Most large dogs develop arthritis as they age. Although there are no miracle cures, much can be done to make our friends more comfortable and improve their lives.

First, give your pet a soft, comfortable place to sleep. Your dog’s bed should be as comfortable as your own. An old mattress or soft couch is excellent. Soft foam rubber at least four inches thick is good. Scout around for an old baby mattress. Whatever arrangement you use, it’s much easier for large dogs to get up and down if you raise the bed about a foot off the floor.

Take time for gentle, regular exercise. Once around the block two or three times a day is about right. Avoid strenuous activity and alternate exercise with little or none during the week.
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If you suffer from a flea infestation, there are several exceptionable things you are enduring. Most notably, you will find flea bites becoming common. Flea bites are small bites that intermit through the surface of the skin, and incline to cause moderate to serious itching. If you are allergic to fleas, a rash may develop and the bite itself can linger for several weeks. For pets, fur may fall out as the pet scratches at the bites, as well as the skin being damaged from the steady agitation. There are several ways to battle a flea infestation. First, you can treat your pets with products like Advantage and Front Line. These turn your pets into flea killers, as any flea that bites your pet is poisoned and killed. This will bring down the number of fleas that can breed in your home.

Once you have made sure your pets are treated, you can combat a flea infestation by using chemicals or by making use of dehumidifiers to prevent the larvae from hatching. Chemicals should not be used in homes with pets, as they can be toxic to animals. Dehumidifiers will greatly reduce the number of larvae that hatch, which helps to limit the infestation. All of these methods should be used while also taking the time to vacuum and keep your home clean. When you vacuum, bags should be disposed of immediately, as the bags can provide excellent homes for larvae to hatch.

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Recent research has suggested that higher levels of protein in your dogs diet could result in kidney failure. Do you know if what you are giving your dog is safe? Are you harming the health of your furry friend by giving too much protein in your dogs diet?
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