Training My dog

Anyone thinking about buying a dog this Christmas should take the time to think about what exactly they’re letting themselves in for. There are increasing numbers of dogs and puppies that are bought on a whim and then the owners find they cant handle them, so they get sent to a shelter. Sometimes, the outcome is even worse and some dogs just get sent out onto the streets. This is the harsh reality, but thankfully there are many pet lovers that wouldn’t dream of hurting an animal like this.

Pets bought at Christmas time are often bought on a whim and no-one considers the long-term impact of owning a pet. Boyfriends buying a puppy for a girlfriend should carefully consider it to make sure the dog will be brought up in a suitable environment and that it is going to get enough attention. If you cant guarantee love, care and affection for your pet, its best not to buy it in the first place. The problem is that when boyfriends and girlfriends break up, the dog gets brought into it and often ends up without a home. They don’t want to see the animal and the pet then gets treated very badly. Buying pets as gifts often ends in tears, so its best not to risk it. The pet is a family member in its own right.

In many respects, what we need is a more pro-active approach to dog health care, so that the dog doesn’t get sent to a shelter or end up on the streets. The dog should be loved like everyone else in the family too, and its health is important. If you feed, play and walk it then these are the basic things needed. Spend some time with your dog and swot up on dog health care tips so that the chances of it ending up onto the streets are less likely, as you understand what it takes to care for your pooch. Lets stop the number of homeless, shelterless and mistreated dogs there are, and the first step is understanding basic dog health care so you know how to look after it. Don’t buy a pet at Christmas time, or any other time, unless dog health care really will be top of your priorities.

Hip dysplasia is an inherited condition of the coxofemoral, or hip joint that is manifested as excessive looseness of the joint with resulting degenerative joint disease and arthritis. For dogs who suffer or are being affected by hip dysplasia in their early stages in life are more prone to developing worsening condition in their later life. Lameness may be obvious while the dog is still very young, or onset of lameness may be more gradual and in a few cases may be apparent only after 6 or 8 years or more.

Dogs of all ages are subject to hip dysplasia and the resultant is none other than osteoarthritis. In severe cases, puppies as young as five months will begin to show pain and discomfort during and after exercise. The condition will worsen until even normal daily activities are painful. Without intervention, these dogs may eventually be unable to walk. In most cases, however, the symptoms do not begin to show until the middle or later years in the dog’s life.

While it is important to understand what hip dysplasia all about is, a thorough understanding on the potential risk factors for developing hip dysplasia in dogs must be well understood. The following are the common risk factors associated to the development of hip dysplasia in dogs.

1. Genetics. More and more research studies have proven that genetic plays an important role in the development of hip dysplasia in dogs in their later life. Dogs whose parents or forefathers have suffered from hip dysplasia in the past are most likely to suffer from hip dysplasia too. We can greatly reduce the incidence of hip dysplasia through selective breeding.

2. Nutrition. Nutrition is also another risk factor considered in the development of hip dysplasia in dogs. Dogs with high calorie intakes or those dogs who consumes high calories in their diet are prone to developing hip dysplasia later on. Low calcium intake on the other hand can also contribute to the developing of hip dysplasia.

3. Poor exercise habit. Exercising and maintaining good muscle mass can actually decrease the incidence of the disease. Moderate exercise that strengthens the gluteal muscles, such as running and swimming, is probably a good idea. Whereas, activities that apply a lot of force to the joint are contraindicated. An example would be jumping activities such as playing Frisbee.

And because of the increasing incidence of hip dysplasia today in dogs, many vets are now recommending the use of orthopedic pet bed. As professionals who knows what’s best for your dog, vet’s would encourage every pet owner to buy a orthopedic pet beds for all their dog comfort needs especially in the case of hip dysplasia. These beds are designed to bring comfort and relieve joint pain brought about by hip dysplasia. I have bought one for my dog. My dog simply loves them! No more suffering from those painful attacks at all!