I am Alaura Pittman, an aromatherapist, and student of herbs. I believe plants are our greatest allies, and that tackling our emotional well-being can aid in our body's health and dis-ease. My passion is helping others discover their unique path to self-healing. I began studying the healing powe…
FAQs:
What Does a Dog Walker Do?
Dog walkers can either be independent business owners or part of a larger dog-walking business. They are typically paid by the half hour or by the hour which allows dog owners to get out of the house and do errands, work overtime, or take some time away. Having a dog walker means knowing that their dog will get the care and exercise they need. A dog walker will typically pick the dog up at the owner's house, take it out for its walk, and return the animal back to the house. Some dog walkers take many dogs for a walk at the same time, while others prefer to take only one at a time. Some, especially those who own their own business, may choose to include grooming services as well. Dog walkers need to have complete control, as they may be walking several dogs at a time, and need to have full authority so that one does not get away from the group. In some cases, a walker may have to deal with breaking up dogs in a fight, or with runaways. Physical stamina is sometimes necessary.
What is a Dog Groomer?
A dog groomer is an individual who has been given training and obtained experience in undertaking grooming services for animals. As such, they can confidently handle and care for a variety of breeds, ages and temperaments of dogs. They will also have a genuine passion for the welfare and wellbeing of the dogs that come in to see them. A dog groomer is responsible for not only ensuring that your canine companion’s physical appearance is clean, tidy and presentable but also for the hygienic care of your furbaby. Many will also have sufficient knowledge and experience to be able to undertake a physical examination of your dog to check for any abnormalities. Dog groomers operate in a variety of ways. While some will own or work in parlors, which are premises specifically designed for grooming animals, others will work from their home, or bring their services to you so that your dog can be groomed in the comfort of your own home.
While it isn’t essential for a groomer to be certified, having completed proper training shows that a groomer is committed to knowing the best way to care for the animals that they deal with, and to providing the best service possible. There are three major courses for dog grooming certification in the U.S including the National Dog Groomers Association of America and the International Society of Canine Cosmetologists. When your groomer receives these accreditations it shows that they have demonstrated and met the high standards required by these organizations.
What is Included in a Dog Grooming?
Although many dog owners prefer to groom their dogs at home, having your dog professionally groomed can save you time and energy. It takes a lot of care and patience to groom a dog, especially a fluffy one, a puppy, or one with behavioral issues. Let’s take a look at what professional groomers offer.
A professional grooming session typically consists of the dog being brushed, bathed, and dried, as well as trimmed or clipped with clean, sanitized brushes and clipper blades. Groomers brush or comb out mats before the bath, making it easier to lather the dog with shampoo. They clean the dog’s ears and check for signs of infection. When the coat dries, the dog is trimmed, clipped, or shaved, if needed or requested.
Groomers trim most dogs over the eyes, at the tips of the ears, and on the bottoms of the feet. They cut the dog’s nails to a comfortable length, since long nails can become painful. Groomers can also brush your dog’s teeth with a dog-specific toothpaste (although regular teeth cleaning should also be done every day at home).
Professional groomers have all the right tools to get your dog looking his best, from different kinds of clippers and rounded scissors to an adjustable grooming table. They’re equipped with nontoxic, gentle shampoos for dogs with skin allergies or irritations, or those with fleas.
Many groomers also know how to groom for breed show cuts, which requires precise attention to detail and knowledge of the specific breed requirements. Different coats require different brushes – and groomers have them. The more dead hair they remove from your dog, the less you’ll find on your living room rug.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Dog’s Nails Trimmed?
The average cost of a dog nail trim is usually between 12$ and 30$. This cost can vary depending on where you’re getting the nail trim done and how cooperative your dog is. Nail trims can also be done at home with practice and the purchase of a few tools.
How Much Do Dog Walkers Charge?
The typical price for an individual thirty-minute dog walk ranges from $15-$30. The typical price for a thirty-minute group dog walk (more than one dog) ranges from $10-$20 per dog. The typical price for an individual sixty-minute dog walk ranges from $20-$40. The typical price for a group of sixty-minute dog walks ranges from $20-$30 per dog.
Dog walking charges are usually based on the following criteria:
1. Where you live. Time is money to dog walkers. They don’t make money while they travel. In fact, they lose money if they have to drive a car. The farther you live away from a dog walker’s other clients the less money they make.
2. How long your dog is walked. The worst price per minute rate is for fifteen and thirty-minute walks. You get the most time for money for forty-five-minute and up dog walks.
3. The number of dogs walked at once. Individual dog walks are considered a premium service and should cost more than group dog walking. The more dogs on a walk should be the less you pay.
4. How frequently do you use the dog walker. The more frequently you use a dog walker the better the chance you have to receive a discount.
5. The experience and skill set of your dog walker. The more experienced and trusted a dog walker is the better chance they have to charge higher rates. An experienced dog walker with a good reputation can charge more than other dog walkers.
How Much Does it Cost to Groom a Dog?
On average expect to pay from 30$ to 90$ for a standard grooming session at your local salon. A dog grooming salon can offer you a whole package that should include baths, brushing, and even painting your dog’s nails. A mobile dog groomer can come to you for an average of $75 for an average size dog. Also, you can groom your dog at a self-service facility for between $11-$23. All these costs mentioned will vary depending on the size of your dog large or small, the breed, weight, temperament and how long does it take to groom the dog. all these variables will have an impact on the price. Additional services such as teeth cleaning, flea treatments and nail clipping should coast you extra money. To get your money’s worth, there are several things you should be aware of before you and your pooch set foot on a saloon.
What Do Pet Sitters Do?
When pet owners leave town for work or vacation, they need someone to keep an eye on their furry friends. Pet sitters usually take care of household pets at the pet's home until its owner returns, though some pet sitters bring the animals to their own home for the duration of the job when allowed by the owner. Responsibilities include visiting the pet, replenishing food and water supplies, cleaning the pet's living space, and playing with it. The most common pets are dogs and cats. Dogs need to be walked for exercise, and cats need play time to release energy.
How Much Should You Pay for a Pet Sitter?
Pet sitting services are typically at about $25 for a 30-minute visit that includes a toilet break, feeding, and fresh water. Prices vary depending on the sitter's proximity to the pet owner and whether the pet has to be picked up or left off. If you have more than one dog or pet, pay $10 for each additional dog or pet. Pet sitters often charge $25 for a 30-minute visit, $20 to $30 a day, $45 to $75 per night, or $250 to $375 per week. Rates are determined by the services requested, whether you require 24-hour pet care or assistance on holidays, and whether the client has extra pets.
What Vaccines Do Dogs Need to be Groomed?
Due to the individual health risks and considerations involved in the vaccine process, there's no one-size-fits-all dog vaccination schedule. Your vet may have a customized vaccination timeline they recommend for your dog based on what's best for his or her health. Regardless of the schedule you set for your dog, you will need certain essential vaccines administered before a groomer will provide services.
In general, these required dog vaccines will follow a set schedule:
1. 6-8 weeks: Parvovirus and distemper vaccines.
2. 10-12 weeks: DHPP shot, which includes vaccines for distemper, parvovirus, parainfluenza, and adenovirus. After this vaccination, your dog may be eligible to visit your local groomer for the first time.
3. 16-18 weeks: DHPP booster and rabies vaccine.
4. 12-16 months: DHPP and rabies boosters.
5. Every 1-2 years: DHPP booster.
6. Every 1-3 years: Rabies booster.
You will need to make sure that vaccinations are up to date on the date of the grooming. If the next DHPP vaccination is overdue based on your dog's age, your groomer will likely require you to get the vaccine before the grooming appointment. Be prepared to show proof of rabies vaccination and other boosters and vaccinations as required by local law. You should also make sure your dog receives any additional required vaccines not listed above, which may be determined by your local government. Your local vet can make sure your dog's vaccine record is in compliance with these requirements.
What is the Importance of Caring Pets?
Studies have shown that the bond between people and their pets is linked to several health benefits, including:
1. Decreased blood pressure, cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and symptoms of PTSD.
2. Increased opportunities for exercise and outdoor activities; better cognitive function in older adults; and more opportunities to socialize
What is the Importance of Animals in Human Life?
Animals improve the welfare of humans in many ways, ranging from providing companionship, improving mental health, facilitating rescues during natural disasters; and finally, for a number of species, as food. Dogs used in therapy, and as aids for people with disabilities, provide important benefits.
Proper Pet Care
Proper pet care is the basis of responsible pet ownership. It is important when you adopt a pet to understand it is a lifetime commitment to a furry family member that depends on you for his or her health and well-being. Happily, the unconditional love and joy that pets bring to our lives more than makes up for the added responsibility that comes with welcoming adding a furry child to your family. To ensure your pet’s health and happiness, following are the necessities that all responsible pet owners need to provide.
Ten Pet Care Tips
As a pet parent you want to do everything you can to care for your pet; this involves regular, everyday activities to ensure they stay happy and healthy. Practice these ten responsible pet care tips year after year for a lifetime of happy and healthy cats and dogs.
1. Veterinarian Visits
Responsible pet ownership starts with regular visits to the veterinarian. Given their shorter-than-human lifespan, your dog or cat should be getting a checkup at least once or twice a year. Depending on your pet's vaccination schedule, they may go more frequently when they're young, but establishing and maintaining good pet health means keeping up with vet visits as they age.
2. Vaccinations
Vaccinating your pets is a vital component of responsible pet care. Soon after welcoming your new pet into your home, schedule an immunization appointment. During your first visit, the vet will set up an immunization schedule for your little pup or kitten to protect them from illness and disease. Vaccinations for puppies should happen early in your puppies first few weeks after you bring him home. Talk to your vet at your first appointment, on when a good time to schedule that visit. They help prevent diseases such as rabies, Lyme disease, and distemper. Cats benefit from vaccines that prevent feline herpes virus, feline leukemia, and rabies. If you've adopted an adult or senior animal, make sure they are immunized, too. Vaccinations do need renewal and aren't just for young pets.
3. Proper Identification
If the unthinkable happens and your little guy or gal gets lost — youngsters in particular are prone to dashing out the door — having proper identification is the key to a happy ending. Start with the basics: a safe collar, and a tag that contains all of your contact information. In addition to an ID tag, microchipping your pet is advisable, because there's always the chance a collar will fall off. The microchip, an electronic device about the size and shape of a grain of rice, is implanted under your pet's skin and can be read by a scanner that pulls up your identification information. A combination of these forms of identification will go a long way to reuniting you and your beloved pet, but only if you keep your contact information up-to-date. Be sure to change your information on file with the microchip if you have a change in address or phone number.
4. Spaying/Neutering
Sterilizing your pet prevents a host of health problems, including complicated pregnancies, and reduces the number of homeless animals. Spaying your kitty (removing the uterus and ovaries) greatly reduces her risk for cervical cancer, eliminates the risk of ovarian cancer, and prevents her from going into "heat." That minimizes the chance that she'll stray from home in search of a partner, and any nearby male cats will be less aggressive (and they won't spray to mark their territory, something that benefits you and your furniture). Neutering your puppy helps alleviate aggression and roaming the neighborhood, and will prevent him from getting testicular cancer. Because spaying or neutering is surgery that requires general anesthesia, your pet will likely stay overnight at the vet's office for at least one night for observation and recuperation.
5. Healthy Food
Two connected elements of responsible pet ownership include providing animals with fresh, cool water and healthy food at all times. The right pet food will enrich your best buddy's life, providing them with the energy and nutrients they need. With so many meal options to choose from, it can be daunting, but you can become adept in no time by familiarizing yourself with important ingredients and how they help your pup or kitty. When choosing the best cat food, look for a good balance of protein, carbs and fats. These are important ingredients for dog food, too, as is plenty of fiber for the digestive system. In addition to healthy ingredients, select a pet food formula that is appropriate for your pet's age, health conditions and activity level, and speak to your vet before switching your pet to a specialized food.
6. At-Home Care
As your pets' caretaker, your job is to provide them with good hygiene habits at home as well as at the vet's or groomer's. Brushing their teeth, combing their coats and providing them with healthy food all keeps them in tip-top shape. To stay on track with responsible pet care, schedule hygiene and grooming tasks in your calendar and try combining tasks, such as a comforting comb after trimming nails, until it becomes routine.
7. Comfy Quarters
As the seasons change or you rearrange your living space, take a look around to see that you're providing your pet with a safe, cozy habitat. Dog bed looking a little flat? Buy your pup a new one. Litter box area not cutting it anymore? Spruce up your kitty's bathroom with a new box and scoop. This also is a good time to check for potential hazards. Look for exposed cords or wires (young animals find these to be great chew toys), secure safety gates, repair loose windows or screens and remove any plants that are poisonous to your pet.
8. Training and Socializing
One of the most important aspects of responsible pet care is ensuring your dog or cat is well-trained, and proper socializing is a part of that. Starting when they're young is best and most effective, but it's never too late to learn new tricks. Toilet training is the number one priority for any animal with whom you share your home, as is working on obedience training. Learning socialization skills will help your puppy or kitten bond with you and with other pets. Ask your vet or local animal shelter for recommendations for good trainers in your area or at-home training guides to read. A well-trained pet is a happy pet, and that translates to a happy pet parent.
9. Following Dog Park Rules
Taking your dog outside to play is one heck of a good time, and, being the social creatures they are, dogs love a good romp outdoors. If you decide to take your pup to a dog park, abide by the posted rules. Proper dog park etiquette, such as bringing your own toys and not bringing in food, keeps everyone safe, especially if a dog is aggressive or under-socialized. Bring along treats for afterward to reward your guy for his good behavior. Vets also recommend that you wait until your dog is at least four months old before bringing him to the dog park to ensure he's vaccinated before being exposed to other animals.
10. Safe Playtime
It's no secret that dogs and cats love to play, and it's an effective relationship-building activity. Take stock of their toys. Are they safe? Be mindful of threadbare stuffed toys that pose choking hazards and hard, sharp edges that could cause injury. Throw away and replace playthings that are worn out. Making DIY cat toys and dog toys is a great, inexpensive way to bring even more fun to pet parenting!
Reasons to Hire a Professional Pet Sitter
Pets are beloved members of our families, and ensuring their well-being is a top priority for pet owners. Whether you have a furry feline friend, a playful pup, or a more exotic companion, their care and happiness are essential. While many pet owners consider various options for caring for their pets when they’re away, hiring a professional pet sitter is often the best choice. In this blog, we’ll explore the top seven reasons to hire a professional pet sitter for your furry, scaley, or feathered loved ones.
1. A PROFESSIONAL PET SITTER HAS EXPERTISE IN PET CARE
Professional pet sitters are trained and experienced in caring for many animals. They understand the unique needs, behaviors, and health concerns of different pets, ensuring they provide the appropriate care and attention. Whether administering medication, handling special diets, or addressing specific behavioral issues, a professional pet sitter has the knowledge and skills to meet your pet’s requirements. Professional pet sitters are always continuing education and training to stay updated about the latest pet care practices.
2. PERSONALIZED ATTENTION
Your pets thrive on routine and familiarity. When you hire a professional pet sitter, it allows your pets to stay in their familiar environment, surrounded by their belongings and routines. This minimizes stress and anxiety, as your pet won’t have to adapt to a new environment or the presence of other people and animals.
3. REDUCED EXPOSURE TO ILLNESS
Boarding facilities can expose your pets to various illnesses and stressors due to proximity to other animals. By hiring a professional pet sitter, your pets can stay in the comfort of their own home, reducing their exposure to potential health risks and providing a safer and healthier environment. If your dog or cat suffers from anxiety while in unfamiliar places, then keeping them at home with a pet sitter is the best choice.
4. INDIVIDUALIZED EXERCISE AND PLAYTIME
Professional pet sitters tailor their care to your pet’s needs. They ensure your dogs get the right amount of exercise and playtime while more sedentary pets receive the appropriate level of attention.
5. REGULAR MONITORING AND UPDATES
One of the benefits of hiring a professional pet sitter is the peace of mind it provides. Most pet sitters offer daily updates, including photos and messages, to inform you about your pet’s well-being.
6. EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Professional pet sitters are trained to handle emergencies. Whether it’s a medical issue, a natural disaster, or an unexpected situation, they can provide immediate care and take appropriate actions to ensure your pet’s safety and well-being. A good pet sitter must be trained in Pet CPR and First Aid to ensure they can act quickly if something happens to your pet.
7. CONVENIENT AND FLEXIBLE
Professional pet sitters offer convenience and flexibility. You can schedule their visits according to your pet’s routine and your own needs. Whether you’re away for a weekend or an extended vacation, you can trust that your pet will receive consistent and reliable care.
Benefits of Hiring a Professional Pet Sitter
Pet sitters can be super helpful when you can’t always be with your fur babies. But what exactly are the benefits of hiring a pet sitter?
1. Reduced risk of getting sick
Reduced danger of infection from diseased animals. Common in dogs, “bordetella” causes fever, lethargy, and cough.
2. Stress-free experience
When left alone, pets might develop separation anxiety. It’s more probable if they’re boarded. A pet sitter may concentrate only on your pet, giving them additional care. This will soothe and calm them.
3. Minimal changes
Changes in environment and routine stress pets. Your dogs will be fed and cared for on schedule at a boarding facility. It is best to hire a pet sitter to follow your pet’s schedule.
4. Increased communication
Hiring a pet sitter will provide you with updates through emails, text messages, or personal calls. You can have peace of mind and will help you relax while you are away from home.
5. Pet sitters can multitask
When you hire a pet sitter, they will be able to do other household chores while you are away. They can also check the mail, water the lawn, and do small household tasks if needed. Leaving your home with a Pet sitter can also help avoid thefts.
6. Your pet is in good hands
Hiring a competent pet sitter ensures your pet’s safety. Professional pet sitters are certified by the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters. They know pet health, behavior, and first aid. They would notice your pet’s strange behavior and respond swiftly.
7. Customizable service
A professional pet sitter can help you determine the level of service that would suit the needs of your pets. If your dog only requires a few daily walks, or if he is more comfortable having someone stay with him the whole night, hire a professional to look into the best service for you.
8. Flexibility
You can hire your pet sitter anytime. In instances where you’re having a busy work week, your hired professional pet sitter can come by in the afternoon to give your dog a walk. Another thing is that if you’re going out of town for a long time, you can rely on them, and that you are sure that your pets are well taken care of.
9. It’s convenient!
Hiring a professional pet sitter would not require you to transport your pets to a facility, drop them off, and pick them up at a specific time. Also, it would not require you to have your neighbor, friend, or relative check in on your house while you are away.
Signs Your Pet May Need Emergency Care
Your dog may need emergency care because of severe trauma—caused by an accident or fall—choking, heatstroke, an insect sting, household poisoning or other life-threatening situation. Here are some signs that emergency care is needed:
1. Pale gums
2. Rapid breathing
3. Weak or rapid pulse
4. Change in body temperature
5. Difficulty standing
6. Apparent paralysis
7. Loss of consciousness
8. Seizures
9. Excessive bleeding
First Aid Treatments to Perform At Home
Most emergencies require immediate veterinary care, but first aid methods may help you stabilize your pet for transportation.
1. If your pet is suffering from external bleeding due to trauma, try elevating and applying pressure to the wound.
2. If your pet is choking, place your fingers in his mouth to see if you can remove the blockage.
3. If you’re unable to remove the foreign object, perform a modified Heimlich maneuver by giving a sharp rap to his chest, which should dislodge the object.
Performing CPR on Your Pet
CPR may be necessary if your pet remains unconscious after you have removed the choking object. First check to see if he’s breathing. If not, place him on his side and perform artificial respiration by extending his head and neck, holding his jaws closed and blowing into his nostrils once every three seconds. (Ensure no air escapes between your mouth and the pet’s nose.) If you don’t feel a heartbeat, incorporate cardiac massage while administering artificial respiration—three quick, firm chest compressions for every respiration—until your dog resumes breathing on his own.
Common Signs of Anxiety in Your Pet
Anxious pets may cower, hide or tremble when you attempt to take them to the vet clinic, making the visit stressful for everyone. Some animals may even lash out or attempt to bite you or the vet. Knowing more about the different behaviours of your pet can help you identify stressful situations early-on so you can take preventative action.
Signs of anxiety in pets can include:
1. Unusual increase in vocalising
2. Pacing and restlessness
3. Trembling and shaking
4. Hiding and avoiding
5. Confrontational or repelling behaviour, such as growling and biting
6. Panting and drooling
7. Any other changed behaviour (e.g. urinating or toileting in the house)
If you notice any of these signs in your pet, it is important to speak with your vet to help identify the underlying causes of the anxiety. For example, is your pet anxious when you attempt a car journey? Do they become frightened when they are put in a carry cage? Knowing more of your pet’s triggers will help your veterinarian recommend the best approach to help your pet cope with vet visits.
Why Pets Should Have an Annual Vet Exam Each Year
During every appointment, your veterinarian will perform a physical examination on your pet. This is a head-to-toe examination that includes an assessment of weight and body condition score, dental health, eyes, ears, heart and lungs, abdomen, joints and mobility, and skin. Your veterinarian will make notes about any abnormalities they find and discuss them with you.
An annual examination allows your vet to learn what is normal for your pet, so they can more easily detect illness and subtle changes over time. For instance, if your veterinarian notices that your cat has lost 2 pounds since her last visit, they could recommend investigating the cause before determining your cat is significantly ill. Alternatively, if your dog has gained ten pounds since last year, your veterinarian can discuss ways to lose weight safely and keep your dog as healthy as possible.
The recommendations your veterinarian makes at each appointment — including vaccinations, parasite prevention, blood testing, and dental care — will help to keep your pet as healthy as possible over his or her lifetime.
Human Foods that Dogs Can Eat
While many people foods are safe for dogs, they should generally only eat in them moderation.
Human foods that are safe for dogs include:
1. Carrots
Carrots are a healthful food for dogs. Chewing on carrots can help remove plaque from their teeth and otherwise promote good dental health. Carrots are also a good source of vitamin A, which is beneficial for a dog’s immune system, skin, and coat.
2. Apples
Apples provide many important vitamins for dogs, including vitamins A and C. Apples are also a good source of fiber, which can help regulate a dog’s digestion. However, eating rotting apples can lead to alcohol poisoning in dogs.
3. White rice
Cooked, plain white rice can be a good option for a dog with an upset stomach, as it is easy to digest and helps bind stool. White rice can cause blood sugar levels to rise, however, so dogs with diabetes should only eat it in small amounts.
4. Dairy products
Dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and plain yogurt, are safe for dogs to have in very small quantities. Eating too much dairy can cause digestive problems. This is because dogs have low levels of lactase, a digestive enzyme that breaks down the sugars in milk. Dogs with lactose intolerance should not eat dairy products. Signs of lactose intolerances include diarrhea or vomiting after consuming anything that contains dairy.
5. Fish
Salmon, shrimp, and tuna are all safe for dogs to eat and good sources of protein. Salmon and tuna are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help keep a dog’s immune system, coat, and skin healthy. The B vitamins in shrimp can also help maintain a dog’s digestive system and promote healthy blood circulation. It is important to cook fish before feeding it to a dog, as uncooked fish can contain harmful parasites.
6. Chicken
Plain, boiled chicken with no seasoning is a good option when a dog has an upset stomach.
7. Peanut butter
Unsalted peanut butter with no added sugar or sweeteners is safe for dogs to eat in moderation. Peanut butter contains many beneficial elements, including vitamins E and B, niacin, healthful fats, and protein. However, it is vital to check that the peanut butter does not contain a sweetener called xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs. Anyone who suspects that their dog has ingested xylitol should immediately contact a veterinarian or call an Animal Poison Control Center.
8. Plain popcorn
Plain popcorn, without salt, butter, or sugar, can be a nutritional treat for dogs. Popcorn contains minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc, which are all important for keeping dogs healthy. Make sure dogs do not eat any unpopped popcorn kernels, as this could cause them to choke.
9. Pork
Unseasoned, cooked pork is safe for dogs to eat. However, they should only consume small portions of pork, as the high fat content is hard for dogs to digest, and it can cause inflammation and pancreatitis. Refrain from feeding dogs bacon or processed ham, due to the high salt contents.
10. Turkey
Cooked turkey is safe for dogs to eat, but it should be plain and unseasoned. Many commercial dog foods contain turkey, as it is a good source of protein. Before giving cooked turkey to a dog, remove the fat first. Too much fat can cause pancreas issues in dogs.
11. Blueberries
Blueberries are safe for dogs to eat and a rich source of fiber, antioxidants, and phytochemicals, which can provide a range of health benefits for dogs. Research from 2012 suggests that antioxidants may help improve age-related issues in older dogs.
12. Bananas
Dogs can eat bananas in moderation. They are full of magnesium, which is important for good bone health. Due to their high sugar content, bananas should only be an occasional treat for dogs.
13. Cucumbers
Cucumbers are a safe, low-calorie snack for dogs, and they can be a good option for those who are overweight. Cucumbers also contain plenty of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin K.
14. Green beans
Plain green beans are a good, healthful snack for dogs. They are a source of protein and also contain calcium, iron, and vitamin K. Dogs can eat green beans cooked or raw. However, avoid seasoning and chop up the beans first to prevent choking.
15. Watermelon
Watermelon is safe for dogs to eat, but it is important to remove all the seeds first, as these can block the intestines. Chewing on the rind can also cause an upset stomach, so remove this too before giving the watermelon to a dog. Watermelon has a high water content, so it can help keep dogs hydrated. It is also a good source of vitamins A, C, and B-6.
Foods that Dogs Should Not Eat
When it comes to your pets, not everything people eat is safe for them. It’s important to know that while this list is not comprehensive, these are the most common household foods that you’ll need to protect your pup from.
1. Chocolate
While dogs love the smell of chocolate, it’s toxic for them, and should never be fed to them.
2. Onions and garlic
Onions are very toxic to dogs. They cause oxidative damage to the red blood cells causing them to rupture leading to anaemia.
3. Citrus
The citric acid found in fruits such as grapefruit, lemon, lime and orange, can cause diarrhoea, vomiting and at the very worst end of the scale, depression of the central nervous system.
4. Milk and lactose
Some dogs may be lactose intolerant, resulting in stomach upsets like vomiting or diarrhoea. If your dog reacts strongly to milk products, it’s best to avoid them.
5. Raw yeast dough
While your dog can have small bits of bread, raw dough is definitely a no-no. As the yeast rises, it can cause gas in the dog’s digestive system, which is painful and may potentially rupture its stomach or cause gastric dilation and volvulus.
6. Fatty foods
If you’re looking at maintaining a healthy weight for your dog, sweet and fatty foods should be avoided. Also, fatty foods can lead to illnesses such as pancreatitis.
7. Salty foods
Salt is an essential component to your dog’s diet helping muscle and nerve function. However, some dogs with chronic disease such as kidney, heart or liver problems may need to watch their salt consumption. It is always important to get advice from your vet regarding the diet of your pet.
Sources:
The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.
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