Give Your Dog A Treat

: Use Treats As Treats!

It likely sounds incredibly simple. Treats should be given as treats, not regular staples in the dog's diet. The fact is that many people give their pets too many treats. All animals can have treats unless the vet says otherwise, but you have to give this to them sparingly.

Giving them too many treats can cause them to shy away from foods that they need in their diet. If they are filled up on treats, will they eat the nutritionally balanced food that you are given them as well? Chances are they will not.

In addition, most treats designed for pets are not healthy options in the least. Most are filled with fats and other products that can easily cause the pet to become overweight.

Instead of giving treats on a regular basis as a diet element, use treats for training purposes, for distraction from nail cutting and even as a way to reward your pet. Just limit the amount that you give them as well as the frequency that they get them. This will help your pet to lose weight by reducing the number of calories they get from treat products.

Owners who observe and handle their healthy dogs have a head start on recognizing early signs of illness in their pets. Those who know what a healthy pet acts, feels, and smells like can spot differences in behavior and bodies and determine whether a trip to the veterinarian is necessary.

Healthy dogs have a temperature of 101-102º F, a respiratory rate of 15-20 breaths per minute, and a heart rate of 80-120 beats per minute. They have pink mucous membranes (gums, inside of lips, tongue, inside of eyelids) and rapid capillary refill action in these areas. They have clean-smelling ears and skin and a full haircoat. Their skin is pliant, an indication of proper hydration, and their eyes are clear and bright.

If your puppy or dog shows any of the following signs, be prepared to call your veterinarian.

• Eyes: swelling, discharge, redness, etc.

Nose: running, crusting, discharge, etc.

• Ears: discharge, debris, odor, twitching, scratching, shaking, etc.

• Coughing, gagging, sneezing, retching, or vomiting.

• Irregular breathing, shortness of breath, prolonged or heavy panting, etc.

• Intestinal activity

Color and consistency of bowel movement, Frequency of defecation, Bloody stool , Evidence of parasites:

Change in amout of food intake

Change in body weight

Change in water intake

Urine

Odor

Behavior

Depression, Anxiety, Fatigue, Lethargy, Sleepiness,Trembling, Stumbling,

Falling, etc.

Noticing signs is half the battle; keeping a record helps the veterinarian make a diagnosis. Be sure to note when the symptom first appeared, and whether it has been intermittent, continuous, increasing in frequency, getting better, or getting worse bfore calling the veterinarian.