By: Razvan Marian Jr
Beagle – this dog is one of the most well-known scent hounds in the world due to its energy and lovely disposition. The breed was born by mixing the Harrier with other famous hounds in the Great Britain. These animals have been used in packs or alone to hunt not only pheasant but also other birds. The Beagle is a sturdy dog and a squarely-built hardy small hound that has a quite easy-care and sleek short coat. This coat can come in any hound color, take for example the following possibilities: tri-color, black & tan, red & white, orange & white or lemon & white. The Beagle is similar in appearance with the English Foxhound. The dog has a square shaped muzzle that is straight and the skull is broad and a bit rounded. The Beagle hound has wide ears that are pendant and the brown or hazel eyes have an unique pleading expression.
Mountain View Cur – this breed was developed for a long period of time and entire generations of very strict selection and also line breeding, starting with the original Mountain Cur were born. In the present, these dogs are known to be the purebreds but also thoroughbreds of the cur dog world due to the uniformity as an entire breed, a truly remarkable bird hunting breed that is used for almost all bird hunting expeditions in the world. The main reason for this is because the breed is very healthy with no genetic deformities, making them almost perfect. Why they are so good at bird hunting? The answer is quite simple, because they are very fast and agile, that is exactly what you need on a bird hunting adventure. They need a lot of exercise to drain that great amount of stamina as they are a very active breed.
Golden Retriever – this dog was first developed in the British Isles by combining a yellow Flat-Coated Retriever, a rather light-coated Tweed Water Spaniel, a Bloodhound, the Newfoundland and other spaniels, a truly complicated procedure. When the dog saw the daylight it was known as the Golden Flat-Coat and got famous thanks to its bird hunting abilities, making him one of the most popular bird hunting dogs along with the already presented Mountain View Cur. The Golden Retriever is quite a sturdy and extremely beautiful dog with a very well-proportioned body and a lovely gold colored coat. The Retriever’s outer coat is water-repellent and the undercoat is quite dense. The Retriever has a head which is broad with a wide and extremely powerful tapering muzzle. The dog has a scissors bite and a clear frontal stop. The dog has a black nose and his brown with dark rims eyes have a kind and peaceful expression.
We presented only three of the most famous bird hunting dogs in the world but you must know that there are others as well, like the American Water Spaniel, the Border Collie or the English Springer Spaniel, the choice is up to you as the choice of a bird dog greatly depends on the hunting style.
Article Source: http://www.freeforallarticles.com
Razvan Marian Jr. currently manages www.birdhuntinginfo.com which offers a complete guide about bird hunting.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Buddy The Great Dane Rescue Dog
When Buddy lived with his first owner and family he was unfortunately not treated very well. The children were not taught to be considerate and gentle with him. At one time he was pushed down some stairs and his leg was seriously hurt, possibly broken. He was not taken to the veterinarian for treatment and it healed crookedly.
After spending about six months with this family they wanted to get rid of him. They blamed the dog for the bad behavior they had trained him to have. He was either going to be placed in a new home or be euthanized. Good fortune came into the life of Buddy in the person of the guy who adopted him. But oh what a series of trials and tribulations the new owner went through with this maladjusted dog.
Buddy is a Great Dane. If you are going to go through problematic situations with a dog it is much easier to deal with if the dog is small. As the name implies, the Great Dane is not anywhere near being small.
Often referred to as a gentle giant the Great Dane is one of the tallest breeds. In fact they are noted in the Guinness World Records as tallest dog. On the American Kennel Club website it states that the male is required to be 32 inches tall and not less than 30 inches tall. He is well-proportioned to his height with a somewhat square body. He must weigh at least 120 pounds to be qualified as a show dog.
The female must be 28 to 32 inches tall with at least 30 inches being preferable. She should be well proportioned with a slightly longer body than her male counterpart. There are six colors that are acceptable in a show quality Great Dane. They are:
* fawn - yellow gold with a blue mask
* brindle - fawn and black with chevron shaped stripes
* blue - pure steel blue
* black - glossy black
* harlequin - white with black patches irregularly placed
* mantle - black and white with a solid black blanket
Dogs similar to Great Danes appear in ancient Egyptian literature as well as that of Greece and Rome. It has been theorized that the breed was developed from the Medieval Boarhound. Others posit development from a line of Mastiffs bred in Germany. The modern Great Danes are about 400 years old as a breed. Their history remains debatable. One expert on the subject, Barbara Stein said, 'The breed originated in Germany, probably from a cross between the English Mastiff and the Irish Wolfhound.'
The debate regarding origin is likely to continue indefinitely.
As for Buddy, he is a brindle measuring 31 inches at the withers and weighing about 95 pounds which is slightly underweight for the male of the species. He is a survivor of neutering as an adult dog and several serious illnesses which required veterinary care. Although most dog aficionados would consider him unsuccessfully socialized, he is very devoted, almost worshipful towards his current owner. Since he cannot understand what expenses and problems he's presented, this exemplifies the fact that a dog loves his human unconditionally.
He's now relatively calm and well behaved although he continues to require muzzling around children. Much of his unacceptable behavior has been alleviated if not eradicated and he has overcome more than any dog should have to deal with. The rescue and rehabilitation of Buddy the Great Dane should be considered a huge success...
Tom Chapman This article is written by the authors of www.petstuffgalore.co.uk Pet products - Pet Supermarket For All Your Pets Needs.
After spending about six months with this family they wanted to get rid of him. They blamed the dog for the bad behavior they had trained him to have. He was either going to be placed in a new home or be euthanized. Good fortune came into the life of Buddy in the person of the guy who adopted him. But oh what a series of trials and tribulations the new owner went through with this maladjusted dog.
Buddy is a Great Dane. If you are going to go through problematic situations with a dog it is much easier to deal with if the dog is small. As the name implies, the Great Dane is not anywhere near being small.
Often referred to as a gentle giant the Great Dane is one of the tallest breeds. In fact they are noted in the Guinness World Records as tallest dog. On the American Kennel Club website it states that the male is required to be 32 inches tall and not less than 30 inches tall. He is well-proportioned to his height with a somewhat square body. He must weigh at least 120 pounds to be qualified as a show dog.
The female must be 28 to 32 inches tall with at least 30 inches being preferable. She should be well proportioned with a slightly longer body than her male counterpart. There are six colors that are acceptable in a show quality Great Dane. They are:
* fawn - yellow gold with a blue mask
* brindle - fawn and black with chevron shaped stripes
* blue - pure steel blue
* black - glossy black
* harlequin - white with black patches irregularly placed
* mantle - black and white with a solid black blanket
Dogs similar to Great Danes appear in ancient Egyptian literature as well as that of Greece and Rome. It has been theorized that the breed was developed from the Medieval Boarhound. Others posit development from a line of Mastiffs bred in Germany. The modern Great Danes are about 400 years old as a breed. Their history remains debatable. One expert on the subject, Barbara Stein said, 'The breed originated in Germany, probably from a cross between the English Mastiff and the Irish Wolfhound.'
The debate regarding origin is likely to continue indefinitely.
As for Buddy, he is a brindle measuring 31 inches at the withers and weighing about 95 pounds which is slightly underweight for the male of the species. He is a survivor of neutering as an adult dog and several serious illnesses which required veterinary care. Although most dog aficionados would consider him unsuccessfully socialized, he is very devoted, almost worshipful towards his current owner. Since he cannot understand what expenses and problems he's presented, this exemplifies the fact that a dog loves his human unconditionally.
He's now relatively calm and well behaved although he continues to require muzzling around children. Much of his unacceptable behavior has been alleviated if not eradicated and he has overcome more than any dog should have to deal with. The rescue and rehabilitation of Buddy the Great Dane should be considered a huge success...
Tom Chapman This article is written by the authors of www.petstuffgalore.co.uk Pet products - Pet Supermarket For All Your Pets Needs.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
How to Know If Your Dog Has Ear Mites
Ear mites must be one of the most annoying health concerns your pet may acquire. Ear mites are parasites dwelling on your pet’s ear.
Once they’re there, they would thrive on the wax and dirt found in the ears. The moment they reach a certain number, infection would show. And that’s when you observe the abnormal discharges and smell foul odor on your pet’s ear.
Actually, it is almost impossible to tell ear mites apart from all other types of ear infections and parasites. Ear mites are microscopic organisms. Without the right equipment, it is hard to know for sure. The best and surest way to go about the problem is to bring your pet to the vet. However, there are certain things that may indicate that your dog indeed has ear mites and that you could would help alleviate the condition if you use some anti-parasite medications on its ears.
First, check the discharge. Ear mites create a dirty, usually reddish-brown or dark brown discharges or debris on the ears. Try to inspect it closer with a swab of cotton. Be careful though. The discharge is going to have a foul odor. Make sure that you don’t go deep inside the ear as you take a swab.
There will also be black crusts forming on your dog’s ear. Try to see whether the crusts are already clogging the passages to your dog’s ear. If it already does, you really have to take your pet to the vet for proper medication. Your dog’s ear need proper air circulation or else the problem would only aggravate.
The ears of your dog will generally be moist, dark, and warm. Needless to say, it would look far from normal. And your dog would exhibit pain and irritation by scratching its ears a lot or by shaking its head too much. When all of these symptoms appear, you have to do something to eliminate the mites or else they may proceed to damage your dog’s eardrums, which would lead to total loss of hearing.
The usual treatment for ear mites involves flushing the ear with an anti-parasite solution. Normally, vets do this as the procedure inside their clinics as it is a little too tricky for the untrained. Improper flushing may push the mites deeper into the ears. The liquid may also clog the ear canal, causing further damage to the middle ear.
Other form of treatment for ear mites in dogs involves the use of oral antibiotics. Don’t attempt to give your dog any of these without consulting a vet first. Antibiotics are helpful if given correctly. Otherwise, it can do more harm than good to your dog’s health.
You also have to know that ear mites are not necessary concentrated on the ears of your pet. During medication, they may find solace on other parts of the dog’s body like the neck and head. Be sure to treat your pet thoroughly. You don’t want these parasites coming back after some time. You also have to clean your pet’s bedding at all times. Keep it fresh and clean because the mites could be lurking inside them.
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About the Author: Visit DogEarMites.Net for dog ear mites articles and information. Read also the articles on treatment for ear mites in dogs and the main causes of ear mites .
Once they’re there, they would thrive on the wax and dirt found in the ears. The moment they reach a certain number, infection would show. And that’s when you observe the abnormal discharges and smell foul odor on your pet’s ear.
Actually, it is almost impossible to tell ear mites apart from all other types of ear infections and parasites. Ear mites are microscopic organisms. Without the right equipment, it is hard to know for sure. The best and surest way to go about the problem is to bring your pet to the vet. However, there are certain things that may indicate that your dog indeed has ear mites and that you could would help alleviate the condition if you use some anti-parasite medications on its ears.
First, check the discharge. Ear mites create a dirty, usually reddish-brown or dark brown discharges or debris on the ears. Try to inspect it closer with a swab of cotton. Be careful though. The discharge is going to have a foul odor. Make sure that you don’t go deep inside the ear as you take a swab.
There will also be black crusts forming on your dog’s ear. Try to see whether the crusts are already clogging the passages to your dog’s ear. If it already does, you really have to take your pet to the vet for proper medication. Your dog’s ear need proper air circulation or else the problem would only aggravate.
The ears of your dog will generally be moist, dark, and warm. Needless to say, it would look far from normal. And your dog would exhibit pain and irritation by scratching its ears a lot or by shaking its head too much. When all of these symptoms appear, you have to do something to eliminate the mites or else they may proceed to damage your dog’s eardrums, which would lead to total loss of hearing.
The usual treatment for ear mites involves flushing the ear with an anti-parasite solution. Normally, vets do this as the procedure inside their clinics as it is a little too tricky for the untrained. Improper flushing may push the mites deeper into the ears. The liquid may also clog the ear canal, causing further damage to the middle ear.
Other form of treatment for ear mites in dogs involves the use of oral antibiotics. Don’t attempt to give your dog any of these without consulting a vet first. Antibiotics are helpful if given correctly. Otherwise, it can do more harm than good to your dog’s health.
You also have to know that ear mites are not necessary concentrated on the ears of your pet. During medication, they may find solace on other parts of the dog’s body like the neck and head. Be sure to treat your pet thoroughly. You don’t want these parasites coming back after some time. You also have to clean your pet’s bedding at all times. Keep it fresh and clean because the mites could be lurking inside them.
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About the Author: Visit DogEarMites.Net for dog ear mites articles and information. Read also the articles on treatment for ear mites in dogs and the main causes of ear mites .
The Problem Of Urticaria In Dogs
Urticaria or Hives is hypersensitivity or an allergic reaction to certain drugs or chemicals or something that the dog may have eaten.It has been known in some cases, even sunlight can lead to urticaria in a dog. While urticaria is not life-threatening, it may affect the throat making breathing difficult. Allergic reactions in dog breeds vary from mild to severe and one of the most severe of all allergic reactions is anaphylaxis. This allergic reaction affects various dog breeds and has life-threatening symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, sudden and drop in the dog’s blood pressure, swelling in larynx leading to obstruction of breath, and heart failure. On the other hand, urticaria leads to fast and furious swelling and redness of the dog’s lips. The allergic reaction also affects the area around the eyes and makes the neck region highly itchy. In some cases, hives can also appear. Typically, extreme cases of urticaria may lead to anaphylaxis.
About Urticaria
Urticaria is a reaction that is triggered by certain antibodies made by the immune system of the canine. When these antibodies are released in the system, they make basophils and mast cells (these are inflammatory cells) to release other substances leading to an allergic reaction in the dogs body
Allergic reactions from urticaria can happen in any dog breed profiles, age, or sex. While the impact of urticaria can be life-threatening in dog breeds, it can be treated with much success leading to long-term wellness and health in the animal.
Symptoms of Urticaria
Caused as a hypersensitive reaction to chemicals, drugs, food, and sometime even sunlight, urticaria affects the skin in form of small bumps. Many times, the dog’s hair will stand up from these bumps and they can be itchy. Generally, urticaria develops within 20 minutes of the dog breed being exposed to an allergen!
Though, urticaria isn’t dangerous to life, it tends to disappear, just as rapidly as it appear, by itself. Some things you need to watch out for in case of urticaria include:
F Vomiting
F Diarrhea
F Difficulty breathing
F Staggering/weakness
F Collapse
F Itching
F Hives
F Rapid swelling, redness in the lips, eye and neck areas
Diagnosis and Treatment of Urticaria
There is no standard diagnostic procedure to determine urticaria. However, vets can quickly examine various dog breeds physically to determine the nature of the allergy. Since, urticaria occurs quickly after dog breeds have been exposed to allergens, you must take your pooch to visit a vet who may recommend a prompt physical examination followed by treatment using oral antihistamine like diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Urticaria can be treated successfully with the help of injectable corticosteroids (form of steroids) like prednisolone/ dexamethasone.
Finally, you must remember that various dog breeds develop an allergic reaction soon after being exposed to an allergen, but you may not be able to realize this. And for those severe allergic reactions that are rare in nature, prevention may be questionable. But there is always wome thing out there a vet can give to help it.
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About the Author: If you need further information on dog breeds visit our online resource centre. We also have a great section of dog breed profiles with information on all dog types.
About Urticaria
Urticaria is a reaction that is triggered by certain antibodies made by the immune system of the canine. When these antibodies are released in the system, they make basophils and mast cells (these are inflammatory cells) to release other substances leading to an allergic reaction in the dogs body
Allergic reactions from urticaria can happen in any dog breed profiles, age, or sex. While the impact of urticaria can be life-threatening in dog breeds, it can be treated with much success leading to long-term wellness and health in the animal.
Symptoms of Urticaria
Caused as a hypersensitive reaction to chemicals, drugs, food, and sometime even sunlight, urticaria affects the skin in form of small bumps. Many times, the dog’s hair will stand up from these bumps and they can be itchy. Generally, urticaria develops within 20 minutes of the dog breed being exposed to an allergen!
Though, urticaria isn’t dangerous to life, it tends to disappear, just as rapidly as it appear, by itself. Some things you need to watch out for in case of urticaria include:
F Vomiting
F Diarrhea
F Difficulty breathing
F Staggering/weakness
F Collapse
F Itching
F Hives
F Rapid swelling, redness in the lips, eye and neck areas
Diagnosis and Treatment of Urticaria
There is no standard diagnostic procedure to determine urticaria. However, vets can quickly examine various dog breeds physically to determine the nature of the allergy. Since, urticaria occurs quickly after dog breeds have been exposed to allergens, you must take your pooch to visit a vet who may recommend a prompt physical examination followed by treatment using oral antihistamine like diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Urticaria can be treated successfully with the help of injectable corticosteroids (form of steroids) like prednisolone/ dexamethasone.
Finally, you must remember that various dog breeds develop an allergic reaction soon after being exposed to an allergen, but you may not be able to realize this. And for those severe allergic reactions that are rare in nature, prevention may be questionable. But there is always wome thing out there a vet can give to help it.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
About the Author: If you need further information on dog breeds visit our online resource centre. We also have a great section of dog breed profiles with information on all dog types.
Dog Diarrhea – A Disturbing Time For Your Dog
A rather common health condition, the severity of the illness can vary extensively. You dog will pass liquid-like stool on a frequent basis and the consistency of the faeces can tell a vet about the nature of the problem. Every dog owner prides him/herself because they believe they know everything about dog health. While pet health is a vast subject, knowing about some of the most common conditions that can affect dog health will help you keep your pet healthy and active in the long run. Dog diarrhea is one such condition. Diarrhea in a dog is not really a disease; rather it’s an indication of numerous different diseases that may have plagued your dog.
Mild diarrhea can be treated rather quickly with some precautions and simple treatments. However, some other forms of diarrhea such as acute diarrhea can occur as a result of other dangerous sicknesses like cancer. If your dog health is affected by diarrhea then you must ensure that your dog doesn’t become dehydrated and nutrient levels in the body are restored as quickly as possible.
Dog diarrhea often spells a time of trouble for the canine. Moreover, the several varying reasons of this condition can flummox even the most experienced of vets, while overwhelming any dog owner. A pet health scare, diarrhea and vomiting, usually are pretty harmless and your dog can be nursed back to health within a couple of days. Nevertheless, it’s always in the best interest of your dog to visit a veterinarian just to ensure it’s not serious in nature.
To anyone who has experienced or heard about diarrhea, it conjures an image of water-like stool. Actually, diarrhea is much more than just watery stool. If your pet is passing abnormal stool (stool that is softer than usual) or if he has to strain himself to defecate, or only passes gas, or the stool is soft-formed, or has abnormal color or obnoxious odor, the pet health has been affected by diarrhea.
Our furry friends often eat items that are found lying around or scavenge for food. Dogs are omnivorous animals and eat just about anything whether digestible or not. Such bad eating habits lead to diarrhea. So, it can be safely said that the most common cause of diarrhea is food intolerance or food poisoning, in other words – upset stomach. When a dog eats unfamiliar items that are alien to his normal tastes, his body in an act of rejection pushes the food out of the system in the form of vomit or diarrhea, leaving the pooch terribly sick. In order words, diarrhea is an attempt of the dog’s body to heal itself by removing unwanted or harmful toxins.
Dog owners should understand that diarrhea is a sign of health in their dog and should not be considered a disease. In case of diarrhea, your dog health can be restored by home treatment and doesn’t really call for a visit to the vet. That being said, diarrhea can cause damage to the pet health in case the dog becomes:
F Very Sick
F Lethargic
F Has Bloat Or Abdominal Pain
F Is Feverish (Rectal Temperatures Over 103.5 Degrees F)
F Is Dehydrated
F Vomits Persistently
F Passes A Lot Of Blood During Stool
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About the Author: If you need further information on dog health including dog diarrhea visit our online resource centre. We also have a great section of pet health articles for cats and horses.
Mild diarrhea can be treated rather quickly with some precautions and simple treatments. However, some other forms of diarrhea such as acute diarrhea can occur as a result of other dangerous sicknesses like cancer. If your dog health is affected by diarrhea then you must ensure that your dog doesn’t become dehydrated and nutrient levels in the body are restored as quickly as possible.
Dog diarrhea often spells a time of trouble for the canine. Moreover, the several varying reasons of this condition can flummox even the most experienced of vets, while overwhelming any dog owner. A pet health scare, diarrhea and vomiting, usually are pretty harmless and your dog can be nursed back to health within a couple of days. Nevertheless, it’s always in the best interest of your dog to visit a veterinarian just to ensure it’s not serious in nature.
To anyone who has experienced or heard about diarrhea, it conjures an image of water-like stool. Actually, diarrhea is much more than just watery stool. If your pet is passing abnormal stool (stool that is softer than usual) or if he has to strain himself to defecate, or only passes gas, or the stool is soft-formed, or has abnormal color or obnoxious odor, the pet health has been affected by diarrhea.
Our furry friends often eat items that are found lying around or scavenge for food. Dogs are omnivorous animals and eat just about anything whether digestible or not. Such bad eating habits lead to diarrhea. So, it can be safely said that the most common cause of diarrhea is food intolerance or food poisoning, in other words – upset stomach. When a dog eats unfamiliar items that are alien to his normal tastes, his body in an act of rejection pushes the food out of the system in the form of vomit or diarrhea, leaving the pooch terribly sick. In order words, diarrhea is an attempt of the dog’s body to heal itself by removing unwanted or harmful toxins.
Dog owners should understand that diarrhea is a sign of health in their dog and should not be considered a disease. In case of diarrhea, your dog health can be restored by home treatment and doesn’t really call for a visit to the vet. That being said, diarrhea can cause damage to the pet health in case the dog becomes:
F Very Sick
F Lethargic
F Has Bloat Or Abdominal Pain
F Is Feverish (Rectal Temperatures Over 103.5 Degrees F)
F Is Dehydrated
F Vomits Persistently
F Passes A Lot Of Blood During Stool
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
About the Author: If you need further information on dog health including dog diarrhea visit our online resource centre. We also have a great section of pet health articles for cats and horses.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Changing Your Dogs Diet
Adding energy in a dogs diet is indeed necessary when you notice lethargic behavior in your dog. Some people prefer to feed their dog a homemade food for energy. They also require protein for energy in their diet to build muscle. Like people, dogs get energy from vitamins and minerals in their diet. While some need attention from a veterinarian, you can try home or natural approaches to help overcome energy problems and add energy in a dogs diet. Adding charcoal to your dogs diet can help detoxify some of the noxious gases while they are still inside the intestine.
Dogs are able to get energy from carbohydrates in their diet as well as from protein, which is why we are able to feed them diets high in carbohydrates. Feed them too much and they get fat and develop serious health problems. Feed them too little and they become scavengers and eat anything that looks like it might have a taste. Corn, soy and wheat are three of the biggest culprits as far as food allergies in dogs go and finding a brand of dry dog food that is free of these ingredients can be tricky. A change in diet done gradually makes for a more comfortable dog.
Indeed, most dogs eat commercial dog food and most of these foods provide a fairly balanced diet. If your dog has special dietary needs due to a health condition, talk to your veterinarian about the best brand of food to feed your dog. Puppies should be fed a brand of food formulated specially for puppies because they need more protein and fat in their diet than adult dogs.
It is not the same thing as just feeding your dog table scraps, which you should not do. If you want to feed your dog a homemade diet, take the time to learn about nutrition for dogs first. A homemade diet can be very healthy for dogs but it is important that you educate yourself about your dogs nutritional needs. Dogs, if left in the wild would eat primarily protein foods with carbohydrates making up no more than 25% of their diet.
However, commercial dog foods contain anywhere from 25-60% carbohydrates. If dogs get more carbohydrates than they expend in energy, the carbohydrates turn to fat and the dog gains weight. Excess carbohydrates can be unhealthy for your dog. The kind of carbohydrates dogs need for energy are soluble carbohydrates. Soluble carbohydrates are the starchy part of a plant that can be easily broken down in a dogs digestive tract. If they get more protein than their body needs for energy and muscle, it is excreted in the urine.
Also, a change in diet done gradually makes for a more comfortable dog. This means that we have absolutely no intention of incorporating whole grains into their diet. You should know what foods to give that can be eaten to assist weight loss in your dog and what foods should be avoided at all costs. Eating a lifetime diet of processed food places a great demand on their pancreas to produce digestive enzymes.
Nevertheless, behavioral problems such as hyperactivity, listlessness, short attention span and the ability to learn can also be affected by your dogs diet. Be very mindful of what vitamins and other nutrients to add in their foods.
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About the Author:Obinna Heche. Los Angeles - California An acknowledged expert in his field. You can get more free advice on dogs diet by visiting.. http://www.biggsmall.com.com
Dogs are able to get energy from carbohydrates in their diet as well as from protein, which is why we are able to feed them diets high in carbohydrates. Feed them too much and they get fat and develop serious health problems. Feed them too little and they become scavengers and eat anything that looks like it might have a taste. Corn, soy and wheat are three of the biggest culprits as far as food allergies in dogs go and finding a brand of dry dog food that is free of these ingredients can be tricky. A change in diet done gradually makes for a more comfortable dog.
Indeed, most dogs eat commercial dog food and most of these foods provide a fairly balanced diet. If your dog has special dietary needs due to a health condition, talk to your veterinarian about the best brand of food to feed your dog. Puppies should be fed a brand of food formulated specially for puppies because they need more protein and fat in their diet than adult dogs.
It is not the same thing as just feeding your dog table scraps, which you should not do. If you want to feed your dog a homemade diet, take the time to learn about nutrition for dogs first. A homemade diet can be very healthy for dogs but it is important that you educate yourself about your dogs nutritional needs. Dogs, if left in the wild would eat primarily protein foods with carbohydrates making up no more than 25% of their diet.
However, commercial dog foods contain anywhere from 25-60% carbohydrates. If dogs get more carbohydrates than they expend in energy, the carbohydrates turn to fat and the dog gains weight. Excess carbohydrates can be unhealthy for your dog. The kind of carbohydrates dogs need for energy are soluble carbohydrates. Soluble carbohydrates are the starchy part of a plant that can be easily broken down in a dogs digestive tract. If they get more protein than their body needs for energy and muscle, it is excreted in the urine.
Also, a change in diet done gradually makes for a more comfortable dog. This means that we have absolutely no intention of incorporating whole grains into their diet. You should know what foods to give that can be eaten to assist weight loss in your dog and what foods should be avoided at all costs. Eating a lifetime diet of processed food places a great demand on their pancreas to produce digestive enzymes.
Nevertheless, behavioral problems such as hyperactivity, listlessness, short attention span and the ability to learn can also be affected by your dogs diet. Be very mindful of what vitamins and other nutrients to add in their foods.
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About the Author:Obinna Heche. Los Angeles - California An acknowledged expert in his field. You can get more free advice on dogs diet by visiting.. http://www.biggsmall.com.com
Monday, January 5, 2009
Dog heartworms, dog fleas and other dog parasites
Heart worm, fleas and other parasites in dogs need to be eliminated by following appropriate medications in them. Many products have come up in the commercial fields to protect the dogs from heart worms, fleas and other parasites like hook worms, whip worms, round worms, lice, ticks.
Among the heart worm, fleas and other parasites, the fleas produce the hyper sensitive reactions in the affected animals. Hence, the animals infested with fleas start severely scratching of body. Many times, the scratching is so severe and the skin becomes more hyperemic and dermatitis occurs in the affected areas.
Animal will not lie down or sleep comfortably due to the constant bites by the fleas. Hence, animal looks as if affected by some severe skin disease. If the animal is not properly attended for this tick bite problem, there will be often secondary bacterial invasions in these sites and there may even be a bad smell emanating from the skin areas.
Close observation of the dog is highly essential to rule out the occurrence of fleas disturbing the animal to a greater extent. Similarly, the skin of the animal needs to be tested for the presence of ticks, lice. For this, the hair materials need to be separated and the close observation with patience is required for the proper diagnosis.
In many incidences, if anemia is present, the blood protozoa need to be ruled out in addition to the hookworm problems. The clinical problems like anemia, loose motion, pot belly etc. might be recognized by the dog owners themselves and however, the dog needs to undergo the routine health related examination involving fecal examination, hematological examination and blood smear examination.
Many commercial products have come up in the market, which are useful to deal with all these conditions by single dose. Drugs like Ivermectin are highly useful and are available in both injection and oral form in addition to the solution form that can be applied on the skin. These drugs in dogs can lead to the prophylaxis of these conditions also.
DogHeartWorm.Org – dog heartworm articles dealing with the main dog heartworm symptoms and dog heartworm treatment options.
Among the heart worm, fleas and other parasites, the fleas produce the hyper sensitive reactions in the affected animals. Hence, the animals infested with fleas start severely scratching of body. Many times, the scratching is so severe and the skin becomes more hyperemic and dermatitis occurs in the affected areas.
Animal will not lie down or sleep comfortably due to the constant bites by the fleas. Hence, animal looks as if affected by some severe skin disease. If the animal is not properly attended for this tick bite problem, there will be often secondary bacterial invasions in these sites and there may even be a bad smell emanating from the skin areas.
Close observation of the dog is highly essential to rule out the occurrence of fleas disturbing the animal to a greater extent. Similarly, the skin of the animal needs to be tested for the presence of ticks, lice. For this, the hair materials need to be separated and the close observation with patience is required for the proper diagnosis.
In many incidences, if anemia is present, the blood protozoa need to be ruled out in addition to the hookworm problems. The clinical problems like anemia, loose motion, pot belly etc. might be recognized by the dog owners themselves and however, the dog needs to undergo the routine health related examination involving fecal examination, hematological examination and blood smear examination.
Many commercial products have come up in the market, which are useful to deal with all these conditions by single dose. Drugs like Ivermectin are highly useful and are available in both injection and oral form in addition to the solution form that can be applied on the skin. These drugs in dogs can lead to the prophylaxis of these conditions also.
DogHeartWorm.Org – dog heartworm articles dealing with the main dog heartworm symptoms and dog heartworm treatment options.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Breeds of Hypoallergenic Dogs
Submitted by jared lansky
Sun, 23 Nov 2008
Hypoallergenic dogs are ideal for dog lovers who suffer from allergies. Although there are no dogs that are 100% non-allergenic, some dogs are more "low-allergy" than others. Though these kinds of dogs shed little to no hair and less dander than typical dogs, all dogs will still shed some dander, even includes hairless dogs. Generally, dogs without hair or with continuously growing hair tend to be the most hypoallergenic. However, a lot of these dogs will need to be kept on a high-maintenance grooming schedule.
There are certainly other alternatives to hairless dogs, and that includes hybrid dogs. Hybrid dogs are the result of controlled cross-breeding. Dogs such as labradoodles and goldendoodles, which are poodle mixes, tend to take on hypoallergenic qualities. Dogs that are mixed with known hypoallergenic breeds can sometimes be considered low-allergy, but it is nearly impossible to know the true makeup of a mutt and whether or not it is really low-allergy.
Jared Lansky recommends that if you suffer from allergies, but happen to find a mixed-breed dog that you think might be hypoallergenic, try spending some time with the dog to see how you react before committing to it. There would be nothing worse than taking home a dog you love and having to give it away because your allergies are affected and you didn’t realize it at first.
Depending on the severity of your allergies, you may still be able to live happily with dogs. The ultimate key is to minimize the amount of allergens in your home. Vacuum your rugs and upholstery frequently and wash your curtains and drapes often. Consider using some type of air purifier. You can also talk to your physician about medical therapies. It really just depends on your particular severity.
Those with very severe allergies may still not be able to tolerate hypoallergenic dogs. If you are allergic but love dogs, consider some of the hypoallergenic dog breeds listed below. If you decide one might be right for you, Jared Lansky suggests spending some time around the breed to see if you have an allergic reaction before you decide to get one of your own.
Some good breeds of hypoallergenic dogs include: Basenji, Bedlington Terrier, Bichon Frise, Chinese Crested, Coton de Tulear, Havanese, Irish Water Spaniel, Kerry Blue Terrier, Maltese, Poodle, Portuguese Water Dog, Pail (Pulik), Schnauzer, Shih Tzu, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Xoloitzcuintli, and Yorkshire Terrier.
As you can see, it is not such a small list after all, and there really are a lot of choices. If you are allergic to dogs, hopefully you can still find one you love and that doesn’t cause too much of a reaction.
Sun, 23 Nov 2008
Hypoallergenic dogs are ideal for dog lovers who suffer from allergies. Although there are no dogs that are 100% non-allergenic, some dogs are more "low-allergy" than others. Though these kinds of dogs shed little to no hair and less dander than typical dogs, all dogs will still shed some dander, even includes hairless dogs. Generally, dogs without hair or with continuously growing hair tend to be the most hypoallergenic. However, a lot of these dogs will need to be kept on a high-maintenance grooming schedule.
There are certainly other alternatives to hairless dogs, and that includes hybrid dogs. Hybrid dogs are the result of controlled cross-breeding. Dogs such as labradoodles and goldendoodles, which are poodle mixes, tend to take on hypoallergenic qualities. Dogs that are mixed with known hypoallergenic breeds can sometimes be considered low-allergy, but it is nearly impossible to know the true makeup of a mutt and whether or not it is really low-allergy.
Jared Lansky recommends that if you suffer from allergies, but happen to find a mixed-breed dog that you think might be hypoallergenic, try spending some time with the dog to see how you react before committing to it. There would be nothing worse than taking home a dog you love and having to give it away because your allergies are affected and you didn’t realize it at first.
Depending on the severity of your allergies, you may still be able to live happily with dogs. The ultimate key is to minimize the amount of allergens in your home. Vacuum your rugs and upholstery frequently and wash your curtains and drapes often. Consider using some type of air purifier. You can also talk to your physician about medical therapies. It really just depends on your particular severity.
Those with very severe allergies may still not be able to tolerate hypoallergenic dogs. If you are allergic but love dogs, consider some of the hypoallergenic dog breeds listed below. If you decide one might be right for you, Jared Lansky suggests spending some time around the breed to see if you have an allergic reaction before you decide to get one of your own.
Some good breeds of hypoallergenic dogs include: Basenji, Bedlington Terrier, Bichon Frise, Chinese Crested, Coton de Tulear, Havanese, Irish Water Spaniel, Kerry Blue Terrier, Maltese, Poodle, Portuguese Water Dog, Pail (Pulik), Schnauzer, Shih Tzu, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Xoloitzcuintli, and Yorkshire Terrier.
As you can see, it is not such a small list after all, and there really are a lot of choices. If you are allergic to dogs, hopefully you can still find one you love and that doesn’t cause too much of a reaction.
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