10 Human Foods that are good for Dogs

In the last blog post, we discussed about the human foods that are harmful for dogs. Not everything that we eat is safe for dogs, but that doesn’t mean that your pooch is destined to have only canned dog food. There are several food items that are as healthy and nutritious for our dogs as they are for us. So, here are 10 people foods that make for quick and healthy snacks for dogs

Apples

Loaded with fibre, phytonutrients, and vitamins, apples make for a tasty and nutritious treat for dogs. The apple seeds however contain cyanide which can harm your pooch when consumed regularly in large quantities. So it’s advisable to remove the seeds before feeding the fruit.

Carrots

A crunchy snack rich in potassium, beta carotene and fibre, dogs love to munch on this sweet and delicious veggie. Carrots also help prevent bad breath and maintain your dog’s dental health.

 Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is safe for dogs and our furry buddies just seem to just love this sticky and delicious food.  Always opt for the natural and unprocessed variety of peanut butter and the one that does not contain added salt, sugar and preservatives. Since it’s high in fat and calories, use this snack sparingly, especially if your pet is overweight.

Pumpkin

Pumpkin is a good source of fibre and vitamin A. It’s easily digestible, low in calories, and helps relieve diarrhoea in dogs. It’s always better to go for fresh pumpkin. If you plan to get the canned one, make sure it’s free from sugar and preservatives.

Yoghurt

Yoghurt is a good source of protein, calcium, vitamins, zinc and potassium. When choosing yoghurt always opt for the fat-free version, and the one that does not contain sugar or artificial sweeteners.

Sweet Potato

Whether mashed or dehydrated, sweet potatoes are wonderful treats for dogs. They are rich in dietary fibre and contain vitamin B6, vitamin C, beta carotene, and manganese.

Green Beans

Green beans are a great source of fibre, vitamin K, vitamin C, and manganese.  Being low in calories, they are a great snack for overweight dogs.

Rice

Rice contains easily digestible carbohydrate, which makes it a great food for dogs, especially when they are having an upset stomach. There are different types of rice available in the market. Brown rice is considered healthier since it’s high in protein and low in fat content when compared to white rice.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a good source of soluble fiber.  For dogs that are allergic to wheat, oatmeal can be a great alternative. It’s also beneficial for older dogs that have irregular bowel movements.

Watermelon

A great treat for summers, this juicy and delicious fruit is as good for our dogs as it is for us. Make sure you remove the seeds before feeding it to your pooch. Ingestion of seeds in large numbers can be dangerous for dogs, especially the smaller ones.

Image Source: Jokeroo.com

Advertisement

10 Things that you should never feed your dog

Most of us wouldn’t think twice before feeding our dogs a portion of our food. It’s tough to not fall for those big brown eyes staring at us longingly anticipating a reward. Your doggie definitely deserves a reward, a treat for loving you unconditionally and making your life so much more happier, but rewarding your pooch with human food is a complete no-no. Several foods that are perfectly safe for you can be downright dangerous to your dog. Take a look at some of the foods that you should never feed your dog.

Onion and Garlic:  Whether raw, cooked or in a powdered form, onion and garlic can cause anemia in dogs, especially when consumed in a large quantities at once or eaten in small amounts over a regular period of time. The symptoms of onion induced anemia in dogs include weakness, vomiting, dullness, lack of interest in food and breathlessness.

Chocolate:  Chocolate contains theobromine, a stimulant and diuretic that affects our dog’s cardiovascular system and the central nervous system. Eating chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures, and even death in dogs. Though, theobromine is present in all chocolates its level is higher in dark chocolates.

Coffee/Tea/Caffeine: When consumed in large quantities, caffeine can be fatal for dogs. Symptoms of caffeine poisoning include rapid breathing, restlessness, heart palpitations, muscle tremors, and bleeding.

Alcohol: Alcohol is unsafe for us and our dogs. But, it has more damaging effects on our dogs than us. Consumption of just a small amount can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, breathing difficulty, central nervous system depression, coma, even death. The smaller your dog, the greater the effect of the alcohol on him/her.

Avocados:  Eating the avocado flesh or peel can cause mild stomach upset in dogs and cats. But, the primary danger of avocados to dogs and cats concerns the possibility of them swallowing its large pit. Ingestion of the avocado pit can lead to the obstruction of oesophagus, stomach or intestinal tract, a situation that’s quite serious and requires immediate vet care.

Raisins and Grapes: Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs. Signs of grape poisoning include repeated vomiting, lethargy and depression.

Milk and Milk Products: Do you often share your ice cream with your dog? Most of the dogs are lactose intolerant and consumption of milk products can cause diarrhea, nausea, and food allergies.

Raw Eggs: Raw eggs may cause food poisoning from bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli. Raw eggs also contain the enzyme avidin, which interferes with the absorption of a particular B vitamin in dogs. This can result in skin problems such as dermatitis and hair loss.

Raw Fish: Certain kinds of fish such as salmon, shad, or trout contain a parasite that causes food poisoning. The first signs of poisoning from eating raw fish are vomiting, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. Feeding your dog cooked fish is therefore a better option.

Salt: It’s not a good idea to feed your dog chips and other salty foods. Eating too much salt can cause frequent urination, vomiting, diarrhea, elevated body temperature, and seizures in dogs.

Many other items found in our kitchen shelves such as spices and baking powder can harm our dogs. So, make sure you keep these food items out of your dogs’ reach. This would prevent your pooch from accidentally consuming any of these.

Monsoon Health Tips for Dogs

While the rains during monsoon provide us and our pets with the much-needed break from the sweltering heat of the summer months, the season can bring with it some uninvited guests in the form of digestive disorders, skin diseases and a multitude of other health problems. With extra care and cautiousness we can ward off these potential dangers and help our pets enjoy the season to the fullest. Here are some tips to ensure that your four-legged companion stays fit and healthy during the monsoon season:

Diet

Contamination of food and water is quite common during monsoon. The consumption of contaminated food or water can result in gastroenteritis and other digestive disorders in dogs. It’s therefore advisable to avoid raw food stuffs and stick to cooked home food or commercially available pet food from a reputable brand. Provide your pooch with clean drinking water and ensure that the food and water bowls are washed carefully before feeding.

Grooming

Due to the swampy roads and the excessive humidity in the air, you may find your dog getting dirty and smelly even after regular baths. Use non-rinsing shampoos or sprays like PetHead Dry Clean or PetHead Deodorizing Spray to keep your pooch clean and smelling fresh in between baths.  You could also use Pup N Fluff Hypoallergenic wipes to clean up his coat and paws after walks.

Contaminated/polluted rainwater can damage your dog’s coat. Use a raincoat to protect his skin and make sure you dry your pet completely after taking him/her out in the wet weather. The feet and the spaces in between the fingers are commonly prone to fungal infections, so special care must be taken to keep these areas dry.

Disease Prevention

Dogs are prone to infections, allergies, ticks, fleas and other skin diseases during monsoon. Keep your pet up-to-date on vaccinations and de-worming schedules. Regular visits to the vet should help keep your pooch’s health under check and prevent common skin ailments.

Safety

Keep your dog indoors, and ensure that the sleeping area is warm, dry and comfortable. Some dogs get frightened by rain and thunderstorms. Symptoms of storm anxiety include shaking, hiding, biting, and excessive chewing. Try distracting your pet by bringing out his toys or turning on the TV to drown out the sounds associated with the storm. Your vet may prescribe medicine to keep your pet calm during storms, in extreme cases.

Image Courtesy: Deviantart.net

Tips to keep your Dog’s coat healthy

Is your doggie’s skin dull and lifeless? Does your pooch have more bad hair days than you? To get that enviable shiny coat your dog doesn’t need expensive spa treatments. A healthy diet and regular grooming can go a long way in adding a shine to your dog’s coat and staving off common skin problems.

Pampering your pooch in a spa is great, but make sure you get the basics right to maintain the long-term health of his coat. Here are few tips to help you get started:

Diet rich in Protein and Omega oils

Dry coat and excessively shedding fur are often an indication of unhealthy diet lacking in vital nutrients. Feed your dog high-quality pet food to provide him with the essential nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals.  A diet rich in protein and omega oils(omega-6 and omega-3) can help add luster to your dog’s coat and ward off  skin problems such as itching, shedding and allergies. Different breeds of dogs have different nutritional needs. So, do some research to gather info on your dog’s diet requirements and consult your vet if you feel the need to fortify it further with supplements.

Regular Exercise

We all know about the role of exercise in keeping our skin and hair healthy. Dogs’ skin and hair are no different. Exercise stimulates the supply of nutrients to their coat, giving it a healthy sheen. So, walking or playing with your dog has double benefits – it’ll keep both you and your pooch looking great.

Bathing and Shampooing

Bathe your dog regularly with a mild shampoo and treat the coat with a conditioner to moisturize it and make it smoother. For dogs with a sensitive skin it’s often recommended to use shampoos comprising of oatmeal and other natural cleansers. Bathing is necessary to keep your dog’s skin clean, but do not overdo it. Excessive washing is likely to deplete the skin of healthy oils and cause more scratching and irritation due to dryness. The frequency of bathing depends on your dog’s skin, the length of coat etc. For dogs with normal skin, bathing once a month is considered enough, however, dogs with skin allergies and infections may need more frequent washing. Do consult your groomer or vet if you are unsure about your dog’s bathing needs.

To avoid over-shampooing and to keep your dog’s coat fresh and odour-free between baths you can use waterless spray shampoo, dog deodorizing spray or pet wipes. Take at look at dog shampoos, conditioners and sprays here.

Brushing

Regular brushing stimulates the hair follicles, and promotes the production of natural skin oils that make your dog’s coat shiny. Brush your dog’s fur at least once every day, to remove the tangles and to enhance the secretion and distribution of natural oil across the skin.  Shop for brushes and other grooming accessories here.

Regular visits to the vet

Keep your dog vaccinated and go for regular veterinary checkups. This would help detect skin problems such as fleas, ticks, worms and skin allergies early and take the necessary treatment to cure the problem.

Image Courtesy: Ourworldofdogs.com