While any dog owner recognizes that there are certain chores that he must leave strictly to the veterinarian, he wants, at the same time, to be given at least some idea of the role he can play in preventing dog health problems. Below are a few tips owners can use to avoid problems common problems.

Feeding Your Dog To Keep Optimum Health

The basic principle to be understood in the feeding of dogs is that, with only minor variations, they have the same nutritive requirements as man. A dog apparently has less need for starches and its digestive juices do not handle fatty foods well. Thus, the dog`s meat should always be quite lean, otherwise it will commonly cause a stomach upset with symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea

Most animals will get along perfectly well on dry or canned commercial dog foods. Great strides have been made in the improvement of commercial dog foods in recent years. Their formulae are specially prepared by trained scientists to meet all of the dog`s needs and the federal government, on the basis of careful experiment to furnish normal maintenance diets, guarantees all nationally known brands. This means that the dog can live its entire life without eating anything but dog food.

While some companies will claim that their biscuits are a complete food and are often justified in their claim, most experts agree that the large majority of the biscuits that are manufactured serve best only as a supplementary food

Caring For Your Pets Eyes To Prevent Illness

In the general care of the eyes, the average dog owner can be advised to keep them clean. This can be done by washing them once a day with a lukewarm solution of boric acid (made by dissolving one teaspoonful of boric acid powder in a glass of hot water) or by the application of boric acid eye ointment direct to the eyeball.

The care of any significant eye diseases is strictly a job for the veterinarian. For safety`s sake, any injury to the eye should be considered an emergency and the veterinarian should be contacted immediately. Professional attention should be given even to very mild eye irritations that do not readily respond to simple treatment with washings of boric acid solution or applications of boric acid eye ointment.

How To Prevent Ear Ailments

Proper ear hygiene consists in keeping the hair of the ear clean and thoroughly combed out, free from parasites at all times and in maintaining the cleanliness of the inside of the ear. To clean the inside of the ear, dampen a piece of absorbent cotton with alcohol, squeeze out the excess moisture and clean out all the accumulated scurf as far down into the ear as the finger can conveniently reach.

Have no fear of doing damage to the inner ear, for the finger simply cannot penetrate that far. The cleaned surface should be dried with a piece of cotton. The next step is to put some boric acid powder on the back of a spoon handle or other convenient object and dump the powder into the ear. Then manipulate the ear so that the powder will penetrate as far into the ear canal as possible. After this is done to both ears, allow the animal to shake out the excess powder.

If this procedure is followed about two or three times a week, it is very unlikely that the dog ever will be affected by the common ear ailments.

Prevention Is The Best Cure

By taking steps to avoid dog health problems, you are less likely to have to suffer the consequences of an ill pet. If you are concerned about your pet or notice any strange symptoms, you should consult your veterinarian immediately. Regular check ups will also help detect potential illness or health problems early. Check ups should be given about every 6 months.

A puppy frequently urinating small amounts is nothing new to most owners. We’ve all gone through the training phase where “accidents” seem to occur with alarming frequency. What most pet owners don’t realize is that what may seem like an ordinary rite of passage for growing puppies can sometimes be a sign of a serious medical condition - urinary tract infection.

 

As they grow into their bodies, puppies will experience changes in hormone levels and their bodies may struggle to adjust to them. Because puppies grow at a much faster rate then human children, those hormone shifts tend to happen much more rapidly and their little bodies can’t always keep up. As a result, a puppy frequently urinating small amount is not unusual.

 

The trouble comes in when that frequent urination is accompanied by other symptoms. If you notice your puppy exhibiting lethargy, lack of appetite and pain and tenderness in the abdomen, chances are good that it may be experiencing a urinary tract infection. Since UTI’s can become severe and recurrent, you should never take a puppy frequently urinating small amounts lightly.

 

At the first sign of any of the common symptoms of UTI, you should take your puppy to the vet for a complete exam. UTI can itself be a symptom of more serious conditions like kidney or bladder blockage or cancer and only your vet can tell for sure. With a thorough exam, your vet will be able to discover if your puppy frequently urinating small amount is cause for concern.

 

If your vet diagnoses a routine UTI, he will likely prescribe a course of antibiotics. While antibiotics can help a puppy frequently urinating small amounts, they can also be harmful, especially to growing puppies whose immune systems are not fully developed. Taken over a prolonged amount of time, antibiotics can actually weaken the immune system, affecting your dog’s overall health.

 

In order to treat the symptoms of UTI while also promoting good overall health, many homeopathic vets recommend natural remedies made from plant based ingredients. Using herbs such as Arctostaphylos uva ursi, Berberis vulgaris, and Cantharis, these remedies can not only help to stop a puppy frequently urinating small amount but also balance out bacteria levels in the body and strengthen the immune system.

 

By incorporating natural remedies into a regular health routine, you can ensure that your puppy is getting everything it needs to grow and develop normally. A balanced diet rich in protein, plenty of clean water and a regular urination schedule can all help to ease the distress of a puppy frequently urinating small amounts.

 

Accidents will happen, especially while puppies are still growing, but you should never assume that your puppy’s “accidents” are all normal. Be aware of the symptoms of urinary tract problems and don’t hesitate to consider using natural remedies to help maintain your puppy’s good health. With a little nudge from nature, your puppy’s accidents can become a thing of the past!

If you’re the proud owner of a dog health problems are no stranger to your household. They need not only be of the doggy variety either. By the very fact of owning a dog you open up your home to be bombarded by a myriad of different little health problems. Some of them might not be so bad, but for the most part if you have a dog health problems will also abound. You just can’t stop that.

It’s as natural as breathing, and although you might take steps to prevent this, there’s really only so much that you can do, and so much germs and bacteria that you can fight. And for the most part you would be successful but there will still be unseen germs lingering around biding their time until they can strike. You might not even realize this, and you might not even realize when they do strike at you but rest assured that it will happen.

And that’s not all, if you have a dog health problems of the canine variety will also abound as your dog will also get sick from time to time and you will need to take care of him as well. The best way is to start as you mean to go on, and getting the right shots for your dog as soon you get him, and giving him a thorough check-up at the same time is always good. You can’t stop there however and will need to keep up the shots and the check-ups on a regular basis. Your vet can tell you how often you will need to bring in your dog. And your vet can also tell you what you need to do to keep your dog healthy.

Brushing his coat daily is a good way to get a silky and shiny coat. If your dog’s coat starts to lose its luster then you know there’s something wrong with your dog health problems shouldn’t be left alone too long without treatment. You should make an appointment with the vet as soon as possible to see about proper treatment.

Then there’s always doggy biscuits that are like toothbrushes and will keep your dog’s mouth clean and fresh. Regular bathing will also help to ward off whatever dog health problems that may occur otherwise. Feeding him a balanced diet will be the best way to keep him healthy. Don’t give your dog any of the junk food that’s so bad for you, and definitely stay away from the chocolates, they’re toxic to your dog health problems will abound if you ignore this.

If you own a dog health problems will arise, you can’t get away from that fact, but there are a few things that you can do to avert mishaps. As long as you realize there’s nothing you can do to completely eradicate the germs and bacteria that are sure to abound, and take action accordingly, you and your dog should get along like a house on fire.

The Pomeranian is a cute little breed of dog similar to other little breeds. They make wonderful housedogs because of their loving nature and the way they behave when around people. They act like a little child who wants everyone to know they are welcome. These fluffy little dogs can be a bit aggressive if their owner is upset or in trouble.

Their cute fox like face and pointed ears with soft and silky looking hair make them a beautiful show dog as well as a house pet. The eyes are blackish colored with a bright glimmer of shine. The teeth are very sharp yet thin by nature. The tail resembles the tail of a Pekinese as it crusades forward over the back of the dog. The average height is up to twelve inches with a weight of about fifteen to twenty pounds.

The top Pomeranian dog health problem is the teeth. This concerns owners because if the teeth break or fall out, the dog will have no way to consume food. Feeding hard dog food helps to strengthen the teeth and gums, but many people make the mistake of feeding only soft dog food, which does not benefit the teeth or gums in any way. The overall health of the teeth needs to be clean and you need to take every precaution against tooth decay.

The Pomeranian dog breed does suffer some health problems, but not all bloodlines are at risk. The Pomeranian dog health problems might be a slipped stifle or dislocated patella, which is a small bone by the knee joint. The slipped stifle affects the movement of the dog and can cause pain and depression in the little dog. If you notice signs of leg problems, contact the vet for further tests to determine the exact cause of the problem.

The Pomeranian dog health problem during birth can be saddening if proper knowledge and care is not given. When a female is ready to give birth, a vet may be required due to the size of the female. The puppies will be extremely small fitting three puppies into a man size hand is common. Extra care for the puppies because of their size requires helping the mother with daily care of the puppies. These puppies require extra care until the age of three months in order to properly grow and achieve adulthood.

The ears and eyes need cleaning on a daily business. This dog breed loves to go for walks, but like all little dogs, they do not need to take long walks, as they tend to get tired because of their short legs. These little pups strive with love and touching as they grow into beautiful little companions.

The Pomeranian dog health problem follows suit with other canine breeds. They are susceptible to many other health conditions such as skin disease, allergies, infections and parasites. Keeping the dog healthy requires proper grooming and diet along with exercise.

Article written by Judy Wellsworth.

Dogs come in all shapes and sizes and have a whole range of very different personalities and characteristics. There are literally hundreds of breeds of pedigree dogs and an infinite number of mixed breed dogs. Hopefully, when you get a dog you are about to spend the next ten to fifteen years with your new pet. So it is very important that you make a good decision in the type of dog that you choose.

You want to ensure maximum compatibility with the dog so that you have a harmonious relationship together and that the dog fits in with your lifestyle, accommodation and fulfils what it is that you want to get out of owning a dog. From all of the choice of dog breeds available then, where do you start in choosing the type of dog that is right for you?

There are obviously some very basic and important considerations to start off with such as: one dog or more, size of the dog, long hair or short, character and personality type of the dog and whether it is important that the dog is good with children or not.

Domestic dogs were almost certainly descended from wolves and adapted, by selective breeding, over the years to produce a much human friendlier animal, often with specific work purposes in mind.

For simplicity, modern dogs are often divided up into seven broad categories based on their characteristics and what they were bred to do. When choosing a dog it can be helpful to start off with which broad group of dog is most appealing to you, before looking at the individual breeds within the group in more detail. In order to help you do this I have summarised the seven main types of dog below.

Working dogs - Dogs have been bred to perform a variety of useful working tasks including pulling heavy equipment, guarding and retrieving. Dogs in this group often have very strong instinctive characteristics, which are of benefit for the particular task that they were bred to perform, such as high activity levels and stamina, or being strong willed and protective. These dogs are loyal and affectionate but do require a lot of exercising. Typical dog breeds within this category would include the Alaskan Malamute, Doberman, Boxer and St Bernard.

Pastoral (or herding) dogs - These dogs were bred predominantly to herd domestic animals. They have a very strong chase instinct to assist in their herding functions and need a great deal of exercise. They are generally very intelligent and enjoy challenging play with toys. They were bred to work closely with humans and will develop very strong bonds with their owners. Typical examples of breeds within this category are the Border Collie, German Shepherd and Finnish Lapphund.

Terriers - These were bred to catch and kill vermin or to help in hunting sports. They are usually fairly small and have strong predatory instincts. They can be dangerous around small pets unless they have been raised with them. They are often fairly feisty characters but are usually affectionate and outgoing with their owners. Typical examples are the Jack Russell Terrier, Airedale Terrier and the West Highland White Terrier.

Gundogs (or sporting dogs) - Gundogs were bred to help flush out game and retrieve shot animals. They are very sociable dogs that like a lot of contact with humans and often have a soft chew, so as not to damage the retrieved animals. This means that they can be very playful dogs and enjoy lots of toy play and are good with children. Good examples within this group are the pointer, Weimeraner and Labradors.

Utility dogs - These are a mixed group of dogs with various traits from each of the other groups so they really need looking at individually. Examples of utility dogs include the Dalmatian, Bulldog and Chow Chow.

Hounds - Hounds were bred to track and hunt prey and work with humans in catching the animals. They have very strong chase instincts and often a very deep bark but tend not to use it unnecessarily. They are used to living in packs and are therefore very sociable; they can appear lazy at times but will benefit from occasional long energetic runs. Typical examples include the Afghan hound, Beagle and the Bloodhound.

Toy dogs - These were bred mainly for companionship and have most of the working traits bred out of them. Most are fairly small dogs and they are usually pretty well mannered , like a lot of human contact and have a desire to please their owner. They are often well suited to those without much space but can be especially prone to ill health. Typical examples of toy dogs include the Chihuahua, King Charles Spaniel and Pekingese.

These groups are obviously fairly broad and whichever breeds you are considering should be looked at and researched in more detail. Ideally, you should visit the appropriate dog breeders or rescue centres and see the dogs for yourself before making a final decision. Whatever type of dog you choose, I hope you have many happy years with your canine companion.

Teaching basic obedience skills to a dog can be exciting as well as challenging. Having problems on where to begin?

The first lesson in obedience is to get your dog to pay attention to the commands. You want to start by calling his name and then using a keyword like “watch” or “look” afterwards. This way, he will associate the words to a command. Once you’ve got his attention, the lessons can begin.

You want your dog to be able to pay attention for a short length of time. Try keeping his attention by doing attention exercises. One example would be to hold a toy or dog treat in near your mouth and then give him the keyword command.

Each time he takes the time to watch, praise him. The more you do this exercise, the more time he should be able to pay attention to you. Try getting him to watch for at least a minute. Let him know that he is doing a good job by rewarding him. Dogs learn best this way.

Because dogs have such short attention spans, they get distracted pretty easily. Training sessions should only last approximately 30 minutes tops.

If your dog isn’t learning very quickly, you may become frustrated. Don’t take that frustration out on your dog. A few things to remember before starting your obedience lessons:

1) Never cause pain to your dog (this will cause him to shy away or become aggressive to you.)

2) If he begins to become distracted, change the tone of your voice (not raising it)

3) Consistency can not be stressed enough (animals are like children, if you’re not consistent, they will become confused)

Teaching your dog basic obedience commands will make for a more obedient and more pleasant dog to be around.

The first command to start off with would be to sit. You must use the word sit while teaching him so that he can relate the word with the action. Start by gently pushing his backside down and saying the word “sit.” Eventually he will catch on to the concept.

The second command is “down.” Dogs can become pretty hyperactive when they get excited. Jumping up on their owner’s lap is usually how they express their excitement.

When they jump up, tell them “down.” Do not pet them or act excited to see them while they are on you. Continue to tell them “down,” and even place their legs down if you have to.

Next is the command of “stay.” This command is a good one to know especially if you have a rambunctious hyper dog. You can teach him stay, for example, by putting a treat or something desirable on the ground. As he moves toward it, tell him “Stay.”

Another good idea would be to put your hand up while saying the word “stay.” When he begins to become obedient in this area, you can move further away from him. This will cause him to become more daring and he will probably take a step forward to see how much he can get away with.

When he does this, continue to put your hand out and tell him “stay.” He has to know that even though you are moving away, you can still see what he’s doing and expect him to continue to obey.

After you’ve mastered the stay command, you will move on to the come command. Once your dog has learned to sit and stay, he will need a command to know when it’s ok to get up and approach you.

They may be a bit confused at first, but with a change in the tone of your voice, he will soon understand. Put a little excitement in your voice when saying the word “come”.

He will pick up on it. You might also want to pat your leg when you say come.

Stand is the last command to achieve. This is where your dog is allowed to get a little excited but not in a pouncing kind of way. When teaching your dog to stand, pat your hands on your chest and, once again, put a little excitement in your voice, so that he knows he’s aloud, under certain circumstances. He will begin to know the difference.

Teaching your dog basic obedience, if possible, should be taught as soon as you and your dog are ready. Remember be consistent don’t forget to have fun!

Many people believe that it is impossible for cats and dogs to live together peacefully. Perhaps this belief is brought on by images seen in cartoons or by one or two negative experiences between cats and dogs. But, in reality, it is quite possible for the two species to live together peacefully - and even to live together as friends.

Genetics

Genetically, there are reasons for cats and dogs to dislike each other. By nature, dogs are predators that tend to chase things that move quickly and that are smaller than them. Of course, cats fit this description, making them the perfect play toy for dogs wanting to utilize their predatory skills.

Cats, who are also predatory, can also exhibit stalking behaviours toward dogs; despite the fact the dog is usually much bigger. In addition, cats will defend themselves, so thus begins the rivalry.

Environmental Influence

Of course genetics and instinct alone isn’t the only reason why dogs and cats sometimes don’t get along. During the first 2 to 3 months of an animal’s life, it learns who its friends and its enemies are. Therefore, a puppy raised with cats will most likely tend to get along better with the cats. Similarly, a kitten raised with dogs will not think much of the dogs. In fact, it is often easier to raise a new kitten in a household with dogs than the other way around because cats tend to be more territorial than dogs. A highly predatory dog, however, will make it more difficult to introduce a new kitten to the household.

Training Pets to Live in Peace and Harmony

Teaching cats and dogs that don’t get along with each other to live together can be a somewhat difficult task, but it is possible. The best way to accomplish this is to allow the animals to spend time together while a human chaperone is present. The more time animals spend with one another, the more tolerant they become of the other. In fact, this can often lead to a very affectionate relationship. Puppies and kittens that are raised together have the best chance of developing a positive relationship.

If a dog has been particularly cruel to cats in the past, however, it is probably not a good idea to try to get the two species to co-exist. Even if the dog doesn’t manage to get the cat, it will most likely make the cat’s life difficult by continually chasing after it. Similarly, a puppy might need to be protected from a particularly territorial or mean cat.

Dogs can also be trained to leave cats alone, just as they can be trained to fetch, sit or stand still. For a pet owner who has the time and patience, the dog can be leashed with a training collar. Another person can bring the cat increasingly closer to the dog. If the dog sits still it, should be praised. If it attempts to lunge after the cat, the leash should be pulled and the dog should be told “No. Leave it!” Some dogs learn quickly while others take a little longer.

Another approach for training the dog can also be utilized. This approach uses positive association. Each time the dog is in the same room as the cat, it is provided with extra attention and treats. Soon, the dog realizes having the cat in the room is a good thing because it gets something good out of it. In this way, it positively associates the cat with things that it desires - affection and tasty treats!

Feeding Time

Even cats and dogs that get along might start fighting during mealtime. Most animals are very protective of their food. In addition, they tend to be quite curious about the food the other animal is enjoying. For this reason, it is best to have separate feeding stations for cats and dogs.

It is best to place the cat’s food in a high, hard to reach area. Otherwise, the dog will have a tendency to eat the cat’s food, or to at least try to eat it. Of course, the food should still be placed in an area the cat can easily reach and eat comfortably. Cats don’t generally try to eat dog food. But, in the case of a cat that does, this behaviour should be discouraged. The best way to do this is to feed the two animals at the same time, but in different places.

It is also important to remember that cat and dog food each have different nutrients, so one should not be used in place of the other. Therefore, it is not only necessary to keep the food separate in order for the pets to live in harmony; it is also necessary to keep them healthy.

As the pet owner, the dog health will be your main responsibility. That is why it is very important that you can perfectly manage it. This way, you will be able to extend the life of your pet. You will also be able to provide him with a sound mind and body, allowing him to be your most perfect company and source of entertainment.

Generally, the kind of care and treatment that you are going to give will be dependent on their dog health problems. Nevertheless, just to make sure that he remains healthy all throughout his life, here are some pointers:

1. Get him some exercise. Though there are dogs that are normally inactive, they still need to be exercised in order to strengthen their stamina, as well as to prevent them from getting obese because of constant eating. You can ask some assistance with your vet regarding which type of exercise is perfect for your breed.

2. Provide him with dog health supplements. Your dog needs nourishment, but you can further improve his overall health condition through dog health supplements. You just need to make sure, however, that these are well-trusted brands. Otherwise, they may have some negative effects to your dog.

3. Prepare a vaccination schedule. Just like those of humans, there are also dog health vaccinations. They can help prevent infections and viruses from damaging the health of your puppy. You have to maintain a vaccination schedule since some of them may require a follow-up either few months or years, while your dog is growing up.

4. Annually take him to the vet. The vets are the most ideal persons to answer dog health questions, though you can find some good information in the World Wide Web these days. Their experience and knowledge will help you understand dog health a lot better.

The number one tip that I can give you is to educate yourself on dog health. Different dog breeds have different health problems. Some dog breeds have problems with the seizures. While other dog breeds can have problems with their joints and bones. Getting an information resource on dog health is something that every responsible dog owner should do. Not only can they help you with the major problems associated with some dog breeds. They can also help you with the every day, minor ailments that every dog owner will face from time to time.

Educating yourself on dog health with the good information found on the World Wide Web will help you from taking unnecessary trips to the vet. This equals into saving you a lot of money from unnecessary vet bills.

Puppy training is only as hard as you want it to be. Learning how to properly train you puppy is almost a necessity when you first get one. Puppy training during the first week of getting your pet is critical. You definetly need to have certain items such as dog beds, collars, toys, and food and water bowls in place before bringing that new puppy home. Getting your family members involved with certain rules, routines, and responsibilities is just as important.

The very first week is the most important of all. Everybody’s emotions about the new pet are on high octane. Enthusiasm levels are just soaring through the roof with your new puppy. Those rules that you set are going to be easily broken with the new puppy. One rule that is always broken, usually by kids, is that you all agreed that the puppy would sleep in the dog bed. Go ahead and try convincing your kids not to sleep with the gentle pet.

After that first night you will agree that the puppy must sleep in their own bed. What you are going to deal with now is barking, whimpering, howling, etc… The puppy is alone and does not want to be. A good rule to have is to play with the puppy gently and quietly. If the puppy looks tired then leave them alone so they can sleep. This will help break them in, so you can sleep better at night. Puppies usually need lots of sleep so do not flood the dog with non-stop attention.

You have covered the sleeping part, now you will need to concentrate on the feeding of the puppy. Decide who is responsible and at what time to feed the puppy properly. Do not have anyone deviate from your plans. That puppy needs a routine and needs to stick to it. By breaking the routine, you are giving the puppy the wrong impression. Puppies are very impressionable, and deviating from the schedule will only encourage them from sticking to it.

Since puppies are so impressionable, it is important to begin explaining the rules right away. Don’t give them special license to get away with anything just because they are a puppy. If you allow them to have their way about certain things now, they will only be confused later when you decide to change the rules. Puppies learn very quickly with proper instruction. Never hit your puppy or give harsh reprimands. They don’t mean to misbehave - they are just doing whatever comes naturally. Instead, show your puppy what kind of behavior you want. Teach them to play with their toys. Make them fun and exciting. Let them know how happy you are and how good they are when they chew them.The only way you can instruct your puppy is to be there. If you can’t be there, don’t allow them to have access to places where they can get into trouble.

Your puppy’s emotional and mental health is just as important as their physical health. When you schedule your puppy’s first veterinary visit, also schedule them into a puppy socialization class. They may not be able to attend yet, but reserve your place now so you don’t miss out. Puppy socialization classes give your puppy an opportunity to meet a variety of people and dogs in a controlled situation. If your puppy is to be a well-adjusted adult dog, they need to learn how to act properly around other dogs and people. Dogs that are not socialized frequently grow up to be aggressive and excessively fearful.

Last but not leastyou need to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian immediately. Discuss your puppy’s vaccination schedule and when they will be allowed outside. Puppies are susceptible to many canine diseases until they are fully vaccinated; so don’t take your puppy outside until your veterinarian says it is OK.

Dogs like to chew. But, dog parents may be entering dangerous territory when choosing appropriate products. Some of the most popular chew items, like rawhide-type chews, hooves, snouts, vinyl dog toys and bones may be killing our dogs.

In 2005, a New York couple filed a $5 million lawsuit against the makers of Greenies – yes, those popular green toothbrush-shaped chews sold in pet stores and vet clinics nationwide.

According to the lawsuit, Burt, their beloved black and tan Dachshund, was given a petite-sized Greenie. The next day Burt, suddenly ill, was taken to a vet who suspected an intestinal blockage. The diagnosis was confirmed by X-Ray analysis, and Burt underwent emergency surgery. The surgeon removed what was described as a green and rubbery eraser-like object that was lodged in Burt’s small intestine. The lawsuit contends that the object was the "toothbrush" end of a chewed Greenie that had increased in size by approximately 25% while lodged in Burt’s body.

Over three feet of the 12-pound dog’s intestine had decayed and was surgically removed. Over the next 48 hours at the clinic, Burt suffered, bled internally, vomited blood and developed pneumonia and septicemia. He endured three cardiac failures before he died.

The lawsuit was settled out of court for an undisclosed amount of money. The original Greenies were phased out and "new" Greenies soon became available. New Greenies came about following S&M NuTec’s recent acquisition by Mars earlier this year. Billed as the "next generation in canine dental care," new Greenies claim to be 96% digestible.

Greenies, however, are not unique. Many more potentially dangerous chew products fill the shelves of pet stores – rawhides, pig ears, snouts, bully sticks, cow hooves, smoked bones, and more.

There is little regulation on dog chew products, but the Food and Drug Administration has issued nationwide public health warning alerting consumers about a number of cases of human illnesses apparently related to contact with dog chew products made from pork or beef-derived materials.

The FDA warned that the products may pose a risk of bacterial infection such as Salmonella infantis which can cause flu-like symptoms in normally healthy people, but may cause far more serious – even life threatening illness in immune-compromised patients.

Additionally, many rawhide chews and related items are difficult to digest and some dogs swallow large chunks of hide that can lead to intestinal impactions. The harder type products, like hooves and bones have been reported to split, splinter or break and lead to damage in the digestive tract.

Rawhide is the processed skin of animals. Various techniques and chemicals are used in the preparation of these products along with similar versions of chew products such as smoked hooves, etc. Millions of these products are imported and it is physically impossible for the FDA to test all the products and the production methods utilized. Some techniques of hide tanning incorporate mercury and arsenic during the curing process. Distressingly, some chews do not even identify what kind of animal skin or bone was used to produce a chew treat.

Play it safe. Appropriately sized, hard rubber Kongs are the safest products available. They satisfy your dog’s chewing needs, and stuffed with your own foods can safely entertain your dog for hours.