How you feed your dog isn’t nearly as important as what you feed your dog.  However, once you and your vet have decided on the ideal food for you dear pet, it is time to put some thought into the kind of dog bowls available.  Odds are your dog won’t care too much where his food appears, but most owners care a great deal.  Here is some information about three of the most popular types of dog bowls.

PLASTIC BOWLS
Durable, sturdy and plain, plastic dog bowls are the most basic feeding bowl available.  This no-nonsense bowl is dishwasher safe and can have one or more compartments.  It can even be purchased with knobs attached to prevent your pup from eating too quickly.  Available in a tip resistant model with a wide base or especially thick sides to reduce damage from biting, this is the cheapest type of bowl you can buy.

Color selection is usually limited in a plastic bowl, and you are going to have to bypass any hope of personalization, but these bowls are a good deal.  Some bowls are even outfitted with a slip proof bottom to keep them in place as your dog eats.  A hard working basic choice, plastic bowls are useable by any dog.

CERAMIC BOWLS
Beautiful and easily customized, ceramic bowls can match any décor you want.  Their high-gloss, glazed finish make them dishwasher safe and pretty.  Of course, being ceramic, they chip and break easily, and chips can harbor bacteria.  Colors and styles are nearly endless, and if you feel so inclined you can go to your local pottery painting place and make a truly unique creation.

One of the most interesting things available with a ceramic bowl is a hood that reduces scattering.  The hood arches over the bowl a few inches and prevents food from being pushed over an open edge.

If you do purchase ceramic bowls make sure you have a mat or piece of carpeting to place beneath them.  This can help prevent chipping and breaking as your dog inadvertently pushes the bowl around when eating.

METAL BOWLS
About as sturdy as they come, a stainless steel bowl can last the lifetime of a dog.  Dishwasher safe, impossible to break and available in a variety of sizes, the metal dog bowl is as useful as it is popular.  Whether you pick stainless steel elevated dog bowls, tip resistant model or something more basic, this is a bowl that is built to withstand time.

If you feed from the preferred elevated feeder, than metal bowls are what you will use.  Available in a single station or multiple station models, elevated feeders are ideal for dogs of all sizes.  The metal bowl slips into the feeding location and can be easily removed when meal time is through.

Dogs like consistency.  Whatever food bowl you choose, you are likely to stick with for the long run.  While it may not seem like a big deal to us to change dog bowls from time to time, it can be stressful for a nervous animal. Just like dog beds, a bowl is a symbol of security and satiety to your dog.  A good pick will last you for years of happy meals.

It’s strange how dogs can experience the same things that humans experience. Due to sickness, disease, bone problems, etc., dogs are often placed on medication or undergo therapy just like their human owners. So, is it crazy to think that dogs may suffer the same mental ailments that we humans suffer? Although it has not been proven, many owners and veterinarians agree with the concept that pets can suffer from depression.

Your pooch gets excited when you come home and embarrassed when he is scolded, why would he not react a similar way to a gloomy situation? Many owners claim that their dogs suffer from depression, and many veterinarians prescribe medicine to treat the symptoms. But, before you medicate your pooch, try to figure out why he is acting the way he is and how you can help him overcome his despair.

There are many reasons why a dog may experience depression. Often, these feelings become intertwined with anxiety; and, although the two are related it can be hard to identify the underlying problem. Anxiety and depression often lead to unwanted behaviors. The main contributor to depression in dogs is change. Anything that is different in your pet’s life can be considered change, an umbrella term. The death of a family member or other household pet can often cause despair. A family member moving into the home or moving away from the home can be another origin of depression. Moving into a new house or moving your pet into a new location in the house can also affect how your pet feels. The list of sources of depression goes on and on; but, most factors are based around change. Think back to when you first noticed your pooch acting strange. Did anything significant happen around that time? Did you bring home a new baby, a new puppy, or another animal? If you cannot remember any significant event, then watch his actions. Does he act strangely around a certain person or during a certain time? Identifying the cause can help you treat the problem.

Depression can often be hard to identify, because it shares symptoms with other health problems. Lack of appetite, lethargy, a change in personality, and a change in sleeping habits can all signal depression, among other things. If your dog is exhibiting any of these symptoms, then make an appointment to see your veterinarian as soon as possible. Your veterinarian will look at your dog’s health history and perform additional tests. The tests will rule out other health problems. If everything else is okay, then ask your vet about the possibility of depression. Your vet can make further recommendations on how to treat the problem and, in extreme circumstances, may prescribe medication.

To treat your pooch’s depression, you will need extra love, care, and time. Try to get his mind off of whatever is bothering him by taking him for a daily run and brushing him often. Grab his favorite toy, and spend lots of time playing with him. Whatever he enjoys doing, try to schedule time in your day to do it. Putting your dog on a schedule will also help him overcome his despair, especially if he’s depressed because of a break in his normal routine. Feed him and exercise with him at the same times everyday.

To prevent future depression, try to ease your pooch into the new, desired program. If you are moving to a new home, then make sure you let your dog spend time getting to know the new area. Bringing home a baby or a new pet should be a slow process. Try to always keep your pooch on his routine when making a major change to his environment.

Pets exhibit all sorts of emotions, so it’s unrealistic to think that they do not experience depression. If your dog’s attitude, personality, or health has suddenly changed, then take a trip to the vet to rule out any health problems. Once medical problems are ruled out, you can start a program to treat your pooch’s sadness. A little extra playtime and attention can work wonders on a depressed pooch. If a big change is coming in the future, then try to get your pup ready by slowly transitioning into the new agenda. Never get angry with your pooch; that will only make him feel worse.

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