Siberian Huskies: Addressing the Jumping Habit
Jumping, for your dog can mean different things. It tells you that they’re excited to see you or plainly just craving for your attention. Although many pet owners are okay with this, jumping is a habit that should not be tolerated.
Being an alpha species by nature, jumping for your husky may also signify that they’re in an attempt to instill dominance over you. This is a trait that can be often be seen when there are people coming to visit your home. They do this to tell the visitor in their own language that they are the alpha of the territory. Although it is very important to respect a dogs’ nature, what they need more than that is a strong pack leader who is no other than you, being their owner and their master.
The jumping habit is a very simple issue that can be addressed provided that you are patient and consistent enough with your dog. Upon having someone to visit, keep your dog crated, while you have your guest settled into your home. Allow your dog some time to release any excess energy they may have over the excitement of having a new visitor. Once you notice that your dog is in a calm state, get him on his leash and calmly approach your guest. At this point, the sit command should be instilled in your dog. If your dog does not comply on the first command, do not easily give up as this will only send him the message that he is indeed the more dominant species than you. Hold the leash firmly and confidently and issue the command a second time; keep your grip on the leash until he complies. Upon doing this is the only time that anybody is allowed to hold or pet him (as a reward).Although do not be mistaken that is something that your dog will be able to adapt to in an instant. Obedience training takes a lot of patience and time; investing in both for your dog reaps great rewards.
As with all forms of training, you will only be effective if you are able to show your dog that you are confident and that you are a strong pack leader deserving of their trust and respect.
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Garlic — Is It Good or Bad For Your Dog?
It has been a long standing question and debate whether or not garlic is beneficial or dangerous for dogs. The plain and simple answer to that is that it can be one or the other, depending on the quantity that is given to them. Many studies have proven that garlic possess great benefits not only for dogs, but humans as well — regulating good blood circulation and chemistry, allowing us to live healthier and more energetic lives.
It is well known that garlic has been a long famous additive to many commercial dog foods, supplements, and treats. Given such makes garlic appear to be safe for dogs. Although it is best to be knowledgeable of the fact that dogs and garlic do not ALWAYS mix. Aside from its’ many healing properties, garlic is also known to contain a chemical compound called Thiosulphate, which can be extremely toxic for dogs in extremely high levels which can cause hemolytic anemia and sometimes in worse cases may even lead to death. Let this not be a scare as there are many dog-friendly garlic-enriched supplements that have been made available in the market. Realistically, a medium-sized dog would need to ingest around 40-50 cloves of garlic for the toxicity to trigger.
BENEFITS OF GARLIC
- Helps maintain a healthy skin;
- Aids in promoting a glossy coat;
- Assists in the elimination of free radicals to further support skin and overall health and vitality;
- Alters your dog’s blood chemistry, masking them from blood sucking pests (mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, mites, and any other biting insects);
- Can help rid your dog of any bacterial or fungal microbes that may be present on their skin.
- Helps heal itchy and irritated skin;
- Promotes production of white blood cells which helps strengthen their resistance to infection of all kinds;
- A powerful treatment for dogs with low or compromised immunity.
Upon proper and correct usage, you will very quickly see the positive changes in your dog’s overall health and well being — gaining a lot more confidence, energy, and stamina. As with all things, too much of something is bad, so make sure to consult with your local vet and follow specific instructions if new to the practice.
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Dog Mange : Treatment and Symptoms
Dog mange should be one of the things on top of any dog owner’s list of things to make sure to avoid for their beloved pets. Mange is mainly caused by either one of three microscopic mites. Upon setting first sight of the possibility of your dog having such a condition, you need to immediately take charge of the situation. If left untreated, this can completely take over your dog’s body. Research shows that mange is mainly acquired from unhealthy living conditions, so make sure to always keep your home and your surrounding clean. Dogs with a low immune system are highly susceptible to mange.
Three Types and Symptoms
1. Cheyletiella Mange – Itching; Dusting of “dandruff” around the head, neck and back
2. Demodectic Mange – By far the most common type of dog mange. Thinning of the hair around the eyes, mouth and front of the legs, evolving into patches approximately one inch in diameter. Skin patches may become sore, crusted and oozing.
3. Sarcoptic Mange – Digging and biting fur or skin in a ferocious manner (similar to flea infestation or severe skin rash or disease). This may in turn irritate the skin and cause oozing sores, crusty ear tips, intense itching and loss of hair, mainly on the ears, elbows, legs and face.
If still unsure of the type of mange your dog may have, it would be best to consult professional advice from your local veterinarian. A simple and quick diagnosis can be facilitated by your vet through skin scraping, to better identify which type of mange has infected your dog.
Cheyletiella Mange : Treatment
Out of the 3 types of mange, the Cheyletiella Mange (also known as the walking dandruff) is the least serious, though still a condition that should not be left untreated. It is mainly caused by a large red mite. This skin condition can cause intense itching for your dog, although only for a shorter period of time as these mites die as soon as they leave a dog’s body. Treatment for this type of mange may vary depending on the severity of your dog’s condition. For milder cases, you may be recommended ointments or powders by your vet. An anti-fungal medication (soap, shampoo, and the likes) or an antibacterial medicine may also be prescribed. These are taken to kill mites not only on the surface of the dog’s skin, but also in the bloodstream.
Demodetic Mange : Treatment
This type of mange is the most common out of all the types. Mainly caused by different species of Demodex Mites (65 known species to date), these mites inhabit the skin surface of all animals, including humans which is quite normal. A huge percentile may not exhibit any infection or complication throughout their dog years. For some, an inherited or acquired immune defect may cause a burst in the mite population, causing infection and further development of other complications. While on treatment for your dog’s Demodetic Mange, keep in mind that it is crucial to put special attention towards improving their immune system, which would involve a better, healthier diet and lifestyle. A continuous decline or a plateau with your dog’s immunodeficiency would only result in worsening the condition or keeping your treatment efforts futile. Treatment of the Demodetic Mange may be prescribed either with a vet-approved medicine which could include but won’t be limited to Ivermectin and Amitraz, or natural remedies such as medicine fortified with garlic components, wormwood, or Neem oil.
Sarcoptic Mange : Treatment
Also known as canine scabies, Sarcoptic Mange is highly infectious. If you have other dogs surrounding an infected pet, you need to submit each one of them for an assessment by a veterinarian to ensure that none of them has caught the infection despite not showing any sign of discomfort or distress. Dogs who are diagnosed with this type of mange will be prescribed a medicated shampoo which is targeted at loosening their pores. They will then be given a scabicidal dip to kill the mites. All treatment must be approved and supervised by a licensed vet. Keep in mind that the physical environment should be disinfected to eliminate the mites that may affect dogs and their owners during and after infestation.
Aside from keeping a clean surrounding, it is a must that your dog is up to date with their vaccinations as these will aid them well in combating not only a possible mange infestation, but also any other forms of disease or illness. Many may not understand the importance of making sure of having up to date Heartworm Vaccines for their dogs, though it has been proven that such vaccines have a secondary benefit of keeping your dogs safe from mites. Feeding your dog human table-food has also been stated as one of the causes of mange development.
Consult your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and an effective treatment plan. Always follow your veterinarians advice when treating your dog for mange.
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Shifting to Raw Feeding
Benefits:
-muscled body that is not “doughy”
-less itching & scratching
– 90% less doggy odor
-almost odorless & smaller poops
-cleaner teeth = fresher breath
-stable energy, no hyperactivity
-no internal/external parasite infestation
-no vitamins/supplement
-healthy dog = healthy skin = healthy coat
-stronger immune system
-less vet expenses
1. The dog must fast for two days (water only)
2. Start w/ one protein source only e.g. Chicken for the first 3wks or up to a month. Then add another protein source such as Pork, then wait for another 3wks or so, then add Beef, then Fish, Quail, Rabbit, Pigeon, Guinea pig, Lamb, Turkey, etc. (at least 3-4 protein sources) You may also give whole egg(s) once a week or once every two weeks, egg shell is another source of calcium too 😉
(chicken egg, quail egg, duck egg, etc.)
3. Recommended food amount is 2-3% of your dog’s ideal body weight per day. 10% for puppies (except when it exceeds the adult’s daily ration)
4. Balanced meal is whole prey model diet, e.g. 1 whole chicken w/ entrails, 1 whole quail, 1 whole rabbit, etc. Small dogs can’t finish 1 whole chicken to achieve whole prey model diet so as a rule of thumb we follow the 80-10-10 guide.
80% – meat
10% – bones
10% – organ meat (5% of w/c is liver)
Example:
An average adult shih tzu weighs 5kg
2% of 5kg is 100grams
The dog will eat 100grams of food daily.
80% of 100g is 80g Meat
10% of 100g is 10g Bones
10% of 100g is 10g Organ Meat (5% is Liver)
80g Pigs Heart X P80/kg = P6.40
10g Chx Feet / Neck X P60/kg = P0.60
5g Kidney X P50/kg = P0.25
5g Liver X P80/kg = P0.40
Total = P7.65/day (beat that! this is the cheapest! I can even serve premium cut steak still to beat the price of premium commercial dog food.
Large Breed – 30kg dog
2% of 30kg is 600grams
The dog will eat 600grams of food daily.
80% of 600g is 480g Meat
10% of 600g is 60g Bones
10% of 600g is 30g Organ Meat (30g Liver)
480g Pigs Heart X P80/kg = P38.40
60g Chicken Feet X P60/kg = P3.60
30g Pig’s Kidney X P50/kg = P1.50
30g Pig’s Liver X P80/kg = P2.40
Total = P45.90 / day (beat that w/ premium commercial dog food)
5. Never feed your dog w/ chicken only because this is raw feeding and not chicken diet.
6. You will only achieve balance w/ a variety of protein source in time.
7. You may fast the dog once a week when you already have at least 3 protein sources.
Pls read FAQ – http://www.rawlearning.com/rawfaq.html
Reference: PSHC – Shifting to Raw Feeding
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Finding a Reputable Breeder
What IS a “Reputable Breeder”?
A reputable breeder:
- screens their dogs for genetic problems. They should be able to tell you about the genetic problems in the breed and show proof that the parents of the litter are free of those problems.
- does not breed dogs “to make money” or so “our children can experience the miracle of birth.” A reputable breeder breeds to advance their breeding program and for their love and devotion to purebred dogs.
- will tell you the good points as well as the bad points of the breed. They want to make sure you are fully aware of what to expect before you buy the puppy. Cute little puppies grow into big dogs. Will you be happy when that cute little ball of fuzz turns into an 80 pound, shedding fur factory?
- usually only breeds if they intend on keeping something out of the litters. They are breeding to further improve their breeding program, not just to produce puppies for pet buyers.
- should be able to explain the reasoning behind breeding a particular dog to a particular bitch. They should be attempting to reach perfection as defined by the breed’s standard. In the attempt to reach this goal with the resulting puppies, they should be able to explain the good points of each dog and what things they are trying to improve. If when asked about the breed standard, the breeder looks at you with a blank look on their face – RUN! If they don’t know what a standard is, they shouldn’t be
breeding dogs.
- should be able to provide you with a pedigree of the puppies, not just a copy of the parents registration papers. A pedigree usually has at least three generations of the puppies’ ancestors listed.
- does not breed a volume of puppies. A breeder with 7 adult bitches is not going to breed all 7 in a single year. Bitches are only in very rare cases bred on consecutive heat cycles.
- usually participates in some sort of dog related events such as dog shows, obedience, agility, schutzhund, field trials, lure coursing, earth dog trials, etc. They do something with their dogs.
- usually belongs to some sort of dog club (i.e., all-breed club, obedience club, breed club, etc.).
- is willing to give you references from previous puppy buyers. Those new to breeding should be able to give you references from other breeders of their breed or dog club members. They aren’t offended if you ask them for references. Talking to references will help you to judge the character of the breeder.
- may ask you for references, ask about your home conditions or ask to visit you at your home. The breeder wants to be sure that the housing or yard is suitable for the dog. A large dog wouldn’t necessarily do well in a small apartment. Some breeds need to have a fenced yard with secure fencing for their own protection. The breeder is looking for the ideal situation for the puppy. They want the owner to be happy and because it was ill suited for the environment of life-style of the buyer.
- believes in service after the sale. If a puppy buyer has grooming questions, feeding questions, or training questions, the breeder will be there for you long after the puppy is no longer a puppy.
- will usually take back any dog of their breeding at any age. Reputable breeders do not want to find out a dog they bred has been left in a pound or dumped by the roadside. They assume a lifetime responsibility for the canine lives they have put on this earth.
- Would never sell puppies through a retail outlet, animal broker, or laboratory.
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Apple Cider Vinegar : How Your Dog Can Benefit From It
Apple cider vinegar for dogs is effective in helping to treat various dog health problems. Apple cider vinegar has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and detoxifying properties. It is good for the skin, for the joints, for digestion, and more. The health benefits of ACV for dogs are amazing.
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a type of vinegar made by the fermentation of apple cider. Fermentation is a process in which sugars in a food are broken down by bacteria and yeast. In the first stage of fermentation, the sugars in the apple cider are turned into alcohol. Then, if the alcohol ferments further, you get vinegar.
The main ingredient of apple cider vinegar is acetic acid, as well as some lactic, citric and malic acids. Many people believe that ACV is rich in vitamins, minerals, and more. However, according to the USDA, ACV is rich in potassium but does not contain all the other nutrients that many sources claim it does.
While on its own, ACV may not be as full of nutrients as many people think, when combined with foods that are nutrient-rich, ACV helps the body assimilate such nutrients. Thus, ACV is an important digestive aid, both for people and dogs.
The color of ACV is light yellow-brown. It is often sold unfiltered and unpasteurized with the “mother” which is a dark, cloudy sediment settled at the bottom of the bottle.
Over the years, apple cider vinegar has gained popularity and attention as it has been found to have a lot of health benefits for people. Recently, it has been found that the benefits of apple cider vinegar for dogs are great as well.
What are the Benefits of ACV for Dogs?
- ACV is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and antiseptic. It helps prevent bacterial and viral growth in the digestive tract. In addition, it does not upset the balance of the friendly bacteria inside the GI tract. As a result, apple cider vinegar boosts the immune system. It improves stamina, increases resistance to diseases, prevents common infections, and is therefore helpful for dogs with weakened immune systems.
- ACV normalizes the blood’s acid alkaline balance and its potassium-rich ingredients remineralize the body. ACV breaks down calcium deposits in a dog’s joints and remineralizes the bones, and as such it is beneficial for dogs with arthritis and joint problems such as hip dysplasia.
- Another benefit of apple cider vinegar for dogs is its effect on a dog’s skin and coat due to ACV’s detoxifying properties. Dogs with itchy skin caused by allergies (e.g. seasonal allergies, flea allergies) can get almost instant relief if ACV is used as an after-shampoo rinse.
- Because ACV is rich in potassium, it is beneficial for dogs with diuretic or heart problems.
- Apple cider vinegar also balances digestive enyzymes in the body, so it is a good remedy for food poisoning and digestive upsets such as intestinal gas and constipation. It also reduces fecal odors.
- Other benefits of ACV include the prevention of bladder stones, kidney infections, and urinary tract infections.
What Are Some Common Uses of ACV on Dogs?
Apple cider vinegar can be used in various ways to treat dog health problems. Some common uses include:
- General Detoxifier
Use ACV as a general detoxifier and a mild tonic. Long term use of ACV will make your dog more resistant to infections, as well as flea or worm infestations.
Start by adding small amounts of ACV to your dog’s drinking water and slowly building up to about 1 teaspoon of ACV per 15 pounds of body weight. Some dogs may not like the taste of vinegar in their water. If that’s the case for your dog, mix ACV with his food, or mix it with a teaspoonful of raw honey.
Within one month or so, you can see whether ACV actually is actually helping your dog. Many dog parents have reported improvements in their dog’s health conditions, such as better skin conditions (less scratching and odor), reduced flea population, fewer or total elimination of tear stains on the face, and less painful joints (in older dogs).
- Rinse for Skin Problems
Use ACV as an after-shampoo rinse if your dog has skin problems such as allergies, fleas, or ringworm.
To make the vinegar rinse: Add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to a quart of water. Use it once a week as an after-shampoo rinse. Remember not to rinse off the ACV – just towel your dog dry.
You can also use ACV as a foot soak for dogs with itchy paws due to seasonal allergies (e.g. pollen). Dilute 1 cup of ACV with 1-2 cups of water and let your dog soak his paws in the mixture. This can greatly reduce the itching.
If your dog has dandruff, try massaging full-strength ACV into his hair coat before shampooing.
For minor skin irritations, such as sunburn, calluses, abrasions, you can simply apply full-strength ACV to the affected area(s).
- Flea Repellent Spray
You can also prepare a spray by simply using 50% apple cider vinegar and 50% water. Use a spray bottle and spray your dog’s coat after his daily walks (avoid the eyes, nose, and mouth), and you can use it to spray his bedding as well.
Apple Cider Vinegar for Dogs – Which ACV?
Not all vinegars have the same benefits. Do not use a vinegar that is clear such as wine vinegar, sushi vinegar, etc. that can be found in most supermarkets. These types of vinegar are “dead” because they do not contain any enzymes and other live factors as found in unpasteurized ACV.
The best ACV is one that is raw, unpasteurized, unheated, and organic. You can find organic ACV in health food stores.
We highly recommend Bragg’s Organic Apple Cider Vinegar which can be bought in (well-known) local supermarkets.
Apple Cider Vinegar for Dogs – Is it Safe for Dogs?
Apple cider vinegar, when used in appropriate amount, is safe for dogs with one exception – Dogs with a chronic yeast infection (Candida) or those with an overly acidic system or irritated intestines are not recommended. Vinegar is believed to reactivate or worsen these conditions.
Other precautions when using ACV on your dog:
- Never give undiluted ACV to your dog.
- When using it as a rinse, take care not to let it get into your dog’s eyes.
- Also, do not use ACV on open wounds such as cuts or scratches as it will burn.
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