Household Items that Could Harm Your Dog

It is definitely hard to believe that our household items, which we use every day, can affect our pet's health to a large extent. As much as it is important for you to protect your child from the injury-prone stuff in your house, keeping the same in mind when it comes to your pet is equally important and necessary.

The time during which your pet is most vulnerable to the harmful hazards that your house poses is during the holidays. Decorative items (such as tinsels) used during Christmas, Halloween, 4th of July, and Easter are often swallowed by dogs, leading to choking.

We often fail to notice that some of the major causes for our dog falling sick often, or acting out of the ordinary are right in front of us -- in our living room, bedroom, garden, and even on our nightstands. Most of us are not even aware of the potential threats present in our house.

So, what exactly should you protect your dog against? Following is a list of things that are best kept out of reach of your dog.

Caffeine and Chocolate


It may come as a surprise, but the last thing you want to do is feed your dog something that contains methylxanthines. After consumption, the signs are usually observed after 6-12 hours, which include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, trembling, and in extreme cases, death. While dark chocolate, or baking chocolate has the maximum content of methylxanthines (theobromine), white chocolate comprises minimum amount of theobromine.
Milk and Dairy Products


Dogs lack the presence of lactase (an enzyme) that helps in breaking down the lactose content in milk. Thus, lactose is left undigested which results in excess amount of water content in stool, causing diarrhea.
Onions and Garlic


While the harmful effects of consumption of garlic remain debatable, the fact remains that both onion and garlic can affect the red blood cells. Onions especially, even in small amounts, can lead to unnatural breakage of red blood cells in dogs. In medical terms, this condition is called hemolytic anemia, which can either be inherited, or developed by excess consumption of these two food items.
Macadamia Nuts


Macadamia nuts will usually affect a dog when consumed in excess. The symptoms include weakness, vomiting, difficulty in walking, trembling, stomach pain, and joint and muscle pain.
Alcohol


Alcohol affects dogs in the same way as humans; however, the tolerance level of dogs is far less than humans. A small amount of alcohol affects the liver and brain of dogs in a short span of time, causing vomiting, difficulty in coordinating movements, and problems of central nervous system.
Salt


It is unwise to feed any food containing salt to your dog. Salt in more-than-normal amount causes excessive thirst, frequent urination, and at times, sodium ion poisoning. The symptoms of surplus salt intake are vomiting, diarrhea, fever, seizures, and in worst cases, death.
Avocado


Avocados contain a fungicidal toxin known as persin. Although persin can be safely consumed by humans, it can prove to be harmful for dogs. In excess amounts, it causes difficulty in breathing, vomiting, heart and pancreatic problems.
Grapes and Raisins


While they seem harmless, both grapes and raisins, even in small amounts, affect dogs gravely. The signs and symptoms are usually observed within 24 hours. They include loss of appetite, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and overall weakness.
Candy and Gum


These are the items where Xylitol is used as a sweetener. It triggers the insulin-releasing activity of pancreas, which increases the content of insulin in the bloodstream of a dog, causing hypoglycemia and liver failure. Initial signs of toxicity are vomiting, problem in coordination of movements/various actions, and seizures.
Raw Meat, Fish, and Eggs


All the three items contain Salmonella and E. coli bacteria that can cause food poisoning in dogs. Eggs contain avidin (an enzyme) that affects the vitamin absorption capacity of dogs, especially of vitamin B. Salmon poisoning disease due to the parasites present in certain fish has also been reported. The major signs include fever and vomiting, along with swollen lymph nodes.
Nutmeg


Nutmeg affects the central nervous system of a dog, causing muscle spasms and seizures. The severity of the signs and symptoms vary according to its consumption relative to the dog's size. Too much could prove to be fatal.
Baking Soda and Baking Powder


When ingested in large amounts, baking soda and baking powder react with the moisture present inside a dog's stomach, resulting in low levels of calcium, potassium, and sodium. This can lead to muscle cramps and/or congestive heart failure.
Yeast Dough


It is essential for yeast dough to rise before it is baked. If dogs consume it, the dough rises inside their body, and in extreme cases, it can lead to rupturing of the stomach, or intestines.
Medicines Intended for Humans


This category includes all the prescription and over-the-counter medications that may prove to be toxic for your pet. Always keep your medicines out of reach from your dog, and make sure you consult a vet before giving a seemingly-harmless pill to your pet. The following list comprises the most commonly prescribed medications that should not be left unguarded.

Painkillers
Painkillers, such as ibuprofen poses a threat to dogs even in small amounts. Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is often administered to dogs and is the most common cause of poisoning in canines. They affect the stomach and cause problems, such as digestion and even ulcers. Other side effects include vomiting, loss of appetite, and dehydration.

Antidepressants
Excess antidepressants can cause serotonin syndrome in dogs. This syndrome shows symptoms, such as fever, increased heart rate, extreme unrest, vomiting, diarrhea, and sluggishness.

Vitamins
Even a small dose of vitamins, or vitamin supplements affects dogs in a grave manner. Frequent urination, vomiting, and in worst cases, kidney failure is observed.

Antidiabetics
Medication prescribed for diabetes can cause hypoglycemia, i.e., a sudden drop in sugar levels in dogs. Loss of appetite, nausea, and seizures have also been reported.

Cold and Flu Medications
Commonly prescribed decongestants have been reported to be accidentally ingested by various canines. On consumption, these drugs trigger a stimulating action in dogs, also causing increase in heart rates, fever, and fluctuating blood pressure.
Plants


Peace Lily

Chrysanthemum

Tulip

English Ivy
Houseplants are also responsible for numerous medical complications that dogs suffer from. While lilies are reported to result in kidney failure in dogs, English ivy contains triterpenoid saponins that cause stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Plants, such as tulips result in loss of appetite, hypersalivation, heart, and gastrointestinal problems.

The entire Sago Palm proves to be poisonous for them. Consumption of any part of this plant, especially its seeds, causes diarrhea, depression, and other stomach-related problems. Similar signs and symptoms are observed on ingestion of any part of the Chrysanthemum plant.
Apart from these, there are other obvious things, like coins, buttons, sharp objects (knives, razors, etc.), and all other items that can be swallowed by your dog. So, the next time you're having your meal and your pet comes with those innocent little eyes begging for some share, think a million times before you fall for that.

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Dog Nail Grinder

Every family seems incomplete without a pet, even single people feel the need of a pet as a companion, and more often than not these ideal friends are dogs. A lot of time and patience is needed for dog care, it may get taxing for the owners at times and may also lead to neglect of dog health. You may think you have all the dog care information to keep your little fury companion happy and healthy, but trivial things like trimming your pet dog's nails can be overlooked. The old way of trimming like clipping dog nails can prove to be time-consuming and painful for your pets. However, the dog nail grinder gives you an easy and safe option.

Best Nail Grinders for Dogs
Dog nail grinders are available in the market easily. Most of them have a high-speed rotating mechanism which you can use on the dog's nails. This reduces the size of the nails and keeps them smooth. Unlike the traditional nail trimmers, they don't leave the nails rough and jagged, and there is no danger of over-cutting the nails. The nail grinder for dogs can be found in dog grooming or general pet care shops or even in hardware stores. You need to be attentive while using it and cut the nails to an appropriate length and not get too close to the nail quick. The best dog nail grinder is the one that is cordless or electric. The electric grinder is handy as it is portable and can be carried anywhere with ease. They can be comfortably plugged in and used immediately. Similarly, the battery run dog grinder can be charged at your convenience and used.

Reviews
The dog nail grinder has varied reviews. Some warn against the ones that are powerful as one wrong move can have your dog's hair caught in it, especially if your dog has long hair. On the other hand, it becomes necessary to have a powerful grinder if your dog has tough or thick nails. In such a situation, you need to be very cautious. You can go in for a grinder with a safety cap to avoid the fur from being caught. Some grinders can be very noisy. Some grinders come with a small compartment where the nail dust gets collected.

Some Tips to Remember
These are just some basic but very important tips to keep in mind regarding trimming of dog nails.

• Grind the dog nails one at a time.
• Be attentive while cutting and make sure you do not cut very close to the quick of the nails as it is an extremely sensitive part.
• Before using the grinder, get yourself familiarized with the working of it.
• Make sure your pet dog is comfortable with the power of the nail grinder.

There are some facts about dogs that we all claim to know like the trimming of dog's nails, but may miss out on the latest that is available to help aid us and make the process easier. Investing in a nail grinder is a good option as it aids in enhancing the appearance of the dog without causing it unnecessary pain and discomfort, and even you do not have to put a lot of manual effort.

You can get rid of the fussing and pain over trimming your dog's nails with the help of a dog nail grinder. The happiness in you pet's eyes will be worth a million!

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Pneumonia Symptoms in Dogs

If you own a dog you need to be very cautious about its health as it may suffer from a number of health problems. Pneumonia is one of the common canine health problems. Pneumonia in dogs results in inflammation of lungs and bronchi. This infection is more common in dogs younger than the age of one. If not treated immediately, pneumonia can be fatal.

Symptoms
Productive coughing is one of the most notable symptoms in dogs. Some other signs are as follows:

Nasal discharge
Difficulty in breathing, wheezing
Deep, rapid breathing
Fever
Dehydration
Loss of appetite
Lethargic behavior
Weight loss
Tachycardia (increased heart rate)

You may also notice the dog's lips bulging outward while breathing. As the lungs get filled with fluid, oxygen supply to the body is reduced. This is indicated by the tongue, lips and gums of the dog starting to appear bluish or gray, a condition called cyanosis. It indicates a dangerous decrease in the amount of oxygenated blood in the body.

Causes
Pneumonia, in general, is caused by bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic infections. In case of dogs, pneumonia is mainly due to bacterial infection. Inhalation is typically the entry route for the pathogens. Some of the major causes of dog pneumonia are:

Immunosuppression (reduced efficiency of the immune system)
Dyskinesia (reduced or no control over voluntary movements)
Reduced clearance of respiratory wastes
Malnutrition
Aspiration (inhalation) of gastric contents during acid reflux
Bacterial infection

Certain dog breeds such as hounds, sporting dogs, working dogs and some mixed breeds are more vulnerable to pneumonia. Healthy adults are unlikely to contract pneumonia. Young puppies or old dogs, both of whom have a weak immune system, are usually the victims.

Diagnosis
When you notice the symptoms of pneumonia in your dog, you must consult a veterinarian immediately. The veterinarian, after determining the dog's medical history, performs a careful physical examination, especially centering on the lungs and the heart. When the dog takes a deep breath, the abnormal wheezing and rattling sounds from the lungs are heard through a stethoscope. Medical history of the dog covers any previous illness, appetite, activity or exercise intolerance, weight loss, cough and environmental exposure to dust, vapors and smoke and response to therapy. Certain investigations are performed for the accurate diagnosis of pneumonia in dogs such as complete blood count, chest X-ray, airway cytology, tracheal wash cytology and culture/sensitivity. Some other tests such as heartworm test and bronchoscopy are also performed to diagnose pneumonia in dogs.

An important point to remember is to not give the dog a cough suppressor before taking it to the vet, since coughing removes the harmful material in its airway.

Treatment
Pneumonia causes difficulty in breathing. In some severe cases of pneumonia, hospitalization is required with the provision of intravenous fluids, oxygen, antibiotics and supportive care. Dogs are treated with antibiotics at least for three weeks, humidified oxygen and percussion of thorax to loosen and remove the secretions. Antibiotics usually have an excellent effect.

If the disease was caused by some non-microbial agent, such as acid reflux, that issue should be treated in order to prevent a relapse.

Pneumonia can be a progressive, serious health problem in dogs and hence, it should not be neglected. Being a dog owner, it's your responsibility to take care of "your most loyal friend's" health. With proper care you can keep your dog healthy, happy and playful.

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Treatment for Ringworm in Dogs

Ringworm is a skin infection caused due to the appearance of some kind of fungal growth on the body. Not only animals like dogs and cats, but also human beings can be affected by ringworm. Ringworm in dogs is caused mainly due to three fungi which are microsporum gypseum, Microsporum canis, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Usually dogs get infected by ringworm when they are exposed to the environment where the fungus thrives. The fungus can also be transmitted from animal to animal. However, it has been observed that ringworm in dogs is not a very common phenomenon. It mainly occurs to young dogs and those that have a weak immune system. However, it is important for pet owners to know about the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment methods.

Treatment Options

Ringworm treatment for dogs would depend upon the severity of the condition of the skin. Many times, small lesions on the dog's skin go away without any kind of treatment. However, if they seem to grow and spread to other parts of the body, immediate treatment should be administered for speedy recovery. Let us look at some of the treatments for ringworm in dogs.

Antifungal Skin Products: If your pet is diagnosed with ringworm, it is important to bathe it with an antifungal shampoo three times every alternate day. While giving it a bath, keep the lather on the dog for at least 5 - 7 minutes. These antifungal shampoos help in removing the fungus from the dog's skin. The doctor may also recommend the use of an antifungal cream which has to be applied on the lesion. However, you have to take care about this, as canines tend to lick the cream which can cause some other dog illness.

Oral Medications: Oral tablets are another option for treating ringworm in dogs. Among the different types of medications, the most popular one is griseofulvin. Canines should be given these tablets continuously for thirty days. However, the dog has to be kept on a fat food diet while it is being given these pills, because they can only be absorbed by fats. Apart from griseofulvin, some other oral medications include itraconazole, fluconazole and ketoconazole. However, these medications have certain side effects and hence should be given only after the vet's prescription.

Shaving the Hair: Shaving the hair of the dog is a good treatment measure for ringworm in dogs. This will be an effective treatment when the infection is very severe. Skimming the dog's hair would help in getting rid of the hair that is infected and consequently stopping it from spreading further.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of ringworm in dogs is the appearance of a lesion on the skin. This looks like a wound and normally can be found on the feet, legs, snout or tail of the dog. Initially, the wound may be very small. However, as days pass, it grows in size. Moreover, hair loss in that area of the skin would also occur and the skin would appear scaly as well as red in color. The lesions may be filled with pus and there are chances that it may cause irritation and itchiness.

Diagnosis

Most of the time, ringworm in dogs are diagnosed by the vet just by looking at the affected area. However, sometimes they appear like mange or some other autoimmune disease, and so certain tests have to be conducted to determine whether the dog has a ringworm skin disease. One of the ways used is the wood's lamp method where the vet uses a specialized black light, due to which a fluorescent color appears on that part of the skin where the fungus is present. However, this is not a fool-proof method because not all kinds of ringworm causing fungi can be detected with this method. Another method would be to examine the hair surrounding the lesion through a microscope. Nevertheless, the best way to diagnose ringworm in dogs is by taking the samples of scales and crust from the dog's skin and conducting a culture.

Treatment would not have immediate effects, rather it would take 3 - 4 weeks for the dog to recuperate fully. When you own a pet dog in the house, dog care should never been taken lightly. While the dog is in the process of recovery, it is important to keep it away from other people and pets in the house, as they are at a risk of getting infected by the ringworm fungus too.

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How to Get Discounts to Deep River Waterpark

Updated for the 2013 Season

If you are looking for a cool way to beat the summer heat, then look into getting discounts to Deep River Waterpark. Located in Crown Point, Indiana, it is the largest water park in Northern Indiana, Southwest Michigan, and Metro Chicago.

There is something to please everyone when they visit Deep River Waterpark. There are rides for the thrill seekers in your group, like the Dragon Speed Slides. For those who want to relax, there is the Bayou River Ride (a lazy river). And at the Courthouse, there is a wading area for the little ones. If you want to play volleyball, sandy areas are available for your recreational pleasure.

There are even more savings at Deep River Waterpark than simply discount tickets. First of all, there is no charge for parking your car. Free parking is a fabulous discount, because who wants to pay for their car to sit in a lot? In addition ,you are able to bring in coolers with your food packed from home. That is a significant savings for families on a budget, since theme park and water park food is generally not cheap.

Here are ways to get discounts on Deep River Waterpark.

A Fun Beach Towel for Kids

Angry Birds Yellow Hooded Fleece Wrap Blanket
Amazon Price: $44.95 $31.00 Buy Now
(price as of Jun 15, 2013) With the popularity of The Angry Birds, this hooded towel will be a hit with your children.

Buy a Season Pass

A Season Pass is your best discount if you love to visit Deep River Waterpark. The more you go the more you save! If you buy your pass preseason, the savings are even greater. For those who are already Season Pass holders, you get an even bigger discount just because you are a returning customer. Thats a great loyalty reward program! See the website for the exact dates for the preseason sale.

Go Early in the Season

You get a discount on your admission to Deep River Waterpark if you go from the opening day to the second week of June. It is a great way to start the summer even though it is still spring!

There are even special two for one ticket offers for the opening week!

Buy Your Tickets Online

There are additional discount to Deep River Waterpark if you pruchase certain family packages online.

A Hooded Towel for Girls

Jumping Beans Butterfly Hooded Bath Towel, in Pink
Amazon Price: $34.99 $14.54 Buy Now
(price as of Jun 15, 2013) Your little butterfly won't fly away in this pink number!

Go Later in the Day

For those who wish wait to go to Deep River Waterpark, you are rewarded with a discounted admission price. Just go to the park after two oclock and pay less than those who went in earlier.

Go on Tuesdays

Deep River Waterpark has a special every week in the summer called Tubin Tuesday. There are three different prices. The later you go, the bigger your discount. uy your tickets online for this special price.

Give to Others on Mondays

Deep River Waterpark has a mission to help others in the Indiana community. If you go to the park on a Monday night and brings two cans of non-perishable food, you will receive a discount on the general admission price. In 2010, Deep River Waterpark collected over seven tons of food for the local food banks.

Active Military Discount

At the Deep River Waterpark website, there is a printable coupon for free admission for active military personnel. The rest of the family gets two dollars off of their admission. Bring your Military ID to receive this discount.

Group Discounts

For those of you who can gather fifteen friends or family members, you are eligible for a group discount rate at Deep River Waterpark. Reservations must be made at least one week in advance.

Facebook

If you are Facebook fan of Deep River Waterpark, then you knew all about the Buy One Ticket, Get One Free printable coupon the park had to offer, or the reduced price on the preseason Season Passes. You didnt know? Then like them on Facebook to have all of the latest deals and discounts delivered right to your news feed.

There are many money saving discount options to Deep River Waterpark. So get on your bathing suit and sunscreen and have a blast!

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Skunk Smell Removal from Dogs

Skunks can be a real nuisance to humans, as they can cause damage to the premises and release an obnoxious odor. In fact, these animals can secrete a foul-smelling liquid from their anal scent glands, as a defensive weapon. Skunks has strong muscles near the anal glands and these muscles help them in spraying this liquid to a distance of around 2 to 5 meters. This smell is found to be capable of repelling many animals, including some large predators. In some areas, skunk menace can be a persistent problem. Apart from damaging the premises, they may also spray the scent with the foul odor. It may happen that your pet dog face an encounter with a skunk and get sprayed. Once you realize that your pet is being skunked and the dog is the source of this foul odor, you may start searching for methods for skunk smell removal from dogs. This article will provide you some tips that can be helpful in removing skunk smell from dogs.

How to Get Rid of Skunk Smell on Dog

You might have heard about the use of tomato juice, mouthwash or vinegar as skunk smell remedy for dogs. But, most of these remedies are found to be ineffective in countering this problem. The skunk smell may stay on the animal for a few days. Apart from that, if it is sprayed on the eyes of the dog, the animal may also experience severe pain. As soon as you realize that your dog has been sprayed by a skunk, check the animal for any signs of bites, scratches, irritation or redness of the skin and eyes. If there is any, contact your vet. But, the first task is to remove the skunk smell from the dog. The following are some tips and guidelines about skunk smell removal from dogs.

• Keep the dog out of the house, so that the smell does not linger inside. Wear hand gloves and wipe of the spray from the dog's body. It will be better to change to some old clothes, as you have to bathe your pet for removing the smell.
• You have to act really fast, because delay in cleaning the dog may result in a long-lasting odor on its body. So, wipe the dog's coat before bath. If you are living in an area with skunks, then, you may probably have de-skunking sprays or shampoos, that can be used for skunk smell removal from dogs.
• Never wet the dog's body, beforehand. Start with applying the product on the affected area. Scrub well, before washing the whole body. After that, apply the de-skunking product all over the body and rinse well. Repeat this once more before drying your pet's body.
• It may also happen that you don't have any such de-skunking products. In such case, you can make one with hydrogen peroxide solution, baking soda and a small amount of liquid soap. Mix one quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide solution, one teaspoon of liquid soap and cup of baking soda.
• Mix these ingredients just before use. Make sure that the mixture does not enter the dog's eyes, ears or mouth, while applying it on its body. Apply the mixture all over the dog's coat and scrub well with a sponge. Rinse well after five minutes.
• You can repeat the process, if the smell is still there. Once you are done, dry your pet's body. If you want to prepare this homemade de-skunking product, make sure to mix the ingredients in a plastic container and never close the lid or store the mixture for future use.

Now, you know more about how to get rid of skunk smell on dog. The most important point is to act fast, so that you can get rid of the foul odor at the earliest. Otherwise the dog may carry the smell indoors and it will linger on for sometime. It can be more horrible, if the dog lays down on the bed or other furniture. If you do not have any of the above said materials, then, you may also try the age-old home remedies. One is tomato juice or paste, other is mouthwash, like, Listerine, etc. Some people use freshly purred oranges mixed with some dish soap for skunk smell removal from dogs. So, act fast and get rid of the foul smell. If skunk problem is persistent in your place, resort to some ways to get rid of skunks, so that you can save yourselves as well as your pets from the foul smell.

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Dog Food Ingredients

Maintaining healthy eating habits of a dog is the prime responsibility of a dog owner. Healthy dog food plays a vital role in maintaining health and heartiness of the dog and keeps them safe from various food allergies and digestive disorders. Healthy dog food is also important for normal growth of the dogs and healthy routine activities that they perform. When we cannot prepare dog food at home, due to any reasons, we opt for the ready-made dog food, as the most convenient option. This fact makes our job even more difficult as a pet owner. Not all the brands are healthy for the dogs. Hence, the best thing to do is to check for the ingredients and then only select the best dog food.

Healthy Dog Food Ingredients

You can use fresh lean beef, beef heart, liver, stewing meats, boneless steak or beef roast, boneless and skinless chicken breast, chicken thigh, fish fillets, leg of lamb, boneless stew lamb, etc., with selected vegetables like beets, broccoli, cucumber, carrots, pumpkin, squash, parsnips, yams, zucchini, sweet potatoes, etc., as the best ingredients. Home cooked dog food is the healthiest dog food, however, when searching for healthiest dog food brands, we need to make sure that it contains healthy and natural ingredients that are beneficial for the dog's health and overall development.

According to the healthy dog food formula, a dog's food must be made of 10% carbohydrates + 40% meat + 50% vegetables, which means, one needs to buy dog food that revolves around this basic formula. The dog food that you buy should also be USFDA approved and with the specifications of AAFCO. You also need to have gluten free dog food which is also low residue. You can try homemade dog food recipes and also search for the best dog food brand reviews, prior to buying one for your dog.

Unhealthy Dog Food Ingredients

Unfortunately, many of the foods that get higher ratings in the healthy dog food ratings are extremely harmful for your dog. Most of the time, commercial dog food contains list of various artificial preservatives, taste makers, colorings and artificial flavorings. These ingredients cause numerous harmful and long term effects on the dog's health and hence they should be avoided. The functions and amount of most of these substances are not mentioned on the dog food nutrition list at the back of the packets. However, you can avoid purchasing them, by just knowing names of these ingredients. Here is a dog food review that deals with the harmful ingredients of the commercial dog food.

Carbohydrate Sources
Brewers rice, feeding oatmeal, cereal food fines, grain fermentation solubles, potato products like peels, pieces and culls of potatoes, maltodextrins and fermentation solubles, malted barley, grain fermentation solubles, soy flour, etc. Always check the dry dog food ratings and purchase the dog foods that don't contain these ingredients.

Food Additives, Binders and Flavors
Glyceryl monostearate, propylene glycol, phosphoric acid, wheat gluten, corn gluten, animal digest tissues from horns, hair, hooves, teeth and feathers, parts of dead, diseased, disabled, or dying prior to slaughter (4 D animals), roadkill animals, restaurant/supermarket refused animals, glandular meals, things that are mentioned on the list as chicken digest, lamb digest, etc.

Fibers and Fats
Cellulose alternatives like dry wood, corn bran, corn kernel, corn cellulose, hulls of peanuts, rice, corn, oat, soybean and wheat mill runs, which are inexpensive byproduct of human food processing and are also called floor sweepings of the mills. Fats from beef tallow, lard (swine fat), poultry fat, vegetable oils that are extracted from the fruits and seeds that are processed for edible purposes of human, parts of dead, diseased, disabled, or dying prior to slaughter, roadkill animals, restaurant/supermarket refused animals, etc.

Colors and Sweeteners
Corn syrup, cane molasses, fructose, dl-alpha tocopheryl acetate, sorbitol, sugar caramel, cane sugar, etc. While color additives that are some of the common dog food ingredients are namely, titanium dioxide (TiO2), red 40 (artificial color), blue 2 (artificial color), yellow 5 (artificial color), yellow 6 (artificial color), etc. These colors are responsible for food allergies in dogs.

Supplements, Preservatives and Vitamins
Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA), Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT), propyl gallate, also known as gallic acid, ethoxyquin, bone phosphate, mineral oil, salt, yeast culture, yeast fermentation solubles, vitamins like menadione sodium bisulfate, synthetic vitamin K, vitamin K3. These ingredients should be avoided if you are searching for the best dog food for allergies like stomach ache and diarrhea in dogs.

Protein Sources
Beef meal and bone meal for dogs, apart from hair, horn, blood, hoof, manure, hide trimmings, rumen and stomach contents, blood meal, poultry meal, chicken meal, turkey meal, corn germ and corn gluten meal, liver meal, fish meal, meat meal, pork meal, poultry byproduct meal, soy meal, corn distillers and dried grains with solubles, etc.

You can try some healthy homemade dog food recipes and also search for the best natural dog food brands, before purchasing the dog food. It is the best thing that you can do to keep your dog safe and healthy as ever!

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Cushing's Disease in Dogs

Cushing's disease in dogs is also known as hyperadrenocorticism. It means that there is an increased level of glucocorticoid hormones in the dog's body. The increased levels of hormones is due to overproduction of cortisol by the adrenal glands. This overproduction may be natural, or may be due to administration of corticosteroids like prednisone. The treatment of the latter condition is very easy, as one just needs to cut down on the administration of corticosteroids. However, Cushing's disease in dogs, because of natural causes is very difficult to cure.

Types of Cushing's Disease in Dogs

Cushing's disease in dogs can be divided into three different types, depending on the causes. The types of Cushing's disease in dogs are Iatrogenic Cushing's Disease, adrenal-based hyperadrenocorticism and pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism. Let us try to understand about these types of Cushing's disease in dogs in a little more detail. You can read more on canine Cushing's disease.

Iatrogenic Cushing's Disease
This type of Cushing's disease is caused by frequent use of cortisol. When the cortisols are used in excess, it causes the adrenal glands to halt the production of cortisol in the body. This halt in the production of cortisols, causes the adrenal glands to shrink in size. The treatment of Cushing's disease in dogs, in case of excess use of cortisols, includes slowly withdrawing the same. If one dramatically decreases the amount of cortisols, it may lead to severe case of vomiting, diarrhea, vascular collapse or even death of the dog.

Pituitary-Dependent Hyperadrenocorticism
This Cushing's disease in dogs is caused due to oversecretion of ACTH hormone by the pituitary gland. The ACTH hormone stimulates the adrenal glands to produce more glucocorticoids. This over-secretion of ACTH is due to a pituitary tumor. About 80% of the dogs suffer from pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism.

Adrenal Based Hyperadrenocorticism
An adrenal tumor causes over secretion of glucocorticoids that leads to development of Cushing's disease in dogs. About 20% of the dogs are affected by adrenal based hyperadrenocorticism.

Who is at Risk of Cushing's Disease?

Cushing's disease is generally seen affecting middle-aged to older dogs. Dogs that are around 6 to 7 years of age are at the maximum risk of contracting this disease. But, the range of getting affected with Cushing's disease is about 2 to 16 years. This disease can affect any of the dog breeds, but those that are more prone to Cushing's disease include Beagle, Boston Terrier, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Poodle, and Yorkshire Terrier. The breeds that are commonly affected by adrenal based hyperadrenocorticism are Toy Poodles, Dachshunds, German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever and few Terrier dog breeds. The dogs which are generally affected by pituitary dependent Cushing's disease include Poodles, Beagle, German Shepherd, Boston Terrier and Boxer dogs.

Cushing's Disease in Dogs: Symptoms

Cushing's disease in dogs is a serious hormonal disorder. The symptoms of Cushing's disease in dogs are mostly similar to other dog illnesses symptoms. Most of the symptoms of Cushing's disease in dogs are similar to aging symptoms like hair loss, muscle weakness, uncontrollable bladder, etc. The symptoms of Cushing's disease in dogs also includes:

• Polyuria (excessive urination)
• Polydipsia (excessive thirst)
• Abdominal enlargement
• Hair loss
• Skin becomes thin and fragile
• Blackheads and clogged pores on skin
• Increase in skin pigmentation
• Calcium deposits causing hard lumps in the skin
• Enlarged liver
• Excessive panting
• Lethargy
• Muscle weakness
• Muscle atrophy
• Intact females do not come in heat
• Intact males may show testicular atrophy

Cushing's disease also causes the dogs to feel thirsty all the time and this results in excessive urination. This leads to accidents as the bladders fills quickly and the dogs lose bladder control. These dogs become excessively hungry and keep eating food. They may even scavenge the garbage or start stealing food. Most of the time, this symptom is overlooked by the owner, as he feels the dog has a good appetite. The dog suffers from weakened muscles and wasting of muscles in the abdomen gives the dog a pot-bellied appearance.

Cushing's Disease in Dogs: Treatment

The treatment varies according to the form of Cushing's disease the dog suffers from. In case of adrenal tumors, the vet may surgically remove the tumor. Pituitary dependent hyperadrenocorticism is treated with medication. The vet may prescribe mitotane to treat Cushing's disease. The drug is given after meals and the side effects include anorexia, lethargy, vomiting and depression. Dogs with Iatrogenic Cushing's disease are slowly weaned off the steroids and hence gradually recover from this condition. The vet will decide the correct prednisone doses that will help reduce the Cushing's disease in dogs.

Cushing's Disease in Dogs: Diet

You need to help boost the immune system of the dog by providing him with the right diet. The diet for a dog suffering from Cushing's disease should include high protein levels, low-fat, fiber and purine levels. You need to feed the dog with natural meat, eggs and vegetables. You should provide the dog with plenty of water and a potassium rich diet. Supplement the diet with antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E and selenium. This helps make the immune system of the dog stronger to fight against Cushing's disease.

Cushing's Disease in Dogs: Life Expectancy

The prognosis of Cushing's disease in dogs shows that adrenal surgery is mostly good. Dogs with benign adrenal gland based tumor have better life expectancy than malignant tumor. The life expectancy of dogs suffering from Cushing's disease who have undergone an adrenal surgery is about 36 months. Dogs with pituitary dependent hyperadrenocorticism have a life expectancy of about 2 years after successful treatment. The life expectancy of a dog suffering from Cushing's disease is more or less about 20 - 30 months.

This was some information related to Cushing's disease in dogs. Depending on that particular dog health, the vet may choose an appropriate treatment for Cushing's disease in dogs. I hope this article was a useful read and helped you learn something about the Cushing's disease in dogs.

DISCLAIMER
* The information offered on this site is not to be used as a substitute for professional veterinary prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. The reader is advised to consult with a veterinarian before taking any home remedies, supplements or following any treatment advised by anyone on this site. A veterinarian will be able to provide the reader with advice that is safe and effective for an individual pet's specific needs and diagnose a particular health problem based on the pet's medical history .

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How to do Dog DNA Testing

Learn why your pooch behaves the way it does

Dog DNA testing is an easy way to find out exactly what breeds make up your mutt. Learning the exact breed makeup is a great way to gain some insight as to why your little buddy behaves the way he/she does. Doing dog DNA testing does NOT involve taking blood or inflict any pain at all on the animal, in fact it's a quick, easy and painless procedure. Follow the steps below to learn how dog DNA testing is easily done at home.

Follow these simple steps to easily complete home dog DNA testing

The goal of doing a dog DNA test is to collect epithelial cells from inside your dogs mouth, on the cheek specifically.

1. Prepare you dog by making sure he doesn't eat for about a 1/2 hour before the test, I'd shoot for an hour just to make sure.
2. Wash your hands thoroughly
3. Inspect the dogs mouth to make sure there are no food particles around
4. Unwrap the testing swab from the dog dna testing kit
5. Vigorously rub the swab on the inside of the dogs cheek
6. Immediately put the swab into the plastic container
7. Complete the contact information form
8. Send the dog dna testing kit to the lab

Note: If you have multiple dogs in hour household you need to make sure they don't share a food or water bowl for about a week before the test.

You should receive the results in about 2-3 weeks. I think you'll be amazed when you learn what breeds your dog really is. I know I was shocked, but it really did explain my dogs love of water. In the end I was very pleased with the results of the dog DNA test.

Where can I get a dog DNA testing kit?

Here's a great resource to pick up a dog DNA testing kit, it's available on Amazon and the price is the cheapest I've ever seen.

If you need it here's some more information on doing a dog breed test.

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Best Dog Food for Pitbulls

Each dog breed has its unique set of nutritional requirements, based on its body size and energy requirements. Developed initially for blood sports like bull-baiting and dog-fighting, pitbulls are highly energetic dogs, friendly, and love being attended to. Physically, pitbulls are medium-sized, lean, muscular, short coated breed with a brick like head and strong wide jaws. Like all other dog breeds, pitbulls also require food which has the right balance of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, fatty acids and minerals that match the breed specific nutritional requirements.

Best Dog Food for Pitbull Puppies

To keep those adorable pudgy looking pitbull puppies happy, feed them good quality dry puppy food created especially for large breed puppies. A high quality dry kibble or a raw diet works great for the puppies. You can also try feeding the puppy wet food however, though there are no significant advantages of these foods and moreover wet food can result in plaque formation on the teeth. However, for the very young puppies and the ones suffering from a condition that warrants high protein concentration in foods, wet canned food may be the best choice. Avoid feeding table scraps to your pitbull puppies as high fat and high carbohydrate diets can cause health related problems.

What's the Best Dog Food for Pitbulls?

The best food for pitbulls may vary based on what the veterinarians recommend and what the breeder has to say. However, the essential thing to remember for all pitbull owners is to feed your dogs with meals that satisfy its unique nutritional requirements. This should include a balanced meal of meats and proteins. A healthy looking pitbull should have a lean, muscular, athletic body. The hourglass figure of a pitbull is characterized by the "tucked in" stomach and ribs that are easily felt through the muscles.

Dry Dog Food: Not only is the dry dog food the cheapest, it is also most convenient and easy to store too. It is also a feasible option when you have more than one dog as it costs much lesser in that case. The quality of the commercial foods can vary based on the manufacturer. To choose the best dry dog food you need to scan the ingredients mentioned on the packet; some low cost food may have fillers and other low quality ingredients like ground corn. However, most of the premium and super premium foods would contain sources of animal protein including chicken, lamb, beef, venison, bison, duck and carbohydrate sources like sweet potatoes. Brands like Innova Evo, Wellness and Artemis are well-known and are the best dry dog food for pitbulls. The advantage of dry foods is that it can be stored over a length of time and can be purchased in significant quantities. However, it should be noted that storing the food over a considerable period of time can affect the nutritional value.

Semi-moist Dog Food: Made up of water and meat products, the semi-moist dog foods are usually quite popular with dogs. However, here is a word of caution for all those of you considering this option: the high sugar content in the food along with the presence of preservatives and additives can affect the dog's health in the long run. It is also quite expensive as compared to the dry dog foods. The ingredients, nutrition, quality, taste may differ based on the brand. As a mid-way, you may alternate between dry food and semi moist food.

Canned Food: Canned food is easily the most popular and the best dog food for pitbulls. This is because unlike dry food, canned food products do need carbohydrate stabilizers in the formula. This means the percentage of meat is much more than the other foods. The downside? It is way too expensive. However, if you want the best food for dogs, consider brands such as By Nature Organics, Wellness, Innova Evo and Wysong. Again, here a good way to balance the cost is to alternate it with regular dry food. You can "treat" your dog to a can of canned food once in a while!

Raw Diets: Including lean red meat and game meat in the diet is essentially the best food for pitbulls. A raw food diet fosters good dental health, glossy coats, healthy skin and good digestive health in pitbulls. Include foods such as raw beef, raw eggs with shell, chicken bones and turkey backs.

Although some people might recommend grains such as brown rice and corn, remember that this is not part of the natural diet of the pitbulls and may thus result in many dog health problems. You can add certain vegetables to their diet but it is essential to keep in mind that the food for pitbulls should contain meat.

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Fatty Tumors in Dogs

It is not uncommon for overweight dogs to develop lumps in their bodies. Sometimes, these lumps may be malignant. That's why, as a dog owner, you have to carefully check his body on a regular basis for any abnormal tissue growth. Fatty tumors are usually not a major cause of concern for pet owners as most of the time, they turn out to be benign. Though fatty lumps are a common occurrence in canines, you need to get your pet checked by an experienced vet for an accurate diagnosis.

Characteristics
Fatty tumors are also known as lipomas. These are benign tumors that are formed as a result of uncontrolled cell division. These tumors do not spread to other parts of the body. They are not painful and do not cause irritation or redness of the skin. They occur, most commonly, in the upper legs or in the belly region. In rare cases, a dog may develop what is known as infiltrative lipoma. These lipomas invade the surrounding tissues to a greater extent than the simple lipomas and are known to have regrown in 50% of the cases in which they had been removed surgically. Although all dog breeds can develop fatty tumors, Labrador Retrievers, Doberman Pinschers, Miniature Schnauzers and dogs of mixed breed have been found to be more prone to fatty tumors.

Diagnosis
You need to take your pet to the veterinarian the moment you find a lumpy growth in any part of the canine's body. Avoid making your own conclusions about the tumor. Let the vet examine the lump and determine if the tumor is benign or malignant. In order to do that, a vet may carry out a palpation of the growth. He may further suggest a fine needle aspirate or biopsy to confirm if it is a lipoma. Once confirmed that it is a fatty tumor, it is important to monitor its growth. This should be done at regular interval of two weeks. The size of the tumor should be filed away with proper dates for future reference.

Treatment
Most vets do not suggest surgical removal of these tumors unless it is absolutely necessary because of the risk associated with the use of anesthesia and complications due to surgery. These risks are often not worth being taken considering the benign nature of these lumps. However, the veterinarian may surgically remove the tumor because of the following problems:

• If the tumor is getting increasing in size.
• If the lipoma is suddenly growing bigger after remaining benign for a long time.
• If it has become hard or beginning to look lumpier.
• If it in any way obstructs the movement of the pet. For example, if the fatty tumor is present on the paw of the dog, and he is finding it difficult to move around.
• If the pet is biting the lump, causing it to become infectious.

Although the specific cause of this health problem is not clearly known, it is probably due to the imbalance caused when a dog's body is unable to get rid of the materials it is supposed to. This imbalance can be reduced by dietary changes and nutritional supplements, although the fatty tumor cannot be cured completely. In certain cases, a low fat diet has resulted in the lump to shrink. Giving oily table scraps to a dog having fatty tumor should be avoided. Lipomas are fatty deposits and dog obesity is directly related to fatty tumors. Probably, that's the reason why a low fat diet works for dogs with fatty tumors.

Herbs like alfalfa, dandelion root, garlic and milk thistle strengthen the immune system and are helpful in managing all types of tumors in dogs. In case of tumors that grow fast and become invasive, radiation therapy may be required.
Fatty tumors rarely pose danger to a dog's health. However, this statement should not be interpreted as dismissing every lump on your dog's body. The moment you detect a tumorous growth on your dog, get it diagnosed by a vet. Besides taking one's dog to the vet when an abnormality is detected, regular visit to the vet is an important component of dog care. Another point to be considered is that these treatment options may or may not work on some canines. That's why, it is best to leave the decision on the veterinarian whom you trust.

Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.

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Flaxseed Oil for Dogs

The health benefits of flaxseed or linseed oil have been identified by humans since time immemorial. It is a rich source of omega-3-fatty acids, which has been recognized as a cholesterol lowering agent. Apart from that, flaxseed oil offers various health benefits for humans. Like in the case of humans, this oil is also found to be beneficial for pets, especially for cats and dogs.

Flaxseed Oil Supplements for Dogs

You can find a wide range of dog foods in the market, which boast of high nutritional value. However, these commercial foods may be deficient in some key nutrients like omega-3 essential fatty acids, which can protect the dog from various diseases and disorders. So, flaxseed oil supplements, which are rich in these essential fatty acids, are recommended for dogs. It is available in liquid form or as capsules. Some people use ground flaxseed as a supplement, instead of oil. However, flaxseed oil in liquid form (especially the cold pressed one) or as capsules are preferred. Normally, this oil will be golden in color with a nutty smell. It has to be stored in a cool, dark place and once it turns rancid, it has to be thrown away.

Benefits of Flaxseed Oil for Dogs

This oil has long been recommended for dogs as a food supplement. It was mainly used as a remedy for skin conditions like, itching and loss of fur. Now, it is one of the most recommended supplements for dogs, as it is found to be beneficial in various ways. It is a well-known fact that this oil is beneficial for skin problems in dogs, like, shedding. By using flaxseed supplements for dogs, a healthier coat and skin can be obtained. Apart from this, flaxseed oil is also an anti-inflammatory agent, which can fight dog illnesses like, inflammatory bowel disease and arthritis. It has also been suggested that regular use of flaxseed for dogs, prevents cholesterol, high blood pressure and problems related to heart beats. It is also good for preventing and controlling heart diseases in dogs. It is also good for preventing and slowing down the growth of dog cancer. Above all, flaxseed oil is found to be good for boosting the immune system of your pet. In case of dog allergies, supplements with this oil are recommended for preventing and controlling the symptoms. It is also claimed lignin, one of the compounds in flaxseed oil has antifungal and antiviral properties. It is also contended that it is due to the presence of lignin, that flaxseed oil has cancer-fighting properties. Some studies shows that this oil regulates various bodily functions in dogs, like calcium and energy metabolism and kidney and artery function.

Flaxseed Oil Dosage for Dogs

You can add this supplement to the dog food, as per the recommended dosage. Flaxseed oil dosage for dogs is determined as per the type of dog and its weight. The recommended dosage is one teaspoon for every 25 pounds of the body weight of the dog. You may administer it as a single dosage or split it as per the number of meals. It will be better to mix it with semisolid or liquid food rather than dry food. However, some dogs may not have the ability to break down the components in flaxseed oil, thereby reducing its health benefits. Some other dogs may develop an oily coat with dandruff flakes, after the consumption of such supplements. In both cases, you can stop giving such supplements for dogs. In case you dog develops the former condition, you can switch to fish oil as a replacement for flaxseed oil.

In short, flaxseed oil is beneficial for dog health. If you are confused about the right supplement for your dog, seek the opinion of the veterinarian. Otherwise too, it is better to consult the veterinarian before starting any food supplements for dogs.

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Bone Meal for Dogs

Planning for the correct dog food is very important and there are many things that have to be taken into consideration while doing so. Canines and feline in general, have different nutritional needs than that of the humans. Dog food also differs from the normal human food and hence one must be aware of all the needs of his pet that are essential in proper pet care. There are many ways by which the dog food can be prepared and fed to the dogs, what gets important here is the exact knowledge of the needs of the dog as an individual and plan accordingly.

If you have come to the conclusion that the homemade dog food is the best for your dog, then there is nothing wrong in it but it only makes your job much more difficult. Nutritional balance in the dog food is the first rule that one has to maintain. Especially, the ratio of calcium and phosphorus is very crucial for dog health and fitness. If it is not maintained, then the dogs phlebotomize from their own blood which is just not right as far as the dog health is concerned. It is a common thing to find a perfect food that will accomplish these requirements of the dogs and in the same quest, the discovery took place about the bone meal for dogs.

What is Bone Meal?
Bone meal is a mixture made of ground and crushed bones. It is originally used as an organic fertilizer for growing plants and also in animal feed. Bone meal is a rich source of calcium and phosphorus. As a matter of fact, bone meal used to be a major component in human dietary supplements but after a while it was found out that bone meals are contaminated with several toxic metals and hence the practice was stopped. They are often mis-conceptualized by the dog owners, that eventually costs bad effects on the pet health.

Meat and bone meal is a byproduct of the rendering industry. It contains lots of protein, fat, moisture and ash. It is used mainly in the animal food to increase the profile of amino acids in the animals of all sorts like cows, sheep, cats, pigs and dogs, etc. It was in the 80s, a research shown that the bone meal was a victor for the mad cow disease and the usage of the bone meal came at stake. Due to the fact that dogs and cats are not susceptible to mad cow disease, the bone meal is still very popular.

Apart from the above mentioned nutritional facts, this meal is a rich source of calcium, phosphorus and other trace minerals. Phosphorus that exists in the meal helps all the nutrients to get extracted in the bloodstream and hence it is a bliss for the dogs, especially those suffering with digestive disorders. Bone meal calcium is also very helpful to fill in the calcium requirements and deficiencies in dogs. It is also seen that a little of organic bone meal for dogs is capable of evading diarrhea and flatulence in dogs. What kind of bone meal supplements should one get for his/her pet then?

There are a lot of brands that market the bone meal for dogs. The dog owner must realize the fact that the bone meal fertilizers can be toxic for the dogs. These fertilizers differ than the content of bone meal for dogs. Well, if you are looking for the bone meal supplements available in the market, look for those guaranteed to be free from lead and other toxic components. There are several bone meals that are high with vitamin D which is a strict no-no for the dogs. Another option is to find supplements that are specially designed to fill all the dietary requirements of the dogs with limitations put on the amount of the nutrition. The best way in my opinion is to make the meal the DIY way!

How to Make a Homemade Meal?
Making a bone meal at home is an easy and safer option rather than the dog falling for the ill effects of the ready-made meal supplements. There are chicken and other meat bones in the house that we generally throw away after the meat has been used. One can utilize these bone meals, dry them and grind them in a bone crusher. Try making it using the chicken bones as they are supposedly the safest of them all. You can make the meal using dried raw bones and also by cooking, steaming or boiling the bones first and then grinding them. You can also boil the bones for very long, dehydrate it and then turn it into bone meal powder for dogs. It might take some time though!

As a responsible dog owner, one has to be very careful about the pet health and pet food. Bone meal is a thing that can have a bad effect on plants as well as dogs equally, but dogs cannot tolerate its side effects as positively as the plant do.

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Best Lap Dogs

Small dogs are often called lap dogs because they can comfortably sit on your lap. People who want to have dogs as pets but don't have enough dwelling place for them should opt for lap dogs. The main reasons why lap dogs are so popular is because of their small size and cute features. Owing a lap dog has also become a fashion statement and status symbol nowadays, as many celebrities are spotted with them. If you are on a lookout for a new pet, then I suggest you do give lap dogs a chance.

Everyone loves a pet in their house and there will be no argument if I say that dogs are the best choice when it comes to pets. Dogs are man's best friend, they love their master unconditionally, protect them from all dangers and threats, always have a watchful eye on strangers coming in your house, and never let you feel lonely. Most people would love to own a dog but they can't, because dogs need space to dwell and not everyone has a big house. Such people should opt for lap dogs as they don't require huge spaces and you can also carry them around wherever you go.

Best Lap Dogs for Families

There are many advantages of owing a lap dog; you can take them on your family trips and even international holidays, you don't have to spend a lot of money to take care of them, they don't possess a threat to younger children, and the best part about lap dogs is they don't need any heavy form of exercise.

Bichon Frise It's energetic, frisky, active, very cute and full of life. The little Bichon Frise is a dog that loves humans and needs major attention. Basically a happy go lucky dog, the Bichon Frise loves to play and has a special likeness towards long walks; most Bichons love to rest in their master's laps.

Pug An ideal pet, a pug is every little boy's or girl's dream. This cute dog is also one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, and pugs are still one of the most favorite pets among royal families. Even though many people say that this dog comes with its share of eye and breathing problems, pugs are a delight to have at home. The dog is very energetic, affectionate, even tempered, and they say that a pug is a lot of dog in a small space.

Yorkshire Terrier One of the best lap dogs for children, a Yorkshire Terrier is a favorite among people of all ages. This beautiful small dog is known for its long silky hair and cute barking sound. Even though this dog is small in size, it's as good as a big watch dog. These small dogs can get quite aggressive if they sense danger around their master or home. A Yorkshire Terrier is certainly one of the best lap dogs for seniors.

Japanese Chin If you want a taste of Japanese royalty, I suggest you have a look at the Japanese Chin. Known as the Japanese Terrier in the US, this animal is known globally for its unique oriental expression and a very luxurious looking coat. This dog loves human attention and will keep following you unless you place it on your lap and spend some time with it.

Chihuahua It's the same dog that Paris Hilton carries around with her; Chihuahuas are extremely affectionate dogs and love having human company around them. These dogs are often spotted in designer bags of famous celebrities. They are lovable, loyal and highly active. Often known for its high temper, it is advised that Chihuahuas should be trained when they are very young.

Dachshund Although the Dachshund is a very little hound, its loved by kids and adults equally. Due to its shape, Dachshunds are often called sausage dogs. With its short legs and long body, a Dachshund can be spotted from far away. It's one of the best small dog breeds in the world and can be a great pick for family dog.

So these were some of the most popular lap dogs in the world. People who want dogs in their house, but are avoiding them due to shortage of space and high maintenance costs, should go for the best lap dogs mentioned above.

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Are You Prepared for Severe Weather?

This is a question I start asking myself at the beginning of every storm season. Having lived in Kansas my whole life, tornadoes and severe weather are the norm for me, even though I am quite used to severe weather I still like to be as prepared as I can be in case the big one does decide to hit close, again.

After watching my parents barely survive after their apartment complex was severely damaged from a category EF4 tornado. I have been pretty diligent in prepping for the worst. Their building was intact; it survived along with only one other building out of 10 buildings making up the complex. The complex itself sat over 2 blocks away from a main street. That street was completely blocked for at least 2 miles in both directions, due to the downed power lines and other debris. They may have survived the initial blast from the tornado with no injuries, but what almost killed them was lack of proper supplies, while being without power for 2 weeks until they were rescued. They barely had enough food and water. They wouldnt have made it much longer.

It is pretty easy to prepare a safe area in your home and have supplies readily available. I probably go a little overboard since I have a whole room as a safe area in my basement. If you do not have a basement, the most centered room in your house, preferably a bathroom or a larger closet.

I already keep an extra pantry in my safe room as I call it. I always make sure it is overstocked with non perishable food items, enough to last at least 2 weeks for my family of 5. I also keep an extra can opener and eating utensils in the pantry. I am thinking about adding a camping stove to heat food on, but it is not a necessity. Most things that are canned do not need to be reheated. I have jugs of water and packs of bottled water stored along with the food.

I have a 5 gallon bucket that is filled with toilet paper and hand sanitizer, feminine products, along with a Ziploc bag with toothbrushes, toothpaste and soap.

I keep storage tubs with blankets, pillows, clothes, sneakers for all members of my family, and a standard first aid kit. I store flashlights, batteries, candles, matches and lighters in the basement and in 3 closets upstairs, as the power does tend to go out quite a bit during the season without having to take cover from a tornado. My step-daughters bedroom is in the basement, we bring her queen-sized mattress into the safe room to cover from debris. We also use the gymnastic mats we have. These were not purchased for storm protection, but they do come in handy.

Normally we have a time frame of when bad storms can potentially start firing up, so I will start making sure all of our cell phones, laptops, and portable DVD players are charged up. The kids also have a small tub of toys for their own entertainment, so they arent as scared as well as DVDs to watch. It is much easier to ride out a storm with calm children, than panic stricken ones. I also make sure to unhook my external hard drive that I have for my main PC and laptop and put it in my purse before we have to head down.

As for our pets, we prepare for them too. I really cant do much for my fish tank, so I dont really bother with them, I will try and remember to turn their light off but that is about it. As far as my dog and cat, their food is stored in the basement in the safe room anyway. The kids grab their food and water dishes. I grab the dog and put his kennel down with us. He prefers to stay with the kids and snuggle with them, it also helps keep him clam. He is small so if we all need to huddle together he fits right in.

Having all of these things already in place when the threat of tornadoes is upon us makes the transition to taking cover much easier, especially having young children. I dont have to worry about things I have forgotten, because there isnt anything it is all prepped. All I have to do is grab my kids, my animals and my purse and we are ready to go. We can easily grab the mattress for protection, light a couple of candles, and get the weather report going on the laptop. We had our first tornado of the season yesterday and we had to take cover for about 30 minutes, luckily it wasnt on the ground for very long and missed us entirely. I timed our trek to take cover and from the time we decided to go downstairs it only took us one minute and about 45 seconds to get 2 adults, one teenager, a 9 year old, a 5 year old, a cat and a dog down in the basement safely without having to panic. We generally get about a 15 minute warning so knowing that I can get my family down to safety and get everything set up and ready with quite enough time left to spare makes me handle the bad weather a lot easier as well. I hope this helps you be better prepared for severe weather.

American Red Cross Disaster & Emergency Kit by First Aid Only
Amazon Price: $59.99 $38.00 Buy Now
(price as of May 27, 2013)

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Health Issues in Older Dogs

Dogs age faster than humans do, right? So the chances of you watching your dog get older are at an all time high. When your dog gets older, there are chances that there will be those health disorders that will take over and pose problems for him. As a responsible owner, your duty is to be aware of these health issues and understand what they do to your dog. Why? So that you are able to prevent these from afflicting him in the first place. Even if these health problems do take over, you will be better able to protect your dog and care for him through this time.

Older Dog Health Problems

Though older dogs are more prone to developing health problems, the breed of the dog plays a major role in determining the kind of health issues that will develop in the dog. Here are some of the most common health issues that an older dog will face.

Aggression
Older dogs will exhibit aggression more commonly and it might be completely uncharacteristic to their regular behavior. The reasons for why this aggressive streak makes way in an older dog could be several, because as a dog ages, there are several health issues that will develop. These include lowered vision and hearing, joint pain and dental issues. The dog's normal functioning ability will take a severe beating due to this and lead to aggression. Make sure that you consult a vet in order to get a solution for the same.

Hardened Skin
Lowered energy levels ensure that your dog does not indulge in as much activity as he did in his youth. Which means that there will be a lot of time spent lying around. Hardened skin around the elbows and tail etc is a common feature in older dogs who spend a lot of time lying around on a hard surface. The hard surface causes calluses and sores on them. You can prevent this condition by providing a bedding for your dog.

Coat Changes
There could be changes in the quality and shine of the coat. The coat will thin down and might not be as shiny as it used to be. The dogs might also develop white hair especially around their mouths.

Change in Weight
As a dog grows older, the levels of his energy will drop as well and therefore the rate of metabolism will fall as well. In such a case, if you continue to feed your dog the same amount of food that you gave him as a young dog, there are high chances that he will put on excess weight which can then lead to several other problems as a result. Obesity in older dogs is one thing that you need to be aware of. Another factor? Keep a close watch on the eating habits of the dog. Some dogs will experience a loss of appetite and this will then lead to weight loss. If you see that the dog has undergone sudden weight loss or gain, then you need to get it checked by your vet as it could be an indication of a serious underlying disorder.

Infliction of Diseases
There are several dog diseases that an older dog can become afflicted with. These could include arthritis, diabetes, kidney problems, liver problems, bladder problems and more. The chances of these coming about are heightened in old age.

Other Issues
There are a number of other health issues in older dogs as well that can come about. Here are some of the same.

• Soiling in the home.
• Disorientation in all the actions.
• Insomnia
• General weakness
• Constant scratching due to infliction of fleas.

Older dogs are prone to several other diseases and health conditions as well. That is why there is a need to administer proper older dog health care so that these health issues can be cared for well enough. As an owner, it is your responsibility to be aware of the changes in your dog's health and care for it as required. You need to know how to keep your dog healthy. That is a given.

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Enlarged Spleen in Dogs

The spleen is an important organ that filters the red blood cells and holds a reserve of white blood cells. It plays an important role in the immune system. The spleen is also responsible for producing and storing red blood cells. An enlarged spleen in dogs tends to occur mostly in larger breeds and as the dog gets older. Enlarged spleen which is medically referred to as splenomegaly, is usually a symptom of some other underlying health problem. Let us know more about the symptoms, causes and treatment of this medical condition.

Symptoms

Symptoms of enlarged spleen in a dog include, pain accompanied by bloating. Upset stomach is also one of the symptoms of enlarged spleen. Moreover, enlarged spleen might lead to the dog being unable to lie down comfortably, or even perform any activity without discomfort. Here are some more symptoms of enlarged spleen in a dog.

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Lack of appetite
• Lethargy and reduced activity
• Weakness

Causes
Abdominal injury, canine hepatitis, infectious disorders, bacterial infection, cell tumors of the spleen, inflammatory bowel disease in dogs and other immune disorders are some of the causes. These conditions can lead to enlargement of the spleen over a period of time, leading to symptoms as mentioned earlier. Cancer is known to be one of the common causes of splenomegaly. Hemangiosarcoma is the type of cancer that affects dogs and it is known to be extremely malignant and dangerous. It is often fatal as it affects the blood vessels, hence spreads quickly throughout the body. However, remember that they can be due to a benign tumor as well.

Diagnosis

If the veterinarian notices a prominent spleen or a protruding abdomen he might use a fine needle aspiration to diagnose the spleen disorder. Also he might recommend ultrasounds and X-rays to view the spleen and surrounding areas for abnormalities. In addition to this, blood test will help in ascertaining possible underlying medical issues in dog health.

Treatment

There has to be a lot of promptness in diagnosis and treatment of enlarged spleen in a dog. The treatment completely depends upon the diagnosis. In case of a tumor, malignant or benign, and several other cases, removal of the spleen, that is known as splenectomy, is recommended by the veterinarian. In case the tumor was cancerous, splenectomy might be followed up by chemotherapy. As enlarged spleen is most probably a sign of some other underlying dog illness, therefore, it is very essential to know the cause before starting a treatment for the same.

Most of the common underlying medical causes of splenomegaly can be treated with medications prescribed by the veterinarian. In case the spleen is removed by performing splenectomy, your dog needs proper rehabilitation to heal completely. This includes complete dog care as recommended by the vet and restricting his activities. Remember that as soon as you notice the above mentioned symptoms or any health problem in your dog, you must take him to a veterinarian.

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Hematoma in Dog's Ear

Hematoma typically refers to a collection of blood outside the blood vessels, which usually occurs due to hemorrhage. Hemorrhage occurs when the wall of the blood vessels are damaged, allowing the blood to escape from the blood vessels and get into the tissues. The result is the development of hematoma, which can be tiny, appearing just as a dot of blood or could be large enough to cause significant swelling inflammation, redness and pain. The condition is quite common in many pets including dogs and cats. Dogs are more likely to get it as compared to cats. Dogs usually get hematoma on the inside of the ear flap. This kind of hematoma is called aural hematoma. It usually results from an itchy ear, which compels the animal to continuously scratch the ear and shake its head vigorously. This annoying dog behavior can eventually cause the blood vessels of the ear flap to rupture. As a result, a localized swelling filled with blood develops on the ear flap.

Causes of Canine Hematoma
Rupture of the blood vessels of the ear flap is the main cause of aural hematoma in dogs. This in turn, can results from self-inflicted trauma like, constant ear scratching and head shaking or other kinds of injuries to the ear. The factors that usually cause itchy ear, and thus compel the dogs to scratch their ears constantly are, dog allergies, ear mites, accumulation of excess wax and debris in the ear, excessive growth of hair inside the ear and presence of foreign body and parasites in the ear. Yeast infection or bacterial infection of the ear can also cause this health problem in dogs. The condition is however, more common among the dog breeds, which have long and floppy ears. The incidence of dog aural hematoma is also more frequent in humid areas, as compared to the cold and dry areas of the world.

Signs of Canine Hematoma
If your dog is constantly scratching or rubbing its ear with its paw, then it could be a sign that something is wrong with its ear. Additionally, it can keep shaking its head, which too indicates that it is trying to get rid of something in its ear. If it is the underlying cause of such behavior, then you can observe a firm and small or large swelling on the inside of the ear flap. It can develop at the base of the ear as well. If it's quite large, then a larger area of your dog's ear can look swollen and red. You can feel warmth on touching the swelling. If it is painful, you can observe your dog to yelp or whine occasionally, when it touches the ear. Head tilting is another symptom that can be observed in dogs with aural hematoma.

Treatment for Canine Hematoma
It can be easily identified by veterinarians on observing the swelling of the earflap or the pinna. Sometimes, a confirm diagnosis may require the fluid to be withdrawn from the swollen area. Presence of blood in the fluid confirms the diagnosis. As far as treatment is concerned, aural hematoma can be treated in several ways. For minor hematoma, veterinarians may opt for simple aspiration, which involves draining of the fluid with the help of a syringe. This, however is a temporary solution to aural hematoma. Veterinarians usually opt for hematoma correction surgery and placement of a teat cannula to treat it.

Teat cannula is generally employed for draining milk or infected discharge in cattle. But, it could be used for treating aural hematoma as well. For placing a teat cannula in the dog's ear, the animal is first sedated. Then the teat cannula is placed on the tip of the ear, so that it can drain out the fluid from the hematoma. Usually, this device is placed for a period of three weeks, which can be a bit uncomfortable for your dog. Another option for treating hematoma is surgery. General anesthesia is used to sedate the dog, after which a surgical incision is made into the swelling. In this way, the accumulated fluid is drained out of the hematoma. After the procedure, the incision is sealed with multiple sutures. The sutures are then removed once the incision has healed completely, which usually takes 9 to 10 days.

It can be quite painful at times and it can also cause scarring, if not treated on time. Such scarring can cause a cosmetic problem, where the affected ear can crumble or get deformed as it heals. So, it is better to seek medical attention than letting the hematoma to heal on its own. However, pet owners should be a bit careful, so as to prevent its recurrence. Its prevention in the future is possible, if the underlying causes of ear irritation or itching can be ascertained. Appropriate dog care such as regular dog grooming can help a lot to avoid ear irritation by ensuring that your dog's ears are free of any foreign objects. Similarly, appropriate treatment for ear mites, and other conditions which can cause itching and irritation of the ear can also prevent the recurrences of aural hematoma.

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Meloxicam for Dogs

Meloxicam is an anti-inflammatory drug that belongs to the NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) group. Meloxicam is prescribed for treating pain and inflammation in dogs, cats and humans. This drug is similar to Ibuprofen and Advil and is said to be safe to use for dogs than most drugs. Yet, meloxicam for dogs has certain side effects. Let us learn in detail about meloxicam used to treat canine health problems.

Dosage

The meloxicam dosage is prescribed at an initial dose of 0.1 mg per pound (0.2 mg/kg). It is then decreased to about 0.05 mg per pound (0.1 mg/kg) once a day. Meloxicam should only be prescribed to dogs, by a veterinarian or administered directly by a veterinarian to the dog. This drugs can cause some serious side-effects in dogs. Therefore, a careful dosage should be given to the dog. You should avoid long-term use of Meloxicam on dogs, as it can cause serious side effects. You should complete the entire course prescribed to prevent a relapse.

Side Effects

Meloxicam can cause many side effects that include stomach ulceration, unusual bleeding and kidney failure. It can even lead to hepatopathy reaction, that is, liver disease. It may also lead to yellowing of gums, skin and whites of the eyes due to jaundice. The dog may show symptoms like nausea, diarrhea and appetite loss. There may be an increased amount of liver enzymes in the blood. Many times, it may cause anallergic reaction like facial swelling, hives and rash. It may also cause peritonitis, intestinal ulcers and dark tarry stools. Sometimes, it may affect the blood platelets and hence the blood clotting. Some dogs may also show change in urinating frequency, color and odor of urine.

You should avoid giving Meloxicam, if the animal is suffering from liver or heart problems, gastrointestinal ulcers, etc. You should avoid giving Meloxicam to pregnant or nursing animals and puppies that are under 6 months of age.

Working of Meloxican for Dogs

Meloxican is available in the common names Metacam and Mobic. It is prescribed to provide relief to canine osteoarthritis and works by inhibiting the synthesis of chemicals called prostaglandis. These chemicals are similar to hormones that help in the functioning of muscles and blood vessels. This drug also helps in controlling blood pressure and inflammation in our canine friends. It is also used in case of canine injuries, cancer, surgery and dental infections.

These drugs can interact with other drugs like aspirin, corticosteroids and ACE inhibitors like enalapril, benazepril and quinapril. This is an otherwise effective painkiller for dogs suffering from arthritis, dog cancer and post surgery pain. You should exert caution when administering the drug and follow the instructions of the vet. You can effectively treat your pet with Meloxicam with a little precaution.

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Puppy Training Vs. Dog Training

Getting home a puppy is one of the greatest moments that a pet lover could ever have. Imagine, cuddling the cute and innocent looking puppy. Your pup's loving appearance aside, you need to train him properly and follow proper dog care tips so that he obeys your commands. Anyway, the overall behavior of a dog more or less depends upon the training that has been given in the pup stage. Every dog owner wishes their dog to be a healthy, well-behaved and obedient. Let's take a look at how different training an adult and a young dog is.

Training a Dog Vs. Coaching a Puppy

Whether you are training a puppy or a dog, the basic dog training tips remain the same. It is true that some dog types are aggressive and need special handling. Whatever be the nature of the pet, the owner should train the puppy/dog, lovingly and regularly. This way, you can build that special bond with your pet dog. Being harsh to your pet will worsen the scenario. Then you will require a professional trainer to change your dog's behavior.

A puppy, in comparison to a well-grown dog, learns quickly and obeys the trainer easily. There are certain puppy training tips that will help you groom your puppy well. For example, in the first two weeks after birth, you can teach your pup about simple association with the members of the family. In the next weeks, you can coach the pup to socialize with other pets and people. In case of full grown-dogs, he will be obedient and behave well, as long as you appreciate and handle him carefully.

Socialization, crate training and house training should be conducted in the pup stage. While house training your puppy, make sure to teach good behavior like fixed meal timings and more importantly, proper place and time for defecation. When the dog grows up, the only thing that you have to take care is to maintain that comfort level you share with your pet. This way, training becomes easier and the dog will follow your commands.

While training your puppy on leash, make sure that the leash is loose; otherwise, it will hurt the pup and make him uncomfortable. It's quite possible, the next time you try to put him on leash, he is likely to refuse. The same thing applies with your dog; a tight leash is not advisable or else the dog will pull and start misbehaving.

Training, either a puppy or a dog, is all about communication. The trainer needs to communicate with the dog properly and teach him to learn good behavior. It is also the duty of the trainer or handler to understand the dog and the message that he wants to convey. Then only can training a canine of any age will be rewarding and successful.

While you are with the puppy or dog, there might be situations when he might misbehave like biting, whining and barking. In such a scenario, do not shout at him, instead change your conduct and let the dog understand that you do not like his behavior. If the dog obeys your command, you can reward him by giving your dog's favorite pet food or toy.

If you have a deep interest in dogs, then you can make a career in dog training. However, as a dog trainer, one needs to be very patient and should have loving and caring nature. In order to gain knowledge about the profession, there are several schools that offer dog training courses.

Dogs are the most popular pets in the world, mainly because of their obedient nature and ability to learn. Well! Teaching and guiding the pet is the responsibility of the dog owner. Train your puppy or dog with lots of love and care, then you will find the best companion in your pet.

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Dog Limping

There are many possible causes why dogs limp, and the seriousness and the extent of the injury is something that can only be accurately determined by a qualified and experienced veterinarian. Some injuries are just minor and pass by in a few days whereas some have the potential to cause permanent damage to dog health. Either way, it is crucial to get it looked at by a medical professional as soon as possible, so as to avoid any complications in the future.

The reasons for limping depend on a lot of things like the breed, its age, its levels of physical activity, its diet and other daily routines of care. The combination of all these factors contribute towards a specific injury and how it affects a certain animal, and an inexperienced owner is certainly not the best judge about the cause and severity of the problem.

Possible Causes

Limping in dogs can be caused by some deformity in the skeletal structure, damage sustained to some tendon or ligament or muscle, or an inherent problem in the nervous system. Not all cases are caused by external trauma, and there are many reported cases of it but not in pain as well. Scrutiny of the most obvious symptoms can point to the real cause, and suffice to say, it must be appropriately treated immediately.

The age of the dog is another crucial factor in this regard, as younger and older ones are more susceptible to limping. If the pup is younger than twelve months, then a growth deficiency or development disorder is very likely to be the cause of this problem in front leg. Either of these conditions can be the cause on hind leg as well. Younger dogs are more prone to nutritional deficiencies than adults, and this can lead to some serious growth deficiencies down the line. For this reason a proper nutritional regime must be followed since the younger days of the pet, and the owner must also ensure that it gets a healthy dose of exercise on a daily basis. One must also be on the lookout for arthritis.

Older dogs, on the other hand, are very prone to be affected by bone cancer. This can cause a major problem, but there have been some cases of puppies contracting bone cancer as well. Limping on back leg or front leg in old pets could possibly be caused by damaged muscles, torn tendons or ligaments, or deterioration of joints. Certain trauma to the bone can end up causing this discomfort, but some pain killers can be administered for relief. This kind of injury though, can heal over a period of time with proper rest and rehabilitation. Limping can also occasionally be caused by the tearing of the animals nail while running around, so to avoid such a scenario, one must regularly cut the nails of their pet.

As a dog owner you need to observe the movements and the basic behavior of your pet. Look out for signs after laying down as this is the time that an injured animal would limp the most. As the day progresses further, limping reduces considerably as they become more active. The stiffness of the joints and hence the extent of the damage, is most apparent right after they wake up. The paws are also very sensitive so they could be a potential cause of this problem. Examine them to check, if there is no serious damage on the paws, as this can greatly hamper the movement and mobility of a pet. Cuts and swelling are common sights here as dogs are very active creatures by nature.

Lameness is a very real and potent danger, so one needs to be aware and alert at all times. You need to understand the signs and get to the cause as soon as possible. The sooner you get round to doing this, the faster your pet will be able to heal.

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