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Much like their human companions, canine pets require special nutrition in order to enjoy optimal health. Most of the treats and foods that are available commercially aren’t even close to the optimal blend of protein, fat, and natural carbohydrates that canines need for proper pet nutrition. Learning what’s right for your companion – and what might need to be supplemented – is key to achieving a good dog diet that helps your friend live a full, long, and healthy life.

Natural Is Always Better

Imagine the life of a canine in the wild. Is there any kind of natural food that replicates the kibble and canned options that today’s domesticated animals consume? A natural dog diet couldn’t possibly contain any of it because they don’t possess the necessary tools to process it that highly. That’s why the first step to attaining optimal pet nutrition is to simply avoid anything unnatural. Look for whole ingredients such as whole grains and real meat. Avoid any kind of by-products and avoid anything that is too grain-focused.

Avoid Preservatives

Preservatives aren’t healthy for humans, and they’re just as bad for canines. They are simply not meant to consume some of what is used to package and hold some of the food on the market today. Consuming too many preservatives puts a lot of stress on their kidneys, which can lead to early failure and other issues stemming from overwork.

Fresh Food Is Optimal

If you have the time and the budget, the best dog diet is without question one which focuses entirely on home cooked meals. These meals can involve a lot of different grains and vegetables, but should always focus on simple combinations of protein, vegetable based carbohydrate, and fats.

Most Commercial Food Isn’t Good

Even the most “scientifically formulated” pet nutrition available in prepackaged containers is not usually optimal for two simple reasons: it must contain preservatives, and cannot contain the kinds of fresh ingredients that are most vital. When something is canned and processed as thoroughly as most current dog diet options, all value is removed from the actual ingredients.

Even With Optimal Dog Diet, Supplements Are Still Required

Years of farming and cultivation have stripped nutrients from even the most remote and most thoroughly organic plots. As a result, pets and humans both have to rely on supplements to replace the nutrients that can no longer be provided by diet alone. When supported by a good supplement, it’s fairly easy to achieve proper pet nutrition, even if you have to rely on canned food or other highly preserved diet options. Simply pick the best that you have access to, and then ensure that you’re adding in a highly nutrient rich supplement. Look for one that has a blend of different vitamins and minerals, including antioxidants and immune support.

Cryptococcosis is a fungal infection which is caused by Cryptococcus neoformans. Dogs which have acquired the infection usually suffer from severe problems that affect the central nervous system. The causative agent thrives well in soil and droppings of wild and domesticated pigeons. The feces of pigeons possess high levels of creatinine which creates a favorable environment for the fungus to flourish and survive.

The disease is transmitted through inhalation of infective spores. These spores can enter the body through cuts in the skin. Most cases of Crytpococcosis are found in cats but humans can also be infected. Dogs which are prone to the infection include those with compromised immune systems.

Cryptococcosis in dogs has been commonly observed in young adult dogs. Although it can affect any breed of dog, the cocker spaniel, Labrador retrievers, Doberman pinschers, and great danes appear to be more prone to the disease compared to other breeds.

Upon inhalation, the fungal spores take residence in the respiratory tract and even in the lungs. In many healthy dogs, the fungus stays in the lungs without creating any problem however in weak animals or those with poor immune systems as a result of disease or of excessive use steroids, the disease can progress into an advanced state which is a systemic disease characterized by pneumonia, granulomas, and other systemic symptoms.

A high percentage of infected dogs manifest neurological signs while others have vision problems, severe weight loss, and skin lesions. Other symptoms include fever, cough and nasal discharge. Lesions can be found in the nasal cavity of the dog. Aside from the respiratory system and the nervous system, Cryptococcus neoformans can affect the heart, muscles, bones, prostate, pancreas, tonsils, thyroid and adrenal glands.

There are many ways to successfully diagnose Cryptococcosis infection in dogs. The causative agent exists in large numbers in the nasal discharge and/or skin lesions and can be seen when examined under the microscope. Your veterinarian may conduct a latex agglutination test which is a type of blood test to identify the fungus. Fungal culture and/or biopsies can also be performed to identify the causative agent.

The treatment regimen involves the use of oral itraconazole or ketoconazole. It involves long term therapy that may take several months. If there is a recurrent infection, the underlying problem should also be addressed to successfully treat the infection.

There is no available vaccine which can protect your pet from Cryptococcosis. The best way to prevent infection is to keep your pets away from areas where the causative agent is endemic.

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For many potential Australian Shepherd owners adopting a rescue Aussie is a favorable alternative to getting a puppy. Advantages to getting an older dog typically include being able to forgo many of the training basics that all puppies need. It is fairly typical to adopt an Aussie is already housebroken and will walk well on a leash. Another advantage in getting a rescue dog is that often the rescue organization has spent time working with the Aussie which could save you hours of training time later.

In most areas adoption can be done either by going to a local animal rescue shelter, or contacting an Aussie specific rescue group. For individuals specifically seeking an Aussie adopting through an Aussie rescue group has several benefits. Rescue groups are typically non-profit associations whose members are volunteers who have a passion of working with Aussies. These volunteers are dedicated members who love working with Australian Shepherds and their aim is to introduce the abandoned and orphaned dogs into homes which they will be comfortable in. Most of these dogs either come from shelters or are given to rescue groups from owners who are unable to take care of the dogs themselves. Each individual rescue group typically decides exactly what type of Aussies they will take. Many rescue groups will only accept pure breed dogs rather than mixed dogs. However, vicious dogs are typically not accepted by most groups since taking care of them might be problematic to the rescue team and the potential new owner.

Before being able to adopt one of these Aussies, you will have to fill out an application form and the rescue association will typically find out if your home is ready to own the dog. This will likely be conducted by a site visit from someone in the rescue group. Things that are looked for often include a tall enough fence if you have a back yard and other dangers that may be present for a dog. If your home meets the criteria for the group then the chances of you owning one of the Aussies will likely be very good. However, the more specific you are on the type of Aussie that you want in terms of color, sex, and size then the longer it will likely take to get a successful match. Often these dogs are given to homes on a first come first serve basis. With that in mind is best to act quickly if a dog that you like becomes available.