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Posts Tagged ‘dog health’

Your pet might need vet prescribed medications sometimes. You may have to consider many different choices regarding the medication such as holistic or commercial? Fluid or powder? Spot on or collar type medication? Though you vet may advise you, the ultimate decision is yours.

Factors to think about:

While no vet would prescribe medication that’s harmful to your pet, some medications are more problematic than others.If your dog or cat needs a trip to the vet for medication do not forget to ask the vet about the duration of medication and what kind of effect that might have on your animal.In case your pet is allergic to any kind of medication, without fail tell your vet about it to avoid any complications with any drugs he or she may prescribe.Also, When it comes to pet medications, cost can be a big issue, so ask your vet if there’s a cheaper yet equally effective alternative for the medicine particularly if you have to buy it on an ongoing basis.Avoid the use of medicines without proper precautionary measures so as to preempt any harm to your pet and family.

What are the best pet meds?

To administer the medication to you pet you need to be around every few hours in some cases, so ask your vet about the medications for dogs which is most effective and suits your routine as well. The more comfortable you are with it, the better will be the health of your pet. If you want to give pills or injections do consult the vet before administering it to your pet.

How to select a good dog or cat treatment:

Make sure that the dog or cat meds is the one which is not so costly, has best effects regarding the health of your pet, and has minimal side effects.The ideal pet medication is also one that is appropriate for the age, weight, species and health of your dog or cat.Always keep in mind that there are many different factors that will influence your decision, such as brand, natural or commercial, home remedies versus manufactured ones. If something doesn’t work there will usually be plenty of other options available.Often you won’t know which treatment will work best, so try out one and monitor the results and any complications carefully, then try a different medicine if there are any problems or the condition persists.

Caveats:

With pet medications, as with your own, always read and follow label instructions. For example, often dog medication is designed for dogs within certain age, breed, or weight range. Review the instructions carefully.Ask the vet about suitable medication according to the age and breed of your pet. Under no circumstances should you give cat treatment to a dog or visa versa!Giving holistic medication may lead to some serious problems if the proper research is not done beforehand.Always consult with your veterinarian before giving any holistic medications or supplements to your dog or cat just to be on the safe side. It is well known, as an example, that cats are a lot more sensitive and prone to serious complications if given natural remedies such as herbal extracts.

dog books

Dog health is one thing that ever pet owner must deal with on a continuous basis. From the moment they are a puppy, we begin to monitor their health and general well-being. If you have never had a dog before there are dog books that can provide information on feeding, cleaning, training and even what steps must be taken to protect the dog health.

Dog health begins the very minute you take ownership of your canine companion. Before you even think about beginning puppy training you must make sure that you know what type of medication it takes to ensure dog health. Shots such as Distemper, Rabies, and Parvo are absolutely essential to a long and healthy life for your dog. There are other medications such as heart worm medicine and flea medicines that are important as well.

If you are unsure as to what is involved in dog health, check out dog forums for answers on some common questions. The best advice before buying or getting a pet is to do a thorough research to determine if having a pet is right for you. There are some questions to ask yourself before you commit to owning a dog or any pet. The first is how much time do you have to devote to the pet? Do you have enough space to accommodate a dog? Is the dog health absolutely important to you? Do you have the money to devote to puppy training and to making sure that he or she receives regular veterinarian visits to ensure proper dog health?

Dog’s cost money, time and patience. They require proper healthcare and need a firm commitment from their owner. If you do not think you can provide them with a shelter, food and medicine then perhaps it is best for everyone if you do not get a pet. It is far better for a pet to go to the right family then to wind up in a shelter or seriously ill due to negligence.

A dog can bring untold joy to your life. It can help reduce stress and help you get the exercise you need in order to be healthy. They do not care what you look like in the morning and will be there waiting at the end of the day. Return your dog’s love by making sure his or her dog health is important to keep them around for a long, long time.

Many owners of dogs believe that all that is necessary to maintain a healthy dog is a good dog food and exercise. While it is certainly true that commercial dog foods have greatly improved digestibility and nutritional value when compared to pet foods of years past, dog vitamin supplements are an important component of your dog’s health. As in humans, dogs can live a longer, happier, healthier life as a result of the benefits associated with quality dog vitamins.

Vitamins are as important to dog’s as they are to people. Most veterinarians and pet lovers alike recognize that the key to their pet’s health is a healty, strong immune system and to prevent the effects of premature aging and illness. Dog vitamins are a necessity if your want to increase your dog’s health and longevity.

Dog vitamins have a host of benefits when it comes to your pet’s health. Antioxidant rich  vitamin supplements fight cancer-causing free radicals, while at the same time bolstering  certain bodily systems that tend to deteriorate with age. Some signs normally associated with deterioration that come with age are weaker bones and cartilage, bad eyesight and a weak immune system. Vitamin supplements can help counter these problems.

Dog vitamins have been shown to increase a dog’s lifespan.In fact, the research has shown that a regimen of dog vitamins that is started early in your dog’s life will yield the greatest benefits.Dogs that began receiving vitamin supplements as puppies showed better health and better immunes systems across their lifespan.

When choosing a vitamin supplement for your dog, make sure to take his individual needs into account.Dog that are older need different nutrients than younger ones and active dogs have different needs than inactive dogs.Discuss with your vet the needs of your dog and how it relates to the dog vitamin supplements you choose.  Choose supplements that contain all natural ingredients, and avoid fillers and artificial ingredients.  

A quality dog vitamin supplement will include at a bare minimum, vitamin A to fight free radicals, B complex for a healthy skin, coat, eyes, immune system, and vitamin C for a better immune system.Other helpful nutrients include chondroitin, Omega fatty acids and glucosamine.These help keep your dog’s skin healthy, rebuild cartilage and maintain a healthy, shiny coat.

In many cases, pet owners say they see obvious improvements in their dog’s health and behavior within just weeks of a starting a supplement regimen. The most obvious effects are increased energy, stamina and a healthier coat. Although the most important benefits that dog vitamins have to offer can’t be observed immediately. These include counteracting the effects of aging in the long term, and prolonging your dog’s life. This allows your dog to live as long and healthy a life as possible. You’ll be able to enjoy your dog’s company longer, while saving money on the trips to the vet that you won’t have to take.

Take control of your dog’s health and starth him on a regimen that includes a quality dog vitamin supplement. Dog vitamins may cost you now, but the savings associated with less trips to the vet and having a healthier dog will way out weigh those expenses. Most importantly, you will be able to enjoy your beloved pets companionship for the maximum possible time.

Taking care of a new dog can sometimes be an overwhelming job.As the owner of a dog, it is your responsibility to keep your dog healthy.Here are some pet care tips that can help you with this task.

” The Veterinarian is Your Partner in Care

One of your primary responsibilities as a dog owner is knowing when it’s time to take your dog to the vet.If you notice that your dog is not feeling or looking right, it is best to act than to take a “wait and see” attitude.Usually everything will be fine, but your vet should be the one to determine what your dog needs to correct any issue.

There are a number of cases in which it is vital that you call your vet:

a) Don’t delay, if your dog has been in an accident, call your vet immediately.Rather than waiting, take your dog to the closest emergency animal hospital if your regular vet isn’t available.

b)  If you think your dog has eaten something poisonous or inedible, call your vet right away.

c) It is important that you call your vet right away if your dog appears to be in distress.

d) Sudden loss or gaining of weight is an important sign that you should take your dog to the vet.

e) You should call your vet right away if your dog is vomiting, coughing or having convulsions.

– Prevention is always the Best Medicine

Going to the veteranarian should be your last line of defense.As a responsible dog owner, it is your first responsibility to prevent accidents and illnesses as much as possible.

Keep in mind that healthy food and physical activity are the key to your pet’s long life.  Make sure your dog eats a healthy diet, receives dog vitamins and gets plenty of exercise to stay strong and healthy.Watch what your dog eats, and clean their crate and dog house often to prevent the risk of bacteria.A constant supply of clean water is important to your dog’s health.

Ensure that your dog is on a leash, a chain, or inside a fenced yard at all times.If you let your pet wander neighborhoods, he becomes very vulnerable to accidents and injuries.

Bathe your dog in regular intervals.Fleas and ticks can carry diseases as well as making your dog uncomfortable.

Keeping your dog healthy involves more than the few tips provided here.While this is an excellent start, it is always best to ask your vet for specific tips for your dog.  As your pet grows, you’ll learn the best strategies for keeping your pooch safe and healthy.  Above all, remember that it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Arthritis affects not only people but also their dear pets as well especially pet dogs. Statistics say that in US about 25% of pets are affected by arthritis. As an owner for dog and lover, you should pay attention that your non-human friend is always in good mood, cheerful and that it eats well and healthy food. But if you do get a glimpse of changes in your dog’s state of physical activity and mind like having difficulty in sitting down, standing, or even finds it also difficult to climb stairs or if it gained weight or its attitude changed you should most likely that you need to pay your veterinarian a visit. You friend could have arthritis. Some owners who are emotionally attached to their pets have not second thoughts in bringing their beloved to the vet. The veterinarian will do an examination and an X-ray to your dog. And when everything is done, he can prescribed some over-the-counter medications for your dog. However, not all medications or dog arthritis treatment is best for the health of your pet. They can do wonders but they might have side-effects, too, just like medications for humans. That’s why, you can hear your vet saying that you have to make sure you give the right dosage or else…

Now, that is a very dreadful part. If you can’t manage to give your dog the right amount of medication it needs, it will be perilous for him. For some people, medications are not good for both humans and dogs alike that’s why, they would resort to other things and those other things can come in the form of a natural dog joint supplement and right now, there are virtual pet stores on the Internet that offer these kinds of herbal medications for dogs.

But the only problem is, because of so many choices, the owner of a dog with arthritis can have a hard time choosing for the best and of course, the safest product. That’s why, it’s always recommended that he should try to read first some product reviews and/or testimonies for other dog owners on what kind of arthritis dog supplement is best for their furry best friend.

Heat Stroke

A trek to the swimming pool, the local creek, or the ocean helps us stay cool during the “dog days” of summer.But what about our canine friends – how can we keep them cool?

The owner was frantic. Just an hour before, her Lhasa Apso, Gizmo was playing in the backyard. Now he was barely moving and having difficulty breathing.

Racing him to the nearest veterinary clinic, a concerned veterinary technician informed her Gizmo’s temperature was over 106 degrees – he was suffering from heat stroke. Luckily for Gizmo – and with the help of a fast acting owner and the veterinary team – he recovered fully.

Every summer, hundreds of dogs find their way to the family veterinarian after spending just a few hours in the hot sun.

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Dogs can not sweat like people do. Dogs can only cool themselves by panting with the moisture evaporating off their tongues thereby lowering their body’s temperature. Anything overwhelming this natural cooling system leads to heat stroke. With a lot of families away from home during the day, our dogs are sometimes left outdoors where it may be difficult to find shady, cool places and water to drink.

Outdoor Dog Water Fountain

A dog’s normal body temperature ranges from 100 to 102.5 degrees. In cases of heat stroke, temperatures over 106 degrees are considered to be an emergency situation – temperatures over 110 degrees can be fatal in a matter of minutes.

This high level of hyperthermia (higher than normal body temperature) can affect every major body system, such as the kidneys and heart, so it is imperative you get your pet to a veterinarian as soon as you safely can.

Dogs suffering with heat stroke often show the following symptoms:
• Vigorous panting
• Inability to stand, or weakness while standing
• Thick, ropy saliva, literally foaming at the mouth
• Bright red gums, although some dogs may show pale or even muddy gums.

Heat stroke can affect any dog, but the dogs with short faces, such as Boston, Pugs, and Bulldogs may be at higher risk due their inability to effectively pant and cool themselves.

Many people believe that their pet will be fine outdoors. Not enough shade and/or cool water can affect even the most seasoned outdoor dog.

Interestingly, heat stroke in cats is very rare.Most animal experts believe that cats are extremely good at finding the coolest spots to lay and also avoid the excessive, excitatory exertions that many dogs seem to thrive on, such as squirrel chasing.

If you discover your dog vigorously panting on a warm summer day, immediately move the pet out of the yard and into a cooler place.   Getting the pet into a shady area with a fan running on him can be very helpful. Using cool, not cold, tap water on the legs and body can also help to effectively lower the body temperature, as well as rubbing alcohol placed on the skin of the stomach. Use cool water, not just ice or extremely cold water.  Although it seems logical, extreme cold will cause surface blood vessels to contract, forming an insulating area that traps heat in the body, delaying the cooling of the vital organs.

Attempting to force your pet to drink is also not advisable. If you suspect your dog is suffering from heat stroke, quickly load your pet carefully into a car and take him to your veterinarian. Under no circumstances should you leave your pet alone in the vehicle.

Without these few life saving steps, many dogs might lose their lives to the “dog-days” of summer. But, as Gizmo will testify, quick thinking owners and veterinary professionals can help get them back on their feet in no time.

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In order that your dog grows properly and remains healthy, he needs access to certain vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. They provide him with energy and help support his metabolism. They also help his body repair itself when his muscles are stressed or inflammation occurs. In fact, nutrients are the cornerstone of your dogs healthy regiment.

The good news is that most of them can be found in high-quality dog foods that you can buy at nearly any pet supply store. There’s no need to prepare special meals, despite what many owners believe. Below, I’ll provide an overview of the most important nutrients that your pooch requires in order to stay healthy.  Proteins

Proteins are comprised of amino acids. Some of them are produced within your dog’s body, but most of them must be acquired by eating meat and plant products. They’re important for turning food into a source of energy; if your canine is active, he should have a regular supply. Chicken, turkey, fish, and many types of vegetables are great sources of protein.

Carbohydrates And Fiber

Carbohydrates – including fiber – are an important ingredient for the health of your dog’s tissues and intestinal tract. The key is fermentability. If it is too low, the fiber will will not provide sufficient coverage of the intestines. On the other hand, if the fermentability is too high, the fiber can produce flatulence as well as mucus-related issues. Corn and soybeans are excellent sources of carbohydrates for your pooch.

Fats And Fatty Acids

Fats are often considered in the context of how they relate to canine obesity. While it is true that fats can lead to excess weight gain in inactive dogs, they are also a potent source of energy (more so than proteins and carbohydrates). Also, fats are the element in your dogs processes to produce hormones.

Fatty acids are also important. They can help heal your pooch’s inflamed skin and protect him from dealing with a number of health issues (for example, inflammatory bowel disease).

Vitamins And Minerals

Vitamins and minerals are essential for your dog to absorb fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. They cannot be produced in sufficient amounts organically, so you must provide them in your canine’s diet. It is vital that your dog receives the correct and proper amounts. An excess of vitamins can also lead to other health related problems. Plus, they need to be properly balanced with minerals to provide the most benefit. Most commercial dog food is already produced with the proper ratios.

Water

Of course, water is one of the most important nutrients; every living organism needs it. Your pet dog must have these essentials at all times. Even a small decrease in the percentage of water in his body can have long-lasting health impacts.

You’ll notice that each of the nutrients above is necessary for humans just as they are essential for dogs. Make sure your canine has access to them every day. As noted, you don’t need to prepare special meals for him. A high-grade commercial dog food will contain everything he needs except water. Keep you dog healthy and happy.

Leptospirosis

If you work or play outdoors, you and your pet may be at risk of exposure to an old bacterial disease that is getting a lot of new, and news attention recently. First identified in the late 1800’s, Leptospirosis, commonly called “Lepto”, is a bacterial disease. Veterinarians are finding Lepto more commonly because of an increased exposure of our pets to wildlife. It is rarely fatal, but can seriously damage the liver, kidneys, and eyes.

Veterinarians have used vaccines to protect dogs against Lepto for a number of years and these vaccines were successful in decreasing the incidence of the disease caused by the two most common strains of the bacteria that affected dogs. Now two other strains of Lepto have become more prevalent in dogs, so new vaccines to address these new strains have been developed.

With recent public awareness of possible side effects of vaccines in general, these new vaccines have met with mixed emotions from some veterinary practitioners, but most agree that the severity of the problems associated with Lepto infection may outweigh possible vaccine-related risks.

“Should we do it?” asks Dr. Katherine Lunn, PhD, MRCVS, DACVIM of the Veterinary Referral Center in Waukesha, Wis. “I think so, as long as we evaluate the potential risks and discuss them with our clients. Like any medical procedure, vaccination has risks and benefits. The client and the veterinarian have to weigh these. If the vaccine were 100% safe, I would recommend vaccinating every patient. Sudden kidney failure due to Leptospirosis is devastating. I would not want my dog to experience it. But if side effects are common, then that’s a different story.”

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease- a disease that can be passed between animals and people. It is spread by a spirochete bacteria found in the urine of infected rodents, wildlife, and pets. The leptospira organisms enter the body through mucous membranes or through abraded skin. People and animals can become infected from direct exposure to infected urine, but also through contaminated environment, such as water or damp soil. People can even become infected at certain high risks jobs if they handle animals or animal products. Because the Lepto organism depends upon wet conditions for survival, increased caution is advised during times of increased rainfall or when there is any standing water.

Leptospirosis is on the rise due to urban sprawl and an increased exposure to wildlife that can carry the disease. People and pets may be exposed to more animals such as raccoons, skunks, opossums, coyotes or deer that are infected with Leptospirosis. Livestock owners protect their animals such as pigs, cattle and goats with vaccinations and good husbandry.

Dr. Kenneth Harkin, a veterinarian and infectious disease specialist with Kansas State University says “While people may think of Lepto as a disease spread by wildlife, it can come from backyard wildlife, including raccoons- even city dogs can get Lepto.” He cautions that every pet owner needs to be aware that “Lepto is everywhere.”

People and pets can also become exposed to Lepto while camping or participating in outdoor recreational activities. Drinking or swimming in water that is infected with Lepto is the most common exposure, but wet soil can be contaminated as well, so be cautious when digging in damp ground. And don’t let a city environment be your pet’s primary protection against a serious disease.

The signs of Leptospirosis can mimic many other diseases and illnesses. The first signs in dogs are often depression, loss of appetite, vomiting, weakness, and generalized pain. Affected dogs may drink more water, urinate more often and have red, swollen and painful eyes. Because these signs are common to other diseases and non-specific, owners may try to treat their pets at home for such problems as an upset stomach or arthritis. This delays proper diagnosis and treatment for their dog, and alss increases their own exposure to the disease. If caught early, treatment is usually effective and the survival rate is good. However, time is of the essence.

Dr. Harkin warns, “If you let it go for three to five days, or treat it with the wrong medication, it can cause irreversible kidney failure.”

Talk to your veterinarian about the risks of Leptospirosis for your dog. Ask if vaccinating your pet is appropriate. Lepto is extremely rare in cats, but can infect horses and there is no vaccine at this time to protect them. Leptospirosis in people can often begin with vague, flu-like symptoms. If you engage in outdoor work or activities, ask your doctor about protecting yourself.

Preventing Leptospirosis
Dogs should be vaccinated on a routine basis against the Leptospira bacteria. Unfortunately, there are many subtypes of the bacteria and vaccination against one subtype will not protect against another. Talk to your veterinarian about the most effective vaccine for the subtypes prevalent in your area.

Avoid drinking or swimming in water that is likely to be contaminated with wild animal urine. Keep your dog from drinking this water as well.

Control the rodent population and clean up areas where mice and rats may have urinated.

Wear protective clothing (rubber boots and gloves) when working with contaminated soil or other material on farms, in sewers, or during rodent control. Wash your hands after handling animals or potentially contaminated material.

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Kingdom Of Pets: Dog Health Guide Review

The Ultimate Guide to Dog Health is the book that will answer a lot of nagging question s about dog health issues. It will teach you the ways to deal with common maladies and recognize the more severe problems well in advance. The book contains 50 comprehensive diagrams showing you the vital systems of a dog’s anatomy.

Dog hygiene issues are also dealt with in detail. From the elusive teeth care to taking care of your dog’s coat and removing ecto parasites are all covered elaborately. This book has a flow chart which will tell you about identifying the symptoms and treating common disorders.

Preventative measures that will keep your dog healthy are also discussed in detail. The book also tells you how to read your dogs body language. Once you are through this section you’ll be able to understand what your dogs is trying t communicate to you.

And that’s not all, for a very low price of $37 you also get 4 equally useful bonus books. The first book is ‘The Ultimate Guide to Dog First Aid’, this book teaches you about treating common wounds like bites and burns. The second book has 180 delicious recipes that will make your dog gobble every morsel of food also included is another book with 20 health recipes. Finally you also get a book on 101 ways to spoil your dog for under$10, this book tells you about all the fun activities that you can do with your dog inexpensively. All these book just for $37 is a really great bargain, so click that mouse and order now

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Also check these great pet care products:

Dog Food Secrets

Ultimate Secrets To Saltwater Fish And Invertebrates

Ragdoll Cat Secrets – Pet Owners Guide

Ferret Care Secrets Revealed

It’s easy to spend money on our dogs for items they don’t truly need. After all, a little pampering never hurt. Unfortunately, while millions of owners purchase trinkets and luxuries for their canines, they often fail to invest the same attention into their dogs’ health. This can result into larger vet bills down the road. Even worse, the thought of an expensive trip to the vet causes many owners to delay necessary treatment for their pooches.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the things you can do to maintain your canine companion’s health. By spending a little time and money upfront, you can avoid costly emergency bills in the future.

Inspect Your Dog Regularly

Canines deal with plenty of problems, including ear and eye infections, odd discharges, gum disease, and more. Making matters worse, being outside can result in fleas, scratches, and other issues. Invest the time to give your pooch a check-up once a week. That includes brushing his teeth, checking his eyes and ears, and even smelling his breath. Otherwise, the small problem can fester into a larger problem relatively quickly.

Begin Training Classes for Your Dog

Not only will obedience training turn an otherwise rambunctious pooch into a more pleasant companion, but it can save you money on emergency bills. A trained canine is less likely to dart from you into traffic while you’re walking him. Also, training will prevent his snapping or biting a stranger or another pet.

Don’t Neglect Spaying Or Neutering

You should spay or neuter your dog unless you’re planning to professionally breed her or him. Aside from preventing unwanted puppies, spaying and neutering has substantial health benefits. In female canines, there is a much lower chance of developing breast cancer. And the likelihood of developing cancer in the ovaries or uterus is eliminated. For males, the procedure significantly lowers the likelihood of developing testicular cancer.

Set Aside An Emergency Fund

Sometimes, emergencies are unavoidable. You can provide the best care possible for your dog and still end up worried in the veterinarian’s waiting room. Create a nest egg by saving money before a medical emergency arrives. That way, you’ll have the funds to make sure your pooch receives the treatment he needs.

Too often, owners make the tragic decision of sacrificing their canines’ health because they are unable to afford the required treatment. Avoid that situation entirely by creating an emergency fund for your dog.

One last note: make an appointment with the veterinarian to give your pooch a routine check-up every six months. Even if you’re inspecting his coat, eyes, ears, and teeth once a week at home, problems can escape your notice. Plus, your canine may be coping with an internal issue. The veterinarian can perform an examination that uncovers medical problems before they become serious. Treating them early can prevent emergencies later.

A little preventative care – and a lot of love – can keep your dog healthy and happy while preserving your bank account.