Thyroid Problems in Dogs

Our dog Lucky was slowly becoming different than our other dogs. She was over weight even though she ate less than the other dogs and really didn't seem to care that much about food. She was also very depressed acting. We could just see it in her eyes. She seemed very sad. Lucky did not like to play like the other dogs did. She pretty much just sat on the porch and watched the other dogs while they played.

We took her to the vet, and he decided to do a blood test on her to see if her thyroid was producing enough thyroid hormone. The thyroid hormone is what regulates metabolism. Her test showed she was only borderline low. But the vet gave us some thyroid pills anyway and told us to give her half a dose each day for a month.
The results are detailed below.

Here are some symptoms which might indicate your dog has a thyroid problem:

Very lazy acting and not wanting to play -Lucky had this symptom

Weight gain with no added interest in food - Lucky definitely had this symptom

Dry skin - Lucky's coat was dry and very coarse feeling compared to our other dogs

Hair loss (especially in the tail area) - Lucky had a large bald spot on the top of her tail

Bacteria infections - She did not have this symptom

Problems with the cold - Well, all of our dogs seem to dislike the cold

A slow pulse rate - We never checked her for that

Strange behavior or compulsions - Lucky was (and still is) our dog with the strangest behavior

Aggression - Yes, Lucky is the one dog of our four we don't trust around very tiny children without close supervision

Depression - Yes, Lucky was for sure depressed.

Most dogs who are affected are in the mid to large sized breed category. Lucky is a mid sized dog. It is also hereditary. But in this case Katie is her mom, and Katie is the happiest, most perfect dog there could be. We also know who Lucky's dad was. He too was a very happy dog. So with lucky it must have skipped a generation.

It can happen to both male and female dogs. But it happens to spayed females more than unspayed females. And Lucky was spayed. And the problem did not start happening until after that. However, a low thyroid problem doesn't start happening usually until a dog is over 4 years old. Lucky was spayed about one year old and we started noticing a change in her about a year later.

After we had given Lucky the pills for a month, we started seeing a behavior change. She actually WANTED to play once in a while! As we kept giving them to her she started losing some weight too. The vet said we might try stopping them for a while and see how it goes. Apparently, sometimes the pills do some kind of a jump start on things and they keep going correctly. He was right...for a while anyway. She did continue to improve and lose weight without the pills. However, after about 6 months, we see the old, depressed Lucky coming back. So we have started to give the pills again to her.

As near as we can tell from researching the subject on the Internet and talking with our Vet, there are few side effects associated with thyroid pills. So we will probably continue now giving them to her on a regular basis.

Please write to us if you have any questions about this or if you would like to share your story.

Steve Weber owns http://www.CactusCanyon.com which offers advice and natural products to owners of dogs with thyroid problems.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steven_Weber

Looking For a Solution to Dog Barking? Dogs Bark Naturally So What Can You Do

If you want just one solution to dog barking, there isn't one, there are many. Many different solutions to this most common dog behavior problem. The bottom line is that you must communicate to your dog that you are in charge, not them and that barking is not allowed.

There are many ways to get your dog to stop barking, citronella collars, shock collars, ultrasonic devices, and training. Of all these solutions, citronella collars and re-training are the most humane.

Citronella collars can be bought anywhere. It is basically a collar your dog wears around its neck and it shoots out a burst of citronella whenever your dog barks. Dogs don't like this smell so they stop barking. The problem here is you have to constantly refill the citronella reservoir, so it does not always work. Also, using this method, the dog learns much slower than doing retraining.

The best solution to a barking dog is retraining your dog. It is natural for your dog to bark when people enter his territory or when he views someone as a threat to the family. Many dogs even bark just to get attention.

The problem is that they live in our houses and they are not allowed to bark. You have to clearly communicate to your dog that barking is not permitted in the house. If know that your dog barks during certain situations, like someone coming to the door, make sure you have a leash on your dog or are at least close to him, so you can instantly correct his behavior.

If you are having problems getting this dog behavior problem under control, there are lots of resources out there to help you. Click here for one of the best resources for Stopping Dog Behavior Problems

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Crystal_Jordan

Dogs and Toxins

Apart from other dogs, what is the one thing that all dogs love virtually all the time? You guessed it: food! Dogs are very much like people in that they eat out of necessity, boredom, interest, nutritional compulsions, and sometimes; by mistake. Even the most well-trained dog could be subject to accidental poisoning. Many poisons also taste fantastic, and are easily accessible around your home. The question is, are you prepared to assist your dog, should this ever occur? The following are some common sources of potentially fatal poisonings, including symptoms, and treatments.

Antifreeze:

Antifreeze is deadly to dogs, even in small amounts. Antifreeze contains compounds that destroy the liver and red blood cells once ingested. It is, in fact, a rather frequent killer of pets. The reason for this is that antifreeze tastes sweet; like a syrupy candy. Antifreeze must be wiped up immediately following a spill, and at all times it should be isolated from dogs, other pets, and children. If your dog does ingest antifreeze, you should look for the following signs:

• Ataxia: unable to walk, stumbling, falling down
• Vomiting
• Excessive water consumption
• Excessive urination

Treatment:

Induce vomiting. Seek immediate emergency veterinary care.

Chocolate/Caffeine:

If consumed, these products will impact your dog's cardiovascular system. Chocolate and caffeine increase the heart rate in dogs, leading to heart problems, and breathing difficulties. If your dog ingests large amounts of caffeine, it can prove fatal. Here's what to watch for:

• Excessive panting
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Tremors/Seizures
• Hyperactivity

Treatment:

Induce vomiting. Seek immediate veterinary care, to include gastric lavage, and activated charcoal treatments.

Raw Salmon:

Any raw meat, but particularly salmon, can contain a fluke-like parasite that is highly specialized. Once ingested, the fluke spawns and lives in the intestines, where it produces very toxic substances that infect the entire body, causing the dog to become very ill rather quickly. Symptoms are typically as follows:

• Lethargy
• Severe weight loss
• Vomiting
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Bloody or discolored diarrhea

Treatment:
Antibiotics are the only way to prevent your dog's death. Dogs that survive this type of infection will then be immune to recurrences.

Raisins & Grapes:

Dogs who ingest large amounts of raisins or grapes may place their life in severe danger. Both of these foods contain toxins that attack the liver. Survival rates of this type of poisoning is only 50%, so it is vital to get your dog immediate attention should you suspect it has eaten large quantities of grapes or raisins. Symptoms will include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Excessive water consumption
• Excessive urination
• Kidney failure

Treatment:

Induce vomiting. Stomach lavage. Activated charcoal. Intravenous fluid therapy

Mushrooms:

Mushrooms can be deadly to dogs. In America, there are numerous types that will cause a very quick, painful death. For this reason, it is imperative to watch your dog closely outside, especially in the fall and other moist times of year where mushrooms are prolific. There are many different types of deadly mushrooms that attack different parts of the body, so the symptoms will vary greatly. You can expect the following:

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Confusion
• Collapse/Unconsciousness
• Hallucinations
• Irregular behavior
• Coma

Treatment:

Induce vomiting immediately. Activated charcoal. Treatment for liver disease.

Lead Poisoning:

Lead poisoning is much more prevalent in dogs than many would think. Dogs who ingest paint chips or painted wood, fishing sinkers, weights, or any other material containing lead are in grave danger. If you recognize the following symptoms, your dog need emergency veterinary treatment:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Excessive urination
• Decreased appetite
• Abdominal pain
• Blindness
• Tremors
• Erratic behavior
• Seizures

Treatment:

Blood testing. Extensive intravenous therapy.

Insecticides & Pesticides:

While there are simply too many of these to make an exhaustive list, insecticides and pesticides can prove fatal to your dog within minutes of ingestion. For this reason, it is absolutely imperative that you store and use these items where your dog will not be exposed to them. If for some reason your dog ingests or inhales any type of the mentioned items, you should seek immediate veterinary care. Symptoms will vary greatly according to the type of item ingested:

• Excessive salivation
• Vomiting/ with or without blood
• Diarrhea/ with or without blood
• Confusion
• Ataxia
• Seizures
• Unconsciousness

Treatment:

Varies widely according to what was ingested. Contact a poison control center and seek immediate veterinary assistance.

Venom:

A dog can sustain a venomous snake bite much more easily than a human. Dogs have very tough skin, and venom does not affect them as significantly as it does one of us. However, a snakebite can be fatal. If you observe an actual bite occur, or suspect that your dog has been bitten, first ensure that the snake (or other venomous creature is no longer in the area.) Remove your dog to a safe location and attempt to keep them still. You might notice the following symptoms:

• Puncture wounds
• Severe Pain/Swelling
• Necrosis of tissue at bite site
• Labored breathing

Treatment:

Antibiotics sometimes help. Benadryl may be recommended by your vet if you are in the field. Anti-Venom. Do not suction wound site. Do not use tourniquets or make incisions at the bite site.

Your natural responsibility to your dog should mitigate most of these types of poisonings. However, we all know that dogs are indiscriminate eaters, and that they sometimes eat and expose themselves to toxic or even deadly items. Be observant, and be prepared, and you will greatly reduce the chance that your dog will become a casualty of toxins. For more information, and to report a suspected poisoning, contact the APCC at: 888-426-4435.

Geoffrey A. English is the Founder of GundogsOnline.com, the internet's premiere online magazine dedicated to hunting dogs. Their site has a wide variety of dog supplies such as Dog Training Collars, SportDOG, and Dogtra products.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Geoffrey_English

Chocolate Pitbulls

Does it seem like there are more brands and breeds of pitbulls that you can coherently wrap your mind around when trying to decide on a dog? Is there a specific reason you are looking for a chocolate pitbulls and what have you heard that was so intriguing that you just have to find where you can adopt some chocolate pitbulls? If you stumbled across here because you are confused, well that is great because there are so many names for the same thing and sometimes it seems as though they were only created to cause confusion while creating a mass ‘demand’ for this new named creature.

What are Chocolate Pitbulls?

Chocolate pitbulls is simply the name of the dog designated by it’s colors and it is brown, a deep chocolate color and that is the only difference between that and other kinds of dogs. If it is a dark brown pitbull that you are looking for, any one of the chocolate pitbulls will work just fine.

This color of dog will rear itself in many different breeds of pitbulls such as the Alligator and Lion Head pitbulls and it only confirms that the coloring constitutes that of chocolate pitbulls. There are literally a thousand breeds and ‘strains’ of the breed and in each of those sub categories you will find the label chocolate in many of them. Again, it is used to predominantly describe the color of the dog and the coat of the dog.

Chocolate Pitbulls Vs. Pitbulls

Obviously there is no versus when speaking of other breeds and the chocolate pitbulls for the reasons mentioned above so if you are seeking for that beautiful dark brown pitbull for you, look no further than any breed at all and in the coloring they will label the dogs as ‘chocolate pitbulls’ and you can be confident in knowing that you are getting the same quality, breed or whatever you are seeking for in that infamous chocolate flavoring.

Now when you get one of the sought after chocolate pitbulls, remember to always be a responsible pet owner when searching for your perfect pet and treat it with kindness and respect! Pitbulls are getting such a terrible wrap for being horrible, mean, untamable beasts and they are not. Man is the beast much before the dog is and most often, those pitbulls that are attacked are treated cruelly and inhumanely and this causes many unwanted traits within the dog.

If you want to learn more about pitbull fighting please visit our site which is free to the public. You'll find the best tips on everything to do with pitbulls

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bill_Gunning

Pitbull Training

The most troublesome and boring aspect of owning a pet pit bull according to most owners is training. Though boring, early obedience training for pit bulls is very essential, otherwise they may become disobedient and even aggressive. A poorly bred pit bull is often a danger to the people around it. Also, it is necessary to teach housebreaking to a pit bull when it is still a puppy.

The first thing that a pit bull needs to be trained in is housebreaking. Pit bull puppies have weak bladders, which they may need to eliminate almost every hour. Have specific meal times for the puppy and then take it out. Over time, puppies will begin to recognize this place by its smell. It's no fun to be woken in the middle of a night by a puppy whining to go potty, but it takes endurance in the first few months. As pit bulls grow older, their bladder control improves, but it will be a while before they can hold their bladders overnight. Another method is paper training, where newspaper can be spread at spots within the house. However, paper training is not good as it gives the pit bull the idea that it is okay to poop inside the house.

Pitbulls are athletic dogs and so they need stamina and strength training. The most common way to teach almost all dogs is by drive and tracking. A ball and string can be used for this. Show the ball to the pit bull until its curiosity is aroused and then roll the ball on the floor, away from the pit bull. The pit bull will begin chasing after it. Using this tactic, several tricks can be taught to the pit bull.

Pit bulls are intelligent dogs. They respond to commands. Pit bulls can be trained to understand commands such as 'go', 'fetch', 'heel' and they also recall to their names. Repeating the commands over and over helps the dog to learn faster. Such obedience training must not be taken lightly as it may sometimes be a lifesaver to the dog.

Training a dog requires patience and affection on the part of the trainer. Pit bulls are sensitive and they should never be hit or yelled at when training. This may have an adverse effect and they may not respond to training at all. They may also fight back and nip or bite people. A slight reprimand, with a strong 'No' is enough to make a pit bull stop any undesirable activity. It is important to be consistent in pit bull training. If you train a pit bull for a couple of days and then decide to take a break, then the whole thing is going to be a worthless affair.

However, there are many ways in which pit bull training can be made exciting to both dog and owner. The training also provides some exercise to the owner and goes a long way in making the dog a trustworthy and able companion.

Pitbulls provides detailed information about pitbulls, pitbull breeders, pitbull kennels, pitbull puppies and more. Pitbulls is the sister site of Dog Fleas.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kent_Pinkerton

Pit Bull Training For Responsible Ownership

Owning a pitbull requires a big responsibility. For one, pitbull training is very important. It's necessary for pitbull owners to do this because there have been many reports on Pitbulls attacking people or children with no reason at all. Dog owners should not stay ignorant especially when they have pitbulls under their care. In reality, the pitbull is one of the most behaved dogs on the list of breeds according to disposition or attack frequencies. Training a pitbull properly will spare the dog from attacking people. If the owner is irresponsible, the pitbull will more likely cause harm to others.

It is sad to know that there are many irresponsible owners who take pride in flaunting their fierce dog. Unluckily some of these irresponsible owners end up as the victim of their own pet. Pitbulls can actually be safe with children if you keep an eye on how your dog interacts with kids around. However, this does not mean that you have to be complacent by leaving children alone with a pitbull. You still have to keep your presence among them. Knowing how to discipline a pitbull at a very young age is very important. It is necessary that pitbull puppies socialize with other dogs even at a young age.

This is in contrast to the myth that pitbull puppies must be isolated from people or other animals. Pitbulls are actually sociable dogs contrary to the negative impressions of people on their breed. Only that many dog owners who attempt to train pitbulls fail due to lack of consistency, discipline, and timing. The latter is said to be the most important of the three. Furthermore, if you lack knowledge in the implementation of positive reinforcement on dogs, it may also lead to your failure to train a pitbull. Pitbull puppies that were not exposed to the public well have greater tendencies of attacking people or animals when they grow older.

Thus, it would be better to bring your pitbulls in places such as parks. It surely is very helpful that dog owners read guide to pitbulls prior to owning one. This way they will know their responsibilities towards their dog. Irresponsible ownership of pit bulls can cause danger to other people or even death to its victims. Pitbull puppy training can be fun and rewarding. It is in the nature of pitbulls that when they are comfortable to their environment and the people around them, they become more loving. If a pitbull gets the right training, it can contribute to their healthy development.

Aside from its health benefits, they become a more behaved and trustworthy dogs. Training your pitbull to be a protector instead of being a fiend can work so much to your benefit. Trained pitbulls can actually protect you from dangers that may happen to you like robbery or kidnapping. It is only a sad fact that pitbulls are viewed negatively in the public eye. Pitbull training is a long process. Just stick to the basic rules by reinforcing the dog's desirable behavior and ignoring the undesirable behaviors. Surely you will have a happy and harmonious life together with your pitbull.

The author of this article Alex De La Cruz is a Dog Trainer who has been successful with several dog training courses for many years. Alex decided to share his knowledge and tips through his website http://www.doggyweb.info. You can sign up for his free newsletter and enjoy a healthy and submissive dog.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alex_De_La_Cruz

Destructive Dog Chewing - 3 Tips to Stop Destructive Dog Chewing

It's great when your dog chews its own toy. But when dog chewing starts to focus on your possessions and household items it can be the beginning of a lifelong problem.

There Are Three Primary Reasons for Dog Chewing:

Most dogs have a natural desire to chew. Dog chewing passes their time and it's fun.

If a dog is bored, lonely or nervous chewing gives them an outlet. It's like comfort food for people and is quite soothing to an anxious dog.

When dogs are under exercised, dog chewing gives them a way to burn up nervous energy and also gives them something to do.

There are some easy things you can do to prevent destructive dog chewing.

How to Stop Destructive Dog Chewing Before It Begins

If you can stop your dog from getting her first jaw full of a table leg, a running shoe or a pillow you're way ahead of the game because after her first chew she'll go after those things in the future.

So confine her to a dog-proofed area such as a crate until you are sure she understands your rules.

Keep things out of reach.

Since dogs like to explore the world with their mouths it's up to you to keep things out of reach.

Common targets in your home include shoes, clothing, books, eyewear and garbage along with small cameras, remote controls and cell phones.

Make them inaccessible to her climbing, jumping, and standing on her back legs.

Give her lots of tasty alternatives to your things.

Remember that most dogs love and need to chew. If she's a puppy (less than a year old) or an adolescent (under three years old), her needs are even more pronounced.

So it's time to go shopping! Get a big variety of toys and give her two or three at a time to play with. Keep things novel and interesting for her by changing her toys every several days.

These three ideas are a good start. And for the one thing you always need to do to stop dog chewing see 7 Ways to Stop Dog Chewing. For more great tips about training your dog, take a look at http://www.DogObedienceTips.org now.

(c) Copyright - Steve Schulman. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Schulman

Signs of Ill Health to Your Dog

Signs of ill health are the most important signs of the health status in your dogs. For example, if the dog has continuous nasal discharge, it indicates the presence of nasal congestion and if the discharge is thick, most of the times, the dog may have pneumonia.

If the dog vomits one or two times occasionally, this may not be taken as a serious sign of ill health but if the dog continues this vomiting, then this is something significant to be looked into.

If the dog has continuous itching, then one needs to check up the dog first by closer observation and examination of skin by separating the hair material especially in case of long haired breeds. You may also come across a lot of ticks or lice on skin, which may look apparently normal at a distance.

If the dog passes loose stool for one or two times, this need not be given more emphasis but if there is continuous passing of loose stool, then the dog is understood to suffer from bowel disorders. If the dog does not pass stool for two to three days, the digestive upsets needs to be ruled out carefully.

Just patiently observe the dog's walking movements and rule out any abnormal movements in the dog. If the dog is limping, the animal may have foot lesions. Similarly, if the aged dog has reluctant walking and less feed intake along with repeated vomiting, then acute renal disorders like nephritis needs to be ruled out.

If there is whiteness in eyes, suspect the corneal opacity that may occur in diseases like trypanosomosis. When the dog becomes anemic, the mucous membrane of the eyes becomes paler and in severe cases, this may have wall white color. If the dog bites chain and owners or others, look for behavior disorders and rabies needs to be ruled out.

For information on what you should be feeding your dog go to http://www.squidoo.com/signsofllnesstoyourdog & Learn the truth to dog food

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joe_Muliatlo

How to Exercise a Pit Bull

All working dog breeds need a lot of exercise. Both to keep them healthy but also to tire them out. This is especially true of Pit Bulls, as the saying goes "A Tired Pit Bull is a Good Pit Bull". If your dog isn't getting enough exercise, the excess energy that he or she has will likely be spent chewing your new couch or jumping on every visitor to your home.

Everyone when they get a new dog is told to take it on long walks. Personally, I don't think walking is enough. Pit bulls were bread to be active working dogs. If you notice when you walk your dog that it never runs. The dog's were breed to run. Walking just doesn't get a dog's activity level high enough to drain much energy. You need to find another way to increase your dogs exercise.

You may be able to jog with your dog, however even at normal jogging paces the dog just isn't really exerting himself. The object of exercising your dog much like a human is to get it to run for a solid 20 to 30 minutes. I find that adding a intense game of fetch at the local park gets my dogs running at the best pace for a good amount of time.

I have a park close by that is quite open and rarely has other people (or dogs for that matter). I normally walk my dog to this park on his leash and then once at the park, I pull out his favorite ball and we play a intense game of fetch. No short passes here, I throw as far as I am able and my dog runs as fast as possible to fetch the ball and return it to me. My dog gets a lot of pleasure out of this game.

I only suggest you take your dog to an open park if it is well trained. If you dog doesn't return unquestioned to the "recall" command you probably need to work with the dog some more before thinking about taking the dog off of leash at a park. This is especially important for the Pit Bull, due both to the breeds tendency to be dog aggressive you may find yourself in a bad situation if your dog decides to be unruly.

Even if you don't have access to a vacant park or have a dog that isn't quite trained enough to be allowed off leash. There are several things you can still do. I use a Flirt pole with younger dogs to tire them out. This can be done in a normal sized back yard. Also, you could hang a spring pole from a tree or other structure and train your dog to use it. I have also read about people that have trained their dogs to use a treadmill.

Exercise should be an important part of your dogs daily routine. I have yet to have behavior problems with any dog that has been properly exercised.

Dave M. Russell is an advocate for the true conforming pit bull breed. Visit his site and learn valuable tips about Pit Bulls.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_M_Russell

Dog Paw Health - Why Dog Foot Care is Critical For Your Dog's Well Being

Your dogs paws are a critical piece of equipment so practicing good dog paw health care is vital for the well-being of your pet. Let's face it, dogs don't wear shoes to protect their paws so paying a little bit of extra attention to this area can help keep their feet working in tip top shape.

Doc's paws are actually quite a complicated part of their body. On the bottom they have several pads that act as a cushioning and springing mechanism. On the edges are the toenails which can be used to claw and dig and on the top is the fur which of course protects the foot. While not all dogs paws are created exactly equal, they are all pretty similar.

Taking care of your dogs paws should be part of your normal health and grooming routine for the dog. Here are a few of the steps you should take to ensure good dog paw health:

- inspect and the pads periodically for splinters or foreign material and remove it.
- keep your dogs nails trimmed.
- keep the fur in between the dog's pads trimmed
- don't let your dog walk in puddles that may have chemicals like anti-freeze in them
- always dry off your dog's pads after he has been walking in a wet area

While you may not think it because they walk on them, most dogs feet are very sensitive and you may have a hard time getting your dog to submit to having his paws inspected if he's not used to it. The best thing for you to do is to start touching the paws when he is a puppy. Every day spend some time just lightly touching the paws until the dog gets used to it. Then you can move on to a more thorough inspection gradually doing more and more as your dog will allow.

Try to make grooming and inspecting your dogs paws part of your weekly grooming routine. Check the nails to make sure they are not too long and cut them if they are. Some dogs have hair that grows out in between the pads and this can actually get quite long making it hard for them to walk because it can be slippery. If your dog is one of these breeds make sure you keep the hair trimmed down below the pads but be very careful when you have scissors near the pads of your dogs feet.

Every good dog owner wants to make sure that his dog is in the best health possible and having a good dog paw health regimen is just one of the things that conscientious dog owners need to do for perfect pet health. Educating yourself on the health and training needs of your dog and providing those for him will insure a happy, healthy and long-lived pet.

Would you like to have a dog that is perfectly healthy, happy and well trained? If you're ready to learn more about dog care and training, visit http://dogcareandtrainingtips.com and download our free ebook on dog care and training

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lee_Dobbins

Knowing about the Different Types of Dog Urine Cleaning Products

Contrary to popular opinion, homemade cleaning solutions can be just as effective as commercially manufactured dog cleaning products. All it takes is a little experience, imagination and knowledge. In other words – everything!

But enough bickering and let’s concentrate on briefly describing some of the most common dog cleaning products that continue to be in use today.

Could All-Natural be the Best?

Remember that dog urine is above else an organic material – liquid though it may be – and for that reason, there’s a good chance that organic cleaning products may also make the pet urine odor and stain go away. To use this particular dog cleaning product, just pour the solution on the stains then blot and scrub them thoroughly. You’ll no doubt be surprised when a few minutes of scrubbing turned your carpet into something totally new looking!

PEROXIDE

Surely you didn’t think that peroxide wouldn’t come into the equation, would you? To remove dog urine stains with the use of this product, all you have to do is combine peroxide with a moderate amount of water, mix it then dip a sponge on it until you find the stains vanishing bit by bit!

WINDOW CLEANERS

Believe it or not but window cleaners – for some strange or too scientific way – can actually be used to clean stains. This particular dog cleaning alternative is quite easy to use. Just spray it on the stained area, blot or dry it out with some paper towels then wait for the solution to perform its magic.

To ensure that your precious carpet does not have any adverse reactions to the liquid, choose a very small corner of the blanket to test the product out. So far, so good!

DETERGENT AND VACUUM

If you formerly thought that your favorite detergent is only good for laundry, think again. Many pet owners have discovered a whole new side to detergent and that’s causing dog urine stains to appear.

To use this particular dog cleaning method, all you have to do is mix a tablespoon of your favorite detergent to a mirror. Then, use a vacuum to suck out the wetness from it.

Using a detergent can lessen the damage caused by your pet dog’s urine; it also works more or less the way steam rollers do.

VINEGAR

Again, contrary to popular belief, vinegar actually have other uses outside the kitchen and that’s helping remove dog urine stains from your home’s expensive carpet.

TOOTHPASTE

As more and more years pass by, the toothpaste seems to be gaining multiple purposes for its existence. Besides cleaning teeth, toothpaste can also more or less remove the ugly and semi-permanent stains caused by pet urine.

OTHER PET URINE CLEANING TIPS

Do not purchase dog urine products from companies that make use of gaudy advertisements online and offline.

More often than not, the dog urine products they’re selling are ineffective.

The longer you leave the stain untouched, the harder it would be to clean them. And since pet urine location all over your home can be quite difficult, it’s best that you make use of a pet urine detector to speed up your business.

DISHWASHING LIQUID AND VINEGAR

This is obviously a solution that combines two alternatives. See for yourself if it’s effective!
As a last note, if you feel that the stain is very difficult to remove, just opt to have the professional cleaners do it themselves.

Michael Louis is a dog lover with a passion for knowledge who enjoys sharing his dog cleaning care secrets. Now that you know how to remove that bad odor, learn the secrets to house training your dog and stop this from happening again at the-dog-stop.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Louis

How to Administer Medicine to your Dog?

Most of the times, the dogs are so intelligent to find out the drug mixed water or food materials offered to them by the dog owners. Hence, often it becomes a headache for the dog owners to give medicines to their dogs.

To the possible extent, the animal need not be forced for taking of the drug. If the medicine is to be given by mouth, first decide whether it is better to give it along with water or food. Many times, the medicines are mixed with food materials and are kept in concealed position by proper mixing of the medicine with the food materials.

Before administering the medicine, just delay the feeding time in the particular dog. Hence, the dog may be hungry to some extent. At that time, give little quantity of normal food without medicine and the dog may eat it well without any suspicion and now provide the medicine mixed food and the dog may voluntarily eat it most of the times.

If the dog resists, first restraint the dog well and open the mouth. Place the tablet behind the fang teeth and almost behind the bulb of the tongue. However, take care that the medicine what you are administering in the dog should not enter directly into the respiratory organ like lungs.

If so, the dog will experience many bouts like activities and may end up in aspiration pneumonia with severe nasal discharge and panting like activities. In puppies, just swab the medicine around the upper lip. The puppy will lick automatically the drug by tongue. Hence, the administration becomes perfect in such cases.

If the medicine is in liquid form, don't raise the head of dog too much and place medicine by a syringe. Just by using a dropper, fill the medicine in the lip pocket. The continuous rubbing at the throat side may stimulate the swallowing. Making the animal thirsty and then offering of medicine mixed water may many times help the intake of the medicine.

How Much Should you Feed your Dog?

Many people will give different types of answers based on their experience with their dogs. However, the scientific facts related to the feeding aspects in case of dogs need to be given emphasis during the feeding activities maintained in case of dogs.

Usually the puppies should not be separated before they are eight weeks old. However, some times the orphaned puppies may exist. Usually about five percent of the body weight may be taken as criteria for the quantity of food to be given to the puppies. However, the amount that is consumed by the dog varies with size of the dogs also.

However, one can have a thumb rule of feeding the puppy goes until you see visible fullness of the abdomen to a moderate degree. If you are going on feeding the animal without giving emphasis to the animal's stomach appearance, then the puppy may experience some kinds of digestive upsets and the diarrhea may occur in them.

This may cause many inconveniences to the owner as well as the puppy. Unlike adult dogs, the puppies need to be fed with restricted amounts of food but in more frequencies. However, once the age advances, the amount may be increased to some extent but the frequency of feeding is often decreased in many occasions.

A dog on a raw diet may consume only two to four percent of their body weight. Just observe closely the feeding pattern of the dog and the body condition of the animal. If the dog becomes obese, just reduce the quantity of food and if the dog becomes thin, then have an increase in the feeding items.

As mentioned earlier, puppies and adolescent dogs eat more than the adult dogs. Likewise the geriatric dog eats less than the adult dog due to the reduced movements of the dog. However, remember to restrict the amounts of protein during the feeding of diet to the aged dogs.

Home Made Dog Diets

Home made diets are important in the dog feeding. Many a times, the commercial diets consist of food items that have artificial coloring agents and flavoring agents that are harmful to the dog's body. Home made food items have the guarantee of freshness in the preparation unlike the ready-made commercial items.

The preservatives added in the commercial food items may not be the suitable ones to the dogs from the health point of view. Even in case of renal diseases in dogs, the home made diets may be made with ground beef, slices of bread, calcium carbonate, boiled eggs etc.

The purpose is to have the restricted protein supply in the feed items prepared. This should be carried out with home made diets prepared exclusively for the dogs suffering from renal diseases. Water is added in sufficient quantities to help the proper metabolism in the digestion-impaired renal cases.

The dog may have allergic symptoms like severe itching, which may not get corrected by different kinds of medications employed over a period of time. Such cases may get easily treated once the dog food is changed from the commercial type of food to the home made food items.

Often, the home made food items are prepared using the freezing procedures to kill the germs or by adding grape seed extracts to provide sufficient antioxidants to the home made food items. Food grade vinegar is also added in many times to the meat pieces prepared in a fresh manner. All these can be enriched with vitamin supplements that are available in fruit essences, fish oil etc.

Cranberry juice, bananas, fish and meat are prepared in a quality manner and no preservatives are added during the preparation of these kinds of food items and the dog becomes more active after the consumption of such food items.

Your Vet: The Perfect Resource to Educate You About Your Dog's Diet

Whether you have recently been blessed with a new puppy in your home, or you are a seasoned dog handler, it is wise to speak with a veterinarian about the best diet for your dog. With so many ideas, diet plans, and dog food varieties on the market, how do you know where to start?

Begin with your vet. A trusted veterinarian wants only what is best for your dog. Just like you, he or she wants to find and discover what is perfect for your dog's diet. Talk about all aspects of your dog's diet.

Your veterinarian can advise you on the basics of a dog's diet. Often, your vet will recommend a dry dog food. Dry food as the main component of your dog's diet, will increase the likelihood of good dental health for your pet, but this varies depending on specifics.

Treats are another area that you will want to discuss with the veterinarian. Do they encourage specific types of treats? What snacks are discouraged for your specific pet?

Each animal is different and you and your vet know your dog better than anyone. Working together, you will find what aspects of your dog's diet work best, and what needs to be altered. Some breeds, for example, will often have trouble maintaining a healthy weight. For this reason, your vet may recommend a smaller portion for your dog's diet than the recommended amount on the side of a dog food bag. If your older pet has trouble chewing, specific types of dog food may be beneficial as part of your dog's diet.

Your dog's diet plays a significant role in the health of your pet. Your vet can inform you about any supplements needed to boost your dog's outlook for a happy and healthy life. Glucosamine is one item that is recommended by most veterinarians to promote healthy joints. This is especially true for dog's of larger breeds.

The next time you are in the vet's office is a great time to bring up your dog's diet. Your vet will be able to weigh your dog to see if weight is an issue. He or she can take a look at the overall health of your pet. For example, if your dog has a dull coat, your veterinarian may suggest a different type of dog food or to add an egg to your dog's diet.

During the lifetime of your pet, your dog's diet may need to be changed to suit his or her needs. Puppies and older dogs may require additional amounts of protein or other vitamins and minerals. If your dog is bred, your vet may recommend other changes to your dog's diet.

With all the hype about what is healthy for a dog's diet, do not decide to go at it alone and inadvertently choose a poor diet. Speak to the vet about your dog's diet and educate yourself on what is best for your beloved pet. A healthy diet is key to longevity. Both you and your vet want to see your dog live to be happy and healthy for many years, and providing a nutritious diet for your dog is one of the best ways to accomplish this goal.

Teacup Yorkies: No Such Animals

After much research, I have found that technically, there are no such breeds as Teacup Yorkies. Not recognized by AKC (American Kennel Club) or by any reputable breeders, anyway. And considered unethical by the YTCA (the Yorkshire Terrier Club of America) if bred smaller than their already small size. Teacup Yorkies is evidently a label used to inflate prices and get more money from unsuspecting customers or customers who don»t do any homework before buying what they are sure is a Teacup.

«Teacup Yorkies» is a redundant term. Yorkies are already small: they are of the standard, acceptable, and healthy small weight of 4-7 pounds, full-grown. The puppies advertised as Teacup Yorkies, then, may not yet be full grown, or may be small, tiny, miniature, or fit in a teacup at 2.5 to 4.5 pounds because some breeders are creating an animal that»according to many knowledgeable breeders»is vulnerable to a number of health issues and problems.

According to those who know and urge people who want Teacup Yorkies to re-think, any so-called Toy or Teacup under 4 pounds is at risk for bone disease, as their bones are fragile; their internal organs are often weak and susceptible to failure; their teeth don»t fit in their mouths, so there are major dental problems; their blood sugar levels are finicky to the point that they are candidates for comas and hypoglycemic shocks; they are very prone to diahrhea and vomiting; and often they need surgeries that many die from, being unable to withstand the anesthesia treatments.

Now, I am not an expert, but I have studied a wide sampling, so as to avoid taking information from only one person with one one year-old that is «only 1.5 pounds!» and consider that a complete testimony. Yes, «tiny» Yorkies exist. Yes, there are small Yorkies (ahem) that people are calling Toys and Teacups, but their existence does not prove there is any such creature as a healthy, viable, lifetime-guaranteed Teacup Yorkie.

One of many expressed joy over owning Teacup Yorkies. The same person, as did many others, described her/his experience to defend the point that Teacups are available and are healthy, first by saying that she/he had not had «any problems with her whatsoever.» But within a few sentences, the speaker did say, ««She»s been stepped on a few times»and never even whimpered», ««her baby teeth didn»t all fall out»,» ««she also has a collapsing trachea»,» and ««coughs every once in a while.» Hmmm. A «full grown» 2 pound dog with such problems»seems to me to be proof that a legitimate Yorkie»and one who doesn»t have to suffer--is not what this person paid for.

Another person said there are such things as Teacup Yorkies, as she has one, though she also commented that $ 400 seemed so unfair when she paid $1500 for hers! This is exactly what she was expected to think about the existence of Teacups»so she would fork over the cash! Aha! Follow my drift»

Further, when another person expressing a desire for Teacup Yorkies asked where Teacup Yorkies come from, a self-proclaimed «Doctor of Veterinary Medicine» explained it thusly: «Teacup Yorkie puppies come from Teacup parents.» Hmm. So if you ignore the authorities, willingly pay 3 to 5 times the amount you would for an already small Yorkie, and if you believe in circular logic»you will have yourself a Yorkie»or an underweight dog that doesn»t deserve the health problems it will probably incur. So please do a little research and find a reputable breeder, so your Yorkshire Terrier (which you can pretend is called a Toy if you want) is one who will be healthy and happy for more than one or two years»for it»s whole life.

Parvo Disease Details Revealed Here...

Dexter is a cute little 12 week old Lab who has contracted a SERIOUS ILLNESS..Parvovirus.

He has vomited for 2 days straight, he now has EXTENSIVE bloody diarrhea, and he is EXTEMELY dehydrated.

He is one who NEEDS INTENSIVE treatment in the Hospital to even survive.

He is on IV Fluids, with IV antibiotics, and he will need additional treatment based on blood tests. If his protein level is TOO low, then he may need plasma.

Parvoviral Enteritis is A VERY serious disease,and in spite of AGGRESSIVE VETERINARY CARE,
20% of the Puppies Die.

SO WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

In spite of the RISKS of VACCINES I DO advise that your puppy gets 2 boosters for Parvovirus at 8 and 12 weeks.

OVER 90% of Parvo cases occur in dogs less than 1 year of age- so the RISK is HIGH as a puppy. After that the RISK is pretty minimal.

MEANING that you DON'T need YEARLY BOOSTERS for Parvo, as MANY Veterinarians are STILL doing.

The MORAL of my story is that you have to balance the PROS and CONS of Conventional Veterinary Medicine in Preventing and Treating Disease.

Find Out How to Clipping your Dog

Many dog owners generally think of clipping as only a mechanical activity. Few understand that clipping a dog is an art. Clipping a coat or nail needs to be carried out in a careful manner to avoid the injuries to the skin or nail. Clipping of the coat is to be taken care of as per the breed characteristics. If the coat is not properly clipped, this may lead to the dust accumulation in the coat and the animal may start showing signs of skin diseases. This is true especially when the grooming activities are not done in a proper manner.

Clipping of coat helps to get rid of the parasitic burden to a greater extent and also, the clipping of your dog is of more useful to expose on the type of parasitic problem that the dog is likely to suffer. Many pet health parlors are available wherein the clipping of dog will be carried out in a more systematic manner.

Always make use of a sharp clipper and in the winter regions, avoid the close clipping. This is due to the fact that the closer clipping in the winter seasons may expose the dog to the environmental stresses like the cold climate. Hence, the dog may become more vulnerable to the frostbite. Avoid the close clipping of coat or nail because this may cause injury to the underlying tissues and may cause bleeding in the concerned animal.

Many pet owners need to avoid any clipping activity when the animal is not in healthy status. Clipping instruments are available to a greater extent in many pet shops. Avoid the blunt instruments because they may not clip well and hence, repetition is required often. Always use modern equipments for clipping activities.

Shih Tzu Dogs - Why So Popular?

Shih Tzu dogs are one of the most popular breeds of dogs. These dogs originated in China where they were palace dogs for the Chinese Emperor. Quite often the terms "regal" and "imperial" are associated with these little dogs.

Shih Tzus are little dogs, ranging in weight from about 9 to 16 pounds. Some dogs have been selected for smaller size, but these do not meet the breed standard for showing. Though the dogs are small, they are stocky and very solid, strong dogs.

The personality of these dogs is one reason they have so many fans. The dogs possess a very lively disposition, but are generally good with other pets and also with children. A Shih Tzu does best as an inside dog with some chances to get outside exercise. These animals are considered a cold climate dog and are very sensitive to high temperatures.

Maybe part of the reason for the high temperature sensitivity of the dogs is the Shih Tzu coat. They have a long flowing double coat great for colder weather. The coat can be styled long or can be cut short as a summer coat. The palm-like tail waves above the body. There is some hair shedding so the hair requires some maintenance including daily brushing to control tangling. Also the snub nose face may require some extra attention to keep the area around the eyes clean and dry.

If you love lively, intelligent dogs that do well indoors, a Shih Tzu may be just the companion for you.

Would you like more tips on Shih Tzu dogs?

Please visit http://www.ShihTzuDogs.net and get more free resources.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Al_Bullington

Do You Have an Ear For Your Pet's Ear Infection?

Your pet dog or cat or tiger or lion can be inflicted with ear infection and the question is, do you have the ear to "listen" to their pains and suffering when they have ear infection? Or to put it specifically, do you have the eyes and the ears to look for an ear product for pets? It's a good thing you have or else you wouldn't come here looking for one.

As a responsible pet owner, what would you do to contain the cause of pet ear infection or maybe, even prevent its inception? Offline or online, there are several proven effective ear care methods that would likely to work to hamper the harmful activities of fungus, bacteria or mites deep down in the long, narrow and intricate ear canal of your pet.

There are some preventive measures that you might already be aware to prevent ear infection in your pet. Some of these are general and regular cleaning of its ears, trying to see to it that no excess water gets inside the ears and of course, giving them the best nutrients that they can get from their foods. Always remember, although foods are the basic needs of animals other than human and plant life forms, it is also true to animals that what they eat can also be dangerous for them.

For example, it's always a no-no to feed a dog with chocolates and you know why? It's because they are prone to allergic reactions. There are foods that can affect their skin and their fur and there are foods that can make them feel so itchy that they will not stop scratching their ears, for instance, even if there are evidences of blood. Doing this can also result to animal ear infection.

Now, however, if the case is getting severe, if there are some recurring infections, conventional treatment will not be able to solve the problem or bring about a sustained or permanent healing for your pet's condition. It is time to consult a veterinarian where he can prescribed antibiotics and other medications.

If you should opt for a more holistic approach in the treatment, the application of topical pet herbal supplements will guarantee to get rid of the root cause of the problem and not just to neutralize ear parasites. And it would be a relief to know that herbal supplements has no side-effects unlike conventional medicines that has a debilitating effect, ranging from a loss of appetite to vigorous vomiting that could cause certain death.

You might say, "Hey, it's just an ear infection and why would my beloved die from it?" Actually, your pet will die because of your negligence and not because of ear infections or any other diseases or illnesses.

Just as with humans, you have to be very attentive to your pet's needs and they really need your utmost care and concern. So, do you have the ear for its ear infection? Don't waste another second to find an ear product for pets and when doing so, you're not just concerned about your pet's health but you're also concerned with the unconventional love and relationship you have with your pet.

About the Author

Syahrul Azlan Idris can help you find solution for your pet meds needs. For acfrontline flea tick needs get his free advice from his pet meds website at http://www.callpetmeds.com/.

Published At: www.Isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=265254&ca=Pets