When it comes to dogs, it is not only about giving them a proper walk or creating a homey environment for them, it is also about giving them the right food. Dogs have an inherent nature of sniffing and devouring almost anything they lay their eyes on, even the things that are not good for their diet.

As their owner, the responsibility falls on your shoulders to keep your dog away from those foods that don’t suit their diet and could make them really sick.Veterinarians have created a chart that strictly denotes the food items that can be life-threatening for dogs.

For your convenience, we have created a list to educate you about those forbidden foods. Let’s have a look.

Chocolates: As tempting as this item may sound to us, it is almost equivalent to poison for our dogs. Chocolate contains a particular substance known as methylxanthines. If a sufficient amount is eaten by a dog it can cause severe vomiting, panting, diarrhea, arrhythmia, even seizures. Chocolate has proven to be life-threatening for dogs and should be kept away from your pup at all times. Dark chocolates are more dangerous and can have even worse effects on dogs than milk chocolates as they have a higher percentage of methylxanthines. So no matter what you do, keep your dog away from chocolates.

Grapes and raisins: Be careful when you leave a bowl of granola with raisins or a fruit platter with grapes idle on the table if you have a dog in your home. Raisins and grapes are extremely dangerous for your beloved dog and can cause their kidneys to fail and shut down permanently. It doesn’t matter what breed of dog you have or what gender, these fruits are very toxic to their bodies as their kidney are unable to filter them from their bloodstream causing failure. So no matter what you do, don’t leave these fruits on display at your home or in places where your dog can come in contact with them.

Onions: Onions usually have a particular substance in them that dogs cannot process. That substance is called thiosulphate, which is toxic to the dogs. Once this substance enters the dog’s bloodstream it can cause gastrointestinal problems and can even permanently damage their blood cells. It doesn’t matter if it is a cooked onion or raw, or even in a powdered form, it can all be deadly to your pup. Hence try to keep your dog away from any foods that contains onions in them.

Macadamia nuts: Macadamia nuts are the members of the Proteaceae family. Generally, the items that are part of this food group are not friendly to a dog’s digestive system. If your dog ingests these nuts it can cause his body temperature to rise and cause severe vomiting, hyperthermia, and even pancreatitis. Dry fruits and nuts are items that are sometimes within reach around the house, so place them in the pantry far away from the reach of the dogs.

Avocados: Avocados contain a kind of substance called Persin. We humans are very immune to this substance but it is not the same for dogs. Dogs are intolerant to Persin and it reacts as a toxin in their bloodstream and can cause severe diarrhea and vomiting.

Conclusion

Dogs have a much more sensitive digestive system than us humans and process foods differently. Hence they have difficulty in processing these particular foods.

As an owner it is your duty to keep your dogs safe and healthy then keep them away from these foods at all times.

Author Bio: Jeremy grew up in a house full of dogs, a cat, and even rabbits. He recently decided to share his advice and opinions on his very own pet blog, BestDogFood.com.

An increasing number of veterinarians and dog owners are realizing that dogs who lose a limb to diseases such as cancer, birth defects, or to a serious injury can survive and even live long, happy and fulfilled lives… even on three (or less) legs. What’s more, dogs who have suffered the loss of a limb often show resilience and determination that’s admirable.

If you’re currently facing the heart-breaking decision of having to amputate your dog’s leg, or are considering adopting an amputee dog, here are some factors to keep in mind when it comes to giving them the best possible care and a shot at a great life.

If Your Dog Needs an Amputation…

First of all, it’s important to keep your pet’s best interests in mind if your veterinarian has suggested an amputation for your dog. Bear in mind that a dog who’s been injured or is suffering from a deadly disease such as cancer just wants to feel better and, in many cases, amputation can be the answer to this. According to veterinarians, once the painful limb has been removed, dogs will typically feel much more comfortable and settled. And owners report that after an amputation, most dogs will return to normal life within just a few months.

In fact, according to experts, dogs can be just as happy on three legs. They tend to be much more adaptable than us humans would be if we were faced with the same kind of physical challenge.

Helping Your Dog Recover…

Initially it is important to be prepared to give some extra care to your dog for the first few days after an amputation when the healing process is occurring. Your dog may need some help getting up, down and around for the first few days, and they’ll probably need to wear a veterinary cone to prevent them from licking or biting at their stitches and causing an infection.

If your dog is crate trained, this is the best place for them to be during the initial healing process, as it will ensure that they are safe and it makes it easier for you to supervise them.

When it comes to helping them get around, a towel can be used under your dog’s belly to lift them up and provide some extra support as they adjust to life without their limb and come to grips with moving around and taking trips to the bathroom. It’s also a good idea to help your dog’s road to recovery with carpets or other non-slip surfaces in your home.

In severe cases or in a case where more than one limb has been removed, you may want to consider prosthetics or other alternatives to help your dog move around. Custom wheelchairs for your pets are a great idea as they’ll give your dog the same range of mobility they are used to and make exercising easier.

Prioritize Healthy Exercise…

After the procedure, making sure that your dog remains fit and healthy, and stays at a healthy weight is crucial. Additional weight can put extra pressure and strain on their remaining limbs, so exercise that will keep their core strong is key. You can help your dog with strengthening his abdominal muscles through games that involve balance disks or wobble boards.

However, it’s important to bear in mind that it’s essential that you don’t overdo things. Any exercise should be added gradually and carefully, just as you would do yourself if you were in recovery from major surgery. It’s important that you continuously monitor your dog for any signs of fatigue, such as sitting down on walks – this usually means that they’ve done too much.

It’s a good idea to establish a relationship with a veterinarian for rehabilitation therapy, so they can work with you to protect and strengthen your dog’s remaining limbs with a custom exercise and physiotherapy plan.

If You’re Considering Adopting an Amputee Dog…

It’s important to think about your daily routine and how your newly adopted dog is going to fit into it. If you already have other dogs at home, you may need to consider walking them separately since your four-legged dogs will likely have more endurance and will be able to go farther and longer when walking, which may wear out your new friend.

Many injured and amputee dogs are overlooked at shelters, but you can keep them healthy, happy, and fit with very little effort, particularly if your dog has long recovered from the amputation and has adapted to life minus a limb.

What to Do if You Find an Injured Dog…

If you come across a dog who has a potentially injured or broken limb, you will understandably want to help them. However, experts say that you should always consider your own safety first and approach with caution, as even the most docile and loving of dogs can snap if they are in pain, particularly if you are a stranger to them.

Once you have assessed the situation, you should place a blanket under the dog’s affected limb for support, and lift her carefully. Make sure that you are able to keep the dog restrained until they get to a veterinary clinic or hospital. If you do not feel comfortable moving the dog yourself, the best thing to do is get in touch with a local emergency veterinary clinic who can offer advice and potentially send somebody out to you.

To Conclude…

If you’re in a situation where you’re being faced with the decision of whether or not to amputate your dog’s limb, it’s crucial to keep your feelings and emotions in check. Most dogs will be much happier and healthier afterward and can adapt to the change easier than you might think. And if you stay positive, your dog will pick up on this and be assured that everything is OK. Most dogs respond well to amputation and go on to lead a healthy and happy life. If your vet advises that your dog isn’t a good candidate and recommends euthanasia, it’s a wise idea to get a second opinion.

After the procedure, make sure that you proof your home to make it safe during the recovery process, and then gradually introduce exercise into your dog’s routine that will help them maintain a healthy weight and fitness level.

Research has shown that while CBD oil is not a cure for arthritis in dogs, it possesses the power to alleviate its symptoms. Studies have shown that the risks of arthritis and other inflammation-related disorders in dogs increases as they age. CBD oil will act as a pain reliever, targeting the aching joints and providing your dog with necessary relief.

CBD soothes the chronic inflammation triggering arthritis, allowing your dog to heal faster and eventually live a normal life. But there are certain things you need to know about using CBD Oil for dogs arthritis & joint pain. For one thing, it is important you take your dog to get a proper diagnosis, as there are certain symptoms of arthritis that resemble symptoms of other conditions. A proper diagnosis will confirm whether your pooch is truly suffering from arthritis.

CBD oil is not Psycho-active in nature

Many dog owners believed that CBD, found in hemp, makes humans high, and therefore the CBD oil may have psycho-active effects in dogs. This is absolutely unfounded. It is the THC (Tetra-Hydro Cannabinol) found in marijuana that causes psycho-activities in humans and this substance is not found in CBD oil.

For this reason, your dog will not experience a high when given CBD oil. She will be more relaxed while the oil speeds her recovery from arthritis, but without intoxication. But the fact that there are no psychoactive effects from taking this substance does not mean you should overdose your dog. You should start administering the oil at 0.5mg or less per day, and then increase the dose slowly while monitoring any potential improvement.

Starting the oil treatment on your dog on a very high dose can cause sedation of the animal, a condition that is characterized by extreme tiredness. In most cases, outdoor and more active dog breeds will require higher doses than indoor dog breeds.

CBD oil works by reducing the secretion of Cytokines that cause inflammation

The main reason why your dog continuously suffers inflammatory pains associated with arthritis is that Cytokines are continuously released. While CBD itself will not cure arthritis, it will reduce the release of Cytokines significantly, until your dog hopefully no longer feels the inflammatory pains of arthritis, which means that the healing of the affected joints will speed up.

The release of excessive Cytokines can trigger auto-immune reactions and hypersensitivities. CBD can help suppress “TH17 dominance” which is a phenomenon linked to autoimmune disease such as arthritis. CBD is rich in antioxidative powers, and it is much more powerful than other antioxidants, including Vitamins C and E.

CBD oil delivers better and faster results than CBD treats

In cases where you cannot get access to CBD oils, you can give a CBD treat to your dog. CBD oils tend to deliver faster and more efficient results in preventing arthritis symptoms because it is applied orally and the rate at which it is absorbed into the bloodstream is higher. For this reason, dogs tend to respond to the oral application of the oil faster than through CBD treats.

It takes a longer time for your dog’s system to digest and absorbed CBD oil from treats, which means it can take several hours for him to feel the positive anti-inflammatory effects of the substance. Another reason why it is better to apply the oil orally than adding it to dog treats is that some dog breeds are sensitive to odor and may reject food with a strange odor. If you do have to add the oil to your dog’s treats then you have to add quite a low dose so that he won’t detect the addition of the oil.

One milligram of CBD oil for each 10-pounds of weight is recommended

It is important to read the dosage instructions on any CBD oil product for dogs before applying the substance. A full dropper of CBD oil normally contains up to 30 drops. If your dog weighs 10 pounds or less, you can add two 1 mg drops of CBD. For a dog weighing up to 20 pounds, you can apply 2 mg of the oil (4 drops); apply 3 mg (6 drops) of the oil for dogs that weigh up to 30 lbs. Dogs weighing more than 100 lbs. will require up to 20 drops, or 10 mg of the CBD oil.

Generally, 10 mg should be the maximum dose you should give to your dog. If you notice no change to her arthritis symptoms then you need to contact your veterinarian. Sticking to the weight/dosage rules will help you avoid accidentally sedating your dog. Also pay attention to the concentration of the CBD oil product you have purchased.

CBD oil can be used with a non-CBD treat

There are so many ways you give CBD oil to your dog, one of which is by applying the drops to her treats. CBD oil tinctures are often available in the 225 mg, 450 mg, and 900 mg bottles.

When applying the oil on a non-CBD treat, make sure you use the body weight and dosage rules (i.e., 1 mg per 10 pounds of body weight, etc). You can add the oil twice a day at a space of 12 hours apart to achieve the best possible effect.

Conclusion

There are a wide range of CBD oil brands out there but they all quality oils offer the same benefits, especially if they contain the right concentration, potent enough to speed up recovery from arthritis symptoms. You should avoid imitations, especially those found over the counter. You can ask your veterinarian for recommended outlets where original oils are sold.

The original oil should not contain Cannabinoid crystals, and the color should be almost clear. Cannabinoid oils mixed with water, fruits and some other substances will have shades of other colors, and you should avoid buying such products. And be sure to only buy Cannabinoid oil bottles that are properly covered with sealable caps.

Your dog probably feels like a part of your family, and you may feel bad if you don’t let your dog enjoy some of the great food you eat each day. A lot of people throw their dogs a bit of table scraps or even make some food for their dog on the stove to make their dog feel special. However, there is a danger in that practice. Some of the foods that humans eat are simply not safe for dogs (and eating them could cause complex health issues such as anal gland problems)… So we want to share with you a few of the best foods that you eat that you can give to your dog.

Peanut Butter

This is one of people’s favorite foods to feed their dogs. Not only does it take absolutely no preparation, but it is also something your dog will really enjoy eating. Peanut butter contains all sorts of nutrients that dogs can benefit from too. It includes Vitamin E and Vitamin B, as well as niacin and other nutrients. You should be careful about giving your dog any peanut butter with artificial sweeteners like xylitol, though, as that can be very unhealthy for your canine friend. Any peanut butter with “sugar free” or “light” in the label probably contains artificial sweeteners.

Carrots

Your dog probably won’t eat or enjoy most kinds of veggies, but carrots are a good source of Vitamin A and beta carotene. Most vegetables aren’t able to provide your dog with nutritional benefits either, so don’t just assume that just because something is good for you then it is also good for you dog. Carrots are the exception, though, and they are the best veggie to feed your dog. They help to clean your dog’s teeth and keep those teeth strong and healthy.

Cooked Meat

While your dog may enjoy raw meat and eat it without any apparent problems, you have to be careful about bloodborne disease and the health problems caused by raw meat. Cooking the meat gets rid of lots of bacteria and other potential health issues, making the meat safer and often more palatable for your dog. Cooked chicken is just about the best meat you can give your dog, and it offers lots of protein that dogs need as a major part of their diet. Cooked turkey, lamb and beef are good options as well, and they all contain protein and various nutrients that are beneficial to your dog. Be careful about feeding your dog the fatty parts of the meat or bones. Small bones are particularly dangerous, as they can get lodged in your dog’s throat and cause a choking hazard.

Eggs

Most dogs like to eat eggs, and these are a healthy part of a balanced diet for dogs. Eggs contain nutrients like riboflavin and selenium, and they are an excellent source of protein. Your dog needs tons of protein in its diet, so supplement its regular food with some eggs from time to time is a good way to give your dog what it needs while injecting some variety into his or her meals.

Oatmeal

You can add oatmeal to your dog’s meals or just serve it alone, but be sure to prepare the oatmeal and cook it fully to give your dog a pleasant experience. Oatmeal is a great source of fiber, and it is beneficial to older dogs who may have digestion or bowel problems. Don’t give your dog any flavored or sweetened oatmeal. Their palate is not like a human’s and they don’t need all that added fluff. Artificial sweeteners and flavorings can be harmful for your dog too, so avoid all that for their health’s sake.

Cheese

Kids love slices and chunks of cheese to snack on, and so too do dogs. You can give your dog just about any kind of cheese and boost their calcium intake, helping them to have stronger, more resilient bones. Don’t feed your dog a lot of cheese at first, though, until you are sure your dog can handle it. Some dogs are lactose intolerant or just have trouble digesting cheese, so take it easy initially to gauge your dog’s reaction.

Salmon

We covered meat already, but your dog can eat some fish as well. Not all fish is good for your dog, especially in large quantities. The safest fish is probably salmon, and it is an excellent source of nutrition and low in mercury. Salmon contains Omega 3 fatty acids, which are good for your dog’s heart and help it to maintain a healthy weight. Salmon also contains fish oils that make for a shiny, sleek coat to give your dog a very healthy appearance.

As you can see, with just about any human food you give your dog, there are some potential problems you need to be aware of and try to avoid. That’s why it is always safer to feed your dog food that is specifically designed for it instead of human food. You can feed your dog some of the same things that you eat, but you just have to exercise caution and know for sure that it is safe to give to your dog.

About the author: David Cohen is a content editor at felineculture.com – a site for happy, healthy, and adventurous cats who are fuelled by nature.