Have you been looking for dog foods information to find the best all natural dog foods or homemade dog food recipe to make your own all natural dog foods?
All natural dog foods are in high demand right now because of the information surfacing on what commercial dog food suppliers are really putting in dog foods. There is no coincidence in the trend of our weakening dog's health and the fact that many ingredients in dog foods today, that many dog food suppliers use, are really not good for your dog's health.
At the "American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association Conference" the use of grains by dog food suppliers in commercial dog foods and home-prepared pet foods was questioned. Grains like oats, wheat, rice, barley, etc. are mainly complex carbohydrates, they also contain some protein, fiber, B-vitamins and a few trace minerals, however, these grains are not part of an all natural dog foods diet of wild dogs. Dogs do not have dietary requirements for complex carbohydrates and can receive the other elements they contain from other sources that are more digestible and nutritionally beneficial for your dog. Grains must also be cooked or sprouted and thoroughly chewed to be digested, which carnivores do not chew very much.
Why grains are not part of the best all natural dog foods?
Dog Food suppliers introduced them into your dog foods because the high carbohydrate content provides cheap calories. Dogs never ate grains in the wild in the amount that dog food suppliers put in today's dog foods.
The enzyme amylase is produced by your dog's pancreas to digest and utilize carbohydrates. Your dog cannot continually produce the amount of amylase required for the high complex carbohydrates in dog foods today without added stress on your dog's digestive system. Also grain proteins are not as digestible as animal proteins which can cause your dog's immune system to become irritated and weaker. The result can be allergies and other chronic immune disorders for your dog. Some of the symptoms your dog may experience from eating grains are poor digestion, bad breath, bowel trouble, gas, itching, hot spots plus other allergic reactions.
Recently it has come to light that some major dog food suppliers of high quality dog foods that advertised certain types of protein like chicken were using things like chicken feet only in their dog foods. Common sense tells us chicken feet cannot contain the same protein as the whole chicken.
Because there have been so many incidents like this reported about dog food suppliers, along with the amount of grains and other questionable ingredients used in dog foods today, the only way to assure your dog gets the best all natural dog foods possible, is for you to make them yourself.
What should I use for the best all natural dog foods in my homemade dog food recipe?
Below is a good basic homemade dog food recipe. Remember any sudden change in your dog's diet can cause your dog to have an upset stomach, so start with mixing a small amount of your new homemade dog food recipe in with the dog foods you are currently using. Every day increase your homemade dog food recipe amount and decrease the commercial dog foods you have been using. In a week to 10 days your dog will now have the best all natural dog foods available. You will also be surprised at how affordable it is.
A good rule of thumb for your homemade dog food recipe is 1 pound of raw or cooked food per day per 50 pounds of body weight of your pet. So if your pet weighs 100 pounds your dog would eat 2 pounds of your homemade dog food recipe daily and if your dog weighs 10 pounds your dog would eat 1/5 pound or 3.2 oz.
Bones become brittle and can splinter when they are old or cooked so you should only give your dog raw fresh bones. Your dog also cannot digest large pieces of vegetable without them being chopped finely, put through a blender or a food processor.
Use organ meats and inexpensive cuts of meat along with discount produce that has ripened. You can use whole chicken or turkey wings, necks and backs in your homemade dog food recipe to make your all natural dog foods as long as you do not cook them, the bones must be fed raw so they will not splinter.
Make up large batches and freeze your new all natural dog foods in serving size portions for your dog, then just take out the night before and refrigerate. Add any supplements at the time of feeding. You can feed your dog 2 times daily just divide the amount your dog needs daily in half for each feeding.
The following basic homemade dog food recipe will yield approximately 2 cups of food or 1 pound of the best prepared all natural dog foods available. The following all natural dog foods recipe is a 75% meat 25% vegetable combination. This simulates a dog's diet in the wild.
3 Simple Steps for the Best All Natural Dog Foods with this Homemade Dog Food Recipe
1) Use 12 ounces coarse-ground or chopped meat, raw or cooked. You can rotate a variety of meats, poultry and fish (organic or natural are best) for your all natural dog foods.
2) Use 4 ounces ground or chopped finely, mixed vegetables, raw or cooked. Again organic is the best choice for your all natural dog foods. Many stores will discount over-ripe produce.
3) Optional ingredients you can use in your all natural dog foods are whole eggs (including shells), alfalfa, kelp, barley or wheat grass, garlic, spirulina, chlorella, apples, pears, bananas, parsley, nettles, almonds, walnuts, fish oil for omega-3's and a shiny coat (which indicates your dog's health), plus a good vitamin and mineral supplement for your dog's optimum health.
Combine the above ingredients with warm purified water, because the best all natural dog foods are the consistency of a thick stew. Your dog will also benefit from this more natural source of water.
You can make the difference in your dog's health just by preparing this easy all natural dog foods homemade dog food recipe. Give this all natural dog foods recipe a chance for a month and see if you notice added vitality and vigor plus a new shiny coat on your dog.
Sherrie Chastain
Health Care and Beauty Consultant
http://www.sherriechastain.com
http://www.flagstaffkennelclub.com
Showing posts with label What dog is right for me. Show all posts
Showing posts with label What dog is right for me. Show all posts
Sunday, 16 January 2011
Tuesday, 4 January 2011
Dog Training Fundamentals - 5 Key Dog Behaviour Factors That Affect Training
Whether you already have experience of dog ownership, are a new dog owner or are about to be a dog owner, then training your dog is one of the most important aspects you need to consider. Likewise if you currently have a dog with behaviour problems, then dog training is essential.
However, knowing you need to train your dog and actually training your dog are two entirely different things. Just where do you start?
To successfully train your dog, you need to consider and understand some key facets of dog behaviour. Knowing and understanding these 5 facets will greatly improve your dog training.
1. The origins of dogs. Dogs are in essence descended from modern day wolves. While domestication has dampened or eliminated many traits, some key natural instincts still remain. Like wolves, dogs are pack animals. What does this mean?
Well, there are several traits that derive from being a pack animal. The important ones when it comes to training are dogs are naturally sociable, they are used to routine and they are used to a social structure (i.e. the famed alpha male).
As sociable animals dogs thrive on the interaction with other dogs. A dog does not consider you as a human but rather a funny looking dog. Therefore, dogs thrive on the interaction with you. Just like a wild wolf, rejected by the pack, if you starve a dog of this interaction, they will become unhappy and very agitated.
When it comes to training, you can use this to reward or punish your dog. Interacting with your dog (e.g. patting, encouraging/excited talk, etc) can be as much of a reward as treats of food. Similarly, ignoring your dog (e.g. turning your back, stern talk, putting them in another room, etc) can be a harsh punishment for a dog. Its definitely better than smacking them.
As with all animals (including humans), dogs thrive on routine. If they know what and when they are likely to be doing certain things, then they are relaxed and comfortable. They know what to expect and are not confused by ever changing circumstances.
Training should also stick to a routine. Decide when the best time of the day is best for you to train your dog and stick by that time as rigidly as possible. Your dog will soon get into a routine of expecting to be trained at say 3pm every day and will be prepared for when training time comes. If your dog is ready and expecting to be trained, then it goes without saying that they will actually train better.
Within a pack there is always the alpha male. The dog that leads the pack, protects the pack and ultimately ensures the pack is fed and survives. As mentioned, a dog sees you as a funny looking dog and not a human. To be a good dog owner you absolutely need to be the alpha male. How many nature programs have you seen where the alpha male is being challenged by one of the other would be alpha males? Likewise, your dog will be challenging you to be the alpha male - this is a natural instinct for them.
You must establish yourself as the alpha male from the beginning. Providing food, interaction, punishing bad behaviour, body and vocal language all go towards asserting yourself as the alpha male. If your dog does not consider you as the alpha male, then they will not listen or act on your training instructions.
2. A dog's memory. We all know that goldfish have short memories. However, you may be surprised to know that dogs also have short retention memories. If you could tell your dog something, it is likely that by the next day or a few hours later, they will have forgotten. On the other had (or paw) dogs do have incredibly good associated memory. This basically means that if your dog can associated something with what you tell it then it will likely remember what you told it for years to come.
For example if you told your dog (assuming you could speak doggy language) that the chocolate biscuits were in the cupboard your dog would probably forget this within a few hours. However, if you showed your dog where the chocolate biscuits were, repeating the words 'chocolate biscuits', every time you said 'chocolate biscuits' it would probably go straight to the cupboard. It may also search the cupboard every few hours for the rest of its life looking for the chocolate biscuits but that's not the point.
Therefore, when training your dog you need to associate the training topic with something. For example: if you are teaching your dog to sit. If you associate the word 'sit' by getting your dog to physically sit and then giving them a reward. Repeat this a few times and soon your dog will associate your command 'sit' with it physically sitting and then getting a reward. The difficult bit is disassociating the reward - ask yourself why almost every dog will naturally sit when you have food in your hand?
3. Doggy language. Despite comments above, we cannot speak doggy language and dogs cannot speak our language. This is important when it comes to training. You have to choose words for commands that both you and your dog will remember. Be careful not to choose very common words or else your dog will be easily confused when this word keeps appearing within the middle of a sentence. A common word often used in training dogs is 'come'. For this example, it may be better to use a slang version or combine 'come here' into a single short word.
The important thing is that when you decide on a word for a command to stick with it and be consistent, otherwise your dog will become confused.
I know it can be difficult, especially if you come home to your new TV pulled off the cabinet, to always use pre-selected words when talking to your dog. Your dog does not speak human language and will only know what those few words you have trained it with are (and the tone you have used). So if you start using other words or different tones your dog will not understand.
For example: imagine someone speaking to you in a foreign language asking for directions to the city hall. You can't understand a word they are saying yet they get more and more frustrated, talking in a louder and quicker language. Is it your fault you can't understand them? Why are they getting angrier when you have no idea what they are saying? What is their problem? What will I do? Similarly, if you haven't trained your dog to understand what 'sit' is and you start shouting 'sit', 'down on back legs', 'down', etc is it your dog's fault it is looking at you confused and increasingly scared.
4. Puppy behaviour. Just like babies, puppies do not know how the world works or how they are supposed to behave within that world. They need to be taught and learn what is good, bad, right or wrong.
A healthy and happy puppy will be a bundle of energy, desperate to explore as much as they can as quickly as they can. Dogs do not have good eyes that can see things or hands that can feel the intricacies of objects. Instead they have noses that can smell things and mouths that can chew objects.
While this can come through training and general maturing, the importance of this is that you must be patient and understand where your dog is coming from and why it does what it does.
5. Structure and enjoyment. While I have in a round about way touched on these two above, no dog training information would be complete without mentioning these two aspects on their own.
However you decide to train your dog, as with routine, you must have a structure to your training. If you have never trained a dog before, how do you know when your dog can start learning to sit, stay, etc and when it can run down to the local shop and pick the paper up for you?
You need to know what it is you actually want to train your dog to ultimately be able to do and what steps you need to take to get to that point. Personnel dog trainers, dog training classes and dog training guides can all do this. Personally, I prefer to train my own dogs and believe that in the end you develop a much stronger bond with your dog. Also, your dog is more obedient to you rather than the trainer. However, at the very least, and particularly if you have never trained a dog before, I would recommend purchasing a dog training guide.
The small amount of money for a dog training guide, compared to the time you would waste searching for free online tips that will be a mix match of training and will not provide the structure, is just not worth it. More than that, the time saved in training and the end result of a properly trained dog for the rest of its life (around 15 years) is worth many times more than the cost of even the most basic training guide.
If you, and more importantly your dog, do not enjoy training then you will never properly train your dog. Training will take longer and be much harder. When you start training your dog remember they are most likely to be a puppy and at that age all they want to do is run and explore their new world. Be flexible with the time you plan to spend training. Try and keep training short but if your dog appears to be really enjoying it then be prepared to train for longer. Likewise if your dog will just not focus, then maybe leave it for a bit before going back to it. With a routine and structure to your training, your dog will soon learn that when it comes to training they need to focus for a short length of time and will be better able to do so.
I hope the above has been helpful in your desire to train your dog. By knowing why and how your dog does what it does, you should be able to understand it's behaviour much better. By using this understanding you can better bond with your dog and train your dog. A good training routine and structure as well as plenty of patience and eventually you will have a well trained dog. Always always always make sure training is enjoyable for both you and especially your dog.
If you found this dog training advice article helpful, please feel free to visit my website for more information. As well as dog training guidance such as the best dog training book you will also find lots of information on being a good dog owner and how to keep your dog healthy.
Please feel free to distribute this article provided you include this resource box.
However, knowing you need to train your dog and actually training your dog are two entirely different things. Just where do you start?
To successfully train your dog, you need to consider and understand some key facets of dog behaviour. Knowing and understanding these 5 facets will greatly improve your dog training.
1. The origins of dogs. Dogs are in essence descended from modern day wolves. While domestication has dampened or eliminated many traits, some key natural instincts still remain. Like wolves, dogs are pack animals. What does this mean?
Well, there are several traits that derive from being a pack animal. The important ones when it comes to training are dogs are naturally sociable, they are used to routine and they are used to a social structure (i.e. the famed alpha male).
As sociable animals dogs thrive on the interaction with other dogs. A dog does not consider you as a human but rather a funny looking dog. Therefore, dogs thrive on the interaction with you. Just like a wild wolf, rejected by the pack, if you starve a dog of this interaction, they will become unhappy and very agitated.
When it comes to training, you can use this to reward or punish your dog. Interacting with your dog (e.g. patting, encouraging/excited talk, etc) can be as much of a reward as treats of food. Similarly, ignoring your dog (e.g. turning your back, stern talk, putting them in another room, etc) can be a harsh punishment for a dog. Its definitely better than smacking them.
As with all animals (including humans), dogs thrive on routine. If they know what and when they are likely to be doing certain things, then they are relaxed and comfortable. They know what to expect and are not confused by ever changing circumstances.
Training should also stick to a routine. Decide when the best time of the day is best for you to train your dog and stick by that time as rigidly as possible. Your dog will soon get into a routine of expecting to be trained at say 3pm every day and will be prepared for when training time comes. If your dog is ready and expecting to be trained, then it goes without saying that they will actually train better.
Within a pack there is always the alpha male. The dog that leads the pack, protects the pack and ultimately ensures the pack is fed and survives. As mentioned, a dog sees you as a funny looking dog and not a human. To be a good dog owner you absolutely need to be the alpha male. How many nature programs have you seen where the alpha male is being challenged by one of the other would be alpha males? Likewise, your dog will be challenging you to be the alpha male - this is a natural instinct for them.
You must establish yourself as the alpha male from the beginning. Providing food, interaction, punishing bad behaviour, body and vocal language all go towards asserting yourself as the alpha male. If your dog does not consider you as the alpha male, then they will not listen or act on your training instructions.
2. A dog's memory. We all know that goldfish have short memories. However, you may be surprised to know that dogs also have short retention memories. If you could tell your dog something, it is likely that by the next day or a few hours later, they will have forgotten. On the other had (or paw) dogs do have incredibly good associated memory. This basically means that if your dog can associated something with what you tell it then it will likely remember what you told it for years to come.
For example if you told your dog (assuming you could speak doggy language) that the chocolate biscuits were in the cupboard your dog would probably forget this within a few hours. However, if you showed your dog where the chocolate biscuits were, repeating the words 'chocolate biscuits', every time you said 'chocolate biscuits' it would probably go straight to the cupboard. It may also search the cupboard every few hours for the rest of its life looking for the chocolate biscuits but that's not the point.
Therefore, when training your dog you need to associate the training topic with something. For example: if you are teaching your dog to sit. If you associate the word 'sit' by getting your dog to physically sit and then giving them a reward. Repeat this a few times and soon your dog will associate your command 'sit' with it physically sitting and then getting a reward. The difficult bit is disassociating the reward - ask yourself why almost every dog will naturally sit when you have food in your hand?
3. Doggy language. Despite comments above, we cannot speak doggy language and dogs cannot speak our language. This is important when it comes to training. You have to choose words for commands that both you and your dog will remember. Be careful not to choose very common words or else your dog will be easily confused when this word keeps appearing within the middle of a sentence. A common word often used in training dogs is 'come'. For this example, it may be better to use a slang version or combine 'come here' into a single short word.
The important thing is that when you decide on a word for a command to stick with it and be consistent, otherwise your dog will become confused.
I know it can be difficult, especially if you come home to your new TV pulled off the cabinet, to always use pre-selected words when talking to your dog. Your dog does not speak human language and will only know what those few words you have trained it with are (and the tone you have used). So if you start using other words or different tones your dog will not understand.
For example: imagine someone speaking to you in a foreign language asking for directions to the city hall. You can't understand a word they are saying yet they get more and more frustrated, talking in a louder and quicker language. Is it your fault you can't understand them? Why are they getting angrier when you have no idea what they are saying? What is their problem? What will I do? Similarly, if you haven't trained your dog to understand what 'sit' is and you start shouting 'sit', 'down on back legs', 'down', etc is it your dog's fault it is looking at you confused and increasingly scared.
4. Puppy behaviour. Just like babies, puppies do not know how the world works or how they are supposed to behave within that world. They need to be taught and learn what is good, bad, right or wrong.
A healthy and happy puppy will be a bundle of energy, desperate to explore as much as they can as quickly as they can. Dogs do not have good eyes that can see things or hands that can feel the intricacies of objects. Instead they have noses that can smell things and mouths that can chew objects.
While this can come through training and general maturing, the importance of this is that you must be patient and understand where your dog is coming from and why it does what it does.
5. Structure and enjoyment. While I have in a round about way touched on these two above, no dog training information would be complete without mentioning these two aspects on their own.
However you decide to train your dog, as with routine, you must have a structure to your training. If you have never trained a dog before, how do you know when your dog can start learning to sit, stay, etc and when it can run down to the local shop and pick the paper up for you?
You need to know what it is you actually want to train your dog to ultimately be able to do and what steps you need to take to get to that point. Personnel dog trainers, dog training classes and dog training guides can all do this. Personally, I prefer to train my own dogs and believe that in the end you develop a much stronger bond with your dog. Also, your dog is more obedient to you rather than the trainer. However, at the very least, and particularly if you have never trained a dog before, I would recommend purchasing a dog training guide.
The small amount of money for a dog training guide, compared to the time you would waste searching for free online tips that will be a mix match of training and will not provide the structure, is just not worth it. More than that, the time saved in training and the end result of a properly trained dog for the rest of its life (around 15 years) is worth many times more than the cost of even the most basic training guide.
If you, and more importantly your dog, do not enjoy training then you will never properly train your dog. Training will take longer and be much harder. When you start training your dog remember they are most likely to be a puppy and at that age all they want to do is run and explore their new world. Be flexible with the time you plan to spend training. Try and keep training short but if your dog appears to be really enjoying it then be prepared to train for longer. Likewise if your dog will just not focus, then maybe leave it for a bit before going back to it. With a routine and structure to your training, your dog will soon learn that when it comes to training they need to focus for a short length of time and will be better able to do so.
I hope the above has been helpful in your desire to train your dog. By knowing why and how your dog does what it does, you should be able to understand it's behaviour much better. By using this understanding you can better bond with your dog and train your dog. A good training routine and structure as well as plenty of patience and eventually you will have a well trained dog. Always always always make sure training is enjoyable for both you and especially your dog.
If you found this dog training advice article helpful, please feel free to visit my website for more information. As well as dog training guidance such as the best dog training book you will also find lots of information on being a good dog owner and how to keep your dog healthy.
Please feel free to distribute this article provided you include this resource box.
Monday, 3 January 2011
Dog/Child Interaction: How to Develop a Safe Relationship
Dog-child interaction is the single most important issue to deal with if you have a child and a dog. Children love dogs but dogs don't always love children. When you bring home a new puppy, your child should be trained together with your dog. Dog owners need to remember that it takes two to tango. Children aren't often taught how to treat a new doggy which can make his life a living hell. This is not only torment for your dog but can be dangerous to your child. Never trust your child alone with ANY dog, regardless of how gentle that dog is known to be. A child tends to know just which buttons to press to turn the gentlest animal into a dangerous beast. Most dogs initially feel threatened by a child because they are at eye level, they have high-pitched voices and make vigorous movements. The dog senses that the child is somewhat unpredictable. Dog-child interaction should be monitored in order to make sure that child and your dog are getting along.
What you should teach your child
Do not let your child hug the dog until the dog-child relationship has developed and they've become comfortable with each other.
Children are accustomed to showing their affection with a hug, but some dogs will tolerate it while others will not.
Never approach a strange dog without asking the owner if it is o.k. to do so.
Allow the dog to sniff you before you try to pat him.
Stay away from stray dogs. A stray dog may carry disease or try to attack.
Never scream or run away from a dog. This will only start a chase.
Never run towards a dog or around a dog.
Never approach a dog face to face. This is threatening to them. Always approach a dog from the side. This will allow the dog-child relationship to develop.
Never look a dog square in the eyes.
Never tease or hit a dog whether he's loose, tied up, behind a fence or in a crate.
Never play rough games with a dog, such as tug-of-war. This will encourage a dog to become aggressive.
Never pat a dog on the head. Always approach him under the chin or on his back.
Never bother a sleeping dog.
Never bother the dog while he's eating or chewing his favorite bone.
A dog is not a toy. Never yank on his ears or pull his tail.
If a dog poses a threat, teach your child to stay perfectly still with arms at the side, avoid eye contact, don't scream. If there is no one around who can pull the dog away, have your child use a jacket, schoolbag, garbage can cover, or anything he can find as a shield while backing away from the dog slowly.
If a dog has knocked your child to the ground, he should curl up into a ball with his hands behind his head to protect his face.
Never give the dog table food.
Always play with your dog under adult supervision.
Always be kind to your dog. This will help develop a dog-child friendship.
Always protect your dog from harm.
What you should know as a dog owner
Begin obedience training your dog as soon as possible. Don't wait til he gets older, it'll only get harder.
Never leave your child alone with the dog.
Never let your child walk the dog alone.
Never tie up your dog. Provide your dog with a fenced-in space instead.
Socialize your dog. Get him acquainted with other dogs as early as possible. You should also get him familiar with everything in his environment, both indoors and outdoors. This is key in attempting to establish a great dog-child relationship.
Reward your dog for good behavior with praise and a treat.
If you leave your dog in the yard, make sure your fence does not have spaces large enough for a child to stick their hands through.
Never allow your child to abuse the dog in any way. This will never enable a dog-child relationship to flourish.
Give your dog a space to call his own to which he can retreat to if he is feeling bothered (such as a crate).
Do not allow your child to invade your dog's space especially while your dog is eating.
Get your dog used to being touched on all body parts. This will make him more comfortable around children.
Teach your dog to maintain a good temperment in the case of having his food bowl taken away while he's eating or removing a chew toy from his mouth. This will allow your dog to be more comfortable having a child around when he's eating or chewing on his favorite toy.
Teach your child how to properly handle the dog/puppy.
Walk your dog on a leash. Do not allow him to roam free.
Keep in mind that just because your dog is wonderful around your own children doesn't mean he will tolerate other children the same way.
Spay/neuter your dog.
If you have a dog and are expecting a baby
First off, if you haven't read the information above this subhead, go up and do so now. The above information will provide you with all the do's and dont's in preparing your dog for an addition to the family. If your dog has never been around a child for a long period of time, you will have the next nine months to get him used to it. Dog-child interaction is crucial at this stage.
Invite a niece, nephew, cousin, neighbor, etc. over for a few hours a week (Preferably a child who still wears a diaper. This will get the dog used to baby smell as well).
This idea satisfies two objectives: it will get your dog used to having a child around; and will develop your dog's behavior in such a way which allows him to have a dog-child relationship with almost any child. Teach your dog how to behave around a child using much of the information discussed above.
Do not wait until the baby is born in order to make adjustments. Try to make as many adjustments as you can before the baby arrives, this way he won't be hit with all these changes at once. For instance, if you will have to move furniture around to accommodate a high chair or a playpen, this may affect the placement of your dog's bed and bowl. If so, make this move before the baby arrives. This will lessen the impact it will have on your dog and is less likely to affect the dog-child relationship.
Once you have the nursery set up for the baby, teach your dog that he will not be allowed in the room, at all. If he learns this before the baby comes, it will lessen the dog's resentment towards the baby.
Get your dog used to the sounds a baby makes by playing a recording of a baby cooing and crying. Play this recording in the nursery in order to indicate to your dog where exactly he can expect these sounds to be coming from.
Make accommodations for your dog for the day you go into labor. He may have to spend hours alone before daddy's comes home from the hospital.
When it's time to bring the baby home, have someone go into another room with the dog while you put the baby down and get settled. Then bring the baby out and introduce the dog to the baby. The dog will probably give the baby a sniff or two and seek your attention. After all, he hasn't seen you in days. At this point, it would be a good idea to put the baby down and spend some time playing with the dog. Show him he's still loved. This will aid in the development of the dog-child relationship.
Your dog may require some extra attention in the first days of welcoming the baby. This will keep him from resenting the baby for stealing all the attention. Give him your undivided attention.
Allow your dog to be present when changing or feeding the baby.
Never yell at your dog for getting too close to the baby. Allow him to sniff the baby in order to get used to his scent. Make sure this is done under strict supervision. This will help nourish the dog-child relationship.
As the baby gets older, you will teach him to respect the dog and be gentle towards him.
Get your child to help you with dog chores, such as feeding and walking the dog.
Before your know it, a natural dog-child bond will form which will give them a long-lasting friendship for years to come.
Help your child and your dog live in perfect harmony by adhering to these simple rules. Once a good dog-child relationship has been established, this bond will last a lifetime.
If you have trouble controlling your dog, you should bring your dog (and your child) to an obedience class to help you get started.
Nancy Settecasi, Owner of Happy K-9 Dog Care Proud owner of Cookie and Skippy, Cocker Spaniels, Dog lover http://www.happyk-9.com
What you should teach your child
Do not let your child hug the dog until the dog-child relationship has developed and they've become comfortable with each other.
Children are accustomed to showing their affection with a hug, but some dogs will tolerate it while others will not.
Never approach a strange dog without asking the owner if it is o.k. to do so.
Allow the dog to sniff you before you try to pat him.
Stay away from stray dogs. A stray dog may carry disease or try to attack.
Never scream or run away from a dog. This will only start a chase.
Never run towards a dog or around a dog.
Never approach a dog face to face. This is threatening to them. Always approach a dog from the side. This will allow the dog-child relationship to develop.
Never look a dog square in the eyes.
Never tease or hit a dog whether he's loose, tied up, behind a fence or in a crate.
Never play rough games with a dog, such as tug-of-war. This will encourage a dog to become aggressive.
Never pat a dog on the head. Always approach him under the chin or on his back.
Never bother a sleeping dog.
Never bother the dog while he's eating or chewing his favorite bone.
A dog is not a toy. Never yank on his ears or pull his tail.
If a dog poses a threat, teach your child to stay perfectly still with arms at the side, avoid eye contact, don't scream. If there is no one around who can pull the dog away, have your child use a jacket, schoolbag, garbage can cover, or anything he can find as a shield while backing away from the dog slowly.
If a dog has knocked your child to the ground, he should curl up into a ball with his hands behind his head to protect his face.
Never give the dog table food.
Always play with your dog under adult supervision.
Always be kind to your dog. This will help develop a dog-child friendship.
Always protect your dog from harm.
What you should know as a dog owner
Begin obedience training your dog as soon as possible. Don't wait til he gets older, it'll only get harder.
Never leave your child alone with the dog.
Never let your child walk the dog alone.
Never tie up your dog. Provide your dog with a fenced-in space instead.
Socialize your dog. Get him acquainted with other dogs as early as possible. You should also get him familiar with everything in his environment, both indoors and outdoors. This is key in attempting to establish a great dog-child relationship.
Reward your dog for good behavior with praise and a treat.
If you leave your dog in the yard, make sure your fence does not have spaces large enough for a child to stick their hands through.
Never allow your child to abuse the dog in any way. This will never enable a dog-child relationship to flourish.
Give your dog a space to call his own to which he can retreat to if he is feeling bothered (such as a crate).
Do not allow your child to invade your dog's space especially while your dog is eating.
Get your dog used to being touched on all body parts. This will make him more comfortable around children.
Teach your dog to maintain a good temperment in the case of having his food bowl taken away while he's eating or removing a chew toy from his mouth. This will allow your dog to be more comfortable having a child around when he's eating or chewing on his favorite toy.
Teach your child how to properly handle the dog/puppy.
Walk your dog on a leash. Do not allow him to roam free.
Keep in mind that just because your dog is wonderful around your own children doesn't mean he will tolerate other children the same way.
Spay/neuter your dog.
If you have a dog and are expecting a baby
First off, if you haven't read the information above this subhead, go up and do so now. The above information will provide you with all the do's and dont's in preparing your dog for an addition to the family. If your dog has never been around a child for a long period of time, you will have the next nine months to get him used to it. Dog-child interaction is crucial at this stage.
Invite a niece, nephew, cousin, neighbor, etc. over for a few hours a week (Preferably a child who still wears a diaper. This will get the dog used to baby smell as well).
This idea satisfies two objectives: it will get your dog used to having a child around; and will develop your dog's behavior in such a way which allows him to have a dog-child relationship with almost any child. Teach your dog how to behave around a child using much of the information discussed above.
Do not wait until the baby is born in order to make adjustments. Try to make as many adjustments as you can before the baby arrives, this way he won't be hit with all these changes at once. For instance, if you will have to move furniture around to accommodate a high chair or a playpen, this may affect the placement of your dog's bed and bowl. If so, make this move before the baby arrives. This will lessen the impact it will have on your dog and is less likely to affect the dog-child relationship.
Once you have the nursery set up for the baby, teach your dog that he will not be allowed in the room, at all. If he learns this before the baby comes, it will lessen the dog's resentment towards the baby.
Get your dog used to the sounds a baby makes by playing a recording of a baby cooing and crying. Play this recording in the nursery in order to indicate to your dog where exactly he can expect these sounds to be coming from.
Make accommodations for your dog for the day you go into labor. He may have to spend hours alone before daddy's comes home from the hospital.
When it's time to bring the baby home, have someone go into another room with the dog while you put the baby down and get settled. Then bring the baby out and introduce the dog to the baby. The dog will probably give the baby a sniff or two and seek your attention. After all, he hasn't seen you in days. At this point, it would be a good idea to put the baby down and spend some time playing with the dog. Show him he's still loved. This will aid in the development of the dog-child relationship.
Your dog may require some extra attention in the first days of welcoming the baby. This will keep him from resenting the baby for stealing all the attention. Give him your undivided attention.
Allow your dog to be present when changing or feeding the baby.
Never yell at your dog for getting too close to the baby. Allow him to sniff the baby in order to get used to his scent. Make sure this is done under strict supervision. This will help nourish the dog-child relationship.
As the baby gets older, you will teach him to respect the dog and be gentle towards him.
Get your child to help you with dog chores, such as feeding and walking the dog.
Before your know it, a natural dog-child bond will form which will give them a long-lasting friendship for years to come.
Help your child and your dog live in perfect harmony by adhering to these simple rules. Once a good dog-child relationship has been established, this bond will last a lifetime.
If you have trouble controlling your dog, you should bring your dog (and your child) to an obedience class to help you get started.
Nancy Settecasi, Owner of Happy K-9 Dog Care Proud owner of Cookie and Skippy, Cocker Spaniels, Dog lover http://www.happyk-9.com
Friday, 10 December 2010
How Much Should I Feed My Dog?
Many people will give different types of answers based on their experience with their dogs. However, the scientific facts related to the feeding aspects in case of dogs need to be given emphasis during the feeding activities maintained in case of dogs.
Usually the puppies should not be separated before they are eight weeks old. However, some times the orphaned puppies may exist. Usually about five percent of the body weight may be taken as criteria for the quantity of food to be given to the puppies. However, the amount that is consumed by the dog varies with size of the dogs also.
However, one can have a thumb rule of feeding the puppy goes until you see visible fullness of the abdomen to a moderate degree. If you are going on feeding the animal without giving emphasis to the animal's stomach appearance, then the puppy may experience some kinds of digestive upsets and the diarrhea may occur in them.
This may cause many inconveniences to the owner as well as the puppy. Unlike adult dogs, the puppies need to be fed with restricted amounts of food but in more frequencies. However, once the age advances, the amount may be increased to some extent but the frequency of feeding is often decreased in many occasions.
A dog on a raw diet may consume only two to four percent of their body weight. Just observe closely the feeding pattern of the dog and the body condition of the animal. If the dog becomes obese, just reduce the quantity of food and if the dog becomes thin, then have an increase in the feeding items.
As mentioned earlier, puppies and adolescent dogs eat more than the adult dogs. Likewise the geriatric dog eats less than the adult dog due to the reduced movements of the dog. However, remember to restrict the amounts of protein during the feeding of diet to the aged dogs.
Usually the puppies should not be separated before they are eight weeks old. However, some times the orphaned puppies may exist. Usually about five percent of the body weight may be taken as criteria for the quantity of food to be given to the puppies. However, the amount that is consumed by the dog varies with size of the dogs also.
However, one can have a thumb rule of feeding the puppy goes until you see visible fullness of the abdomen to a moderate degree. If you are going on feeding the animal without giving emphasis to the animal's stomach appearance, then the puppy may experience some kinds of digestive upsets and the diarrhea may occur in them.
This may cause many inconveniences to the owner as well as the puppy. Unlike adult dogs, the puppies need to be fed with restricted amounts of food but in more frequencies. However, once the age advances, the amount may be increased to some extent but the frequency of feeding is often decreased in many occasions.
A dog on a raw diet may consume only two to four percent of their body weight. Just observe closely the feeding pattern of the dog and the body condition of the animal. If the dog becomes obese, just reduce the quantity of food and if the dog becomes thin, then have an increase in the feeding items.
As mentioned earlier, puppies and adolescent dogs eat more than the adult dogs. Likewise the geriatric dog eats less than the adult dog due to the reduced movements of the dog. However, remember to restrict the amounts of protein during the feeding of diet to the aged dogs.
Thursday, 9 December 2010
Household Dog Dangers
Dogs have a tendency of trying to eat just about everything they come across. In most cases, this causes some slight discomfort. There are things, however, that can be dangerous enough to cause death to your dog if he eats them. Following is a brief list:
1) Antifreeze: Many people do not realize it, but common antifreeze kills many pets each year. It smells and tastes very sweet to your dog and is very appealing to him. 2) Chocolate: Chocolate contains a substance called the obromine which is toxic to dogs. Baking chocolate and dark chocolate is especially dangerous. 3) Bleach: As you might imagine, household bleach is toxic to dogs. Keep all products containing bleach out of your dog's reach.
4) Tylenol: As little as two regular strength Tylenol tablets can kill a small dog.
5) Watch Batteries: If your dog ingests a watch battery, it can cause a potentially fatal ulceration in the stomach within 12 hours. All other alkaline batteries are toxic to dogs as well.
6) Moth Balls: Moth balls are very dangerous to dogs. They contain an insecticide that causes central nervous system excitement and seizures..
7) Fabric Softeners and other detergents: All sorts of household detergents are toxic to dogs at one level or another, but fabric softeners fall into the highly toxic category. 8) Mouthwash: Mouthwash can contain boric acid which is highly toxic to dogs. Symptoms of poisoning by mouthwash include vomiting, drooling, seizures, and coma. 9) Peach Pits: With most fruits, the pits and the seeds are toxic to dogs. Signs of poisoning include drooling, vomiting, and lethargy. 10) Household Plants: Many common and popular household plants are highly toxic to dogs. A partial list of toxic plants includes poinsettias, lilies, ferns, devil's ivy, aloe, and ivy.
If you think your dog may have eaten any of these substances, or anything else that could poison him, call a vet immediately. It could save his life.
1) Antifreeze: Many people do not realize it, but common antifreeze kills many pets each year. It smells and tastes very sweet to your dog and is very appealing to him. 2) Chocolate: Chocolate contains a substance called the obromine which is toxic to dogs. Baking chocolate and dark chocolate is especially dangerous. 3) Bleach: As you might imagine, household bleach is toxic to dogs. Keep all products containing bleach out of your dog's reach.
4) Tylenol: As little as two regular strength Tylenol tablets can kill a small dog.
5) Watch Batteries: If your dog ingests a watch battery, it can cause a potentially fatal ulceration in the stomach within 12 hours. All other alkaline batteries are toxic to dogs as well.
6) Moth Balls: Moth balls are very dangerous to dogs. They contain an insecticide that causes central nervous system excitement and seizures..
7) Fabric Softeners and other detergents: All sorts of household detergents are toxic to dogs at one level or another, but fabric softeners fall into the highly toxic category. 8) Mouthwash: Mouthwash can contain boric acid which is highly toxic to dogs. Symptoms of poisoning by mouthwash include vomiting, drooling, seizures, and coma. 9) Peach Pits: With most fruits, the pits and the seeds are toxic to dogs. Signs of poisoning include drooling, vomiting, and lethargy. 10) Household Plants: Many common and popular household plants are highly toxic to dogs. A partial list of toxic plants includes poinsettias, lilies, ferns, devil's ivy, aloe, and ivy.
If you think your dog may have eaten any of these substances, or anything else that could poison him, call a vet immediately. It could save his life.
Wednesday, 8 December 2010
Dog Birthday
Birthday parties are fun. It's the day your coming into the world is celebrated. The birthday celebration includes special foods, songs, a cake and attractively wrapped gifts. When we think of friends and family, we think of people. What if your loved one is a dog? A dog is a member of the family too, and as such deserves a dog birthday party, don't you think?
Man's best friend is a loyal and loving creature, diligent in guarding the family home, giving love and affection when you're feeling down and out. Some even bring slippers and newspapers. Some dogs are silly but so endearing in their never-ending enthusiasm for chasing sticks or yes, even rocks, for the sheer pleasure of spending time with you. Others participate in Frisbee games right along with the rest of the family. The indoor dog wakes you at the crack of dawn with 'dog kisses" just to show how much they love you.
Your dog asks so little in return for all they do for you. Pencil in a dog birthday party for this special friend and family member!
Maybe you've never planned a dog birthday party. Perhaps you think your dog doesn't know the difference between one day and the next and doesn't even know what a birthday is. Well, so what? Throwing a dog birthday party gives your dog pleasure outside of the ordinary dog day.
Just as you enjoy special foods on your birthday, so will your dog! Granted, your dog would enjoy treats any day of the year, but if you have no dog birthday celebration, your dog just continues to give and give. Give a little back.
For those of you who have never considered such an idea, here are a few tips on how to make the day a success.
Center your dog birthday party around a family barbecue. Today, throw a burger and a hot dog on the grill for your favorite dog. We've all seen the big round pleading eyes as we serve the rest of the family. Instead of having Rover sit next to Junior's place at the table waiting hopefully for a scrap, just give Rover some of the bounty outright.
If he likes chasing a Frisbee, go for it. It's his party, after all! Everyone can join in the fun.
Essential to the successful dog birthday celebration is a large beef bone from the butcher. This is dog heaven, it doesn't get any better and lasts for days!
Perhaps your dog's passion is a visit to the park to meet and greet other canines. Make a point to include this activity.
Indulge the dog-biscuit lover. Maybe, for just this one day, allow your pooch unfettered access to that favored sleeping spot on your bed. Make it a day of pure enjoyment for your loyal and loving dog. You'll have the pleasure of knowing this was not a 'dog day" in the usual sense.
Man's best friend is a loyal and loving creature, diligent in guarding the family home, giving love and affection when you're feeling down and out. Some even bring slippers and newspapers. Some dogs are silly but so endearing in their never-ending enthusiasm for chasing sticks or yes, even rocks, for the sheer pleasure of spending time with you. Others participate in Frisbee games right along with the rest of the family. The indoor dog wakes you at the crack of dawn with 'dog kisses" just to show how much they love you.
Your dog asks so little in return for all they do for you. Pencil in a dog birthday party for this special friend and family member!
Maybe you've never planned a dog birthday party. Perhaps you think your dog doesn't know the difference between one day and the next and doesn't even know what a birthday is. Well, so what? Throwing a dog birthday party gives your dog pleasure outside of the ordinary dog day.
Just as you enjoy special foods on your birthday, so will your dog! Granted, your dog would enjoy treats any day of the year, but if you have no dog birthday celebration, your dog just continues to give and give. Give a little back.
For those of you who have never considered such an idea, here are a few tips on how to make the day a success.
Center your dog birthday party around a family barbecue. Today, throw a burger and a hot dog on the grill for your favorite dog. We've all seen the big round pleading eyes as we serve the rest of the family. Instead of having Rover sit next to Junior's place at the table waiting hopefully for a scrap, just give Rover some of the bounty outright.
If he likes chasing a Frisbee, go for it. It's his party, after all! Everyone can join in the fun.
Essential to the successful dog birthday celebration is a large beef bone from the butcher. This is dog heaven, it doesn't get any better and lasts for days!
Perhaps your dog's passion is a visit to the park to meet and greet other canines. Make a point to include this activity.
Indulge the dog-biscuit lover. Maybe, for just this one day, allow your pooch unfettered access to that favored sleeping spot on your bed. Make it a day of pure enjoyment for your loyal and loving dog. You'll have the pleasure of knowing this was not a 'dog day" in the usual sense.
Tuesday, 7 December 2010
Dog Adoption
There are many things to think about when considering dog adoption. You want to consider why you want that furry companion. You could reflect on the great fun you will have as well as the many memories you will create with your new pet. There are many more things to consider with dog adoption that are less attractive as well.
You should consider the financial aspect. The financial aspects include food, bedding, toys and vet visits. There is usually a fee for dog adoption. If you decide to adopt a purebred dog the fees are significantly higher. Many people who choose purebred dog adoption might choose to breed the canine in the future.
A major thing to consider before choosing dog adoption for your family is your location. Do you have a large enough yard space? Is there a good walking path to take your pet? How long would you be leaving the dog alone during a day? If you travel a lot, where would you board the animal? Do you have small children that may not get along with the new pet?
Dog allergies are usually not discovered until the dog has been in the home for approximately a month. Unfortunately everyone in the home has become very attached to the new pet by then. If you already have a pet, there may be some adjustment issues. Do you plan on crate-training the dog? You might want to consider how much time you have to devote to training a pup before choosing dog adoption for your family.
When looking at your options for dog adoption candidates you want to consider size. The size of the animal can reduce some of the issues. A small dog is easier to transport, cost less to board and would be satisfied with less yard space.
A large dog is great for protection and is more intimidating if there is an intruder. I feel that it is safe to say that a large pet would probably fair better in a home with a lot of free running space that offers the security of a fence. Small dogs would probably be quite satisfied with city living.
After considering all of your options you may find that none of it really matters once you meet your special pet. Dog adoption is commonly unplanned because many of us fall deeply in love with our pup at first sight. You may find that you will have to adjust to your new animal, big or small.
You should consider the financial aspect. The financial aspects include food, bedding, toys and vet visits. There is usually a fee for dog adoption. If you decide to adopt a purebred dog the fees are significantly higher. Many people who choose purebred dog adoption might choose to breed the canine in the future.
A major thing to consider before choosing dog adoption for your family is your location. Do you have a large enough yard space? Is there a good walking path to take your pet? How long would you be leaving the dog alone during a day? If you travel a lot, where would you board the animal? Do you have small children that may not get along with the new pet?
Dog allergies are usually not discovered until the dog has been in the home for approximately a month. Unfortunately everyone in the home has become very attached to the new pet by then. If you already have a pet, there may be some adjustment issues. Do you plan on crate-training the dog? You might want to consider how much time you have to devote to training a pup before choosing dog adoption for your family.
When looking at your options for dog adoption candidates you want to consider size. The size of the animal can reduce some of the issues. A small dog is easier to transport, cost less to board and would be satisfied with less yard space.
A large dog is great for protection and is more intimidating if there is an intruder. I feel that it is safe to say that a large pet would probably fair better in a home with a lot of free running space that offers the security of a fence. Small dogs would probably be quite satisfied with city living.
After considering all of your options you may find that none of it really matters once you meet your special pet. Dog adoption is commonly unplanned because many of us fall deeply in love with our pup at first sight. You may find that you will have to adjust to your new animal, big or small.
Monday, 6 December 2010
Dog Allergies: What To Do If You Are Allergic To Your Dog
Are you a pet owner who thinks that you may be allergic to your dog? If you are, you may be looking for guidance. After all, there is nothing worse than realizing that you are allergic to your beloved pet or pets.
One of the first things that you will want to do is make sure that you do have a pet allergy. Sometimes, the symptoms of having a pet allergy can be caused by other allergies or by another medical illness, such as the flu or the common cold. Those who suffer from pet allergies may experience a runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, postnasal drip, develop a skin rash, or have difficultly breathing. If you experience severe allergy symptoms or if you would like conformation that you do have a pet allergy, schedule a visit with a healthcare professional.
As for how you can go about treating your pet allergies that are due to your dog, you can remove the dog from your home. If you are unable to do so or if you choose not to, you will want to see if you can find it a good home. Friends or family members who are willing to take your pet are often considered the best option. Even if you want to keep your dog with you, there are still a number of steps that you can take to seek relief from some common dog allergy symptoms.
The best way to limit your allergy symptoms that can be attributed to your dog is to keep your dog or dogs out of your bedroom. The bedroom is the room where we spend most of our time. For that reason, your dog or dogs should be kept out of your bedroom. Doing so, may limit the number of irritating symptoms you display. It may also help to get you a good night of sleep. In addition to the bedroom, it is also important to examine other rooms that you may spend a good portion of your time. Consider keeping your dog or dogs out of that room as well.
Another great tip involves not letting your dog or dogs climb on your furniture. This is particularly important if you like to lie down on your couch or rest in a reclining chair. You do not want to have pet dander and hair in your face. If you must, covers can be used. There are a number of cloth style covers that can be used. They are a great alternative to the unattractive plastic covers. With that in mind, should you use cloth covers, be sure to wash them every few days or when too much pet hair accumulates.
Investing in an air purifier is another way that you can seek relief from a dog allergy, without having to find a new home for your beloved pet. Air purifiers work by eliminating air particles, including pet dander. It is best if you search online for air purifiers that are designed to help those with allergies. These air purifiers can easily be found with a standard internet search. Also, HEPA air filters and HEPA air purifiers are known for their amazing results.
Vacuuming as much as possible is another way to manage the symptoms that you may be experiencing due to having a dog allergy. In addition to vacuuming often, be sure to take a good, close look at the vacuum cleaner you are using. There are now vacuum cleaners that use HEPA filters and they come highly rated and recommended. In fact, there are even some vacuum cleaners that are targeted towards and marketed towards pet owners. You should examine these vacuum cleaners.
The above mentioned steps are a few of the many steps that you can take to seek relief from allergies that you may be suffering due to close contact with your dog. As reminder, a doctor may be able to prescribe you prescription medication or recommend over-the-counter products that may work just as well. With that said, remember that treating allergies, especially pets allergies, naturally is usually much safer.
One of the first things that you will want to do is make sure that you do have a pet allergy. Sometimes, the symptoms of having a pet allergy can be caused by other allergies or by another medical illness, such as the flu or the common cold. Those who suffer from pet allergies may experience a runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, postnasal drip, develop a skin rash, or have difficultly breathing. If you experience severe allergy symptoms or if you would like conformation that you do have a pet allergy, schedule a visit with a healthcare professional.
As for how you can go about treating your pet allergies that are due to your dog, you can remove the dog from your home. If you are unable to do so or if you choose not to, you will want to see if you can find it a good home. Friends or family members who are willing to take your pet are often considered the best option. Even if you want to keep your dog with you, there are still a number of steps that you can take to seek relief from some common dog allergy symptoms.
The best way to limit your allergy symptoms that can be attributed to your dog is to keep your dog or dogs out of your bedroom. The bedroom is the room where we spend most of our time. For that reason, your dog or dogs should be kept out of your bedroom. Doing so, may limit the number of irritating symptoms you display. It may also help to get you a good night of sleep. In addition to the bedroom, it is also important to examine other rooms that you may spend a good portion of your time. Consider keeping your dog or dogs out of that room as well.
Another great tip involves not letting your dog or dogs climb on your furniture. This is particularly important if you like to lie down on your couch or rest in a reclining chair. You do not want to have pet dander and hair in your face. If you must, covers can be used. There are a number of cloth style covers that can be used. They are a great alternative to the unattractive plastic covers. With that in mind, should you use cloth covers, be sure to wash them every few days or when too much pet hair accumulates.
Investing in an air purifier is another way that you can seek relief from a dog allergy, without having to find a new home for your beloved pet. Air purifiers work by eliminating air particles, including pet dander. It is best if you search online for air purifiers that are designed to help those with allergies. These air purifiers can easily be found with a standard internet search. Also, HEPA air filters and HEPA air purifiers are known for their amazing results.
Vacuuming as much as possible is another way to manage the symptoms that you may be experiencing due to having a dog allergy. In addition to vacuuming often, be sure to take a good, close look at the vacuum cleaner you are using. There are now vacuum cleaners that use HEPA filters and they come highly rated and recommended. In fact, there are even some vacuum cleaners that are targeted towards and marketed towards pet owners. You should examine these vacuum cleaners.
The above mentioned steps are a few of the many steps that you can take to seek relief from allergies that you may be suffering due to close contact with your dog. As reminder, a doctor may be able to prescribe you prescription medication or recommend over-the-counter products that may work just as well. With that said, remember that treating allergies, especially pets allergies, naturally is usually much safer.
Saturday, 4 December 2010
Choosing A "Puppy"
So you want a dog! Do the entire family buy into this idea? Experience has shown that if one or more are against a pet, then bringing an animal into that environment can cause considerable family friction and stress.
Have you weighed up the financial and time implications, these can be considerable, owning a dog is a serious commitment and should never be taken lightly.
You should take into consideration your health, age, and overall time constraints, do you want an active or sedentary animal? Some dogs demand and require almost constant attention, lots of exercise and mental stimulation. Others are more laid back; therefore you need to research which dog will suit you and your family's outlook and lifestyle that includes living arrangements. For instance if you live in a flat and had limited time, a Border Collie or Springer Spaniel type dog would be madness, and would most probably lead to serious behavioural difficulties. Not only for the dog!
Lots of people buy a dog because they like the look of them, ie for aesthetic reasons, without taking into account the needs and temperament of that breed. You need to research both the positive and the negative side of your chosen breed and make sure what you are looking for is suitable for your environment and lifestyle. Make sure you have fully decided on the breed before you start looking for your new addition to the family
WHERE TO BUY
You have done all your homework now you have to decide is it to be a rescue or a puppy?
So where do you buy it from.
PUPPIES
If you have decided on a Puppy then there are some fundamental things you must do and some places you should never buy from, and rules that you must adhere to whatever the breeder or seller tells you.
Rule 1. Never ever buy a Puppy from anywhere or anyone without being able to see at least one or preferably both the parents. There are places called Puppy Farms that are absolutely deplorable. The puppies from these farms generally have major problems throughout their lives. Mainly caused through poor breeding, bad sanitation, cheap food etc, and are generally taken from their mother and siblings far too early causing socialisation problems with people and other dogs.
Rule 2. Never buy a Puppy from a Pet Shop or any other similar outlet; other animals are OK but not Dogs. You could be supporting the horrific trade in puppy-farmed dogs. I have even seen pups being sold at car boot sales.
Rule 3 . Never buy on impulse or because you feel sorry for a frightened and timid puppy.
Rule 4 . Never take the word of a breeder or any seller who says you cannot meet any of the parents, or they skirt your questions re the parents. The excuses commonly used are the mothers ill or not available or at friends or they are selling a pup for someone else.
Rule 5. Do not automatically believe that your dog is a pedigree. Just because they have supplied a certificate, especially if parents cannot be seen, some of these certificates are not worth the cheap paper they are printed on. I have a puppy at my classes at the time of writing this, with a full pedigree certificate, sold as a Cocker Spaniel yet it is clearly and without any shadow of a doubt an English Springer Spaniel.
Rule 6. Unless you are an experience handler/dog owner then do not pick the puppy that bounds up to you and pushes all the others out the way to get to you. This is normally the most dominant of the litter. Do not also go to the other end of the scale and pick the runt or the frightened one, because you feel sorry for it, you are taking on a whole heap of problems if you do, the majority of all dog attacks are based on fear not aggression. You are far better off picking a pup from the middle rankings. The breeder if worth their salt, should be able to advise you on this. Alternatively you can employ a behaviourist or specialist who can assess the pups using a specialised puppy assessment tests.
Rule 7. If you looking for puppies do not automatically think that if you go through the Kennel Club route that those dogs and breeders have all been personally checked or vetted by that organisation. This is not the case though an excellent and well meaning establishment, they really do not have the facilities nor the ability or time to check the credentials or bona fide of all the breeders on their books.
You may be better to go to the breed clubs of the type of dog you are looking for, as they generally know each individual professional breeder, and respect each other ethics and work. Contact the secretaries and they should be able to point you in the direction of available quality pups.
CHOOSING THE PUPPY AND TAKING IT HOME
You have now set out what you want and where to buy it from. I would recommend you visit the puppies at the very least twice, at 4/5 weeks and again when you pick up the pup. The best age to take the puppy home is 7 weeks see my Psychological Changes in a Puppies Growth. NEVER accept a puppy less than 7 weeks of age, as it is vitally important they are with their mother and siblings up to this age.
Check the appearance of the mother and puppies. Do they appear healthy; eyes clear and bright, free of any discharge? Are their coats shiny? If possible get confirmation of the eye and hip scores of both the mother and the father. If the breeder allows you always stroke and fuss the parents, check their temperament, look for and signs of aggression, fearfulness, nervousness, or ‘Neurotic' symptoms such as chewing feet, tail, or skin damage, are the dogs pacing etc. This is especially important in the mother, as the puppies are in close contact with her. It has been shown that, it is the mother that shapes the behavioural future of the offspring, genetics may load the gun but environment fires it.
Make sure you handle the puppies if they become distressed or shy away this could mean that they have not been properly socialised. If the puppies have been socialised correctly, then they will adapt and accept situations that are potentially stressful. You should then end up with a happy well-balanced dog in maturity.
Before bringing your new dog home, make sure your garden is ‘ Safe & Secure'. Purchase a collar, lead, bowls, and dog tag with name address and telephone (law max £5000 fine) bed, toys and treats etc, check with the breeder what she is feeding the pups, a good breeder will supply you with some food and give you a feeding chart. Leave a small blanket or towel on your first visit, so that it gets the mother and the litter smell on it, this should provide some comfort in the first week or so at home. Check with other dog owners as to the best Vet in your area. If you live near me check on the local links section , as I have recommended what I believe to be the best in our area.
When you pick up the pup take a crate/indoor kennel or a cardboard box with you and line it with newspaper, take spare newspaper with you as the pup may be sick and will almost certainly urinate and defecate on the journey, especially if it is any distance.
When you get home place the bed or crate near somewhere warm if you are using a crate and I heartily endorse them cover the crate with a blanket or sheet to make it more den like introduce the puppy to the crate gradually and positively see my article on Toileting With a Crate.
If you have a loud ticking clock put this near the bed or crate and leave a radio on in another room, make sure it is tuned into talk not a music station. If the puppy continues to get distressed you can take it into your bedroom, though I would only normally advise this when using a crate/indoor kennel as you can gradually move this away over a period of time once the puppy has settled in. You can also put a hot water bottle; this will mimic the heat from the mother and siblings over the first few nights. Make sure it is well covered or you may get a very wet bed/crate.
Your new puppy will needs lots of sleep, just like a human baby so too much interference in this pattern will be detrimental, rough handling by children or adults could affect the behaviour and attitude of your new puppy, and could have a long lasting effect as the dog matures. However not enough contact and gentle handling will also have a negative effect on your dog, finding the right balance is of vital importance.
A puppy can be an absolute joy or an unmitigated nightmare, which one you get, can be affected by the effort you initially put into your research, decisions, training and ongoing socialisation. It is vitally important to book your puppy into a good socialisation class, make sure that they do not have more than 8/10 dogs in any one class and that the pups at the start of the course are not over 18 weeks old, and the trainers do not allow thepuppies to just jump on one another at the start of the class, integration of the puppies in the class should be careful and slow to avoid problems and long term bad manners in later life.
Puppies need lots of time, care and patience. Follow the above guidelines and your efforts will be positively rewarded.
Stan Rawlinson ( Doglistener) is a Dog Behaviourist and Obedience Trainer who has owned and worked dogs for over 25 years, starting with Gundogs then moving on to the behavioural and obedience side of Pet Dogs in 1996. He now has a successful practice covering London, Surrey and Middlesex you can visit his Web Site atwww.doglistener.co.uk .
Thursday, 2 December 2010
Puppy House Training | House Train Your Dog The Right Way | Potty Training Puppy
You'll find lots of puppy house training articles and theories across the net and in books everywhere, but I'm pleased to say that I've got a method that has never let me down. The potty training technique I have come to rely on and trust requires a fair degree of commitment to begin with but the rewards are quick and last forever. My veterinarian first told me about this potty training method which could be summed up as follows:Closely monitor your puppy to prevent messy mistakes, enthusiastically reward desired behavior every time, and if a mistake happens work out where you went wrong.
Owning a puppy is a big commitment for all family members, especially in the first few days and weeks.
Puppy potty training is not a race, the key is to prevent mistakes and establish good habits early - dogs are creatures of habit.
From your dogs point of view there is no right or wrong place to go to the toilet, they feel like going and just do it. It is our job to clearly communicate and reinforce where it is acceptable to eliminate and also where it is not acceptable.
Opening your back door every couple of hours to let your puppy out will not house train your puppy.
A puppy's natural instinct is to keep their bedding/sleeping area clean - the potty training method outlined below utilizes this knowledge to our advantage.
No matter how attentive and diligent you are in the house training process there is bound to be the odd slip up. Don't worry about it just ensure that you clean mistakes up thoroughly, including the use of an odor neutralizer to take away any lingering smell.
My puppy house training strategy involves close supervision and confinement to start with but only so we can allow our puppies greater freedom and much sooner.
Understand your puppy's capabilities and be realistic, keep in mind you are dealing with a very young animal. Young puppies can only hold on for so long before they need to go, they don't have much control early on. As a general rule a puppy can hold on an hour for every month of his/her age, plus another hour. This means that a 2 month old puppy can be expected to hold on for three hours and at 3 months old this same pup could be expected to hold on for four hours at a time.
Develop a food and water schedule. Each day feed at the same time (never close to bed time) and take away your dogs water bowl before you go to bed (don't forget to put it back first thing in the morning!). You'll develop a routine this way and "what goes in on schedule comes out on schedule", if you know what I mean...Physical Punishment Is Never An Option In The House Training Process! This method is for when you are at home with your puppy, follow it as closely as you possibly can.
Equipment you'll need:
I prefer to use a good quality crate. Ensure that it is comfortable, safe and the right dimensions for your puppy. You can read a detailed crate training article I wrote here - puppy crate training -or-
You can also set up a small pen area with a comfortable dog bed, fresh water and a couple of chew toys (like a food stuffed kong toy). Do not put a doggy toilet in this pen area.
Choose the spot outside where you would like your puppy to go to the toilet (eliminate).
Keep your puppy in his/her crate, pen area or even tethered to a chair where you are working. Your puppy cannot have free run of the house at this early stage, he must be confined. Every 60 minutes take your puppy straight to the designated toilet area outside. Carry your puppy or walk out on leash.
When you reach the toilet area walk back and forth or circle around and around. At the same time say and repeat a cue word you would like to attach to the act of your dog eliminating. I use "hurry up" but just pick out a cue word or short phrase and stick with it. In your dogs mind you are building an association between the cue "hurry up!" and him emptying out. This is the first obedience training command you will teach your young pup
If your pup does eliminate continue to repeat your cue word and the instant your dog finishes doing his business enthusiastically praise and reward him with a small tasty treat. Make it clear that you are very happy with him and that he is the best little puppy on the block! If after 3-4 minutes of circling around your puppy shows no signs of needing to eliminate take him back inside (put in crate or pen) and try again in about twenty minutes.
Immediately after a successful toilet trip outside you can allow your puppy some free play time (under supervision) in the house. Just spend some time enjoying the company of your puppy, then place him back in his crate or pen area.
Continue with this 60 minute puppy house training schedule, you'll be rewarded for sticking to it. Remember that you are trying to prevent any mistakes and at the same time establish good habits in your little puppy.
"What about overnight?" I hear you ask. Yes well, firstly do not feed your puppy close to bedtime and take away his water before you go to bed (don't forget to put it back first thing in the morning). You'll need to set your alarm clock to go off once and possibly twice throughout the night. This is an important step, just take your puppy out to the toilet area as usual and then hop back into bed. When your puppy is young it is physically impossible for him to hold on all night, but before long you will both be sleeping peacefully right through the night.
In addition to your 60 minute schedule it is important to take your puppy outside after each meal time (most puppies go to the potty within 15 minutes of eating).
That's the puppy house training process, follow it consistently and I'm sure you'll experience pleasing results. When you are not home you will need to set up an area with comfortable bedding, water, toys and a toilet. Place the indoor doggy toilet at the opposite side to the bedding in your puppy's living area. When you arrive home remove the toilet area inside and follow the potty training method detailed above.Puppy House Training Process - Teaching Your Puppy To "ask" To Go OutsideIf you aren't able to install a doggy door it is handy if you teach your dog the right way to let you know he wants to go outside. Do this by hanging a Poochie-Bell on a piece of string attached to the door handle (at the level of your puppy's nose).
Follow the puppy house training schedule as detailed above but now add the following: Each time you get to the door to go outside give the bell a bit of a shake and say "go potty". Do this every time you take your puppy outside to the toilet for a week or two.
After a week or so when you arrive at the door say "go potty" but don't touch the bell. You want your puppy to give it a nudge, if he does, give lots of enthusiastic praise and quickly open the door. If your puppy doesn't nudge the bell after standing at the door for 10 seconds, shake the bell yourself while saying "go potty".
Keep trying this procedure every time you go outside until your dog "gets it". With most dogs it doesn't take long at all.
Eventually your dog will make his way to the door and tap the bell every time he needs to go outside to the toilet.
If you require even more puppy house training tips and solutions the ebook above comes with my very highest recommendation - it is simply the best book ever written on puppy house training. Every situation, scenario and problem is expertly addressed within its pages. You can get yourself a copy right here.
View the original article here
Owning a puppy is a big commitment for all family members, especially in the first few days and weeks.
Puppy potty training is not a race, the key is to prevent mistakes and establish good habits early - dogs are creatures of habit.
From your dogs point of view there is no right or wrong place to go to the toilet, they feel like going and just do it. It is our job to clearly communicate and reinforce where it is acceptable to eliminate and also where it is not acceptable.
Opening your back door every couple of hours to let your puppy out will not house train your puppy.
A puppy's natural instinct is to keep their bedding/sleeping area clean - the potty training method outlined below utilizes this knowledge to our advantage.
No matter how attentive and diligent you are in the house training process there is bound to be the odd slip up. Don't worry about it just ensure that you clean mistakes up thoroughly, including the use of an odor neutralizer to take away any lingering smell.
My puppy house training strategy involves close supervision and confinement to start with but only so we can allow our puppies greater freedom and much sooner.
Understand your puppy's capabilities and be realistic, keep in mind you are dealing with a very young animal. Young puppies can only hold on for so long before they need to go, they don't have much control early on. As a general rule a puppy can hold on an hour for every month of his/her age, plus another hour. This means that a 2 month old puppy can be expected to hold on for three hours and at 3 months old this same pup could be expected to hold on for four hours at a time.
Develop a food and water schedule. Each day feed at the same time (never close to bed time) and take away your dogs water bowl before you go to bed (don't forget to put it back first thing in the morning!). You'll develop a routine this way and "what goes in on schedule comes out on schedule", if you know what I mean...Physical Punishment Is Never An Option In The House Training Process! This method is for when you are at home with your puppy, follow it as closely as you possibly can.
Equipment you'll need:
I prefer to use a good quality crate. Ensure that it is comfortable, safe and the right dimensions for your puppy. You can read a detailed crate training article I wrote here - puppy crate training -or-
You can also set up a small pen area with a comfortable dog bed, fresh water and a couple of chew toys (like a food stuffed kong toy). Do not put a doggy toilet in this pen area.
Choose the spot outside where you would like your puppy to go to the toilet (eliminate).
Keep your puppy in his/her crate, pen area or even tethered to a chair where you are working. Your puppy cannot have free run of the house at this early stage, he must be confined. Every 60 minutes take your puppy straight to the designated toilet area outside. Carry your puppy or walk out on leash.
When you reach the toilet area walk back and forth or circle around and around. At the same time say and repeat a cue word you would like to attach to the act of your dog eliminating. I use "hurry up" but just pick out a cue word or short phrase and stick with it. In your dogs mind you are building an association between the cue "hurry up!" and him emptying out. This is the first obedience training command you will teach your young pup
If your pup does eliminate continue to repeat your cue word and the instant your dog finishes doing his business enthusiastically praise and reward him with a small tasty treat. Make it clear that you are very happy with him and that he is the best little puppy on the block! If after 3-4 minutes of circling around your puppy shows no signs of needing to eliminate take him back inside (put in crate or pen) and try again in about twenty minutes.
Immediately after a successful toilet trip outside you can allow your puppy some free play time (under supervision) in the house. Just spend some time enjoying the company of your puppy, then place him back in his crate or pen area.
Continue with this 60 minute puppy house training schedule, you'll be rewarded for sticking to it. Remember that you are trying to prevent any mistakes and at the same time establish good habits in your little puppy.
"What about overnight?" I hear you ask. Yes well, firstly do not feed your puppy close to bedtime and take away his water before you go to bed (don't forget to put it back first thing in the morning). You'll need to set your alarm clock to go off once and possibly twice throughout the night. This is an important step, just take your puppy out to the toilet area as usual and then hop back into bed. When your puppy is young it is physically impossible for him to hold on all night, but before long you will both be sleeping peacefully right through the night.
In addition to your 60 minute schedule it is important to take your puppy outside after each meal time (most puppies go to the potty within 15 minutes of eating).
That's the puppy house training process, follow it consistently and I'm sure you'll experience pleasing results. When you are not home you will need to set up an area with comfortable bedding, water, toys and a toilet. Place the indoor doggy toilet at the opposite side to the bedding in your puppy's living area. When you arrive home remove the toilet area inside and follow the potty training method detailed above.Puppy House Training Process - Teaching Your Puppy To "ask" To Go OutsideIf you aren't able to install a doggy door it is handy if you teach your dog the right way to let you know he wants to go outside. Do this by hanging a Poochie-Bell on a piece of string attached to the door handle (at the level of your puppy's nose).
Follow the puppy house training schedule as detailed above but now add the following: Each time you get to the door to go outside give the bell a bit of a shake and say "go potty". Do this every time you take your puppy outside to the toilet for a week or two.
After a week or so when you arrive at the door say "go potty" but don't touch the bell. You want your puppy to give it a nudge, if he does, give lots of enthusiastic praise and quickly open the door. If your puppy doesn't nudge the bell after standing at the door for 10 seconds, shake the bell yourself while saying "go potty".
Keep trying this procedure every time you go outside until your dog "gets it". With most dogs it doesn't take long at all.
Eventually your dog will make his way to the door and tap the bell every time he needs to go outside to the toilet.
If you require even more puppy house training tips and solutions the ebook above comes with my very highest recommendation - it is simply the best book ever written on puppy house training. Every situation, scenario and problem is expertly addressed within its pages. You can get yourself a copy right here.
View the original article here
Wednesday, 1 December 2010
Dog Training For Obedience | Dog Training Schools | Dog Obedience Training
I, like most of us dog owners believe that dog training for obedience is an essential ingredient in any healthy human-dog relationship. But what exactly is dog obedience training, and why is it so important for you and your dog?
Obedience training is a general term which can be achieved through the many various dog training techniques (dog whispering, clicker training, positive reinforcement, marker training, collar and leash, reward training etc.). Regardless of which training technique you choose to employ or which dog training schools you frequent, this is what proper dog obedience training should accomplish: Build or strengthen a close, healthy and appropriate relationship between you and your dog. Opens up a clear line of communication between you and your dog. This includes you knowing what to expect of your dog in all circumstances, and your dog clearly understanding and respecting what is expected of him/her. Dog Training for Obedience lays down a set of rules or boundaries which educates your dog to become a responsible member of society. Including how to relate to other dogs, animals and people, basic manners and how to behave in any situation. Establishes the groundwork which assists in preventing the development of unacceptable problem behavior - such as jumping up, barking, chewing, digging etc.
Dog training for obedience is the very best thing you can do for the relationship you enjoy with your dog, this is why: It's an unfortunate reality that untrained dogs are the major cause for puppies and dogs ending up in animal shelters all over the world. This is good for nobody, especially the poor dogs. Your dog can't ever be really close with you and your family. By this I mean that your dog won't be involved in family outings, instead spending much of his time alone in the yard. This can bring on numerous behavioral problems and can be a real pest for you, and even your neighbours. Your dog will be more unsafe around people, other animals and on the roads. It is a common trait for untrained dogs to challenge your leadership or authority.
Obedience trained dogs will also try to test you out in this manner. But when you are proficient in obedience training you'll have the tools to deal with it. Constantly (but not effectively) your dog will be yelled at and pushed further away from his pack (you and your family). This is no way for you and your dog to live, and is totally avoidable with some simple obedience training. You'll find proven training techniques for specific obedience commands by selecting from the list below. These are some general tips to keep in mind that hold true in any dog training for obedience situation:
If you can't get to any dog training schools and are looking to gain a greater appreciation of how your dog thinks, solve behavioral problems and teach obedience commands I recommend a home based Dog Obedience Training Package.
View the original article here
Obedience training is a general term which can be achieved through the many various dog training techniques (dog whispering, clicker training, positive reinforcement, marker training, collar and leash, reward training etc.). Regardless of which training technique you choose to employ or which dog training schools you frequent, this is what proper dog obedience training should accomplish: Build or strengthen a close, healthy and appropriate relationship between you and your dog. Opens up a clear line of communication between you and your dog. This includes you knowing what to expect of your dog in all circumstances, and your dog clearly understanding and respecting what is expected of him/her. Dog Training for Obedience lays down a set of rules or boundaries which educates your dog to become a responsible member of society. Including how to relate to other dogs, animals and people, basic manners and how to behave in any situation. Establishes the groundwork which assists in preventing the development of unacceptable problem behavior - such as jumping up, barking, chewing, digging etc.
Dog training for obedience is the very best thing you can do for the relationship you enjoy with your dog, this is why: It's an unfortunate reality that untrained dogs are the major cause for puppies and dogs ending up in animal shelters all over the world. This is good for nobody, especially the poor dogs. Your dog can't ever be really close with you and your family. By this I mean that your dog won't be involved in family outings, instead spending much of his time alone in the yard. This can bring on numerous behavioral problems and can be a real pest for you, and even your neighbours. Your dog will be more unsafe around people, other animals and on the roads. It is a common trait for untrained dogs to challenge your leadership or authority.
Obedience trained dogs will also try to test you out in this manner. But when you are proficient in obedience training you'll have the tools to deal with it. Constantly (but not effectively) your dog will be yelled at and pushed further away from his pack (you and your family). This is no way for you and your dog to live, and is totally avoidable with some simple obedience training. You'll find proven training techniques for specific obedience commands by selecting from the list below. These are some general tips to keep in mind that hold true in any dog training for obedience situation:
If you can't get to any dog training schools and are looking to gain a greater appreciation of how your dog thinks, solve behavioral problems and teach obedience commands I recommend a home based Dog Obedience Training Package.
View the original article here
Tuesday, 30 November 2010
November is Senior Pet Month and I thought I'd spend today with a tribute to senior dogs.
Pet Insurance
Responsible pet ownership means visiting your veterinarian on a regular basis for routine treatments, vaccinations and examinations.
However, statistics show that pets will require unexpected treatments from time to time throughout their lifetimes.
Your vet is a highly skilled expert who has the ability to practice the latest medical techniques often required to return your pet to good health.
Insurance will assist you in managing the costs associated with high quality veterinary care.
What is dog Insurance?
This is very similar to human health insurance, which offers a range of programs tailored to suit the needs of domestic pets. While pet insurance remains a relatively underdeveloped product in North America, with less than 1% of all pets being insured, European levels of insured pets range from 12% to 50%.
Pet Assure offers accident and illness coverage for ANY type of animal, at ANY age, in ANY health condition and financial protection for you!
Your pet is a part of your family, prepare for the unexpected. At Pet Assure, we're committed to eliminating the financial stress associated with your pets health care needs through a selection of affordable easy to understand pet insurance programs.
Why do I need dog Insurance?
Advances in the field of animal medicine have been exponential in past decades allowing veterinarians to successfully treat conditions that were previously considered untreatable.
However with these advances comes an escalating cost of veterinary care.
It is estimated that North American pet guardians now spend over $10 billion a year on health care for their pets.
Consider these facts:
One in three pets will need emergency veterinary treatment every year. Two out of every three pets experience a significant health problem during their lifetime.
Comprehensive coverage of veterinary fees:
Veterinary fees covered include but are not limited to:
prescribed medicationX-raysSurgeriesHospitalizationUltrasounds MRI/CAT scansHomeopathic treatments including acupuncture and chiropracticChemotherapyand Referrals.
Endoscopy is also covered in cases of foreign body ingestion requiring surgery.
Enroll your pet as early as 8 weeks of age:
can begin as early as 8 weeks of age. Once enrolled your pet can stay on on Pet Assure Pet Insurance Program for life.
Unlimited Accident Coverage:
provide coverage for an unlimited number of listed accidents, each covered to the maximum benefit as detailed in the policy terms and conditions. No maximum annual or lifetime accident benefit restrictions.
Pick your veterinarian. :
With the PetCare Insurance Programs, you can use the registered liscensed veterinarian of your choice.
Subscribe to It's A Dog's Life - YOUR Dog's! , our monthly newsletter with in depth information to help you keep your dog safe and healthy and some free Bonuses. Fill out the form below. You'll then receive an email asking you to confirm that you subscribed. And you'll always have the option to unsubscribe at the click of your mouse.
View the original article here
Responsible pet ownership means visiting your veterinarian on a regular basis for routine treatments, vaccinations and examinations.
However, statistics show that pets will require unexpected treatments from time to time throughout their lifetimes.
Your vet is a highly skilled expert who has the ability to practice the latest medical techniques often required to return your pet to good health.
Insurance will assist you in managing the costs associated with high quality veterinary care.
What is dog Insurance?
This is very similar to human health insurance, which offers a range of programs tailored to suit the needs of domestic pets. While pet insurance remains a relatively underdeveloped product in North America, with less than 1% of all pets being insured, European levels of insured pets range from 12% to 50%.
Pet Assure offers accident and illness coverage for ANY type of animal, at ANY age, in ANY health condition and financial protection for you!
Your pet is a part of your family, prepare for the unexpected. At Pet Assure, we're committed to eliminating the financial stress associated with your pets health care needs through a selection of affordable easy to understand pet insurance programs.
Why do I need dog Insurance?
Advances in the field of animal medicine have been exponential in past decades allowing veterinarians to successfully treat conditions that were previously considered untreatable.
However with these advances comes an escalating cost of veterinary care.
It is estimated that North American pet guardians now spend over $10 billion a year on health care for their pets.
Consider these facts:
One in three pets will need emergency veterinary treatment every year. Two out of every three pets experience a significant health problem during their lifetime.
Comprehensive coverage of veterinary fees:
Veterinary fees covered include but are not limited to:
prescribed medicationX-raysSurgeriesHospitalizationUltrasounds MRI/CAT scansHomeopathic treatments including acupuncture and chiropracticChemotherapyand Referrals.
Endoscopy is also covered in cases of foreign body ingestion requiring surgery.
Enroll your pet as early as 8 weeks of age:
can begin as early as 8 weeks of age. Once enrolled your pet can stay on on Pet Assure Pet Insurance Program for life.
Unlimited Accident Coverage:
provide coverage for an unlimited number of listed accidents, each covered to the maximum benefit as detailed in the policy terms and conditions. No maximum annual or lifetime accident benefit restrictions.
Pick your veterinarian. :
With the PetCare Insurance Programs, you can use the registered liscensed veterinarian of your choice.
Subscribe to It's A Dog's Life - YOUR Dog's! , our monthly newsletter with in depth information to help you keep your dog safe and healthy and some free Bonuses. Fill out the form below. You'll then receive an email asking you to confirm that you subscribed. And you'll always have the option to unsubscribe at the click of your mouse.
View the original article here
Sunday, 28 November 2010
Dog Health Care | Identify Symptoms Of Disease And Treat Dog Health Problems
Do you know how to spot potential health problems in your dog, treat common problems yourself and recognize when a health issue requires Veterinary care?
Our dogs rely heavily on us to look after their health issues. Caring for our dogs is a responsibility we all take on board when we bring a dog into our lives. But dog health care is not necessarily a subject we all have expertise in - I know I didn't when I got my first young puppy.
Over the years I've put together a health care program or strategy I follow to help manage my dog's health issues. The dog health care program I have outlined below is an ongoing process of maintenance which relies on careful observation, being proactive and is designed to prevent major health issues from arising. It also addresses how to effectively diagnose and treat dog health problems when they do arise - either yourself, or by your Vet when necessary.
These Are The Steps Involved In The Dog Health Care Program I Follow To Safeguard My Dogs:
The dog health care strategy I follow is an ongoing part of what I call "responsible dog ownership" - I feel that it helps to keep my dogs happy, healthy and free from unnecessary pain or stress. What Can We Do To Keep Our Dogs In Peak
Condition & Out Of The Veterinary Office? The first step in our dog health care program is to simply make our dogs feel comfortable and safe in our home environment. This requires you to always provide your dog with essentials such as a warm, draft free and comfortable dog bed, fresh water and a couple of chew toys. It's also important that we provide an area in our homes that is off limits to everyone else except for our dogs - a place where they can have a "time out" to relax in peace and quiet.
Another proactive and preventive health care measure you can take is to "puppy proof" your home and property. Basically this means that you make your home and property a secure area, free from any hazards that may be dangerous to your dog. You can read more about this subject here - how to puppy proof your home.
The dog food or nutrition you provide to your dog is the number one factor in determining the health, wellbeing and longevity they enjoy. The nutrition your dog receives affects every aspect of his/her life. The role nutrition plays in your dog's health and behavior habits cannot be overstated. How do you provide wholesome, nutritionally balanced meals to your dog?
Regular bathing and thorough grooming is a crucial element to this dog health care program. A bath with a gently medicated soap has many health benefits to your dog. It assists in flea control, prevents numerous skin conditions, identifies ticks and mites plus it makes your dog look beautiful!
A good solid brushing every few days is extremely beneficial to your dog's health. It stimulates blood flow to the skin which helps to prevent eczema, hot spots and many skin related health problems. Of course it also keeps your dog's hair in peak condition and free from tangles or matting.
Every few days I like to inspect my dogs all over by running my hands over them while closely observing them. You'll find that your dog actually looks forward to these "maintenance" sessions - I'm sure my Shih-Tzu Macy simply believes she is getting a massage!
What to look out for when inspecting your dog: Check all over for cuts, lumps, bumps, hot spots or any tender areas. To fully understand what these symptoms mean and most importantly how to properly treat, them you may require a dog health care resource such as this - Veterinary Secrets Revealed. Take special notice of how your dog reacts when you run your hands over different areas - any wincing or flinching requires further attention. Be sure to check your dog's teeth and gums. Every week or so I give my dog's teeth a clean with a moist towel or doggie toothbrush. Gum disease is a serious matter so pay extra attention to this area - any changes you notice to the gums should be investigated.
Check your dog's feet and nails. Make sure the pads under food are strong, clean and healthy. Look out for anything (like grass seeds) lodged in-between the toes. Also make it part of your dog's health care routine to keep the nails neat and tidy. Ears also need to be checked for any build up of moisture or infection. Any smell coming from the ears is a
sign all is not well.
.
When you are observing your dog be sure to be on the look out for any changes in behavior. Your dog cannot talk to you (not in our human language anyway!) and may even try to hide health problems from you, so it's up to you to observe him/her closely for any signs of discomfort.
Some early signs or symptoms which may point to a potential health problem could be vomiting, lack of energy, shaking, diarrhea, drinking more water than usual or lameness. To properly diagnose and deal with these early symptoms you may need a good resource to guide you such as Veterinary Secrets Revealed. One of the most valuable topics covered in this health guide is the clear step-by-step explanation of how to thoroughly examine your dog from tip-to-tip
.
The real benefit of continually observing and examining your dog is that you will pick up on potential health problems before they escalate into something more serious. The earlier you identify any potential health problems the less your dog will experience unnecessary pain and the easier the problem will be to remedy.
During these regular examination sessions you can also administer any medication that your dog may require. It's worth learning how to give your dog tablets the quick and easy way. Exercise is an absolutely essential ingredient in any dog health care program. Apart from being a whole lot of fun, exercise provides a great outlet for all of your dog's energy. Exercise keeps your dog in good physical shape and goes a long way to prevent obesity. Canine obesity is slow and painful death sentence for dogs. It greatly increases the risk of many dog health problems such as arthritis, heart disease and diabetes.
Exercise can be any number of fun activities such as long walks on leash, a trip to the beach, a game of fetch or anything else you can think of. There's no substitute for exercise. I like to play games that stimulate my dog's natural instincts and drives such as "hide n' seek" and throwing the ball at the park - they love it.
What does obedience training have to do with your dog's health I hear you ask? The answer is plenty. A trained dog who you have under voice control is in a much safer position than an untrained dog. A trained dog can be included in all family outings and activities which has got to be a good thing for their health. Plus training your dog provides unmatched physical and mental stimulation to your dog - it gets them thinking, moving and having fun. Clicker training is my favorite way to shape the behavior of my own dogs.
It's one thing to recognize a potential health problem but what do you do when your dog is actually injured or sick? For common health problems such as nicks, licking problems and minor eye irritations you need to be able to quickly and confidently apply some natural home remedies. You can learn how to diagnose and treat many common dog health problems in this health care guide Veterinary Secrets Revealed. This will save you and your dog many unnecessary visits to the Vet and will save you money in the process. Being able to administer first aid to your dog (and others) is a great skill to have in your bag of tricks.
Just as important as recognizing and treating minor health problems is being able to quickly identify those symptoms that need to be brought straight to the attention of your Veterinarian. We have to be honest with ourselves, we can't do everything for our dogs - some dog health issues must be addressed by qualified and experienced professionals. This is where your Vet steps in. Your Veterinarian is a vital part of your dog's health care program. Having a good Vet in your corner, one who you know and trust is a valuable asset and is very reassuring. What dog health issues should your Vet help you with? Puppy shots or vaccinations protect your dog from many diseases such as parvovirus, hepatitis, canine distemper and rabies. The diseases you need to guard against differ depending on where you live so having a reputable Vet to advise you is invaluable
.
My Vet recommends a full course of puppy shots up to 1 year of age and then a booster every 3 years - some Vets suggest an annual booster. Don't take your young dog out and about in the community before he/she is safely protected from disease - this is usually about four months of age, but once again ask your Vet.
Please neuter your dog - we have too many dogs as it is, don't add to the problem. By neutering your dog you will also help to prevent many serious health problems from arising later on in your dog's life. If you dog is pregnant read this article - dog pregnancy. Controlling fleas and worms is one of the biggest health issues we have to face as dog owners. That's why I like to put my trust in a qualified Vet when dealing with the prevention and treatment of these harmful parasites. Your Vet will recommend a suitable flea control and worming (heartworms, tapeworms, roundworms..) schedule - then it's up to you to stick with it. You will probably need to administer monthly worming tablets to your dog and maybe other medication - it's no big deal and it's more than worthwhile
.
Also keep in mind that it's not only your dog who needs to be treated for the fleas. You may need a flea management program which covers your entire home, including your dog's bedding and the carpets.
As part of your dog health care program it's a good idea to schedule an annual Vet inspection or "wellness test". Your Vet will conduct a series of tests for this purpose - it's a great proactive and preventive health measure. A good Vet will be on the lookout for any irregularities in the test results and will also check your dog for any sign of breed specific health problems. In the unfortunate case of serious injury or illness you will need a Vet who you trust and can rely on to save your dog's life. It helps if the Vet is familiar with your dog. When you are first choosing your Veterinarian consider one who is open long hours and has the ability to perform emergency surgery should the need arise. If it gets to this stage hopefully you will have suitable dog insurance in place to ease the financial strain - the truth about dog health insurance.
One last thing! There have been numerous scientific studies undertaken which confirm the health benefits we receive from having a dog in our lives. So I think it's only fair that we return the favor by giving our dogs the very best health care we possibly can. Best of luck (and health) with your dog....
View the original article here
Our dogs rely heavily on us to look after their health issues. Caring for our dogs is a responsibility we all take on board when we bring a dog into our lives. But dog health care is not necessarily a subject we all have expertise in - I know I didn't when I got my first young puppy.
Over the years I've put together a health care program or strategy I follow to help manage my dog's health issues. The dog health care program I have outlined below is an ongoing process of maintenance which relies on careful observation, being proactive and is designed to prevent major health issues from arising. It also addresses how to effectively diagnose and treat dog health problems when they do arise - either yourself, or by your Vet when necessary.
These Are The Steps Involved In The Dog Health Care Program I Follow To Safeguard My Dogs:
The dog health care strategy I follow is an ongoing part of what I call "responsible dog ownership" - I feel that it helps to keep my dogs happy, healthy and free from unnecessary pain or stress. What Can We Do To Keep Our Dogs In Peak
Condition & Out Of The Veterinary Office? The first step in our dog health care program is to simply make our dogs feel comfortable and safe in our home environment. This requires you to always provide your dog with essentials such as a warm, draft free and comfortable dog bed, fresh water and a couple of chew toys. It's also important that we provide an area in our homes that is off limits to everyone else except for our dogs - a place where they can have a "time out" to relax in peace and quiet.
Another proactive and preventive health care measure you can take is to "puppy proof" your home and property. Basically this means that you make your home and property a secure area, free from any hazards that may be dangerous to your dog. You can read more about this subject here - how to puppy proof your home.
The dog food or nutrition you provide to your dog is the number one factor in determining the health, wellbeing and longevity they enjoy. The nutrition your dog receives affects every aspect of his/her life. The role nutrition plays in your dog's health and behavior habits cannot be overstated. How do you provide wholesome, nutritionally balanced meals to your dog?
Regular bathing and thorough grooming is a crucial element to this dog health care program. A bath with a gently medicated soap has many health benefits to your dog. It assists in flea control, prevents numerous skin conditions, identifies ticks and mites plus it makes your dog look beautiful!
A good solid brushing every few days is extremely beneficial to your dog's health. It stimulates blood flow to the skin which helps to prevent eczema, hot spots and many skin related health problems. Of course it also keeps your dog's hair in peak condition and free from tangles or matting.
Every few days I like to inspect my dogs all over by running my hands over them while closely observing them. You'll find that your dog actually looks forward to these "maintenance" sessions - I'm sure my Shih-Tzu Macy simply believes she is getting a massage!
What to look out for when inspecting your dog: Check all over for cuts, lumps, bumps, hot spots or any tender areas. To fully understand what these symptoms mean and most importantly how to properly treat, them you may require a dog health care resource such as this - Veterinary Secrets Revealed. Take special notice of how your dog reacts when you run your hands over different areas - any wincing or flinching requires further attention. Be sure to check your dog's teeth and gums. Every week or so I give my dog's teeth a clean with a moist towel or doggie toothbrush. Gum disease is a serious matter so pay extra attention to this area - any changes you notice to the gums should be investigated.
Check your dog's feet and nails. Make sure the pads under food are strong, clean and healthy. Look out for anything (like grass seeds) lodged in-between the toes. Also make it part of your dog's health care routine to keep the nails neat and tidy. Ears also need to be checked for any build up of moisture or infection. Any smell coming from the ears is a
sign all is not well.
.
When you are observing your dog be sure to be on the look out for any changes in behavior. Your dog cannot talk to you (not in our human language anyway!) and may even try to hide health problems from you, so it's up to you to observe him/her closely for any signs of discomfort.
Some early signs or symptoms which may point to a potential health problem could be vomiting, lack of energy, shaking, diarrhea, drinking more water than usual or lameness. To properly diagnose and deal with these early symptoms you may need a good resource to guide you such as Veterinary Secrets Revealed. One of the most valuable topics covered in this health guide is the clear step-by-step explanation of how to thoroughly examine your dog from tip-to-tip
.
The real benefit of continually observing and examining your dog is that you will pick up on potential health problems before they escalate into something more serious. The earlier you identify any potential health problems the less your dog will experience unnecessary pain and the easier the problem will be to remedy.
During these regular examination sessions you can also administer any medication that your dog may require. It's worth learning how to give your dog tablets the quick and easy way. Exercise is an absolutely essential ingredient in any dog health care program. Apart from being a whole lot of fun, exercise provides a great outlet for all of your dog's energy. Exercise keeps your dog in good physical shape and goes a long way to prevent obesity. Canine obesity is slow and painful death sentence for dogs. It greatly increases the risk of many dog health problems such as arthritis, heart disease and diabetes.
Exercise can be any number of fun activities such as long walks on leash, a trip to the beach, a game of fetch or anything else you can think of. There's no substitute for exercise. I like to play games that stimulate my dog's natural instincts and drives such as "hide n' seek" and throwing the ball at the park - they love it.
What does obedience training have to do with your dog's health I hear you ask? The answer is plenty. A trained dog who you have under voice control is in a much safer position than an untrained dog. A trained dog can be included in all family outings and activities which has got to be a good thing for their health. Plus training your dog provides unmatched physical and mental stimulation to your dog - it gets them thinking, moving and having fun. Clicker training is my favorite way to shape the behavior of my own dogs.
It's one thing to recognize a potential health problem but what do you do when your dog is actually injured or sick? For common health problems such as nicks, licking problems and minor eye irritations you need to be able to quickly and confidently apply some natural home remedies. You can learn how to diagnose and treat many common dog health problems in this health care guide Veterinary Secrets Revealed. This will save you and your dog many unnecessary visits to the Vet and will save you money in the process. Being able to administer first aid to your dog (and others) is a great skill to have in your bag of tricks.
Just as important as recognizing and treating minor health problems is being able to quickly identify those symptoms that need to be brought straight to the attention of your Veterinarian. We have to be honest with ourselves, we can't do everything for our dogs - some dog health issues must be addressed by qualified and experienced professionals. This is where your Vet steps in. Your Veterinarian is a vital part of your dog's health care program. Having a good Vet in your corner, one who you know and trust is a valuable asset and is very reassuring. What dog health issues should your Vet help you with? Puppy shots or vaccinations protect your dog from many diseases such as parvovirus, hepatitis, canine distemper and rabies. The diseases you need to guard against differ depending on where you live so having a reputable Vet to advise you is invaluable
.
My Vet recommends a full course of puppy shots up to 1 year of age and then a booster every 3 years - some Vets suggest an annual booster. Don't take your young dog out and about in the community before he/she is safely protected from disease - this is usually about four months of age, but once again ask your Vet.
Please neuter your dog - we have too many dogs as it is, don't add to the problem. By neutering your dog you will also help to prevent many serious health problems from arising later on in your dog's life. If you dog is pregnant read this article - dog pregnancy. Controlling fleas and worms is one of the biggest health issues we have to face as dog owners. That's why I like to put my trust in a qualified Vet when dealing with the prevention and treatment of these harmful parasites. Your Vet will recommend a suitable flea control and worming (heartworms, tapeworms, roundworms..) schedule - then it's up to you to stick with it. You will probably need to administer monthly worming tablets to your dog and maybe other medication - it's no big deal and it's more than worthwhile
.
Also keep in mind that it's not only your dog who needs to be treated for the fleas. You may need a flea management program which covers your entire home, including your dog's bedding and the carpets.
As part of your dog health care program it's a good idea to schedule an annual Vet inspection or "wellness test". Your Vet will conduct a series of tests for this purpose - it's a great proactive and preventive health measure. A good Vet will be on the lookout for any irregularities in the test results and will also check your dog for any sign of breed specific health problems. In the unfortunate case of serious injury or illness you will need a Vet who you trust and can rely on to save your dog's life. It helps if the Vet is familiar with your dog. When you are first choosing your Veterinarian consider one who is open long hours and has the ability to perform emergency surgery should the need arise. If it gets to this stage hopefully you will have suitable dog insurance in place to ease the financial strain - the truth about dog health insurance.
One last thing! There have been numerous scientific studies undertaken which confirm the health benefits we receive from having a dog in our lives. So I think it's only fair that we return the favor by giving our dogs the very best health care we possibly can. Best of luck (and health) with your dog....
View the original article here
Saturday, 27 November 2010
Dog Symptoms | Diagnose Common Dog Symptoms
There's a saying amongst veterinarians, and that is "common things occur commonly". Most vets would agree that most of their time is spent diagnosing and treating routine problems such as sore legs, itchy skin, ear infections and upset stomachs.
Let's have a look at some of the more common dog symptoms vets have to deal with on a daily basis, and what they may mean for your dog.
Choose your dog's symptom from the list below - and discover your best course of action:
Sometimes dogs just don't seem to want to do too much. They just want to lie around, and they don't appear very interested in what's going on around them. This is quite a vague dog symptom, and can be hard to work out what is causing your dog to feel this way. It can be associated with any number of physical conditions, such as fever, gastroenteritis, liver disease and hormonal disorders.
If your dog is lethargic, it means that there is something wrong. Make an appointment with your vet to find out what is causing it. Starting treatment early in the course of an illness often means less expense for you, and a quicker recovery for your dog.
Dogs can tremble for many reasons, both physical and emotional. They may tremble because they're in pain, or because they feel anxious or afraid. It could even be something as simple as they're cold!
Have a look around and see if you can identify what might be upsetting him. If the weather is bad, perhaps he'd appreciate a coat. A noisy environment can be scary to a sensitive dog, and you may want to move him somewhere a bit less stressful
If there's no obvious reason for your dog's shaking, it may be that he's sore somewhere, and your Vet is the best person to work out what's happening with him.
At least one third of dogs who present to a vet are overweight and would benefit from a diet. However, dogs can also become excessively lean quite quickly, even though they're eating well. This usually indicates that there's a problem
.
There's no simple solution to this; in most cases these dogs need diagnostic tests such as blood tests and x-rays to reach a diagnosis. Common causes include diabetes, difficulty in absorbing nutrients in their food, and even cancer. If your dog starts to lose a lot of weight, take him to your Vet straight away. Early diagnosis and treatment of such illnesses have a much better chance of a good outcome.
It's not unusual for dogs to go off their food on occasion. They may have eaten something that has made them feel a bit queasy, or they may have had too many between-meal snacks. If your dog isn't interested in dinner, but is otherwise bright and active, you may want to just keep an eye on him for 24 hours to see if he feels better.
If he's depressed and not acting normally, then a visit to your vet is in order. Loss of appetite is a very vague symptom and it can be associated with disease of the stomach or intestines, or problems in other organs such as liver or kidney disease. It's not fun when your dog is vomiting. Not only are you concerned about his well-being, but you've got a bit of a mess to clean up. Vomiting is often caused by problems with the gastro-intestinal tract, but it can also be associated with diseases of other organs.
Common gastro-intestinal conditions which will make your dog vomit include stomach ulcers, pancreatitis, and dietary indiscretions - dogs seem to relish eating rotten scraps, compost or horse manure, and these can make them throw up. Sometimes things they eat get stuck in their intestines, and the first sign is vomiting.
Most dog owners are familiar with parvovirus, a viral infection of a dog's intestines. Often the first sign of infection is vomiting, but these dogs are also very depressed and obviously unwell.
Liver and kidney disease are often the culprits when a dog is throwing up. These organs are involved in getting rid of toxins such as urea and ammonia from the body. If they're not working as well as they should, these toxins can build up in the bloodstream and cause vomiting, lethargy and other signs of illness.
As we've already mentioned in relation to not eating, if your dog is vomiting but otherwise appears quite well, you can skip his meals and keep an eye on him for a few hours. If he's out of sorts, or the vomiting doesn't stop, he needs to see your vet. Having said that, you can certainly visit your vet sooner rather than later if it will put your mind at rest
.
Diarrhea is another extremely common reason for dogs to visit the vet, and it is usually caused by intestinal disease. Worms are often involved, particularly in young pups.
Dogs with food allergies and inflammatory bowel disease can also present with loose stools.
Sometimes a bacterial infection will lead to diarrhea, and again, eating the wrong thing will cause your dog to have runny poos.
You can manage diarrhea in your dog in the same way you would if he was vomiting - withhold food, and providing he's well, keep an eye on him. However if there is blood in his motions, take him to your vet immediately. We have already mentioned parvovirus, and one of the main symptoms of this deadly disease is foul smelling bloody diarrhea.
There is another condition called hemmorhagic gastro-enteritis, where a dog will have profuse watery diarrhea containing bright red blood. This is quite frightening to see, and an affected dog needs immediate veterinary care. This is one dog symptom that can't be taken lightly.
This is the opposite of diarrhea. Affected dogs pass very few bowel motions and the ones they do pass are small and hard. They're difficult to pass, and you'll notice your dog straining to defecate
.
Dogs that eat bones have very firm feces, and may at times have trouble passing them. Other causes of constipation include physical abnormalities of the rectum and anus, and internal organ disease such as prostate enlargement in male dogs.
One condition that can look like constipation is colitis. This inflammation of the large intestine causes frequent straining, but any feces that are passed are loose, and may contain traces of blood or mucus. This can also be related to diet, but can also be caused by worms or infection.
Don't be tempted to treat your dog yourself, because without knowing why he is constipated, you're not likely to completely solve his problem. Take him to your vet for an examination and you'll be able to get started with the right treatment for him. How do you know if your dog has a tummy ache? He will be restless, and won't be able to settle down comfortably. He may turn and look at his tummy. He may also lean on his elbows and stretch out with his rump in the air.
This is a very non-specific dog symptom and on its own it doesn't give you much information. You'll need to look at what else your dog is doing to get an idea of the cause. Is he drinking a lot of water? Is he vomiting? If his discomfort persists, have a chat to your Vet. Nobody, not even your dog, enjoys having a tummy ache.
Some dogs are very active, and they can inadvertently hurt themselves as they charge through life. If your dog suddenly becomes lame but can still put a little weight on his foot, he may have strained a muscle or sprained a ligament. Both of these injuries can wait a day or two to see if they improve with strict rest. If your dog isn't using his leg at all, he will need to see your Vet straight away. He may have a broken bone or a torn ligament. An examination often reveals the likely cause of your dog's sore leg, but your vet may suggest x-rays to get an accurate diagnosis.
If your dog has a chronic limp, he may have arthritis which is a painful inflammation of his joints. Again, x-rays may be needed to confirm the diagnosis, and pain relief medication will have him feeling more comfortable in no time
.
Dogs cough for many reasons, usually associated with diseases of the lungs and airways. Bronchitis and pneumonia is often due to bacterial or viral infections, such as kennel cough, but may also be caused by allergies. In most cases, your vet can make an informed diagnosis without performing further tests, for example if your dog has been playing at the dog park and there has been an outbreak of kennel cough. If it's not that easy to work out the cause of your dog's cough, then chest x-rays and blood tests are next on the to-do list
.
Heart failure can also cause coughing, because as this disease progresses, your dog's heart becomes less efficient at pumping blood around his body. This means that blood moves slower as it flows through the lungs, and they become congested. This will make your dog cough.
Although some dogs only shed their hair at certain times of the year, others seem to lose hair constantly. If your dog's skin is normal and his coat is healthy, this isn't necessarily a problem. It's more of a concern if there are large patches of hair loss which show bare skin underneath. There are times where this is to be expected; dogs that have recently had a litter of puppies often lose hair on their flanks, thought to be associated with the stress on their bodies.
There are genetic causes of hair loss, such as color dilution alopecia. This leads to bald patches on a dog's blue or fawn coat, and occurs in many breeds including Doberman Pinschers and Whippets. There's no cure, and in most cases, it doesn't cause any problems.
Some young dogs have a problem with Demodex mites which lead to patchy hairloss, particularly around their head. Their skin can develop a secondary infection, and this often becomes quite itchy.
Other causes of hair loss that doesn't seem to cause itching are hormonal problems such as hypothyroidism or high estrogen levels. If your dog is looking a bit bald, it's a good idea to just have him checked by your vet to make sure there isn't a medical reason for his hair loss. It will give you peace of mind.
It's most annoying to sit on the couch cuddling your dog as you watch a movie together, and he's chewing and scratching himself. Fleas are a major problem for most dogs, their bite will have your dog chewing his back, tail and down his hind legs. Although less common, sarcoptic mange causes severe itching, and it can spread to you!
Allergies are very common in our dogs - flea allergy, food allergy and atopy (allergy to dusts and pollens) will cause itching, scratching and chewing at their skin. When the skin is traumatized, it gives bacteria the opportunity to multiply and cause infection and this makes the itching worse.
Sometimes the itching can be caused by something as simple as overuse of a harsh shampoo which dries out your dog's coat.
If you're using reliable flea control and your dog is still scratching excessively, it's time to visit your vet for an accurate diagnosis. Treatment may include corticosteroids, antibiotics, insecticides and medicated shampoos.
Both male and female dogs can have trouble urinating, and this indicates that there is a problem with either the bladder or the urethra - the tube carrying urine from the bladder to the outside. In female dogs, the urethra is relatively short, so bacteria can easily make their way into the bladder. This causes a bladder infection, or cystitis, which is very painful indeed. Symptoms include straining to urinate, trying to pass urine often and even drops of blood in the urine.
As they get older, male dogs can develop an enlarged prostate gland. As the gland grows, it presses on their rectum and makes it hard to pass feces, but it can also interfere with urination.
Minerals in the urine sometimes aggregate into little stones which irritate the bladder lining. This hurts, and if it isn't treated, can lead to blood in the urine and even blockage of the urethra. This is life threatening, and you must get in touch with your vet as a matter of urgency.
Incontinence is a relatively common problem in spayed female dogs as they age. The sphincter which holds the urethra closed loses its tone, and becomes a bit loose. These old girls often urinate where they lie, and are unaware of it. Incontinence is not in itself painful, but it's smelly, and the urine may cause scalding and irritation of their skin
.
Any problems with urination need to be dealt with by your Vet and the sooner the better.
Every dog is different, and they all need different amounts of water. If your dog has always been quite thirsty, this isn't necessarily a problem. However, if your dog suddenly starts spending all day at his water bowl and you have to refill it frequently, he may have a problem. Increased thirst usually indicates a hormonal condition such as diabetes or Cushings Disease, or an internal organ problem like kidney disease. The only way to deal with this is to take your dog to your vet and have blood tests done to see what may be making him so thirsty. Excess salivation is often related to pain or inflammation in your dog's mouth. Perhaps he has dental disease or an ulcer on his tongue. Dogs with kidney disease can develop irritation along the edges of their tongue, and this can make them drool.
Like us, dogs salivate when they feel nauseous. If your dog is drooling saliva, he may be having difficulty swallowing it because of a problem with the back of his throat.
Your vet will need to have a good look inside your dog's mouth and throat before they can do anything about it. Because your dog's mouth may be sore, he may need a general anesthetic to allow a thorough examination. We sneeze if we are exposed to an irritating smell such as perfume or insect repellent, and our dogs are the same. They can also suffer from allergies which will make them sneeze, as well as cause itchy feet, itchy eyes and itchy ears
.
A bacterial or viral infection can cause a snotty nose and sneezing, and is often accompanied by coughing. Dogs can also get a fungal infection up their nose and this initially shows up as a discharge from just one nostril.
If your dog has something up his nose, such as a blade of grass, he will sneeze frequently and may have a snotty discharge just from that one side. Another more serious reason for your dog to have a one-sided nasal discharge is cancer.
Have you ever seen a dog have a fit of loud snorting that just won't stop? It's quite spectacular! This is known as a reverse sneeze and suggests that there's an irritation in the back of his nasal cavity. However, in many cases there's no obvious reason for this behavior, and it doesn't appear to cause the dog any problems.
Ear problems are a very common reason for dogs to visit their vet. Food allergies or allergies to dusts and pollens can make your dog's ears red and itchy. You'd have heard of ear mites - little insects that live inside a dog's ears. These are extremely irritating and will make your dog scratch his ears constantly.
When your dog has an ear problem such as those described, the changes inside the ear can allow bacteria to grow and multiply in there. This infection makes things worse, and his ears will become extremely painful. You'll notice a discharge from his ears, and they'll smell bad!
If his itchy ears aren't treated promptly, his repeated head shaking and ear scratching can break a blood vessel in the flap of his ear, also known as the pinna. This forms a large blood blister or hematoma, which will need surgical drainage. This is one example of how early treatment can save you money in the long term.
Conjunctivitis can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or irritation by dust and wind. The discharge often starts out clear and watery but becomes thick and yellowish when a secondary bacterial infection develops.
Ulcers can occur on a dog's cornea. These are extremely painful and can take some time to heal. These ulcers, depending on their severity, may leave scarring on the cornea, or even lead to rupture of the eye.
It's absolutely vital that your dog's eyes are checked by your vet straight away, to make sure there is no ulceration. Treatment of uncomplicated conjunctivitis usually consists of regular bathing and antibiotic eye ointment.
The causes of seizures in dogs are divided into two groups - those of cranial (inside the brain) and extra-cranial (outside the brain) origin. Cranial causes include a bump to the head, a brain tumor or an infection which causes inflammation of the brain.
Extra-cranial seizures are usually related to internal organ disease, and include low blood sugar and liver disease. In many cases, there is no obvious reason for a dog's seizures, so the diagnosis is idiopathic epilepsy.
If your dog has a seizure, take him to your vet straight away for a check-up and blood tests. This isn't something to be complacent about. If he does happen to have epilepsy, it's important to start treatment early because the more seizures your dog has, the more likely he is to have more seizures.
You can get quite a fright when you find a lump on your dog, because in many people's minds, a lump equals a tumor. This isn't always the case.
Lumps on the body can be due to hematomas, or bruises, or they can be associated with allergic reactions. They can also be due to abscesses associated with foreign bodies such as grass seeds. Older dogs can develop fatty lumps called lipomas, and these can grow quite large. It's often better to have them surgically removed while they are small.
Certainly some lumps are cancerous, and common cancers which develop into obvious lumps in dogs include mast cell tumors and breast cancer. Your vet can perform a fine needle biopsy of these lumps, and examine it under a microscope to get an idea of malignancy. Tumors are usually best removed before they become too large, or spread to other organs.
These symptoms are all a regular part of a veterinarian's daily routine.
If your dog displays any of these signs, you'll now have an understanding of what may be causing them. Your vet is your ally when it comes to keeping your dog healthy. Don't be hesitant about taking him for a check-up if he's not well. It's important that you get a proper diagnosis and start treatment early, especially if he is uncomfortable or in pain.
View the original article here
Let's have a look at some of the more common dog symptoms vets have to deal with on a daily basis, and what they may mean for your dog.
Choose your dog's symptom from the list below - and discover your best course of action:
Sometimes dogs just don't seem to want to do too much. They just want to lie around, and they don't appear very interested in what's going on around them. This is quite a vague dog symptom, and can be hard to work out what is causing your dog to feel this way. It can be associated with any number of physical conditions, such as fever, gastroenteritis, liver disease and hormonal disorders.
If your dog is lethargic, it means that there is something wrong. Make an appointment with your vet to find out what is causing it. Starting treatment early in the course of an illness often means less expense for you, and a quicker recovery for your dog.
Dogs can tremble for many reasons, both physical and emotional. They may tremble because they're in pain, or because they feel anxious or afraid. It could even be something as simple as they're cold!
Have a look around and see if you can identify what might be upsetting him. If the weather is bad, perhaps he'd appreciate a coat. A noisy environment can be scary to a sensitive dog, and you may want to move him somewhere a bit less stressful
If there's no obvious reason for your dog's shaking, it may be that he's sore somewhere, and your Vet is the best person to work out what's happening with him.
At least one third of dogs who present to a vet are overweight and would benefit from a diet. However, dogs can also become excessively lean quite quickly, even though they're eating well. This usually indicates that there's a problem
.
There's no simple solution to this; in most cases these dogs need diagnostic tests such as blood tests and x-rays to reach a diagnosis. Common causes include diabetes, difficulty in absorbing nutrients in their food, and even cancer. If your dog starts to lose a lot of weight, take him to your Vet straight away. Early diagnosis and treatment of such illnesses have a much better chance of a good outcome.
It's not unusual for dogs to go off their food on occasion. They may have eaten something that has made them feel a bit queasy, or they may have had too many between-meal snacks. If your dog isn't interested in dinner, but is otherwise bright and active, you may want to just keep an eye on him for 24 hours to see if he feels better.
If he's depressed and not acting normally, then a visit to your vet is in order. Loss of appetite is a very vague symptom and it can be associated with disease of the stomach or intestines, or problems in other organs such as liver or kidney disease. It's not fun when your dog is vomiting. Not only are you concerned about his well-being, but you've got a bit of a mess to clean up. Vomiting is often caused by problems with the gastro-intestinal tract, but it can also be associated with diseases of other organs.
Common gastro-intestinal conditions which will make your dog vomit include stomach ulcers, pancreatitis, and dietary indiscretions - dogs seem to relish eating rotten scraps, compost or horse manure, and these can make them throw up. Sometimes things they eat get stuck in their intestines, and the first sign is vomiting.
Most dog owners are familiar with parvovirus, a viral infection of a dog's intestines. Often the first sign of infection is vomiting, but these dogs are also very depressed and obviously unwell.
Liver and kidney disease are often the culprits when a dog is throwing up. These organs are involved in getting rid of toxins such as urea and ammonia from the body. If they're not working as well as they should, these toxins can build up in the bloodstream and cause vomiting, lethargy and other signs of illness.
As we've already mentioned in relation to not eating, if your dog is vomiting but otherwise appears quite well, you can skip his meals and keep an eye on him for a few hours. If he's out of sorts, or the vomiting doesn't stop, he needs to see your vet. Having said that, you can certainly visit your vet sooner rather than later if it will put your mind at rest
.
Diarrhea is another extremely common reason for dogs to visit the vet, and it is usually caused by intestinal disease. Worms are often involved, particularly in young pups.
Dogs with food allergies and inflammatory bowel disease can also present with loose stools.
Sometimes a bacterial infection will lead to diarrhea, and again, eating the wrong thing will cause your dog to have runny poos.
You can manage diarrhea in your dog in the same way you would if he was vomiting - withhold food, and providing he's well, keep an eye on him. However if there is blood in his motions, take him to your vet immediately. We have already mentioned parvovirus, and one of the main symptoms of this deadly disease is foul smelling bloody diarrhea.
There is another condition called hemmorhagic gastro-enteritis, where a dog will have profuse watery diarrhea containing bright red blood. This is quite frightening to see, and an affected dog needs immediate veterinary care. This is one dog symptom that can't be taken lightly.
This is the opposite of diarrhea. Affected dogs pass very few bowel motions and the ones they do pass are small and hard. They're difficult to pass, and you'll notice your dog straining to defecate
.
Dogs that eat bones have very firm feces, and may at times have trouble passing them. Other causes of constipation include physical abnormalities of the rectum and anus, and internal organ disease such as prostate enlargement in male dogs.
One condition that can look like constipation is colitis. This inflammation of the large intestine causes frequent straining, but any feces that are passed are loose, and may contain traces of blood or mucus. This can also be related to diet, but can also be caused by worms or infection.
Don't be tempted to treat your dog yourself, because without knowing why he is constipated, you're not likely to completely solve his problem. Take him to your vet for an examination and you'll be able to get started with the right treatment for him. How do you know if your dog has a tummy ache? He will be restless, and won't be able to settle down comfortably. He may turn and look at his tummy. He may also lean on his elbows and stretch out with his rump in the air.
This is a very non-specific dog symptom and on its own it doesn't give you much information. You'll need to look at what else your dog is doing to get an idea of the cause. Is he drinking a lot of water? Is he vomiting? If his discomfort persists, have a chat to your Vet. Nobody, not even your dog, enjoys having a tummy ache.
Some dogs are very active, and they can inadvertently hurt themselves as they charge through life. If your dog suddenly becomes lame but can still put a little weight on his foot, he may have strained a muscle or sprained a ligament. Both of these injuries can wait a day or two to see if they improve with strict rest. If your dog isn't using his leg at all, he will need to see your Vet straight away. He may have a broken bone or a torn ligament. An examination often reveals the likely cause of your dog's sore leg, but your vet may suggest x-rays to get an accurate diagnosis.
If your dog has a chronic limp, he may have arthritis which is a painful inflammation of his joints. Again, x-rays may be needed to confirm the diagnosis, and pain relief medication will have him feeling more comfortable in no time
.
Dogs cough for many reasons, usually associated with diseases of the lungs and airways. Bronchitis and pneumonia is often due to bacterial or viral infections, such as kennel cough, but may also be caused by allergies. In most cases, your vet can make an informed diagnosis without performing further tests, for example if your dog has been playing at the dog park and there has been an outbreak of kennel cough. If it's not that easy to work out the cause of your dog's cough, then chest x-rays and blood tests are next on the to-do list
.
Heart failure can also cause coughing, because as this disease progresses, your dog's heart becomes less efficient at pumping blood around his body. This means that blood moves slower as it flows through the lungs, and they become congested. This will make your dog cough.
Although some dogs only shed their hair at certain times of the year, others seem to lose hair constantly. If your dog's skin is normal and his coat is healthy, this isn't necessarily a problem. It's more of a concern if there are large patches of hair loss which show bare skin underneath. There are times where this is to be expected; dogs that have recently had a litter of puppies often lose hair on their flanks, thought to be associated with the stress on their bodies.
There are genetic causes of hair loss, such as color dilution alopecia. This leads to bald patches on a dog's blue or fawn coat, and occurs in many breeds including Doberman Pinschers and Whippets. There's no cure, and in most cases, it doesn't cause any problems.
Some young dogs have a problem with Demodex mites which lead to patchy hairloss, particularly around their head. Their skin can develop a secondary infection, and this often becomes quite itchy.
Other causes of hair loss that doesn't seem to cause itching are hormonal problems such as hypothyroidism or high estrogen levels. If your dog is looking a bit bald, it's a good idea to just have him checked by your vet to make sure there isn't a medical reason for his hair loss. It will give you peace of mind.
It's most annoying to sit on the couch cuddling your dog as you watch a movie together, and he's chewing and scratching himself. Fleas are a major problem for most dogs, their bite will have your dog chewing his back, tail and down his hind legs. Although less common, sarcoptic mange causes severe itching, and it can spread to you!
Allergies are very common in our dogs - flea allergy, food allergy and atopy (allergy to dusts and pollens) will cause itching, scratching and chewing at their skin. When the skin is traumatized, it gives bacteria the opportunity to multiply and cause infection and this makes the itching worse.
Sometimes the itching can be caused by something as simple as overuse of a harsh shampoo which dries out your dog's coat.
If you're using reliable flea control and your dog is still scratching excessively, it's time to visit your vet for an accurate diagnosis. Treatment may include corticosteroids, antibiotics, insecticides and medicated shampoos.
Both male and female dogs can have trouble urinating, and this indicates that there is a problem with either the bladder or the urethra - the tube carrying urine from the bladder to the outside. In female dogs, the urethra is relatively short, so bacteria can easily make their way into the bladder. This causes a bladder infection, or cystitis, which is very painful indeed. Symptoms include straining to urinate, trying to pass urine often and even drops of blood in the urine.
As they get older, male dogs can develop an enlarged prostate gland. As the gland grows, it presses on their rectum and makes it hard to pass feces, but it can also interfere with urination.
Minerals in the urine sometimes aggregate into little stones which irritate the bladder lining. This hurts, and if it isn't treated, can lead to blood in the urine and even blockage of the urethra. This is life threatening, and you must get in touch with your vet as a matter of urgency.
Incontinence is a relatively common problem in spayed female dogs as they age. The sphincter which holds the urethra closed loses its tone, and becomes a bit loose. These old girls often urinate where they lie, and are unaware of it. Incontinence is not in itself painful, but it's smelly, and the urine may cause scalding and irritation of their skin
.
Any problems with urination need to be dealt with by your Vet and the sooner the better.
Every dog is different, and they all need different amounts of water. If your dog has always been quite thirsty, this isn't necessarily a problem. However, if your dog suddenly starts spending all day at his water bowl and you have to refill it frequently, he may have a problem. Increased thirst usually indicates a hormonal condition such as diabetes or Cushings Disease, or an internal organ problem like kidney disease. The only way to deal with this is to take your dog to your vet and have blood tests done to see what may be making him so thirsty. Excess salivation is often related to pain or inflammation in your dog's mouth. Perhaps he has dental disease or an ulcer on his tongue. Dogs with kidney disease can develop irritation along the edges of their tongue, and this can make them drool.
Like us, dogs salivate when they feel nauseous. If your dog is drooling saliva, he may be having difficulty swallowing it because of a problem with the back of his throat.
Your vet will need to have a good look inside your dog's mouth and throat before they can do anything about it. Because your dog's mouth may be sore, he may need a general anesthetic to allow a thorough examination. We sneeze if we are exposed to an irritating smell such as perfume or insect repellent, and our dogs are the same. They can also suffer from allergies which will make them sneeze, as well as cause itchy feet, itchy eyes and itchy ears
.
A bacterial or viral infection can cause a snotty nose and sneezing, and is often accompanied by coughing. Dogs can also get a fungal infection up their nose and this initially shows up as a discharge from just one nostril.
If your dog has something up his nose, such as a blade of grass, he will sneeze frequently and may have a snotty discharge just from that one side. Another more serious reason for your dog to have a one-sided nasal discharge is cancer.
Have you ever seen a dog have a fit of loud snorting that just won't stop? It's quite spectacular! This is known as a reverse sneeze and suggests that there's an irritation in the back of his nasal cavity. However, in many cases there's no obvious reason for this behavior, and it doesn't appear to cause the dog any problems.
Ear problems are a very common reason for dogs to visit their vet. Food allergies or allergies to dusts and pollens can make your dog's ears red and itchy. You'd have heard of ear mites - little insects that live inside a dog's ears. These are extremely irritating and will make your dog scratch his ears constantly.
When your dog has an ear problem such as those described, the changes inside the ear can allow bacteria to grow and multiply in there. This infection makes things worse, and his ears will become extremely painful. You'll notice a discharge from his ears, and they'll smell bad!
If his itchy ears aren't treated promptly, his repeated head shaking and ear scratching can break a blood vessel in the flap of his ear, also known as the pinna. This forms a large blood blister or hematoma, which will need surgical drainage. This is one example of how early treatment can save you money in the long term.
Conjunctivitis can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or irritation by dust and wind. The discharge often starts out clear and watery but becomes thick and yellowish when a secondary bacterial infection develops.
Ulcers can occur on a dog's cornea. These are extremely painful and can take some time to heal. These ulcers, depending on their severity, may leave scarring on the cornea, or even lead to rupture of the eye.
It's absolutely vital that your dog's eyes are checked by your vet straight away, to make sure there is no ulceration. Treatment of uncomplicated conjunctivitis usually consists of regular bathing and antibiotic eye ointment.
The causes of seizures in dogs are divided into two groups - those of cranial (inside the brain) and extra-cranial (outside the brain) origin. Cranial causes include a bump to the head, a brain tumor or an infection which causes inflammation of the brain.
Extra-cranial seizures are usually related to internal organ disease, and include low blood sugar and liver disease. In many cases, there is no obvious reason for a dog's seizures, so the diagnosis is idiopathic epilepsy.
If your dog has a seizure, take him to your vet straight away for a check-up and blood tests. This isn't something to be complacent about. If he does happen to have epilepsy, it's important to start treatment early because the more seizures your dog has, the more likely he is to have more seizures.
You can get quite a fright when you find a lump on your dog, because in many people's minds, a lump equals a tumor. This isn't always the case.
Lumps on the body can be due to hematomas, or bruises, or they can be associated with allergic reactions. They can also be due to abscesses associated with foreign bodies such as grass seeds. Older dogs can develop fatty lumps called lipomas, and these can grow quite large. It's often better to have them surgically removed while they are small.
Certainly some lumps are cancerous, and common cancers which develop into obvious lumps in dogs include mast cell tumors and breast cancer. Your vet can perform a fine needle biopsy of these lumps, and examine it under a microscope to get an idea of malignancy. Tumors are usually best removed before they become too large, or spread to other organs.
These symptoms are all a regular part of a veterinarian's daily routine.
If your dog displays any of these signs, you'll now have an understanding of what may be causing them. Your vet is your ally when it comes to keeping your dog healthy. Don't be hesitant about taking him for a check-up if he's not well. It's important that you get a proper diagnosis and start treatment early, especially if he is uncomfortable or in pain.
View the original article here
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)