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Posts Tagged ‘dog health’

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For any dog owner the overall dog health issue is one that they face each day. There are a variety of diseases that can seriously affect the pet as well as cause death. Dog health maintenance is an ideal way to thwart any potentially deadly viruses they can contract. A veterinarian is the ideal source of all pet questions but there are other resources that work well too. Pets Mart is a great place to find dog books that can help you on your way to being a successful pet owner.

Dog health begins the very minute you take ownership of your canine companion. Before you even think about beginning puppy training you must make sure that you know what type of medication it takes to ensure dog health. Shots such as Distemper, Rabies, and Parvo are absolutely essential to a long and healthy life for your dog. There are other medications such as heart worm medicine and flea medicines that are important as well.

If you are unsure as to what is involved in dog health, check out dog forums for answers on some common questions. The best advice before buying or getting a pet is to do a thorough research to determine if having a pet is right for you. There are some questions to ask yourself before you commit to owning a dog or any pet. The first is how much time do you have to devote to the pet? Do you have enough space to accommodate a dog? Is the dog health absolutely important to you? Do you have the money to devote to puppy training and to making sure that he or she receives regular veterinarian visits to ensure proper dog health?

If you can answer “Yes” to these questions then you may be ready to have a dog. Dog’s can be your best friend and can be extremely loyal. They depend on you for everything in their lives, much like a child does. They look forward to being with you and want your love. In return you will receive unconditional love and your dog will be there for you.

Dog health is important to having a fully functioning family. Dog’s can bring many things to their owner. They bring love and unfailing loyalty. They deserve to have that returned to them by an owner that truly wants what is best for them. Before you go collect your new dog, take the time to become educated. You should talk to other pet owners and then make that life altering decision.

Properly Caring for a new dog can be an overwhelming job.  As a dog owner, it is your job to make sure you keep your pet healthy.  Here are some pet care tips that can help you carry out this task.

” The Veterinarian is Your Partner in Care

One of your primary responsibilities as a dog owner is knowing when you need to take your dog to the vet.  If you notice signs of illness in your dog, it’s better to act than take a “wait and see” attitude.  Sometimes things will turn out fine, but remember that your vet can assess your dog’s condition and provide a variety of treatments to help your dog recover.

There are many reasons in which it becomes important that you call your vet

a)  If your dog has been in an accident, always call your vet.Take your dog to the closest emergency vet is your regular vet is not available.

b)  If you think your dog has eaten something poisonous or inedible, call your vet right away.

c) It is important that you call your vet right away if your dog appears to be in distress.

d)  Sudden gain or loss of weight is an important warning sign that you should take your dog to the vet.

e) You should always call your vet right away if your dog is having convulsions, coughing or vomiting.

– Prevention is always the Best Medicine

A trip to the vet should be your last line of defense.As a responsible dog owner, it is your first responsibility to prevent accidents and illnesses as much as possible.

Keep in mind that healthy food and physical activity are the key to your pet’s long life.  Make sure your dog eats a healthy diet, receives dog vitamins and gets plenty of exercise to stay strong and healthy.  Keep an eye on what your dog eats, and clean the crate or dog house frequently to reduce the risk of bacterial illness.Clean water is important to your dog’s health.

Ensure that your dog is on a leash, a chain, or inside a fenced yard at all times.  If you let your pet wander around the neighborhood, he will be vulnerable to accidents and injuries.

Give your dog baths regularly.Fleas and ticks carry diseases in addition to making your dog uncomfortable.

Keeping your dog healthy involves more than the few tips provided here.While this is a great start, it is always a good idea to ask your vet for specific tips and pointers for your dog.  As your pet grows, you’ll learn the best strategies for keeping your pooch safe and healthy.  Above all, remember that it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Many dog owners are under the impression that proper diet and enough exercise should be sufficient to keep their dog healthy. While it is certainly true that commercial dog foods have greatly improved digestibility and nutritional value when compared to pet foods of years past, dog vitamin supplements are an important component of your dog’s health. Like humans, dogs can live a longer, happier life as a result of the health benefits that vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants provide.

Vitamins are as important to dog’s as they are to people. Most veterinarians and pet lovers alike recognize that the key to their pet’s health is a healty, strong immune system and to prevent the effects of premature aging and illness. Dog vitamins are an incredibly powerful tool that can help your dog live a happier, healthier life.

Dog vitamins have a host of benefits when it comes to your pet’s health. Antioxidant rich  vitamin supplements fight cancer-causing free radicals, while at the same time bolstering  certain bodily systems that tend to deteriorate with age. Signs of deterioration associated with age include weak cartilage and bones, sluggish immune system and poor eyesight. Dog vitamin supplements will help to counter act these problems.

Quality dog vitamin supplements have been proven to increase the lifespan of dogs.In fact, the research has shown that a regimen of dog vitamins that is started early in your dog’s life will yield the greatest benefits.Dogs that began receiving vitamin supplements as puppies showed better health and better immunes systems across their lifespan.

It is important that your dog’s individual needs are taken into account when choosing a dog vitamin supplement.  Older dogs will need different nutrients than puppies, and active dogs have different needs than sedentary dogs.Discuss with your vet the needs of your dog and how it relates to the dog vitamin supplements you choose.  Choose supplements that contain all natural ingredients, and avoid fillers and artificial ingredients.  

A good supplement will include, at a minimum, vitamin A to fight free radicals; B complex vitamins for a healthy immune system, improved liver function, red blood cell production, antibody formation, and healthy eyes, mouth, skin, and coat; and vitamin C for improved immune function.   Other helpful nutrients include glucosamine, chondroitin, and Omega fatty acids.These help maintain a healthy, shiny coat, rebuild cartilage and keep your dog’s skin healthy.

In most instances, pet owner notice obvious improvements in their dog’s health and behavior within mere weeks of starting them on a dog vitamin regimen. The most obvious effects are increased energy, stamina and a healthier coat. But, the most important benefits can’t be observed right away. These include counteracting the effects of aging in the long term, and prolonging your dog’s life. This allows your pet to live as long and comfortable a life as possible. You’ll be able to enjoy your dog’s company longer, while saving money on the trips to the vet that you won’t have to take.

Take control of your dog’s health and starth him on a regimen that includes a quality dog vitamin supplement. Dog vitamins may cost you now, but the savings associated with less trips to the vet and having a healthier dog will way out weigh those expenses. Most importantly, you will be able to enjoy your beloved pets companionship for the maximum possible time.

Leptospirosis

If you work or play outdoors, you and your pet may be at risk of exposure to an old bacterial disease that is getting a lot of new, and news attention recently. First identified in the late 1800’s, Leptospirosis, commonly called “Lepto”, is a bacterial disease. Veterinarians are finding Lepto more commonly because of an increased exposure of our pets to wildlife. It is rarely fatal, but can seriously damage the liver, kidneys, and eyes.

Veterinarians have used vaccines to protect dogs against Lepto for a number of years and these vaccines were successful in decreasing the incidence of the disease caused by the two most common strains of the bacteria that affected dogs. Now two other strains of Lepto have become more prevalent in dogs, so new vaccines to address these new strains have been developed.

With recent public awareness of possible side effects of vaccines in general, these new vaccines have met with mixed emotions from some veterinary practitioners, but most agree that the severity of the problems associated with Leptospirosis infection may outweigh possible vaccine-related risks.

“Should we do it?” asks Dr. Katherine Lunn, PhD, MRCVS, DACVIM of the Veterinary Referral Center in Waukesha, Wis. “I think so, as long as we evaluate the potential risks and discuss them with our clients. Like any medical procedure, vaccination has risks and benefits. The client and the veterinarian have to weigh these. If the vaccine were 100% safe, I would recommend vaccinating every patient. Acute kidney failure caused by Leptospirosis is devastating. I would not want my dog to experience it. But if side effects are common, then that’s a different story.”

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease- a disease that affects both animals and people. It is spread by a spirochete bacteria found in the urine of infected rodents, wildlife, and pets. The leptospira organisms enter the body through mucous membranes or through abraded skin. People and animals can become infected from direct exposure to infected urine, but also through contaminated environment, such as water or damp soil. People can even become infected at certain high risks jobs if they handle animals or animal products. The Lepto organism depends upon wet conditions for survival, therefore increased caution is advised during times of increased rainfall or when there is any standing water.

Leptospirosis is on the rise due to increased exposure to wildlife can carry the disease as urban and suburban areas continue to expand and encroach upon wild habitats. People and pets may be exposed to more animals such as raccoons, skunks, opossums, coyotes or deer that are infected with Leptospirosis. Livestock owners protect their animals such as pigs, cattle and goats with vaccinations and good husbandry.

Dr. Kenneth Harkin, a veterinarian and infectious disease specialist with Kansas State University says “While people may think of Lepto as a disease spread by wildlife, it can come from backyard wildlife, including raccoons- even city dogs can get Lepto.” He cautions that every pet owner needs to be aware that “Lepto is everywhere.”

People and pets can also become exposed to Lepto while camping or participating in outdoor recreational activities. Drinking or swimming in water that is infected with Lepto is the most common exposure, but wet soil can be contaminated as well, so be cautious when digging in damp ground. And don’t let living in a city be your dog’s only protection against a serious disease.

The signs of Leptospirosis can resemble many other diseases and illnesses. The first signs in dogs can be depression, loss of appetite, vomiting, weakness, and generalized pain. Affected dogs may also drink water and urinate excessively and have swollen, red, and painful eyes. Because these signs are common to other diseases and non-specific, owners may try to treat their pets at home for such problems as an upset stomach or arthritis. This delays proper diagnosis and treatment for their dog, and alss increases their own exposure to the disease. If caught early, treatment is usually effective and the survival rate is good. However, time is of the essence.

Dr. Harkin warns, “If you let it go for three to five days, or treat it with the wrong medication, it can cause irreversible kidney failure.”

Discuss the risks of Leptospirosis for your dog with your veterinarian. Ask if vaccinating your pet is appropriate. Lepto is extremely rare in cats, but horses can get the disease and there is no vaccine at this time to protect them. Leptospirosis in people can often begin with vague, flu-like symptoms. If you engage in outdoor work or activities, ask your doctor about protecting yourself.

Preventing Leptospirosis
Dogs should be vaccinated on a routine basis against the Leptospira bacteria. Unfortunately, there are many subtypes of the bacteria and vaccination against one subtype will not protect against another. Talk to your veterinarian about the most effective vaccine for the subtypes prevalent in your area.

Avoid drinking or swimming in water that is likely to be contaminated with wild animal urine. Keep your dog from drinking this water as well.

Control the rodent population and clean up areas where mice and rats may have urinated.

Wear protective clothing (rubber boots and gloves) when working with contaminated soil or other material on farms, in sewers, or during rodent control. Wash your hands after handling animals or possible contaminated material.

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Heat Stroke

A trek to the swimming pool, the local creek, or the ocean helps us stay cool during the “dog days” of summer.But what about our canine friends – how can we keep them cool?

The owner was frantic. Just an hour before, her Lhasa Apso, Gizmo was playing in the backyard. Now he was barely moving and having difficulty breathing.

Rushing him to the nearest veterinary clinic, a concerned veterinary technician informed her Snicker’s temperature was over 106 degrees – he was suffering from heat stroke. Luckily for Gizmo – and with the help of a fast acting owner and the veterinary team – he recovered fully.

Every summer, hundreds of dogs find their way to the family veterinarian after spending just a few hours in the hot sun.

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Dogs do not sweat like we do. Cooling themselves by panting, dogs use the moisture evaporating off their tongue as a means to lower their body’s temperature. Anything overwhelming this natural cooling system leads to heat stroke. With a lot of families away from home during the day, our dogs are sometimes left outdoors where it may be difficult to find shady, cool places and water to drink.

Outdoor Dog Water Fountain

Normally, a dog’s temperature ranges from 100 to 102.5 degrees. In cases of heat stroke, temperatures over 106 degrees are considered to be an emergency situation – temperatures over 110 degrees can be fatal in a matter of minutes.

This high level of hyperthermia (higher than normal body temperature) can affect every major body system, such as the kidneys and heart, so it is imperative you get your pet to a veterinarian as soon as you safely can.

Dogs who succumb to heat stroke often show the following symptoms:
• Vigorous panting
• Collapses, or is weak when standing
• Thick, ropy saliva, hanging copiously from the mouth
• Bright red mucous membranes, although some dogs may show pale or even muddy gums.

Heat stroke can affect any dog, but the dogs with short faces, such as Boston, Pugs, and Bulldogs may be at higher risk due their inability to effectively pant and cool themselves.

A lot of pet owners believe that their pet will be fine outdoors. Not enough shade and/or cool water can affect even the most seasoned outdoor dog.

Interestingly, heat stroke in cats is very rare.   Most animal experts believe that cats are extremely good at finding the coolest spots to lay and also avoid the excessive, excitatory exertions that many dogs seem to thrive on.

If you find your dog vigorously panting on a warm summer day, quickly move the pet out of the environment and into a cooler place.   Getting the pet into a shady area with a fan running on him can be very helpful. Using cool, not cold, tap water on the extremities and trunk can also help to effectively lower the body temperature, as well as rubbing alcohol placed on the skin of the stomach. Do not use ice or extremely cold water.Although it seems logical, getting the surface too cold will cause blood vessels to contract, forming an insulating area that traps heat in the body, delaying the cooling of the vital organs.

Forcing your dog to drink water is not recommended. If you suspect your dog is suffering from heat stroke, quickly load your pet carefully into a car and take him to your veterinarian. Under no circumstances should you leave your pet alone in the vehicle.

Without these life saving steps, many dogs might develop heat stroke and lose their lives to the “dog-days” of summer. But, as Gizmo will testify, quick thinking owners and veterinary professionals can help get them back on their feet in no time.

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Arthritis affects not only people but also their dear pets as well especially pet dogs. Statistics say that in US about 25% of pets are affected by arthritis. As a dog owner and lover, you should pay attention that your non-human friend is always in good mood, playful and that it eats well and healthy food. But if you do get a glimpse of changes in your dog’s state of physical activity and mind like having difficulty in sitting down, standing, or even finds it hard to climb stairs or if one has gained weight or its attitude changed you should probably pay your vet a visit. You friend could have arthritis. Some owners who are emotionally attached to their pets have not second thoughts in bringing their beloved to the vet. The veterinarian will do an examination and an X-ray to your dog. And when everything is done, he can prescribed some over-the-counter medications for your dog. However, not all medications or dog arthritis treatment is best for the health of your pet. They can do wonders but they might have side-effects, too, just like medications for humans. That’s why, you can hear your vet saying that you have to make sure you give the right dosage or else…

Now, that is a very dreadful part. If you can’t manage to give your dog the right amount of medication it needs, it will be perilous for him. For some people, medications are not good for both humans and dogs alike that’s why, they would resort to other things and those other things can come in the form of a natural dog joint supplement and right now, there are virtual pet stores on the Internet that offer these kinds of herbal medications for dogs.

But the only problem is, because of so many choices, the owner of a dog with arthritis can have a hard time choosing for the best and of course, the safest product. That’s why, it’s always recommended that he should try to read first some product reviews and/or testimonies for other dog owners on what kind of arthritis dog supplement is best for their furry best friend.

Kingdom Of Pets: Dog Health Guide Review

The Ultimate Guide to Dog Health is the book that will answer a lot of nagging question s about dog health issues. It will teach you the ways to deal with common maladies and recognize the more severe problems well in advance. The book contains 50 comprehensive diagrams showing you the vital systems of a dog’s anatomy.

Dog hygiene issues are also dealt with in detail. From the elusive teeth care to taking care of your dog’s coat and removing ecto parasites are all covered elaborately. This book has a flow chart which will tell you about identifying the symptoms and treating common disorders.

Preventative measures that will keep your dog healthy are also discussed in detail. The book also tells you how to read your dogs body language. Once you are through this section you’ll be able to understand what your dogs is trying t communicate to you.

And that’s not all, for a very low price of $37 you also get 4 equally useful bonus books. Kingdom Of Pets: Dog Health Guide Review. The second book has 180 delicious recipes that will make your dog gobble every morsel of food also included is another book with 20 health recipes. Finally you also get a book on 101 ways to spoil your dog for under$10, this book tells you about all the fun activities that you can do with your dog inexpensively. All these book just for $37 is a really great bargain, so click that mouse and order now

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Also check these great pet care products:

Dog Food Secrets

Ultimate Secrets To Saltwater Fish And Invertebrates

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Ferret Care Secrets Revealed

In order that your dog grows properly and remains healthy, he needs access to certain vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. They provide him with energy and help support his metabolism. They also contribute to the rebuilding of muscles that have become inflamed or stressed. In fact, nutrients are the cornerstone of your dogs healthy regiment.

The good news is that most of them can be found in high-quality dog foods that you can buy at nearly any pet supply store. There’s no need to prepare special meals, despite what many owners believe. Below, I’ll provide an overview of the most important nutrients that your pooch requires in order to stay healthy.  Proteins

Amino acids are a component of proteins. Some of them are produced within your dog’s body, but most of them must be acquired by eating meat and plant products. These are important for processing the food intake into energy: active dogs need a regular supply. Chicken, turkey, fish, and many types of vegetables are considered to provide a great source of much need protein.

Carbohydrates And Fiber

Carbohydrates – including fiber – are an important ingredient for the health of your dog’s tissues and intestinal tract. The key is fermentability. If it is too low, the fiber will will not provide sufficient coverage of the intestines. On the other hand, if the fermentability is too high, the fiber can produce flatulence as well as mucus-related issues. Corn and soybeans are two food groups that will provide carbohydrates in your dogs diet.

Fats And Fatty Acids

Fats are often considered in the context of how they relate to canine obesity. While it is true that fats can lead to excess weight gain in inactive dogs, they are also a potent source of energy (more so than proteins and carbohydrates). Also, fats are the element in your dogs processes to produce hormones.

Fatty acids are also considered important. They can help heal your pooch’s inflamed skin and protect him from dealing with a number of health issues (for example, inflammatory bowel disease).

Vitamins And Minerals

Vitamins and minerals are essential for your dog to absorb fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. They cannot be produced in sufficient amounts organically, so you must provide them in your canine’s diet. The key is to provide them in the proper amounts. Giving your pooch too many vitamins can lead to health problems. These are needed in addition to the minerals to contribute the most benefit. Commercial dog foods will normally be formulated to provide the proper ratios.

Water

Of course, water is one of the most important nutrients; every living organism needs it. Your pet dog must have these essentials at all times. Even a small decrease in the percentage of water in his body can have long-lasting health impacts.

You’ll notice that each of the nutrients above is necessary for humans just as they are essential for dogs. Make sure your canine has access to them every day. As noted, you don’t need to prepare special meals for him. A high-grade commercial dog food will contain everything he needs except water. Keep you dog healthy and happy.

It’s easy to spend money on our dogs for items they don’t truly need. After all, a little pampering never hurt. Unfortunately, while millions of owners purchase trinkets and luxuries for their canines, they often fail to invest the same attention into their dogs’ health. That can lead to large veterinarian bills later. Even worse, the thought of an expensive trip to the vet causes many owners to delay necessary treatment for their pooches.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the things you can do to maintain your canine companion’s health. By spending a little time and money upfront, you can avoid costly emergency bills in the future.

Inspect Him Each Week

Canines deal with plenty of problems, including ear and eye infections, odd discharges, gum disease, and more. Making matters worse, being outside can result in fleas, scratches, and other issues. Make sure you inspect your dog at least once a week to look for any problems. That includes brushing his teeth, checking his eyes and ears, and even smelling his breath. Otherwise, small problems can become serious quickly.

Begin Training Classes for Your Dog

Not only will obedience training turn an otherwise rambunctious pooch into a more pleasant companion, but it can save you money on emergency bills. A trained canine is less likely to dart from you into traffic while you’re walking him. Also, training will prevent his snapping or biting a stranger or another pet.

Don’t Neglect Spaying Or Neutering

Responsible dog owners will spay or neuter your dog unless their goal is to professionally breed. Spaying and neutering has substantial health benefits, beside the birth control effects. In female canines, there is a much lower chance of developing breast cancer. And the likelihood of developing cancer in the ovaries or uterus is eliminated. For males, the procedure significantly lowers the likelihood of developing testicular cancer.

Set Aside An Emergency Fund

Sometimes, emergencies are unavoidable. You can provide the best care possible for your dog and still end up worried in the veterinarian’s waiting room. Save some money for any unexpected medical conditions or emergencies. That way, you’ll have the funds to make sure your pooch receives the treatment he needs.

Too often, owners make the tragic decision of sacrificing their canines’ health because they are unable to afford the required treatment. Avoid that situation entirely by creating an emergency fund for your dog.

One last note: make an appointment with the veterinarian to give your pooch a routine check-up every six months. Even if you’re inspecting his coat, eyes, ears, and teeth once a week at home, problems can escape your notice. Plus, your canine may be coping with an internal issue. The veterinarian can perform an examination that uncovers medical problems before they become serious. Treating them early can prevent emergencies later.

A little preventative care – and a lot of love – can keep your dog healthy and happy while preserving your bank account.

There is a lot work to looking after a dog or puppy and he or she will take up a lot of time, you must be prepared to clean up dog poo every day, until your dog is house trained, or when you take him for a walk.

Training a dog can be hard, especially if you aren’t used to dog training. Simple acts can produce the best and quickest results. You have to understand how a dog would live if he were living in a dog pack. There is always a leader of the pack the alpha male, and you will have to become the alpha, so your dog will know you are in charge and will obey and follow you.

Don’t let any of this put you off, a dog is a wonderful companion and will give you lots of love, with the added bonus if needed, of protecting you. Remember they need plenty of love, attention, and petting as well, so enjoy your best friend.

The following tips will help you look after your dog properly and have a good relationship

Dog problems

Dogs like to dig, they like to bury bones, not good if you are a keen gardener. Being social animals dogs tend to dig when they are lonely. Spending more time with him or her should help if this becomes a problem. Sometimes when they dig they eat the soil, this can be because they are lacking in vitamins and nutrients. Check you pet’s health with a vet and if there is nothing wrong, buy a good dog vitamin pill, and this should help keep that digging at bay.

Potty Training

The best way to deal with doggie potty trainig, is to reward your puppy when he or she gets it right. Never rub his nose in it when he has an accident or hit him, he will know from your face and tone of your voice that he has got it wrong. If the occasional accident does happen, remember it isn’t the end of the world and urine stains do wash out.

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