Medical Problems Of GOLDEN RETRIEVER

Photo  by Jamie McCaffrey 

Epilepsy

Also known as seizures, epilepsy disorders normally occur from viral infections, and environmental factors as well.  Even though an inaccessible seizure isn’t always a problem, dogs that have recurring seizures should never be bred.  Vets can recommend medicines that control recurring seizures, although medicine isn’t always effective.  Although epilepsy doesn’t affect the health of a Golden Retriever, it does have an effect on breeding.  You can never tell if it is indeed heredity, therefore breeding is pretty much out of the question - to avoid passing it on to the litter.

Skin allergies

Skin allergy is the most common medical issue with Golden Retrievers. Skin allergy is normally the result of allergens such as flea bites, dust, airborne pollen, food, and even mold.  Symptoms will vary, although they can include bits, scratching, licking, and even ear infections.  Diet is extremely important here, as it can help to prevent a lot of these problems.  If you consult with your vet, you can more than likely eliminate the risks your pet has of getting a skin allergy.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a condition that causes the thyroid gland to malfunction.  Golden Retrievers that are affected by this disease will normally show such symptoms as coat problems or obesity.  This medical problem can also result in a lack of fertility as well.  A lack of fertility can be a big problem for breeders, as it makes it very hard for the affected Golden Retriever to breed.

The treatment of hypothyroidism involves taking the oral supplement for hypothyroidism on a daily basis.  Once it has been treated successfully, the prognosis will appear to be normal and the dog will have a normal, healthy lifespan, providing there are no other medical problems.  This condition is somewhat common with Golden Retrievers and can be diagnosed by your vet.

Some Golden’s who suffer from hypothyroid problems will have seizures, although this will stop once they go on the oral treatment medicine.  Even though the hypothyroid condition isn’t associated with epilepsy, you should monitor your dog to be on the safe side.  You don’t want to take any chances with your dog coming down with epilepsy, which is why you should always have your vet do routine checks.

Even though medical problems are somewhat common with Golden Retrievers, you can help to prevent them from making sure your dog is healthy.  If you do your part and make sure that you treat your Golden well, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about.  Golden Retrievers are generally healthy dogs, although they can get ill from time to time.  If you take your dog to the vet and get him treated as soon as he gets sick - he’ll be better and back to his normal self in no time at all.

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Everything You Should Know About CARING For Animals

Photo   by Dawn Ashley 

Most of us have had pets of one kind or another. If you have a dog or you think that you may need one in the future, you have got to think about some things first. This article will supply you with superb advice on caring for your dog.

When you have a dog, make certain that you give him enough water. Water should be provided to your dog at all times of the day, particularly in the summer. Put his water bowl somewhere where nobody will trip over it, otherwise, you will be cleaning your floors all day!

If your puppy dog is teething and chewing at everything, buy him an exciting gnaw toy and keep it in the fridge. Not only will this provide him with a good substitute for your furniture, but the cold will help to make his gums feel a bit better. Most younger dogs nibble out of necessity, not poor manners.

Pup

If you're brooding about adopting a dog, try taking one or two weeks off work so you can spend some time with your little dog and teach it one or two good habits. Coaching your little puppy and helping it become used to its new environment will be way easier if you're home.

When clipping a puppy's toenails, start slow. Introduce your tiny dog to them prior to beginning cutting. You'll only be well placed to get a single nail done in a sitting. It might take a while for puppy dog to become ok with the concept of nail clipping, but shortly, you'll be able to get through it all at once.

Treatment

When taking your senior dog to the vet for a once a year visit, be sure to request senior blood work. A blood panel can help your vet to identify any kidney, heart or vascular concerns. If caught early, treatment is typically minimally invasive and less pricey. This is a great way to keep your pet healthy for many years to come.

When you train your dog, you'll always need to use positive reinforcement. Rewards and praise make your pet learn quicker than threats and violence. Tolerant coaching is better for several years to come and it's better. be kind during training; you will get better and faster results.

Care

Take care to keep your dog cool while traveling during the summer by vehicle. Even with your air conditioning on, the dog may become overheated in his pet carrier. An easy and lower cost dog ringworm home-based treatment and freezing one or two-gallon jugs of water and placing them near him where he will curl up and chill.

If your dog is really rowdy or simply excitable, gurus recommend that you don't bring them along on vacation. Many times the thrill and misunderstanding of a new area full of strangers are too much for the hyper dog and unpleasant events may occur. Find a great dog house to look after your pooch as an alternative.

These pointers may help you become a better owner for your dog. Use these different tips and do more research on the things you have got to know about to correctly take care of your dog. Read this draft over as many times as you need to.

Author: Lisa Thomas

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The 5 Different Kinds Of WORMS That Can Harm Your Dog

Ancylostoma caninum, a type of hookworm, attached to the intestinal mucosa.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There are 5 different kinds of worms that can hurt your puppy or dog, and here is a list of them, and what they can do to your dog. There are many different types of medicines and antibiotics for your dog, and not all of them work on each symptom, so it is best to consult your vet for the proper treatment.

One of the easiest ways for puppies and dogs to pick up worms is by them playing or eating their feces matter. It is important to pick up your dogs' poop in the backyard all the time, on a regular basis, can keep it clean and safe.

Hookworms: Hookworms are not visible to the naked eye. Hookworms hide in the intestines and can be transferred to humans. Hookworms are small thin worms that hook onto the intestinal wall and they suck the blood from the puppy or dog, which can cause anemia and even death.

These worms actually have teeth, that cause bleeding in the intestines. Hookworms will grow to full maturity in the intestines. Hookworms can be spread from the mothers' mile right to the pups, to the whole family needs to be dewormed.

The worms like to live in feces matter, and contaminated soil, like the dirt you might have in your backyard your dog likes to play in maybe. If your dog has hookworms, some signs might include anemia, weight loss, diarrhea, bloody stools and very low energy. Hookworms could be present, and you won't be able to see them so you would need to take your pet, or a stool sample to the vet for a diagnosis.

Roundworms: Roundworms are the most common type of worms in puppies. Just like hookworms, roundworms attack the intestines and can cause a pot-bellied look, on your puppy or dog.

Puppies can get roundworms from their mothers' milk, or even from the uterus, before birth. They can also pick up the eggs from the contaminated soil outside since roundworm eggs can live up to several years outside in dirt and soil.

Roundworms can be transmitted to humans, just like hookworms, so it is vital to eradicate them as soon as practical. Roundworms will live in the intestines, and will grow to adulthood, and lay eggs that will produce more roundworms.

Roundworms can be seen by the eye in your dogs' vomit or stools, and is up to 7 inches long, and will resemble spaghetti somewhat. When your puppy or dog starts to get to many of these roundworms, you will see the pot-bellied appearance on them, and you may notice vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss.

Whipworms: Whipworms are one of the more harder worms to kill. Whipworms are long skinny shaped worms that live in the dog's colon, and you can not see them with your eyes.

Whipworms will also attach to the intestines, and cause intestinal bleeding inside your dog. Signs of whipworms could be weight loss, anemia, diarrhea with some blood or a gooey mucus type substance in it, and just a lack of energy.

Tapeworms: Tapeworms get their name because they look like flat Scotch tape. Tapeworms attack the intestines and can be seen by the naked eye. The tapeworms will look like a rice appearance in your dogs' stools.

Tapeworms can be broken into pieces, and sometimes you can see the worms on your dogs' anus and stools, still moving around, with your naked eyes.

Tapeworms are not transmitted directly to humans from dogs, but a human could still be infected. Some signs your dog might have tapeworms would be weight loss, uncontrollable itching around the anus area, lots of pain if your touch their abdominal area, and vomiting.

Heartworms: Heartworms are spread by mosquitoes, when mosquitoes are active, and go from one dog to the next. Heartworm can kill your dog if left untreated, and it is easily preventable. There are no symptoms of heartworms until it is almost fully advanced.

The heartworms destroy the muscle and tissue of the heart and can cause heart failure, and kill your dog. One of the best measures these days is to consult your vet for heartworm guard, and you can easily find medications online for your dog's heart since starting them on a medication is the best practice.

By Vince Stead Vince Stead is the author of over 20 books. He has been raising dogs for over 25 years. You can find his books at places like Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and even his own website at http://www.vincestead.com You can get every one of his books as a book at regular price, and you also get them as digital downloads for only $2.99 each. Article Source: EzineArticles

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WEIGHT PROBLEMS In Dogs: Is Your Dog Fat?

Photo  by Mr. TGT 

People may not be aware of this, but obesity is one of the greatest problems dogs are dealing with these days. Obesity, like humans, is also caused by excessive eating and unhealthy binges. Mostly, this situation is triggered by some environmental factors that when not controlled may just lead to more problems.

Like humans, dogs develop certain diseases too when they are overweight. These diseases will lead to more serious complications including death. So for people who wish to know the repercussions of obesity in dogs, here are some of the known consequences:

1. Arthritis

Obesity in dogs tends to put extra weight on their bones. In turn, the joints and other parts of the dog’s bones develop arthritis.

Excess weight in dogs may also initiate the development of other muscle and joint problems like spinal disc disease, hip dysplasia, and cracks in the joint ligaments.

2. Diabetes

Like humans, dogs can get diabetes too. We all know for a fact that overweight cause diabetes in humans, this can also happen in dogs. This is because the more fat is stored in the dog’s body, the greater its system will generate insulin in order to cope up with its growing mass. Hence, dogs have the tendency to resist too much insulin in the body. The end result is diabetes.

3. Skin problems

Obesity in dogs can cause some skin problems. This is because excess fat deposits are being stored in their skin; hence, their owners are having a hard time grooming them. When dogs lack proper grooming, there is a tendency to accumulate bacteria, dirt, or other elements that could cause harm to your dog’s skin. In the end, they develop rashes, skin ruptures, and infections.

4. Capacity to tolerate heat

With too much fat deposits accumulated in their skin, dogs are more inclined to problems concerning heat tolerance. This is because dogs find it hard to tolerate heat due to the build-up of fats in their skin. That is why most obese dogs are prone to heat stroke especially during summer time.

5. Respiratory problems and other heart diseases

Like humans, obese dogs have also the tendency to develop respiratory problems and heart diseases. This is because the chest cavity is already covered with thick fat deposits. Hence, whenever the dog breathes, the lungs are having a hard time to expand, so does the heart. The problem starts when the heart and the lungs can no longer produce the right amount of oxygen and circulate it within the dog’s body.

6.  Gastrointestinal problems

Obesity in dogs causes some problems in their intestines and pancreas. This problem results in the inflamed pancreas, which, in reality, is very painful to the dogs and can also cause death among them.

7. Liver problems

Fats are harder to strain and this can pose a great problem to the dog’s liver. Hence, when the liver can no longer function well because of the fat deposits that accumulated in the area, liver problems may occur and may even cause the death of your dogs.

These health problems are indeed life-threatening. And so, it depends upon the owner how to combat these problems in order to keep their dogs healthy.

One of the greatest ways in solving weight problems is a strict exercise schedule. So, it is a must that owners should create a healthy exercise schedule for their dogs. This can be done by tagging them for a walk every afternoon or letting him run through a field.

The best thing about this program is that not only the dogs get the chance to exercise but their owners as well. So, it’s a double result with just one purpose.

Next is to create a healthy diet for your dogs. Diet meals are extremely important for dogs so that they can still obtain the necessary nutrients they need in order to stay healthy. This should include the right combination of fiber, meat, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals.

However, dog owners should always keep in mind that when their dogs are taking fiber, more water should be employed so as to prevent constipation.

Alternatively, dog owners should also remember that before incorporating all of these things to your dog, it’s best to consult the veterinarians first. In this way, only the proper methods of dieting for dogs shall be employed.

So, for healthier and happier dogs, give them the best love and care you can give plus a great dietary regimen. As they say, a healthy dog is a happy dog.

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Why Some Dogs Eat HAMBURGERS

A hamburger  (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If you ask my family or friends, they'll tell you my dog is a carnivore. He'll rip apart anything that's meaty; rib-eye steaks, Angus beef, ground pork, turkey all the meats of the world is my dog's buffet and it's all thanks to me. I love giving my dog meat; anything meaty in my hands, my dog will devour; anything meaty I have for leftovers, my dog will suck it up like a vacuum. It's conclusive that my dog is a carnivore thanks to me. Don't worry, he eats his regular dog food.

As you may know, beef patties are human food. They're used for hamburgers in most fast food restaurants and in barbeque cookouts. Beef patties are made of ground beef and are molded into the shape of patties. There's a heavy consideration to be feeding this to dogs because there are different types of patties that may be harmful to dogs. Some patties are made with preservatives; some patties are made with all-natural ingredients. There's not a single generic type of patty because people make all kinds of patties with a different recipe.

Raw food is what should be given to dogs. While it's just human food, giving dog's raw food is safe. They'll still be able to accumulate the protein from it. Also, tearing and ripping meat will strengthen the teeth of the dog so go for it. Don't be too sure about all patties. Some of them might be already expired. Some patties fed to dogs could cause the dog to vomit or poop out blood in their stool. The reason for this is there might bacteria left in the patty. Unlike humans who may be able to fight off the bacteria with their immune system, the dog's immune system might not be prepared for the bacteria so it will not be able to fend off the bacteria right away.

He suddenly groaned and moaned. I didn't understand at first then all of a sudden, I realized: he wanted the ham. He was sniffing out the ham. I took the ham and out of curiosity. I gave it to him. Miraculously, the Husky ate it. Then I gave him another slice and he ate it. Fast. From then on, I learned that Husky is a meat eater.

Depending on the factors and consideration, you may or may not give your dog patties. Always think about the kind of patty you'll give. If you want to let your dog live a healthy and happy life, always give him the best food that will nurture him without any complications.

About the Author: Lisa Jazmina Our company does medical billing for organizations in the United States. We love dogs and enjoy writing about them as well. Ideal Billing Solutions was founded over 10 years ago and we enjoy helping doctors to get higher returns. Please visit our website atwww.idealbill.com.

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VACCINATION And Its Important Role In A Dog’s Life

Active immunization is the introduction into the body of killed or satisfied microorganisms or their products for the purpose of stimulating the body’s defense mechanism. This concept is also applicable to other species like the dogs.

Before, the area of veterinary medicine has not yet realized the potential benefits of vaccinations. Until recently, veterinary experts have formulated certain solutions so as to combat the alarming increase of death in digs, in which, most of the causes are viral infection.

With the inception of vaccinations, many dogs were saved from probable death brought about by many diseases like leptospirosis, hepatitis, upper respiratory infections, and parvovirus.

Like humans, dogs need vaccinations too even at an early age. That is why it is important to immunize puppies so that they will survive until they are fully grown up.

Basically, puppies get their immunity from their mother’s milk, which is also the same as that of human beings. However, these immunities tend to lose its effects by the time the puppies are already 6 to 20 weeks old. So, it is during this time that they have to be immunized.

Hence, in order to protect the puppies against infectious diseases, it is best to give them their shots and should be re-immunized after 3 to 4 weeks. In this way, the puppies will be able to endure any infectious disease that may come their way.

Rabies and Immunization

Rabies is an acute and almost invariably fatal disease communicated to man through the saliva of a rabid animal, usually dogs, foxes, squirrels, and bats.

Dogs, fortunately, always present evidence of the disease before becoming infective. The etiologic agent is an ultramicroscopic virus present in the saliva and the central nervous system.

The course of rabies in dogs is characterized by an incubation period of 20 to 30 days. This is followed by a period of excitement, when the animal becomes vicious. The excitement stage may be evident at all or may be entirely absent. Paralysis then develops, first involving the hind legs and thereafter becoming general. Death occurs within 10 days following the first symptom.

Alternatively, the effects of rabies in human beings can be very fatal as it is with dogs. Hence, in order to avoid these problems, it is best to have your dogs vaccinated with anti-rabies shots.

Consequently, rabies vaccines can be given during the 16th to the 26th week of the puppies. This requires a follow up shot one year after for total protection.

On the other hand, dog owners should take note that not all vaccinations will generate adverse effects on their dogs. So, it is best to always observe your dogs every after vaccination. When certain reactions occur like vomiting, facial swelling, or trembling, it is best to discuss these matters immediately to your veterinarian.

Moreover, certain precautions should also be made when the age of the dogs are taken into consideration. For some guides regarding this matter, here are some tips:

1. The age of puppies

It is best to consider the puppies age before subjecting them to their shots.

For puppies that are 4 to 20 weeks old, their first shots should be given during their 6th to 8th weeks of age. The last shots shall be given on the 14th to 16th week of age. These date apply to all primary vaccines.

For rabies, puppies should be 16 to 26 weeks old.

2. For dogs that are 20 weeks old up to 2 years old

During this age, dogs should have received their booster shots already. This is essential so as to lengthen the immunity of the vaccines in the dog’s system. At this stage, additional vaccines are recommended for added protection such as vaccines against bordetella and other newer vaccines.

3. For dogs that are older than 2 years

By this time, the dogs should have been through with their booster shots. What comes next is the annual revaccination. These kinds of vaccines are still recommended so as to lengthen their protection against certain diseases.

The bottom line is that vaccinations are extremely important to your dog’s life. Like the way it functions in human beings, vaccines are needed in order to protect the dogs from imminent risk of acquiring diseases brought about by viruses.

With dog vaccines, you can be assured that your dog will be at its peak of health for a longer period of time, free from any life-threatening diseases. Indeed, with vaccines every life is lengthened.

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Tips To Remember For The DOG Bit By Snake

Having a canine pet is amazing. You have a very loyal companion that you can adore all your life. These animal companions can become your greatest source of comfort when you are down as well. When you have the canine pet, make sure that you take care of it properly, as any responsible pet owner would.

There are various dangers that these animal companions can face. In rare occasions, they might get bitten by ophidians, otherwise known as snakes. You have to immediately apply proper treatment in such emergencies to save your canine pet's life. To save your dog bit by a snake (San Diego), here are the best tips that you can use.

First, you should get your hands on a vaccine. The vaccine is basically made from snake venom so it should be effective to counter the poison of the reptile that took the bite. This vaccine can help reduce the bite effects that your domesticated pet is suffering from and delay the fatal effects it might have.

You have to make the pets wear the right leash when you are walking them. It makes it easier for you and your pet to avoid this poisonous animal when you put them on their six-foot leash instead of other alternatives like the flexi-lead. It is said that majority of those bitten by snakes are those that are off-leash or on flexi-lead.

When walking the pets, you should make sure to avoid rocky or dense brush. The same goes for the grassy areas. These are the places where the said ophidians hide. As much as possible, you should stay on the right trail. You should also choose wide roads or trails over narrow brush-bordered trails if you can.

The yard is where your pets can play all they want. Thus, it is highly recommended that you snake-proof your yard. The pet owners should know that just fencing the yard is not enough to keep these reptiles out. You have to find ways to fortify the fence. It may come in the form of a solid cement base or a hardware cloth.

Know what bite symptoms to pay attention to. When the canine pet gets bitten by any ophidian, they will show symptoms that will alert you about it. You have to know what these symptoms are so that you can apply proper treatment. You can immediately bring the canine pet to the vet as well. If it gets delayed, it can be fatal.

If you and your canine pet encounter the ophidian, you should not panic immediately lest you make your pet nervous as well. Instead of panicking, you should calmly and slowly back away from it until you are no longer within its striking distance. Carefully leave the area. If you can see one reptile here, there are likely to be more there.

In case your animal pet has been bitten, then immediately put it in the car. If there is a struggle, then just opt to walk the pet to the car. You have to avoid getting the pet to move around recklessly as the venom can spread faster. Once you get the pet to the car, drive to the vet immediately to get proper treatment.

About the Author: Iva Cannon When you are looking for information about a dog bit by snake San Diego area, you can pay a visit to the web pages online here today. Details are available at http://gooddogtrainingschool.com now.

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CANINE ARTHRITIS: Early Detection, Signs, and Symptoms That Your Dog Has It

Photo by Musespeak

In their youth, our pets love to run, jump and play hard. They rip around the house or yard enjoying life and amusing us. Unfortunately, aging and or genetics takes its toll. Your pet may seem lethargic or not as enthusiastic about going outside anymore. While these symptoms could point to many problems, it would not be uncommon for your pet to be suffering from a common form of joint disease, osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is as common in pets as it is in people. As with us, age and old injuries takes its toll on our joints, but there are breeds genetically predisposed to various joint problems. Malformed knee or hip joints can bring on inflammation to the affected area. The cartilage protecting and allowing a knee joint to bend and flex smoothly without pain may be deteriorating. Cartilage keeps connecting bone from rubbing together. Without it, the friction of bone on bone contact causes inflammation. Pain levels vary from mild to severe depending on the amount of damage to the cartilage.

As a degenerative disorder, arthritis can and in most cases will get worse over time. It may start out as small pangs of pain that can be easily tolerated, but it can escalate into unbearable, debilitating pain. Our pets can't tell us this of course, but their body language will let you know something is wrong. Early detection can lead to treatments that can reduce inflammation and slow the progression of the disease. The symptoms are easy to spot, but diagnosis by a veterinarian is advised.

So what should you look for? What are the signs that your pet may have a joint disease? For starters, arthritis will definitely affect the mobility of your pet. If you notice them having difficulty moving around, limping, getting up, lying down, jumping on furniture, or perhaps standing on their hind legs to greet you, chances are, pain is slowing them down. Like us, they'll limit mobility to minimize their discomfort. Consulting with your veterinarian is always a good idea, and once diagnosed, treatment can begin.

In the event that your dog is diagnosed with arthritis, are there treatments? Of course, there are, in fact, there are a number of options available to reduce your dog's pain and make it healthier again. The most popular treatment today comes in form of nutraceuticals. Glucosamine combined with chondroitin sulfate are natural substances given as food supplements. These 2 supplements, especially when paired together, are effective in reducing inflammation to the affected joint. Along with its efficacy, glucosamine paired with chondroitin are very safe, with virtually no side effects or dangers to your pet's health. Your vet may initially prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID's) as the treatment to reduce inflammation and pain quickly, but they do come with a laundry list of side effects that can be dangerous to your pet.

Finding out that your dog or cat has arthritis can certainly be worrisome, but with proper treatment, your pet can avoid most if not all of the pain associated with it. Early treatment is beneficial, so take heed of the symptoms and remember to take your pet to the veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment. Be sure to mention glucosamine as a treatment if your vet does not.

By Jack Russel If you're looking for a product to give your pet, I highly recommend Synflex for Pets. A leader in the industry, Synflex Liquid Glucosamine offers a complete line of products for people and pets with joint problems associated with arthritis. For over a decade, Synflex delivers on its promise to deliver pain-free joints for your pet. Synflex is affordable, easy to administer, and in my opinion the most effective liquid glucosamine product available for pet arthritis. Take a closer look at Synflex for Pets and see if your pet may benefit from its use. Article Source: EzineArticles

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CANINE ARTHRITIS

A Labrador Retriever standing with hind legs closes together to compensate 

for weak hips caused by an altered gait from hip dysplasia. 

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Is your dog a little less enthusiastic about his daily walks?  Is he reluctant to get up or lie down?  Do his joints click as he walks?  If so, there’s a chance your buddy is suffering from canine arthritis.

Just as with humans, arthritis in dogs can be one of a variety of types, but the most common is osteoarthritis.

What is Osteoarthritis and what causes it?

Cartilage in joints acts as a buffer between bones. Sometimes, that cartilage degrades and deteriorates, reducing the buffer between bones, sometimes to the point where there is direct bone-to-bone contact, which is extremely painful for the dog.

There is no single cause of arthritis.  Genetics and breeding have made certain breeds more susceptible to hip dysplasia, which often leads to arthritis.  Obesity in dogs can also contribute to arthritic conditions.  Sometimes young dogs can suffer from arthritis if their bones don’t develop correctly.  An injury to a limb can also result in arthritis later in life.

Symptoms

If your dog displays some of the following symptoms, you should consult a veterinarian regarding the possibility of canine arthritis:

·    Inactivity

·    Favoring of one limb

·    Reluctance to get up or lie down

·    Clicking of joints

·    Visible pain when walking

·    Swelling of Joints

·    Whimpering/Crying

·    Reluctance to climb stairs

·    Stiffness after getting up

Treatment

There is no cure for canine arthritis.  Generally, treatment is dedicated to reducing the inflammation, and managing the pain.  You and your veterinarian should decide whether prescribed drugs are warranted.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin have shown good results in reducing the inflammation, and therefore the pain, in the joints in many dogs.  Commercial supplements providing this combination include Cosequin and Arthogen, among others. They are available without a prescription.

Changing the animal’s diet might also help.  For overweight dogs, a “light” product may be in order.  Some pet owners may prefer to go the all-natural route, while others might consider dog food that contains Glucosamine and Chondroitin.

Alternative treatments, such as acupuncture and chiropractic have also had positive results for some arthritic canines.

What Can I Do to Make my Arthritic Dog More Comfortable?

If your dog shows signs of arthritis in his neck or shoulders, raise his food and water bowl by using a stand or “dog diner”.

When the weather is cold or damp, keep your buddy cozy and warm.

Apply moist heat to arthritic joints, in the form of a hot towel, or a towel-wrapped hot water bottle. Never use a heating pad, as it could lead to accidental burning.

Utilize ramps instead of stairs when possible.

Maintain a reasonable activity level. Exercise and mild activity will help stop joints from deteriorating further.

Conclusion

The sad fact is, that once a dog develops arthritis, he will suffer with it for the rest of his life, and all that can be done for him is to make him as comfortable as possible by maintaining a reasonable activity level, feeding the proper diet, and/or treating with over-the-counter medications, prescribed drugs, or holistic remedies. And a lot of love.

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Nursing a SICK DOG

Nursing a sick dog is one of the vital measures that a dog owner needs to understand.  Similarly, when a dog becomes sick, the dog is in need of more care and affection based activities by the dog owners. Nursing a sick animal is often considered as an art and this should not be taken as a causal measure.

Yes. You need to take extra care to the dog when it becomes sick. For example, the sick dog with a high fever needs to be given only some bread pieces and bulky non-vegetarian items may be avoided.  Such dogs should be kept in some calm place after medications are taken and should not be disturbed.  During the nursing of the dog who has taken the drug, the animal needs coaxing and stroking by the owner.  Don’t raise the dog’s head too much to avoid the passing of drugs given by the mouth directly into the respiratory organs like lungs.  During the nursing measures, take care by giving warm fluids.

Safety is to be given more priority during the nursing activity in any dog. When the dog has severe diarrhea, the animal may start showing signs of dehydration. Hence, the nursing care for dehydration includes an addition of small doses of salt and glucose to water in a careful manner.

Similarly, the vomiting dog also needs proper nursing care.  Ice cubes may be given in such cases along with egg whites to smooth the esophageal passage. 

Nowadays, a non-contact based infrared thermometer has come up in the market to obtain the temperature of the animal without much stress.  Place the dog in a shaded place if the temperature is so high and provide good ventilation to the suffering animal.   If the animal is suffering from hypothermia, provide warm blankets to given comfort to the animal.

   

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Caring For Your OLDER DOG

Once your dog becomes older it is time to take some preventative steps in order for them remain healthy, happy and active. Have your vet examine your pet annually or more often, if necessary.

As in humans, keep your dogs weight within the proper or optimum range. An overweight dog has far more health problems such as joint problems, arthritis, diabetes and liver or kidney malfunctions. Cut down on the amount of treats given to your pet. 

Old Dog - Photo  by       Siza Padovan  (cc)

It is hard to resist their soulful eyes but always remember that it is for their own good. You do not want to kill your pet by thinking you are being kind to them. Feed your pet once a day or smaller amounts twice a day but remove the food if there is any left. If you have children, explain to them why they should not sneak food to the family pet. 

As with dogs of any age, make sure there is always fresh, cool water available. Some older dogs have problems getting to the water bowl so either take the water to them or place bowls of water in several different places so they do not have to go far for a drink.

If possible take your dog for a short walk daily. This helps the dog's blood circulation and provides some new sights and smells to stimulate them and it gives you quality time to spend with your pet. He may be older but still curious.

You may need to switch from dry food to a moist or canned food as your dog ages.  His teeth may not be able to handle the hardness of dry kibbles. Looking after your older dog and taking him to the vet regularly helps keep your dog healthy and happy longer. 

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Tough Time Finding Good DOG CARE Patterns Use These Ideas

Anybody can go out and get a dog and bring him home. But if you wish to properly care for your dog, you've got to know what you're doing. Concentrate on the following useful information on ringworm canine so that you can confirm your dog has everything it needs so as to live and long and healthy life.

Cookie: "What, I gotta shower too?" Me: "That little red patch looks suspicious.
Might be ringworm." Cookie: "Gunfunnit."Photo   by       effin_peaz  (cc)

If you get a dog that was in a pound or shelter, you must see a vet straight away. Shelter dogs may be sick or exposed to different viruses. Giving your dog shots before taking it home will keep everyone healthy.

To make certain that your dog is healthy, be sure to allow it to get access to clean water at all points during the daytime. Just like with all living beings, water is one of the most important elements. The sole exception would be that you would want to keep water from a puppy dog for three hours before bedtime.

Lift your dog correctly. If you have a little dog or puppy dog, place your one hand under their chest and use your other hand for supporting their rump and hind legs. If you're lifting a huge dog, lift them from their underside supporting their chest using your one arm and using your other arm to support their rear end. Never lift a dog by their back legs, tail, or the nape of their neck.

You have to give careful thought to a decision to bring a dog into your life. Often, it is difficult to resist the delightful face of a puppy or dog, but don't forget how much is concerned in the care of a pet. Take everything into account first to be sure you can supply your little puppy with everything that he needs and to be in a position to manage it successfully.

Consider young dog coaching classes for your young pet. Puppies are eager to learn, and a class is a superb atmosphere to let them do so in. Classes are also regularly less expensive than individual lessons. This could teach your pup necessary behavior abilities and permit both of you bonding time too.

Your dog loves you completely, and you would like to ensure you supply the most for him. it's important that you utilize the information you have been given so you can work towards taking great care of your pet. Your pet merits correct care, and you can now provide that to him.

Author: Scott Araiza

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Guideline For Choosing DOG TREATS

What makes you love your dogs? Is it because of the way he loves you in return and the eagerness that you feel when he attempts to please? This love can be more emphasized through dog training as it creates the firm bond between you and your pal.

Gourmet dog treats produced by dog bakery Natertot Bakery
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

One well-recognized method of dog training is through the use of dog treats. But dog treats are not for positive reinforcement dog training alone. Most dog owners have used them as snack alternatives. This does not proceed pleasurable experiences but may also aid in maintaining your pal's health.

Like with other pet stuff, there are considerations that an owner should first evaluate before allowing his pet to dog treats. Health components concerning with calorie content is on the priority list.

One of the growing concerns about dog health nowadays is obesity. Almost half of American dogs are overweight. Like with the case of human, obesity may lead to a variety of diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis.

Overindulgence is thought as one of the contributing reason for obesity. This may be due to the human factor. Most owners tend to give dog treats on an unregulated basis. For most, it doesn't matter how many calories does a single biscuit may contain. To resolve this issue, an owner needs to cut back on the daily calorie intake of his pet until he reduces some weight. Controlling the quantity of dog treats throughout the day may be of great help. You may also choose to lessen his foods gradually until he reaches a normal weight. In line with this, it is ideal to stick with dog treats with low calories. The subject of obesity may further be resolved through consulting the vet and to implement a regular exercise regimen.

It is also an ill practice to give your dog commercially produced human foods. Some of which may contain elements that are not suited for your dog's health. Commercial foods are also often rich in fats and calories and low in nutrients and vitamins. Moreover, this practice is really not healthy for your dog's manners. This only encourages begging. Give him his dog treats in his own place instead but always bearing the thought of how healthy the dog treats you give are.

Tips on Dog Treats Selection

It is always best to buy naturally produced dog treats. These save you from unnecessary additives that may post threats against your dog's health. Fat and sugar-rich dog treats are a complete no-no. look for dog treats that have a high concentration of fibers and protein.

Dog treats that are primarily made from fishes are good sources of unadulterated health components. These are great foods for human as well as dogs. They are low in calories and fats.

Avoid giving dog treats before any major meals. If you are training him using positive reinforcement, cut back portions of his meals to balance his diet with dog treats.

There are dog treats that are specially made to optimize your dog's health. Working in the same principle as that of the vitamin supplements. These are aids to maintain your dog's health and may even relieve symptoms of certain diseases.

Don't allow that dog treats may cover as much as ten percent of your pet's diet.

In choosing the ideal treat, it is helpful to rely on your best judgments. It is you who know your pet well enough but in cases of doubt, you may as well consult a veterinarian.

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Understanding DOG FLEAS: How Fleas Breed & Affect Your Dog's Health

Fleas belong to the insect order Siphonaptera. They are common pests and may attack many mammals, including man. They can be a year round problem because they infest not only pets but also the home of the owner. Because of this, treatment of the pet alone may only temporarily solve a flea infestation.

Scratching - Photo  by    ☺ Lee J Haywood   (cc)

Although many species of fleas feed primarily on one type of animal, the common cat, and dog flea will readily take blood from a variety of animals, including man. Flea infestations of pets and their homes will most likely involve the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis and occasionally the dog flea, C. canis.

Fleas are small (2 to 4 mm in length), brownish to black insects which are characteristically flattened from side to side. Adults are wingless and capable of jumping relatively long distances. Adults feed exclusively on blood with their piercing-sucking mouthparts. When not actively feeding, adult fleas often hide in locations frequented by the host animal such as your dog bedding, sofas, or carpeted areas.

The common cat and dog fleas breed throughout the year. After feeding and mating, the female deposits her eggs, usually on the host. Several eggs are laid daily and up to several hundred over a lifetime. Eggs normally fall off the host into bedding material or similar areas and hatch within two weeks.

Flea eggs accumulate in areas where the host spends most of its time. In addition, adult fleas defecate small pellets of digested blood which also drop off into the environment. A flea comb will often gather this fecal matter at the base of the tines providing a good sign of flea infestation. The combination of white flea eggs and black dried blood specks may appear as a sprinkling of salt and pepper were an infested animal has slept.

Fleas undergo complete metamorphosis, that is, they pass through four developmental stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Immature fleas do not resemble adults at all.

Flea larvae are tiny, light colored, and, worm-like, without legs. They feed primarily on various debris and organic material including the droppings of the adults which contains digested blood. Flea larvae occur indoors and outdoors, wherever the eggs have fallen off the host. In houses, flea larvae live in carpeting, furniture, animal bedding and other protected areas with high humidity. Flea larvae also live outdoors in areas where animals spend time such as under porches in and around dog houses, etc.

Because flea larvae depend on the adult’s fecal pellets of dried blood as a food source, they cannot live in lawns or other outdoor areas unless the pet visits those areas enough to provide this food.

Depending on the species of flea and environmental conditions the larvae will pupate in one week to several months. The pupa is contained within a loose silken cocoon which is often covered by bits of debris. Under average conditions, the life cycle of the flea normally requires between 30 and 75 days but may take much longer. Adult fleas inside the cocoon, called pre-emerged fleas, will stay in that condition for weeks to months if no external cues from a host is available.

However, when disturbed by the presence of a host such as vibrations or carbon dioxide from exhaled breath, the fleas emerge simultaneously and attack the host. This is why it is possible to return to a house or apartment that has been empty for months and find it full of fleas.

When the normal host is available, fleas may feed several times a day but they are capable of surviving extended periods of starvation. In household situations, the normal host is a cat or dog. However, if the normal host is removed, starved fleas will readily seek other sources of blood and more often than not, man is the alternate host. In severe infestations, fleas will attack humans even though the normal host is present.

Certain species of fleas have been known to transmit such diseases as bubonic plague and murine typhus. These have never been a major problem. The major problems with fleas is a nuisance pest of pets. The irritation and itching from flea bites result in scratching and potential secondary infection. Fleas may also transmit the double-pored dog tapeworm to dogs and cats.

Finally, persistent attacks from fleas can cause severe allergic responses in some people and pets. Once sensitized, a single flea bite may produce symptoms including hair loss, usually around the base of the tail, dermatitis, and intense itching. In worse cases, puppies and young kittens can also die from serious fleas infestations.

With proper flea management knowledge, flea problems will not be a big issue and can be a battle and win over easily.

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