Doggy Mentor

Posts Tagged ‘pet health’

If you’re considering the purchase of a new pooch this Christmas, just think about what you’re going to let yourself in for. There are increasing numbers of dogs and puppies that are bought on a whim and then the owners find they cant handle them, so they get sent to a shelter. Sometimes, the outcome is even worse and some dogs just get sent out onto the streets. This is the harsh reality, but thankfully there are many pet lovers that wouldn’t dream of hurting an animal like this.

Pets bought at Christmas time are often bought on a whim and no-one considers the long-term impact of owning a pet. Boyfriends buying a puppy for a girlfriend should carefully consider it to make sure the dog will be brought up in a suitable environment and that it is going to get enough attention. If this isn’t something you can be sure of, don’t buy a pet as a Christmas present. The reason is due to the high number of people that split up in the New Year and they view the pet they have been given as a token of past affection. There are some people that will mistreat the dog and it can be rescued in very bad condition. Buying pets as gifts often ends in tears, so its best not to risk it. The pet is a family member in its own right.

In many respects, what we need is a more pro-active approach to dog health care, so that the dog doesn’t get sent to a shelter or end up on the streets. Learn about what the dog needs and how it needs affection just like everyone else in the family. Regular food, playtimes and walks will help to keep your dog happy and healthy. Spend some time with your dog and swot up on dog health care tips so that the chances of it ending up onto the streets are less likely, as you understand what it takes to care for your pooch. Lets stop the number of homeless, shelterless and mistreated dogs there are, and the first step is understanding basic dog health care so you know how to look after it. Pets only make good Christmas presents when the dog health care is considered, and if not, don’t buy one.

All folks dream of parenting the perfect dog, a pup that is a CGC or canine smart citizen and is well behaved and dependable in the least times. Well dreams do return true if the coaching is completed with care and dedication. Bear in mind pups learn from day one and need to be taught what is right, what is wrong, and proper socialization.

Pups are like children, they need constant supervision and training. Coaching a pup need not be an ordeal all you wish to keep in mind are some easy rules:

•    Till your pup learns you need to keep an eye on him at all times. When you cannot then you want to crate him. Produce a schedule for the pup this can facilitate the pup relax quickly. The schedule must embrace things like hourly bathtub rooming visits, eating times, rest periods, walks, play time, coaching, and thus on. A pup that has a busy day has no time to be bored and obtain into mischief.

•    Teach the pup to respect you. Dogs live in packs and instinctively follow a leader. If you establish your leadership in no uncertain terms then training will become simple as the pup can obey you in any respect times and not challenge your authority.

•    Use solely positive training methods. Never shout at, hit, or punish a dog. It’s not just cruel however will result in behavioral problems. Use of electric shocks, prong collars, sprays, and so on might hurt the animal.

•    Teach the pup “nothing in life is free.” This is often a system that is widely acknowledged as a useful coaching tool. If you apply this, the pup will learn that to urge something like love, a walk, or treat, he should behave well.

•    Teach the that means of “No,” from day one. Don’t encourage behaviors like jumping, mouthing, tug-o-war, barking, or running out of open gates and doors. Praise good behavior and ignore or walk away when there’s unhealthy behavior. The pup can learn that if he misbehaves he can loose his companion/playmate.

•    To correct a behavior you need to catch the pup in the act and startle him by rattling a can of pebbles. Once you have done this build him correct his behavior and immediately provide him a treat and praise. Pups do not recall what happened earlier thus scolding him once an incident is of no use.

•    Continually decision/use his name positively. Never say “Dangerous TOM,” or “No Tom,” this can cause confusion and the pup will suppose that if you decision his name then it’s one thing bad. The pup must associate his name with happy events like hugs, petting, walks, treats, and such. If this happens he can return willingly when you call out his name.

•    Produce a coaching schedule that is short and sweet say 10 minutes thrice a day. Long repetitive lessons can be boring and also the pup can loose interest in learning. Make learning fun and use trick training to teach commands like sit, down, come back and therefore on.

•    Bond with the pup and both of you may enjoy your lessons. The pup should watch for spending time with you and not avoid you by running away or hiding. Be sure to socialize the pup early. Socialization is one of the most necessary lessons. The pup must learn to be around alternative animals, individuals, sounds, vehicles, and different activities. Thus, slowly introduce the pup when he’s very little to everyday activities and sounds. Take him to the mall/ park, introduce him to children and other pets, and make him unafraid of the vacuum and garden hose.

•    Learn all regarding crate training, leash walking, house breaking, and food training. These are kindergarten lessons that every pup must master. Grasp regarding all the idiosyncrasies with peculiarities of the breed this will offer you valuable insights on how to successfully train the pup.

As a pet-parent you’ve got several choices. You could choose to coach the dog yourself or register at a professional training school. Coaching a dog has many stages: kindergarten, obedience training, doggy sports, showing and conformation, with alternative aspects like therapy dogs, hearing dogs, and so on. What level you select to coach depends on you also the learning talents of your dog. As you know, different dogs like humans have varied talents. Select well and both you and your pup will have fun times together.

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Keeping puppies clean is one hard task, and if you have ever tried it, you’ll know what I mean. Please persevere Normal 0   with puppy bathing though, if only for the sake of your dog health care routine. The way you bathe your puppy matters because you are teaching them, here and now, exactly what bath time will be like for the rest of his days. Cleaning your dog can be a fun pet health process though, and if you’re planning on bathing your puppy, read on…

The first thing – before you even run the bathwater – is to collect all the supplies you will need. These include a coat-conditioning spray (for long-haired dogs) and a natural-bristle brush during times of heavy shedding. Don’t forget a towel either. Then you need to make sure you’re wearing clothes that you don’t mind about getting wet. The entire affair will work better if your puppy is hungry; so do not feed him 6 hours before the bath. If you call your puppy over and give him some treats he will be well behaved in the bath. Remember, you want this to be fun. Now it’s time for a thorough brush-and-comb. Its important to make sure the puppy’s coat gets brushed properly before the tap comes on. Get some conditioner on the fur and brush this through all the way to the ends.

Something important to remember is that the dog’s ears need cleaning at the back. Tell your puppy how good he is at having a bath and reward him with treats. Show him his toy and let him play with it a little in the tub before you turn on the water. If your puppy has sensitive eyes, use a baby shampoo on his head area. You don’t want to burn your puppy’s delicate skin, so always test the water temperature before filling the bath tub. Then the fun part! Gently spray mild warm water onto its fur. Apply some shampoo to your dog’s coat by massaging in circles for short coats, or massaging in long strokes with the growth of hair in long coats, to prevent tangling. Providing you have a gentle brush, this can be used to massage the shampoo in all over the puppy’s coat. When you are sure you’ve rinsed out all the soap, do it again. You’ll always find that there’s more soap to get out! Lastly, condition the fur and rinse – then your dog is ready to be wrapped up in a towel and dried off.

The inquisitive nature of dogs often means we see them eating lots of varied things and they really don’t care what it is they eat.   However, there are many toxic substances found in your home that could potentially kill your dog. With this in mind, keep reading and find out exactly what household products should be kept out of a dog’s reach.   Take the advice below and it will help you make sure your dog health care routine isn’t compromised.

1) Antifreeze: Something like antifreeze can kill pets quickly and painfully.   It’s the sweet smell of the antifreeze that attracts dogs. Ethylene glycol is toxic however, and each winter, many animals are killed by it. The symptoms of ingesting a toxic substance are awful, and your dog will end up with kidney failure. You can prevent this painful death by just making sure the product is kept far out of reach. If your dog does end up ingesting some antifreeze, call the vet immediately.

2) Chocolate: Don’t ever let your dog eat chocolate, as it is poisonous to dogs. While it usually takes a somewhat large amount of chocolate to kill a dog, poisoning and death do occur with smaller amounts ingested. Chocolate poisoning has horrific symptoms for dogs, including frequent urination and hyper-activity.   This can progress to seizures and unusual heart rhythms. Call your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate. This is not good for a dog’s health.

3) Bleach: Its not difficult to comprehend that bleach is toxic. All bleach-related products are to be kept high up out of a dog’s reach. If your dog does drink bleach, the symptoms are nasty, including abdominal pain. However, one important thing to remember is that vomiting should not be induced s this can make the situation worse. Remember that by doing these simple things, your dog health care routine stays in check.

4) Mouthwash: Highly toxic to dogs is an owner’s mouthwash, and this is commonly found in the home. Symptoms of poisoning by mouthwash include vomiting, drooling, seizures, and coma. Just like with the other household products, a dog that’s drunk mouthwash should be taken to see the vet.

With diligence on our part, we can help prevent our dogs from getting into substances that are toxic to them. Pet owners do a lot for their pets in terms of feeding and grooming, but a proper dog health care routine isn’t complete without making sure dangerous products are kept away from the pet. As always, if you think your dog may have eaten something dangerous, contact your veterinarian immediately or take your dog to the closest emergency clinic.

Yorkies are known to be more difficult to housebreak, so a little extra TLC may be in order. House training puppies can be tough work, but well worth the time and effort invested. Proper potty habits take time to develop, especially when it comes to small dog breeds.

First thing to determine is inside or outside. Yorkies don’t need much space, so they are perfect for those who live in apartments or condos. Some Yorkies are very resistant to going outside in stormy or snowy weather, in this case an indoor potty option is something to consider. Little dogs have little bladders, and this is a big part of the reason why it takes them longer to potty train, as you have to watch them that much more! If you are away at work all day, they might not be able to “hold it” that long. In this case, choose a discreet area of your home for the puppy training pads. All you need is a small area of grass or patch of dirt, just remember that spot and always go right to the same location.

Starting and ending the walk with an opportunity to go potty is the best approach until you begin to understand your little one’s potty schedule. The scent of urine is an indication to your dog that this is the potty spot, and by using the same area this builds a strong habit. However, it is important to be courteous to neighbors, and clean up the mess, no matter how little. It’s fine if your Yorkie happens to go while you are out on the walk, this is not considered an “accident” since it didn’t happen on the floor or other unwanted area.

It’s not uncommon to find that your pup refuses to go outside in cold weather, and then goes on the floor inside the home. A dog sweater makes the transition to the cold outdoors more bearable. If this is the case, you might want to think about an indoor alternative for these situations.

Enthusiastic praise, affection and treats will speed up your dog’s understanding of proper toilet techniques and help build good habits. When your pup has done his business, offer him lots of verbal praise and affection. Tasty treats can be very effective when house training puppies, just remember to feed them a bit less dinner!

Anywhere from a week to a month house training a dog is common, and for Yorkies it could be a little longer, so have patience with your little one! Learn how to train a puppy properly and you will be rewarded with a wonderful relationship between you and your Yorkshire Terrier.

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Look after your dog by following these simple tips and understand more about the importance of pet health.

1. I’m getting my puppy today – what supplies should I have ready at home?

The first thing you’ll need is a travel crate for your dog’s trip home. Be sure to have some good puppy food at home and small bowls for food and water, as these are your puppy’s essentials. Your vet, breeder or shelter personnel can tell you which brands of food are the best. Other items you’ll need to get in advance of the new puppy’s arrival are: an adjustable collar, a lead, toys and bedding. Don’t forget to make an appointment with your veterinarian for your puppy’s first check-up!

2. Tell me more about microchips.

Microchipping is very popular these days and it is an essential part of dog health care. A microchip is a very tiny device that is injected underneath the dog’s skin, usually at the neck. If your dog is lost, then any veterinarian or shelter can use a scanner to read the information on the microchip and then return the dog to you. Do you need to microchip your dog? If you are always with your dog, then a microchip might not be necessary. Please remember though that microchipping is harmless and safe, so it is definitely worth considering. Even those dogs that spend most of their time with you can slip their collar and run off.

4. I think my dog has worms – how do I know for certain?

Every owner that is trying to look after their dog with dog health care advice should consider the potential for worms. Some of the most common worms that a dog can potentially have are: heartworms, hookworms, tapeworms, roundworms and whipworms. Many of these worms can be dangerous for your dog and cause internal irritation. It is therefore essential that your vet routinely checks for worms.

5. Is there a good enough reason why I should get my dog fixed?

It is true that unless you are planning to breed from your pet dog, getting it spayed or neutered is the right route to go down. Just think of all the millions of stray animals and those that get kicked out of homes – don’t add to this problem, which is why getting your pet ‘fixed’ is the best solution. Neutering and spaying don’t take very long at all these days and providing there are no complications, your dog will be able to come home the same day.

In addition to its being an effective pet population control measure, spaying and neutering can also benefit your dog’s health. If you have your dog neutered or spayed before it reaches 6 months of age, then its risk of developing certain types of cancers and infections will be cut in half.

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.

One of my partners called me yesterday, and he wanted to tell me about what one of the participants in our test group had told him. Our test group took my ultra pure pharmaceutical grade fish oil for a couple months, before we released it, and the female participant that had spoken to my partner was, for lack of a better term, our guinea pig.

The woman is a nurse at a dialysis clinic, is around 50 years of age, widowed, and has two dogs, (real dogs…not those miniature rats that are so popular today), and the dogs are somewhere between 9 and 10 years old.

She started to take my pharmaceutical grade fish oil, because the stuff she was taking gave her “fish burps,” which she didn’t like, and she was attracted to the higher levels of EPA/DHA  in my formula, which she wasn’t getting in the stuff she picked up at the drugstore.

Her primary reason for trying out the fish oil was in order to reduce her arthritic pain. She’s a nurse, and on her feet for many, many hours at a time, and it’s taken its toll on her.

She had been taking my fish oil formula for about four weeks, when she told us that she had experienced a substantial decrease in her pain level. She even went so far as to say that it felt like she had new legs!

Here’s where the story goes to fish oil for dogs.

Her dogs, named Shea and Shaggy, were getting older and were not as active as they were in their younger days, and Shea seemed to have a bit of limp. After being on the fish oil formula for a month and feeling much better, she had the idea to give the dogs one soft gel at the same time as they ate their dog food. In only two weeks, the dogs’ energy levels were markedly increased and Shea was walking without a hitch.

Now I know this is not scientific, and I’m far from a veterinarian. I really don’t know what to make of it, other than it’s a good story. But if it has benefits…I’m not going to stand in the way of her giving fish oil for dogs.

Shea and Shaggy’s mom is certainly not the only person who has reported that fish oil is a great method for reducing pain brought about by common arthritis. Taking pharmaceutical-grade fish oil is a tremendous help for battling joint troubles.

I read a study recently from Columbia University Medical Center revealing that omega 3 fatty acids might help reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s by 19 to 24%. Pharmaceutical-grade fish oil can also help with the function of your heart, joint, and brain.

Alzheimer’s is the #1 health fear of my generation, and the one that follows, too.

vaccines

Vaccines are an important tool in keeping your Doxie healthy, but a few do carry some risk of allergic reaction.  Knowing which are vital and which are optional can help improve your odds of doing good without doing harm.

- Rabies

Rabies vaccine is among the most important for your Dachshund, as it is for any dog.  While the disease is much less common today, the consequences of getting it are still so drastic – often fatal – that most vets still recommend it.

Rabies vaccinations are normally given every year to puppies and every two to three years subsequently.Most states require the vaccine and determine a specific schedule.That is being revised as research now reveals that immunization lasts three years or more.  See your vet for specific guidelines, but also seek a second or even third opinion and decide accordingly.

Serious side effects from the shot are rare, but may include swelling, hives, fever, or lethargy, along with decreased appetite.

- Canine Distemper

Distemper shots used to be routine.Today they are still common, although schedules have lengthened.Contemporary research shows that puppies given a sequence of shots will develop antibodies that last several years.First shots should be given at approximately eight weeks.As with any vaccination, the schedule can deviate from one part of the country to another, since prevalence and the associated risks of the disease vary geographically.  See your vet.

- Parvo

A vaccine to protect against the parvovirus is often combined with that for distemper, though it can be given separately.  Keep in mind that “combo” shots represent a slightly greater risk of allergic reaction.Combinations also make determining the source of any issue more difficult.

In some dogs, the immune system becomes hyperactive and produces swelling of the face, redness of the gums and other manifestations.If a problem occurs, it commonly happens within an hour or less, so stay near your vet’s facility after any vaccination.Observe your dog attentively.Keep Benadryl nearby and call your vet at the first sign of a reaction.

- Hepatitis

This shot helps protect against infectious canine hepatitis.Once again, the disease is not common and the shot carries a small risk of allergic reaction.However, the disease is serious enough that owners will want to discuss the subject carefully with their veterinarian and seek a second opinion before deciding.  Kidney infections are possible following the vaccination, since modified live virus is used.

- Lepto

Shots to immunized against the leptospira bacteria used to be routine, and in many areas still are.This is another vaccine that may cause a reaction and offers only short-lived protection against the disease.Because the disease itself is rare, this vaccination is condsidered “non-core” by many vets today.

- Bordatella

The Bordatella organism causes a fairly common condition popurlarly known as “kennel cough”.The name comes from the fact that the organism has the ability to be airborne and can spread when dogs are confined close together.It is not a serious condition, but does call for treatment when it arises.

If your Dachshund does not come into contact with strange dogs this vaccine is probably not necessary.Exceptions are when you plan on going on vacation and kennel your Doxie, or in areas where the disease has gone unchecked.

Summary

Vaccines are a low-risk, outstanding way to protect your Dachshund against a wide array of diseases.But “low-risk” does not mean “no risk” and what was once habitual has become a more thoughtful exercise, thanks to improved research.

Apprehension about vaccines is unsupported.Nevertheless, the risk of disease is not zero, either.However, careful consideration of the benefits and risks will help maximize your dog’s health.

Just for Dog Lover’s

Orthopedic dog bed video clip

Most dogs, by nature, are pretty tough and seldom complain about much of anything. But this same behavior can also be a detriment sometimes. For example, your pooch isn’t going to tell you that he isn’t getting a good night’s sleep on his old dog bed. You can tell, however, if you look for the signs, and then you can do something to help your faithful old friend get the rest he needs. With older dogs it is even more important that they have a quality dog bed due to the onset of ailments like hip dyslpasia that can cause him a lot of pain. The best way to help him sleep and to assuage his aches and pains is by purchasing an orthopedic dog bed for him that will allow him to sleep well all night every night.

Why Is a Orthopedic Dog Bed Any Better?

Most dog beds consist of nothing but a large pillow. Puppies might be all right with a bed like this, but older dogs need more support for their limbs and joints. Orthopedic dog beds are more like the mattress that you might sleep on. These mattresses offer firm support, are easy to clean, and retain their shape far longer than pillow-like beds do.

If you’ve ever slept on a bad mattress yourself, you already know what it can feel like. A mattress that is hard or unsupportive keeps you from getting the rest you need, so you can be at your best. It also won’t give you the support you need, and you’ll wake up feeling achy and tired. The main reason for these problems is that without getting the support you need from your mattress, your spine must do the work to support your body while you’re sleeping. Dogs, like people, feel the effects of poor mattresses and will benefit just as much as people do from having an orthopedic dog bed.

Can’t a Dog Just Sleep on the Floor?

You have no doubt noticed you dog drop down somewhere in the middle of the floor for an afternoon nap. This is fine for a nap, but sleeping on the floor just isn’t adequate to provide the kind of sleep he needs at night, especially if he has arthritis or other mobility issues. Enen if the floor is carpeted, it won't offer the kind of proper sleep that he needs, so don't fool yourself. You won’t hear him complain, but an observant owner will be able to tell when their pet is feeling the effects.

To start with, floors are too cold and drafty for sound, cozy sleep. Try napping on one sometime, and you’ll soon get the point. In addition, they are far too firm, put too much pressure on various parts of the dog’s body, and don’t give him the comfort he needs to sleep soundly.

Should You Spend Your Money on This?

Some dog owners are reluctant to spend the kind of money it takes to buy the right orthopedic dog bed for their pet. Many of us are quick to spend foolishly on ourselves when our dogs are sleeping on the hard, cold ground or worse, a concrete pad? Adopting a dog involves making sure he is taken care of and overall responsibility for his well being. He gives you a lot of companionship and joy. You know you owe him the courtesy of a really good nights sleep?