PetSugar

Pampered Pals: DogPause Bowl

PetSugar — Tue, 20 May 2008 10:30:01 -0700

My greedy lil guy gobbles up his food like it's gonna disappear if he even looks away. I definitely keep an eye on him to make sure he doesn't choke or start one of his typical reverse sneezing attacks. Because some owners interpret a pup's enthusiasm for yums for hunger, it can cause pets to be overfed . . . and become overweight.

That's where the DogPause comes in. As the name implies, this pet food bowl has SlowZones and integrated portion control. Learn a bit more about the design of this bowl and read more.

Traditional pet dishes are deep enough for pups to dive in headfirst and essentially suck up the food in a few moments. The DogPause ($17.95), on the other hand, divides the normal portion into four feeding zones – each one is 1/2 cup (max) in capacity and prevents a pooch from sticking his entire snout in, as he needs to use his mouth and tongue for each bite. Then, to get to the next zone, he needs to reposition himself, adding a bit more time to dinnertime. It may seem to be just a simple adjustment, but a slower eating dog has less risk of postmeal vomiting, gagging, bloat, and other icky side effects.

To the Rescue: Bloat

PetSugar — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:15:51 -0800

While bloat is a fairly common (even deadly) ailment, it is not another way to say a pup is overweight! Much like pharyngeal gag reflexes (aka, reverse sneezes), it has a serious scientific name: gastric torsion. This occurs when a deep-chested dog has a full tum (of food or water) and then engages in vigorous activity or exercise. Pups like this Great Dane have stomachs that are not attached to their ribcages, so when it's heavy and full (the "before"), it can flip around and block the intestinal track (the "after").

What other breeds are commonly bothered and how can you prevent this? Find out when you read more.

Help combat bloat before it happens:

Feed multiple, smaller meals throughout the day instead of one large meal.
Make sure pets rest for 45 minutes to one hour after eating before any vigorous exercise.
If you notice your pup gulps food or water, consider a "slowing bowl" like the Drink Better or DogPause.

This typically affects the Akita, Great Dane, German Shepherd, Saint Bernard, Irish Wolfhound, Irish Setter, Doberman Pinscher, Weimaraner, Bloodhound, and other large mixed breed dogs.

Source and Source

Dogs Drink Better (and Slower) With DrinkBetter Bowls

PetSugar — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 14:30:07 -0700

Remember the DogPause for those speedy eaters? Well, there's another version, the EatBetter, as well as this model especially for fluids. I'm especially interested because, although my pooch is quite the gobbler, he most often gets sick by throwing up some clear liquid when he drinks too much too fast.

The DrinkBetter ($25) slowing bowl encourages speedy pups to take their time sipping without slopping or soaking their entire faces. The design features a floating obstacle to control the water's flow; they can only access a small amount of water at a time making them wait – and work – for more. I definitely like the idea, and the aesthetic's not bad either – do your doggies need this?