What You Need to Know About Feeding & Caring for Your Pet Poodle

Learn About Caring for & Feeding Your Pet Poodle to Keep it Healthy & Happy

Poodles are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world because they are very sweet and affectionate. They are also one of the most intelligent dogs, which makes training them quite easy. They are perfect companion dogs for apartment dwellers, shut-ins and even small kids as well as families. Poodles are often described as protective, active, fun loving and adorable.

Caring for a poodle requires paying attention to its needs to keep it healthy and happy. It needs to be in a stimulating environment that will allow it to play and be active. It also requires regular grooming, especially when it comes to trimming its hair, which can grow very fast. Brushing your pet poodle's hair should be part of the grooming routine, to prevent the hair from tangling. You can take your dog to a pet grooming center, but if your budget constrains you, you should learn to trim your pet's hair by yourself. With the right tools like clippers, brushes and combs, this is not really that difficult to do.

Although pet poodles live very long, active lives, they do have their share of dog health problems, which can become serious if not attended to promptly. Poodles should probably be taken to the vet for checkups more often than most dog breeds due to possible health problems. One of the most common poodle health problems is retinal atrophy, which can ultimately cause blindness. Some poodles may be vulnerable to Von Willebrand's Disease, a disease that affects the proteins in blood platelets. This disease causes the inability of the blood to clot normally, and can lead to excessive bleeding, hematoma, inflammation of tissues and extreme pain.

Standard poodles often suffer from hip dysphasia, an abnormality in the hip socket. They are also prone to excessive bloating, which can cause extreme gas pains due to the build up of stomach acids. Toy poodles are prone to having achondroplasia, a hardening of the leg bones due to their short legs.

Feeding a poodle requires giving it a proper diet with the right combination of vitamins and minerals. If possible you should make your pet poodles food at home. This way you know exactly what it is eating. You can use all type of meats for protein along with different vegetables. Some whole grains like oats are also good for your pet. Always buy the best ingredients you can afford when you make your pet's food. If you don't have the time or inclination to make food at home then you need to purchase the best food you can afford. Be sure to check the labels of the dog food brands that you buy, to make sure that the food you choose fulfills the daily nutritional average that your poodle needs.

Your pet poodle may also need vitamin and mineral supplements to help it maintain its health and ward off common dog infections and diseases. It is better to choose dog supplements that are made from natural products in order to avoid introducing toxic chemicals that may lead to side effects.

Exercise is vital for your pet poodles. You can help your dogs remain active by taking them out on frequent walks and giving them a chance to play with your kids or other dogs. Poodles are highly intelligent, so stimulating activities will be great for them. Even though poodles are one of the best breeds for apartment or shut-ins they still need exercise. Check to see if there is a dog park close by or make friends with someone who likes dogs and would walk or play with them.

These cuddly dogs crave a lot of attention and they can get very nervous when left alone or when they are in new, strange environments. Your pet poodle will thrive in peaceful surroundings and have someone to play with and fuss over them. Spend a lot of time taking care of your poodle, making sure that it receives the love and attention it needs. Doing so will definitely reap you the rewards of a loving and loyal friend who can bring much joy to your family.

If you are a pet owner or thinking about becoming one you should go to the website at Natural Pets Health to get more information on natural pets health foods, products & cures. You will also find general information such as the pros & cons of owning along with the caring for & feeding of all types of pets from dogs to snakes to fish to exotics.