K9HealthSolutions.com Dinovite & Dog Health

Protecting your dog against fleas and ticks is a very serious job for any pet owner. The expense and discomfort from both can be costly. Knowing the difference between the two if they are brought home will help make treatment all the more easier.

A flea is a wingless insect with six legs. They have the ability to jump far distances and tend to live on just one host during their lifetime. In contrast, a tick is an arachnid and, in most stages, has eight legs just like its spider cousins. Ticks tend to have several hosts, lying dormant until the right animal or person comes along.

When it comes to laying eggs, fleas reproduce 20-40 eggs per day on their single host. Their eggs are then spread by the host as it moves from place to place, causing a serious infestation if not treated. Fleas are most common during the spring and summer months due to their preference of warmer weather. Ticks, on the other hand, lay thousands of eggs at once before dying. They do not lay their eggs on their host, but instead wherever they happen to fall. Ticks can survive close to freezing temperatures, making the extermination of this pest all the more difficult.

Both fleas and ticks can spread some serious illnesses to their hosts. Fleas are known to carry tapeworms, while ticks carry the more serious Lyme’s Disease. Being aware of how these two species contrast will help any dog owner choose the correct course of action when protecting their pet. We offer an all-natural flea and tick repellent, NomOflea to all dog owners and suggest monthly treatments to ensure your pup is properly protected.

Many dog owners struggle when making the decision to call a veterinarian for puppy health issues. What is serious? What can be treated with a little R&R at home? We’ve compiled a short list of the most common pup ailments Veterinarians treat. Don’t see yours on the list? Make the call anyway; your veterinarian will let you know whether or not your pup needs immediate attention.

Difficulty breathing – Many different factors could attribute to this condition, including a lodged foreign object, allergies, or even heart disease. Look for shortness of breath, wheezing, choking or respiratory arrest.

Traumatic Experience – If your dog has suffered a traumatic experience, including, but not limited to, a dog fight, being hit by a car, or a gunshot, it is imperative that you immediately place a call to your vet. If after hours, your veterinarian office should be able to provide you with the number for the pet emergency room.

Neurological Problems – If your dog suddenly seems lethargic, his coordination seems off, he seems disoriented, or is unresponsive; he may be suffering from a neurological problem. Another serious neurological problem pups can suffer from is seizures. Look out for shaking or tremors, paddling with legs, or loss of consciousness.

Exposure to Toxic Materials – As careful as we try to be, there are times when our dogs are accidentally exposed to toxic materials. Materials like fertilizer and bait for rodents can cause severe illness and/or death. Calling your veterinarian right away can alleviate illness and get your pup back on track.

Vomiting and/or Diarrhea – These symptoms can be caused by a variety of different things ranging in seriousness. It is important to discuss your dog’s condition with your vet so they can lead you in the right direction as far as treatment is concerned. Very often these problems clear up within a 24 hour period, but it always a good idea to get a professional opinion.

Before considering bringing home a new dog or cat family member, it is important to consider the reaction of your existing pup. A gradual introduction can reduce the stress of the situation and can also help create positive energy between all of the pets involved.

To start, create a safe space for your existing dog to rest several days before bringing home any new pets. Encourage your dog to spend “alone time” in this space and be sure the area can be closed off, either by door or gate, at any time.

Once your new pet arrives, you should keep him apart from your dog for a few days. Allow each pet to explore your home individually, checking out each others scent without any confrontation. Make sure to spend quality time with your dog when he is confined to his or her safe space. Work on your relationship with your pup so resentment and misbehavior do not become an issue.

After both pets seem comfortable with the previous step, give them more contact by allowing them to sniff each other through a closed door. They will learn a lot about each other through this small space and you won’t run the risk of one of them harming the other in jealousy. When you feel your pets are ready for face-to-face interaction, make sure the initial meetings are brief. It may take days or weeks for both pets to become comfortable with each other.

By remaining calm and handling the situation with patience and compassion you will ensure that your existing pup and new pet will feel safe and happy during this tricky transition.

While April showers are highly worth the beautiful May flowers that follow, they also will bring with them the challenge of exercising high-energy pups that do not slow down just because of a little rain. Here are a few creative ways to get your dog moving without getting wet:

Clear furniture to the sides of the room or use a long hallway to play an indoor game of fetch with your pooch. Make sure you pay attention to the type of surface your pup will be running on; a slippery surface can not only cause injury, it can also cause frustration and, eventually, loss of interest.

Take a walk. No, not outside, but instead up and down your stairs! Not only will both you and your dog will get exercise this way, but you’ll also get a chance to bond. If you find stairs to be too tough on your own joints, teach your dog to walk on the treadmill!

Spend a few minutes hiding your pup’s favorite treats and toys around the house then let him loose! Your dog will have a great time searching for his goodies and will also get some exercise as he runs from place to place.

Enlist a friend to stand on the opposite side of your house or apartment. Take turns calling the dog and rewarding him with small portions of his favorite treats. Not only does this release some energy, it also reinforces good listening behavior.

If these exercises do not seem to do the trick, invest in quality rain gear for yourself, shield your pup’s face from the rain, and head outside! Running in the rain may not seem ideal, but if you can get your dog moving, it will be worth it!

While your dog may never have been sprayed by a skunk, it is important that all pet owners prepare themselves for such an occasion before it happens. We’ve all heard myths about tomato juice and vinegar, but do they really work? Here we’ll review a highly effective ways to de-skunk your pooch and also tackle those old-wives-tales that may just worsen the stench instead.

Myth 1 – Tomato Juice/Vinegar: Many people are led to believe that a bath in tomato juice or vinegar will remove the skunk smell though this is not entirely the case. The use of tomato juice and vinegar can make it seem that the putrid smell is gone for good, when in reality; it simply masks the skunk smell which will return when the other smells die down.

Myth 2 – Soap and Water: Some believe that immediately treating the spray from a skunk with a nice, soapy bath will do the trick. While it’s a great theory, this home remedy isn’t very effective. Because skunk spray is so oily, soap and water aren’t powerful enough to break it down.

Effective Solution: Even though the household objects above can’t quite get the job done, that doesn’t mean you need to purchase expensive treatments from the store. After doing a little research, we found this solution from About.com that simply requires you to open up your cabinets and follow these steps to de-skunking your dog:

Step 1 – Combine one quart of hydrogen peroxide with ¼ cup of baking soda, and 1-2 teaspoons of liquid soap, creating a fizzy mixture. Include a small amount of warm water for larger dogs. (Make sure to use the exact ingredients listed. Using substitutes could harm or injure your pooch.)
Step 2 – Immediately massage the mixture to the affected areas of your dry pup.
Step 3 – Allow the mixture to remain on your dog for five or more minutes depending on the strength of the smell.
Step 4 - Rinse your dog and repeat until the smell subsides.

As always, we recommend that you discuss your pet’s well-being with your veterinarian prior to any type of home treatment.

Many pet owners ask this question after noticing the scratch of an ear, nibble of the foot or reoccurring sneeze their pooch just can’t kick. Recognizing the symptoms is an important step in providing relief for your pet. The following is a list of symptoms related to allergies:

Itchy, watery eyes
Persistent scratching of ears and neck
Rubbing face and/or other body parts against the floor or furniture
Sneezing, Coughing, Wheezing, Runny Nose
Licking or chewing of paws or legs
Rashes, bumps, open sores
Vomiting and/or diarrhea
Ear infections

These symptoms can occur when our pets come in contact with a particular allergen, and, like people, dogs can be allergic to a wide variety of things. Most dogs do not experience allergy symptoms until two years of age; however some may experience them as early as five months. No breed is exempt, making it very important for all dog owners to become educated on how to treat these symptoms once detected.

The course of treatment is dependent upon the type of allergy your pooch has: Food Allergy, Contact Allergy, Airborne Allergy, and Flea Allergy. Food allergies tend to be the most common among dogs and are often treated with a simple food change. Foods such as corn, wheat, soy, chicken, turkey, beef, pork, and eggs are frequently associated with allergies among dogs.

Contact allergies can be prevented by recognizing the symptoms and removing the allergen from contact with your pet. Items like bedding, detergents, chemicals and grasses can become irritants for your pooch and often result in itchy, red skin.

Airborne Allergies are often related to seasonal activity. Allergens that can be inhaled, such as pollens, mold, mildew and dust, are more difficult to treat because many pet owners aren’t always able to completely stop their pet from coming in contact with the irritant. Veterinarians often suggest shots to combat this type of allergy.
Flea Allergies are also very common among dogs. The best way to prevent your dog from being exposed is to diligently treat your home and pet for fleas year-round. K-9 Health Solutions offers a great all-natural insect repellent, NomOflea, to help repel fleas, ticks and mosquitoes.

It can be heart-breaking to watch your pet suffer from allergies. In addition to knowing the symptoms and type of allergens irritating your pet, it is also important to visit your pup’s veterinarian for a tailored plan for effective relief.

We are no longer selling Dinovite in plastic pails, but have gone green with New Dinovite Powder in a Box. Just purchase the correct box based on your dog’s size/weight and use our simple, one scoop per day system!. Each box holds 90 scoops of Dinovite powder supplement in a box. Just one scoop a day keeps your dog happy, healthy and ready to play!

NEW Dinovite Powder in a Box comes with a single serving scoop that matches your dog’s daily recommended amount. We are simplifying the system to take the guess work out of “How much Dinovite should I feed my dog?”

Dinovite Powder for Small Dogs (90 Day Supply for a Small Dog – Up to 10 lbs.)
NET WT. 1.75 pounds (800 gm) – A little less than the previous 3 Pint Jar.
Small Dogs: We consider a small dog a toy breed like Chihuahuas. Enough to fortify 1/2 to 1 cup of dog food each day.

Dinovite Powder for Medium Dogs (90 Day Supply for a Medium Dog – 10-35 lbs)
NET WT. 3.5 pounds (1600 gm) – About 1/2 the previous 1 gallon pail.
Medium Dogs: We consider a medium dog a breed like a Beagle. Enough to fortify 2 cups of food each day.

Dinovite Powder for Large Dogs (90 Day Supply for a Large Dog – 35-75 lbs)
NET WT. 5.3 pounds (2400 gm) – Similar to the previous 1 gallon pail.
Large Dogs: We consider a large dog a breed like a Labrador Retriever. Enough to fortify 3 cups of food each day.

Dinovite Powder for Giant Dogs (90 Day Supply for a Giant Dog – Over 75 lbs)
NET WT. 7 pounds (3200 gm) – About a pound more than the previous 1 gallon pail.
Giant Dogs: We consider giant breeds to be dogs like American Bull Dogs, Great Danes and Mastiffs to name a few. Enough to fortify 4 cups of food each day.

The 5 Gallon Pail for Multi-Dog Households is still available.

You will see better results feeding a “little more” than “not enough”.

It looks like people aren’t the only ones in the United States with weight issues. A 2008 study done by the Association of Pet Obesity Prevention estimated 44% or 33 million dogs in the U.S. were overweight or obese. It is up to us, their owners, to do something about it. As with humans, there are many reasons dogs can be overweight. Pinpointing what is causing your dogs weight issue is the first step to resolving it.

The most common case of obesity in dogs is a result of overfeeding and lack of exercise. Obesity develops when your dog’s intake exceeds the amount of energy he uses. Once a dog is obese he may remain that way even if excessive caloric intake stops. A simple test can show you if your dog is at a healthy weight. You should be able to feel his backbone and palpate the ribs if he is a healthy weight. If you cannot feel your dog’s ribs without pressing he has too much fat. You should also be able to notice a waist between the back of the rib cage and the hips when viewing your pet from above.

If you feel your dog is overweight the best thing to do is consult with your vet. They can help you come up with a correct diet for your dog as well as an exercise plan. It is also important to remember that you control the weight loss of your dog. Successful weight loss and management will only happen if you are truly committed to your dogs plan. Owners may have to change behaviors and habits in order to help dogs succeed and become a more healthy and happy pet. Check out our posts on Healthy Pet Snacks and Fall/Winter Exercise to help you get started today!

Winter can be challenging for pets and owners to get outside and play. Despite the colder temperatures, it’s still essential to your dog’s physical and mental health to be exercised.

If your dog doesn’t like going outside in the colder weather, try enticing him with off-leash exercise. This will allow him to exert more energy than he would on a leash; the more active he is the warmer he will become. If your dog is playing off the leash you can use treats to reward him for fetching and returning toys.

Walking your pet in a wooded area during colder seasons can provide protection from the wind and provide an endless array of smells, sights and sound that dogs won’t be able to get enough of! If there is snow on the ground you can purchase canine booties to protect his paws and keep them warm at the same time.

Indoor activities can be an easy solution if your pet just isn’t into the cold outdoors. You can provide indoor exercise by playing games that are physically exerting, such as tug-of-war. If you have a long hallway or large basement throwing a soft ball or toy and letting your dog run after it is a great alternative as well. Exerting mental energy can tire a dog out just as much as physical exercise can. Try feeding her meals in food-puzzle toys, giving her plenty of chew toys, teaching her new tricks or playing interactive games.

Fall and winter can also be the perfect time to enroll in indoor training classes. Most classes cover agility and fly ball which are great exercises for your dog’s body and mind and will be offered in a heated facility.

Bringing your dog to the family barbeque sounds like a great idea until you realize the likelihood of your dog chowing down on some “people food” along with the rest of the party. Fear not! Here is a list of some tasty food that even your dog can eat:

Fruit – Apples (with skin) provide vitamins A and C along with fiber, berries give your dog a dose of antioxidants, and bananas are just a great healthy snack. Sharing fruit salad with your dog is the perfect treat! **Be sure to keep the grapes out of reach.

Vegetables – You may be serving up some great salads and cooked veggies this time of year, a handful of these low calorie snacks are a great addition to your dog’s diet too. Try feeding your dog carrots (they’re good for the teeth!), green beans or sweet potatoes to start.

Salmon- Salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids which are often already incorporated into what you’re feeding your dog (check out Dinovite!) The omega-3 fatty acids are also commonly incorporated in diets of dogs with allergies. Salmon is good for your pup and it’s good for you too!

Yogurt- This one sounds strange, but the live active bacteria in yogurt can act like a probiotic for your dog. Just make sure to read the labels to make sure these ingredients are included. Also make sure to choose a brand that is fat and sugar free. Want to make it even sweeter? Try feeding it to them frozen!