Chitika

Saturday, 31 March 2012

How to Treat Dog Allergies

How to Treat Dog Allergies


It is a misconception in today's hyper informed society that allergic reactions caused by a dog allergy must be endured without relief. Indeed the field of dog allergies treatment has greatly advanced thanks to new insights provided by herbology in particular. A dog allergies treatment that works for your circumstances might just be the key to opening up a new world of possibilities as far as owning and being around dogs. Can you imagine a world where you and your family can experience the joys of raising a dog without the allergy related repercussions?
On first impression it may sound like alchemy, but the discipline of herbology is a legitimate study that, amongst many other things, can treat human physiological responses to a wide variety of stimuli. The complex relationship between our bodies and our environment can easily become unbalanced if not maintained.
An unbalance can actually lead to the formation of allergies in the first place, not to mention exasperating existing conditions. Using a modern understanding of how herbs help to reinstate balance in our life is at the very heart of this ancient and exciting medicinal art.
The course of human evolution can be traced to the point when dogs began to be added as part of the family unit. Canine friends seem to have always been a part of human home life, even when that meant a mud shack and a life of agricultural toil. This long history of companionship is the reason we refer to dogs as man's best friend.
When people who suffer from dog allergies are prevented from experiencing that strong bond between man or woman and their dog, it is a regrettable outcome in more ways than most people realize. Having a relationship with a pet has been shown to decrease stress, promote healing, restore emotional balance, relieve grief and sadness and much more.
Dogs are smart, but they aren't smart enough to know how to stop causing allergies. If you have the opportunity to experience an allergy free relationship with a dog, you won't regret making that choice.
To get relief from dog allergies, you don't have to visit allergy doctors or do anything else that takes up lots of your time. With herbology, you can find an all natural treatment for your dog allergy symptoms that is low impact on even the most sensitive systems. Plus, herbal solutions rarely have the severity of side effects that synthetic products bring.
Pet allergies may have seen incurable at one point in the past but the marriage of western and eastern medicines has made dog allergies treatment possible for ever sufferer. These simple, herbal cures for every symptom can make drastic improvements in your life and the lives of your loved ones.
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DOGS SECRETS

Breeding a Dog Is a Big Decision


Breeding a Dog Is a Big Decision

Many people would like to breed their dogs, and for various reasons. Some want to breed to have some puppies in the home. There are others who want to breed as an additional source of income. No matter the reason, this decision cannot to be taken lightly. Breeding a dog is a big decision and will take a lot of time and energy.
From the moment you decide to breed, you will have to invest time and patience. Often it may even be quite hard repetitive work. Nevertheless, if you are prepared to take the huge step, the experience can turn out to be extremely rewarding.
One of the first and foremost things which needs attention if the physical condition of the dog. The animal will have to eat a healthy balanced diet daily. Since will mean having to monitor the amount and type of food it eats. Then it must be kept in peak physical condition. As the owner, you will be required to spend time to take the animal for regular runs and walks.
When you breed a dog, there is some vision of what outcome you want to achieve. Most breeders want to eventually end up with puppies that are well natured and are healthy. To achieve this you need to make sure that the mate for your dog is also physically fit and healthy. The choosing of a mate will therefore need some good investigation of many possible candidates, before a final decision is made.
All mature bitches go on heat every 6 months. Ensure that the bitch is at least 2 years old, else the bitch and its owner could be in for a troublesome pregnancy. Or the pups could be malformed or sickly at birth.
When the bitch is on heat, you need to monitor the duration. The problem is that most say that the female is most likely to conceive when the stud covers her during days 10 to 12. If this period is missed, the next opportunity to cover her will only be in 6 months time.
Not all pregnancies are without dramas and setbacks. There might be occasions that the bitch might require some special attention. Sometimes special feeding and supplementation might be required. It is possibly also advisable to call in the help of a veterinarian. Be prepared for all of this. It can be a costly exercise in money and in time.
As with the pregnancy, sometimes births of pups do not just occur. The bitch could need some assistance with the delivery. As the owner, you might need to be on hand. It is in situations like these that the local veterinarian can be a useful alliance to have.
Breeding a dog is a great experience, if you are prepared to take the responsibility that goes with it. This responsibility does not end after the bitch has been covered successfully by the stud. Is is one that the owner must committed to throughout the entire process until the pups are born, and beyond.
DOGS SECRETS

How To Toilet Train A Puppy


How To Toilet Train A Puppy

Toilet Training A Puppy: This is not quite as simple as toilet training a baby. It would be a lot easier, if like a baby, there was a nappy to collect and dispose of. Instead you have a young dog that does not see any problem with wanting to toilet when and where he needs too. With a puppy it happens very quickly and once the urge to toilet is there, it will carry on regardless of where it is situated, and that could be inside your home.
Do not expect your puppy to stand by the outside door when it wants to use the toilet. You have to begin house training early in its life for it to learn your rules. One thing I have found is that puppies tend to choose a similar type of surface they were used too, while they were with their mother.
Encouraging your dog to use newspaper or other materials, like wee pads, while inside your home, is ideal when you have a small home or apartment with no backyard or garden. After a while the dog will get the message that using the newspaper or wee pad to relieve him self is what you want. Another method is to train them to use a large litter tray filled with an absorbent material. By sticking to a proper routine, in just six months or less, your puppy will reward you by letting you know when he wants to do his toilet outside.
As a general rule puppies need to be taken outside:
1. After either feeding or drinking. 
2. Immediately after a sleep.
 
3. After playing indoors.
 
4. Taken him outside regularly (every hour) if he is not doing any of the above activities.
 
5. After excessive excitement: visitors, other animals etc.
 
6. When you see signs of sniffing at the floor and walking around in circles.
In the first few weeks you need to keep a constant vigil with your puppy, if you are to get him used to being house trained. Do not be put of by the weather, even if it is snowing, raining or even blowing a gale, he must be taken outside. Besides the fresh air will probably do you both good.
Nighttime should not be a problem if you are organized. You can, for example, have your puppy in a cage at the side of your bed, which is ideal, so you can hear him whine, if he needs to relieve himself. You must be constantly alert to his needs until he gets old enough to last through the night.
Try and guide your puppy as to where you want him to relieve him self. Eventually he will get the message and, as he gets older, he will automatically use this spot every time. Always clean up after your young dog, there is nothing more off putting to anyone visiting (never mind the health risks) than piles of dog excrement spread across your backyard.
One problem, which you might suffer from, is lack of sleep. This could make you irritable and the puppy and your family will be the ones to suffer. So please remember, it is only for a short while and the end result will be worthwhile.
There are many ways to train your puppy, however it is all up to you. You have to be prepared and investigate thoroughly what it takes to look after your puppies' toilet training.
Without total commitment to your young dogs needs, you will have a problem on your hands that may take many extra weeks to solve.
DOGS SECRETS

Thursday, 29 March 2012

Four Common Dog Behavior Problems


Four Common Dog Behavior Problems



Dogs are special animals. According to studies, dogs are excellent pets because they can help reduce stress and they can lower your risks for high blood pressure. That is one good reason dogs are adopted in hospitals and nursing homes for pet therapy. However, dogs are not perfect creatures. Even the most commendable dog breeds have their share of temper and behavior problems. If you are a pet owner, it is just logical that you familiarize yourself with the following dog behavior problems.
Destructive Chewing 
It is normal for a dog to chew. However, if the chewing becomes destructive and the dog starts to rip, shred and utterly destroy household materials and fixtures it becomes a dog behavior problem. Imagine coming home and seeing your whole sofa set torn apart? How about wearing the same shirt everyday because most of your clothes have holes because of dog bites? Dog owners solve such dilemma by giving their dogs a special chewing toy. Today, there are so many interesting dog toys that you can give your pet. Choose from a wide array of rawhide, marrow bones, and snack balls. Also, it is best that you dog-proof your home by moving destructive items like wires and power cords out of your dog's reach.
Biting 
According to research, biting is a natural part and friendly puppy play between animals. However, it is not a healthy puppy play with his owner. Moreover, owners should determine the cause of the biting problem. It can result from pain, fear and territorial instincts. Learning the root of the problem is vital to ensure that the right care and interventions are given to your dog. Proper training, socialization and breeding practices are important to be taught at a young age because once your puppy becomes an adult his biting problems will only become worse.
Digging 
Dogs enjoy digging. For sure, you have seen a movie or an animation of a dog digging for a dry bone. Digging is a natural dog activity. Digging becomes a problem when your dog becomes a destructive digger, completely destroying your garden, plants and other things growing in your back yard. If your pet loves to dig you can provide his own digging pit. It is almost the same as the regular sand box. You can take a couple of his favorite dog toys. Observe your dog. Every time he gets close to your plants and flowers, be firm and warn him by saying 'Stop.' If he stays away, you can reward your dog by giving some threats or by simply praising him for a job well done.
Aggression 
Dogs like humans can also become very aggressive. Dog aggression is characterized by gnawing of teeth, growling, snarling and inappropriate dog barking. An aggressive dog can also bite a person or an animal. There are many reasons for dog aggression. One is because they are in deep pain. Two is because they feel threatened. Three is because they are abused. If your dog has aggressive tendencies, you need to talk to your dog's vet. The vet can give you a couple of tips on how to handle aggressive puppy problems. You may want to hire an experienced dog trainer as well. It is important to address this problem right away because it is dangerous for your dog to interact with other people and animals if they are aggressive.
Above are some of the most common dog behavior problems that dog owners can experience. These problems can cause an owner to give up their pet and leave the dog in care of shelters. Identifying the problem right away can help solve the issue. Be patient and do not lose hope because your dog relies on you.

5 Reasons to Adopt a Senior dog


5 Reasons to Adopt a Senior dog


Who doesn't OOH and AAH over puppies and kittens? It's hard to resist the cuteness and friendliness of such creatures. However, after several months and the "teenage times", many young dogs and cats that are adopted are returned to shelters because the "cuteness" has worn off.
There are many advantages to adopting an older pet, even those known as "seniors". Many people are hesitant to adopt an older dog or cat for various reasons, including the concern of the animal not bonding with a new owner. However, age makes no difference when it comes to humans and pets bonding - most senior pets know the joy of spending time in a family and miss that companionship when they are turned into a shelter or rescue; they are eager to find that sense of camaraderie and security once again. My husband adopted a 10-year-old Cocker Spaniel a few years ago, and he is completely devoted to us. In fact, I'm sure if he could talk instead of simply wag his tail, he would constantly tell us 'thank you!' Cody is a fine, loyal friend and a great addition to our family.
Here are five great reasons to adopt a mature pet:
· Puppies and kittens require a great deal of attention and time, and for busy families, time is something of a commodity. Mature pets can be left alone for longer periods of time, and often enjoy having 'down time'. Now, this doesn't mean they should be locked up in a kennel all the time and it doesn't mean they don't need exercise - adult pets just require LESS time and energy than puppies or kittens.
· Young ones require training, such as housebreaking, and a great deal of patience. Older pets often come housebroken/litter box trained, and in many cases, adult dogs have some basic obedience training, such as knowing "sit", "stay" and "come".
· What you see is what you get when you adopt an adult - adopting a mature pet allows you to know more about its size and temperament, whereas adopting a puppy or kitten is sometimes a guessing game when it comes to the animal's temperament and size.
· Older pets expend less energy - often, a simple walk around the neighborhood for an older dog is sufficient, and mature cats enjoy lounging in the sun more than chasing strings or feathers. So if you're not terribly active, an older pet might suit your lifestyle.
· Adopting an older pet is truly a selfless act. As an animal ages, its chances of adoption grow slimmer; by giving a mature pet a home, you're showing great compassion and empathy - and gaining a wonderful furry friend in the process!
Some people think if an older dog or cat is in the shelter there must be something wrong with it - not so! Many adult and senior pets are relinquished because the owner can no longer care for them due to the person's health or even death. In fact, the number one reason people give for relinquishing their pet is moving. Some of the most wonderful companion animals in need of new homes are awaiting another chance to shower a family or individual with devotion, just as they did with their previous owner.
So, if adding a new pet to your home is on your 'to-do list' in the near future, consider adopting an adult or senior pet - you, too, can know the joy of hanging out with an adoring, mature four-footed friend and giving that adult pet a special, loving retirement home! That pet will thank you for your kind act!

Which Is Better, Dog Repellent Spray Or An Electronic Dog Repeller?


Which Is Better, Dog Repellent Spray Or An Electronic Dog Repeller?


Dog attacks are much more common than people may realize and as such people (especially deliverymen, mailmen, runners, etc...) need to be prepared to thwart an attack by a potentially dangerous canine. Two of the more popular products for repelling a dog are dog repellent spray and the electronic dog repeller. But which of these is better? That is a question that might not be so easily answered until we evaluate exactly what each of these self-defense items really are and what each of these devices actually do.
First let's start with dog spray and explaining exactly what that is. Dog repellent spray is just that, a spray that repels dogs. The truth of the matter is that this spray is nothing more than pepper spray, the same exact ingredients found in pepper spray for humans. It's extremely effective against both humans and dogs because the spray works as an extreme inflammatory that causes severe burning and swelling in the mucus membranes of the dog that is sprayed and that can not only cause extreme discomfort but actually temporarily blind an attacking dog (due to the swelling of the eyes). The only drawback with dog repellent spray is that it has a limited range of about 6-8 feet and that is pretty close quarters for a dog that is in the midst of trying to attack you. Plus it does cause immense pain, albeit temporary, to the dog and so one should be confident that the dog that you are spraying was indeed a threat to your personal safety and that the spraying was justified in that sense.
The electronic dog repeller is an entirely different self-defense tool and works not by emitting an inflammatory spray but by emitting an extremely high decibel sound that is also very high frequency and hence can only be heard by canines. This device causes enough discomfort and confusion with its alarm that dogs naturally exit the area that the sound is coming from. It causes no severe pain, swelling or harms a dog in any way, shape, or form. It has a much longer range than dog spray and can be effective up to 50 yards away, a much more comfortable distance than the 6-8 feet afforded by dog repellent spray. However, there is a major drawback with this particular device and that is that they just aren't as effective at truly subduing an attacking canine as is dog spray. If a dog is very hard of hearing or just attacks in spite of the discomfort caused by this device's alarm then you are in serious trouble. Whereas with pepper spray the dog is going to feel immense pain and possibly even be blinded temporarily while its eyes are swollen.
So please take all of these facts in account when deciding upon which form of dog repeller is ultimately right for you.

Tuesday, 27 March 2012

3 Ways To Manage Dog Barking Problems


3 Ways To Manage Dog Barking Problems


Do you own a dog? Are you feeling exhausted because of his excessive barking? As much as we love our dogs, excessive barking can be very frustrating. The truth is, excessive barking is a common complaint among dog owners and neighbors. If your pet has barking problems, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will discuss why dog barks excessively and we will tackle a number of effective dog training tips to help you control the problem.
Brief Discussion About Dog Barking 
Birds chirp, people talk and dogs bark. That is how each of us communicates. It is a normal behavior for them to bark. But did you know that dog barks for several reasons. Dog barks because they want attention or they are bored. Whenever they feel lonely, mad or afraid they also bark. It is how they can get their owner's interest. The only problem is when the it barks excessively and the owners are not able to cope with the problem.
It is important to know that vocalizing is different for each breed of dog. You will notice that some dogs have loud barks while others have soft barks. According to research, breeds that are most likely to bark when they should not be barking are Yorkshire terrier, Cairn terrier, Miniature Schnauzer, West Highland white terrier, Fox Terrier and Beagle. That is why, if you are a person who like peace and quiet time at home, you need to research first the type of breed you will be adopting. Unfortunately, many dog owners who cannot cope with the problem end up giving up their pet to shelters.
Top Reasons Dogs Bark Excessively
Separation Anxiety 
This condition not only happens to humans but to dogs as well. They are pack animals. It is normal for them to feel anxious if left for the first time by their parents or owners.
Terror 
They can bark excessively whenever they feel threatened. Aside from barking they may tremble or quake because of fear. They often fear people or other animals that will trespass in their territories. They also fear loud and unpredictable noise.
Pain 
Again, dogs are like human. They too have feelings. Whenever they are in pain, they bark. That is how they communicate what they are feeling. You will notice that some dogs when they are sick and distressed, they becomes aggressive and they bark excessively.
Aside from separation anxiety, terror and pain, dogs can bark excessively when they are bored and need your attention.
How To Stop Dog Barking Problems
Assess Your Dog And Determine The Problem 
To be effective in your intervention, you need to identify the problem. Know what is triggering the barking. Check if your dog is in pain or if there are other animals or people near your house that your dog feels threatened of.
Do Not Allow The Barking To Be A Habit 
You need to train from day one, the ground rules. Let him know the things you allow and the things you don't allow. Some instances will actually come naturally. Let your pet know what you mean by "No Barking" or "Enough". Reward your dog if he listens and understands your command.
Communicate With Your Dog 
Your dog needs care and attention. Talk to your dog. Show him that he is loved. Moreover, through communication, you can easily assess the problem with your dog.
Dog barking can be very irritating. However, be patient and be a responsible pet owner and learn how to train your dog. Watch for signs and cues. As mentioned, many owners abandon their dogs because they are not able to handle very well their dogs barking problem. To avoid such unfortunate scene, you need to be one hundred percent sure that you want a dog. Owning a dog requires maturity from the dog owner. Continue to be patient because excessive dog barking is still manageable.

Dog Illnesses: Home Remedy or Vet?


Dog Illnesses: Home Remedy or Vet?

Dogs are more than mere pets, they truly become a part of the family and when they are ill, it can cause true panic. Your dog is not so different from you in that they can get a tummy ache, fever or suffer from bad dental hygiene. Like people, dogs sometimes need the service of medical professionals but in some cases, home remedies will work just as well. Your job is learning how to tell the difference and knowing how to treat them.
Diarrhea
When your dog has diarrhea it is very apparent, particularly if they are an inside dog. There are many things that can result in a bout of diarrhea including change in diet or water. During the first day or two of diarrhea, you can give your pet a small amount of Pepto or other over the counter anti-diarrhea medication. Should the problem persist or other symptoms are present you will want to call your vet and make an appointment. Other serious symptoms:
·         Listlessness
·         Vomiting
·         Lack of appetite
·         Refuses water
·         Explosive diarrhea
·         Extremely foul smelling feces
Any of the above-added symptoms can be an indication of canine parvovirus, a deadly disease that carries a high mortality rate. Only with quick intervention can your pet be saved.
Vomiting
Dogs can also vomit for many reasons, upset stomach due to eating something that does not agree with them or internal parasites are both common causes. Generally speaking one or two instances of vomiting is nothing to be overly concerned about, ensure they have plenty of ingested to prevent dehydration and keep an eye out for other symptoms. Many veterinarians will suggest a period of fasting from all substances, allow 24 hours for the stomach to rest and recover from common irritants. During this time, you can give them small amounts of honey or syrup to prevent hypoglycemia. Just rub a little over their gums.
If your dog's vomiting is constant and shows no signs of easing within 48 hours or you see other problems then you'll want to call the vet as soon as possible. Watch for blood, froth, worms and other foreign materials.
Fever
Many people believe that if their dog's nose is slightly warm, they have a fever but this is not necessarily true. Dogs have a higher normal body temperature than humans, typically 101-102 degrees. The best way to get an accurate reading on whether your dog has a temperature or not is by using a specially designed rectal thermometer. It is normal for your dog to run a low-grade fever for up to two days after immunization.
Other causes for fever may not be so evident. If your dog is showing severe signs of illness such as lethargy, vomiting or depression get them checked out immediately.
Conclusion
There are times when you can treat your dog at home simply with rest and a few types of over the counter remedies. However, always keep a close eye on their progress as serious illnesses can escalate rather quickly at times. As with people, early intervention is often necessary to prevent debilitation or even death

Dog's degenerative Joint Disease - What It Is and How It Is Treated


Dog's degenerative Joint Disease - What It Is and How It Is Treated


It's a sad fact that all dog owners have to face. Our beloved pets are going to get old someday, and with age come inherent health problems such as degenerative bone disease, or what is better known as arthritis. With the right nutrition from birth this risk dramatically decreases, but that's not always the case. Some breeds, such as large breeds, are more prone to bone problems than others are. However, there are ways to effectively manage and treat it and keep the symptoms at bay via natural treatment options and medications.
Dog arthritis is probably as common in middle-aged and elderly dogs as it is in people. The degenerative nature of the disease begins when the joints, which are normally smooth and covered in cartilage makes moving the joints easy and pain-free. When this cartilage begins to wear down with age, the bone surfaces are exposed to the bones around it and can rub against each other, which results in swelling, inflammation, and pain when the affected joint is moved.
Most dogs are affected by some type of wear and tear arthritis as they enter their senior years, but there is also a form of juvenile arthritis that affects some younger dogs due to a genetic factor. There are ways that you can spot arthritis or at least begin seeing the signs of it, these include:
• Joints that are tender and swollen: check the knees, hips, and elbows for signs of tenderness.
• You may be able to hear a cracking or grinding sound when your dog walks or gets up from a laying down position.
• Your dog may have trouble getting up when he or she is laying down.
• You may notice your dog is reluctant to do things he always did in the past, such as climb a flight of stairs.
• Lameness in any of the legs.
Your veterinarian will use several diagnostic tools to make the diagnosis and begin a treatment plan. First, x-rays will be performed of the suspected joints as well as the spine, since it is often hard to tell if your dog has arthritis of the spine. Once the diagnosis is established, a treatment plan will get underway, which will include:
Weight loss: if your dog is just two pounds overweight, this can be a significant amount of extra weight for him or her to carry and therefore, losing weight will help ease the pain.
Regular and gentle exercise will keep the joints moving and make it less painful for your dog to move more freely
Anti-inflammatory drugs that they have available for dogs today are called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs such as Rimadyl can help to significantly reduce the inflammation and some dogs respond very well to these newer medications, but some do have side effects and cannot tolerate them, depending on how sensitive they are to the drugs.
You can add glucosamine and MSM to your dog's diet as these are natural anti-inflammatories and glucosamine can actually help to build more cartilage naturally.

Monday, 26 March 2012

Is It Better to Have Two Dogs or Should You Only Have One?


Is It Better to Have Two Dogs or Should You Only Have One?


Often dog owners wonder if having two dogs is better than one. The truth is if you plan to leave your dog during the day while you are at work, it may be better to have two so that they can keep each other company. While all dogs prefer to be with their owners, having two dogs is a way to keep them occupied when you are out. Moreover, it helps them to learn to interact with other dogs so that they know how be well-behaved when it comes to canine interactions.
It may not be a wise idea to adopt a puppy if you have a senior dog because this can cause a lot of tension in the home. The best way is to either adopt two puppies at the same time, or adopt one and get him accustomed to the family and then bring in another puppy. They will keep each other entertained for hours when they are puppies and then grow to be best buddies when they are adults. This way when you are out to work or the family is a way for the day; your dogs can keep each other company so they are not all alone.
Often people think they must get two males or two females for compatibility, but a male and female together make excellent companions for each other, but make sure they are spayed or neutered as they reach puberty or you may end up with an unexpected litter of puppies. Two males together as they grow into adulthood and depending on the breed may end up fighting over territory, where a male and female typically do not because the female is normally (though not always) the dominant one and the male has no problem with this arrangement.
Keep in mind two dogs means double the training and double the feeding bill. It also means double the cleanup in the backyard, but the rewards of owning two dogs is priceless. If you do not think you can take care of two dogs, you can get along with just one and many dogs live as singletons in the home their entire lives and are quite content because they know nothing else. This works well if you work from home or someone is always home so that your dog does not get lonely.
Most dog owners do tend to have at least two dogs because they believe they can keep each other company when they family is away and this is true. Just make sure when you are home that you are paying attention to your dogs, as you cannot expect another dog to take the place of human interaction. The best time to introduce a second dog is when your dog is still a puppy or when he is younger than five years old. If you want to adopt a full-grown dog, take your dog with you to your local animal shelter and see how he or she gets along with some of the other dogs; often your dog can help you in choosing the second dog.
There are many different types of foods that contain mold. Many different types of molds that grow and thrive on various foods produce an assortment of toxins. If a food contains the toxin that is identified as "Tremorgenic Mycotoxins", it could be extremely dangerous to their health. If you are unable to consume a certain type of food because of the fact that it has mold on it, it is important that you avoid giving that food to your dog. If your dog becomes infected with toxins from mold, it is likely that you will start to see them suffer from tremors in the muscles. Eventually, the entire body will be affected. Once this type of intoxication progresses, it could lead to seizures in your dog. If you find that your dog starts to exhibit any symptoms associated with food intoxication, it is important that you seek medical care so that the issue may be dealt with promptly.



DOGS SECRETS

Foods That Are Considered Dangerous to a Dog's Health


Foods That Are Considered Dangerous to a Dog's Health


There are many different foods that are considered to be dangerous to a dog's health. All dogs enjoy food - not only does it provide them with the nutrition that they require, but it also appeals to their senses. This is especially true of foods that dog's observe their owners consuming. It is not at all uncommon for a dog owner to provide their pet with a little food now and then from that which they are eating, but it is important to know and understand that several different types of foods that may prove to be especially dangerous to a dog's health.
Chocolate
Any type of food that contains chocolate could prove to be highly dangerous to the health of a dog. Chocolate intoxication is the name of the condition that commonly affects canines. There are two different ingredients that are contained in chocolate that could result in this condition. The first ingredient is called "caffeine" and the second ingredient is called "theobromine". It has been established that both of these ingredients belong to the chemicals that are identified as "methylxanthines". It is important to understand that if a piece of chocolate is extremely dark, it contains a large number of these chemicals. Symptoms that may be experienced when a dog suffers from this type of intoxication include gastrointestinal complications, vomiting, and seizures.
Onions and Onion Related Products
Dogs that eat products such as onions and products that are part of the onion family may suffer from health complications as a result of doing so. Examples of products that may be toxic to dogs in one way or another include garlic, scallions, and various types of onions such as yellow onions, red onions, and Vidalia onions. If these food products are consumed, the red blood cells in a dog's body may become damaged. If an onion or onion related product is strong, it indicates that there is a strong level of toxicity associated with the products. Dogs that experience this complication may suffer from body weakness, sore muscles, and even unusual looking bowel movements and urine.
Foods that are Moldy
There are many different types of foods that contain mold. Many different types of molds that grow and thrive on various foods produce an assortment of toxins. If a food contains the toxin that is identified as "Tremorgenic Mycotoxins", it could be extremely dangerous to their health. If you are unable to consume a certain type of food because of the fact that it has mold on it, it is important that you avoid giving that food to your dog. If your dog becomes infected with toxins from mold, it is likely that you will start to see them suffer from tremors in the muscles. Eventually, the entire body will be affected. Once this type of intoxication progresses, it could lead to seizures in your dog. If you find that your dog starts to exhibit any symptoms associated with food intoxication, it is important that you seek medical care so that the issue may be dealt with promptly.


DOGS SECRETS

House-Training a New Dog - Three Easy Steps


House-Training a New Dog - Three Easy Steps
                 You just brought your puppy home and he or she is more than cute, you just know they could never do anything wrong. That is until you leave the room and when you come back your cute little angel used your new carpet as his bathroom. Some owners expect their puppy will automatically know where the bathroom is and will let you know when they have to "go." However, it simply doesn't work this way and if you get angry, scream, and yell you will only scare your dog so that he or she will not use the bathroom in front of you, they will use it in a hiding place inside the home. There is a much easier way and you can potty train your dog in three steps, but you have to be consistent.
Step one - decide where you want your puppy to potty, if it is in the yard, then you need to take him to the area several times a day. Keep in mind that puppies that are less than six months of age cannot hold their bladder for long periods of time. In fact, very young puppies can only hold their bladders for about 2 to 3 hours so you can expect to take your little puppy outside often, including during the night.
Step two - you need to get into a routine because dogs lean best by repetition, therefore, if you take your puppy out to potty after he eats, sleeps, plays, and drinks, he or she will become accustomed to knowing when they need to go. Moreover, they will learn faster where they are supposed to potty, and you will have fewer accidents than if you are just taking the puppy outside when you remember. Remember, the dog will learn much faster when you are consistent and get into a routine.
Step three - praise your puppy when they do their business is the right area because this will let them associate that what they just did pleased you and they want to please you. Keep in mind, in the early days of housetraining, there will be accidents, you can count on it, but do not slap or spank your puppy, and they do not understand this and will learn to fear you. Also, never rub his or her nose in their urine because this will confuse them even more since they do not understand this concept.
Therefore, to potty train your puppy, you need to know where you want him or her to go, be consistent with a routine, and praise your puppy when he or she goes in the right area. Making sure you take your puppy out enough in the beginning is key to a fast potty training because they quickly associate elimination with one particular area and they are praised for it, so they feel quite proud of themselves and because they want to continue pleasing you, they will continue using the area and then begin letting your know when they have to go.


DOGS SECRETS