Liver Function In Our Gordon Setters

Luckily, liver disease is not something that you see a lot of in Gordon's. It's not something they are pron to. But it can be a serious problem, if your dog gets it and you don't realize what is happening.

The liver plays a vital role in removing toxic substances from your dogs blood, digests and converts nutrients,  and provides storage for vitamins and minerals. Much like our own liver.
A poor diet can cause problems, and a good diet can prevent these problems. Acetaminophen can damage the liver. NEVER give that to your dog. Use low dose aspirin, such as the 81 mg. for children.

Signs of Liver Disease:

poor appetite

weight loss

jaundice

increased thirst

vomiting and or diarrhea

changes in behavior

excessive drooling

If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, see your vet for a diagnosis.

Information obtained from WWW.HillsPet.com

Survey:What Do You Feed Your Dog? Dry, Canned, Fresh, or HomeMade?

 So I'm wondering, what do you feed your bird dog? Or, what do you feed any dog you have?? There are so many dog foods out there to choose from. Some come in cans, some in dry form, like we use, some people actually make their own home made food, and then there is refrigerated foods prepared with natural ingredients and fortified with vitamins and minerals. It's hard to know what is really good for your dog. The proof is in the pudding!

So lets see which type is more popular. Tell me what kind you use, and if there is a particular reason you chose that type food or at least what you like about it.

 



 No matter what kind of dog you have, tell us the breed and age, and their name too.

         And we'll just see which is most popular!

Idea's For Homemade Dog Food

Have you ever thought about making your own home made dog food? It requires a certain knowledge of the proper ingredients and the percentages of fat, protein, and vitamins to meet the nutritional needs of your dog. This can be a little tricky.

One of my favorite recipe websites,  Allrecipes.com  (for humane food) asked their readers to send in their best recipes for home made dog food. There are several recipes for food and cookies, and even one for a birthday cake! There are comments and ideas from experts on how to round out these recipes to meet 100% of your dogs nutritional needs.

Remember to always consult your Veterinarian  before changing your dogs diet, and especially with food that you are preparing yourself at home. You can create more problems, than good, if you leave out the essential nutrients.  

For specific recipes go to Allrecipes.com

Other sites that have home made recipes: 

Ilovedogs.com

                   The-puppy-dog-place.com

                   All-natural-dog-food-treat.com

Blue Dog Bakery - Best Cookies in Town!....So Says My Dog!

Ahhhhh....little animal shapes and hearts!



Ever heard of Blue Dog Bakery? If not, you've got to check them out. They make peanut butter and molasses cookies for your dog. The cookies are all natural ingredients, no preservatives or artificial flavorings and colors. I know what every ingredient is. I like that. A lot.

And the best part is that they are made in the good ole U.S.A.! The company is based in Seattle and has been in business since 1998. Walmart sells them for only $3.77 a box. Good deal for such a good product. You can also order them from http://www.bluedogbakery.com/index.

I can't say personally, of course, but I have it straight from the dogs mouth........yum yum yum yum yum yum yum!

For more info on Blue Dog Bakery  http://www.bluedogbakery.com/index

Gordons like Veggies too

I was a little surprised to find out that my Gordon "Happy" likes cucumbers and raw potatoes. I don't know why I was so surprised, they put veggies in dog food and he likes that. Since then, I've tried various veggies and fruit, like; tomatoes, apples, bananas, and green beans. He ate them all. When I am cutting on my cutting board, he comes to the kitchen and sits and waits for me to offer him something. I accept the opportunity to give him something fresh and healthy. He thinks he's getting a special treat. HE IS! (Stay away from Grapes and Onions they are deadly to your dog.)

posted by Karen Thomason on Jul 9 10:48 PM

Food That's Bad for Your Gordon Setter

Onions are bad for dogs and should never be given to them. Chocolate is another BIG no no, along with grapes and raisins. All of these foods can make your dog ill and possibly kill them if they ingest enough. I have heard stories of puppies dying from eating chocolate. Make sure your children know not to give their puppy chocolate, as well. There are plenty of doggie treats out there that are made for DOGs. They come is lots of sizes, shapes, and flavors. We recommend you stick with these......8/6/09....NEW INFO: I've been informed that macadamia nuts are also bad for our Gordons, so add it to the list! Thanks Art!

posted by Karen Thomason on Jun 28 1:54 PM