Animalix - Magazine

Learn how to give your dog his own space. 1. House train your dog. Efficient and humane training aids, crates take advantage of the dog's natural tendency to keep its sleeping area clean. However, you should crate your puppy for only as long as it can reasonably control its bladder and bowels. 2. Protect your dog. Crating a dog prevents it from chewing electrical cords or eating poisonous plants, toxic cleaning fluids, or nylon socks (which can tear up your dog's intestines.) These are only a few dangers awaiting new dogs left alone in a home. 3. Protect your property. A crate costs between $25 and $200, depending on its size and where you buy it. That's a bargain compared to the cost of replacing furniture and other belongings your new dog can destroy. 4. Curb and prevent separation anxiety. You love your dog, but you can't spend every minute of every day with him. The crate can help you teach your dog to enjoy spending time alone. 5. Introduce chew toys. A...

How Can I Travel Safely with My Dog? Dogs can be wonderful traveling companions. But before you hit the road with your furry friend, make sure you know what you need to do to make your dog as safe and comfortable as possible on your journey. These Frequently Asked Questions can help you plan the perfect trip! Should I take my pet along on my vacation? It's important to ask yourself if taking your pet along is what's best for him or her — or if it's just what's best for you. At home, your pet has all of his or her favorite toys, sleeping spots, and perhaps the run of the backyard all day.  If your vacation involves a road trip, you need to ask how well your pet will accept being in a car for long periods of time. Is he acclimated to a car? Does she love going out and about with you — or would she rather stay at home? Animals that very infrequently ride in a car are poor candidates for automobile vacations.  Some pets shouldn't travel at all. If your pet is v...

What Should I Do About Fleas and Ticks? United Animal Nations is pleased to share these tips on how to deal with fleas and ticks, which are usually most troublesome to pets in the warm summer weather. Fortunately, prevention and treatment are fairly simple, as you'll discover in these Frequently Asked Questions. The information below offers suggested remedies, and should not be regarded as comprehensive. Please contact your veterinarian for more information. How often should I check my pets for ticks or fleas? Pets should be checked at least once a week for ticks, fleas, or skin irritations. If you discover a tick, remove it gently, using fine-point tweezers as close to the skin as possible (making sure to grasp the tick where the mouth parts are embedded into the skin). Is it enough just to kill any fleas found on my pet? Even a single adult flea on a dog or cat indicates a major infestation that must be treated. At any given time, only 5% of the flea populati...

Early research indicated that higher levels of protein in your dog's diet would lead to kidney failure.  Do you know if your dog's diet is safe?  Are you killing your furry friend by providing too much protein in your dog's diet? The studies that showed a relationship to high protein levels and kidney failure that sparked concerns about protein levels in dog's diets were not sound.  The research was performed on rats, not dogs.  Rats primarily eat plants as their natural diet.  Naturally, rats biological makeup would indicate trouble digesting diets containing high levels of protein.  The rats have difficulty excreting protein due to their specific dietary needs, not because the high protein diet causes kidney failure. Still, where do we stand on protein and your dog's diet?  Dogs are naturally omnivorous.  In the wild, dog's would hunt or scavenge.  The dog's diet would consist of both plants and animals.  Naturally speaking, dogs ...

Choosing a healthy dog diet can be confusing and difficult if you let it.  The pretty packaging and marketing can blur our perception of a product.  Your dog's diet is the most basic way to keep your pet healthy and happy for the years to come.  It is essential that you find a diet that will provide essential nutrients to allow your pet to thrive rather than merely survive. Here are some simple guidelines to follow when you are selecting a food for your dog's diet.  Know that every dog is different.  A dog diet that is terrific for your neighbor's dog may not be exactly what your pet needs. The first step when considering your dog's diet, is to talk to your veterinarian.  This trusted individual has your pet's interest at heart, just like you.  The vet's recommendations can steer you in the right direction. Find a reputable brand of dog food to be the main component of your dog's diet.  It is not impossible to stumble across a high...

The Ultimate Guide to Glucosamine for Dogs: Science-Backed Joint Support Introduction: Why Your Dog's Joints Need Attention Every wag of the tail, every joyful leap, every comfortable night's sleep depends on healthy joints. As our loyal companions age—or if they're predisposed to joint issues due to their breed—glucosamine supplementation can make the difference between pain-free mobility and chronic discomfort. But with countless products flooding the market, how do you choose the right one? What is Glucosamine and Why Does It Matter? Glucosamine isn't just another supplement trend—it's a fundamental building block naturally present in your dog's cartilage. As dogs age or face joint stress, their bodies produce less glucosamine, leading to cartilage breakdown, inflammation, and pain. Supplementing with high-quality glucosamine: ✓ Stimulates cartilage repair and regeneration ✓ Increases joint lubrication and flexibility ✓ Reduces inflammation naturally ✓ Slow...