Puppies, like babies, need food specifically designed to meet their nutritional needs. Just as adults do not eat the same food as babies, puppies cannot be fed on adult dog food. Puppies grown at a phenomenal rate and their diet needs to be focused on giving them the nutrients they need to boost their physical development into adult animals. Puppies also have smaller stomachs, so puppy food needs to be given at more frequent intervals but in smaller portions to prevent stretching their stomachs.

Chicken, rice and corn-based foods suit most puppies and give them the specific dietary requirements they need. Protein is a basic necessity for fast-growing puppies. This aids their physical and muscle development to promote an athletic and healthy adult body. They also need calcium and phosphorus to promote ultimate bone strength, and carbohydrates and fats are also essential for growth. Puppies need to eat between two and four times as much as adult dogs to keep up with their development, and their food needs to give them the energy they need to grow.

Types of Puppy Food

There are a host of different foods on the market specifically designed for growing puppies to ensure they get a healthy balanced diet. You can chose from dry complete diets, semi-moist or tinned food and with or without biscuit mixes. Royal Canin puppy food also features different types for different breeds of dog, such as daschunds, boxers, Chihuahuas or bulldogs. The Purina dog food brand has also developed a range of special puppy formulas, designed for different breeds and sizes of dog, to give each breed the desired balance of ingredients.

Puppy food available on the general market includes all the proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals your dog requires for a balanced diet. This means you should not need to give your puppy any additional vitamins.

Puppy foods are generally created specifically to make sure they contain the essential balance of those vital ingredients to aid your dog’s growth. Buying commercial puppy food means you can be sure your dog is receiving the nutrients it needs in the correct amounts.

With the number of families owning a dog rising year on year, combined with a huge increase in the proportion of households where all adult members go out to work, there has been a sharp rise in the number of establishments offering doggy daycare to help fill the gap in the gaps in dogs’ daily care.

Some people simply leave their dog in a large dog cage to allow him to get some exercise in a secure environment while others employ a dog walker who comes around to the house once per day to take their dog for a long walk.  However, if you are looking for more wrap around care for your pet then by far your best option is dog daycare.

A dog day care business will generally be found on the outskirts of towns where there is plenty of space on which to build their facilities.   These usually include a large, secure field in which dogs can run around freely and a building with pens where dogs can be shut in if necessary.  Quite often there will also be a dog kennel or two so that any dogs who are used to sleeping in them will feel quite at home.

The are many great benefits of doggy daycare.  Firstly, you can drop your dog off at the centre on your way to work or, for an extra charge, they will even come and collect him.  You can then be sure that he is getting human contact all day, rather than being left home alone, and lots of time socialising with other dogs.  He will be exercised, either by running around in a field or by being taken for a walk with some of the other dogs, and will be played with and stimulated.

There are also lots of little extras that you may not at first think of, such as that if he falls ill he will be taken straight to the vets.  The owners of the doggy day care will also often take dogs to their annual trips to the vets for their jabs too.  Also, should the weather suddenly turn cold or wet they can bring the dogs inside or put dog jackets on them.  Some establishments will even perform dog care routines such as grooming, nail clipping and bathing for a little extra cost.

If you are suffering from feelings of guilt every morning when you leave your dog whining with a hang dog expression then go on the internet and search out your nearest doggy daycare centre.

Having cats and dogs and other types of domestic pets has been popular with people for thousands of years.  They are known to help you de-stress, are loyal and loving and, if you own a dog, can help to keep you fit.  However, it is only in recent years that they have really started to be considered as one of the family and many have now become little pampered pets whose every need is seen to and whose comfort is considered as highly as the rest of the family.

Spoiling their pets comes in different forms for each family.  For some it involves giving them fresh foodstuffs to eat rather than tinned or dry pet food while others buy clothes such as dog sweaters or dog jackets to keep their pets warm and dry in the winter months.  How you decide to treat your pet is entirely up to you and, luckily, as with all new trends there have been numerous establishments set up on the internet to satisfy your every desire.

By searching out a pampered pets shop you will be able to see all the accessories available to buy.  Often these are designer articles with price labels to match but you shouldn’t be put off as there are also plenty of bargains out there.  The ultimate in pampering for most people is a luxury dog kennel.  These tend to be very large with several rooms, windows, large beds and sometimes even a front porch on which the dog can lie and watch the sun set!  It is even possible to buy a doggie spa pool for next to his kennel where he can soak away the stresses and strains of his day.

For some people it is not just about pampering their pet when they are at home with them, they even want them to be looked after to the highest standards when they leave to go on vacation.  These owners consider a standard cat or dog boarding kennels to be too harsh for their pampered pet and so instead employ the services of a pampered pets hotel.  Though similar in many ways to a normal kennels or cattery the runs are much larger, the animals get a lot more individual human contact and there are regular treats given out during the day.  On top of this you can book extra pampering for your pet such as grooming and clipping, a dip in a hydrotherapy pool or extra individual play time with a member of staff.

So, if you consider your pet’s needs above your own then don’t worry, their every whim can be catered for by looking online.

Now that so many people go out to work during the week there are many dogs who are left out in yards or dog pens during the daytime.  This, of course, is great for reducing boredom and allowing your dog to get some exercise and to play in a large space but it is not so great when he wants to get a bit of sleep.  A dog who is used to sleeping in a basket indoors won’t be completely comfortable just lying on the ground outside.  The answer to this is to buy an outdoor dog bed for him.

These beds are specially designed to be used outside in all weathers and many are not just suitable for dogs who are out during the day but also for those who sleep out in a dog kennel at night.  There are two main types of this sort of bed: waterproof dog beds and raised dog beds.

A waterproof dog bed is one which has a special nylon cover which is totally water resistant.  This means that it doesn’t matter if it gets rained on or if a wet dog lies on it as the water cannot soak through and ruin the cushion inside.  This will save you a lot of money as once the stuffing in a bed gets wet it soon starts to clump together, harden and smell.  You can choose between a simple mattress style or a basket with removable cushion.  The baskets are also covered with the same material and so the whole lot is protected from water.

A raised dog bed is an aluminium frame with heavy duty waterproof fabric stretched over the top.   This type of outdoor dog bed has several advantages over the former type of bed.  One is that because they allow air to circulate around the whole bed it will dry much more quickly should it get rained on and the other is that, because it is not actually directly on the floor it stops the cold from creeping up into your dog and giving him a chill.

As you can see, both types of bed are very suitable for outdoor use though a raised bed is probably slightly better for a dog pen while a waterproof mattress is ideal for dog who sleep in wooden dog kennels as they are slightly more comfortable for longer periods of rest or sleep.

So, if you are fed up with replacing your dog’s bed because it’s got wet and soggy start looking into outdoor dog beds and all your problems will be solved.

Years ago giving your dog exercise was easy, you either opened your front door so that he could go out for a wander on his own or else you just went out for a walk with him, letting him roam as he wished.  However, with the huge increase in traffic in recent years it has simply become too dangerous, both for the dog and car drivers, to allow your dog out alone or even to let him walk with you but out of your control.  Not only that but if you let him out on his own he is likely to be reported as a stray and picked up to be taken to a dog kennel and then re-homed.  As well as the danger posed by traffic many non dog owners really dislike the idea of dogs who aren’t under the control of their owners as they feel that they pose a risk to their own safety.  Answers to this range from using harnesses to a small dog collar to keep your dog in check whilst out dog walking.

Of course there are dog collars available for all sizes and breeds of dogs but there are certain features of collars for small dogs which need to be considered if you own one of the tiny breeds such as a Terrier or a Chihuahua.

Firstly it is possible for even small dog collars to damage the neck and spine of a small dog if the owner pulls too hard and so the collar needs to be very fine and gentle.  Mostly they are made from nylon or leather as these materials are the least harsh.  The collars often have quick release, plastic fastenings so that if you do accidentally pull too hard the collar will simply come undone rather than cause harm.  Though some people bypass the use of collars altogether by buying puppy clothes with integral harnesses this is not actually necessary as long as you are careful about not pulling too hard on the leash.

One of the nice things is that even if they are very small it is still possible to buy stylish dog collars in tiny sizes.  They are often brightly coloured or have fancy patterns so that your little pet can look cool while out for a walk.

As you can see, buying a small dog collar will stop your dog from getting run over or from running off and getting lost.

In this day and age pets have become big business.  This is because people today tend to view them as an extension of their family and so they get many perks and treats that would never have been dreamt of in past years.  Animals are insured so that, should they become ill, the best health care can be provided.  Special diets are catered for by pet food suppliers so that everything from diabetic to aging animals are receiving only the best food that money can buy.

On top of this the number of pet accessories on the market is just staggering and stores can sell you anything from a luxury dog kennel to a dog life jacket for dogs that spend some of their time on a boat with their owners.   While some accessories are mere fripperies there are others which are extremely useful and one of these is a large dog harness.

If you own a breed of dog known for its large size, such as an Irish Wolfhound or a Great Dane then you may find that taking him or her for a walk can be a bit of a strain.  If your dog doesn’t have the manners to walk peacefully by your side then you probably get dragged along with the dog actually more in control than you are.  However, there is a solution to this problem.  Initially for little dogs such as terriers a small dog harness was designed to protect their backs and fragile neck bones however, someone then had the bright idea to try designing one for larger dogs.

Large dog harnesses give the control back to the owner because the straps fit over your dog’s chest putting you in a position where you can exert enough power to pull even a very large dog back.  This is because the weight of you pulling on the leash is spread over a much larger area of his body.

There are a variety of harnesses to choose from those which your dog stands over and then you lift it and clasp it over his back to a martingale style.  You can also choose between a leather or soft dog harness though leather is recommended for very large dogs as it is much stronger.  You can even get a dog harness for car which is designed to attach to the seat belt to keep your dog safely secured during journeys.

As you can see, a large dog harness is ideal for keeping control of a large dog when out for your daily walk.

For most people these days their pets have become part of the family and one of the side effects of this is that they are willing to spend quite considerable amounts of money to ensure their comfort and well being.  Of course we all know that cats require little in the way of treats and toys so people tend to spend their money on things such as cat kennels or a cat carrier.

Here we will discuss the types and benefits of owning a cat kennel.  Though traditionally people have used cat flaps as a way of ensuring that their beloved pet can escape the cold and wet of the winter months there are quite a few disadvantages to this.  Not the least of these is that they will put muddy footprints all over the floor and furniture.  On top of this a cat flap allows them to bring any mice or other animals that they have caught into your house where they can cause chaos by nibbling things and leaving droppings.

Outdoor cat kennels are designed to be of similar use to a dog kennel.  Giving your cat somewhere safe and quiet to sleep outside.  Of course they are much smaller in size and often have their own cat flap which will help keep out the wind and rain.  These kennels are generally made from plastic allowing them to be cleaned quickly and easily whenever required.  However, some people do use wooden kennels which have been designed for a small breed of dog such as a Chihuahua.

It is a good idea to site the kennel in quite a secluded area of your yard so that your cat can feel like she is slinking off to a secret area to hide.  Anywhere too out in the open and your cat will ignore it feeling that they are exposed to predators and the elements.

Another good use of these kennels is if you are putting your pet into a cat boarding kennels while you are away on vacation as you can take the kennel with you as a little piece of home to help her feel secure.

Though you may worry that it is not worth spending money on an item such as this in case your cat doesn’t use it you can often get cat kennels for sale in your local pet store at the end of each season.

The choice of beds available to buy for your pet is huge and which type you go for is mainly down to taste and personal preference.  Some people are quite happy with the cheap and easy to clean plastic basket style beds which can be found for sale in every pet store and supermarket while others prefer a memory foam dog bed or the style and looks of wicker dog beds.  Here we shall discuss the design and relative merits of the latter style of dog bed.

A lot of people think that wicker is a material when actually it is a type of construction.  Wicker involves having vertical canes which are then interwoven with more cane.  The frame is generally made from a much stronger, stiffer material than the woven parts. Ratten is the most popular type of material but bamboo, reed and even plastic baskets can also be found.  One of the great advantages of this type of dog basket is that the holes between the weave allow hair and dirt to fall through allowing them to be easily wiped up from the floor.

Other advantages of wicker dog beds are that they are bio-degradable, made from renewable resources and can be recycled – unless you get a plastic one of course!  Rattan is also very hardwearing and sturdy and yet also very light making it an ideal material from which to make dog beds.

Though all of the above mentioned features make these beds very desirable, the main reason that most owners buy one for their dogs is for their classy looks.  You don’t need to hide it away when visitors come as it will blend in nicely with your furniture.  Often people who own a very large dog kennel, more like a summer house than a dog home, will put a wicker dog bed in it to complete the luxurious look that they are after.

These beds are made to be resistant to chewing but you should always check carefully to make sure that there are no sharp edges or points sticking out which might hurt your pet.  Normally oval in shape it is easy to find a cushion or mattress that will fit into the basket making it lovely and comfortable for your dog.

So, if you are interested in designer dog beds that will blend in with the classy look of your house then you could do no better than take a look at different wicker dog beds.

If you are the owner of one of the many outsize dog breeds such as an Irish Wolf Hound or a Great Dane you may occasionally despair of the fact that it’s not always easy to find the dog accessories that you require for your pet.  Something as simple as a collar with a large diameter can take weeks of research to find and so something of an even more niche character such as large dog cages can be even harder to find.

They are hard to find because dog cages for big, powerful animals need extra design features that are not required for a standard cage.  For a start they need to have so much extra space to allow your dog the freedom to turn around, lie down at full stretch and stand up in comfort and this requires a lot more metal.  Secondly, that metal needs to be of a strong, reinforced nature as otherwise it runs the risk of being destroyed by any occupant who has the desire to chew on it or batter its sides.

However you don’t need to despair as, though it is more difficult to source this type of dog kennel it isn’t impossible by any means.  The best place to look is the internet as you can simply put in a search something along the lines of Extra Large Dog Cage and it will come up with a whole host of companies producing just what you are looking for.

Before you click ‘BUY’ make sure that you have measured your dog so you know exactly which size you need (the sites will often have a size guide to help you choose the correct one).  Also think carefully about which use you are going to put the cage to as there are a variety of different types.  Some people simply want a cage to put in the car to allow them to transport their dog safely from place to place, while others want one to put in the garden so that their dog has somewhere safe to be while they are out at work.  By and large these cages tend to be bigger as they need to be able to encompass a dog basket and some toys as well as the dog himself.

So, if you are a large dog breed owner don’t despair of ever finding yourself a large dog cage for your pet.  There are plenty out there if you search for them and many companies will even do free delivery.

If your dog spends his nights indoors then you have probably never given a thought to what would happen if you needed to put him outdoors to sleep.  It is not just a simple case of moving the kennel that he has always used in the kitchen out into the garden.  You will need to provide him with an insulated dog house to ensure that he doesn’t get hypothermia in the cold winter weather.

Wooden dog kennels are the most naturally insulated dog kennel as wood is a warm material.  Not only this but it is a simple matter to increase their level of warmth even further.  First tack some insulating felt to the walls and ceiling and then place a layer of chipboard over the top of this, keeping it securely nailed in place.  Some people also add false floors to their dog kennel to give a further layer of warmth beneath the dog as the cold can seep in from the ground below.

If you are building the kennel from scratch then you can make sure that your dog is particularly snug by using insulated dog house plans.  These are easy to find on the internet and are totally free of charge to use.

Though wooden kennels are the most well known type of insulated dog kennels there are also plastic kennels which have been designed specifically with outdoor use in mind.  These are a relatively new idea which is rapidly catching on.  Produced with a raised floor and a layer of insulating foam between the outer and inner shell these features, as well as a cat flap style front door, make them a great contender when considering which kennel to buy.  They also have the added advantages of being easier to clean than wooden dog houses and not needing wood treatment each year to stop them from rotting.

Of course if you live somewhere that the temperature falls drastically at night then you might need more than insulation to keep your pet warm.  Luckily there are quite a few dog accessories on the market to help solve this problem.  Firstly, there are quite a few different items of clothing that can help your dog to maintain his body heat.  These range from pyjamas to dog sweaters and can be bought relatively cheaply online or at your local pet store.  As well as dog clothes there are heated dog beds, which maintain a regular temperature all day long.  The only issue with using one of these is that you will need an electricity supply to plug it into.

So, if your dog is whining and shivering in his dog house during the winter months then consider looking at insulated dog houses as a solution to your problem.