Is Your Dog or Cat Taking In Any Vitamin Supplements Right Now?

Is Your Dog or Cat Taking In Any Vitamin Supplements Right Now?
Just like humans, animals just like dogs, cats and many pets need a balanced diet with proteins, carbohydrates, fats and water, just like humans do. However, these are only the starting point for a healthy diet. Pets also need vitamins and minerals to keep them healthy. However, it is not easy to find independent information online on the subject of canine vitamin supplements. If you are considering a vitamin supplement for your dog, be extra careful about getting caught up in the articles from the websites promoting such supplements. What you demand is to have an objective and independent information regarding your own need for dietary supplements, your pet’s health can fall into the same category. Whoever sells the supplements says you need the supplements. Just as we should check with our doctors before embarking on dietary supplements, so should you check hard by your veterinarian before you conclude on a supplement for your dog. Almost any website, store or publication that sells dietary supplements for pets will tell you that your dog does indeed need a supplement. However, just as humans can ingest toxic levels of vitamins and suffer dangerous side effects, so can your dog. Your veterinarian can conduct a blood test to see if your dog is deficient in any vitamins and nutrients. Just as in humans there are medical conditions for which a supplement is warranted, there are medical conditions including mal-absorption issues that indicate a need for supplement for your dog. In discussion with your veterinarian the possible need for a health supplement for your dog, you and your veterinarian should discuss the activity level of your four-legged friend. Service dogs, such as guide dogs for the blind sometimes need health food due to their increased activity. Also, be sure to discuss the need for a supplement for your dog in conjunction with any ongoing medical condition your dog may have. In modern years, there’s been a lot of controversy over pet supplements. At one point, pet owners were concerned the FDA was going to pull all pet supplements off the market. Instead, the National Animal Supplement Council was formed. It’s comprised mostly of pet supplement manufacturers whose mission is to forge compliance of supplement statutes. The FDA regulates animal supplements the same way it does supplements for human consumption. Enforcement of the laws, though as in the human sector is lacking due to a shortage of resources. Some manufacturers take advantage of this knowing it will take a long time at worst, for the FDA to crack down on them. If you are considering a vitamin supplement for your dog, make sure you consult with a veterinarian who does not sell supplements. This will help ensure you get an unbiased opinion as to whether you need to purchase a vitamin supplement for your dog. After knowing why and how to choose a good vitamin supplement for your dog, it is important to realise that more information in vitamins for humans is also crucial. Earlier you are going to swallow any type of vitamin health food, you need to first consult your doctor. However, many people sometimes tend to forget the quality and quantity of swallowing vitamins, without realizing the dangerous effects of over-consumption it, level while various kinds of these can treat chronic diseases. Ergo, without a proper understanding of using proper vitamins to treat many chronic diseases, there will not be much illness free lifestyle to craving for. Apply these effective tips as being highlighted here, together alongside an thorough understanding of vitamin supplements is important so that you enjoy your life once again. Let me ask you a question, besides your pets are taking in vitamins, are you as a human being also consuming vitamins as well. If not, do you think it is about time to consider taking it.

Eddy K Elgin is the author of the 17 Minutes Vitamin Supplements Tips and Resource. Drop by at <a href="http://www.17minvitaminssecrets.com/vitamin-supplements-blog/">Is Your Dog or Cat Taking In Any Vitamin Supplements Now</a> for more details.

Hazards of tap water for pets
One question that normally comes in the mind that is, “Is the tap water safe for drinking?” if people are doubtful about the quality of their drinking water then they would not find an appropriate answer to this question. However, speaking about tap water around 80 percent of Americans prefer to drink bottled water than tap water. They usually spend more on buying bottled water to drink but many times still offer tap water to their pets. Does this mean that they are just concerned about their own health and not about their pets? This is actually a serious problem and every pet owner has to take into consideration health concerns about their pets in the same way they take their own.

People should know that carcinogens and toxins may be present in the water they drink. There are many ways in which drinking tap water can be effected such as trace amounts of chlorine, fluoride, lead, radon & arsenic, perchlorate or rocket fuel and bacteria & parasites.

- Chlorine is being added to the drinking water as a pathogen deterrent and bacteria retardant. Chlorine is a chemical which in fact reacts with healthy nutrients to cause cancer in the human body.
- Fluoride is being added to the drinking water in order to prevent cavities and strengthen tooth enamel. However, recent studies have suggested that fluoride can harmfully affect organs and also be carcinogenic.
- Radon & Arsenic are those contaminants which enter the water in numerous ways which include running water from the fields, by the use of herbicides and pesticides and also by industrial pollution.
- Lead is being used to prevent leakage from fixtures and pipes and this is being used for over 100 years by many people.
- Perchlorate or Rocket Fuel is not an innovative caffeine enhanced soft drinks but it is considered as one of the most dangerous chemical that causes thyroid cancer and several other physical problems.
- Parasites and Bacteria normally enter via the ground water supply especially in cases where there is more wastage of water, potholes filled with water or animal waste.

Noticeably, if the drinking water in the house in not safe for human consumption then it will also be inappropriate for pets. Most of the similar diseases and illness caused to humans by toxic taps can also apply to the pets as well. So, in order to avoid these problems one should make use of bottled water which may be cleaner than unregulated tap water. Quite often people buy bottle water from super markets which is in fact tap water and not the spring water or mineral water. so, make sure that the water is coming from the trustworthy source and try to identify the difference between different types of water such as spring water, mineral water or distilled water.

Ensure that your drinking water is always safe get natural <a href="http://www.tranquilwater.com.au">spring water</a> from Tranquil Water (http://www.tranquilwater.com.au) delivered to your home or office. <a href="http://www.tranquilwater.com.au/products.html">Bottled water dispenser</a> available for lease.

Pet Nutrition and Health…Be Cautious!
If you are squeamish this article may be uncomfortable. This was a difficult article to write, because of the close relationship we have with our pets. My purpose is to inform and educate “Pet Parents” as to what can be done to extend the life and improve the health of their beloved friends.

I was brought up on a livestock and grain farm where there was never a problem feeding the pets as well as the other animals. With the declining farm population and people now living in cities and small towns, less and less people have access to the feeds that are so prevalent on farms. Consequently we purchase processed and prepared foods at supermarkets and pet stores and the like.

What we do not know is where the foods are prepared and more importantly from where the raw feedstuffs come. The following paragraphs expose facts generally unknown to the public. Read to the end of this article to find out what you can do to improve your pet’s nutrition and health.

Most of us have heard of a rendering plant, but don’t have much information as to what they do or how they do it. Rendering plants dispose of over 12 million tons of dead animals, fat and meat wastes every year. These dead animal processors gather dead, diseased, dying or disabled (know as 4-D animals). The processing consists of grinding carcasses into small pieces and “cooking” them just long enough to facilitate separating of the “meat” and offal from the bones, hides, etc.

An important point: Most pharmaceuticals and drugs are not broken down in the brief heated processing period.

What is not well known is the animals may have had charcoal or preservatives to slow the decay prior to processing. Another distressing fact is the animals may have been sick and previously treated with pharmaceuticals and other chemicals. Larger road-kill animals may also be included in the mix. The most upsetting fact is: Euthanized pets from pounds are many times included.

With those words, I am going to add the plastic bags used by pounds, supermarkets, veterinarians and labs are not removed, because of time and labor costs. Collars, ID tags, flea collars and the like are also not removed. The hair and feathers are processed with everything else.

What I have referred to above is what constitutes animal protein used in pet foods. Vegetable proteins are ground corn, wheat middlings and sweepings, soybean meal, rice hulls, peanut meal and shells and many other products. Other ingredients can be cooking oils from fast food restaurants, tallow and other vegetable and animal sources.

The American Veterinarian Medical Association (AVMA) has oversight, but they are understaffed and very little pressure is available to require monitoring.

There is help: A very limited number of companies avail themselves of the use of proper feedstuffs to produce a healthful, nutritional pet food. This requires third party verification of products used in preparing a healthy food. The cost, of course, is greater, but to extend your pet’s natural healthy life is a choice that many owners are now making with relief and great satisfaction. More information is available at:

Richard Monson is an entrepreneurial spirit with many interests. Pets are continuous companions in his life. Having lived on a farm he has concern for animals and out of necessity has studied animal nutrition and health. His interests in chemistry, physics and biology have provided him with the curiosity to look for answers beyond the usual methods.

Pet Nutrition and How It Affects Health!
As having written a previous article on what pet foods are comprised, I feel it necessary to relay additional information as to how nutrition affects your pet’s welfare. My previous article can be found on Google under the title: Pet Nutrition and Health-Be Cautious.

Sometimes a pet can give off an unpleasant odor, the source can be elusive as it can be from breath, infections such as ear or toe, or a bad body odor.

We had such an instance with our son’s Black Lab pup named “Bruiser”. Bruiser was being fed a popular (not cheap) puppy chow and appeared healthy and happy. Bruiser produced an odor which when in the same room became a bit obnoxious. Because of my recent research of pet foods we started buying what we considered a very high quality premium food we considered to be of a “Natural” nature. The odor was reduced by a great amount, but not really gone. In my research I found a pet food company that produced also a “Natural” product, but certifies it’s ingredients by a third party to verify the quality and freshness of the raw products.

This food created quite a change in Bruiser, his doggie odor had disappeared and his hair coat had more luster. Bruser apparently felt the nutritional uplift, because he was even more lively as before, but an unanticipated result was the fact he now eats less than before (a reduction of over 30%). This fact makes the cost comprable or more economical than other premium foods.

We recently “Grand Pup” sat for Bruiser when our son was visiting his two sisters out of state for College spring break. Bruiser showed our two mature large dogs a thing or two about being active. His day activity was never ending, but his nights were very quiet for all of us.

We are thoroughly convinced that the questionable raw materials in even premium pet foods have a lot to do with a pet’s welfare and happyness. Referring to my previous article mentioned above, much of the meat type foodstuffs come from rendered carcases. These carcases are classified 4D (dead, dying, diseased or disabled) along with the pharmacuticals and preservatives. In addition the grains and other filler products (one example: Hydrolized feathers considered as crude protein) are legal, but do not create the proper enzyme environment for proper digestion.

Briefly: The above paragraph describes conditions which result in many health related problems and suffering from these improper foods and toxic substances.

Take time to research the materials at:

http://www.notablepets.smmsite.com

Richard Monson is an entrepreneurial spirit with many interests. Pets are continuous companions in his life. Having lived on a farm he has concern for animals and out of necessity has studied animal nutrition and health. His interests in chemistry, physics and biology have provided him with the curiosity to look for answers beyond the usual methods.

Animal Assisted Therapy
The term “animal assisted therapy” is to be distinguished from the more familiar practice of “animal assisted activities”, which refers generally to pet visitation at hospitals and residential care facilities.

Animal Assisted Therapy is part of a formal and carefully designed treatment program with specific and measurable objectives that matches one animal to one patient. Under the guidance of a trained medical professional, patients with severe mental and/or physical disabilities are encouraged to interact with a “therapy dog” under the supervision of a trained dog handler.

The patient’s interaction with the dog is increased gradually. Initially, the patient may merely observe the dog or touch it. As the patient becomes more responsive and confident, activities may include brushing, attaching collars and even walking the dog. Progress records are maintained as milestones are met and exceeded.

Studies have shown that therapy pets motivate people to participate in therapeutic interactions. Dogs are not judgmental, they don’t hassle or pressure their partner and they have endless patience. Further, simply because they are animals and require care, the patient grooming them or walking them is made to feel useful.

The benefits and expectations of animal assisted activities, or pet visits, vary according to the needs and conditions of the patients being visited. Pet visits are less formal; they do not follow a particular treatment plan or schedule and they are not usually set up on a one pet to one patient scenario.

Pet visits are common to hospitals, assisted living homes and nursing homes. They are often nothing more than a way to entertain people or to change their routine and brighten their day.

On the other hand, when visited by a pet some people who have basically shut themselves off from human interaction will begin to work their way back to reality. Apparently the pet stirs emotions in them that have been lying dormant. Examples have been given where patients who have not spoken a word in over a year will begin to talk to the visiting dog.

Now that pet therapy has become a proven and documented reality, institutions are beginning to capitalize on this phenomenon with the “resident pet.” This term refers to a cat or a dog that becomes a permanent resident of a particular facility and is usually given free run of the place.

Each resident benefits from a proprietary interest in the animal and looks forward to assisting in its care. In some cases, a full course of therapy has been designed around the care and feeding of a resident pet. The residents meet to discuss what must be done and develop their own charts and schedules to accommodate the pet’s needs. However, staff must be constantly on the alert to avoid problems of jealousy and feuds over the pet’s affections.

The attributes and characteristics that comprise a good visiting dog or therapy dog have more to do with temperament than training. Not to say that the dog will not need training in basic obedience, but that is normally sufficient except in extraordinary situations.

Patients and residents react to the dogs in a variety of ways. Some are effusive, some impulsive and others are shy. Therefore, the dogs must be ready for anything. It surely wouldn’t do for a dog to lunge away or growl if a patient makes a loud noise or reaches for them abruptly. When selecting a dog for these purposes you would not necessarily want an animal that is high strung or one that is too laid back to get up and socialize.

Numerous studies have documented the benefits of pet therapy. Pets have been used in treating AIDS patients, cancer patients, the elderly and the mentally ill. One study determined that petting a dog can lower blood pressure and another found that pets can reduce stress related illnesses.

A study at City Hospital in New York noted that heart patients who owned pets lived longer than those without pets. Owning a pet was found to be more significant to long term survival than the presence of even a spouse or friends.

Pets make us feel good. They comfort us, allow us to be ourselves and give those of us that need it a reason for living. Please visit my website for more great information at http://www.free-online-veterinarian-advice.com

Chris Suckow lives and works in Los Angeles CA http://www.free-online-veterinarian-advice.com

Term life insurance no medical exam-Best chance to get it
I think you are in search of life insurance where you don’t need medical exam. Have you been looking for life insurance online? But sometimes we are frustrated with many choices. Why are you spending your costly time searching online? I think you already know that buying life insurance is the right thing to do because the terms of life insurance offers you the maximum protection at the lowest rates Currently, to get term life insurance online without taking a medical exam is very easy, quick and affordable. Actually there are few insurers who provide this facility and offers instant approval life insurance. You can apply online in about 5 minutes and find out if you qualify instantly. Today, you can get life insurance online and print your policy immediately after you pay your first premium online. You can get life insurance coverage “In Force” today. Everyone doesn’t qualify for coverage though. Generally, you do have to be in good health, but, even if you’re taking medication, or may not qualify with other life insurers — you might qualify for no exam life insurance. It may be also that life insurance with no exam required may cost you a little more than coverage through other insurers. It is beneficial for you. Several benefits include: Instant approval, coverage, no doctors, no invasive needles, no medical tests, no mailing delays, and no forceful insurance agents to deal with. The list goes on. However, there are two drawbacks - the premium may be a little higher. And, not everyone qualifies for coverage. You just have to give the answers of few simple health questions to get your immediate quotes to find out if you meet the requirements for no exam life insurance easily. Than you should decide if you like the rates and than you can apply online in about 5 minutes. After 10 minute you will get response whether you have approved for your life insurance coverage. After that you can pay your first month premium online and print your policy soon. It is so simple that No time delays, no mountain of paperwork and no dreaded medical exams. Make sure to check the financial rating of your life insurer. It is usually provided on their web site. Also, paying an annual premium is usually less expensive than monthly payment options. Finally, when you buy direct online, you’re cutting out the uncomfortable sales person at your dinner table trying to talk you into the policy.

Daryl Stewart is an expert in finance planning. He has done his master in finance. He is currently working as senior financial adviser for home equity loans, guaranteed personal loans and term life insurance. To find home equity loans, guaranteed personal loans and term life insurance and more you need to visit- http://www.termlifeinsurancez.com/

Pet Eye Health — What to Look For
Keeping eyes healthy is important both for pets and humans. The area around the eyes as well as the eyes themselves is a very sensitive area. The cleaner this area is kept the more likely an animal’s eye will stay healthy. Your pet’s eyes are crucial to their safety and well-being. There are many substances and conditions that can threaten your pet’s eye health and understanding the signs of certain problems can help you anticipate and treat these problems before they permanently affect your pet’s vision. Red Eyes Red eyes can signal many different inflammatory conditions and infectious diseases ranging from conjunctivitis to glaucoma. The most common conditions associated with your pet’s red eyes are below. Conjunctivitis Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the mucous membranes of the eye. It’s the most common eye disease in all domestic animals, and it has a number of causes. Conjunctivitis might be caused by a viral or bacterial infection, by a parasite (like ticks) and by allergies. Ticks in particular can transmit a number of parasites that can cause conjunctivitis. Treatment for conjunctivitis includes keeping the eye clean and eliminating the cause of the inflammation. Dogs with allergies and purebred cats are most prone to conjunctivitis. Keratitis Keratitis causes superficial blood vessels and pigmentation on the eye. It can decrease vision if left untreated. It is a common eye disorder, especially among German shepherds, and the redness is often accompanied by a thick, ropy mucous discharge from the eyes. In severe and chronic cases, the eye surface becomes infiltrated with blood vessels, and may harden because of long term irritation. There may also be ulceration of the eye tissue due to keratitis. Treatment of keratitis includes tear stimulants and anti-inflammatory medicines. Eye ulcers may require surgical repair. Most external eye diseases are treated with antibacterial eye drops that must be applied several times a day. Newer technologies that treat eye infections in dogs include a bioadhesive ophthalmic drug insert which can be placed in the eye to avoid the daily treatment and make compliance with treatment easier. Cherry Eye Cherry Eye is a prolapse of the gland of the third eyelid. It is most common among young dogs, especially Pekingese, bulldogs, beagles and cocker spaniels. The gland becomes infected, irritated and inflamed. Treatment for cherry eye is surgical replacement of the gland. Scleritis Scleritis is inflammation of the opaque white outer coat enclosing the eyeball. It may result from parasitic disease like Lyme disease or toxoplasmosis. Untreated, it can result in the loss of the eye. The red area around the eye may develop suddenly, and is usually hard, lumpy and immovable. Treatment of scleritis is often topical steroids. Uveitis Uveitis is inflammation of the uveal tract or tear ducts. It usually results from an underlying disease. Your pet may show signs of eye pain, overflowing tears, sensitivity to light, eyelid spasms and small pupils. Left untreated, it can damage vision and lead to glaucoma. It can also be the first symptom of a more serious, life-threatening disease. Treatment for uveitis is dependent on the underlying cause. Glaucoma Glaucoma is an elevation of pressure in the eyeball. Just like in humans, glaucoma can lead to irreversible blindness. Signs of glaucoma include large pupils, cloudy pupils and redness. Treatment for acute glaucoma should be started immediately and should be directed toward rapidly reducing the pressure before permanent damage occurs. Breeds most prone to glaucoma are American cocker spaniels, bassets, wire fox terriers, Boston terriers, Siberian huskies, cairn terriers, chow chows, Norwegian elk hounds and miniature poodles. Cataracts Cataracts are white spots in the lenses of the eye that impair vision and cause blindness. Cataracts may be genetic, or they may be caused by diabetes mellitus, or by infections like canine herpes, canine parovirus-2 and canine adenovirus-1. They may also be caused by injury to the eye, poor nutrition, radiation therapy or toxins. Treatment of cataracts is surgical removal if they significantly impair vision. There are a number of breeds that may inherit a tendency to develop cataracts. They include Miniature Schnauzer, Boston Terrier, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Siberian Husky, American Cocker Spaniel, Old English sheepdog, Standard Poodle, Welsh Springer Spaniel and German Shepherd Dog. Bleeding in the eye Bleeding in the eye is usually the result of injury or inflammation. Treatment for the condition depends on the cause. Herpes viral conjunctivitis Herpes viral conjunctivitis is extremely common in young kittens, especially those who are dealing with other stresses to their system like fleas, environmental cold and poor nutrition. Outdoor kittens, feral kittens and kittens in shelters are especially prone to feline conjunctivitis. Watery eyes Watery eyes have many causes. One of the more common is entropion, a condition where the lashes turn inward. The treatment is to clean the eyes carefully with a wet cotton pad and remove any debris from the corner of the eye. The tendency to watery eyes caused by hair and lashes in the eye can best be treated by keeping the top knot tidy in breads with top knots. Trichiasis Trichiasis is a condition that causes some lashes to grow inward and rub on the surface of the eye. It can eventually cause scarring of the cornea and lead to vision loss. Treatment for trichiasis is surgical removal of the abnormal lashes. Jaundice Jaundice is yellowness in the whites of the eyes. There are many causes for jaundice, and your pet should be seen by a vet to determine the underlying cause. Some possible causes include hepatitis, urinary tract infections, pancreatitis, gallstones, anemia, medications and viral infections. Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the disease.

Brian Jenkins is a freelance writer who often writes about topics pertaining to the care of pets and health options for pets such as <a href="http://www.vetrxdirect.com/">Pet Meds</a>

10 Tips On Keeping Pet Treatment Costs Low
A pet is a loved member of the family but costs of caring for a pet especially some breeds can be expensive. Food, grooming costs and vet bills can costs much more than you estimated when buying the pet. Here are a few tips from pet lovers on how to keep costs down and yet care for the pet: 1. Find out about low-cost clinics that give shots. Information can be had online or from your local vet hospital or humane society. 2. When any illness needs treatment or surgery always take a second estimate and surf the internet to find out if there are any alternative treatments in use. An useful source is the Merck Veterinary Manual: http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp . 3. Be friendly with your vet and share your problems if any with him. Often vets help patients by giving them free medicines they get from manufacturers. 4. Consider feeding the pet home cooked food instead of the more expensive commercial food. The internet has many resources about pet nutrition and balanced diets. 5. Ensure good health by giving the pet the right amount of food, exercise, and training. Obese pets have greater health problems than fit pets. 6. Think about buying pet medicines online from discount stores. 7. Train your pet well and protect it from accidents by keeping it on leash when outdoors. 8. Before buying a pet because its cute or in fashion find out all you can about the breed, costs of upkeep, susceptible diseases and more. Talk to other pet owners and find out all about their experiences. 9. Think about signing up for a preventive health care package if your vet or local clinic offer one. If you take good care of the pet the costs are likely to be low. 10. Read up on preventable health hazards and on what foods are bad for pet health. Teach the pet not to beg or eat foods lying around. A pet is a responsibility and needs great care. As a responsible pet parent you will need to know all you can about the breed. Decide on neutering and on how you can give your pet a long disease free life. Find out about pet insurance and how you can get a comprehensive pet health policy for low premiums. The World Wide Web has in depth articles and tips on how to choose a pet, how to care for one, and all about pet health. Be an informed pet owner and buy or adopt a pet only if you can be a committed pet parent.

Matthew Pawlina is a writer for <a href=http://www.1855petinsurance.com>Pet Insurance</a> , the premier website to find Pet Insurance, pet health insurance, veterinary pet insurance, pet care insurance, best pet insurance, pet health care insurance, vpi pet insurance and many more.

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