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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


A dog is only pregnant for approximately 63 days so there isn't a lot of long term changes that will be required to properly feed and care for her. The first thirty days of her pregnancy, roughly to the halfway mark, is really business as usual. She will typically have some issues with what is the equivalent of morning sickness and she may go off her food for a few days at the end of the second week and perhaps into the third week of gestation. This is typically very temporary, perhaps two to three days and anything longer than that should be checked out by the vet.

Always provide lots of fresh water for the mother to be all along in the pregnancy. Even if she is not eating during that morning sickness time she should be hydrating properly. If there are any signs that she is not drinking or appears in discomfort or anxious call the vet and get her in for a check-up.

During the first half of the pregnancy, she can exercise as normal. She should go out on her daily walks as usual but don't introduce any new types of strenuous exercise. She can jog with you and play with other dogs as she always has. You may find she has slightly less energy than usual as she gets closer to the 30-35th day but she should not be lethargic or listless.

It is important to continue to feed her high-quality dog food. There is no need to supplement the food with any vitamins or other additives and avoid feeding high calcium types of foods or supplements. There are risks associated with most vitamins and supplements, largely to the puppies, not the female herself, so never give a supplement at any time during the pregnancy unless you are working with your vet because of a known health problem or condition.

The last 30 or so days of the pregnancy there are some important changes to consider. The first is to switch her feed over to high-quality puppy kibble. This should have a protein analysis of 28% to help the mother to stay in good physical shape for nursing the puppies. At this time the puppies are growing incredibly fast and they will be a significant drain on her metabolic system and she will need more food to stay in a healthy weight range.

It is highly recommended that the female is isolated from other dogs for at least the last three weeks of pregnancy. She also won't need as much exercise and any strenuous exercise should be stopped. It is fine to take her for long walks in areas without other dogs or you can also walk her and play slow games of fetch in the back yard. She is likely not to be too energetic at this time and she will naturally slow down in her movements and actions.

If you have other dogs in the house with the pregnant female make sure they are calm and not prone to boisterous behavior with her. While it is highly unlikely they will cause any harm to the female or unborn puppies it is always a good idea to keep her as calm as possible the last few weeks before whelping.


How to Exercise and Feed a Pregnant Dog


Most people have been on the receiving end of a blast from their dog at one time or another. Once in a while your dog may clear a room when he has a gastric eruption. It's perfectly normal for a dog, or any other animal, to pass gas occasionally. But your dog's flatulence is amusing only so often. If you have a dog who has ongoing problems with passing gas you have probably been wondering what causes it.

Just as with humans, your dog has plenty of healthy bacteria in his gastrointestinal tract to help him digest food. If your dog is sick - if his stomach is upset or if this bacteria is out of balance, then it can cause problems with his digestion. This can happen when your dog eats something that disagrees with him.

The most common cause of a dog passing gas is, as you might guess, food-related. If you are feeding your dog a food that is high in plant material, such as grains or soybeans, then your dog may be more likely to produce gas. Grains can include corn, which is a common ingredient in many dog foods. Corn is often used as a lower quality protein in these foods. Dogs fed food with high amounts of corn in them are often very gassy. Soybeans are also found in some foods. Cellulase, an enzyme, can also produce gas. Psyllium, a fiber, can cause gas. Many fiber materials in dog foods can produce gas in dogs. These would also include beet pulp which is sometimes used in lower quality foods.

These ingredients can cause any dog to produce gas. Dogs are carnivores who are able to scavenge and eat some plant matter and other foods in the wild. But, in a steady diet, they may not do well on high amounts of this vegetable matter or be able to digest it without producing a lot of gas.

If your dog is producing gas and the food you're feeding does contain some of these ingredients, or high amounts of these ingredients, try switching to a different food that doesn't contain them.

In some cases a dog may have an allergy to something in the food you're feeding him. In this case even switching foods may not help if you don't know what your dog is allergic to. You will probably need to take your dog to a veterinarian in order to find out what your dog is allergic to so you can determine the best way to feed him. The simplest way to determine your dog's allergy will be for your vet to do a blood test and send it out to a lab for analysis. The lab can pinpoint the things your dog is allergic to so you can avoid them. You may need to find a specialized food for your dog, depending on your dog's allergy.

There is always the possibility that there is something wrong with a particular bag or can of food that you're feeding your dog. This could be a production problem. If your dog is not normally gassy but he is having a problem with one batch of food, keep the bag/can just in case you need to verify the lot number with the company. Watch your dog for any other signs that something may be wrong.

Passing gas is something that all animals do from time to time and it's nothing to be worried about. It's only when your dog has a continuing problem with gas that you should take note. If that is happening then you should, by all means, check what you're feeding your dog and see if you need to change his food.



Why Dog Pass Gas?


A lot of people are under the impression that dog kidney failure is fatal. It is not exactly true. While it is certainly a very serious problem, it is not something that can kill your dog immediately. With the right kind of diet and medications, you can prolong your dog's life by a few years.

Dog kidney failure, according to pet health experts, is a condition wherein the capacity of the dog's kidneys is reduced drastically. More often than not, they tend to function at less than 25% of their normal capacity. If your dog is in such a condition, you need to understand that you should act immediately to save its life. If its kidney function falls below 5%, it can be fatal.

Kidney failure in dogs is caused by a number of factors. Bacterial infections and bladder stones, if left untreated for a long time, could damage the kidneys badly. If your dog gets hit in the kidney area, it could damage its kidneys as well. Poisonous substances like rat poison, pesticides, turpentine, and antifreeze could damage its kidneys. Certain antibiotic medications and immunosuppressive drugs tend to damage your dog's kidneys as well.

First and foremost, you should be aware of the most common dog kidney failure symptoms like vomiting, depression, loss of appetite, weight loss, and diarrhea. If your dog shows these symptoms, you should take it to a vet immediately and get it checked thoroughly. Once the vet confirms that your dog's kidneys are damaged badly, you should do the following things.

2. Only feed your dog a high quality dog food that is AAFCO certified. This certification means that a food contains the 40 components needed by a dog. Unlike people, dogs only eat one food, so it needs to be well balanced. While a home diet is a good substitute, it needs to be put together by a veterinary nutritionist that can ensure the right combination of components.

3. Consider homeopathic supplements to strengthen the urogenital system, maintain a healthy urine flow, keep the urine pH at the right level, and boost its immune system.

While a special diet or a regular dose of homeopathic supplements cannot make your dog's kidneys function at their normal capacity, they can certainly alleviate some of the dog kidney failure symptoms and improve your dog's health to a considerable extent. This is the best way to increase its lifespan by a few more years and spare the pain and suffering that is usually associated with these types of problems.


How to Prevent Dog Kidney Failure


Congestive heart failure in dogs - it is said that roughly 1 out of 10 canines are diagnosed with this condition every year. It is caused by the gradual weakening of the heart muscle which results in its inability to pump adequate blood. The organ then tries to balance this out by beating faster, which eventually just makes it worse.

While it is highly unlikely that your pet completely recovers from congestive dog heart failure, there are treatments that can be done so that he can still enjoy a relatively good quality of life. Visit the vet for a thorough check-up so you will get an accurate diagnosis of your dog's sickness. You don't know if he has underlying health conditions that need to be factored in when deciding on what treatment he should have.

Common treatments for congestive heart failure in dogs are the employment of diuretics, ACE-inhibitors and Inodilators. Diuretics are prescribed medications that function to get rid of excess fluid that has built up in critical organs like the lungs and abdomen. ACE-inhibitors like enalapril, benazepril, and ramipril and Inodilators are used to treat hypertension by opening up constricted blood vessels. Again, you need to keep in mind that your dog's treatment is largely dependent on the current health status of your dog, his age and the severity of his heart condition. You must never attempt to treat his condition yourself.

What are some of the symptoms of dog heart failure? Coughing, difficulty in breathing, lack of appetite, fainting spells, fatigue, unwillingness to move about, lethargy and bluish/grayish gums are positive signs that your dog is suffering from a heart condition. Many times, sufferers also have distended abdomens due to fluid build-up in the abdominal cavity. These symptoms will not be obvious at first but as his condition worsens, the symptoms will progress as well.

While congestive heart disease is due to a birth defect in the animal, there are also instances wherein dog heart failure can be acquired. They are also more common so you need to be very vigilant about some of the possible causes of acquired canine heart failure. These include heartworms, parvovirus, bacterial infection, thyroid complications and deficiencies in the diet. A lack of essential vitamins, namely vitamin E can bring about heart problems.

You can avoid acquired canine heart failure by providing him with a nutritious and healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Look for supplements that specifically target to improve cardiovascular health in canine stores online. Regularly engage your pet in light exercise to enhance his heart performance, and always make time to visit the vet for periodic check-ups to detect early signs of heart disease.

Heart failure in dogs is not the best news you want to hear for your pet, but it should not define his life. Do the best you can and enjoy each other's company as often as possible. When you do, you will have no regrets-only a stronger relationship built on amazing memories for years to come.


How to Prevent Dog Heart Failure


Although a veterinarian should be consulted, you can find some answers about the most common problems concerning the reasons for blood in your dog's stool. Keep in mind that serious illness and disease could also be the cause.

The possible reasons for concerns about blood in dog's stool could be a result of parasites like the hookworm which attach to the lining of the intestinal tract, living off the dog's blood supply. If your dog is pregnant, hookworms can even travel to the unborn puppies, overrunning their small systems before they are born. Another parasite that can cause bloody diarrhea is Giardia which is transmitted pet to pet by soil, water or food. Of course there are many other parasites but not all cause symptoms or bloody diarrhea. Only a stool sample can confirm parasites in your dog.

Other than seeing blood in your dog's stool are there any other symptoms? Severe diarrhea or vomiting, is your dog eating? These symptoms can be a sign of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis or HGE which is a non-contagious disease believed to be caused by an abnormal response to bacteria and can prove fatal. Any young adult dog of every breed can be affected, but usually smaller dogs like Toy Poodles and Miniature Schnauzer seem to be affected. This disease can be treated, and if not treated, can result in death.

A veterinarian mentioned that other reasons for blood in dog's stool could be from Parvo, if not vaccinated, infections in the bladder or kidney, eating poison or plastic, even constipation or his diet. The wrong diet, causing inflammation of the bowels, can easily be resolved by changing the diet. Stress can cause bowel flare ups as can other serious problems like kidney or bowel diseases.

Another consequence from excessive diarrhea or vomiting could be dehydration. If your dog is not properly hydrated the result could be a life or death situation. So, unless you know for sure what could be causing the blood in your dog's stool, the problem really needs to be checked out so you will no longer worry and your dog won't suffer needlessly.

Causes of Dog Bloody Stool Problem


Many dog lovers and dog owners are horrified to find out that the dog of their dreams is not what they have in the real world. Whenever we watch dog shows live or in television, we are swept away with their gracefulness, manners, and intelligence. Little do people know that just like any other animal, dogs have several behavioral problems that an owner must live with or do something about.

If you have a dog, then you know how it can be sometimes difficult to train your pet. Regardless of the breed, dogs have different personalities and all exhibit different behaviors. However, there are some common behavioral problems that, if spotted early, you as an owner can completely reverse the problems. Let's take a look at the different behavioral problems exhibited by dogs.

The first behavioral problem one would notice is that dogs like to dig. If you're one of the few people that do not mind your dog digging up your lawn, then disregard this, but good owners should train their dogs to stop digging. To train a dog to not dig successfully, you will need to catch your pet in the act of digging and stop it. It is important to stop your dog in the middle as this will help them learn that digging is sometimes not correct.

The second behavioral problem is chewing. Dogs and puppies like to discover the world they inhabit by utilizing their mouth. Whether its for exploration or calming, they need to understand that they should not be eating things that is not food for them. Its utmost important to stop this habit as it can have health consequences. One way to do this is to give your dog chew toys.

Begging is another behavioral problem in dogs. Dogs will often beg for food especially if they see the whole family eating together at the dinner table. You can reduce this behavior by never giving your food from the dinner table to your dog. This may seem cruel, but you can always take the dog to a different room, or even the same room, and put food in the dog's food bowl. This way the dog will understand that it has a special bowl and a special spot to eat.

Aggression is also a very common behavioral problem seen in dogs. This behavior is actually the prime reason why dogs seem such violent creatures, but in reality it is the training they receive that makes them so. If a trainer can control the dog's aggression and potentially reduce it, then it is a safer pet than before.

Sometimes dogs like to pull on the leash when you take them for a walk. Never let the dog pull the leash because if you let them, then the dog will wrongfully understand that pulling on the leash is a good and allowed behavior. Always make sure that if need be, you pull the leash and eventually your dog will learn to walk calmly and carefully beside you.

Lastly attention is also a behavioral problem in dogs. However this is a controversial topic as some people like to give a lot of attention to their dog. But be careful, as this may make your dog spoiled.

In conclusion, behavioral problems in dogs is a large list because of the varying behaviors of dogs. If these behaviors are sighted early, it is easier to reduce them.

Signs of Dog Behavior Problems


Milk fever or Eclampsia is an acute, life-threatening condition which attacks a brood bitch about 3 to 4 weeks after whelping puppies. It is very common in the small breeds of dogs that have had large litters.

Symptoms of milk fever include nervousness, stiffness, and restlessness. The brood bitch will loose interest in her puppies. She will very likely run a fever and have a rapid heart rate. In really severe cases of eclampsia the brood-bitch will have muscle spasms or seizures, and be unable to walk.

Eclampsia or milk fever is commonly caused by low blood calcium during when the body needs to produce calcium-rich milk. It is treated by administering 10 percent calcium gluconate injections intravenously, at 0.25-0.75ml per pound body weight per hour. The brood-bitch will usually return to normal in less than fifteen minutes after treatment.

In really severe cases of eclampsia it may be necessary to wean the puppies or place their mother on a calcium supplement for the remainder of the lactation.

People often give their brood-bitch heavy calcium supplements during her pregnancy, however this does not prevent eclampsia, and can actually cause it to reoccur during future pregnancies.

What is Milk Fever or Eclampsia In Dogs?



 Puppies are similar to human babies. They need tender care and they are very subtle creatures. Caring for puppies need is no different from caring human babies. In this article we will take a look at the best way to vaccinate puppies. Even puppies that begin receiving their vaccinations at a tender age and have a couple of shots can get deadly diseases such as parvo. It's rally important to ensure that you discuss with your vet to determine the right series of vaccinations for your puppy. The following are the current shots your puppy needs.

Puppies get some natural immunity to most diseases from their mothers as soon as they start nursing. This immunity is passed to them through colostrum found in the mother's milk in the first 48 hours after birth. This immunity lasts for the first 5-6 weeks of a puppy's life. Different puppies get different amounts of colostrum and varying amounts of immunity. This early immunity wears off at different times for different puppies, even in the same litter.

This is why it's important to start vaccinating your puppy against diseases at this age. Some puppies will still be immune to diseases like , parvo, and others at this age because of the immunity they received from their mother. This means that the early vaccine they get won't give them any more immunity. For other puppies, this early immunity has already worn off and they require the protection of these shots to keep them from getting sick. That's also why it's important to give your puppy several shots for the same vaccinations, several weeks apart, to make sure that they are totally immunized against these diseases.

There are some "core" vaccines that every puppy should receive: distemper, canine adenovirus-2 (hepatitis and respiratory disease) canine parvovirus-2 and rabies. Other vaccinations are considered "non-core" but they are often given: leptospirosis, coronavirus, canine parinfluenza, bordetella, and a vaccine for Lyme disease. Not all of these shots are appropriate for every puppy and some of them are not considered very effective. For instance, the shot for Lyme disease is not always given, depending on what area of the country you live in. Coronavirus is usually only given to very young puppies since older puppies are not very susceptible to this virus.

There is also debate about the best ages at which to vaccinate puppies. Some people begin as early as 5 weeks. Others start as late as 9 weeks. One possible schedule would vaccinate puppies for parvo at 5 weeks (if the puppies are at high risk for parvo); then vaccinate at 6 and 9 weeks; vaccinate again between 12 and 16 weeks. Then give your puppy his rabies shot between 12 and 16 weeks. Most people wait to give the rabies shot last since it is very taxing to the immune system. It's usually best to give it separately from the other vaccines instead of giving your puppy too many shots at one time.

Your puppy will be due for his booster shots a year later. Check with your vet to see which shots should be given annually, every two years, or every three years. There is no need to give all shots every year. Manufacturers do not suggest this for their vaccines and the vaccinations usually provide more than one year's worth of immunity. There is no need to give your dog unnecessary shots. Too many vaccinations can be as bad as no vaccinations, especially in light of the fact that many dogs suffer from immune system problems.

Naturally, you should discuss vaccinations with your vet. However, if your veterinarian is not open to talking about your puppy or dog's vaccination schedule or which shots your pet needs, you always have the option of choosing a different veterinarian who is more willing to listen

What vaccines Does A Puppy Need?

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