Dental Hygiene for Dogs
Dogs like to chew. But, dog parents may be entering dangerous territory when choosing appropriate products. Some of the most popular chew items, like rawhide-type chews, hooves, snouts, vinyl dog toys and bones may be killing our dogs.
In 2005, a New York couple filed a $5 million lawsuit against the makers of Greenies – yes, those popular green toothbrush-shaped chews sold in pet stores and vet clinics nationwide.
According to the lawsuit, Burt, their beloved black and tan Dachshund, was given a petite-sized Greenie. The next day Burt, suddenly ill, was taken to a vet who suspected an intestinal blockage. The diagnosis was confirmed by X-Ray analysis, and Burt underwent emergency surgery. The surgeon removed what was described as a green and rubbery eraser-like object that was lodged in Burt’s small intestine. The lawsuit contends that the object was the “toothbrush” end of a chewed Greenie that had increased in size by approximately 25% while lodged in Burt’s body.
Over three feet of the 12-pound dog’s intestine had decayed and was surgically removed. Over the next 48 hours at the clinic, Burt suffered, bled internally, vomited blood and developed pneumonia and septicemia. He endured three cardiac failures before he died.
The lawsuit was settled out of court for an undisclosed amount of money. The original Greenies were phased out and “new” Greenies soon became available. New Greenies came about following S&M NuTec’s recent acquisition by Mars earlier this year. Billed as the “next generation in canine dental care,” new Greenies claim to be 96% digestible.
Greenies, however, are not unique. Many more potentially dangerous chew products fill the shelves of pet stores – rawhides, pig ears, snouts, bully sticks, cow hooves, smoked bones, and more.
There is little regulation on dog chew products, but the Food and Drug Administration has issued nationwide public health warning alerting consumers about a number of cases of human illnesses apparently related to contact with dog chew products made from pork or beef-derived materials.
The FDA warned that the products may pose a risk of bacterial infection such as Salmonella infantis which can cause flu-like symptoms in normally healthy people, but may cause far more serious – even life threatening illness in immune-compromised patients.
Additionally, many rawhide chews and related items are difficult to digest and some dogs swallow large chunks of hide that can lead to intestinal impactions. The harder type products, like hooves and bones have been reported to split, splinter or break and lead to damage in the digestive tract.
Rawhide is the processed skin of animals. Various techniques and chemicals are used in the preparation of these products along with similar versions of chew products such as smoked hooves, etc. Millions of these products are imported and it is physically impossible for the FDA to test all the products and the production methods utilized. Some techniques of hide tanning incorporate mercury and arsenic during the curing process. Distressingly, some chews do not even identify what kind of animal skin or bone was used to produce a chew treat.
Play it safe. Appropriately sized, hard rubber Kongs are the safest products available. They satisfy your dog’s chewing needs, and stuffed with your own foods can safely entertain your dog for hours.
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Hunting Dogs – Basic Training Tips
Even if you were an avid hunter, there would have been many instances of misfiring and even if you have aimed right you would not have fetched the hunt for obvious reason that you could not track it.
Should you be carrying a hunting dog with you, this would not have been the result because a hunting dog would simplify your job whilst not cutting any frills on the thrills you maybe experiencing while on a hunting expedition per se.
Be it a small game of hunting a lakeside duck or a countryside turkey to a big game of hunting an elk or a buck, a hunting dog can smell blood in a jiffy and would take you to the target. With this snap shot of a hunting dog, you need to know that a great hunting dog is not available in a nearby canine store or even an online store. All you need to know is that you should train your canine to make one great hunting dog. And, no means this training is easy and to get desired results, you need to know some tips and probably you can tame even a hardheaded canine.
Picking the right breed for hunting
Remember that a show-style breed is far different from a hunting dog. The first and foremost quality is a breed that has a good sense of smelling. You can look at those that are tamable as well as those that can endure long outdoor activities; in fact, the breed should love to stay more of outdoors. They must obviously possess decent stamina and built.
Hunting dog example breeds include the bloodhounds, dachshunds, basset hounds, German pointers, Labradors, beagles, mountain curs, feists. Know some characters of the breed and check if their temperament suits yours even to tame.
Bring the canine when it’s very young
Yes, for the reason that it will have time to bond with you and follow your communication.
Time and patience
Time needed to train a hunting dog is far greater than training a canine for other jobs, and it calls for good patience on the part of master.
Condition the canine
Train your canine to be resilient when faced with adversities of outdoors. And for this take him out more frequently and allow it to freak around the areas under your vigilance. This will be perfect priming for your canine before the game of hunting begins.
Take him out more often, say at least once a week and see that you are supplying him with adequate nutrition for this extra exercise as well as normal development. Give him good quantities of water so he is not dehydrated.
Train him to chase a target or follow a trail
Use dummy rabbits or fowls to tease the canine and allow him to learn chasing the target and teach him to bring the target to you. Use a whistle as an indication of command and let him get used to your commands. Teach him to focus even when there are disturbances around. You may simulate a noisy surrounding yet command him to chase a target or follow a trail. However, this can be done during advanced training and not at pup stage.
Training as fun
Most important is to make your training as much fun as possible. Reward your canine for any signs of excelling in the training and he should find it interesting and exciting.
And, remember that if you have trained your dog properly, he will never like to eat the hunted animal but will love to return to his master.
Hunting With Dogs – Thrilling Fun Hunting Experience
Controversy still surrounds the concept of hunting with dogs. Many states do not feel that it is a legal practice, and believe that hunters should accomplish the job by themselves. Yet, many sports hunters prefer to be accompanied by these animals for the simple reason that they are better at getting certain game than their human owners!
Hunting with dogs does not imply pulling along just any kind of dog for the hunt–each dog has to undergo rigorous training beforehand. The dog’s potential is revealed on the field, and implies the standard of training received.
In fact, breeds like pointers, spaniels and retrievers are natural predators. If this predatory behavior is not kept under control, small pets in the family such as cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, etc. may be harmed. So also small children.
The predatory instincts found in certain dogs is higher than the rest. So, they are constantly seeking an outlet, stalking some prey or the other. If the hunter decides to purchase this type of dog, enough time and energy must be expended in training it properly. It must be taught to socialize or it will treat everything and everyone as an enemy! Training skills required to channel its behavior in the proper direction go beyond mere “challenging”. If the hunter has no time for it, he/she better stay away from hunting dogs!
Those hunters interested in hunting with dogs can take the assistance of the AKC Sporting group. They have a large variety of breeds on hand, specifically those dogs that love sporting in the woods and water areas. The mind boggles at the variety that is available–
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, German Shorthaired Pointer, Vizsla, English Springer Spaniel, American Water Spaniel, Gordon Setter, Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, English Setter, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Golden Retriever, Spinone Italiano, English Cocker Spaniel, Brittany, Welsh Springer Spaniel, Curly-Coated Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Field Spaniel, Irish Water Spaniel, Cocker Spaniel, Weimaraner, German Wirehaired Pointer, Clumber Spaniel, Sussex Spaniel, Pointer, Flat-Coated Retriever, and Irish Setter!
For herding children or livestock, there is no breed to beat the Border Collie! It is a total workaholic, and so will do everything that the master commands. A hunter will enjoy hunting with dogs of this kind.
Terriers were originally trained for the purpose of bringing down small quarry as well as destroying vermin, but today they are more vicious and allow nothing to stand in their way!
Hunting with dogs like the hound can lead to an exciting experience. Among the many breeds registered with the AKC, the hounds form the largest group. Most of the dogs come with an impressive lineage–pedigreed hunting dogs with wonderful hunting traits. Blessed with a magnificent sense of smell, these dogs start baying as soon as they scent their quarry. Their ability to tirelessly trail the quarry for lengthy periods of time is truly astounding!
The seasoned veteran wishing to go hunting with dogs can choose any of these hounds–Black and Tan Coonhound, Beagles, American Foxhounds, Norwegian Elkhounds, Bloodhound, English Foxhound, Basset Hounds and Dachshund.
Dogs Cushing?s disease, if not treated, can eventually progress into a life-threatening condition for you pet
Dogs Cushing’s disease, if not treated, can eventually progress into a life-threatening condition for you pet. It can lead to kidney, liver, and even heart failure, as well as diabetes and several neurological disorders.
This disease will also make your pet much more likely to incur infections in their mouths, their ears, and several areas or their skin, as well as their urinary tract.
Dogs Cushing’s disease is also known as “hyperadrenocorticism”, and is a result of a chronic overproduction of too much cortisone in your dog’s body.
In a normal and healthy dog, the pituitary gland will produce a hormone that is called ACTH, and has the major function of stimulating the adrenal gland to produce glucocorticoid, which is a steroid hormone. This hormone is a necessity for several functions of your dog’s body. If too much glucocorticoid (cortisone) is produced, a dog Cushing’s disease is the result.
There are three causes of dogs Cushing’s disease; one is with problems with the pituitary gland, the second is with problems in the adrenal gland, and the third is a man-made cause.
Your dog’s body produces cortisone as a natural response to stressful situations. The pituitary gland that is located in your dog’s brain regulates the activity of the adrenal gland that is located directly in front of the kidney.
The pituitary gland produces a hormone that is referred to as ACTH, and this is the hormone that is responsible for stimulating the adrenal gland into producing cortisones in your dogs body.
The major cause of dogs Cushing’s disease by far and away is when an ACTH producing tumor forms in the pituitary gland. This causes the body to produce too much cortisone. There have been some instances, although not near as many as the first example, where cortisone may produce a tumor in the adrenal gland, also causing the disease.
The third cause of dogs Cushing’s disease is when your dog receives too much cortisone either through injections of cortisone, or over supplementation of cortisone.
If your dog’s body produces too little of these vital cortisones they may experience weakness, vomiting, sudden collapse, and in severe cases, even death.
If your dog’s body produces too much, again the result is dogs Cushing’s disease, which can also cause several potential health problems for your dog.
So where exactly does vitamins and supplements, especially the B vitamin complex, come into the picture with dogs Cushing’s disease?
Most diseases or conditions with your dog can be helped and even prevented if their immune system has been built to combat intrusions. Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5) is a critical vitamin that helps your dog’s body deal with stress, as it enhances the activity of the adrenal glands.
Vitamin B5 is also very effective in increasing energy levels as well as the other B vitamins such as niacin, thiamine, riboflavin, and vitamins B6 and B12 that help the nervous system and the glandular system.
There are several symptoms that you can watch for with this disease; the most prevalent is that it causes the relaxation of the ligaments in the abdomen as well as enlargement of the liver.
This is the major reason that dogs with this disease develop “pot bellies”, and this is perhaps the most telling sign that your pet has this disease, and is caused by the fat that lays in the abdominal shifting while at the same time, due to the loss of cortisone, the muscle mass is weakened.
The decrease of cortisone in this disease will also cause hair loss as well as thinning of the skin.
It increases your pets appetite and their thirst requirements as well, which will than result in weight gains, excessive drinking, and than the need for increased urination.
Dogs Cushing’s disease is generally a disease of middle aged dogs, (and cats), but is much more common in dogs, and usually will affect dogs at five to seven years of age or older, and is somewhat more common in females simply because they have more adrenal gland tumors than males.
There are as with most diseases in dogs, certain breeds that are more at risk and they are the smaller breeds that include several of the Terriers; Silky, Bull, Boston and Yorkshire Terriers as well as Miniature and Toy Poodles, and Dachshunds.
Diagnosis of this disease can be very difficult as it will resemble several other types of diseases that your canine can get. It will be very important for your veterinarian to have a complete and very thorough examination of their blood count known as CBC, as well as complete blood chemistry and a urinalysis.
Treatment of dogs Cushing’s disease will present the owner with several options, including surgery, depending on the tumor, and if the tumor has affected the adrenal gland.
Surgery on a tumor in the pituitary gland, simply because it is in the brain, is highly specialized and not a real option for most owners.
The most common form of treatment for this disease will be non-surgical. Oral treatments have been found to be very successful in treating the pituitary gland tumors.
Even though over 80% plus of all cases of this disease involves the pituitary gland, the adrenal has also been successfully treated with the same oral treatments. The leading forms of treatment are Lysodren, Ketoconazole, and Trilostane. Trilostane is the newest treatment and has shown to be extremely promising with this disease.
Until recently, the only real non-surgical treatment was Lysodren. It is very inexpensive, very effective, and is still the most common form of oral treatment.
However, it does have some rather potentially serious side affects to your dog, and once started your dog will have to take this treatment for the remainder of its life.
Ketoconazole was widely used for several years because of its side effects of interfering with the synthesis of steroid hormones, but its usage has dropped off almost entirely with the introduction of Trilostane.
Trilostane has shown very promising results in treating dogs Cushing’s disease, and virtually has no side effects.
If your dog is treated properly, they can live a healthy and happy life for several years. Building and maintaining your dog’s immune system is still the best way to protect your dog in the long term from this or any other disease.
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Small Dogs Breed ? ideal pets for apartment dwellers and those with smaller living spaces
Small dogs make ideal pets for apartment dwellers and those with smaller living spaces. They are great companion dogs that adapt well to our busy schedules. There are many good things about small breeds of dogs. They are a lot easier and cheaper to look after. It’s easier to travel with a small dog. The best thing about them is that they live longer than big dogs. From cute to tough breeds, toy dog or terrier breeds – there are many different small dog breeds for you to choose from. Generally a dog is considered as small if he weighs less than 25 pounds or be shorter than 16 inches.
There are approximately 49 types of small dog breeds in the AKC dog breed list which are divided into mainly four groups. Most of the small dogs are kept in Toy group but there are many small dogs which are the member of other groups like Terrier, Non-Sporting and Hound —
Toy group (Most of the very small and miniature dog breeds Including Chinese crested and Pekingese) Toy dog breeds are difficult to housebreak but usually adapt well to apartment life. They make ideal apartment dogs and terrific lap warmers on nippy nights. Terrier group (This group includes those small but lively terrier breeds that were developed to hunt small animals, for example Norfolk Terrier, the smallest of the working Terriers) Non-Sporting group (usually larger than Toy dogs like French bulldog) Hound group (developed to hunt using sight or scent including Basenji and Miniature Dachshund)
Some of the Small dogs breed —
Chinese Crested — A very popular breed, comes in two varieties – the “Hairless” (having long hair on the feet, tail and head only) and “Powderpuff” Both varieties vary in outer characteristics, but have similar personalities. They are playful little 10 pound lapdogs and companions that are friendly with other dogs, cats, people and children. They need very little exercise such as a short walk on leash or a game in the yard and their primary job is to keep your lap warm. They are known for their entertaining qualities and unusual appearance. Chinese Crested Puppies should be well-socialized and exposed to loud noises when young to avoid potential timidity.
Pekingese – Pekingese is one of the most respected of the toy breed. These adorable dogs with their big eyes and well-known facial characteristics are great ones to add to any family. They are one of the most dignified, supremely confident, and independent (and stubborn) of the toy breeds. They have a courageous attitude which makes them good watchdogs. Known to be quite affectionate with family members Pekingese puppies do tend to be a bit hesitant around strangers. If socialized properly, they can get along with other dogs and pets.
French bulldog — French bulldogs are one of the nicest, most amusing and amiable of all dog breeds. They stand 11 to 14 inches tall at shoulder height and weigh from 17 to 26 pounds. They were originally bred as ratters, but are now bred as lap dogs and companions. The breed is commonly called the Frenchie, also known as “clowns” and frog dogs. Very comical little dogs they are always great for a good laugh and long friendship. French Bulldog Puppies are slow learners and can be somewhat willful so consistent training is required.
Tiny Dog Training – Smaller Dogs Ought To Feel They Are Pleasing You
Miniature Animal Breeds include chihuahuas, pomeranians, toy poodles dachshunds and the like and it truly is exceptionally fun to to train these eager tiny playmates. I uncover little dogs are in simple fact great for not just obedience exercising but additionally agility and tricks are their forte.
If you have a canine – any canine – massive or tiny – you do require have it trained to ensure your life and your dogs could be the best it can be. Small puppies can nevertheless inflict nasty bites and they are exceptionally infuriating if they bark constantly. Many modest dogs often suffer from an inferiority complex and this makes them want your attention even much more.
Modest pet dog residence instruction…
This starts ideal when your k9 is nonetheless a puppy. Puddles and poops from puppies are so little it may well not seem too much of the trouble..yet. Lets point it though, even small pups grow larger and their business grows with them.
If you happen to be exercising your k9 to go outside, begin your home training with watching for telltale signs your puppy needs to relieve himself – typically scratching or circling or just acting restless. Easily whisk him outdoors and and soon as he goes praise enthusiastically. If you’re too late then take your puppy outside right after saying a firm NO to him in order that he associates what he has performed with relieving himself. Take your animal outside 10 minutes right after a meal and watch until he relives himself – praise very.
Aggressive pet dog behavior…
Training modest dog breeds can be important since they typically exhibit aggressive behavior towards other puppies – and often the truly massive puppies that could simply kill them. Like any pet dog of any size the sit, stay, down (of drop) commands are essentially the most essential and important (as soon as your animal is responding to these standard commands it’s quick to move onto much more sophisticated commands and also tricks). Leash exercising must begin as early as you can and once once more the rules are the exact same as those for a major pet dog. The advantages here are that you don’t have to have much muscle in holding a miniature animal but they will nevertheless respond just the exact same as their greater pals if rewarded and praised.
Smaller Canine Education Collar…
Which collar will need to you opt for for education? The old school recommended choke chains but you’ll find far superior strategies available currently. A choke chain on a little breed is potentially damaging simply because it can quickly injury the throat of your pet dog and sprain their neck. The halter trainer is a single which is good for modest puppies as long while you physical exercise restraint and don’t jerk the collar violently. It is usually a gentle trainer that may turn your dogs head not having any strain. By far one with the most successful methods to train a little dog is clicker education and this technique has shown to be incredibly successful. K9 whispering is also now one of the most favorite techniques of training.
Diabetes In Dogs
Diabetes in Dogs
Our pets are more like us then we think, not only are they loyal friends and companions to us humans, but also they are susceptible to some of the same ailments and diseases that their human masters suffer from, diabetes is one of them. In dogs diabetes is life threatening if not detected in early stages and treated, although with proper treatment diabetes can be controlled and your pet can lead a normal life. Diabetes in dogs is more common in obese dogs. Some breeds of dogs are more likely to have diabetes than others, these breeds are Poodles, Schnauzers, Keeshounds, Cairn Terriers, Dachshunds, Cocker Spaniels, and Beagles. An early detection of diabetes in dogs can get the dog proper treatment and they can live for years once their blood sugar levels are regulated.
It is necessary for any pet owner to monitor your sick dogs symptoms and behavioral changes in their pet to know if something is wrong with their pet, there are some specific symptoms that will let you know if your dog is diabetic. These symptoms include but are not limited to, consuming more fluids, urinating more than normal, rapid weig ht loss, an increase in the dog’s appetite, the dog being dehydrated, and a sudden formation of the cataract. If your pets diabetes remains uncontrolled the dog can become ketotic, this essentially means that the body starts using reserve fat as fuel for the energy production in the body, resulting in ketone bodies being accumulated in the blood. Once that happens the dog may produce some more symptoms these include, depression, vomiting, weakness, and rapid breathing. If your dog shows any of the above symptoms you should be concerned and contact a veterinarian immediately.
The vet will then diagnose the dog by running several blood and urine tests on your pet. The vet will want to check the blood sugar levels in your dog which ideally should be between 70-150 mg/dl, if it is anything above 200 mg/dl that indicates that your dog is suffering from diabetes. The vet will also want to check your dog’s urine for any glucose content which also indicates diabetes. These tests are necessary not only to diagnose diabetes in your dog but to rule out several other diseases that have the same sick dog symptoms.
Immediate treatment is necessary for diabetes in dogs; this treatment includes a proper diet to control the sugar levels in a pet as well and administering insulin to regulate the blood sugar level of the animal. First of all low fat and low sugar meals are required so the condition does not get worse. The veterinarian will guide you to a proper diet for a diabetic dog and tell you what foods to avoid. Other than the diet for milder cases of diabetes in the dog the veterinarian will also administer a dose of medication to be given to the dog, for more severe cases 1 or 2 shots of insulin might be necessary everyday to regulate the blood sugar in your pet. It is essential that proper care is taken of a diabetic dog so it can live a trouble free life and its condition is controlled.