There’s No Such Thing as a Free Lunch

Nope…actually, everything has a cost.  A very simple economic principle that ripples through every single facet of our society whether we’re talking about humans and money or dogs and their coveted TREATS.

Of course we know that everything that we offer our beloved canine companions comes with a cost in the form of calories.  Hopefully you are either baking your own dog treats, or providing premium store bought goodies.  And we would not want to forget that even the supplements that we are adding to our dog’s food on a regular basis, if they are food based, do have a caloric content.  It is best to search for the amount that is suggested and reduce your dog’s overall intake of calories to accomodate that supplement.

When problems ultimately begin to show themselves is when our dog begins to appear rounder than we once saw him.  Or perhaps he begins to slow down due to some sore joint and muscle issues…ah, the onset of arthritis?  Maybe even aggravated by excess weight and stress on his joints, bones and muscles.

Yet another factor that may have your dog beginning to slow down is the aging process.  Your dog will naturally slow himself, perhaps sleeping longer, going more slowly at the running around and romping at the dog park.  Age will definitely show itself eventually.

But there really isn’t any reason that your dog needs to become overweight and out of shape, out of breath, and out of sorts because he’s not able to keep up with you.

Be vigilant about the amount of treats you offer, watch the fat and additives, look for calories on any supplements, and exercise with your furry friend.  Old does not equal the right to be a couch potato!  Monitor the types of activities that you share with your aging doggie and enjoy your time together.

For further information read Canine Aging and Food.

The Facts About Garlic

Everyone wants the very best health for their companion animal and we want to do the best that we can for their health and well-being.  Garlic, a versatile herb has garnered much controversy over time in the animal health field.  So, is it safe for our dogs?

Since garlic has close ties to onions, and onions contain a substance that can trigger anemia, it is likely that this is where the fear of offering garlic to dogs arises.  Simply, garlic does not have the concentration of the thiosulphate that onions contain and there is slim scientific data to offer reader that supports the claim that it is toxic.

There are significant health benefits to garlic, for both dogs and their humans.  Two of the most common usages with dogs are implemented due to garlic’s anti-parasitic and antiseptic properties.  Holistic practitioners hail its benefits for dogs with cancer, diabetes, staph infections and even kidney disease!

Every day, our corgi races to the kitchen for his daily dose of garlic and brewer’s yeast chewable tabs for flea control.  Probably the worst side effect is that his breath stinks for about ten minutes after eating them. The tablets do work.

It seems another witch hunt based on misunderstandings and misinformation.  If you have any doubts about how to use garlic with your dog, it is probably a good idea to seek the advice of your dog practitioner or a health food expert who will be able to guide you.

Bone Appetit.