November 17, 2008

My Aching Back

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.

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November 10, 2008

Eating Disorders in Dogs

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.

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November 2, 2008

Being Safe at Home

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.

 

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October 24, 2008

Be Careful How you Medicate your Dog

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.

 

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October 21, 2008

Long and Winding Roads: Travel with your Dog

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

Traveling with your puppy or dog can be a lot of fun. It's a great way to bond with your pet while experiencing new places along the way. If your road trip is going to be a long one then you need to take a few extra steps to plan accordingly and ensure that you and your puppy get to your destination safe and happy. Here are a few suggestions that can help:
 
1. The last thing you want to do is have to clean up the nasty mess of diarrhea inside your car. And your puppy or dog can easily give you this headache when you do not stick to his regular feeding times and with his normal food. It is very easy to feed your dog inconsistently when you are making a long trip by car. However, it will be best for both of you if you bring along bags of his normal food and only feed him at the same time you would at home.
 
2. Although it is obvious that you do not plan on ever losing sight of your dog during your travels, you should still make sure that his collar is secured tightly and that he has updated identification tags. If for some reason you're making a temporary stay for more than a day at a location until you arrive at your final destination, add an additional identification tag that has the address and phone number of that temporary location.
 
3. When you make a pit stop along the way, always leash your dog before he gets out of the car and keep a tight grip on him. Because he is in unfamiliar territory and may scare easily, the instinct to dart and run off may be strong. Keeping him tightly leashed will prevent this nightmare from happening.
 
4. Try to avoid traveling by car during weather periods of extreme heat and high levels of humidity. Dogs do not do well in this type of climate and if you must travel when it's hot then be sure your vehicle is equipped with a dependable air-conditioning system.
 
5. Every time you stop for a break during the trip, make sure you give your dog a few moments to exercise. Take your dog for a short walk or run him around the block. This will help get his blood flowing so that he can relax better for the next few hours of the ride.
 
6. Last but not least, as much as it is common sense, do not keep your dog in your car with the doors locked and windows rolled up. This is just basic safety advice that every person should know already, but unfortunately there are many accidents where dog's die from heat stroke while sitting in a car during boiling hot weather.

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.

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October 14, 2008

Grass or Just a Salad?

The Grass Eating Dog (Part 2)

Even dogs who usually don't eat grass will head straight for the nearest patch when they're feeling sick. They'll gobble a few mouthfuls, retch, and then throw up, or at least try to. Veterinarians still aren't sure if dogs eat grass because their stomachs are upset or if their stomachs get upset after they eat grass. However, many vets suspect it's the former, because dogs who are energetic and perky seem to be able to eat grass without getting sick afterward. It seems likely that there's something in grass that does stimulate the urge to vomit. The stomach has all kinds of neuro-receptors that respond to what dogs ingest. They react to acidity, chemical content, and textures. The texture of the grass has something like a tickle effect on the stomach, which may induce vomiting.
 
This tummy tickle may explain why healthy dogs can eat grass without getting sick. They take a mouthful, chew it thoroughly and swallow, then reach down for some more. Dogs who are sick, however, appear almost desperate for the grass. They don't chew it carefully or savor the taste. They gobble it. Without the chewing, those prickly little stalks hit their stomachs all at once. This may be what stimulates the urge to throw it all back up - along with whatever was irritating their stomachs in the first place. They can't stick their fingers down their throats or ask for syrup of ipecac like people can, so eating grass is something that works. And once dogs find something that works, they tend to stick with it.
 
Watch Out What Grass Your Dog Is Eating
 
Unless your dog is in the habit of regurgitating grass on the dining room floor, there's no reason to worry about it. Dogs have been eating grass for thousands or tens of thousands of years, and there's no evidence at all that it's bad for them. That isn't the case, however, when grass has been treated with insecticides, herbicides, or other chemicals. Most products say on the label whether they're dangerous for pets. In any event, you should certainly keep dogs away from grass soon after chemicals have been applied. Most products break down fairly quickly, but they can be quite dangerous if your dog eats them while they're fresh.
 
Serve Sparky Some Broccoli
 
It's just a theory at this point, but some veterinarians believe that dogs eat grass because they're not getting enough fiber in their diets. You may want to buy a higher-fiber food - pet foods for "seniors" generally have the most. These foods can be expensive, however, so you may want to look for other ways to supplement your dog's diet. Most dogs don't care for raw vegetables, but you can run some broccoli or green beans through the blender, adding chicken or beef broth for flavor. Or add a sprinkling of bran to their food.
 
Learn more when reading One-a-Day Daily Vitamin Issues

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Cow or Dog?

The Grass Eating Dog (Part 1)
 
Nearly every dog eats grass sometimes, and some dogs eat it all the time. You would think that veterinarians would have a pretty good idea by now of why they do it. But they don't, mainly because no one has figured out how to ask dogs two important questions: "Do you like the taste?" and "If it tastes so good, why do you throw it up?"
 
If only dog's could talk! But if you are like many dog owners who live in a grassy area you would swear sometimes that your dog is an Angus. Dogs just lay out in the yard and graze just like a cow. Dogs explore their worlds with their noses and mouths. And there's the grass, attractive, sweet-smelling, with an appealing texture; and it's ever-so-accessible on the ground. Why not eat it?
 
Dogs May Have A Craving For Greens
 
Dogs are remarkably flexible in their tastes. They'll polish off a bowl of dried dog food, then walk over to see if there's anything good in the trash. If they're still hungry, they'll wander upstairs to see what's in the cat's box. Basically, they'll eat, or at least sample, whatever they find in front of them.
 
There's a good reason for their liberal tastes. Unlike cats, who evolved solely as hunters, dogs survived by scavenging. When they couldn't catch live prey, which was a lot of the time, they'd eat the ancient equivalent of roadkill. They didn't care too much if had been lying in the sun for a week or was half-buried under old leaves. It was food, and they weren't going to pass it up. When meat wasn't on the table, they'd root around for tender leafy stalks, or roots, or an old polished bone. They simply weren't fussy, and dogs today haven't gotten any fussier. They're predisposed to like just about everything.                   
 
In addition, there's some evidence that dogs get cravings for certain foods. It's possible that dogs occasionally get a hankering for greens, just as people sometimes go to bed dreaming about mashed potatoes and meat loaf. It's not as strange as it may sound. Grass was part of their ancestors' regular diets.
 
Dogs are omnivores, which means they eat meat as well as plants. They don't need grassy nutrients any more because most commercial dog foods are nutritionally complete. But dogs aren't nutritionists. They don't know or care that they've already gotten their vitamin or mineral quotients from a bowl of kibble. Their instincts tell them that grass is good, so they eat it. Besides, there's a world of difference between satisfying the minimal nutritional requirements and having a great meal. And for many dogs, a mouthful of grass clearly tastes great. It's like a salad - they eat some, then want more.
 
Explore the issues of dog treats in Earthy Treats: Organic Dog Biscuits.  These natural treats are an alternative to for dogs to enjoy.

 

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October 10, 2008

Some Tips for the Entire Dog

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.

 

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October 7, 2008

Keeping Fido Occupied

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

If your dog spends any length of time in a play yard, you might be interested in ideas that will help you to make his stay there a pleasure and not an imprisonment. It is amazing how many dog owners have described their dog's "play yard" in terms of a gravel enclosure with nothing, absolutely nothing, inside it, except the dog. Boredom and ennui are one of the worst aspects of modern dog life. Chewing, digging, nuisance barking, poor appetites, and stool eating are often in some way connected with boredom. These problems often occur in dogs that have become bored by such uncreative play yard areas.
 
Try to avoid barrier frustration by screening the dog's area from busy city street traffic or passersby. If you use cyclone fencing, standard green slats that fit between the chain link are available. Shrubbery can be effectively arranged to block disturbing views that encourage barking and fence running. Within the pen, a ditch or a stone row, or even a row of flowers can often keep the dog away from the fence and in the center of the pen. Gravel is the best all-around footing, but cement and grass may be feasible at times. Cement encourages paw sores and cut pads, so avoid prolonged contact with cement. Grass inevitably wears out, but it is aesthetically pleasing and comfortable for the dog. A grass pen with gravel along the sides of the fencing to be the best. The gravel will prevent the grass from being totally destroyed.
 
Every day introduce a different item into the pen, especially if you leave your dog alone on a daily basis. Favorite toys should always be included, but rotate others to spice up the routine. Rotate water and food in different locations in the pen. When you prune your trees, throw the limbs into the pen for the dog to play with. A large cardboard box enthralls any dog. Sure, the box gets ripped up, and the tree limbs get shredded, and you have to clean up. But it's worth it in the long run. Fresh fruit and vegetables can be used as vitamin-packed toys. Toss a few into the pen every so often. Bones, if offered, should be large marrow bones. A dog left alone with a small bone all day can reduce it to such size as to risk lodging it in its mouth or throat. Make sure bones are large and solid, but not cooked.
 
The dog house does not need to be elaborate but it should provide protection from the elements. In summer, repaint dark-colored houses white to reflect sunlight and heat. The dog should have some options for shade in addition to the house. Trees are best, or a planter of bushes, pruned of their lower branches and with trunks wrapped in tree-tape to prevent the dog from destroying or scratching them.
 
Finally, do not ignore the possibility of providing your dog with the ultimate diversion and plaything: another dog. Owners with chronic diggers, chewers, barkers, squealers, and house-wreckers have often found that the introduction of a second compatible pet reduces this behavior. You will have to be sure that the new animal gets off to a right start and does not mimic the bad behavior of the first pet. For dogs who must stay long periods in play yards, a companion can change frustration and boredom to pleasure and play.
 
Dogs do sometimes need more than just being outdoors to keep them occupied.  Read on in Your Dog Will Tug at Arm's Length to get further ideas.

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October 6, 2008

Pick the Proper Dog Food and Treats

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.

 

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