Why Do You Use Glucosamine for Dogs?

If your pooch seems to be slowing down these days, there is a good chance that he is suffering from canine osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia, or both. Arthritis in dogs is a common ailment that affects up to 30% of dogs and cats. Some of the reasons why you may want to consider using glucosamine for dogs is to treat the following signs of arthritis:

- If your dog has begun to fall behind on your daily walks 

- If your dog is having problems or avoids playing, walking, jumping and going up stairs 

- If your dog seems lethargic 

- If your dog is limping 

- If your dog has problems getting up after laying down 

- If your dog seems to wince or show signs of pain when petted over certain areas

Animals have a much higher pain threshold than us humans do, which is why arthritis in dogs can go undetected for a long period of time. When a dog is starting to show signs of arthritis, chances are it is in a more advanced state that it would be if a human were to display these behaviors.

Liquid Glucosamine for Dogs
Suitable for dogs allergic to Beef or Shellfish

So why do people use glucosamine for dogs? Glucosamine for dogs means that your dog will have improved joint health. It's a natural and very healthy supplement that you can give your dog to soothe the joints and to reduce inflammation, which in turn reduces the amount of pain that your pet would otherwise feel on a daily basis.

Liquid Glucosamine for Small Dogs
Suitable for dogs allergic to Shellfish

Glucosamine is a substance that is already naturally found in the cartilage and the synovial fluid that is in your joints. That is why when dogs take glucosamine supplements, there are very rarely any sort of adverse side effects - it's a naturally occurring substance that is already in your dog's body!

Supplements of Glucosamine for dogs are not all created equal. To really optimize your dogs health, you will want to choose the very best product that you possibly can. In order to choose the best glucosamine for your dog, these are some things to consider:

- The type of glucosamine for dogs you will use (HCL, XKCL or sulfate) 

- How your pet will take the glucosamine supplement (pills or liquids) 

- The quality of the ingredients used (are they "superior" quality and produced in a GMP-certified facility) 

- The additional ingredients that are used 

- How much glucosamine they will need per day 

- The daily cost

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Considerations in Choosing a Dog

Choosing a pet is for some a simple thing, while for others a more than a serious endeavor. Usually, the pick of the pet can be based on location, family situation, intent, are there children, or various other factors. Where it gets complicated, or intense, is when one has to take into consideration potential health issues. And one of the more relevant issues is the propensity for hip problems. Certain breeds are more likely to develop joint issues.

Probably the most simple question when looking at a new puppy is to ask " Did the parents, or any other pups in any of their litters ever show signs of joint issues?". And before I start, I would recommend talking to a vet about exercises to maintain mobility, activities to be avoided, and the need or recommendation of adding supplements to a dog's diet.

Here is a list of 9 breeds that have been shown to have a predisposition to joint problems.

1. German Shepherds: It's well known that Shepherds are predisposed to hip dysplasia and other joint issues.

    2. Labrador Retrievers: With a propensity towards obesity, amplify stress on joints.

3. Dachshunds: With their long, low bodies, they can develop back problems, especially if they become overweight.

4. Rottweilers: Have a genetic propensity to develop hip and elbow dysplasia and even arthritis.

5. Newfoundland Retrievers: Like other big breed dogs, they can hip dysplasia /arthritis partially due to rapid growth rate.

6. Great Danes: Huge frames and rapid growth tends to lead to hip/elbow dysplasia and even arthritis.

7. Saint Bernards: Huge, fast growth can cause stress on the joints leading to hip issues.

8. Old English Sheep Dogs: Suffer the same fate as other large breeds.

9. Mastiffs: Also prone to hip/elbow dysplasia, as well as candidates for arthritis.

Don't think I'm down on any of these breeds. I had a Black Lab for quite a while. He was my best hunting partner. He loved to be out goose hunting. He was always active. He never got overweight. He never had any of these issues. I think knowledge is the greatest tool in preventing or treating conditions as best we can.

Liquid Glucosamine (Vegetarian)
Suitable for All dogs even those allergic to Beef or Shellfish 

Veterinarians sometimes recommend supplements with glucosamine, MSM, and chondroitin when a dog is a young as one year, or at the time when they quit growing. This is something you, as the owner, and your veterinarian needs to talk out. After all, your dog deserves to live the best life possible. And my final advice is "Choose wisely, and enjoy your best buddy".

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Information About The Portuguese Water Dog

The Portuguese Water Dog were once used by Portuguese fisherman to pass messages to other boats, grab gear out of the water, and drive fishes into nets. When fishing became more modernized in the 20th century, this breed all but disappeared. However, they made a triumphant comeback and now rank 69th in popularity amongst the AKC's recognized breeds.

Size varies in the Portuguese Water Dog. Generally, males have a height at about 20 to 23 inches at the shoulder, while females stand 17 to 21 inches. Males average in weight from 42 to 60 pounds, while females average between 35 to 50 pounds.

In general, Portuguese Water dogs are healthy. However, as most breeds, they are more prone to certain conditions. Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), and Hip Dysplasia are all conditions this breed tends to suffer from.

tight curly coat on the left  -  classic wavy coat on the right

There are two kinds of fur types the Portuguese Water Dog may have--wavy or curly. Each coat does not contain an undercoat, meaning this breed does not shed a lot and are hypoallergenic. Color-wise, their coat can be brown, brown with white, or black. It's crucial to avoid tangles with the fur by brushing it two or three times a week.

Portuguese Water Dogs are people lovers and make great pets for family. However, although they are indoor dogs, they can be rambunctious and need to space to play. Ideally, this dog would be good for a home with a backyard, where they could run around for 30 to minutes to one hour each day.

Training is a cinch for this breed. Not only are they quick learners, but they actually enjoy the process. You are doing your dog a service by teaching him tracking, obedience, and agility. What's best is that this ease of training makes them perfect service dogs.

How much you feed your Portuguese Water Dog depends on his metabolism, size, and age. However, these dogs can become overweight and out of shape rather quickly, which is why you should not overfeed them. It is recommended to feed this breed 2.5 to 3.5 cups of good quality food, two times a day. Also, when he is done eating, take away the bowl so he cannot keep munching.

Overall, the Portuguese Water Dog is a friendly, good-natured breed that makes a good pet for families and single people, alike. They are easy to train and are intelligent dogs!

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What To Know About The Australian Shepherd

The Australian Shepherd, also known as the Aussie, is an American dog (not Australian) whose roots date back to the 1840s, during the Gold Rush period. There is a lot to love about these intelligent, beautiful dogs. Discover just why by reading on!

Australian Shepherds were originally bred to herd sheep. Though this may not be their main occupation nowadays, they still have that dominant mindset. This makes training them rather difficult and in turn, not good for someone new to owning a dog. One must be firm and confident when training them and show them who the boss really is!

On average, a female stands between 18 and 21 inches tall, while a mall measures at 20 to 23 inches, at the shoulder. Females weigh in anywhere between 40 to 55 pounds and males weigh between 50 to 65 pounds.

Aussies are very energetic dogs and need to be frequently exercised. Ideally, you should not have one of these dogs if you do not have a spacious yard for them to run around in. Experts recommend at least 30 to 45 minutes or stimulating activity every day; you may want to throw a ball or Frisbee with them so they get out that energy. Since they have the desire to herd sheep in them, they will do whatever they can to get out of your yard, so be sure you have a secure fence! Also, they have a habit of nipping (as an instinct), so obedience class may be in the future! Once their manners are in check, they make great family pets, especially with little ones!

All Aussies are not unhealthy, but they are prone to certain health problems. Less serious problems with this breed include allergies, and distichiasis, while more serious problems include hip dysplasia, cancer, deafness, and epilepsy. It is important to be prepared, financially and emotionally, for these issues, should they arise.

Vegetarian Glucosamine
 for Hip Dysplasia

Caring for Australian Shepherds can be tricky. They need to be constantly groomed, as they do shed all year long. On the other hand, their water-resistant coat helps to protect them from all weather conditions, from rain and snow. It is crucial that you give them a good brushing at least once a week.

Now that you know all about the Australian Shepherd. Hopefully, this information will be of help to you.

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The Love Of A Senior Dog

While there may be a number of reasons that potential pet owners will be looking for younger dogs to buy or adopt, there are even more reasons why it is a good idea to look into the love and companionship of a senior dog. Whenever you find that you are looking for a new pet to add to your household, you will see that a senior dog is an excellent choice for a number of reasons.

All sorts of senior dogs can end up in a shelter for a lot of the same reasons that a younger animal will. These reasons may include the owners moving, getting divorced, the death of the owner and more. Most of the time, the dogs that get surrendered to a shelter are there by no fault of their own. Simply because a dog that is at the shelter is older, it does not mean that they have behavioral issues or health conditions that will lead to hefty veterinarian bills. There are often situations where an owner will have a difficult time making a commitment to the full lifetime of a dog and will simply trade the older dog in for a younger one for the novelty of it all.

There are also times when an owner is unwilling to change their lifestyle to include an aging dog so that they can give the care and commitment that they need as they get older. Some older pets can end up developing hip dysplasia, joint problems, cataracts and more, all of which should be treated with the help of a veterinarian. These are all pets that really need the love of a caring family and have plenty of love to give in return for the perfect home.

Depending on the type of household that you have, you could have the perfect home life that will be just right for bringing in an older dog. Senior dogs will have plenty of experience with other people and in many cases you will find that they are already trained for bathroom breaks, commands and more. Many of the senior dogs that you will find in a shelter will also have several good years left if you are able to make the commitment necessary to care for them.

While the idea of a puppy is appealing for many people, a senior dog can make an incredibly worthwhile companion that will be a true asset to your family.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Love-Of-A-Senior-Dog&id=8875952

Information on Pomeranians

Pomeranians are a small dog breed that originated in Pomerania, an area on the south shore of the Baltic Sea. They really came to be popular when Queen Victoria let her dogs be displayed in a show; this is around the time they became common in England.

Believe it or not, Pomeranians come from the same family as much larger dogs, called the Spitz Family. Unlike their other families, though, they are rather small. They have an average height of 7 to 12 inches and weigh only 3 to 7 pounds.

Personality is a strong suit for the Pomeranian. They are very extroverted and enjoy meeting new people. Though they tend to get along well with other pets, they do believe to be the one in control. That is why it is up the owner to properly train their Pomeranian, to let him or her know that they are not the boss! Speaking of training, some are much easier to train than others. It really depends on their personality and how young they are. The younger the pup is, the easier it will be to train him.

Pomeranians have a luxurious, but long coat of cur that comes in a variety of colors. Their fur is described as moderate in length, with their undercoat shedding once a year. In order to avoid their fur from getting all over your clothing and furniture, you should be brushing them two times each week, using both a metal comb and wire slicker brush. It helps to distribute your dog's natural oils, keeping their fur healthy and preventing tangles.

In general, Pomeranians are healthy dogs. But, just like any other dog, they are prone to certain health issues more than others. Allergies, eye problems, hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and dental problems are some health issues they commonly have.

Though very active, Pomeranians are primarily indoor dogs. They make great pets for those living in apartments and small homes. They do, however, have a lot of energy and like to take it out inside their home. If you do decide to get yourself a Pomeranian, it would be a good idea to purchase some toys. Try to play with them in the morning, before you leave for the day so they can get all of their energy out. And when you get home, play with them some more so they sleep better at night!

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The Brittany Spaniel

This medium sized dog offers plenty of color choices in fawn, tans, browns or even a deep pink. Dark brown, amber or hazel colored eyes will be dependent upon the color of the coat.

Highly intelligent and very easy to train and handle, this is an ideal hunting and family dog. Very obedient and very eager to please the owner.

This happy go lucky dog is very active and loves to hunt. Remaining affectionate while independent, this is a free thinking dog.

It is important to keep your Brittany active, otherwise you're going to have one very hyperactive dog on your hands and it will be very unstable as to what he or she will come up with to do next.

You'll enjoy plenty of daily walks or trips to the park where the Brittany can run and get that excess energy out. Never allow this dog to be dominant or walk in front of you. Demand respect and they will give it. A firm but confident owner is a must for this breed.

Be consistent with rules and your Brittany will reward you with plenty of love and affection. Be inconsistent and you're going to have one hyper dog on your hands.

It is vital to keep this dog socialized as a pup. They love to roam so keep this in check with plenty of exercise and a good fence in the yard. Ideal with children as long as they have been raised with the children from puppy hood.

This dog is very adaptive to settings. He is fine with woods or plains or hills and resistant to cold or damp conditions. Also good as a bird dog as he loves to retrieve. Easy to transport to hunting sites due to their size and they love to help their owners.

A few cautions, this breed is prone to hip dysplasia as well as seizures and even breast cancer. Keep your vet appointments and provide quality health care to ensure a healthy pet.

The do not do well in apartments as they are so active so it is best to choose this breed if you have a large yard or some acreage. Since they require so much exercise they tend to do better in a rural setting where they can go for long walks and run a bit more. Ideal for the walker or joggers lifestyle.

Coat care will require regular brushing to keep it in good condition. Their coats are flat and easy to care for. The coat is pretty low maintenance and only needs some careful trimming now and again. Keep a watch on ears especially if they are out in the woods a lot. They only shed lightly so if you're looking for a pet that doesn't shed a lot this may well be your option.

Named for the Province of Brittany, they are likely the result of crossing an Orange and White setter with some type of French dog. Quite possibly related to the Springer Spaniel.

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Is A Great Dane the Right Dog for You?

A Great Dane is a lot of things. Majestic comes to mind. Stately. Massive. Lanky. Cumbersome, perhaps. Big. They are known for their gentle nature and good personality. They are great dogs! But is a Great Dane the right dog for you?

The title question might more appropriately be: Are YOU the right human for a Great Dane? Are you in a position to take on the care-giving responsibilities that come with ownership of such a dog? Perhaps you are. Below are several matters to consider before taking on a Great Dane.

A Great Dane is a dog that is intuitive to your moods and tone of voice. They are eager to please you. Thus, they don't need to be ruled with an iron fist. No newspaper smacks or harsh scolding necessary. In fact, they are far more responsive to praise and commendation.

So before getting one of these gentle creatures, consider not only his personality and character, but your own. If you tend to be impatient or easily frustrated, a Great Dane may not be the breed for you.

Space

We're talking about an enormous dog here. Obviously, he takes up a lot of space. Even if you live in a reasonably large house, expect to be tripping over him at every turn! Part of this is because he wants to be where you are. He'll follow you around like a... well, like a puppy dog.

In fact, he will plant himself at your feet wherever you settle and be there to unassumingly trip you each time you get up. If you find this funny, go for it. But I guarantee it WILL become annoying at times. Do you have the temperament for these little annoyances.

Outdoor space needs to be considered also. He will need to stretch those long legs. Ideally you will have a yard that will accommodate that need. If not, plan on lots of long walks. And good luck keeping up with him!

Warning: 

A Great Dane is a drooler. If you have ever seen the movie Turner and Hooch (Hooch was not a Great Dane), you have an idea of what it's like to share space with a Dane. Oh, but he's SO cute and lovable!

Cost

When considering cost, we're not talking just about purchase price. If you want to own such a large breed, you have to be prepared financially for the costs of healthcare. Beyond your basic yearly vaccinations and heart worm medication, you have to consider the costs of possible surgeries or unexpected health problems.

Vets generally charge by size in such matters and the bottom line can be mind-boggling for major surgery. Large dogs such as Great Danes are prone to hip dysplasia and other crippling disorders, so healthcare must be counted into the cost.

If none of the above is a deterrent, a large breed like a Great Dane may be a good fit for you and yours. So do your homework first. Then enjoy welcoming this lovable breed into your life!

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German Shepherd Hip Problems

German Shepherds are great dogs not only for law enforcement work, personal protection and of course as that ever faithful family dog. However, they can be very prone to several health issues. We will discuss those issues here so hopefully the dog you purchase will be healthy and live a long happy life.

Probably one of the most common and debilitating health issue that can be found in the German Shepherd is hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is actually an abnormal joint structure in the hip.

Hip dysplasia can be found in many different breeds of dogs. Usually it affects larger breed dogs like the GSD, Labrador Retrievers, Rottweiler's and other similar size dogs.

The symptoms can include a dog that walks and runs with an unusual gait. Quite often you will see them run with what you would call a "bunny hopping" type gait. An effected dog will sometimes show stiffness and pain in the rear leg or legs after exercise. Some dogs will have a hard time climbing stairs or even limp as well. Another sign is a dog that sits very slowly.

One good question you may be thinking is what causes this ailment. There are several different factors that can cause hip dysplasia and even make it worse. These factors include genetics, nutrition and exercise.

If you think that your dog may possibly be suffering from this ailment it can be diagnosed by having your vet x-ray the hips. Your dog will have to be sedated and put to sleep so it can be positioned properly. Your vet can also send the x-rays to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals ( OFA ) for a full determination. However if you see symptoms your vet will be able to diagnose it without the help of OFA.

The next question is how can it be treated. Depending on the severity it can be treated surgically and also medically with various oral medications or injections. Of course weight management and the proper type of exercise is very important.

Liquid Glocosamine (Vegetarian)

So the last question is how can it be prevented in your dog? Veterinarian researchers agree that to prevent dysplasia selective breeding is a must. Your puppy should have parents that have both been OFA'd after the age of 24 months. I would never purchase a puppy from a breeder that does not OFA their breeding stock. Keep in mind that getting a puppy whose parents are OFA'd will greatly reduce the chance of hip dysplasia but will not guarantee that it never has it...

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Some Golden Retriever Health Problems

Are you considering getting a Golden retriever puppy or possibly adopting an older Golden Retriever? Goldens are fantastic dogs. They train easily and are most definitely a very loyal companion. However, like any other breed, they do have some health issues that you should consider and watch for before purchasing your dog.

Some of the issues that Golden Retrievers can suffer from include:

Hip Dysplasia

Eye problems

Skin problems including hot spots

Ear infections

Lymphoma

Let's start off with hip dysplasia. Possibly you've heard about hip dysplasia before. It's where the bone and the socket of the hip do not line up the way they're supposed to. It can also be where the hip joint is very gnarly and rough and causes discomfort when the dog walks.

Dysplasia can be very serious and can cause a tremendous amount of pain for your dog. There are fixes for this problem from surgery for serious cases to medications for less serious cases.

The best way to avoid the problem is to buy a puppy whose parents were both OFA'd. OFA stands for the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. X-rays are taken and sent to them for evaluation. Breeding parents should be rated excellent or good. If the breeders can not provide those certificates do not buy the pup. Doing so can cause heartbreak and a bunch of expense later.

Goldens can also suffer from some eye problems and again most good breeders will have their breeding dogs CERF'd. There is a certificate given for this also. The certificate shows that the dog has been checked by a doggy ophthalmologist to see that its eyes are clear of genetic eye diseases.

Skin problems can be a problem with some Goldens and it is possible that your dog will suffer from a hotspot at some point in its life. A hotspot is a condition sometimes referred to as moist dermatitis where the skin becomes inflamed and appears red and moist. Dogs have a tendency to lick this area and actually make it worse. A visit to your vet can get you a topical medication that will help correct the problem.

If you own a Golden you will probably at some point have a problem with ear infections. You will probably see your dog shaking its head or scratching its ears. If you don't take care of the problem early it can escalate to a more serious infection so be sure to see your vet at the first sign of an ear infection.

Lymphoma can affect any breed at any age however Golden Retrievers are very susceptible to this form of cancer. Lymphoma will appear as lumps and they can be anywhere on the dogs body however the armpits, groin area and the neck seem to be most common.. If you find a lump on your dog be sure to visit you vet promptly. Keep in mind that a lump does not mean your dog has cancer however a quick biopsy can determine if it is lymphoma.

I don't mean to alarm any body who is considering getting a Golden. Similar health problems exist in all breeds, so don't let this keep you from getting a Golden and enjoying all the fabulous qualities and happiness that this breed can bring into your home.

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