Friday, February 28, 2014

The Sun Bear is the smallest of the bear family and lives in the forest of Southeast Asia. They only weigh 150 pounds in the Wild.

Sun Bears are a mammal species and they can live up to 25 years in the wild. They are only 4-5 feet long and weigh 60-150 pounds depending on age. Their small size makes it easy for them to move through trees and branches. The long claws of the Sun Bear can be extremely dangerous since they measure up to four inches. The claws of a Sun Bear are used for ripping apart trees, bark, and also termite nests. They have small ears and a very short muzzled, and look like a dog. In most areas that they live it can become very hot, so they have evolved with short black coats to avoid overheating. The typical Sun Bear is often shy and will avoid people at any costs, unless their cubs are in danger.

This bear is nocturnal and are only seen at night while foraging for food. Their diet consists of lizards, birds, insects and small rodents. They have great sense of smell. These creatures also love eating fresh termites from the nest. The Sun Bear has an unusually long tong which allows them to extract honey and termites from the nest, thus this is why they call them "honey bear".

At the moment, we do not know too much about these bears but we do know the mothers are very protective of the cubs. They will often cradle their babies within the ground nest and they can also do this on their very hind legs. The cubs will begin to move out after 7-9 weeks but some will even stay with their mother for up to two years or even more.

This species of bare is currently at stake since many poachers hunt them for meat and fur. Most farmers will kill this bear since they are often seen eating crops like coconuts, bananas, and oil palm. The adult females are also slaughtered since people are looking to take the cubs as pets. Currently, most of their forest is being torn down to make new homes so Scientists are prepared for this species to become endangered at any time. If you want to make a difference for these bears, do not kill them!


Posted on 6:37 AM

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Tuesday, February 25, 2014


Have you noticed a dog chasing a cat or rabbit, suddenly yelping, pulling up short and lifting the hind leg, unable to walk properly. Or have you noticed a running dog, suddenly yelping, stopping, hopping for a couple of steps and then resuming his running? If you have, do you wish to know what is common with both the dogs? They both suffer from knee problems.

Dog Knee Problems

By and large, there are two types of knee problems in dogs, namely cruciate ligament ruptures and luxating patella. Luxating patella is a common problem in toy breeds of dogs or small dogs, while cruciate ligament ruptures is often seen in large overweight dogs. The other knee ailments affecting dogs, are medial meniscus tears, torn knee ligament, trick knee cap, etc.

Let us now understand why there are knee injuries in dogs. Just like in human beings, the knee joint in dogs is the articulation between the thigh bone, also known as femur bone and shin bone, in other words fibula or tibia. This joint is more prone to injury, because like in most other joints, this joint does not have an interlocking of bones within the joint. The stability in the knee joint comes solely from the soft tissue located in the knee joint.

Symptoms of Dog Knee Problems

Here are the most common symptoms:
  • Sudden pain while running is a common symptom of knee problem in dog.
  • You will notice that your dog will lift the affected leg off the ground and will not be able to put any weight on the affected leg.
  • The dog will have pain even while walking and you will notice it is limping with the affected leg. The pet dog will often have a bunny hopping gait.
  • The affected knee joint will be swollen.
  • While walking, the dog will find it difficult to shift legs.
Treating Dog Knee Problems

Luxating patella is actually a dislocation of the kneecap. If the luxation of the kneecap is minor, the veterinarian is usually able to push the kneecap back in its place. You will have to do the restricting exercises with your pet and also monitor your pets activities. In case you notice your pet in terrible pain, after talking to your pet's veterinarian, the dog may be given some painkillers. If the luxation is severe, a surgery might be required, so as to bring the kneecap to its correct position.

Rupturing of the cruciate ligament is often due to wear and tear. Hence, ruptured cruciate ligament are oftentimes found in middle aged or aging dogs. The ligaments play an important role in holding the bones and cartilages together, so that there are normal and effortless movement of the knee joint. When the ligament ruptures or tears, bending the knee correctly becomes a problem. Surgery is the only way to correct the problem. These knee surgeries are often expensive.

Prevention of Dog Knee Problems

The problem of knee joint is often caused due to dog obesity and poor physical conditioning. If the muscles around the knee joint are strong and properly conditioned, they stabilize and protect the ligaments from excessive stress. Obesity is known to cause excessive stress on the joint, which in turn leads to the weakening of the ligaments. Once the ligaments are weakened, they tear very easily. Hence, you will have to make sure, that you do not overfeed your dog and also make sure you are exercising him sufficiently. As it is rightly said, prevention is better than cure. Take the required precautions in time, to avoid seeing your pet in agony.

If your dog is obese and it returns back to normal body weight, the recovery from knee problems in dogs is faster. If you notice a problem with the dog, it is recommended that you have it shown to the veterinarian, to avoid degenerative joint diseases, as the amount of injury to the knee and the time period between the injury and its correction, will decide the recovery.

Posted on 3:51 PM

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Monday, February 24, 2014


Low blood sugar or hypoglycemia is a condition in which the glucose level of the blood drops below 70 milligrams per deciliter. But, usually symptoms of hypoglycemia in dogs develop as the blood sugar level drops to 50 milligrams per deciliter. This condition is mostly seen in puppies, especially of toy breeds. Even adult dogs may develop hypoglycemia, due to various factors, like heredity, pregnancy or nursing or some underlying medical conditions. Low blood sugar is also experienced in dogs, after rigorous exercise, hunting and stress. The symptoms of hypoglycemia may range from mild to severe. If left untreated, this condition may lead to coma and even death. So, treating low blood sugar in dogs, is highly important.

Canine Hypotension - Causes

So, low blood sugar is mostly found in puppies and this is due to their inability to control the levels of blood sugar levels. This in turn is due to their immature bodily systems that fail to control blood sugar levels. Factors that may contribute to this type of juvenile hypoglycemia are intake of less food or poor quality food, rigorous exercise or physical activity, mental stress, exposure to cold and intestinal parasites. As mentioned above, toy breed puppies are more susceptible to this condition.

In case of adult dogs, low blood sugar is caused by various factors. This include hormonal imbalances, severe Addison's Disease, pancreatic tumors, sepsis and liver diseases. This condition may also develop as a complication during pregnancy. Administration of excess insulin can be a cause of hypoglycemia in dogs with diabetes. Other causes include pancreatic tumors that produce insulin, congenital problems that affect the blood vessels and liver shunt.

Signs and Symptoms

The severity of low blood sugar symptoms in dogs is often found to be based on the rate of drop in blood sugar levels and the underlying cause. While a slight fall in blood sugar levels may not cause any symptoms, a sharp decline may be manifested with signs like, seizures or convulsions, trembling, slow breathing, restlessness, muscular twitching, dilated pupils, extreme weakness, confusion, slow breathing, head tilting and disorientation. In case of severe hypoglycemia, the dog may slip to coma and may die eventually. Even those with mild to moderate symptoms may develop these complications, if left untreated. Lack of timely treatment may also cause permanent brain damage in dogs.

How to Treat Low Blood Sugar in Dogs

If you notice symptoms of low blood sugar in your pet, you have to take immediate measures to increase their blood sugar levels. In case of mild symptoms, offer them with food, along with some corn syrup, maple syrup, jam or honey. This should be done as a first-aid treatment. One teaspoon will be enough for puppies, but, adult dogs need at least one tablespoon of any sugary liquids. In case of moderate to severe symptoms, like, convulsions and unconsciousness, apply any of these sugary fluids inside the mouth of the dog, with the help of a syringe. Keep the dog warm and take him/her to the vet, at the earliest. The vet will conduct some diagnostic tests, like complete blood count, serum insulin, urinalysis, ultrasound of the abdomen and blood glucose concentration. The course of treatment will be decided as per the severity of the condition and underlying cause. In some severe cases, intravenous administration of glucose and other medications may be required.

The above said is only a brief overview about treating low blood sugar in dogs. This condition can be prevented to some extent by proper care that include regular feeding with nutritious food (especially for puppies), regular checkups, deworming at regular intervals, routine vaccinations and providing them with a warm and cozy environment. So, if you notice any of the above said symptoms in your pet, take him/her to the vet as soon as possible, so as to avoid complications.

Posted on 3:23 PM

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Saturday, February 22, 2014


Cats have been revered in ancient societies and today are one of the most popular pets in the United States. Though often aloof and appearing to be a solitary creature, cats are social animals and can be quite affectionate with their human companions. It is no surprise the feline has many myths attached to its legacy. Most impassioned cat owners know the truth about their furry friends, but there are many others who believe the myths that have endured over the years. Lets take a look at ten myths about cats and explore fact or fiction?

Myth 1 - Declawing a Cat Doesnt Hurt it.

This is fiction. Declawing a cat involves amputating the last bone of the cats claw (toe). While some cats fully recover from the operation, many do not. They may develop behavior problems to compensate for the lack of claws. Since claws are used for climbing as well as defense, the cat must learn new ways to defend itself and to climb. In addition, a cat walks on its toes and therefore, for some cats, walking becomes extremely painful after declawing. It would be similar to a humans toes being amputated at the last joint and then walking on the toes.

Myth 2 Black Black Cat
Cats Bring Bad Luck

This is fiction. This is a tale that has endured for centuries and started in the middle ages when black cats were associated with witchcraft and black magic. While in the United States a black cat crossing an individuals path is bad luck, in Japan it is considered good luck. It seems superstitions about black cats, and white cats by the way, are abundant. However, black cats have no supernatural power to change the luck of humans.

Myth 3 Cats Hate Dogs

This is fiction. It has been assumed cats hate dogs and dogs love to chase cats. In reality both animals are predators in the wild so this would seem to support animosity between the two species. In domesticated dogs they have a natural instinct to fetch and chase. They see cats as a plFeline and Dog
aything for the most part. Other dog breeds are hunters and see cats as something they are supposed to hunt and catch. There is also an issue of territory. Dogs will often chase cats to get them out of what they perceive as their territory. Domestic cats do not often attack dogs on a whim. There are a multitude of cats that get along quite well with dogs.

Myth 4 Cats Need Milk

This is fiction. The only milk cats need is the mothers milk when its a kitten. Many cats have difficulty digesting the lactose in milk and as a result experience nausea, gas, or vomiting. These cats commonly have diarrhea from drinking milk. When kittens are born, they have lactase in their stomach (lactase digests the lactose in milk), but as they grow, they produce less. Lactose intolerance is common in cats because their mothers milk is the only naturally occurring exposure to milk sugar. Cows milk contains more lactose than a mother cats milk, so even kittens will not tolerate a diet of cows milk. Orphaned kittens should be fed a milk replacement formulated for a kittens digestion.

Myth 5 Cats Steal the Breath of Babies

This is fiction. Cats do not have the ability to suck in the breath of a sleeping baby. The origin of this myth likely came from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). In the 1700s SIDS was not yet recognized. It is common for cats to find the highest, most comfortable place to sleep, so curling up in a babys crib wasnt unusual. Cats are curious as well and have a great sense of smell. They would put their nose close to the babys mouth, smelling the milk on the breath. With nothing to explain SIDS, people looked to the cat as the culprit.

Myth 6 Cats Have Nine Lives

This is fiction. This myth probably comes from the cats seeming ability to get out of a multitude of situations unscathed, but the actual origin of the myth is unknown. One theory is the number nine may come from the trinity of trinities, a mystical number from ancient religion and folklore. In ancient Egypt the cat was revered and in the ancient suburb of Cairo called On, a priesthood worshipped the sun God Atum-Ra. Atum-Ra gave life to the gods of air, moisture, sky and earth, who begat Osiris, Isis, Seth and Nephthys. Collectively, these gods are known as Ennead, or the Nine. Atum-Ra took the form of a cat to visit the underworld and embodied the nine lives.

Myth 7 Whatever is Ailing a Cat can Wait Until its Next Scheduled Exam

This is fiction. Cats are notorious for hiding ailments; therefore, if a cats behavior is suspect in regards to its health, a visit to the vet is warranted. Often early diagnosis means the difference between something minor with a quick recovery, to something major or even life threatening. This is especially true for older cats. Often owners believe an ailment is simply because the cat is aging, but age itself is not a singular predictor of the cats current or future health. Many people believe once a cat is elderly, nothing can be done about age-related health problems. This is far from true. Many symptoms associated with aging can be managed. These include decreased activity, bad breath, elimination accidents, changes in appetite, and periods of confusion or disorientation.

Myth 8 Most White Cats are Deaf and Blind

This is both fact and ficwhite cat
tion. Most white cats are not blind, but they are often deaf. White cats with blue eyes are more likely to be deaf than white cats with green eyes. Cats with one blue eye and one green eye are often deaf on the side of the blue eye. The higher probability of deafness in white cats is due to the location of the gene for deafness. It is fairly close to the gene for white hair and blue eyes. When one gene is passed to the offspring, sometimes the nearby genes get passed along as well.

Myth 9 - All Calico Cats are Female

This is fiction. Calico cats can be male but it is rare and they are generally sterile (unable to breed). The reason for this has to do with the color pattern. Calico is not a breed of cat, but rather a color pattern. A true calico has blocks of three colors: black white and orange, though variations of these colors includCalico cat
e ginger, gray and cream. Cats with a swirled blend of these three colors, called a tortoise shell, or tortie are also often called calico. A simplistic explanation follows: Coat color is a trait linked to the sex chromosome in cats. The coding for black or orange color is found on the X chromosome. Females have two X chromosomes and males have one X and one Y; therefore, females are more likely to have the two colors. White is coded on a separate gene. The only time calico cats are male is when a male cat has an XXY genetic coding.

Myth 10 - Cats Cant be Taught Tricks

This is fiction. It has long been believed cats cant be taught tricks and this is most likely due to their seemingly independent nature. However, as stated previously cats are social animals and highly intelligent.Cats can be taught to use the toilet, fetch, walk on a leash, shake paws, and many other tricks and useful behaviors. Cats work well with food rewards, but a cat that is bonded with its owner may also work well with other rewards. As with other animals, training cats takes patience and consistency.

The felines characteristics leave it open for a myriad of myths and folklore about cats. However, the treatment of cats shouldnt be based on old-wives tales or fairy tales. Cats are amazing, intelligent creatures that provide comfort, affection, and companionship to many people.

References:

Fortney, William DVM. (2011- Fall). The truth about (older) cats and dogs. Healthy Pet (no volume or issue), 6-8.

Stewart, Portia. (2011 Winter). Kitty myths true or false?. Healthy Pet, (no volume or issue), 20-21.

Vetmedicine.about.com Accessed March 18, 2012. http://vetmedicine.about.com/od/catbreed1/f/FAQ_calicocats.htm

The copyright of the article 10 Myths About Catsis owned by Cheryl Weldon and permission to republish in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.


Posted on 1:14 AM

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Monday, February 17, 2014


Bacterial infections and diseases are quite common in canines. When it comes to conditions where the causal organism is a bacterium, the treatment typically involves the use of antibiotics that are either bactericidal or bacteriostatic in nature. While the active compounds present in bactericidal drugs have the ability to kill bacteria, bacteriostatic drugs contain agents that inhibit the growth of bacteria by preventing them from multiplying. Antibiotics for dogs are available in the form of chewable tablets, capsules, liquids, and ointments. It is essential to consult a veterinarian before giving an antibiotic to your dog. Here's a list of the most common antibiotics for canines and the conditions that they are used to treat.

Antibiotics for Dogs

Warning
Dogs could develop an allergic reaction to certain antibiotics. Dog owners must be very cautious while giving antibiotics to their pets. It is essential to know about adverse drug interactions. An overdose could be harmful for the dog in ways more than one, so care should be taken while administering these medicines at home. Do check the expiration date on the drugs.
Amoxicillin (Amoxi-Tabs, Biomox, Robamox-V, Amoxi-Drop, Amoxi-Inject)
This is a general all-purpose antibiotic that works well in fighting against infections by various kinds of bacteria. It is one of the most commonly prescribed drug when it comes to treating bacterial infections.

What is it Used For
Tooth infections
Upper respiratory tract infections
Bladder infections

Side Effects
Nausea
Vomiting


Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (Clavamox, Augmentin)
This antibiotic is a combination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. While amoxicillin prevents bacteria from growing, clavulanic acid inhibits the activity of certain types of bacteria that produce beta-lactamases. It is available in the form of liquid (suspension), tablets and chewable tablets. It specifically addresses infections caused by Staphylococcus bacteria.

What is it Used For
Infected bite wounds
Skin infections
Periodontitis
Kennel Cough
Klebsiella infections

Side Effects
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea


Cefpodoxime Proxetil (Simplicef, Vantin)
This drug is a cephalosporin antibiotic. It is effective against infections caused by gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

What is it Used For
Ear infections
Bladder infections
Abscesses
Skin infections

Side Effects
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Stomach upset


Chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin, CHPC)
This is a broad-spectrum antibiotic. It can therefore act against different types of bacteria. It is effective when it comes to treating infections that are caused by gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

What is it Used For
Pneumonia
Problems associated with prostate gland
Eye infections
Hypertrophic osteodystrophy in large breed dogs

Side Effects
Nausea
Diarrhea
Loss of Appetite
Blood dyscrasia (rare)


Doxycycline (Vibramycin)
This oral antibiotic is available in the form of tablets, capsules, syrup, coated capsule, and liquid (suspension).

What is it Used For
Lyme disease
Upper respiratory tract disorders
Infection caused due to tick infestation
Urinary tract infections

Side Effects
Staining of teeth
Nausea
Vomiting
Loss of Appetite
Scarring of esophagus
Diarrhea (rare)
Changes in blood cells (rare)
Liver damage (rare)
Photosensitivity (rare)


Erythromycin (Ery-tab, EryPed, Eryc)
This is a macrolide antibiotic that inhibits bacterial protein biosynthesis. It is believed to be a good alternative for penicillin and is prescribed for those who are allergic to penicillin.

What is it Used For
Digestive ailments
Intestinal infections
Infections caused by Campylobacter bacteria

Side Effects
Vomiting
Nausea
Diarrhea
Loss of Appetite


Orbifloxacin (Orbax)
This is a broad-spectrum bactericidal drug that is placed under the category of fluoroquinolone antibiotics. It destroys bacteria by curbing the synthesis of bacterial DNA.

What is it Used For
Infections caused by Pseudomonas
Skin infections
Urinary tract infections
Soft tissue infections

Side Effects
Vomiting
Behavioral changes
Diarrhea
Loss of Appetite


Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)
This is a sulfonamide drug that is not only effective as an antibacterial drug, but is also anti-inflammatory in nature. It is available in the form of delayed-release and enteric-coated tablets.

What is it Used For
Inflammatory bowel disease
Crohn's disease
Ulcerative colitis

Side Effects
Dry eyes due to long-term use
Vomiting
Loss of Appetite
Jaundice, fever, rash and blood dyscrasia (rare side effects seen in dogs being treated for colitis)


Metronidazole (Flagyl)
This antibiotic is used specifically to treat anaerobic bacterial infections. It is also used for treating protozoal infections. It disrupts the DNA of bacteria, thereby killing them.

What is it Used For
Colitis
Diarrhea
Intestinal infections

Side Effects
Excessive drooling
Gagging
Sudden liver failure (rare)
Diarrhea (rare)
Low energy levels (rare)
Dark urine (rare)
Blood in stool (rare)


Trimethoprim Sulfa (Bactrim, Tribrissen, Septra, Sulfatrim, Cotrim)
This is a sulfa drug that is prescribed for treating bacterial infections. This combination of trimethoprim and sulfa curbs the growth of bacteria. The sulfonamides curb the synthesis of folic acid, and trimethoprim inhibits the synthesis of para-amino benzoic acid. This sequential blockade curbs the process of DNA replication, thereby killing bacteria.

What is it Used For
Kennel cough
Prostate infections
Infections caused by Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa

Side Effects
Sulfa crystals in urine
Dry eyes due to long-term use
Anemia (rare)


Tetracycline (Panmycin, Tetracap, Tetracyn, Sumycin, Tetralan)
This is a broad-spectrum antibiotic. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of proteins that are necessary for the growth of bacteria.

What is it Used For
Prostate infections
Eye infections
Lyme disease
Urinary tract infections
Leptospirosis
Toxoplasmosis

Side Effects
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Formation of urinary stones (rare)
Staining of teeth in puppies


It is essential to inform the veterinarian about the drugs that your dog may be allergic to. If you are giving any other drug to your pet, make sure that you inform the veterinarian about it. This will lower the risk of adverse drug interactions. Comply with the guidelines regarding dosage and the duration for which the drug is prescribed. You can also include some probiotics in your pet's diet to maintain the levels of friendly bacteria. This is essential for your dog's health and betterment.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a veterinarian.

Posted on 9:05 PM

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Saturday, February 15, 2014

Probiotics have been a subject in the news now for the last 10 years or so. What exactly are probiotics? Probiotics are a bacteria that helps maintain the healthy organisims and the good bacteria that are in our digestive system. Probiotics may provide the same health benefits as the healthy bacteria already in your digestive system and may also provide help in digestion and helping to protect you from bad bacteria. One of the most popular probiotic foods available today is yogurt. The yogurt must state on the packaging that it contains live culture. Other examples of foods that contain probiotics are fermented and unfermented milk, miso, tempeh, some juices and soy beverages. The bacteria may have originally been in the food product or may have been added to the food.

There are a few reasons why people are interested in probiotics for their health. In some instances people use probiotics after being on antibiotics. Antibiotics are used to stop infections but it also kills the good bacteria in our digestive systems. The killing of these good bacteria can cause diarrhea. Probiotics help replace the good bacteria that was lost due to taking antibiotics. Researchers are studying if probiotics can help treat or prevent certain illnesses. There is some evidence that probiotics can help but more study is needed. Some of the illnesses that are currently being studied are:

  • Infectious Diarrhea
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  • Inflamatory Bowel Disease such as Crohn's Disease and ulcerative colitis
  • Infection from Helicobacter pylori, a bacteria associated with ulcers and many types of chronic stomach inflammation.
  • Tooth Decay and Periodontal Disease
  • Vaginal Infections
  • Stomach and respiratory infections
  • Skin Infections
  • Reduce bladder cancer recurrence
  • Uninary Infections

In 2005 a small study done in Sweden involving employees from the same company, found that the employees given a probiotic missed less work because of respiratory or gastrointestinal illness than the employees that did not get the probiotics.

More research is needed to confirm whether probiotics are helpful but the facts so far make this hopeful.


Posted on 4:56 AM

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Friday, February 14, 2014


The Yorkshire Terrier, or as they are commonly known - Yorkies, are small compact dogs that usually sell on their 'cute factor'. Yet what many people do not know is that these dogs are really fragile and that proper dog care needs to be administered for them. If this is not done, Yorkies are even prone to serious illnesses and health problems. That is why it is important to know what some of the best choices to make for Yorkies are, because healthy and nutritious food is essential for all dogs, but more so for Yorkies, because they are fragile. The following article will deal with some of the greatest dog food for Yorkies and why it is important to feed them that food.

The Choices

So what is the best dog food for Yorkies? Believe it or not - homemade dog food! A dog's digestive system is meant to digest meats and the like. Giving them stale leftovers is not the way to go. So what exactly do you give them? The following paragraphs will fill you in on some of the best dog food options for Yorkies and what some dog food ingredients should be.

Meats
Feed them meats like chicken, beef, turkey, fish and other natural foods that you can afford to give them. Dogs have large stomachs and a short straight digestive tract that is meant to digest meat. They are meant to eat it, so there's really no need to go 'It's too heavy, taxing for their system' here. When giving meat to the dogs, make sure that you know the quality of it. Most dog products are made up of meats that are not really fit for their consumption. These meats are loaded with growth hormones and antibiotics. They come from animals that are dead, have had diseases, are dying or are disabled. Such foods have an adverse effect on the dog and your pet can even catch diseases from it. So make sure that you feed them the meat that you yourself are consuming - that is the safest bet.

Dairy Products
This really is according to the preference of your dog. You need to get in a good supply of cheese, milk and fresh yogurt from time to time in their diets. It does the same thing to the dogs as it would do to you. It provides for a good supply of calcium, thus making their teeth and bones stronger. It also strengthens their immune system and prevents them from becoming susceptible to diseases.

Vegetables and Fruits
Most owners will find that their dogs shirk away from fruits and vegetables. Obviously, your dog isn't going to relish a spinach salad, but, at times you can mix a batch of rice, yogurt and certain vegetables (fresh) and feed your dog and very rarely certain cereals.

Foods to Avoid - The Details

Now that you have a fair idea of what the best dog food for Yorkies is and how to maintain their health, with the kinds of foods that are good for them, let's turn to some of the things that you should not be feeding them.

I shall specifically refrain from making any comment on any of the pet foods that are available in the market today. For that, it would be best if you contact your vet and have a proper consultation with him/her about what will suit your pet best. What I can do instead is give you a list of some of the chemicals and preservatives that you should be looking out for in these products and refraining from giving your dog. Here is a list:
  • BHA - Butylated Hydroxyanisole. This is a kind of preservative that is added to food to preserve the fat reserves.
  • BHT - Butylated Hydroxytoluene. This is a phenolic compound that is added to foods to preserve them.
  • Ethoxyquin - It is an antioxidant that is used in preservation of food and to prevent spoilage of fats. What makes it dangerous is the fact that it is also used as a pesticide!
  • Animal By-products - These come from parts of animals like beaks, head, lungs, blood and feet among others. Neither do they provide any nutrition to them, they cause diseases instead.
  • Corn and Soybeans - These are difficult for dogs to digest and can cause problems with health.
I hope this article has been able to give you a clear understanding of what some of the nutritious things to feed dogs and your Yorkshire Terrier are. For any other doubt that you might have, I recommend you visit your vet. All the best!

Posted on 7:06 AM

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Tuesday, February 11, 2014


Canine conjunctivitis can cause a lot of uneasiness and discomfort to your pet. It surely is very painful to see your dear pet whimpering and writhing in pain. Whenever you see a major shift in your dog's behavior, remember to check your pet's eye. Has it turned pink? If yes, it's your responsibility to get your dog treated for pink eye or canine conjunctivitis soon. Before we move on to the treatment, we need to get answers to some questions. What causes pink eye in dogs? Is canine conjunctivitis contagious to humans? Canine conjunctivitis, as the name suggests, is an infection of the conjunctiva which causes a change in the color of white portion of your pet's eyeball. The cause of irritation might be a foreign substance in the eyes. In case, your pet came into direct contact with any food allergens, pollen or perfumes, it could lead to sinus and inflammation of mucous membranes and cause pink eye. Bacterial or viral infections are common causes of canine conjunctivitis.

Canine Conjunctivitis: Symptoms and Diagnosis

As far as the symptoms are concerned, a dog afflicted with pink eye will have bloodshot eyes accompanied with irritated or inflamed eyelids. Conjunctivitis causes the eyelids to become puffy and the surrounding tissue gets inflamed. In case of severe eyelid inflammation, your dog might have problems in blinking or might not be able to open his eyes. There might be thick, pus-filled eye discharge.

In case, the color of your dog's eye has turned pink and it's accompanied by discharge along with irritated and puffy eyes, your dog's conjunctiva might have been infected. It could be caused if a foreign substance has fallen into his eyes. Wash his eyes with water to get rid of the irritant or foreign substance. Are you wondering whether this infection might affect you? Don't worry, canine conjunctivitis is not contagious to humans. If the problem persists and your dog has severe inflammation of the mucous membranes along with other symptoms of pink eye, it would be advisable to take your dog to a vet.

The vet might examine scrapings of the conjunctiva or the discharge to determine if it has been caused by a virus. A culture or sensitivity test would indicate whether the infection is bacterial in nature or not. Schirmer's test might throw some light on the quantity and quality of his tears. After the nature of infection has been determined, the vet might prescribe eye drops or antibiotic ointments to treat the eye infection.

Canine Conjunctivitis: Remedies

If your dog's conjunctiva is inflamed, you could follow these home remedies to give your dog some respite from discomfort. Take a soft cloth and dampen it with warm water and clean your dog's eyes gently, wiping away the discharge. Do this at least 3-4 times to ease your dog's discomfort. Warm compress is another method to provide relief from pink eye. Make sure you don't use hot water for the compress, you might end up hurting your pet even more. So, take a clean cloth and dampen it with lukewarm water. Place the cloth very gently over your dog's eye, you must not apply too much pressure. If both eyes are infected, make sure you use a separate cloth for both eyes. In case, your dog feels no relief and these remedies are not working, make sure you visit a vet soon. Delay in treatment might lead to a scratched cornea. You could also consult the vet and put artificial tears to wash off the dirt from your pet's eyes. Keep your pet's eyes clean and trim your dog's long hair( if any) around his eyes to reduce the chances of hair irritating the eye.

Hope you found this information on canine conjunctivitis useful. If your pet is exhibiting the symptoms of conjunctivitis, consult a vet soon. Medicated eye drops and pills will surely help in alleviating the symptoms and you will soon be able to see your playful pet back in action!

Posted on 4:06 AM

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Monday, February 10, 2014


I remember the first time my uncle brought a 3 month old, white Spitz home. He was the cutest thing in the world (at age 6, he still is the most adorable dog, for me) and I have watched him grow. Over the years, he's had his share of bad spells, health wise. Although most of the incidents were age related, what my aunt and I always used to confused about was the bad breath which kept coming back. Even though bad breath in dogs is very common, it can give you sleepless nights in hopes of finding the cause and treatment method. The first thing we concluded was that perhaps his teeth need to be brushed properly. However, after researching about the bad breath causes, this problem can be a result of various issues. So in order to keep receiving and giving kisses to your darling dog, you need to understand what could be the reasons for the bad breath. Also, we will be reviewing some at home treatment methods.

Causes of Bad Breath

It is recommended that you visit the veterinarian on a regular basis as this practice will keep your dog from harm's way. Also, following specific advice from the veterinarian can help keep your dog healthy for a long, long time. However, there are some unavoidable health concerns that requires your immediate attention. One of which is bad breath. Following are few causes concerning the same.

Cause 1 - Diet
As we mentioned earlier, there can be several reasons why your dog has bad breath and knowing where to begin can be confusing. So the first place to begin will be his/her diet. There are some dog owners who like to give canned foods to their dogs. Now I'm not saying that these brands are bad for your dog but the issue of bad breath can come from here. A healthy, young or adult dog should be given dry food along with the soft canned food. Keeping a balance between the different food textures will prevent bad breath.

Cause 2 - Tooth Decay
Many times, if gone unnoticed, a broken tooth or tooth decay can be one of the major bad breath causes. It could be possible that there is a piece of bone or food stuck in his/her teeth and while brushing the teeth, you couldn't locate and/or remove it properly. Over time, this can turn worse and cause bad breath.

Cause 3 - Gastrointestinal Infection/Disease
If your dog has diarrhea, is losing weight, has blood in stool, has bad breath, constipated, doesn't want to eat, vomits, and the abdominal area has enlarged, it could be a sign of gastrointestinal infection. It should not be taken lightly. Although the bad breath is just a symptom, this could lead to a more serious issue.

Cause 4 - Gum Disease
Gum disease, a.k.a. periodontal disease, is a health problem related to age. Also, there are many dogs who have overgrown gums which can even go over their teeth. This is called gingival hyperplasia, very common with older dogs. Both these health concerns allow the growth of bacteria in your dog's teeth. This in turn results in bad god breath.

Along with these causes, there are other bad breath causes - mouth tumors, sinus infection, kidney infection, inflammation of tissue around his/her mouth, and diabetes, which is why consultation with the veterinarian is a must.

Foul Breath Remedies

In this section, we will be looking at steps on how to get rid of bad dog breath. Of course, though proper oral hygiene is required, there are other steps which you can take.

Step 1 - If the veterinarian suggests, brush your dog's teeth daily or weekly. Use toothpaste made for pets and not the ones which humans use. Once in a month, take your dog to the veterinarian and get the teeth brushed professionally.

Step 2 - We discussed this earlier as well; feed your dog dry foods. Wet, canned foods can get stuck to the teeth and may stay there for a while. This results in bad breath. You can also give him/her tough dog biscuits. If there is evidence of plaque, it will be removed due to these hard biscuits.

Step 3 - Give him/her breath mints. Along with brushing the teeth properly, you can give him/her homemade or store-bought breath mints. This will temporarily eliminate the bad breath.

Step 4 - Give your dog a hard bone to chew on. You can improve his/her breath considerably with this regular practice. And also make sure that the bone is clean.

Step 5 - For our final remedy, we recommend a consultation with the veterinarian. However, a mix of live cultures, raw carrots and turkey all mixed in yogurt can be given to your dog. Many times, this mixture is a wonderful oral care option for bad breath in dogs.

Now that you know what are the different bad breath causes and how to get rid of bad breath in dogs, I hope that you will take proper precautionary methods to keep your best friend from getting this health concern back.

Posted on 11:53 PM

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Today we ate Turkey, stuffing, yams, corn, potatoes, ... and more.. Today was Thanksgiving Sunday (Canada).. Today was the day that I had 16 members of my extended family over for dinner. Monday is the actual holiday, so everyone had the next day off, and we were all overindulging and relaxing, with great food, family and music blaring..

I had planned my menu, and worked out every detail.. or so I thought. We have two big dogs, they are not the best with guests, so I had them stay in their crate until guests were settled in the house, then brought them out, one at a time, and everyone seemed to get along. They were good, and relished the attention, so I went back to my food preparations and stopped watching them, I guess hoping that my relatives would be watching them. I don't normally have to watch them, so I was not worried.

Drinks were being poured, and family stories were being told, and dinner was ready. I do not have a big table, so I spread out all the dishes for Thanksgiving dinner on the counter in my kitchen, and it was full. It turned out very well, and we all ate happily.

I just happened to look up, while yakking, and across the counter I could see two noses and before I could get out of the chair, something off a plate disappeared.. and it was gone completely!

Watch out for that Thanksgiving Turkey

I had no idea even what it was they ate, but was sure I saw a turkey leg go. They ran with it, and were gobbling it up as they ran, and me chasing them.

Our dogs have always been well behaved around us and at meal times, and had never done that before, but I guess today, all the rules went out the window, and just like small children, they found an opportunity to get a piece of this great Thanksgiving Dinner.

I had already fed them earlier, and they had got extras.. but when we were not looking, they were there.. I should have put them away then, but didn't. I let my family talk me into letting them stay.. thought they were so cute, especially my nephews who were playing with them.

Later, when we had cleared up dinner plates and packaged up leftovers, I then got out dessert. Desserts that guests had brought, one being a chocolate cheesecake. We got our coffee, tea and then this time I was ready for those dog noses!

If I had not been watching, they would have easily grabbed chocolate cheesecake from my sister, who briefly put hers down on the coffee table while yakking. But one dog, decided to drink my brother's coffee. I had bought cream for this special occasion, and when I looked in the living room, he had put his mug on the coffee table, and there was my dog licking it! She had never done anything like that before.. so it must have been the cream! Gross!

Put your Dogs Away Somewhere Quiet during Thanksgiving Dinner

So, into their crates they went! I should have known better.

Dogs, are just like children, and will take an opportunity where they can find it. So, if you have a dog or cat or any pet. Make sure to keep them away, when you are entertaining. This is not your normal routine to them, so be ready for the unexpected!. I know you want them to be part of the celebrations, but in my case, my family and guests, were not used to dogs, and thought nothing of putting their plates of food on the coffee table while talking, or when finished.

A dog could so easily digest turkey bones, chocolate.. and more. Things that can make them very sick. You have to remember, their behavior in the house under normal conditions may be good, but these are exceptional circumstances.. Food is EVERYWHERE, and people that they can take advantage of, are all around, plus the fact that some of the guests may just feed the dogs because they like them, and not be thinking about what your dog is allowed to eat..

Even a well trained dog, would have a hard time resisting, Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings and chocolate cheesecake for dessert! They don't know this is bad for them.!

Thanksgiving dinner and dogs do not mix!..

Now I will probably be up tonight with my dog, as she has already thrown up the food she should not have eaten. Plus they got themselves all wound up with having the extra guests in the house.

We all know that chocolate is lethal to dogs, but luckily she didn't get a chance to get that piece of cake. But what if she had? What if I was so busy being a hostess, and yakking to my family, that I had not noticed her eat chocolate? My family don't realize that nothing can be left on the table, or that the door to the outside can't be left open. My cat almost got out...

So, at the end of the day, I would say, introduce your dogs to your family, let them stay awhile, but once food is out, and things get hectic, put your dogs in another room, in their crates, or outside in a secure area. Don't let anyone talk you into letting them stay, like mine did. It is better for their well being. you cannot watch them very well, and anything can happen. From eating the scraps to getting out the door to the outside.

Turkey Bones from and Chocolate are like Poison to Dogs

I have a friend who is a veterinarian , and the holidays are the busiest for pet emergencies, from eating bones, chocolate and all sorts of things, they would not normally eat, but under the circumstances of a party, will overindulge just like us humans!

Keep your pets safe at Thanksgiving Dinner, or any other holiday... you don't want to be spending the next few days at the vet clinic unable to tell anyone, exactly what they ate, only that 1/2 the turkey is missing, and so is the dessert!


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Posted on 3:31 PM

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Problems Related to...
Diet
Digestion
Oral Hygiene
Drooling
Respiratory System
Urinary Tract
Skin
Eyes
Ears
BreedsA healthy pet makes for a happy owner. Regular grooming, proper feeding, and adequate exercise can go a long way in keeping your dog healthy. But it is not always possible to protect your dog from contracting an illness and so, the best thing you can do is to keep an eye open for possible signs and symptoms of illness in your dog.

There are many things that can bring about illness in dogs - sudden changes in the weather, exposure to harsh climatic elements, lack of sufficient exercise or lack of enough rest, food that is low in nutrition, contaminated food, exposure to infectious diseases and parasites, failure to give the proper immunization shots, genetic weaknesses, accident, emotional distress, and so on. Some forms of dog illnesses like rabies and leptospirosis are transferable to human beings, as are parasites like ticks, mites, lice, tapeworms, hookworms, etc. So, it's really important to monitor your pet's health and take proper precautions. In most cases, pet dogs may develop illnesses, despite the precautions.

A basic understanding about the common dog illness symptoms may be of some help in detecting the condition at the earliest. This, in turn, will aid in early diagnosis and treatment. Here is a brief overview about some of the common dog illness symptoms and diagnosis.

Paw Print
Diet Paw Print

Dog Diet

"My dog refuses to eat."
Dogs are moody, and chances are that your pooch is just too bored with the taste of what he/she is being fed, especially if you're repeating meal menus. This isn't a cause for worry if the dog is active otherwise. However, if he/she's refusing food for two days in a row, it's time to take a trip to the vet.

Health problems like diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, bloating, inflammatory bowel disease, urinary tract infections, asthma, kennel cough, worm infestations, etc., are some of the common reasons for loss of appetite in dogs. Refraining from consumption of food may also be an indication of various dog illnesses like cancer, Addison's disease, dental problems, systemic infections, stress, liver problems, and kidney failure. In some cases, it has been noted that vaccinations may cause temporary loss of appetite.

"My dog's just eating, and eating, and eating."
Some dogs eat in large amounts, as a result of stress, anxiety, or depression; for some others, the sole purpose of overeating is to outrun their fellow mates.

Even some medical conditions can cause this disorder. They include hypothyroidism, diabetes, internal parasites, certain types of infection, etc. It has been noted that the use of certain medication can also cause overeating in dogs. If you feel that your dog is having an overeating disorder, then take it to the vet and get the condition diagnosed and treated. Some dogs may develop the habit of eating so fast that they end up suffering from bloating, indigestion, and vomiting. This eating disorder is called scoffing, which can be controlled by serving small portions of food, more frequently.

"I'm seeing my dog munching on grass."
This behavior is termed as 'pica', an eating disorder that is characterized by consumption of food items that a dog doesn't normally eat. The most common irregular food item that is consumed by dogs is grass. They may also consume paper at times. It has been suggested that dogs do this out of stress or boredom. Another contention is that canines with some sort of nutritional deficiency, resort to eating grass. A fiber-deficient diet is said to be a common reason that drives dogs to eat grass.

If your dog has this problem, try to engage it in physical activities or else, provide him/her with a fiber-rich diet. While, an occasional meal of grass is not necessarily a problem, if you find this to be regular, then consult the vet and find out the cause.Top
Paw Print
Digestion Paw Print

Dog Indigestion

"My dog can't seem to keep his food down."
Vomiting once in a while may not necessarily indicate any underlying illness in your dog, as these animals are tuned in a manner that their body discard materials that are inedible. They are also found to regurgitate food that gets stuck in the esophagus.
Milder causes inducing vomiting include stress, worms, overeating, hasty eating, consumption of inedible materials, eating soon after exercise, motion sickness, etc. However, vomiting in dogs may indicate serious health problems like kidney or liver failure, pancreatitis, parvovirus infection, food allergies, ulcers, gastritis, enterocolitis, cancer, intestinal obstruction, poisoning, distemper, and diabetes.

If vomiting episodes continue for the entire day or if the vomit contains bright red blood or digested blood (looks like coffee grounds), then an immediate visit to the vet is necessary. Medical attention is imperative in case of additional symptoms like diarrhea, bloating, depression, and lethargy or if the dog exhibits projectile vomiting.

"Diarrhea!"
The most common causes of diarrhea in dogs are consumption of inedible materials and food allergies. Other causes include internal parasites, side effects of medication, change in diet, etc. If the loose stool is black and tarry, or if it contains bright red blood, then bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract is suspected. Exposure to toxins like insecticides may result in vomiting as well as diarrhea in dogs. Inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal tumor, kidney failure, liver failure, pancreatic diseases, colonic cancer, ulcer or polyps, etc., are also some of the possible causes of diarrhea. If the symptoms persist for more than a day or is coupled with vomiting, immediate medical attention must be sought.

"My dog's constipated."
Dogs experience constipation when they ingest non-food items like plastic, paper, hair, etc. These tend to mix with feces to form solid masses, which are hard to pass. Overconsumption of bones can also cause this condition. Physical abnormalities of the anus and rectum, and an enlarged prostate may cause this dog illness. Use of certain medication, surgery, change in diet, intestinal parasites, dysfunctional digestive enzymes, certain types of infections and hypothyroidism are also among the possible causes of canine constipation. Older dogs may develop this problem due to an electrolyte imbalance. Insufficient water intake, lack of fiber in the diet, and lack of exercise may contribute to this problem.Top
Paw Print
Oral Hygiene Paw Print

Dog Breath

"What's with my pooch's stinky breath?"
Bad breath or halitosis in dogs can be associated with various health problems. Dental problems are among the foremost reasons. These include tooth decay, tartar buildup, periodontitis, tumor in the mouth, etc.

Among other reasons, problems of the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, lungs, and liver may also cause bad breath in canines. While dogs with kidney failure may develop a urine-like smell in their breath, a sweet smell may indicate diabetes. If the dog has loss of appetite, vomiting, and yellow-colored corneas, then there are chances that he/she is suffering from a liver problem. Though bad breath may not always indicate a grave health problem, it would be wise to get it diagnosed at the earliest to find out the cause.

"Are there other symptoms of dental problems?"
As a responsible owner, you need to get an oral examination for your dog, every six months. Besides bad breath, watch out for symptoms like increased drooling, red/bleeding gums, yellowing teeth (caused by tartar accumulation), broken or loose teeth, nicks on the tongue, etc. You may even observe blood stains on your dog's chew toys at times. These are symptoms of periodontal disease.

A dog that suddenly refuses to chew on bones or eat dry food, may be suffering from a tooth root abscess. This happens when bacteria enter the tooth cavity due to a broken tooth, or as a result of gum disease. You may observe a slight swelling in the eye which is on the side of the affected tooth, as the infected root is in proximity. Do not confuse this for an eye problem. The most prominent symptom of tooth root abscess is that the dog will refuse food that needs to be bitten into. Top
Paw Print
Drooling Paw Print

Dog Drooling

"My dog keeps dripping drool."
Drooling is normal in almost all dogs, and it increases at the sight of a treat, or even when they feel anxious or fearful.

However, excessive drooling, or hypersalivation can be an indication of some underlying disease. It could be anything from dental problems, to medical conditions that affect the salivary glands. Some of the common causes for excess drooling in dogs are heat stroke, distemper, tooth abscess, stomatitis, periodontal disease, rabies, pseudorabies, motion sickness, etc. Hypersalivation, accompanied by a sudden change in behavior could be an early symptom of rabies.

Damaged or infected salivary glands may sometimes cause drooling in dogs. In rare cases, these glands may also develop tumors, causing symptoms like drooling.

If your dog appears to be normal otherwise, except for the dripping mouth, it could indicate that a tiny foreign object is lodged in the mouth. Inspect the dog's mouth and get rid of it, before it gets swallowed.Top
Paw Print
Respiratory System Paw Print

Dog Coughing

"My pet's not breathing properly."
While panting is a method adopted by dogs to lower body temperature, rapid and labored breathing can be a sign of some underlying medical condition. Even shallow and noisy breathing may indicate some health problems.

Rapid and labored breathing is often associated with dehydration, diabetes, congestive heart failure, heat stroke, poisoning, shock, etc. Shallow breathing may indicate problems of the chest wall, like broken ribs. Wheezing is often a symptom of problems associated with the lungs, trachea, bronchi, and larynx. Noisy breathing is noted in dogs with a blocked nasal passage.

If your dog is having trouble breathing or is drooling too much or is frequently coughing, the signs may point towards some kind of respiratory problem, cardiac problem, or canine filariasis.

"Is coughing normal for dogs?"
Coughing is usually indicative of respiratory problems like chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, and kennel cough. There are other causes for coughing in dogs and they include inhalation of irritants, like fumes, grass, and food particles. Congestive heart failure, tracheal irritation, and collapsing trachea may also cause cough in dogs. Pressure from tight collars is found to be a common cause for cough in dogs. Even tonsillitis, mouth and gum infections, intestinal parasites, allergies, heartworms, lung tumor, etc. can lead to canine cough.

The nature of cough is one of the factors that help in diagnosing the dog illness. For example, kennel cough causes deep, dry and hacking cough, whereas a weak, gagging cough may indicate tonsillitis.Top
Paw Print
Urinary Tract Paw Print

Urinary Tract Infection

"My dog has trouble doing his/her business."
Dogs are often found to have difficulty urinating. They may strain to pass urine or frequently lick the urethral opening. In some cases, the urine may turn bloody, frothy, foul-smelling or cloudy. The most common canine urinary problems are inflammation of the bladder or cystitis, urinary stones, enlarged prostate, urinary tract infections, tumors of the bladder, and urethra. Urinary incontinence is also common in older female dogs. Urinating in large amounts may be an indication of chronic kidney failure. In such cases, the dog may experience gradual loss of appetite, weight loss, vomiting, etc. He/she may also start drinking lots of water.

"Is there anything like drinking too much water?"
There certainly is, so if you notice that your dog is drinking a lot more water than the usual quota, then take him/her to the vet. There are certain medical conditions that may cause this symptom. The vet may order certain diagnostic tests, to rule out diseases like diabetes and Cushing's disease, liver disease, kidney problems, adrenal gland disease, and cancer of the lymph tissues. In some rare cases, brain tumor may also cause this symptom.Top
Paw Print
Skin Paw Print

Skin Problems

"My dog has been shedding unusually."
Causes of hair loss tend to vary. Some of them include hormonal fluctuations, hypothyroidism, excess levels of cortisone, high estrogen levels, estrogen deficiency, and growth hormone-responsive alopecia.

Apart from hormonal problems, there can be various other causes that result in hair loss. Patchy hair loss is often seen in case of ringworm infection and demodectic mange. Itchy skin is a symptom of flea bites or allergies. Other non-hormonal conditions that are involved in canine hair loss are seborrhea, vitiligo, pressure sole, nasal solar dermatitis, acanthosis nigricans , etc. Unusual hair loss is an alarming symptom. Please consult a vet at the earliest.

"The coat isn't as lustrous as it used to be."
A dog's coat is indicative of his health condition, so any anomalies in the appearance of the skin and hair should ring alarm bells. A lusterless coat, skin eruptions, and a tendency to frequently scratch or lick the skin don't radiate good health - it may be an indication of the presence of parasites like mites and lice, bacterial and yeast infections, allergies, or dermatitis. Skin problems in dogs may cause symptoms like patchy hair loss, scratching, and biting, rash, scabs, lesions, swelling, etc.

Common causes of canine skin problems are mites, ringworm, food allergies, mange, infections, and stress. Skin problems in dogs are extremely unpleasant and often require long and sustained treatments. Some dogs may develop lumps on the body that may be due to abscesses that develop at the site of a puncture wound, bites or hematomas (accumulation of clotted blood beneath skin). Others include venereal tumors, malignant growths or fatty lumps called lipomas.Top
Paw Print
Eyes Paw Print

Eye Problems

"Eye discharge: How serious is it?"
Discharge from the eyes, squinting, redness or clouding may indicate some sort of injury to the eyes or eye disease. In case of conjunctivitis, the eye discharge could be either watery or pus-like. Other causes include parasitic infections, like ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease, rocky mountain spotted fever, etc. Eye discharge may also be caused by medical conditions like dry eye, hypothyroidism, corneal ulcers, fever, herpes, vision problems, eye tumor, infectious hepatitis, distemper, ectropion, glaucoma, etc. In case of dry eye, the discharge will be sticky, whereas in epiphora, watery discharge can be observed. It has also been noted that certain breeds with flat heads and protruding eyes are prone to develop eye discharge.

With dogs, you'll always have to face the problem of restricting him/her from scratching the eye, in case of an infection. Talk to the vet about getting a protective collar in order to prevent the infection from aggravating.

Are there other symptoms of eye trouble?
Your dog will exhibit signs of painful eyes by scratching them or twitching. He/she may appear to be squinting, and could turn extra sensitive in well-lit areas.

In older dogs, you may see a thin film over the eyes that makes them look opaque. If your dog isn't in pain, this usually indicates cataract.

Check for crusty residues on eyelids to detect problems in the eyelids. Eye problems in dogs can aggravate really fast, so you need to be vigilant enough to detect them early, and get them treated.Top
Paw Print
Ears Paw Print

Ear Problems

"How to deal with ear problems?"
Ear discharge is one of the common canine symptoms that may be indicative of an underlying ear infection. Mites are also a common cause for such discharge. In case of mites, the discharge from the ears will take the appearance of dried coffee grounds. The dog may also scratch the ears and shake the head frequently.

Yellowish-green ear discharge (with or without foul smell) may indicate bacterial infection, whereas a brownish discharge with a pungent smell could be due to fungal infection in the ears. In most cases, the dog may experience severe pain and irritation.

If you own a dog with furry, floppy, long ears, do keep these parts clean, as the ears can easily get infected. Some susceptible breeds include Beagles, Bloodhounds, and Skye Terriers. If you notice excess ear discharge, along with redness, swelling, and/or foul smell, take your dog to the vet for identifying the symptoms of dog illness and diagnosis.

"How do I detect hearing loss?"
When you notice a pet that does not respond to your calls as he/she used to, it's a cue to get his/her ears tested. Further, if your dog does not respond to squeaky toys, or other loud sounds, it is a definite indication of a diminished sense of hearing. Of course, this does not imply that your dog has gone deaf, it could be an indication of an inflammation in the outer ear or the middle ear, a narrowed ear canal, or even the presence of a tumor in the area. Remember that a dog's sense of hearing could diminish with age, just like ours, but you must always make a trip to the vet if you notice symptoms of hearing loss in your dog.Top
Paw Print
Breed-specific Problems Paw Print

Dog Behavior

Aggression...
... that is uncalled-for, indicates that the dog is trying to become your boss. This is normal in most dogs, but make sure that you assume the charge of training your pet, lest he/she gets out of control.
Some susceptible breeds include -
  • Pit Bulls
  • Rottweilers
  • German Shepherds
  • Huskies
  • Doberman Pinschers

Obesity...
... is an ailment that is common to almost all dogs. As owners, you must refrain from demonstrating your love by overfeeding your pet.
Some susceptible breeds include -
  • Labrador Retrievers
  • Dachshunds
  • Beagles
  • Pugs
  • Basset Hounds

Cherry eye...
... is a condition characterized by the swelling of the third eyelid in many dogs, and needs medical attention.
Some susceptible breeds include -
  • Bulldogs
  • Beagles
  • Weimaraners
  • Neapolitan Mastiffs
  • Cocker Spaniels
Top
Hip dysplasia...
... is a disorder in which the hip socket is malformed. It can lead to arthritis, and the dog could even become crippled. This condition can, at times, be genetic. Larger breeds need to be screened for hip dysplasia.
Some susceptible breeds include -
  • American Pit Bull Terrier
  • Afghan Hounds
  • St. Bernards
  • Shar Peis
  • Tibetan Mastiffs
  • Weimaraners
  • Alaskan Malamutes

Hypothyroidism...
... is fairly common in dogs, spayed females, especially. Get your dog checked for thyroid disorders if you observe lethargy and unexplained fluctuations in weight.
Some susceptible breeds include -
  • Dachshunds
  • Doberman Pinschers
  • Labrador Retrievers
  • Shetland Sheepdogs
  • Dalmatians
  • Miniature Schnauzers
  • Spaniels
  • Terriers

Bloat...
... is a serious condition that affects larger breeds. It is characterized by the swelling of the stomach, which traps liquids and gases within. This suffocates the rest of the organs, and can lead to death. Conduct regular stomach screenings for your big dogs.
Some susceptible breeds include -
  • Great Danes
  • Afghan Hounds
  • Labrador Retrievers

Though, it is advisable for a pet dog owner to have a basic understanding about the common canine diseases and symptoms, for correct diagnosis and treatment, you have to consult a vet. Such knowledge will help you notice the symptoms at an early stage, so that you can get your pet treated on time.

Posted on 6:25 AM

4 comments

Monday, February 3, 2014


A dog is a man's best friend and how! Loyal, cute, cuddly and extremely loving, dogs are a delight to have as pets. Pet dogs give us that sense of completion with their unending love that goes unspoken but is felt from the heart. Whichever the dog breed is, puppies are always adorable and a bundle of joy to have around the house. Mischievous but with a streak of innocence, pups need a whole lot of love and care. For all the dog lovers, let's take a look at the growth and developmental phases of a puppy.

Growth Chart for Puppies

0 - 2 weeks
This is the time when they are completely dependent upon their mother. This is the most exciting time, when they are learning about bonding with their mother and trying to move around on their tiny legs.

2 - 4 weeks
Even at this stage, the puppy is dependent upon the mother. It's eyes then open and it's sense of smell and hearing begin to develop. At this phase, they also learn how to stand and walk a little. A tiny woof may also be expressed sometimes when the pup is in a playful mood. By the 4th week or the 5th week, the vision is fully developed.

5 - 8 weeks
This stage is very important for social growth and development. This is time when it learns more about social interaction with the mother and the siblings! It even learns few disciplinary acts from the mother. At this time you can even try to handle the pup but do not separate it for long intervals from the mother.

9 - 12 weeks
This is the time when they also discover new opportunities to meet other dogs and people. They are influenced by their environment. They learn certain social skills and know about relationships. They learn to explore their surroundings.

12 - 16 weeks
At this stage, the pup shows an air of independence and would insist upon chewing and gnawing everything that comes its way.

17 - 40 weeks
At this phase, it will continue to grow at a rapid phase. It may even tend to be a bit of a brat in that case! You would surely need to keep it disciplined so that it picks up obedience skills.

40 weeks - 1 year
Depending upon your dog breed, the puppy may even be a mature adult, although this is still a stage of development. Some large dog breeds are considered to be adults after 18 months. Some pups tend to look larger in size but are immature in behavior. Perhaps in this sense, we can describe it to be the teen years! After a year, many dogs reach sexual maturity.

Wondering when is a puppy full-grown? The answer is, never! A pup would always retain its mischievous attitude even as a dog! All your pup needs is loads of love and care. Be prepared to get plenty of love and warm licks in return!

Posted on 1:51 AM

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Sunday, February 2, 2014

Fish Hat


A Woman Wearing a fish hat strikes me as odd. I have seen hats with fish on them but not a hat in the shape of a fish. Was this portrait considered comedy? Was it suppose to ridicule the woman in someway? Was this a serious portrait by a mentally disturbed photographer?

Unclothed Woman


Is she really nude? Is that what the quastion mark stands for? The question mark reminds me of JCMAYER. She is smiling a bit in the photo which suggests she is having a fun time.

Woman In Charge Of Household


This is a very funny photo from 1901. The man does not look happy with his new role.

Homeless Woman With Dogs


This image of a homeless woman with two dogs is something I see a lot of here in Idaho. People that can not afford to rent an apartment or buy food on a regular basis yet they have a dog or two. I like dogs a lot but if it came down having enough money to feed myself or feed two dogs then the answer is eassy. Bye Bye doggies and hello Burger King!

I understand if you have had a pet for many years and then become homeless but many homeless people adopt pets while they are homeless.

This image of the homeless lady was took on Haight Street in San Francisco.

Man Eating Woman



This photo was took in Berlin Germany. Obviously this lady is panning for the cameras. Imagine if you came home from work and your wife greeted you at the door like this.

Drunk Woman Vomits



This is why I love the Internet. One night you can go party, drink too much and get your picture took vomiting. The next morning you wake up and the picture from the night before of you vomiting is now licensed under the creative commons license and posted on Wikipedia. An instant web star simply for vomiting at a party.

Jump Girl



It looks like she may be fighting an invisible Ninja. Normally people will not be jumping around like this when they are holding an expensive video camera in one hand like this lady is doing.

Casper the White Girl



All of the people have nice dark and tanned skin except for the one lady who has Casper style white skin. It looks like this is the first time she has been in the sun for a few years. Her white skin really stands out with all of the dark bronze skin tones.

Little Big Girl Wood Doll Puppet



I wonder how many man hours it took to build this huge wood puppet of a girl.

The Cat and The Pickle



Whats better in life than a woman dressed as a cat posing with a pickle between her teeth?

Image Credits: (Flickr/bobster855) (Flickr/Franco Folini) (Flickr/extranoise) (WikiPedia) (Flickr/sidewalk flying) (Flickr/mreraser) (Flickr/judepics) (Flickr/angeldye)


Posted on 10:38 AM

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