We will start by telling you a story. Once upon a time, an ordinary family, we do not give names, so we will just call them the Smiths, had a playful cute loving dog they raised like their own child. One fine happy day, a little girl was born in the family and so time went by until the little girls turned three. She and the dog were getting along just fine, but, one other doomed day, while the girl was playing with the dog, she pulled his ears, and all of the sudden, the dog turned around and bit her face so hard that they needed thirty stitches to cover her wound. The parents gave the dog to the pounds, without even giving any thought at all about the reasons that might have determined the dog to react in such a violent way, and change his behavior so sudden. The dog was actually suffering from ear infection, very nasty and very painful.
Ear infection started from the exterior pavilion, and because the owners neglected the dog and the infection, it got worse, becoming very painful, and the moment the little girl grabbed his ear the dog reacted instinctively, it was a pain reaction.
Show your dog the same tenderness, love, and affection you show to your own child. You must also become very receptive to a possible infection signs and try to avoid it by seeing the vet on a regular basis. Many things can cause ear infection. If you do not dry your dog’s ears after bathing it, if an excessive wax, accumulation occurs, do not use cotton buds, because you will only push the dirt deeper in the dog’s ear, if you do not notice the ticks, etc, all those reasons can lead to a ear infection. If you notice your dog scratching the ears too much, shaking the head, or holding his head it an unnatural position, or if the ears seem swollen, if you notice blood or too much wax, you should have your dog checked up by a vet. In addition, if your dog starts whipping when you touch its ears that is still a sign of a potential ear infection.
As the infection develops, it goes deeper and deeper into the auditory channel of the dog, and inducing more and more pain to the dog. You might notice the log leans the head on one side or keeps it still. That only happens because any touch or movement, even opening mouth cause a huge amount of pain to the poor animal.
Another sign could be the dog’s dizziness and lack of balance and coordination, as the infection moves in. You can also observe the dog walking in circles or vomiting a lot.
Just like human ear infections, dog ear infections from bacteria can be treated using antibiotics like Azithromycin, Clavamox, or Amoxicillin. However, you need to know what type of ear infection your dog has before throwing medication at the problem. Bacteria is not the only cause of ear infections in dogs - yeast and mites have also been known to cause them. It's always best to have a veterinarian look at your dog's ear before proceeding with a treatment plan.
Dog ear infections are often associated with skin allergies, especially food allergies. Food sensitivity is an expression, which describes general adverse reaction to food. There are two major sensitivity types:
Food allergy or hyperactive sensibility - it appears when organism has a sensitivity determined by an immune reaction to a particular ingredient (allergen) that the food contains.
Food intolerance – when the sensitivity has other causes than the immune causes.
The signs by which you can detect this are usually digestive, skin irritations, and even if they are not dangerous, they still affect the quality of your pet’s life, and therefore, yours too.
The mechanism of the food sensitivity is complex, but in the case of the food allergy, the allergen, which causes it, is always a protein. Once the allergy is there, it can last a whole life, that is why eliminating the ingredient that causes it is the key treatment for the allergy, and this way, your beloved pet will live a great life, and so will you.
Wednesday, 18 January 2012
Monday, 16 January 2012
Care For Dog's Healthy
If you have a dog then certainly their health and well-being will be a major concern of yours. Keeping your dog healthy is likely to be very difficult if you do not know what to do. You will need some dog health care advice to make sure you do the right things. It will require that you do more than just taking them for a walk or feeding them from the table. It will certainly require some patience on your part. Here is some dog health care advice, to help you provide your dog with the right care.
Exercise. It is very important that your dog gets an adequate amount of exercise each day. You can do this by taking them with you when you go jogging, playing with them in your backyard, or taking them to the park and let them run about. These kinds of activities will help in keeping your dog fit and healthy.
Observe you dog closely. This is certainly a low-tech dog health care advice. Pay attention to your dog’s behavior and note any changes, it may be a sign of a health problem. Remember your dog won’t be able to tell you where it hurts, so be vigilant and pay close attention. You may catch a potentially serious problem early so treatment can be had quickly. So if you see your dog choking, vomiting or trembling it could be a sign of bigger problems, do not ignore it.
Nutritional foods. It is very important for your dog’s health that you give him nutritious foods. There are many companies out there that offer a wide variety of nutritional foods so you have plenty to choose from. Homemade meals are quite good if properly prepared. If you are not sure what you can feed your dog then give them what you eat and make it a balanced and healthy meal. You can also do some research to find some of the meals best suited for your breed of dog.
Dental care. This is a one of those areas of a dog’s health care you will want to pay close attention to. Dogs tend to have the same problems with their teeth as we humans do. Check your dog’s teeth and mouth regularly, and see if there any signs of bad breath and gingivitis if there is seek treatment immediately. Brushing the dog’s teeth is a viable option. Be mindful that dog’s also develop tooth decay, and can start loosing their teeth. If it is not treated quickly, the bacteria responsible can lead to problems such as lungs, heart and kidney damage.
Regular visits to the Veterinarian. In spite of all the things you may be doing right, it is still a good idea to take your dog to see the veterinarian, at least once every three months for a check up. The veterinarian can help you to make better choices, and even may even make some suggestion, as to what else you can do to further improve your dog’s health.
Exercise. It is very important that your dog gets an adequate amount of exercise each day. You can do this by taking them with you when you go jogging, playing with them in your backyard, or taking them to the park and let them run about. These kinds of activities will help in keeping your dog fit and healthy.
Observe you dog closely. This is certainly a low-tech dog health care advice. Pay attention to your dog’s behavior and note any changes, it may be a sign of a health problem. Remember your dog won’t be able to tell you where it hurts, so be vigilant and pay close attention. You may catch a potentially serious problem early so treatment can be had quickly. So if you see your dog choking, vomiting or trembling it could be a sign of bigger problems, do not ignore it.
Nutritional foods. It is very important for your dog’s health that you give him nutritious foods. There are many companies out there that offer a wide variety of nutritional foods so you have plenty to choose from. Homemade meals are quite good if properly prepared. If you are not sure what you can feed your dog then give them what you eat and make it a balanced and healthy meal. You can also do some research to find some of the meals best suited for your breed of dog.
Dental care. This is a one of those areas of a dog’s health care you will want to pay close attention to. Dogs tend to have the same problems with their teeth as we humans do. Check your dog’s teeth and mouth regularly, and see if there any signs of bad breath and gingivitis if there is seek treatment immediately. Brushing the dog’s teeth is a viable option. Be mindful that dog’s also develop tooth decay, and can start loosing their teeth. If it is not treated quickly, the bacteria responsible can lead to problems such as lungs, heart and kidney damage.
Regular visits to the Veterinarian. In spite of all the things you may be doing right, it is still a good idea to take your dog to see the veterinarian, at least once every three months for a check up. The veterinarian can help you to make better choices, and even may even make some suggestion, as to what else you can do to further improve your dog’s health.
Wednesday, 11 January 2012
How To Protect Your Puppy Dog From Disease?
Dogs make excellent pets. Pet lovers would usually take care of dog from childhood to adulthood. Puppies, after all, are easier to train, and you can bond more easily with your pet if you start from a young age. Puppies can be prone to all sorts of disease and sickness, though. In some cases, unprotected puppies can be susceptible to serious conditions that can even lead to death.
Here are a few ways you can ensure your puppy stays free from disease.
Choose good parentage. Before choosing a dog, it would be a good idea to consult with your veterinarian on what to do to ensure his health. You can also consult with kennel owners and breeders on the best type of dog for your needs. you can choose small toy dogs, big work dogs, or more friendlier varieties.
Choose puppies from strong and healthy parents. Your puppy should be alert and lively. You can usually determine activity from alert eyes and an active tail. Dogs can be rowdy, and that’s normal. If your puppy is lethargic, then there might be something wrong with him.
Vaccinate your dog. Once you acquire or adopt your puppy, take him to the vet within three days. The veterinarian will examine him for parasites, worms, and will see if he has had his shots (depending on the papers given to you by the kennel or adoption agency). If he hasn’t had his shots yet, the veterinarian will make sure he gets his important immunizations and anti-rabies shots. You will be given a schedule of subsequent shots, such as boosters, so you don’t miss these.
While your puppy finishes his shots and boosters, stay away from other dogs and places that dogs frequent, such as dog parks and dog shows. He can still catch diseases here from which he is not yet vaccinated.
Spay or neuter your dog. Dogs can sometimes exhibit territorial behavior if they are not spayed or neutered. Unless you want your dog to breed, you will want to have him spayed or neutered. This is ideally done between six to 12 months of age.
Keep him at bay. When outdoors or in strange places, keep your dog in his leash. Puppies have a knack for exploring, and he might touch, eat or do something dangerous. Take caution when going in the wild, or when taking a picnic. Your puppy can ingest poisonous plants or touch poisonous animals like toads and the like.
Give him lots of exercise and good nutrition. Exercise and nutrition are a big part of a dog’s health. Give him space to roam around in your yard. Give him daily walks. Give him enough food and water.
Schedule your visits to the veterinarian. Your puppy should have an annual exam, so he can undergo cleaning of his teeth, deworming, and his booster shots. Make sure he’s comfortable with your vet, so he doesn’t make a fuss when you go visit.
Groom your puppy. Grooming is also an important part of your dog’s health. Maintain hygiene at all times. Give him regular baths, clip his claws, and brush his hair. This can help you spot parasites like ticks and fleas more easily.
Saturday, 7 January 2012
Some Myths About Dog
My dog’s nose is warm and dry. Does that mean he’s sick?
If your dog has a dry nose it means your dog has a dry nose. Maybe he just woke up or something. But a dry nose has nothing to do with a dog’s health. Focus on the unusual to detect signs of a potential problem. Call your vet if you notice swelling, difficult breathing or if your dog has a runny nose for more than a couple of days.
Brushing a dog’s teeth is silly. Give me a break.
Well actually, your dog will have the last laugh when his breath makes your eyes water. Routinely brushing your dog’s teeth not only freshens breath, it also limits the risk of oral disease and gives you a chance to notice anything unusual happening to teeth and gums. Seriously, don’t brush off brushing. It can make your dog more pleasant to be around and help prevent an array of serious health problems down the road. Ask your veterinarian for help getting started.
Frequent baths make dogs smell nice. But can they also cause doggy dandruff?
They sure can. So let’s not cause a dry-skin blizzard. Keep the washings to a minimum and make sure you only use soap that’s made specifically for canines. Human shampoo can irritate a dog’s skin. If you take these steps and still notice flakes when your dog shakes, talk to your veterinarian to make sure you’re providing proper nutrition for a healthy coat.
Do dogs heal themselves by licking their wounds?
Yes, to a certain extent. A small amount of licking can help clean a wound, but excessive licking can actually slow down the healing process. It can even cause further damage to the wound and invite infection. Also consider that licking can turn into a bad habit that’s hard to stop. So if you suspect it’s getting out of hand, focus on re-directing your dog’s tongue to something more tasty.
When dogs scarf down grass like it’s fettuccini Alfredo, does that mean they’re sick?
While several theories about animal grass consumption exist, veterinarians have no proven answers. However, research indicates an amazing possibility: Animals may just like to eat grass. So don’t panic if your dog nibbles at the lawn from time to time. If the nibbling turns into a daily feast, talk to your veterinarian.
If you put garlic on your dog’s food, will it help get rid of its worms?
No way. Forget you ever heard this one. Other than giving your dog the impression you’re a gourmet Italian chef, putting garlic on its food won’t do much. Restrict your garlic to your world-famous spaghetti sauce. Your dog will never miss it.
If your dog has a dry nose it means your dog has a dry nose. Maybe he just woke up or something. But a dry nose has nothing to do with a dog’s health. Focus on the unusual to detect signs of a potential problem. Call your vet if you notice swelling, difficult breathing or if your dog has a runny nose for more than a couple of days.
Brushing a dog’s teeth is silly. Give me a break.
Well actually, your dog will have the last laugh when his breath makes your eyes water. Routinely brushing your dog’s teeth not only freshens breath, it also limits the risk of oral disease and gives you a chance to notice anything unusual happening to teeth and gums. Seriously, don’t brush off brushing. It can make your dog more pleasant to be around and help prevent an array of serious health problems down the road. Ask your veterinarian for help getting started.
Frequent baths make dogs smell nice. But can they also cause doggy dandruff?
They sure can. So let’s not cause a dry-skin blizzard. Keep the washings to a minimum and make sure you only use soap that’s made specifically for canines. Human shampoo can irritate a dog’s skin. If you take these steps and still notice flakes when your dog shakes, talk to your veterinarian to make sure you’re providing proper nutrition for a healthy coat.
Do dogs heal themselves by licking their wounds?
Yes, to a certain extent. A small amount of licking can help clean a wound, but excessive licking can actually slow down the healing process. It can even cause further damage to the wound and invite infection. Also consider that licking can turn into a bad habit that’s hard to stop. So if you suspect it’s getting out of hand, focus on re-directing your dog’s tongue to something more tasty.
When dogs scarf down grass like it’s fettuccini Alfredo, does that mean they’re sick?
While several theories about animal grass consumption exist, veterinarians have no proven answers. However, research indicates an amazing possibility: Animals may just like to eat grass. So don’t panic if your dog nibbles at the lawn from time to time. If the nibbling turns into a daily feast, talk to your veterinarian.
If you put garlic on your dog’s food, will it help get rid of its worms?
No way. Forget you ever heard this one. Other than giving your dog the impression you’re a gourmet Italian chef, putting garlic on its food won’t do much. Restrict your garlic to your world-famous spaghetti sauce. Your dog will never miss it.
Tuesday, 3 January 2012
Which Is The Best Puppy Food For My Pup?
Not all puppies are created equal (in physical size anyway!) and there's a HUGE variation in size between the smallest, and largest dog breeds.
Because of this, and because big dogs and small dogs mature at entirely different rates, your puppy has his own individual nutritional needs.
Most of the best puppy food choices are designed to meet these very specific demands, and are formulated with small, medium, or large sized puppies in mind.
A puppy of a mid-sized breed will have more moderate needs than his extra big or extra small counterparts.
This is what you need to know.....
Although deciding which are the best puppy food choices for your little one can take time and effort, it's most definitely worth it!
Making sure your puppy gets a premium puppy food with the the right balance of nutrition for his size/breed, not only keeps him happy and healthy in the short term - but can have a real impact on the quality, and length of his life.
Here's an example of the best puppy food for small, medium, and large-breed puppies... one for each. They're just a few of the many premium puppy foods available
Because of this, and because big dogs and small dogs mature at entirely different rates, your puppy has his own individual nutritional needs.
Most of the best puppy food choices are designed to meet these very specific demands, and are formulated with small, medium, or large sized puppies in mind.
A puppy of a mid-sized breed will have more moderate needs than his extra big or extra small counterparts.
This is what you need to know.....
- Medium sized breeds - A puppy who's going to mature to somewhere between 20 and 50lbs would be considered a 'middle sized' dog breed, and these pups won't have the special needs that extra-small, or extra-large, puppies do. The best puppy food for them will contain an approx. 22 - 25% protein and 8 - 10% fat .
- Small/toy breeds - Small breeds (pretty much any dog that will mature to be under 20lbs) usually have a high metabolic rate, but tiny tummies! This means that they need to eat more often than larger breeds as they can only ingest so much at one sitting.
They need a food with more calories and fat than a large breed pup. A small breed pup needs almost twice as many calories per pound, per day, than a large breed pup of the same age. The best puppy food for small breed puppies should have a minimum of 15% fat.
Tiny breed pups also tend to get dehydrated more quickly, so adding a little premium quality canned puppy food (which has a much higher water content than dry puppy kibble) is a good idea if you have a 'little tyke'!
- Large/giant breeds - These big puppies grow at a phenomenal rate, and they have very special nutritional needs. Too much protein, or too high levels of particular minerals can cause bone/joint problems.
For a large breed puppy the best puppy food will have somewhere around 23 - 25% protein, and between 12 and 15% fat. Calcium should be no more than 1.5%
As well as having individual formulas, the best puppy food choices that have been designed for different sized breeds will have pieces that are the appropriate size too!
The small breed puppy food will have tiny pieces that are easy for these little guys to chew, swallow and digest. The large breed puppy foods have bigger pieces so that your big boy (or girl) won't inhale, or choke on them.Although deciding which are the best puppy food choices for your little one can take time and effort, it's most definitely worth it!
Making sure your puppy gets a premium puppy food with the the right balance of nutrition for his size/breed, not only keeps him happy and healthy in the short term - but can have a real impact on the quality, and length of his life.
Here's an example of the best puppy food for small, medium, and large-breed puppies... one for each. They're just a few of the many premium puppy foods available
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