The Need For Dog Wheelchairs
By Charles M Johnson

Being adjustable and easy to use for rehabilitative purposes, dog wheelchairs have become a godsend for disabled mutts. You can get adjustable wheelchairs for your dog, or even order a customized wheelchair to be made for your beloved pet. The adjustable dog carts are far better because they can be adjusted for a perfect fit and can be used on another pet if your dog no longer needs it.

Though it may sound strange, dog wheelchairs are a reality. When you think wheelchairs, the thing that occurs first in your minds is old or disabled. But actually, wheelchairs for canines help your favorite pet recover from an accident, surgery or related ailments. They are also designed to help wounded or handicapped pets. As the saying goes, a dog is man’s best friend. They are very endearing and social animals. Thus, many owners look for pet mobility aids for their hurt or handicapped pets.

Yet, sadly, dogs are not invincible. They are injured sometimes. At times, this leads them to being physically disabled. It is not unusual for an aged, wounded, or disabled dog to lose the use or mobility of their back legs. Nevertheless, in such situations, it does not have to be the end of the dog’s life. Dog wheelchairs or dog carts can give the dog freedom, by restoring a wholesome and healthy life.

Dog wheelchairs are a great way to assist them in regaining their usual, healthy and happy life. A wheelchair can help your dog run and play yet again, and get the work out it needs. It is made to help dogs with hip and leg troubles like hip dysplasia, neurological ailments, degenerative myelopathy, surgical recuperation, and more.

The majority of handicapped dogs who need dog wheelchairs have arthritis, spinal cord problems, paralysis, soreness, slipped disc, or hip dislocations. Some of the most common causes why dogs need wheelchairs are hip dysplasia, disc diseases, ruptured discs, spinal cord injuries, fractured back, arthritis, chronic leg weakness, front and back leg amputation, paralysis, neurological diseases. Neurological afflictions, wounds and diseases can bring about paraplegia or hind limb paresis in dogs. Dogs afflicted by these conditions, as well as those recuperating from hind limb operations, may gain a lot by using dog wheelchairs. Research has revealed that canines using wheelchairs can largely improve the wellbeing and quality of the dog’s life, in addition to assisting the caregivers.

Having dog wheelchairs personalized for your dog is the best way to make sure that the dog is given the maximum assistance and comfort. A custom-made wheelchair will be sized to fit your dog impeccably and will also make up for the gender of your dog. It can have the color of your choice too.

Being, adjustable and easy to use for rehabilitative purposes, dog wheelchairs have become a godsend for disabled dogs. They have brought back hope and happiness in the lives of the wounded and handicapped dogs and their owners.

“Charlie Johnson is a freelance writer for www.WalkinWheels.com – If you’re looking for more information on “Dog Wheelchairs” to help your loving dog live a more comfortable life be sure to visit us today.”

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It’s recommended that we humans go for a health check-up at least once a year. Our dogs are part of our families, so doesn’t it make sense for Fido to go to the vet at least once a year, too? Taking the time, and spending a few dollars, to take Fido to the vet is an investment in his or her health, as the vet may be able to spot potential illnesses and problems before they have a chance to dramatically affect your pooch. They can never replace a vet’s full check-up, but read on for some ways you can also regularly monitor your pet’s health!

Open Up!

Most dogs won’t exactly be super happy to have you examine their mouths, but take a moment to open your dog’s mouth – his teeth should be mostly white, and there shouldn’t be any sores in his mouth. What color are Fido’s gums? They should be pink, whereas any other colors can be indicative of a problem.

Let Me See Those Eyes and Ears

Check to make sure that your dog’s ears are clean. If your dog has any marks on them or sores inside his ears, be sure to take him to the vet for a closer look. Same goes for your dog’s eyes – your dog should not have discharge coming from his eyes, save for some dog breeds where some clear discharge occurs naturally.

Smooth Skin and Coat

Give your dog a long pet each time he comes in from outside. Not only will he love the attention, but you’ll be able to detect whether he has any prickly grass or thorns in his coat, as well as checking that he isn’t missing any hair or has irritated spots on his skin. Be sure he doesn’t have any clumps of mud or snow in his paws. Lumps can unfortunately develop in dogs, so be sure to check your dog, including the underside of his belly and chest, for any lumps. If you should feel a lump, consult your vet immediately.

Is His Tail Wagging?

You’ll also want to pay attention to your dog’s overall demeanor. Sure, just like a human, there will be days when Fido isn’t as excited as he normally is, but if you notice a downward pattern in your dog’s mood, such as your dog sleeping more than usual or seeming depressed, these are key signs that your dog may be suffering from an illness, and to the vet it is!

Your vet will ultimately be able to determine whether your dog has an illness or not, but taking the above steps can help you find the first signs of a sickness and get your dog to the vet and back to his healthy old self again. We love our dogs here at BisketBaskets.com, and we’ve even developed Gourmet Gift Baskets just for sick dogs and their owners! Here’s to a healthy pet from all of us at BisketBaskets.com.

I am sure that most dog owners have seen the movie “Marley and Me” by know; if you haven’t its worth checking out. For those dog owners living with older pets it’s not far from reality. Like our human children, we think of our dogs as always being puppies with seemingly endless amounts of energy.

The truth of the matter is that sometimes our dogs forget they cannot do what they use to or for as long. They continue to try to please us biding for our attention only to find that sometimes our increasingly busy schedules offer little. As pet parents we need to understand that this time is precious and worth spending every extra moment.

The old adage of seven dog years’ equals one human year starts to ring true when your dog turns four to five years old. At that age, they are more like a 28 to 30 year old human and depending on the breed by the time they turn seven they should be considered a senior citizen. The age expectancy for small to medium dogs is anywhere from 12 to 18 years, for large breeds 10 to 15 years while extra large breeds is 7 to 10 years.

The most important thing you can do for your senior dog is have your vet give a senior seven blood work up. This test will screen for a host of issues affecting older dogs. Next would be to realize the limitations of your dog while playing and exercising. Cut the time you use to spend by half finding other activities and reasons to offer your affection.

Expect some “accidents” to happen in the house; do not treat this as you would when your dog was a pup. If your dog was properly housebroken then these accidents are an embarrassment for your dog. Punishment or a stern voice will only make them feel worse as well as confused. On the other hand, do not offer a condolence saying, “that’s okay” or you will begin to un-do previous training. Instead, let your dog outside more frequently and if it gets worse place some Wee Pads down encouraging their use instead of the carpet.

Other signs are weight lose, loose of sight and hearing, and weak and tender joints.  There are several types of dog food and dog treats available to pet parents that contain natural ingredients formulated to relieve the pain of aging joints. For sever joint pain and arthritis consult your vet; new medications are now available with little side effects that will offer your aging dog a higher quality of life.

Be sure to give extra attention to teeth and gums. Broken or loose teeth are common for older dogs requiring professional cleaning from your vet. Dogs are susceptible to certain types of cancer and like humans; some are operable will others are not. You can find several specialty veterinarian hospitals throughout the country that offer complete oncology departments for pets.

It is sad to say but most pet parents have yet to embrace pet health insurance and the price of treat becomes the concern leaving some the only option to euthanize their pet. At the end of the day, living with an older dog is about quality of life. Purchasing pet stairs to help them get to their favorite spot and consulting with your vet will help extend those precious moments. However, when their quality of life can no longer be maintained then euthanizing is the best choice.

Exposure from the hot searing sun and hot surfaces are just a couple dangers that come along with summer. All dog breeds are susceptible to the intense heat of the summer sun. Longhaired dogs that still have some of their winter undercoat left and shorthaired dogs like the Whippet or Grey Hound can develop sunburn.

Longhaired dog should be thoroughly groomed preferably professionally using a deshedding shampoo and deshedding brushes while being blow-dried. FURminator has some of the best and most recommended products for removing a winter undercoat and excess hair.

Shorthaired dogs should not be left in direct sunlight for long periods without some kind of light dog coat to keep the intense sun off their skin. These dog coats are perfect for long walks on sunny days. Dog strollers with an overhead cover work the best for small dogs keeping them cool and rested.

The next greatest danger the summer heat can bring is dehydration.  Fresh cool water is must for any trip that involves being outdoors on hot summer days. Dehydration for dogs has the same effects as they do for humans; excess strain on the heart, heatstroke, and seizures in the more severe cases.

There are plenty of portable dog water bottles available to pet parents you can take along to keep your dog hydrated. Some symptoms to look for are heavy excessive panting, dry gums, and confusion. If your dog exhibits these warning signs then it is time to take a break and get them some fresh water immediately.

Dogs relieve body heat in two ways panting and through their paws. Hot surfaces such as asphalt or hot sand can burn the pads so having a set of dog paw protectors is good idea if these types of surfaces are where you and your dog spend considerable time. There are mesh open-air dog paw protectors that work like water shoes do for humans.

Lastly, if you know the day is going to be exceptionally hot leave your dog indoors preferably in an air-conditioned environment.  If you do not have air conditioning then a fan will do keeping the activity to a minimum. Never leave your dog in a closed-up vehicle. The temperatures can reach in excess of 200 degrees and will kill your dog.

One of the responsibilities of dog owners is to recognize when something isn’t quite right. Your dog’s breath can be one of the most difficult areas to find a problem. For new dog owners doggie breath can seem unpleasant especially in puppies or those dog owners who also have a house cat with a litter box.

However, your dog can acquire an unpleasant order beyond doggie breath for a number of reasons such as dental disease, oily skin, ear infection, or a blocked anal gland. The first task on list is to determine exactly where the odor is coming from.

If their breath seems particularly bad check out their teeth; if they are yellow then perhaps it’s time for the vet to give your dog a full dental cleaning. Dog dental chews such as Greenie’s can help keep teeth clean and breath smelling fresh in between regular tooth brushing.

Brushing your dog’s teeth should be part of the grooming process and will help keep your dog from acquiring the same mouth diseases their pet parents are susceptible too. If their teeth are in good shape check their skin.

If you notice any flaky dandruff or an oily feel to their coat with a strong odor, this could be a common disorder called seborrhea. Frequent bathing in a medication dog shampoo can prevent the odor as well as provide relief to itchy dry skin.

Next would to check your dog’s ears. If they react to pain or you notice sores or discoloration then make an appointment with your vet. A dogs ears are very different from those of humans and you should not try a flush them out on your own. This procedure is best left to the professionals.

Lastly, check your dogs stool. If it seems hard or you notice a lack of stool in your yard then there could be a more serious problem going on. Look for any sign of pain or change in their normal behavior such as lack of eating or an inability to relax and lay down. This is a sign of discomfort and you should make an appointment to see your vet immediately.

Spring has arrived and with it comes taking care of your lawn. One of the first things pet parents do is fertilize the grass to kick-off a green healthy looking lawn. While this may make your neighbors jealous, it may also harm your dog.

We have all seen the commercial fertilizing trucks with the pictures of pets and children on the side. Do not be misled by the images fertilizer can be poisonous to children and pets. There is a reason why when they finished there is a “keep off the grass” sign left behind reminding people that the lawn has been fertilized and to stay off for about an hour.

There are two ways to fertilize your grass, liquid fertilizer that is sprayed on and the chemical of choice for most commercial companies or dry fertilizer which most do-it-yourselfers use.  Commercial companies do offer this dry type of fertilizer but you have to ask for it.

Although companies say that after an hour pets and children are safe the time for safety is more like 24 hours. Liquid fertilizer is by far more harmful because you cannot see it on your dog when they roll around the grass, as dogs normally lick their paws and clean him or herself, ingesting the fertilizer will cause harm.

Dry fertilizer, although it can be seen should your dog roll around, it will work its way between toes and can be easily digested when they clean their paws. Once the dry chemical is watered into the lawn your dog is good to go.

The best way to handle the safety of your pets is to keep them off fertilized grass until it has been watered in. If you use a commercial company request dry granular fertilizer instead of the liquid chemical, when you arrive home look for the sign they leave behind. If your lawn was treated plan on taking your dog for a walk to relieve him or herself instead of allowing them on the grass.

Be sure to take along some biodegradable dog waste bags for your dog when you are on your walk. Fertilizing your lawn in this way will keep your pet safe as well as make the neighbors envious of your yard.

Spring has officially arrived and so has the rainy, damp, and often fluctuating temperatures. Pet parents are sometimes taken by surprise when the weather changes while on a routine walk. For this reason, it is a great idea to check the dog raincoats you have and choose the right one before embarking on your walk.

Dogs are just as susceptible to the cold and flu season as their human companions are. Keeping them dry and warm while walking outside is key to prevention.  Besides the winter dog coat, havening a dog raincoat that will keep your pooch dry should also be in your dog’s wardrobe.

It is true that most dog breeds do have a protective layer of fur designed to keep them dry in rainy weather; however, couple the rain with cold damp temperatures and a runny nose and fever are sure to follow.  Treating the common cold in dogs is not unlike treating a cold for their pet parents. It needs to run its course as well as possibly giving antibiotics prescribed by your vet.

Canine influenza is a different story. Like the flu in humans, it is viral and bacterial spread. If your dogs’ immune system is weakened by prolonged exposure to fluctuating weather, and they are boarded or come in contact with dogs showing systems of the flu, the virus will spread quickly. Although there is a canine flu vaccine available, it is still in its infancy stage.

Before you board your dog or allow the neighborhood dog walker take your pet for walk make sure the dogs that will be in close contact with your dog are healthy and symptom free. If your dog is exhibiting flu like symptoms the first thing you should do is contact your vet right away. The last thing you should do is board your dog exposing other pets to canine influenza.

Canine influenza if left untreated is deadly for dogs. This best preventative is being prepared by keeping your dog warm and dry with an appropriate dog raincoat, while boarding ensure the pets are healthy, and contact your vet asking about the canine influenza vaccine.

by Remarkable Dogs

Every year during winter there always seems to be a time of record braking temperatures and this year is no different. Record lows from North to South across the Midwest have left some dogs out in the cold. Unfortunately, these dogs belong to pet owners either inexperienced or uncaring, cannot and do not survive the freezing temperatures winter brings.

What can we do to help these dogs? First would be to educate inexperienced dog owners letting them know that when the temperature dips below the freezing mark to bring their dog in out of the cold. Providing shelter from biting cold either in a dog house or the heated home is the best option.

Wind chill factors affect dogs much the same way they affect their human guardians. Allowing outdoor pets access to shelter increases their chances of survival but, may not be enough if the temperatures fall below the 20 degree mark. At these temps coupled with the wind your dog can be severely affected causing frost bite even death within hours if not minutes depending on how low the thermometer goes.

By adding two very important components to an outdoor dog house will save your dog. Place the dog house opening away from the wind and add a door. Next, add a heated dog mat to the dog house. Both of these additions, provided you have a longhaired dog, offer them the chance they deserve.

If you have a small dog or a member of the hound dog group, they need to be brought in the house allowed access to a heated space with warm dog bed to sleep in. Having a dog sweater available for these dogs will ensure they stay warm on long winter nights.

Be conscientious of the fact walking your dog or letting him/her outside to care of their business the cold will have an effect. Outfitting your dog in a set of dog paw protectors as well as some dog outerwear like a coat or sweater will keep them warm for short periods. It is best to have short more frequent dog walking sessions then a couple of long walks during cold weather.

As dog owners take the initiative and let your conscience, guide you if notice a neighbor leaving their dog outside unprotected from the elements.  Try talking with them first and if you do not notice an immediate change call your local authorities. All too often dogs are found dead resulting from freezing and irresponsible owners. In most States, these people can be brought up on animal cruelty charges.

Dogs want nothing but to please their owner. It is our responsibility to raise and protect them giving them a home, a warm place to sleep, food to eat and companionship. Keep your dog safe by providing the dog supplies they need to survive the cold temperatures of winter.

by Remarkable Dogs

As you might imagine Dachshunds are prone to spinal disc problems, also known as Dachshund paralysis. This is due to their very long spinal columns and very short rib cages. Dogs with this problem can become completely paralyzed. For this reason, it’s important that your dog be trained early on not to jump, as jumping puts additional pressure on the spine.

You should also teach yourself how to hold your dog properly, as improper handling can lead to back problems, too. Some veterinarians caution against Dachshunds using stairs, though most feel that it does not pose a problem for the dog to use stairs, as long as they are walking instead of running. Researchers are finding that the occurrence and severity of these spinal disc problems are hereditary in large part, so it’s important to inquire about such problems from your breeder.

They are also prone to heart disease, urinary tract problems, and diabetes. This dog can become inactive as they age, which makes them prone to obesity. This disease causes the same problems in dogs as in humans, shortening their life expectancy and making them more prone to heart disease, joint problems, and diabetes.

Being overweight also puts additional strain on their backs. Dog obesity is becoming more of an issues these days primarily due to poor diet. Always feed your dog a quality dog food that provides balanced nutrition. All too often are influenced by price and hype, do your homework and read the labels avoiding dog food with fillers list first on the list.

Dappled Dachshunds are prone to deafness and blindness. For this reason, they are very rare, as most breeders refuse to breed this pattern.

Whenever you purchase a puppy, it’s important to purchase from a reputable breeder. Reputable breeders will work hard to breed out deficiencies by not breeding any dog that has shown signs of genetic or health problems. Breeders that are not reputable, however, will breed any dog, and are more likely to replicate genetic problems in their puppies. Before you purchase a puppy, ask questions about the lineage of the puppy.

Our dogs are quickly following in the footsteps of their human companions in consuming a junk food diet. It is estimated that around 30% of dogs in the United States are obese. There is no strange coincidence that overweight people own obese dogs while healthy fit people own slim healthy dogs. The old adage of you are what you eat holds true for dogs as well.

The most important reason your dog needs a healthy diet and life style is obesity. Like their human owners, obesity in dogs can lead to the same afflictions such as diabetes, heart disease, and joint pain.  While exercise is vital to good health if your dogs diet remains the same then the effort may be for not.

Three basic issues, table scrapes, improper portions, and a lack of exercise cause dog obesity. The first thing to understand is that your dog’s digestive system is not the same as yours. Foods you eat do not react the same in pets; in fact, some of them are toxic to dogs. Most dog owners know chocolate can be deadly but did you also know onions and garlic fall in the same category. Chicken bones can splinter and tear the inside of their throat. .

The cheap inexpensive commercial dog food contains mostly filler all of which contribute to weight gain and none of which provide any nutritional benefit. Couple this with most pet owners just filling the dog bowl when comes to feeding time with no regard to the correct amount and you have just increased their chances for obesity exponentially.

Investing in an all-natural dog food given in the correct amount coupled with plenty of exercise will reduce your dogs’ weight curving their chances for obesity and the bonus, pet owners benefit from increased activity themselves. Skin and coat are another reason for a healthy diet for your dog.

Have you ever noticed some people just do not look healthy? Their skin is pale and off colored maybe blotchy, well the same is true for dogs. Improper diet reflects in coat color, texture, and overall sheen; their fur is dull looking and course in texture. Their skin has irritations that cause itching and in some severe cases, the fur just falls out.

Dogs that eat well with highly nutritious dog food have a shiny coat with vibrant colors and soft texture. Their skin is bright pink with no signs of irritation. Lastly, dogs that consume a healthy diet live longer.

Several breeders and veterinarians state that dogs eating an organic dog food diet have less disease and live longer happier lives well into their senior years. With this result we all benefit from our dogs on healthy diets, we save on vet bills and have the opportunity to spend more time with our four-legged family members.

Let us reverse the trend and help our dogs shed the gain, livelonger and look better with providing a healthy diet. Remember that we speak for our dogs, they will eat whatever we give them so make it nutritional dog food and forget that pizza crust or French fry. Get up, get out that dog leash, and take your dog for a walk. A brisk walk for 30 minutes a day and you will cover almost two miles…great for the dog as well their human companions.