Discover the expert in you.
Discover the expert in you.
When drawing cats and dogs and other animals like pigs, you're always going to want to keep a few important things in mind. Draw cats and dogs and other animals like pigs with help from a crafts expert with an extensive and impressive background in this free video clip.
Calming an agitated dog with canine epilepsy requires a lot of love and care on the part of the owner. Calm an agitated dog with canine epilepsy with help from a partner in the Chuckanut Valley Veterinary Clinic in this free video clip.
Exercise is very important for all dogs, but especially for ones who suffer from hip dysplasia. Find out how to exercise a dog with hip dysplasia with help from a dynamic, holistic and conventional veterinarian in this free video clip.
Dogs have a tendency to get ear infections if you aren't careful. Keep a dog from getting ear infections with help from a dynamic, holistic and conventional veterinarian in this free video clip.
Exercise is very important for dogs, especially ones who suffer from arthritis. Learn how to exercise a dog with arthritis with help from a dynamic, holistic and conventional veterinarian in this free video clip.
If a dog's teeth are abscessed you'll be able to tell in one of a few key ways. Learn to tell if a dog's teeth are abscessed with help from a dynamic, holistic and conventional veterinarian in this free video clip.
Physical trauma, infectious diseases and genetic or environmental factors can cause tracheal damage in puppies and adult dogs. The damage may not produce serious symptoms during the dog's lifetime, but severe tracheal problems can be crippling or fatal. It is important to recognize the signs of tracheal damage as early as possible to prevent the condition from becoming more serious. Many types of tracheal damage can be cured or mitigated if they are identified and treated early.
Dogs can develop internal or skin infections from contact with yeast or bacteria. While yeast infections are not contagious among dogs, certain types of bacterial infections are -- primarily those that affect the upper respiratory system. Depending on your dog's condition, keep him quarantined if you suspect he has a bacterial infection to prevent the spread of the disease to other dogs.
Dogs with constant mouth sores and tenderness may suffer from a disease called chronic ulcerative paradental stomatitis, or CUPS. This condition can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms for dogs and can lead to weakness from loss of appetite. An accurate diagnosis of the disease by your veterinarian is the first step in providing relief from the symptoms of the malady.
Many owners become alarmed by the loud noises coming from their sleeping dogs. These noises do not always signal a problem and could be just a normal occurrence in that breed of dog. If you have concerns about unusually hard or noisy breathing coming from your dog as he sleeps, consult with your veterinarian to determine whether a health issue is causing the problem. You may have to learn to live with the noisy breathing as a normal behavior in your canine companion.
Pseudomonas is a bacteria that causes infection in all animals. The bacteria is particularly virulent and is resistant to all antibiotics. Pseudomonas is found in a wide array of environments, including food, soil, water and fauna. Although it doesn’t always cause infection, pseudomonas can cause infection on the skin of a dog, especially in the ear, for a number of reasons.
It can be very disconcerting to discover your dog has sustained neurological damage or has contracted a neurological disease. There are many variations of neurological ailments in dogs. While many are treatable, the treatments vary depending on the diagnosis and severity of your dog's symptoms. Choosing to take a proactive role in your dog's treatment plan will give your dog the best chance for a comfortable and enjoyable life.
Dogs are prone to a variety of external and internal parasites. External parasites include fleas, lice, mites and ticks, while internal parasites include tapeworm, roundworm and heartworm. Most store-bought treatments for parasites contain chemicals that can be quite toxic and result in side effects. Many people prefer to use natural alternatives to control parasites.
Skin conditions can occur in dogs just like in humans. You may notice a bump or growth on your dog’s skin or possibly on her lips or gums. Although the majority of the time these turn out to be harmless tags, it is always best to have a veterinarian remove and test them to make sure they are not cancerous. If it’s malignant, early detection and treatment will give your dog a better prognosis.
Being able to determine whether your dog is choking or coughing is essential to his well-being and can potentially save his life. If you're not aware of the causes, signs and symptoms associated with coughing and choking in dogs, it may be challenging to tell the two apart. To provide your dog with the correct treatment and care, learn about the differences between choking and coughing in dogs.
A dog with a limp is more than enough to distress any dog owner. There are many different maladies that can cause a pet pain and distress. Two major causes of joint problems in dogs are tears in the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and arthritis. Each of these are distinct in their cause and prognosis.
Understanding how to calm a shy or fearful dog is important for a variety of reasons. Shy dogs can become aggressive around other dogs as well as around humans, which can result in biting and other behavior that can cause injury. If your dog is mainly shy around other dogs, teach it to be less so by desensitizing the animal to what he fears. This process is generally a gradual one and will require calm and patience for best results.
Canine distemper encephalitis is a disease that is common among dogs despite efforts to eliminate it completely through vaccinations. The initial symptoms of canine distemper are similar to a cold, but the disease also can progress to post-distemper encephalitis, with debilitating neurological effects that affect movement and behavior. If you suspect your dog may have canine distemper, it is critical to have your veterinarian begin supportive treatment immediately.
A dog's ears need only occasional cleaning to remove wax buildup and bits of debris. If your dog's ears need frequent cleaning and you see more than a little wax, he may have ear mites or an ear infection. Prompt veterinary attention will help prevent complications such as severe infection or hearing loss.
An abscess is an infection characterized by a raised, pus-filled, cystlike formation. An abscess can form on any area of your dog. The most common causes of abscesses on dogs are infected bites, scratches or cuts in which bacterial infection develops. Abscesses are treated in a variety of ways, from lancing and draining to application of oral or topical antibiotics. Consult a licensed vet for advice on the best course of treatment of a canine abscess.
Though many dog owners don’t think about it, dogs need their teeth cared for just like people do. Over time and due to normal eating activities, plaque can build on tooth surfaces and up along the gum line, leading to bad breath, tooth decay and loosening teeth. You veterinarian can provide tooth cleaning and other dental procedures with general anesthesia. Recovery from anesthesia takes place both at the vet’s office and at home. Either way, the owner must provide supervision and monitoring for post-procedure problems.
While many people consider fleas to be a nuisance to their dogs, the fact is that fleas are more than just annoying – they can also transmit potentially harmful diseases to your dog. While flea prevention is the best approach to managing flea disease complications, there are important signs to be aware of that may indicate fleas have done more than just bite your dog.
A dog's breath is never fresh as a daisy, but a foul odor may be a sign of gum disease. Brushing your dog's teeth two or three times a week will help prevent plaque buildup that leads to gum disease and help neutralize bad breath. Performing periodic home mouth checks alerts you to problems before they become serious. Choosing the right food, treats and toys also promotes good oral health and keeps odors down.
Vinegar and rubbing alcohol can be a great way to treat a dog's ear infection at home. Find out about treating a dog's ear infection with vinegar and rubbing alcohol with help from a professional mobile dog groomer in this free video clip.
A carpet with backing problems is prone to snags, wrinkles and uneven areas. Carpets usually have two layers of backing -- primary and secondary -- and if the two layers separate, the threads of the carpet loosen and are easy to snag with normal use. Layers can separate for a variety of reasons, including manufacturing problems and wear issues.
Personification is a literary device used to give human traits to animals or nonliving objects. Widely used in poetry, personification gives the reader a sense that nonliving objects have personality or thoughts; this makes the poem or story more interesting and sometimes more meaningful. Other playful literary devices found in poetry include metaphor and simile, which both compare two things; hyperbole, which is a dramatic exaggeration and alliteration, which uses the same sound to begin several words.
Dogs are notorious scavengers. If you leave food lying out or dropped on the floor, you can expect your four-legged garbage hound to scarf it up. Leaving some food in your dog's reach could be dangerous. While you may know that chocolate can harm your dog, you may not know that other foods, such as onions or mushrooms can also cause serious illness if your dog eats them. Several types of nuts can also make your dog sick.
Dogs, like humans and many other animals, need to have their ears monitored for a variety of health problems that can develop over time. A variety of causes, such as allergies, infections and even just buildup of foreign materials inside the ear, can lead to ear problems in your dog. If you are unsure how to proceed, or if the problem is serious, a veterinarian should be consulted, but there are some basic care methods that can be administered by you.
The boxer is a large working breed, related to most “bulldog” types of dogs of European heritage. Those relatives include the Tibetan mastiff, Dogue de Bordeaux and English bulldog, so it should come as no surprise that the boxer is a powerful, headstrong breed. Add in the terrier influence, introduced from English dogs in its development, and the boxer becomes a dog vitally in need of basic obedience training. Boxers should be taught how to sit, lie down, come when called, walk on a loose leash and heel.
Dogs may dislike other dogs for a variety of reasons. The most common cause, according to Bonnie Beaver in her book "Dog Behavior," is insufficient socialization. Dogs that haven't spent ample time with other dogs don't know proper canine social skills and frequently react with fear, aggression and inappropriate body language. Although it is much more challenging to socialize adult dogs than puppies, with patience and careful planning, you can teach your dog to accept other dogs.
The hibiscus is a hardy ornamental with species that grow as annuals and perennials. It thrives best in well-drained, slightly acidic locations that receive plenty of indirect sunlight and good air circulation. In the ideal conditions, the hibiscus is a vigorous grower and a heavy feeder that requires regular irrigation without saturated soil.
The most likely cause of a sweeping noise in the wall at night is a rodent infestation. Mice are the most common culprits, although squirrels, possums and even raccoons occasionally may fall from an attic and become stuck in the walls. Mice and other rodents are nocturnal, and are most active at dawn and dusk. They may also be more active at night when normal household activity is limited.
Chihuahuas are a common breed in large part because of the intense bond they form with their human caretakers. But the flip side of that loyalty is that these dogs tend to be jealous and territorial. This does not mean you cannot bring a chihuahua into your home if you already have a dog. However, there are some steps you should follow to increase your chances of success.
Slack jaw in puppies typically has an acute onset and can point to a medical condition. While certain dog breeds, such as English bulldogs, have a slack-jawed appearance, and this is normal, in other dogs the condition is a cause for concern. Given that the slack jaw hinders the puppy from eating, drinking and swallowing properly, immediate treatment is necessary to prevent anemia, dehydration and developmental issues.
Most of the diseases that plants acquire are fungal in nature. Fungi travel through the air and attach themselves to plants, but they also travel by plant-to-plant contact and through the soil. Many fungal diseases exist in most soils and only require the right combination of soil conditions and a weakened plant to attack.
A dog that is coughing and persistently thirsty is a dog that isn't feeling well. Coughing is a respiratory symptom, and excessive thirst can sometimes indicate inflammation or kidney problems. A licensed veterinary professional is in the best position to help determine why your dog is coughing and always thirsty.
Eye problems cause discomfort, pain and confusion when they interfere with a dog's vision. The outer parts of the eyeball, including the lens-like cornea at the front of the eye and the white sclera around the edges of the eye, risk damage due to injury because of their exposed position. These parts provide general structural support, and prevent foreign material from entering the eye. Many cornea and sclera problems stem from injuries, inherited disease or parasitic infections.
Tics can be harmful to adults. When a tick feeds, it makes an incision into the skin and inserts barbed mouthparts (appendages adapted for feeding) to extract blood from its host. Most tick species' bites cause little. if any pain but certain species cause painful wounds when they bite. Ticks can infect adults with the microorganisms found in their salivary fluids or on their mouthparts.
Native to the northwestern United States, giant arborvitae (Thuja plicata) is also known as Western red cedar and Western arborvitae. The tree has soft, feathery sprays of dark green foliage that deer dislike. These stately trees have a pyramidal shape and grow around 70 feet tall, with a spread of about 60 feet. Giant arborvitae is normally a carefree tree that resists pests, insects and foraging wildlife, but it may occasionally suffer from diseases caused by fungal infections or transmitted by insects.
White mold -- caused by the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum -- is one of the more destructive diseases that affects sunflowers. This fungal infection is fast-moving and can kill a sunflower within two weeks of invading the plant.
Mountain ash (Sorbus spp.) grows in more than 30 states across the U.S. and in nearly all Canadian provinces. The American mountain ash (S. Americana) and northern mountain ash (S. decora) are native to North America, while other species, including the European mountain ash (S. aucuparia), were introduced from other continents. Mountain ash is vulnerable to several types of fungal pathogens, including those responsible for leaf spot diseases and cankers.
Doxycycline, also called by its trademarked name Vibramycin™, is an antibiotic that is used in humans and animals. Though it is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in animals, veterinarians still commonly prescribe doxycycline to treat various diseases and infections in dogs and cats. If your vet has prescribed your puppy doxycycline, you should know how to administer the drug and be aware of the potential side effects and risks of the medication.
Nearly every organism on the planet needs oxygen. Some get it through water and others, like humans, get it through breathing air. Human energy comes from food and oxygen, but food only gives us 10 percent of our energy needs. Oxygen is required for other 90 percent or our energy, and every cell in the body requires oxygen to live. For the body to receive oxygen, the respitory system, heart, cells, and arteries and veins must play an active role.
Dogs are prone to a variety of diseases that range from minimal to lethal health effects. As a result of this, it is difficult to diagnose a dog based on only one or two symptoms. There are, however, only a few medical conditions that cause a dog to gag or cough. Mouth infections and allergies are two examples.
Yeast infections on a dog's skin can be caused by allergy, poor nutrition or parasites. Overuse of antibiotics or steroids can complicate this problem. Work with your vet to examine your dog's health and history to determine what is causing the yeast infection.
Grapevines, whether grown for fruit or as a decorative plant, can have certain problems if they aren't properly cared for and can develop fungal and bacterial diseases. Pests like mealybugs and beetles can also carry diseases from plant to plant. Diseased leaves and fruits should be removed, and whole vines can also be removed if the disease has spread over the whole plant.
Injuries, insect bites, joint problems or systemic failure can all cause a dog's leg to swell. If the dog limps, check to see if any swelling is present and try to identify the cause. This will enable you to provide basic treatment and some relief until a veterinarian is able to examine the dog.
A cat's spine is a vital part of its central nervous system. The spinal cord relays sensory messages from the rest of the body, provides support and processes reflexive reactions. A cat with a spinal cord injury is paralyzed below the site of the injury and may suffer numerous other health problems. If a cat's spinal cord is severely damaged, the cat may die. Consequently, a spinal cord tumor is a life-threatening illness. These tumors usually occur in overweight and large-breed cats; about a quarter of these cases occur in cats under the age of 3.
Dementia and Alzheimer's in dogs is referred to as Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD). Similar to the affects of dementia and Alzheimer's on human beings, CCD affects elderly dogs by reducing their ability to think, learn and remember, says Dr. Foster Smith. The condition is caused by aging of the brain, which results in a change in chemical structures that affect normal brain activity. CCD affects dogs both physically and behaviorally and is most likely to occur in dogs 10 years and older.
Ridding your home and yard of the canine parvovirus requires persistence. Because of the hardiness of the virus and its ability to survive outside a host for months, parvo is difficult to eradicate. The Merck Veterinary Manual warns that not all common disinfectants have the ability to kill the parvovirus.
