Discover the expert in you.
Discover the expert in you.
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.
Bluetick coonhounds are known for their hunting abilities and agility. This breed gets its name from its deep blue colored coat, which has flecks all over. Its short coat hardly requires any grooming. Blueticks have an amazing ability to track raccoons and corner them in trees with their acute sense of smell and vision. On cornering the animal on the treetop, the dog gives out a howl-like cry to attract its owner so that the raccoon can be eliminated.
Just like guests staying a hotel, puppies and dogs staying at a kennel should have clean, sanitary accommodations. Having a number of puppies in a kennel at one time can be trying on many levels and keeping their kennel clean is one of them. Daily cleaning of the kennel is required to help keep bacteria at a minimum, which can affect the health of the puppies staying in the kennel.
There is nothing worse that a pesky pup trampling through your freshly planted garden or perfectly landscaped flowerbed. Rather than solving this problem with harsh chemicals or techniques that can prove dangerous to dogs, opt for creating a natural barrier by strategically choosing plants that will repel and deter canines. According to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, there is no plant that is guaranteed as a dog repellent, but there are several plant species that will help to discourage and deter these furry companions from causing too much damage.
Maltese dogs grow a long white coat that resembles the texture of human hair. Additionally, this hair grows continually throughout the dog's life making it necessary to groom the coat often. Longer coats require more brushing than shorter coats. However, both coat types require regular grooming with the proper grooming tools. Additionally, it's important to know how to brush a Maltese coat to prevent breaking the coat off or irritating the skin.
Ticks carry numerous diseases, and can be devastating to humans as well as animals -- even massive, seemingly unpenetrable horses. These insects can pass along blood-born illnesses that can weaken the immune system, destroy muscle mass and even cause death. Ticks should be removed immediately when discovered, and should be killed after removal to prevent reattachment to another horse, animal or human. If a tick is discovered in a horse's ear, removal must be executed with great caution and care as many horses are skittish when faced with ear discomfort or pain.
A dog in a state of overexcitement is experiencing a rush of emotion-fueled adrenalin and has lost his ability to respond to verbal commands that he may heed in a normal state. In a real way, he is unable to hear your voice when he is in a state of extreme excitement and must be taught gradually that being in this state brings him no benefit. Once he becomes conditioned to understand there is no reward for his hyperactivity, he will calm himself more quickly and you can get his attention more easily.
Unlike a child, a dog cannot understand your explanation of why it is necessary to take a capsule to eliminate an infection or to reduce its pain. Because it is not likely to take a capsule willingly, you might have to force your dog to take the medication that can relieve its ailments or save its life. Even if your dog is willing to take its medication with little fuss, knowing proper pill-giving procedure can save both time and effort.
The loss of a dog can be a profound event in a pet owner's life. Arranging for the burial of a pet is not an event many pet owners look forward to. Local authorities establish rules related to the burial of pets on private property. In New York, the state government does not prohibit the burial of dogs and other pets on private property. In addition to burying your dog on your own property, pet cemeteries and crematoriums offer burial services to pet owners.
From the human perspective, a pet’s chewing is a costly annoyance. To your dog, chewing is a natural behavior, not a deliberate act of destruction. Part of the challenge to you as an owner is to determine the cause behind the behavior. Your dog may chew on the couch to get attention, combat loneliness, because he is afraid or to alleviate anxiety and boredom. Puppies may chew when they are teething. Your job in the situation is to remove the trigger to the behavior, or provide your pet acceptable alternative methods to express himself.
A dog with its head out of a car window as the vehicle motors down the street is a heartwarming image. You can almost see the smile on the dog's face. What you can't see is the grimace on the driver's face as the animal's fur clings to the car's upholstery and carpet. Despite the pleasure and enjoyment a car ride brings a beloved pet, and even its owner, many of these trips are followed by the chore of cleaning dog fur out of the car -- no easy task.
The frame of a dog house is fairly easy to build, in that it can be made as a simple box. Framing the roof, however, can be a little more difficult. Although flat roofs are the easiest to build, they offer the dog less room inside and can get weighted down with snow or soak up rain. Instead, build a a simple "A" frame roof that will make the kennel airy inside and good in all weathers.
