If your dog has Cushing’s disease, an overproduction of cortisol (cortisone) in the animal’s body, it is essential to refine his or her diet immediately. Your dog’s dietary needs are going to change and it’s important to review what’s good and what’s not.
This is a great way to improve their quality of life and keep the symptoms at bay.
Here is a look at the main types of foods that are recommended for feeding your dog with Cushing’s disease (digestible protein is key), and why it’s important to look into this right away. As always, make sure to consult with your veterinarian prior to introducing new foods to your pup.
Digestible Proteins
Some Seafood
When it comes to cutting back on specific foods, it’s important to pay attention to the details. With seafood, try and avoid overly fatty fish and opt for high protein, healthy fats like salmon.
You will want to look to avoid specific seafood more than others, including sardines. The reason has to do with the makeup of this meat and how it will impact your dog’s digestive system.
Lean Beef and Organs
When you are looking at completing a diet plan for your dog, it’s best to include digestible proteins, and lean beef as well as organs are a good choice to help your dog with Cushing’s reach their protein needs.
Other good options include venison and bison. These are similar to other types of red meat that are available to give to your dog. While most people are not going to be giving venison to their dogs regularly, you may still want to consider this and keep the option open in your list of good proteins.
Just like venison, bison is another good lean beef protein source for dogs with Cushing’s disease. Both bison and venison are much rarer forms of meat on their own but can be found in dog foods, which is why they are important to mention.
Pork on the other hand is a type of meat you should try to avoid. This is because it tends to be higher in fat and sodium than other types of meat like chicken and beef.
Carbohydrates with Fiber
It is highly recommended to try and cut out any refined carbohydrates because they tend to have a detrimental affect on insulin and cortisol levels. But it still may be OK to feed your dog healthy grains, and you may want to make sure they are getting fiber with the foods they are eating.
Vitamins & Supplements
Just like with humans, dogs can benefit from additional supplements to help support their diet. This is even more important for a dog that has Cushing’s. Some of the most common herbs and remedies for dogs to help treat Cushing’s naturally include:
There are of course more supplements, and so rather than trying to get your dog to take these individually, it could be better to opt for a liquid or capsule that contains many of the ingredients mentioned above.
Final Thoughts
As you begin putting together a comprehensive diet plan for your dog, it’s important to keep these foods in mind.
You should try to keep your dog’s diet fairly strict if they suffer from Cushing’s disease, but it’s understandable and can be quite difficult in the earlier stages getting them to switch to foods they may not be used to.
Remember, diet is still one of the best ways to ensure their symptoms are kept in control; it can lead a healthier life. When it comes to elements that you can control, this is one that you will want to get on top of right away as a dog owner.
Take the time to look through the foods available for your dog, make sure they are safe, and remember, this means no more tossing table scraps in their direction and fine-tuning what they are eating on a daily basis.
Do you travel quite often and have you always had to make arrangements for someone to take care of your dog while you are away? While I am sure that you have people in your life willing to help out with this, I am also sure that those people won’t be able to help out every single time you call. Plus, maybe sometimes you would much rather prefer to take your dog with you.
If you’re thinking of living a nomadic lifestyle, then there is absolutely no way that you would want to leave your pet behind when you start this particular adventure. You will most likely decide that your dog is coming with you wherever you go. If you’re planning on taking your dog on a plane, then you might want to learn more about how all of that works, and which types of rules you would have to follow in the process.
Regardless of the modes of transportation that you will use, one thing is absolutely for sure: You should think about getting some of the kinds of products that can help traveling dog owners keep their pets calmer and more relaxed while traveling, as well as increase the safety level of their animals and their comfort in general. I am sure that you have already heard of the possibility of buying travel dog products.
You might, however, not be completely certain as to why you might need products like these. Some people assume that this is simply a waste of money, and they start their trips without these essentials. At some point, though, they realize that they should have bought at least one product that could have made the traveling experience more enjoyable both for them and for the animal.
Why Get Travel Dog Products?
How do you like the idea of starting a trip and then regretting the decision to not purchase certain helpful products? You probably do not really like the sound of that, which is why I am now going to tell you a bit more about why you should get some of those dog traveling products. This way, you will understand the purpose of these products much better, and you can figure out if you actually need them, which I am pretty sure that you will.
Well, first of all, as I have already hinted at above, these types of products will make the entire traveling experience much safer. You definitely don’t want anything bad to happen to your pet. Since you are on unknown terrain, it would be a great idea for you to be absolutely sure that you can control your pooch perfectly on walks. There are products that can help you out with that, as well as goods that can generally increase the safety of your canine in cars, planes, or other transportation means.
So safety is reason number one, but there is definitely one more thing that leads most people toward purchasing these kinds of travel products. These Travel Dog Products will improve your traveling experience by making sure that your pet is always completely comfortable and happy, in which case the animal won’t become overly anxious and ruin the entire trip. Don’t forget to pack a nice bed for your pet, among other things, as that will definitely increase their level of comfort.
Which Ones To Buy?
Now that you have a much clearer idea of why you should buy these dog traveling products, chances are that you are quite interested in figuring out which ones to get. Well, the best thing to do here is to find a great shop, check out the selection of their goods, and then decide which ones you want to buy, while always keeping your pet’s safety and comfort in mind. This will lead you towards purchasing some rather necessary products.
For instance, you’ll most likely get a first aid kit for doggies, and you will probably want to buy a food carrier and a travel bowl. Those are the essentials, but you should certainly also think of getting a multi-purpose leash, a car safety harness if you’re traveling by car, as well as a harness that provides you with greater control during walks. Additionally, you can consider buying some doggie clothes to make your pet even more comfortable, but that will depend on the weather.
Coco is an eight month old Sheltie. He is high energy, playful, friendly, and loves to play fetch. He enjoys relaxing at the feet of his owner. Submitted by A.F.
Animal photography never goes out of style. People are especially fond of dog pictures since they capture the true essence of our loyal pets. Experts like to pick up on various aspects of the animal that can seemingly mirror human emotions. However, these pictures could get messy if you are unsure where to start.
If you are new to dog photography, this post is for you. It contains various tips, like how to pose your pet correctly or use the best photography cameras and tools. You’ll also find general tips for improving your results on every photoshoot.
7 Best Dog Photography Tips
Dogs are ideal for every pet photography shot. Dogs are ideal models for capturing the innocence of nature, as well as playfulness and unpredictability. Even if you don’t have much experience with them, their friendly and compliant nature makes them excellent subjects for beginners.
Dog photography gives you much room for learning and experimenting. While they are amongst the easiest pets to handle, it is always a good idea to be extra prepared. So, here are the seven best dog photography tips for impeccable outcomes:
1. Create the Appropriate Environment
The first and most vital tip for dog photography is creating the perfect setting. Dogs are very intuitive and can immediately sense a shift in their surroundings. So, while being professional is a priority, you must maintain general decorum in the room.
One of the first things you must be mindful of is not overcrowding the dog. These pets have a brief attention span, and multiple distractions might quickly overwhelm them. Further, if you are trying to get some tranquil shots, a hectic environment will likely throw your subject off.
2. Make Early Preparations
The next thing you should do before a pet photoshoot is to ensure early preparations. You should arrive at the set a couple of hours before the subject and check to make sure all the props and tools are ready. Since pets usually require constant attention, it would be tough to manage these things once the dog arrives. Further, you must also plan out your shots beforehand and get the correct tools.
If you want some fun portraits, select a wide-angle lens. Because these lenses have a short focal length, they can take pictures with a wide frame that is still sharply focused on the subject. With the correct lighting, these portraits can turn into true gems.
3. Select the Right Methods
All good photographers need a steady hand, an active imagination, and a calculative mind. If you are planning to shoot a subject you cannot instruct, you might as well adjust to its nature. Further, the person behind the camera needs to understand the subject’s mind on the other end. So, when your subjects are playful pets like dogs, their frenzy is one of the first things you should expect.
Once in a playful mood, a dog rarely stays still. It will keep moving and running around, fidgeting with the props and the surroundings. In such cases, using “burst mode” is ideal. It is suitable for capturing some strikingly candid shots that give off an immersive illusion.
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Improvise
Along with being fidgety and chaotic, dogs are highly spontaneous. One minute, they might dig the ground, and the next they might roll over. Even if you have thoroughly planned out all shots with every possible outcome, you must be prepared to veer off track slightly.
If you see your subject taking on a different pose during a shot, do not hesitate to capture it. You can discard the image during the final review if you do not like it. Leaving room for improvisation lets you catch the subject at its most honest. Shots like these establish a sense of intimacy and comfort between the subject and the viewers.
5. Keep Your Subject Happy
As we mentioned earlier, a dog is quick to sense a mood shift in its surroundings due to its intuitive nature. If you want wide shots with props and scenic backgrounds, you should ensure that your subject is up for it. Dogs usually mirror your energy. So, if you want them to exude fun or mischief, try instructing them animatedly. If you appear stern or tired, the dog will instantly grow solemn.
You can also use props like chew toys to keep your subject busy. Giving the dogs timely breaks will help them stay energetic for much longer.
6. Accept Help When Needed
Most photographers are in the habit of being the only instructors around, and they prefer posing the subjects and selecting the environment to their liking. However, if your pet subject has an owner or a trainer, you should consider their opinions. The owner would know your subject better than you. Hence, they could give you several tips on how to handle them.
7. Keep Yourself Relaxed
The final tip is the key to your successful photoshoot. It would be best if you kept yourself patient and relaxed with your subject. Animals can be frustrating to shoot since they do not understand you or professional models. However, you would only prolong the process if you lost your patience. So, when you give your subject a break, it is advisable to take one yourself. Moreover, tolerance and relaxation would allow your mind to clear up and present you with some great ideas.
7 Dog Photography Tips: Keys to the Perfect Click… Final Thoughts
Animal photography can be challenging when you don’t know your way around it. While shooting dogs in particular, you must be careful about several things. It will help if you get everything in order before the subject arrives on set to avoid distractions. Further, using burst mode is best for capturing candid shots. You can create a happy environment or give the dog some toys to keep it playful. Finally, involve the subject’s owner and capture the dog’s most raw moments.
Layla is a sweet girl. I took these pictures of her. She is an American Staffordshire Terrier and Labrador mix. She is one year old. Submitted by Jordan W.
Dieting and Food Tips for Dogs With Cushing’s Disease
/0 Comments/in Dog Blog /by DogPerDayIf your dog has Cushing’s disease, an overproduction of cortisol (cortisone) in the animal’s body, it is essential to refine his or her diet immediately. Your dog’s dietary needs are going to change and it’s important to review what’s good and what’s not.
This is a great way to improve their quality of life and keep the symptoms at bay.
Here is a look at the main types of foods that are recommended for feeding your dog with Cushing’s disease (digestible protein is key), and why it’s important to look into this right away. As always, make sure to consult with your veterinarian prior to introducing new foods to your pup.
Digestible Proteins
Some Seafood
When it comes to cutting back on specific foods, it’s important to pay attention to the details. With seafood, try and avoid overly fatty fish and opt for high protein, healthy fats like salmon.
You will want to look to avoid specific seafood more than others, including sardines. The reason has to do with the makeup of this meat and how it will impact your dog’s digestive system.
Lean Beef and Organs
When you are looking at completing a diet plan for your dog, it’s best to include digestible proteins, and lean beef as well as organs are a good choice to help your dog with Cushing’s reach their protein needs.
Other good options include venison and bison. These are similar to other types of red meat that are available to give to your dog. While most people are not going to be giving venison to their dogs regularly, you may still want to consider this and keep the option open in your list of good proteins.
Just like venison, bison is another good lean beef protein source for dogs with Cushing’s disease. Both bison and venison are much rarer forms of meat on their own but can be found in dog foods, which is why they are important to mention.
Pork on the other hand is a type of meat you should try to avoid. This is because it tends to be higher in fat and sodium than other types of meat like chicken and beef.
Carbohydrates with Fiber
It is highly recommended to try and cut out any refined carbohydrates because they tend to have a detrimental affect on insulin and cortisol levels. But it still may be OK to feed your dog healthy grains, and you may want to make sure they are getting fiber with the foods they are eating.
Vitamins & Supplements
Just like with humans, dogs can benefit from additional supplements to help support their diet. This is even more important for a dog that has Cushing’s. Some of the most common herbs and remedies for dogs to help treat Cushing’s naturally include:
— Dandelion
— Turmeric
— Cleavers
— Burdock
— Ashwagandha
— Ginkgo Biloba
There are of course more supplements, and so rather than trying to get your dog to take these individually, it could be better to opt for a liquid or capsule that contains many of the ingredients mentioned above.
Final Thoughts
As you begin putting together a comprehensive diet plan for your dog, it’s important to keep these foods in mind.
You should try to keep your dog’s diet fairly strict if they suffer from Cushing’s disease, but it’s understandable and can be quite difficult in the earlier stages getting them to switch to foods they may not be used to.
Remember, diet is still one of the best ways to ensure their symptoms are kept in control; it can lead a healthier life. When it comes to elements that you can control, this is one that you will want to get on top of right away as a dog owner.
Take the time to look through the foods available for your dog, make sure they are safe, and remember, this means no more tossing table scraps in their direction and fine-tuning what they are eating on a daily basis.
Essential Traveling Dog Owners Products: Which Ones To Buy?
/0 Comments/in Dog Blog /by DogPerDayDo you travel quite often and have you always had to make arrangements for someone to take care of your dog while you are away? While I am sure that you have people in your life willing to help out with this, I am also sure that those people won’t be able to help out every single time you call. Plus, maybe sometimes you would much rather prefer to take your dog with you.
If you’re thinking of living a nomadic lifestyle, then there is absolutely no way that you would want to leave your pet behind when you start this particular adventure. You will most likely decide that your dog is coming with you wherever you go. If you’re planning on taking your dog on a plane, then you might want to learn more about how all of that works, and which types of rules you would have to follow in the process.
Regardless of the modes of transportation that you will use, one thing is absolutely for sure: You should think about getting some of the kinds of products that can help traveling dog owners keep their pets calmer and more relaxed while traveling, as well as increase the safety level of their animals and their comfort in general. I am sure that you have already heard of the possibility of buying travel dog products.
You might, however, not be completely certain as to why you might need products like these. Some people assume that this is simply a waste of money, and they start their trips without these essentials. At some point, though, they realize that they should have bought at least one product that could have made the traveling experience more enjoyable both for them and for the animal.
Why Get Travel Dog Products?
How do you like the idea of starting a trip and then regretting the decision to not purchase certain helpful products? You probably do not really like the sound of that, which is why I am now going to tell you a bit more about why you should get some of those dog traveling products. This way, you will understand the purpose of these products much better, and you can figure out if you actually need them, which I am pretty sure that you will.
Well, first of all, as I have already hinted at above, these types of products will make the entire traveling experience much safer. You definitely don’t want anything bad to happen to your pet. Since you are on unknown terrain, it would be a great idea for you to be absolutely sure that you can control your pooch perfectly on walks. There are products that can help you out with that, as well as goods that can generally increase the safety of your canine in cars, planes, or other transportation means.
So safety is reason number one, but there is definitely one more thing that leads most people toward purchasing these kinds of travel products. These Travel Dog Products will improve your traveling experience by making sure that your pet is always completely comfortable and happy, in which case the animal won’t become overly anxious and ruin the entire trip. Don’t forget to pack a nice bed for your pet, among other things, as that will definitely increase their level of comfort.
Which Ones To Buy?
Now that you have a much clearer idea of why you should buy these dog traveling products, chances are that you are quite interested in figuring out which ones to get. Well, the best thing to do here is to find a great shop, check out the selection of their goods, and then decide which ones you want to buy, while always keeping your pet’s safety and comfort in mind. This will lead you towards purchasing some rather necessary products.
For instance, you’ll most likely get a first aid kit for doggies, and you will probably want to buy a food carrier and a travel bowl. Those are the essentials, but you should certainly also think of getting a multi-purpose leash, a car safety harness if you’re traveling by car, as well as a harness that provides you with greater control during walks. Additionally, you can consider buying some doggie clothes to make your pet even more comfortable, but that will depend on the weather.
Coco the Sheltie
/0 Comments/in Dog Blog, Dog of the Day, Photo Gallery /by DogPerDayCoco is an eight month old Sheltie. He is high energy, playful, friendly, and loves to play fetch. He enjoys relaxing at the feet of his owner. Submitted by A.F.
7 Dog Photography Tips: Keys to the Perfect Click
/0 Comments/in Dog Blog /by DogPerDayAnimal photography never goes out of style. People are especially fond of dog pictures since they capture the true essence of our loyal pets. Experts like to pick up on various aspects of the animal that can seemingly mirror human emotions. However, these pictures could get messy if you are unsure where to start.
If you are new to dog photography, this post is for you. It contains various tips, like how to pose your pet correctly or use the best photography cameras and tools. You’ll also find general tips for improving your results on every photoshoot.
7 Best Dog Photography Tips
Dogs are ideal for every pet photography shot. Dogs are ideal models for capturing the innocence of nature, as well as playfulness and unpredictability. Even if you don’t have much experience with them, their friendly and compliant nature makes them excellent subjects for beginners.
Dog photography gives you much room for learning and experimenting. While they are amongst the easiest pets to handle, it is always a good idea to be extra prepared. So, here are the seven best dog photography tips for impeccable outcomes:
1. Create the Appropriate Environment
The first and most vital tip for dog photography is creating the perfect setting. Dogs are very intuitive and can immediately sense a shift in their surroundings. So, while being professional is a priority, you must maintain general decorum in the room.
One of the first things you must be mindful of is not overcrowding the dog. These pets have a brief attention span, and multiple distractions might quickly overwhelm them. Further, if you are trying to get some tranquil shots, a hectic environment will likely throw your subject off.
2. Make Early Preparations
The next thing you should do before a pet photoshoot is to ensure early preparations. You should arrive at the set a couple of hours before the subject and check to make sure all the props and tools are ready. Since pets usually require constant attention, it would be tough to manage these things once the dog arrives. Further, you must also plan out your shots beforehand and get the correct tools.
If you want some fun portraits, select a wide-angle lens. Because these lenses have a short focal length, they can take pictures with a wide frame that is still sharply focused on the subject. With the correct lighting, these portraits can turn into true gems.
3. Select the Right Methods
All good photographers need a steady hand, an active imagination, and a calculative mind. If you are planning to shoot a subject you cannot instruct, you might as well adjust to its nature. Further, the person behind the camera needs to understand the subject’s mind on the other end. So, when your subjects are playful pets like dogs, their frenzy is one of the first things you should expect.
Once in a playful mood, a dog rarely stays still. It will keep moving and running around, fidgeting with the props and the surroundings. In such cases, using “burst mode” is ideal. It is suitable for capturing some strikingly candid shots that give off an immersive illusion.
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Improvise
Along with being fidgety and chaotic, dogs are highly spontaneous. One minute, they might dig the ground, and the next they might roll over. Even if you have thoroughly planned out all shots with every possible outcome, you must be prepared to veer off track slightly.
If you see your subject taking on a different pose during a shot, do not hesitate to capture it. You can discard the image during the final review if you do not like it. Leaving room for improvisation lets you catch the subject at its most honest. Shots like these establish a sense of intimacy and comfort between the subject and the viewers.
5. Keep Your Subject Happy
As we mentioned earlier, a dog is quick to sense a mood shift in its surroundings due to its intuitive nature. If you want wide shots with props and scenic backgrounds, you should ensure that your subject is up for it. Dogs usually mirror your energy. So, if you want them to exude fun or mischief, try instructing them animatedly. If you appear stern or tired, the dog will instantly grow solemn.
You can also use props like chew toys to keep your subject busy. Giving the dogs timely breaks will help them stay energetic for much longer.
6. Accept Help When Needed
Most photographers are in the habit of being the only instructors around, and they prefer posing the subjects and selecting the environment to their liking. However, if your pet subject has an owner or a trainer, you should consider their opinions. The owner would know your subject better than you. Hence, they could give you several tips on how to handle them.
7. Keep Yourself Relaxed
The final tip is the key to your successful photoshoot. It would be best if you kept yourself patient and relaxed with your subject. Animals can be frustrating to shoot since they do not understand you or professional models. However, you would only prolong the process if you lost your patience. So, when you give your subject a break, it is advisable to take one yourself. Moreover, tolerance and relaxation would allow your mind to clear up and present you with some great ideas.
7 Dog Photography Tips: Keys to the Perfect Click… Final Thoughts
Animal photography can be challenging when you don’t know your way around it. While shooting dogs in particular, you must be careful about several things. It will help if you get everything in order before the subject arrives on set to avoid distractions. Further, using burst mode is best for capturing candid shots. You can create a happy environment or give the dog some toys to keep it playful. Finally, involve the subject’s owner and capture the dog’s most raw moments.
Layla the Labrador, Terrier Mix
/0 Comments/in Dog Blog, Dog of the Day, Photo Gallery /by DogPerDayLayla is a sweet girl. I took these pictures of her. She is an American Staffordshire Terrier and Labrador mix. She is one year old. Submitted by Jordan W.