Dog Facts for Kids: Teach The Little Ones To Be Friendly

Dogs are such great additions to any homes! With more than a hundred officially-recognized dog breeds, and even a lot more mixed breeds, these fur babies sure do give any family many years of happy moments with them. For households with children, it can be an interesting thing to tell some fun dog facts to kids.These facts can be anywhere from crazy to funny and weird.

This can also be a method of sharing some facts about dogs for kids to let them know more about the pet.

SOMETHING COOL

• Dogs do not need night vision goggles to see in the dark. Their eyes have tapetum lucidum, which is a special membrane that enhances night vision.
• The common myth that dogs are colorblind is not true. They can see color, but not as vibrant as how we see them.
• Speaking of eye structure, dogs are equipped with three eyelids, an upper and lower lid, and a “haw” or commonly called as the third lid. This third lid helps in moisturization and protection of the eyes.
• According to the APPA or American Pet Products Association, more than 60% of American households own one. That is more than seventy million homes across the United States.
• Dogs have 42 teeth, compared to humans that have 28 to 32 permanent teeth.
• Dogs have an elevated normal body temperature that ranges from 101.0 to 102.5F.
• Unlike humans, our fur babies can only sweat in particular areas of the body, focusing on the paw pads. The main source of heat exchange is by panting.
• Dogs have an amazing olfactory ability, or sense of smell. They have over ten thousand times a more acute sense of smell in comparison to humans. This is why there are some breeds being used to detect game or even cancer, thanks to their hyperactive sense of smell. Another cool fact is that dogs are believed to have the ability to smell your feelings, but this is not entire accurate. Dogs have the ability to determine changes in your scent and interpret them to a particular feeling.
• While dogs have a distinct doggy odor, there is a breed with almost no scent at all – the stuffed-toy like Samoyeds.
• The average heartbeat for large dog breeds range from 60-100 beats per minute, while smaller breeds can go as much as 140 beats per minute.
• If humans have unique fingerprints, dogs got unique nose-prints which can also be used to identify the dog.
• The United States currently holds the largest dog population in the entire world with over 70 million dogs, coming on second place is France.

SOMETHING CUTE

• Dogs are probably the most expressive pets you will ever have. Aside from their demeanor, they are also equipped with more than twelve individual muscles that steer the movement of their ears.
• The dog is the most popular animal to star in movies. From Beethoven, to Balto, to Hachiko, their demeanor and story surely captures our hearts.
• The longest-living dog is an Australian Cattle Dog named “Bluey.” Bluey lived an amazing 29 years and 160 days. That is equivalent to more than 140 years old in human years.
• Speaking of longevity, most toy dogs have an average lifespan of 14-16 years with Chihuahua having the longest life expectancy with 16-17 years.
• The tallest dog ever is a Great Dane named “Zeus” which stands a towering 44 inches when he was measured in October 2011. Great Danes are one of the tallest breeds, but the Irish Wolfhound is on the top spot for average height.
• There are numerous distinct features in some dog breeds. These range from the iconic patterns of the Dalmatian, the cute blanket-like wrinkles of the Sharpei, and the blue-black tongue of the Chow Chow.
• Speaking of distinct features, Dalmatian puppies are born with a plain white coat. The spots develop as they grow older. On the other hand, the Sharpei become less wrinkled as they age.
• There are specific breeds that have a special affinity to children. These include the Newfoundland, Poodles, Old English Sheepdog, and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier which is often referred to as the “nanny dog”.
• Aside from sit, stay, and play dead, there are other tricks that they can learn. In fact, some dogs can do math, and some even “sing”.
• The most popular dog breed in the United States is the Labrador Retriever, which has been on the first place for a quarter of a century already. The Labrador Retriever is followed by the German Shepherd and the Golden Retriever on second and third place, respectively.
• Dogs can dream! Like us humans, they also share a similar sleeping pattern where dreams do happen. This is the reason why they have sudden random movements while they are sleeping. All we have to know is what their dreams are all about.

UNDERSTANDING DOGS

Our young ones should learn both fun facts and important things about dogs. This allows them to appreciate being a responsible pet owner and to keep them away from harm as well. As a supervising adult, it is essential to let them, especially the very young children, know that dogs are not toys that they can ride at all, and some basic facts  that they should know.

Dogs need good nutrition. Like kids, dogs should have a balanced diet every single day. These can be achieved by giving them dog food that is packed with vitamins and minerals, as well as required protein and other ingredients to ensure good health and long life.

Dogs need grooming. It is like how kids go to the barber shop or salon for a trim or a complete haircut, dogs are required to be groomed for hygienic, aesthetic, and health purposes. This helps the fur babies look good and feel good.

Dogs need exercise. Children can easily relate to dogs, especially breeds that have this child-like energy. Exercise requirements vary per breed, but it can be explained to the child that this activity is required to promote muscle and bone health.

Dogs need time with you. It is very important to let children know that there should be enough time between them and the dog. There should be a balance between rest and play, as well as attention. For larger dog breeds that stay in a dog house outside, it is necessary that there should be enough interaction.

Dogs can be playful, but they can still bite. Even with dog breeds that are known to have a very, very mild demeanor, they can still bite. Some bites can be considered as playful bites, while other bites can be due to defense mechanism or aggression.

Dogs need to be handled with care. Big or small, they can still get injured after rough playing or accidental falls. Let the kids understand that dogs can be a lot playful, but they should also be handled with care to avoid possible accidents for both the dog and the child.

FACTS FOR KIDS TO REMEMBER

Here are some basic facts that every child should know about dogs.

Help your child by teaching these basic principles:

1. When the dog is wagging its tail, it doesn’t always mean that the dog is friendly. It is one of the basic methods of communication and can mean other things such as aggression.
2. Unless you are sure that the dog is friendly, and the owner says it is alright to touch the dog, do not approach the dog.
3. Children should know how to properly approach a dog. Before petting a dog, make sure that it sees you. You can offer the back of your hand first before touching him. Never attempt to touch him automatically because this can lead to aggression or anxiety.
4. There are some dogs that don’t like to be petted on the head.
5. When a dog comes to you, avoid looking at its eyes, and allow it to smell your hand. Any fast motions are highly discouraged. Avoiding direct eye contact means you are not an intruder of personal space or an aggressor.
6. It is important to determine what to do if an aggressive dog comes to you. Stay calm and stand with your arms on both sides. Do not run away because it may lead to agitation and the dog will definitely chase you.
7. If the dog attacks you, give it something to chew on. You can use your bag, a book, or your coat. Then, slowly move away until there is already a barrier between you and the dog such as a bench or a tree. In cases when the dog knocks you down, protect your face and roll into a ball and lie down until the dog runs away. After the surroundings is clear, check for any scratches or bites and immediately seek an adult to assist you in getting first aid.
8. Stay away from obviously aggressive dogs. Stay away from yards or areas where dogs are chained until you are certain they the dogs are friendly.
9. Never disturb a dog that is sleeping or eating. They are known to be defensive when it comes to their food. When a sleeping dog is frightened, they can act aggressive.
10. Dogs love to be loved. If you love them, they will love you back.

It is such a great moment to share some nice and new information about dogs with children!

It allows them to know more about dogs, and will help them understand their needs further and have a closer bond with their dogs.

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Adopting The Best Dogs For Seniors: How to Choose A Compatible Furry Companion

Seniors living by themselves can feel lonely when they have little to no interaction with other people. Therefore, it’s natural for them to want to adopt a dog, or for families to adopt a dog for them, to keep them company every day. It’s nice to have a pet around to love and talk to.

However, some people worry that adopting a dog may be inconvenient for seniors that live in small apartments. Seniors that have health problems may also be discouraged from getting a pet that requires constant care. However, finding the best dogs for seniors is not as difficult as you might think.

It’s actually beneficial for seniors to have man’s best friend as their daily companion. Dogs can improve a senior’s health in several ways. Having a dog around can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and keep them active throughout the day.

Furthermore, a dog can do wonders for a senior’s mental health. Many dogs require walks, which will encourage social interaction. Not only will this decrease feelings of loneliness, but it will lowers the chances of becoming depressed. Dogs can also decrease the effects of dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Dogs can also prevent seniors from worrying about the future. Dogs are animals that live in the present, which can cause their owners to live in the present. Therefore, morbid thoughts about what the future may hold will be kept at bay.

Despite the numerous health benefits dogs provide, don’t rush out to adopt the first dog you come across. There are several factors to think about before adopting a dog. Many seniors have health concerns or live in communities with pet restrictions, which can effect they type of dog they decide to adopt.

While there isn’t an exact science to adopting a dog, you might find that some factors are more relevant to your situation than others. This is why we have come up with a comprehensive list of the things you should consider before adopting a dog for a senior.

PICKING OUT A DOG TO ADOPT

There are quite a few things to think about when choosing the right dog for a senior. Some factors revolve around a senior’s health and living space, while other factors revolve around the dog itself. Therefore, we’ve created four main categories to help you determine which factors pertain to your situation.

WHERE WILL THE DOG BE LIVING?

The simplest part about picking out a furry best friend is determining what kind of dog can live comfortably in its expected home. Where the dog is going to have to live is an important consideration. No dog should have to live somewhere they can’t move around in comfortably.

The size of a dog’s new home, the type of yard it may or may not have, and the type of neighbors it will have to get used to are all factors that can decide what type of dog is the right dog. Before deciding on a dog to adopt, consider the size of the place you will be bringing it home to. Will it be living in a house? An apartment? A trailer?

It’s not a promising idea to bring a large dog home, like a German Shepard or a Labrador, if it is going to have to live in a one-bedroom apartment. A large dog will feel cramped and restless if he or she is forced to live in a small place.

Therefore, always adopt a dog that can live comfortably in its new space. Larger dogs are a good option for full-sized homes. Smaller dogs, such as a pug or beagle, are a good option for small apartments.

Consider the type of yard your new friend will have to play in as well. Seniors living in a home that has a fenced in yard can consider adopting a larger dog, because the dog can run around, play, and get its energy out throughout the day. You can also throw a ball or frisbee around in the yard, instead of having to go to a dog park.

However, seniors living a townhouse that has a tiny yard, or an apartment with no yard at all, might want to consider adopting a smaller dog. If you adopt a large dog, but have no yard for it to run around in, then you will have to spend a lot of time and energy going on multiple walks a day. Smaller dogs only require a walk or two a day, and some don’t need walking at all.

Finally, think about how close the neighbors are. While you might not want to adopt a dog based on the type of neighbors are nearby, neighbors can become a real pain. Seniors who live in an apartment building, where there the neighbors are on top of one another, should avoid adopting a dog with a reputation for barking.

For example, a chihuahua may be small and can live comfortably in small apartment, they have a reputation for barking, which could annoy grumpy neighbors. If too many neighbors decide to complain about the noise your companion is making, you might be forced to get rid of it.

Just remember that seniors who live in an apartment, assisted living, or other community-type place might have rules that limit the type of dog they can bring home. So, double check with who is in charge before deciding to adopt a dog in the first place. This way you will avoid any future problems that could result in having to get rid of the dog.

MOBILITY AND OTHER HEALTH CONCERNS

The type of dog a senior chooses to adopt will rely heavily on their health. Certain health concerns or the inability to move around freely will have a significant impact on how seniors interact with their furry companion. Therefore, how interactive a senior can be with their dog is a huge factor in determining the right dog to adopt.

When adopting a dog, many times the health of a senior and where they live will go hand in hand. For example, seniors who don’t have the ability to go on long walks, or don’t have the strength necessary to keep a dog under control, should usually avoid adopting larger dogs. Larger dogs may end up pulling too hard on their leash and seniors who don’t have the strength to hold on to their dog could end up hurt.

However, seniors with mobility issues who live in a house that has a yard won’t need to walk their dog. Therefore, a large dog may still be an option, especially if they live with family members or have a caretaker who comes over every day.

Typically, adopting a smaller dog is going to be the better choice for seniors with health problems. Seniors with heart disease, or respiratory diseases that make it difficult to breathe and do exercise, might not be able to walk an energetic dog every day. Seniors with diseases such as osteoporosis and arthritis might find it difficult to throw a ball or Frisbee for their dog to catch.

Smaller dogs, such as Boston terriers, pugs, dachshunds, cavaliers, and Pomeranians, are loving dog breeds to consider adopting for seniors with mobility concerns who need walkers or canes to get around. Seniors who have cardiovascular health problems and can’t perform a lot of exercise, or seniors with low bone density, should consider these dog breeds as well. Typically, these dog breeds don’t need to be walked and love to spend their days lounging on the couch, as long as they receive plenty of love from their owner.

Some other small dog breeds that could be a good fit are poodles, beagles, Yorkshire terriers, chihuahuas, cocker spaniels, and schnauzers. These breeds adapt well to living in apartments, and other small living areas, but are a little more active. Therefore, these types of dogs are the happy medium for seniors who are still fairly active, but live in smaller quarters.

QUALITIES A DOG MAY HAVE

Before adopting a dog it’s necessary to do your research. While it’s alright to want a certain type of dog because it’s what you always wanted or it’s the type of dog you grew up with, it may not actually be the right type of dog to fit a your needs. Therefore, knowing several factors, such as a dog’s age, energy level, and potential health concerns are essential to adopting a dog a senior can love and take care of properly.

The first factor to consider when adopting a dog is its age and life expectancy. Typically, it is recommended for a senior to adopt an older dog. Puppies can be a lot to handle. They’re energetic, they usually aren’t potty trained, and need to be to learn obedience.

Seniors with health problems or seniors that live in an apartment are going to have a challenging time teaching a puppy to behave. This is why adopting older dogs is recommended, because they are calmer, gentler, and more obedient. Therefore, seniors will most likely find an older dog better suited for their lifestyle.

Smaller dogs have a longer life expectancy than larger dogs, because larger dogs typically have more health problems. Often smaller dogs have life expectancies of 15 to 16 years. Larger dogs have life expectancies of 10 to 13 years.

Most seniors probably won’t care about the life expectancy of their dog as long as they can love them and receive love from them. However, some may want to adopt a dog that is expected to live longer, especially if they live alone and want to have man’s best friend by their side for a long time.

The second factor to consider when adopting a dog is its energy level. As touched upon, some seniors will have no problem handling a dog with a high-energy level. However, many seniors need a dog that has a low-energy level and requires minimal maintenance.

If you are looking to adopt a dog with low energy levels consider the following breeds: basset hounds, bulldogs, pugs, Boston terriers, and Shih Tzus. For seniors who want a dog with a moderate energy level should consider the following breeds: beagles, Bichon Frises, and Italian greyhounds. Some experts may consider these breeds to be higher-energy level dogs.

Possibly the most important factor to consider when adopting a dog is what type of health problems it may have in the future. While predicting the future may sound ridiculous, there are health problems that are commonly appear in specific dog breeds. Seniors who have a lot of health problems themselves may not want to adopt a dog that could have potentially serious health problems as well.

Not only will those problems get expensive, but seniors who can’t drive may not be able to take their dog to the vet all of the time. Therefore, seniors who won’t be able to take care of a dog that has serious health problems might want to consider avoiding adopting the following breeds.

Bulldogs are known for having respiratory problems due to their small nostrils. However, they usually won’t turn life-threatening if the dog is kept cool and isn’t over exercised. German shepherds, and other larger dogs, usually get hip dysplasia, which can cause pain, arthritis, and walking problems. Beagles are prone to seizures.

Unfortunately, talking about every dog breed that is known for having health problems would take up too much time. However, if there is a dog you are considering adopting that we haven’t mentioned do some research. Talk to a vet, or dog expert, who can give some insight as to what you should expect when you adopt a specific type of dog.

CAN THE DOG BE TRAINED?

Adopting a dog that is fully trained will make adopting a dog much easier. Seniors with health concerns may not have to worry about the size of their dog if it is well trained. Therefore, seniors will have the ability to choose their dog based on what they want instead of based of their ability to move around.

While it is still recommended for seniors with health concerns to adopt a smaller, low-energy dog, other dogs may be a possibility if they are well trained. Obedient dogs are less likely to pull on their leash when they see a person, dog, or another animal. They are also less likely to jump onto visitors, go to the bathroom in the house, or chew on furniture and shoes.

Preferably, you want to adopt a dog that is already well-trained. Some seniors may not have the ability to train their dog themselves. However, adopting a young puppy and enrolling it in obedience class, or hiring a dog trainer to come to your home, is another possibility.

Remember that not all dogs are receptive to training. Some dog breeds are easier to train than others. For example, golden retrievers are typically easy to train. This is because they are dogs that like to please their owners and learn new things.

Other dogs that are usually easy to train include: poodles, Labradors, collies, German shepherds, corgis, and Rottweilers. Typically, these dogs are associated with qualities such as high intelligence, loyalty, and an eager personality. Sometimes these dogs are described as having a work ethic, making them easier to train.

Dogs that are harder to train include: Dalmatians, pugs, basset hounds, beagles, and bulldogs. There are a variety of reasons it is difficult to train these types of dogs. For example, basset hounds have an incredible sense of smell, which makes them more likely to follow their own senses rather than listen to their owners.

Another reason a dog might be difficult to trains is because of its energy level. A high-energy level dog will need lots of treats to train because it gets distracted easily. A low-energy level dog might be too lazy or stubborn to bother with training.

Another option is to look into applying to adopt an assistant dog. These dogs are a good option for seniors with more severe disabilities, as these dogs are more than just a companion. They can help seniors perform daily tasks, such as opening doors, pulling wheelchairs, helping seniors get dressed, carrying items, and providing balance.

CONCLUSION

There’s a lot to consider before taking a dog home. For example, do you have a home with a yard? Or do you live in a small apartment or an assisted living community that might restrict the type of breed you can adopt?

Furthermore, considering the health limits of a senior is key to adopting the right dog. Taking care of a dog that has a lot of energy might be difficult for a senior that can’t take it for walks. However, taking care of a dog that doesn’t have a lot of energy might be boring for an active senior.

Unfortunately, there’s no exact formula that will tell you exactly what dog to adopt. Variables, such as health limits and the desired dog breed, change from person to person. Therefore, you need to determine which variables apply to you and talk about what dogs may be a good option.

Have any questions, concerns, or other helpful tips we didn’t cover in this article? Please share your comments in the section below.

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Best Dog Food for Huskies: What to Choose And Why

Huskies are known for being very active animals, so it’s important that they have the right amount of calories to keep up with their lifestyle. Despite their small size, they do need high-energy foods to get them through the day.

Originally bred to be working dogs, such as for sledding, these traits continue to thrive in the breed, and have been known to travel far distances of even a small amount of food. That doesn’t mean that you can feed them just anything, however. Because they’re so different from other dog breeds, they don’t eat like they do.

EATING HABITS

When it comes to eating, most dogs tend to eat whatever food is put in front of them. This leads to the danger of over-eating and getting sick. However, huskies are quite different. They watch their intake of food to regulate how many calories they’re burning. If a husky is already full or isn’t very active, they won’t eat at all or will eat a lot less respectively.

Typically, a husky will only eat after he has had a lot of exercise. That isn’t to say that huskies won’t overeat, however. When they do, they put the weight on very quickly and it becomes quite difficult to lose. Overweight huskies also have shorter life spans than healthier ones, as they are more prone to other diseases and conditions that are associated with weight gain.

Another eating habit that is very common in huskies is a result of their stubborn nature. The smallest things could put a husky off of a certain food, and he may choose to avoid it altogether. Huskies are very individualistic, and can be quite particular of the food that they are being given. From the size and texture of the food, or being bored of eating the same food all the time, there are a number of reasons that a husky may not eat. Even experiencing sickness after eating can result in a husky not eating that kind of food ever again.

Boredom is a big factor to get over when it comes to feeding your husky. Leaving food out for too long can result in your dog becoming bored with it and will choose to avoid it altogether. If you find that he hasn’t eaten and there are no other signs of illness that could be causing this, return his food to the bag or container and try again at a later feeding schedule.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD THEY BE FED

Before discussing the best foods for your dog, it’s important to consider just how much food you should be feeding him and how often. Huskies are known for being grazers, so leaving a bowl of food for them to much on throughout the day can certainly help them deal with their calorie count.

However, to avoid them getting bored with their food, divide their meals up into two or even three equal servings. This gives them a source of calories that they can burn throughout the day without them having to resort to the fat being stored in their bodies, which can cause them to lose weight unnecessarily.

In conjunction with how often, knowing how much food to give can also help your dog from becoming overweight. They do not require as much food as other dog breeds, and can perform just as well on relatively smaller amounts of food. That’s why you should be careful with the amount of food that you put in your dog’s bowl. Overfeeding can quickly lead to weight gain, as well as upset stomachs and diarrhea.

It can be difficult to determine how much food should be given, as a dog’s weight and energy levels both play as factors. A good baseline range to work from is roughly sixty percent of the food that the manufacturer recommends and to adjust it accordingly to meet your dog’s needs.

WHAT TO DO IF MY HUSKY IS UNDERWEIGHT

Whether you’ve adopted a new husky or your dog has gone through a period of illness that has caused him to lose a lot of weight, there are steps that you can take to help your dog regain what he’s lost. Weight management can be difficult, as it’s hard to see what your dog really looks like with all of the thick fur in the way. The best way to determine how healthy your dog is, is to feel through the fur to his body.

If you can feel his ribs and spine easily, then your dog is underweight. Choose a high-quality dog food and mix in with dog food to provide the calories needed to start the weight gain process. Only choose a high quality dog food, as cheap stuff may smell great, but it won’t have the essential vitamins and minerals that will help to restore the function of your dog’s organs and muscles. To further increase weight gain, choose high quality treats that are also good for your dog. Some of the best treats include hard boiled eggs, raw baby carrots, and cooked pieces of chicken.

CHOOSING DIFFERENT FOODS

Due to their prone nature to boredom, there have been many questions as to whether a husky should remain on the same dog food or should be provided with a variety of foods in their meals throughout the day. Many vets and nutritionists are of the opinion that constantly switching a dog’s food can lead to an upset stomach, allergic reactions and agitation of the digestive tract.

However, there are other opinions that state that dogs are natural scavengers, and that there is nothing wrong with adding variety to their meals, and may even perform better on such changes. Instead of purchasing different brands of dog food, you can try sticking to one, and then adding different things to your dog’s food each day.

Anything that changes the flavor, such as different kinds of fish, raw minced meat, peas or shredded carrots, can make all the difference in the world and get your dog eating regularly again. Cheese in extremely small amounts is acceptable, but should be avoided in larger quantities.

When adding new ingredients, reduce the amount of kibble and replace it with the equivalent measurement of the food you’re adding. Simply throwing in more food can quickly lead to overeating and giving your dog too many calories.

If you do decide to do a complete overhaul of the food that you’re giving your dog, it’s important that you do so on a gradual basis over a period of two weeks. Some of the old food should be exchanged with the new in order to see if there are any adverse reactions. Gradually decreasing and increasing these amounts respectively will eventually lead to your dog accepting the new food without any problems.

FINDING THE BEST DOG FOOD FOR SIBERIAN HUSKY

NUTRO MAX CHICKEN MEAL AND RICE

When it comes to large dog breeds, Nutro Max provides the nourishment that they need to keep going throughout the day. Only high-quality ingredients are used, such as chicken protein, from farm-raised chickens, and whole grain rice. There are no by-products, preservatives, artificial flavors or artificial colors that are added to the food. It was developed to provide a complete and balanced nutrition for any large dog breed, chock full of all the vitamins, minerals and calories that they’ll need to get the job done.

The dry kibble bits will help to reduce any plaque and tartar on the teeth, the high protein content promotes the development and growth of the muscles, and the fatty acids improve skin and coat, so that your dog will look his best. Not only does Nutro Max help your dog on the outside, but it also helps within, promoting a strong immune system to fight off infections and illnesses that may arise.

If you interested you can buy it from Amazon.

ORIJEN

Orijen Adult dog food has been specifically formulated to match the natural dietary needs of your dog. Containing over 90% meat ingredients made of chicken, turkey, eggs and fish that are delivered fresh each day to their processing plant, your dog will benefit from the calories that Orijen provides for their growth, development and calorie-burning.

Their food is free from any preservatives and the ingredients are never frozen, which has shown to destroy some of the nutritional value of ingredients. Fruits and vegetables are also included in the making of their dog food, and they’re entirely grain-free, making it easy for you and your dog to avoid any grain allergies that may occur from cheap, mass-produced dog foods.

Like this great product? Then you can check its price on Amazon.

INNOVA

Made with all-natural ingredients, Innova is made with chicken, turkey, whole peas and fresh fruits, providing all of the vitamins and minerals that are needed to keep your dog healthy and happy.

The high-quality protein is harvested from farm-raised chickens and turkeys, and there are no by-products included to jeopardize the quality of the food being provided to your dog. Your dog’s skin and coat are also cared for with the inclusion of Omega-3 fatty acids, as well as the necessary ingredients to boost their immune system.

If you interested in this product you can check its price here.

BLUE BUFFALO

Blue Buffalo has quickly gained popularity as one of the best dog foods to purchase as an alternative to the raw diet.

They contain a unique blend of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to keep your dog’s health in shape. It is without any corn, wheat or soy, and only healthy grains are used, such as brown rice, barley and oats to give them the energy that their body needs to burn calories. Vegetables such as carrots and sweet potatoes provide the complex carbohydrates and roughage that are needed.

Like this product? Then you can check its price on Amazon.

TOLERANCE AND HEALTH ISSUES

Many huskies and sled dogs are unable to tolerate specific ingredients that are commonly found in commercial dog food. The cheaper brands of dog food are mostly guilty of this, which means that you’ll have to spend a little more at the pet store to find the right food for your dog. Avoid brands that include wheat in their ingredients, as this can lead to the irritation of the digestive system.

Your dog may also develop Zinc Responsive Dermatitis. The signs of this disease include scabs and hair loss, especially around the muzzle, ears and eyes. This is due to the fact that huskies and similar breeds of dog have difficult time absorbing zinc, so they will start to show signs of deficiency, even if the food that they’re eating has the right amount.

Symptoms can appear when your dog is stressed or is being fed a diet that is high in plant material and/or calcium. Adding a zinc supplement to his food should clear up the symptoms within a week or two.

FOODS THAT SHOULD BE AVOIDED

There are some foods that should never be given to your dog on any basis. These foods include:

Large amounts of dairy: many dogs are known for being lactose intolerance. This means that they are unable to digest the specific protein that is contained in milk. Ingesting large amounts of dairy can lead to gas and loose stools. Each dog is different, however, and reacts to different amounts and kinds of lactose. Foods like whole milk and ice cream can have a sudden, adverse effect on your dog. However, low fat greek yogurt and some kinds of cheese can be fine for your dog to eat, as long as they’re provided in moderation.

Cooked bones and fat trimmings: you may think that it’s best not to waste food by giving your dog your table scraps, but you could be doing more harm than good. Fat that has been trimmed from meat can lead to pancreatitis, where the pancreas becomes inflamed from infection and causes serious abdominal pain. Dogs can choke on the bones from cooked meat, and they can also splinter within the digestion tract. This can lead to the obstruction of the bowels or lacerations that can cause internal bleeding.

Onions/anything in the garlic family: these ingredients in any form should not be included in your dog’s diet. Onions and garlic are known to destroy a dog’s blood cells, which can lead to anemia. Signs of this occurring include vomiting, weakness, difficulty breathing, having no interest in food and lethargy. Avoid these foods in any form, included powdered, dehydrated, cooked, or raw. Putting your dog’s health at risk simply isn’t worth it.

Raisins, grapes or prunes: you may have heard recently that grapes and raisins can be detrimental to your dog’s health, but may not know why. Raisins and grapes can cause kidney failure; the kidneys are responsible for cleaning the blood of any waste products and removing any excess water to be excreted as urine.

The failure of these organs can lead to the rapid decline of your dog’s health. The first sign is repetitive vomiting for an extended period of time. Lethargy and depression soon present afterwards; once you notice these, you should take your dog to a vet immediately.

Macadamia nuts: cashews and peanuts may be provided to your dog as an occasional treat, but macadamia nuts are a no-no. These nuts can actually be fatal to your dog and lead to poisoning. Signs include muscle tremors, paralysis of the hindquarters, weakness in the hind legs, vomiting, increased temperature, and a rapid heart rate.

It’s best if you avoid giving any foods that contain these nuts. If you have done so accidentally, get your dog to a vet immediately.

Avocado: guacamole may be delicious, but your dog may not think so. Avocados contain persin, which affects dogs differently from humans. It can damage your dog’s heart muscles, which can lead to lethargy, difficulty breathing, vomiting and diarrhea.

Persin is present in the leaves, seeds and bark of avocado plants, so if you’re growing your own indoors, it’s important that you keep your dog way from them. Resist the temptation to share your nacho dip with your dog, and leave him to his regular treats instead.

Coffee or tea: caffeine can be great as a pick-me-up in the mornings, but your husky is not going to appreciate the effects of it in his system. Caffeine intake in large amounts can be quite fatal for dogs and has no known cure. Your dog will become restless, have muscle tremors and fits, heart palpitations, rapid breathing, and bleeding. Caffeine can also be found in cocoa and chocolate, as well as some energy drinks. Why not wake up your dog the old fashioned way with a good daily run and high-quality food?

Taking care of your husky’s diet can be quite rewarding if done properly, and will help your husky to lead a full and healthy life. Though they are known for being quite finicky when it comes to their food, it’s important that you exercise patience when providing healthy meals that they also find attractive. Going through a period of trial and error is normal in any husky owner’s life, but once you’ve found the right balance, then all of your worries simply melt away.

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