problems | - Part 8

0

Dog Crates: Indoor Dog Dens

Posted on January 25, 2011 by admin

Many dog owners wonder what dog supplies are important to have for their little friends. While they know they need to provide food, shelter, and toys, there are often questions regarding the use of dog crates. The questions are usually related to house-training.

First we need to discuss how dog crates can compare to dog dens. In the wild dogs have dens as their homes. This could be a cave, an area under fallen a log, or even under an out building. These dens provide the dogs with a certain amount of shelter and protection. The dens make them feel safe.

Essentially, the dogs will use their dens as a place to sleep and relax. They strive to keep the area clean. In other words they do not urinate or defecate inside the den.

Dogs living in the home also look for a place to serve as a den. They may choose to use a spot behind or under a piece of furniture. But if a dog crate is provided they are very likely to accept that as the den – that is, if the dog crate is used correctly.

Dog crates should never be used as a place of punishment. Instead they should be the dog’s safe place – the place they go for comfort. Be sure that the crate is large enough to be comfortable for your pet. You can help create that feeling of reassurance by adding a soft blanket or other bedding material for your furry little friend. It’s also a good idea to keep a favorite toy in the crate.

The idea is to make the time in the crate enjoyable. This even includes when you are using a crate as a housebreaking aid. The reason crates are helpful in this training task is that you can keep your puppy (or dog) confined for a period of time without making a mess of the crate. Remember, the dog will accept the crate as his den and he wants to keep his den clean.

Keep in mind that puppies need to relieve themselves very often. You can expect the need immediately after waking up, after eating or drinking, after playing or other exercise, and sometimes in between. Of course you should not keep your puppy in the crate all the time. The crate should be used when you are not available to watch over your puppy.

However, it is best to allow the puppy to be in a confined area with you whenever possible. If you must be gone for long periods of time you may want to invest in a dog play pen. These pens offer a larger area but still provide a safe and confined place for the puppy to stay while you are gone.

Dog Crates: Indoor Dog Dens courtesy Dog Articles.

Looking for a great gift idea? Who wouldn’t love a cutting board showcasing their favorite breed? Check out all of the great doggie gift ideas on Amazon.com –doggieoftheday@amazon.com

0

5 Things To Consider When Buying A Puppy

Posted on January 24, 2011 by admin

Having a puppy is something many children dream about. They hear their friends at school talking about their dogs and the jealousy sets in. You might desperately want one yourself. The good news is that buying a puppy can be a great addition to your household and teach your kids great responsibility. Even so, there are some things you need to think about before making the final leap.

1. The first thing to consider is that puppies take a lot of time and attention. It can almost seem like you have to care for a newborn baby because the attention they need is constant. It will get easier as they become older, but even full-grown dogs need pampering. Many dogs and puppies are also very playful and need some form of entertainment or they’re likely to get into trouble.

2. Puppies also need to be trained in different areas as they get older. There are probably training classes in your area that increase in difficulty as your dog gets older. It is a good idea to send your children to the classes too so they know exactly how to interact with their pet.

3. Keep in mind that your puppy will cost a lot of money. Even if you try to calculate all the costs there will be some that are completely unexpected. Some of the many are food, toys, vaccinations, registrations, and dog training. If poor little pup gets hurt you’ll also find yourself with a large vet bill. Expect to pay for your dog what you would pay for a member of your “human” family because the costs can really add up.

4. Your puppy will get a lot larger depending on the breed. While that is a fairly obvious statement it does need to be said. If you have small children it can be intimidating to have such a large animal around. The best way to avoid any problems is to do your research before your purchase to make sure you’re getting a dog that is just right.

5. Another consideration is that your dog will need considerable exercise. If you enjoy exercising yourself this will be a no-brainer for you. On the other hand, if you are worn out at the end of a long day it can be a lot of trouble to take your dog for a walk. Many dogs also like to play with their toys and be active in general. There are breeds that are less enthusiastic so choose one of those if you prefer to be sedentary.

You will also need room for your dog to play and sleep. If you have plans to get a large dog you should make sure that you have a large area. Of course, there are also dogs that will always be so small they can fit into a purse. Make your decision based on the space you have.

Despite all of the things you need to think about it can be incredibly rewarding to be a dog owner. This is especially true if it’s the first time you’re going to buy a puppy. It is an experience like nothing else and they are oh-so-cute! If you decide to make the purchase, it will be a neat adventure for your whole family.

5 Things To Consider When Buying A Puppy courtesy of Dog Articles.

Looking for a great gift idea? Who wouldn’t love a throw blanket showcasing their favorite breed? Check out all of the great doggie gift ideas on Amazon.com –doggieoftheday@amazon.com

0

Dog Whelping

Posted on January 24, 2011 by admin

The whelping process will be easier for both you and your bitch if you know what to expect and plan ahead for any potential problems.

Your bitch will indicate to you that she’s approaching labor. The more obvious signs of laboring behavior are restlessness, panting or shivering, and preparing a nesting area.

It’s a good idea to provide a proper whelping box to keep mom and her babies warm and clean. A sturdy cardboard box lined with clean newspaper is an inexpensive solution, and is easy to dispose of after the pups are weaned. When your bitch starts to shred the newspaper and arrange her nesting area, delivery is only a few days away. It is a good idea to have supplies such as tissues, paper towels, clean towels and garbage bags set out ahead of time to prepare for whelping.

Just before whelping, your bitch may lose her appetite and become very clingy. Her temperature will drop in that last day before birth, from a normal rectal temperature of between 101 and 102 degrees Fahrenheit to around 98.5 degrees. She may also begin to leak milk from her nipples.

The birthing process has three distinct stages. During the first stage, regular uterine contractions begin, and become more frequent as her delivery gets closer. Your dog may vomit and she may begin to discharge clear, mucoid fluid from her vagina.

The second stage begins when the bitch’s abdomen starts contracting hard, and pushing the puppies out. She will either lie down or squat to deliver her pups. Normal deliveries usually begin within ten to sixty minutes of the onset of hard contractions.

The puppies may be born in their amniotic sac, and your bitch will immediately begin to break the bag, clean her babies and chew through the umbilical cord. If she doesn’t, you will need to step in to make sure the puppies are freed from the sac and breathing properly. Once the babies are dried off, the cord can be carefully tied off and snipped so the mother can continue to care for her new babies.

The final stage of whelping involves delivery of the placenta, or afterbirth, for each puppy. The placenta may or may not still be attached to the pup. The bitch may attempt to eat her placenta, which sounds gross but is quite normal behavior. If she doesn’t want to eat it, that’s fine too, there’s no specific nutritional value in it.

Newborns may attempt to suckle their mother during her delivery. This is a good thing, because it stimulates the production of oxytocin. This hormone helps the uterus to contract, and speeds up delivery of any remaining pups. Keep a close watch on your bitch, so she doesn’t accidentally lie on her newborns as she delivers the remainder of her litter.

This is what happens in a normal delivery. If complications arise, don’t hesitate to call your veterinarian. If your bitch has a fresh bloody discharge from the vagina, a rise in rectal temperature beyond 102 degrees, or hard contractions that don’t produce a puppy for more than thirty minutes, contact your veterinarian immediately.

If your bitch becomes depressed or exhausts herself to the point where she stops delivering, she may need a cesarean section to deliver her litter.

The birthing process can be long and arduous for both dog and owner. By being prepared for any eventuality before your bitch gives birth will help make the process as stress free as possible.

Dog Whelping courtesy of Dog Articles.

Looking for a great gift idea? Who wouldn’t love a cutting board showcasing their favorite breed? Check out all of the great doggie gift ideas on Amazon.com –doggieoftheday@amazon.com

0

5 Tips For Spotting A Disreputable Dog Breeder

Posted on January 23, 2011 by admin

New dog owners should always make sure that their purebred pup comes from a reputable and responsible breeder. This is really is the only way to ensure that the animal will be free of any medical or behavioral problems. If a breeder you speak with displays any of the following 5 behaviors, he or she probably isn’t breeding healthy puppies in accordance with standards that have been set for the breed.

1. The breeder is willing to sell you any puppy you want, no questions asked.

All reputable dog breeders care about what happens to each and every puppy they breed, even after it leaves their care. Indeed, a good breeder will ask you many, many questions about your lifestyle, experience with the breed, house and property size, show or breeding experience, and any other aspect of your life that may affect the puppy’s future. If your answers to these questions are not satisfactory, then the breeder probably won’t sell the puppy to you. A good breeder will also require that you sign a contract in which you agree to: have the puppy fixed if you’re not going to breed it; notify the breeder if the dog develops any diseases or medical conditions; notify the breeder first if you are no longer able to care for your dog; and, do anything else the breeder feels is important for the health and well-being of the puppy and the breed. If your breeder doesn’t seem to care about the puppy’s future and only seems interested in payment, go to another breeder.

2. The breeder seems reluctant to answer questions about the puppy’s pedigree.

A reputable breeder knows all about the pedigrees of the puppies he or she sells. He or she knows who the parents were and can provide you with each puppy’s lineage, going back several generations. You will also want to register your purebred puppy with the American Kennel Club (AKC). The breeder is supposed to supply you with an AKC registration application with his or her portion already filled out. After you fill out and submit your part of the application, you’ll receive an AKC registration certificate. If the breeder you are dealing with cannot provide you with any documentation or registration papers for either the litter or the parents, be extremely wary.

3. The breeder does not seem too concerned with the health of his or her animals.

Any potential buyer of a purebred puppy should be able to see the facility in which the animal was bred. Do the puppies and other dogs there look healthy? If not, then the breeder may not be maintaining an appropriate standard of care. This could definitely affect the current and future health of the puppy in which you’re interested. The breeder should also have a record of the puppy’s health care, from birth to the present, and should be happy to provide you with copies. He or she should also guarantee that the puppy is free from any genetic disorders.

4. The breeder will not allow you to see the breeding facility.

Any reputable breeder will be happy to give you a tour of their facility. If the breeder you’ve chosen is not willing to let you see where your potential puppy comes from, the breeder may be running a puppy mill. Puppy mills are facilities that breed puppies only for profit, not for the benefit or love of the breed. Often, multiple dogs are crammed into one cage, the living conditions are filthy and the dogs there do not receive the proper nutrition or medical care. If the puppy you want comes from such a facility, it will most likely have serious medical and behavioral issues related to its stay there.

5. The breeder engages in questionable business practices.

If the asking price for your purebred puppy is significantly lower than other prices you’ve seen advertised for the same breed, there may be something wrong with the dog. Perhaps it comes from a puppy mill or has some serious medical issues. If the breeder also sells to pet stores, you can be pretty sure that he or she is operating a puppy mill. Reputable breeders usually concentrate on one or two breeds. If the breeder advertises that he or she has many different breeds for sale, then this is another indication that he or she may be breeding animals indiscriminately, without much concern for set breed standards.

5 Tips For Spotting A Disreputable Dog Breeder courtesy Dog Articles.

Looking for a great gift idea? Who wouldn’t love a holiday ornament showcasing their favorite breed? Check out all of the great doggie gift ideas on Amazon.com –doggieoftheday@amazon.com

0

Helping Your Elderly Dog

Posted on January 23, 2011 by admin

There comes a time with our dogs when we have to start considering some of the effects of age on their diet. They may need different food. They may not have the same appetite they had when they were younger. They may have some dental issues. Even their eyesight can affect their eating habits. However, with some care and consideration on your part, you can help your elderly dog through some of these problems and see that she continues to get the very best nutrition possible.

For many years dog food experts maintained that older dogs should have their protein intake limited in the belief that their kidneys could not process protein very well. We now know this not to be true. It’s perfectly all right to feed your older dog good quality protein in his diet as long as he doesn’t have any pre-existing kidney problems. The key is to make sure that you are feeding a good quality food with good quality protein. Recent research indicates that older dogs may need more protein than younger dogs instead of less.

You should also look for a food that is lower in carbohydrates with moderate amounts of fat. It’s not necessary to completely eliminate fat from your senior dog’s diet. Even if your dog is a little overweight, if you completely eliminate fat from his diet you will leave your dog feeling hungry all the time which can lead to other problems. If your dog is thin (and some older dogs can have trouble keeping their weight), a little additional fat in the diet won’t hurt.

When looking for a senior dog food it’s fine to buy a commercial food but make sure you read the label carefully. Some senior foods are formulated to keep weight off senior dogs. If your dog is already thin you don’t want a dog food that will cut his calories. You may need to look for a dog food that is higher in calories. If your dog is plump you may want to get one of the senior foods that will keep his weight down since too much weight can worsen conditions like arthritis.

Many senior dogs can have some dental problems which leads them to walk away from their food. They may nibble and be unable to eat much. If your dog has trouble eating you should examine her mouth. Ask your vet to look at your dog’s teeth. It may be necessary to have a tooth pulled or to scale your dog’s teeth. Pulling a tooth or even having a root canal done can often solve the problem and your dog will be back to eating like a younger dog again.

Most older dogs also begin to experience some dulling of the senses. They no longer smell and taste things as acutely as they once did. Food is no longer as appealing to them. You can make their food more tempting by adding some tasty canned food to their dry food to make it smell and taste better. You can also do some home cooking for your dog. Most dogs like to eat whatever you’ve cooked for yourself. Things like chicken and sweet potatoes, or beef cooked to tenderness are often favorites. As long as you don’t make this home cooking more than 30 percent of his diet you won’t be upsetting the vitamin balance that he gets from his regular dog food. It’s also a good idea to wet his regular kibble with something like chicken or beef broth to make it more appealing.

Older dogs can also begin to have some eyesight problems. They may look at their feed bowls oddly at times and refuse to eat. Don’t be surprised if you have to resort to hand feeding once in a while.

You should also take your senior dog to the vet for a senior health check periodically. Your vet will be able to identify possible problems and tell you about any special things you should be doing to take care of your dog.

Just because your dog is getting older doesn’t mean she’s ready to leave you. Your older dog is merely going through some physical changes. You can help her with these changes by being watchful and trying to figure out the kind of help she needs. Let your dog’s actions and appearance guide you. You can do a lot to help her live many more happy years.

Helping Your Elderly Dog courtesy of Dog Articles.

Looking for a great gift idea? Who wouldn’t love a beautiful plate showcasing their favorite breed? Check out all of the great doggie gift ideas on Amazon.com –doggieoftheday@amazon.com

0

Why You Should Rescue Dogs

Posted on January 23, 2011 by admin

It is an amazing fact but Benji in the movie “Benji: Off the Leash” was actually an adopted dog. He came from the Humane Society of South Miss. Benji came to be at that humane society when he was found wandering around the streets.

Of course, most dogs won’t have such good fortune to be movie stars, but they will certainly be glad to be rescued. And the person who rescues them can rest easy that they’ve done the right thing. It’s not hard to find a dog to rescue either; there are thousands of animal shelters all over the United States.

Some people think that rescue dogs are unhealthy and unclean, or that there must have been a good reason for the previous owner to give them up. While this is true in some cases, it is more often that it was the owner’s fault and not the dog’s.

If you’re on the fence about buying a dog from a shelter there are three good reasons you should consider getting one.

1. There are shelters all over that are filled to the brim with these great pets. When you adopt a dog you will be freeing up room for the shelter to save another dog.

2. You will be saving a lot of money. It can cost a lot to buy your dog from a pet store. When you buy from a shelter you will only spend in the neighborhood of $45 to $160. If you choose to buy from a breeder you could end up paying in the thousands for the same kind of dog.

3. You are saving a dog’s life when you rescue a dog. There are no two ways about it. When these shelters get overcrowded they have no choice but to put some dogs to sleep. When you buy a shelter dog you will literally be saving its life.

Of course, not everything is always so rosy. There are some negatives to buying a dog from a shelter as well. Many of these concerns are physical and behavioral reasons.

1. The dog you rescue might be physically disabled in some way. Even if you don’t notice these problems at first they might show up stronger down the road. One example is Hip Dysplaisa. This is kind of like dog arthritis and can impair your dog severely.

2. If your dog is hurt in some way the pain can cause them to act out in ways they would not normally. If you have small children this can be a bad situation for everyone involved.

3. Behavioral issues are also a problem because you never know what kind of life the dog had before it was in the shelter. If the dog was malnourished or abused in its previous home you might run into a lot of problems and odd behaviors.

4. It can be hard to train a dog that you find in a shelter. These dogs might be set in their ways and not willing to learn. House training is a must and it can be very difficult with a dog that is wary of training.

It’s best not to get discouraged despite all of these seemingly negative problems. There are ways for you to overcome physical and behavioral problems with your dog. Try going to your local Humane Society or ASPCA. There are also specific breed animal rescues that are likely to be in your area. Rescuing a dog means getting a brand new member of the family.

Why You Should Rescue Dogs courtesy of Dog Articles.

Looking for a great gift idea? Who wouldn’t love an ornament showcasing their favorite breed? Check out all of the great doggie gift ideas on Amazon.com –doggieoftheday@amazon.com

0

Which Dog Bowl Is Right For Your Dog?

Posted on January 23, 2011 by admin

When you became a dog owner you became responsible for his care in every way. This includes feeding him as well as meeting every other need in his life. While the process of caring for a dog is not complicated many people do not give as much thought as they should about some of the basic care. This includes things like training your dog basic commands that could literally save his life, and learning about proper nutrition for your pet so you can insure that he gets a proper diet. Taking that one step farther, consideration should be given to the type of bowl that your dog will eat from.

Nowadays there are lots of choices available when it comes to dog dishes. We can find bowls that match our décor, personalized styles, or even self-feeding type bowls. They are also made from various materials, including everything from plastic and ceramic to metal.

Ideally the dog bowl should be easy to clean. Plastic bowls may not be a good choice for puppies because young dogs sometimes like to chew on things, including their food dish. A more durable bowl may be safer for them.

Size really does matter. The size of the bowl should be right for the amount of food that you feed your dog. Using a bowl that is too large can easily lead to over-feeding. Obviously, that can result in your dog becoming obese and unhealthy. Using a bowl that is too small can mean more work for you since you will have to feed your dog more often.

Another very important consideration is the depth of the bowl. If your dog has a short face you will need to use a shallow bowl. But dogs that have long muzzles can eat from deeper dishes without difficulty. One more issue related to the dog’s comfort when eating is the elevation of the dish. When dishes are raised up at a higher level, so that the dog does not have to bend his neck downward as he eats and swallows, eating is more comfortable for the dog. This is especially true for larger dogs. Dishes can be purchased in small raised holders or you can improvise with your own devices.

If your dog has a tendency to scoot his bowl across the floor you may want to consider looking for bowls that have rubber feet that will keep them in place. Another option is adding the rubber pads yourself or simply using a rubber mat to place the bowls on. Self-feeding bowls are the ones that have a dish that is continually filled. The reservoir is filled with a large quantity of food that drops down as the dog eats.

Which Dog Bowl Is Right For Your Dog courtesy of Dog Articles.

Looking for a great gift idea? Who wouldn’t love a throw blanket showcasing their favorite breed? Check out all of the great doggie gift ideas on Amazon.com –doggieoftheday@amazon.com

0

How to Identify Canine Health Problems

Posted on January 23, 2011 by admin

It’s a truism that our dogs can’t talk to us. They can’t tell us how they feel or if there is something ailing them. In fact, most dogs tend to hide ailments. Your dog may have an injury or be in pain and you might not know it for several days unless you are paying close attention to any departure from his normal behavior.

You can learn to tell if your dog has a health problem by doing the following:

1. Pay attention to your dog’s daily routine. Did he finish his food? Did he follow his usual bathroom habits? Is he drinking his normal amount of water? More? Less? All of these things can tell you important information about your dog’s health. They are often first indicators that something may be wrong with your dog.

2. How is your dog’s overall condition? Has he lost weight? Gained weight? Is his coat shiny or is it looking bad? Again, these are important indicators that your dog may be experiencing a change in his health. Watch them closely. It can be easy to miss your dog gaining or losing weight since it may happen gradually, but if your dog begins losing hair or having other skin problems, these are usually very noticeable and they can be an indication of thyroid problems, allergies or other conditions.

3. How is your dog’s energy level? Is he as active as he usually is or does he lie around more? Is he lethargic? Is he hyperactive? A change in your dog’s energy level can indicate a change for the worse in his health. Lethargy could be an indication of anything from hypothyroidism to heart failure.

4. Is your dog sensitive about his ears? Ear problems are very common with dogs, especially long-eared breeds and breeds with long hair. Ear problems can take the form of yeast and bacterial infections. If left untreated they can even lead to hearing lost or require surgery.

These are some of the things that are easily observable. You can also check your dog’s gums to see if they are healthy and pink. If they are too pale that could be an indication that your dog is not processing oxygen as well as he should — perhaps a sign of hemolytic anemia or a cardiovascular problem.

If your dog is limping for more than a few hours you may need to take him to the vet to see what the problem is. Dogs can twist or sprain a limb the same way people can, but if your dog limps for more than just a short period of time he could have a bony growth or be feeling some form of arthritis. Your vet would need to make the diagnosis and prescribe a course of treatment.

With dogs, as with humans, there are so many possible health conditions that it’s hard to say what might be wrong with your dog just by looking at him. However, you can usually tell by looking at a dog if something is wrong, even if you don’t know exactly what it is.

You know your dog better than anyone. If you sense that something is “off” or just not right with your dog you should trust your instincts and take your dog to the vet. Better safe than sorry where the health of your dog is concerned.

How to Identify Canine Health Problems courtesy of Dog Articles.

Looking for a great gift idea? Who wouldn’t love a cutting board showcasing their favorite breed? Check out all of the great doggie gift ideas on Amazon.com –doggieoftheday@amazon.com

0

Does My Dog Have A Yeast Infection?

Posted on January 16, 2011 by admin

Dogs can exhibit many kinds of skin problems and infections. Some are serious while others may be a temporary reaction to something and nothing to worry about. When you hear the term “yeast infection,” however, you usually know that you’re dealing with something that can be significant.

Yeast infections in dogs usually manifest themselves as either recurring ear infection that are very difficult to get rid of; or they can show up as one of a couple of kinds of infections plaguing your dog’s skin. In either case the situation can be serious and your poor dog may be miserable.

If your dog has a chronic ear infection you may have been treating the problem in various ways. You may have even been to the veterinarian with your dog. Many vets will prescribe antibiotic ear drops for an ear infection and that’s fine, as far as it goes. It will clear up the obvious infection. But a yeast infection is often a secondary infection — a fungal infection — and antibiotics will not kill the yeast/fungus that lives deep in your dog’s ear.

In order to clear up your dog’s recurring ear infection you will need a medication that kills yeast. You’ll also need to make some changes to your dog’s diet so his immune system will be more capable of fighting off yeast infections.

If your dog is experiencing a rash or itching and it turns into itching, crusty, smelly skin, he probably has a yeast infection. The skin may thicken all over or in certain places to have an “elephant” appearance — grayish and flattened.

Yeast is always present in your dog’s gastrointestinal tract. When your dog is healthy and his immune system is functioning properly they are not a problem. There are plenty of good bacteria in your dog’s system to keep the yeast under control and yeast serves some positive purposes in your dog’s body. One such yeast, Candida albicans, lives in your dog’s digestive tract and eats sugar and fats. However, yeast is considered to be an “opportunistic feeder.” That means that when something in your dog’s body gets out of balance, such as the balance of bacteria or your dog’s immune system, the yeast will begin proliferating. They can grow out of control and begin causing your dog’s system problems, such as itching skin. They can also result in allergies, bladder infections and ear infections.

Yeast is also present on your dog’s skin, and on most surfaces around us. When your dog’s immune system is compromised it produces changes in the skin which allow the yeast to run rampant. Your dog’s skin can produce too much oil. This often happens with allergies, which go hand-in-hand with immune system problems.

If your dog is showing signs of having a yeast infection — itching, crusty skin, a distinctive musty odor — your vet has several ways of confirming the problem.

– He can take a smear on your dog’s skin with a microscope slide

– He can use a piece of tape to collect samples from your dog’s skin

– He can do a skin scraping with a razor blade

– He can use a moistened cotton swab on your dog’s skin

– He can do a small skin biopsy

All of these methods have the same purpose. They are intended to collect yeast from your dog’s skin and identify the Malessezia pachydermatis fungus.

There are several approaches to treating a yeast infection and they can be used in conjunction with each other. Your vet may prescribe antibiotics if your dog has other infections along with the yeast infection, but antibiotics will not cure the yeast infection. Instead, you will need to use a drug such as Ketoconazole or Itraconazole to treat the fungus.

There are also shampoos for the outer condition. Benzoyl peroxide shampoos and sulfur/salicylate shampoos are usually effective and help remove the skin oils that feed the yeast. There are also several good anti-yeast shampoos.

With yeast infections it’s very important to treat the underlying cause of the problem, otherwise the yeast will overgrow again and the infection will return. In many cases the problem is poor nutrition. If you are feeding a good quality food then your dog may have some kind of allergy to the food. If the problem is not the food then your dog may have a flea bite allergy in which his body overreacts to just one or two bites from a flea and his immune system begins to work overtime. Or, there could be some other allergy at work. But food allergies are the usual culprit and the easiest to fix. Some dogs have become allergic to some grains and common proteins found in many dog foods these days. Luckily there are many brands which now offer grain-free foods and there is a wide assortment of foods with different protein sources now. If your dog has been having yeast infections you can try some of these alternative dog foods and see if his allergic reactions improve.

The most important thing to remember about yeast infections is that they don’t have a chance of bothering dogs with strong immune systems. Do your best to keep your dog’s immune system healthy with good food, sensible veterinary care, and lots of exercise and you will be less likely to have problems from yeast infections.

Does My Dog Have A Yeast Infection courtesy of Dog Articles.

Looking for a great gift idea? Who wouldn’t love an ornament showcasing their favorite breed? Check out all of the great doggie gift ideas on Amazon.com –doggieoftheday@amazon.com

0

Bringing Home An Older Dog

Posted on January 16, 2011 by admin

Older dogs have special needs. If you decide to bring home an older dog you will need to do some special things for him. His health, his activities, his comfort in your home, his diet– all of these things will depend on you.

Whether you are adopting an older dog, you receive one from a friend, or you find an older dog as a stray, your first step should be to take your new friend to the vet. Even if your older dog looks healthy, many times older dogs have some hidden health issues that you can’t see. Your older dog will need geriatric health screening at some point but you may not need to do that right away. Your vet should, however, look at your dog’s teeth to make sure they are in good shape. Poor teeth can often cause an older dog to be unable to eat properly. This can lead to loss of weight and general poor health. Your vet can make sure that your older dog is current on vaccinations — although you should not over-vaccinate an older dog. This general checkup should be able to catch any immediate health problems in your dog.

You should also pay close attention to the diet of your older dog. What has he been eating? What kind of condition is he in? Is he too thin? Too fat? If he’s in good condition you can continue to feed him what he’s used to eating, but if he needs to gain or lose weight you can gradually switch him to a better food. You do not have to choose a “senior” dog food. Experts are split on whether these senior foods are actually good for older dogs. Many dogs lose weight on them. They are generally designed for dogs that gain weight in their later years — they are tested on Labrador Retrievers and Beagles, which gain weight easily. If you have a breed that loses weight when they’re older, as many dogs do, these senior foods would be a bad choice. Instead, you can continue feeding a dog food for “all life stages.” You can add supplements for joint health, such as glucosamine-chondroitin, MSM and others, if you wish. People are divided on whether these supplements actually help an older dog but they don’t do any harm.

If your older dog has any particular health conditions, as diagnosed by your vet, you can add the appropriate supplements or medications.

If your older dog has hip dysplasia or other joint problems, you can work on activities that may help him. Swimming is often good for some hip dysplasia. If your dog is overweight then moderate exercise, such as long walks with you, is highly recommended. Find the appropriate exercise for your older dog. He’s not a young dog anymore but he can and should partake of exercise that he’s able to do.

Finally, make sure that you keep your older dog comfortable in your home. His joints and bones may be achy sometimes. Provide him with comfortable places to sleep, such as a soft doggy bed. Orthopedic doggy beds are very good for dogs with any kind of hip dysplasia. If your dog has joint problems or just feels old and moves more slowly, heated beds or heating pads under some covers can make him feel better. If your dog eats more slowly because he’s missing some teeth give him plenty of quiet time to eat his food. Don’t rush him.

Your older dog may take some time to adjust to living in your home but he will most likely be very happy living with you if you do your best to take good care of him. Follow these tips and your older dog will adjust to your home very quickly.

Bringing Home An Older Dog courtesy of Dog Articles.

Looking for a great gift idea? Who wouldn’t love a set of coasters showcasing their favorite breed? Check out all of the great doggie gift ideas on Amazon.com –doggieoftheday@amazon.com