Just like in human beings, this form of condition is marked by a lack of insulin, the hormone that keeps blood sugar in check.

When an animal or human has diabetes, its muscles have trouble converting glucose into energy. An excess of glucose builds up in the blood, causing a state of hyperglycemia. If left untreated, this will develop into severe health problems.

Types of Diabetes

Type I

The cells responsible for producing enough insulin have been destroyed in this type, so these dogs require lifetime supplementation with insulin injection.

Type II

This type of diabetes is typically related to obesity. In this form of the disease, there may be a decreased production or increased response by cells regarding insulin, which leads to not receiving enough glucose and higher than normal levels in the blood.

Type III

Type III diabetes is a rare form of canine hormonal diabetes that can be fatal. It often occurs during pregnancy, and reactivation may occur again with another pregnancy, so vets recommend spaying your dog as soon as they can safely.

Dog Diabetes Symptoms

Diabetes can manifest in many symptoms you may have already noticed in your dog.

Constantly Hungry or Thirsty

Often, diabetic dogs will show an excessive need for food and water and increased urination.

Surprising Accidents

Partially because of the increase in urination, diabetic dogs who have previously been house-trained may start going to the bathroom again.

Weight Loss

If your dog is eating normally — or even chowing down more than usual — but still losing weight, this can be a sign of diabetes.

Vomiting

In later stages of diabetes, dogs may vomit or even stop eating altogether.

Lethargy and Depression

Another late-stage symptom, your dog may be diabetic if you notice that they seem unusually lethargic or depressed.

If you have witnessed these symptoms in your dog or have other reasons to believe your dog has developed diabetes, you should immediately schedule an appointment with your vet. Through medical tests, your vet will be able to determine whether diabetes is present.

How Dogs Are Diagnosed

If your dog shows signs of being overweight, thirsty, and urinating more than usual, it could be due to diabetes. To diagnose this condition, the vet will need to run some tests to determine if there are high glucose levels in both the urine and the blood. The following tests may be requested to get an official diagnosis.

• Urinalysis: This test will indicate higher glucose levels in the urine and can also show if your pup has a UTI, a common occurrence in diabetic dogs.

It’s important to note that urinary tract infections can make it difficult to regulate diabetes without treatment. Urinalysis provides information on ketones present in the body and rules out diabetic ketoacidosis.

• Blood Work: used to detect high glucose, elevated cholesterol, and kidney values.
• Fructosamine: These tests are a valuable tool for dog owners because they can provide long-term monitoring of blood glucose levels. Increasing stress will temporarily increase the amount of blood sugar. Still, with this tool, you’ll see how well your pet’s insulin was regulating over time through this particular test which helps give a more accurate analysis of what might need changes to keep everything running smoothly.

Causes of Diabetes in Dogs and How to Treat It

Diabetes is still a subject of investigation in veterinary science, and doctors are unsure what causes the disease, although female dogs and obese dogs are at a higher risk. Diabetes is also common in older dogs, beginning to develop at any time from 6 to 9 years of age.

Genetics, specific hormone therapies, and pancreatitis are also suspected causes of the condition. Juvenile diabetes is prevalent among golden retrievers and Keeshonds.

Treatment for diabetic dogs will vary widely depending on the size of your dog, other health conditions, and the severity of each case. Combining insulin with a modified diet and exercise is enough to manage your dog’s blood sugar.

Insulin

Most cases of diabetes in dogs will require regular doses of insulin, and severe cases may require short hospital stays while glucose levels stabilize. Once your dog’s specific insulin dose is determined, your vet will show you how to administer it at home. Current insulin delivery systems include pens, syringes, pumps, jet injectors, and inhalers. Be aware that if you have pet insurance, it may only cover one specific option.

Diet and Exercise

It’s essential to keep your dog’s blood sugar healthy. One of the best ways to do this is to keep your dog trimmed with daily exercise and a well-balanced diet.

Your vet will probably lay down strict dietary restrictions for your dog, and they will regulate calorie intake based on your dog’s activity level and size.

Though researchers are still working on the ideal diet for diabetes, high-fiber foods are usually recommended. Fiber slows down the sugar intake levels in the blood and helps your dog feel fuller after meals.

Because of this, your vet may recommend a high-fiber brand of dog food. Prescription dog foods or homemade recipes are also a possibility. Whatever your vet recommends, make sure you follow their plan closely.

Though caring for a diabetic dog isn’t always easy, your dog can live a long and happy life despite the condition. You may even find that the extra care and attention you give your dog brings you closer together.

Breeds Prone to Diabetes

Commonly Asked Questions About Dog Diabetes

Can a Puppy be Born with Diabetes?

Typically, dogs are diagnosed with diabetes in middle-mature. However, there are some cases of this disease in younger pups.

Will My Dog Go Blind from Diabetes?

When blood sugar becomes trapped in the lens of a dog’s eye, it causes cataracts. Without treatment for this condition and proper care, they can go blind!

What Type of Diabetes is the Most Common in Dogs?

Studies have shown that Type I diabetes is the most prevalent.

Is Diabetes in Dogs Curable?

Unfortunately, this disease does not have a cure, and your furry friend will most likely need insulin treatment for the remainder of its life.

Can I Give My Diabetic Dog Treats?

There are specially formulated dog treats you can give your pup with safe and healthy ingredients they will love.

How did you find out that your dog has diabetes?

The post Protecting Your Dog From Diabetes appeared first on Cesar's Way.

Even with these potential problems, many Pack Leaders still struggle with determining how to get a dog to lose weight. What’s the best routine? What changes need to be made?

We will walk through these answers, teach you how to get your dog back in shape, and enjoy the journey with them!

What Are The Health Risks With Dog Obesity?

There are numerous health concerns that can get worse with the level of your dog’s obesity.

Joint Health

Some of the most common problems seen in overweight dogs include some type of joint pain or issues with immobility. This is because the unnecessary weight puts a lot of stress on your dog’s joints, and they are not used to carrying that much.

Pain in their joints could lead to more severe problems in the future, like arthritis or hip displacement.

More Prone To Internal Diseases

Unfortunately, canine obesity has also been tied to various internal health problems in dogs, from pancreatitis and diabetes to heart disease and hyperextension. That isn’t all; obesity has even been proven to increase the risk of cancer and can reduce a dog’s life expectancy by one to two years!

However, just like humans, every dog is different. While some may be subject to certain health risks, not all will have the same issues.

Either way, shedding some extra pounds can go a long way toward helping your pup lead a healthier, happier, and longer life.

How To Know If Your Dog Is Overweight?

Talk With Your Veterinarian

Discussing with your veterinarian should always be your first step. Chat with them and find out just how much weight your dog needs to lose as well as any special precautions you should take to protect their health as you start your new routine.

Your dog’s breed, medical history, and current state are all important factors to consider. Your vet should help walk you through what weight your dog should ideally be at and make recommendations based on their needs.

Feel Their Rib Coverage

Rib coverage is also a necessary measure you can take to determine whether your dog is overweight, and it’s easy to do on your own! All you have to do is feel down his rib cage from the top of his shoulders to the bottom and make sure you can feel them.

You should be able to feel each of your dog’s ribs with minimal padding around it, especially at their tips. If you can’t find any when you press down on them, they may be overweight!

Know Their Ideal Body Weight

The next step is to learn your dog’s ideal body weight. Determining this will also require some help from your veterinarian, as there is no one set scale you can go by. The perfect weight will change depending on their breed, age, and health status.

Your vet should be able to give you a score based on their body condition and what their ideal weight should be. From here, you should work toward this goal and track their progress.

How Can I Help My Dog Lose Weight?

The best way to help your dog with their weight loss journey is by committing and showing him that you’re on his side. Do not rush the weight loss process; start slow and work up from there.

Dieting

It would be best if you started by altering their diet to feature low-fat proteins and simple carbs.

Try using a specific nutritional product, a specific portion, and a particular meal frequency. Don’t guess. Don’t eyeball it. Give your dog precisely the amount of food they need every day. Read the recommended amount on the bag of food and stick to it.

Simply reducing the amount of food they’re getting could lead to malnourishment down the road.
There are also various dog foods designed for weight management on the market, and your veterinarian can help you choose the best one for your pet.

Tip to Remember: Your dog should always have access to fresh, clean water — no matter the time of day or night.

Exercise is Key

This may seem like a no-brainer, but exercise is a primary key to any weight loss plan. Getting your dog outside and doing some of their favorite activities will help support the change in their nutrition plan and can go a long way.

Walking

Set aside at least 40 minutes each day for a walk. If you’re just starting the routine or your dog isn’t used to exercising at all, you may want to consult with your veterinarian to see if you should start with a shorter time, such as 10 or 15 minutes, and then work your way up.

Walking can be a game-changer for your dog and will allow you to be active together.

Playing

You can also try playing fetch or taking them to the dog park! These games will get their energy out while also allowing them to work on their focus and problem-solving skills.

Mixing in fun activities like this and dedicating time to having fun will keep your dog happy and motivated throughout the process!

Training

You can also help your pup lose weight by training them! Remember, dogs need to work their brain as well as their body. If they have a good understanding of all the basics, such as sit, lay down, come, and stay, they will be more than happy to return the favor with some physical activity for you both.

Training is also an excellent way to build true loyalty and companionship, which is essential for your role as pack leader and the relationship with your dog.

Need Help Training?

Working on training commands will help keep your dog mentally stimulated while they exercise and practice obeying you again and again. It’s a win-win!

If you need more information on properly training your dog or need a professional trainer, visit our training page to view our options and courses!

Reduce Treats and Unneeded Calories

Many dogs get a large portion of their daily calories from treats throughout the day or by sneaking table scraps. If you still want to use treats as motivation for training, check the nutrition and look for small, low-calorie snacks.

Low-Calorie Treats

To prevent obesity, the treats your pup gets should only make up around 10% of their daily calorie intake. To reduce this, try using fresh or frozen green beans, broccoli, and cauliflower, as well as air-popped popcorn as a new type of reward, as long as your veterinarian approves them.

Food Thief

Another common source of unneeded calories is stealing others’ food. It could be grabbing human food when your back is turned or taking food from other animals in the home. You can help prevent these problems by putting your dog in a crate during other family members’ mealtimes or feeding your animals separately from one another.

A Summary of Cesar’s Tips

To build a lasting plan for you and your dog’s weight loss journey and make the process easier, follow these steps:

• Talk to your veterinarian
• Measure your dog’s food
• Set meal times
• Cut out the snacks
• Stop the thieving
• Stick to a walking schedule

What changes do you plan to make (or have you made) for your dog’s daily routine to help her get into shape? Let us know in the comments!

The post How To Get Your Dog Back In Shape appeared first on Cesar's Way.

Let’s Explore the Best Human Food for Dogs That Are Safe and Healthy for Our Canine Friends

Peanut butter

The first on our list of best human food for dogs is peanut butter. As a favorite treat for many canines, peanut butter is an excellent source of protein, heart-healthy fats, vitamin B, niacin, and vitamin E. For a stimulating activity that will keep your dog busy for hours, consider stuffing peanut butter into a Kong dog toy. Be sure to choose raw, unsalted peanut butter.

Note: Be absolutely sure that you’re not using sugar-free or “lite” peanut butter with artificial sweeteners, particularly xylitol, as these substances are incredibly toxic to dogs.

Cooked chicken

As one of the most common ingredients in pet food, cooked chicken is another human food good for dogs. Cooked chicken may be slipped into the bowl along with your dog’s regular food to add extra protein and a touch of spice. In addition to being a savory treat, cooked chicken also makes a healthy meal replacement if you’re in a pinch and out of dog food.

Cheese

Cheese makes a fantastic treat for your dog as long as she isn’t lactose intolerant, which a small percentage of dogs are. Make sure to monitor your dog’s reaction after feeding her small amounts of cheese. Opt for low- or reduced-fat varieties and don’t overfeed, as many cheese types can be high in fat. Cottage cheese is typically a good choice for dogs.

Baby carrots

The fourth-best human food for dogs on our list is baby carrots. Baby carrots are a low-calorie treat that’s great for your dog’s teeth. Additionally, carrots are high in fiber, beta carotene and vitamin A. Carrots may be eaten raw or cooked. You may also feed your dog regular carrots, but be sure to slice them into small bite-size pieces to help prevent your dog from choking.

Yogurt

Another safe human food for dogs is yogurt. Yogurt is high in calcium and protein, making it a great treat for canines. Furthermore, yogurts with active bacteria can act as a probiotic and are good for your dog’s dog’s digestive system.

Keep in mind that you should choose only yogurts that do not contain artificial sweeteners or added sugars. Greek yogurt is typically the best choice for dogs, as it has less lactose than regular yogurt. You may also feed your dog kefir as long as it’s plain and unflavored.

Salmon

A good source of omega 3 fatty acids, salmon helps keep your dog’s coat healthy and shiny as well as supports your dog’s immune system. There are multiple ways to add salmon to your dog’s diet. Consider adding cooked salmon to your dog’s dish, pouring salmon oil on her food bowl, or slipping him some of your unwanted fish skins.

Pumpkin

The seventh-most-healthy human food for dogs is pumpkin. A member of the squash family, pumpkin is an excellent source of fiber, beta carotene, and vitamin A. Moreover, pumpkin can help keep the GI tract moving as well as aid with digestive issues. Both fresh pumpkin and canned pumpkin make excellent dog treats as long as it’s plain with no added sweeteners.

Eggs

Scrambling up an egg for your pup is a great way to give her diet a protein boost. In addition to being high in protein, eggs are also a fantastic source of easily digestible riboflavin and selenium. To avoid the risk of salmonella, be sure to thoroughly cook eggs. Alternatives to scrambling eggs are boiling and poaching. Just make sure to avoid adding seasoning.

Green beans

Another healthy human food for dogs is green beans. Green beans are a source of protein, calcium, vitamin K and iron. Raw green beans and cooked green beans make a great treat for your dog since they are filling and low in calories. Keep in mind to serve only beans that have no added salt or seasoning.

Apple slices

Sliced apples are high in fiber, vitamin A and vitamin C, making them a fantastic treat for your pup. Additionally, apple slices are known to help clean residue off a dog’s teeth, which, in turn, helps freshen her breath. Before feeding your dog apple slices, make sure to take out the seeds and the core, as these can be choking hazards.

Oatmeal

The last best human food for dogs is oatmeal. Because cooked oatmeal is a great source of soluble fiber, it is especially beneficial to senior dogs with bowel irregularity issues. It is also a fabulous alternate grain for dogs allergic to wheat. Make sure to cook oatmeal before serving it to your dog and select only oatmeal that has no added sugar or flavor additives.

This is just a shortlist of human food for dogs that are healthy and safe. Remember to feed these foods in small amounts when you first introduce them to your dog’s diet. If your dog experiences any sort of reaction, immediately consult a veterinarian.

Before giving your dog any human food, do some research to make sure it’s safe. Never feed your dog toxic human items such as chocolate, onions, grapes, raisins, yeast dough, artificial sweeteners, macadamia nuts, avocados, alcohol, or coffee. Consult your veterinarian with any questions you might have on what human food is safe and what is harmful.

What is your dog’s favorite food? Share it with us in the comments.

The post Human Food for Dogs That Will Not Harm appeared first on Cesar's Way.

by Cesar Millan

Mealtime is when we make one of the most important connections with our dogs — or at least it should be. It is the perfect time to reinforce your role as Pack Leader, because you are the source of the food they need. So for me it is important to take a little time over meals and not just throw something in a bowl and put it out for the dogs.

Here Are My Tips for Making Dinner Special for Your Dog

Be Consistent

Just as with all other aspects of training — and follow a ritual before every meal. First, I believe it is important to walk your dogs before a meal. This is as close to the natural experience as possible, where the dogs would have had to go hunt for their food.

I know this isn’t practical for everyone, at least on a daily basis, but I like to mix up my dogs’ food with my hands so it has my scent and energy in it. It really doesn’t take that much extra time, and the result is a meal made with love… just like my mom made for me.

Train Dog to Remain Calm

Food gets dogs excited like almost nothing else, and they are alert for the sounds and scents of meals being prepared. It is important that if you pick up on this, you stop and make your dog go back into a waiting frame of mind.

It is a challenge for dogs to stay calm and wait until they’re instructed to eat — but it is a very important piece of training if you don’t want your dog to become dominant. This is even more so if you have more than one animal in your pack. Making them wait until they are calm and you give the command to eat can help avoid later problems with food aggression, and it’s one of the most powerful ways for you to assert your position as Pack Leader.

Have Your Dog Look at You

One other thing I like to do before I let my dogs eat is have them look directly at me — not at the food dish. This is a challenge for a dog whose every instinct is drawing his attention to the food. So why do I do this? I think it achieves two things. The first is that it helps the dog avoid becoming obsessed by the food. And the second — which I think is more important — is that it helps make them appreciate the source of their food. This is a wonderful way for you to bond with your dogs and show them that you are proud of them for staying calm.

How to Watch for Food Aggression

When you walk toward your dog while she is eating, watch for her lowering her head to her food as if to block you from it. You may see the hair on her neck stand up and her body become tense and her tail rigid. You must handle this situation very carefully because the food drive is such a strong instinct. You need to redirect the dog’s attention, but you must never show affection when the dog is in this state, because it will just reinforce the behavior.

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Water nourishes, cleanses and hydrates all living creatures on earth, including our canine companions. Dogs, like humans, are made up of nearly 80 percent water. Without enough of it, they can suffer — or worse, notes Cynthia Otto, DVM, PhD, who is board certified in veterinary emergency and critical care and a professor at the University of Pennsylvania’s school of veterinary medicine in Philadelphia.

“Just like people, most of a dog’s body is made up of water,” says Otto, “And so it’s absolutely essential for every function of his body. A dog can go a long time without food, but without water he’s not going to survive.”

Just How Much Water Does a Dog Need?

It all depends on her activity level, size, age and the weather, but in general, an average dog needs to drink between 8.5 to 17 ounces of water per 10 pounds (55 to 110 milliliters per kilogram) per day, according to Otto. To translate: A 50 pound dog needs between 42 and 84 ounces of liquid refreshment to stay happy and hydrated — or 1.25 to 2.5 liters per day for a 23 kilogram dog.

“If he’s active, he’ll need even more water,” Otto advises. A dog that’s dehydrated, or in need of water, may have sticky gums, or his eyes might look a little dry, adding, “It depends how fast he loses water, but as dehydration progresses, the dog may lose his skin pliability,” which is the skin’s ability to slip back into place when pinched. Adds Otto, “That’s a really concerning sign of dehydration.”

Dog guardians can manage mild dehydration cases themselves, Otto says, but they’ll need to seek emergency care for a pet that’s losing water rapidly or showing severe symptoms. “Any time you have a dog that’s dehydrated, you have to figure out why,” she advises. “If you went out for a walk and his gums started to get a little dry, you can address that. But if the dog is getting dehydrated because he’s vomiting or has diarrhea, he needs prompt attention.”

As the summer’s dog days turn up the heat, ensure your best friend stays happy, healthy and hydrated by boning up on your knowledge of why water is so important.

1. Water helps dogs function

Water facilitates every metabolic process that occurs in a dog’s body, Otto says. The wet stuff helps your pet digest food, think through an agility course, breathe in fresh oxygen, and pulse blood through his veins.

“Blood is mostly water,” she says. “Getting nutrients to the body requires water. Your brain and muscles need water to work well. Water is the heart of everything.”

2. Water flushes toxins

As water flows though your dog’s body, it transports beneficial oxygen to thirsty cells while clearing harmful toxins from her system, Otto says. Without water, the exchange doesn’t occur, and those toxins could build and do damage to vital organs, including the dog’s heart and kidneys.

“Water keeps the toxins cleared from a dog’s system,” she says. “If he did not have water circulating through, carrying the toxins and eliminating them in his kidneys, the dog would absorb them.”

3. Water regulates body temperature

Dogs use water to keep cool in more ways than one. Besides drinking it from their bowl or diving into a kiddy pool, dogs keep themselves comfortable by panting — which means they’re exhaling and releasing water through respiration, Otto says.

“That’s important to remember for active dogs, and when the weather is hot,” she says. “When dogs pant, they cool themselves, but they’re doing that by losing water through their tongue.”

4. Water helps dogs’ sniffing power

Water also keeps a dog’s nose moist and able to pick up the scantest scent, Otto says, as well as perform any working or sporting duties on the day’s agenda.

“A search-and-rescue dog that isn’t hydrated and isn’t 100 percent might get injured or not work as well,” she says. “His nose needs to be hydrated for him to smell, for instance, so he might not be able to do his job. Or if we’re talking about an agility dog, he wouldn’t have the speed to compete.”

To ensure your active dog drinks enough water, Otto encourages pet parents to provide a constant supply of fresh water, whether at home, on the trail or in the field. For those with finicky drinkers, she suggests adding a commercial flavor or broth to the water to make it more appealing.

They may also try to make drinking fun for their pets. “Some dogs really like to drink out of water bottles,” she advises. “And some like ice cubes when it’s really hot out. Just make it fun sometimes.”

This summer, keep your canine companion hydrated. His health and happiness depends on it.

The post Hydrate Your Hound For Health appeared first on Cesar's Way.

There’s an old cliché about dogs — they’ll eat everything you put in front of them, whether they’re hungry or not. There may be a grain of truth to it, but not all dogs are voracious eating machines. Some are perfectly content to snack from their bowl when they feel the urge and others will stop when they feel full, not going back for seconds at all.

But there are certainly plenty of dogs to give some truth to the cliché. No matter how well fed they are, they will never turn down more, and it’s quite easy to imagine them wolfing down food until they explode. It seems like the dog is hungry all the time.

Why Does My Dog Act Hungry All the Time?

So you may ask yourself, “Why does my dog act hungry all the time?” The short answer is… we’re not absolutely sure. Some experts believe that dogs came to look to us as a food source after early wolves basically domesticated themselves — the wolves that were curious but non-aggressive and came close enough to human camps to scavenge leftover scraps wound up being rewarded with more food.

This, combined with their natural instincts after a hunt — “eat it when the alpha wolves let you and before any other wolves can” — naturally led to them gobbling up anything offered by a human. Of course, to a hungry dog “offer” can also mean leaving it on a counter, dropping it on the floor, or putting it in the trash.

Wolves (or dogs) hunting in a pack also learn the concept of scarcity and food being a limited resource. They may not eat every day, or even every other day, so they fall into a “get it while you can” mentality. This carries over even when the dog is getting two or three regular meals every single day.

Of course, our domestic dogs have not been wild wolves for a long time, so it can be hard to reconcile such an ancient trait with modern behavior. Our dogs probably never grew up going on a hunt and being allowed to share food in pack order. Another possibility is that our dogs really aren’t that hungry. They’re just very good at manipulating us into giving them handouts.

How to Handle a Hungry Dog

If you do have a dog that would gobble down anything — and especially if that dog is overweight — then you have to take control as the Pack Leader. Consult your vet on your dog’s actual dietary needs per day, create a regular feeding ritual and schedule for your dog, and stick to it. Don’t let anyone in the house give him human scraps or handouts, and only give treats when your dog has earned them by doing a job and then showing calm, submissive energy.

You can also slow the gobbling with special bowls that have pillars in them that the dog has to eat around or, if you want a cheaper low-tech solution, you can put a tennis ball in the dish, which she’ll have to nose around.

When you start with this schedule, leave the food down until the first time your dog walks away from the bowl, whether he’s eaten everything or not, then take the bowl away. This will help reinforce the idea that this is meal time and he won’t be finding more food until the next meal time.

A Sudden Change in Appetite

Maybe your dog isn’t a voracious eater and knows when to stop. A dog’s habits can change. When they do, it’s usually a sign of something. If your dog goes from finicky to gluttonous, you need to determine the cause so you can take care of the problem as quickly as possible.

There are two reasons a habit as basic and instinctive as appetite might change suddenly: psychology or physiology. Psychological reasons include changes in the environment. Have you moved recently, or has there been a change in the household pack? For example, have grown kids moved out, significant others moved in, or are there any new dogs?

Things like this can lead to insecurity and anxiety, which can trigger a dog’s feast or famine mentality. Part of the pack went away, or a strange new person is here and might be a threat to these resources. In the case of a new dog, that may actually be the case, and you’ll need to monitor things to make sure that the new dog isn’t trying to intimidate the old dog away from the bowl, then stealing the food when you aren’t looking — or vice versa.

If a formerly docile dog starts to show food aggression, then the cause is definitely psychological, so you’ll need to deal with that problem in addition to working on the dog’s anxiety over household changes.

If you have a new human member of the household, let him or her take over the dog’s feeding duties for a while. If someone has left the household, place something with their scent on it near the dog’s bowl. If you have a new dog in the house, make them both earn their food by sitting and showing calm, submissive energy, feed them with separate bowls placed at a distance, then monitor them and don’t let either of them approach the other’s bowl, even if it’s to sniff around for scraps once they’ve finished eating.

If It’s Not All in Your Dog’s Head…

If there have been no obvious changes in the household recently, then the most likely cause of your dog’s increased hunger is a physical problem — and this is also the case if there have been changes but the methods above show no results after a week or two.

A sudden increase of appetite in a dog can be a symptom of a number of conditions:

• Aging
• Bacterial overgrowth in the intestines
• Cushing’s disease
• Diabetes
• Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
• Hyperthyroidism
• Reaction to medication

In many of the above cases, the underlying mechanism leading to increased hunger is the same: your dog’s body is unable to absorb the nutrients in the food or digest it properly, so their appetite goes into overdrive. They are actually starving no matter how much food they eat, so they compensate by eating everything.

The Pack Leader’s job

As a Pack Leader, your job is to provide protection and direction. If your dog suddenly starts overeating, then you need to determine the cause, then take the behavioral or medical steps necessary to solve the problem. If your dog is just naturally inclined to overeat, then you need to take charge and control what she eats, how much, and when.

We naturally love our dogs and it can be hard to resist those big eyes and cute faces, especially when they act like they’re starving. But if there’s no medical cause, we’re doing our dogs more of a favor by not indulging their appetites. An overweight dog is not a happy dog no matter how excited he may get about food. He may have no idea when he’s had enough, but we do — and, unlike dogs, we know how to work a can opener.

The post Why Dogs Eat… And Eat… And Eat… appeared first on Cesar's Way.

She’s an Australian shepherd/great pyrenees/golden retriever mix. I keep reading mixed things about feeding them twice or three times a day. Which do you recommend?

And if it is three times a day, given that she’s almost three months old, how much would you feed her each time? I have an appointment with a vet on that Friday, but wanted to ask you what you thought, hoping to get an answer before I pick her up.

Thanks so much in advance! I’m really excited to take on this challenge, But it’s also a little nerve-wrecking to not know how much to feed her exactly?
-Michele Solano

Read Dr. Kristy Conn’s Advice:

Congratulations on your newest four-legged addition to your family. I understand the excitement and trepidation that comes with bringing home a furry ball of joy. You want to do right by her and that includes making sure she is getting the correct amount of nutrition. This is a popular time of year for bringing home puppies so I’d like to take the opportunity to review basic puppy feeding guidelines for the first year of life while covering your question which may also answer any future questions you or other readers may have.

First 6 to 8 Weeks

During the first six to eight weeks of life the puppy should stay with the mother and be allowed to nurse ad-lib. It is especially important they nurse from the mother. The mother’s milk provides the best nutrition and provides antibodies to help protect your puppy from disease. Sometimes it is not possible to keep a puppy with the mother for the first eight weeks such as when the mother develops eclampsia or mastitis. In these situations milk replacers and bottles especially designed for puppies can be found at any major pet store.

Weaning Your Puppy to Solid Food

Weaning your puppy to solid food should not be an overnight endeavor but should ideally take place over the course of two to three weeks. First select the brand of puppy food you intend to feed. Puppies have high caloric and nutritional needs and so the food selected should be a high quality brand of puppy food. Talk to your veterinarian for specific recommendations but generally the best puppy foods will be a good source of protein, calcium and calories.

Starting around four to six weeks of age begin introducing your puppy to puppy food by making a gruel by blending the puppy food with milk replacer. Offer the gruel three to four times a day gradually reducing the amount of milk replaced used to make the gruel. This way your puppy gradually learns to adapt to solid food and gastric upset is minimized. By around eight weeks of age your puppy should be eating solid food.

How Often to Feed Your Pup

Puppies should be fed three to four times a day therefore if you are currently feeding ¾ a cup of puppy food twice a day you should consider spacing it out by feeding ½ cup three times a day.

Smaller meals are easier to digest for the puppy and energy levels don’t peak and fall so much with frequent meals. At around six months you may start feeding twice a day for convenience but because your dog is a mixed large breed dog I would recommend sticking with a 3-4 times a day feeding schedule if possible to minimize the risk of gastric dilatation volvulus.

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Move on From Puppy Food

Puppy food is very high in calories and nutritional supplements so you want to switch to adult food once your puppy begins to approach maturity. There is no set age when the switch should be made because it will vary with the breed and individual dog.

In general, the smaller the dog the faster they reach maturity. Small breeds up to 30 pounds mature around ten to twelve months of age although some toy breeds reach maturity even sooner. Medium breed dogs up to 80 pounds will reach maturity between twelve to sixteen months and I believe your puppy may fall into this category. It really depends how much Great Pyrenees she has in her. Large breed dogs weighing more than 80 pounds can take up to two years to reach maturity.

When making the switch to adult food, do it slowly over the course of one to two weeks by gradually mixing in increasing amounts of the adult food with decreasing amounts of her puppy food to minimize gastric upset.

Foods to Avoid

Try to avoid foods that list corn or meat by-products as the first ingredient because meat should be the first ingredient.

Avoid feeding your dog puppy food longer than you have to. Feeding puppy food too long can result in obesity and orthopedic problems. You will know when it is time to make the switch when you notice your dog eating less of the puppy food or if she starts to put on too much weight.

Don’t Let Your Dog Get Chubby

It is important to be able to judge your dog’s body condition score in order to determine how much food you should give.The recommendations on the labels are guidelines only and will not apply to every dog. You may need to feed a little more or less depending on your dog’s condition score.

Ideally you should be able to feel but not see the ribs and by looking straight down at your dog while she is standing there should be a recognizable waist. Ask your veterinarian if your dog is at a healthy weight during your next visit and ask for examples of body condition scores.

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This article is brought to you by Vivamune Health Chews. Vibrant health made simple.

As a dedicated dog parent, the steps I take to make improvements in my life often involve my pup. The things I do to keep him happy and healthy often benefit me in the same way, and it helps to have a buddy to stay motivated.

Dewey is my eight-year-old black lab, pit bull mix, and he’s my biggest motivator to be my best self. He makes me a better person and I owe it to him to provide him with the best life.

Dewey and I are buds for life, we’re in this for the long haul, so I want to ensure many more happy and healthy years with my boy. It’s never too early nor too late to adopt better habits as pet and parent. So, here are five ways I’ve found help make that happen in my dog’s life.

Plenty of Exercise

Exercise for dogs can be viewed on a spectrum, ranging from the basic necessities to intense activities. From daily walks to agility training, certain exercises simply get the job done while others are exciting challenges for your dog. When it comes to physical activity and your pet, the first thing to note is that even the simplest activities like walks go a long way.

The second thing to note is that you owe it to your dog and yourself to switch it up every once in a while – hit the local walking or hiking trail, play fetch at the off-leash park, or practice on an obstacle course – to keep things interesting. And if weather is a deterrent, there are tons of ways to exercise your dog indoors that are fun for owner, too.

Stimulate Your Dog’s Mind

No, I’m not talking about putting on Planet Earth while you’re gone at work.

Dogs are instinctual, interactive creatures and as the leader of their pack, they are looking to you to provide opportunities to test their wits and experience new stimuli. An unfortunate trend among long-time dog owners and people with older dogs is to provide fewer opportunities to explore new things.

So, this year, try challenging your dog’s mind by practicing a new trick, introducing them to new people or dogs, and taking them on new paths, including your weekend errands. Mix it up by bringing them new things to smell, playing with them like a dog, or attempting a difficult trick. These are just a few ways to stimulate your dog’s mind, but the imagination is boundless – don’t be afraid to try something totally unique to the dynamic between you and your pup.

Routine Care

Routine care is one of the most important things pet parents do for their dog, especially since our animals cannot communicate to us directly when they have biological needs. It is important for us to be the intuitive and caring humans our animals deserve by feeding them healthy food, enabling exercise, scheduling regular visits to the vet, providing ample grooming, and administering essential health supplements.

Make supplements a part of your daily routine, set up recurring vet visits and schedule regular times with the groomer (even if that’s you). You’ll feel just as good as your pet does if you do.

Meet Nutritional Needs

Exceptional dog owners understand the nutritional needs of their pets. This can be tough because it requires constant learning and seeking information that isn’t always obvious.

One surefire way to ensure the health of your pet is by introducing a daily supplement into their diet or even switching to a better one.

We’ve recently discovered a new type of supplement called Vivamune. It is super easy to give as it’s a once-daily chew that our dogs take as if it is a treat. Vivamune’s unique OxC-beta ingredient, derived from the power of naturally-occurring carotenoids, has the ability to support the innate immune system of animals. Not only do dogs love it, but it also benefits to your dog’s joints, digestion, and skin health. Vivamune supports healthy energy, helping to give your pup of any age the vitality to take on all the other things in this list with you.

Love and Affection

This is my favorite part of the list so I saved the best for last. My dog is eight years old and I’ve been a happy co-parent for seven of those wonderful years. Whenever I take a long trip or even just spend a full day at work, the thought of going back to Dewey and his affectionate gaze fills my heart with joy. The bond we share adds undeniable value to my life and it is not a relationship I take for granted.

As their parent, your dog is often looking to you for cues to deepen a bonding moment, whether that be cuddling time on the couch or breaking from your human tasks for a positive affirmation every once in a while. As with people, the little actions go a long way with maintaining a positive relationship with your pet.

It is not a duty but a reward for both dog and owner to display your unconditional love for one another. Love between you and your dog is a powerful tool. It can shape how they interact with other animals and people and curb their behavior. Try switching treats with affection next time you practice tricks with your pup; you may be surprised by the results.

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You are asking your dog to complete what may be a complicated task for her — understand a verbal or visual cue and then perform a desired behavior. This may seem straightforward and simple to you, but dogs don’t communicate this way in nature. By harnessing the power of something that is very primal to them — food — you can make learning the task much easier for them.

Here are a few tips for how to approach food-oriented obedience training:

Use small treats
It’s easy to overdo it with treats, particularly while you are training. Help ensure your dog maintains his weight by using small treats or even pieces of treats.

Reward a calm-submissive state
Remember, you are reinforcing whatever behavior preceded the treat, so don’t unintentionally reward hyperactive behavior. Wait until your dog is in the right frame of mind to give it.

Don’t bribe your dog
Here’s the situation you want to avoid. Your dog learns how to do a command… but he’ll only do it when he knows there’s a treat waiting for him at the end of it. Treats are great for initially getting your dog’s attention, but eventually you should rely on them less and less. Instead, share reinforcement by giving your attention or affection.

Reward each step towards the desired behavior
Many people make the mistake of trying to get their dog to perform the entire task before giving the treat… and become frustrated when it doesn’t work. Instead, you want to reward progress — no matter how small — towards the ultimate goal. Often in the beginning, that progress is accidental on the part of your dog.

For instance, maybe you are trying to train your dog to sit, and he lowers his butt just a little. Give him a treat. When he does it again, give the treat again. Eventually he’ll figure out what the treat is connected to. Then you can wait to reward him until he gets his rear even closer to the ground… until finally he’s sitting for it.

“Fade the lure”
This technique helps to avoid the treat becoming a bribe. You’ll use the treat a few times to entice the dog to do what you want, such as lower his head to the ground or coming towards you. Then use the same gesture but keep you hand empty.

When he completes the task, give him verbal encouragement, “Yes.” Then give him the treat with the other hand or a nearby surface, such as the floor. Eventually, you’ll want to only randomly provide the treat, and then stop using the treats entirely.

Give the food where you’d like your dog to be. Remember, the behavior that precedes the treat is reinforced, and that includes your dog’s position. If you want to reward your dog for lying down, then only give it to your dog lying down (or taking an incremental step towards lying down) — not after she pops up excitedly.

Remove distractions
Having trouble getting your dog to pay attention to the food? It may be because there’s something more interesting in the environment, such as whirring cars, scurrying squirrels, or playing children. Find a place where your dog’s focus will be on you and that tasty treat.

Try different treats
Another common problem with food-oriented obedience training is your dog’s taste. It’s possible the treat you’re using simply isn’t delicious enough to be exciting and motivate the behavior you desire. Test out different healthy dog treats until you find one that gets your dog’s attention.

Consider clicker training
You can also combine giving the treat with the sound that a clicker makes. Your dog will associate that sound with a reward, and eventually it will take the place of the treat.

Of course, some dogs are more food-oriented than others. If food doesn’t capture your dog’s attention, toys and your affection may work instead. For those who do have a big appetite for a tasty treat, always opt for a healthy reward.

What’s your reward of choice for obedience training?.

The post Tricks For Treats: Training Your Dog With Food appeared first on Cesar's Way.

Can you give insight on this subject, particularly in relation to feeding chicken, beef, and lamb? Is there an increased risk of Neospora or other health-related issues with feeding dogs raw diets?

Thank You,
— Cheryl

Dear Cheryl,

The decision on what to feed our canine children is a complex one. There are pet food companies shouting at you that, if you don’t feed their food, you don’t love your dog, and well-meaning others who want to convince you that anything commercial is taking the lazy way out. There are foods that are “all-natural” and foods with tasty bits to convince your finicky dog to eat. Just like feeding ourselves, it is very hard to sort out the truth from the marketing.

Prioritize nutritional needs. We all can agree that choosing the right food for life can be one of the biggest factors in longevity and quality of life. We also have to realize that just like human food, the best-tasting food is often not the most nutritious. Usually foods with “tasty bits” are sold to satisfy the human’s emotional needs more than the dog’s nutritional needs and are often the cause of obesity (a common killer of dogs).

Seek the advice of a professional. What “all-natural” really means is often anyone’s guess. To really choose the best food takes some research or requires finding someone knowledgeable who you really trust to advise what is right for your individual dog. This is not the salesman at the pet store who has only been informed by representatives from the food companies, and it shouldn’t be just some website that made sense to you. Typically, your veterinarian or a trained nutritionist (who can often be found and contacted on vet school websites) are the best resources to make decisions for your dog as an individual.

Debunking BARF. One type of food espoused by some well-meaning pet lovers is biologically available raw food (BARF). The idea of this approach is that raw food is closer to what a dog would eat in the wild. Unfortunately, dogs in the wild do not live very long, which, to me, is a flaw in their logic, but I try to consider all viewpoints on issues this important. From research as it stands now, there is no real evidence that there are any health benefits to eating raw meat. If, however, you do want to try it, make sure you do your research and do it the right way. With extreme choices such as raw food, there is no such thing as “I do mostly raw food”. Even proponents of the diet will tell you that there are risks if you don’t do it exactly right. In addition to finding organic food sources, you must balance the food with vegetables and other sources of micronutrients to meet all of your dog’s nutritional needs. Changing an adult dog to BARF too quickly can cause pancreatitis, so follow your vet’s instructions.

Carefully choose commercial dog food. Since most of us don’t have time to look for and properly prepare organic chicken, it is more sensible to find a high-quality commercial dog food that is preserved with vitamin E or other natural preservatives (eliminating chemicals and using high-quality meat instead of meat byproducts). These foods are formulated by trained nutritionist to be the best and help your dog live the longest, healthiest life possible; something that most of us are not trained to do.

Commonly, BARF is recommended for dogs with certain medical problems such as skin conditions or immune problems. Sometimes it helps, not because of any magic of raw food, but because the key ingredients to which the pet is sensitive are eliminated. This same thing can be accomplished with carefully chosen commercial foods, getting all the nutritional advantages of teams of nutritionists while avoiding the risks of parasitism, food poisoning, and skin problems.

Consider food allergy. Food allergy is a very common component of itchy skin in dogs. Chicken, beef, lamb, corn, soy, wheat, egg, and dairy products are common ingredients which induce these allergies, but, whether they are raw or cooked, the immune system looks at them the same. The key to choosing a food for skin problems is to pick one that does not include any of these ingredients, is preserved with vitamins, and preferably is supplemented with fatty acids (fish oils). Most large food companies now have their own versions of these foods. They are usually sold as prescription foods but are not significantly more expensive than over-the-counter foods of equivalent quality.

Recommendation: with the wealth of foods that are available to help many different conditions, the lack of evidence that raw food provides any advantages, and the potential risks of raw food, I can’t recommend that it is a good choice at this time. As research is done, we may one day find that there are advantages, but, for now, high-quality commercial food is the better choice.

What is your dog’s favorite treat?

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