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The worst thing you can do for your dog is to wait for dog heart disease to occur. By then, it may be too late to seek for dog health care. It is almost impossible to predict whether your dog is going to have heart problems, but there are signs that can help predict such a thing.

The best way to know how apt your dog is to getting heart problems is by doing research. There are certain breeds of dogs that are much more prone to contracting dog heart disease than others. If you have a dog breed that is under this category, it is absolutely vital that you take action NOW and not later.

In any event, heart disease is certainly not uncommon in dogs of all breeds. Because of this, many dog owners ask the dog health question as to how they can prevent heart disease in their dog. There are a number of ways you can do your best to prevent any kind of heart disease in your dog, but sometimes it is impossible to prevent.

Despite this, there are things that you as a dog owner can do to help your dog. The most basic methods involve their diet and exercise pattern. By taking your dog on walks and giving them as much exercise as possible, your dog will maintain a strong and healthy heart. The same goes for the diet you provide your dog. If you provide your dog with an unhealthy diet and a minimal amount of nutrients, the result is the same as if you ate McDonald's your whole life.

So the dog health question arises; are there any kinds of food, in particular, you can give your dog to prevent dog heart disease? The answer is yes. It is thought to be that most cases of heart disease are related to a lack of L-Carnitine and Taurine. L-Carnitine is a natural protein-like substance that allows cells to carry fuel to the heart. Taurine is an amino acid that is found in the muscles of the body and is quite abundant in the heart.

Taurine also protects the heart from calcium overload and keeps the heart beating. Therefore, a lack of either of these two nutrients is certain to cause some form of heart problem down the road. The easiest dog health care solution is to find foods that are abundant with these two nutrients. Or there are some wonderful supplements on the market containing these amino acids.

Whether you are treating a dog's heart disease of some form or preventing dog heart disease from developing, it is crucial that you take action. Because of how prevalent various forms of heart disease are in dogs, including an enlarged heart, heart murmur or heart failure, you need to begin exercising your dog regularly and providing them with the right kinds of nutrients.

Dog Heart Disease and how to prevent it


Do you know what vitamins are in your dog food? How about what vitamins are NOT in your dog food and do you need to supplement with additional vitamins and minerals. Even if the dog food says "complete" is it really? Also, if you are using a supplement is it complete and provides everything your dog needs?

 Vitamins are essential to life - they regulate metabolism and assist the biochemical processes that release energy from digested food and are the foundation of body functions. Some are water soluble which means they cannot be stored in the body so therefore they must be taken into the body daily - including Vitamin C and Vitamin B-complexes. Fat soluble vitamins can be stored for longer periods of time in the body's fatty tissue and liver - include vitamins A, D, E, and K. Even though these vitamins are stored in the body, if the dog is on a restricted diet or is missing some of these essential vitamins in their feed the body will use up the storage and it must be replenished. If the vitamins are not replenished to adequate levels the dogs will begin to show signs of sickness and lackluster.

Most of the time all we hear about is Vitamin D, however Vitamin A is very important to a dog's health and well being. One of the main benefits is it enhances the immune system and helps to heal gastrointestinal ulcers. It is needed for the maintenance and repair of epithelial tissues on the skin and mucous membranes especially if there is a wound.

Vitamin A in an antioxidant - helping to protect the cells against cancer and other diseases and necessary for new cell growth and slows aging. The protein in the feed cannot be utilized by the dog's body without vitamin A. Vitamin A is very important in the formation of bones, teeth, aids in fat storage and protects against colds, flu, respiratory infections and infections of the kidneys, bladder, lungs and mucous membranes.

Does your dog have any of these skin problems such as: dry hair, dry skin, air loss, scaling and bacterial and fungal infections of the skin?

In dogs progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a genetic retinal eye disease common to all breeds and causes blindness and can lead to cataracts, but may be prevented and halted by the addition of vitamin A to the diets. To test for vitamin A deficiency pull out one of your dog's hairs, if the hair has a sticky, goopy substance on the end, this is a strong indication your dog has a vitamin A deficiency.

Does your dog deserve a happy, healthy life free of sickness, illness and diseases that can often times be prevented by the addition of a complete natural supplement? I know my dogs do and so do yours.

How to Prevent Blindness in Dogs


Making your own organic dog biscuits is a fun way to show your dog how much you care. These little treats are both delicious and good for your dog. Organic food is made without the use of harmful pesticides and herbicides. When you make organic dog biscuits, you also save money. Buying packaged natural or organic dog treats in the store can be quite expensive. Why not give your dog the same thing for less money. Your dog will thank you!

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups organic whole-wheat flour
1 ½ cups of unbleached organic white flour
½ cup or organic peanut butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup of water

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees for at least a few minutes. Combine 2 tbs of olive oil, 1 cup of water and ½ cup peanut butter in a bowl. Mix all ingredients very thoroughly. The next step is to combine both flowers together. Add 1 ½ cup of each type of flour and mix with other ingredients. You will need to add the flour in gradually while mixing. Continue doing this until you have thick dough.

The next step is to knead and roll the dough into a ball with a rolling pin. Use wax paper and extra flour to prevent the dough from sticking to the rolling pin. Continue rolling the dough until it is nearly 1 inch thick unless you would like thinner dog biscuits.

Next use a dog shaped cookie cutter to create dog bone biscuits. If you don't have a cookie cutter, simply cut out squares with a knife.

Bake your fun shapes in the oven for 20 minutes or until they are golden brown. Once the organic dog biscuits are done cooking take them out of the oven and allow them to cool. Keep them stored in an air tight container.

Warning: Never add chocolate, candy or any sugar to the ingredients. Chocolate can actually make a dog very sick and too much sugar is not good either. The peanut butter will provide enough taste for your dog to feel satisfied.

How to Prepare Organic Dog Biscuits







Saur Rules Norway


In the 11th Century, Eystein angered that his son the king had been assassinated, insisted that the people choose either himself or his slave asking instead. The people, disliking his slave, chose his dog, Saur, to be King of Norway. Saur ruled for three years, though admittedly, he didn't pass any laws. Saur died an early death, killed by a wolf, apparently in a duel.

Pavlov's Dog


I'm cheating a little here because Pavlov actually used several dogs, but they were vitally important to the history of psychology. Pavlov showed that he could condition a dog to salivate on ringing a bell by feeding the dog when the bell rings. What this proved was that autonomic responses like salivation could be trained, while before that, they were considered to be completely instinctive. This led to increased attempts to condition parts of human nature previously believed to be beyond alteration. One of Pavlov's dogs can be seen stuffed in the Pavlov museum in Russia.

Fala keeps Roosevelt in Power



In 1944, Franklin Roosevelt was accused of many things in his battle for his fourth term as president. However, his opponents went too far when they accused Roosevelt of sending out a destroyer simply to pick up his dog, Fala, from the Aleutian Islands. Roosevelt quipped that he himself didn't take the attacks personally, but his dog was very hurt. This humor plus the absurdity of the original charges shamed Roosevelt's opponents and he went on to win a fourth term.

Checkers save Nixon's Career


In 1952, Richard Nixon's political career was nearly over. He was running for vice-president, and he had taken a number of private donations that had recently come to light. Faced with political oblivion, he claimed that his dog, Checkers, had been donated to him. He loved his dog, he said, and would never give him up. This gave him the sympathy of dog lovers everywhere, and he went on to become vice-president and eventually president.

Laika becomes the first astronaut


In 1957, hot on the heels of Sputnik, the Soviets decided that they wanted to launch a living creature into orbit. They launched Sputnik 2, which had on it Laika, the first ever astronaut. Laika was actually a stray dog, taken from the streets of Moscow because stray dogs could deal with extremes of cold and hunger. Unfortunately, the Soviets built no way for Sputnik 2 to return safely to the ground, and Laika died in flight.


Presidential Dogs That Changed the World


They say that a dog is man's best friend. The person who came up with this term was certainly right. This heartbreaking image published by Emiliano Sala sister, Romania, shows what a best friend Nala was to the footballer.

Believe me, it’s one of the saddest sights to watch a dog suffering from the loss of a beloved human companion. It is difficult to explain to them what happened or why their human is never going to return. They are confused. Their feelings of separation and abandonment are quite real to them. The only thing they know is that in a minute the object of their grief was here, the next they are gone.




They say when a dog shares his life and home with a human companion a strong bond forms. Nala has lived his life with his pal and his pal's scent is all around his environment. He feeds him, plays with him, spends time with him and perhaps a lot of times sleeps close to him! This way of life between Nala and the footballer forms a strong friendship.

There is no better way to explain Nala strong friendship with the footballer than these heartbreaking images posted by Emiliano sister. These pictures really proved what a worthy companion Nala was to the footballer. The sister posted the pictures at the weekend, showing loyal Nala staring off into the distance at the sky, seemingly hoping the tragic player would return any second.



The post is made all the more heart-rending as it is believed Sala, 28, had traveled on the private Piper Malibu aircraft to say goodbyes to close friends, including Nala, before joining his Cardiff City teammates for his first day of training following his club-record £15 million moves from Nantes.

Social media users were devastated by the images and posted their own tributes to a tragic tale in football.

Sala had plans to later arrange transport to the Welsh capital for Nala, who he rescued from an animal shelter and would often walk the dog in the vineyards of French town Carquefou, north of Nantes, which he had made his home.



Unfortunately, those plans never came to execution. On Sunday, the remains of the plane were found around 63 meters underwater in the English Channel off Guernsey, two weeks after losing contact with the coastguard.

A day later, Air Live reported that after an investigation carried out by the Air Accident Research Branch (AAIB), the video images showed a body present within the plane's wreckage, belonging to a member of the plane’s crew, which consisted of Sala and the aircraft's pilot, David Ibbotson.

Emiliano Sala's Dog Still Waiting for Him to Return Home



Dog bone cancer accounts for 80 percent of all dog bone disease. Even though these tumors can occur in any bone, they are more likely to develop in the long bones of the legs. This important article will help you understand the diagnosis and analysis of bone cancer in dogs.

Bone cancer in dogs is often mistaken for arthritis, sprain, hip dysplasia, patella luxation, and other orthopedic disorders. The cause of dog bone cancer remains unknown. At the time when the cancer is diagnosed, the tumor would have most likely spread to other parts of the body.

There are 6 types of bone cancer in dogs.

1, Osteosarcoma: Osteosarcoma makes up about 80% of all dog bone cancer. It affects mainly the limbs. Older (7-9 years old) and large breed dogs are more at risk. The tumor grows from within the bone and destroys it from inside out. The affected bone becomes weaker and eventually fractures. It will never heal.
Osteosarcoma in dogs is very aggressive and spreads quickly, making it difficult to treat.

2. Chondrosarcoma: the second most common type of bone cancer in dogs is a cartilage tumor. It usually develops on flat bones such as the ribs and skull. Chondrosarcoma is not as invasive and metastatic as osteosarcoma.

3. Fibrosarcoma: Fibrosarcoma is rare and usually occurs in the axial skeleton such as ribs, jaw, and vertebrae.

4. Hemangiosarcoma: Another rare type of cancer in dogs affects both axial (flat bones like the spine, skull, and pelvis) and appendicular (limbs) skeletons. It is extremely metastatic and survival rate in dogs are low. Hemangiosarcoma is more likely to arise from the spread of cancer from other parts of the body than as primary bone cancer.

5. Multilobular Osteochondrosarcoma: This is a tumor of the outer layer of the bone, affecting the skull, toes, pelvis, and ribs. It is very rare, locally invasive and tends to spread slowly.

6. Synovial cell sarcoma: This type of tumor develops in the joint tissues and spread to the adjacent bones. It can spread to other organs such as the lungs and lymph nodes.

Dog bone cancer symptoms

The common signs are lameness, pain, swelling, fracture, bleeding, breathing difficulty, lethargy, and loss of appetite.

 Dog bone cancer treatment

The conventional treatment is usually a combination surgery (amputation or limb-sparing), chemotherapy, radiotherapy and pain relief medications. In most cases, amputation is the first recommended treatment to minimize tumor spread and to relieve pain. The traditional approach is good for reducing tumor masses.

As the dog's immune system is compromised by the disease and drug treatment, holistic therapy is crucial for promoting immune function and overall health. This is done through immune support supplements, nutritious diet, minimizing exposure to toxic chemicals and avoiding unnecessary vaccinations.



All You Need to Know About Bone Cancer in Dogs



Puppyhood is the stage of the life your puppy when he needs plenty of the best dog food around. He is not likely to be picky with what he eats but this doesn't mean that he doesn't need a properly balanced diet.

Puppies only get their nutrition from what you feed him and at this stage in their life, they need all the nutritious food they can eat. The best dog food should be food that nurtures his growing body further, it should also be the kind that gives him all the energy that he needs to sustain playtime.

Before you pick out the best food to feed your puppy, consider these factors first:

•    There are three stages of dog life: puppy, adult, senior. Feed your pet with food appropriate for his stage of life.
•    In the first few weeks your puppy is normally fat but if he continues to be this way after 3 1/2 months, you must restrict his diet or you'll end up with an overweight dog.

•    Once you find what your puppy likes, stick with it as their stomachs are sensitive to changes in diet.
•    Consider your budget, feed your puppy with the best dog food that is nutritious and within your budget.
Here are tips that can help you choose the right food for your puppy:

•    Choose food that is formulated for puppies, you can't feed your pet cat food since cats have different dietary requirements than dogs.

•    His food should also come with a recommendation from your vet and must be specific to his breed. It shouldn't contain more than 25% protein and must be devoid of fillers because you will be feeding him more to compensate for the lesser amount of nutrients present in the food.

•    You might be tempted to feed him table scraps. This is not recommended as human food may contain ingredients that do not sit well with a puppy's digestive system.

•    Many vets and dog breeders recommend that in choosing the best dog food you take a close look at the ingredients. High-quality dog food should list the following as its main ingredients: eggs, meat, and fish printed on the labels with their corresponding weight.

•    When making a choice between wet and dry food many breeders, vets, and seasoned pet owners suggest that you mix the two to get the best of everything. Vets further recommend that dry food should be preferred as this gives the puppy the chance to develop his jaw muscles but if your puppy is teething and is having trouble eating, you might want to give him wet food for the time being.

•    Many vets will also recommend premium dog food rather than commercially prepared food that you can find at the supermarket and pet stores. They are quite expensive but they are good for puppies because premium brands do not contain artificial ingredients, chemical preservatives, and fillers.
•    To be sure of the food ingredients why not make homemade food for your pup? There are a lot of recipes all over the Internet which really are fun and very easy to do. This is a great way to show your love to your pet as well as allows you to save money.

•    When you decide on feeding your puppy with homemade food, be sure that your food does not contain bones because experts say that eventually, bone fragments will get stuck on his teeth or throat causing your puppy great discomfort. Also be sure not to include food that is harmful to puppies such as avocados, chocolates, and more. See your vet or surf the Internet for more information regarding this.

By taking the time to do careful research and investigation you will be able to find the best dog food for that new pup you have and by doing so will lay the foundation of good health for your pet.




The Best Dog Food For Your New Puppy


One study found that drivers are putting their lives at risk, as well as the passengers and other road users on the roads, by not strapping their dogs into their cars. Experts estimate that if the car crashes at 40 km / h (25 mph), the unrestrained dog can develop projection forces 40 times that of its weight.

However, the survey of 1,000 dog-owning drivers revealed that 45 percent do not secure their pets every time they drive their cars. And more than half of them allow their dog to roam freely in the car on each trip.

After the collision in Dundee, one of the retirees furiously attacked another female driver in the road with. Also, the insurance claims can be invalidated if the pets are not securely tied in the car.

The Ford survey found that 29 percent said their dog "did not like being tied" or that he had crashed while driving, while 25 percent said it did not make sense on a short trip. Another 17 percent said they could not place a dog cage, known as one of the safest ways to transport pets, into their car.

Ford commissioned the study following the development of all new Focus estate, which was designed to accommodate the largest dog create possible, which could even carry the Irish Wolfhound, the longest dog breed in the world.

The focus was a labor of the love jobs for Ford engineer René Berns, who acquired the helped of Emile, his Australian Shepherd, to ensure that the largest crate was possible.
"Most people will be full of heartbroken if something happens to their beloved dog, and no one is expected to crash," he said.

"But it is important, for the benefit of all, to take all safety precautions when moving the legs of our four friends."

 "I know what it means for me to be able to take Emile with me wherever I go, and I am proud he has helped make that easier for other dog and their pets to travel safely and comfortably."

The study also found that 35 percent of dog owners are distracted by their pet when they are meant to pay attention to the road. A 37% of drivers who do not restrain their dogs allow their pets to stick their heads out the window while in motion.

Incredibly, 10 of the interrogators were horrified when their dog jumped through an open window while driving: with six out of 10 pets being injured or even in some cases died.

Graeme Hall, a dog trainer, said: "If you have a pet, think about its safety the way you would any other member of the family.

"I always carry my dog Lily in the boot in its cage, she can move easily and is safe for everyone, I think this is the best solution."

The study also found that almost a quarter has their dog barked loudly and unexpectedly while driving and one in 20 people have had their dog turn their car to a mobile toilet while on the road.

One in four dog owners admitted that they had thought about the fact that driving with their dog unsecured could endanger their lives, but do it anyway.

And a tenth has had a near miss while driving because of their dog distracted them while it was not tied in the car, according to research conducted through OnePoll.

But the British will want to drive 40 miles with a dog loose in their car, being most likely to place it on the back seat before being allowed to roam freely.

Drivers 'putting lives at risk by not strapping their dogs into cars'


Dogs are so cute. As soon as you first saw your cute little bundle of fur you know he was the dog for you. He was so adorable. You could imagine him playing with your kids, sleeping at your feet in front of the fire, making life happy and wonderful for the whole family.

What you didn't anticipate was biting. Or his pushiness. Or that he would chew up clothes and furniture. You didn't know he'd be so hard to housetrain. You didn't know that he wouldn't listen to you at all. But it's time to admit that you have a difficult dog.

Maybe you feel like giving up. Lots of people do. Lots of problem dogs end up in animal shelters where they will most likely be put to sleep. At best they will be adopted out to someone else while they still have all the same problems. The result will be that they will probably end up right back in the animal shelter again.

You probably feel like you're trapped and living with a bad dog. You are living with a badly behaved dog. Your dog isn't bad but he hasn't been taught how to behave properly. What your dog needs is a commitment from you - his family - to work with him (the difficult dog) to improve the situation. That's the most important first step in handling any difficult dog.

What happens after you make that commitment to your dog? There's no one single solution to a dog's problems. Each dog's personality and needs are unique to him. There are some good answers that work for lots of dogs, however. There are four basic things you can do to start helping your difficult dog live a happy life and become a pleasant home companion.

1. Make Sure Your Dog Is Healthy: In some cases, it's possible that behavior problems can be due to health problems. Some housetraining problems can be caused by health issues, for example. You should consider the possibility that your dog has an underlying physical problem. Have a vet check your dog out before you assume he's a "bad" dog. Proper treatment for health problems can resolve some behavioral problems and help your dog's health.


2. Be Patient: Training requires patience. You can't expect your dog to change his behavior overnight, even with the best of training. He didn't become a naughty dog quickly and it will take a little while to change his behavior. You have to change his thinking and his behavior patterns. Try not to judge your dog according to how your neighbor's dog went through a training course, or how a dog on TV is claimed to have been trained. Each dog is different and your dog has to learn at his own pace. It will take a commitment of time and patience on your part (and on the part of your entire family) for your dog to make progress. If you become impatient your training is likely to be inconsistent and you may lose your temper. All of these things will slow your dog's progress or set him back.


3. Look For Information: Look for the best information you can find about training your dog. Little pamphlets from the pet store are not going to do the job. What you need is detailed information written by experts about dog training. You need proven methods to help you train a difficult dog. Check the library, bookstores, and the Internet to find good information and tips to help you understand and deal with your dog. Start right from the beginning. Find out which trainers are respected and which ones are most likely to train in ways that may work with your dog.

4. Don't Be Afraid To Get Help: Look for help when you need it. If your dog has some serious behavior problems or if your own training isn't working, don't be afraid to find a professional dog trainer. If you feel like you've reached a dead end sometimes a professional trainer is the best solution. Quality professional dog trainers have worked with many dogs and seen many problems. They have a great deal of experience. They may be able to try an approach that you haven't found yet. At the least, you can consult with a trainer.

How to Handle a Difficult Dog



What you do in the first 12 to 24 hours when you first bring a dog home is critical to the success of the dog settling in and becoming a much loved, valuable member of the family.

Before you get your dog make sure all the paperwork is done properly. Purchase a strong collar and leash or maybe a harness if you are picking up a small dog. Take the dog out of the shelter and for a walk around the area.

Be cool and calm and at this point don't make too much fuss of the dog. If you have chosen a dog that has dominance issues you will be telling it that you are beneath it and that it can take control. You don't want this to happen to be firm but gentle with your new dog.

Choose where the dog is going to sit in the car on the way home before you get in. I know children will want the dog to be near them but is it safe for the dog or the children? The dog might vomit or bark and jump around and you don't want your children getting dirty or hurt. I would recommend a strong car harness or a steel crate for traveling in the car.
 Most car harnesses are designed for walking too and you will always find a use for a crate both in the car and at home.
If you have another dog have someone else bring the dog to a park. Do not pick up the new dog with the existing dog in the car as dogs will try and protect their territory and this will include your car. You don't want a fight on your hands on the first day. Meeting in a neutral area like a park will give both dogs a chance to sniff each other and get along with each other without the need to defend territories. If you can and it is safe to do so, let them off leash.

Dogs know they are cornered when they are on a leash so by allowing them a little freedom you may avoid any unwanted aggressive behavior. There is information at the Messy Pawz Dog Training Website regarding introducing a new dog into your home when you have an existing dog that you will find useful.

When you arrive home to take the dog on a leash around the backyard and then into the house. Show it where it's going to sleep. Give it a drink of water and a little bit of food. Then take the dog for a walk around your neighborhood for at least an hour. Walking is a great way to bond with your new friend. It will also help your dog use up any unwanted nervous energy.

If you have a cat, it won't appreciate this new intruder so it might be best to let them introduce themselves slowly over time and from a safe distance. Your new dog may become aggressive towards your cat and frighten it. Your cat may become aggressive towards the dog and frighten it!! Cats don't handle any change in their routine or their environment so try to keep things peaceful for its sake by not forcing friendships.

Try to feed the dog on what it had in the shelter for the first week then slowly wean it off to what you want to feed it over the next two weeks. You don't want your dog getting an upset stomach from a dramatic change in diet. Also, feed your dog at the same time as it was fed at the shelter for now.

Remember the first night at home is going to be the hardest for your new dog. You have done the right thing by rehoming it but it doesn't know that. It will take time for your new dog to adjust, some dogs longer than others. However, if you are patient and prepared, you will soon have a loving companion to share your life with.

What to Do When Bringing Your New Dog Home and What Not to Do

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