Discover the expert in you.
Discover the expert in you.
When you take Buddy on his afternoon walk, undoubtedly you've witnessed a great deal of sniffing and smelling along the way. A dog's sense of smell is his most important sense; it's how he interprets his world. Should a dog lose his sight or hearing, his nose will get him around.
It's no surprise that you don't see law enforcement agencies using humans for drug sniffing and similar activities. Dogs have a much better sense of smell than people. Estimates vary, but the typical dog's nose is between 10,000 and 100,000 times more sensitive than the human's.
Dog kennels are in constant need of cleaning. However, toxic chemical cleaners are not ideal when working in a dog-friendly environment, and commercial products can be expensive, especially when used frequently. Mixing up a homemade disinfectant solution allows dog guardians to create clean, nontoxic environments for their furry charges.
If your beloved dog is due to give birth soon, you're anxious for any sign of impending delivery. When her teats start leaking milk, that's an indication that labor will begin within a few days. However, the length of time can vary from dog to dog, so there are more reliable ways to tell when the puppies will arrive. Have all of your veterinarian's contact information handy in case of emergency.
Whether they're urine-marking or relieving themselves, dogs tend to sniff around before they eliminate. This is because dogs' urination rituals are significantly different from humans', and are largely influenced by their powerful sense of smell. The information that a dog picks up from smelling explains why he's so dedicated to sniffing out just the right place before doing his business.
Don't be surprised if Scruffy doesn't share your same feelings of elation as you enter your home for the first time with your little bundle of joy. You can't blame him; if Scruffy hasn't spent time around children before, that baby is an utterly baffling creature that smells, moves and sounds like no other being he has seen on earth. It's important to recognize that growling is his way of letting you know that he's confused and upset.
Watching a beloved animal companion start to show signs of age can be emotional and difficult for pet owners. You can help your dog transition into the later stages of life in comfort by taking his changing health and physical needs into consideration and creating an environment where he feels protected, safe and loved.
You've probably noticed that in multiple dog households, one canine calls the shots. It might not be obvious until there's a trigger -- food is the usual culprit -- and dogs either defer to the top dog, or fighting ensues. The hierarchy in dog social behavior depends on various factors and, like in the rest of life, the only certainty is change.
Sometimes there won't actually seem to be a reason as to why your dog isn't eating. Feed a dog when it won't eat with help from a pet wellness expert in this free video clip.
The care your dog receives after gastroplastic surgery affects his recovery rate. In humans, gastroplastic surgery refers to having one's stomach stapled for the purposes of losing weight. A dog, however, get his stomach stapled to correct a serious gastric condition known as bloat, or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). The severity of this condition varies among dogs. To ensure an effective recovery, speak with your veterinarian about the followup medication, restrictions and recommendations specific to your dog's case.
Plentiful drinking water is essential for dogs, especially during warmer months when dehydration is more of a threat. It is during those months, however, that bowls of water might become infested with mosquito larvae. While the acid in your dog’s stomach kills the mosquito larvae during digestion, these larvae can threaten your dog’s health in other ways. Keep your dog healthy by being aware of the dangers these larvae pose and taking steps to prevent them from infesting her.
If your dog is prone to gastric bloat, you have to feed him or her in a very particular way for the best possible results. Feed a dog who is prone to gastric bloat with help from a dynamic, holistic and conventional veterinarian in this free video clip.
As your dog gets older and reduced mobility sets in, he is likely to spend more time in his bed. If the dog has arthritis or other painful conditions, it is common for him to prefer to lie in one position to others, and this could lead to the formation of bedsores. Dogs that require a long period of bed rest after illness or injury are also susceptible to the sores. Bedsores are caused by the pressure of the dog’s body weight on the flesh beneath it, which can be greater than the pressure of the blood flow, leading to…
For thousands of years of human history, people have bred dogs to meet specific human needs and fill specific roles. As a result, some dogs have substantially higher energy than others and need a "job." Most household dogs are unlikely to herd sheep or hunt for bulls and therefore need another outlet, such as frequent walks, lots of training or many games of fetch. Dogs vary in temperament depending on environment, training and many other factors, but genetics strongly affect a dog's energy level.
"Breed specific" legislation in states and municipalities across the country has targeted many types of dogs across the country that, often through no fault of their own, are labeled as dangerous, according to the Animal Legal and Historical Web Center. Breeds classified under this law can cause an increase in homeowner insurance rates for the owners or may face euthanasia.
Vision disorders and blindness are common in dogs. Blindness in pets may be acquired or it may be present at birth. A number of conditions can cause blindness; they include glaucoma, uveitis and diabetes. For the most part, you'll treat your blind dog normally. A few adjustments can help your companion take part in most activities and live a long and happy life.
Post-surgical care for a femoral head ostectomy, which removes the head of the femur, calls for restricted movement for up to 12 weeks while your dog recovers from the orthopedic procedure. During this time, it is essential for the healing process that you engage him in a number of different exercises to slowly restore hip muscle and mobility.
The keeshond is not a widely known breed of dog, though it has many characteristics that make it a desirable pet. This canine grows to about 18 inches tall. It has upright ears, a dense, long coat and a tail that curls over its back. Bred as a family watchdog, the keeshond breed has an affectionate nature and is compatible with children.
A dog's bad breath is often notice to the dog's owner that an underlying problem or disease exists. The ASPCA explains that “persistent bad breath can indicate that your pet has digestive problems or a gum condition such as gingivitis, and should be examined by a vet.” Your veterinarian might suggest a professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar from your dog’s teeth and to examine the areas where the teeth meet the gums. Home care recommendations may include daily tooth brushing and oral solutions to maintain your dog’s clean mouth following a thorough dental cleaning.
A degenerative lumbar can occur anywhere along the spinal column, nerve roots, nerves and discs associated with the spine. It can be very painful and debilitating to a dog, and prompt diagnosis can aid in pain relief and give your dog the best chance of leading a comfortable and productive life. Massage can positively influence your dog's outlook and leads to a release of stress. Massage also calms the mind and improves balance. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best treatment plan for your dog.
Buprenex is a narcotic pain reliever prescribed for dogs to manage severe pain due to injury, surgery or cancer. The drug is the brand name for buprenorphine, a synthetic opiate that requires a prescription from a veterinarian to purchase. Used correctly, the drug can provide pain relief for your dog, speeding his recovery, although some cautions and risks are associated with its use.
When a dog dies, a veterinarian will typically offer pet owners a variety of options, regardless of whether the dog died at home or in the vet's office. Vets typically follow the wishes of the owners in making final resting arrangements for their pet. While a variety of options exist, some methods are dependent upon local ordinances and a pet owner’s wishes and finances. Costs for services vary widely from facility to facility.
Canine bloat, or gastric dilatation-volvulus, is a potentially fatal digestive disorder. It occurs as the stomach expands with the accumulation of air, food and fluids. When this happens, the stomach often shifts, closing off both the entrance and exit points. With nowhere to go, toxins build up in the stomach, eventually causing the stomach to rupture and leading to infection. A dog that develops bloat may die within a few hours of the onset of symptoms.
If you don't want your female dog in heat breed, the most effective way to prevent it is the barrier method. Accomplish this by putting her into a garment that makes her vulva inaccessible to males. This garment can be custom-made and as pretty as you like -- she couldn't care less how it looks, as long as it's comfortable. It should also be easy to put on and remove quickly. Just be sure to remember to remove the garment when you take her out to go potty.
A dog's knee joint consists of two ligaments crossing each other to hold the tiba and patella together in proper place; the ACL -- or anterior cruciate ligament -- is in the front of the knee. Sometimes referred to as the CCL in dogs (canine cruciate ligament), it works in conjunction with the rear ligament to keep the bones from rubbing across each other. When a dog has an ACL injury, he may limp, exhibit a hesitancy to sit down, or hold his paw up. Surgery is often required for repair; one method to stabilize the knee joint involves cutting…
Proper tooth care is important for your dog’s overall health. Brushing his teeth can prevent both tooth decay and gum disease, both of which can lead to other health problems as your dog ages. While it is relatively easy to brush the teeth of a calm, placid pup, doing a good job for a squirmy dog can be a real challenge, but there are some tricks you can use to get it done.
Oral health is one of the most commonly neglected components of dog care. While most owners know that poor dental care can lead to cavities and tooth loss, the consequences of severe oral decay can be much worse. Oral infections can cause systemic infections, heart problems and even behavioral issues. Thus it's vitally important to keep your dog's teeth clean and healthy. Scraping the teeth is analogous to brushing them and is an excellent way to remove built-up plaque and trapped food. Some owners also choose to passively clean their dogs' teeth by giving them treats that remove plaque. Professional…
Complex fractures in dogs often require surgical intervention and repair. During canine orthopedic surgery, various internal fixation devices may be used to stabilize fractured bones. These include bone plates, pins, screws and cerclage wires. Recovery from a major orthopedic surgery is often long and difficult for dogs, but there are a number of ways to lessen a companion animal's discomfort and keep him on the road to healing post-surgery.
A superficial laceration on your dog is the canine equivalent of a skinned knee or a paper cut: It is not the type of injury that requires a trip to the veterinarian. Nevertheless, you may need to provide your pet with some basic first aid treatment in order to ensure quick healing and reduce the risk of the wound becoming infected. Superficial lacerations are generally not long-term problems for pets; they should heal more or less on their own when given adequate time.
When a female dog is in heat, the smell travels. Every unneutered male dog in the vicinity is likely to visit, and your own male dogs may be at risk from dogfights. The best way to avoid these scenarios is to reduce the scent your bitch gives off. You will never be able to eliminate it completely, because the vomeronasal organ in dogs can detect the pheromones in the scent for many miles. However, you may be able to reduce its potency and fool the visitors into thinking the bitch is not on the premises.
Veterinarians and pet health literature continuously state that your dogs' teeth need daily brushing. Many dogs are unable to tolerate a toothbrush in their mouths, however, particularly older dogs for whom the activity is unknown and frightening. In addition, older dogs may already have sensitive gums from tooth decay and plaque buildup, and a toothbrush could hurt their mouths. Although not as effective as daily brushing, a number of alternatives can help keep your pet’s mouth moderately clean.
When a female dog comes into heat, or estrus, she is fertile and can become pregnant. During this time, her vulva will swell due to the increased production of estrogen, which also causes a discharge of blood from the vagina. A dog in heat will lick the area, located under the tail, with frequency when she is in heat. The swollen tissues make penetration easier for the male dog when he mates with her. However, vulvar swelling can occur for other reasons, so you should learn to recognize the signs of estrus versus signs of other problems.
Cryptorchidism surgery treats an undescended testicle retained in a dog’s abdomen. Male dogs who have this genetic defect should not be bred, as the problem could be passed down to future generations. The decision to neuter a dog with an undescended testicle is a smart one. Caring for your dog after the surgery is straightforward.
Cleaning your dog’s teeth regularly not only keeps doggy breath tolerable, it also helps to preserve your pet’s health. Poor oral hygiene can result in periodontal disease caused by the build-up of plaque and the growth of bacteria in the mouth, which can result in organ damage if absorbed into the dog’s blood stream, according to Pet MD. It’s never too late to start cleaning your dog’s teeth, even though you may have to use tricks to get older dogs to accept the process.
You can remove a dog urine smell from the carpet in a safe, natural way using the right tools. Remove a dog urine smell from a carpet naturally with help from a carpet cleaning professional in this free video clip.
Even if a dog is thirsty it may not necessarily drink from a bowl that you've set out. Learn how to entice a dog to drink with help from an expert in animal behavior in this free video clip.
If a dog does something bad like tearing up the home when you're not there, it needs to be punished the same way you would a child. Learn how to effectively punish a dog that tears up when not at home with help from an expert in animal behavior in this free video clip.
Having your dog dart out the front door of your home is a delicate time. Learn how to get your dog to com back to you when it darts out the front door with help from an expert in animal behavior in this free video clip.
You can get plant burrs out of long dog fur in a very specific way. Find out how to get plant burrs out of long dog fur with help from a professional mobile dog groomer in this free video clip.
After your dog's cast has been taken off you should always be careful when cleaning his or her foot. Learn about cleaning a dog's broken foot when the cast is taken off with help from a professional mobile dog groomer in this free video clip.
You can get skunk spray out of a dog's fur in a few different ways depending on the severity of the situation. Get skunk spray out of a dog's fur with help from a professional mobile dog groomer in this free video clip.
The Parson Russell Terrier is the AKC-recognized breed standard of the more commonly known Jack Russell Terrier. For all intents and purposes, the two breeds are basically the same, save that the Parson adheres to a breed standard and the Jack Russell doesn't. American families often choose this dog to join their families based on its attractive appearance, feisty but lovable demeanor, and friendliness. Before adding a Parson pup to your own home, consider the type of care it will need to stay happy and healthy in your family.
Keeping your dog's kennel free of mud provides your pet with a clean and safe place to sleep and play. Some kennels are large areas enclosed with a chain link-style fence and others are small plastic carriers that are designed to be used in the house. Either type should be cleaned regularly to keep your dog from having to lie in his own waste, which can make him sick. The materials needed to clean a dog's kennel are available at pet supply stores.
Regulating the temperature in the shower often poses difficulty for young children when they transition from the traditional bath to the grownup shower. Both the hot and cold water faucets must be manipulated to control the temperature. Delays in temperature change may cause the impatient children to continue to adjust the faucet, resulting in showers that are either too hot or too cold. Making it easy for your child to adjust the temperature gives him the confidence he needs to take a shower without assistance from an adult.
Most dogs, especially younger ones, would rather play with other animals than attack them. Although some consider dogs and cats to be natural enemies, there are many instances where they have become fast friends. Allowing the animals to establish safe boundaries, limiting their access to each other and taking steps to control your dog's aggression are the keys to getting a dog to stop attacking a cat.
No matter how well you feed your dog, he will still love garbage. They just can't resist the smell of rotten food, wet cardboard or worse -- Its almost out of their control -- they can't help pawing or clawing their way into trash cans. For your dogs own health, he can't be allowed to eat garbage and he won't stop if you allow it. If you have one of those pull-out containers, its simple to keep them out without any major remodeling by securing it with bungee cord.
While there are a few exceptions, most dog breeds bark. Some breeds are more prone to barking, especially working breeds. However, just as many smaller breeds such as toys and terriers bark. More importantly, there are circumstances that greatly contribute to excessive barking in any breed. Many effective methods can curb barking once you learn to anticipate your dog's internal barking triggers.
Putty, often used in household repairs, can stick and clump in hair and harden when it dries, making it difficult to remove. If your dog happens to run through your work zone, he can create a sticky mess. Luckily, most putty products can be removed in a few simple steps.
Toffee, chewing gum, caramel and other sticky matter can tangle and mat your dog's fur into itchy, painful clumps. Matted fur can irritate your dog's skin; however, painstakingly picking the clump apart can mean hours of frustration for you and your pet. Don't resort to shaving or clipping off the sticky patches, though. You probably already have everything you need to loosen the candy from the fur without hurting your dog or driving yourself insane.
Getting your dog to "hold" an object in its mouth is often the first command in a series of several to teach proper retrieval. It is also a useful command when training a service or helper dog, as it allows him to aid you in daily activities. Apart from that, the "hold" command is a fun trick to teach your dog to impress your friends. For most dogs, training the "hold" command will require patience throughout several sessions, likely spanning one to four weeks.
