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Diet plays a central role in your dog’s overall health and well-being, and it stands to reason that you want to provide your dog the best possible source of nutrition in the dog food you choose. But some nutrients, like L-Carnitine, may be unfamiliar or completely foreign. Learn more about this vitamin-like compound and how it can help your dog maintain a healthy weight.
Carnitine, or L-carnitine, is a vitamin-like compound made in the body from amino acids. It's found naturally only in animal-based protein sources. It has been used to help with fat metabolism in other species, and recent scientific studies show that it can help reduce weight in overweight dogs.
This water-soluble substance attaches to fatty acids, transporting them into cellular mitochondria, the part of the cell that converts fat into a usable form of energy. There, they are broken down through oxidation and converted to energy for all tissues, including the heart, liver, and skeletal muscles. Through this process, carnitine helps reduce the storage of body fat and the amount of fat in the bloodstream.
In a study conducted by The IAMS™ Company, overweight dogs were fed similar diets. One group was given a diet supplemented with L-carnitine while another group received a diet without supplemental L-carnitine.
After seven weeks, the group that received the diet without supplemental L-carnitine lost 1.8% body weight compared to 6.4% body weight loss from the group that was fed the L-carnitine supplemented diet. Likewise, body fat was reduced in each group by 2.4% and 4.6%, respectively.1 The study found that L-carnitine promotes loss of body weight and body fat in overweight dogs.
IAMS™ ProActive Health™ Adult Healthy Weight is formulated with L-carnitine that helps turn fat into energy, providing a path to help keep him fit for life.
1 Sunvold GD, Tetrick MA, Davenport GM, Bouchard GF. 'Carnitine supplementation promotes weight loss and decreased adiposity in the canine.' Proceedings of the XXIII World Small Animal Veterinary Association. p. 746. October, 1998.
Bathing your puppy is an important part of good pet care. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned pet parent, it's crucial to provide your pup with ample and frequent baths to keep them looking and feeling healthy. More than just for appearances, though, regular baths are essential for maintaining proper hygiene and skin health – like how we need showers! To help ensure your pup looks and feels its best, here are our top tips for bathing your furry friend.
When you get a new puppy, one of the first questions that may come to mind is, 'How often to bathe a puppy?' You shouldn't bathe your puppy until they are around eight weeks old. Even then, the process should be approached with care and gentleness. After their initial bath, you typically only need to do so again when necessary.
Before you start, ensure you have everything you need for your puppy's first bath. This includes a place to bathe your puppy, towels, shampoo and conditioner for long-furred dogs, a brush or comb and a hair dryer with a relaxed setting.
To ensure your puppy is comfortable during the bath:
Once your puppy is comfortable with the water, it's time to wash them.
If it's your first time bathing a puppy, don't fret - we've got you covered with this guide on how to bathe a puppy.
Determine the right shampoo and conditioner for your pup before even getting them wet. All of this comes down to what type of fur they have. Get professional advice from your vet first to know which products would be best for your puppy.
Pups with short coats need more oil to add moisture, whereas long-coated dogs require moisturisers to maintain coat health.
We recommend bathing puppies as young as eight weeks old so that it becomes a part of their routine. But don't overwhelm them; a puppy's first visit shouldn't include baths. Instead, let this serve as an introduction and show them that there is nothing to be scared of.
Allow the puppy to roam free and get them used to being in a tub by slowly running a brush over their fur. Be sure to give lots of treats, swaddling, and cuddles to make them feel safe.
To get started with the bathing and grooming process, lightly brush or comb their coat to remove any dirt. Also, doing this will help eliminate any knots or tangles in their fur before bathing them.
Get the water to a comfortable temperature; it should be warm but not hot. Puppies have more sensitive skin than we do, so they will feel the heat much faster.
Before you start, lay out everything you will need and ensure no one in the house uses any water while you're bathing the puppy. Sudden temperature changes can be dangerous for puppies; hence, taking precautions is essential.
To avoid skin irritation, forego cleansing products when they are young and use lukewarm water instead. The temperature must be comfortable for your pup, as hot water can harm dogs.
A warm wash rag is all you need to use on a puppy that is three or four-months old. Dogs' body temperatures are higher than ours, so they experience temperature differently than we do.
For puppies older than three or four months, you can bathe them in a bathtub or shower. Handling your puppy can be delicate, especially when it's time for their bath. If you have a particular bathtub or shower specifically for puppies, use that--it'll make things much more manageable. Be sure to place them on a non-slip surface inside the tub or shower, so they don't become overwhelmed and frightened.
It's time to introduce shampoo and conditioner to your puppy once they are at least three months old.
Only purchase shampoos and conditioners for dogs that are pH balanced to avoid health hazards. We recommend plant-based products with no chemical additives to maintain a healthy coat and skin. Also, please don't go for the cheapest product, as it might not be practical or safe.
Before using the puppy shampoo, dilute it with equal water. Apply it all over their body, being mindful to avoid contact with sensitive areas like eyes and ears.
Remember that bathing a puppy is like washing a tiny human baby. They won't be used to the feels and may not take it well at first.
If you want to avoid scratches, use the balls of your fingers and massage the shampoo into the coat -- this will help remove dirt and dust. Plus, your puppy will love it!
Rinse your puppy's fur thoroughly to remove all traces of shampoo after bathing. You should repeat the process a few times for best results.
Keep your dog's skin clean by getting between the folds with baby wipes or a damp cloth to remove all soap. Once you are done, be sure to dry their skin thoroughly.
Gently rub your puppy with a towel to remove the excess water, then place them on the floor in a safe area.
Until they are no longer dripping, you can keep them towel dry. Have someone help you hold onto them or sit down on your knee to ensure they feel secure.
Next, you will want to use a hairdryer on your pup's coat. It's best to use a diffuser to spread the heat evenly, and ensure it's only set on low or cool.
When you use a hairdryer on your puppies, go slow to get them used to the sensation and noise. Avoid blowing air directly into their face or ears. Try to get them as dry as possible, and for long-coated breeds, frequently stop to brush or comb through their coat, so it doesn't get tangled.
Your dog's health is crucial, so you should bathe them once a month. Over time, their skin and fur become oily and dirty from environmental factors and everyday activities. Including baths in your pet care routine will keep them happy and healthy.
For a puppy, it's best to stick with lukewarm water, mild soap, and gentle massages. Remember to follow up with regular brushing, which can help keep their coat soft and shiny. Minimal shampooing is recommended, as bathing too often will lead to dry skin.
These steps should have you on your way to a happy and healthy puppy. With regular baths, you can help ensure your pup is always looking and feeling its best. It may take time for them to get used to it but bathing your puppy can be an enjoyable experience if done correctly. Have fun with it!
