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A natural approach to healthcare is becoming more popular today, both in the arena of human and pet treatment. Many pet lovers are seeking natural alternatives/additions to their pet care regime. Find out how these can benefit your puppy.
Natural supplements and remedies are often a safe, and affordable addition to your puppy care routine, and don’t have the potential side-effects of some conventional medications. Obviously, there needs to be a balance between conventional veterinary care and the use of natural remedies, but when you are able to take the best of both worlds, and use them in a complementary way, you can be sure your puppy is reaping the benefits.
The benefits of natural pet care for your puppy include :
Better Overall Health – many common dog ailments, such as digestive disorders and allergies, can be prevented or significantly reduced.
Longer Lifespan – due to better health and a stronger immune system
Improved Healing – your pup will heal faster after sickness or injury due to a stronger, healthier body.
Better Quality of Life – a natural approach to pet health care includes treating all the factors (environmental, behavioral, nutritional etc) that lead to ill health. By treating the causes and not just the symptoms, your pup will be happier as well as healthier.
Natural Dog Food
Your new puppy is growing at a phenomenal rate, and the nutrition he receives during this critical growth period has a huge impact on his future health and well-being. Good nutrition is the cornerstone of good health.
Natural, holistic or organic dog foods can provide your growing puppy with optimum nutrition. The benefits include human-grade ingredients, and the absence of hormones, chemicals, additives and other undesirables.
Feeding a natural diet (and that could include a raw diet, or BARF), helps to strengthen your puppys’ immune system, reduce the incidence of allergies, and research has shown that it can also help your pup live a longer life.
Some of the most popular names in natural dog food include Innova, Solid Gold and Canidae. Online stores often have a wide selection of natural and organic dog food that you can order from the comfort of your own home.
Natural Remedies for Dogs
Although professional veterinary care is absolutely essential to the health of your new puppy, there are often situations where a natural supplement or remedy can be very effective. This is particularly true in the area of natural preventative care.
Many puppies have digestive issues, and constipation, flatulence and loose stools are common puppy problems. Feeding a natural puppy food is an important part of preventing these sorts of issues, and there’s a good selection of food supplements you can use to prevent/treat specific problems.
Natural laxatives, pro-biotics, digestive tonics and other products can be very helpful for a puppy who has tummy troubles. They help to restore a healthy balance to the digestive system and can counteract some of the factors such stress, pollution and toxins that cause problems.
Another common puppy problem, and one that seems to be increasing, is allergies. Many dogs suffer from allergies of one sort or another, some are sensitive or allergic to ingredients in their food, others to environmental or seasonal triggers or parasites such as fleas. Whether exposure to toxins in the environment, chemicals in food, or immune systems weakened by over-vaccination or medication, the results are the same.
Medications such as anti-histamines can supress allergy symptoms, but natural remedies actually target the imbalances/weaknesses at the root of the problem. Holistic blends of natural vitamins, herbs, and other ingredients can help keep your pups’ immune system functioning at optimum level. Soothing herbal salves and ointments can help relieve constant scratching, and food supplements can help keep your dogs’ coat and skin healthy and supple.
Anxiety, fear and general nervousness are also fairly common puppy behavioral issues. From separation anxiety, to submissive urination and situational stressors such as thunderstorms or car travel, at some time or other your puppy may need something that will help reduce his anxiety levels.
Sedative medications have a place in the treatment of anxiety disorders, but many times a natural remedy is both gentle and effective in reducing fear, stress and anxiety – without the side effects of some medications.
There’s a whole range of products to choose from in this category – Flower Remedy essences, pheremone-based sprays and diffusers, dietary supplements and more.
There’s no reason for your little guy to be cowering in the corner during thunderstorms, or shaking like a leaf on your road trips, when gentle, calming relief is so easy to find.
All dog owners know that there are some pesky critters who can cause your pup to be miserable – they’re called fleas! Fleas aren’t just annoying, they can cause disease, allergies and a whole lot of trouble. There are some very effective flea preventatives, but they do contain harsh chemicals, and often can’t be used on young puppies. Natural, herbal and holistic remedies can provide a gentle alternative, and when used correctly can be very effective. There are products that you can dust/spray on your pet, and others that can be ingested. You can also find homeopathic or herbal products to prevent/treat roundworms, tapeworms and other intestinal parasites.
Both puppies and older dogs can experience muscle or joint problems, especially the large/giant breeds. A natural diet, and the use of a natural supplement which promotes joint/muscle health can improve strength and flexibility and prevent a lot of problems.
All new owners want the very best for their puppies, and prevention is definitely better than cure. By using a combination of natural remedies and health care options, in addition to the routine veterinary care that your puppy needs, you will be giving him the very best chance of a long, happy and health life. Isn’t that good to know?
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The Labrador is one of several kinds of retriever, a type of gun dog also called Labrador Retriever, Labby, or Lab for short. The term âRetrieverâ refers to any one of several breeds of Sporting Dogs. Retrievers were bred primarily to retrieve birds or other prey and return them to the hunter without any damage. The American Kennel Club lists the following breeds of retrievers: Chesapeake Bay, Golden, Curly-coated, Flat-coated, and Labrador retriever. Labrador Retrieversâ willingness to please and trainability made them the most popular breed among all assistant dogs in the world. They are natural hunters and are equipped with an exceptional sense of smell. Because of their great ânoseâ, they also work in narcotics as a drug sniffing dogs, search and rescue dogs, as guide dogs for the blind, and as a service dog for the disabled.
Labradors are relatively large, with males typically weighing 30â36Â kg (65â80Â lb) and females 25â32Â kg (55â70Â lb). Labradors come in two varieties; the English “show” line and the American “field” line. The English bred (show-bred) labs are heavier, thicker and blockier. The American bred (field and trial-bred) Labs are longer legged, lighter, and more lithe in build.
The Labrador Puppies Retriever is a double coat breed. The color of the coat comes in chocolate, black, and yellow. Their short and smooth double coat is easy to groom with a brush with firm bristles. Their interwoven coat is also relatively waterproof, even when they swim their skin stays dry due to their water-resistant undercoat. They are also moderate shredders of hair.
Labradors are happy in the great outdoors and are tremendous swimmers. The otter-like tail and webbed toes of the Labrador Retriever make them excellent swimmers. Labs are big eaters and need regular exercise and moderate rations to avoid a tendency to become overweight.
Labradors are a devoted breed that can be a wonderful asset to a family but having a Labrador puppy is a huge responsibility. It requires energy to keep up with the pup, as well as the patience to work with him as Labrador puppies are very energetic and want to explore everything in their surroundings. Their excitement about everything often causes them to do certain activities that can annoy you but this can be corrected through proper training and supervision. You must teach him what to put in his mouth and what not because they eat digestible and non-food objects alike and are prone to chewing objects. Your furniture and belongings may suffer if not trained properly at an early stage. Furthermore, their strong build can make them hard to control later in adulthood.
Labradors are often very easygoing and trusting with strangers, and therefore are not usually suitable as guard dogs. However these are one of the best family dogs and canine companions because of their gentle, friendly and lovable temperament. They are exceptionally affable, intelligent, energetic and good natured and is the perfect to an active family. Labs have a high intelligence and willingness to work hard to please their owners. This is why they are widely used by police and other official bodies too.
Throughout the whole of the UK and the USA there is one dog amongst all the other dog breeds that stands head and shoulders above the others for popularity, the Labrador Retriever.
If you are fortunate enough to spend some time in the company of a Labrador Retriever you will soon discover why these lovable dogs are proving to be so popular. These dogs are friendly, playful, intelligent and loyal. Labrador Retrievers absolutely adore children and this is why families rate them as one of the best dog breeds around.
The Labrador Retriever is a fun loving breed, they enjoy the water either swimming in it or generally simply splashing around having a good time. Another reason that the Labrador Retriever is such an ideal choice for families is the fact that they are a dog that can just go on for hours, much like children! They love to play fetch and swim. They will keep your children entertained all day long as well as wear them out. Labradors have unparalleled energy. Some have even run until they have given themselves a heart attack. They simply don’t know when they have given their all.
There are numerous dog breeds that make brilliant family dogs but none that are quite as good at filling the vacancy than the Labrador Retriever. These particular dogs do not simply just fill the gap in a family they become companions and friends. Any information on Labrador Retrievers will tell potential owners how mellow these dogs truly are, if you are considering a watchdog then a Labrador Retriever is probably not a good first choice. Intruders would just be covered in licks! They do possess quite a deep bark though and stand fairly tall and if the intruder pays no attention to their exceedingly waggy tail then they could feasibly be worried by a Labrador Retriever.
As far as dogs go the Labrador Retriever is an easy dog to train due to its intelligence. They are a breed of dog that simply loves to please its owner and make them happy and pleased with them. When compared with other dog breeds Labrador Retrievers do not shed as much fur as others, this is always a bonus.
If you read any dog information it will normally tell you of the biggest flaw the Labrador Retriever possesses, its appetite. These dogs are like dustbins on legs! They have a big appetite and are prone to gaining weight quickly. The trick is to monitor their food intake and also ensure they receive enough exercise. This is a clever dog though and will attempt bribery with its gorgeous big, brown eyes.
Labrador Retrievers are prone to several disorders that are associated with too much weight, as are most dog breeds. It is therefore imperative to watch their diet especially the amount of treats consumed. They are also prone to hip dysplasia, a disease that causes the joints to deteriorate. It is very painful for them and often fatal. It is important to have your dog screened for dysplasia before you take them home from the breeder.
The Labrador Retriever is a perfect addition as a family dog due to its incredible nature and temperament.
Here you are with a brand new puppy, a cute bundle of energy and life that is bringing joy to you and your family. That cuteness however can wear off when the bad behavior sets in. Dogs, puppies in particular, are great companions, man’s best friend. Being that as it may, in order for both owner and pet to co-exist peacefully and happily there is a relationship that must form and that is one of master and pet. Your dog must know that you as the owner are in charge and that he/she takes commands and obeys those commands from you.
The hardest part in communicating with a dog is doing it in a way that is humane and in a way that the dog understands. Physical abuse should never be used as a way to discipline a dog as it is both cruel and ineffective towards the end goal of dog training. Effective dog training has a basic underlying principle, which is reward desired behavior while ignoring undesired behavior.
Basic Training Classes
Basic dog training classes are very effective and set a foundation for the puppy training that is to occur over the next several months or even years. Most dog training classes will accept puppies from 3-6 months of age and after the puppy has had all the necessary vaccinations. Fundamentally, effective dog training is about communication, so the owner must take the lessons learned in the dog training classes and continue to enforce these principles at home. It is highly recommended that the puppy be enrolled in the dog training class as soon as the puppy enters the home. There are also “In Home Dog Training” classes in which a professional trainer will come to the house and work with the owner and puppy. I tend to lean away from this method as traditional dog training classes also offer the advantage of the puppy being introduced to other dog’s which helps build the dog’s social skills. This is a great asset to both the dog and owner as the dog will most likely be in social situations when taken on walks, runs, etc.
Communicating with your Dog
Communication with your dog is key. Much like in any relationship if communication is bad or misunderstood the relationship suffers. Yes, it is human to animal, but the same principles apply. The owner must understand the dog’s moods because if the dog is giving off signals to which the owner doesn’t understand or respond to correctly the quality of dog training will suffer. The majority of training revolves around the consequences of the dog’s behavior. Positive and negative reinforcement and punishments are designed to add or remove something from the situation to either increase or decrease the chances of the behavior from being exhibited again. Positive rewards can be a treat, a walk, being brought into a social situation, etc. Negative punishments can be a sharp “No” or any other verbal warning. Physical abuse should not be used as this leads to a skittish dog that can be fearful and unwilling to co-operate.
The web offers many useful dog training sites which can be a great resource when trying to find specific solutions to your individual dog or puppy training needs. Always remember that a dog must be trained and that the animal’s behavior is a reflection of the owner and the work they have put into that particular dog. A dog requires a lot of training and proper attention to be a well behaved pet. Dog’s are great companions, loyal and loving, please take great pride in your pet and treat him/her with the respect they deserve.
Brian Carroll writes on domestic animals and many pet related topics. To learn more on this subject visit my blog at http://effectivedogtraining.blogspot.com/
