When You Should Rush Your Dog to The Vet

Today's Topic :- When You Should Rush Your Dog to The Vet
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Don't hesitate: If you see these symptoms, get your dog to a veterinarian immediately!

• Swelling of the abdomen

This is the primary symptom of Bloat, which can kill very quickly. Bloat happens mainly in deep-chested dogs, such as the Basset Hound, Great Dane, and other large breed dogs.

• Uncontrollable bleeding

If your dog is ever bleeding heavily, and the bleeding does not slow down right away, please take him to the veterinarian immediately to have his injury taken care of. A dog can die of blood loss very quickly.

• Lethargy

This is a symptom often overlooked. If your dog is conscious, but unresponsive it could be a sign of a serious or life-threatening illness, such as:Poisoning, Brucellosis, Rabies, Blastomycosis and many more.

• Thick mucous discharge from the anus

This is usually a sure sign of a bowel obstruction, and it is often accompanied by a high fever, lethargy, and an almost "hunched-up" posture. If your dog is exhibiting these signs, emergency veterinary is needed as soon as possible. Bowel obstructions cause hypovolemia and shock and can cause death if left untreated for even a short amount of time.

• Vomiting blood (hematemesis)

A scarey sight, and one that could indicate a variety of problems, including a foriegn object in the system, possibily causing puncture wounds, poisoning, ulcers, blood disorders, and even cancer

Rabies in the Cat

Today's Topic :- Rabies in the Cat
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What is rabies?
Rabies is a disease caused by a virus that attacks the brain. It can affect any warm-blooded animal, including cats and humans. It is almost always fatal.

What are the signs of rabies?

There are three stages of the disease. The first is the "prodromal" phase in which there is a marked change in temperament. The quiet cat becomes agitated, and the active cat becomes nervous or shy. Other signs include dilated pupils, excessive drooling, and snapping at imaginary objects. After 2-3 days, the second phase begins. It is called the "excitatory" phase. There is an exaggerated response to any stimulus. Cats may experience bizarre changes in appetite including eating and swallowing sticks, stones, and other objects. The cat may roam aimlessly, inflict trauma upon itself, and have a change in voice. There will often be vicious, aggressive behavior, even towards its owner. Seizures may occur. Sometimes there is a third form, the "dumb" form, in which the cat becomes extremely depressed. Its mouth may gape open with the tongue protruding. A progressive paralysis sets in resulting in total body paralysis.


What happens next?
Ultimately, the cat dies. Although a few, rare cats have survived rabies, these are clearly exceptional cases.

How do I know if a cat has rabies?
There are a number of diseases which can cause some of the signs of rabies. A few conditions can be very similar. Confirmation of rabies can only be made with special tests performed on brain tissue. This requires that the cat be euthanized and his head sent to a special diagnostic laboratory.
Can I contract rabies?
Yes. But rabies is only transmitted by the bite of a rabid animal to another mammal. Even then, the virus is present in saliva of the infected animal for a limited time. If you are bitten by any animal of which you do not know the rabies vaccination status, you should immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water. Try to establish who owns the animal and whether the pet is currently vaccinated for rabies. In any case, seek the advice of your physician. Post-exposure rabies treatment with serum or vaccine may be recommended. This is very successful when begun quickly.


What wild animals are most likely to carry rabies?
All mammals can catch rabies, but some are more susceptible than others. Foxes, skunks, and raccoons are particularly prone to rabies, and one should be very careful if any wild animal seems overly approachable or aggressive


Should I get my cat vaccinated?

Absolutely (and it is required by law in many locales). Rabies vaccines are very safe and very effective. It is recommended for all cats and required by law in many locales. The public health concern is so significant that even totally indoor cats should be vaccinated. Vaccination for rabies is usually performed at three to four months of age, and then every one to three years (depending on the vaccine and the local laws) thereafter.

Cat Diseases

Today's Topic :- Cat Diseases
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There are many diseases, which are common to cats. If ignored some of these diseases may turn out to be fatal. But most of these diseases can be prevented by taking care of simple things. Firstly, keep your cat indoors. Secondly, get your cat vaccinated against some common cat diseases.Some of the common cat diseases are:Upper respiratory infections (URIs).URIs are similar to the common cold in humans. Symptoms include sneezing, running nose and eyes, reddened eyes, fever, and decreased appetite. If left untreated URIs can be fatal. These airborne viruses are highly contagious; they can be transmitted to cats through human handling and through contact with other cats and with inanimate objects such as litter boxes, food bowls, and grooming tools.Separate any new cat from your other cats for at least three weeks until you are sure that the newcomer doesn't have any symptoms of a URI. Prevention is the best approach to URIs. Get your cat vaccinated. But if your cat exhibits URI symptoms contact your veterinarian immediately. The veterinarian will probably prescribe a dosage of antibiotics to prevent secondary infections and give you precise care instructions. Follow them carefully and make sure your cat eats and drinks sufficiently.RabiesRabies is a fatal and one of the more common cat diseases. It is a viral illness that is transmitted through bite wounds from infected animals and attacks the nervous system. Prevent rabies through vaccination and by keeping your cat indoors.Feline panleukopeniaAlso known as feline distemper, this is a highly contagious viral disease that can be transmitted through contact with humans, infected cats, clothing, hair, paws, food bowls, and even cat carriers. The disease comes on suddenly with vomiting, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. Prevent this disease by getting your cat vaccinated against this virus.Feline leukemia virus (FeLV). FeLV is a fatal infectious virus that affects the immune system and can cause several forms of cancer and other associated diseases. It is transmitted through the saliva, urine, and faeces of infected cats.Blood tests can diagnose this disease. The cat should be tested before being vaccinated. Prevention is the only cure for this disease. Get your cat vaccinated and keep it indoors.Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) FIV is similar to human acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) but the disease causing virus is different. This fatal virus attacks the immune system, causing a variety of symptoms. General symptoms include chronic, non-responding infections; respiratory problems; appetite loss; persistent diarrhoea; and severe oral infections. FIV is passed from cat to cat primarily through bites. There is currently no vaccination or cure for FIV. Keep your cat inside to prevent it from contacting FIV.Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). FIP is deadly virus that is fatal to cats. This virus can take two forms, commonly referred to as wet (which involves fluid in the abdomen) and dry (which does not). Both forms of FIP may cause fever, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhoea, and loss of appetite. There is no effective treatment for FIP. The best way to prevent this disease is to keep your cat indoors away from strange animals and remain up-to-date on vaccines

HOLISTIC LIVER TREATMENT

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Todays Tips-Holistic Liver treatment
Natural treatments ensure liver health for your dog.
A partial list of the day-to-day chores a dog’s liver must accomplish includes removing toxins, aiding digestion, facilitating the immune system, producing antioxidants, processing hormones, converting proteins into amino acids, producing blood-clotting factors, and metabolizing and storing vitamins and fat. It is no wonder the liver can become overwhelmed on occasion.
When a practitioner uses alternative medicines, he may use one or more methods for diagnosing disease. Most holistic practitioners still rely primarily on Western diagnostic techniques.
For liver problems, then, the practitioner would observe physical signs (jaundice, for example) and laboratory results (such as an elevated alanine aminotransferase, or ALT) to indicate liver dysfunction. A practitioner using acupuncture would also link certain emotions and seemingly unrelated physical symptoms to diagnose a liver that has, in terms of Eastern medicine, an excess or diminished flow of chi (energy).
Natural medicines for the liver. Because the liver has a multitude of functions, and because there are many ways to diagnose its problems, there are many natural directions we can take to help keep it healthy.
Quality nutrition helps make the liver’s task of digestion easier, and some specific nutrients are believed to promote liver health. The amino acids arginine and carnitine are important in liver metabolism as are the supplements choline and inositol.
Antioxidants help the liver with its task of detoxification, and they can be found in many culinary herbs (spices), fresh vegetables, and fruits. Make sure your dog is receiving appropriate dietary levels of the vitamins A, C, E, B-1, B-6, and selenium.
Perhaps the best thing you can do for your dog’s health is to persuade him that some daily fresh vegetables and fruits would be to his benefit. Fresh foods are an excellent source of nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants.
Whenever we use nutrients or supplements to help maintain the health of the liver (or any organ system), it is essential to maintain a balance of the nutrients being used. An excess of any one nutrient or an imbalance between nutrients that act synergistically can cause more harm than good. Check with a qualified practitioner who knows how to balance nutrients before you try to manipulate your dog’s diet.
Herbal remedies. A host of herbal remedies enhance liver function, help keep the liver healthy, and help repair damage to liver cells. They include dandelion, milk thistle and artichoke.
• Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is one of the strongest-acting cholagogues known. A cholagogue is an agent that increases the production of bile by the liver, and dandelion does so by more than 50 percent. In addition, it has a direct effect on the liver, causing an increased bile flow to the gallbladder (cholerectic effect). Clinically, dandelion has been shown to benefit patients with colitis, liver congestion, gallstones, and several forms of liver insufficiency.
• Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is an herb that works by acting on liver- cell membranes to prevent the entry of toxins. It also enhances protein synthesis in cells, making it an effective treatment for hepatic inflammation. Its toxin-fighting ability is illustrated by the fact that it is the only known remedy that is effective for treating poisoning by the deadly amanita mushroom (which has such common names as Death Cap and Destroying Angel).
• Artichoke (Cynara scolymus). The leaves of artichoke enhance the regeneration of damaged liver cells and stimulate the production of bile. In addition, the herb is a potent antioxidant, further helping the liver in its detoxification role.
The beauty of using herbs is that they often provide multiple benefits. For example, dandelion is a liver and kidney tonic and a potent diuretic, making it an excellent choice for treating both liver and urinary conditions.
For herbal remedies, I prefer using the whole herb, and for most dogs, a maintenance dose of the herb can be hidden in a meaty treat or even sprinkled over the food several times a week. For therapeutic dosages that can be administered via capsules or tinctures, it’s best to check with someone who has experience using herbal medicines for pets.
We can help the liver accomplish its chore of removing toxins by helping enhance the flow of lymph. Along with herbal lymph cleansers such as yellow dock (Rumex crispus) and cleavers (Galium aparine), massage is an excellent way to accomplish this.
I like massage because it can be used on several different levels. At its most basic level, massage is nothing more than rubbing with focus and intent. To move lymph, focus your rubbing movements so they gently massage from the extremities toward the heart. Massage can also be directed to helping the liver, as with acupuncture. If you want a quality massage for your dog, you can go to a massage therapist trained in animal care or to one of several massage schools where you can learn the techniques yourself.
Acupuncture is an alternative medicine that uses thin needles specifically placed along meridians of energy (chi) flow to treat a variety of conditions. Organ systems are associated with the meridians, and the liver meridian begins at the top of the dog’s inner toe of the hind leg, runs along the medial aspect of the hind leg, courses through the abdomen and liver, and connects with the lung meridian in the chest.
Acupuncturists who note a stressed liver or one that is not functioning correctly, as evidenced by physical signs or emotional symptoms such as anger, would place needles to help balance the flow of chi through the liver meridian. For home care, you can massage the dog’s inner thigh and abdomen, especially along the lower and mid-rib areas along the line of teats. A second area good for the liver and gallbladder is along the back, just lateral to the spine, at the level of the lower ribs.
Flower essences (Bach Flowers). Flower essences are remedies that are used primarily for emotional problems, so they fit into the mold of thinking about the liver as an organ that is disturbed by anger or frustration. Impatiens is an essence that applies to dogs that are quick to anger, and Star of Bethlehem would apply to the animal that is angry as a result of being abused. Essences are extremely safe to use, and they can be administered in a dog’s water, directly into its mouth (via droppers), or diluted and spritzed over its body.
Aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is another alternative method that may be helpful for combating liver ailments, especially when we view liver conditions as a consequence of emotional problems. Aromatherapy uses aroma for healing and works on many levels, both physical and emotional.
Aromatherapy can be used for dogs by wafting the aromas into areas where the dog stays (using plug-in atomizers, for example) or putting a small dab of the oil on the back of the dog’s neck where he can’t lick it off.
The oils of German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) are calming and relaxing, and azulene, a chemical component of the plant, stimulates liver regeneration and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. Other aromatherapy remedies that may be helpful include Rosemary Verbenon (a chemotype of rosemary), reputed to offer liver and gall bladder support, and thyme, which is a liver stimulant.

Lizards May Lessen Lyme Disease

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Today's Topic : - Lizards May Lessen Lyme Disease

Scientists have found that ticks who feast on the blood of the common western fence lizard are purged of Lyme disease bacteria within their gut. It is thought that a protein in the lizard's blood destroys the bacteria that would otherwise thrive in the belly of the tick and would later be transmitted to humans. The protein is yet to be identified

Robert Lane, an insect biologist at UC Berkeley and his colleague conducted laboratory experiments using young Lyme disease-infected ticks and fence lizards. The ticks are about the size of a poppy seed in the nymphal stage, during which they feed on the blood of the lizards. Commonly found are 30 to 40 ticks at one time sharing the blood of a single fence lizard. Though the infected adult female ticks threaten to transmit Lyme disease to humans, the smaller nymphal ticks are most jeopardous because they are hard to find and also capable of transmitting the disease.

Lyme Disease Killing Protein

Test tube experiments revealed that Lyme disease bacteria soaked with lizard's blood died within one hour, compared to samples grown in mouse blood which lasted three days. Researchers heated lizard blood to the boiling point and discovered it no longer killed the bacteria in the test tube. Lab tests showed that after infected nymphs fed on lizards and then metamorphosed into adult ticks, they were no longer infected.
The sum of these results indicates what Lane called a "spirochete-killing factor" which is likely a large protein. Researchers are now attempting to determine the exact nature of the Lyme disease killing protein. Once found, the hope is it will be useful in creating a treatment for the disease.

Vaccines and Sarcomas:A Concern for Cat Owners

Todays Topic :- Vaccines and Sarcomas:A Concern for Cat Owners


Is this something new?

Sarcomas are not new forms of cancer in cats. But in 1991, veterinarians began to notice a higher than expected number of sarcomas occurring on cats' bodies in places where vaccines are commonly injected. Subsequently, an association between vaccine administration and sarcoma development has been established. Most feline sarcomas are not associated with vaccines in any way—and those that are associated occur infrequently—yet veterinarians are deeply concerned.

I found a lump where my cat was vaccinated. What happens now?

It is quite common for a small, firm, painless swelling to form under the skin at the site where a vaccine was injected. The lump is almost always of no consequence and disappears after several weeks. Rarely, however, the swelling may progress to a sarcoma. To be on the safe side, your veterinarian will suggest that you periodically check the vaccination area for several months after vaccination. If you detect a lump, you should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. Small samples of the lump will be sent to a laboratory for diagnosis if any of the following are true:
The lump persists for more than three months after vaccination.
It is larger than two centimeters in diameter (about the size of an olive)
It is increasing in size one month after vaccination.
If the lump is found to be a sarcoma, your veterinarian may confer with or refer you to a veterinary oncologist (a cancer specialist) for management.

If vaccines are causing problems, why use them at all?

Disturbing as this issue may be, there is great concern that cat owners, attempting to keep their cats from harm, may forego vaccination entirely. The result? Though well intentioned, these owners may be placing their cats at far greater risk of acquiring a fatal infection than any risk the vaccine poses. And in the case of rabies, human health is at risk as well.

EXCESSIVE GRASS EATING IN DOGS

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Todays Tips-Excessive grass eating in Dogs
There are many common opinions about why dogs eat grass, and unfortunately most of them are ill-founded. For example, most people think dogs eat grass to intentionally make themselves sick. In most cases when a dog eats grass, however, the dog is not sick, nor does he have any underlying symptoms that may lead you to think he would want to be sick. Some dog owners will witness a specific correlation between eating grass and being sick but unfortunately there just is not enough evidence for this as a primary, common reason.
Studies have been carried out to try and link grass easting with illness, vitamin or mineral deficiencies and lack of roughage in the diet, none of which found any significant evidence. In some cases, you see dogs only eating grass from specific areas, suggesting these might just taste better or have higher mineral deposits. Other ideas include that these are areas where other dogs have scented, or other animals have urinated.
In most cases, routinely eating small amounts of grass will do no harm, and is perfectly normal. The dangers exist where this consumption is excessive. Apart from not being easily digestible, there is a danger where vomiting occurs that pieces of grass are deposited in the nasal cavity, which can lead to infection.
if this excessive consumption has occurred suddenly, check his stools and urine for any changes. Also monitor his behavior. If you don't notice any other changes in his health or behavior, it is probably safe for you to wait and see if this is a temporary habit, or if it only happens in a specific place which you can avoid. However, if it continues, is affecting his consumption of his regular diet, or you notice any other minor health problems you should take him for a thorough medical examination.

ARTHRITIS IN DOGS:WHAT YOU CAN DO AT HOME

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Todays Tips-Caring for your arthritic dog involves paying attention to his comfort
In addition to receiving regular holistic care from an experienced veterinarian, you can comfort your arthritic pet at home by providing holistic care. Obviously, the treatments that require training such as acupuncture, homeopathy, chiropractic, and herbal medicine should not be attempted by you, a lay person, but there are many things you can do to boost the health of your pet, as well as decrease his pain significantly.
Caring for your arthritic pet involves paying attention to the animals comfort. For example, one of the first things you should do for your pet is make sure he has a comfortable bed. There are orthopedic beds with special pads that distribute your pets weight better than a regular pet bed. With a heavy pet, such as a giant dog, this weight distribution can be particularly critical; but an arthritic cat benefits from proper bedding just as much as a heavier animal. If you make your pets bed yourself, make sure the padding isn't too deep because that would make it difficult for an arthritic animal to rise.
Also, take a good look at your home and yard and re-evaluate it for a pet who has trouble moving. Can your pet comfortably reach his food? You might consider elevating food and water bowls. Where do you keep your pets bed? Is it on the ground floor, or does your pet have to jump up or climb stairs to reach a favorite sleeping spot? With an arthritic cat, be sure to consider the litter box. How well can your cat climb in and out? You may want to consider providing your cat with a flatter pan-style box. Another problem can be slick floors. Your pet may need better traction in his living areas.
Remember to pay attention to your pets mental/ emotional condition, as well. Many diseases are thought to worsen if the patient is suffering from stress. A change in routine is enough to stress your pet or make him increasingly despondent. Many holistic practitioners believe that a pets immune system is heightened if the animal is happy. So try to avoid situations that stress your pet.
Keep a careful eye on your pet and report any signifi-can't changes in your pets health to your veterinarian immediately. Also, don't assume that because your pet shows signs of arthritic pain that he has arthritis. Early intervention is key to the success of treating arthritic patients. Unless your veterinarian makes the diagnosis of arthritis, it may not be arthritis. There are many curable diseases that cause arthritis-like symptoms. Make sure you confirm your suspicions and seek professional treatment.

ARTHRITIS IN DOGS:WHAT YOU CAN DO AT HOME

In addition to receiving regular holistic care from an experienced veterinarian, you can comfort your arthritic pet at home by providing holistic care. Obviously, the treatments that require training such as acupuncture, homeopathy, chiropractic, and herbal medicine should not be attempted by you, a lay person, but there are many things you can do to boost the health of your pet, as well as decrease his pain significantly.
Caring for your arthritic pet involves paying attention to the animals comfort. For example, one of the first things you should do for your pet is make sure he has a comfortable bed. There are orthopedic beds with special pads that distribute your pets weight better than a regular pet bed. With a heavy pet, such as a giant dog, this weight distribution can be particularly critical; but an arthritic cat benefits from proper bedding just as much as a heavier animal. If you make your pets bed yourself, make sure the padding isn't too deep because that would make it difficult for an arthritic animal to rise.
Also, take a good look at your home and yard and re-evaluate it for a pet who has trouble moving. Can your pet comfortably reach his food? You might consider elevating food and water bowls. Where do you keep your pets bed? Is it on the ground floor, or does your pet have to jump up or climb stairs to reach a favorite sleeping spot? With an arthritic cat, be sure to consider the litter box. How well can your cat climb in and out? You may want to consider providing your cat with a flatter pan-style box. Another problem can be slick floors. Your pet may need better traction in his living areas.
Remember to pay attention to your pets mental/ emotional condition, as well. Many diseases are thought to worsen if the patient is suffering from stress. A change in routine is enough to stress your pet or make him increasingly despondent. Many holistic practitioners believe that a pets immune system is heightened if the animal is happy. So try to avoid situations that stress your pet.
Keep a careful eye on your pet and report any signifi-can't changes in your pets health to your veterinarian immediately. Also, don't assume that because your pet shows signs of arthritic pain that he has arthritis. Early intervention is key to the success of treating arthritic patients. Unless your veterinarian makes the diagnosis of arthritis, it may not be arthritis. There are many curable diseases that cause arthritis-like symptoms. Make sure you confirm your suspicions and seek professional treatment.

CUSHING DISEASE IN DOGS AND THE TREATMENT OPTIONS

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Todays Tips-Learn about Cushings Disease in Dogs and the treatment options
Cushings disease in dogs is a terrible disorder that usually affects older canines. Most often it can be mistaken for the dog's natural aging process, due to similar symptoms. While Cushings is the common name for the disorder, a more accurate medical term is actually hyperadrenocorticism, so if your veterinarian gives a diagnosis with that term, do not be alarmed, your dog actually has Canine Cushings Disease. It is marked by the generation of far too many hormones, such as corticosteroids, from their adrenal glands, giving rise to their ailments.
So how do you know if your animal has canine cushings disease or is simply getting old? Well, Cushings Disease in dogs is generally characterized by increased appetite, drinking and urination, as well as massive shedding and heavy panting. While these are all symptoms of an aging, or perhaps diabetic dog, there are also specific traits to look out for. Cushings Disease dogs will have noticeable thinning of the skin, and an increased amount of skin infections. Furthermore, be aware of hard lumps under the skin, as this could be a sign.
If you notice any of the symptoms above, consult your veterinarian for a diagnosis. Don't worry; the process is simple and relatively painless for your pooch. The main method of diagnosis is a simple blood test how high the adrenal gland hormone levels are. If the veterinarian determines the levels are far above normal, Cushings Disease in dogs may be too blame, and your animal will undergo a series of x-ray tests to determine the extent of the problem. It is generally caused by tumors in either the pituitary gland or the adrenal gland, so the x-ray is helpful in determining which gland should pinpointed for therapy.
What are the treatment options?
Some of the most promising and newest remedies for Cushing's are natural treatments that can normalize adrenal function and reduce circulating levels of corticosteroids such as Cushex Drops from Pet Alive Natural Products.
Cushings Disease dogs will greatly benefit if they have an adrenal gland tumor, as the practiced treatment for such ailment is to simply remove the whole gland. Unfortunately Cushings disease in dogs is blamed on an adrenal gland tumor only fifteen percent of the time, so a good eighty five percent of cases are due to pituitary gland tumors. In the case that cushings disease in dogs has manifested itself in your animal's pituitary gland, then a mechanical removal becomes out of the question since risk of damage to the gland is too high to be considered practical. Instead, the common chemotherapy for cushings disease in dogs is to use either Lysodren or Ketaconazole to destroy the tumor. Much like with human chemotherapies, expect some adverse results to the chemicals. The symptoms to watch for include: lethargy, lack of appetite, diarrhea and vomiting. As always, be sure to let your veterinarian know if your dog is exhibiting any of those symptoms.
Maybe you're not a fan of treating cushings disease dogs with powerful chemicals. If that's the case, then perhaps a diet change is all a dog really needs. A natural diet, consisting of raw meats and plenty of vegetables may be just what the doctor ordered as a healthy alternative cure for cushings disease in dogs. There are various diets available that help balance the metabolism to support a normal relationship between the adrenal glands and the rest of the dog's systems. Also, since a buildup of corticosteroids ultimately damages your canine cushings disease stricken dog's immune system, you can get diets consisting mostly of antioxidants to combat tumors and strengthen immune systems with one fell swoop.
Recently, two new drugs have become available to treat cushings disease in dogs. These include Anipryl and Vetoryl. Vetoryl is currently undergoing FDA approval for animals, but Anipryl is fully approved in the United States for treating cushings disease in dogs. Anipryl takes longer to take effect in animals, but has a very high effectiveness in the long run. Also, since Anipryl is not a chemotherapeutic drug, it has no adverse side effects. So you may want to consider it as a first choice for treating your dog's Canine Cushings Disease.

REGULAR DOG TOOTH CLEANING IMPORTANAT FOR DOG HEALTH

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Todays tips-Regular Dog Tooth Cleaning Important For Dog Dental Health
Regular dog tooth cleaning will prevent a lot of dental problems as your dog ages. And starting to brush your puppy's teeth when he is young will get him used to the idea, making it much easier for you to provide preventative dog dental care.
Unless dogs mouths are regularly touched when they are puppies, they will grow up to be difficult when you or the vet tries to examine them. It's easy to desensitize your dog to being examined like this. Just spend 5 minutes a day touching his lips, opening his mouth, touching the teeth and gums, when he is a puppy. Do it in a very calm and relaxed way, and do it regularly. This is also a great idea if your dog is around children, as he won't be alarmed should they touch his mouth.
Dog tooth cleaning should not be done with the same toothpaste that we use, as it can harm them. There are special dog toothpastes and dog toothbrushes available on both the internet and at local pet stores.
The best way to get your dog used to brushing is to put a small amount of the toothpaste on a cotton ball and rub it on his teeth. Dog toothpaste is made to taste good to dogs, so the flavor shouldn't be an issue. Once he's used to this, try using a finger brush. You can also get these from your vet or pet shop. For larger breeds, you will want to then move onto using a dog toothbrush.
Regular brushing of dog teeth will help remove the calculus and bits of food in your dog's mouth. Other ways of helping remove calculus include using special rawhide dog chews that are made for dental care. CET are one recommended company that make their dog chews with a special enzyme that helps prevent plaque forming, and prevents the buildup of bacteria. And the chews themselves have a natural, abrasive action.
Other dog tooth health products include special dental care food, that generally works by having a slightly abrasive action. These are available from your vet.
Often dogs will still need a dental treatment from the vet as they age. Dogs have to be sedated to do this, though only a light anaesthetic is used. An oral exam will be performed first to see if there are teeth that need to be removed, and x-rays can show any cracked or diseased teeth.
Veterinary dog tooth cleaning involves scaling the teeth to remove tartar both above and below the gum line. Teeth are then polished, which prevents plaque from adhering to the surface. Vets generally then give your dog a fluoride treatment to help strengthen the enamel and also prevent plaque forming. Any diseased and broken teeth are pulled out at this point. Vets who are specialized in canine dental care can give your dog any root canals or similar treatments, but this is not a routine procedure with regular vets and may need a referral

ANIMAL FATS AND CARBOHYDRATES FOR DOGS

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Todays Tips- To know about Animals fats and Carbohydrates for dogs
When looking at what to feed your dog then you may want to research the different foods available. In order to keep them healthy, your dog needs a certain amount of animal fats and carbohydrates as well as everything else. So what foods are better for them and how much should you feed the dog?
Animal Fats
Dogs need essential fatty acids to keep them healthy but only two types of animal fats contain these essential fatty acids. All of the other animal fats contain just as many calories as vegetable oil and they are really not as good for your dog as essential fatty acids are.
The two fats which are good for your dog in small amounts are lard and horse fat. Many people feed their dogs beef and mutton fats but generally they are not overly good for your dog and they should never be fed solely as that will lead to health problems.
Potatoes
Not many owners feed their dogs potatoes but it is worth giving them a few every now and again with their food. They contain almost the same amount of carbohydrates as cereal grains though they should not be used as the main food in your dog’s diet. You should still feed dry biscuits too.
Cereal Grains
Cereal grains are generally the main source of carbohydrates for dogs. They mainly contain starch and it is found in foods such as boiled rice, corn meal, hominy grits and breakfast cereals. As with all other foods, cereal grains should never really be used for more than 50 percent of your dog’s diet.
Bread
Bread is a food which many owners do not give their dogs. Whilst it may seem strange however, bread is actually one of the best sources of carbohydrates that you can give to your dog. Most dogs do not mind either white or whole wheat bread and usually it even has added vitamins and minerals.
Specialty Flour Products
These types of carbohydrates include spaghetti, flour noodles and macaroni and again just like bread they are often overlooked. One of the best things about these types of foods is that owners find them to be more convenient as you can mix large amounts of the food at the same time and cook it when needed in smaller amounts.
Overall dogs need a variety of different foods and you should always ensure that they get a healthy mixture of carbohydrates and animal fats as well as dry food.

PREGNANT AND LACTATING DOGS-SIGNS OF NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCY

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Todays Tips- Pregnanat and lactating Dogs-Signs of Nutritional Deficiency
Pregnancy is stressful to the biology of a dog. Whilst a healthy male dog can father hundreds of puppies without any significant stress (except perhaps the problem of STD's), female dogs use a lot of energy and nutrient during pregnancy and lactation.
If a dog is not fed enough good quality food to supply these nutrients, she will have to use the ones stored in her own body's tissues. This will lead to malnourishment. And if she depletes her own body's sources of vitamins and minerals, a whole host of other problems will develop.
When a dog is pregnant, poor diet can express in the following ways:
1. An "out of condition" appearance of the dog. This may not be apparent until after the puppies are born. An actual loss in body weight throughout pregnancy can happen, but it's unusual in most instances.
2. Uncontrollable diarrhea after whelping (when the puppies are born), and throughout most of lactation. This is most often seen when she must increase her food intake too much to meet the increased demands of lactational because the food she has been eating is poorly digested or low in calories.
3. The "fading puppy" syndrome. The puppy may appear normal at birth, but several hours to days later it is found crying or whimpering, and chilled. It is off by itself, obviously disowned by the mother. Attempts to reunite the two are usually met with failure. The puppy's stomach will be empty and its body will be dehydrated. When weighed, it will weigh the same or less than the day before.
4. Anemias. When anemia occurs as the result of a dietary deficiency during pregnancy, it will be present in both the dam and pup. When both mother and pup are anemic, the first place to look for is the diet of the mother.
When the puppies are born, an inadequate diet during lactation is most likely to appear as:
1. Lactation failure (agalactia). This is a complete failure of the mammary glands. The dog produces no milk at all from which the pups can be nourished. These pups cry continuously, fail to gain weight, and unless immediate remedial feeding is started, the pups will die.
2. Lactation depression (dysgalactia). While the mammary glands are functional, they are unable to produce enough of milk to fully support the pups' complete nutritional needs. The pups' growth rate is restricted, and they may become stunted.
3. Deficient milk. The milk, although it may be produced in adequate amounts, is deficient in one or more nutrients.