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Dog Years Human Years

May 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The life expectancy of any dog is commonly expressed in terms of dog years by us and it depends entirely on the dog’s breed, size as well as the dog’s surroundings. Various other factors affect the life expectancy of a dog. A dog’s life span changes according to the diet provided to him and also by the number of medical problems the dog tends to face over the years.

The average life span of the small dog like Chihuahua is about 15 to 16 years, while medium sized the dogs like Border Collies have a life span of 10 to 13 years. It can be noticed big dogs like Great Dean live up to only 7 to 8 years. The calculation of the life expectancy of particular dog can be accurately done with the help of “size or the specific breed calculator”, which is said to be one of the most accurate age measurement schemes available. The size or specific breed calculator gives approximate results about the dog’s predictable lifespan based on the size as well as the breed of the dog.

It is generally assumed that, on an average, “one human year equals to seven dog years”. This statement may not be appropriate, since the first two years are jointly represented by 18-25 years in such schemes and because the entire ratio cannot be generalized for all the dogs though, they belong to different sizes and breeds. An exact ratio of dog years vs. human year cannot be formulated. However, some obvious features remain similar between both aging humans and dogs.

It is generally assumed that the human equivalent of a one-year dog is supposedly fully grown by both mental and physical aspects. Dogs like humans tend to develop advance muscular features as they grow along with a similar mental development. Through a major dog study, it has been estimated for dogs of all breeds and sizes that, nearly “64 percent of dogs” were euthanized because they were affected with some kind of diseases. Only 8 percent of the total dogs live beyond 15 years and nearly 16 percent of them die yearly due heart diseases and cancer. Human lives are not terminated even if they suffer from rare and incurable diseases; and this is the main reason why the lifespan of an average human being is reasonably long.

The effects of aging in dogs is said to be dormant for several years. But like humans, dogs to undergo physical changes as well. The first sign of aging in dogs is said to be the decrease in its activity levels. The sleeping period in these dogs also becomes longer. The canines experience a drastic change in their skin condition, limb usage, appetite and they experience tooth loss as well. Their sense of hearing and vision also diminishes gradually. Older dogs tend to experience stiffness in their body. All these obvious signs of aging can even be found in humans. The human years are extended only because of advance modern medicine and various other drugs that are designed to deal with symptoms of old age.

Dogs and humans may not have the same physiology, yet some obvious similarities can be noticed when both species age. Dog years and Human years may not be directly related by some advance equation, but to the naked eye the equivalence of corresponding features of Dog years and Human years are quite visible.

Now that you know dogs grow old faster than we do, learn how to care for your dogs the best you can and give them a good life. They deserve it. Learn more at: http://www.2knowabout.com/dog/how_to_care_for_a_dog_with_a_broken_leg.php


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Nutrition For Dogs – Dog Food Ingredients

May 20, 2011 By 2 Comments

Article by Garry Neale

First we need to recognize that nutrients are not the same thing as ingredients. It’s not the combination of ingredients that determines the quality of your dog’s diet and whether or not the dog’s nutritional needs are being met, it’s the blend of nutrients. The ingredients in dog food only have to do with digestibility and palatability. A given dog food can contain certain ingredients that have no nutritional value or that can’t be digested by your dog. You can find two different dog foods that may both seem to nutritious, but one may have ingredients that are better for your specific breed of dog. You should discuss your dog’s nutritional requirements with your vet in order to select a diet that provides everything needed.

Healthy feeding habits should start as soon as you bring your dog home! Your dog’s diet influences such things as health status, appearance, development and attitude. The way you feed your dog will affect certain behavioral aspects like, potty training and begging. When your dog is a puppy, it is very important to prevent it from gaining a lot of weight, which may contribute to the likelihood of obesity and its related health problems as they age.

Since dogs come in all sizes and shapes, there are specific foods available that you should consider depending upon if it’s a small breed, large breed, puppy or adult. The nutritional needs of dogs will change as they age depending on how active they are. For instance, small dogs tend to require more calories per pound than larger dogs and thus need a dog food that provides a lot of energy.

As of late, many dog owners have become seriously concerned about the safety of commercial pet food. With all the recent pet food recalls, many more dog owners are starting to prepare their own nutritious dog foods. There is more than a little concern about how poorly regulated the pet food industry is concerning preservatives. Commercial dog food makers add all kinds of chemicals to keep their foods from deteriorating while setting on the grocery store shelves. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) Official Publications lists 35 known preservatives being used by commercial dog food companies. Some of these have no restriction on amount that can be added to your dog’s food. Chemicals such as Butylated Hydroxyanisole and Ethoxyquin have controversial safety reputations at best.

Many of the commercial dog food formulations contain meat and bone meal, which has been shown to contain the remains of euthanized cats and dogs. These dead animal bodies are sent to rendering plants, along with road kill and dead live stock. At the plants they are boiled down to get the fat, which is sold to dog food manufacturers as “animal fat.” The leftover animal parts are dried, crushed and sold to the same manufacturers as “meat and bone meal.” Knowing this, many dog owners have put their pets a on raw diet or started making their own homemade dog food.

Those who advocate raw diets say it is the most natural because canines in the wild are carnivores and have survived and thrived for millions of years. They indicate that ever since commercial dog food appeared on the scene about 60 years ago, the increase in dysplasia, allergies and other health conditions in dogs has increased dramatically. However, proponents of homemade dog food say that dogs are actually omnivores and they need the nutritional benefits of grain. They intimate that dog owners who use only raw food are depriving their dogs of valuable nutrients. In addition, with homemade foods you can be creative while making your own healthy dog food. Proponents of homemade food report the activity as a fun way to feel even closer to their dogs. Especially if they really like what you make. And the debate goes on.

About the Author

Garry Neale is and avid dog enthusiast and creator of the popular e-book, “The Dog Lovers Guide”, a FREE dog owners handbook you can download at no cost from his Dog Lover Website.

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Huge Dog Dog crates

May 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Article by Bink

Dog crates would be the best alternatives to kennel the dog especially if you are away in the office or in case you go away on errands like shopping. They keep the dog safe some times when it’s not necessarily possible so that you can have a wristwatch on your ex. It as well keeps your house from growing to be a mess when you are away.

Dog crates benefit training the newest dog or perhaps puppy. A crate is generally the most dependable place for your dog to get. A dog crates are available in various sizes. Most dogs belonging for you to different breeds fluctuate in styles and for this reason, crates can be found in different styles too. For instance, a Languages like german shepherd or perhaps a Saint Bernard would likely require extra large dog crates.

There are plenty of types associated with crates on the market today including the particular medium crate in the car, large crate plus the extra significant crate. These crates are constructed with either plastic material or insert. The plastic puppy dog crates are employed to transport most dogs from a single place into the other easily, especially by means of air.

Today folks use dog crates at households too seeing that shelters for pets. Huge crates is available in tan or perhaps hunter natural colors. The plastic material crate can be a 3 part unit. The superior piece provides holes with them assisting air give. The bottom level solid part is sturdier versus the other parts plus the third a part of the crate will be the wired front door. The bottom level pieces are of screws.

The insert kennel because name indicates is integrated wire and also offers great ventilation. They bring either a few doors. It is significant to choose the proper dog crates in the car.

Large dog crates usually go well with large most dogs. Breeds of which need huge dog dog crates are Afghan, Akita, Alaskan malamute, Bernese pile dog, Bloodhounds, Briar, Bull Mastiff and also Doberman. You’ll find a a number of attractive styles in huge crates already in the market. Your expertise lies in selecting the most appropriate crate dependant upon the distinct requirements within your pet.

Other aspects that should be considered while buying a dog crates are the gender within your dog, ancestry on the dog (there can be a possibility of your mixed roots too) and also variations inside a breed. Most of the colors during which these puppy dog crates are obtainable include Almond, Charcoal, Bright gold zinc, brilliant zinc, dusty increased, forest natural, gold zinc and also rattan conclude.

A significant crate has the power of boosting the weight of your large doggy when it must be shifted. It’s also important to select a seriously big crate in the car of quality. Additional accessories say for example pad or perhaps a cushion may be added into the crate. It will be important to require time getting the dog accustomed for you to it. Your dog must be trained for getting accustomed into the surroundings within the crate. It ought not regard the particular crate as a method of disciplining them severely. You have to therefore tempt your furry friend with a new bone or perhaps a bait to purchase his crate in the car. The huge crate or perhaps a crate in the car of just about any size also needs to have a new safe locking device and must be of a new durable structure.

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About the Author

Bink originally comes from Indonesia. He has written a lot of articles on Pet Meds For Less . He has additional information on Pet Supplies Plus tips, and Dog Crates guide you may be interested in reading!

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