Dog Products and Much More

Hi, I am lover of dogs and a passionate owner of a darling little Shih Tzu.  But actually, maybe it is he who owns me!

Anyone who has ever owned dogs, adopted puppies or merely wanted to, must know that simply incorporating them into the family is not enough because they must be provided the very best dog products and much more.

Regardless of their breed, size and/or age, dogs and puppies must be viewed as four-legged, furry (or hairy) members of the family and as such, they deserve no less than any other member.

For optimal health, dogs and puppies must be fed the most nutritious and most well balanced diets your money can buy. Avoid feeding them scraps off the table, food stuff which you are about to throw away because it has spoiled or became moldy, or foods and drinks which are not fit for their consumption as some are even highly toxic.

So, if you care for your dog’s health and well being, keep the following foods and beverages as far away from him or her as possible:

• Alcoholic beverages, liquors, etc.
• Chocolate of every kind including cocoa drinks and other products contain chocolate or cocoa.
• Fats and sugars.
• Yeast dough.
• Avocado fruit and anything that contains avocado, such as guacamole, etc.
• All that contains caffeine such as coffee, tea, Coke, Pepsi, etc.
• Macadamia Nuts.
• Onions and garlic in all forms, raw or cooked.
• Salt and baking power in all forms.
• Potatoes with green skins which also happens to be toxic to humans.
• Chicken or fish bones which can easily splinter.
• Raw eggs.
• Fruits, peels, plants and leaves of:  grapes, apples, apricots, cherries, peaches, plums, persimmons, mushrooms, rhubarb, tomatoes and all citric fruits (oranges, tangerines, grapefruit, etc.).
• Baby and other pet foods such as cats, birds, rabbits, etc.
• All parts of hops, marijuana and tobacco plants.
• Liver and raw fish.
• Dairy products of all types.

Just like you and me, dogs and puppies need some fun and recreation. You must, therefore, provide them with ample playtime and some safe toys such as kongs which come in a variety of shapes and sizes as well as soft stuffed and indestructible rubber toys.

Periodically inspect the toys to be sure that they can still provide safe playtime and also do wash them every once in a while. Please keep in mind that any toy that is broken, ripped, shredded or soiled could potentially be hazardous.

OK, now that we’ve covered nutrition and recreation, we much not neglect training. Experts tell us that a well trained dog is a much happier dog as well as making a much better household pet which can be kept safer for the duration of its life. So, be sure that your dog is toilet trained as well as trained to follow a set of commends. Doing tricks is very cute but doing his toilet business in the designated area you provided is important for the hygiene of the entire household. Likewise, coming to you when you call him (or her) can save a life — your pet’s life as well as the life of others. In short, have your dog trained properly and if you cannot do it yourself, get a professional trainer to help.

Lastly, just like you and other members of the family have doctors, so your dog needs a veterinarian who will ensure that his or her health is checked regularly, that vaccinations are administered when needed and so on.

You know what they say, “dogs are men’s best friends” and so you and I must reciprocate with the loving friendship they deserve.