Your Dog's Food and Its Growing Importance

Dog food can be simply referred to as a food that is specifically intended to be fed to dogs for their consumption. Like all the carnivores, dogs also have pointed and sharp teeth and they have a short gastrointestinal tract that is better suited for the consumption of meat. Also in spite of this very natural carnivorous design, these dogs have still managed to adapt to over thousands of years in order to survive on the non- scraps as well as the meat scraps and leftovers of human existence.

Beware of dog food allergies

There are obviously certain ingredients present in dog food that are known to be a key cause of various types of allergies. There is a popular belief among many pet owners that soybeans and wheat are a leading and major cause of dog allergies. There are however many studies that have been backed by veterinarians that have miserably failed to show that soybeans and wheat are a major source of allergies. They, in fact, blame the meat proteins that are present in lamb, beef and chicken for most of the allergies. There are also a number of grain-free dog foods available that can claim to alleviate the allergies in dogs. However given the research that the true grain/wheat allergy is rare in dogs, there are diets that are repeatedly seen as gimmicky, controversial and unnecessary by most veterinarians.

Hypoallergic Dog Food

The diets for all those dogs who are allergic to food are made from the ingredients and hypoallergenic recipes. There are however limited ingredients that can make it easier to identify the suspected allergens. In the hypoallergenic recipes, the manufacturers use all those ingredients that are very less likely to cause allergies to dogs such as lamb, fish, chicken, and corn. Food allergies are known to account to at least 10% of the total dog allergies.

It is important to beware

Yes, it is very important to beware of all the allergies that your dog might be prone to. Keep this in mind before giving your go any type of food. It will help you a lot in the long run. There is obviously no room for error here as your dog's life is extremely important to you and your family. Account for all allergies and give your dog its food based on what you have noticed in the past few months or years.

If you would like more information on dog food and how you can avoid some of the problems click on the following link   Dog Food Secrets 

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Can Dogs Really Be Hypoallergenic?

Approximately 10% of the United States population suffers from pet allergies. As much as 25% of U. S. residents suffer from asthma brought on by allergies. Allergic reactions can include itchy, watery eyes, sneezing or congestion. People with asthma can have difficulty breathing and may even suffer a severe asthma attack. If you and your family are dog lovers, but have a member of the household with pet allergies, there is a good chance you can find a dog that everyone can live with. 

It is important to understand exactly what causes an allergic reaction in some people. You may think it is just the dog's fur, but allergens are produced by a protein found in a dog's dander, which is skin cells, saliva, and even urine. The allergens can end up on everything in your house. Naturally, if you have a dog with a long coat, or that sheds frequently, these allergens will be almost impossible to eliminate. There are many dog breeds or crossbreeds that do not shed, or shed less often. This does not mean they don't produce allergens. There is no dog that is truly allergen free.

Keep in mind that everyone will have a different reaction to certain allergens. This means that, while you don't have an allergic reaction to your poodle, you may be terribly allergic to your friend's Mexican Hairless. Here is a list of some of the dog breeds or cross breeds that have been determined to be suitable for people with pet allergies:

Affenpinscher - doesn't shed

Bedlington terrier - doesn't shed

Bichon Frise'

 - does not shed, but hair will come out when brushed.

Boston Terrier 

- short hair and minimum dander.

Chinese Crested

- very little hair, does not shed much 

but still produces saliva and dander.

Dandie Dinmont Terrier 

- doesn't shed

Greyhound and Italian Greyhound 

- short, single coat

Malteses - doesn't shed

Poodles - doesn't shed, low dander

Portuguese Water Dog

- (the Obama's dog) - doesn't shed

Yorkshire Terrier

- doesn't shed, low dander

This is only a partial list of dogs considered to be hypoallergenic. There are some other, less common breeds, like the Puli and Samoyed. If you want a cross or mixed breed, you have to make sure the pup inherited the no shed coat or low dander characteristic. 

Goldendoodle

A Goldendoodle, a Golden retriever, Poodle mix can be hypoallergenic if he inherits the coat from the Poodle. If the pup inherits his coat from the Golden retriever, he will be a problem for allergy sufferers. It's best to be able to visit a breeder and spend time around the dogs to see how you or your family member will react. This will prevent you from getting attached to a dog you can't live with.

Another thing to consider when looking for a new addition to your family is the size of the dog. A smaller dog will produce less, hair, saliva, dander and urine than a big dog. No matter what type of dog you choose, some common sense things to do to keep allergens to a minimum include regular bathing or grooming of your pooch, keeping the dog off the furniture and beds, and vacuuming every day with a cleaner with a HEPA filter. With a little research and armed with some knowledge of how pet allergies work, you should be able to find the perfect pup for your family.

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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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