by an assortment of factors, however, feline herpes-1 or the calicivirus are the usual causes. Though symptoms may vary depending on which virus is causing the infection, a cat suffering from an upper respiratory infection often experiences sneezing as well as discharge from his eyes. In some cases he may also become depressed and lose his appetite. Upper respiratory infections should only last a few weeks, any longer and you may need to take your cat in to get checked for feline leukemia. The average claim for treating feline upper respiratory infections is $121.53. For this reason, many cat owners opt to vaccinate their cats. However, since vaccines are not 100%, always aim to keep your cat away from other cats that appear to be sick.

Fever, which is the second most common ailment that affects cats, occurs when your cat’s body temperature rises above its normal 100 – 102.5°F (37.7 – 39.1°C) to fight off disease. If your cat has a slight fever and his temperature remains under 105°F (40.5°C) you may just need to keep an eye on him, cooling him off with fans and plenty of cool fresh water. Avoid giving him a bath since the water can act as insulation, trapping in the warmth. If you cat’s temperature is higher than 105°F (40.5°C) bring him to the vet right away. Fevers are usually the result of an infection, including bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic. However, they can also coincide with inflammatory processes such as pancreatitis, as well as be the result of immune-mediated diseases, drug reactions, pet poisonconsumption, or even cancer. Since fevers can be associated with any number of causes it is important to bring your cat in to his vet for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Symptoms of fever include, but are not limited to, lethargy, dehydration, loss of appetite, shivering and rapid breathing. The average claim for treating feline fevers is $227.80.

Following fever, feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), or feline distemper, is the third most common infectious disease for cats, infecting both kittens and adults. Typical symptoms include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and even seizures. The feline panleukopenia virus is highly contagious, typically spreading from one cat to another via contact with the feces or urine of an infected or recovering cat. This can happen when several cats share contaminated food and water dishes, litter pans, bedding and living areas. Humans who handle several cats can easily pass the disease from a sick cat to a healthy one, whether via their hands, clothes, or shoes. Additionally, pregnant cats that are infected with FPV can pass it on to their kittens. On the other hand, if the mother has feline panleukopenia antibodies, these will be passed to the newborn kittens, providing them with a natural immunity for the first 8-10 weeks of their lives, after which the kittens should be routinely vaccinated. Maintaining vaccinations, doing routine cleaning and sanitizing, as well as isolating new or sick cats can prevent this sometimes-fatal virus. After all, with the average cat insurance claim for feline panleukopenia around $402.09, it’s better for both your cat and your checkbook if you maintain a clean, healthy lifestyle.

The fourth most common infectious disease for cats is tied between feline leukemia (FeLV), and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Though they are not the same as human AIDS, they are similar. Both viruses weaken a cat’s immune system, making them more susceptible to other cancers and contagious diseases. Whereas FeLV is spread through bodily fluids such as blood, saliva, urine and feces, FIV is usually spread when an infected cat attacks and bites another cat. Symptoms can vary for both viruses. With FeLV, your cat may lose weight, develop a fever and become dehydrated. He may also develop kidney problems, ulcers, a urinary tract infection, even nerve damage, etc. If your cat has FIV he may develop chronic upper respiratory infections, lose weight, develop fevers, urinary tract infections, as well as enlarged lymph glands and abscesses. Unfortunately, since there are currently no cures for either virus, responsible pet parentsshould take preventative measures and talk to their vet about vaccinating their cat against the feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency viruses. The average amount claimed for feline leukemia and FIV is $183.98.

The fifth most common infectious disease for cats is feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), which is caused by certain strains of the feline coronavirus and is usually fatal. Fortunately, only a small percentage of cats that have been infected with the coronavirus actually develop FIP, usually cats with low or weak immune systems.  For this reason, FIP is most often seen in young kittens and older cats, when their immune system is weakest, and rarely in cats between 3 and 10 years old. The virus is typically passed from an infected mother cat to her babies when they are between 5 and 8 weeks old. Symptoms, which can take anywhere from weeks to years to present themselves, may include weight loss, depression, and fever. Feline infectious peritonitis is often difficult to diagnose due to the range of symptoms and their similarity to other diseases, so be sure to take your cat to the vet if you ever suspect he is sick. Unfortunately, there is currently no known cure for FIP; instead, vets strive to provide infected cats with the best quality of life possible. With the average claim for feline infectious peritonitis around $402.09, it’s important to keep your cat safe from this deadly disease by providing him with a healthy diet, regular vet checks, and a clean living area.

With all the dangerous diseases that can harm our beloved cats, it’s important to take an active role in our pet’s health. Providing our pets with a healthy diet and exercise, as well as a clean environment and regular exams is extremely important for their well-being.

Most Common Feline Infectious Diseases

An Imaginary Conversation  of fish.
I was alone in our house and I was scared. Mommy and Daddy were not home just yet. Mommy told me to be brave. Daddy assured me they won’t be long. The electricity went out and I had only a lamp to keep me company… Until I saw my pet fish, looking at me.
He was swimming around his little bowl of water. Somewhat agitated just like me. His little fins caught my attention as they reflected the light from my lamp.
“Ms. Jane, Ms. Jane,” he said, “Why are you afraid?”
“The night is cold and I am alone,” I said. “I want to be hugged. How were you able to speak? You are just my fish!”
“I am a fish alright, but only to reason’s eyes. But you are young and afraid, that even the dark night takes the most of you. I will keep you company,” he said. “But you have to give me a name, or else my voice will disappear.”

“A name? You want a name? That’s rather odd for a little fish. Do you not want food instead?” I said. “But since you asked for a name, I will try to give you one. Um… Mr. Fins? Mr. Gills? I’m sorry. Although, your scales are interestingly gold and glimmering against the rays of light from my lamp. Would Mr. Gold do?”

“Mr. Gold… Mr. Gold…” he said. “That’s not too bad for a little pet fish like myself. You have nothing to be afraid of. Least of all the darkness. There is much darkness in this world that only your mind creates. And it is only in your mind that you could create the light.”

“I do not understand, Mr. Gold,” I said. “Would the lamp help to create the light in my mind?”
“The lamp is fueled and soon it will burn out,” he said. “What will happen next?”
“It’s going to be completely dark, and I would be more afraid,” I said. “I won’t even be able to see you Mr. Gold – none of your glimmering scales and little fins.”
The electricity flickered. I had hoped the lights would turn up, but to no hope. I still just had me, my pet fish, and my lamp. And the darkness. Do not forget about the darkness.

“But would you think of me?” he asked.
“Yes, most definitely,” I said.
“Then it is not darkness for me, because I will continue to exist in your mind,” he said. “Your thoughts are the light for my darkness, and my memory will light up the darkness of your mind.”

“It sounds wonderful,” I said. “Then I will always think of you.”
“I would love that,” he said. “We shall always light up.”
The electricity flickered. The lights have finally turned up. In a matter of seconds, there was hope. But at that moment, I had me, only me, and my lamp. Mr. Gold was gone.

But there was no darkness for me and my pet fish. There was only light in my mind.

Cheap Pet Costumes would be beneficial as a working example of your technique but also I don’t know my own strength. You might expect that I’m taking the scenic route. Often just asking a question can be enough. Aside from that, this is ready for prime time. But, I candidly state that Buy Costumes is important. It is very easy to obtain pet if you try. How will that fit into your plan, if at all? I could bow out on looking to be whipped. Pet usually needs to be dealt with like the case. Buy Costumes is hot right now. I’m doing it for you so that you won’t have to. That’s the time for a fast change.

Alright, it’s not always as straightforward as this. You can always buy Buy Costumes here and know that you are going to get a dandy discount price. I’ve been contemplating a few of the difficult lessons we learned in the very early years of pet. That’s the time to draw the final card. I can’t vouch for the source of that Buy Costumes info. That is how to prevent being nervous about everything. Indubitably, I can take a moment to contemplate Buy Costumes. If you’re not tough and can’t handle the heat, you’re going to realize Buy Costumes is not really pleasant. You need to know what it is that leaders like in connection with pet. Many pet collectors started their pastime as teenagers, when they were given a Cheap Pet Costumes as a gift. Having said all that, I’ll acknowledge that many persons will fail at Buy Costumes. That pet company has become a stumbling, bumbling joke. I’m bona fide. There are far too many reactions in that activity. Cheap Pet Costumes is located in a couple of areas.

Many people who keep hearing about bed bugs, stop to wonder about what could be the exact dangers of bed bugs? Dangers of bed bugs are basically based o the harm they cause to the skin. Although there are some types of bed bugs that are more common than others they effects to the skin are the same. Miniature Schnauzer These nocturnal creatures suck blood form their host at night and in most cases none can’t easily feel the bites,. They produce saliva that has special anesthetic that causes an allergic reaction. These is the reason why when you have been bitten by a bed bug you develop red bum

National Kids and Pets Day is April 26th, 2010 – celebrate with your family by recognizing our wonderful children and pets or honor this day by adding a new furry friend to the family! On our calendar, everyday is Pets Day, but take this special holiday to celebrate our favorite four-legged friends (and two-legged kids!) If you are looking to add a pet to your family take this time to learn about selecting the right pet and breed for you, and if you already have pets, learn how to teach your children pet responsibility.

Looking for a family friendly puppy? These are our picks:

•    Cocker Spaniel – These lap dogs are sensitive and sweet and enjoy the attention of children. Cocker Spaniels are obedient with training and friendly around people.
•    Pug – This affectionate breed loves being part of a family. Outgoing and mischievous, they make playful companions for children.
•    Golden Retriever – Similar to Labs in personality, Goldens are mild mannered and enjoy being around families and other people. These dogs are easy to train and are gentle with children.
•    Basset Hound – This breed is good with children of all ages. They are known for their docile nature and gentleness. Their long backs need to be supported when they are picked up, and an eager child can accidentally injure them.

Tips parents can teach their children regarding safe pet play:

•    Teach your children to pet softy, stay away from pet-food dishes, toys and bones, and not to startle your dog or cat when it is sleeping.
•    Keep babies and toddlers at a level higher than your dog. Dogs perceive height as representative of their hierarchy. Keep your children off the floor when the dog is in the room.
•    Don’t give your dog toys that resemble your children’s toys or clothing. Stay away from fabric stuffed dog toys that resemble your child’s stuffed animals.
•    Involve your child in your dog’s care. Even just the presence of your child in the same room while your dog is receiving his favorite things or activities can help build a positive association to children.

Whether your idea of celebrating National Kids and Pets Day means buying special treats for your pup, taking the kids and pets to the park or adopting a new friend, we think you should do all you can to show how much you love your furry friends on this day.

And what better way to show your pets how much you care than to keep them safe, healthy and protected at all times? With pet insurance available at Kroger and offered through PetFirst, you can keep your pet healthy while also keeping piece of mind. Policies cover routine care and medical procedures for dogs and cats, and works at any veterinarian nationwide. Policies start as low as $9.95 per month and right now, if you purchase online you can save $10! There is no better time than National Kids and Pets Day to start protecting your pet to ensure a long, healthy life to enjoy with your family.

November is national Adopt A Senior Dog Month. Just in time for the holidays, give the gift of a forever home to one of the many older dogs currently living in shelters and humane societies around the country.

Pets generally become “senior citizens” around age 10, but this can vary based on breed and size – many dogs exhibit signs of old age and begin to need special care by age 7. Senior pets often go unnoticed at shelters by potential parents, as puppies and younger dogs tend to be adopted first. But older pets deserve to live their golden years in a loving environment, surrounded by a happy family too.

There are several benefits to adopting an older, more mature pet:

o   Older dogs are generally housetrained. Adopting a puppy requires hours of potty training and cleaning up accidents – a more mature dog already knows his house manners.

o   Older dogs sometimes have a calmer, more mellow disposition. With old age comes patience and focus. An older dog will learn more quickly and focus well because they have mellowed.

o   Older dogs generally aren’t teething. Puppies tend to explore with their mouths and chew anything within reach to soothe the pain of teething.

o   Older dogs know what “no” means. Generally, older dogs have been taught “no” and understand its meaning – they will learn quickly what they can and cannot do and where they can and cannot go.

o   Older dogs require less attention. Although snuggling, scratching, petting and playing are always accepted, more mature dogs can be just as content laying still and keeping watch over the house, unlike puppies who may require more constant attention and looking after.

As dogs start to enter their senior years they need your love and care more than ever. With an aging pet it is important to be aware of warning signs they may be developing age-related conditions or injuries (such as arthritis, sprains or cancer) and to ensure they are not in any unnecessary pain. Caring for an older dog can be one of the single greatest rewards of your life and the love and devotion they give in return can’t be beat. For those times your older pet needs a check-up, medications, surgery or other treatment senior pet insurance can help with costs. Senior pet insurance is available for pets older than ten and will help reduce financial stress of caring for an older animal.

If your family is asking for a pet this holiday season, perhaps a senior dog is right for you. Find a shelter near you.