It REALLY Hurts, right there        

Back and neck pain in dogs is as real in them as it is for their humans.  The physical pain has a range of tolerance from mild and associated with subtle signs in the dog, such as a hesitance to climb stairs or to jump on furniture to acute where the dog may moan, lose appetite and suffer from fatigue.

The causes for the back or neck pain  can be caused by a wide variety of illnesses and conditions.  Muscle diseases, vertebral disorders, nerve problems and spinal trauma, cancer and referred pain are among the most common.

In any case, there are symptoms that should signal a phone conversation with your canine care team so that your dog is able to be comfortable and safe.  Watch for changes in the dog's posture, arched back, a stiffness of the neck, pain upon manipulation of the back or neck, obvious deformities of the spine, puncture wounds or lacerations, or weakness, wobbliness, inability to walk or paralysis in one or more legs.

Your dog may be suffering for a number of reasons, all of which are very serious and should be investigated by a health care professional immediately.  These people will be able to test your furry friend to determine the root of the problem and offer you some solutions to the problem.

Of course, the treatment regimen will be tailored to the needs and requirements of your dog's specific situation.  If there is a need for surgery, they will instruct you on the manner in which to proceed.  Often you will not need to do more than restrain and restrict the movements of your dog for a period of time.  Gentle massage, anti-inflammatory drugs, herbs and homeopathic remedies may even be prescribed for the dog.  Perhaps you will need to have your dog exercise in a whirlpool or on a water treadmill.  Every situation will be handled gently with the utmost care and consideration for the dog and his family.

For further guidance, take a look at Perfect Dog Beds.

What did you say your dog ate?

Everyone knows that humans are among those who can suffer from any number of eating related disorders ranging from ever eating to starvation tactics.  And that the eating disorders are even sometimes associated with illness and pregnancy.

But, were you aware that our canine companions are capable of suffering from the very same eating disorders and that generally the problems are associated either with pregnancy or some type of psychological imbalance.  Perhaps the strange eating habits are related to a chemical imbalance in the body or occur as a result of a vitamin deficiency.

The odd things that dogs ingest are the same sorts of inedible items that humans that usffer from pica (PIE-kuh) eat.  Dogs with the disorder are found to consume nonfood items such as conc rete, wrought iron, glass, ice, coins, upholstery stuffing, soda cans, gravel, clay, dirt and batteries.  While puppies tend to chew on inappropriate objects in order to explore their environment and test the limits of their freedom or to ease the pains of teething, it is something completely different from this specific disorder.

If a dog chews or bites on sharp objects there is a real danger of tooth damage, gum tearing, and rupture of the digestive organs if the object is swallowed.  The objects can become lodged or stuck in the throat and cause serious blockage that requires surgery to remove and repair.  And, if the eaten object contains anything toxic, the dog may become poisoned.

Your dog may be demonstrating the odd disorder as a result of a vitamin or nutritional deficiency.  If your dog is seen by a vet and the problem is diagnosed, proper nutritional supplements may be given and ultimately the problem will disappear.

Providing your dog with herbs, homeopathic preparations, probiotics and digestive enzymes are optimal ways in which to eliminate the pica problems.

Find out more when you read Sniffing Out the "Other" Purposes for Treats.

Check your Calendar…The Holidays are near

Yes, believe it or not, the holiday season is approaching and it seems to come closer more quickly every year.  There's a cool  breeze in the air and our canine friends have gotten wind of the changes around the house.  They are sure that they will ultimately participate in every activity that the family enjoys, whether they are invited or not, but they will be.  And, you 'll want to make sure that they are able to be active with the family during the parties and celebrations.  Safety will play a tremendous part in their enjoying the holiday season.

Here are a few tips that most assuredly bear repeating if you've forgotten or your dog needs to be gently proded in the direction of more appropriate safety behavior.

1.  Avoid toxic decorations.  Bubbling lights, snow gloves, snow sprays and flocking can cause reactions if inhaled.  Many of the bubbling lights and snow globes even contain antifreeze and we all know that dogs are atttracted to the taste because its sweet.

2.  Keep candles out of a dog's level.  Fur burns and dogs can tip a candle and cause serious damage to themselves and the house.

3.  Avoid the temptation to offer your dog guests any human snacks or food.  The added fats, sugars, preservatives and other "unhealthy" ingredients are usually items that the dogs don't eat on a regular basis.  They may cause stomach upsets or contain ingredients that your dog should not have at all.   And, it's extra calories!

4.  Keep pets away from the garbage.  Dogs love to check out what's been left over from dinner and if there are bones and meat fat scraps, the dog can contract  serious illnesses or even suffer a ruptured esophagus or intestinal tract from a sharp bone.

5.  Keep your dog buddy calm.  Stress can cause your dog to act in unusual ways and he may be apt to consume massive quantities of water.  Keep fresh water available at all times.

6.  Keep your dog calm.  Bach's Rescue Remedy is a natural flower remedy that calms and soothes your pooch pal and it is completely safe and totally tasteless.    This amazing little remedy works wonders on dogs and their humans.

7.  Keep the poison control center emergency hotline telephone number at hand just in case you suspect an emergency situation. (1-888-4-ANI-HELP)

8.  Let your dog be part of the action and include him in the gift exchanges and family time.  What better form of stress relief for your dog than to romp about with a new toy outdoors with family and friends?

9.  Don't allow your dog to drink Christmas tree water.  If you have added aspirin to the water, the aspirin can cause bleeding problems in dogs.

10.  Keep your fireplace screened so that your canine companion won't be tempted to get too close.

The holidays are a time for everyone to come together and your dog wants to be part of the festivities as well.  Be careful, safe, and give your dog an extra dose of holiday hugs and togetherness.

Get more information from  Getting a Handle on Dog Collars.

Watch out for These Human Medicines

Just like when one of our human family members get sick or is in pain and discomfort, it is difficult to watch and our first reaction is to rush in with some sort of medication that will help to heal or at least alleviate some of the aches and pains of the situation.  Whether it is with aspirin, ibuprofin, or acetaminophen we're there with pills in hand and a glass of the best orange juice or water.  The bottom line is, when they hurt, we hurt.  Naturally, the same holds true when our furry family members begin to ache.

There are three very helpful medications for humans that the canine family members should never be allowed to ingest.   Read on to discover a bit about each of these toxic drugs for dogs.

1.  Ibuprofen:  This is a very popular over the counter medication that assists in the alleviation of inflammation and pain in humans, but for dogs it can easily exceed toxic levels.  Because the drug is not recommended for dogs, it is very difficult to know exactly what to administer as a correct dosage.  Consequently, the results may be bleeding stomach ulcers, tarry stools, vomiting blood, poor appetite, abdominal pain and cramping, lethargy and at the worst, possible kidney failure.

2.  Aspirin:  A very common pain reliever for humans, aspirin interferes with platelets and quickly inhibits the coagulation of blood, so it thins the blood, allowing it to flow easily.  Aspirin toxicity in our canine companions is seen in bruising of the gums, respiratory problems, gastrointestinal upsets, and ultimately kidney failure.  Aspirin is also dangerous when mixed with steroids and anti-inflammatory drugs that may have been prescribed for your dog.

3.  Acetaminophen:  Quite frequently, these tablets are sugar coated, and dogs love that sweet taste.  They may consume any that have fallen to the floor.  Likely, in order for the dose to be toxic to your dog, he would need to have consumed at least eight 500 mg tablets.  However, if you have a suspicion that your dog has consumed any, call your vet and get your dog looked at.

Nobody ever really knows when dogs will do what they do best:  ACT LIKE DOGS.  It is best, if your dog is suffering from aches and pains to use natural supplements to work in his body, for his good health and wellness.

Read more about this in Easier Motion with Joint and Hip Supplements.

Dog Travel – How To Make The long Road Trip More Comfortable For Your Dog

Be sure that you pack your dog's suitcase right along with all of your belongings.  Take toys, blankets and items that are familiar to your dog.  It will help for him to have the smells that remind him of being at home, just in case there are travel anxiety issues.  It's always slightly unsettling for animals to travel even if they love riding in the car with you.  And of course, you will need to be certain that you have proper identification for your dog along with a good lead and collar.

Read more in Getting a Handle on Dog Collars.

The Grass Eating Dog (Part 2)

The Whole is BIGGER than the Sum of its Parts

Certainly there is a place in the life of a dog when either traditional or alternative medicine must be employed to boost the health and wellness of our furry family friend.  However, if one takes into consideration that there is truly more to the picture than merely putting a bandage on something that hurts, it might be a good idea to investigate a number of facets of the entire dog that will perhaps help to get a bigger and better picture.

Often it is said that the whole is larger than the sum of its parts.  This definitely applies to the wellness and health of our dogs.  Many elements are potential contributors to the way in which our dog acts.  Thinking about the overall quality of your dog's life is important when it comes to making decisions about important issues.

Here are some very strong elements to consider:

1.  A wholesome diet, free of preservatives, hormones and other artificial ingredients that may contribute to illness.

2.  Regular wellness visits to your health care professional and the team of specialists.

3.  Exercise

4.  Minimize stress in your life and your dog's life will also show reduced stress levels.

5.  Together, bonding time with tenderness, quiet, and love.

6.  Training with consistency.

7.  Healthy lifestyle.

Read more in Sniffing Out the "Other" Purposes for Treats.

How To Make Your Dog's Pen Area A Playful Heaven

Solid Choices Make for Good Dog Nutrition

Dog guardians have become ever so much more vigilant about the general health and wellness of their furry family members and pet food manufacturers are truly listening to their pleas for wholesome, unadulterated dog foods and treats.  Chemical preservatives and byproducts have become a thing of the past and the pet fod companies have seen an opportunity to develop their businesses by using healthy ingredients that are based upon the healthy eating patterns and recipes in our own kitchens, made with human grade ingredients.

The herbs and spices used in the foods are found in our pantries and some of the recipes are so tasty that you may even find yourself sneaking a taste to see if it tastes as good as it smells.  Many foods and treats have also picked up the ball in the realm of healing ingredients and use herbs and elements that have proven to be homeopathic or neutraceutical in origin. 

Dog lovers have also begun to pay careful attention to the fact that many of our family dogs are developing allergies and sensitivities that are found in their humans.  Conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, dry skin  and even heart, lung and kidney diseases are now quite common in our dogs.  Allergies and sensitivities to grains (corn, wheat, soy) and certain types of proteins have driven many premium pet food and treat manufacturers to design special foods for the special needs in our dogs.

For further insight into this, check out Earthy treats: Organic Dog Snacks.