Learn About Dog Eye Health - By Judy Wellsworth

Dogs for some reason tend to receive eye injuries more in some breeds than other breeds. Some other health problems of the eye contribute to irritations of the eye and may require medical attention before the problem affects the dogs sight. Dogs have problems with conjunctivitis and other eyes problems.

Red eyes, swollen eyes and weepy eyes are signs of something wrong and should be checked by your veterinarian to determine if is caused by an allergy or a more serious health problem such as conjunctivitis. The problem may also be the result of an injury if the dog plays with other dogs or cats with claws. If the dog has conjunctivitis, itching the eye by the dog may irate the eyes even more. Viruses, allergies, bacterial and parasites can cause conjunctivitis in the dog.

Sometime this problem accompanies another infection such as a respiratory problem. Diagnosis by your vet should confirm the type of eye infection and follow up with an antibiotic as long as there is no other underlying problem. Conjunctivitis is contagious and needs immediate care before spreading the infection to other dogs.

Dog Eye Health and Keratoconjunctivitis SiccaInsufficient fluid in the tear film results in keratoconjunctivitis sicca and produces thick mucus that has a thin coat over the eye in some cases. Treatments for this problem are a stimulant and an anti-inflammatory reducer. Your vet will be able to diagnosis this problem without expensive tests in most cases.

Dog Eye Health Chronic Superficial Keratitis

The common name for this condition is degenerative pannus, which normally affects German Shepherds. Some other dog breed suffers this condition although this is very rare. The superficial blood vessels and pigmentation of the eye are affected when this health problem exists. Although not painful for the dog, left untreated loss of vision will occur.

Dog Eye Health Cherry Eye and Swelling of the EyelidsParasites, bacterial, dermatitis, neoplasia and viruses can cause inflammation to the eye. This may be caused by the sun, metabolic disease or trauma. Treatment varies depending on the condition and the severity. A prolaspe of the third eyelid gland is Cherry eye, which is not serious. Pekinese, Beagles and Cocker Spaniels seem to be prone to Cherry eye more than other breeds of dogs. Treatment for this condition is removal of the gland involved.

Dog Eye Health Queratitis

This condition is an inflammation to the eye, specifically the cornea, caused by a scrape or scratch, bacterial or a virus. To prevent an ulcer the infection needs immediate attention. Do not try to treat this condition yourself as more damage could result from improper medications such as eye drops.

Eyes need to be cleaned daily to ensure that any foreign objects or dirt which can irritate the eye. Most breeds of dogs can produce tears to rid the eye from these things, but the Cocker Spaniel breed does not have enough tear secretion to clean the eye by itself, so help is needed.
You can also find more info on dog licking problem and health problems in older dog.

AboutDogHealth.org is a comprehensive resource to help dog owners identify their dog's illness symptoms and treatment options.

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What If Your Dog Has Cancer? - By M. Bruno

Cancer in dogs is more common that many people would trend to believe. Studies indicate that that approximately 25% of dogs will contract cancer at some time in their life and that almost 50% of all dogs older than the age of ten years will die of cancer

If your dog contracts cancer, the affected areas can include but are not limited to the skin, organs, bone and organs. Cancer in your dog may progress gradually or with rapidity.

The good news is that treatments exist for cancer in dogs . While canine cancer can be fatal it is not necessarily a death sentence. The first thing you must do is determine if in fact your dog does have cancer.

There are ten common symptoms of cancer in dogs, taken primarily from the American Veterinary Medical Association, these are:

• Unusual swelling that either remains or grows

• Sores which will not heal

• A loss of weight in your dog

• Discharge or bleeding from an opening on your dog’s body

• Bad breath or offensive odor that emits from your dog

• Trouble eating food or swallowing

• A loss of interest in exercise or a loss of stamina

• Lameness in your dog or evidence of stiffness

• Trouble with urination, defecating or breathing

If you detect any of these symptoms in your dog. Don’t panic. Taken individually, theses canine symptoms may be indicative of something that is not cancer and may not be serious at all. Make an appointment with your veterinarian for an exam for your dog. If cancer is the problem, he will help you develop a treatment plan. If canine cancer is not the cause, your vet may prescribe a remedy to alleviate and heal the condition.

Cause of Cancer in Dogs

There are various causes of cancer in dogs. The National Canine Cancer Foundation says that cancer can be attributed to factors such as excessive exposure to carcinogenic agents which include chemicals.

We believe that this should be a cause of concern for any dog parent who regularly feeds commercial dog food to their dog as carcinogens have been discovered to exist in some popular dog food brands. You can find out what is in the dog food you use at http://www.dogs-4life.com/dog-food-that-kills.html Other causes of canine cancer include viral infections and UV or X irradiation.

What is the Best Cancer Treatment for My Dog?

Because there are different types of cancers, there are different treatments prescribed be veterinary oncologists. The success of treating cancer in your dog hinges on a number of factors. Some of those factors are early detection and diagnoses of the cancer by your veterinarian, and the specific treatment recommended and used in your dog’s battle against canine cancer.

Early detection may include your vet doing a biopsy, some X-rays and consulting with an expert in canine radiology to review the results. If cancer is diagnosed, your vet may recommend surgery or refer you to a canine oncologist.

Your best chances for success often depend upon early diagnosis of canine cancer. This is true because in early stages of cancer in dogs there is less likelihood of the cancer having spread to a point where treatment becomes unproductive.

Once an early diagnosis of canine cancer has been confirmed, your veterinary oncologist may suggest a variety of treatment options such as drugs, surgery and/or radiation.

If your dog has been generally healthy, she deserves a chance to live the balance of her life feeling as well as possible for as long a time as possible. If you can extend the life of your 13 year old terrier by a few years, and provide a good quality of life to your dog as a result of canine cancer treatment, your persistence in helping your dog will have been rewarded.

My small 8 year old dog suddenly became ill and no vet could determine the cause. She died after enduring 2 weeks of pain and misery on Mother’s Day morning. Learn how to keep your dog healthy, extend her life and save on veterinary bills at http://www.dogs-4life.com/veterinary-secrets.html

This article may be reprinted with the author's link displayed.

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Distemper in Dogs - Home Detection Tips -By John Schwartz

Distemper: Spotting This Dog Killer Before it's Too Late

Canine distemper is a devastating disease. It often crops up in seemingly healthy pets without any warning. What’s more, distemper often mimics benign problems, like the common cold. This is truly the most insidious aspect of this illness. Sadly, many cases progress to the point where they are no longer treatable before the owner even realizes what's happened.

How to spot the early signs of distemper

First and foremost, understand that distemper can often be diagnosed very early if regular trips to the veterinarian are scheduled and kept. This cannot be stressed enough, especially for new puppies! Because afflictions like distemper most often strike very young pups when they have weaker immune systems, it’s crucial that owners visit the vet often in the first few weeks of life. Early diagnosis means a chance to survive distemper.

Owners who suspect distemper, but haven’t had the animal seen by a vet yet, can detect it by a couple of signs. First, yellowish-green or dark green discharge from the eyes and nose is a classic symptom. It’s often accompanied by sneezing and general lethargy. Unfortunately, many pet owners assume this is just a sign that their dog has contracted a cold or has allergies and they ignore it.

If you remember nothing else about what you read here, remember this: any greenish discharge from the eyes or nose means distemper is a real possibility. RUSH your pet to the vet at the first sign! In most distemper cases, the only chance your puppy or dog has is early detection and aggressive medical therapy.

While distemper can manifest differently from one dog to the next, another hallmark of it is constant shaking or twitching. This happens in the more advanced stages of the disease, when the infected dog's neurological system has been compromised and muscles fire continuously. Unfortunately, by this stage it’s rarely treatable and the humane step is euthanasia. Having said that, always get your pet checked out thoroughly to rule out some other condition that may be causing the tremors. You never know. Dogs are like people, in that they are susceptible to a wide range of illnesses and diseases that can share very similar symptoms. Never assume!

It isn’t easy for pet owners to prevent diseases as serious as distemper. It's infamous for sneaking up on otherwise healthy puppies. But starting a new puppy out right - with good nutrition and regular visits to the vet for vaccinations and check-ups - will go a long way toward keeping him healthy and disease-free. Know and watch for the signs of distemper and your dog will have a strong ally in you!

© John Schwartz http://www.puppies-dogs-supplies.com (all rights reserved)

John Schwartz is a web site publisher and professional writer. For more information about dog toys and other dog supplies, visit his site at Puppies-Dogs-Supplies.com today.

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Dog Breeds : Airedale Terrier - By Dorian Regester

The king of terriers was developed to hunt otter in Yorkshire, England. It is the result of crosses between the now extinct English Black and Tan Terrier and the Otter Hound. The Airedale got the best of its hound and terrier ancestors. Its talents are many. Airedales have been and are still used as bird dogs, big game hunters, and military and police dogs.

BODY TYPE:

Overall impression is of a large, robust, long legged terrier full of fire and spirit.
Height: 22-24 inches (at shoulder)
Weight: 44-50 pounds
Whiskers and a goatee
Button ears are folded forward and carried to the side of the head. They are not altered.
Docked tail is carried high but not curved over the back.

PERSONALITY:

Legendary loyalty
Totally trustworthy with children
Eager to please and learns easily.
Fiery temper shows when around other dogs.

COAT:

Harsh double coat that can be either straight or wavy.
Airedales are all tan with black or grizzled saddle.
Wiry coat requires professional grooming. Pets are trimmed with clippers but show dogs are hand plucked.
Waterproof coat inherited from Otter Hound ancestors.

TIPS:

Largest of the terrier tribe.
Loves to swim.
Puppies born black.
Beloved pet of three successive American presidents: Harding, Coolidge and Hoover. Also fancied as hunting companion of Teddy Roosevelt.

HEALTH CONCERNS:

Hip dysplasia
Skin allergies and hot spots
Gastro-enteritis

For more information: Airedale Terrier Dog Breeds Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dorian_Regester

Stop the Dog From Digging -By John S. Rhodes

You’ve probably taken great care in grooming your front or back yard lawn and garden. You finally have a chance to enjoy the warmth of the sun and the smell of the many varieties of flowers you’ve planted. Suddenly, you come upon a deep hole in your flower bed.

Upon further inspection, you notice more holes in your back yard! Who is the culprit? You’re recently acquired dog. Now what do you do? How do you stop the dog from digging?

If you’ve never owned a dog, you will need to understand that certain dogs react in different ways to change. To stop the dog from digging, it is essential to understand why they dig. There could be a myriad of reasons.

Either they smell something interesting and wish to investigate; or if they come from an animal shelter they may want to protect their toys or even certain types of food from other dogs; or it is inherent in their breed.

When you bring home a dog for the first time, their natural curiosity is to smell everything; especially in a yard or flower bed. Sometimes they are looking for scents from other dogs as well. In some cases, they may sense a smell deep in the ground; consequently, they dig.

In addition, dogs tend to dig out of boredom. It is important to stop the dog from digging by taking him or her on daily walks. Exercise is a key factor in alleviating any type of misbehavior. Keeping your dog occupied with other activities will certainly help you to stop the dog from digging.

Again, depending upon the dog’s breed, you need to research their habits and then act accordingly. You can also purchase books on the dog’s breed, as well as their behavioral aspects.

Overall, however, to stop the dog from digging will take a certain amount of time and effort to understand the dog and the breed. More importantly, do not scold your dog.

Changing a dog’s behavior requires you to be kind, patient and loving. If you’ve ever seen the show, the Dog Whisperer, the method that always seems to work is to fully engage the dog in an exercise program and, at the same time, letting the dog know you are the pack leader. Once this type of training is establish, you will never have to stop the dog from digging again.

Do you really need to stop the dog from digging? Get FREE dog obedience training secrets at http://www.pet-comfort-products.com/sitstayfetch.html

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Dog Ear Infections: Signs, Causes and Treatments By Shannon Magnus

The ear consists of three parts: the outer ear, middle ear and the inner ear. The outer ear, or the visible part of the ear, is most prone to infections. It is reported that about 90% of infections happen in the outer ear.

Infections of the outer ear canal are common among dogs. Dog ear infections, or Otitis Externa, occur frequently in dogs because of the way their ears are designed. The horizontal and vertical components of a dog's ear make it difficult for particles such as water or debris to drain out.

Signs that Your Dog Has an Ear Infection

* Your dog is constantly and excessively shaking its head.

* There is yellow to brown discharge in your dog's ears.

* Your dog's ears have a yeast-like smell.

* There is redness and swelling on your dog's infected ear.

Possible Causes of Dog Ear Infection

Dog ear infections are caused by a variety of things. However, allergies are the typical cause of dog ear infections. If your dog has allergies or is highly susceptible to allergies, your dog is likely to have ear infections.

Water getting into the ears is another common cause of ear infections among dogs. So if your dog likes to swim, it is prone to ear infections. This is because of the way your dog's ears are designed. When water gets inside your dog's ears, the water can't properly drain out. Thus, your dog's ears become the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and yeast. This doesn't mean, however, that you shouldn't allow your dog to swim or play in the water anymore. It just means that you should thoroughly dry your dog's ears after to prevent ear infections.

Cleaning Your Dog's Infected Ear

Regardless of how much you take care of your dog's well being, your dog will most likely eventually have ear infections. When this happens, you need to know the correct way of cleaning your dog's ear before putting medication.

1. Put a few drops of ear cleanser into your dog's infected ear.

2. Next, gently rub or massage the ear to loosen any debris that is stuck in there.

3. Using a soft cloth, gauze or cotton ball, gently scrape and wipe the dirt out of the infected ear.

Medicating Your Dog's Infected Ear

After thoroughly cleaning your dog's infected ear, apply medication according to the veterinarian's instructions or the instructions found on the label.

Your dog's veterinarian will prescribe the appropriate treatment based on what has caused your dog's ear to become infected. For instance, if your dog's ear infection was caused by a yeast infection, the veterinarian will prescribe an anti-fungal medication. If the infection was caused by a bacteria, your dog will be prescribed antibiotics.

Medications for dog ear infections are typically applied directly into the ears. However, if your dog has a severe ear infection, the veterinarian may prescribe oral treatment. The veterinarian may also clip the hair around your dog's infected ear to allow more air to circulate in it. Surgery, for reconstructing the ear canal so that it drains better and easier, is the last recourse when topical and oral treatments have failed.

While all dogs are prone to ear infections, those belonging to breeds with large ears that flap over the outer ear canal as well as those breeds of dogs with very small ear canals are most susceptible. As a dog owner, it's your responsibility to take care of your dog's well being. Take proper care of your dog's ears and learn how to detect the early signs of ear infections.

I love dogs and have owned them most of my life. I've done a lot of research and put together a free website and newsletter for fellow dog owners. Please visit: Dog Behavior, Health and Obedience Training

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How to Train a Dog Quickly By Lee Bastien

Numerous dog owners are in search of a rapid answer to how to train a dog quickly. For such an urging requirement there are not too many answers, since by “quickly” we don’t mean hours or days but at least a couple of weeks. When thinking about how to train a dog quickly you probably also need to know that it is absolutely necessary to practice with the dog as much as possible for the skills to actually develop. Training sessions should be between 20 to 30 minutes a day.

Don’t be aggressive and make sure you and your dog are having fun. But while training makes sure you are the park leader as your dog will respect and obey you more. Remember dogs are not human so don’t treat them like one. Otherwise, training may prove highly ineffectively. Those who want to find out how to train a dog quickly should first turn to special training centers or guides, books or courses.

Intensive practice is the first rule when you learn how to train a dog quickly. For example, when you need to get your dog’s attention, establish eye contact with it. Use a piece of meat out of the dog’s reach. Reward the dog only when it responds to the name or the stimulus and looks at you. If you really want to learn how to train a dog quickly, you need to set rules, boundaries and limitations.

Make the dog play by your rules all the time. Always be calm-assertive as you are always the leader of the pack. You’ll have to spend constant periods of time together applying the newly-learned stuff.

If the dog shows signs of fatigue then have it to take a rest, there’s no need to exhaust the dog. Think of it this way when someone is tired it is hard for that person to concentrate which means learning under such circumstances is ineffective. It may even be injurious to insist to train a dog quickly.

Don’t forget that there are plenty of guide books and videos on how to train a dog quickly, and they all mention the need to do everything in the most relaxed way possible, so that neither you nor the animal feel pressure of any kind. It should take at least a week before a skill is developed and only with continuous exercise it will become permanent.

Once you learn the best way to trigger correct responses from your dog practice it so it becomes normal to you. You can choose to train your dog at home or in a training center, but whichever option you choose, make sure you are actively involved. Remember you are the leader and have fun.

L. Bastien

For those who want to learn how to train a dog quickly the following site may be of great help. "Did you find those tips on How to Train a Dog Quickly useful? You can learn a lot more on how to train your dog. Dog Training Tips

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Taking Your Arthritic Dog To The Vet By David Silva

If your dog suffers from morning stiffness, has trouble climbing the stairs, and appears to be less active now that he's getting older, it may be that he's suffering from arthritis. Even if he exhibits only one of these traits, it's time to get your dog in to see the vet. Here's what to expect on your first visit.

Your vet will begin with a full visual and physical examination of your dog. The doctor will check your dog's body for swollen lymph nodes, listen to his heart and lungs, and check your dog's ears and skin. Like any general physical exam of your dog, your vet will also inspect the dog's gums and eyes.

After this initial examination, your vet will look for any easily detectable signs of arthritis, beginning with the spine, limbs and neck. A series of range of motion tests will check your dog's flexibility. This process will help uncover any old injuries, any problems with the ligaments, and any obvious arthritic symptoms. It will also help uncover any fever, bacteremia, posture, gait, and signs of inflammation.

Assuming your dog displays signs of arthritis, the next step in the process will be to learn more through some diagnostic testing. This will likely involve drawing blood first. With some relatively simple blood analysis, the vet will be able to determine if your dog is allergic to the anesthesia required to take X-rays (the next step in diagnostics), and will also be able to make sure there isn't anything else going on inside your dog that might not be obvious. Finally, the vet will want to use the results of the blood tests as a baseline for future testing to make sure the arthritis drug therapy is effective.

X-rays will help the vet detect the presence of arthritis in your dog and help determine the seriousness of the disease. To position your dog properly for the radiographs, most likely he'll need to be sedated. X-rays can also detect any fractures or cancers that might be the underlying cause of your dog's arthritis symptoms.

If it is determined that your dog has arthritis, the next step in the process is to design a treatment approach. New medications are now available that can dramatically assist your dog in leading a healthy and pain-free life. However, all dogs react differently to medications. Therefore, your vet will likely recommend a series of treatment trials. This simply means your dog will be given several medications on a trial basis to see which is most effective.

It's always difficult to see your dog suffering with the pain of arthritis. But it doesn't have to be that way. A trip to the vet can quickly determine whether or not arthritis is the culprit, and if it is, a treatment program to alleviate your dog's pain can be started right away.

David Silva is webmaster of About Arthritis Today, a website dedicated to disseminating valuable information on the symptoms, treatments, and many forms of arthritis.

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Guide For Canine Pain Relief By Steve Madigan

We have all heard the expression that "dogs are man's best friend." This is because when you need him or her they are there for you, always wanting to help and with a happy attitude. They are always happy to see you and be with you. Dogs are the number 1 choice of pet owners because they are faithful, loving and extremely smart.

While the dog provides us with many pleasures and happiness through the years they have one thing in common with us. They are getting older with each year and will need pain relief, just like we do. Here are some of the problems that a dog will face as he or she get older and some common canine pain relief.

Common Canine Disorders

The first thing you may notice is arthritis. A dog will need arthritis pain relief, just like we do. Canine arthritis pain relief can be avoided by making sure your dog receives the correct vitamins and supplements as well as any drugs needed for pain relief.

Natural treatments for pain relief for your canine are probably the best option. There are no side effects and your canine can continue to do their daily activities

Prescribed canine pain relief such as antibiotics will help temporarily relieve pain, but the side effects may cause damage to the joints and other parts of your dog's body such as the kidneys, stomach and digestive system.

Natural Canine Pain Relief Treatments

The most common natural pain relief for dogs is acupuncture, just the same as we get as humans. Acupuncture pain relief works with your dog's immune system to boost and stimulate it from within in order to ease the pain.

You must understand if you decide to use acupuncture for pain relief for you dog, this will not happen in one session and you must plan on more than one session and possibly some herbal pain relief to go along with the acupuncture. The herbal pain relief will complement the acupuncture therapy.

Other natural canine pain relief is: herbal Glucosamine blend, which is administered to humans who suffer from arthritis pain. Vitamins B1, B2, B6, MSM, as well as vitamin C.

Another Helpful Tip

Canine pain relief can be eased by exercise and a balanced diet to keep the muscles and bones strong. Regular check ups at the vet will warn you if you need a special diet or add vitamins to the dog’s diet to avoid putting your dog in pain at all.

Every stage in your dog's life is the same as in humans. It requires special care and treatment. Your vet can guide you to what is necessary. If your animal does require some type of canine pain relief, your vet will know what to do at the different age and stages in your animal’s life.

For more information on pain relief for dogs or other pain relief topics visit: Canine Pain Relief

If you are interested in other topics visits: Boost My Metabolism or maybe chronic tendonitis pain relief

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Use Homemade Dog Treat Recipes For Dogs With Allergies- By Todd Jones

Utilizing homemade dog treat recipes may be the best alternative to dog owners whose pet has severe allergies. Although some dogs have no food allergies as all there are many dogs that are either severely allergic to one or two specific ingredients and other dogs have allergies to many ingredients. Buying dog treats for dogs with allergies can be a difficult task.

You have to examine the labels carefully to ensure that you the dog treats do not contain any ingredients that can cause an allergic reaction in your dog. This can be difficult because sometimes it is hard to determine what is included in the dog treat and there may be derivatives of the ingredient that your dog is allergic to that can be hard to identify.

Homemade dog treat recipes are one of the safest ways to provide treats to dogs with allergies. When you use homemade dog treat recipes you are cognizant of each and every ingredient that goes into your homemade treats.

You can modify the homemade dog treat recipes to exclude any ingredients that your dog is allergic to or you can find homemade dog treat recipes that do not include these ingredients in the first place.

Todd runs a website where you can find all sorts of homemade dog treat recipes. Over 140 homemade dog treat recipes available at: http://homemade-dog-treat-recipes.com

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Should You Buy Pet Insurance? By Adam Jaylin

Getting a pet insurance is perhaps a moot point and is taken differently by various people. Ere, pet insurance seemed like an unwanted policy that was considered to be a tactic of the insurance agencies to mint money out from your pocket. But it could be really beneficial for you if you are too much concerned (that includes most of us) about your pet.

The treatment of a pet amounts to a big sum of money that is tough to gather every time. Instead, pet insurance has come for your rescue because it bails you out from overburdening yourself with undue treatment expenses.

Generally, pet insurance covers all of your pets expenses that can arise due to any ailment that is suffered by your pet. There are various covers that are provided by the various companies in relation to the health of your pet, or in case of the theft, or the death of the pet, your pet is also replaced with a new one.

The foremost benefit of this insurance is the medical cover that is provided by the insurance agencies. Before you go for your pet insurance, you must read the terms and conditions that are provided by the insurance agencies.

The pet insurance, like all insurances depends on the health and the age of your pet. The more the age of your pet be, the more would be the surcharge on it. Some insurance companies don't provide any pet insurance for a dog who is 9 years old. But the procedure again depends on the health of your pet.

You can search the Internet for different pet insurance covers and the policies, in order to find the best insurance policy for your pet. Online insurance enables you to find different companies and their rates and they can thus compare and decide on the best deal.

So, gift your pet an insurance policy..it truly deserves it for it fills your life with its pure love that is priceless!!

Adam is a marketing expert who brings relevant information through articles.

Pet Insurance
Cheap Insurance

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Arthritis in Pets By Michael Russell

Arthritis occurs when the joint surfaces which are supposed to glide over each other become rough as they rub together. The joint cartilage, which aids smooth movement of the joint, decreases it's lubrication and deteriorates, thus making movement more difficult and often painful. Pets are just as susceptible to arthritis as humans.

Have you noticed your pet moving at a slower pace? Does your dog have trouble jumping about and running around? Does it take several small jumps rather than a single leap for your cat to reach the counter? If your pet is having difficulty in performing these routine movements and has reduced mobility, chances are he may be suffering from arthritis.

Arthritis in pets, as in humans, can greatly affect your pet's health and well being. With the onset of this Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD), your playful and active pet can quickly turn listless and pain ridden. This disease usually affects larger breeds of dogs, like retrievers, but it can also occur in cats. Approximately 30% of family pets suffer from arthritis. The stiffness, pain and swelling in a pet with arthritis is the same as what most human being would experience.

The cause of arthritis in pets is often different from that in people. While arthritis commonly accompanies old age in humans, dog and cat arthritis is often caused by direct injury to a joint. More old dogs and cats have arthritis than young ones, not because they are old, but because degeneration of the bones worsens over time. It occurs in large dogs more often than in cats and small dogs since the animal's weight is primarily stressed on the joints.

Also, the common causes of arthritis, such as hip and elbow dysplasia and other common bone problems, are usually diseases of large, fast-growing dogs. Arthritis, however, does occur in small dogs and cats as well. In the US, an estimate of 20% of cats suffer from arthritis.

Pets can't discuss their pains outright. So how do we know our pet is a victim of this joint disease? Some signs that you should be mindful of are the following: change of personality, being inactive at play, lagging behind on walks, reluctance to jump or climb stairs, difficulty of rising from a resting position, limping and yelping in pain when touched. If you notice some of these signs, have your veterinarian diagnose the condition of your pet with an X-ray.

If your pet is diagnosed with arthritis, don't panic! The good news is, there are plenty of remedies to alleviate the pain. An effective treatment duo to best relieve arthritis pain includes pain medication and weight loss. Common pain medications are analgesic and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

They revive the spirits of the pets by removing their pain, allowing pets to move easily and to exercise. Exercise, in turn, corrects the alignment of the joints which lets them experience less pain. A veterinarian's prescription is necessary to determine the exact dosage for your pet. Some veterinarians recommend Omega 3 fatty acids to protect the heart, kidney and liver.

Many veterinarians recommend using supplements that protect the cartilage. Such supplement is termed as chondroprotective. It not only nourishes the cartilage but it also help pets with arthritis experience less pain. The second part of the double treatment is weight loss. Pet owners should help control their pet's food intake. Studies show that when overweight pets lose weight, their pain significantly decreases.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Arthritis
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Dog Ear Infections Diagnosed By James Theiss

Dog ear infections are also commonly called Otitis Externa. It is an infection of the outer ear canal. There are three parts to the ear; the outer, the middle, and the inner ear. Ninety percent of infections occur in the outer ear, the part of the ear that you can see.

Dogs are prone to ear infections because of the anatomy of their ears. They have a horizontal and a vertical component to them, so it is hard for anything in there to drain out, like water or debris.

Signs of an ear infection include excessive head shaking, yellow to brown oozing in the ears, or a yeast-like smell. Additional signs of ear infections include redness and swelling.

There are several causes of ear infections. The most common cause of ear infections are due to allergies. Some dogs are more prone to allergies than others; therefore they get more ear infections.

Another common cause is swimming. They get water inside their ears, and because of their difficult anatomy, the water in the ears cannot drain out. Therefore, this provides the perfect environment for bacteria and yeast to grow. It is recommended that if you let your dog play in the water, you dry your dog's ears thoroughly afterwards.

If your dog does have an ear infection it is important to properly clean your dog's ears before applying any medication.

To clean your dog's ears, start by placing a few drops of an ear cleanser into the ear and massage the ear to help loosen any debris that is in there. Then use a cloth or cotton gauze to wipe the dirt out.

After your dog's ears are thoroughly clean, you can then apply your medication. Follow your veterinarian's advice about how much medication to apply to the ear, usually a few drops.

The treatment your veterinarian will prescribe will vary depending on the cause of the ear infection. For yeast infections, they might prescribe anti-fungal medication. For bacterial infections they will probably prescribe antibiotics. Normally, treatment is applied directly into the ears, but in severe cases systemic treatment may be needed. This usually means having to give your dog pills orally.

In some dogs with severe ear problems, the veterinarian will usually clip the hair around the ear to help let more air into the ear. In extreme cases your veterinarian may recommend surgery to reconstruct the ear canal to let it drain easier.

Some breeds of dogs that are prone to ear infections include breeds with large ears that flap over the ear canal, and breeds of dogs that have a very small canal.

By knowing what to look for, you can detect ear infections early.

You can download the free ebook "Discover the Secrets to a Healthy Dog" at http://www.free-dog-info.com. It's a premiere website offering quality articles and products for dog owners.

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Dog Nail Care By Alison Cole

Dogs cannot be tamed without proper knowledge. They have many peculiar ways of showing their discomfort. A healthy dog is liked by one and all. To have a healthy dog one has to patiently handle all its basic necessities. To know the basic necessities, one has to improve their knowledge about dogs.

Dogs to be tamed should be taken care of properly. Its nails are also an important part of its body. Trimming of dog’s nails is essential. White nails can be easily trimmed. A dog with black nails cannot be trimmed easily. If one is unable to trim, they have to go to veterinary doctor or to groomers who will do the work efficiently. Nail cutting should be done on a regular basis, or else dogs may refrain from letting one cut their nails.

Dogs have long nails. Some dogs do not like their nails trimmed. The nails of a dog should not touch the ground. The noise of nails scratching the floor is a sign for the dogs to undergo nail trimming. There are certain differences in certain dogs. Dogs walking on hard surfaces have a habit of maintaining their nails.

Longhaired dog nails should be trimmed very carefully with trimmers. In the same manner hairs at the bottom of the foot should be removed, as it is necessary for them to have a grip on the floor. Soft nail clips can be put to dog’s paws so that it does not hurt human beings skin. Dogs are very sensitive and so to avoid them from getting infected these nails are put on.

Dogs are very sensitive and so they get irritated and inflamed very quickly. Utmost care has to be taken to keep it healthy. Healthy can be maintained only with regular attention. Every part of the body has to be taken care of from the puppy stage. A periodical checkup with a veterinary doctor will help one to maintain the fitness of a dog.

Dog Care provides detailed information on Dog Care, Dog Day Care, Dog Dental Care, Dog Ear Care and more. Dog Care is affiliated with Large Dog Beds .

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Serious Dog Urine Cleaning Products from a Surprising Source By Jonni Good

Nobody enjoys thinking about dog urine stains and odor, but it happens. Even older dogs have accidents. (And let's also admit that dogs sometimes do it on purpose in order to mark their territory - no accident involved).

I'm thinking about this unpleasant subject at the moment because I just moved, and a very distinctive stain showed that a medium-sized dog recently lifted his leg on my new porch. To prevent my own dog from re-marking the house when I moved him to his new home, I had to find a good dog urine cleaning product, and fast.

With the help of my local pet store owner, (who also runs a house cleaning service), I found a great product - but not at her pet store.

So where did my friendly pet store owner take me to find a serious dog urine cleaning product? She led me next door, to the auto supply house. She asked the proprietor to search his shelves for a product that would be good enough to remove the smell and stain from my porch wall, but which would not be so strong that it would remove the paint. The product he had in stock was called Unbelievable!, from CORE Products Co., Inc., (but the man at the auto parts store said there are other brands that work as well).

The product was developed for professional cleaners, and works to remove pet and food stains (and odors) from a car's upholstery and carpet. The product costs far less than the enzyme product I recently purchased from a veterinarian, and it worked immediately. I just sprayed it on the siding where the dog lifted his leg, and the stain disappeared instantly, along with the smell. I'll be trying it on that suspicious spot on the carpet in a few minutes.

The first product that most people turn in these situations is enzyme-based cleaning products that can be purchased at grocery and pet stores. I recently had an opportunity to use an enzyme product on a borrowed cat carrier that had been sprayed by the owner's cat, and most of the odor did go away, eventually.

However, the enzyme product, which I purchased from a veterinarian, was expensive. It also took a long time to work, and my cats could still tell that the carrier had been sprayed, even though my own human nose could no longer detect it.

The product I purchased from the auto parts store worked better, and faster. And it cost less. So, the next time you have a need for a dog urine cleaner, don't head for the pet store - go to the auto supply store, and ask for a product that works on urine stains and odors. You'll save money by not buying an expensive enzyme product from the pet store or vet's, and you'll be happier with the results.

Copyright 2006 Jonni Good

Jonni is the owner of a large and popular website that is totally devoted to helping you adopt an older dog at your local humane society. You'll find a list of local animal shelters, and many articles about selecting exactly the right dog for your family. http://www.older-dog.com

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How To Keep Your Westie Dog White By Jeff Cuckson

Our Westie dog called Pepper is lovely and white ( Oops - I'm looking at that westie photo again). To be honest, he has stuck his head in a bucket of soil or it looks that way. I'm afraid that it’s bath time again young man. God you were so cute when you were a puppy.

In keeping him reasonably clean and white; in the overall west highland grooming and health process; I find that brushing him regularly helps greatly, because the dirt and any dead hairs, usually fall off. I would recommend that you try and do this once a week. It then becomes a habit and as we all know, habits are easier to follow. This is just part of the process in how to groom a westie.

In the washing process, my wife uses a shampoo especially formulated for white dogs and this seems to do the best job. It is recommended that for a west highland terrier, they should be groomed every 6-8 weeks and especially in the summer. You have to to imagine what it would be like wearing a fur coat in the hot summer days. iT's cooler with the westie haircut.

We have noticed that Pepper's face has turned a rusty sort of colour under his jaw. Our vet has told us, that this is due to the hair being wet too often. As he seems to drink copious amounts of water, I try to dry this part as often as I can, following the vets instructions. I have found that Pepper has little black grains( for want of a better description) in the corner of each of his eyes on most days and therefore will remove them.

My last recommendation in this overall grooming process to keep our westies at optimum health, I have also found that his scratching decreases if I gave him cooling tablets. Always check with your vet if you are unsure of whether to give yours these tablets.

I hope that this article has been of use to you in helping with your westies health.

(Disclaimer: Any information contained in this site relating to various medical, health and fitness conditions of Westies or other animals and their treatments is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own veterinarian. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing the health of any animal. You should always consult and check with your own vet or veterinarian.)

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Good Sleeping Places For Pets - Your Pet Deserves It By Tango Pang

Experienced pet owners know that our animal companions definitely have minds of their own, and do not always share our opinions about what is best for them.

So you have bought your pet a cute little bed or sofa, and allocated a proper sleeping place for it, but you can practically guarantee that the pet will decide it would prefer to sleep on something else (usually something you need to use) and in a different place (usually a spot that makes it hardest for the family to move around and get things done).

However, it would be best if you could mark out a pet sleeping spot that is out of the way of high-traffic areas in the home, and where it is possible and convenient to keep the lights off at night to help your pet build and maintain its protective melatonin levels. The pet sleeping spot must be shaded from direct sun, sheltered from direct droughts, but cool and well ventilated.

No matter whether the pet sleeping area is used by day or night (more likely both), it should give easy access to drinking water and an appropriate spot for the pet to relieve. If your dog or cat is garden-trained, you may want to install a pet-flap. However, most dogs and cats adjust their toilet habits as they mature, so they do not need to be let out at night.

For nocturnal caged animals like hamsters and chinchillas, make sure the cages are kept in a quiet, cool sheltered spot by day so that the animals will not be disturbed by regular household bustle.

TangoPang is an animal lover. More Pet reads at http://www.howto-petadoption.com. Click Pet and Pet Adoption to see how you can improve your pet life.

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Ring Worm in Dogs By Marcus Peterson

Ringworm is one of the most common diseases in pets, especially dogs. Unlike its name, Ringworm is not a worm but fungi called Dermatophytes that thrives on dead tissues present on skin surface and follows circular path to spread infection.

Ringworm is an infectious skin disease and your pet usually picks it up from his surroundings like kennels, rodent burrows or from other animals who are already infected. There are about 35 species of ringworm that can affect dogs. The most common is ‘Mircosporum Canis’, which accounts for majority of ringworm cases

One symptom of ringworms in dogs is a lesion on the skin that looks like a rapidly growing circular patch of broken hair. The patch may look inflamed and may appear to have dandruff-like flakes on it. The most common areas where it can occur are face, ear tips, tails and paws.

If you find any of these symptoms, take your pet to the veterinarian. He may diagnose the disease by plucking hairs from the infected area and examining it under ultra violet light. On finding fungi traits, he may advise some anti fungal pills or topical medications for your pet

Humans need to take some precautions since ringworm is an infectious disease. Be sure to keep kids away from an infected pet, and adults should wear gloves when handling any items that have come in contact with the animal. Also keep your dog neat and clean and clip his hairs short since longer hairs promote unhygienic conditions.

Although, ringworm is a mild disorder the problems due to its infectious nature and slow recovery time can be problematic.

Ring Worms provides detailed information about ring worm, human ring worm and more. Ring Worms is affiliated with Dry Skin Lotion.

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How A Diagnosis For Dog Illness Is Accomplished By Judy Wellsworth

When you diagnose a dog health problem, you need to observe before calling the vet in order to give a full history of what lead up the problem. The vet will perform the basic tests, which include a blood test, urine analysis and stool analysis before moving on to more sophisticated tests such as x-rays for one example. Diagnosis for dog illness requires a complete inspection of the dog for parasites, injuries and behavior problems before moving on to the other tests.

Stool Analysis Diagnosis for Dog Illness The first thing a vet will tell you is to bring a stool sample in for analysis. This procedure will check for worms such as hookworm, ringworm, whipworm and tapeworms. Any intestinal bleeding or assimilation disorders will show up with a feces analysis. When checking the stool sample, a vet will look for corona virus, campylobacteriosis, which is a bacterial disease and salmonella diseases that affect the digestive system.

These types of test will reveal any disorders and save time when trying to determine the exact cause of the dog health problem. One thing to remember, the stool sample must be fresh in order to have a proper diagnosis.

Urine Analysis Diagnosis for Dog Illness The urine analysis checks for blood in the urine, sugar levels, protein levels and the concentration of the urine. By analyzing the urine, a vet may determine if the dog has kidney disease or cancer along with other health problems. For the most part a urine sample is collect by way of catheter to prevent any type of contamination of the sample.

Blood Analysis Diagnosis for Dog Illness A blood test can determine many different health problems in your dog such as hepatitis, distemper, heartworm and herpes. If your dog has Lyme disease, the blood test is checked for antibodies and not the disease itself. Blood tests will show signs of many other disorders, which can lead to tests that are more serious needed.

Other Diagnosis for Dog Illness The gastrointestinal function test diagnosis assists in checking for a GI disorder. If you live somewhere where Valley Fever is common, a test will be done to determine if the dog has contracted the fungus. Signs are coughing, weight loss and fever. A blood test to check the white blood cell count and sometimes x-rays are required.

Some other tests used are biopsies to find out certain information about tumors and unidentifiable conditions. As you see, whatever tests are preformed on a person are also preformed on a dog to determine the correct diagnosis of a health condition. For determining anemia, a test called hypothyroidism tests the T3 and T4 blood counts with the best diagnosis of such a health condition.

When a dog is sick, you can easily find out the problem by contacting your vet and having some tests done in order to find any underlying problems that may cause symptoms that you have observed. Early detection and preventive measures will help to keep your dog happy and healthy.

You can also find more info on dog paw health and dog urine in lawn. AboutDogHealth.org is a comprehensive resource to help dog owners identify their dog's illness symptoms and treatment options.

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Stop Barking Dog Ideas That Work By Ira Nelson

One of the most annoying habits that dog owners bemoan is their pet’s undue and uncontrollable barking. It’s been found that perhaps one third of all dog owners mention this as a behavioral problem over which they wish they had more control.

There are many reasons that dogs react to situations and their environment in this way from territorial barking, to alarm barking, to aggression, and it is helpful to know what is triggering such conduct, but the main focus of this article will be on ideas and ways to stop barking dogs that get results.

It’s important, first of all, to distinguish between appropriate an inappropriate barking. Barking that alerts you to a dangerous situation or a few barks that warning someone is approaching, for example, should be encouraged and rewarded. This is your dog’s natural tendency to want to protect his pack. Nuisance or inappropriate barking, on the other hand, is barking that is excessive or unwarranted for the situation. Your pet may be distressed, fearful, or suspicious etc. in a circumstance that does not call for such an extreme response.

Stop Barking Dog Methods that Work

The best time to start teaching the difference between good barking and bad barking is when your dog is a puppy or still an adolescent. Start by not reinforce inappropriate barking and rewarding the appropriate silence. Be consistent and persistent with this until your puppy understands the difference.

Many people have great success with a switch-over or shaping technique such as clicker training which can be use to give you control over barking and silence.

Older dogs with entrenched habits may require stronger behavior modification techniques such as bark control collars which are used remotely and of which there are several types:

Citronella spray collars spray a scent and make a sound that most dogs don’t like and if used correctly, will help the dog associate his barking will a negative result. Ultra sonic, vibration, and electrical collars likewise offer different types of negative stimulation which will help the dog realize that his incorrect barking results in discomfort. Many of these devices offer increasing levels of negative stimulation for dogs which are, shall we say, a little more reluctant to learn. There are even combination devices, producing, for example, both a vibration and a sound.

The methods mentioned above will work in most cases, but occasionally more drastic measures need to be taken to stop a barking dog. In extreme cases, where all other methods have fail, it may be necessary for your veterinarian to prescribe psychotropic drugs or perform ‘debarking’ surgery. These solutions are controversial and in some areas debarking is illegal, but given the alternatives of surgery over euthanasia in the case of a drastically dysfunctional dog, it could be the best alternative.

For more information on this subject go to Stop Dog Barking

Protect your dog from toxic dog food and treats - Homemade Dog Treats and Meals is a Free ebook featuring 130 Gourmet Cookie, Snack, Biscuit and Meal Recipes for your Canine Companion.

Ira Nelson has years of experience in the dog care and training field. More information, tips, and techniques like the ones in this article are available at http://www.dogtrainingbasicsonline.com/

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