Germany Land of Castles and Wine

Germany is an historical country that is a great travel destination. There is so much to do there it is well worth the trip.The people are friendly and the food is wonderful.

On the Rhine river the medieval Castles are amazing. There are Castles that that date back over 2,000 years. They are very romantic and historical. A hotel castle at Oberwesel in the Rhine River hills is 1,000 years old. You can actually sleep in a REAL castle.

While you are visiting Germany check out the wine vineyards. Wine is grown on the hillsides of the River Rhine. The restaurant "Ratskeller" in the old city of Bermer stocks the largest selection of German wine. They have been selling wine since 1405. Germany produces mostly white wine. German wine can be found featured at fine restaurants all over the world.

The most popular dish in Germany is sauage cooked with cabbage. You can also snack on bratwurst with mustard sauce. A popular dessert is Black Forrest Cake. It is a dark chocolate cake with cherries and cream filling.

Another nice place to visit is the "Black Forrest". It is famous for handmade cuckoo clocks. The forest is made up of dense fir and pine trees. They say that's why it is called the Black Forrest because it is so dark there.

Festivals are another one of the awesome fun attraction of Germany. The carnival is celebrated with the most gusto of any other country in Europe. Parades,masks,balls and the crowning of a King and Queen. There are carnival celebrations in Coogne,Duesseldorf,Mainz,Munich and Muenster. One of the most famous is Oktoberfest. It is held from the middle of September until the beginning of October. The festial open's by mayor saying"O'zapt is" which means the barrel is tapped. Many huge beer tents are set up. There are rides and plenty of food.

Firework Festivals like "Night of The Thousand Fires" are very big displays at night right on the sides of the Rhine River. The shows are held from Spring until Summer. The fireworks light up the sky and classical music is played making the display like being in Paradise for the crowd.

The Christmas Markets are in the center of all the towns. Here you will find handmade gifts and decorations. There are hundreds of twinkling lights. The delightful aroma of gingerbread and mulled cider is in the air. You will never foget the market. The Christmas Market starts at the end of November.

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Oral Warts in Dogs

It is often assumed that warts are an infection affecting only humans. These warts may also make an appearance in dogs. You may observe small, round skin growths near the mouth of the dog. Young pups are more prone to these warts and they appear as patches of cauliflower on them. In older dogs, these warts have an irregular surface. These warts are caused by a virus infection. However, it is always better to get a veterinarian examine the dog and confirm these warts are viral bumps and not some kind of skin tumor.

How do These Warts Appear?
Canine viral papillomavirus causes these warts on dogs. These warts appear like a cauliflower head or irregularly shaped bumps on the muzzle or near the lips, gums and throat of the dog. These warts may look like finger-like projections or appear like a stalk of mushroom. Warts on dogs may appear in groups or as a solitary projection. These warts are generally harmless and will disappear in a few months or so. If these oral warts start growing in size or become ulcerated, they need veterinarian examination. He may send a tissue same for biopsy and see if there are any cancerous tumors present. Malignant melanoma may be indicated if they appear black in color and grow on the eyelids or lips of the dog.

There are different types of papilloma viruses that infect different sites in a dog's body. A canine mucous membrane papillomatosis generally affects puppies and young dogs. It causes multiple warts on the lips, esophagus as well as the conjunctival mucous membranes. In case of cutaneous papillomas, they appear as solitary warts, generally in older dogs. It is difficult to differentiate between mucous membrane warts and cutaneous warts. Lastly, cutaneous inverted papillomas that affects young and mature dogs. It appears near the ventral abdomen as raised papulonodules. These viral papillomas may progress into cancerous lesions.

How Does a Dog Get Infected with Canine Papillomavirus?
The virus is transmitted only by direct contact. When a healthy dog comes in contact with an infected dog, s/he can get infected. It has been found, puppies under the age of 2 years are more susceptible to these viruses, due to their immature immune system. The incubation period of the virus after entering a dog's body is about a month or two. The canine papillomavirus is contagious, but only to dogs. It does not spread from dogs to humans or other pets as well.

Are Oral Warts Dangerous?
They are not a dangerous infection in most cases. It does not cause any kind of health problem or issue with the dog. There are less than 2% cases where the warts turned into malignant tumors. Sometimes, the dog may develop a secondary bacterial infection on these warts. This causes the warts to turn red, big and swollen. In this case, antibiotics will be required to get rid of the infection.

Is There Any Treatment for Canine Papillomavirus?
All one needs to do, is wait for the warts to resolve on their own. The dog's own immune system will take care of the virus. These warts may sometimes increase in size as well as number. This causes problems, especially when they are present near the nose, inside the throat, etc. It may lead to breathing and swallowing problems. In such cases, the veterinarian may advice removal of the warts surgically or by freezing cryogenically. Sometimes, interferon injections are advised to dogs with a severe infection.

They do not require any form of treatment and resolve on their own. Speak to a veterinarian for more details if you find these ugly warts on your pet.

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Keystone Species - The Prairie Dog

Keystone Species - Vital To Ecosystems

The Prairie Dog

The prairie dog is regarded as a keystone species. Keystone species are those which are crucial to the ecosystem in which they live; those species which have an impact which far exceeds what would be expected of the organism based on its size and/or numbers.

Cassowaries and the mountain tapir are also keystone species. Both eat a vast amount of seeds of a great number of species. In the case of the cassowary, over 200 different species of vegetable material has been found in the contents of its stomach. In both creatures, some of these seeds pass straight through the digestive system to be deposited in a handy little pack of fertiliser some distance from its origins. Thus the tapir and cassowary act as seed dispersers for a number of different plants, some of which will not even germinate until they have passed through the 'host'.

The importance of the prairie dog as a keystone species is manifold. It is an important prey species (and in some cases the main food source) for such predators as the swift fox, black-footed ferret, American badger, ferruginous hawk and golden eagle. The mountain plover and burrowing owl depend on its burrows for nesting places. Grazing animals such as the plains bison, mule deer and pronghorn prefer grazing on prairie dog land.

Prairie dogs rid their 'towns' of high grass. When prairie dogs are exterminated from an area, there is an undesirable spread of brush-type vegetation. The tunnels and burrows are also important to the environment. Rainwater is channelled into the water-table thus reducing run-off and erosion. In heavily grazed areas, an additional bonus is the reversal of soil compaction brought about by grazing animals.

Prairie dogs are burrowing rodents found on the grasslands of North America. It gets its name from its habitat the prairies- and from the fact that its warning call is similar to the barking of a dog. Its genus name, Cynomys, is from the Greek meaning 'dog mouse'. Lewis called the animal the 'barking squirrel' in 1806. There are five species. The common names are black-tailed, white-tailed, Gunnison's, Utah and Mexican prairie dogs.

Range
Prairie dogs are found from the northern states of Mexico right through to Canada. Their range starts at the southern ends of the Great Plains in Mexico and mostly to the west of the Mississippi in the USA through to Canada.

During the 20th century, much of the Great Plains was taken for agriculture resulting in the extermination of around 98% of prairie dogs. Their range today is around 5% of the original.

Habitat
The prairie dog frequents altitudes from 2,000 to 10,000 feet. The temperatures of these areas range from 38oCelsius to -37oC in the winter. Burrows provide protection from all manner of natural hazards hailstorms, floods, prairie fires, drought and blizzards, not to mention giving protection from predators. Temperatures in the burrows and tunnels range from 5 to 10oC in winter and 15 to 25 in summer.

Prairie dogs are highly social and live in large collections. These are called colonies or 'towns'. Family groups will occupy the same territory. Extensive systems of underground burrows and chambers have defined areas for different purposes. Burrows are 5 to 10 metres long and 2 to 3 metres below the ground. There may be 1 to 6 entrances. Some of the entrances are surrounded by mounds of dirt while others are just holes in the ground. The mounds are formed into dome craters or rim craters. Rim craters can be as high as a metre and act as observation posts for the scouts. The chambers within the burrows have particular functions. Some are nursery chambers. These are usually deeper. Others are daytime chambers or sleeping chambers.

The different species have different patterns of building. The white-tailed prairie dog have more scattered burrows rather than the large towns of the black-tailed species. The largest recorded community covered some 65,000 square kilometres. A typical black-tailed town might be less than 1.5 square kms.

Description
The prairie dog has a stout little body of between 30 and 40 cm long (including the short tail of 8 to 10 cm) and weigh between 0.5 and 2 kgs.

They are brown in colour. Life span in the wild is 3 to 4 years.

Behaviour
Family members keep bonds by 'kissing' and grooming one another. A town may contain a number of family groups, which usually consist of an adult breeding male, 2-3 adult females and several offspring of each sex. Females remain in the one group throughout their lives and bring stability to the group. Young males are ousted and must find another group.

All species hibernate for at least some period in winter. On the mountain plains, there might be a six-month hibernation.

Territories are defended vigorously. Well established borders may coincide with physical elements such as trees and rocks. There may be 20 antagonistic encounters daily over border disputes. There will be much staring, flaring to tails, pretend charges and chattering of teeth. Females may even jump in to help a smaller male.

It is believed that prairie dogs have a wide range of communication calls other than those used simply as warnings of danger. Loud alarm calls are sounded by yipping like a dog. There is also an 'all clear' signal. To designate territory, the prairie dog 'jump-yips', stretching vertically and extending the front paws in the air while yipping. Such an action encourages a similar response from others nearby.

Nutrition
The prairie dog is basically herbivorous and eats all kinds of vegetation. It also eats some insects. Roots, seeds, buds, fruit and native grasses are all eaten.

Reproduction
Copulation takes place in the burrows. Females do most of the caring and collect grass for the nest while the male defends the territory and maintains the burrows. The gestation period is around 34 days with some variations between species. Three to six young are born and only one litter per year is raised.

The first six weeks of life are spent underground being fed by the mother. With the advent of weaning, the young begin to appear on the surface and by five months of age they are fully grown. Prairie dogs may engage in infanticide if a male takes over a new group. Lactating females may also kill another's pups.

Threats
Coyotes, badgers, foxes, black-footed ferrets, badgers, hawks and eagles all prey on the prairie dogs. Snakes also enter the burrows.

Conservation
The Utah and Mexican prairie dogs are listed as endangered. It has been difficult to persuade land-owners to cease destroying the animal by poisoning, digging up burrows, etc. The prairie dog is enjoying increasing popularity as a pet although their highly social nature makes them a rather time-consuming pet.

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Food Recipes for Dogs with Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis in dogs is a condition during which the pancreas becomes inflamed, releasing several digestive enzymes. It can range in severity from being very mild, to extremely dangerous.

Acute pancreatitis can cause long-lasting damage to the surrounding organs. Chronic pancreatitis, however, is a recurring condition that occurs as a result of consuming a diet rich in fats, or due to prolonged use of certain medications like corticosteroids.

Other causes include, trauma to the pancreas, middle age, and obesity. Certain dog breeds are considered susceptible to this disorder. Apathy, low or irregular appetite, aggressiveness and vomiting are some symptoms that can be observed in the dogs suffering from pancreatitis.

The best way to avoid or control pancreatitis is following a diet that is low in fats. Pets who have a history of pancreatitis or are vulnerable to developing this condition, should be fed a low-fat diet. Concentrate on weight loss for obese pets.

How should a canine pancreatitis diet be?A canine pancreatitis diet should necessarily be a low-fat diet. The diet should be rich in carbohydrates, as these have little effect on the gastrointestinal hormones, which trigger the pancreatic enzymes.

Rice is highly digestible, rich in carbohydrates and can be fed to the dog in small amounts. Along with rice, you can add low-fat cottage cheese or boiled skinless chicken breast. According to dog nutritionists, a canine pancreatitis diet may include white meat chicken, lean and low-fat ground beef, beef heart, beef kidney, egg whites, non-fat plain yogurt, oatmeal, barley and cottage cheese. Cooked vegetables such as winter squash and sweet potatoes can also be considered, as these foods contain low amounts of phosphorus and fat.


Recipe 1
Ingredients
2 cup rice flour
6 tbsp. low-sodium, low-fat chicken broth
1 cup cooked vegetables
(beans, peas, carrots, squash or sweet potatoes, to name a few)

Directions
Combine all the ingredients and add some water or vegetable broth (if required) to make a slightly moist cookie dough. Roll the dough, until it is half an inch thick, and cut into desired shapes. Bake at 350F for about 20-25 minutes and then allow them to cool.

Recipe 2
Ingredients
1 cup cooked stew meat or cut up lean roast, fat drained
cup cooked barley
cup cooked zucchini
cup low or non-fat cottage cheese
tsp. of Berte's Digestion Blend

Directions
Combine all the ingredients, and it's ready to be served.

Recipe 3
Ingredients
1 cup water
3 oz. ground turkey
cup rice
3 oz. frozen vegetables

Directions
Combine the water, turkey and rice into a pot. Lid it, and set on a high flame until it boils. Once it boils, lower the flame and let it simmer for around 20-25 minutes. Occasionally stir the mixture to check if the ingredients are cooked. Add the frozen veggies and let it cook for another 10 minutes. Let it cool before you serve it.

Recipe 4
Ingredients
1 bowl ground chicken
1 carrot, diced
1 stalk of *broccoli, chopped
1 cup whole wheat pasta, cooked
2 tsp. olive oil

Directions
Heat the olive oil in a wok. Add all the ingredients and stir fry till they are cooked. Cool it before serving.
*While broccoli is a rich source of dietary fiber, refrain from feeding excessive amounts to your dog, as it can be harmful. Also keep in mind the size of your dog; smaller dogs, especially find it hard to digest.
Feeding Tips

• As mentioned before, it is necessary to drastically reduce the fat content in your dog's food when he/she is recovering from pancreatitis.
• Ensure that the meal servings are small, but frequent.
• If you wish to feed beef to your dog, make sure that the excess fat is drained.
• This is what an ideal diet should consist-
  • part- low-fat animal proteins
  • part- low-glycemic vegetables
  • part- food with high starch content
• Finally, you must remember that each of these recipes may or may not be liked by your dog. So try to make changes to these recipes, keeping the meal plan in mind.

Allow your dog ample time to recover, follow the dietary regulations, and include an exercise program with the vet's permission. Your favorite companion is sure to bounce back to normalcy within no time.

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Dog Cold Symptoms

During winter or summer, you may find your dog sneezing. This makes you wonder if dogs can get cold? Yes, they do get colds after the temperature drops or due to seasonal allergies caused by pollens in air. There are many other factors that lead to dog cold. However, they do not catch a cold due to the same virus or bacteria causing cold in humans. Yet, the symptoms are very similar to symptoms of cold in humans. The following paragraphs on symptoms and causes of dog cold contain a comprehensive view related to this respiratory condition.

Do Dogs Get Colds?
If you still are wondering whether dogs get colds, then the answer is 'yes'. The causes of colds in dogs include a variety of viruses that lead to different symptoms. Let us have a look at each one of these infectious agents and the pathophysiology related to each condition.

Adenovirus Type 2
Adenovirus type 2 is the main cause of canine cold. It causes many typical symptoms in dogs and may lead to canine kennel cough.

Canine Influenza Virus
Canine influenza virus causes an infection that leads to persistent cough for up to 3 weeks. It also leads to discharge from the nose and the animal suffers from a low-grade fever. In some cases, the dog may develop high fever with an increase in breathing rate.

Distemper
This viral disease causes not only signs of respiratory infections, but also gastrointestinal infection symptoms. It is a serious viral disease with a high fatality rate. Thus, make sure you vaccinate your dog against distemper early on.

Kennel Cough
One of the common causes of colds in dogs is kennel cough. This disease occurs in dogs who live in kennels and other confined areas. The disease causes raspy cough with phlegm. It can be caused by Adenovirus or Coronavirus, however, Bordetella bronchiseptica, bacteria, is the most common cause of this infection.

Parainfluenza Virus
Parainfluenza virus causes a highly contagious respiratory infection in dogs. The symptoms of this condition include chronic sneezing and coughing.

Symptoms of Dog Colds
The symptoms of dog cold indicate the presence of a respiratory infection. These symptoms indicate that one needs to seek treatment for their dog. Some of the common symptoms of cold in dogs are as follows:

• Runny nose
• Continuous sneezing
• Chronic cough
• Hacking cough with phlegm
• Nasal discharge that may be yellowish-green in color
• Loss of appetite
• Watery eyes
• Lethargy
• Sleepiness
• Breathing difficulty
• Fever

Treatment for Symptoms of Dog Cold
The symptoms of dog cold are generally self-limiting like humans. However, when the symptoms do not go away and cause fever, one may have to seek medical help. You should take your dog to a veterinarian and get the dog evaluated. If the doctor feels that the condition is self-limiting, you will need to provide your dog with home care. Keep the dog insulated by providing him a warm blanket and bed to sleep on. The dog may suffer from loss of appetite, but you need to feed the dog with some brown rice and boiled chicken for energy. You can even feed him some chicken broth for extra nutrition. A vaporizer kept near the dog while he sleeps will help clear his nasal passages thus, making it easy for him to breathe. Give the dog plenty of clean and fresh water to drink. This will keep the dog hydrated. The doctor may prescribe dog cold medicines like antibiotics, etc. in case of bacterial infections. He may also give the dog some multivitamin tablets containing vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E.

When you spot the symptoms, keep your pet dry and warm. Do not allow him to venture out a lot and give him plenty of rest. Puppies and older dogs need veterinarian care as their immune system is weaker than those in the prime of their lives. Hope, the above information on symptoms of canine cold prove to be a useful read for you.

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Hypothyroidism in Dogs

The thyroid gland, located near the base of the neck, is responsible for producing thyroxine, a hormone that regulates the metabolic activities of animals. Hypothyroidism is a disease that is caused by lower or insufficient production of the thyroid hormone. It is a common health problem that equally affects both male and female dogs.

Deficiency of Thyroid Hormones in Dogs

Causes
It is usually caused by the impairment of the thyroid gland, when it fails to produce and release adequate amount of hormones required to carry out metabolic activities. Sometimes, the damage of this gland is done by the dog's own immune system and this condition is known as autoimmune thyroiditis. In this condition, the cells of the thyroid gland are destroyed by the immune system. At other times, it is caused by atrophy of the thyroid tissues and the consequent invasion of these tissues by fats.

The production of thyroid hormone also depends on other glands like the pituitary and the hypothalamus and therefore, problems in these parts of the body may also result in hypothyroidism. But, in most of the cases, it is a result of the inability of the thyroid gland to produce the required amount of hormones.

Symptoms
There is no specific symptom of this condition and the dogs suffering from the disease may show several symptoms. The dogs show symptoms like hair loss, obesity, anemia, skin problems such as hyper-pigmentation, especially black pigmentation in the skin near the groin, lethargy or reduction in mental alertness, slow heart rate and high level of blood cholesterol. Besides, an increase in sensitivity to cold, edema and toenail and skin infections are also commonly found in dogs with this disease.

Diagnosis and Treatment
It is commonly diagnosed by carrying out blood tests to determine the levels of T4 and T3 thyroid hormones. Initially, the blood is tested for checking the level of T4 hormone. A low count of this hormone usually indicates malfunctioning of the thyroid. But this is not a definitive test, as sometimes lower levels of the T4 hormone may be induced by factors other than hypothyroidism. If the level of this hormone is low, then another blood test is carried out to determine the level of T3 hormone. However, in its early stage, it may not be an accurate test for diagnosing the disease.

The confirming test for this condition is the TSH(thyroid stimulating hormone) test, which is performed if the blood tests confirm low levels of T4 and T3 hormones. In the TSH simulation test, a small dose of thyroid stimulating hormone is administered into the vein of the dog and after few hours the blood is tested for the T4 hormone. If the dog is suffering from hypothyroidism, then there won't be any change in the level of T4 hormone. However, if the level of this hormone increases in blood then it indicates that factors other than hypothyroidism may be responsible for causing a low level of T4 hormone in the bloodstream.

Thyroidism can be easily treated by administering the hormone thyroxine, which maintains the normal rate of metabolism. However, the treatment has to be continued lifelong. Besides, it is also crucial to administer this hormone in the appropriate amount. Therefore, it is important to take the advice of a certified veterinarian.

It has been observed that middle-aged dogs are commonly affected by this disease. Moreover, it is also common among mid to large breeds, while quite rare in small breeds of dogs. Breeds like Labrador, Golden Retrievers, Doberman Pinschers, Dachshunds, Cocker Spaniels, Airedales and greyhounds are found to be more prone to hypothyroidism. So, if your dog is showing symptoms like sudden obesity, hair loss, skin disorders, laziness and reduced mental alertness, a veterinarian should be immediately consulted for early detection and treatment of the disease.

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Chronic Kidney Disease in Dogs

As in case of humans, dogs too develop kidney disease. In fact, it is one of the common causes of death in older dogs. Kidney disease in dogs is classified into two types - acute and chronic. While acute kidney disease symptoms develop all of a sudden, chronic ones are found to develop gradually. It may take some weeks or even months for the symptoms of chronic kidney disease to develop in dogs.

What is Chronic Kidney Disease in Dogs

Kidney disease is often described as loss of a major part of normal kidney functioning due to damage caused to the organ. As the kidneys stop functioning properly, toxins will get accumulated in the blood, resulting in symptoms that may lead to death. In case of acute canine kidney disease, symptoms develop all of a sudden. This may be due to various causes, like dehydration, ingestion of toxic substances, bladder infection, bladder stones and tumor of the urinary bladder. As compared to the acute form, chronic kidney disease may develop over a course of time, during which the animal may not show any obvious symptoms. So, it is very difficult to detect the condition.

Apart from the normal wear and tear to the organ, causes of chronic kidney disease in dogs may include long-term infection of the kidneys, congenital defects and abnormalities of the organ, vascular diseases (that cause obstruction to blood flow to the kidneys), kidney damages caused by immune mediated conditions, hypertension and cancer. This condition is commonly associated with aging and so is one of the leading causes of death in older dogs. In case of small-sized dogs, symptoms may appear from the age of 10 to 14, whereas in large-sized dogs, such symptoms may be seen at an early age of seven. The symptoms may vary with both forms of canine kidney disease.

Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease in Canines

A dog with this type of kidney disease may not display symptoms associated with the condition, during the early stages. As mentioned above, damage to the kidneys leads to kidney disease. In case of chronic kidney disease, the normal parts of the kidneys will try to compensate for the damaged ones. This will continue for some time, till it becomes impossible. This results in complete renal failure. This is the reason why symptoms do not develop during the early stages of chronic kidney disease in dogs. Usually, symptoms appear when the condition gets severe and at that stage, it may be like acute kidney disease. The following are some of the symptoms displayed by dogs with this kidney disease.

• Even though, there are very less chances of developing early symptoms, the dog may appear weak and may gradually develop loss of appetite and weight loss.
• Increased thirst and frequent urination are among the warning symptoms of this condition. Besides that, painful urination, loss of bladder control, bloody urine, etc., may also develop in the affected dogs.
• Such dogs may also develop extreme fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, bad breath, depression and mouth ulcers.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Apart from studying the symptoms of the dog and conducting a physical examination of the animal, the vet may conduct blood test and urine test. In most cases, the condition is detected, after seventy-five percent of the organ gets damaged. As reversing the damage caused to the kidney is difficult, treatment is aimed at managing the condition, so as to make the animal as comfortable as possible. So, medication and supportive care is provided to the animal, so as to control the symptoms and to prevent further progression of chronic kidney disease in dogs. In some rare cases, kidney transplant is also done. Other measures include control of blood pressure and body acidity, preventing dehydration and providing the animal with good amount of fresh water, administering potassium supplements, controlling consumption of protein and salt, preventing stress to the animal, etc. In some cases, the kidney functioning may resume to some extent and will continue to work for a few months or even years, but some others may stop functioning as soon as the treatment is withdrawn.

The above said was a brief overview of the various aspects of chronic kidney disease in dogs. This article is only for informational purposes and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice. So, it is always better to contact the vet, if your pet dog has any of the above mentioned symptoms.

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Four Helpful Truths About Blindness in Dogs

If you're reading this there's a good chance you've learned your beloved pet is blind, or at least losing some sight. I know how you feel. We've been through this with two dogs. One lost her sight suddenly from an injury. The other lost one eye at a time due to glaucoma.

I won't lie, there will be an adjustment period. But please know that your pet can still lead a full and enjoyable life. Not sure if you believe me? Read on for the four surprising truths that helped us learn to live with a blind dog.

1. Blindness Bothers You More Than Your Dog

Dogs have such good senses of hearing and smell that vision doesn't matter nearly as much to them. In fact, a surprising number of older dogs become nearly completely blind before their owners even realize there's an issue.

Why? Because your pet is using his nose and ears in ways we can only imagine.

For example, canines can smell a single drop of blood in more than a gallon of water. Their sense of smell is at least 100,000 times stronger than ours some estimate smelling breeds like bloodhounds to be more than 10 million times better than us.

Our Cocker Spaniel is completely blind since his last bout with glaucoma(Glaucoma is common enough in Cocker Spaniels that you may want to read more aboutglaucoma in dogs.) Guests are amazed at how well he navigates our home and yard. With his sense of smell he never has any problems finding us, our other dog, his food, or even the toybox.

2. Dogs Take Their Emotional Cues From You

Canine behaviorists know your behavior and emotions influence your pet. Think about it; when you're excited doesn't Rover get excited too? The same principle applies when you're nervous, hesitant, or worried.

If you treat your blind dog like a capable companion he or she will believe you. Obviously you're not going to turn him loose in the street or take undue risks common sense prevails. But you can encourage him to trust himself in the home and yard, and to trust YOU to take care of him on walks and other outings.

Our Cocker Spaniel still loves his walks. We take him on flat sidewalks and give verbal cues (step up and step down) before we step off and onto curbs. We keep him on a leash, but when we get to the local park we let the leash out to the full 15 feet to let him sniff to his hearts' content. He trusts us not to let him wander into uneven ground or dangerous obstacles.

Blind Dog Stories: Tales of Triumph, Humor and Heroism
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Dean and Tyler "Patch Collar", Nylon Dog Collar with BLIND DOG Patches - Black - Size: Medium - Fits Neck 21-Inch to 26-Inch
Amazon Price: $37.95 $34.70 Buy Now
(price as of Apr 17, 2013) To make your walks easier it's a good idea to make it clear on your collar or harness that your dog is blind. You can coach people you meet in how to pet him without startling.

3. Your Pet Will Build a Mental 'Map' of Your Home

Blind dogs know how to navigate their day-to-day environment. We've owned two blind dogs in our lifetime. Our first dog spent two days circling the house, figuring out where everything was. She learned how to use the doggie door to get to the back yard. She even figured out the layout of the yard.

If you have a blind dog there are a few things you can do to help her learn. Remember what you've learned about her sense of smell and use it to help her. We spray a tiny bit of vanilla air freshener above the doggie door on the inside and outside of the door to help our dog find it. Many owners will also choose a particular smell to mark furniture legs or other hard objects, again to help the dog know where they are.

Also think about tactile clues on the floor. We've placed a rectangular area rug to lead from the tile-floored foyer to the laundry room (where the doggie door and water are). When our guy feels the rug underfoot he knows it's time to turn right and follow it if he wants his water or to go outside. We also tacked a carpet square onto the deck floor outside, just under the doggie door for the same reason. When he feels the carpet square he knows to look for the door in the wall of the house.

Blind Dog Playing Fetch

4. Life Can Still be Fun!

Life is more than walks and surviving getting around the house. There needs to be some fun, and blind dogs can still have it! It's important to have appropriate toys for blind dogs available.

Balls

Try rolling WigglyGiggly balls if your dog is small. For stronger-jawed breeds look at the Talking Babble ball by PetQwerks. Your die-hard ball chaser won't be able to follow a ball in the air any more, but she can sure hear it roll across the floor.

Squeaky Toys

Our guy loves to play tug of war. He roots in the toy box for one of his squeaky toys and brings it to us to get us to play. If anything he asks to play more now that he is blind than he did when he could see.

PetQwerks Talking Babble Ball Dog Toy, Large, Blue
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(price as of Apr 17, 2013)

If your dog is blind or beginning to lose his vision, take heart. He can lead a full and happy life in your home with only minor adjustments. There are some great resources available to help you through the process. I've listed several at the end of this article.

Blind Devotion: Enhancing the Lives of Blind and Visually Impaired Dogs
Amazon Price: $14.99 $11.45 Buy Now
(price as of Apr 17, 2013) This is a terrific book about life with visual impairment. Well worth the read!

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Tips to Keep Cocker Spaniel at Your House

Cocker spaniels are considered by canine experts as one of the most
intelligent breeds. As such, housebreaking a cocker spaniel puppy
is comparatively easy considering its high level of intelligence
coupled with its equable temperament. Of course, many tips abound
as to the ways to effectively housetrain your puppy with the
following suggestions forming just the tip of the iceberg.

Crate Training Tips

Ideally, the best time to start crate training is when the cocker
spaniel puppy is at least 7 weeks old. Premature separation poses
the higher likelihood that the puppy will develop behavioral
problems like extreme separation anxiety.

Contrary to opinions, crate training is not a cruel act toward the
young animal when it is implemented in the right manner. The crate,
in fact, provides a place for the puppy to feel safe, secure and
calm away from the unfamiliar surroundings of its new home. The
crate also functions as the puppy's personal space.

With that in mind, the best crate is one that only allows the puppy
to stand up and sleep on its side. If the puppy can walk around in
it, potty training will be negatively affected. Take note that
puppies are taught by their mothers not to soil their dining and
sleeping areas. So, if the crate is just of the right size for
sleeping, your pet will not make bowel and bladder movements in the
crate.

You must also make sure that the crate is clean and comfortable for
your cocker spaniel. Place clean, soft and warm beddings on its
floor, put in a toy and a food bowl. It will then become an
inviting place for the puppy.

At first, try to leave the puppy inside the crate for just an hour
or two at a time. Gradually increase the amount of time until you
can go to work with the thought that your pet is safely inside its
crate - with food, water and toy, of course.

Potty Training Tips

If the dog will not pee and poop in the crate, you must identify an
appropriate place for such purposes. You can choose either from a
specific part of the yard or a corner of the house filled with
litter supplies. You must then assist the puppy in making the
association between its need to pee/poop and the appointed dog
toilet.

But first, you must learn to observe the puppy's routines in eating
its food and then eliminating its waste. If the breeder can provide
the information, you will have an easier time at determining when
the puppy needs to "go". Close supervision is necessary during the
first few days of potty training.

Also, you must remember a few general rules.

- In general, a puppy will eliminate its bodily wastes every 2
hours or an hour after eating and drinking. Its stomach is still
small, after all. 
- If you see signs that the puppy has to "go", take it out of its
crate and lead it to the dog toilet. Say the command "Go potty" and
then wait for it to do so. 
- Don't let the puppy perform any other activity aside from going
potty. 
- Praise it for a job well done.

With crate and potty training, your new pet will become a beloved
member of the family. Your cocker spaniel should be well-behaved,
as can be expected.

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10 Reasons To Own Hedgehogs As Pets

Hedgehogs as Pets

The cutest pet in the world.

10 Reasons to Own A Hedgehog

1.They are ridiculously cute!

In my completely biased opinion, they are the cutest pet in the entire world, this is based purely on aesthetic values, They look cute, and the best thing about it that they know exactly how cute they are and use it to their advantage.

2. They take very little looking after, are easy to care for.

They are really simple to look after, most of the time they will take care of themselves, they are nocturnal so come out in the early evening and go to sleep when the sun rises. The most work you will do with them is bathing them and changing their cage once every 2 weeks, however the way they look and act in the bath adds to their cute quota, so is by no means a chore.

3. They are cheap to buy

You an pick one these cute little things up for around $100 if you add a nice cage, a wheel and a few toys, youre looking at a total cost of $175-200. They make up for this little bit of cost in the future so dont worry choosing hedgehogs as petswill not break the bank.

4. Their upkeep is even cheaper

Owning hedgehogs as pets is so cheap it a little hard to believe, they eat dry cat food and need a pack of wood shavings every 2 weeks. Thats it, if you really want to spoil them, a bit of cooked chicken or boiled/ scrambled eggs go down a treat with very little expense.

5. They are very intelligent

So clever for a little animal like this, most people liken them to hamsters and small mammals and rodents, this couldnt be further from the truth. My hoggie is really clever, if he comes across a problem he will do any number of things to try to solve it, recently he broke his wheel and snapped it off of its brace, in the time it took me to get to the pet store and back to buy him a replacement, he had wedged his food bowl up against his wheel brace and positioned his wheel on top of it to hold it in place. Of course it didnt work but you have to respect the effort.

6. They are lots of entertainment

If you buy a hedgehog, just watching them can entertain you for hours, they are so smart and come up with the most ridiculous things to entertain themselves. This often ends with them getting into a ridiculous situation that they need assistance getting out of. Things like trying to move his house to a new part of his cage as part of his daily redecoration of his cage, can end with him smashing it into 2 pieces that he cant quite click back into place (although he does try pretty hard) requires me to fix it for him.

7. People love them when they come over to visit

When people come to visit, they will LOVE your hedgehogs, most people cant believe you have one and will be scared that they will get prickled if they hold it, but once hey get over it, your visitors will be completely distracted until you take it off them. Great for distracting the kids for a while too.

8. They LOVE their owner

They will completely love the owner, other people are just for entertainment, but as much as a cat or a dog does, when they want to snuggle up to sleep they will come to mummy or daddy for a nap. My little boy can find me in a room full of people, based a lot on smells, it can e really funny to watch him sniff every person in the room to determine which is me, he has 100% record so far J

9. They are robust

People worry about having such a small pet if they have children, but they are very robust little creatures, their spines provide a lot of protection from outside threats such as cats (which find them very interesting). They also ball up if they fall (often from tables) so just sort of bounce and then uncurl and carry on their little journey.

10. They are cute, did I already mention that?

I think their cuteness is worth 2 mentions in this little list haha.

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How To Protect Your Pets at Christmas Festivities

Christmas is time for parties, celebrations and get-togethers for many people. For pets, it may mean tempting delicious and inviting aromas, delectable treats and foods in close proximity, new feet and personalities shuffling around the house and a new exciting challenge, the Christmas tree. Despite the possibly hectic pace of family and friends chatting, laughing, and moving around the feasting table, many pets may be ignored after the initial greetings and neck rubs. Pets can get lost in the shuffle during all this merriment however, it is very important that they do not fall victim to eating potentially dangerous or ill-inducing foods, possible injury or too much excitement which could result in both illness and injury. Here is how to ensure your pets remain comfortable, happy and protected from harm or illness.

When decorating the Christmas tree, be sure to place all your ornaments on a table out of the way of pets; cats love to roll balls around so those glass ornaments are particularly vulnerable. Put them in a box to store until you put them on the tree. Keep tinsel in a closed plastic bag until you need it. If your tree is small enough, consider placing it on a small table so that it off the floor and hopefully out of reach of cats or dogs. The temptation of a table top tree may wear off for a cat after an initial inspection. Keep glass ornaments away from the bottom of the tree where they may tempt a dog or cat to play with it. Use ornaments that are fabric, plastic or made of wood at the bottom instead. Try to keep light cords out of reach as well as pets tend to enjoy chewing these. Do not allow too much wire to pile up on the floor; bury it in the branches at the base of the tree if needed. If you have a real tree and place water in the base, lay a cloth (such as a tree skirt) over and around the water containment to avoid pets drinking from it.

When you expect a number of people to arrive in the same time frame, it is recommended you place your pet in a room where you can close the door. Keep your pet comfortable and occupied by putting the bed or blanket and a favorite toy in the room; if you have a clock-radio in the room, turn it on at a low level. Once most or all people have arrived, you can satisfy the pet's curiosity regarding the unfamiliar noises by briefly introducing the guests to your pet, then make the decision to allow the pet to stay out or return to the room depending on the anxiety of your pet. You may want to ask any of your guests or family members to distract your dog by taking him or her for a walk or by playing with the pet outside instead of banishing your pet to another room

When guests need a place to temporarily store their belongings such as purses, coats, umbrellas, etc. make sure this is in an area where the pet cannot access otherwise, they may suffer minor or major damage from chewing, shredding or eaten as a possible food treat! The insides of purses seem to fascinate pets, especially cats so protect your guests' possessions.

Do not permit cats or dogs to jump on the counter or rest on the counter edge as you are preparing food as this is unsanitary and poses a threat to cats that might snack on something that does not agree with them. To help with clean up and organization, place the items you need for food preparation such as seasonings, preparation utensils, serving dishes, etc. in an area in the kitchen where they are accessible and ready to use. Clean up the counters as you prepare so you do not have leftover peelings, plastic bags, wrappers, empty cans or sharp-edged lids, bottles, and so on. You will appreciate this later when it is time to clean up after dining and partying as it will be that much less to deal with! Be aware that chocolate, seasonings and certain vegetables and fruits such as onions, garlic, grapes (in any form, like raisins and currants) can be toxic to cats, and can make dogs ill or worse. Make sure when you are opening the oven door during baking that pets are not within touching distance. Their curiosity may get the best of them and although they may be repelled by the heat generated, don't allow them to be tempted. It may be best to banish them back to their safe haven during the food preparation time to avoid them getting underfoot and coming into contact with potential hazards.

If you believe that it cruel and unusual punishment to keep your pet isolated during the dining phase, away from any contact with humans and exciting revelry, if it is a dog, place the pet bed in its normal place or close by and make your dog lay down quietly; give him or her a few chew treats to keep busy while everyone is eating. Ask your guests to avoid stirring up unwanted tableside visits by refraining from offering food from the table. Cats will usually take care of themselves but if your cat is insistent on becoming a table decoration, place the cat back in isolation with his or her bed and the cat will more than likely fall asleep and not miss the action. Place a cover over a caged bird to reduce stress and distraction. A pet that eats rich, sauced-up and exotic foods not normally part of their diet can cause stomach upsets, diarrhea, lethargy and even situations that may require emergency veterinarian action such as dog bloat which is life threatening so be extra cautious to avoid pets indulging in these.

Pets are most often considered family members and totally dependent on their humans to care for them, feed them and protect them from harm. Wanting to include pets in the Christmas festivities is understandable and normal however, pets often do not know that these contain elements that can hurt them or make them ill. Keep your pet and everyone happy, comfortable and safe by following the pet's usual routine as much as possible. They will not judge you for not including them in activities reserved only for humans! They will however thoroughly appreciate your company and an occasional treat after the festivities have moved on. Be cautious, aware, and vigilant so that everyone can enjoy the festivities, including your pets.

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Canine Cold Remedies

Canine cold is caused by a viral infection that attacks the upper respiratory tract of the dogs. The virus is highly contagious in nature. It may get transmitted from an infected dog to others through direct contact or it may get an air borne infection and pass it on to other dogs. It can be identified with some typical symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, persistent cough and dry mouth. They may get fever as well because of a secondary bacterial infection. The sick dogs exhibit sluggish behavior and avoid their daily activities. As they lose the sense of smell, they cannot smell their food and refuse to eat anything.

Treatment
When you notice cold symptoms in your pet dogs, you must take them to the vet for proper diagnosis. Canine cold is not something serious but there are a number of other serious respiratory illnesses like pneumonia, etc. which have similar symptoms. So, you have to take your vet's opinion about the exact cause of the infection. Moreover, cold symptoms in puppies and old dogs should be treated under medical supervision only, as their immune system is quite weak and a mild infection may lead to serious health complications. Apart from studying the physical symptoms, a chest X-ray is conducted to check if there is a pneumonia infection or not.

A serious cold is treated with antibiotics. Even though antibiotics are ineffective on viruses, still, it is given to reduce the chances of any bacterial infection, which tend to attack the sick dog with a weak immune system. Vitamin C supplements are widely used for the treatment of canine cold. It does not cure the cold but it makes their immune system strong. Thus, it can fight off the infection well. The daily dosage of vitamin C for dogs is 45 mg. If your dog can swallow the pill, then you won't face trouble in giving him this medicine. If he cannot, then crush the pill and mix it with dog food. A pediatric cough suppressant like Robitussen is often given to dogs who are older than 2 years for cough relief. It decreases irritation and inflammation of throat and the cough subsides. Usually, half teaspoon of this cough medicine is recommended 4 times in a day. However, you should use it as per the instructions given by the vet.

Homemade Remedies
If your pet is diagnosed with a mild infection, then you can treat him at home too. A few such home remedies that can reduce the suffering of your pets are as follows:

Colloidal Silver: A daily dose of colloidal silver has an amazing effect on canine cold. Its antibiotic qualities are quite strong. So, you have to be extra careful about its dosage. It should vary according to the age and size of the dog. Small-sized dogs or old dogs should be given half teaspoon of colloidal silver daily while large sized adult dogs need one teaspoon of colloidal silver every day for complete relief from cold.

Honey: Honey forms a thin coat on the lining of the dog's throat and prevents recurrent cough. One teaspoon of honey should be administered directly into their mouth. It should be repeated 2-3 times everyday. If your dog refuses to take honey, then dilute it with water and pour a few drops of this solution into his mouth after a gap of every one hour.

Steam Treatment: This treatment works really well on runny nose. Turn on the hot shower in a closed bathroom and let it get filled up with steam. Your pet should spend 15-20 minutes inside this steamy room. Inhaling the hot steam thins up the phlegm and it will drain out easily. Now, they can breathe freely without any difficulty.

Dog Diet: When your pets are dealing with cold, you must provide them with proper food that can strengthen their immune system. You can offer them chicken soup, which has a soothing effect on the irritated throat and at the same time will give them enough nutrition. Boiled chicken combined with brown rice is another option available with you. Feeding the dog in this condition is challenging and you must act patiently.

Humidifier: Keep a humidifier in the sleeping area of your dog. It adds moisture to the indoor air, which in turn will open up their clogged air passage. Thus, they can breathe easily and will be relieved from the annoying cough too.

The symptoms of canine cold usually last for around one or two weeks. Once your pet dog has recovered with the help of canine cold remedies discussed in this article, you must ensure that they do not catch cold all over again. Limit their exposure to cold weather conditions. Do not allow healthy dogs in the house to mingle with sick dogs, thus preventing spread of the infection.

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Hawaii Self Storage

What is Hawaii Self Storage?

If you have ever spent time in Hawaii, you know how enchanting the place can be; how it can capture your imagination and often keep you rooted there longer than you intended. If you find yourself moving to hawaii or simply having a hard time leaving the islands, you might want to look into Hawaii self storage. Hawaii self storage companies specialize in offering clean and secure storage spaces for your personal belongings, furniture and valuables while you're away. If you are finalizing a move to Hawaii, then Hawaii self storage can ease your transition by giving you a place to have your furniture sent ahead. Some managers of Hawaii storage units will even be so accomodating as to move your things into your storage in Hawaii before you arrive!

Some Secrets about Hawaii Self Storage - Getting the Best Rates on Hawaii Storage Units

Like many other businesses in Hawaii, companies specializing in storage in Hawaii often conduct business "the local way". This means taking your time to "talk story" about the factors and circumstances that bring you in to rent storage, discussing and haggling over different discounts, and generally running things in a more personal, and personable, manner. Companies that handle storage in Hawaii usually offer "Kama'aina" discounts to locals. Kama'aina means "from the land" in the Hawaiian language, but in the business world it represents a recognition and appreciation of the fellow island-dwellers you often see, work with and live with. For example, StorageKings of Kailua-Kona on the Big Island offers special Kama'aina rates on Hawaii storage units. StorageKings on Big Island are also known for their generous move-in specials, featuring deep discounts on units, free months of rent, half-off rental rates for 3 months and even the use of a free moving truck!

Basically, the key to having success with Hawaii self storage is to learn the pace of negotiating and deal-making in Hawaii, and bringing a spirit of Aloha to your business transactions. If you are willing to be friendly and engage with the property manager of a Hawaii self storage facility, you can take the time to get to know them, allow them to get a sense of your self storage needs, and ultimately come away with a much better Hawaii storage units rental rate. In general, if you are friendly, easy-going and patient in your interactions in Hawaii, you will fare much better in the end, and will notice that your Hawaii self storage business partners will be more willing to accomodate you.

Other Important Tips for Hawaii Self Storage - Always Check the Rules and Temperatures of Hawaii Storage Units!

Because of the climate in Hawaii, you should take the time to personally investigate the different self storage facilities near you in order to ensure they will be suitable for the types of goods you will be storing. Hawaii self storage facilities can vary wildly from one another in terms of price, quality of facilities, and even temperature and humidity! You might not think this is a big deal, but Hawaii self storage facilities on the same street as one another could have vastly different interior temperatures. This might not matter for everyone with Hawaii storage units, but imagine if you are storing old photographs and dry dog food!

You should always verify your prospective Hawaii self storage units in person, to get a sense for the facility, its level of upkeep, and its usual temperatures. Some hawaii storage units are climate-controlled, which means they receive some degree of air flow thanks to industrial fans in the Hawaii self storage facility. Some storage in Hawaii is actually air-conditioned, but the energy costs of maintaining such temperatures cause Hawaii self storage rental rates to skyrocket. Due to potential complications of this nature, some companies that offer storage in Hawaii accept well-packaged food items as O.K. to place in your Hawaii storage units, while others will refuse even dehydrated pet food in its original packaging. Make sure you know the rules govering your Hawaii storage units before you start shipping containers of dog food to your storage in Hawaii!

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Dog Sickness Symptoms

I'd like to begin this article with a personal story about my truelove, Sunny. He's a 7 year old, white, Spitz and I love him to death. Every time I go back home, I can't help but hug and kiss him till he wishes to run away from me. On my last visit, I wasn't at home too often and would go out visiting my old friends. As I kept leaving him behind, alone in the house, he would start to cry and make weird noises. My neighbors would tell me that he would keep pacing around the entire backyard, waiting for me. Needless to say, I got worried and was wondering if this behavior was hinting toward something dangerous. I took him to the veterinarian and all he did was keep asking me about any unusual behavior or symptoms; but I came up blank.

After this incident, I found out that every dog tends to display certain symptoms. These symptoms indicate that proper dog care is not being followed through and somewhere down the line, it could be due to our negligence. (I'm not saying that all dog owners are negligent, but with tons of chores to finish in a day's time, it's very common). Since they can't say what's bothering them in words, they tend to show the symptoms to us. All we have to do is to be alert and catch their behavior changes in time. And if and when we make an error, our furry friends end up suffering big time. And to avoid such an event from occurring, go through the article for helpful information on different illnesses and their symptoms.

Various Symptoms of Different Dog Illnesses

It is advisable that you immediately visit your veterinarian if you find any unusual behavior in your pet. As there are various ailments and diseases that can affect your dog's health, finding the root cause of it becomes highly essential. Whenever a dog isn't feeling well or wants to tell/hint something, he/she will show you signs and symptoms for sure. As a dog owner, it is your responsibility to notice these symptoms and get your pooch to the vet immediately.

In the following article, we have listed some common symptoms that can trigger serious dog health problems. Go through each of them and understand the main reasons behind them.

When Your Dog Isn't Eating Anything
After a quick run, following a command, or for being a sweet companion, we tend to give our pets some treats. This is true when your dog doesn't show interest in eating anything for about or more than 24 hours. If your sweetheart doesn't show interest in food and treats, he/she would have loved to hog on before, then it's a clear sign that something is not right. Loss of appetite in dogs is an indication to certain diseases, stress, or not enough attention from the owners. Along with these, there can be many reasons why your dog doesn't wish to eat, like difficulty chewing, teeth or gum problems, Addison's disease, dog flu, constipation, feeling depressed, change in weather/temperature, or problems with kidney or liver.

All these causes can be directly related to your dog's disinterest in eating anything. As loss of appetite is a serious symptom that needs to be addressed as soon as possible, do make it a point to visit the veterinarian at the first sign. Only a vet can be the right person to understand these symptoms and give proper diagnosis.

When Your Dog is Coughing Excessively
Many a time, you would find your dog coughing. It may not seem serious at the moment, but persistent coughing can be an indication for blockage in windpipe, kennel cough, problems with heart, or pneumonia. Excessive coughing in dogs can lead to respiratory problems, bronchitis, and heart failure.

In order to detect any of these ailments, along with coughing, check if your dog is having difficulty breathing, has fever, or is coughing up mucus; all these are clear dog sickness symptoms. So don't take these signs lightly and visit the veterinarian immediately for correct diagnosis and treatment methods.

When Your Dog is Urinating More or Less Frequently
For dogs, urinating excessively and having an unquenchable thirst may point to diabetes, liver disease, adrenal gland disease, and/or kidney disease. If your dog has been urinating excessively, there comes a point where he or she will do so inside the house. You will notice puddles of urine here and there around the house, and that you have been filling the bowl of water way too often. As for urinating less frequently, your dog might be straining every time the urge comes. These symptoms are clear signs of something is definitely wrong and you should visit the veterinarian immediately.

When Your Dog's Stomach is Sick
Similar to humans, even dogs vomit, and it is a clear sign of certain illnesses. The symptom of vomiting can help detect problems and diseases such as Addison's disease, dog allergies, food poisoning, kidney problems, excessive eating, worm infestation, diabetes, or leptospirosis (swamp fever). There are times when your pet will go outside, play, stay active, eat a few leaves and junk here and there, and come back home and vomit. Now this isn't such a bad thing. On the other hand, if your pet vomits and is acting lethargic and won't eat anything, then it is something to be concerned about.

If your dog's stomach is feeling queasy, he/she may throw up things that are irritating him. There may be a yellowish-froth type of vomit that can tell you that his/her stomach is acting up. When a dog has frequent vomiting episodes with presence of blood or bile, it can be a sign of weakness, dehydration, and fever. These are very serious health issues which require proper medical treatment.

If there are any other symptoms you'd like more information on, be sure to read dog health questions and answers for more help. Dog illness symptoms are not to be taken lightly as they are obvious indications to serious health problems. Be the voice for your dog and help him/her get better soon.

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Holistic Dog Food Recipes

With the growing concern about the diet of their pets amongst pet owners, many of them have chosen to substitute commercial pet food for a healthier, more holistic diet. Although many people might be unaware of it, the pet food available in the market contains artificial color, additives and preservatives. These dog 'fast foods' lead to many food allergies in dogs, including grain intolerance and digestive problems. As a matter of fact, the recent spate of pet food recalls, are because people uncovered the use of cheap fillers in them (corn, soy and meat by-products), that are deemed unsuitable even for human consumption. More importantly it has served as a wake up call for many pet owners, who are now replacing this tainted junk for some homemade, high quality food recipes for their treasured pets.

So what exactly is holistic dog food, which dog owners around the world seem to be vouching for? Derived from the term 'holism', holistic is a term used to emphasize the organic and functional relations between the parts and the whole. Therefore, the concept of holistic dog food rests on the fundamental belief that good dog food nutrition is essential for the body. So when the food is provided in the right proportions, the mind and the body function in a healthy manner leading to greater wellbeing and improved health of the dogs.

Healthy Dog Food Recipes

Do you ever wonder what dogs used to eat, before commercial food miraculously appeared on the shelves of the grocery stores or mass merchandisers? As a matter of fact, commercial pet food is a fairly modern invention, which seemed to have become popular due to its fancy packaging, pretty pictures and the 'healthy and natural' advertising. In fact, there is nothing 'natural' about commercial pet food and most of them include artificial colors, sugar, sorbitol, cheap fractionated corn and 'who-knows-what-it-is' by-products, which can cause numerous health problems in dogs. In contrast to that, the best holistic dog food recipes contain a careful blend of ingredients such as bones, meat, vegetables and natural supplements, such as fish oil, to fulfill your dog's nutritional needs. Here is a list of some easy to make recipes, made from homemade fresh food.

Chicken and Rice for Dogs

Ingredients

• 1 cup of boiled chicken.
• 1 cup of cooked brown rice.
• cup of steamed mixed vegetables like carrots, spinach, green peas and beans.
• 4 tablespoons of unsalted chicken broth.

Directions

Boil the chicken and add to the cooked rice. Steam the vegetables and add them to the chicken and rice. Add the broth and leave it to simmer for 10 minutes. Let it cool before serving it to the dog.

Turkey Special Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey.
• 6 cups water.
• 2 cups brown rice.
• 1/2 cup of frozen broccoli, carrots and cauliflowers.
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary.

Directions

Place the water, ground turkey, rice, and rosemary into a large saucepan. Stir until the turkey is broken up and evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low. Let the mixture simmer for 20 minutes, before adding the frozen vegetables and cooking for an additional 5 minutes.

Beef Stew for Dogs

Ingredients

• 1 lb low fat beef.
• 3 potatoes.
• 3 carrots.
• 2 celery sticks.
• 2 pints chicken or beef broth.
• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil (can also be substituted with fish oil).

Directions

Saut the meat in a pan with 2 tablespoons oil, till it turns brown. Stew the meat in the broth for 45 minutes and then add the vegetables. Cover the mixture and let it simmer for 45 minutes until all is softened. Let it cool before serving it to the dog.

With these simple, easy to make homemade dog food recipes, you can take control over what your dog eats. With time you will see an improvement in your pet's health and to top it off, holistic dog food is actually easier on your budget, as a majority of the ingredients are available in any average American kitchen. For those who are unable to cook these recipes, you can select the best holistic commercial dog food available in the market. Keep in mind that while selecting or making holistic food for diabetic dogs, you should check all the ingredients. As a matter of fact, it is a great idea to consult the veterinarian before starting off your dog on a homemade food diet.

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Deafness in Dogs

You bring home a dog with lot of enthusiasm and thoughts that you will be able to play and have fun with it during your free time. Dogs are known to be great pets and are called 'man's best friends'. Nothing pleases them more than obeying their masters commands. But what if you suddenly realize that your pet dog doesn't always respond to your commands? What if you actually have to stand in front of him and make gestures with your hands to convey to your canine friend what you want him to do? If this is the case, then what you are witnessing is deafness in dogs. How to recognize if your dog is deaf? What are the causes of this dog health problem? Let's know more about it in the following sections.

Deafness can be due to abnormality in the external ear, ear canal, the eardrum or any part of the middle ear. Such kind of deafness in called conduction deafness.

Signs

How do you know that your dog is deaf? The answer is simple, 'he doesn't respond to your commands'. Isn't it? However, there are other signs that a dog owner should look for in case he suspects that his pet dog is deaf. Those signs are:

• Not responding to verbal commands
• Responds only when the animal can see your commands
• Sleeping more than usual
• Not turning in the right direction when called
• Needs to be physically woken
• Pawing ears
• Shaking head more often than normal
• Discharge from the ears

Causes

Dogs may be deaf right since their birth or may develop it later in their life. Let's consider its causes under the following two categories:

Congenital Deafness
Congenital deafness means that the dogs are deaf right from the birth. This defect may be due to certain problems that the fetus had while in the uterus due to intrauterine infection, effect of some drugs given during pregnancy to the female dog or it may be simply inherited. There are certain dog breeds in which congenital deafness occurs at a higher rate than in other breeds. Some of such dog breeds are:

• American pit bull terrier
• American Staffordshire terrier
• Beagle
• Border collie
• Bull terrier
• Cocker Spaniel
• Collie
• Dalmatian
• Doberman Pincher
• English bulldog
• Great Dane
• Maltese
• Old English sheepdog
• Pointer
• Scottish terrier
• Walker foxhound
• West Highland white terrier
• Boxer dog

This list is not exhaustive. Dogs belonging to breeds that have the probability of having inherited deafness should be tested for deafness using the BAER test and should be removed from the breeding program if they test positive. This is because inherited deafness can't be cured. In case a dog has gone deaf in one ear, it becomes all the more difficult to assess this condition. The only sign of deafness in a dog that has been affected in one ear can be detected when the canine seems to be confused in localizing the source of a noise.

Acquired Deafness
A healthy dog van become deaf due to infection in the ear. The result may be permanent or temporary loss of hearing. In certain instances of infection in the middle ear, substance known as 'crud' may remain in the ear even after the infection has been cured. This may hinder the canine's ability till it is removed from the body. Certain medicines destroy the cochlear hair cells of the ear. Common medicines that cause deafness are antibiotics. Loud noise, old age, local anesthesia and build up of earwax are also common causes of hear loss in dogs.

Remedies

Oral medicines and topical applications help in clearing out infection in the ear that may be the cause of deafness in dogs. Hearing aids are also used to amplify sounds for those animals who are partially deaf. These devices are of no help for those dogs with complete loss of hearing due to congenital sensorineural (defect in the inner ear, auditory nerve or the brain itself) deafness. Research is going on to see the effectiveness of cochlear implants.

For the cases that can't be treated, special care is required. Owners of such dogs must train their pets to obey hand commands. They need to be extra careful with their deaf canines when taking them out to public places or while walking through traffic. Those dogs that are deaf from birth are easier to train to obey hand commands than those who suffer from acquired deafness.

In case one suspects deafness in his pet, it is important to observe the dog's behavior. If you notice the behavioral signs in the dog, take him to the vet immediately. Certain cases of deafness when detected at the earliest can be treated.

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What to Expect When Your Dog is Spayed or Neutered

Spaying and neutering your pets is incredibly important. There are so many dogs out there that don't have homes and who end up in kill shelters because people don't spay or neuter their dogs and can't handle the puppies that inevitably result. Therefore, if you have a dog, you should definitely consider getting him or her neutered or spayed. If you've never done this before, it can be a daunting task to take care of a dog that has undergone a major surgery. However, don't fret too much. Your dog will be back to normal in no time.

Hospital Time

Most animal hospitals will want you to drop your furry friend at the hospital in the morning on the day of the operation, and they will probably tell you not to feed or give water to your dog for 24 hours before the operation. They may also want you to leave the dog overnight. This is because they can get started on the surgery early in the day and then monitor your dog throughout the day to be sure he or she wakes up from the anesthesia and doesn't react poorly to it. However, it's a good idea to make sure that there will be someone there with your dog overnight; if not, it may be better just to bring your pet home before the hospital closes for the evening. Either way, you'll probably be without your dog for about a day. When you pick your pet from the hospital, you'll notice that he or she is going to be really groggy and tired. He or she may not be able to walk properly and will most likely not want to eat anything for a while when you get him or her home. Be sure to not let your dog have any water for a few hours, either, because this could cause his stomach to become upset as a side effect of the anesthesia. You should also be sure that your dog doesn't jump on anything or lick the operation site, as this could cause the stitches to rip out.

Recovery Time

It will probably take about one week before your pet is back to a normal energy level, especially if you are giving him or her pain medicine. The pain medicine makes the dog groggy, tired, and can cause a lack of appetite. This is totally normal, but not all dogs need the pain medication. You and your vet will have to assess how your puppy is feeling post-operation and see where to go from there. However, if your vet recommends pain medication, you should definitely consider it. You don't want your friend to be in pain! After about two weeks, you should be able to take your furry friend back to the vet to get the stitches taken out, and that will mean your dog is back to normal and can do all the things he or she could do before the surgery.

The Collar of Shame

Along with the pain medication, you may want to invest in an E-collar or an Elizabethan collar. This is a type of plastic collar that you can fasten around your dog's neck and is at least as long as the dog's nose. It prevents dogs from curling up and licking their stitches, which can also help your dog recover faster. If your dog happens to lick the stitches, this can cause infection or tearing, and if the stitches are torn out, the only way to get them back is to put the dog under the recovery process over again.

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Food Recipes for Diabetic Dogs

Diabetes cannot be cured, but it can be well managed with right food habits and living conditions. It's a lifestyle disease, which has even spread to domestic animals, such as dogs. This class of domestic animals suffer from two types of diabetes known as Mellitus and Insipidus. Among these Mellitus is a common type that affects many dogs. Here, the beta cells present in the body do not produce enough insulin, which uses glucose to provide energy. This unused glucose keeps piling up, bringing a rise in the sugar level in the blood, which ultimately results into diabetes. This disease greatly affects the organs of the body and leads to many other ailments, such as cataracts, hypoglycemia and stomach infections.

Poor environment and genetic dispositions are the causes of diabetes in many dogs. Due to these factor they are at a risk of suffering from such a disease. Good living conditions, moderate exercise and choosing the right diabetic dog food, can maintain the lifespan of the dog. Dogs cannot regulate their food habits and the environment in which they reside. It is the duty of the owner or his family members, to take good care of a diabetic dog. There are many food recipes high on fiber and carbohydrates. Such a diet proves beneficial for diabetic dogs, bringing in a healthy change in their eating habits. The only purpose of consuming a good diet is, to regulate the blood sugar level and change the routine of the dog. Let's take a look at a few recipes for diabetic dogs.

Best Foods for Diabetic Dogs

Dog Treats
These dog treats are easy to make and loved by diabetic dogs. Take up the tutorial and let your dog enjoy some of the yummy treats.

• 2 eggs
• cup whole wheat flour
• 1 pounds of beef liver, cut into two

Preparation
Preheat the oven up to 175 degrees C. Put the liver in to a food processor and smash into small fine pieces. Mix the eggs and flour and pour it into the processor. Take a spoon and mix the three ingredients well, into each other. Once the mixture is fine, place it on the jellyroll pan. Bake it for 15 minutes and cut the slice into any desired shape. These diabetic dog treats can be stored in a refrigerator or a sealed container.

Diabetic Meal
An ideal diabetic meal for your dog can be prepared in the following manner.

• 2 cups cooked brown rice.
• 2 cups ground turkey
• 1 cup cooked kidney beans
• 1 beaten egg
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 to 10,000 IU Vitamin A and B capsule
• 1/8 tsp. iodized salt

Preparation
Fry the turkey till you achieve a brown color. Extract oil from the capsules and mix it with the cooked turkey. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly with the turkey and then serve the food to your dog.

This meal is recommended as per the Natural Health for dogs and cats, which is undertaken by those, who have diabetic dogs.

Low Fat Diet
A low fat diet is extremely necessary for your pet.

• pkg cooked macaroni
• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• 2 boiled eggs
• 1 pkg. frozen broccoli and carrots

Mix all the ingredients together and serve the diabetic dog.

Natural Diet
A natural diet contains best food for diabetic dogs, which prove to be safe and effective for. It consists of raw food, rich in fiber and carbohydrate. Such foods are good for health and provide all the necessary nutrients to the dog.

• Choose low fat lean meats such as, fish, chicken, turkey, eggs.
• Add some fresh fruits and raw vegetables to the diet of your dog. Consumption of vegetables and fruits will supply nutrients and vitamins to the body. They also contain natural sugars which are healthy for a diabetic dog.

Commercial Diet
Though homemade dog recipes for diabetic dogs is better, there are many natural commercial diets available too. Natural commercial diets are made from low calorie or low fat, which is recommended by many veterinarians. Here is the list of well-known commercial diets for diabetic dogs.

• Hills Science Diet
• Solid Gold Natur-Bone
• Purina Veterinary Diets Dog Food
• Newman's Own Advanced Dog Food
• Organix Dog Food

Commercial diet foods are available in the market and are also sold by many veterinarians. However, these diets might not always prove safe for your pet. Therefore, take the advise of the vet and get a well planned diet for your diabetic dog.

Organic Food
Diets that contain organic food ingredients, are very effective and prevent many health ailments too. Organic foods have no added chemicals, which are mainly the reason for health issues. Organic foods have a good nutritional value, which are healthy for the pet. They also strengthen the immune system and protects your pet from falling prey to any other medical conditions.

These recipes have helped gain a good lifespan of diabetic dogs. Being the owner of diabetic dog, makes it essential for you to pay special attention and care for the pet. A dog with any ailment, not only requires a good diet, but also a person to look after it. Any medical condition, disrupts the physical and emotional state. A good diet and a friendly environment can help the dog live a longer and happier life. However, always consult a vet, before you bring any changes in the lifestyle of your dog.

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Pink Eye in Cats and Dogs

Pink eye is also referred to as conjunctivitis. It makes a pet cat or dog's eyes crusty and red, with an infection that harbors pus and fluid or moisture retention. The discharge that seeps from the eyes and moistens the outer surface, almost blocking vision, needs to be cleaned periodically with cotton and warm water. There are a number of over-the-counter scrubs that are available for pink eye that are pH-balanced. The only relief comes from a soothing of the surrounding tissue and keeping it clean.

Pink Eye Symptoms

The symptoms are not very different between the two species. Canine and feline conjunctivitis is the result of the presence of an irritant, which causes inflammation and infection. The irritant could be a wood splinter or even a small insect. The viral or bacterial infection is airborne and spreads via contact. Viruses proliferate in the presence of humidity. If the cause is allergic reaction, the sinus and mucus membranes are infected.

The indicants of the condition are disturbing for the pet as well as the owner. The experience is more unsettling for the animal, who cannot express discomfort. The symptoms manifest in the way of pink, bloodshot eyeballs, discharge in the eye, swollen and inflamed region and fluid build up around the eye. Diagnosis for effective pet care needs to be immediate, to avail of relief options such as scrubs in time.

. . In Cats

Felines are more tolerant towards the signs and symptoms of pink eye. These include:

• Stinging sensation within the eye.
• Soreness around the inner and outer eye regions.
• Loss of appetite.
• Irritable disposition.
• Consistent discharge from the tear glands.

. . In Dogs

The signs and symptoms of pink eye in the case of a pet dog is not really different than those that manifest among felines. They include:

• Inflammation of the inner eye and surrounding region.
• Swelling of the inner eye membranes.
• Regular discharge that adds to their irritability with the condition.
• Impaired vision on account of swollen tissue and membrane.
• Quieter disposition.

Treatment Options

Canines respond to the symptoms differently in comparison to felines. They prefer curling within dark areas and sleep most of the day. The infected eye is sensitive to light and exposure makes the experience painful, causing a major shift in the dog's behavior. In the case of felines, they respond to severe itching and inflammation by rubbing the region against furniture edges. It is not uncommon to see a cat consistently use its paw to wipe discharge. Whimpering in the case of a dog and purring more than usual in the case of a cat is quite normal as they battle invading agents. Treatment of the condition to promote health includes antibiotics, steroids, repeated eye-flush and mediation to reduce inflammation and pain.

Conjunctivitis in pets causes a major shift in behavior. The otherwise outdoor pet shows signs of submissiveness and refrains from any bright light. However, it is very important to ensure that the animal is not treated in haste for a harmless eyelash causing irritation. It is important to consult the vet and diagnose the condition, to promote pet health. If at all it does turn out to be pink eye, you need to keep other pets away from the animal. The condition is contagious and spreads rapidly. There are a number of herbal remedies available to ensure that the medication applied directly to the eyes is not an allergy trigger.

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How to Shave Your Shih Tzu

No matter how cute and adorable Shih Tzu puppies and dogs may look with the long fur, the fact remains that it can get very difficult to groom them. Their fur needs to be combed at least twice a day, which is a lot more than most of us can provide, considering our work schedule and other chores. Secondly, the excess fur makes them feel extremely agitated because the hair may fall over their eyes and interfere with their vision. The hair may get matted all over the body, which they will try to bite and chew at. Getting the dog shaved from a professional can become an expensive practice, because of the sheer frequency at which the dog's fur needs to be dealt with. It would be wiser to try to learn how to groom your dog by yourself, which will enable you to avoid spending $50 or more every other month, as well as help the dog get used to your grooming. This article discusses how to shave your Shih Tzu on your own.

Tips for Shaving a Shih Tzu

• Make sure that you place a disposable sheet on the floor or on the table on which you will be placing your dog. This sheet will catch most of the discarded fur.
• Use a 7 and a 10 sized clipper blade. The 7 size will be used for the dog's face, feet, ears, anal area, and tail.
• Keep a hand help vacuum cleaner at accessible distance, so that you can use it to suction the free fur from the floor.
• Wear a plastic apron, so that the fur doesn't get stuck onto your clothes.
• You will need to comb the fur beforehand, so that all its fur is even and easy to handle.
• You must wear a facial cloth mask, to prevent the dog's free hair from troubling your nose. To avoid this, you may wet the fur and then proceed with the shaving.

Steps for Shaving Your Shih Tzu

Step 1 - Shaving the Back and Tummy
Make your Shih Tzu sit, on the table or in front of your lap. Let the dog calm down and keep talking it into relaxing. Use the size 10 electric clipper blade to shave the fur on the back. Start slowly and gently, by extending from right above the tail and continuing till the dog's neck. Repeat this process, until very little fur is left intact. Now roll your dog on its back, so that its tummy is facing you. Use the same clipper to shave the tummy of the dog, extending right above the anal area, until it reaches the neck.

Step 2 - Shaving the Private Region
Use a very fine and small scissor, for trimming the fur around the dogs anus and genitals. Be very careful and try not to clean shave the area. The reason being that, the fur offers protection to the animal from infection. Ensuring that the private areas of this dog are clean at all times is a very important part of the care routine. Keep the hair extremely short around the anus, so that it isn't long enough to catch dirt. Use a size 7 clipper to shave of any excess fur around the private parts of your dog.

Step 3 - Trimming the Legs
This breed of dog has a dense coat of hair on its legs, which needs to be tended to. You can use the size 7 clipper to shave the legs, so that the only hair remaining is on the dog's feet. Use the scissors to trim the fur on the feet. You will need to trip the hair in between the toes, so as to prevent the dog from slipping on smooth floors.

Step 4 - Trimming the Ears
It depends on you if you either wish to retain the fur on the dog's ear or have it shaved off as well. If you wish to keep the fur on the ear, you must trim it slightly, so that it looks nice. If you choose to shave the fur off, use the smaller clipper and gently shave the area clean.

Step 5 - Shaving the Snout
You will need to shave the fur from the upper parts of the dog's snout. This patch has a dense growth, which can get extremely dirty with time. Food, mud and muck, gets stuck in this patch of fur, making it difficult to clean. Use the small clipper and simply remove the fur , using a down to up hand motion, starting from the tip of the nose to the snout.

Step 6 - Trimming the Facial Fur
Trim the excess hair falling over the eye, so that the dog is able to see more clearly. You must do this by using your fingers and trimming the hair which is in excess or longer, as compared to others. Make sure the trim in even-looking and appears attractive. If you wish to enroll your Shih Tzu into a dog show, you must ensure that its facial hair is kept long, especially on the head and the chin. The dog must be given a prominent mustache and beard. The beard must be long enough to reach the mid-chest of the dog and mingle with the long hair on the torso and legs. You may make a pony tail for the dog by tying up the hair on the top of the head with a cute ribbon or plastic bone shaped band.

Step 7 - Trimming the Tail
Trim the tail using the scissors and never use the clipper, as that will make the tail look skinny and frail. Let the fur be long enough and not too short, because these dogs look the best with a fuller tail.

Give your dog a sponge rub immediately after the shave, using disinfected water, and air dry him using a dry towel. You will however need a steady hand and a lot of patience to go about completing this task. Keeping the dog's fur-trimmed can have many health benefits for both the master as well as the pet.

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