(ContentDesk) July 15, 2004 — Pet owners are checking the labels!More than 65 million U.S. households have pets, and maintaining a pet's health is among the greatest challenges to ownership. Pet owners spend upwards of $12 billion per year on veterinary care.

Now pet owners are going back to basics and checking label ingredients for harmful chemicals, fillers, antibiotics and steroids on the products they give their pets. A 2003 survey revealed 52% of pet owners are switching to all natural products for their pets.

The makers of Pawmax brand pet supplements hope to ease the burden of unexpected pet healthcare costs by announcing the launch of new products designed to promote a lifetime of health and wellness for your pet.

One recent survey reported that 84 percent of pet owners in the US consider their pets to be their "children". And, nearly 75 percent say they would be willing to spend what ever it takes for to protect their pets' well being.

Michael Rizzo, President and CEO Of Pawmax. Inc said: "Our mission is to help pets lead the healthiest and fullest life possible. A truly balanced and comprehensive health - wellness pet supplement did not exist, so Pawmax products were born.

Pawmax brand supplements contain only the highest quality non-toxic UPS human-grade ingredients, no fillers, antibiotics, steroids or fat. Before their release, Pawmax products were tested and endorsed by pet professionals as well as veterinarians and contain over 50 nutrients and ingredients essential to proper pet health and nutrition.

A product such as Pawmax has the ability to offer both, pet owners and Pet Professionals peace of mind."What is Pawmax? Pawmax is a chewable nutritional multi-vitamin and performance supplement for dogs of all ages, sizes and breeds.

Pawmax is the most complete dog health care supplement ever developed and is 100% safe and natural. Pawmax formula is Vet recommended for daily pet health and post surgical recovery support.

Mr Rizzo goes on to say: "When you give your dog Pawmax you will notice immediate results in their energy levels, mood enhancement and a general overall healthy glow".

The Pawmax formula is a high quality performance supplement for Competition and show dogs, Racing dogs, Breeding dogs, as well as geriatric dogs and puppies. So whether your dog is working or a household pet, Pawmax is essential for their health, wellness and happiness.

In conclusion Mr Rizzo Said: "Pawmax supplements are a win-win situation for Pet Professional's, for the public and for the pet.

The pet can receive a lifetime nutritional support he needs for health and wellness, Pet Professionals can do their job and feel good about it, and the people who own the pet can save the animal considerable pain and suffering by treating the cause of degenerative conditions not the problems that arise from them.

You can start your pet on the Pawmax daily program as young as 6 weeks of age. Pawmax brand supplements offer pet owners a considerable advantage against unanticipated vet costs that arise from poor health due to improper nutritional support".

For product information:Visit our website, www.Pawmax .comCall toll free in the US 1-888-417-0994

Or Write To:Pawmax133 Railroad Avenue #65Hamlin NY 14464

In the last two years we have spent quite a bit on sick dogs. We feed them a top-quality dog food, give them plenty of exercise, provide them with air conditioning in the summer and a warm house in the winter, and still there are times when an unexpected trip to the vet occurs.

It's those unexpected trips that cost a lot of money. A blood test at our vet is $110, and that is usually the first thing our vet suggests in order to find out what is wrong. An X-ray is $95, and that is often the second thing.

Since dogs get sick even when they get the best of care (especially as they age), one thing that can save you money is to purchase insurance for your dog.

Dog health insurance plans come in 3 main options:

The value of the claim for each condition or event is capped;

The total annual payout cannot exceed a set amount;

The payout per condition is limited and ceases to cover your pet after twelve months of treatment. This is the cheapest option.

Virtually all pet insurance policies will pay out if your pet dies. As with other types of insurance, you will have to pay an excess if you make a claim.

The cost of the policy depends on which type of policy you want, how much excess you are prepared to pay, the kind of pet you have, its breed (rare breeds are more expensive), its age and even your postal code can make a difference to the premium.
The cheapest insurance is directed at young dogs, and seeing as most can be insured from 8 weeks old and you can then continue insurance for its lifespan, that's the best way to go. If your dog is already 8 or 9 years old when you decide to get it insured, it may be difficult to get worthwhile cover.

This is mainly because the exclusions will list existing health conditions, and at that age, it is likely that your pet will have some known conditions. In any case, at that age a new policy will be more costly.

There are a few ways to lower the premiums - some insurers will discount insurance if your dog has an identity chip, and if you are insuring more than one dog, you will be able to get a quantity discount. These are widely available for your second and subsequent insured dogs.

We love our dogs and don't mind spending money on them for medical needs. But why not get insurance so that these unexpected trips to the vet do not empty our bank account?

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by:Paul Kleinmeulman

3 Tips For Dealing With Dog Emergencies
by Paul Kleinmeulman
Have you ever thought about what you need to do should your dog or another dog ever suffer a serious, life-threatening injury? What if they have a severe allergy to an insect bite or a bee sting? It is great to know your vet's phone number, but what if something happens during off hours?What if you don't know where the closest emergency animal clinic is located?Augh! Enough with the questions already, right? Any emergency is stressful and scary, and one involving that furry little four-legged member of your family is no exception. The toughest of owners can be instantly reduced to helpless balls of mush if something is wrong with their dogs and they can't figure out what to do.

1. Preparation is key.

The key to getting through a veterinary emergency is preparation. You may think you have that covered with a first aid kit and having the phone number to your vet handy, but what if there isn't enough time to move your dog? You need to be well-versed in some of the more common animal emergencies just in case a situation ever arises. And hey, if a situation never arises, you'll still feel more confident knowing that you have the ability to deal with one.

2. Know how to care for wounds.

Did you know that you shouldn't use hydrogen peroxide on a bleeding wound? Nope. It slows clotting to the area, which means your dog could actually lose more blood than he would if you didn't use the peroxide at all. In fact, the best way to treat a deep, severely bleeding wound is to apply a clean cloth and hold it in place for five minutes, then tape the cloth to the wound. That original cloth should never be removed that also slows clotting and should instead be layered with more clean cloths if blood soaks through.

3. Know what to do about poisoning.

Did you know that certain varieties of toads, salamanders, newts, and other amphibians are poisonous if licked? Hey, guess who loves to hold little woodland critters in his mouth! Your dog. If you notice your pup drooling, whining, and wiping at his mouth after a trip into the forest, get him to a clean water source and rinse his mouth thoroughly. While the poison can be fatal if left in the mouth, it is fairly easy to cleanse from the tongue and glands.

Now imagine all of the scenarios that can happen to your dog, from fractured limbs to choking and everything in between. Do you really want to risk not knowing how to handle them?

You don't have to anymore, since I've written Secrets to a Healthy and Happy Pooch to help you learn how to cope with nearly any emergency as well as have the basis for handling all of the everyday and lifelong problems and situations you'll face with your dog.

From choosing toys to cancer and everything in between, it is all in the book as well as how to create the most effective first aid kit and handle the most common emergencies. Listen, even the most experienced dog owner needs a little help and advice now and then. Secrets to a Healthy and Happy Pooch is that constant source of help and advice.

Paul Kleinmeulman http://www.DogNatural.com If you a looking for a an informative book dealing with everything to do with dog health than you can't go past "Secrets to a Happy and Healthy Pooch." We highly recommend it:

http://Health.DogNatural.com

This is a "Shareware" Article
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This article is shareware. Give this article away for free on your site, or include it as part of any paid package as long as the entire article is left intact including this notice. Copyright 2004 Paul Kleinmeulman.

Commercial Dog Food Intredients - Bad For Your Dog! 21 Aug 2006 at 1:43pm by larry http://spoiled-mutts.com Ingredients in some dog food may surprise you By STACY SMITH SEGOVIA The Leaf-Chronicle If you ever stop to think about what's in your pet's food, you'll wish you hadn't. Chicken heads and diseased slaughterhouse animals are common ingredients. Euthanized pets and their minced flea collars, restaurant grease and bovine tumors are less-common ingredients, but they are out there. Laura Blanz, owner of Total Canine Care in Clarksville, says labs have found phenobarbitol (the chemical used to euthanize animals) in some pet foods, left over from the euthanized animals used to make the food. "The vast majority of pet food produced in this country is made with what we would consider to be poor-quality ingredients," Nancy Kerns writes in the February 2006 issue of The Whole Dog Journal. Kerns goes on to explain that nutritionists are beginning to advocate more varied diets, with numerous sources of nutrients, for most captive animals. The Whole Dog Journal, available at Total Canine Care, lists 48 dry dog foods and 32 wet dog foods that are "approved" by the journal's standards. The approved foods contain no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. They contain no animal byproducts or sugar. A high-quality protein source, such as whole meat, poultry or fish, should be one of the first ingredients listed. Reading the labels on your pet food is the first step in determining whether the food meets your standards. Equally important is your pet's health while eating the food. Stop feeding any food that leaves your pet itchy, lethargic, with dull eyes or coat. Health foods for pets are a growing industry, with popular brands like Newman's Own introducing pet food lines. In general, the higher the quality of the ingredients, the more expensive a food will be. The Whole Dog Journal has some advice for concerned dog owners that applies equally well to cat owners: Look for foods containing whole meats, vegetables and grains. Remember that the more ingredients a food contains (barring the vitamins and minerals), the less of each ingredient the food contains. Expect to pay dearly for quality. Buy foods that suit your dog. Stop feeding your dog a food if he exhibits signs of illness. Get him to a vet, and contact the maker with the date-code from the bag. If cheapest and easiest have been your top criteria for pet food, you may find your pet's nutrition is getting shortchanged. If you decide to make a change, do so gradually. Veterinarian Dr. Robert Goldstein offers three steps to getting your pet on a healthier diet. First, switch to an all-natural dry food as a complement to your pet's current diet. Second, add steamed or pulverized vegetables and oil to the dry food. Third, add human-grade meats or a pre-made raw food mixture. Erin Johnson feeds her two dogs Dr. Harvey's Canine Health, an expensive premix she must cook for eight minutes, then add cooked meat to complete the meal. She says she understands it's not practical for most people to invest that kind of time and money into feeding their pets. "Some people have to feed their dogs dry foods — they have two kids, a job, the P.T.A.," she says. "But you can do it without going over the top." Johnson says she saw the biggest improvements in her dogs' health after switching them to a high-quality dry food. That falls right in line with Goldstein's recommendations and is infinitely more doable for most people. Stacy Smith Segovia is a features writer for The Leaf-Chronicle. __________________________________ Lare says; why go to all that trouble and expense? You can prepare the healthiest meals anywhere yourself by making your own natural dog food AND you will know EXACTLY what is in it. You want your dog to live a long and healthy life don't you? Then take care of him, spend a little time preparing healthy, life giving natural dog food he will enjoy and you will be comfortable in the knowledge that you are doing the very best for your dog. __________________________________ —————————————- By; Lare Parsons Author/writer with more than 30 years raising & caring for multiple dog breeds. http://spoiled-mutts.com/