What You Should Know Before Buying a Hypoallergenic Dog

If you wish to have a pet dog but you suffer from allergies, it is not hopeless case. Like most people who are afflicted with some type of allergy, be it food, plant, or animals, you can still find a way to enjoy your life, which in a lot of cases, includes having a pet or two. Depending on how severe your allergy case is, you may be able to take a dog as a pet as long as you make an effort to find the dog breed that is suitable for you.

Read more: What You Should Know Before Buying a Hypoallergenic Dog

How to Choose the Right Pet Dog for Your Lifestyle

Before beginning to choose a pet dog of your own, you must at least have a good idea of what type you are looking for. If you are mainly interested in getting an average dog, you may search one and adopt a dog from your local animal shelter. This will not only help relieve the over population of animals in your locality, but also possibly rescue a loving needy dog. Who knows, you just might meet your next best friend here.

Read more: How to Choose the Right Pet Dog for Your Lifestyle

How to Travel With A Pet on an Airplane

If you have a pet and you need to travel what will you do? Perhaps there will be times when you have to visit your relatives or friends urgently leaving you little or almost no time for planning.

For a pet owner, you faced with the dilemma of determining what to do with your pet in this situation. You may either leave it in the house or bring it with you. Traveling with your pet is very possible and manageable. Here are tips:

Read more: How to Travel With A Pet on an Airplane

Homemade Treats for a Happy and Healthy Dog

Baking your own dog treats

Are you aware of the ingredients on a box of dog treats? Do you choose the ones with orange color for that cheese flavor? Or the ones with red because it’s reputed to taste like liver? Have you seen an expiration date for dog-food products? It's like these foods can last forever. You'll never how long these dog treats have been sitting on the shelf.

The things to avoid when buying your dog treats are the ones with the words containing "by-products" and "meal" on the label. Chances are these are food-processing by-products that humans will not consume. Ingredients including chemicals, preservatives, artificial flavorings and artificial colorings are some unsuitable or sometimes potentially harmful contents of these treats.

Proper nutrition and regular veterinary care are the two key ingredients for a healthy, happy dog. If people only knew the quality of ingredients in dog treats that are readily available in the store, people would cook for their pets. Making homemade, all natural dog treats is one step to take control of your dog's health, and do something special for your best friend.

Alternative to baked treats

When you don't have time to bake for your dog, there are many other healthful foods you can offer as treats. Choose dried dates and dried apricots, both must be without sugar, baby carrots, seedless grapes and apple slices. Be sure to remove any seeds, and wash fruits and vegetables well to remove pesticides and preservatives before feeding these foods to your dog. Keep portions small. And remember, anytime you give your dog new foods, watch for allergic reactions.

When do you buy commercial products?

Not everyone has the time nor the desire to cook for their pets. When buying dog treats or dog food, make sure you choose the ones whose primary products, the first few that are listed in the label, are whole foods like beef, lamb, chicken, brown rice, whole wheat, barley and oats. By-products such as meal, corn, and other weird ingredients that you can barely pronounce should be at the end of the list. The best treats have a short and simple list of ingredients.

A lot of pet owners today are concerned about their pet's diet, which has led to the development of more healthful and all-natural products. There are several pet specialty stores and Internet resources that offer a huge selection of dog treats and dog foods. Don't just go for the price or get fooled by the packaging, always read the ingredients and make educated choices.

© 2010 Athena Goodlight

Housebreaking Your New Puppy

The more time you spend with your new pup or dog, the faster she will learn not to urinate or defecate in the house. A puppy is just a baby and must learn what you expect of her. An older dog may have to learn new habits, depending upon how she was housed and trained before.


What Doesn’t Work
You have probably heard someone say, "If the puppy makes a mistake, rub his nose in it," or "Drag him to the site of disaster, point at the puddle or pile, and scold him." Don’t use either of those methods. They don’t work. All you’ll do is frighten the pup and make a mess for yourself to clean up. A dog is so upset when he is being scolded that he can’t even begin to understand exactly what you are angry about.

What Does Work: 6 Easy Steps
1. Watch out for the signs. Be with your puppy as much as possible so that you can learn his different noise and behaviors. You will soon detect that the puppy behaves in a certain way immediately before he begins to relieve himself like when you see your pup start to circle and sniff the floor, he’s almost certainly looking for a place to potty. Watch for this cue and use it to your advantage. You will only have a few seconds to get the puppy out to the place you want him to use. Don’t scold him if you are not fast enough.
2. Pick out your potty area. Pick a spot that you want your puppy to use as his potty area. Place a piece or two of his stool in that spot. This will be a cue to the pup. Take him to that spot immediately after eating. Praise him gently the instant he starts to relieve himself. The praise must be quiet and calm so that you won’t excite him to a point that he forgets what he started to do. When finished, shower him with praises and let him play in another area.
3. Be patient. Don’t play with your pup until he relieves himself. If he does not relieve himself within 10 minutes, put him in his crate and try the whole thing again in about 20 minutes.
4. Keep the potty area clean. Clean up the area everyday, leaving a small piece behind as a reminder for a few days. Once you are sure that the pup understands what the potty area is for, clean up the area completely each day
5. Maintain control. If your puppy is very small, you may have to carry him to the potty spot. Or take him out wearing a collar and leash. Never let the puppy follow you without any type of restraint. Keep a leash and collar by the door.
6. Introduce the puppy to the house in small steps. Confine the pup to a single room at first, preferably one with a tiled floor. Put a baby gate across the entrance when possible. You must be able to observe the puppy when he is out of the crate, so don’t lock him in the bathroom. The best time to allow the puppy freedom in his room is after he has relieved himself outdoors. When you are confident with his behavior, gradually allow him freedom to the rest of the house. Too much too soon may allow him to spot a nook or cranny as a perfect spot to relieve himself. Just take it slow and you will have a reliable puppy.



© 10/19/2010 Athena Goodlight

Brief Guide to Dog Surgery

Dog surgery pertains to any canine veterinary operation. It ranges from minor surgery, which usually only requires a few stitches, to major surgery, which involves medical solutions to multiple body organs.

One of the most common types of dog surgery is cataract surgery. Just like humans, dogs are also subject to complications in vision and blindness. A dog with cataracts gradually loses its eyesight. A palpable symptom of canine cataract is change in color of the dog's pupils. The eyes develop small spots that are either blue or gray in color. In terms of movement, a dog with cataracts tends to look lethargic. It walks uncomfortably and easily bumps into things.

The solution to cataracts is of course, a surgery. During a cataract surgery, the veterinarian removes the lens of the dog and replaces them with artificial substitutes. Cataracts in dogs are caused by consistent exposure of eyes to foreign objects. Just like in humans, the chances to have cataracts among dogs also depend on their genetics.

Read more: Brief Guide to Dog Surgery

Dog Scabbing 101 - What You Need to Know About Dog Scabs

Causes

If you've noticed scabbing in your dog's skin and other skin problems erupting all over your dog's body, it may be because of a developing skin infection caused by different factors such as the environment, the food that your dog eats, certain substances in the house that causes scabbing, or others. There are a lot of reasons why dogs develop scabs such as abnormal sebaceous glands, parasites like fleas and mites, and severe sores due to irritants. So you need to know what the factors or changes are to be able to cure the disorder and prevent it from occurring again.

The thing about dog scabbing is that these are usually the end result of too much scratching and itching, which normally causes sores to develop in the areas where the scratching occurs the most. Dermatitis, a general term for dog skin disorders, usually is the diagnosis for dogs that experience pain, itch, and irritation all over their bodies and would scratch endlessly, causing them to pull of their fur, lick and scratch raw skin, and develop sores that later on would develop into scabs. Another explanation for dog scabbing could be flea bites that have healed over, so most likely there would be cases where you would find fleas dwelling within those scabs.

Solutions

Here are some solutions that would help stop your dog from forming scabs and treating scabs that have already manifested in your dog's body for quite some time:

• What you can do to prevent dog scabbing is to give it regular flea baths in which the scabs would eventually come off on its own. It is important that the baths are done every one to two weeks so that the flea bites will be able to heal and be prevented in the future when your dog is ready to go out and play again.
• Try not to pull out too many (or at all) of the scabs as this is usually discouraged because of possible scarring, especially when the scabs haven't healed yet over time. Most vet nurses and practicing doctors would encourage dog owners to take their pets to clinics and veterinary centers for good treatment. Though this would be more expensive than home remedies, in most cases flea bites and scabbing heal faster with proper medication and treatment.
• Visiting the veterinarian is always a good idea, especially if you're handling strays, because they will be able to observe if the dog has other diseases and skin infections that could be causing the abnormal dog scabbing. Another reason why it is best to take dogs with scabs to the vet is because these scabs are normally caused by parasites like mites and fleas, so even humans could get affected by this skin disorder.
• I also recommend you check out products that naturally help to clear up dog scabs by working with your dog's immune system. Some of these products will also help to relieve scratching and itching that accompanies or causes the scabbing.

by Brandon Roe

If you're looking for more information on what to do, the World Wide Web is usually the best place for information and actual forum discussions between pet owners and vets. You can also call the hotlines of vet clinics if you think professional advice is needed.

Help get rid of your dog's scabs quickly and naturally with the veterinary-approved K9 KlearUp! Guaranteed to help clear up your dog's scabs and skin problems... or you get 100% of your money back, no questions asked. Visit k9klearup.com for a FREE Dog Skin Care Guide.

My Dog Has Ringworm, Now What?

Ringworm in dogs is a very common disease, but ringworm is not a worm but a fungus - little spores land on susceptible skin and start feeding on the dead skin cells. Its appearance as a red ring of rash led to the misnomer ringworm!

SYMPTOMS

Some of the visible signs to detect whether your dog maybe suffering from ringworm disease:

- Small hairless patches on the body
- Scaly skin with dandruff like flakes and with pus in the area
- Red ring of rash
- Common areas of attack are the face, tips of the ears, tail and paws

CAUSES

There are several different types of ringworm or fungi; Microsporum canis is the most predominant one found on dogs and cats. Transmission happens through direct contact with another infected animal or person. People can give it to dogs and vice versa. The fungal spores can live for a very long time in the environment and can usually be found in carpets, bedding etc and infects dog or human when they come in contact with it.

Once your dog is infected with ringworm it can remain contagious for up to 3 weeks and this duration is when the dog is undergoing aggressive treatment. What is heartening to know is that most dogs usually develop immunity to the ringworm disease.

SOLUTION

Ringworm usually last as long as 8 weeks without treatment and then disappears. However to avoid your dog suffering, treatment must be given to cut down the time it will be contagious (please consult your vet if you suspect your dog has ringworm.)

Vets usually prescribe the anti fungal drug Giseofulvin that acts as a fungal inhibitor. This drug has side effects like diarrhea, vomiting and nausea. This tablet does not get absorbed from the stomach unless there is fat included so try giving it to your dog with some fatty meat for it to be effective.

Vets may also prescribe a topical antifungal medication to be applied on the affected areas for a specific period. Be very careful not to get in your dog's eyes.

Antifungal shampoo baths should be given under the guidance of your Vet. You should also bathe any other dogs and cats you may have one time with the shampoo. Don't forget to lather well and leave on for 5 minutes at least.

Lime sulphur dips twice a week are often recommended. It is better for your Vet to administer the dip as it stains clothes and jewelry and worse - it stinks like rotten eggs!

Using a mixture of bleach and water in the ratio 1:10, wipe down all visible surfaces and vacuum daily. Steam clean your carpets and curtains and wash out your dog's bedding and kennel with the bleach solution and lots of hot water. This should kill most of the spores.

PREVENTION

While there is no definite procedure to guarantee prevention of ringworm, you can adopt preventive measures like limited exposure of your dog to other dogs; maintain good hygiene in your home and with your dog's things; groom your dog thoroughly on a regular basis; and by taking steps to avoid cross contamination and human transmission.

by Brandon Roe

Dog Flea Bites - Home Remedies For Your Dog's Relief

Dogs love to play and explore their surroundings, especially when there are other dog playmates around the neighborhood. But when left unattended, especially in areas where all kinds of filth can be found, some dogs suffer from what is popularly known as "fleas" or "dog flea bites". If your dog was once a happy and enthusiastic playmate and is now suffering from hair loss and incessant scratching, this could be a case of dog flea bites and should be treated immediately before it becomes worse.

To be able to understand how dogs suffer from these bites, it is important that you know what really happens when fleas crawl up into the dog's body and start to bite all over. Basically when a flea bites, it excretes saliva and other irritating substances that usually cause an allergic reaction in some dogs, making them scratch all over until hair falls off and sores begin to develop. Such skin eruption is usually characterized by red spots surrounded by a reddened circle or halo, so if you see these kinds of spots on your dog, which is usually either on the lower back or tail, abdomen, and thigh areas, it's most likely a case of dog flea bites. If left untreated, the skin disorder will become severe, causing the skin to thicken and darken and hot spots to start developing, which normally appear as red painful sores, which are extremely uncomfortable for your dog.

Solutions

The good thing about dog flea bites is that there are home remedies which can stop the itching and rid your dog of these parasites. Here are some remedies that you can apply if you've discovered that your dog is suffering from nasty flea bites:

· To be able to prevent the alleviation of inflammation, bathe your dog with cold water to stop the itch and keep him or her clean so that secondary infections won't occur in the future. Never use warm or hot water as this could stimulate the itching again and increase the pain of the sores at the same time.

· Most veterinarians and experts suggest using fresh aloe vera and other herbal plants to sooth the inflamed skin of the dog. Aloe vera is especially recommended since it has significant properties meant to heal and sooth the pains of skin infections and disorders, even on humans.

· You can add foods with fatty acid (ex. Flaxseed oil) in order to supplement your dog's diet with foods that have anti-inflammatory effects. This will be very helpful as it will increase your dog's chances of healing faster from flea bites.

If none of these home remedies work for your dog and the condition becomes chronic in nature, it would be best to visit your local vet for observation and stronger medication, which could be in the form of steroid creams or injections. This will promote faster relief for your dog as well as healing.

I also strongly recommend you check out natural products that specialize in treating dog flea bites. There are a variety out there but one of the most effective ones I've ever seen contains the Mayan traditional herb Tepezcohuite.

by Brandon Roe

What's the Best Dog Shampoo?

There are hundreds of dog shampoo products and dog product manufacturers. Because of this, many dog owners find it difficult to choose one that fits their dog's needs the best. It is important to take note that human shampoo, no matter how expensive, elegant, or mild, is not appropriate for a dog's hair.

Human hair and dog hair have very different genetic structure that should be treated with care. Presently, you may have your trusted dog shampoo brand, but please two minutes to read this short guide in order to make sure that the product you chose is the best shampoo for your dog.

How To Decide?

There are five factors that you must consider in choosing the best dog shampoo-the quality, the promised efficacy, the ingredients, the fragrance, and of course, the price.

QUALITY - When it comes to the shampoo's quality, test how the dog responds to the product, and see for yourself if bathing your dog with this shampoo is easy or not. It's very important that the shampoo you choose can be lathered and rinsed well.

EFFICACY - By promised efficacy, it means that the product should highlight the desired results that it presented in the package. A dandruff shampoo, a shiny coat shampoo, a moisturizing shampoo, a hair growing shampoo and many other types must fulfill the promise that they leave to the consumers.

INGREDIENTS - As much as possible, owners must choose shampoos that are hypoallergenic. This type of product contains mild ingredients that do not irritate the skin and produce serious allergic reactions. Choosing products with natural ingredients is also recommended, as biological conservation and eco-friendliness have also become pressing concerns today. Some of the most popular natural and organic ingredients used in dog shampoos today are aloe vera, peppermint, burdock, and shea butter.

It is important to take note though that many dog shampoos are not mild and natural, in as much as these dog products are aimed to cure certain skin conditions. There are shampoos for dogs suffering from itchiness caused by ant bites, fleas, ticks, and many other insects. There are also shampoos for dogs experiencing skin inflammation, wounds, and hair loss. Serious skin conditions, it must be emphasized, are a veterinarian's business. Over the counter dog shampoo medications sold at pet supply stores are only for mild cases.

FRAGRANCE - The dog must feel homey, and this can be heightened by choosing the best dog shampoo whose fragrance is sweet and reminds the dog of his or her home. In picking a scent, choose something similar to the smell of home-the smell of jasmine, or orange, or strawberry, or lavender, or anything that reminds the dog that it is indeed at its home sweet home.

PRICE - The price of the product should also be a concern, but it is advised to check the label first before worrying about the tag price. Since the bottle will be consumed in perhaps two to three months, it is better to put in the basket something that is mid-range or expensive in price but very worthy to be used than a less-expensive one that does not show satisfying results.

***************
Brandon Roe is the author of "The Official Dog Coat and Skin Care Guide", a comprehensive 52-page guide to healthy dog skin. To receive your complimentary copy FREE today, visit www.K9KlearUp.com

What Stress Can Do to Your Dog

Stress for a pet can either be physical or emotional, just as with their human owners. Stress can be triggered by a change in the pets environment or what a pet perceives as a threat to their well-being.

Health problems such as infections, injuries, injuries from fights and changes in the amount of exercise can cause stress. Boarding in unfamiliar places, breeding, whelping, performing in shows, and travel can cause stress. A death in the immediate family of the owner which can cause a loss of affection can cause stress. Earthquakes, home fires, extra people in the home can cause stress. Sudden changes in the living area such as new furniture or a new home can cause stress. Age is also a factor with stress. Older pets do not react well to changes in their routine. They also become set in their ways. In older pets it is advisable to arrange a sitter rather than put the pet in a kennel if travel for the owner becomes an issue. The pets environment and routines will have only a minimal change. Usually a little more protein and fat are a good idea. For an amount specific to your breed consult your veterinarian.

Stress can cause a change in your pets behaviour. Changes can be aggressive behaviour or complete depression. Either scenario requires TLC (tender loving care). Keep yourself and your pet as calm, quiet and relaxed as possible. Provide comfort food, lots of water and a quiet place to rest. Having a portable kennel and a muzzle are also recommended. Consult your veterinarian prior to and after stressful situations for suggestions to prevent minimal stress and to ensure your pets health and recovery will have a speedy return to normal.

Stress causes an increase in your pets heartbeat and their muscles tense. Extra energy is needed to help cope with stress. Adding a little extra comfort food is recommended.

**********************************************************

Terrie Simpson has been involved in the dog world for over 28 years and has achieved numerous awards with her Springer Spaniels in tracking and obedience. Over that time, she has amassed a good amount of knowledge about how to keep a dog healthy. She is now happy to give back by sharing her experience with other dog owners.

Terrie is a contributing writer for the K9 Kourier - a weekly dog health care ezine. To sign up for the K9 Kourier and receive a free $47 gift visit The K9 Kourier Weekly ezine - everything you need to help you keep your canine happy, healthy and full of life - the natural way.

Caring for Dogs that are Hypoallergenic for Humans

image source
Hypoallergenic dog breeds, and there are many types of hypoallergenic dogs. They have special needs because they are usually smaller in size and have temperaments that may be difficult to handle sometimes. When you first bring your new dog home, you should allow it to roam around to get an idea of its surroundings. If you have other pets, you should put them in another room while the dog is investigating the area. Depending on the breed of dog, they may be very scared at first. They may not want much human contact, so you should be careful about handling them too much during the first few days they are in your home.

Once you new dog becomes comfortable, you should develop a feeding and hair brushing routine that you and your dog will follow. If you have allergies, brushing your dog every day will reduce the amount of allergens in the air. This will reduce the allergens on your carpets, furniture, clothing, and walls. Buy a steel comb with wide teeth that will help trap hair and get out any knots that may be in the dog’s fur. If you purchased a Mexican hairless or other breed that does not have hair, you should make sure that its skin is not dry. If you notice flaking, you should visit your vet who will prescribe medication or lotion that you can use.

Making sure your hypoallergenic dog gets plenty of exercise is important for their health and also for controlling allergens in your home. Walking your dog at least once a day and making sure it sleeps through the night will keep the dog on a routine. Dogs that are awake at night time may want to be with you. Allowing your dog to sleep on your bed could increase your risk of an allergy attack.

Your dog should have a designated place to sleep during the night and during the day. Buying soft hypoallergenic dog beds or giving the dog an old blanket will help keep them warm and safe when they are sleeping. You should wash their pet bed often to prevent allergens from being transferred to carpeting or clothing. While you cannot prevent all allergens from getting into your clothing and inside your carpeting, you can reduce them by keeping everything in your home clean.

Dog grooming is also important when caring for a hypoallergenic dog. Even though the breed that you buy will probably have short hair, you will have to have it professionally groomed every few months to maintain the shape and also to keep the hair from becoming too long. Since hair can grow long and cover the dog’s eyes, and make it difficult for the dog to keep itself clean, grooming your dog with a good hypoallergenic dog shampoo will ensure that it remains healthy and happy.

Now that you know more about caring for a hypoallergenic dog, you should remember that just because these dogs are considered a good choice for those with allergies, these dogs may still cause you to have allergy attacks from time to time. Hypoallergenic dogs reduce the risk of attacks, but cannot prevent them from occurring.

The Advantages Of The Microchip For Your Pets

Every pet owner wants to keep his or her beloved cat or dog as safe as possible. You do everything you can do make sure your pet is well cared for and healthy. If you have an indoor pet, you may not think that keeping identification tags is important, but it is. What if your fuzzy feline accidentally slips out of the door at night and you search to no avail? What do you do, especially if your dog or cat has no identification? Placing a collar with an identification tag is important, but collars sometimes become lost. When you consider the fact that many animal shelters only keep dogs and cats for seven days, you want to make sure that your pet is properly identified. That is where the microchip comes in handy. The microchip is the newest way to identify lost pets and helps ensure that your lost pooch or feline finds his or her way back home.

The technology of the microchip has become so popular that most animal clinics and animal shelters have the ability to scan a cat or dog for microchip identification. If you opt for the microchip, you should know that it is a painless procedure for your pet. Your vet will insert a tiny microchip about the size of a grain of rice directly under your pet’s skin using a hypodermic needle. The microchip is usually placed behind the neck. The microchip contains special digital number that has been entered on a national microchip database. That information will give the person your contact information. When you pet is lost, a veterinarian or animal shelter can use a special scanner to retrieve the microchip information. It is that easy.

Pet owners love the idea of the microchip because it is permanent. You cannot remove the microchip and unlike a collar or tags, it cannot be lost or destroyed. This is one of the best features of pet microchip, especially for cats. If you place a collar on a cat, more than likely it will be a breakaway collar. If your cat climbs a tree, or is caught on something, the collar breaks off. If your cat does not have a microchip, it will be very difficult to identify your cat if it is found.

There are a few important things to remember about pet microchips. First, if your pet gets lost, you should never just sit back and wait for a call, even if your pet has a microchip. Not all veterinarians and shelters are equipped with this technology. You need to take the time to call around and place “lost pet” flyers around your neighborhood. In addition, you need to make sure you take the time to update your contact information should you move. It does little to no good to have your pet implanted with the microchip if the information on the national database is incorrect. Your veterinarian can give you information on how to update this information.


It is important to get your pet implanted with the microchip at a young age. Puppies can have the microchip at age six weeks. Even small breeds of dogs can handle this procedure. Kittens can also undergo this procedure at six weeks. The insertion of the microchip is not painful and feels like a regular vaccination shot. You can have your pet implanted with the microchip at your veterinarian office and can expect to pay between $30 and $50 for this service.

Dangerous Dog Treats: What To Know Before You Treat Your Pup

What pooch does not love getting a treat or two now and then. Dog owners also love giving their dog’s treats. If you have a dog, then you have a good idea of what your dog likes to nibble on. There are so many treats available these days and they all come in all different shapes, sizes, colors, and consistencies. For every great dog treat, there are those on the market that are not so good. These treats can harm your pet by being lodged in your dog’s throat or intestines. This can cause choking or worse. If you love treating your canine friend, then you will want to be aware of those treats that can be potentially harmful. Even with treats that are not usually dangerous, you need to supervise your dog when they eat.

Greenies: Most dogs really enjoy these treats. They are advertised as a treats that help clean your dog’s teeth. However, you need to be aware that “greenies” can cause choking. This is because dogs eat these very quickly causes large chunks to lodge in the throat. Young puppies should not eat this treat and dogs that are prone to “scarfing” food. If your dog eats these treats, be aware of potential vomiting, bloody stools, and difficulty breathing. If you notice any of these symptoms after your dog has eaten this treat, seek medical attention.

Rawhide Chews: What dog does not love snacking on these chewy treats? Rawhides are good because it cleans your dog’s teeth and keeps your dog occupied. However, rawhides are dangerous, as well. Some rawhides that originate outside of the United States may actually be preserved with arsenic-based chemicals that will be ingested by your doggie when he or she chews. For this reason, make certain that any rawhide treat you purchase is processed in the United States where this preservative is forbidden. If you cannot tell where a treat originated do not buy it! In addition, you still need to watch your dog when he her she is munching on rawhides to help prevent choking. Make sure you buy rawhides that are the right size for your dog, too. A small dog needs the smaller sized rawhide treats.

Chocolate: Chocolate is a terrible thing to allow dogs to eat. Of course, sometimes dogs get into candy and cake without your knowledge. Chocolate is toxic to both dogs and cats, so you need to be aware of your dog sneaking chocolate nibbles, especially around the holidays. Chocolate contains an ingredient called theobromine. This acts in the canine about the same way caffeine acts in the human. A little will make the doggie hyperactive, but a huge dose may be fatal. If your dog has gotten into chocolate, you need to look for vomiting, shallow breathing, and irregular heartbeat. A visit to the emergency vet unusually results.

Bones: It seems that it is the right of every dog to be able to crunch on a real bone from time to time. Dogs love bones of all types. However, some bones can be dangerous. Both chicken and turkey bones are especially dangerous because they are brittle. When your dog chews on the, they can easily splinter and cause choking. Some pork and beef bones can also cause the same problem. Veterinarians agree that the one of the safest bones you can give your dog is a shinbone. If you must give your dog a bone, make sure you supervise your pooch and if he or she shows signs of bleeding, then you should call your vet immediately for some advice.

This is not to say that you cannot give your dog an occasional treat. That is one of the fun parts of owning a dog. You do need to watch your dog and make sure that your dog is safe when snacking. Always pay attention to what kind of treat you give your dog in case of a recall.

What Are Common Signs of Dogs with Hypoallergenic Problems?

Dogs that have allergies show many signs including watery eyes, coughing and sneezing, excessive scratching and biting, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, and moodiness. When your dog is suffering from allergies, you may notice one or more of these symptoms. Learning what causes these allergies is the first step toward treating your dog and preventing further attacks.

Many allergies that dogs suffer from are caused by insects such as fleas and ticks, or by parasites. When you bring your dog home from a breeder or from a shelter or pet store, schedule an appointment with a vet as soon as possible. Make sure the dog has all of its shots and that is has been dewormed. This will prevent parasites from causing an allergic reaction in your dog. While you may have to do this more than once during their lifetime, getting rid of the parasites will help your dog’s temperament and keep them healthy.

If you noticed small red bites on your dog or if the dog has been scratching the same area until bald spots appear, then they may have fleas, ticks, or mites. This allergic reaction is caused by insect saliva. If your dog has open wounds, you should wait until the wounds heal before spraying or bathing them with medicine that kills the insects and their eggs. Take your dog to the vet if this is the first occurrence. The vet may be able to prescribe an ingestible pill that will protect them from future infestation. You may also want to keep your dog indoors during flea and tick season.

When your dog vomits more than once a week or has diarrhea for more than one or two days, they may have an allergy to dog food. Switching to another brand or feeding the dog softer food may solve this problem. You should take the dog to the vet anyway so that they can make sure the dog is healthy. Extreme diarrhea will lead to dehydration, so make sure you have plenty of water for your dog to drink.

If your dog’s mood changes suddenly or you notice that they are not as playful as they once were, then you should take the dog to the vet. If the dog has eaten something it shouldn’t or if it is suffering from allergies, it will not want to play as much as it used to. Finding out the cause of their allergy may be difficult because, much like human beings, your dog may be allergic to more than one thing.
Research your dog’s breed to see if there are specific items it could be allergic to and see if they are present in your home. Monitor your dog to see how it behaves and what it is eating. Sometimes eating too much grass can cause an allergy attack. Once you find the causes of the allergy, take the steps necessary to reduce the dog’s exposure what is causing the allergy as much as possible.

The Importance of Pet Vaccinations

When you were a child you had to have vaccinations at certain points in your life such as measles, tetanus, and other shots. This is important for your pets as well. We will specifically look at dog vaccinations, as they are a very common pet to have. Keep in mind during some of these shots are required for cats as well.

Dogs need to have vaccinations to guard against disease. When your dog is a puppy they will need a distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus, parainfluenza, and corona combination between six to eight, nine to eleven, twelve to fourteen, and sixteen to seventeen weeks. They will also need these shots again every twelve months. The next vaccination is a bordetella administered at fourteen weeks and every six months. Rabies must be given at sixteen weeks and again every twelve to thirty- six months.

Vaccinations protect your dog and other pets from human diseases as well as other problems that could arise. Make sure you visit your pet on a regular schedule. A few more vaccinations are the giardia at fourteen and seventeen weeks, with a yearly dose. Lyme is another type administered at fourteen and seventeen weeks as well as yearly.

Occasionally state regulations will require a different administering chart. It is best to speak with your vet to gain the proper knowledge for your breed of dog as well as the correct vaccinations. Dogs are “man’s best friend” and thus it is important to give proper care that includes treatments.

Other care besides vaccinations can be proper baths, toenail clipping, and feeding your dog properly. Most health problems arise in a dog that is either genetically susceptible or environmentally exposed to human food. Human food because of its greasy qualities can block a dog’s artery. So proper nutrition is often found in dog food or cooking meals for your pet per vet guidelines if your dog has health issues.

Dogs also require a lot of attention and exercise. Breeds such as the Huskies or golden retrievers require special care. Huskies are breed as working dogs. They need to have a lot of exercise as well as play time with their owners. Golden retrievers are social animals, will feel lonely, and rejected if left alone for too long. Other breeds though social may not react in the same manners of the latter two. Other breeds can be content with a large yard and runner as long as they can play and eat.

Part of owning a pet, especially a dog is to provide it with love and attention just like you need. Proper care is very important on a day-to-day basis like having a routine feeding time or visiting the vet for the proper vaccinations. Vaccinations can determine the longevity of your dog just like a proper diet and exercise. While your vet has spent a lot of time, going to school for the proper care of animals it is always a great idea to be knowledgeable about your pets care. Vaccinations when not administered properly can harm the animal. I would stay away from ordering medications and vaccinations online if you are not familiar with the products and how to give them to your dog, this may cause some medical problems. Any pet deserves the care we would give ourselves and with today’s world, we are finding better ways to make going to a vet easier.

Dog Health Insurance for Your Pet

The word insurance is one of those words that just makes you cringe. Next to putting gas in your car it seems like the biggest expense you have and there is just so much that you need. You need to keep insurance on your car (it would have been really nice if somebody would have told how big a financial drain that was going to be), if you own a home you pay homeowners insurance, if you rent an apartment you have renters insurance, you struggle with the ever soaring cost of health care insurance, and if you are a really responsible family member you have life insurance. And now you find you are hearing that you should consider purchasing a health insurance plan for your pet dog.

You love your dog, he's more then a pet, he's a valued member of your family and probably your best friend. But health insurance? You can barely afford to put food on your table how are you supposed to be able to afford to insure your pet. Besides he's just a mutt, dog health care insurance is for fancy purebred show dogs, not your rescue pet.

The shoestring you’re probably living on is the very reason you might want to consider putting pet health insurance on your pet. The average dog owner takes their pet dog to the veterinarian approximately 2.3 times a year and it will cost you approximately two hundred and eleven dollars per year. My guess is that each time you pay the vet bill your budget is screaming for mercy.

What happens if your dog contracts a disease, or gets hurt? It doesn't take much to rack up some pretty serious vet bills. What if you have to leave town and can't take your dog with you? Can you really afford to leave your dog at a boarding kennel? You already know how much you have to pay for your prescriptions, do you really think that a dog prescription is going to be any cheaper.
Your dog is your best friend and a treasured member of your family could you really live with yourself if you had to put him to sleep just because you couldn't afford his vet bill.

It is possible to get health care insurance for your dog for approximately ten dollars a month. While it might not cover all of your dogs vet care needs it could help. If you shop around and read each plan carefully you should even be able to find a pet healthcare plan that will help pay for your routine vet visits. Some pet insurance plans will even cover some boarding expenses.
Some questions you should ask the pet health insurance company you are considering buying a pet health care policy from is whether or not your vet accepts that particular type of insurance, if there is a cap on treatments, how much is your deductible, and how will they handle any pre-existing conditions your dog might have.

Medical Problems Of Golden Retrievers

Epilepsy
Also known as seizures, epilepsy disorders normally occur from viral infections, and environmental factors as well. Even though an inaccessible seizure isn’t always a problem, dogs that have recurring seizures should never be bred. Vets can recommend medicines that control recurring seizures, although medicine isn’t always effective. Although epilepsy doesn’t affect the health of a Golden Retriever, it does have an effect on breeding. You can never tell if it is indeed heredity, therefore breeding is pretty much out of the question - to avoid passing it on to the litter.

Skin allergies
Skin allergy is the most common medical issue with Golden Retrievers. Skin allergy is normally the result of allergens such as flea bites, dust, airborne pollen, food, and even mold. Symptoms will vary, although they can include bits, scratching, licking, and even ear infections. Diet is extremely important here, as it can help to prevent a lot of these problems. If you consult with your vet, you can more than likely eliminate the risks your pet has of getting a skin allergy.

Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition that causes the thyroid gland to malfunction. Golden Retrievers that are affected by this disease will normally show such symptoms as coat problems or obesity. This medical problem can also result in a lack of fertility as well. A lack of fertility can be a big problem for breeders, as it makes it very hard for the affected Golden Retriever to breed.

The treatment of hypothyroidism involves taking the oral supplement for hypothyroidism on a daily basis. Once it has been treated successfully, the prognosis will appear to be normal and dog will have a normal, healthy life span, providing there are no other medical problems. This condition is somewhat common with Golden Retrievers, and can be diagnosed by your vet.

Some Golden’s who suffer from hypothyroid problems will have seizures, although this will stop once they go on the oral treatment medicine. Even though the hypothyroid condition isn’t associated with epilepsy, you should monitor your dog to be on the safe side. You don’t want to take any chances with your dog coming down with epilepsy, which is why you should always have your vet do routine checks.

Even though medical problems are somewhat common with Golden Retrievers, you can help to prevent them by making sure your dog is healthy. If you do your part and make sure that you treat your Golden well, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about. Golden Retrievers are generally healthy dogs, although they can get ill from time to time. If you take your dog to the vet and get him treated as soon as he gets sick - he’ll be better and back to his normal self in no time at all.

Dog Food Allergies - How to Treat the Problem

Dog food allergies are rather difficult to distinguish from other allergies like atopy, etc., because the symptoms of food allergies tend to be similar to the symptoms of the other allergies. Despite there not being one outstanding symptom that would point us in the direction of food allergy, which makes diagnosis very difficult, there are some symptoms that have been identified as being related to a dog's food allergy.
------------------------------

Dog food allergies are rather difficult to distinguish from other allergies like atopy, etc., because the symptoms of food allergies tend to be similar to the symptoms of the other allergies.

SYMPTOMS

Despite there not being one outstanding symptom that would point us in the direction of food allergy, which makes diagnosis very difficult, there are some symptoms that have been identified as being related to a dog's food allergy.

Symptoms tend to vary from case to case but I have listed some that have been identified as symptoms displayed by a dog with a food allergy:

o Dry, flaky skin
o Hair loss
o Itchy skin, feet and paws
o Persistent skin infections/ hot spots
o Persistent ear infections especially yeast infections
o Constant vomiting
o Frequent bowel movements
o Skin rashes and hives

Other symptoms like flatulence, sneezing, changes in behavior patterns and asthma can also indicate food allergies.


CAUSES

Research has shown that some dog food ingredients could be the cause of a dog's food allergies, such as corn, dairy products, beef, eggs, wheat, chicken and soy; all common dog food ingredients by themselves.

Dog allergies are most often caused by the consumption of the same food for several years. These allergies tend to manifest themselves quite suddenly, irrespective of the fact that the dog has been eating the same thing for years. Detecting the actual cause of the dog's food allergy can be both a frustrating and time consuming exercise, but here's what you can do...


SOLUTION

Exclusion diet: this is probably the most effective way to find out the cause of a food allergy.

One source of protein is used for up to 12 weeks to see if the dog's condition improves. After that, new ingredients are added (every seven days) one at a time until the problem returns so you can identify the ingredient that was causing the food allergy. This is a very slow and painstaking method but it is effective.

Make sure that you use a protein source that your dog has not been previously been given, such as tofu, venison, fish, lamb or rabbit, making sure that the digestibility percentage is at least 85%. Try to avoid additives as much as possible. Combine the protein source with a carbohydrate; one example would be lamb and rice.

A vet can give medication to help cope with the allergy and can administer a blood test to try and figure out the ingredient causing the allergy. However, such tests are not very accurate as a diagnostic tool and an exclusion diet is usually the best way to go about it.

To help relieve exterior symptoms, I suggest you consider using an all-natural product.

Tip: using distilled water or boiled tap water that has been refrigerated will help to avoid the chlorine content in the water, which is a possible factor.


PREVENTION

There is no quick fix for dog food allergies. It is up to you to find out the ingredient that is causing the allergy and eliminate it from your dog's food. Once you have identified the food ingredient(s) to which your dog is allergic and removed them from your dog's diet, the allergy should clear up quickly enough. Don't forget to keep a diary to record the elimination process - this is crucial to helping your dog get rid of its food allergy.

--------------

Brandon Roe is the developer of www.K9KlearUp.com, the world’s only all-natural dog balm that helps clear up the 17 most common canine skin and coat problems... Guaranteed or your money back.

Signup today for Brandon’s weekly K9Kourier newsletter and get all the best from the canine world sent right to your inbox - Want Great Weekly K9 News?
The K9 Kourier Weekly Ezine
Your Source of Free Quality K9 Info . Signup today and receive a special free gift.

7 Ways to Eliminate Dog Dandruff

Can your dog get dandruff? The answer is yes! If you've found some flaky white stuff in your dog's fur, we'll discuss the 7 best ways to eliminate this problem.

This article examines dog dandruff and will suggest the 7 best ways to eliminate it, including prevention tips. So let's get started!

SYMPTOMS

Dogs - like humans - are prone to dandruff, which is very similar in appearance as well. In most cases dandruff occurs when the skin cells die and start to flake off. Dandruff in dogs is nothing but a pile up of dead skin cells and when the dog scratches, more layers keep flaking off.

CAUSES

The most normal cause for dog dandruff is the natural process of skin cells dying and flaking off. However, if the dandruff keeps recurring frequently then you have to watch out because there is definitely a more serious underlying cause at work.

Some of these causes are:

- Allergies, parasites, infections
- Poor hygiene
- Low level of fluids in the body
- Low level of natural oils and fat in the skin
- Poor natural body nutrition
- Poor grooming and massaging of the skin
- Not bathed regularly
- The most common cause unfortunately, is improper grooming.

Dogs need to be brushed regularly to stimulate the oils in the skin.

- Poor diet can also lead to dandruff - if the dog has only dry food
- Skin irritants like harsh shampoos can lead to dandruff
SOLUTION

Here are 7 ways you can help eliminate your dog's dandruff:

1. As soon as you see signs of flaking skin cells or dandruff, give your dog a bath. Use slightly warm water and a mild shampoo. This should do the trick if it's a case of regular dead skin cells.

2. If the dandruff persists, try using a medicated pet shampoo with oatmeal sold specifically for this purpose.

3. Olive oil is very good for the dog's skin and can be massaged into the skin at regular intervals.

4. There are also specific natural dog skin balms that help clear up skin problems and you should have a look at these as well (just use Google or your favorite search engine).

5. You also want to make sure your dog gets a balanced diet, not just a dry food diet.

6. Groom your dog regularly and make sure his living conditions are of a high hygienic standard.

7. Regular baths at reasonable intervals usually takes care of the problem.

Tip: Sometimes your dog is just plain lonely and keeps on scratching itself. Spend more time exercising and playing with your dog.

PREVENTION

Regular grooming is really all that is required to keep your dog's coat healthy and shining.

While it is good to bathe the dog regularly, it is not advisable to over-bathe...

Olive oil massages and a little olive oil in the food helps a lot in maintaining a healthier skin.

Make sure your dog gets a high quality meal that contains a good balance of proteins, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals.

Make sure that your dog always has plenty of fresh, clean drinking water - this will help to hydrate the skin. This is essential if you live in a hot, arid climatic zone.

Give your dog plenty of exercise.

It is recommended that you not take dandruff lightly. I suggest you monitor how quickly it reappears and, if the condition seems to be worsening in terms of fur loss, excess shedding, excess scratching and rash, consult a Vet immediately. Dandruff in dogs can sometimes lead to very severe illnesses like kidney failure so don't take it lightly.
---------------------------

Brandon Roe is the developer of K9 KlearUp www.K9KlearUp.com. the world’s only all-natural dog balm that helps clear up the 17 most common canine skin and coat problems... Guaranteed or your money back.

Signup today for Brandon’s weekly K9Kourier newsletter and get all the best from the canine world sent right to your inbox - www.K9KlearUp.com signup today and receive a special free gift.

How to Get Rid of Canine Acne

As humans we experience skin problems like acne at least once in our lives, but what most don't realize is that we aren't the only ones who need attention when it comes to annoying acne. Believe it or not, our dogs also have the tendency to develop what is commonly known as canine acne, a skin problem caused by the blockage of hair follicles due to substances like keratin and sebum that are plugging debris within the pores.

This kind of skin disorder is common among certain breeds, particularly for 5 to 8 month-old English bulldogs, Boxers, Great Danes, Rottweilers and Doberman Pinschers.

So how can you tell if your dog has acne? Dogs that have this kind of skin problem develop multiply blackheads or comedones in areas like the muzzle, lips, and chin. If left untreated, canine acne can develop swellings, scabs, and more blackheads, which normally do not affect the dog unless these develop into a secondary skin infection that could cause irritation, itching, and of course pain. If you think your dog's lips or chin have blackheads and swellings that might develop into a chronic type of skin disease, the best solution is to take him or her to the local vet for treatment.

Unfortunately, most canine acne cases cannot be cured entirely but it can be controlled with proper treatment and medication.
The vet would normally base his or her findings on the dog's blackheads, but for further assurance he or she might perform a skin biopsy on the dog. This is also to ensure that the canine acne isn't caused by more severe problems such as mite infestations (demodecosis), ringworms, puppy strangles, and other allergies that could be causing the blackheads and swelling to develop.

Here are some options for canine acne treatment:

- The vet will usually recommend regular cleaning of the infected areas with anti-acne products such as benzoyl peroxide or mild anti-seborrhea shampoos in order to lessen and rid the dog of the bacteria that causes the plugging of debris within the skin and to remove such debris effectively.

- Antibiotics may be needed and prescribed if the canine acne becomes worse due to secondary skin infections that could cause incessant itching, scratching, and pain on the dog. The antibiotics are usually needed for 3 to 4 weeks, but there is a possibility that a swab test would be required for further observation. Make sure that the medications used are prescribed from a well-rounded veterinarian so as to prevent further pain and damage from happening to your pet.

- Of course, if things have gotten worse and you see your dog scratching endlessly on the infected parts (especially the face), it would be best to use an anti-inflammatory drug, which usually comes in the form of either a steroid cream or injection that will be able to lessen the discomfort your dog feels. Again, consult the veterinarian first before buying these drugs to ensure the safety of your dog's health.

I also recommend you check out products that naturally help to clear up canine acne by working with your dog's immune system. Some of these products will also help to relieve scratching and itching that may develop as a result of the acne.

----------------

Reprinted with permission by Terrie Simpson, www.K9KlearUp.com. Terrie has been involved in the dog world for over 28 years and has achieved numerous awards with her Springer Spaniels in tracking and obedience. Over that time, she has amassed a good amount of knowledge about how to keep a dog healthy. She is now happy to give back by sharing her experience with other dog owners. Get the best of the canine world right to your inbox - Signup today for the K9Kourier weekly newsletter atwww.K9KlearUp.comand receive a FREE 41 minute MP3 download on "Natural Ways To Care For Your Canine".

What Causes Dog Dermatitis & How to Help Your Hurting Hound

There are a lot of diseases that dogs are prone to and one of them is the infamous itching problem known as dog dermatitis. Dermatitis is basically the general term used to describe transient or chronic itching in dogs that causes not only their coats to become flaky, scaly, and painful but can also affect the overall health of the dog entirely. Since dermatitis is a general term, there are different types of the disease which could either be transient (short-term and can be treated) or chronic (long term and can be fatal to the dog) in nature. If you've noticed your own dog scratching and biting off bits of his or her fur incessantly, it could be a case of canine dermatitis, which means you should take him or her to your local veterinarian for medications and treatments to cure the skin disease.

Causes

To better understand the nature of dog dermatitis, it is important that you know what factors can cause this skin disease in many dogs. In truth, the causes can vary from mere sunburns and flea bites to actual skin cancers and diseases for dogs. In most cases, the most common causes of dog dermatitis include allergies, irritating substances, seborrhea, reactions to drugs or toxins, fungi, bacterial, and parasitical infections, bad reactions to certain kinds of food, and the like. Another factor could be the dog's breed as some are more prone to such skin infections.

Types

As mentioned previously, there are different kinds or types of dog dermatitis, each with their own set of characteristics and symptoms that make them identifiable. Here are some of the most common:

- Canine atopy: this is a very common cause of chronic itching in most dogs and is caused by an allergic reaction to substances in the environment, especially in grassy areas. This also affects mostly dogs between one and five years and that have a weak immune system to resist such substances. Atopy can be identified if the dog itches and scratches a lot, especially in the face and feet that causes skin to become red, moist, and irritated.

- Pyotraumatic dermatitis: usually known or referred to as a "hot spot", this kind of dog dermatitis is usually identified with a red, moist, hairless, and painful sore on the dog's body that appears suddenly. This kind of skin infection is usually common among dog breeds like Golden retrievers, German shepherds, and Bernese mountain dogs that have thick coats and long hair. Pyotraumatic dermatitis develops when the dog licks and scratches his or her skin raw because of something that causes such irritation.

- Contact dermatitis: this is a dog skin disorder that usually develops due to direct contact with certain materials such as fertilizers, flea collars, carpet cleaners, or other corrosive substances used in cleaning the home. It also occurs to dogs that are overly sensitive to a particular substance that is normally not an irritant. It can cause itchy red skin in the parts of the dog's body that has been exposed to the irritant.

Solution

As previously mentioned, as soon as you suspect your dog has dermatitis, you should bring your dog to the vet and seek immediate treatment. I also recommend you consider purchasing specialized balms that help relieve dog dermatitis. There are a variety out there but one of the most effective ones I've ever seen contains the Mayan traditional herb Tepezcohuite.

----------------

Reprinted with permission by Terrie Simpson, www.K9KlearUp.com. Terrie has been involved in the dog world for over 28 years and has achieved numerous awards with her Springer Spaniels in tracking and obedience. Over that time, she has amassed a good amount of knowledge about how to keep a dog healthy. She is now happy to give back by sharing her experience with other dog owners. Get the best of the canine world right to your inbox - Signup today for the K9Kourier weekly newsletter atwww.K9KlearUp.comand receive a FREE 41 minute MP3 download on "Natural Ways To Care For Your Canine".

What You Can Do to Help Your Pooch Stop the Itch!

There is nothing better to a dog owner than to see his pet healthy, active and happy. A common reason for the transformation of your dog from happy to sad is due to dog scratching. Dogs just can't stand being uncomfortable. They scratch every part they can possibly reach once that itchy feeling comes their way.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dog scratching is something a dog owner must address. It brings about much stress and trauma to your dog, especially when dog cuts come about. The itchy sensation makes the dog scratch and scratch, not being aware that he is making the problem worse. Of course, all he's thinking is, "Get rid of this irritating itch!".

CAUSES

A dog may appear active and playful, and yet be feeling very sore. There are various reasons for the dog scratching problem. It is likely because they have a specific skin issue, such as dermatitis.

Dermatitis can be environmental, nutritional, parasitic, infectious or bacterial. Now, what the dog owner must do first is to contact a veterinarian. As soon as it's noticed, the "dog scratching" problem must be given your full attention, as it may cause serious long-term skin problems if not dealt with early. A dog owner must work hand in hand with his vet, taking the full responsibility of relaying all the necessary information about his dog. With the cooperation of the owner, the vet would be able to identify the possible causes.

SOLUTION

As soon as the cause of the dog scratching is identified, the dog must be treated immediately. Of course, depending on the specific cause, the owner must make some changes in order for the skin problem to totally heal. For instance, dog scratching problems can happen to dogs that are allergic to lawn grass (strange but true).

You may also want to consider products that specialize in treating dog scratching. There are a variety out there but one of the most effective ones I've ever seen contains the Mayan traditional herb Tepezcohuite. You can search Google to find an appropriate product for your dog's scratching problem.
So there you have it, some simple solutions to help get rid of annoying scratching in dogs. Your dog will be wagging his tail again in no time!

---------------------------------------------

Reprinted with permission by Terrie Simpson, www.K9KlearUp.com. Terrie has been involved in the dog world for over 28 years and has achieved numerous awards with her Springer Spaniels in tracking and obedience. Over that time, she has amassed a good amount of knowledge about how to keep a dog healthy. She is now happy to give back by sharing her experience with other dog owners.

Get the best of the canine world right to your inbox - Signup today for the K9Kourier weekly newsletter atwww.K9KlearUp.comand receive a FREE 41 minute MP3 download on "Natural Ways To Care For Your Canine".

Understanding A Dog's Heat Cycle

As usual my new puppy is giving me something to write about. This time it is her first heat. By now a new dog owner should have made the decision to breed their female dog or not. Breeding is not a profitable endeavor, therefore it should be done only to propagate a breed of dog.

Having your dog go through the heat cycle is a messy stressful 3 week or more period. A dog usually experiences a heat cycle twice a year after she reaches 6 months of age. In larger dogs the cycle may be every 9-12 months. In some breeds like Basenji's it may only be once a year.

There are four stages to a heat cycle. The first is called Proesterus. The vulva swells and there is a bloody discharge. The bitch secretes pheromones which attract the males. This period lasts about 9 days and the dog will not allow a male to mount her. It has been recommended to me that even though some dogs may wash themselves frequently, to protect my carpet, clothes, and furniture, it would be wise to purchase protective panties and use mini-pads. The second stage is called Estrus. The female still has a discharge, but now she will allow a male to mount her. This stage lasts another 9 -12 days. The third stage is called the Luteal stage. It lasts 2-3 months whether or not the dog is pregnant. Some dogs who are not pregnant will experience a false pregnancy. Their mammary glands swell and will secrete fluid. They get nesting instincts and become possessive of their nesting or bedding area. The last stage is the Anestrus cycle. It is a stage of reduced hormonal or ovarian
activity. It's the calm before the next heat. During this period, if you are not planning on breeding, you should again consider spaying your dog. Always consult your veterinarian and your breeder for a course of action that is best for you and your dog.

Reprinted with permission by Terrie Simpson,

.Terrie has been involved in the dog world for over 28 years and has achieved numerous awards with her Springer Spaniels in tracking and obedience. Over that time, she has amassed a good amount of knowledge about how to keep a dog healthy. She is now happy to give back by sharing her experience with other dog owners.

Get the best of the canine world right to your inbox - Signup today for the K9Kourier weekly newsletter at

and receive a FREE 41 minute MP3 download on "Natural Ways To Care For Your Canine".

Male Dog Neutering And Female Dog Spaying: When Should It Be Done?

Every year thousands and thousands of cats and dogs are euthanized because they lack a home and family to adopt them. We humans are to blame for this situation. Every year the newspapers are full of articles submitted by the S.P.C.A. relating to the number of animals they have had to kill.

As responsible pet owners we have to make the decision whether or not we want to contribute to the problem or do our part to keep unwanted pets out of the shelters and off the streets. So when do we need to neuter or spay the animals? We need to decide by the time our pet is 6 to 8 months old whether or not to sterilize him/her.

Being a responsible breeder is no easy task and there is no profit to be made. Breeding is done strictly for the betterment and continuation of the breed. The costs of the stud service, the buying or making of a whelping box, the veterinarian bill for the care of the mother dog, possible fees for delivering the pups, puppy food, veterinarian checkups for the puppies, eye exams, worming, fees for docking of the tails, vaccinations, etc., etc., quickly eat up any profits to be made. Then there are the countless sleepless nights waiting for the moment of birth, worrying about the newborn puppies, the noise from yelping puppies keeping you awake. It's simply a labor of love for a responsible breeder.

Whether or not you have a mixed breed or a purebred dog you need to take the precaution so that accidental breedings do not happen. If you have an unspayed female dog you dog will every 6 to 10 months go into heat that lasts about 3 weeks. A heat is also known as an oestrus period. During this time the female will have menses or a period, where she will secrete blood from her vagina. This is a messy situation for a house pet. There are protective garments that may be purchased to contain the mess, but also help deter unwelcome entry from male dogs. Also during this time your dogs behaviour may change and she will be less obedient.

Unsterilized (un-neutered) male dogs can become aggressive and may show overt sexual behaviour when there are in-season females nearby. The male dogs will mark territory in the neighbourhood or in the home by urinating small amounts. Adolescence, is a trying period. Your male dog and you will likely have confrontations over whom is the alpha personality. Now is the time to remember, that you love your dog, but you are the master.

To spay a female dog, a veterinarian removes it's uterus and ovaries. A male dog is neutered when the veterinarian removes the dog's testicles. Both operations are usually safe and require one nights stay at the clinic.

The benefits to sterilizing your dog not only include unwanted off-spring, avoiding temperament problems, but also can benefit your dogs health. Having your pet sterilized will decrease the risk of developing tumors in the genital area. Males can develop problems with the prostate gland. Females can develop problems with the mammary glands. Consult your veterinarian before your pet becomes 6 months old. Take a trip to your local S.P.C.A. and take a look at all the homeless cats and dogs before you decide to leave your pet unsterilized.

------------------------------------------------- // ------------------------------------------------

Reprinted with permission by Terrie Simpson, www.K9KlearUp.com. Terrie has been involved in the dog world for over 28 years and has achieved numerous awards with her Springer Spaniels in tracking and obedience. Over that time, she has amassed a good amount of knowledge about how to keep a dog healthy. She is now happy to give back by sharing her experience with other dog owners.

Get the best of the canine world right to your inbox - Signup today for the K9Kourier weekly newsletter atwww.K9KlearUp.com and receive a FREE 41 minute MP3 download on "Natural Ways To Care For Your Canine".