With loads of energy and a sunny disposition, a Poodle makes a great family pet. But as with most dogs, in order for this unique breed to reach its full potential and maintain optimal health, there are some things you should know and be prepared to do including maintaining regular visits to your veterinarian.
The Use of Supplements: A Natural Rx for a Healthier Poodle
Supplements can play an important role in providing more of the necessary vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids your dog needs to stay physically active, mentally fit and in optimum health longer. They are prescribed by veterinarians for both active and aging Poodles to help maintain a proper nutrition level and provide a foundation for a more active and healthier life. The following are just a few of the benefits supplements can provide your Poodle:
Some of the benefits supplements may provide for your Poodle include:
- Improve coat and skin health.
- Help alleviate certain types of cancers, in addition to heart disease, diabetes, and cataracts caused by diabetes.
- Help promote healthy weight loss in overweight dogs.
- Can enhance and regulate immune system function.
- Aid in cognitive function, especially for aging dogs.
- Reduce inflammation in joints and other body systems.
A Short History of the Poodle
Poodles originated in Germany but they were standardized in France. The standard Poodle is the oldest of the three varieties and they were originally used as water retrievers. The breed has been around since the 15th century and was a favorite among nobility. The smaller sized poodles were soon developed and include the miniature and toy Poodles. Poodles are extremely personable and clever, and for that reason, have also made excellent performing dogs.
Fun Facts about Poodles
In England, Poodles were used as truffle hunters.
Poodles were court favorites during the reign of Louis XVl and Queen Anne.
Poodles are considered one of the best therapy dogs for the elderly, infirm, or handicapped.
The "Poodle Clip" was developed to help poodles move through the water more easily while retrieving.
Common Health Issues Poodle Owners Should Know About
Poodles are prone to inherited eye diseases, including cataracts and a retinal disease called PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy). A cataract is an opacity of the lens. Cataracts can cause blindness and secondary inflammation. Dogs with advanced cataracts are at higher risk for secondary glaucoma and retinal detachment. PRA causes progressive blindness, with night vision lost first followed by day vision. Dogs with PRA develop secondary "toxic" cataracts.
Poodles can also suffer from mitral valve disease, a degenerative heart condition where the valve between the two left chambers of the heart fails to form a tight seal, resulting in blood leaks back into the left atrium. With time, the valve degrades until the heart cannot compensate, leading to congestive heart failure.
Poodles are also prone to Addison's disease which affects the endocrine system and its ability to produce important hormones for normal body functions. Other conditions affecting the breed include hip and elbow dysplasia, skin allergies and ear infections.
Care Information for Your Poodle
It's vital for the health and well-being of your Poodle to provide a foundation for good health and nutrition that will have lasting benefits. It starts with regular visits to the veterinarian but also includes a care regimen you can follow.
Feeding
Poodles are prone to digestive dysfunction, so providing higher quality food without grain fillers like corn and soy can help affected dogs. Poodles, like most dogs, do best on a well-balanced diet with plenty of protein, carbohydrates, and nutrients. The recommended daily amount varies with the size of the Poodle and depends on the activity of the dog.
Shelter
A Poodle can adapt to life in more confined quarters, provided it gets regular exercise and is encouraged to be active. A Poodle does not shed and is often preferred by people with allergies because its coat is hypoallergenic. The breed is lively and affectionate and enjoys being around people more than other animals. However, if left alone for extended periods of time, Poodles tend to get very lonely.
Exercise
Poodles are active and energetic dogs and, like most breeds, need exercise to keep fit and healthy. Toy and Miniature Poodles also need regular exercise, but not as much as the Standard Poodles. No matter which size Poodle, they love the water and swim better than most other breeds. Poodles also enjoy taking long walks or playing with their owners wherever and whenever they can.
Grooming
A Poodle's coat should be clipped every 1-2 months to keep them easy to maintain. As with most breeds, they should be bathed and brushed regularly. Their ears should be checked as well to address infections early, and nails should be clipped often to keep them short.
What People Are Saying About Supplements and Their Pets
Pet owners just like you are incorporating supplements into their animal's care more than ever before, and with exciting results.
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"Buddy, our male Newfoundland suffers from PRA and cataracts. We have been using Ocu-GLO Rx™ for over six months and despite his eye conditions, Buddy's eyes are healthier. Our vet doesn't understand how, but Buddy can see even though he has the big bright green glow from the PRA and the fog from the cataracts. He doesn't get eye infections anymore and there is less brown crud in his eyes. Although both of these conditions cannot be reversed, we are hopeful that Ocu-GLO Rx™ is slowing the progression and at least allowing Buddy to enjoy the world with his sight preserved."
- Tracie S. & Buddy
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"We are very pleased with Joint Guard Vet™ as we are seeing improvement in the healing of our dog's cruciate ligament tear every day. I think all the natural anti-inflammatory ingredients in Joint Guard Vet™ might be really helping him. He has been off all NSAIDs for almost 2 weeks, only taking Joint Guard Vet™ daily, and doesn't appear to be in pain or want to limit his walking as much as before. He is walking a little better, putting more pressure on the leg and not limping as much."
- Lisa B.
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"My wonderful and sweet dog, Cocoa, was in a terrible accident and lost all of her vision in her right eye forever. Steroid pills were not really helping, so Cocoa was put on the Ocu-GLO Rx™ supplement in the hopes of saving the 10 percent vision she had left. The results were amazing! Cocoa has regained 50 percent vision in her left eye and she can now catch treats! One thing is for sure: Cocoa will be on Ocu-GLO Rx™ for the rest of her life."
- Mike and Cocoa
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"We have had Taffy, our 10-year-old Queensland Heeler, on Ocu-GLO Rx™ for about two years. We were told when her PRA was diagnosed that she would lose her sight completely within a year. It's been two years now and, although she can't see at night, she still sees during the day and you would never know she has a problem with sight. Thanks to Ocu-GLO Rx™, we truly believe that it has slowed down her PRA and, even if it only helps her see for a few extra months, it's worth it to her and us."
- Linda T. and Taffy
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"At the age of 5, Destiny was diagnosed with a retinal eye disease (progressive retinal atrophy). I was told she would be blind within 5 months. She is now 7-1/2 years old and can still see, thanks to Ocu-GLO Rx™. I am so thankful she was able to receive this supplement. I still give her one Ocu-GLO Rx™ GelCap each day and will continue to do so. Thank you so much!"
- Sharon M. and Destiny
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"My Toy Poodle, Nicole, seems to have some sight preservation when she is taking Ocu-GLO Rx™. This is definitely a plus!"
- Sharon M. and Destiny
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"Amos, my lively and lovable 8-year-old Vizsla, was diagnosed with diabetes and small cataracts already forming in both eyes. I was prescribed Ocu-GLO Rx™, which is rich in antioxidants like grapeseed extract, lutein and other nutrients that have demonstrated some success in reducing the formation of cataracts. Almost two years after his initial diagnosis - there has been no further development of his cataracts. Ocu-GLO Rx™ is an eye treat/vitamin that deserves wide exposure. I'm grateful to be among those who can speak personally for its benefits."
- Jeanie B. and Amos
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Fun Facts about Poodles
