Archive for November, 2009


The symptoms of bladder infection in dogs are generally not all that difficult to spot. As a pet owner you may know something is wrong but simply not realize that a potentially serious problem is brewing. But as is almost always the case the more you know the better your chances of recognizing the symptoms of bladder infections in dogs before they get out of hand. In this article we will help you to learn more about what to look for as well as providing a few ideas about how to avoid future or recurring attacks of bladder infection (cystitis). Let’s get right to it. 

So you just woke up only to find your dogs water bowl empty. You think to yourself did I just forget to fill it up yesterday? You are almost sure you did but really can’t say for sure. You go to work and come home only to find the water bowl empty again. Is the bowl leaking, is it evaporating, perhaps a mouse got in and drank it, or is your dog simply drinking an unusually large amount of water. After checking for leaks, ruling evaporation out, and realizing that the mouse idea was just stupid you come to the conclusion that your dog is drinking the water bowl dry almost as quickly as you can fill it up. 

If your dog is constantly thirsty, especially when there is no reason to be, a problem with bladder infection  could be brewing. There are other symptoms of bladder infection to keep an eye out for as well. Is your dog experiencing pain while urinating or has his urination habits changed in some way? Does your pets urine contain blood, is cloudy and/or foul smelling? These are all signs of dog bladder infection. 

If you recognize the above common symptoms of bladder infection in dogs it is time to take action. While it is generally true that bladder infection (cystitis) is not considered serious, without treatment it can lead to the very dangerous and difficult to cure condition of kidney infection. 

Your vet will likely run a urinalysis to confirm your suspicions and then prescribe a round of antibiotics followed by another urinalysis in about 2 weeks to confirm the cure. The downside to repeated treatment with antibiotics is that antibiotics kill the bacteria lining the urethral wall that acts as the gatekeeper against bacteria and other invading organisms. 

While antibiotics are probably the best course of action some pet owners would rather implement home or natural remedies for treating symptoms of bladder infection in dogs. This can be done affordably and effectively but it important to point out that if symptoms don’t improve in 7 days or less or if urinary blockage or incontinence becomes obvious you must quickly get your vet involved. 

The natural approach to treating symptoms of bladder infections in dogs should include a herbal UTI remedy containing uva ursi, increased water intake combined with extra bathroom breaks, regularly adding either blueberry juice or cranberry juice to your pets water, considering a vitamin C supplement as a natural anti-inflammatory and keeping the area around the anus clean and groomed to prevent re-infection. 

In summary, recognizing the symptoms of bladder infection in dogs early is an important first step for curing the condition before it gets out of hand. It is also important to recognize that this is a very common condition impacting almost 2 out of every 10 dogs at some point during their lifetime.

Make sure dogs skin and coat

>>>> Learn how to easily care for your pet at home using simple, inexpensive techniques and natural ingredients NOW! <<<<

Many people like to wash their dog to keep them clean and smelling nice, particularly if they live indoors. They also feel that it keeps his skin and coat healthy.

It may surprise you to know that if your dog has a normal skin and coat, bathing isn’t all that important in keeping it healthy. It’s more important to feed them a quality food, so the natural skin oils help to repel dirt and keep their coat soft. Some dogs are washed only once a year, and they are clean and smell great.

Some less expensive foods aren’t as good for your dog’s coat as foods with a higher price tag – this relates to the quality of ingredients. If you find your dog’s coat is dry and harsh, consider adding omega fatty acids to his meal several times a day. You can purchase a specific dog supplement to do this, or you can try adding sardines to his meal – fish oil is very good for his coat.

If you do want to bath your dog, here are some guidelines.

Choose your biotin shampoo carefully. Never use a biotin shampoo designed for humans,  as the detergents are often too harsh for a dog’s skin. They may dry out their skin and lead to irritation and itching. There are many biotin shampoos available for dogs; choose one that is mild and soap free.

Use warm water, it’s much more comfortable for your dog. Some dogs are afraid of the hose, and enjoy being washed in a large tub. Use a small bucket or a scoop to pour water over his back.

When you’re washing him, don’t scrub his coat harshly. It can irritate his skin. A gentle lather will be just as effective and he’ll enjoy it more. You may want to spend some time massaging his skin – he’ll love it. Rinse off all traces of biotin shampoo thoroughly, and consider using a leave in conditioner, especially if his coat is dry.

A good towel dry will finish off his bath, and stop you getting drenched when he shakes! Some people like to blow dry their dogs. It’s not uncommon for small fluffy breeds to be dried like this. Be careful not to burn their skin with the hot air.

How often do you have to bath your dog? As mentioned, some people wash their dogs very infrequently, but you may not be comfortable with that. If your dog has a skin problem, your vet may have prescribed a medicated biotin shampoo. You may have to biotin shampoo your dog with this as often as twice weekly.

For dogs with normal skin, the less they’re bathed, the better. Feeding them well has a much greater impact on skin health than washing. Ideally, wash them no more frequently than monthly. This will allow you to use the monthly flea control products and not wash them off in between applications.

A clean dog is much nicer to cuddle, and he won’t leave dirty marks on your couch. Take care with what you feed him and how you bath him, and he’ll be soft and smelling sweet.

>>>> Learn how to easily care for your pet at home with simple, inexpensive techniques and natural ingredients NOW!

Choosing a dog food is much like choosing a spouse. Lots of choices but very few quality ones. I have always had a passion for making sure my dogs only eat the very best but in order to do that we need to know a little bit about what makes dogs different from us. Having that knowledge will allow us to understand why dogs actually need higher quality proteins than humans. Let’s help them live longer happier lives by feeding them healthy natural, and preferably human grade dog food.

Let’s start with the Invisalign and jaw. Dogs have 42 well-spaced Invisalign. People have 32 and our Invisalign are close together. The space between dogs’ Invisalign allows food to enter quickly. Dogs’ mouths are funnels to get food into the stomach as quickly as possible. Your dog gulping his food is his natural way of eating. It’s not that your dog isn’t savoring his dinner when he gulps it down it’s just that he has fewer taste buds! Our canine friends also lack the ability to grind food. Their jaws work only up and down. Side to side movement is impossible for your dog’s jaw. They also do not predigest starches in the mouth like we do. We get cavities. Dogs get more tarter build up, but no cavities!

Food travelling from their mouth to their stomach takes only about 5 seconds. Once in the stomach, the food is stored and digestion begins. Dogs have more acid in their stomachs than people do and this allows them to break down bacteria more effectively than we can. They also have this antibacterial ability in their saliva.

The small and large intestine in the average human is approximately 36 feet long. That’s roughly the height of a four storey building! A 70 lb dog has a 6-foot long intestine therefore dogs need high quality proteins to be able to digest them quickly. People can digest raw fruits and vegetables better because of our longer digestive systems. Give a dog a piece of whole carrot and it comes out the other end much the same way it entered!

Digestion of complex carbohydrates and vegetables is more difficult for your dog, therefore in a perfect world they would be cooked and pureed to simulate predigestion. Cooking keeps the glycemic index low to help maintain even blood sugar levels. This causes less stress on the pancreas and liver and less chance of developing diabetes.

If you are like me and have your dog sleeping on the bed with you it’s not a great leap to understand that after being domesticated for thousands of years dogs, while different from humans in many ways, are similar in others. Just like us needing healthy natural whole foods to thrive in today’s environment your dog needs a healthy natural dog food as well.

Look for more info on dogs vs humans in upcoming segments.

Dr. Janice Elenbaas

Always remember, Health comes from the inside out!

If this is your first dog or have questions or problems grooming your dog, this article may help you through the problem or give you tips to make things a little easier. One of the things that we all must do for our dog, big or small is routine bathing. Many choose to leave it to the professional groomers but for those that go it alone or even enjoy the bonding time, these tips may make it easier. Remember, bathing your dog too often is bad for their skin and can strip them of their natural oils that keep their coat healthy, shiny, and prevent dry skin. It’s best to be prepared before bath time by having towels or chamois, shampoo (for dogs only), and brush set up for easy reach. Outdoor bathing is a good idea for large dogs on a hot day, otherwise the shower works best. A removable shower head makes bathing a dog the absolute most convenient. If you don’t have a shower or one big enough for your dog, the bath works with a non-skid mat or towel for traction. This will make them feel more secure and prevent injuries if they get scared or excited. We suggest using a wash cloth for washing the face & ears. Sometimes otherwise calm dogs freak out when water is poured over their head or face. Use only shampoo made for dogs and if your dog has skin problems, do the research to get a specific shampoo for their needs, such as gentle oatmeal. Long haired dogs may require conditioner. Make sure to rinse all products well, as any left behind may cause itching and irritation. It may take more than one towel to get your dog dry and drying on a blanket may lessen the mess. Some dogs require a blow-dry and brush-out. We suggest starting right away with puppies to get used to this process and loud sound of the dryer. It is very important to brush your dog after drying no matter what length hair that they have. It will get off most of the excess hair and prevent a lot of shedding in your home. It will also prevent matting in long hair, keep the coat cleaner, and add sheen. Most dogs enjoy the brushing, close contact, and attention.
r
rinvisalign dentist brushing is not only good for your dog, it is also makes their breath better for us to live with. Toothbrushes and toothpaste for dogs are readily available in pet stores. Most dogs like the taste and learn to not mind the brushing, gum massage, and inspections. Make sure to use the appropriate size brush for your dog and small dogs may require a soft, children’s toothbrush. Brush gently while holding lips out of the way. Concentrate on the outer plaque buildup but cover all surface area if your dog allows you time. If you see signs of swollen gums, loss of pink gum color, excessive drooling or bad breath, tumors or cysts, or loose invisalign dentist you should see your veterinarian. There are many dog toys and treats designed to help fight plaque and freshen breath. Ask your veterinarian which food, treats, and toys would be best for your dog’s oral health.

Have you ever stopped to look at the labels of commercial pet products? If you have then most probably all you would see is a never ending list of unpronounceable names and numbers. what do they all mean? who knows, I certainly do not!

This is just one of the many reasons why pet owners are seeking out natural home remedies for their dogs, and who can blame them? The ingredients in commercial pet products is questionable at best and who knows what effects they could be having on your beloved dog.

Below i will list 5 natural home remedies for dogs that will help to keep him or her in good health.

1) Vitamin E
This will help if your dog suffers from dry irritable skin ,just apply some to their skin and you should see an improvement pretty rapidly.

2) Olive Oil
Olive oil can help in treating ear mites and also ear infections in dogs, that is two remedies from one ingredient!

3) Oats
These can help if your dog has irritable skin, just use some in your dogs bath water to help relieve the symptoms of irritable skin and stop excessive scratching.

4) Garlic
Garlic can help to repel fleas from your dogs fur, once the nasty little fleas take a bite out of your dog they will run for their lives, they can not microphone and stand the taste of garlic, must apply for all bloodsuckers then!

5) Epsom Salts
Epsom salts are really good for your dogs feet, all you have to do is add them to water and bath your dogs feet in it! But watch your pooch does not drink any of the water!

You will find that natural home remedies for dogs are really inexpensive compared to vet fees and commercial dog products, and they are a whole lot safer too! What better way to keep your dog in tip top condition and also be able to treat almost any ailment that your beloved pet is likely to encounter!

Would you like to learn Natural Home Remedies for Dogs and treat any ailment your dog is ever going to get? How would you like to make sure your dog enjoys the best health and vitality. If yes then go here now and grab your Free Course!

In some cases, we give them drug so that their body has a protection like a vaccine to help their immune system stronger and maybe for more major problem. Dogs should take some drug for their healthy living. To make them eat this is not like our child when we just tell them what the point and function of medicine they should eat. Yes, it will much easier than any but for dog, some force practical action should apply some time.

First one, okay maybe this is the most known method by others which is, if dogs never knew what we will said to them how important to them to take a medicine this night before they sleep, so answer is never let them know about it. And of course by some force action we just mixed with the water of food materials offered.

Secondly, same things like number one which is by using some force action but this one much more conservative than before. Because before this, dogs never knew about they already eaten some drug before. But right now, we just directly restraint the dog well and open the mouth. Place the tablet pc 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.

And last one, ready for the most cruel method which is we delay the feeding time. Yes, maybe your dogs is too good to smell in their food from the first method. Back to the objective, 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.

Please noted, be careful when administering drug to them, never directly put the drugs into the respiratory organ like lungs.

How to make your dog a dry skin calm

The decrease of the season, a dry season, especially when the temperatures begin to fall and the winter cold to begin with lack moisture in the air, the private root environment and the water can cause many problems, such as dry skin and nasal congestion. This can also affect your dog greatly because they can also exhibit the same symptoms as you do when the dry seasons and lack of moisture in the air is inevitable.

There are things you can do when your skin to keep dogs free of dryness and cracking, which always seem to worry about each year. Got recently noticed that my dog was scratching a bit and that seemed to really bother him. In some cases, dry skin and itching can be an indicator of a serious problem to be, but more often it is simply the lack of moisture so the skin becomes dry and itchy.

A tip for your dog's skin healthy and free of dry and keep cracking to a good moisturizing shampoo to use on a regular basis. This condition of the skin and keep it from drying out. Oatmeal shampoo works very well because it is very soothing to the skin and helps protect against dryness and itching. You'll want to try and bath her dogs on a regular basis so that the shampoo really impact.

What is a Pets’ Shelter Home ?

The shelter will also make sure that the dog goes through a vet check such as getting the right amount of vaccination, checking its worm temperature and all the medications before they become available for adoption. Most shelters provide good accommodation, food, and veterinary care and their aim is to provide home again for those reclaimed dogs as many as possible. However, it might not work out for all shelters as sometimes there are too many dogs to be feed, and there are not much dogs getting a new home so many of them are put to sleep.

To cover the cost of the shelter home, most shelter provide animal welfare services such as educational programs and affordable veterinary services. One of the missions in most shelter homes also includes matching up the right owner and the right dog. New or current dog owners are also recommended to get advice from the shelter staff or volunteers to ensure you make the best choice.

Public can help in way to keep the shelter operating smoothly. Since they are mostly owned by non-profit organization , they somehow depend on donations not just in term of money but also pet food, blankets, any pet materials to survive. Many shelters also organize fund raising to raise money and by donating goods, usable, clean and good items allow them to sell it at a reasonable price and gain money from there. If you have spare time that you would like to offer them, you could also be a volunteer by assisting in running their shelters, give them a call and see how you can assist them.

There are a few things you need to know before adopting or bringing a dog in your life. Taking care of your dog requires a lot of work, time, effort, responsibility and also cost. It is just like taking care of a baby. By the time you own a dog, it will stay with you for the next 10 to 15 years. Dogs can be a good companion but when some owner could not afford the burden of cost and time with the dog, most dogs end up at the shelters. Dogs are not toys for your kids, when your adopt them, they are already part of your family and you should be treating them well. Do the discussions with your family members before getting a dog or getting the right breed.

If we plan to adopt a dog, we should all start to find one at the shelter which is a good deed where you just not only giving the dog a home but also appreciating the services the shelter had been giving all along.

Know this About Dog Rescues Before Adopting a New Dog

When it comes to choosing a breed many people have a desire for a certain breed – a Labrador, German shepherd, Spaniel or whatever. But when it comes down to brass tacks, the economies of the situation, we can not always afford the price of a purebred puppy. Life and family get in the way, competing for the finances. This is where Dog Rescues can step into the breach and fill a need.

Dog Rescues are run by people who care deeply about dogs that have been mistreated, abandoned or given up on by their previous owners. The whole aim of these organisations is to find a new home with caring parents so these unfortunate dogs can live the rest of their lives in a secure and loving environment.

Dog rescues normally cater for a particular breed of dog. This makes life easy as once you’ve found one for the breed you are interested in then it’s simply a case of registering and waiting for the right dog to come in. Usually they will have a contact list which will keep you informed when new dogs come in.

Finding a dog rescue can be as simple as looking in your yellow pages or searching on the internet. Doing a regional search by putting your city in the search terms will produce the nearest results to you.

One thing you must be prepared for with a Dog Rescue is the third degree investigation into your suitability as a potential adoptive parent. Don’t worry – they stop short of the bright lights and the coshes.

Be prepared to give them details on previous dog ownership, your family, your house and yard and where you plan on keeping the dog. They will also want to know about your experience training dogs and how you discipline your dog. And they will also spend time talking with you, trying to assess your character and how it will fit in with the particular dog you are thinking of adopting.

Be patient – there’s a good reason for this. All they are trying to do is make sure that you and the dog are a perfect fit. The last thing they want is for the dog to return to them at some time in the future. These dogs have already lost out once. Often they have suffered abuse and neglect and have fears and neuroses. The whole aim of the Dog Rescue is to avoid that happening again and give the dog a good chance of living a happy life for the rest of its days.

So, having said all this, what can you expect from a rescue dog? The obvious difference will be the price you will pay. Expect to pay a couple of hundred dollars as opposed to the $1000+ for a purebred puppy.

Why so much for a rescue dog? You’ve got to remember that these dogs have often been abused or neglected and arrive at the Dog Rescue in a poor state. They often have ticks, fleas, skin problems, worms and poor or no vaccination records.

All of these things have to be treated before the dog can be considered ready for re-adoption. So the couple of hundred dollars is easily swallowed up by vet bills, feed bills etc.

Which brings up another issue. Due to his previous ownership and possible abuse and neglect, be prepared to accept that the dog you adopt may have need for further treatment to repair the damage done by previous owners. So there may be an ongoing cost for further treatment. Over time your rescue dog may cost you more.

You can also expect your rescue dog to be older. Adolescent and older dogs are more liable to be rescued than puppies. There’s an upside to this as older dogs have developed their personality so it’s easier to get an idea of the dogs’ temperament and match it to your needs.

This matching of dog and adoptive parent goes both ways. You have to ask yourself if you are right for a rescue dog.

Leaving aside the cost factors, there are a number of things you have to ask yourself:

•    Is my life and household stable enough for such a dog. Due to the previous abuse, such dogs need a stable loving environment to repair the mental damage they have suffered.
•    Can I, or my family, provide the daily care, grooming and medical care that may be required?
•    Can I provide the training, or re-training, that may be required? Abused dogs often have incontinence problems that can take a long time to cure. Some dogs also need house training again. Can you face that?
•    What age and sex dog do I want? Is an older dog better suited to your household? Many Dog Rescues have problems finding homes for males dogs for some reason. Could you be an exception and provide a home for a male dog?

For obvious reasons many of the best prospective parents for such dogs are older couples. Usually their children have grown and flown the nest and they have the time on thei

Powered by WordPress | Theme: Motion by 85ideas.