The Hurbicide Guru

The quality and source of the meat that you are planning on using for your hog roast is very essential, this is the first of a few points that you should consider when considering about hosting a hog roast. Secondly, there are many companies and businesses that you can use that will supply everything you need to host a hog roast including the whole hog, this can and will minimise the amount of stress that you will have to endure on the day. The internet is a perfect and really easy way to find a high quality hog roasting company, the websites that are most usable are the internet directories as they will provide a list of complementary websites and it makes your decision a whole lot less time consuming. Nevertheless when you actually chose the business that you are going to use you should pick one that provides everything that you will need. This includes the animal you want to roast, all the cooking equipment, a chef for the day and sides such as rolls, salads and sauces. Hog roasting has been around for hundreds and hundreds of years in England and is once again becoming the favourite method of preparing a whole animal for large numbers of people.This medieval style of cooking adds a massive amount of the drama and spectacle to a normally dull catering event and is easily one of the most jaw dropping ways of preparing food for large numbers of people.

Just as with you and I, your pets age is a consideration that must be thought about as your dog matures. It is easy to overlook, especially if your dog is in its prime, however, your aging animal has new needs that must be met just as with any other aging animal or human being.

A change in lifestyle, preventive measures and lots of love can help your dog in its journey from prime time to down time. First, just how old is your dog - really?

Depending on the breed and size, your pet may have a life expectancy from around eight years (for most of the giant breeds) to fourteen or more (for the toy/smaller breeds). Keep in mind that these are only approximations- your pet, depending on its health and quality of life could live longer (or shorter) than these figures. Most dogs fall anywhere between these two.

Additionally, your dog will begin to show signs of aging based on its quality of life, condition of health, size, breed and hereditary considerations. Medium sized dogs,such as spaniels, may begin to show signs of aging around 7 or 8 years of age. Giant breeds may do this as early as 5 or 6 while small/toy breeds may wait around until 9 or so. Again, remember these figures are approximations.

It seems that in many dogs, work is one key to living a long and full life. Most dogs recorded for living long periods of time were working animals- active herding dogs, movie stars/ actors, or involved in other types of mental and physical stimulation. This above all seems to be a key factor in helping your dog live to a point closer to its true life expectancy- and in a way of better and fuller health.

In a mixed breed animal, age is harder to predict, but an active knowledge of their background or size does help in predicting this figure.

Changes in dietary requirements, an understanding of potential diseases and of your dogs potential needs is your best defense in helping your dog in this time of change. Many things may hamper your dog from play or simple day to day activities as it ages. Arthritis is just one example. Also, as with humans, dogs will tire and slow down much faster as they age which leads to one of the most common mistakes people make with their aging pets- OVER FEEDING.

Just how this happens can be quite easy. The pet teaches its human to feed it by begging, looking cute, doing a favorite trick, etc. until the owner gives in. Over time this added caloric intake can take its toll and result in extra weight. This is one of the major areas that can cause health problems as the dog grows older.

To detect if your dog is overweight simply run your hands down the animals sides. If you can easily feel the ribs and there is a degree of tapering near the dogs mid section (just in front of the hind legs) your pet is probably not overweight. If you are unable to feel the ribs and there is to tuck up, chances are your dog is overweight. Your vet can offer you ways to alter your dogs diet if it is too heavy or can answer any other questions you may have concerning your pet and obesity.

Exercise is an invaluable component for any type of weight loss- for animals or humans. Initiate play with your pet. Encourage it to play catch, fetch or whatever games you played with it when it was younger. Even walking your dog can be quite beneficial- for both you and your pet. Remember not to overdo it, however. If your dog begins to pant heavily, allow it to rest. Some animals, like children, dont know when to stop once they begin to play.

THINGS TO LOOK FOR:

If your dog shows any of the following symptoms:

Clouding of the eyes(beware the whitish, hazy discolorations)

OR

New lumps underneath, or on top of, the skin

OR

Troubled breathing/ extensive coughing

OR

Has problems eating hard foods/ bad breath

OR

Shows signs of controlling its urinary capabilities

OR

Has problems of stiffness/ lameness in getting up(especially after sleeping)

IS

Unresponsive to verbal commands or you calling its name

Consult your vet

The benefits of a healthy and fit dog highly outweigh that of an unfit animal. First, the risk of getting heart disease or other health problems such as diabetes, is much lower. Also, with early prevention, many age related health problems can be averted. Consult your vet with any questions or at the first sign of any health problems concerning your animals.

Food and water bowls are something all pet needs, however not all food bowl and water bowls are the same. Some products are designed specifically for health and/or age issues while others are created solely for their artistic design. A few questions you should ask yourself prior to purchasing these items are as follows:

• Do I want to use separate bowls or a feeder-unit?

• Does my lifestyle require that I provide my pet with an automatic feeder?

• Does my pet have a medical or age related condition that requires elevated feeders?

• While traveling, will I also take my pet?
Being fed is often one of the most important moments in your pets day! Being able to answer the questions above, as well as any others will ensure that you pick a food and water product that best fits you and your pets lifestyle.

Automatic Feeders

Automatic feeders employ the help of gravity or electronics to dish out food and water for your pet. Generally, these products allow for a much larger storage amount than single bowls or dishes. Ideal for those whose schedules require them to be away while their pets are feeding, or for individuals who simply want to spend less time filling their pets food and water bowls. Gravity-style products, such as the LeBistro are excellent for pets who are allowed unrestricted access to their food. These products easily store several days worth of food and water, plus they are specially treated to reduce the risk of bacteria that may form on traditional styles of bowls and feeders. The FreshFlow Pet Fountain, circulates water continuously through carbon filters, allowing it to help keep your dog’s water cooler and fresher while the running water minimizes bacterial growth.

Dishes/Bowls

Stainless steel bowls are generally the most popular style of bowls for food and water. Also, they come strongly recommended by many veterinarians. Mainly because stainless bowls decrease your pet’s exposure to harmful plastic or dyes, while lasting an extremely long time, and their construction keeps them from maintaining harmful bacteria. These bowls are easily washed either by hand or in the dishwasher. Ceramic dishes are a great choose for pet parents who like to make statements of their own personal style with pet’s bowls, or those who like to warm their pet’s food in the microwave. Many ceramic bowls are dishwasher and microwave safe. Due to its durability, plastic is also another popular choice in pet bowls. Many of these can be washed in the dishwasher as well.
If you have a dog like mine, for some reason he loves to have both front paws in his dish while he slurps away. We’ve found that by choosing a bowl that is higher than most, we can limit or stop his “hand-washing” as we call it, while drinking his water. In general, you will need to choose bowls base on the amount of time you spend with your dog, their capacity (if you can trust them), as well as for aesthetic reasons.

Elevated Feeders

Many Veterinarians recommend elevated feeders for dogs because of several advantages these types of feeders offer. If general hygiene or dish area cleanliness is a concern, these feeders may be right for you. They also provide additional comfort for dogs and cats with arthritis, neck, or back problems. Elevated feeders are highly recommended for pets with megaesophagus or other conditions that make swallowing difficult.
In general, elevated feeders and waterers keep feeding areas cleaner. Keeping your pets food or water in the bowl and off your floor. Also, these style feeders keep pets from playing in their water bowls, which can lead to frustration. While drinking, dogs typically lift their heads to finish drinking. In doing so, this often leads to large amounts of water dripping out of their mouths, onto the floor. Due to this, moisture could possibly get under your floor, ruining it. Also, these feeders greatly reduce the chance of water or unseen food molding underneath the bowl(s), which can cause bacteria to grow, as well as many other unsafe environmental concerns for you and your pet. Using an elevated feeder, your dogs especially will not have to arch their heads back as far, facilitating a cleanlier eating area, mainly because any such “run-off” from your pet tends to drip back into their bowl!

Travel Bowls

Whether far from home or just relaxing at the local park, there are great bowls for your pet while traveling. With a space-saving design, the collapsible Port-A-Bowl uses a waterproof lining which can fold nearly flat when packing. The Water Hole has a non-tip design with a wide lip around its rim to prevent spilling. The Water Hole’s design makes it excellent for use inside your car.
Great selection at rock bottom prices! At Dog.com, you’re sure to find what bowl fits you and your pet’s lifestyle!

Mike Steele

http://www.dog.com