Diet Information

In today’s society with flu pandemics and such grabbing so much of the spotlight, it is easy for us to overlook the fact that our dogs can also contract a version of flu. Yes it is true, there is a flu virus becoming prominent in the canine world that is believed to have originated as an equine strain. This equine strain has started to appear in dogs in the United States opening up a huge can of worms that we as dog owners now have to deal with. As if there was not already enough dangerous factors that we must be aware of, now there is another potentially serious relatively unknown one to consider.

The Canine Influenza virus presents similar to the human version of the flu:

- Nasal discharge

- Eye discharge

- Fever

- Coughing

- Sneezing

- Vomiting

- Labored breathing

Prophylaxis (Prevention)

- Keep your dog away from large dog populated areas.

- Avoid grooming shops, kennels, boarding kennels, etc.

- Keep your dog away from stray dogs

- Consult your vet for further prevention options

The trouble with the Canine Influenza virus, is that infected dogs can appear healthy. This is why it is crucial to keep your dog away from stray dogs, or dogs that you do not thoroughly know to be clear of the virus, (indoor pets)

Treatment

If you do feel that your dog has developed Canine Influenza, consult your vet immediately for best treatment options. Due to the relatively new appearance of the condition, treatment is limited to IV fluids, and Broad Spectrum antibiotics.

http://www.dogflu.ca

http://www.dogflu.ca is devoted to providing up-to-date dog flu info and canine disease information to dog owners.

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Cat lovers the world over have become increasingly disillusioned with the pet food industry. Poor quality food masquerading as balanced diets and expensive brands promising superior nutrition, yet leaving out vital ingredients to provide yet another “solution” product, have lead many to see through the marketing doublespeak and realise that profit, not their pets good health, is the manufacturers main concern.

The exposure of certain manufacturers’ total disregard for the rights and dignity of companion animals in their testing facilities, has been highlighted by undercover investigations. These investigations have revealed the appalling conditions and ongoing unnecessary and cruel testing perpetrated in the name of science, but aimed at providing yet another marketing angle to sell their products.

John and Susan Mulder of Noordhoek decided to go against the grain and have formed Anges De Gardien Nutrition to manufacture and develop, truly balanced all-in-one feline nutritional products. A core policy is that no painful, inhumane or unnecessary animal testing be performed on any any of their food.

Following 9 months of extensive research and after consulting with veterinarians and one of South Africa’s leading animal scientists, they discovered that it was indeed possible to formulate a food that has all the ingredients to help with the prevention of the most commonly experienced ailments and problems in cats.

So what makes this new food so different?

Well, firstly you need to understand the approach taken by the various brands. The cheaper economy food manufacturers do their best to meet the minimum requirements laid down by law. This allows them to label their products in such a way that the consumer believes that they are getting a quality product for their pets.

The premium brands have gone the route of segmenting their products. This is done by age, breed or ailment. You, the consumer are therefore lead, through skilful advertising, to the conclusion that you require different foods on an ongoing basis.

This begs the question. If the premium food is advertised as balanced, then why do they leave out certain vital ingredients or allow higher than necessary levels of others, that result in your pet requiring a “special” advanced food to solve, for example, a hairball problem?

It came as no surprise, that it is quite possible to combine ingredients for hairballs, renal health, digestive tract health and cardiac and eye site health into one truly balanced diet. This leads us to the conclusion that the manufacturers either knowingly or unknowingly are damaging the health of our pets in the pursuit of greater profits.

The “Petit Anges Luxury Adult Feline Nutrition” is the first product available locally that includes all the ingredients necessary to achieve a truly balanced, all-in-one diet. It is unnecessary to purchase different foods to address common problems, especially if you have more than one cat.

As lifelong cat owners, John and Susan believe strongly in showing respect and care for their animals. We are all entrusted with the responsibility to look after our animals to the best of our ability. The best way to do this is to learn to read the labels on the products you purchase. If in doubt, consult you vet.

Susan also hopes to encourage the pet food industry to follow Anges De Gardien’s example by utilising more environmentally friendly packaging. She has gone to great lengths to ensure that all their packaging is made from at least 80% recycled material and that the inks used are lead free.

Find out more about our pet food and how it can help your cats and dogs live longer, healthier lives.
http://www.angesdegardiennutrition.com

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I don’t mean talking like “good boy” or “go potty” but the body language
that lets your dog know you are in charge.

Most of the behavior problems owners encounter
are the result of owners letting their dogs take control.

This doesn’t mean being a tyrant or using a formal “heel” process; it just
means being the leader of the pack.

Walking is one activity almost all of us do with our dogs, and one that can
reinforce our position as alpha dogs.

What do owners doi wrong?

Poor posture. People slouch, bend to look down at their dogs, fight with
the leash and generally look stressed out or impatient.

What should owners be doing?

Attach a leash to a body harness rather than a collar for walks.

Louise Louis doesn’t like collars for walks because there’s too much danger
of injuring a Toy breed’s neck by pulling on the collar when walking.

She also doesn’t like retractable leashes as they are too long to
maintain control and keep a dog safe on city streets. Some
cities are prohibiting them for the same reasons.

Her recommendation is a leather leash of 4 to 6-feet for city walks.

The leash handle or loop should be slipped over your left wrist.
This provides more control and decreases the chance that the
leash might slip from your hand.

Position the leash itself across the fingers of your right hand
so you can shorten or lengthen it as necessary.

Position your hands in front of you, just below your waist.

The majority of the leash should be between your right
hand and your dog. You only need about six-inches of leash
between your right and left hands.

Keep your head up and maintain a positive posture.

Unlike many trainers who believe a dog should not be
allowed to sniff, roll, and amble at everything they pass, Louise
Louis believes dogs should be allowed to act like a dog.

As long as he obeys your commands when you give them (come, sit,
leave it), she says to cut him some slack!

The only exception is for male dogs that are constantly lifting
their legs on everything in their path. Don’t continually
stop for this.

You need to train your dog to relieve himself at the start
of the walk. His leg lifting has more to do with his trying
to mark his territory than to relieve this bladder.

If you remember nothing else from this, please keep in mind
the words of the late, great Barbara Woodhouse: head high,
hands low.

Louise Louis is a certified canine specialist and
creator of the popular website on small dogs,
http://www.ToyBreeds.com

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