evox Television - healthy pet

Effective Ways To Keep Your Dog Fit And Active

evox Television — Fri, 05 Mar 2021 22:30:34 +0000

Pets are essential creatures to both the pet owner and the environment at large. One of the most prevalent pet species is dogs, and understandably so. They've been man's best friend for thousands of years, and that unique connection has continued to flourish into our present age. Canines provide loyalty, companionship, and protection from danger.

As helpful as these creatures are, they also need a lot of care and attention. One of the things you need to pay attention to as a dog owner is their physical fitness. It can be pretty hard trying to make sure your canine stays fit when you're performing your own activities during the day. Luckily, this article will highlight five useful things you can do to help your dog stay healthy and active.

1. Obstacle courses are helpful

When you set up obstacle courses around your house, your dog will hardly be able to resist participating. An obstacle course will continuously stimulate their minds and bodies, helping them to stay ready and active. Your canine will also have a lot of fun participating in the obstacle course, which is what makes it an excellent option.

When you want to use obstacle courses, you should make sure you switch the obstacle course challenges every couple of days. Additionally, make sure you use dispensable household items such as an old couch cushion, clothes, old tires, and so on. When your dog completes an obstacle course, it is always a good idea to reward them with treats.

Sometimes, it is understandable that tending to a pet and working a job every day can be quite stressful. An excellent way to relieve yourself is to use CBD products such as CBD gummies and oils, which Sunday Scaries have in abundance. When you're taking CBD products, try to consume them in moderate amounts.

2. Play traditional high-activity games

Fetch is an easy game for you to play your dog, and what makes it even better is that the owner doesn't have to move around very much for this game. This fact makes it the right choice for people who come back stressed out during the day. The game only involves throwing a disk, stick, or ball around and telling your dog to fetch it. All the running around is suitable for their vital organs and brains.

When you’re playing this game with your dog, make sure the throwing object stays in your proximity and that you don't throw it into a dangerous place.

Alternatively, you can play hide and seek. Although this game requires a high amount of treats, it is an equally useful game for exercising your canine. This game will involve you or other family members calling out for the dog, prompting the dog to come and find them. You will need a lot of treats to keep the dog motivated when playing the game.

3. Treadmills are important

Before now, you probably thought that only humans could use treadmills. Dogs, however, can use this handy gym machine as much as humans can. If you want this to work, make sure you start by putting your dog on the treadmill and then dangling food in front of them.

Simultaneously, turn on the treadmill and turn its settings to medium speed. Every once in a while, dangle the food very close to the dog’s mouth so they can eat it. This action helps to keep the canine motivated, keeping them interested in the pursuit. However, if they hate this gym equipment, never force them to use it because it may discourage your dog from trying other things with you.

4. Try to scavenge hunt

A scavenger hunt involves using several motor skills, deduction skills, and physical exertion, making it an excellent choice to work out your canine. When playing this game, it can quickly awaken your dog's instincts, allowing them to have a lot of fun.

Leaving little pieces of food in the form of a trail will keep them motivated, ensuring they continue to play the game.

5.Try a food dispenser toy.

This toy is available in many pet stores around you, and they help to mentally and physically stimulate your dog. The toy has an internal compartment in which you put your dog's food. They then have to solve puzzles and complete tasks to access their food. As you already know, food is a perfect motivator for both man and dog. Thus, the sight of food will keep them going at it for hours.

Final Thoughts

It is understandable that keeping a dog occupied and active can be pretty challenging. That said, the tips and approaches mentioned above can help you do that effectively, keeping your dog healthy. It would also be best not to overwork your dog because this will ultimately discourage the dog from staying fit and active.

Grace Hawkins is a passionate writer and blogger with a focus wide array of topics relating to health and wellness. She has been a professional writer for 2 years. When she is not writing she is either baking or exploring new places.

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Living

Tips for First-Time Pet Parents

Paisley Hansen — Thu, 28 Jan 2021 22:57:29 +0000

Are you ready to meet your new best friend?

Like, really ready? Have you considered the intricacies of pet ownership; the stuff beyond the sweet snuggles and the Instagram-worthy pet selfies? Have you examined your own personality and preferences that might influence the kind of pet you choose? Have you asked your neighbors about that husky-sized hole in the middle of their couch cushion? It’s okay to have questions. You should know when you bring home your new bundle of fluff, feathers, or scales, that you’re committed to loving and caring for it through the end of its life. Here are just a few tips for preparing your headspace, as well as your physical space, to make one of the greatest decisions you’ll ever make.

Research the Best Pet for Your Lifestyle

Pets are meant to join your family and stay for a lifetime. Nothing is more heartbreaking and confusing for a pet than when it has to be re-homed for reasons it doesn’t understand. So, it’s important to be responsible at the very beginning of your pet search to make sure you and your pet are the right fit for one another. Will you be able to provide the exercise, affection, and/or discipline a pet will require for a peaceful and happy life? Yes, that Tibetan mastiff puppy is fluffy and adorable and he really needs a mommy, but if you live in Florida, on the 9th floor, and work 16-hour days, maybe a tank full of fish would fit your lifestyle a little bit better. Ask yourself what you are realistically capable of handling and choose a pet that fits in.

Feed Them…But Not From Your Plate

It can be so tempting to fall for the super cute, sad-eyes dinnertime routine when your pets are trying to convince you they are starving. They may want you to believe that they will never forgive you unless you share that last bite of steak, but the truth is you are protecting them by eating it yourself. Did you know that even a tiny amount of onion can poison a cat’s blood? Or, that cooked bones can splinter when chewed and cause internal damage to dogs? It really is in their best interest to feed them a diet that is designed for pets. Get the ultimate pet nutrition coupon code and learn more about proper animal diet and nutrition. If you want to be a personal chef to your new roommate, research pet-safe recipes and ask your vet for suggestions to make sure you are providing the appropriate nourishment.

Establish a Relationship With a Vet

Research shows that around 23 million US pets do not have regular access to veterinary care. Whether you purchase a pet from a breeder or adopt from an organization, getting your new pet medical care should be the first priority. Find a vet with whom you and your new addition feel comfortable and safe. Ask about pet owner responsibilities such as spaying, neutering, and microchipping. Make sure to keep up with routine visits for vaccines, bloodwork, anxiety management, and proper aging care. If your vet knows your pet well because you’ve facilitated that relationship with consistent visits, s/he will be able to quickly recognize and address any health or behavior changes that could indicate severe medical problems. Because you love your pet, you’ll want the quick and quality care it deserves. A great vet wants that too!

There are all kinds of domesticated pets to choose from. Maybe you’re a dog or cat person, or maybe you’re a bird, rabbit, bearded dragon, or hermit crab person. Seeking out the animal companion that brings you joy is an incredibly personal journey. No matter the species, breed, or gender, every animal has a disposition and temperament worth getting to know. Even people who have had many pets over the course of a lifetime confess that they’ve only had a truly special connection once or twice. You deserve that kind of connection too, so it’s imperative that you set yourself up for success by doing your homework ahead of time.

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Living

Tips for Taking Care of Your Senior Dog

Indy Summers — Tue, 12 Jan 2021 23:40:17 +0000

When you’re taking care of a dog who’s getting older, you have to be extra attentive to his or her health. Senior dogs are at a greater risk for a variety of different health conditions, and they may begin to experience age-related mobility impairments. Here are some tips on how you can help your senior dog stay happy and healthy.

Go to the Veterinarian for Wellness Exams

Senior dogs generally need to see the veterinarian for a wellness exam more frequently than once per year. Ask your veterinarian how often you should bring your dog in to be examined. During a wellness exam, a doctor will be able to detect and diagnose health conditions as early as possible. The sooner a condition is diagnosed, the easier it will be to treat. Your veterinarian may order routine lab work every six months depending on your dog’s overall health and whether he or she has a chronic condition.

Help Your Dog Get to His or Her Favorite Places

If your dog likes to sleep in your bed or hang out with you on the couch, he or she may eventually begin to have a little difficulty jumping up and down. As dogs get older, they may begin to feel discomfort from osteoarthritis. Some physical activities such as jumping may be harder. When you notice your dog starting to have trouble jumping or showing some reluctance to hop on or off of furniture, consider getting a pet ramp. A small ramp will help your dog get to his or her favorite spot next to you.

Treat Inflammation Naturally

Moving a little slower tends to be a common indication of inflammation from osteoarthritis. CBD oil for dogs is an excellent all-natural way to help address chronic inflammation. This compound interacts with dog’s endocannabinoid receptors to quell neurotransmitters perception of pain. When you begin giving your dog this supplement, you may notice that he or she appears to be more comfortable and has an increased level of interest in physical activity or playing.

Keep Your Dog Moving

While your dog may have more difficulty getting around in his or her senior years, it’s important that you help him or her maintain good levels of exercise. Staying mobile will help your dog maintain good joint function and muscle tone. Be sure to get in a good amount of walking, but let your dog go at his or her own pace. Playtime at home is another good way to help your dog stay active, and it may help your dog stay stimulated.

Monitor Your Dog’s Oral Health

Much like people, senior dogs may be a little more vulnerable to tooth decay. Try to brush your dog’s teeth with a toothbrush and toothpaste that’s designed for dogs. Don’t use oral care products that are meant for people. If your dog doesn’t like to sit still while you brush his or her teeth, try offering treats as an incentive for staying put. You can also give your dog dental treats which help to remove plaque. They have a porous texture that gently removes plaque from teeth and the gum line as your dog chews on them.

Help Your Dog Stay Hydrated

Hydration is essential to every part of your dog’s physical well-being. You should make it a point to change your dog’s water several times throughout the day. Dogs can smell when water has been sitting out for a long time, and they’re generally not very interested in drinking stagnant water unless they’re extremely thirsty. Every time that you refresh your own drink, you should refresh your dog’s water bowl as well. Be sure to clean the bowl thoroughly every day to eliminate any type of bacteria.

A little extra attention to your dog’s comfort will enable him or her to continue enjoying a great quality of life. Be conscientious about mobility problems and medical care so your senior dog stays happy and healthy in his or her golden years.

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Living

The Benefits of a Dog-Friendly Workplace

Jennifer Madsen — Mon, 20 May 2019 23:50:55 +0000

A 30-second microbreak increases employees’ productivity by 13%. A 15-second break from staring at a computer screen every ten minutes reduces fatigue by 50%. Yet despite this, it’s often difficult to get employees to take their breaks. Whether it’s pressure to meet their deadlines or a hesitancy to break their rhythm, not taking those breaks can lead an employee to get burned out. Yet petting, hugging, or giving a treat to a happy dog can instantly calm and soothe a stressed or anxious employee and trick them into taking their breaks.

Bring Your Dog To Work Day

Whether it is one day a week or every day of the year, many of the fastest growing companies contribute their success to unconventional workplaces and happy staff. There are more than 1,000 dogs on any given day at Amazon’s Seattle headquarters. Almost half of the employees who bring their dogs into work are reportedly more productive. Call it a happy distraction. Having a furry friend at work can reduce stress, release endorphins, increase social activity, and recruit top talent. Most consumers view dog-friendly companies and dog-friendly atmospheres more positively. And as a result, such companies attract more talent. As stated in Google’s code of conduct, “Google’s affection for our canine friends is an integral facet of our corporate culture.”

Building A Canine Culture

Research reveals when a company promotes a positive work environment built less on traditional structure with more human-centric values they outperform their competitors. So not only do cortisol levels drop in the workplace when a dog is present, but there’s also an increase in productivity and innovation. This can be partly attributed to employees being healthier mentally and physically, through encouraging breaks and getting their blood moving taking the pooch for a walk. Their mind is more clear and refreshed when coming back to their tasks. It’s not only better for the human, it’s also better for the dog. Dogs are pack animals and frequently suffer separation anxiety when their owners are away. This can lead to destructive behavior at home from chewing things up to excessive howling. Bringing the dog to work solves all those problems at home.

It’s hard to argue with the benefits of contagious happiness.

Work cultures are adapting to a more connective and flexible model and deviating away from the traditional workplace. Whether it is an open-air undivided office or a company that has an on-premise masseuse, these models attract and generate top talent. Besides, what could be better than a dog dropping a squeaky chew toy at your feet and begging for a treat just as you’re digging your way out of your inbox. What more can you say other than, “Good boy.”

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Prosper

Cold Weather is Ruff on Dog Paws - Give a Pawdicure

The Green Divas — Fri, 09 Feb 2018 00:54:58 +0000

Happiness is a warm puppy. ~ Charles M. Schulz

Our sweet Gracie loves to romp in the snow, but winter is rough on dog paws, and much like human skin, their pads will get dry and cracked from exposure to cold and snow and wet cement. But in case you didn’t know, all the stuff we use to minimize ice for our safety can be extremely hazardous to dogs.

Did you know that dogs can actually be poisoned by rock salt and chemical de-icers, and in some cases can actually die!? Holy Moly!

Keep in mind, it is one thing for the dog to have issues with dry, irritated paws, but if they get salt or chemicals in their pads that are irritating, they will lick them and work to remove the irritant, thus ingesting some of it.

Symptoms of rock salt poisoning in a dog:

burns to mouth
dehydration
liver and kidney failure
pancreatitis

Symptoms of antifreeze (chemical deicer) poisoning in a dog:

sudden lack of coordination
very thirsty and excessive urination
gastrointestinal irritation
coma
seizures
death

Ok. Let’s quickly move on to things we can do to help reduce the danger and the general irritation that winter can wreak on our poor woofs.

1. Stop using rock salt and chemical deicers in your own walkways and driveways!

There are pet-safe, non-toxic ice melt products like Safe Paw, which we’ve used…

or non-salt, traction granules to make icy surfaces less dangerous, but safe for woofs, kids, and the environment, like this EcoTraction made from volcanic rock …

2. Keep your dog’s paws groomed

It’s important to keep their paws well groomed as too much fur or claws that are too long can collect ice and/or rock salt or chemical deicers, which will prompt them to lick their paws after being outside.

3. Wipe their paws when they come inside

We keep an old towel by the door and wipe Gracie’s feet after she’s been outside for a walk or playing in the woods, especially if it is muddy or of course in these winter months.

4. Get booties for your dog?

Not for all dogs obviously, but if your dog will tolerate it…

4. Use a healing and protective salve to help protect paws

Before and after going out to play in the winter (or anytime really), make sure your dog’s paw pads are clean and well-groomed, then apply some protective salve. Apply again after wiping clean when you come in.

Here’s a 1 GD Minute video tutorial showing an easy-peasy recipe for making your own healing paw salve. We gave GD Gracie a pawdicure!

GD pawdicure salve recipe

what you need

2 8oz. containers (widemouth if possible)

1 cup beeswax pastilles
1/2 coconut oil
4 tablespoons shea butter
1/2 cup almond oil (can substitute olive oil or use 1/2 of each)
1/2 teaspoon vitamin E oil
20 drops essential oil (optional – we love lavender, but you can also use some oils that are bug repellent for summertime)

what to do

find a large mason jar or wide-mouthed glass container for creating double-boiler effect
use a medium saucepan
fill saucepan 1/3 with water and bring to boil
put jar in the water and lower heat a little
add beeswax pastilles and stir till melted (we used an old chopstick for stirring)
then add coconut oil and stir till blended
then add shea butter and stir till blended
then almond oil and stir
remove from heat, but before it cools…
add 1/2 teaspoon vitamin E oil
20 drops of essential oil of your choice (if you are using any)
stir completely
pour into your two containers and let stand till solid (doesn’t take that long, maybe half hour)
give your dog a pedicure!

Gracie was so happy after her first GD pawdicure, she presented my husband with his slippers when he came in the door that night…

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Living

Hidden Dangers for Your Pet: Ceramic Bowls

Lorraine LoBianco — Thu, 02 Apr 2015 10:00:00 +0000

We've all read about pets being killed by tainted food and treats. Recalls by manufacturers are becoming commonplace. I like to think that I'm a conscientious pet owner. I research ingredients and only feed my cat premium food, but I never gave her dishes a second thought. Turns out, I should have. I first noticed something was wrong when, while drinking water, Pawlie would go rigid and stare into space, making strange slurping sounds, as though she were sucking on her tongue. When she didn’t react to my waving my hand in front of her face, I became alarmed and called her name loudly.

This cat, who jumps at any noise, including when the air conditioner fan clicks on, didn’t even flinch at my shout.

I watched her over the next week, and sure enough, each time she drank, she zoned out. I realized this wasn't something I could let slide, so waited for her to go to her bowl and I took the photo you see above, then video recorded her as she slurped. The next day, she was at the vet. At our appointment, she happily inspected the room, rubbed against Dr. Rodriguez, and rolled around on the floor. He said she was in great shape. But when I pulled out my phone and showed him the video, his smile vanished. He quickly snatched Pawlie up, holding her so that her back legs hung down.

“Watch her back legs,” Dr. Rodriguez told me, as he touched Pawlie's legs against the side of the table. As the legs made contact, she instinctively brought them up. After repeating this a few times, he finally set Pawlie down, with a pat. “At first, I thought she might have lesions on her brain,” he said. “But she doesn’t have weakness in her back legs. Her behavior on that video was like being in a trance.” He asked if she drank out of a ceramic bowl made in China. I said she drank from a ceramic bowl, but didn’t know where it was from.

Dr. Rodriguez shook his head and said he’d been seeing this more and more with his patients. “They’re getting toxicity of the brain from imported Chinese ceramics. There’s something leaching into their bloodstream and going to their brains.”

I was reassured that if Pawlie only ate and drank from stainless steel bowls, the symptoms would clear up in about six weeks. However, I was taken back when he told me that after doing research, he got rid of all his Chinese-made dinnerware and bought European and American, because they are subjected to stricter standards.

When I got home, I went straight to the kitchen and, sure enough, Pawlie’s bowl was made in China. An Internet search turned up a lot of news articles about lead being found in the glazing of dinnerware and pottery made in China and Mexico; two of the largest exporters to the U.S. I searched for stainless steel pet bowls, and the news was no better. Only two weeks before, the Veterinary Practice News put out a release that Petco recalled three types of imported stainless steel bowls when U.S. customs found that they contained small amounts of Cobalt-60, which is radioactive. This wasn’t the first time stainless steel pet bowls were recalled – or radioactive metal consumer goods, for that matter. In 2009, Durapet recalled stainless steel bowls from India because they contained high levels of lead. In January 2012, Bed, Bath and Beyond recalled tissue boxes that were so radioactive, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency advised that 10 hours of being within one foot of the boxes was the equivalent of having a chest x-ray. In 2008, alarms went off at a recycling plant in Flint, Michigan, when a cheese grater, made in China, was found to be radioactive.

Why is this happening? A 2008 Los Angeles Times article revealed that improper recycling of medical scanners and industrial equipment caused them to end up in smelters. Once melted down, they became tissue boxes, cheese graters, pet bowls, and who knows what else.

I ended up buying American-made stainless steel bowls from Platinum Pets of Valencia, California. [Disclosure: evox has no relationship with Platinum Pets. I bought these on Amazon.] Their website says that their products are made in the USA and are food safe, do not contain toxic chemicals, are FDA compliant, E.U. certified, and have an unconditional guarantee. I can vouch for the guarantee; my first set was missing little rubber feet for the stand. Instead of sending me new rubber feet, they sent me an entire set of bowls and a new stand and told me to keep the old set. Two years later, the dishes had some issues, and the company, very concerned about product quality, stood by their lifetime guarantee and replaced them for free. That’s great customer service.

As for Pawlie, her symptoms went away in about seven weeks. That was enough for me; I sadly replaced my beloved Russel Wright Oneida reproduction dishware (made in China) with Fiestaware, which is made in America, and is lead-free. [Disclosure: evox has no relationship with Fiestaware. I bought them through Kohl's.] Maybe I was being overly cautious, but the vet's information, the many recalls in the news, and seeing my cat make a complete recovery was enough for me to make a change.

SOURCES:

Beware of Lead in Ceramic Kitchenware

Petco Recalls Radiation-Tainted Pet Food Bowls

Petco: Stainless Steel Bowl Notice

LA Times: Nuclear waste gets recycled into goods

Nuclear Risks at Bed, Bath & Beyond Show Dangers of Scrap

http://www.platinumpetsusa.com/index.php/about-us

https://www.fiestafactorydirect.com/t-faqdinnerware.aspx

healthy pet

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Living