Is it Important to Microchip your Dog?

 Above photo courtesy of  Las vegas tiny chihuahua

According to dog expert statistics one in three pets become lost at some point during their lifetime. Your dog could certainly be one of the statistics. One way of helping to retrieve your lost dog is to use a microchip.

Swell! But how do microchips help you find your lost dog? Microchips use a radio-frequency identification transponder that carries a unique identification number. A vet or shelter can scan the microchip to reveal this number. No batteries required. No power required. Your vet will inject the microchip under the loose skin between the dog's shoulder blades; the procedure can be done in the vet's office and is no more invasive than usual vaccinations.

You will have to register the unique identifier in the chip with a national pet recovery database which is the secret to finding a lost dog. Be sure to use a recovery service that has access to different microchip databases and technologies.

At the time registration be sure to enter all your relevant contact information; enter both a landline and cell phone numbers for you and others in your household. Keep your contact information up to date with the registry.

Pets with microchips are far more likely to be reunited with their owners. Forget just using a collar. Collar can be taken off and thrown away. A microchip is your answer for finding a lost dog. It is simple and not expensive. Don't take a chance on losing your sweet companion. Microchip as soon as possible.

Tips for Preventing Car Sickness in Dogs

Above photo courtesy of Extreme Chinese Crested

Dogs are like humans when it comes to car sickness; it is related to the sense of balance. Car sickness is more often seen in puppies, however, like humans, some dogs never outgrow car sickness. 

Here are a few tips to help you deal with your dog's car sickness:

• your goal is to make the car ride more comfortable
• take control of what your dog sees as he rides in the car; put him in the middle seat to avoid watching all things speed by him in a big blur while sitting near a side window; sitting in the middle seat will adjust his view to straight ahead
• you can use a solid-sided crate to limit your dog's field of vision
• roll the windows down a few inches to circulate fresh air
• keep the car cool and well ventilated
• withhold food for 12 hours before the car trip, but continue giving fresh water
• bring something that smells like home such as a beloved blanket or toy, even one of your shoes or old t-shirts 
• buy one special toy that is kept in the car to help your dog associate the car with something fun and happy

Other tips to help condition your dog to a car ride might include:

• start putting dog in the car with  you a few minutes each day; don't turn on the car or drive away, just sit quietly while giving dog praise and petting gently
• after a few days of just sitting still in the car, start the car and let it run for a few minutes to help the dog learn the new sound; bring a toy and play with dog during this activity
• progress slowly
• drive up and down the driveway or road then stop and exit; slowly increase the travel time until you take a short trip somewhere your dog likes to go such as a favorite park; if dog gets sick take a step or two back and start the process again 
• if your dog vomits or shows anxiety, keep calm and try again tomorrow

If none of the above works, your vet can recommend medication for nausea or anti-anxiety maybe even a sedative. Some natural herbs and plants such as lavender, ginger, and valerian may help to calm your dog's stomach, but be sure you ask your vet before giving your dog any medications or herbal home remedies.

Do Joint Supplements Really Help Dogs with Arthritis?

 

Above photo courtesy of Cathy Tucker KTW Wraps and Knotless Hair Wraps

The answer to the question in the title of this post is "absolutely yes."  That is, if you find the right supplement.

Do you notice your dog limping or just not wanting to learn new tricks. If your dog is in pain they will probably limp or simply refuse to learn new tricks. This may be due to joint disease called osteoarthritis. Experts tell us about 1 in 4 dogs in the United States suffer from some type of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in dogs. 

Veterinary experts say with proper treatment many dogs live comfortably for years following an osteoarthritis diagnosis even though the disease is progressive and gets worse over time. Finding the proper treatment helps prevent and manage joint pain which is critical to your dog's comfortable daily life. Talk with your vet about your options. Life's Abundance supplies some excellent supplements, however, your vet is the expert source. If you want to give your dog the Life's Abundance supplements, ask your vet if they appropriate for your dog.

Any dog can develop osteoarthritis, however, this disease is seen especially in older dogs, large and giant breeds, obese dogs and dogs that have suffered injures like fractures or ligament tears. Dogs lacking proper nutrition and dogs with congenital joint disorders like hip or elbow dysplasia are also predisposed to develop osteoarthritis.

Other reasons why a dog might develop osteoarthritis include:

1. activity levels of some competitive sporting and working dogs as the increased activity can affect joint cartilage and cause higher risk for arthritis;
2. infections like Lyme disease
3. metabolic disease like diabetes or Cushing's disease

Here are some ways you can recognize osteoarthritis in your dog:

1. stiffness, lameness or limping after lying down quietly
2. your dog is reluctant to walk up stairs, to run, jump or play as usual
3. there are changes in dog's appetite
4. your dog acts weak and sleepy more than usual
5. sudden is angered when touched or petted
6. loses muscle mass in the rear limbs
7. has difficulty urinating or has sudden accidents in the house.

If you notice any of the above symptoms it is most important to take your dog to the vet for a full check up. Your vet is the expert at treating your dog. If you have a particular supplement in mind you want to feed, mention it at the time of this visit.