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There are certain things that are instantly abhorrent and for millions of human beings, the idea of eating dog meat is not a pleasant one and yet the dog meat industry is a multi-million dollar industry centered mainly in and around South-east Asia. Countries such as Taiwan and the Philippines have banned trade in dog meat but in some cases, this has served to drive this trade underground.

Why does this industry exist? The simple reason is money. Dog farms are three times as profitable as poultry farms and make four times the money found in pig farming. Besides, millions of stray dogs make an easy target for unscrupulous dealers in dog meat.

Why you may ask, are dogs to be different from cattle and swine? The biggest reason is that cattle, swine, and poultry have been domesticated and bred as important sources of animal protein for centuries. People across different cultures regard these as important food sources. But it is different with dogs.

There are countless tales of their selfless devotion to their masters. Because of their courage, loyalty, devotion, and tremendous usefulness dogs have found their way into our lexicon in the form of countless proverbs and phrases. And this is what makes the trade in dog meat sad. It's fueled by our greed, it's not like people don't have other sources of animal protein. We do.

The dogs are not only butchered for food but that they are killed in an inhumane manner. Many are stuffed in small, dirty, wire cages and suffer stress for days.

Today we live in a world with a food surplus, if there is a paucity of food in certain places then it is everybody's duty to see that our poorer brethren get food. The shocking thing, however, is that the places in which these trade flourishes are not exactly poor. In fact, they are the rice bowl of the world and form the tiger economies of South-east Asia.

I remember the story I read that even before the Olympics, there was a concern that foreign visitors to Seoul might be offended by restaurants offering dog meat. In 1986, a ban was placed on the sale of dog meat as an "unseemly" food. The practical result was that most restaurants in city limits replaced signs offering dog meat with smaller, less conspicuous versions, or they renamed the dish to "health stew."

Apart from our sensibilities, there are good health reasons to say no to dog meat. Dog meat from strays cannot be trusted to be clear of any disease. There have been confirmed cases of rabies in China that happened because of eating contaminated dog meat.

Why Can't Some Human Live Without Dog Meat?



he first thing you should know about dogs nails is that the blood vessels go down to their nails, and if you cut it too short, it will bleed or hurt the dog. The part you DO NOT want to cut is called the "quick". That is the part that has the pink color to it in white or clear nails. Dogs with dark nails, it is much harder to see, and you need to be more careful.

It would pay to get a quality pair of nail clippers, if you are not sure, you can ask your vet, and you could even have them or your groomer, give you a lesson on how to trim the nails yourself. It is not that hard, you just need to be extra careful not to hurt the puppy or dog.

You would be much better off if you teach your dog when they are a puppy, to have their nails clipped. If your dog is walking around, and you can hear their nails clicking on the floor, it is time to cut them. Some dogs need their nails cut once or twice a month, other dogs can go longer between pedicures.

Make sure the nail clippers you are using are sharp. You would start at the tip of the nail, and then clip a little bit at a time. When you get close to the quick, or pink part, you do not want to cut that. If you do cut that, and it starts to bleed, use a styptic stick or styptic powder, or even baby powder, and apply pressure, until the bleeding stops.

On dark or black nails, it is very difficult to see the pink sometimes, so you want to do just a little at a time. You can use a nail file to file down the rest and to file off any sharp edges from clipping.

This is also the perfect time to inspect your puppy or dogs feet. Some dogs that play outside, can get the little burs from the plants outside, and the little prickly thing gets stuck in their feet, just like a thorn, and can get infected, I know this from experience, as we had those weeds on our land, and our dog got the smallest one in her foot, and it got infected, and the vet gave us antibiotics until the infection was cured, and then I made sure I removed those kinds of weeds from our property.

If your puppy or dog did not have his or her dewclaw removed, then it would need to be clipped also. It could get caught up on something when your dog is jumping around. It is the nail on the inside of the front legs, that is a little bit up from the paws, it does not get used, so it might be pretty sharp. Do that one the same way you clip the other nails.

If you don't trim your dog's nails on a regular basis, the quick will start to get longer over time, the part with the blood vessels. Your dog's nails need to be clipped or filed down if you can hear them click on the floor when they walk. The dog should be walking on his or her paws, and the nails should not be touching the floor.

If your dog's nails are too long, it can make it hard for them to walk around properly. It is good to have your dog lay all the way down on the floor while you trim the nails. When you are done trimming your dog's nails, you should give praise and a treat to your dog, because you are going to have to do it again sometime, and you want your dog to cooperate each time.



How to Properly Cut Your Dog Nails



When a dog is suffering from heartworm, it means that they are infected with a roundworm commonly known as heartworm. The organism is actually Dirofilaria immitis, a parasite. This worm is transmitted by mosquitoes and will infect your dog's blood, heart, and lungs. Left untreated, the disease is fatal.

Causes

Heartworms are spread through mosquitos that carry the infective heartworm larvae. The larvae enter the dog's body through the mosquito bite wound and travel through the dog's body to the heart. This process will take approximately six months.

Once the heartworms are living inside your dog, the adults will release immature heartworms (microfilariae) into the bloodstream of the dog. When a mosquito bites an infected dog, it will become a carrier of these microfilariae and infect the next dog it bites.

If a dog lives in a high-risk area for heartworm, without preventative treatment it will almost certainly contract heartworm disease. Although heartworm is mainly endemic in tropical and subtropical areas, it is not limited to these areas. Heartworm has been identified in all 50 US states and is found worldwide.

Symptoms of Heartworm

Heartworm disease can be diagnosed by your veterinarian through a blood test. There are three classes of heartworm, and the symptoms vary from no visible symptoms to extreme ill health. It is difficult for a dog owner to identify heartworm in their pet.

The symptoms of heartworm include but are not limited to occasional or more regular coughing, reduced canine activity or an intolerance to exercise, anemia, fainting, chronic heart failure, labored breathing and high blood pressure.

The severity of heartworm disease will depend on the severity of the infestation, the duration of the disease and the response of the dog. All dogs are different in the way their bodies cope with the heartworm infestation.

Diagnosis

If your vet suspects your dog may have heartworm they can conduct a blood test, carry out an electrocardiograph (can reveal heart rhythm disturbances), a urine analysis or x-rays. They are looking for damage to or enlargement of the heart and associated arteries.

Treatment

Initially, your dog will be hospitalized, and receive a dose of adulticide which will kill the adult heartworms. Depending on the severity of the infestation your dog may need to be hospitalized for a longer period. In some cases, surgery may also be required to remove adult worms from the heart and jugular vein.

After the adult worms have been killed, treatment must be ongoing with a monthly dose of prophylaxis to kill eggs and larvae which have not been killed by adulticide.

You should be aware that the treatment for heartworm can be deadly. Even mild to moderate cases of heartworm will have a considerable impact on your dog. It is not an easy treatment for your dog, and should not be considered lightheartedly.

Prevention

Heartworm disease is completely preventable through a regular dose of prophylaxis which is a preventative heartworm medication. Your veterinarian will be able to assist you with the appropriate medication and dosage to suit your dog.

If your dog does contract heartworm and has been successfully treated, you should take care to administer the monthly dose of prophylaxis as advised by your vet - reinfestation can easily occur especially in high-risk areas


Dirofilariasis Heartworm in Dogs


A Bernese mountain dog is a large dog from the Swiss Alps near Berne, Switzerland. They are characterized by their distinct marking of white and rust like color with black all over. They are a very strong dog that is loved by many. They are used for many things like hard work. They are also very good pets that anyone can love.

Farmers use them because of their strength. They will drive the cattle to the market and warn the farmer of any strangers that enter the property. They are excellent watchdogs and loyal to their owners as well. Berner Sennenhund introduced this breed in 1937. They are indeed a beautiful dog and loved by many. The Bernese is not related to Saint Bernard like some people assume.

The Bernese mountain dog has a temperament that is very important to make the dog what it is today. They are dogs that are sometimes shy and can be considered awesome. They are quiet, but they are also tough as well. They need to have the right obedience training so that they can be the best-trained dog that they are expected to be.

The average life span is usually eight to ten years. There are some that live to fifteen years and then some. It is not a guaranteed fact that can be determined as with anyone or any animal.

The Bernese mountain dog is a good dog but they can have their problems as any breed can have. They are large dogs so they will have growing problems from the time they are puppies. They may have bone problems like hip and elbow disorders. Another serious health problem may be the number of cancer found in different dogs. This may be related to the autoimmune problem that is relevant. Some of the dogs may also have flea allergies and can be managed with flea control on a regular basis.

The main thing to remember is that it is a great dog and one that can be loved by anyone. They need to have the proper diet and the right exercise to make them as happy and as healthy as they can be. They should be treated just like any animal and that is with love and care. Having a Bernese mountain dog is a big responsibility and a great honor as well.

Getting a Burmese mountain dog is going to be a great time as well. There is no other joy that can be found than having a great dog to love. This breed of dog is a great companion and a great friend as well. They are a lifetime friend and a great investment as well.

All You Need to Know about Bernese Mountain Dog


Husky dogs have often been looked upon as one of the most popular choices whenever the need for a family dog arises. Gentle and lively, the husky dog is suitable even for families with many pets or small children. However, as with all other pets, husky dogs require care in order to ensure their physical well-being and safety. For families who are currently adopting or have the intention to adopt the husky dog as a pet, several dos and don'ts should be observed.

Dos:

1. Bring your husky to a vet for regular checkups. Like all other pets, husky dogs require regular checkups in order to ensure that their health needs are met. Vets dispense valuable advice regarding various issues of your husky dog. Moreover, dog-related illnesses are best cured if detected early. Regular checkups are thus the best prevention against various dog-related illnesses.

2. Take measures to safeguard your husky. Being active dogs, huskies are relatively prone to get lost. Inability to fence your garden high enough would result in your husky leaping over the fence and running away from home. Given the athletic nature of husky dogs, it would be relatively difficult for you to relocate your pet if it manages to run away from home. When taking your husky on a walk, make sure he is leashed to prevent similar runaway incidents from occurring.

3. Train your husky. While they are gentle dogs, huskies are known to be extremely jumpy and can carry out a whole lot of mischievous acts around the house such as digging potholes in your garden. Fortunately, the husky is an intelligent dog and is relatively easy to train. You can do the training yourself or engage the services of a professional dog trainer. The basics of husky training would include toilet training, social skills as well as a basic discipline around the house.

4. Get a companion for your husky. Huskies are dogs that are used to living in packs. The choice of companion for your husky can either include another husky or another pet such as a cat. However, companionship should be introduced when the husky is a puppy to facilitate early familiarization and interaction.

Don'ts:

1. Get a husky if you are looking for a guard dog. Do not be deceived by their huge size for huskies are gentle dogs and are known to be friendly even to strangers.

2. Overfeed your husky. Like all other dogs, overfeeding is often the cause of obesity and can lead to various health-related problems amongst dogs. Do not be deceived by their size with regards to their food intake. Should you have any questions regarding the proportions of food which you should feed your husky, never hesitate to consult your vet for professional advice.

The list of dos and don'ts for raising a husky are not limited to what is mentioned above. In any case, it is important to note that time, effort and commitment are of the essence as far as raising a husky are concerned. Only get a husky if you are able to commit to raising it up.


The Dos and Don'ts of Caring For Husky Dogs


If you're wondering how to train a dog to walk on a leash there are a few simple tips you need to know before you start. Remember that pulling on the leash is a completely normal dog behavior and is related to his desire to explore the world around him.

When training your dog to walk on a leash, walking a dog is one of the very first skills you will have to get under your belt is training your dog obedience. Have your dog walk beside you, not pulling you around the block. When you are walking with your dog on the sidewalk, you want them to walk on the street side of the sidewalk, giving them less of a distraction and allowing them to focus on the new task at hand. Give them the command to go and then continue walking and they will quickly learn that you are the boss when walking. And will give them and understanding that you are the boss at home as well. If you expect your dog to control their self while walking on leash, you must also expect them to control their self before you go for a walk.

With a proper collar and leash start walking with your dog along a fence or in a yard. Start to train your dog to walk on a leash so they get use to being between you and the barrier without deflection. Your dog may try to pull forward, if this happens then pull them back saying "here". Most commonly you will want to offer a treat when your dog shows appropriate behavior, early on this will work for a desired reaction. If your dog looks up at you in the expectation of more treats, give them keep walking and give positive praise. Put the hand with the in front of their nose and continue to walk. After about a week of day after day practice, stop offering them the treat, instead just hold your empty hand in a normal position at your waist and continue to reinforce proper behavior with positive praise.

The key here is to remember not to allow your dog to pull at the leash while walking. Many dog owners have leash-pulling problems, and many dog owners think it is hard to fix the problem, even impossible to have a well-behaved walking buddy. It has been said that there are no bad dogs, just bad owners that is the furthest thing from the truth. There are neither bad dog, nor bad owners; there are just a communication breakdown between owner and pet.

How to Train Your Dog to Walk on a Leash


Jumping fence is a habit in dogs. Every dog wants to jump the fence when his owners are not there to see them. But the question arises that why do owners leave their dogs out of the house when they are not at home. The most common reason for this is the dog's destructive behavior. In order to get rid of the fence jumping problem, dog owners should try to correct this destructive behavior. If your dog is trying to jump a fence or wall that is not more than three feet high, then you can just increase the height of the fence or barrier to stop the dog from jumping.

The habit of jumping the fence can also be because of a social factor. The dog may be just seeking some company of other dogs which he thinks are on the other side of the fence. This type of behavior is common in dogs which are shut out of their homes. But this attempt often just result in dog going back to the front door of the house and requesting the family to take him back in the house. In order to prevent the dog from scratching your front to door in this process, you can install a dog door on it.

If your dog is trying to jump the fence with a determined goal of going on the other side, then he may actually wants to take part in some activity that he has already done before. For example, if you have left your dog out on the streets to play on a Sunday when your kids were home, then he will demand to be set free on the road every time he sees your kids home in the middle of the day. He will show his demand by trying to jump the fence. Therefore, do not make it a pattern with the dog. As if you set him free every time after particular happening then he will make it a habit.

Dog's also jump the fences when they are sexually active. This type of jumping is the hardest one to control and the only way to control it is by keeping your dog inside during that period.

If you have allowed your dog to roam around the neighborhood freely on a regular basis and if you have also allowed him to urinate where ever he wants, then the dog may try to jump the fences. Such dogs would like to go on the other side of the fence to protect their territory, as urinating at a certain place is the sign of marking their territory in dogs. In order to stop this habit in your dog, you must discontinue his walks for some days.

Many pet owners think that marking of territory through urination is necessary in dogs. But the truth is that most dogs that live in cities as pets never get to learn about these idiosyncrasies from their rural cousins. Therefore, they only behave in this manner because they are allowed. If you stop your dog from urinating all around the neighborhood then he will also stop trying to jump the fence.

If your dog is trying to jump the fence, then he may also be frustrated about his confinement in a limited space. Dogs need social interaction and freedom to stay happy. Fence jumping is their attempt to escape and be free.


Why Dog Jump Fence?


If you've recently found blood in canine urine, you know that can be a bit unsettling. Don't worry yet because most often the conditions that cause this symptom are easy to treat. In this article, you'll learn the common causes of blood in dog urine and what to do about it.

Blood in canine urine can be caused by many factors, but the most common is a urinary tract infection (or UTI). These infections are caused by bacteria, typically e. coli. Since the infection causes inflammation in the bladder which can lead to bleeding and scarring of the delicate tissues, it can be quite painful for your pet.

In addition to a urinary tract infection, canine blood in urine can also be caused by an infection in the bladder system (usually, the kidneys or urethra.) Female dogs are more prone to infections in the urethra because their ureters are shorter than males.

In male dogs, blood in canine urine could be a sign of an infected prostrate gland. If this is the case, you might also notice that your dog's penis and testicles appear to be swollen.

Another possible cause is bladder stones or the accidental ingestion of poisonous household chemicals.

Regardless of what you think the problem is, take your pet to the vet. If your dog is diagnosed with an infected prostate gland or kidneys or ingestion of poisons, your vet will advise the proper treatment. If your dog has a urinary tract infection or a struvite bladder stone, you can treat your dog at home.

Be advised that if blood in canine urine is treatable with antibiotics, you might want to do what a growing number of caring pet owners are doing and treat your dog with a homeopathic remedy instead. The reason for this becomes clear when you understand that antibiotics do not affect a cure; they only suppress the symptoms. This is why many dogs wind up with recurring infections. On top of this, antibiotics have side effects.

Instead of giving your pet antibiotics, try a homeopathic remedy. Unlike drugs, homeopathic remedies actually heal the conditions that cause blood in canine urine in the first place. Homeopathic remedies are completely natural and have no side effects.

Look for a homeopathic remedy that contains proven ingredients like canthansis, berberis and uva ursi. Since these remedies come in granule form, they are easy to administer: just drop a few crystals in your dog's mouth or sprinkle them on his food. They are strong enough to heal your dog's condition, yet gentle enough to use every day for prevention if needed. This is particularly helpful for older dogs or breeds that are prone to urinary problems.

So in summary, if you spot blood in canine urine, get your pet to the vet. If your dog has a urinary tract infection or struvite bladder stones, you can treat your dog with a homeopathic remedy at home. For other more serious conditions, your vet will advise you of the best course of action.


Common Causes of Blood in Dog Urine


Dog Arthritis is a like a "thief in the night". It will creep slowly into your dog's system and if you are not quick enough to spot the signs, your dog will unfortunately be robbed of a pain-free life. Therefore it is extremely important that you learn and understand the early signs of canine arthritis. This is one disease that if you catch it early enough you can make significant changes in your dogs quality of life for the years to come.

If you have any suspicion, the best thing to do is to bring your dog to your veterinarian for examination and x-rays in order to be sure. Many people avoid making the investment in x-rays early in the disease process because of the financial cost involved with veterinary care. In most cases, in order for proper X-rays to be taken the dog has to be sedated or put under anesthesia. This can add to the overall cost of the diagnosis. At the end of the day though, it is well worth the initial investment to catch this disease early as it will save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars over the years in veterinary fees and medications.

Just keep in mind that the earlier you can have a proper diagnosis, the better the chances of healing as well as instituting preventive measures to avoid future flare-ups. Since your dog can't talk, it will be up to you to be quick in spotting abnormal signs,especially when it comes to your pet's mobility and the presence of pain.

Although Dog Arthritis may occur in dogs of any age, it is commonly associated with aging. At the onset of the disease, a dog rarely shows that it is "suffering" or in pain. When arthritis first sets in, your dog may find that it is painful or uncomfortable engaging in activities that it normally performed without difficulty, such as climbing stairs and chasing birds in the yard. As the arthritis progresses most people notice their dogs become more "couch potatoes". This change in attitude should alert you that there is something wrong.

The biggest misconception pet owners have is that their dogs decrease in activity is due to "old age". Ninety-five percent of the time this is not the case. Instead, it is because the dog is in pain when it gets up and moves around. Normal daily activities become a burden for them.

As the disease progresses and your dog continues to move around less and less, the muscles begin to atrophy. Remember the saying; If you don't use it you lose it! The skeletal system (ie. bone and joints) are supported by muscle, therefore the more muscle your dog loses the more stress and weight is placed on the joints when your dog gets up and moves around. This is a vicious cycle which ultimately leads to your dog unable to get up at all without assistance and then all to often owners opt for euthanasia. Yet if the pet owner had been more proactive most likely they would never had arrived at this point in the first place.

As you can see, spotting the early signs of Dog Arthritis and starting immediate medical intervention cannot be overemphasized. As a pet owner you need to take an active stance against this debilitating and degenerative disease that can prematurely debilitate your dog's life. It is never too early to start your dog on a balanced joint supplement that contains ingredients with natural anti-inflammatory properties and chrondroprotectants such as Glucosamine and Chondroitin.

More often than not, a dog suffering from Arthritis will show a couple of clinical symptoms. Below are the most noticeable and presumptive signs that you must watch out for early diagnosis and treatment:

1. Slowing Down: When your aging dog slows down, it does not mean that it is just a normal sign of growing old. Your dog may be suffering from Dog Arthritis and be in pain.

2. Sleeping More: You'll find your dog sleeping longer in the morning and preferring to stay in bed.

3. Closed Hind Stance: If the Arthritis is affecting the joints of your dog's hips or knees, you will notice that their back legs are closer together when standing. This usually is a sign that they are compensating and therefore shifting their weight forward to the front legs. The hind legs are brought closer together in an effort to just balance their hind-end. This is called the "closed hind leg stance"

4. Wide Front Stance: In contrast, since the front legs are now supporting most of the body weight, your dog's elbows appear to be pushed out giving them a wider stance.

5. Bunny Hopping: It is not normal to see your dog running with the two hind legs moving together at the same time. They will look like bunnies hopping across the yard. When you see your dog "bunny hopping", this should be a major alert.

6. Licking Joints: Discomfort in the affected limb or joint will cause your dog to lick at it in an effort to alleviate the pain and discomfort.

7. Slow to Get Up: This is one of the most common clinical signs that you can easily spot and must not ignore.

8. Exercise Avoidance: Your pet may have a sudden change of mind when it comes to going on walks. Most dogs love to take a walk. You may suspect something is bothering your dog when it is reluctant to finish the usual route, though, you should be concerned when this happens over a period of time and not just once or twice.

9. Jumping Avoidance: Your dog will hesitate or totally avoid the stairs, or jumping on beds, couches or in the car.

10. Stiffness: You may notice that your dog is stiffer than normal.

11. Exercise Induced Limping: You may begin to notice that your dog has a subtle limp that comes with exercise and then resolves with rest and time.

12. Loss of Muscle Mass (ie. muscle atrophy): This can be determined by regularly running your hands over your dog's body. To have a comparison, run your hands on the right and left side simultaneously.

How to Spot the Early Signs of Dog Arthritis



Dogs are just like human beings when they are pregnant. They are in constant need of nutrition and veterinary checkups to ensure that the puppies are in their best of health. Also, one way to find out if your dog should undergo cesarean delivery is with the help of laboratory examinations.

Through an x-ray, your veterinarian will be able to tell the number of puppies in your dog's womb. Also, the size of the puppies will be measured against the size of the female dog's tubes. This way, the owners will be able to find out if their dog should undergo cesarean section or normal delivery depending on the ratio of the puppy's size and the tubes of the female.

However, not all people actually go to the veterinarian to have their dogs checked during pregnancy. The safest way to make sure that she delivers safely is by being wide awake during the dog's whelping and actual delivery.

If you notice that the dog has been in labor for more than an hour with no success of pushing the baby out, it would be best to call your veterinarian. In this case, the veterinarian will ask you to bring the dog to the clinic to be able to assist you further.

As soon as the dog is in the clinic, the doctor will assess whether or not it is necessary to perform C-Section on the dog. In most cases, dogs that have bigger studs are the ones that undergo surgery during delivery so you might want to make sure that the stud is smaller.

Remember to always have a number of your veterinarian posted on your fridge. If they do not have 24-hour services, find another one that does so you have somewhere to go to if your female dog decides to give birth in the middle of the night.

Choosing Between Dog Cesarean and Normal Delivery

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