All about dog health

Choosing the right dog breed

2012-01-19T04:07:00.000-08:00

Dogs come in many different shapes, sizes and appearances. Deciding which is the best dog for you is the one that matches your personality and requirements. There are many dog breed profiles that you can look at to choose the right dog for yourself. Certain dogs can play various roles depending on the breed and your own preferences. From becoming a jogging partner to being used as a working dog that makes a fantastic partner for exercise, you can choose from multiple dog breeds and ensure a perfect match for yourself.

How To Choose From Various Dog Breeds

Why do you want a dog? Do you want a dog that doesn’t require constant pampering and petting? Do you prefer a dog who simply likes to snuggle on your couch? Or do you prefer a dog that requires shorter periods of exercise and is happy with just a couple of good, long walks once a day?

Having decided on the size, dog breed profiles, and energy levels, you also need to consider some other factors that include:

Do you have children in your home?

There are some dog breeds that are known for their tolerance towards children. The innate sense of patience and acceptance for things kids do such as running around, jumping, playing with the dog, screaming, etc. that some dogs have mean that you can safely leave your children in the care of these dogs. However, you must first teach your children to behave properly with the animal and not abuse it in any way.

If you choose from some dog breeds that don’t have an inborn ability to tolerate kiddies’ antics, you can always train it to become a family pet and instill patience in it for the children.

Are you prepared to face issues related to training and other tasks of a dog?

Young dogs require much exercies and puppy training. They need to be taken for walks many times each day, need constant attention, a multitude of dog toys and also demand regular veterinary checks. Beware that with certain puppies that illness can strike a younger dog somtimes a lot easier than an adult dog. Some puppies are prone to fading puppy syndrome that can lead to the death of youg puppies. You must prepare your self for all these tasks and more. Do you really want a small/new-born pup or can you manage an older (more than 12 weeks) dog? There are many rescue dog shelters that have dogs looking for homes that are well trained and are looking for adoption. Bring home a dog from any of these shelters and you will be guaranteed a loyal friend for life.

If you don’t have the time or inclination for catering to a puppy’s hyperactive demands, try and get yourself a grown up dog. One big benefit of choosing grown up dog breeds is that they know the commands and are more willing to learn.

Finally, look through dog breed profiles before settling down to choose the right dog breed and make it a part of your household.

Ear an eye products for cats

2011-11-10T07:15:00.000-08:00

You can get rid of all the unwanted pet eye and ear infections fast. There are many ear and eye products for cats that are guaranteed to be safe for use and at the same time very effective in cleaning or maintaining your cat’s eye and ear health. Currently, there are specially manufactured wipes for both your pet’s ears and eyes. Other ear products such as ear cleansers, cotton tipped applicators, ear powders and items for ear mite control are also available. There are some lubricants and tear stain as well.

The eyes and ears are considered to be two of the most common open pathways for bacterial or any other form of microbial infiltration. That’s why cats sometimes suffer from pink eyes (also known as conjunctivitis) and ear infections (usually fungal and bacterial in nature). If these problems are left unattended, your cat is at risk of developing far more serious ear and eye complications which may even lead to permanent irreversible loss of hearing and sight.

Ear Products

For the ears, you’ll notice that your cat is having some ear problems when it is constantly shaking its head or scratching its ears. It may also have yellowish or dark ear discharges. Infections of this nature often have external causes like allergens, seeds, water, ear mites and other insects.

There are ear products, either in the form of drops or gel solutions, which can treat ear infections. These products clear any offending or blocking debris that has been stuck inside your pet’s ears. Aside from its natural action of dislodging any foreign material, ear products also act as anti-inflammatory medications that help reduce the swelling and redness of the affected ears. This ensures that your pet stays comfortable and pain-free when undergoing active ear treatment.

Some natural ear products are even loaded with herbal extracts that have a natural ability to relieve itching and has an innate antibiotic property. Because of such, these products are deemed to be hypoallergenic and are declared to be safe for use by cats having sensitive skins. Its antibiotic effect also prevents recurrent ear infections.

Eye Products.
For the eyes, there are natural and unnatural preparations that help eye conditions like pink eye. Severe pink eye comes with excessive tearing up to the point of pus filled discharges. Aside from the standard sign of reddish and itchy eyes, you’ll also notice its presence when your cat is already too sensitive towards seeing bright lights.

Using eye products for cats ensures that the infection is not spread from one cat to the other as it sooths swelling and lessens the itch or discomfort. Pink eye can be a result of many factors such as infections, external debris like eyelashes and even trauma brought about by an eye injury from a fight.

Take note, prolonged unmanaged pink eye is said to increase the likelihood of blindness. Although this is the case, you need not be alarmed since it can easily be revered by using the right eye cat care products.

Other usefull resources http://www.diabeticcats.org.uk/

Hip dislocation in dogs

2011-04-08T03:42:00.000-07:00

How does a Hip Dislocation occur?

The hip is a “ball & socket” joint where the round end of the femur is held into its socket on the pelvis by a ligament in the middle. For the ball to come out of the socket, this ligament must tear, which requires a fair bit of force, usually being hit by a car, but it can occur from a fall.
How might a hip dislocation be repaired?

A hip dislocation is painful and an anaesthetic will be essential. An x-ray may be required to ensure that there is actually a dislocation and not a fracture of the end of the femur - both can feel similar, but are treated differently.

What care must be taken with a cat after a hip is replaced?

Once a hip has dislocated, the ligament that normally holds it in place has snapped, so there is a very real possibility that the hip could dislocate again soon afterwards. With time, the ligament, joint capsule and muscles around the hip will strengthen again as it remains in place. It is important, therefore to avoid any activity that might cause the hip to come out again, because if the area repairs with the hip in the wrong place, it will get stuck there.

In many cases a bandage sling will be placed on the cat that goes around the body and holds the leg up, preventing any movement that could dislocate the hip and keeping it in position. This may need to be on for 1-2 weeks. All dogs recovering from a dislocated hip will need to be kept indoors and their activity restricted. Full recovery will take 4-6 weeks, but the cat can be allowed a bit more activity after the first couple of weeks, even going outside under supervision.

Antenatal/Postnatal Care of the Bitch

2011-03-22T09:07:00.000-07:00

Anormal bitch can give birth to as many as 12 pups and hence it is important that you take care of her in the pre and post birth stage. Pet health is a concern that all dog owners should feel for after all, he or she is not just a pet but an integral part of your family: he or she is someone who brings joy!

For someone who gives you unconditional love, the least you can do is take care of her. Even though, the pre or post pregnancy requirements are different than in animals but caring will definitely help in either cases. Dog wormers are important as de-worming can remove any worms in before the bitch gives birth to those cuddly little innocent looking pups.

The standard period for pregnancy in a bitch will last for around 63 days. There can always be a +/-5 days period. But how would you determine that your bitch is pregnant because only when you know for sure, you can give her the dog wormers.

Signs of Pregnancy

In the first few or three weeks of pregnancy, your dog will be behaving normal and there will be no physical signs that can confirm pregnancy. After a sometime, you will find that your bitch is demanding more attention than she normally does and her nipples might show an enlargement. Of course there will also be a sign of hunger. This might not confirm that she is pregnant because bitches go through something called the false pregnancy period, which is a hormonal abnormality.

The next sign to look for is a clear mucoid vaginal discharge, which is probably the most reliable sign of pregnancy. You will notice this in around 4 weeks time from the day she went into labor and the vaginal discharge will continue till parturition. After 28 days into the gestation period, you can take her for a regular pet health checkup and also get an ultrasound done. Ultrasound will reveal fetal heartbeats and with the help of this, you will be able to get a fair idea of the number of puppies you can expect.

Pet health is extremely important and you need to take proper care of your bitch during her antenatal/postnatal period. Frequent visits to the veterinarian will help as they can palpate her uterus and will be able to feel the fetuses. You can also have a blood test taken to check her pregnancy status. The blood test will check a hormone called relaxin that is normally produced when a fertilized egg implants. As a part of pet health and care, you can get this test done around 28 days into the pregnancy period.

Beyond Canine Urolithiasis

2011-03-16T07:18:00.001-07:00

For dogs, suffering from urolithiasis or stones in the urinary system then you should support their nutrition by giving them Hills prescription diet u/d dog food. Dogs like their human counterparts have urinary systems too. The urinary system is not the only responsible for urine production but it is also responsible for keeping the delicate balance of fluids and electrolytes. However, the urinary system is not immune to medical conditions. One medical condition that usually takes place in this system are urinary stones or urolithiasis, these are stones formed when there are high levels of minerals in the urine. Your dog’s diet plays a huge part in the concentration of these minerals. Some dog food contains very high levels of these minerals, which can result to stone formation. Moreover, this dog food is not only for dogs with urinary stones alone, here are other indications for Hills prescription diet u/d dog food:

• Dissolution of urate and cystine uroliths

• Prevention of urate, oxalate and cystine uroliths

• Renal failure-advanced

• Hepatic copper storage disease

A special formula is behind this amazing dog food for dogs with urinary problems. To simply everything, here is a short breakdown of the benefits of Hills prescription diet u/d dog food:

a. The levels of protein, calcium and nucleic acids are at minimum levels in order to decrease the concentration of urate, cystine, and oxalate uroliths.

b. It helps maintain the urinary pH at 7.1-7.7. This will keep uroliths from forming.

c. To prevent the accumulation of toxic protein by products in kidney disease, the high quality protein content in Hills prescription diet u/d dog food is at minimum level.

d. In place of high quality protein, manufacturers of Hills prescription diet u/d dog food increased the level of non-protein calories in order to provide enough energy for your pet to use throughout the day.

e. In the hopes of slowing the progression of kidney disease, the manufacturers of Hills prescription diet u/d dog food only added small amounts of phosphorus in this dog food.

f. Increased levels of B-complex vitamins in Hills prescription diet u/d dog food helps combat the increase in urinary losses due to constant urination.

Do not let your dogs suffer even more by restricting their food intake. Give them something that they can eat without fear of worsening their condition. Give them Hills prescription diet u/d dog food to keep them healthy and well nourished.

Cauda Equina Syndrome or Lumbosacral Syndrome

2011-03-03T06:40:00.000-08:00

Dogs like humans go through physical problems and behavioral issues and one such problem is the Cauda Equina Syndrome also known as Lumbosacral Stenosis. This physical ailment can cause the dog a lot of pain and is a concerning pet health issue that should be discussed with the veterinarian even if your dog is not suffering. It is always better to take precautions. But what is Cauda Equina Syndrome?

Cauda Equina Syndrome is also known as lumbosacral instability, lumbar spinal stenosis, lumbosacral malformation and lumbosacral spondylolisthesis among many others. It is a serious issue that needs immediate attention. In a layman’s term, this would mean that your dog has arthritis. Depending on the joints where arthritis exists, the biological name will change. The most common arthritis in dogs takes place at the joint that is situated between the sacrum and last lumbar vertebra. The sacrum is one of the important bones that make the pelvis. This is not uncommon and this type of arthritis normally causes the spinal chord canal to become narrow.

One of the most common symptoms of Cauda Equina Syndrome is that your dog will have a lot of problem in standing on his hind legs. As a result of this, he will either walk with stiffness or will spend most of his time lying down. This kind of a if not treated on time can be crippling for your dog. You can ask your vet regarding any pet health questions especially on the issue of Cauda Equina Syndrome to understand the syndrome better and to be able to recognize the symptoms if your dog ever suffers from it.

The pain caused by the syndrome can even make it difficult for your dog to urinate or defecate. The chances of this issue taking place are higher in larger dogs and especially German Shepherd Dogs. Some dogs acquire it while there are many who might even be born with this deformity. The use of radiographs is useful for diagnosing this syndrome. If the syndrome is in the initial stage then a mild non-surgical treatment that includes use of anti-inflammatory medications is good enough. If the pet health issue is in an advanced stage then a surgical technique will be required to treat the Cauda Equina Syndrome. There are two different surgical techniques that can be used. One technique will require fusing of the bones while in the other technique, the intervertebral disc as well as the bone will be removed.

Corneal Ulcer In Dogs

2011-02-11T03:51:00.001-08:00

Corneal ulcers affect the cornea of the transparent and dome-shaped film that covers the eye. A clear, shiny layer it doesn’t have a single blood vessel and allows free passage of light through it. Moreover, the cornea of the eye does contain several nerve fibers that are connected to pain receptors and does feel pain or discomfort. Pet health can get affected due to corneal ulcer, which can also lead to lack of proper eyesight in dogs. The primary job of a cornea is to refract the light that enters the eye and therefore, help the pet’s eye to focus on an object. Made up of many (four) layers, the first layer of the cornea also acts as a protective shield against micro organisms that try to enter and infect the eye.

Corneal Ulcer

Pet health care is compromised when the first layer of the cornea is damaged and can’t protect the eye from bacteria and other micro organisms. Because the eye gets infected, it becomes more painful and pet health is affected by corneal ulcer. Furthermore, corneal ulcer can further damage pet health by invading much deeper and wider through the other corneal layers. Pet health care can be serious cause of concern when the infection reaches the other parts of the pet’s eye and damages it. In some cases, the damage may be irreparable.

Causes Of Corneal Ulcers

Even the smallest abrasion to your pet’s eye can lead to corneal ulcer. Typically, dogs rub their faces with their paws or get scratched on the eye by other animals, or objects such as animals, thorns, grass blades etc. All these can damage pet health and lead to corneal ulcers.

Symptoms of Corneal Ulcers

Pet health care means that you are aware of the slightest change in your pet’s behavior or nature. If your pet is affected by corneal ulcer he may show the following symptoms:

1. Squinting

2. Redness

3. Increased tearing

4. Cloudiness of the cornea

5. Yellow or green color discharge (mucus or pus) from the eye

6. Inflamed, red conjunctiva, which is the pink colored tissue around the cornea and the lining of the pet’s eye lids.

7. Rubbing excessively at the eye

8. Occasional lethargy

9. Pawing at the infected eye

10. Change in normal behavior
Diagnosis Of Corneal Ulcers

If you notice one or several of the above symptoms then you must safeguard your pet health by taking him to a veterinarian. The vet will make a full-eye check up for diagnosing the ulcer. To begin with, the vet will try to determine the presence of foreign objects or other causes of infection. He/She may also apply a special dye known as ‘flourescein’ to the pet eye as the corneal ulcer quickly absorbs this dye and helps making in making the diagnosis easily.
Treatment Of Corneal Ulcers

The treatment of corneal ulcer to ensure pet health can only be determined by the vet upon proper diagnosis. The treatment usually consists of an eye drop for alleviation of pain, and an antibiotic eye cream/ointment that must be applied 4-6 times each day.

An e-collar or a lamp shade shaped collar is a good pet health care precaution and prevents the pet from pawing his infected eye.

Exercise for Dogs with Arthritis

2011-02-09T03:03:00.000-08:00

If you have a dog then pet health care should be your primary concern because dogs are prone to several medical conditions of which some are mild in nature while others can be painful and fatal. One such condition is arthritis, which is fairly common in dogs as well as other pets.

Just like humans, arthritis is a dog’s worst nightmare as it almost incapacitates them. If you take proper pet health care then there is a chance that when your dog grows old, he or she might not go through the painful medical condition called arthritis. To better equip your self, you should always ask the veterinarian as many dog health questions as possible. Asking dog health questions will make you better informed and you will be able to diagnose a medical condition from the symptoms.

Arthritis is prevalent mostly in large dogs especially when they age. Arthritis doesn’t have a miraculous cure but regular pet health care can prevent it and even reduce the chances as he or she grows old. Prevention and high standards of pet health care can ensure that dogs have a comfortable life especially after they have grown old.

You can ask your vet any dog health questions you might have regarding arthritis. One of the best options is regular exercise, which will not only keep your dog fit and healthy but also keep arthritis away from him. Exercise is an integral part of pet health care along with nutritious diets. You need to also ensure that your dog doesn’t become overweight because then it will increase the chances of arthritis as well as heart diseases. Overweight dogs will also shirk exercise and this can well aggravate or worsen their existing arthritic condition.

Exercises For Arthritis

There are different types of exercises that your dog can do to keep his weight normal and over long-term, these exercises will protect him from the potential risk of arthritis. Most animal specialists as well as vets recommend different types of exercises for dogs so that they can be in a better condition where arthritis is concerned and of course with good pet health care they will be able to lead a good life.

Some of the top exercises that your dog can indulge in if he is arthritic or even otherwise include:
• Walking: This is a dog’s favorite exercise because they don’t have to work too hard and a walk can do wonders. You can start with low to moderate intensity routes to begin with and then stretch the number of miles from 1-5 as your dog gets used to it. Try to avoid climbing up hills and rough surfaces.

• Swimming: Dogs can swim but not all dogs will love water. So if your dog is a Labrador or retriever then you can take him out for a nice swim. Swimming is an exercise that will be easy on his joints.

• Fetching games: Dogs like to fetch but some dogs just love it! If your pet loves to fetch then you can indulge him in running and fetching but ensure that you don’t make him run too hard. Dog parks are a great place for playing fetching games. Some of the other games that involve running include:
a) Soccer

b) Catch the Frisbee/ball

c) Jumping over small barriers

d) Jumping small fences

Obesity and Weight control in dogs

2011-01-27T04:01:00.000-08:00

In the U.K alone, over 50% of dogs are overweight. The definition of which is, when a pets weight is up to 15% above it’s ideal weight then it can be considered as being overweight. If it is more than 15% above it’s ideal weight then it is considered to be obese.

Weight gain in pets is normally as a result of an increase in body fat. The most common cause is a pet eating too many calories (just like ourselves) We often like to treat our pets, but sometimes giving them "human" treats such as crisps and chocolate can contain up to half of their daily required calorie in-take. Too many calories combined with a lack of exercise can also exacerbate the problem. If more energy is being gained from food than is being used, the surplus will be stored as fat.

Facts about Fat
• Fat is a rich source of energy. Per unit of weight it contains over double the amount of energy when compared to proteins or carbohydrates. When food energy is available in plenty then fat is laid down in the body. This is then converted back to energy when it is needed.
• Fat is stored in various places in the body. It is associated with internal organs such as the liver and kidneys, but is also laid down under the skin.
• Although fat is often looked upon negatively, it is actually a very important nutritional requirement in animal diets. As well as supplying energy, fats contribute to palatability and carry essential fatty acids and fat soluble vitamins. A deficiency of these components can lead to impaired wound healing, poor coat condition and dry skin.
• The fact that fats are so palatable means that they are often included in commercial diets at high levels to make the food more appealing to the animal.

Other causes, include:
Medical Disorders - sometimes weight gain is associated with a medical disorder, which may require investigations and or treatment - speak to your vet.

Neutering or Spaying - Pets, which have been neutered, have a higher risk of weight gain because of their altered metabolism.(However neutering has many other positive health benefits).

Age - Older pets are often less active and if so require fewer calories.

Breed Type - Some breeds are genetically predisposed to over eating and excessive weight gain - speak to your Vet, who will advise you.

How do I know if my dog is overweight?
The best thing to do is visit your veterinary practice regularly, to have your dog assessed and weighed. Many practices offer pet weight control clinics as a free service, because they understand the importance of preventative health and your dogs weight could, be associated with some other health problems such as:

Heart Disease
Skin Disease
Diabetes Mellitus
Arthritis or other joint problems
Breathing difficulties
An increased surgical risk
Other signs that your dog is overweight are:

You cannot feel your dog's ribs
Loss of your dog’s waist and more bulk around their hips
Slow to move and difficulty in walking
No energy and sleeps a lot
Short of breath

How can I reduce my dog's weight without starving them?

Just reducing the amount of food your dog normally eats will usually fail, as your dog will become very hungry and will be begging for more food, the added problem is by decreasing the amount of their normal food, not only reduces the calorie content but also reduces all of the other vital nutrients, such as protein, vitamins and minerals.

Fortunately today, we have available to our pets special therapeutic diets which are carefully nutritionally balanced, yummy to eat, low in calories, available in canned and dry and make the dog feel full with fibre, so he will not continually badger you for more food (it is a pity that they have not produced one for people) Your Veterinary Surgeon will be the best person to advise and support you through this process.

Reasons for Pet Obesity
• Excess dietary energy
• Inappropriate diet
• Inappropriate tit bits and treats.
• Bad behaviour (begging, stealing)
• Inadequate exercise
• Breed susceptibility
• Neutering
• Underlying disease (very rare)

Many commercial pet foods have high levels of fat which is incorporated into the diet to lend palatability. This highly palatable energy dense diet is essentially concentrated nutrition which often needs to be fed in smaller amounts than is actually given. However many owners don’t understand this and so tend to overfeed. Most commercial pet food companies also use grain as the main component of the food since this is cheap. Grain is essentially mainly carbohydrate which increases the energy content of the food even further. Cats and dogs in the wild wouldn’t usually eat a diet so heavily based on carbohydrate so in a domestic situation they are being subjected to a diet which tends them towards obesity.

Tit Bits and Treats

Tit bits are often the greatest problem in the fight against obesity. Owners often aren’t even aware how much they feed their animal. Even though you don’t think your feeding a lot of food the majority of pets will get tit bits. These are essentially extra energy that your pet isn’t using. There are usually other members of the family that are giving tit-bits that you may not even be aware of. Children are especially prone to feeding a little bit of what they are eating. You must also consider the size of your pet. Giving a biscuit to a small dog is equivalent to us eating the whole packet!

Extra food ? extra energy ? fat deposition ? obesity!
Instead of feeding treats, try and reserve a small portion of the daily allocated food to use as rewards. Remember to reward desirable behaviour and not begging. If you must give treats then give healthy treats which are low in carbohydrate and fat. A small piece of lean meat is better than a biscuit.

Behavioural Problems
Behavioural problems can lead to obesity. Pets that beg or steal food are more likely to overeat. One of the greatest mistakes owners make is to give treats to begging pets. This is essentially rewarding an undesirable behaviour, your pet will soon learn that begging is something they should do and they will think that this is what you want them to do.Dominant pets in multi pet households may be more prone to eating more food since they have priority at the food bowl. Some owners are not even aware that one pet is eating much more than the other.

Some pets are just plain greedy and will eat any food left by other pets in the house!! If this is the case then you must feed your pets separately. If you normally leave food down for your pets then you may have to start taking it up after 30 minutes or so. Your pet will soon learn that they only have a certain time to eat. This will allow you to regain control of your pets feeding habits.

Inadequate Exercise
Exercise requirements vary between species, breed and life-stage of the animal. As people become under increasing pressure with work and lifestyle commitments they often have less time to spend exercising their pet. It is a sad fact but when people have children, their pet often becomes less of a priority.

People are often attracted to breeds of dog for their physical characteristics such as the way they look and their temperament. Unfortunately this breed may be a completely unsuitable choice as they have massive exercise and space requirements. People have to consider what that breed was initially used for. Working breeds are designed to work hard for long periods of time, therefore their exercise requirements are often way above what the average working person can provide.

Cats are often kept as indoor pets, especially in the city and built up areas where the risk of road traffic accidents is high enough to keep them indoors. These cats must be provided with exercise to prevent them becoming obese. Time must be dedicated to play with these cats so provide them with exercise periods. See our exercise section for tips on exercising cats.

Breed Susceptibility- Genetics.
It seems that in veterinary practice some breeds of dog are more commonly seen overweight than others. Among these are Labradors and Spaniels. It seems that some breeds may have a genetic susceptibility to obesity. Large appetites have a role to play as do differences in metabolism. Some individuals have a higher percentage body fat than dogs of the same weight.
In these susceptible dogs it is more important than ever to control their energy intake and their exercise regime. Increasing fibre levels in the food is often used to give the food bulk and to help prevent overeating of energy dense food.

Useful tips while your dog is losing weight
Work with your Veterinary Practice, they often provide free support and pet weight checks.
If the practice advices you to follow a particular health and weight programme do stick with it, so your dog will obtain the health benefits in the long term and you will have a happy, active dog with cheaper Vet bills.

Make every one in the family and neighbourhood aware, your dog is on a weight control programme and ask for their help. They could spoil a week’s work with a few small titbits.
Do not overfeed the recommended amount, always follow your Vets advice or follow the guide on the side of the pack.

Do use an appropriate specially formulated food for weight loss. Many so-called "light foods" are only designed to prevent and maintain weight loss. They are not very effective at ensuring weight loss, safely, over the shortest period of time, speak to your Vet, who will advise you.

Feed your overweight dog separately from the other pets in the house.

Keep your dog out of the room when you are eating or preparing the families meals, to avoid them begging and you giving into temptation.

Reward your dog with cuddles, playing games or going for walks rather than with food. If you feel you have to give your pet a treat, hand feed him a small proportion of his diet food. Or ask your Vet about special therapeutic treats, which are low in calories.

Encourage, regular moderate exercise to improve your dog’s health and well being and help control his weight. Do check with your Vet if you are planning a new health regime.

Ensure your pet has a regular weight check at your Veterinary practice to closely monitor his weight loss and obtain continued support and advice.

When your dog has achieved his goal, do continue to feed your dog on an appropriate lower calorie maintenance food to help prevent the extra weight returning. You have done extremely well; do not undo all of your hard work.

When you and your dog have achieved your goal, you will both benefit from a whole new lease of life, your dog will feel happy, healthy and fit again and you will have your bouncy puppy-like dog again.

What is head shaking in dogs?

2011-01-14T02:59:00.000-08:00

Vestibular syndrome may be the cause of head shaking among dogs. The damage to an organ responsible for balance in the dog’s inner ear is the usual cause of this condition. Balance and normal coordination are lost and the dog will sway his head or hold it tilted to one side.

The eyes may flicker in an upward and downward manner and even sideways. Often, this is misconstrued as stroke. When a dog suffers from this condition, they are somewhat scared and disoriented. Because of such, they end up hiding in the dark and quiet cornered environments. This is a recurring problem although treatment may be successful. The older types of dogs suffer from this problem. Head shaking is really a serious problem in canines and although treatments are available the cure to the more severe cases are not yet available. If your dog is suffering from such a condition, he will be given certain drugs that could be taken for the rest of his life.

Another possible cause for the dog to abnormally shake its head is epilepsy. The dog often shakes his entire body and legs. Your pet may seem confused after 'fits' that only last several minutes. Nevertheless, he can recover fully afterwards. Most causes of epilepsy are idiopathic. This means that there is no identifiable reason for its occurrence. Tablets which will have to be taken for life are the treatment of choice needed for this condition. Ear problems may also be another cause for the dog to shake his head frequently.

When your dog begins to do a constant head shaking, at first sight you may think that it is normal but when the shaking continues for a prolonged time then it is already a concern. Many people notice this but tend to overlook the problem. Like any other dog illnesses, early treatment brings the best results. When your dog becomes seriously ill, it will already be difficult to subject him to medical treatment as the disease may have already led to the organ damage as in most cases.

Prevention is by far better than cure and research has shown that dogs living a sedentary lifestyle are much more susceptible to diseases than those living an active way of life. So you must make sure that your dog is very much active all the time. Exercise is very vital when it comes to your dog's health. Hence, don’t hesitate in including your pet into your exercise schedule. When you go for a jog or a walk try to take your dog along with you. This will also help build your dog’s stamina and thus prevent the development of similar diseases in the future.
Dogs are certainly man's best friend. Thus, they should be treated as such. Try your best to ensure that he eats a healthy or a well balanced meal all the time. Avoid over feeding your pet, most especially with unhealthy snacks. Pay some regular visits to the veterinary clinic as it is also an important routine to establish. These regular visits will ensure that the vet identifies any disease happening in your dog during its early stages.

Some Safety Tips For Your Dog

2010-12-23T08:55:00.001-08:00

Dog safety

All living things should be loved and taken care of. Dogs are no exemption. As much as it is your duty to protect your family members (especially your kids) from some unwanted encounters with your pet, you need to bear in mind that both of their welfares must be considered.

For your family, here are some basic tips for dog safety:

Be Gentle

Teach your kids to be gentle towards your pet dogs. Dogs may sometime interpret a simple tap on the back as a form of attack rather than a mere show of affection. Your kids must learn not to treat your pet’s tail as something to hold on. Its furs must not be grabbed harshly and most especially its ears must not be pulled or played.

The Fear

Children must be encouraged to love dogs and not fear them. Making kids fear dogs will only bring about some awkward feelings toward dogs. They may develop an aversion from dogs and may run away from them once they come in close contact with any dog. This is actually a more dangerous outcome as it may motivate the dog to chase the kids.

Never Come Near To A Dog During Its Meal Time

This is actually not too hard to explain. Parents should be aware that some dogs tend to be ‘food protective.’ This means that dogs may dislike it if somebody else comes near their food. As pet owners, you must train your dog so that it will not develop this food protective nature.

For dogs, there are a lot of hazards most especially during times of festivities. Christmas, New Year, Independence Day and other occasions may not at all be that welcoming for canines. It is during these times when dogs encounter lots of environmental hazards. Thus, for your dog’s safety take into consideration the following:

Aluminum

There are some wrappers used to cover food. One of the most common is the aluminum foil. Unfortunately for unsuspecting dogs that eat these materials, they may end up having internal bleeding as aluminum, even in its foil form, can literally injure or cut the intestines. In more serious occasions, dogs may suffer from too much blood loss leading to eventual death.

Anti-Freeze

Anti-freeze poisoning is one of the most common domestic casualties yearly. Ethylene glycol, also known as anti-freeze is ordinarily deadly if ingested by animals like dogs. Even if only a small amount of anti-freeze is eaten, chances are your pet may die or become severely debilitated. This is a very serious medical emergency for animals and your pets must be carefully monitored during the holidays as dogs are easily lured by the sweet taste of anti-freeze.

Bloat

Bloat can also happen to dogs. When dogs have sudden diet shifts, quickly eat their meals, or eat foods that are common gas producers then they may end up having this type of stomach distention. In most cases this is not that severe but in more susceptible dog breeds like the German Shepherds, Dobermans and Basset Hounds this is considered as a veterinary emergency.
There are still many other types of dangers that you must keep your pet dog away from. It is your responsibility as the pet owner to pay close attention to your canine pals.

Pyometra (Uterine Infection)

2010-12-21T06:22:00.000-08:00

Pyometra is a serious and potentially life threatening disease of the entire female. It most commonly occurs in dogs but can also occur in cats, ferrets, rabbits and other domestic pets. It is essentially an infection of the uterus and its name literally means “pus in the uterus”. The course of the disease is rapid and an animal with a pyometra can deteriorate very rapidly with potentially fatal consequences if left untreated.

There are commonly two types of pyometra
• Open pyometra

• Closed pyometra

Open pyometra refers to the cervix being open. Pus is often noticed as a vaginal discharge which drains from the infected uterus.
Closed pyometra refers to the cervix being closed. Pus is unable to drain through the cervix and the uterus fills with pus very quickly causing abdominal distension.

A third type of pyometra called a stump pyometra is occasionally seen in neutered females. The stump of the uterus which remains after a neutering procedure (“spay”) can become infected under the influence of remnants of ovarian tissue. This type of pyometra can often be treated medically with the use of antibiotics.

What are the causes of pyometra?

During the normal reproductive cycle in dogs the uterine lining changes under the influence of hormones. After oestrus or “heat” levels of progesterone remain high in the blood stream for a number of weeks. This progesterone acts on the uterus by causing the lining to thicken. In a reproductively active animal this is in preparation for pregnancy. If pregnancy doesn’t occur for a number of oestrus cycles then the lining of the uterus continues to thicken until it forms cysts. This progressive change is called cystic endometrial hyperplasia. These cysts then secrete fluid which provides ideal conditions for bacterial growth. During oestrus the cervix opens allowing bacteria in the vagina to pass into the uterus. Normally the environment in the uterus does not support bacterial growth. However, with the thickened wall and cystic changes, bacteria can easily survive and multiply. These abnormal conditions also reduce the ability of the uterine muscles to contract and expel infection.

Pyometra can also be caused by the use of synthetic hormones (progestogens) and the use of hormonal contraceptives (oestrogens). The use of these hormones to prevent pregnancy after accidental mating can cause pyometra.

What are the signs of pyometra?

The signs depend on whether the pyometra is open or closed. With an open pyometra the first sign noted may be a vaginal discharge before the animal becomes apparently unwell. However with a closed pyometra the bacteria release toxins which are absorbed into the circulation. These animals often become critically ill very quickly and signs develop into shock and septicaemia. Among the signs noted are:

• Depression and lethargy

• Anorexia

• Increased thirst (polydipsia)

• Increased urination (polyuria)

• Vomiting

• Abdominal distension

What is the diagnosis of pyometra?

Any of the above signs warrant immediate veterinary attention. Your vet may perform:

• X-ray

• Ultrasound examination

• Blood tests

in order to diagnose a pyometra. Due to the high level of infection, a blood test often reveals an elevated white blood cell count. There may also be some impairment of kidney function as a result of the bacterial toxins.
What is the treatment of pyometra?

The preferred treatment of a pyometra is surgical removal of the infected uterus and ovaries. This procedure is called an ovariohysterectomy or “spay”. Many animals with pyometra are often critically ill so intensive supportive treatment including intravenous fluids and antibiotics are often needed.

A very distended uterus is at risk of rupturing with grave consequences. The infection spilling out into the abdomen can cause peritonitis which requires more intensive surgical and post operative treatment
In a case with little complications, the surgical removal of the infected uterus results in a rapid clinical improvement of the animal. Because the uterus and ovaries are removed, there is little chance of recurrence.
Medical treatment of pyometra without ovariohysterectomy can be attempted but this is not recommended. Owners with breeding animals may be keen to adopt this treatment, especially if there is an intention to breed at a later stage. Hormones called prostaglandins can be given in an attempt to treat medically. Their desired effect is:

• Reducing the blood level of progesterone

• Opening the cervix

• Contract the uterus to expel bacteria and pus

However treatment with prostaglandins:

• Is not always effective

• Unsuitable if an animal is critically ill

• Can rupture the uterus if it contracts against a closed cervix spilling infection into the abdominal cavity

• Does not prevent recurrence

• Does not guarantee successful breeding
Prevention of pyometra
The sure way to prevent pyometra developing is neutering (“spaying”). This should be considered for all females not intended for future breeding as a precaution to prevent the disease. The surgical risks associated with routine neutering are far less than those associated with pyometra. The risks of developing pyometra are one of the justifications of neutering in domestic animals.

Seek veterinary advice in all instances!

Hills prescription diet w/d dog food: For Obesity Prone Dogs

2010-12-13T08:50:00.000-08:00

The Hills prescription diet w/d dog food is the perfect food for dogs that are prone to gaining excess weight. This dog food can help them maintain their ideal weight. In this article, you will be able to view Hills prescription diet w/d dog food in a more detailed manner.

Hills prescription diet w/d dog food works hand in hand with Hills prescription diet r/d dog food. The second dog food is for weigh loss while Hills prescription diet w/d dog food is a dog food created to help your dog maintain his ideal weight and prevent excessive weight gain. In addition to prevention of obesity, Hills prescription diet w/d dog food is also a dog food created to provide diabetic and digestive support. This dog food is an all in one package so you do not have to buy two kinds of dog food at one time. Moreover, this dog food does not induce weight loss. Instead, Hills prescription diet w/d dog food is the dog food will help your dog maintain his weight. Therefore, you should give this dog food to your dog after he has successfully lost all his excess weight. Hills prescription diet w/d dog food comes in two packages, the canned Hills prescription diet w/d dog food and the dry Hills prescription diet w/d dog food.

The feeding label on the can is only applicable to the management of diabetes mellitus and other non-obese disorders. The label is not applicable to the prevention of obesity. Moreover, the label is just a guide. You may need to adjust the feeding amount in order to meet your dog’s needs.

The efficacy of Hills prescription diet w/d dog food is because of its specialized formula. The people behind this formula created it in such a way that it will be able to help obesity-prone dogs stay fit and healthy without restricting their diet.

a. The fat content of Hills prescription diet w/d dog food is very small. This will help prevent excessive weight gain. With no external source for fat, your dog’s body will utilize the stored fats for energy.

b. The high fiber content of Hills prescription diet w/d dog food aids in satisfying your dog’s hunger. Not only that, the fibre also keeps your dog full for longer periods thus paving way for a great reduction in his in-between feeding portions.

c. For faster conversion of fat, your dog’s body will need l-carnitine. Hills prescription diet w/d dog food contains high levels of l-carnitine.

If you think your dog is overweight, do not wait for him to become obese. Start by changing his diet and exercise with him. Once he has lost all the weight then you can use Hills prescription diet w/d dog food to help him maintain that weight. Keeping your dogs in perfect shape is important because excess weight does not only affect their mobility but it will also take its toll on their joints. For a happy and fit dog, use Hills prescription diet w/d dog food.

Puppy Care Guide

2010-11-17T02:57:00.000-08:00

Bringing home a new puppy is always an exciting event, but there are many things to consider with your new family member.

At first the puppy will feel a little strange in new surroundings. You can help it feel at home by making sure that there is a warm place for it to rest and sleep. The bedding should be waterproof and easy to clean. The ideal bed for your new puppy is a purpose built puppy crate, which he will adopt as his 'den'. Your veterinary Practice will be glad to give you some advice on nutrition and how important it is to establish good feeding habits, training, vaccination, worming and other measures of preventative healthcare

General Care

Grooming, training and a routine of regular exercise are all essential for the early health and happiness of your pet. So too is a visit to your Veterinary Practice. It is important to make an early appointment. Your puppy will then become familiar with the practice and the support staff and must receive its first vaccination, as it is susceptible to several contagious diseases. Your Veterinary Surgeon will advise on the interval for "booster vaccination".

Many Veterinary Practices now offer Puppy clinics for your new arrival, which will give you and your puppy in depth advice and experience about health care and training.

Grooming

Regular grooming is essential, two or three times a week for short haired dogs, once a day for those with long or thick coats. It not only removes dirt and dead hair but also helps prevent skin irritation - one of the more common problems during puppy hood. Another bonus to grooming your new puppy is your puppy can hardly distinguish between grooming and stroking, so you will naturally be forming a strong bond together.

Worming

Just as with skin irritation, intestinal parasites are one of the commonest problems of puppy hood. There is more advice in our wormer section.

Basic Training

You can start housetraining your puppy straight away. Exercise it frequently in the area you want it to "go". At first it will be coincidence. But if you consistently take it out as soon as it wakes, immediately after meals and just before going to bed, the coincidence will become habit. House training usually does not happen overnight but lavish praise for correct performance will bring the quickest results. You should find your puppy becoming house-trained within a few weeks. Incidentally, if it does go in the wrong place, do not scold him (and never rub his nose in it), as this is a very ineffective method of training. Praising the puppy when he has got it right is quite sufficient and effective training.
Exercise

Your growing puppy loves to play and exercise. The extra attention it gets when being out with you will help to form a strong bond between you. You should put your puppy on a lead and harness if you are walking near a road, near farm animals or other sources of danger. Your puppy should also start to wear an identification tag with your name and telephone on it as soon as you bring it home. It may also be an idea to consider microchipping, as an effective and permanent form of identification at your puppy’s first vaccination.

A sound and properly balanced diet will give him all of the protein, calcium and nutrients necessary to fuel his playful exercise. Moderate exercise and a good feeding program will combine to help muscle development, prevent obesity and maintain vitality.
Diet

Dogs are omnivorous and can eat many types of food that has been balanced to meet specific nutritional requirements.

Rapid growth and development of bones, muscles and internal organs means that the diet is especially important during puppy hood. A puppy’s nutritional needs are different from those of an adult dog because puppies need relatively more energy, calcium and phosphorus than a grown animal. They are after all building a skeleton. However Nutritionalist's such as experts at Hills puppy food, believe that excess levels of nutrients can be harmful over time. The right balance of nutrients is crucial as not overfeeding your new puppy. A good start is so important in helping your dog lead a long and healthy life.

2010-11-05T06:05:00.001-07:00

Get your pet Started on a Weight loss plan

2010-11-02T05:56:00.000-07:00

Success in any weight loss plan needs consistency and commitment. Before you start on any programme you need to clearly identify the reasons behind your desire to change your pet’s weight. Try thinking about some of the following advantages of putting your dog on a diet.

• Increased health

• Increased life expectancy

• More energy

• Increased exercise ability

• Reduced risk of disease

• Less behavioural problems

• Easier to train

As obese dogs lose weight, they undergo a remarkable change. Many owners state that their dogs start to behave like a puppy again. They want to play more, they move better, breathe better and are more enthusiastic about life in general!

These facts should be the driving force behind your pets lifestyle change. Every time you are tempted to fall back into old habits you should turn to this page and remind yourself how much you love your dog and how you want to do everything to ensure they lead a full and happy life.

It’s a Lifestyle Change

Weight loss is much more successful with whole lifestyle changes. Diets alone are not a long term solution. Weight may be lost initially but it is often put back on again. Try picking lifestyle changes for your dog which are achievable with your own schedule. Don’t commit to 2 hour walks daily if you simple don’t have the time. You will only be letting your best friend down. Pick a feeding and exercise regime which you are able to strictly adhere… remember consistency and commitment is the key to success!!

Be Realistic

Set your dog realistic targets. Remember sensible weight loss at a constant rate is what you’re aiming for. Don’t try too much too soon and don’t lose heart if it takes a while to kick start your dog’s metabolism, very often weight loss isn’t immediate and it can take a few weeks to get the ball rolling.

You are aiming for a sustainable weight loss at a steady constant rate. If your dog is losing equal amounts each week then you are probably being consistent with feeding and exercise. You want to try and avoid losing large amounts one week and nothing the next. This is too erratic and suggests less control.

“You are aiming for a sustainable weight loss at a steady constant rate.”

Dogs And Fireworks, Preparing Your Dog

2010-10-21T03:49:00.000-07:00

You know your pet better than anybody and will often notice changes in behaviour in traumatic situations, such as Bonfire Night. During the firework season many pets become stressed and fearful. The symptoms to look out for include:
•Trembling and shaking

•Clinging to owners

•Barking excessively

•Cowering and hiding behind furniture

•Trying to run away

•Soiling the house

•Pacing and panting

•Refusing to eat

Ways To Prepare Your Dog For Fireworks

1.Prepare a ‘den’ for your dog, so that he has somewhere to hide during the fireworks. Encourage him to use it by hiding healthy food treats or toys there. If your dog hides in a corner or under a bed, leave him alone and do not try to coax him out. This ‘bolthole’ is where he will feel most secure and must be accessible at all times. You can further help create this comforting ‘den’ for your dog by using a plug in D.A.P.® Diffuser + DAP Spray

2.On the evenings you expect fireworks, ensure your dog is safely inside and secure doors and windows

3.Make sure your pet is microchipped. If they do escape, frightened, confused animals can easily get lost

4.Ensure your dog is taken out for a walk early in the evening before the fireworks start

5.Draw curtains to reduce the noise from outside and play music or have the TV on to help mask the noise of fireworks

6.Ignore any fearful behaviour and do not try to comfort your pet. The animal will pick up on your anxiety and this may make the problem worse. Fussing a pet that appears frightened can reward and encourage this behaviour

7.Don’t punish your pet. This only confirms that there is something to be afraid of

8.Try not to go out while the fireworks are going off. Seeing you acting normally will help your pet feel more settled

9.If you are worried that your pet is taking a long time to recover from the firework festivities, speak to your vet about a behavioural therapy program or referral to a qualified behaviour counsellor

For further information on how to prepare your pet for the firework season, please contact your vet.

To help keep frightened pets to a minimum:

•If you are using fireworks at any kind of celebration, please use lower-noise fireworks, as they will reduce the likely stress caused to animals. You should make sure that pet and farm animal owners in the neighbourhood are aware of the date and time of the event

•Firework debris and litter can harm animals, so pick it all up after it has cooled down and dispose of it safely

•Keep cats and dogs indoors while any bonfire is alight. Ensure that any bonfire is a safe distance from aviaries or rabbit / guinea pig accommodation

•Bonfires can be fatal for wild animals such as hedgehogs, which often crawl into them to sleep. Build bonfires as late as possible to reduce this risk and make sure you disturb the bonfire’s foundations to give any wildlife a chance to escape before it is lit.

Missing Pets

If your pet goes missing, search your local area as he may be hiding nearby.
If you can’t find him, phone your nearest police station and if it is a dog that has gone missing the dog warden at your local council. It is also advisable to call any veterinary practices or rescue centres in the area to see whether he has been handed in.
Pet Injuries

If your pet is injured, seek veterinary assistance. If it is ‘out of hours’ your veterinary practice will have an answer phone message giving a telephone number that you can call for advice.

Cuts and grazes

Cuts and grazes can be treated with mildly salty water. Try and stop your pet from licking the wound by covering it up with a bandage. Deeper wounds should be treated by a veterinary surgeon.

Burns

Run cold water over burns for several minutes and contact your veterinary practice for advice. Don’t apply any creams as they may cause more harm than good.

If in doubt, please call your local veterinary practice.

For more info on how DAP helps with dog firework fear http://hubpages.com/hub/Help-with-firework-fear-in-dogs-with-DAP

How do dogs get jaundice?

2010-10-15T03:19:00.000-07:00

This is when mucous membranes found at the inner portion of the dog’s lips and mouth, vulva, eyelids and (in serious cases) the skin have a yellow stain. This can also be seen in the eye’s white area. Exceedingly high bilirubin levels in your dog's blood stream causes this disease. Haemoglobin, which is the red pigmentation found in the RBCs (red blood cells) is broken down into several by products including buliribin. This breakdown takes place in the liver where the buliribin is normally secreted with the bile.

This disease may arise due to 3 unlikely circumstances: The excessive destruction of the RBCs causes the first kind of jaundice. Many diseases can cause such but it is often due to the presence of an auto immune disease termed as AIHA. This condition happens when the dog's immune system starts to attack his very own RBCs whilst eliminating them. This eventually leads to the breakage of haemoglobin, which increases the levels of serum buliribin. In addition, diseases like cancer (certain types) may also lead to the excessive breakage of these blood cells. Cell mutations can also occur when the body fails to produce mature or definite red blood cells. These cells are then destroyed by the immune system because they are treated as foreign bodies and because they have not been coded properly.
The second kind is the disease that attacks the liver. Seepage of buliribin into the blood circulation may start from the liver tissues most especially if there are already several liver conditions present. These infections include hepatitis, cirrhosis, trauma, abscesses and liver tumours. In this case, the liver can malfunction and thus leads to jaundice in dogs. Pest infestationss may also lead to the malfunctioning of the liver.
Thirdly, the clogging of the so-called bile ducts, which normally take care of transporting bile from the liver into the small intestines, can also be a factor. These ducts can be clogged by certain gall stones, cirrhosis and other conditions affecting the intestines. This can be considered as one of the most alarming conditions that decrease the chances of survival if the disease is detected in its late stages. The signs of jaundice may not be that visible to the pet owner during disease development stages; however general signs should alert you to take your dog to the vet if he is not feeling well.

Jaundice isn’t really a disease in itself but rather, it is just a sign of a prevailing disease or health problem. Immediate veterinary service and opinions should be sought if you suspect your dog to be suffering from such. Jaundice may simply be an indication of the dog’s body system failure but sometimes it can also be due to an organ dysfunction as in the case of liver diseases. When your dog is ill it will most likely show some signs or changes in its regular behaviour. Some dogs may even look depressed when they become ill. Thus, upon noticing such changes, take him to the veterinary clinic immediately.

Have Patience When Cleaning Dog Teeth

2010-10-11T04:44:00.000-07:00

Have Patience When Cleansing Canine Enamel 1 of the most important aspects of profitable canine tooth maintanence is understanding the importance of becoming patient. mRegardless of the goods used, either gels or sprays for maintanence canines tooth, there will be a substantial instruction procedure involved prior to a regular and thorough maintanence of the canine enamel can be achieved.

Canine owners need to recognize they can take a number of days of his several weeks of training their canine to accept the toothbrushing devoid of stress or resistance. If it is initially approached wrongly or too aggressively than all future attempts at brushing a canine Steve will be futile.

When initial starting the method, it's essential to keep in mind the canine need to connect the process was one thing pleasurable. For example, in the beginning have a toothbrush and dog toothpaste in your hands while petting and playing with the canine. Just get them utilized to seeing and smelling the brush and spray and gel.

Based on the dogs temperament, this process may possibly take numerous days, or at least it ought to. When 1st trying to location the brush within the dog's mouth, initial location some thing pleasurable on the brush. This could be beef broth, peanut butter, or any other preferred treat the dog might like. At this time it's also advisable to spot a small amount of the puppy toothpaste on the brush also.

Here again, make this a fun and playful experience for the canine. Keep the session short and repeat them frequently for numerous days up to numerous weeks depending on the personality of your dog. The timestamp with the brush inside the dog's mouth can be extended over time as it is observed the canine is excepting the method devoid of stress or nervousness.

If done properly, it's achievable for the dog to not only allow his enamel to be brushed, but he will be excited and take pleasure in the experience. This in truth, it's the only way that a successful cleansing of the dogs teeth can acquire spot in the long term.

Bear in mind that canine teeth cleaning sprays are only employed for those canines who totally refuse access to their mouths with a toothbrush. The sprays are not nearly as successful for maintanence the tartar off of tooth as are the gel toothpastes. Additionally, even the spray can be a dilemma as some canines do not appreciate the sound of the "hiss" the spray makes when it is applied. If at all achievable, train your puppy to accept toothpaste on the brush when cleansing his or her enamel.

Bear in mind to put the easier it is to clean your dogs the better job you'll do. The much better every cleaning is, the much less usually has to be done. Most canine owners find that 3 or four great cleanings per week are all that is needed to keep the tartar removed from their canines enamel. With this maintenance schedule it's possible to prevent ever requiring a trip to the veterinarian's office for the previous-style and harmful tooth scaling procedures.

This will be specifically essential as your canine ages since older canines are a lot more vulnerable to side effects resulting from the anesthetics used by the vets.

How to clean dogs teeth
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJkkbSEWSuA

Can a dog get depression?

2010-10-06T08:20:00.000-07:00

Dogs also can be depressed; in most cases they will be sick from any disease. This is mostly common when the dog is suffering from infections that lead to a high temperature. If you see your dog being depressed or dull even if you see no signs of disease, the best thing to do is rush to the nearest vet.
This condition is mostly difficult for many vets because they really don’t know what the problem is. They can carry out x-rays, blood tests and many other tests if necessary but still it is possible for a vet not to find any organic problem with the. Nevertheless, his experience will at least tell him how to handle the situation

One common cause of depression on dogs is when the dog changes owners. This usually happens when you adopt a dog. The dog starts looking for the food that he’s used to eating and search for conditions of living that he got used before. Sadly, these things are no longer there. Also, when the original owner of the dog is dead or is situated far away and is probably living with someone else, then this can be worrying for the dog. The best treatment can be to fully understand the dog’s routines – what it eats and what it’s used to. If it’s something you just can’t afford, the best thing will be to start introducing the new meals bit by bit. Try mixing the old menu with the new menu until the dog is used to your new menu. After which you can change it totally.

Dogs are like human beings. This is probably why they are called man’s best friend. They too have feelings of their own. A dog can also be depressed when the owner isn’t feeling well or simply because it has lost its owner. One other mistake people do is to make the dog feel comfortable by playing with it and later not minding the act at all. The dog might be missing these playtimes and may start feeling depressed.

However, what many people tend to take for granted is the health of their dogs. Dogs can also get depressed because of a health problem you are not aware of. Don’t wait till you see obvious signs of sickness before you take your dog to the nearest vet; rather make it a point to always have regular check ups done so that you avoid conditions like depression With this, you can also avoid situations of realising the presence of a deadly disease when its already late.

One health concern that is usually out of the people’s minds is the dental health of their dogs. Dental checks can include plainly looking for unusual signs on the mouth of the dog. In addition, you can also look for any unusual smells that may be worrying to you.

As a fundamental rule that will keep your dog away from these conditions, you should treat dogs like you treat human beings. Stay with your dog. He protects you and keeps you company when you are feeling a bit lonely so why shouldn’t you give extra care like the way you care for yourself. Make it your business to make sure your dog is always happy and most importantly healthy

What should I do if my dog is bleeding?

2010-10-04T06:47:00.000-07:00

The only time bleeding is considered to be normal is when a female dog is in its season. The bitch’s vulva will swell up producing some drips of blood. This should continue for only up to three weeks in normal cases. As compared to humans this will not be menstruation at all, but it rather shows that the female dog is getting ready for a mate.

Sores and wounds are the common causes of bleeding. Wounds will begin to bleed when they appear but should only bleed for a few minutes. Applying pressure to the wound using a sterile clean pad or cloth will encourage the bleeding to stop. Do not prematurely remove the pad as the bleeding will start again as you can unknowingly disturb the normal clotting processes forming on the surface of the wound. Bleeding will actually stop within 4 to 3 minutes the most when pressure has been applied. However, if the dog’s wound is large, make sure you seek advanced medical attention from your vet immediately.

In some cases, if the blood appears to jet out from the site then a blood vessel may have been cut. The bleeding in this instance must be stopped quickly as the dog may lose a lot of blood. Try to wrap the dog’s wound with bandage or any cloth material whilst applying pressure so as to stop the bleeding. Broad bandages work best. After this you may then take the dog to the veterinary clinic as quickly as possible for treatment.

NEVER use a tourniquet unless you have tried all other methods and failed or if the dog appears to be at risk. Tourniquets may lead to the loss of the dog’s limb if it is applied incorrectly or left at the bleeding site for a long time duration. When using a tourniquet, try to place a soft sponge or sock on the area before you apply the tie so as to avoid crushing the limb.

Bleeding at times may also be seen at any opening of the dog. It can also happen during, periods of vomiting, urinating, and discharging faeces. Any excessive bleeding must be reported to the vet immediately. Look at the faeces for any noticeable signs of blood discharges from your pet dog. Bleeding in pets may lead to serious infection that’s why any bleeding incident needs immediate attention. At times your dog may get hurt or cut, however you must remember that your dog does not have the mouth to tell you that he has been hurt. Staying close to your dog and noticing its overt behaviors will easily help you identify if your dog is ill.

If you do not have that time to study your pets or look closely for their health, try to have regular appointments with the vet. Take your dog often to the veterinary clinic, so that it can get regularly checkups on its health. Most people think that it is just a waste of money, but believe me your vet can identify any signs of disease that is about to occur in your dog.

Why has my dogs appetite increased?

2010-09-29T09:40:00.003-07:00

Dogs by nature often have an unquenchable appetite. Especially the dogs of the wild, they like to eat almost anything deemed edible they find. If they stumble upon a huge chunk of food, they will try their best to eat all of it and leave nothing behind. This is an ordinary wild instinct in dogs for they believe that foods just come and go. Sometimes food is there and in most cases there’s none. And so, dogs along with other opportunists like wolves really eat a lot of food whenever available.

But for the domesticated dogs, who have already become man’s pets, they often eat moderately as they enjoy a regular provision of food. However, in dogs that have not been practised to eat in a regular basis, they still have a tendency to binge eat and overeat. Especially in the larger dog breeds, they eat as much food as they want, which often leads to obesity. That’s why all responsible owners employ a sense of control to this insatiable trigger for aside from being obese, your dog can develop some unwanted health hazards if he continues eating way more than what is normally required.

Though often considered as a normal occurrence, over eating or having a big appetite can still be a cause for alarm. This is because certain disease conditions can cause an increase in the dog’s overall appetite. As a general rule, try to check if your dog is packing up much weight when he overeats. If he does, then this is usually not alarming. However, in cases where the canine will not have significant weight increases or the worse if he will lose weight then this is the right time to be concerned. How can an overeating dog having a ravenous appetite still lose weight? The immediate scenario that comes to mind is that your pet is probably having some absorption problems or is having some abnormalities in his food digestion. In this regard, it is best to co-manage your pet’s case with the vet since he can do a better assessment whether your dog is indeed having some of these digestion problems. The two most common areas that he looks into are the stomach and the dog’s intestines.

In other instances however, a sudden peaking of the dog’s appetite can be a result of hormonal imbalances. Moreover, the intake of anti-inflammatory medications especially steroids can cause a significant boost in your pet’s appetite. Nevertheless, whatever is the root cause for the change in appetite it is ideal that you have plotted your dog’s weight regularly. With this, you can easily notice any abrupt weight losses and weight gains that may seem abnormal. This data can also help other specialists in the treatment team (i.e. the vet) in diagnosing the problem.

Overall, if you seem to have a hard time managing your pet’s uncontrollable gusto for food, then it may be best for you to directly seek the help of your local veterinarian. For sure, he will have a good opinion on what pathology is occurring in your dog.

Why has my dogs appetite decreased?

2010-09-29T09:39:00.001-07:00

Appetite is a very important aspect to consider in your dogs. It is perhaps the primary determining factor for your pet’s overall nutrition. Poor appetite would almost always imply bad nutrition or insufficient intake of the necessary food components that your pet dog needs. However, it is also important to consider that not all dogs have the same appetite threshold. Some dogs eat more while some eat a lot less.

The most obvious indication of a dog suffering from a decreased appetite, aside from not eating that well, is probably weight loss. That’s why as an owner, you need to regularly record how much your dog weighs. Upon noticing significant decrease in your dog’s weight as compared to his baseline measurements, one would suspect of some problems happening to your dog. On top of this, a clear decrease in the dog’s usual eating pattern or capacity would also signify a decrease in appetite. And so, dog owners often question why these things are happening.

For one, the dog will not eat much because he is either feeling nauseous or may have been experiencing continued episodes of vomiting (for more information on the latter please refer to the article on such). Many cases are even seen with both occurring altogether. As in humans, if dogs feel like throwing up then they cannot focus much on eating. With regard to this, it is not that easy to intervene yourself much more if the cause of nausea is unknown. The dog may be nauseous because of eating bad food. It may also be due to some abnormalities in his upper digestive tract like somewhere in the esophagus. Moreover, the most difficult point to consider is when nausea may be a manifestation of a more serious problem involving the brain, which is very possible especially when your dog got a direct hit to his head as in vehicular accidents.

As the pet owner, you can actually try to do some preliminary assessment as to what could have caused the nausea. Alternatively, you can also make his meals more attractive like preparing his favorite foods to trigger the dog’s appetite. But if all of these measure fail and appetite is still not restored to normal in one or more days then it may be necessary to bring him to the veterinary clinic.

Nevertheless, poor appetite in general can also be a result of some other reasons like when your dog is experiencing a disease condition. Just as in humans, whenever they are ill dogs also don’t feel like eating even if you prepare them their favorite foods. It’s really hard to eat something if you don’t have the satiety or the compulsion to do so. A simple fever can have systemic effects. For example, a very warm body temperature in dogs can affect the appetite center of his brain thereby decreasing his appetite. Similarly, febrile episodes can directly alter the normal peristalsis in your pet. Thus, with the guidance of your vet it is important to first treat the real cause of the appetite so that your pet can resume eating well.

What should I do if my dog is in a Road Traffic Accident?

2010-09-28T09:35:00.001-07:00

Usually dogs are the ones that are mostly involved in car accidents as compared to cats. At most times it is easy to tell whether or not your pet dog was hit significantly by a vehicle or not. Caring dog owners should never allow their pets to go astray in areas with lots of traffic. Always keep your dog within your yard premises be it within a fenced or walled yard. Try as much to ensure that your dog does not get any spaces to escape the yard as they are fond of going to the outside world. Remember that your dog has never attended any road crossing lessons ever since, hence he is at high risk of being involved in accidents, much worse if he can cause the accident itself. When taking your dog on a walk, make sure that you have a leash around the dog’s neck to ensure that he does not run too far from you.

When your dog gets hit by a car you are advised to rush him immediately to the nearest vet. The common injuries that the dog may incur involve those at the head and limbs. At some times the dog may obtain internal injuries such as the chest and rib injuries. Also, there are times when you may not easily identify whether your pet has been hit by a vehicle. This may prove dangerous and can lead to sudden death due to bleeding from the inside. Nevertheless the behavior patterns of your dog may, in one way or another, point out that if he is not feeling well. When you begin to notice this, take him to the nearest vet immediately.

Exercise is also very important when it comes to looking after your dog. Dogs like to play so go ahead and play with them. Exercising with your dog regularly can be one way to identify whether he has a health problem or not. When a dog isn’t feeling well, he will appear reluctant to perform physical exercises or even look apprehensive in simply getting up. These signs should certainly tell you that your dog is facing a serious problem. If he also spends more than 4 hours on one position, then it is not feeling well at all. Alternatively, when you throw your dog’s favorite bone or food on the ground he does not run for it at all. If these scenarios are present then seriously your dog needs to visit his as soon as possible.

Surprisingly, dogs can still get involved in a car accident when they are inside the actual vehicle. Carrying a dog within the car without putting a seat belt for your pet makes him susceptible to being jostled about during an accident. This can prove dangerous not only for the dog but also to the people inside the car as well. Dog car seat belts are readily available in many sizes nowadays. They are also very easy to mount on the seats. So try buying one right now. Lastly, never take the risk of traveling with your dog whilst seated on a parcel shelf. Remove the shelf and place the dog at the boot or rather in a dog cage.

Hip Dysplasia In Dogs

2010-09-27T01:57:00.000-07:00

Hip Dysplasia is a skeletal conditions wherein there a misalignment of the hipbones. Since you and other dog owners are not familiar with this condition, this article will provide you a better insight on this condition. It will also help you understand its effects on the mobility of your canine friend.

Bad Hip Dysplasia In Dogs

Hip dysplasia in dogs causes the malformation of the hip socket. The more severe cases of hip dysplasia can eventually cause a dog to be lame and suffer painful arthritis of the joints. Hip dysplasia affects mostly large breed dogs and is considered a congenital disease. A dog will eventually suffer painful osteoarthritis as a result of hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is so prevalent and debilitating especially in large breed dogs. German shepherds and Labrador retrievers historically were the breeds that had a high risk of hip dysplasia, however it is not as rampant any longer. Examples of other breeds that have a predisposition to hip dysplasia are bulls dogs, bull mastiffs, rottweilers, pugs, chow chows, and English setters.

There are many factors that cause hip dysplasia. The first cause of hip dysplasia is genetics. Scientists have agreed that hip dysplasia is a genetic disease that is transferred to the offspring of the dogs. Selective breeding has played a key role in the genetic transfer of hip dysplasia. The second cause of hip dysplasia is nutrition. Genetically susceptible dogs, together with poor nutrition, will increase the risk of hip dysplasia. A diet with too much or too little calcium and other minerals will affect the development of the hip joint in puppies. Too much calcium and protein in a puppies diet will accelerate growth. Puppies that experience such rapid growth between three to ten months have a high risk of developing hip dysplasia. The third cause of hip dysplasia is exercise. A dog with the predisposition of having hip dysplasia may have a high risk of getting the disease if there is too much exercise at a young age. Any exercise activity that puts a lot of stress on the joints of the dog can eventually lead to hip dysplasia. However, swimming, is a good exercise that does not cause stress on a dogs hips resulting in hip dysplasia.

A dog suffering from hip dysplasia will be stiff or sore after laying down. These dogs may also be hesitant to exercise, stand on their rear legs, and walking with an abnormal gait. A dog suffering from hip dysplasia as the disease progresses will experience atrophy of the thigh muscle. The progression of this disease depends on the size and weight of the animal, the pain tolerance of the dog, and their level of activity.

Hip dysplasia does not have a complete cure. However, there are many options to alleviate the different symptoms a dog is experiencing. The goal of treatment is to enhance the quality of life of the dog. The severity of hip dysplasia will determine the treatment for the dog. For milder cases of hip dysplasia there are medications the dog can take to help with the inflammation, joint wear, and pain. For the more serious cases of hip dysplasionthen surgery is the solution. There are two types of surgery most often used. The first type of surgery reshapes the joint to alleviate the pain or assist in the movement of the dog. The other type is complete hip replacement of the damaged hip, similar to hip replacement for humans.

Hip dysplasia is a widespread condition that primarily affects large and giant breeds of dogs. There is a strong genetic link between parents that have hip dysplasia and the incidence in their offspring. It is difficult to prevent hip dysplasia in your dog if the dog is already predisposed to it. With a healthy diet and reasonable exercise, hip dysplasia can be prevented.