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Dogs

Aggressive behavior in Dogs - Preventing a Mishap
Over time dogs have learnt to live with humans. Most of the times, they are docile and lend themselves to petting. They also obey commands, if trained well. There are instances where dogs have served well as companions to senior citizens and handicapped individuals.

Causes of Dominant Aggression in Dogs
Dog biting is something that is very likely if a dog is in an aggression mode. Aggressive dog behavior is clearly characterized by ominous or threatening behavior. It can lead to injury of other animals and even human beings, including family members.

Understanding and Treating Fear Aggression in Dogs
Dog aggression can have various causes. The various kinds of aggression observed in dogs are categorized based on what causes it – fear aggression, dominance aggression, territorial aggression and others. Aggressive dog behavior can be induced by fear.

Dog Obedience Training for Biting
Just as you teach appropriate behavior to your children, dogs also need to be trained to behave in an acceptable manner. The difference however is the age at which the training is most effective.

Aggressive Behavior Caused by a Dog's Diet
Understanding dog behavior is important before arriving at any conclusions about the reasons behind certain types of behavior. Much as humans feel offended at certain things and resort to aggression, dogs too respond similarly. Just as certain foods do not suit humans, there are many foods that should not be fed to dogs.

The Signs of Diabetes in Dogs
Diabetes mellitus or simply diabetes is a common condition in dogs. Howsoever scary it may sound it is not the end of the world for your dog because diabetes in canines is manageable if proper care is taken. Diet, regular monitoring of blood sugar levels and medication are key aspects of adequate care.

How to care for a Dog with Diabetes
Treating diabetes in cats and dogs involves regular monitoring of diet, blood sugar levels and insulin levels. The monitoring needs to be done on a daily basis and pet owners obviously cannot be expected to visit a veterinarian daily for the daily insulin dose.

Taking Care of Skin Problems in Senior Dogs
After having given you a lifetime of love, loyalty and companionship, a senior dog needs a reason to live in its older days. Even though it remains debatable whether dogs experience emotions like humans or not, they definitely deserve the same compassion as any other senior member of your family.

Antioxidants and Immune System Vitamins for Dogs
While inefficient or over active immune systems can cause diseases, other diseases can also compromise the immune system’s ability to combat diseases.

Home cooked food is the best Dog food for liver health and longevity
It is a mad jungle out there when it comes to selling dog food. Seeing the number of brands, the different types of sales pitches adopted by marketers and the fancy names with tongue twisting ingredients printed on labels, it appears the focus is on attracting buyers and grabbing a share of the whopping $ 11 billion pie

Auto Immune Disease in Dogs and Related Symptoms
Autoimmune diseases in dogs follow an almost similar pattern as in humans. Just as autoimmune diseases in humans are suspected to be related to a genetic predisposition, certain breeds of dogs are more vulnerable than others.

Treatment of Liver Disease in Dogs - the Complete Picture
Its multifunctional nature and its unusually large size with six lobes, makes the liver a complex organ. It is equally affected by primary diseases that originate from it and secondary problems that start from other organs but reflect upon liver functions.

Natural Remedies for Cleaning Dog Ears - One Way to Prevent Infections
Dog ear canals are L-shaped to protect the sharp hearing capabilities of dogs. This unusual shape is nature’s way of protecting the ear drum. But this shape is also the major reason why an ear infection is common in dogs. This is mainly due to the fact that the structure allows the ear mites moisture, ear wax and debris to accumulate.

Ear Ablation in Dogs - The Last Resort for Chronic Ear Infections
The treatment that is most effective for ear infections in dogs depends upon the severity of the condition. Home remedies for dog ear mites and regular grooming are effective methods to treat and prevent mild ear infections.

Home Remedies for Dog Ear Mites and Ear Infections
If your dog shakes his head too often, don’t just shirk it off as a funny habit. Dogs do not shake their heads without reason. If your dog shakes his head too often, you have every reason to suspect an infection in the ears.

Why and How to Clean and Soothe Dog Ears
Pet health issues plague everyone who has a pet at some time or another. Among other areas of concern, the one that can area that can pose a fair number of problems are ear infections.

Dog Inner Ear Infection Nightmares
Pet health is one of the primary concerns of pet owners. Any pet that you may have is likely to present some medical conditions at some point in time and will demand your attention. One aspect of pet health that is often missed out by many pet owners is in the area of dog ear health.

Dog Hookworm - How it Affects Puppies and Modes of Treatment
Hookworms are relatively more dangerous than other types of worms in dogs. Left untreated, hookworms can lead to death. This is particularly true for young puppies.

Roundworms in Dogs - How They Get In and Affect Your Dog
Roundworms have evolved in a manner that they can thrive in almost any environment. They can be found in freshwater, sea water and even in terrestrial environs. There are nearly 20,000 species of roundworms out which 15,000 are parasitic. They are also the most prevalent of the worms as compared to all other types of worms in dogs.

Immune and Auto-Immune Skin Conditions in Dogs
Autoimmune related skin diseases are mostly caused by allergies. These allergies occur as a reaction in a dog due to certain food items, pollutants, chemicals, dust, pollen and other substances that are normally harmless.

What Causes Anxiety Attacks in Dogs
Dogs cannot speak our language and we can never be sure whether their barking is a warning, a complaint or an expression of some discomfort. But there is one thing that we do know and that is that the barking is supposed to mean something.

Separation Anxiety in Dogs
We all know that dogs are extremely attached to their masters. And many of us would have heard of instances where dogs whine and pine for their masters when they go away on a long vacation. Some dogs have also been known to exhibit mature behavior when their masters are in trouble or sick.

How to Prevent Separation Anxiety in Dogs
Dogs are emotional animals and are generally ‘one-person’ pets. This means that their allegiance generally lies with one member of the family. Unlike cats, dogs are not too attached with the house. And this strong bond between the master and the pet brings about something called the separation anxiety.

Common Causes of Hair Loss in Dogs
Alopecia or hair loss is associated with an overwhelming majority of skin disorders in pets. Practically all domesticated animals face hair loss problems but cats and dogs are among the most seriously affected.

Canine Health Problem
Pets, especially dogs, occupy a special place in the hearts of their owners. Like that of any other family member, the dog’s health is your responsibility. Whereas common ailments like ticks, skin problems, anal blockages, can easily be handled with the aid of Homeopathic medicine for your pets, Cat Herbal Remedies, and Dog Herbal Remedies some of the canine health problems are serious in nature but can be avoided by regular checkups by a veterinarian who will advise you of the prevention and cures for these.

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Aggressive Behavior in Dogs - Preventing a Mishap   Over time dogs have learnt to live with humans. Most of the times, they are docile and lend themselves to petting. They also obey commands, if trained well. There are instances where dogs have served well as companions to senior citizens and handicapped individuals.

A well-trained dog can even run errands for you. At the same time, dogs can be unpredictable too. Although dog aggression is considered as one of the abnormal behaviors in domesticated dogs, an animal is after all an animal. Dogs evolved from wolves and retain some of their aggressive traits.

They are bound to respond to their genes and behave in accordance to them at times. However, the aggressive trait is manageable in most cases and if proper care is taken you can totally eliminate the possibility of aggression in your dog.

Aggressive dog behavior is mostly caused by the following factors:

* A medical condition.
* Genetic predisposition towards dominating the pack.
* A fear factor.
* Maternal fears for safety of the litter.
* Redirected aggression.
* Inter-male rivalry and territorial aggression.

Correcting aggressive behavior appropriately requires an understanding of the real cause of the aggression. There are different techniques that you can adopt to train your dog. These techniques can range from obedience training that is targeted towards establishing who the ‘boss’ is to a structured and methodical manner of desensitizing your dog to certain people or situations.

If you feel that your dog shows some signs of aggression, learning more about home care and preventing aggressive dog behavior will hold you in good stead.

Preventing dog aggression needs the involvement of the entire family, including children:

* Initially try to adopt a dog whose temperament is suited to your personality. Some individuals and certain breeds are more prone to indulge in persistent aggressive dog behavior and are therefore, difficult to manage.
* Develop a relationship with the dog right from the day you bring him home as a puppy. The relationship should be directed towards establishing that you are the leader. This is extremely important if the breed of your dog is susceptible to aggressive behavior.
* Do not allow children to interact with the dog when he is eating, chewing a bone or sleeping.
Exercise your dog daily, without the leash and let him run for a reasonable period of time.
* Hold daily obedience sessions to let him learn new lessons and revise old ones.
* Ask every member in the family to follow the protocol set by you for training sessions.
* Check the diet ingredients. The diet should meet the nutritional demands of your dog. It should be ensured that a diet that is likely to induce aggression should not be given to your dog.

If your dog is persistently unpredictable:

* Use a basket style muzzle and seek professional help.
* Avoid all interaction with the dog including physical punishment. Punishing can actually aggravate the present condition and may lead to dog biting.
* If you have more than one dog in the house, feed them separately. Remove all bones or rawhides that may be in his possession.
* Till such time a professional arrives, isolate the dog and confine him in a separate room.

Causes of Dominant Aggression in Dogs   Dog biting is something that is very likely if a dog is in an aggression mode. Aggressive dog behavior is clearly characterized by ominous or threatening behavior. It can lead to injury of other animals and even human beings, including family members.

There are various factors that influence aggression in dogs. Dog aggression can result from some underlying medical condition, inept handling, fear, anxiety or an inherent desire to dominate the pack. Dominance related aggression in dogs is actually the most common type of dog aggression in domesticated dogs. If dominance aggression surfaces, obedience training may be needed all over again.

It is difficult to identify dominance as the root cause of aggressive behavior since your dog may otherwise show signs of affection. However, it must be noted that given a chance he may assume leadership and try and dominate. This can result in an expression of displeasure even during normal actions like putting the collar on or petting him on his head.

As pack animals, dogs have an instinct to dominate. Since dogs were domesticated from wolves, they have retained pack mentality where survival depends upon leadership. . Leadership also determines who gets the best of what is available including mating rights.

Inept handling and training can trigger the dominance instinct in dogs. The animal does not have a sense of equality. The social structure of the pack is determined only by submission and dominance. Over time, a dog starts to treat the family as a part of the pack and tries to dominate.

This is mainly because the dog expects to be treated well if he can manage to dominate. The kindness of the handler and family is mistaken for subordination. In no time, the pet stops obeying commands and resists discipline, much to the annoyance of the owner.

As a dog owner if you do not take corrective measures and train your dog to establish that you are the leader of the ‘pack’, the dog is likely to assert his dominance over territory also. He may refuse to get up from the sofa or the bed or any other area that he has earmarked as his ‘own’ territory. Refusal to obey commands, snarling, snapping, and growling are common signs of dominant aggression.

Eventually, the dog may consider a hug as an effort by you or your family member as an effort to assume control and may snap or even bite. The stance that dogs normally use to assert dominance is showing readiness to lunge forward with an erect posture and ears turned in front.

Effective training and re-training in certain cases, is often able to chasten the dog to accept commands and shed aggressive behavior. Some breeds are genetically predisposed to aggressive behavior. A genetically predisposed dog may not cast off his aggression easily.

In difficult cases of dominant behavior training alone may not be enough. In such cases, castration is recommended. Training techniques should be used only after the dog has otherwise calmed down to some extent.

Understanding and Treating Fear Aggression in Dogs   Dog aggression can have various causes. The various kinds of aggression observed in dogs are categorized based on what causes it – fear aggression, dominance aggression, territorial aggression and others. Aggressive dog behavior can be induced by fear.

Fear is an emotion that we generally do not associate with dogs. However, it is a reality that some dogs can feel threatened or fearful due to certain specific objects, people or actions. If somebody, regardless of it being a human being or another animal, approaches a dog that is otherwise cringing in a corner with fear, the dog is likely to respond with aggression.

Such dog aggression can be understood in comparison with normal human behavior. Consider this - if you find yourself in a fearful condition and some one is approaching you without clarifying his intention, you are most likely to hit back in defense.

A dog cannot understand human language. In a fearful condition the dog is likely to misunderstand your gestures or body language. This can result in seemingly non-instigated aggression. While most dogs try to attack the source of fear, some resort to escape or show abnormal behaviors like increased fearful activity.

Dogs have evolved and learnt to adapt to life in a family. However, they do have emotions, fears and anger. Loud noises, a flying plane, firecrackers, bearded humans or for that matter, any strange object can induce fear in a dog. Fear induced dog aggression commonly manifests when a dog is in an inextricable situation. It may also occur when a dog owner gives severe punishments to the pet, a prior fearful experience or unpredictable behavior by children in the family.

Maternal aggression and territorial aggression too form a part of fear aggression in dogs. A bitch, like a human mother, wants to protect her offspring. The only manner in which a bitch can protect her children is by being aggressive. It is important to understand that the fear emanates from inherent fear of harm.

Territorial aggression is different from fear aggression and occurs due to a dog’s natural tendency to protect his home ground. It is more related to dominance aggression. However, all dogs are not driven by this trait. Some poorly trained dogs may behave properly with other dogs when they are not in the vicinity of their own home.

However, the same dog may resort to aggression towards the same dogs if they approach their home. Such aggression is a manifestation of the fear that the dog has in relation to his domain. Also such aggression may surface only when the dog is on ‘home ground’.

To understand fearful aggression you should first understand the signs of fear in a dog. Some of the key indications of fearful aggression are a lowered head, tucked tail, flattened ears, panting, salivating, and avoidance of eye contact and sometimes even an attempt to escape.

It is advisable that you do not expose your dog to known fearful stimulus. This runs the danger of more extreme forms of dog aggression like dog biting. At the same time ignoring fearful behavior too is not the right thing to do. Consistent exposure to fear can triggers aggressive behavior in dogs.

Attempts should be made to remove the fear factor. Desensitizing your dog towards the object or person who causes fear is another technique that can be used.

Dog Obedience Training for Biting   Just as you teach appropriate behavior to your children, dogs also need to be trained to behave in an acceptable manner. The difference however is the age at which the training is most effective. While a one year old human baby can hardly be expected to learn more than toilet training, a year old dog is considered to be a teenager. That means dog training should start as soon as he opens up his eyes and starts to recognize the members of what he will later consider as his ‘pack’.

Most dogs and puppies are lovable creatures, adorable, affectionate and sweet. At the same time puppies love to play and bite each other all the time. If they spend enough time in the litter they learn to control themselves. The reaction of other dogs in the litter ensures that. It is experience that teaches them what is acceptable and what is not.

It is trust and respect rather than reprimand and punishment that inhibit dog biting . If the dog does not learn something, the fault lies more with the trainer than with the dog. Hitting, kicking or slapping is not likely to restrict your pup’s biting. He may continue to try and bite you and loving you at the same time. Trust and respect comes from patience and not from punishment.

Dogs give their unconditional love to their owners but in their mind that is not linked with their biting or aggressive behavior. This is especially because biting comes naturally to them. If you want puppies to adhere to the acceptable human behaviors, you will need to train them adequately for the same.

The major step in teaching obedience for not biting starts with socializing. A lack of socializing means that the puppy starts considering you as his life mate and start expecting the world from you. When you do not meet his demands, he is liable to resort to aggressive dog behavior .

Training mature dogs not to bite requires special techniques. Dog biting by adult dogs is usually a result of a desire to dominate. If your dog nips, growls or actually bites isolate him for some time. Later, let him earn everything. Make sure he obeys your commands of sit or stay every time before you feed him. Be consistent in your training because if you let him bite sometimes then biting cannot be stopped at all. Build trust and let the dog feel that it is not him that you dislike but his biting is what annoys you.

Sending out consistent signals that you are the master usually treats dominance related dog aggression. Define boundaries clearly and do not let the dog come into the areas that are restricted for him. Do not let him sleep in the bedroom or on the bed. Consistently follow up with commands and make sure he is rewarded every time he obeys.

Dog biting may also arise from fear. Do not worsen the situation by punishing. Identify the event, object, or person that the dog fears. Gradually increase the confidence of the dog by constantly introducing him to new people, settings, and animals. If he remains calm, offer him a treat.

Dog biting is a natural canine trait, which dogs usually give up as they grow and socialize. Mature and trained dogs do not usually bite. Dog aggression is usually a result of bad training where the alpha status of the owner is not firmly established. Obedience automatically follows when the dog accepts that you are the master.

Aggressive Behavior Caused by a Dog's Diet   Understanding dog behavior is important before arriving at any conclusions about the reasons behind certain types of behavior. Much as humans feel offended at certain things and resort to aggression, dogs too respond similarly. Just as certain foods do not suit humans, there are many foods that should not be fed to dogs.

If you continue to feed your dog with a diet that disturbs his system, he is liable to show his irritation in his behavior. Persistent feeding of unsuitable diet ultimately leads to aggressive dog behavior .

Dogs are not obligate carnivores and can be often seen hunting for roots and fruits. Dogs evolved from wolves. In the wild if you see wolves and dogs eating an herbivore prey that they have killed, you may notice they first go for the stomach area of the carcass. That is where they will find roots and leaves and berries. Many times you can also see dogs eating grass.

Left to him, a dog will eat only what he can digest and pass easily. Domesticated dogs do not have that option available to them. They have to consume what they are fed by dog owners. It is a known fact that commercial dog food contains synthetic preservative, coloring and fillers.

Some manufacturers even stoop to add addictive ingredients to boost their sales. These substances can do serious harm to the dog. Constant intake of such substances often leads to dog aggression when the dog’s discomfort exceeds tolerance levels.

If your dog is becoming overly aggressive and you perceive that even re-training efforts are coming to a naught, check the diet that you are feeding him with. If you are feeding your dog with a diet that is not providing him with enough energy he is likely to be non responsive towards training.

One of the reasons behind your dog getting hyper, unfocused and out of control may be the cheap grain based kibble that you might be feeding him. Actually, grain based diet should never be fed to a dog. It can ruin his digestive system because it is not his natural diet. The biological and physiological basis of this is related to blood sugar levels.

High carbohydrate diet leads to wild swings in blood sugar levels, insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus. Even if you look at it in the evolutionary perspective, wild dogs consume only minimal quantity of grains and that too in the shape of already digested paste and juices in the intestines of a seed eating prey.

The recent shooting up of incidence of aggression led dog biting can be an outcome of generations of diet that is incompatible to the dog’s digestive system. It is never too late to start to save an animal that has earned the distinction of being a man’s best friend.

A high quality protein based diet in conjunction with roots, fruits, green beans, tomatoes and bananas can ultimately lead to a healthier generation of dogs. Remember that a healthy and mature dog does not normally bite.

The Signs of Diabetes in Dogs   Diabetes mellitus or simply diabetes is a common condition in dogs. Howsoever scary it may sound it is not the end of the world for your dog because diabetes in canines is manageable if proper care is taken. Diet, regular monitoring of blood sugar levels and medication are key aspects of adequate care.

Diabetes, however, can cause an early death of the dog if it is not treated. High blood sugar levels produce clinical symptoms of diabetes in dogs and cats that can help in early detection.

Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels rise due to the inability of pancreas to produce enough insulin to manage glucose (a primary sugar) in the food that the dog ingests. In another situation, cells become resistant to the action of insulin, which also results in a high blood sugar level. If not managed within reasonable time, it leads to abnormally high blood sugar levels, a condition known as hyperglycemia.

High blood sugar results when the dog’s body is unable to process and convert glucose to energy for maintaining healthy growth. The excess glucose in the blood has to go somewhere if it is not used by the body’s systems and it leaks over to the urine. This leads to excessive urination (polyuria). As fluids in the body reduce, the dog feels the need to drink more (polydipsia) to compensate the loss due to excessive urination.

Besides these two most prominent symptoms of diabetes in dogs and cats some of the other symptoms indicative of diabetes are:

* Weight loss
* Poor skin and hair coat
* Frequent bladder infections

On observing these signs, a veterinarian should be consulted at the first opportunity because untreated diabetes can lead to:

* Loss of appetite
* Vomiting
* Diabetic neuropathy, especially weakness in rear legs
* Dehydration

Left untreated, diabetes can progress and cause some life threatening disorders like diabetic acidosis, a condition of abnormally high acidity accompanied by an accumulation of ketone bodies. Some of the other complications arising out of unregulated blood sugar levels include liver and kidney dysfunction and canine blindness.

The cause of diabetes still remains a mystery despite large amounts of research that has been initiated in this area. Chronic inflammation of the pancreas and genetic predisposition are often suspected to be the cause in most of the cases. Breeds like Poodles, Schnauzers, Keeshounds, Cairn Terriers, Dachshunds, Cocker Spaniels and Beagles are more predisposed to developing diabetes.

Once your dog has been diagnosed for diabetes, close monitoring of diet and regular checking of blood sugar levels is necessary. Minor increase in blood sugar can be managed by controlling and regulating diet. Abnormally high levels require insulin injections. Injection of insulin needs to be correlated with the amount, quality and timing of food intake.

If you are taking care of your dog at home, make sure you get proper instructions about how and when to inject insulin on your own. Since excess insulin can lead to hypoglycemia or extremely low blood sugar levels, this is another area that you must understand well.

How to Care for a Dog with Diabetes   Treating diabetes in cats and dogs involves regular monitoring of diet, blood sugar levels and insulin levels. The monitoring needs to be done on a daily basis and pet owners obviously cannot be expected to visit a veterinarian daily for the daily insulin dose. Understanding the basics of home care helps to manage a diabetic dog effectively.

Once the symptoms of diabetes in cats and dogs have led to a confirmed diagnosis, the goal of treatment for diabetes is to control the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Efficient control can help your pet in leading a comfortable life On the other hand uncontrolled hyperglycemia (abnormally high blood sugar) can shorten life span due to complications like kidney disease, retinopathy and arteriosclerosis.

Insulin Injections

Insulin must be administered at the time suggested by the veterinarian. Administration of the correct recommended dose is also important. Try to keep the dose as close as prescribed by understanding the markings on the syringe that you are using. Note that the markings on syringes may vary according to size of the syringe.
Injections administered should be subcutaneous and learning how to inject needs practice. Such a skill comes easily once you have done it in front of the veterinarian for a couple of times.

Monitoring Blood Sugar

High sugar levels almost always spill over to urine. Monitor how your dog responds to exogenous insulin by using strips to test level of sugar in the urine. A urine testing kit contains instructions about the change in color of the strips once it is dipped in urine. Different colors represent normal to danger zone of sugar level. In case of doubt, consult your veterinarian.

It is advisable to keep a record of the test strip results and the amount of insulin injected. A study of this record will help you in understanding the relation between dosage and level of sugar in the urine and also give a definite picture to veterinarian on your next visit.

Dietary Management

Diet plays an extremely important role in controlling blood sugar. Glucose is the primary source of energy in the body and it cannot be totally avoided. Many foods contain substances that are rich in sugar content even if they are not sweet to taste. Feed your dog with a diet that has high fiber content. A diet low in carbohydrates and fats is also recommended. The meal time schedule is related to the time of the insulin injections. Make sure you have discussed this with the veterinarian.

Exercise

Fix up a regular exercise regime to help in maintaining blood sugar levels. Such a practice may even lead to a reduction of insulin dosage over time. Make sure that you carry some source of sugar like corn syrup or honey in case of an insulin reaction especially when you are taking your dog out for a walk or exercise. As soon as you see any symptoms of hypoglycemia (abnormally low blood sugar) immediately rub some on the gums and take him to the veterinarian immediately.

Diabetes is a manageable disease and there is no reason why your canine friend cannot survive and lead a normal, healthy and active life even after being diagnosed as diabetic.

Taking Care of Skin Problems in Senior Dogs   After having given you a lifetime of love, loyalty and companionship, a senior dog needs a reason to live in its older days. Even though it remains debatable whether dogs experience emotions like humans or not, they definitely deserve the same compassion as any other senior member of your family.

With advanced age, senior dogs become more vulnerable to the same dog skin problems that they had to face while young. The skin is the first line of defense against the attacks of external pathogens. And senior dogs are prone to have a dry skin and loose some of the shine of their coats as oil secreting glands slow down. Graying hair and a dry skin are the key indicators of advancing age.

An itchy skin is common in all dogs but it occurs more frequently in senior dogs. As senior dogs are more vulnerable to environmental irritants and external parasites, fleas and ticks, an itchy skin in seniors require immediate attention lest they cause secondary infections.

* Senior dogs should be given medicated baths to keep their skin in good shape. Also use a very mild shampoo and only those that have been specially formulated for dogs.
* The aging skin of the dog is more inclined to react to allergens and dryness. A blow drier at this age can prove to be harsh on the dry skin. Use thick absorbent towels instead.
* Lumps under the skin are more prevalent in senior dogs. Look for any unusual growth while grooming. This could be a tumor that might be difficult to cure at this age if early treatment is not provided.
* Cut the toe nails more frequently than before to avoid damage to the skin on itching or scratching as a drier skin is likely to be brittle. Dogs usually run down their nails while walking but senior dogs are less active, which makes their nails grow faster.
* You need to be more regular in grooming and even more observant so as to locate any abnormal signs on the skin. Even harmless looking flea bites can potentially cause a major infection or an allergic reaction at this age. Your flea control program also needs to be more focused.

Whether it is a senior dog or a cat, an older skin cannot take care of itself. In senior cats, even mild conditions like feline hair loss, cat dandruff and feline acne require more than normal attention in the case of older cats. Grooming at an advanced age is not only meant to spruce up the looks, but also to protect the first line of defense of the body against external factors.

Antioxidants and Immune System Vitamins for Dogs   While inefficient or over active immune systems can cause diseases, other diseases can also compromise the immune system’s ability to combat diseases. Many times a certain drug used during the course of a treatment negatively affects the immune system, which in turn can be a cause behind the occurrence of another condition.

A dog’s body is capable of fighting minor diseases on its own. Frequent occurrences of skin disorders, allergies, respiratory and eye disorders and other general problems are sure signs of dysfunction of the immune system in pets. It is important to be on guard rather than letting the situation go out of hand. Maintaining the health of the immune system of your pet will not only restrict frequent occurrences of disease but also help in improving chances of survival in the event of a serious disease.

Antioxidants are one of the proven supplements that help in fighting disease. Antioxidants also limit cell damage and thus provide support to the immune system when disease occurs. Vitamins are a group of organic substances that are essential in small quantities to normal metabolism.

Vitamin C and E are specific antioxidants that are normally used as supplements to counter the oxidizing chemicals originating during cell damage. Vitamin C also plays a key role in enhancing the T-cell production for an increased resistance to bacterial and viral infection and allergies. Vitamin E, on the other hand prevents oxidation of Vitamin A, red blood cells and unsaturated fatty acids.

Carotene, an orange compound of an unsaturated hydrocarbon found in many plants is converted into vitamin A in the liver. It is indispensable for a healthy skin, growth, digestion and repair of body tissues and protecting mucous membranes of mouth, nose, throat and lungs for reducing vulnerability to infections.

Bioflavonoids or simply flavonoids, a group of antioxidant chemical compounds widely found often as a pigment in plants, fruits and vegetables, are termed as ‘nature’s biological response modifiers’. They have a strong inbuilt capacity to affect the way the body responds to allergens, viruses and carcinogens. Flavonoids are widely present in plants and protect them from microbes and insects.

Diseases like liver disease in dogs or feline liver disease are highly progressive diseases that are also difficult to diagnose and even lead to the death of your pet. Moreover, symptoms of liver disease in dogs and cats are varied and subtle and the disorder is likely to be diagnosed late. It would be unwise to look for vitamin supplements at the time of illness. The preferred approach should be to maintain the health of the immune system for reducing the incidence and severity of diseases in pets.

As much as you can, try to feed a natural diet to your dog. If you must buy commercial pet food gather enough information so that you can understand the contents mentioned on the label so as to be able to avoid those containing chemical preservatives. Chemical preservatives do more harm than the possible benefits of the ingredients.

To ensure that your dog is eating the best food, feed a home cooked diet that is rich in Vitamin C, E and A, antioxidants and Omega 3 fatty acids for best possible benefits for immune system. Even though dogs need meat based proteins, a healthy mix of meat and vegetables will go a long way to derive benefits that both vitamins and flavonoids can provide to the immune system.

Home cooked food is the best dog food for liver health and longevity.   It is a mad jungle out there when it comes to selling dog food. Seeing the number of brands, the different types of sales pitches adopted by marketers and the fancy names with tongue twisting ingredients printed on labels, it appears the focus is on attracting buyers and grabbing a share of the whopping $ 11 billion pie..

In addition, each manufacturer launches numerous types of pet food under one brand. There are moist, semi moist and dry dog foods. Their use of terminology, like ‘premium’, ‘super-premium’, and ‘gourmet’ are mere nomenclatures since they hardly mean any thing. Even though the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) regulates what must be printed on the labels. The warnings are all mentioned in small print and therefore do not serve to warn the consumers adequately.

Apart from checking the nutritional adequacy and information about the manufacturer, you should focus on the ingredient list. Ethoxyquin is one of the most common preservatives used in dog food. This is used to prevent fats from turning rancid. There is verifiable evidence that there is a connection between Ethoxyquin and the accumulation of protoporphyrin IX and the elevation in liver related enzymes that can ultimately cause liver disease in dogs.

Some times dog owners indulge in over-feeding their dogs under the mistaken belief that the dog is hungry. Even a so called ‘light diet’ can lead to obesity in dogs if the calorie intake is more than recommended. Obesity can directly cause liver and heart conditions, diabetes, arthritis, skin disorders and cancer exposing the dog to a higher risk.

Diet plays an important role in liver health. It is one of the major reasons behind many diseases in cats too, including the feline liver disease. Instead of waiting for symptoms of liver disease in dogs or cats to surface, it is highly recommended that you be proactive and feed your dog with a healthy and nutritional diet to maintain health.

A huge majority of commercial foods contain toxins that destroy the immune system and gradually kill your dog as you feed him. Dogs are basically meat eaters. Meat based dog food may appear to be the best to provide the required proportions of proteins and other substances needed by the animal. Manufacturers, however, use synthetic additives and preservatives to increase shelf life, which can be detrimental to the health of your dog.

It is not only the type of food but also the quantity that makes a difference. The age, weight and breed of your pet are key aspects that determine the amount of proteins, carbohydrates and fats that the dog requires every day. The level of activity is another factor for arriving at the calorie intake. Your veterinarian is the best person to suggest where and how to source this information.

As much as possible feed your dog home cooked food, raw meat and a natural diet that is free from toxins. The purpose of a natural diet is to boost the immune system and help the liver to regenerate its cells so that it can function to its fullest capacity. A toxin free diet is the key to longevity and liver health.

Auto Immune Disease in Dogs and Related Symptoms   Autoimmune diseases in dogs follow an almost similar pattern as in humans. Just as autoimmune diseases in humans are suspected to be related to a genetic predisposition, certain breeds of dogs are more vulnerable than others.

The immune system is the body’s internal and natural self-healing system of reciprocation that comes into action as soon it recognizes an intrusion of foreign bodies. We call a disease as immune mediated when some underlying cause has caused the immune system to stop recognizing foreign substances. The immune system stops creating antibodies for combating the invasion and produces an autoantibody that starts destroying normal cells. Such a disease may be restricted to a single organ or region or the whole animal.

Autoimmune diseases have far reaching consequences depending upon the extent to which they have affected the body of the dog. The pathological signs of multiple autoimmune diseases are normally seen in the same animal since the animal becomes more vulnerable to infections due to a weakened immune system. For example, symptoms of liver disease in dogs as well as feline liver disease are common once the immune system’s automatic responses are restricted.

Typically autoimmune diseases occur due to four types of actions that take place within the body:

* An autoantibody targets a specific organ. For example, autoimmune hemolytic anemia occurs when an autoantibody targets blood cells. In Addison’s disease the target is the adrenal gland.
* Antibodies that target different proteins in the body are produced. These circulate through out the body and cause multiple organ autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus. Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by complex immunoglobulin class molecules that are deposited in the lubricating fluid in the spaces between joints.
* Sometimes antibodies and T-cells act together to restrict the activity of an organ. T-cells are one of the two types of cells that carry out an immune response. Autoimmune hypothyroidism is an example of disease caused through this mechanism. The thyroid receives a large number of T-cells and also antibodies programmed to destroy thyroid cells.
* Autoimmune diseases also arise from deficiencies in the complement system. For example liver disease in dogs restricts production of complement serum enzymes that have to be activated to carry out an immune response.

Due to the innate nature of the disease, autoimmune disease has multiple symptoms that depend upon the organs, body systems that are being targeted. As most of the symptoms tend to confuse and mimic other conditions it requires proper investigation through blood, urine and other tests to confirm whether the condition is immune mediated or not. Some of the symptoms in dogs, reported prior to diagnosis, include:

* Diarrhea and colitis: with or without traces of blood
* Lethargy, depression and intolerance to exercise
* Muscle wasting and weakness in legs
* Skin sores, mouth ulcers, lesions, especially nasal and anal lesions
* Stiff joints, alteration in gait tending to lameness and stiff limbs
* Enlarged lymph nodes
* Anemia
* Seizures
* Loss of appetite and weight
* Body odor
* A marked change in bark
* Weight gain if thyroid is affected

A weakened immune system fails to do what it has been programmed to and starts rejecting body’s own tissue as foreign. This exposes a dog to repeated attacks by infections that further deteriorate an already serious condition. It is now coming to light that many well known diseases like hypothyroidism and diabetes may be immune mediated and caused by rejection of hormone producing cells.

Treating Liver Disease in Dogs   Before understanding the treatment of liver disease in dogs, it is necessary to understand the functions that the liver performs in the body. The liver is the largest and among the most important organs in the body with an immense reserve capacity. Its multiple functions include:

* Regulation of the level of most of the chemicals in the body.
* Production of proteins for blood plasma.
* Conversion of waste products.
* Support in the regulation of fat distribution in the body.
* Production of bile for easy digestion.
* Regulation of amino acid levels.
* Storage of glycogen for later use as an energy source as per need of the body.
* Elimination of toxins from the blood.

Some of its functions are similar to those of other organs, which is one of the reasons that symptoms of liver disease in dogs resemble those caused by minor ailments of other organs.

Dietary modification is crucial for restoring liver functions. Liver cells have an incredible capacity of regeneration if the disease has not aggravated unreasonably. Adequate rest and a nutritional diet can aid in the process of regeneration of cells to a great extent.

Treatment of pet liver disease, including feline liver disease depends largely on the cause. Where the cause is known the first effort is to remove the underlying condition. Antibiotics are used for bacterial infections. Drugs that may be causing toxicity are removed. Fluids and electrolytes are administered intravenously to take care of dehydration caused by loss of appetite. Diuretics are used to help in urination to reduce fluid retention. If it is suspected that the immune system is involved, the veterinarian may seek the aid of corticosteroids.

If dogs are not vaccinated, Infectious Canine Hepatitis can occur at any age. Like all viral treatments hepatitis too is treated symptomatically, often involving administration of intravenous fluids. The liver plays an important role in blood clotting. Hepatitis can cause clotting problems and a loss of blood may result in the need for blood transfusion. Severe hepatitis may lead to a comatose condition, which necessitates giving glucose intravenously.

The liver also manages the level of copper in the body. Copper storage disease is mostly breed specific and common in some Terriers and Dobermans. Treatment is targeted at speeding up copper excretion and restricting further absorption of copper from the intestines. Penicillamine, a chelating agent, is given for helping in excretion and zinc for inhibiting absorption.

Perhaps the most dreaded of all liver diseases is malignant tumor in the organ. Liver cancer may be primary (originating from the liver itself) or secondary (cancer in another neighboring or distant area that spreads to the liver). Primary cancer involves surgical removal of the affected lobe and secondary cancers are treated with chemotherapy. Where more than one lobe is affected, surgery is ruled out.

Liver is a composite organ performing multiple actions at the same time, which makes it difficult to classify and understand liver disease. Liver diseases can be fatal despite the organ’s vast capability to continue to function under stress. The best method of preventing it is to be aware of your dog’s specific needs of diet and exercise right from the day you bring a pet home.

Natural Remedies for Cleaning Dog Ears - One way to prevent infections   Dog ear canals are L-shaped to protect the sharp hearing capabilities of dogs. This unusual shape is nature’s way of protecting the ear drum. But this shape is also the major reason why an ear infection is common in dogs. This is mainly due to the fact that the structure allows the ear mites moisture, ear wax and debris to accumulate.

When moisture and excessive wax accumulates in the ear, it can lead to severe infection of the ear, especially if there is also a prevalence of dog ear mites. Conventional medications that include antibiotics and antifungal drugs tend to weaken the immune system. Home remedies for dog ear mites, on the other hand, attempt to focus on the underlying cause without harming other functions of the body.

* A yeast infection is indicated by an accumulation of brownish-pink wax. Dilute white acetic acid or vinegar in an equal quantity of water and pour a few drops in the dog’s ears. Massage the area mildly and then remove the loosened wax with a cotton swab. Do not use this remedy if there is an open sore wound in the ear. Vinegar us likely to irritate the dog. Use mineral or almond or olive oil with Vitamin C to loosen the wax so that it can be cleaned.
* Pau d’arco, an herb that comes from the inner bark of a South American tree is a natural antibiotic recommended for dogs. Tincture of pau d’arco with a little bit of mineral oil will go a long way to remove ear infection.
* The adrenal glands play an important role in containing ear infections in dogs. You can improve the function of the adrenal glands by giving a regulated dose of Vitamin C. Keep a watch on the bowel movements of the dog and manage the dose so that it does not lead to diarrhea.
* A natural healthy homemade diet is highly recommended to avoid harmful effects of commercial diets that use synthetic preservatives and additives. This will help to eliminate toxins, curtail the production of wax and also support the automatic immune responses.
* Breeds with long drooping ears are at a greater risk of developing ear mites. Tie a hand band to allow free air circulation of air in the ears, at least when the dog is indoors.
* Trim hair regularly during grooming to give an easy passage to air to get in and dry the inner ear thoroughly after a bath.

Cat ear mites are less common than dog ear mites but negligence in grooming can even cause rare conditions like cat ear mites to occur. Ear infections usually affect the outer ear and proper grooming can take care of practically all conditions. However, if your dog is still scratching ears too much, it is time to consult a specialist. Too much scratching can lead to a rupture of a blood vessel and cause a haematoma that may block the ear completely. Head tilting, clumsiness, walking in circles or drooping eyes indicates infection of the inner ear that should be attended only by a veterinarian.

Ear Ablation in Dogs - The last resort for chronic ear infections   The treatment that is most effective for ear infections in dogs depends upon the severity of the condition. Home remedies for dog ear mites and regular grooming are effective methods to treat and prevent mild ear infections. Chronic and recurrent ear infections that do not respond to treatment may even require surgery. Vertical Canal Ablation and Lateral Wall Resection are designed to modify the anatomy of the dog’s ear to facilitate easy exit of fluids, much like as it is done in the human ear.

Total Ear Canal Ablation involves removal of the vertical and horizontal ear canal, the ear drum and part of the middle ear. It is the ultimate treatment when nothing else works. It removes the infected ear and allows fluid to be drained from the middle ear. The process involves removing the entire amplification system of the body and if this surgery is performed on both ears, the dog becomes deaf. To understand ear ablation, it is necessary to know the significant role that the structure of a dog ear plays in ear infections.

The anatomy of a dog ear is one of the major reasons behind chronic inflammation of the external ear. including externally visible cartilaginous structure and the ear canal. Unlike the human ear that has a short, straight and a horizontal passage leading to the ear drum, dog ear has an L-shaped passage. The vertical ear canal is shaped like a funnel and takes a 90 degree horizontal turn to end up at the ear drum. Any fluid that gets trapped in a dog’s ear cannot come out easily. The typical shape also makes it difficult for any medication to reach the ear drum.

The retained fluid and external parasites like dog ear mites lead to infection. A long standing infection triggers excess production of wax and other infectious fluids making the ear a welcome residence for ear mites and yeast. The resultant inflammation causes thickening of the skin that lines the external ear creating further problems in treatment.

Chronic ear infections often lead to injury in the middle ear cavity and can thicken the ear canal to such an extent that it becomes akin to a bone. Malignant tumors in the ear that have not metastasized through the cartilage or into the middle ear cavity too should undergo surgery.

Prognosis of Total Ear Canal Ablation is encouraging as long as the procedure is performed by an experienced veterinarian surgeon. This helps in avoiding any complications during this delicate procedure. Like all surgeries, the Total Ear Canal Ablation procedure needs to be followed up so that any post surgical complications can be addressed quickly. After an ear ablation, total or partial, your dog may live long but he may never be the same as before.

Your pet is your responsibility and when you bring a pet home, it is incumbent upon you to take proper care of its health. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. If you get down to thinking about it, whether it is dog or cat ear mites, the infection is initiated by poor grooming. Dogs and cats require help from owners. Regular and proper ear cleaning can save you a lot of expense and your pets from a great deal of discomfort.

Home remedies for dog ear mites and ear infections   If your dog shakes his head too often, don’t just shirk it off as a funny habit. Dogs do not shake their heads without reason. If your dog shakes his head too often, you have every reason to suspect an infection in the ears.

Ear infection is common in pets. One of the most prevalent causes of ear infections is allergies. These allergies are caused by wet ears that become damp, hot and humid due to the fact that most dogs have ear flaps that cover the ear canal. Dog ears should be kept dry and should be cleaned regularly to avoid wax build up and excessive hair growth. Ear mites are another major reason for ear infections.

The natural appearance of the cartilaginous structure of the external ear is pink and feels flat when touched. Any thickening indicates presence of an infection. You should be able to see the ear canal clearly. While a small amount of discharge and wax is natural, any abnormal accumulation of debris or a foul odor indicates an infection. A yellow discharge points towards yeast infection and a black debris indicates dog ear mites.

Vinegar diluted in an equal amount of water is a safe home remedy that can be used to remove excess debris from the ear. Put in a few drops and allow your dog to shake his head (which he will do). This will loosen the wax to a large extent. Then remove the debris with a cotton swab wrapped around your finger, pushing it as deep in the ear as you can. Repeat the process till the inside of the ear is clear.

Don’t use vinegar if there are any open sores in the ear. A garlic pod soaked overnight in olive oil works well in such cases. Remove the garlic and put five to six drops in the ear, twice daily for 7 to 10 days. This will also help in refurbishing the animal’s immune system.

Ear mites are contagious and can pass on from one pet to another. Dog and cat ear mites live their entire life on the host and can cause severe inflammation. Any natural oil block the breathing pores of mites and kill them. A half ounce almond oil and vitamin E mixture is one the most useful home remedies for ear mites. It works in a manner similar to the vinegar- water solution. Just pour a few drops in both the ears. The dog will shake his head. You can then clean the ear with a cotton swab.

Some breeds have long ears. This prevents a free flow of air and prevents the inside of the ear to remain dry. Moist wax is a sure invitation for mites and infections. Too much hair in the ears can trap dust and dirt causing infections. It is important to remove hair in the ears periodically so that a hygienic environment is created. Apply dog ear powder ensuring that the base of the hairs is properly covered. Once the powder dries you can start pulling out hair with your fingers or tweezers. Since this can be irritating to the dog, pluck only a few hairs at a time and stop for a while before starting again.

Ear cleaning should be integral to regular grooming of pets. This will go a long way in detecting early signs of infections that may be developing. Your keen observation and timely action can make life comfortable for your loving pet.

Why and How to Clean and Soothe Dog Ears   Pet health issues plague everyone who has a pet at some time or another. Among other areas of concern, the one that can area that can pose a fair number of problems are ear infections. Ear mites, and ear infections are some of the major problems that can discomfort your pets and can lead to many a sleepless nights for you too. A dog with ear mites is a less common phenomenon than a cat ear with mites but if contracted, it can cause high levels of stress for the dog and the owner.

The one way in which you can ensure that you never have to face issues related to dog ear infections is to adopt good hygiene practices. Once these practices are made into a regular habit, the chances of your dog contracting any kind of ear infection reduce considerably. It is therefore, important to include ear cleaning and examination as part of a weekly ritual. If you use a professional grooming service, make sure that they include ear cleaning along with the regular bath, grooming and styling services.

In case you do not use these services, you can ensure that your dog’s ears are cleaned every week. Cleaning the ears on your own is not really a difficult job. All you need to do is to remember to clean this oft ignored part of the body while giving your dog a bath. Lift the flap and expose the canal. Cover a finger with a soft moist cloth and clean the inside of the ear flap and the exposed area. You can use a homemade cotton swab to clean the inaccessible parts.

Another aspect of dog ear hygiene is concerned with hair growth. Hair can grow in the ear canals in large quantities and this is true especially in the case of Poodles, Terriers and some other hairy breeds. The hairs are mainly responsible for trapping water and creating a warm humid environment wherein the mites and bacteria can breed and grow. It becomes pertinent, therefore to remove excess hair from the inside of the ear to ensure that bacteria and mites do not breed there. A simple procedure that involves the removal of excess hair every fortnight can help maintain good hygiene and save you from many ear infections that may otherwise happen. To remove hair, lift the ear flap, expose the inside and remove the excess hairs that you see on the external ear opening. Make sure that you pull in the direction of the hair growth and remove only small amounts of hair at a time. Make sure that you do not pull any hair if you see some signs of inflammation or infection.

Dogs with ear that droop over are likely to face issues with ear infections and ear mites more than dogs that have ears that are erect. Excessive bacteria and mites can cause ear infections, swelling, inflammation and painful redness if not treated well in time. Some severe cases can also lead to deafness.

Unfortunately many dog owners realize what their pets are going through after it is too late. Symptoms like excessive shaking of the head and scratching ears are often ignored and accepted as normal. Any kind of an ear infection that occurs due to ear mites needs to be referred to a veterinarian. Keeping a check on ear hygiene can help you avoid such an eventuality. And even if your dog does get infected, there are home remedies for dog ear mites that you can explore if you spot the issue in advance.

Dog Inner Ear Infection Nightmares   Pet health is one of the primary concerns of pet owners. Any pet that you may have is likely to present some medical conditions at some point in time and will demand your attention. One aspect of pet health that is often missed out by many pet owners is in the area of dog ear health.

The inside of an ear of a dog is an extremely sensitive area and can pose many challenges for the pet owner. This is especially true since there are many ear related infections and issues that your dog can contract. Another reason why dog ears provide a significant challenge is due to the fact that many dogs have ears that droop over the ear canal and can therefore provide an unhealthy environment for the ear mites and bacteria to breed.

Ear infections, especially dog ear mites and cat ear mites, can be extremely unnerving for the pet owner and the pet and are best avoided.

The medical reasons behind the infections and ailments may at times sound daunting to a layman but anyone can understand that if the inner ear is left neglected and not groomed properly, there is a high probability of ear infections. Ear problems in pets can be categorized based on the ease of diagnosis:

* The easiest to diagnose is the presence of ear mites. A simple microscopic examination of the ear or the wax that has been scraped off the ear is enough to determine whether your pet has ear mites or not. Though you should check for the presence of ear mites regularly, excessive shaking of the head, itching and scratching should make you do a thorough and detailed check up.

* Other ear related infections that can be a cause of concern are those related to bacterial or yeast infections in the ear. These are relatively more difficult to diagnose since the bacteria and yeast are not visible to the naked eye. To determine whether your pet suffers from such an infection, a visit to the veterinarian becomes mandatory.
* The third kind of ear infection that is the most difficult to detect and therefore treat are chronic ear ailments. These present a different level of challenge for the pet owner since they tend to re-occur even after having been treated successfully once. Chronic ear infections make the pet smelly and miserable. Some pets can also become extremely irritable and snappy at times. Chronic ear ailments can cause the ear tissue to become thicker and spongier over time. And to add to the misery, the ear wax producing glands become over productive and secrete large amounts of inflammatory wax. The only positive aspect to the whole affair is that this problem is not common among all dogs and is prevalent largely only among those dogs that have ears that cover the ear canals.

Since one time ear infections can lead to chronic ailments the best way to avoid such a situation is to ensure that you take preventive measures to ensure that your pet does not contract them in the first place.

Make sure that the pet you so eagerly brought in your house is in safe hands by cleaning and checking his ears regularly. Be aware of the issue and be proactive in looking for alternate ear infection cures like homeopathic treatments or home remedies for dog mites which can be used to prevent and cure such infections.

Dog Hookworm - How it Affects Puppies and Modes of Treatment   Hookworms are relatively more dangerous than other types of worms in dogs. Left untreated, hookworms can lead to death. This is particularly true for young puppies.

Hookworms are ravenous creatures that suck blood by sticking themselves to the intestinal walls of the host. The hookworm larvae can even burrow into the skin of the human foot or leg causing itchy lesions. Hookworms are not so common among the feline parasites that infect cats, but if they do infect a cat, they can be equally problematic for cats, dogs and humans alike.

The most common species of hookworm that infects puppies is Ancylostoma caninum. The natural habitat of this species is warm and humid areas in countryside but they are known to survive almost anywhere. Although the most common mode of transmission to puppies is through mother’s milk, hookworms can also penetrate the skin and get into a puppy’s body. Once inside, they cling to the intestinal walls with their hooks, a characteristic which gives them their name.

Symptoms of worms in dogs are mostly general in nature but hookworms being voracious blood suckers can drain energy in puppies to a much larger extent than in adult dogs. Symptoms of hookworms in puppies depend upon the severity of the infection. The most common symptoms of hookworm infestation in puppies include anemia in severe cases, disturbance in bowel movement and diminished vitality. Hookworms can affect a young dog to such an extent that even mild infection causes a puppy to curl up and sleep for long hours, shunning play.

Most other worms in dogs can be seen live in dog feces. Unlike other types of worms, hookworms are extremely small and cannot be viewed with a naked eye. This physical trait of a hookworm means that a microscopic examination is the only method to confirm the prevalence of hookworms.

It is imperative that you initiate preventive treatment for hookworms in puppies as soon as they are 2 weeks old. For effective removal of hookworms the treatment has to be repeated after every two weeks till the puppy is two months old. In a high risk environment the same treatment should be continued at weekly intervals for another month and then at monthly intervals till the dog is six months old.

Thereafter medication for preventing heartworm can be used which is effective for roundworms, hookworms and dog tapeworm as well. Nursing mother should be treated along with puppies to ensure that worms do not continue to pass the worm through lactation.

Despite proper treatment it may be necessary to provide supportive care in the shape of a high protein diet and iron supplements to make up for the blood loss. In extremely severe cases a blood transfusion may also be required.

Considering the treatment protocol it is better to take preventive measures. Regular cleaning of the environment and periodic checkups can go a long way to prevent and control infection. Since hookworms can also penetrate human skin, it is advised that children be kept away from infected puppies. Walking barefoot in areas where the dogs defecate like the backyard or the garden can be dangerous for adults also.

Roundworms in Dogs - How They Get In and Affect Your Dog   Roundworms have evolved in a manner that they can thrive in almost any environment. They can be found in freshwater, sea water and even in terrestrial environs. There are nearly 20,000 species of roundworms out which 15,000 are parasitic. They are also the most prevalent of the worms as compared to all other types of worms in dogs.

Many dogs are born with roundworms. These are generally passed to them by their mothers through the uterus or through the mammary glands. A mother can transmit larvae that are lying dormant in her tissues or organs to the fetus of her puppy. She can also transmit the larvae while nursing since the larvae can enter the mammary glands and pass on to the young one.

There are, however, other ways in which roundworms can enter the body of a dog. The most common among them is by ingestion. Dogs can consume roundworm egg or larvae infected feces since many dogs do have a tendency towards coprophagy (eating feces). They can also ingest larvae by eating other infected animals like rodents.

Roundworms have a complicated system of migration in the body. The migration process depends upon the age of the dog. In adult dogs, roundworm eggs hatch inside the body and the larvae migrates to the respiratory system or other parts of the body. They can remain encysted in a tissue or an organ for years and can resurface after a long time.

In young dogs the larvae generally migrate to the respiratory system. These are then coughed up as vomit. In most cases the dogs eat the vomit back and the larvae enter the stomach. On maturing in the intestines, the adult worms produce eggs that are excreted in stool and the process goes on and on.

All parasites feed off the host. Unlike dog tapeworms that absorb food through their skin, roundworms have separate orifices for ingestion and excretion. Roundworms intake what ever they can from what the dog eats, depriving the host dog the nourishment that it is necessary for its growth and health.

Diagnosing prevalence of roundworms is relatively easy. A close examination of the stools shall reveal if your dog in infected with roundworm since the whole worm can be seem in the stool. The round spaghetti-like shape is also easy to decipher. It is possible that you observe symptoms of worms in dogs even when there is no physical evidence of the presence of roundworms in the stools. In such cases, a microscopic evaluation of the dog stools becomes essential. What is generally looked for in the stools is evidence of roundworm eggs. Many times you may actually see some common feline parasites in dog stools. This can happen if your dog has ingested infected cats’ feces.

Though roundworms have a role to play in the overall ecosystem, they can lead to unmanageable conditions inside a dog’s body. Early detection can prove to be very beneficial and can help you get rid of the menace sooner. Treatment is of prime importance and any treatment of worms in dogs should be repeated over a period to effectively kill all live and dormant encysted larvae.

Immune and Auto-Immune Skin Conditions in Dogs   Dog skin problems manifest in different ways as compared to cat skin problems. A typical description of a dog with skin problems would read as under:

* Itchy skin and eruptions.
* Inflammation in the ears and toes.
* Excessive licking.
* Intense itching near the anus and genitals.

Though these symptoms can appear anywhere the commonly affected areas are the lower back, nose and mouth. Ulcerative skin diseases known as lupus are the most dangerous autoimmune skin diseases that affect dogs, other pets and even humans.

Autoimmune related skin diseases are mostly caused by allergies. These allergies occur as a reaction in a dog due to certain food items, pollutants, chemicals, dust, pollen and other substances that are normally harmless. The affected organ responds to the allergen and the autoimmune reaction of the body causes certain symptoms. This reaction of the autoimmune system that is triggered to expel the foreign substance gives the condition the name - autoimmune disorders.

Another common cause of autoimmune skin disorders is unrestrained use of vaccinations, overdose of cortisone and commercial diets. Together these factors result in weakening the autoimmune system and increase vulnerability.

Autoimmune related skin disorders manifest themselves in various ways in dogs.

One set of conditions known as pemphigus is characterized by large thin-walled blisters (bullae). These blisters can arise from normal skin or mucous membranes. Later, they can ulcerate and form crusts. Another characteristic of pemphigus is red patches that change to pustules and later dry up to form yellow crusts. Normally these are restricted to the nose, the mouth and areas around the eyes and ears. The crusts bind to the skin underneath and can spread through out the body leading to de-pigmentation of the skin.

Another set of conditions is erythema. Erythema is an abnormal redness of the skin resulting from dilation of the blood vessels. Erythema multiforme is red rash caused by hypersensitivity to a drug, disease or another allergen. Systemic lupus erythematosus is an inflammatory disease of the connective tissue with multiple conditions. Typical symptoms include fever, weakness, abnormal fatigability and skin lesions on the face or neck or arms.

Toxic epidermal necrolysis is an autoimmune condition that leads to disintegration and shedding of dead tissue. This is a severe and painful condition in which blisters and ulcers form on the skin, mucous membranes and footpads.

Skin problems like canine and feline hair loss, feline acne and cat dandruff that appear to be minor can probably be harbingers of autoimmune skin conditions to come. An abnormality in any part of the skin noticed during routine pet care or grooming should be attended to and treated immediately. High doses of conventional drugs can cause autoimmune skin disorders. Alternative treatments like homeopathy remedies and natural treatments can be highly beneficial to your pet and aid in strengthening the immune system.

What Causes Anxiety Attacks in Dogs   Dogs cannot speak our language and we can never be sure whether their barking is a warning, a complaint or an expression of some discomfort. But there is one thing that we do know and that is that the barking is supposed to mean something.

A dog may bark for various reasons. And in many cases the barking is due to a previous situation or experience that he may have had. Research has unequivocally established that the dog’s brain does respond to stimuli and this was proven long time ago with Pavlov’s experiment.

Experiments reveal that there is imagery in the dog’s brain that induces specific dog behaviors. These behaviors could seem normal or abnormal to us but they do have a meaning. Dogs have the capacity to recall images of the owner, earlier smells and sounds and past experiences and these cause them to behave in a certain manner.

Imagine a situation where you return home at the same time every day and indulge in joyous playing with your puppy. The image of the good time that the young dog experiences gets ingrained in the dog brain. The problem arises on the day you are late from work. The young dog recalls the images and anticipates the fun. He starts getting ready for play and then as your expected time of arrival passes, he starts fretting, pacing and barking. Relieving stress in pets becomes essential in such conditions so that the dog can cope with such unexpected situations.

In a similar manner certain images get associated with the act of leaving home. We may have a ritual of doing certain things like putting on our shoes, picking up the keys of the car and wearing a jacket that get recorded as images that get associated with leaving. Since you are the owner, the dog is likely tot associate your absence with a period of no affection and indulgence. This obviously is not desirable from the pet’s point of view.

Many dogs get excessively possessive and follow the owner from room to room or try to obstruct the passage to the main door. If you do find your way out and actually leave, you may find that your house is in shambles when you return. Objects associated with leaving may suddenly go missing. Shoes may have been chewed upon. A condition like this is called separation anxiety in dogs and is more evident among dogs that are excessively pampered by their owners.

A lot of research has been done on the issue of whether dogs can think or not. After having studied dog behavior one can easily conclude that the dog’s brain definitely retains experiences. The manner in which they are stored and recollected, however, is hazy.

Separation Anxiety in Dogs   We all know that dogs are extremely attached to their masters. And many of us would have heard of instances where dogs whine and pine for their masters when they go away on a long vacation. Some dogs have also been known to exhibit mature behavior when their masters are in trouble or sick.

This attachment comes naturally to them especially if the dog has been brought into the house as a puppy. As a puppy the dog is genetically attached to the mother and the litter in which he is born. When he is taken away from the litter and placed in a 'foster' home, he seeks that attachment. Since the owner provides him with the food and the love that he so desires, the object of attachment becomes the master by extension.

However, this healthy relationship between dog and owner can give rise to undesirable behavior if the dog becomes excessively dependent on the owner.

Separation anxiety in dogs is actually a symptom of the pet's disapproval of being isolated from the owner. When you see one or all of the following signs in your pet you can suspect that your dog's uncommon behavior is due to being separated anxiety.

* Defecation and urination in inappropriate locations
* Destructive behavior like chewing and excessive digging
* Excessive barking and whining
* Depression or hyperactivity

These signs are not typical of only separation anxiety. But you can be sure that your dog is suffering from separation anxiety if these behaviors exhibit themselves when the master is not around or occur shortly after the master leaves the house.

The symptoms of separation anxiety can also vary among dogs. Some dogs get extremely aggressive while others show signs of depression. Aggressive behaviors include scratching and digging in an attempt to follow you, chewing on household items and whining and barking for long periods. This aggressive behavior normally peaks within half hour of departure.

Depressive behaviors include abstaining from food which can lead to bigger problems in cases of prolonged absences. Though quite uncommon, in some cases dogs develop conditions of diarrhea and vomiting or indulge in self mutilation.

Some dogs can sense an impending separation. This can give rise to undesirable behaviors even before the actual separation occurs. Your dog may follow you from room to room and show aggressive behavior the moment you show any signs of leaving.

Separation anxiety can be sparked off at any time due to certain environmental changes. Sudden change of place of residence, a drastic change in routine due to an event in the household or an event like a death in the family can lead to a sudden show of separation anxiety.

Learning the art of relieving stress in pets is not difficult. If you care enough for your pet, you will find solutions to the problem and go about desensitizing your dog to your absence.

How to Prevent Separation Anxiety in Dogs   Dogs are emotional animals and are generally ‘one-person’ pets. This means that their allegiance generally lies with one member of the family. Unlike cats, dogs are not too attached with the house. And this strong bond between the master and the pet brings about something called the separation anxiety.

Dogs who suffer from separation anxiety tend to exhibit undesirable behavior when they do not see their owners for a certain period of time. Separation anxiety in dogs can be triggered of after long periods of absence like after a vacation. A significant change in routine or a change of place of residence can also cause separation anxiety.

Distinguishing bad behavior from separation anxiety in dogs is simple. A dog suffering from separation anxiety is likely to follow the master from room to room. Sometimes anxious pets act in a strange manner even when the owner is another room with the door shut. Undesirable behavior may include destructive behavior like scratching doors and window, excessive barking, attempt to escape, defecation at inappropriate places, inactivity, lethargy and loss of appetite. In rare cases, separation anxiety in dogs manifests itself in psychosomatic maladies like diarrhea, vomiting, and excessive coat licking.

Although dogs are prone to attachment due to their inherent nature, it is not uncommon for owners to inadvertently bring about anxiety in dogs. Moving the dog to a new home, taking the dog along to run errands, neglect and abuse are some of actions that can trigger separation anxiety in dogs.

Dealing with undesirable behaviors triggered by separation anxiety requires some element of planning. The planning needs to start as soon as you bring a puppy into your home.

To prevent separation anxiety, avoid situations that encourage an inordinate attachment. This makes it easier for the pet to live independently. Ensure that the dog does not follow you everywhere. Crate train your dog while he is still young.

Crate training done at a later stage and punishment do not produce the desired results. In case you have an adult dog that suffers from separation anxiety, you will need to slowly train him to accept your absence.

You can ensure this by leaving your dog for a few minutes and then returning and petting him and rewarding him if he does not show any signs of bad behavior. Continue this over time and slowly increase the length of time that you are away.

There are other things that you need to ensure. Don’t make going out a ritual. Don’t pet him excessively and feel guilty about leaving him alone. Dogs can sense feelings and if you are guilty about leaving him alone, there are chances that he can sense it. This causes anxiety. Throw some of your old clothes around the house before leaving to reassure your pet that you are there and shall be coming back.
Most of the times, the method of providing a “safety cue’ every time you leave your dog alone proves quite effective. A safety cue could be in the form of leaving a specific toy to play with or leaving the television or radio on or a phrase that you repeat every time you leave the house.

In some extreme cases relieving stress in pets may become difficult and you may have to resort to some anti-anxiety drugs to keep your dog calm. But you need to understand that these are temporary measures and are not permanent solutions towards your dog’s condition.

Common Causes of Hair Loss in Dogs   Alopecia or hair loss is associated with an overwhelming majority of skin disorders in pets. Practically all domesticated animals face hair loss problems but cats and dogs are among the most seriously affected.

Most common conditions like feline hair loss are due to feline acne and feline dandruff. Dogs on the other hand loose hair due to many more reasons. The multiplicity of reasons behind canine hair loss makes it difficult for the specialist to sift normal hair loss from that associated with a major ailment.

The most common cause of dog skin problems like alopecia is allergic reactions. These can occur due to:

* Contact with environmental irritants.
* Contact with chemical detergents, paints, nickel and other chemical or textile fibers.
* Exposure to inhalants, deodorants and room fresheners.
* Inhaling pollen, house dust mites.
* Drug enforced allergies.
* Allergies due something in the diet.

Hair loss is also a prominent symptom of medical conditions like Cushing’s disease, hypothyroidism and Tail gland hyperplasia.

The underlying cause behind Cushing’s disease is the increase of corticosteroids in the body. This may be due to an abnormal but natural process in the body or rampant use of synthetic steroids. It is a fatal disease and needs prompt attention.

Hypothyroidism is caused by an under active thyroid gland. In such a condition the dog can loose hair and develop bacterial and yeast infections.

Normal functioning of the sebaceous tail gland is crucial for supply of sebum for lubricating hair and skin. Tail gland hyperplasia is a secondary disease where the enlarged gland malfunctions.

Canine hair loss also occurs during pregnancy and other stressful conditions such as illness or surgery. Hair loss during pregnancy and nursing is usually accompanied by a foul smelling outflow or vapor of gaseous waste.

Allergic reaction and medical conditions apart, hair loss in dogs is also a major problem that occurs in skin disorders like bacterial or fungal infections and mange.

Most common mange is caused by three types of mites - Sarcoptes, Demodex and Cheyletiella. The first two result in a substantial hair loss while the third causes minimal alopecia except in its severe manifestation. All forms of mange also have an underlying symptom of intense itching and scratching.

Even though dog hair loss can occurs seasonally, it may be indicative of certain allergic reactions, medical conditions and infections. And therefore, excessive hair loss should not be ignored. The symptom can actually lead to the final diagnosis of a much more complicated disease.

Canine Health Problem   Pets, especially dogs, occupy a special place in the hearts of their owners. Like that of any other family member, the dog’s health is your responsibility. Whereas common ailments like ticks, skin problems, anal blockages, can easily be handled with the aid of Homeopathic medicine for your pets, Cat Herbal Remedies, and Dog Herbal Remedies some of the canine health problems are serious in nature but can be avoided by regular checkups by a veterinarian who will advise you of the prevention and cures for these.

One of the major threats in canine health is a heart disease that can be acquired or congenital in nature. Heart disease in dogs occurs mainly when normal blood flow is restricted when the dog’s heart valves do not close properly or the muscular walls of the dog’s heart are thinned and weakened. Difficult breathing even while at rest, fainting, a loathing for exercise, loss of appetite, and weight loss are indicative of an impending heart failure.

The heartworm disease is caused by mosquito bites. Heartworm disease is not breed specific and can attack any dog even if the dog is mainly indoors most of the times, because the female mosquito responsible for transmission of heartworm is very tiny and can slip through cracks in windows and doors. If not treated in time, heartworm disease can be fatal at times.
Heartworm disease has the potential of spreading as lots of people travel with their dogs. Many states insist upon a health certificate from a qualified veterinarian. On return, dog owners should get their pet reexamined to ensure that it did not pick any parasite, external or internal, while traveling. Heartworm, hookworm, and roundworm are internal parasites whereas fleas and ticks are external.

The greatest single threat to dog population the world over is from the highly contagious disease caused by canine distemper virus. Puppies and younger dogs are at a higher risk on contracting the canine distemper virus. Although dogs that survive a natural infection develop enough immunity to canine distemper virus, the safest protection is vaccination.

Canine Parvovirus, Canine Bordetellosis (Kennel Cough), Canine Parainfluenza, and Canine Leptospirosis are some of the other problems that are caused by viral or bacterial infections, spread through contact, through fecal waste and nasal secretions of infested dogs, and other means.

All the conditions discussed above are serious in nature and can prove to be fatal in case they are not attended to in time. If abnormal symptoms, like loss of appetite, unwillingness to exercise, difficulty in breathing even while at rest, fainting, extensive coughing, vomiting, squinting, congestion of the eyes, and a discharge of pus from the eyes and diarrhea persist, a visit to the veterinarian is highly recommended.

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