Healthy Pet – Health & Care advice for Dog Owners

Why Pooches Eat Poop


Dogs are often called man’s best friend, but a lot of pooches do something man would never do: they eat poop.  Some dogs eat their own poop. Some dogs eat other animals’ poop.  Some dogs eat poop indiscriminately, and with gusto.  This poop-eating habit, officially termed “corprophagy”, is relatively harmless to a dog’s health, but it may have a jarring effect on the emotional well-being of a dog’s owner.  Several explanations exist as to why mutts like to munch on manure.

IT’S HEREDITARY
Corprophagy may be a residual behavior left over from a time when dogs ran wild.  Before dogs were tamed by man, they traveled in packs and scavenged the ground for food scraps.  These scraps included feces.

MAMA DID IT
After pups go poo, mother dogs instinctively eat the excrement.  The act of eating feces may be a learned behavior dating back to a canine’s infancy.

THEY NEED THE NUTRIENTS
Dogs need protein, fat, carbs, vitamins, minerals, and water, just like humans do.  Some dogs feed on feces when they’re not getting enough nutrients from their own food.  Poor-quality chow may be to blame.

THEY ARE CLEANING HOUSE
Dogs in kennels and puppies in crates frequently eat their own feces in attempt to keep their cramped quarters clean.  A dog who eats waste may simply be cleaning house.

HABITS ARE HARD TO BREAK
If a dog gets into the poop-eating habit as a puppy, he’s likely to continue that habit into adulthood.

POOP ALLEVIATES BOREDOM
If a dog is bored, he may eat poop for entertainment.  If he gets attention for it – even negative attention – he is all the more likely to continue the habit.

OWNER THINKS IT’S A FUN GAME
If a dog sees his owner picking up poop with a “toy”, or even “playing” with fun-looking plastic baggies of the stuff, he may start to feel like he’s being excluded from some great game.  If a dog’s owner yells or appears to get excited when the dog sniffs or eats feces, this reaction may only spur him on.

Corprophagy is a common canine habit.  The best way to curb a dog’s propensity for poo is to eliminate temptation before it’s too late.  Using a professional company like ByeByeDoggiePoo.com to get your yard in shape is just the start.  They serve Roanoke TX, Westfield TX, Southlake TX, Grapevine TX, , Watauga TX, Colleyville TX, and Keller TX.  Regular visits will ultimately help break the habit and a healthier dog will be the result.  Just as a human with no junk food in the pantry is more likely to eat well, a dog with no poo in the yard is more likely to refrain from eating excrement.

Tips for New Dog Owners

Bringing home a new dog is exciting, but it can also be confusing.  New owners often aren’t sure about what kinds of toys their dogs will like and choosing food can be a lesson in patience.  There are so many things to choose from and it’s all too easy to go completely overboard when you bring in a new dog.  Here are a few tips to make the first days in a dog owner’s life easier.

Set the Boundaries Early – Of course, setting the boundaries early on requires you knowing exactly what the boundaries will be.  Before bringing your new pet home, decide whether or not you are willing to let the dog on the couch, bed or other furniture.  Consistency from day one will help you establish these boundaries with your pet.

Crates are good – Crates are great training tools, even with older dogs.  You might see a cage, but your dog sees a cool den.  Drape a blanket over it and he will be even happier to go inside and lie down.  There are a few dogs that don’t like crates, but for the most part crates are good.  It will help with house training, provide you a safe place for the dog to go when you leave and will provide your dog with a safe place she will enjoy.

Cute at 5 pounds is Dangerous at 50 Pounds – Training starts the moment you pick up your dog.  It may be cute when your boxer puppy nips at your hands, and with the little puppy teeth it may not hurt.  But when an adult boxer still thinks it’s okay to nip at hands and feet, you will have a serious problem to deal with.  Before you allow your puppy to jump on you, nip at you or engage in other behavior, ask yourself how you will feel when the dog is fully grown and still engaging in that behavior.

One Spot for the Potty – Poop scooping services are available to keep your yard clean so you don’t have to.  But for a truly enjoyable yard, it’s always better if your dog is accustomed to using just one area for her bathroom.  Now hire a professional doggie poo waste pickup service like ByeByeDoggiePoo.com to keep it clean and keep your dog healthy.  ByeByeDoggiePoo – serving Westfield TX, Southlake TX, Grapevine TX, Roanoke TX, Watauga TX, Keller TX, and Colleyville TX.  Another idea is to choose a corner that is away from swing sets, pools and other play equipment.  Every time you take your pooch out to go potty, take her to that area.  Hopefully, she will get the hint and make that a bathroom for the duration of her lifetime. 

Yes, bringing a new dog into the house is fun and exciting.  There’s so much to choose from and so many decisions to make.  The main thing is that you’ve decided to open your home and your heart to a dog, and you will never regret having made that choice.

Health, Happiness and Hounds

Owning a dog can actually be a health benefit.  Four legs and a wagging tail in your home, can reduce stress, depression and even act as a healing agent.  Anyone who has ever lived with a dog can attest to the feeling of walking through their door and being met with unconditional love.  A dog will never judge you, but he will always love you.  Who else in your life can you say that about?

Our eagerness to please canines also encourages their owners to exercise.  We are more apt to walk when we are not alone and when safety is an issue.  Dogs have long been used in the service of disabled people and brought to hospitals, nursing homes and even prisons for their therapeutic value.  Man’s best friend will never share your secrets and never gets tired of hearing your stories.  One insurance company in Ohio, reduces rates to some seniors if they live with a pet.  

Along with the health benefits of dog ownership, comes great responsibility for their care.  Exercise and proper nutrition is something we in turn owe our furry friends.  There are many components that contribute to their health and well being. Maintaining vaccines and rabies shots are keys to keeping a dog disease free.  A Dogs’ feces carry many diseases for both animals and people.  Proper waste removal or poop scooping will keep your yard user friendly for you and your pet.   A great resource is a local pooper-scooper service by the name of ByeByeDoggiePoo – serving Roanoke TX , Keller TX, Southlake TX , Westfield TX,  Grapevine TX,  Watauga TX, and Colleyville TX.  Environmental hazards are also associated with pet waste that is left behind.  Dog waste cleanup and removal companies are perfect for seniors and busy families. 

Companionship with a dog is a unique bond.  It requires trust on the part of both parties.  The rewards far outweigh the responsibilities.

Make sure to choose a dog that is the right size for you to handle and has exercise requirements that you are able to meet.  Dog ownership also requires the finances to be able to support their health and nutritional needs.

Enjoy the health benefits of bringing a dog into your home.  You will laugh more, snuggle more and decrease stress and anxiety in your life.  Take care of them and they will happily take care of you. Dogs are remarkable in their ability to ease loneliness, amplify joy and extend unconditional love.

Pet Care Tips for A Hot, Hot Summer

Texas gets hot in the summer, and that means you need to take special care to keep your furry friends safe and healthy this time of year.

First, never leave your dog in a vehicle with the windows rolled up, even for five minutes.  A car or truck can heat up to more than 100 degrees in just a few minutes.  If you know you must leave your dog in your vehicle, have an extra key made so you can leave your car or truck running with the AC on but still lock it.  And don’t rely on this for more than a few minutes; if the AC fails for some reason, your car—and your dog—will heat up fast.

Second, be sure your pooch has cool water and shade when he’s outside.  Don’t leave him out in the heat of the day for long, or take him for long walks on hot pavement.  Remember that he’s wearing a fur coat and the only places he can sweat are his tongue and the pads of his paws.  Walk in the cool of the morning or the evening, and don’t let him over-exert himself in the heat.

Third, if the weather’s wet, you need to be careful about hygiene in your yard.  When water stands where your dog has pooped, bacteria can build up.  When your dog goes out the next time he picks up those bacteria on his feet and legs and brings them back in the house with him.  If he licks his feet and legs to dry off, he’s ingesting bacteria that are better left outside, besides bringing in bacteria that you don’t need contact with either.  The solution is to scoop his poop yourself or get a pet waste scooping service to do it for you; keeping your yard clean in wet weather means a healthier dog.  We would like to suggest a professional company like ByeByeDoggiePoo.com is the perfect service to remove pet waste.  ByeByeDoggiePoo.com – serving Southlake TX, Grapevine TX, Roanoke TX, Watauga TX, Colleyville TX, Keller TX, and Westfield TX.

Last, be aware of insects and other arthropods during hot weather, and minimize your dog’s time outside at night.  Even though you have him on heartworm preventive, mosquitoes carry other diseases that can make a dog ill.  Ticks also can give a dog Lyme Disease just like they do you.

It only takes a few small changes in your routine to keep your dog healthy and safe in hot weather; make those changes and you’ll both enjoy the summer.

Helpful Tips for a New Pet Owner

Owning a dog can be rewarding and fun, but it can also be overwhelming in the beginning.  Developing proper habits for your dog and for yourself will ensure that the experience is a positive one.  The first few days in your household are essential for your dog.  Boundaries are set and schedules are put into place from day one.

Prior to bringing your pet home, gather all the necessary supplies.  Caring for any pet is a hands-on job, and the more materials you have, the happier your pet will be.  Some essential items include a water dish, a food bowl and quality food that meets your dogs nutritional requirements.  You will also need any required medications, a toothbrush and paste, grooming tools and bedding.

The first day with a pet can be difficult to adjust to.  Your dog may howl, shake and cower away from you.  The best way to soothe him is to wrap a warm water bottle in a towel and place it in the dog’s bed.  Choose a sleeping area that is set apart from the living space of the house.  If you decide to crate your dog, keep it open during the day, so your pet can travel in and out of it.

Dogs need exercise, so let your pup out regularly to run around the world outside.  To keep your yard sanitary, remove the dog’s waste frequently.  For new pet owners, this step can be difficult to remember.  To make things easier, hire a pet waste cleanup and removal service.  A doggie pooper scooper company can efficiently clean and dispose of the waste in your yard.  A great resource is the local pooper-scooper service, ByeByeDoggiePoo.com – serving Keller TX, Westfield TX, Southlake TX, Grapevine TX, Roanoke TX, Watauga TX, Colleyville TX. 

There are several benefits to hiring a pet waste scooping service.  The biggest advantage is that you do not have to touch any feces.  Your yard will remain clean and safe for family activities.  Letting professionals do the dirty work eliminates the risk of bacteria being brought into your home.  It will also keep your pet free from feces-related diseases.

Once you establish a safe place for your dog to live, you can begin teaching basic commands.  Spend a few minutes at a time training your dog, so he doesn’t lose interest. Welcoming a new pet into your life can be extremely gratifying.  Dogs are loyal, loving and eager to please.  Follow these basic tips to ensure your dog is as healthy and happy as he can possibly be.

Dog Poop Removal – Clean Yards & Healthy Families

Maintaining a clean and healthy yard when you have a dog can be difficult.  Dogs mark their territories and poop anywhere and everywhere in the yard.  Dog poop piles around the yard are not only unattractive, but they can also be quite unhealthy to your family or friends who use the yard!  Dog poop, unlike other animal byproduct, has no fertilizing value, but is very toxic to the grass, plants and people.  Dog poop can carry a variety of diseases and this is why it is important to maintain a poop free yard for a healthy family.

Dog poop can carry many different diseases, such as salmonella, roundworm, tapeworm, heartworm, giardiasis, parvo and corona.  These diseases may affect other animals and can be transferred to the human blood stream.  If humans come into contact with any of these diseases, serious gastrointestinal symptoms may occur.  These symptoms are not limited to vomiting, diarrhea, severe cramps and fever.  These symptoms can range in length from two days to two weeks, and may require medical attention if the sufferer is a young child or has a compromised immune system.  Avoiding these diseases and keeping your family safe can be as simple as maintaining a poop free yard.  That where we come in to help.

Maintaining a poop free yard starts with keeping up with amount of poop in the yard.  This can be achieved by regular scooping of the poop, either doing it yourself or hiring Bye Bye Doggie Poo.  If you are scooping your own dogs poop it will be important to buy a scoop with claws or jaws on it to make cleaning up the poop easier.  This will mean less bending over and more importantly, not  accidentally getting the poop on your hands.

Unfortunately disposal of the poop still remains problematic-what do you do with pounds and piles of dog poop?  Most people have to throw it in their gardens or bedded areas – not a great idea of you want to eliminate the root causes of health issues.  

Bye Bye Doggie Poo may be the easiest solution to maintaining a poop free yard.  We can come out for a one-time pick-up, or can make a weekly appointment with you to scoop poop.  With Bye Bye Doggie Poo there is no worry of getting messy or worrying about disposal of dog waste.  Bye Bye Doggie Poo has secure, safe and healthy ways to bag it and allows for easy disposal of dog feces.  Our services will give you a piece of mind that your yard is both clean and safe for your whole family.

WWW.ByeByeDoggiePoo.com

Dog Poop Removal – Money Saving Tips

We love our dog, but let’s face it;  dogs can be quite expensive with food, vet bills and accessories.  A few ways to save money are to use low-cost vaccine clinics for your dog, buying dog supplies from a distributor and keeping your yard free of dog poop.  All dogs need vaccines, toys, food and a clean yard to roam and play.  It is your job as a dog owner to ensure that all of these are in place for your canine.

If your dog is healthy there is no reason to pay for a whole appointment at your vet to get routine vaccines.  These clinics are affordable and quick, meaning that you can save money by not paying for the veterinarian’s clinic time.  The vaccines that a low-cost vet clinic usually offers are DHLPP, Bordetella, de-worming and rabies vaccines.  Most of these types of clinics are offered on weekends, at pet stores or pet food stores.  Keeping up with vaccines will most likely mean owning a healthier dog that does not have to go to the vet often, which will save you money over the course of the dog’s life.

Purchasing dog toys, beds and crates from a supplier or distributor will also save you a lot of money in the long run.  The companies that supply pet stores have much cheaper prices than the pet store itself, which has to make a profit by marking up their items.  Cutting out the pet store will mean saving almost fifty percent off of retail prices.  You will be able to get your dog top of the line products without breaking the bank.  Many times these distributors sell high quality dog food as well.  Buying a dog the best food you can afford will help keep them healthy and out of the vet’s office. 

Keeping your yard free of poop removal will make your dogs healthier.  Healthy dogs mean less veterinary bills to pay, less medicines to take and a longer life for the dog.  Keeping a yard free of dog feces will help keep a yard free from parasites and diseases.  By scooping up dog poop on a regular basis, you ensure that the yard is clean and free from parasites.  If your dog has to run and frolic in his poop, he is more likely to get parasites and diseases, which require vet visits.  Let Bye Bye Doggie Poo maintain your poop scooping on a regular basis – you can save hundreds of dollars over your dog’s lifetime.

Dog Poop Removal – Winter and Summer Tips

Removing dog poop from a lawn is never fun, but it is even harder to do in extreme conditions.  Summer conditions can make the smells of dog poop quite atrocious and unbearable.  Winter conditions may mean snow or ice covered poop.  No matter what the season Bye Bye Doggie Poo can keep your yard clean and clear of dog poop.  Poop left in the yard can be bad for you and bad for the dogs.  Remember that piles of poop left in the yard can mean germs, parasites and diseases lying around yard as well.

Summer pet care involves keeping your animals well hydrated, providing adequate shade, and keeping them healthy in the heat and sun.  Besides hydration and health, it is important to remember that diseases and fleas are commonplace in hot months.  Diseases can be carried through a dog’s poop and passed on to other animals and people.  Fleas and ticks are more likely to infest a yard that is covered in feces, as they are attracted to the dog poop.  That means the fleas and ticks can easily infest the dog and home.  Rather than waiting for an infestation to occur or for communicable disease to happen, keep your yard free of dog poop by regularly scooping up the piles-even in the hottest weather.

Winter months make it very difficult to keep up on dog poop removal.  If there is a snow or ice storm, poop may become covered.  This can happen over and over again, causing quite a large amount of soggy, old dog poop.  Keeping up on the dog poop piles by scooping as they dog goes potty or by doing the removal every week-regardless of the weather, can make winter poo removal much easier.  Using Bye Bye Doggie Poo may be the best way to combat cold hands and prevent you from getting too cold while picking up dog poop.

Bye Bye Doggie Poo work all year around and can help keep your lawn free from piles building up.  We don’t mind working in the hot or cold, and are here to help make your yard look clean and fresh all year long.  Keeping a yard free from multiple piles of poop can help keep your dog, family and all visitors to your home healthy all year around.  Dog poop removal can be as easy as picking up your phone and calling Bye Bye Doggie Poo.

Things to Know When Training Your Dog

When you train your dog, you are teaching the pet to act in accordance with you and your family.  If you train your dog well enough, he will become an integral and well loved member of the home.  Before setting out to train your dog, you should realize that there are many lanes to go down such as behavior, activity, and obedience forms of training for your dog.  Behavior training instills in your dog the rules of conduct the canine should show around other people and animals.  This kind of training also trains your dog to act well when on its leash and at home.

Many confuse obedience training with behavior training when the two are quite different.  Obedience training only trains your dog to perform certain commands when prompted.  Such commands as “heel” or “sit”.  This form of training is beneficial to your dog, but your pet will likely still have problems with behavior.  Again, activity training is not meant to teach your dog any behavioral skills as behavior training would, but, rather, trains your dog to perform such feats as catching, herding and hunting.

Now that the distinction between the various dog training methods has been made, you can focus on which you most need to use on your dog.  The most needed method is behavior training.  If your dog is in need of this method, you need to keep in mind that you’re the leader since dogs act in a hierarchy way.  If you don’t become the dominant leader, your dog will ignore the things you request of it.  Putting your dog through behavior training will help the dog to mingle with other animals and people in a better manner.  Before the training, your dog might have been the kind that jumps up at people and even snaps or bites.  This is the sort of behavior the method sets out to remove.  Another thing covered by behavior training is how to control your dog while on a leash.  If you have problems already with your dog while taking it out for walks on the leash, you will probably realize how stressful it can be and will probably start to yank the dog back from its dominant actions.  Behavior training teaches your dog how to act properly while walking on its leash.  You should nail down all your dog’s behavior issues through behavior training before moving on to any other form of educating your dog.  Once you are sure your dog’s behavior is under control, you can then start with obedience training.

This form of training can be enjoyable since it allows you to spend time with your dog as well as seeing the animal really improve its skills.  It is good to think of dogs much the same as children in that they require lessons on how to act correctly.  Unlike children, though, dogs are not able to tell you if they are under stress and so will likely let this fact out via their actions.  The means of training your dog gives you a way to effectively interact with your dog, and, thus, learn its needs and interests.  While carrying out any form of training with your dog, always keep in mind that you must stay calm at all times, never raising your voice in anger or beating the dog.  Learn how to use the techniques properly and your dog will quickly learn new things from you.

Article provided by Karen Kelly of  http://www.ohmydogsupplies.com/dog-supplies/dog-beds, where you can find a extraordinary collection of raised dog dishes online.

Water Essentials for your Pet

What is the most critical nutrient for your dog’s survival?  If you say “food,” you are wrong.  The most important nutrient vital to your canine’s survival is water.  Some two thirds of a canine’s body weight body consists water.  Without it, a dog would die. In fact, while a dog may live for several weeks without food, he or she would only last a few days without water.

The Purpose Of Water
Water is not a uni-dimensional nutrient.  It performs several important roles within the body.  The most significant roles it plays are in controlling body temperature, aiding digestion and in waster removal.
• Regulating Body Temperature – water can absorb massive quantities of heat.  It does so without increasing its temperature greatly. Water acts to prevent overheating of the body.  Your dog drinks a large amount of water so it can accomplish this.  The heat exchange occurs when your dog pants. This releases body heat through evaporation.
• Digestion – Water helps dissolve the food, making it easier for the stomach to digest and sort it out for absorption or discard.
• Waste Removal – lubricant. It helps the waste in a dog’s gastrointestinal tract (GI) move easily through the intestines and out. Water combines with fiber to make the process a simply one.  It moistens the excrement for easy passage out through the anus and thus pet waste cleanup.

Moreover, water helps in other digestive and bodily functions such as circulation.

The Immediate Result Of Water Deprivation
You should never deny your dog access to water unless there is a medical reason.  If this proves to be the case, you must only do so under a veterinarian’s instructions.  Dogs who do not receive sufficient water will become dehydrated.  If they do not receive the right care, they can die.

Symptoms Of Water Deprivation
A canine who is suffering from dehydration will exhibit any or all of the following symptoms:
• The skin loses elasticity
• Sunken eyes – this occurs around the orbits
• Lethargy
• A decrease then loss of appetite
• A dry mouth
• Cold limbs
• Weak and fast pulse
• Possible shock

If your dog has indications of dehydration, call your vet immediately.  If the signs are severe, take him or her to an emergency clinic immediately.  It may be necessary to place the canine on intravenous fluids.  This will restore the water and the electrolytes into the system.

Causes Of Water Dehydration And Increased Water Intake
The most obvious cause of dehydration is a lack of water.  It is, in fact, the major cause of dehydration among dogs.  However, certain medical problems can result in a canine suffering from dehydration.  The two major contributors are diarrhea and vomiting.  Either condition will cause a loss of body fluids, sometimes quicker than a canine can replace them.

There are also canines who naturally or through a health issue increase their water intake.  Requiring more water are
• Dogs With Diabetes Mellitus
• Those who suffer from kidney disease
• Those who have liver problems
• The elderly
• Pregnant dogs

Conclusion
Never deny your dog access to fresh, clean water. It is essential he or she is able to drink according to demand.  If the canine does notreceive sufficient water, he or she may suffer dehydration.  While dogs can and do recover from it, it can also result in their death.

Article provided by Philip Brantley of www.ohmydogsupplies.com, check out our awesome collection of small dog beds online.