Allergic to Dogs

By admin on Thursday, December 30th, 2010 | No Comments

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You may be wondering if you have a dog allergy if you have been around dogs lately and have noticed that you have a stuffy nose, having difficulty breathing or just aren’t feeling quite right. But what are dog allergies, and what causes them? Believe it or not, a lot of the common information available for people who have an allergy to dogs is just not accurate. Many of them are only slightly incorrect, but there are some that are just myths. We’ll go through what causes dog allergies, how to help control them, and (just in case) what causes allergic reactions in dogs.
So what does cause all of your suffering?

I know what you’re thinking: These problems are caused by dog hair and dander, right? While that is true, it is not the most common cause of an allergy to dogs. The most common cause for most people is actually enzymes in the dog’s saliva, which is obviously put on you whenever the dog licks you. Also, if the dog licks themselves then the enzyme can get on their fur, which is then transferred to you any time that you pet them! The best way to combat having an allergy to dogs is this is to bathe your dog often and try to prevent them from licking you or salivating on you, though it can be difficult.

Though dog saliva is the most common cause, dog fur and dander can also cause an allergy to dogs . These can especially cause nasal and congestion problems because the dander can get lodged in your nasal passages, leading to cold-like symptoms. Like saliva, there are things that you get do to help combat the allergy to dogs that you are contending with from dog fur and dander. First, try to brush the dog outside frequently (especially if they shed a lot). Also make sure that you are bathing the dog at least once a month to help keep their fur as clean as possible. Lastly, make sure that the filter for your heating/cooling system is a HEPA filter and that your vacuum cleaner has a HEPA bag. This will go a long way in ensuring that very little dander gets in the air.

It is also important to keep in mind that some breeds are worse than others for causing an allergy to dogs. For example, poodles actually have hair, not fur; so they don’t shed or have that much dander. Bichon-frises work the same way, as do most Italian Greyhounds. Just shop around a little bit if your allergies are severe, it can make life much easier.

If you really want to own a dog there is a way to have one that you can enjoy for years, if you don’t already have one. If you do there are ways to manage your allergies whether naturally or medically. Just talk to your doctor and see what the options are.

may be wondering if you have a dog allergy if you have been around dogs lately and have noticed that you have a stuffy nose, having difficulty breathing or just aren’t feeling quite right. But what are dog allergies, and what causes them? Believe it or not, a lot of the common information available for people who have an allergy to dogs is just not accurate. Many of them are only slightly incorrect, but there are some that are just myths. We’ll go through what causes dog allergies, how to help control them, and (just in case) what causes allergic reactions in dogs.
So what does cause all of your suffering?

Digestive System of a Dog

By admin on Wednesday, December 29th, 2010 | No Comments

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Digestive System of a Dog

By Becky Stevens

You and your dog are very different, of course I do not have to tell you that. The way you eat and process food is also quite different and it is very important for you to understand how the digestive system of a dog works in order to make sure that you are feeding your dog the right amount of food and the right kind of food. So let us start with a brief description of the digestive system of a dog.

We begin with the mouth, a dog’s mouth is made to bite in to large chunks of bones and meat and therefore have larger teeth and hinged jaws. The food then passes through the esophagus and on to the stomach where the large pieces of food are then digested, what can not be digested by the stomach will be regurgitated, and as I am sure you know, the dog will then swallow it again. It then passes through the small intestine to the large intestine and then out of the dog.

Because dogs have been domesticated and taken away from their natural environment it is important that we understand how their digestive system works. They are able to digest a lot of different types of food but some foods are harmful to them. Milk products can not be digested by a dog and will give them gas and can make them sick, this is why it is best to avoid all dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, and sour cream. The digestive system of a dog is also not built to take in chocolate which acts as a poison to dogs and can make them very ill and even cause them death.

Understanding certain facts about your dog, such as that a dog has the shortest digestive system of all the mammals, can help you out a lot. The digestive system of a dog only takes around 8 hours to complete the entire process, this is naturally a shorter process for young dogs and puppies. Take note of the regular habits of your dog, the regular eating habits and bowel movement habits. By making sure that you know the digestive system of a dog, makes it easier for you to watch for irregular habits which can indicate a problem with your dog. If your dog is acting strange and the bowel movements and eating habits of the dog are irregular then it could be caused by an illness in the dog.

There are actually dog supplements available that greatly help dogs process some of the foods in their somewhat unnatural diet, and also make sure that they get the nutrients that they need. For example, Chia seeds actually have the highest percentage of omega 3 and omega 6, and in the proportions that dogs need to have. Kelp is another fantastic source of fatty acids, especially since it contains all of the essential amino acids that dogs (and people) need. Another key that your dog supplement should have is probiotics, which are beneficial living microorganisms that help with digestion. Lactobacillus help create beneficial yeast cultures, for example.

Making sure that your dog has plenty of proteins is something that is incredibly important. Some people make the attempt to put their dog on a vegetarian diet, this is not only horrible for the dog; it also shows just how little the owner knows about their pet. Protein is very important for your dog. Your dog’s body is made of 50% protein and it is a major part of every cell in a dog’s body. Whatever proteins that your dog does not digest simply give your dog more energy.

Dog Allergy Symptoms

By admin on Sunday, December 26th, 2010 | No Comments

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Dog Allergy Symptoms

By: Becky Stevens

Dog allergies seem to becoming more and more prevelant. Does your dog seem like he is just not himself lately. Maybe his nose is running and he is lying around the house acting like he doesn’t feel well. If you just got your first dog or have not owned a dog with allergies you may not know what the signs or symptoms of dog allergies are. However almost one quarter of dogs are though to have allergies.

Here are some symtoms of dog allergies :

Inhalents – This one is similar to inhalents that cause allergies in people. They include things like dust mites, mold and pollen. If the allergy happens all the time no matter what time of year it is probably dust or mold. If the allergy seems to take place during a particular season the allergy is probably due to pollen. Symptoms of this type of allergy may include red ears,rubbing their face on the carpet , on the furniture, or outside in the grass. He may also chew his feet, bite or scratch himself or frequently lick his skin, or get an infection from the constant chewing and scratching of himself.

Food Allergies – An upset stomach can be an indication of a food allergy. Keep a close eye on your dog to make that determination. If you feed your dog human food and he is not used to getting it on a regular basis that could also be the problem, so observe your dogs habits before making that determination. Dogs are not actually allergic to the food itself but an ingredient in the food. If you think that the food is the problem you can switch it or have him tested to be sure.

Flea Bite Allergies Before choosing a flea remedy that contains chemicals check with your veterinarian to see what the best treatment would be. Some dogs have been known to get very sick on store bought flea treatments. If you can be proactive a great natural flea preventative remedy is _______________.

Skin problems – dry flaky, itchy skin. Hives or swelling that might look something like ringworm. A visit to the vet would help you find out what the real issue is.

Poor Coat – If your dogs hair has become s very dry or has started to lose big spots of hair that could indicate that he is allergic to something. .

Ear inflammation – A lot of redness, shaking their head or a lot of scratching their ears may also be a sign of allergies.

Chronic hot spots – areas on the skin that are raw, or inflamed caused my excessive licking.

Exessive scratching, biting or chewing. Some dogs are bothered by allergies so much that they cannot seem to stop biting, chewing or scratching themselves and end up hurting themselves.

Other basic symptoms dogs may have are coughing and wheezing, red, itchy eyes, runny, itchy, stuffy nose or sneezing

If you have seen any of these symptoms in your dog over a long period of time your dog may have allergies. Like people dogs can develop an allergy to something that they were not allergic to before. A lot of times diseases can be cure of the problem can be removed, but that is not the case with allergies. Your dog cannot talk to you to tell you what is wrong, so that makes it more difficult to figure out why they are experiencing an irritation. If a dog has a food allergy a lot of times they don’t even know, and will be happy to eat the food. That is why it is important to know the symptoms of dog allergies and keep an eye out for it.

If you discover that your dog has allergies you need to start the long process of eliminating things that might be causing the problem so that you can identify what is causing the allergy. Then just remove the allergen from the dogs environment. A natural approach is the healthiest approach to dealing with your dogs allergies, but if you can’t find a solution your veterinarian may have a suggestion for treatment. Just know that whatever choice you make your dog will feel happier and more like himself without the allergy symptoms he used to experience.

Symptoms

By: Becky Stevens

Here are some symtoms of dog allergies :

Skin problems – dry flaky, itchy skin. Hives or swelling that might look something like ringworm. A visit to the vet would help you find out what the real issue is.

Poor Coat – If your dogs hair has become s very dry or has started to lose big spots of hair that could indicate that he is allergic to something. .

Ear inflammation – A lot of redness, shaking their head or a lot of scratching their ears may also be a sign of allergies.

Chronic hot spots – areas on the skin that are raw, or inflamed caused my excessive licking.

Exessive scratching, biting or chewing. Some dogs are bothered by allergies so much that they cannot seem to stop biting, chewing or scratching themselves and end up hurting themselves.

Other basic symptoms dogs may have are coughing and wheezing, red, itchy eyes, runny, itchy, stuffy nose or sneezing

Symptoms Of Ringworm in Dogs

By admin on Thursday, December 16th, 2010 | No Comments

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Symptoms Of Ringworm in Dogs

By : Becky Stevens

Ringworm in dogs is a fungal infection that can cause itching and hair loss in affected animals. The ringworm fungus lives primarily on the dog’s hair and hair follicles and is transmitted mainly through contact with other infected animals and by picking up ringworm spores in the soil as well as infected carpets and bedding. Puppies and young adult dogs are most at risk for ringworm infection, since healthy adult dogs are resistant to the fungus and may never develop symptoms unless they have wounds or breaks in the skin. Ringworm on dogs can also be transmitted to humans, particularly children.

The most common symptom of ringworm in dogs are small round lesions that are hairless and will often have scaly skin in the center, and may continue to grow in size. These lesions are most commonly found in the head but may also be seen in the legs, tail and feet. When ringworm on dogs infests the nails, it can also result in dry, cracked nails. Ringworm infestation is most common during the fall and winter months as the fungus thrives in a hot, humid climate.

Having ringworms can be challenging for your dog because the infection is often mistaken for other conditions such as demodetic mange. There are three methods for diagnosing ringworm, such as shining a black light, known as a Wood’s light, onto the infected areas and examining hairs plucked from the edge of the lesion under a microscope. Both of these methods have their limitations and the most accurate way to make a diagnosis is to collect crust and scales from the skin and coat of the dog and culture them.

Light infestations of ringworms do not need to be treated, as the lesions disappear on their own within four months. For more severe infestations, however, lesions can be treated with an antifungal medication. Hair around the area of the lesion should also be clipped short to the skin and the hairless areas washed with an antiseptic soap or one with chlorhexadine. The clipped hair and the instruments used in grooming the dog must be stored in sealable plastic bags. The hair must be disposed properly while the scissors, clippers and other grooming instruments must be sterilized using heat or chemicals before they are used on another animal. Oral antifungal pills may also be administered but must be given under the strict supervision of your veterinarian, as the ingredients used in the antifungal can build up in your dog’s system and reach toxic levels.

Measures to prevent ringworm in dogs mainly involve keeping the dog’s immediate environment free of spores as there is no vaccine for the fungus at this time. Carpets should be vacuumed at least once a week to remove infected hair that could transmit ringworm spores. The dog’s bedding should be changed regularly and the old bedding disposed. The dog should also be brushed daily with a brush dipped in a solution of bleach and water. Wear gloves when grooming or bathing your dog to prevent transmission to other animals and people. And keep the dog isolated from other animals until the ringworm infestation has cleared up.

Symptoms of Glaucoma in Dogs – What to Look For

By admin on Wednesday, December 15th, 2010 | No Comments

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Symptoms of Glaucoma in Dogs – What to Look For

By: Becky Stevens

If you are concerned about your dog’s eyes because it seems that he is not seeing very well, or if you have noticed any changes in the color of his eyes, you should have your dog checked for glaucoma. Glaucoma in dogs is very common, just as it is in humans. This eye problem is very serious and can cause loss of vision if it is not treated properly. When the eye develops a higher intraocular eye pressure, glaucoma occurs. The body regulates fluid quantity in the eye in order to maintain pressure at an optimal level. When this pressure is not at this appropriate level and goes beyond it, glaucoma occurs. The disease is known to cause vision loss and will affect the optic nerves and the retina. If you notice any symptoms of glaucoma in dogs, it is necessary to get immediate medical attention. This is because glaucoma is very painful for dogs.

Some signs to look for when checking for glaucoma in your dog’s eyes are eye pain, larger pupils, yellow or greenish discharge from the eyes, clouded cornea, loss of color in eyes, increase in number of blood vessels, blood in eyes, and one eye looking larger than the other. These symptoms are usual and there may be other symptoms not listed. If your dog is experiencing any problems with its eyes, you need to take it to the vet immediately to rule out glaucoma. Now that you know some of the symptoms, it is necessary to know what the causes are so that you can watch for early signs.

Causes normally leading to glaucoma in dogs include eye inflammation and injury. Dogs get injured all the time. Some injuries are a result of a fight with another dog, but others may result from allowing your dog to hang its head out the window of your vehicle when in motion or debris in the eye caused by a wind storm. These are the most common causes. Sometimes dogs will also experience problems with the drainage system of their eyes. If the dog’s eye is not able to remove excess liquid, then it may have pressure build up, causing glaucoma. There are two types of glaucoma in dogs, primary and secondary. Primary glaucoma is usually a genetic condition such as large drainage pores resulting in fluid accumulation.

If you notice problems with your dog and are concerned about glaucoma, you need to take it to the veterinarian. The dog will be examined and complete blood work may be ordered. If they find that the intraocular pressure is too high, they may be able to drain or remove the pressure. The veterinarian may choose to check for tumor or cancer at that time. Treatment of this condition may involve prescription medicine in pill form, eye drops, injections, or surgery. If it is determined that the eye can be saved, surgery would be recommended. If not, the veterinarian will choose to manage pain with the various medicines.

Dog Hygiene Tips

By admin on Tuesday, December 14th, 2010 | No Comments

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Dog Hygiene Tips

By :Becky Stevens

Dog hygiene is an often overlooked necessity by many canine owners due to the gradual decline in their pet’s hygiene. It is very easy to miss the buildup of plaque on their teeth or the decline of their skin and coat texture.

However, as a dog owner, if you spend a few minutes developing a routine schedule of hygiene maintenance for your pet you will find that they live a longer, healthier and much happier life.

Most dog health maintenance focuses on four main areas to include your dog’s oral hygiene, skin and coat hygiene, ear canal hygiene and dog nail hygiene. Having a routine health maintenance schedule ensures that you perform the various task of canine hygiene care

Let’s take a minute and examine each of the dog hygiene areas a little more closely:

Oral Hygiene for Your Dog

Oral hygiene for a dog is just as important as it is for a human being. Unfortunately, a very small percentage of dog owners ever actually address their dog’s oral hygiene needs, resulting in periodontal disease being diagnosed in approximately 90% of all animals. Aside from the sensory affect of having bad breath it can be difficult to properly ascertain the actual damage taking place to your dog’s health as a result of improper oral hygiene.

The buildup of bacteria within your dog’s teeth and gums can pose significant health risks to your pet’s overall well-being. Health impediments can include but are not limited to an damage and an undue amount of stress placed on your pet’s heart, liver and kidney function.

Fortunately significant emotional and financial stress from high veterinarian bills can be avoided by nearly all dog owners that instill a proper oral hygiene treatment for their dogs starting as early as six months of age with a teeth brushing program.

It is widely reported that the earlier you start brushing your dog’s teeth, the more accustomed they become to the treatment making the task much easier to perform on them as they age.

Additionally, with dog toothpaste coming in a variety of flavors such as beef, malt, poultry, vanilla and seafood there really is no reason why your dog won’t enjoy having his teeth properly cleaned.

However, if your dog insists on graciously refusing to allow you to brush their teeth you can still accomplish the same health benefit to a smaller degree by feeding your pet certain types of dog food such as dry kibble which utilizes plant enzymes such as lysozyme to break down the tarter on the teeth assisting in the avoidance of expensive canine dentistry from your veterinarian.

Skin and Coat Hygiene for Your Dog

You may not know this but your dog’s skin and coat condition are good indicators of their overall health. Generally, a dog will exhibit the signs of going into an intense itching frenzy if they have an inflammation of the skin. Nutritional supplements and naturopathic shampoos both contribute to improving your dog’s skin and coat condition by increasing the immune system and the promotion of healthy skin.

Some pet owners also have their dog undergo the process of docking which is the removal of some parts of a dog’s ears and tail in order to prevent fecal matter from accumulating in their long hair and to prevent tail injuries. This is a very sensitive process and your pet’s feelings should be considered before the docking process is initiated.

If you decide to have this procedure performed it is recommended that it take place within the first week or so of your puppy’s life as the nerves are not fully developed yet and the pain involved will be minimal.

Regular grooming is another positive contributor to the health of your pet’s skin and hair coat. Proper and repeated grooming helps in the prevention of illnesses contracted from parasites and eliminates dandruff. The simple act of brushing your dog keeps their coat free from hair clumps and does wonders in building a loving bond between owner and pet. Don’t neglect this simple procedure for improving your dog’s lifestyle.

Ear Canal Hygiene for Dogs

A typical dog’s ears are prone to the accumulation or buildup of wax and infections due to the air flow restriction created when a dog’s ears flop down, covering the entry to the rather long ear canal a canine possess.

This harmful buildup of wax can cause serious infections capable of damaging the inner nerves of a dog’s ear creating an unbalanced feeling when your dog walks or runs. Fortunately, this condition can be kept under control with a once of week cleaning to designed to deodorize the ears, and protect against infection.

Recommended treatment products should contain natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal ingredients along with essential oils that are compatible with a dog’s ear natural flora in order to alleviate and prevent excessive drying.

Dog Nail Hygiene

Of all the procedures to maintain the health and hygiene of our dogs, taking care of their nails is the easiest to maintain. Common ailments include the cracking or tearing of their nails resulting in bleeding and infections.

Under normal conditions the front pair of nails grow longer and faster than the rear set of nails thus they require more frequent trimming. When trimming your dog’s nails always make sure you only clip the end of the nail, commonly referred to as the toe nail because it lacks any blood vessels and will not cause your dog any pain.

Trimming to close to the base of your dog’s nail will subject it to pain, discomfort and bleeding. This portion of the nail known as the quick contains the blood vessels and is extremely sensitive for every dog.

When cutting your dog’s nails use guillotine trimmers and cut at a right angle to the toenail making sure to carefully avoid the quick. You can normally identify the quick portion of the nail due to the dark area it represents on light colored nails.

Much like the teeth brushing, you should start trimming your dog’s nails at an early age in order to get them more accustomed to this helpful hygiene treatment.

Final Thoughts Regarding A Dog’s Hygiene

By now you are probably thinking that the health maintenance for a dog is slightly overwhelming but honestly, as a dog owner myself, I know we do it because we love our pets so much. Taking care of them is an important part of developing the loving bond between a pet and its owner and failure to routine conduct proper hygiene on your dog will only lead to more costly health problems later in their life.

Dog Food Allergies

By admin on Friday, December 10th, 2010 | No Comments

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Dog Food Allergies

By : Becky Stevens

Dog food allergies are becoming more and more of a problem all over the country. Whether it’s just because they’re easier to detect now than before or because it is a growing problem has not yet been determined, but the result is the same: we now have to deal with more dog food allergies. The most common dog food allergies are beef, wheat, dairy, and soy. However, there are many other allergies that aren’t as common, so don’t assume that they’re the only things that your dog can be allergic to. There are different ways to control your dog’s allergies, but elimination diets are the most common and least expensive.

Dog Food Elimination Diet

An elimination diet is where you keep track of what the ingredients are that you’re giving your dog and removing the ingredients that you think are causing problems. Though this method can take awhile and you’ll have to keep some records, it is much less expensive than running a skin test or a blood test at the vet’s would be. However, if you’ve been trying this for a few months and your dog is still having problems; it might be best to have an allergy test done. Dog food allergies can also arise if the ingredient that your dog is allergic to is very common in commercial dog foods. While the vets will sell pet foods specifically made to avoid dog food allergies, it can get very expensive and it might be cheaper to simply make your own.

Of course trying an elimination diet is only useful and practical if you know what to look for. Without knowing what an allergic reaction looks like, it can be next to impossible to determine what is causing the actual problem. One of the main signs of the dog food allergies is skin irritation, which is shown by the dog licking the same spot for 10 to 15 minutes or longer. This shows that that particular area of the body is really bothering them, and usually means that dog food allergies is the cause. Another symptom is if the dog gets repeated ear infections that are caused by inflammation. While this can be a sign of some other problem such as ear mites, if it keeps recurring you might want to check into your dog’s diet to see if you can fix the problem.

Testing for Dog Food Allergies

So even though your vet can very easily run a blood test or skin test to determine if your dog has dog food allergies; for some people this just might not be in the budget. If it is, you’ll make your life and your dog’s life much easier and happier by simply having the vet do the test. If not, just get a decent notebook and trying an elimination diet to figure out what is causing your dog’s problems. After doing this for a few weeks, your dog food allergies shouldn’t be a problem at all, which will make your dog and you less stressed.

Bladder Stones in Dogs

By admin on Saturday, December 4th, 2010 | No Comments

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Bladder Stones in Dogs

By : Becky Stevens

If your dog had bladder stones it can greatly affect his health. Not only can it be painful, but can block the passage of urine which can be dangerous for your dog. Just like with a human your dog will probably be irritable and unhappy. If your dogs disposition changes and he does not quite seem like himself it is time to go to the vet to be sure he is ok. Because your dog cannot talk you have to be observant and notice when something is wrong.

Dogs don’t usually make it obvious when they do not feel well until they are very sick. When dogs were in the wild they had to protect themselves from their prey so they could not show signs of illness. Even though they are now domesticated they still tend to hide the fact that they are ill. By the time you know something is very wrong the illness is so advanced that its almost impossible to reverse the bad health. That is why it is important to pay attention to how your dog behaves and take them to the vet even if it seems like there is just a minor health problem.

What are bladder stones ?

Bladder stones also called strivite stones form when extra minerals or waste products crystallize in your dogs bladder. There are several types of bladder stones, but strivite stones are the most common. They are made out of magnesium ammonium phosphate and are caused by bladder infections.
Symptoms can vary from dog to dog dependant on many factors. Bladder stones usually occur in dogs from the age of 4-6 years old. Dogs that are younger or older can also get them. There are various reasons as to why dogs get bladder stones. They can have mild to serious sizes of stones and the pain level can be from manageable to painful. Females and smaller breed dogs tend to get bladder stones more than other types of dogs.

When do bladder stones become a problem ?

Bladder stones become a problem when they block the ability of the dog to urinate. If your dog is unable to urinate or strains to go take him or her to the vet right away. Surgery is usually the procedure that is done if your dog cannot urinate. . So, if you notice your dog has difficulty urinating take him to the vet to be checked out. Even if it’s only a bladder infection it needs to be taken care of right away before bladder stones develop.

Bladder stones can come back at any time once your dog has had them. So, this will be a lifetime of care for your dog. Be sure to get a check up at least 2- 3 times a year to be sure the stones have not come back. Sometimes there is no sign on the outside to you and me that the stones have come back, but your veterinarian can discover them with a routine check up.

Signs that your dog may have bladder stones :

The following are general signs that your dog may have bladder stones:

Frequent urination – urinating frequently in small amounts
Straining to urinate, or hesitant because of pain
Abnormalities in urinating – traces of blood, dark colored urine, or licks genitals ( a sign of pain)
accidents in the house when he is potty trained
loss of appetite – less interest in food can indicate he is ill
is not as active or is not very responsive, but used to be playful

These signs could also be because your dog has a bladder infection or some other illness. So go see your veterinarian if your dog is having these problems.

How do I take care of my dog after as he gets rid of the bladder stones ?

Bladder stones are usually treated with a prescription to get rid of them. You can also work with your veterinarian about using natural remedies to help the healing along.

Natural choices :

provide plenty of water so his system is washed out
try giving cranberry juice given by mouth to help keep bacteria from forming in the bladder
ascorbic acid will help keep down the acidity in the urine, and boost the immune system
you could add sea salt to increase urination but FIRST be sure that your dog does not have a kidney or heart condition/disease or using it could cause serious health problems in your dog.

Dietary changes :

The bladder stones develop in the urine which has a high ph (alkaline) level, so you need to feed your dog a low ph diet. Talk to your doctor about the food that you are currently feeding your dog and he will let you know if you need to make changes in the diet..

Homemade diets seem to work best. If you have to feed processed food to your dog canned food seems to be a better choice than kibble according to veterinarians. The canned food has a lot more water in it than kibble does. If you want to use your kibble you could soak it in water before feeding it to your dog.
Once your dog has had bladder stones it is likely that he will get them again, so continuing this specialized diet – whatever you have chosen – is recommended that you continue it.

Getting a regular check up is your best defence to being sure that your dog has gotten rid of the bladder stones ! Consult your doctor when considering any treatments whether medical or natural.

Cleaning Dogs Teeth

By admin on Wednesday, December 1st, 2010 | No Comments

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Cleaning Dogs Teeth

By : Becky Stevens

You love your dog and you want what is best for him, because of this it is important to take care of the overall health of your dog. One of the most important things to factor in to the health of your dog is his teeth. Like a human, if a dog’s teeth are not taken care of they will rot and fall out. You want the best for your dog so start by taking care of his teeth. Cleaning dog’s teeth can seem like a complicated task but it is quite easy and simple to do. Why care about the teeth of your dog you wonder?

There are a variety of different things that can happen to your dog if you do not care for his teeth. Although dogs do not get cavities there still are a variety of other different dental diseases that they can get. For instance plaque is the result of food particles and bacteria that form around the gums of your dog, if not taken care of this can lead to gum disease and excess tartar build up.

If the plaque is not removed then it combines with the natural saliva to form tartar which irritate the gums and can cause gingivitis. This can turn the gums red and cause bad breath, by this point the teeth need to be polished. If the tarter is not removed then it will build up under the gums and cause the teeth to loosen and more bacteria to grow in between the teeth and the gums. At this point so much damage has been done that it is pretty much too late to do anything. It will lead to a disease that is called Periodontal Disease which is very painful and can even lead to bone loss and infections. If you still ignore the problem then it can lead to problems in the heart, liver, and the kidneys of your dog.

This is why cleaning dog’s teeth is so important, if you take the preventive measures in to your own hands then you can avoid sever pain for your dog and expensive trips to the vet. The first and best thing to do is to give your dog regular dental hygiene at home and make sure that your dog is getting an all natural diet. Taking these simple steps can avoid heart ache for you and pain for your dog.

Think of your dog’s teeth as you do your own teeth, would you go a day without brushing your teeth? Of course you wouldn’t so be sure to treat your dog the same way. Cleaning dog’s teeth everyday is important and while you are doing it you can check your dog’s teeth and gums for any signs of damage. Check the teeth and the gums to make sure they are not red or swelling and also see if the dog has bad breath. There are a variety of toothpastes on the market for dogs but check the ingredients to make sure that they are all natural as this will be best for your dog. Make sure that your dog gets used to the toothbrush in his mouth and the toothpaste as well. When your dog is comfortable with the toothpaste and the toothbrush then you can begin cleaning dog’s teeth on a daily basis. You love your dog so treat him right so you can enjoy your dog for years to come.

Dog Joints and Supplements

By admin on Tuesday, November 30th, 2010 | No Comments

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Dog Joints and Supplements

By : Becky Stevens

If you notice your dog moving more slowly these days, he or she may be suffering from canine arthritis. Just like with people, dog joints also wear out as dogs become older and their joints suffer attrition over the years. Early signs of canine arthritis include having difficulty going up the stairs or getting into the car and not being able to run for as long as they have in the past. Eventually, dogs with arthritis will suffer from obvious lameness and start holding up their limbs as if it were too painful to put weight on them. In general, larger dogs are more likely to suffer from joint problems than smaller ones since they tend to put more pressure on their joints.

There are two main types of canine arthritis: rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks joint tissues, causing inflammation and pain. Osteoarthritis, on the other hand, is the most common form of canine arthritis, and is caused by the degeneration of the cartilage of dog joints due to poor nutrition, old age, constant trauma to the joints and the buildup of free radicals in the dog’s system.

Conventional treatment for canine arthritis involves the use of steroid-based medications or non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to address the pain caused by the disease. But these can have a range of negative side effects, including diarrhea, vomiting and stomach ulcers, as well as kidney and liver problems. Prolonged use may also make the condition worse as extended use of these medications may result in damage to the cartilage of dog joints. This is why most dog owners would rather take preventive measures to help their pets avoid canine arthritis, as well as using natural treatments to help address joint pain.

Preventive care for canine arthritis includes feeding your dog a healthy and balanced diet rich in natural foods such as garlic, green vegetables such as celery and parsley and tropical fruits such as mangoes and papayas. On the other hand, foods to avoid include potatoes, eggplant, tomatoes and grains. And if your dog is overweight, take steps to bring him or her down to a healthy weight to avoid excess wear and tear on dog joints, such as a regular exercise program and correct diet.

You can also make it easier for your dog to navigate around your home by taking measures such as slightly elevating food and water bowls so they won’t have to bend down too far to eat or drink and using pet ramps to help them get in or out of cars. If you live in an area with a cold climate, you can keep your dog warm by putting his bed in a warm place and placing a sweater on them when you go out. You can also help ease painful dog joints by gently massaging your dog with essential oils such as peppermint or eucalyptus to increase blood flow to affected areas. Dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil and let the dog sniff the scent on your hands first before applying.

Care For A Dog

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