Some Pieces of Advise on Dogs' Health

5 Things You Can Do to Provide a Better Quality of Life for Your Handicapped Dog

Jerry is a twelve year-old Labrador.  When his owners decided to get a dog, twelve years back, they were certain they wanted a Labrador because of its friendliness and charm, but never did they imagine they were adding such a joyful member to the family.

As they will confirm, Jerry chose them.  He was the shy one of the pack, or that was his strategy… the truth is that, he was so quiet and calm when they arrived at the shelter, that he was not noticed amid the chaos of little paws, wet tongues, and lovely barks of his brothers and sisters fighting to reach Olivia and Mike’s legs; until Olivia looked up and saw two shiny, timid eyes locked into hers.  That was it! 

Jerry arrived home that same day, and for twelve years he has loved and has been loved, he has learned and has taught, he has been happy and has given happiness to others. 

Jerry is now an old dog.  His hair is not what it used to be, his sight is blurring, and six months ago he started suffering from a serious case of arthritis.  He started slowing down and eventually was not able to hold his weight on his back legs.  Jerry is part of a family and everyone learned to provide the appropriate care for him, giving him the best quality of life possible in spite of his illness.

Here are five things Jerry’s owners learned about how to care for a handicapped dog.  As long as he is still cheerful, hungry, and doing pretty much everything he used to do, he can still have a happy life:

1.     Show him your love and devotion and treat him with respect.  After a lifetime together, and so many years of unconditional love a dog is able to give, there comes a time when it is you who has to show how much you care.  Even more than people, a dog can sense who loves him and cares for him, and this will instantly invigorate him.

2.     If you live in a two-story house and the dog is used to being upstairs, move him downstairs, but tending to his every need and making the environment attractive so that he doesn’t feel left out.  Some of your own activities may have to be moved downstairs to keep him company. 

3.     In the early stages of disease, make his environment comfortable and hazard-free to enable the use, for as long as possible, of the majority of his physical capabilities.  There are special steps to help him get out of the car or get off the bed without having to take a big jump that could damage his bones and joints faster.

4.     Do not deprive him of his beloved walks and quality time outside; it keeps him active and alive.  Instead, support him with an appropriate harness and help him maintain his pace and activity level for as long as possible.

5.     When he is no longer able to walk by himself, do not treat him like an invalid; instead, enable him to move as he used to.  Get him a wheelchair or special cart to support his body.  He won’t even notice it and will continue to be his old self for quite some time.

Find the best gadgets to help your handicapped dog.

Help Your Dog Fight Obesity with These Great Gadgets

Very much like humans, obesity in a dog is a serious condition that can cause numerous and life-threatening diseases.  Every dog’s body structure is designed to support a certain amount of weight, and when it goes over the limit, the whole structure and organs within it are at risk.

Luckily, it is easier to put dogs on a “regime”, as they do not suffer from the same procrastination and lack of motivation most humans experience.  And, although you have to be a part of this routine, you can make it easier on yourself by using one of these great gadgets:

1.     Dog Treadmill

You have no time or disposition to go out for a one-hour walk everyday with your dog but still recognize he needs it?  The dog treadmill is for you!  It allows your dog to perform the same level of exercise, or even more than he gets with a walk outside.  You can control the speed, distance, and time manually, or pre-set time and distance goals to keep him on a steady exercise routine.  It is perfect for very busy schedules and for days when the weather is not walk-friendly.  Now there is no excuse for your dog to be unhealthy because the outdoors are out of the question!   

2.     HyperDog Tennis Ball Launcher

This gadget is perfect to take with you to the park, on a family picnic, or enjoy in the privacy of your own backyard.  Instead of running around with your dog to keep him fit, just sit and enjoy your time reading a book or chatting with your loved ones while you throw your best friend some very challenging balls for him to pick up and bring back to you.  Of course, this demands your dog to be well-trained, that you have some very yummy and healthy treats to reward him with, and also, that you make sure you keep him within sight, as this gadget reaches distances of up to 50 yards or more.  It is designed to keep him busy, running, and burning calories, for a good while.

3.     FreeLeash Handsfree Dog Leash

Even if you do not have time to take your dog for his daily walk, you can invite him to join you on some of your daily activities with this leash. As it is an ergonomically designed waist adjustable system, it allows you to have your hands free to do other things while keeping your dog on a leash.  Maybe he can walk with you to pick up the mail, keep you company when you walk to the market, or even be your exercise partner; take him out with you for your weekly run, and he will most surely keep up with your pace!

Check out the coolest Pet Gadgets ever!

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