Animals Library: dm dogs

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It’s a Dog Life - Common Jobs for Dogs

Have you ever thought of signing your dog up to volunteer for a job? Dogs are not only great pets, they also help us make work a bit easier. Letting them volunteer is a great way for them to get enough exercise and avoid developing degenerative myelopathy. Many organizations and industries need dogs to when completing tasks and workloads. You might be interested in helping out or you could also be working in a field where your dog can serve together with you.

Below are common jobs for dogs and how your four legged friend can help.

Police/military dogs

Most police and military tasks are given to dogs because of their agility, speed, and sense of smell. Dogs are used for search and rescue, bomb and narcotics sniffing, and attack dogs. Most dogs used by the police and the military are German Shepherds, Labradors, Belgian Shepherd Dog or Malinois, Dobermans and Rottweiler. These powerful dogs are trained to serve and protect and are taken to the field.

Therapy dogs

If your dog is loveable, approachable and friendly, it can be a big help as a therapy dog. Many hospitals, clinics and rehabilitation centers use these therapy dogs to help their patients get well faster. Therapy dogs bring joy and a smile to anyone’s face. There are no common breeds for therapy dogs, as long as your dog is supper approachable and friendly, it can be trained to be one.

Guide dog

Dogs can be used as eyes and ears as well. Training your dog to become a guide dog is scary, since the person’s life is placed in the dog’s hands. You dog needs to be smart, fast and attentive to become a guide. They also need to be a bit big. Most guide dogs are medium to large sized dogs since it’s easier for the person to feel their presence.

Search and rescue

You’ve probably heard of the stories of dogs who go up to mountains and forest to look for lost trekkers or people who have been covered in the snow. With this job, people will depend on your dog to save the people who got stranded or lost along the trail. If you have a dog that’s loyal, easy to train, healthy and has a big build, then it can be trained as a search and rescue dog.

The down side of having dogs work is that they will need to retire someday. You dog could be too old to work or might develop degenerative myelopathy because of age. Either way, most retired dogs are well taken care of and are placed in special programs.

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Dogs and Birds – Can They get Along?

The problem with having a family that loves to take care of pets is that you might have one or more type of pets in your home. A common combination would be dogs and cats, but in some households, they keep both dogs and birds under the same roof.

Is it safe to have birds and dogs in the house at the same time? Well if you train them properly then yes. This might sound like an unlikely combination but birds and dogs can get along very well as house pets.

Below are a few tips on taking care of dogs and bird together.

Keep their sleeping areas separated

You don’t want to wake up in the middle of the night finding your dog braking up at the bird’s cage or post. If you let your pet bird fly around freely at home, make sure that their resting post is found far way or in another room from the dog’s sleeping area. During the first few days, your dog will be curious about the bird, so you want to keep it as far away as possible when you’re not watching over them.

Store food separately

Don’t mix bird seed with dog food. Dogs and birds have very different nutritional needs, and you don’t want to mix their meals up so keep both of these in separate containers. To make it easier, use those affordable plastic containers that you can purchase in home and hardware stores and just label them with markers. You can also go organic on pet food for both your bird and dog. Some people would just give their pet bird natural seed and fruits and give their dog homemade dog food to prevent dm in dogs from developing.

More time together

The more time they spend together, the more they get used to each other’s company. Let you’re approach the bird and watch over them carefully. Your dog might frighten the bird and they might end up hurting each other. Older dogs, especially the ones who have developed illnesses like dm in dogs and don’t move around that much might even loose interest of the bird and just let it be. Bottom line is, never live them alone, especially if they’re still new to each other. Once they’ve become more familiar with each other, then you can relax. It might take some time but sooner or later, they’ll learn to live with each other.

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Pet Care –A Good Night’s Sleep for your Pup

Puppies are just small, furry balls of energy that love to run around and play. Taking care of one means that you not only have to worry about giving them a good diet, you also need to make sure they get enough rest and sleep. Unlike babies, you can’t just sing puppies to sleep. They just doze off when they like, where they like. Puppies that don’t get enough sleep tend to be smaller, weaker and more prone to genetic illnesses like DM in dogs. To avoid this, below are a few tips to help give them a good night’s rest.

Give them their own sleeping area

As much as possible, you don’t want to encourage your dog to sleep anywhere they want. Giving them their own space helps discipline them to sleep in a certain area only and it also helps stop pet hair from getting all over the place. Lay out a mat or small carpet and put some covered throw pillows where they can lounge around and sleep. You can also invest in a good dog bed, but if you have more than one puppy, you will have to get another one when they get bigger.

Tell you kids to let them sleep
One of the reasons why puppies don’t get enough sleep is that kids usually end up bothering them because they want to play. You’ll want to tell your kids to let them sleep and give them a specific time that they can play with the puppy. If you’re ok with it, you can also let the puppy sleep on the kid’s beds, but you have to clean the sheets every morning to avoid allergies.

Give them the right diet

Their diet can also help them get the right sleep. To be safe, stick with a good puppy starter kit so you don’t have to worry about mixing and matching dog food products and food supplements. They should also be given the right amount of food. Too little might cause them to wake up late at night and cry for food, while too much is going to cause digestive problems. The right diet will not only help with sleep, it also affects their overall health and minimizes the chances of illnesses like DM in dogs to develop.

Keep it cool

Like humans, dogs also have a problem sleeping if it’s too warm or too cold, especially if they’re not used to the temperature. This would also depend on the dog’s fur if it’s long and thick or short and thin. You’ll want to keep the temperature just right so they’ll sleep comfortably.

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How to Get your Dog Ready for a Show

If your dog is from a long line of pure breeds, you might want to let them join a dog show or pageant. These shows not only showcase your dog’s talent and looks, it can also let you win a cash prize or even a supply of dog food, grooming products and even vitamins to minimize your dog’s chances of getting degenerative myelopathy. Getting your dog ready for these shows isn’t as easy as it sounds. Here are some tips to help your dog be the best it can be during the big day.

No stress

First of all, don’t get the pressure get to you and your dog. Don’t stress yourself and your dog out with extreme preparation for the event. Remember, you’re just joining the contest for fun. Meet other dog enthusiast and let you and your dog enjoy the day and don’t be too competitive and serious, especially if it’s your fist time joining a contest.

Get some practice

It’s a good idea to take some time to go over your dog’s tricks a few weeks before the event. Your dog might find some tricks easy to do, while others might be a bit of a challenge, especially if they’re not use to doing it. Take some time to over your dog’s tricks and be patient with them. Just let them get used to all the commands while you still have time.

Go to the parlor

Help your dog look their best by going to the groomers a day before the event. Have their hair cut and shaped, give them a bath, and condition their fur. Don’t miss out on their nails, eyes, ears and paws when getting them cleaned. If your dog has the early stages of degenerative myelopathy, a good massage can help sooth their nerves and even let them perform better.

Vitamins

Giving your dog some extra vitamins can help keep them active and boost up their energy levels. You can find these in most vet supply shops or pet stores. Some dog owners even give their dogs vitamins that are for human consumption, but this isn’t advisable. Before giving any food supplement of vitamins to your pet, make sure you talk to your vet.

Rest

Make sure your dog gets a lot of rest before the day of the event. They might become too tired to perform on the day and this might even affect their behavior. Let them have a good night’s sleep before the event.

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Common Wide Dogs as Pets

Most of us are used to pet dogs that are warm, welcoming and domesticated. These dogs are very used to the presence of humans and are commonly kept as pets. However, there are some dog lovers who take their love for canines to the extreme, even taking in wild dogs as pet. These dogs more or less have the same needs as domesticated dogs, even sharing the same illnesses like DM in dogs. In some countries, keeping wild dogs is against the law. However, some people still find ways to keep these wild dogs under their homes as “pets”. Many successfully domesticate these animals, but some end up in life threatening accidents and even death. Below are common wild dogs that people captivate and take in as pets.

Wolves

The wolf is one of the most common wild dogs found across the world. They are characterized by their long bushy tails, pointy ears, almond shaped eyes, medium to thick fur and large size. Wolves are one of the easiest wild dogs to domesticate, especially if they were bred and grew up on captivity. Wolves are even used in the entertainment industry as actors in movies, preforming tricks in front of a crowed and playing the “bad guy” in most films. Like German Shepherds, which are very closely related to them, wolves can also suffer from DM in dogs.

Dingo

Growing up in the Australian outback’s, you’re probably familiar with what a dingo is. These medium sizes wild dogs live mostly around the grasslands, edges of forest and deserts of Australia. They stay close to water and can’t live far from it. Most dingos settle in empty rabbit holes, dens that they dig up and big hollow logs. Dingos have made a bad reputation for themselves in the outback. Normally, these dogs don’t touch human livestock, but due to the migration of human presence to their natural habitat, many dingos have been hunted down and condemned because they attacked flocks of sheep and goats.

Jackal

This wild dog looks more like a mixture of a wolf and a fox. They have small, pointy-shaped heads with ears that stand up. These dogs are commonly found in northern Africa and west Asia, roaming around the deserts and dry lands. They feed of small animals like birds and lizards and they have the ability to walk and run for long distances. Unlike most dogs, jackals prefer to live in pairs, and in some rare cases, trios.

Keeping these animals as pets is a dangerous thought, for the sole fact that they are still wild and their primitive urges are still uncontrollable. However, if you do come across one and consider getting as a pet, you have to be ready for the responsibility.

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Dealing with Your Dog’s Aggression

Many dog owners have to worry about their dog being too aggressive around other people. There are times that we take our dogs out to the park or to an area where there are a lot of people and we become overly cautious and afraid that it might snarl and snap on a stranger. No matter how big or small the dog is,it needs to be trained and taught how to control its aggression and know when it’s ok to let its guard down.

Below are a few tips to prevent your dog’s aggressiveness to become worst.

Preventive measures
Use a muzzle or a similar item to stop them from biting. It may not be the most friendly choice, but as a dog owner, you’re responsible for your own and other people’s safety around your dog. This is also helpful with dogs that can’t move or suffer from mobility problems like degenerative myelopathy. Make sure you have a sturdy leash the can take any pressure the dog might exert. It also has to be strong enough that you can pull the dog towards you in case it jumps on someone.

Avoid aggression triggers

A lot of things can actually cause your dog to become aggressive. Stress, noise, strangers, even having another dog or animal around can cause it to get hostile and show negative behavior. As much as possible, you don’t want to expose your dog to these stressors or you can slowly introduce them into their daily routine so that they’ll get used to it. One of the main reasons why dogs become aggressive is because they feel afraid and uncertain of their surroundings. This is very noticeable especially amongst older dogs that are adopted into new families or dogs that are taken to the clinic for testing like dogs with degenerative myelopathy. Proper handling and barding out these aggression triggers can teach your dog how to calm down by its own.

Better treatment

The best way to help a dog get over their aggression and become friendlier is to train and handle it well. Most dog owners really don’t give much attention to this and they would even just tie their dogs up in the lawn and don’t properly socialize them. Talk to an expert trainer or breeder about your dog’s aggression and don’t skip out on their health. Trainers and breeders work hand in hand with vets to help dog owners train and develop their dogs to become well socialized animals.

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Ideas of A Doggy Vacation

If your dog is going through a lot of stress, you might want to take it out on a vacation. This might sound silly, but your dog will be happier after a day or two of relaxation and all out fun. But how do you plan out or spend a vacation with your dog? Below are a few simple ideas.

Spend it at the beach

Sun, sand and surf, imaging spending the whole day at the beach with your dog. The beach is a great place to spend a day especially if your dog is the type of breed that’s made to love the water, such as Labradors and Newfoundlands. Disabled dogs, like the ones with DM in dogs can still enjoy the beach, buy you have to keep an eye on them. Too much sun might dry their fur out or cause them to get dehydrated. Make sure you bring lots of water with you and if you can, stay under the shade or bring a beach umbrella.

Pet hotels

Pet hotels are all in one establishment that offers services that will make your dog feel like they’re in a vacation. Pet hotels have salons that have grooming packages that range from massages to haircuts and even hair coloring. This is a great place to take toy dogs like Pugs and Papillions. Dogs that have illnesses like DM in dogs or physical problems will also enjoy the pampering these pet hotels offer.

Home therapy
Dogs that have DM in dogswould love these therapy sessions. Since they can’t move, home therapy sessions would feel like heaven for them. It’s like bringing a spa to your home for your dog. they can have a few hours of massage and physical therapy which eases their muscles and nerves. These sessions could even help them recover or lessen the symptoms of their illness.

Dog parks

Socializing is great way for dogs to distress and have fun. Most towns and even neighborhoods have dog parks for all the local dogs to meet up and make friends. Your dog might have a hard time meeting others during their first time at the dog park, especially if they’re not use to seeing other animals, but they will start warming up to others and even join a pack.

These are just a few ways for you to have some fun and distress with your dog. remember, safety first and always watch over your dog to avoid accidents.

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Taking Care of Your French Bulldog

One of the fastest growing popular dog breeds are French bulldogs. These dogs originated from a mixture of bulldogs and terriers, and are a favorite amongst small to medium sized families and celebrities. Probably, this breed got highlighted when celebrity host Martha Stuart showed her French bulldog on her shows and showed how energetic and playful the breed can be.

A small sized dog, frenchies are easy to maintain, well in temperament and have little known health problems. Here are a few tips to help you take better care of your French bulldog.

Diet
Since frenchies are small dogs, you should never over feed them to avoid DM in dogs. Ask your vet about the proper serving size for the breed and keep a strict watch over their diet. Give them dog food, but if you’re planning to make your own meals for them, make sure you give them vitamins and food supplements to compensate for any lacking nutrition.

Regular exercise

They might prefer the indoors, but they still need regular exercise. An hour’s worth of light walking everyday should do it. Regular exercise helps prevent the development of joint and muscle problems like DM in dogs, arthritis and hip dysplasia. It also keeps them in shape.Take them out for a short walk every day since too much exercise can cause them to overheat and trigger breathing problems.

Teeth care and face folds

French bulldogs are particularly high maintenance when it comes to their teeth and face folds. You have to make sure they’re cleaned regularly to avoid mouth, face and jaw problems. When getting their teeth cleaned, try to avoid anesthesia since this compromises their respiratory system.

General grooming
A bath once or twice a week should be enough. But it would also depend on how cold or warm your location is. Brushing should be done daily to clean their coat of dirt and dead hair. They do shed but since they have a short coat, you won’t have to worry about having fur all over the place. They also drool a lot so you might want to bring around a cloth to wipe it out.

Temper
One of the most friendly dog breed, they get along well with other pets and people. However, when around younger children, they do need to be watched over since they don’t do rough play very well. They make snorting, grunting and wheezing sound normally so don’t panic if they do. They also have a tendency to have a hard time when swimming. In fact, most French bulldogs don’t know how to swim.

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Tips on giving your Dog a Home Checkup

Sometimes, we’re too busy to drive out to the vet and have our dog checked on. Regularcheckups can actually help your dog live longer and stay healthier. Some dog owners would set up appointments every other month, but many of them can't commit to these schedules. However, there are a few things that you can do at home to check on your dog’s health. Doing a self-check up on your dog can help you spot common health concerns.

Here are some tips to get you started.

Calm the dog down
Many dogs normally hate going to the vet because they associate the trip to an unpleasant feeling, such as the pain the feel when getting their shots. The first thing you need to do is to calm your dog down. Just pat them and let them relax, don't make such a big deal about it. Immobile dogs, such as the ones that have DM in dogs, are easier to handle since they only stay in one corner of their mat or bed, already relaxed.

Head to foot

Start with their head and check their face. Look at their eyes, ears and mouth to see any mucous, abnormal growth, discoloration and anything that looks different. Move down to their torso, check their limbs for anything that looks like an injury or something that could cause pain. Don’t miss out the pads of their paws and check for cuts and marks.

Brush it out

Brush through their fur and check for any lumps and bumps. Their fur needs to look and feel healthy. if it’s falling out, then the dog could be sick. Bumps and lumps under their fur could be a sign of parasites like ticks and fleas, so run your fingers through their fur to check their skin.

Walking

Let your dog walk and run around to check how they balance or if they shake while they move. Shaking on the back limbs is a sign of a number of illnesses such as DM in dogs, arthritis, and other nerve, joint and hip problems.

Stool test

The easiest way to know if your dog is having digestive problems is to check their stool. If you see blood or mucus on their stool or if it’s liquid, it’s possible that your dog is experiencing digestive problems. there are basic home remedies that you can give to your dog but if the problem continues for days, then you will need to send them to the vet.

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Caring for a Bedridden Dog

Like humans, dogs also suffer from illnesses that could cause them to become bedridden. Illnesses like dm in dogs, arthritis and hip dysplasia will cause the dog to lose their ability to move around. Some owners find it easier to just put their beloved pet to sleep then to see their illness progress and become worst. For those who prefer to care for their dogs until the end, here are some tips on how to care for a bedridden dog.

Food

Dogs that have problems with moving will most likely have a difficult time eating, as much as possible stay away from food that could pose as a choking hazard. Big pieces of meat and bones should not be included in their diet. Instead, give the dog something like a slurry or semi-liquid food. You can blend meat with some rice in a blender to get the right consistency. You can also purchase dog food that’s in paste form. Just keep in mind to ask the vet before changing their diet and to know their nutritional needs.

Bed

Let your dog rest on a big space. If you're planning to place it on a dog bed, make sure that it’s big enough so they can stretch their legs and paws. If you can't find a good dog bed, then use a makeshift one made out of floor paddings and foam. Your dog needs to be comfortable since they’ll spend all day lying down. You can also add some old throw pillows in to help elevate their bodies. Keep their bed and pillows covered with materials that you can easily clean.

Bath

Depending on how hot or cold your location is, you might need to give your dog a bath once or more times a week. If you’re living in a humid or tropical area, giving your dog a bath will not only keep them clean, it’ll also help keep them cool. Brush their fur daily to remove any dirt that could have suck on their fur.

Bathroom breaks
Some illness, such as dm in dogs, will cause them to lose control of their bladder. Some dog owners let their dog wear a diaper. They’d cut of a small hole where their dog’s tail goes into and securely wear the diaper on them. You can also assist them by locating their urinary tract and rubbing this area to move the urine out.

Attention

Of course, never forget to give them attention. Spend some time playing with them and pet them. You need to move the dog around to avoid getting bed sores. Place them on the sofa so they can stay near you or on your lap while you watch TV.

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Top Hypoallergenic Dogs for Kids and Families

Your kid has been begging for a pet dog and you worry about their heath, especially if they have asthma or other respiratory illnesses. Don’t fear since there are some dog breeds that are hypoallergenic and safe for kids with breathing problems.

Bichon Frisé

At first, you might think this little puffy dog might trigger allergies, but they actually don’t shed and they’re smart and easy to train. However, these dogs are a bit high maintenance and you’ll need to brush their fur to get rid of dust and dander.

Schnauzer

One of the most noticeable features of this breed is its beard. They don’t shed and they’re one of the most loyal breeds. They have a tendency to follow you around and make you the center of their world. They can also be a bit stubborn and too protective, so you need to socialize them properly and train them to get use to other people. Because of their size, they can be prone to DM in dogs.

Yorkshire Terrier

If you don’t have any space to let your dog run around, then this is the perfect breed for you. Yorkshire Terriers love to cuddle and play with their owners and don’t require a lot of exercise. They do, however, need a lot of grooming so make sure you keep a brush in handy.

BedlingtonTerrier
These dogs look more like lambs then dogs but these dogs are actually not as fearful as sheep. They are one of the best family dogs around because of their loyalty and protectiveness. This mild mannered breed is good with kids.

Poodles

Poodles are said to be the smartest dog breed around and they come in three different sizes, toy, miniature and standard. Standard sized poodles are prone to DM in dogs so you will have to be watchful of their diet. Although these dogs don’t shed, they do need attention on the grooming department.

Italian Greyhound
Italian greyhounds are smaller compared to regular greyhounds, so they don’t need a lot of space. The thing about this dog is that they are sensitive to weather. You have to keep them warm and they won’t do well in places that have chilly climate.

Basenji

A not so common breed, this dog is perfect if you want a dog that doesn’t make a lot of noise. After all, Basenji doesn’t bark. They do make strange

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Should You Dress your Dog Up?

Halloween came and went, and with it we saw thousands of photos of adorable dogs in costumes showing up in almost all the different social networking sites on the Web. Thankfully, our pets don’t know what embarrassment is, remaining oblivious to the fact that people find it cute to see dogs in wacky and ridiculous clothes.

However, some dog owners are dressing their dogs up even if it’s not Halloween. This raises the question, “Is it ok to dress up my dog?” After all, many of our pet dogs sleep in the same bed with us, eat the same food and are treated the same manner as we treat ourselves, so why not go the extra mile for them as well?

Why dress them up

There are many reasons why people dress their dogs up. Like humans, clothing is used as protection. Rain coats and sweaters are useful during rainy and cold days to help keep them warm, especially if they don’t have naturally thick fur or if they’re paralyzed like in cases of DM in dogs.

But besides this, people dress their dogs up because of the attention and their own enjoyment. Walking your dog while it’s wearing a shirt or dress will definitely make people look at it. Dressing them up also gives you more time to bond and play with your dog.

Why not to dress them up

Dressing them up can cause them to become uncomfortable when moving around. Some clothes could be too tight for them and they could have difficulty breathing. Dogs that have physical disorders like DM in dogs will find these clothes as a hassle. These could even cause injury to their backs or hips.

It’s also possible that the dog could get a rash or get some kind of allergic reaction to the fabric. Although it’s not common, it’s definitely a possibility. Small accessories and designs can also poke them and cause discomfort. Left over detergent after cleaning the clothes might also cause damage to their fur.

To dress or not to dress them?
Overall, it’s fine to dress your dog up. It’s always nice to see something cute on your pet and the clothes will help keep them warm and cozy. However, never assume that your dog actually likes wearing these cloths. If you notice that your dog wants to take the clothes off or shows signs of discomfort, take the clothes off.

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Caring for Immobile Dogs

Dogs that went through an accident or have a certain illness could become immobile. They could lose the ability to move and control their legs, have difficulty walking or end up lying around all day. This is a sad situation but there are still a few things that dog owners can do to help their pets be able to move again.

Therapy

Dog owners can now sign their dogs up for physical therapy sessions at their local animal clinic or hospital. There are some physical therapists that specialize in animals but some vets are also knowledgeable about the practices and therapies to help dogs be able to walk again. Dogs who undergo therapy, especially the ones that are ill with degenerative myelopathy, tend to develop the illness slower and regain control of their paws.

Ramps

Little things like ramps and elevations can help your dog get around the house or into your car a bit easier. You don’t have to purchase those expensive ramps, you can just create one out of some wood or even just get the inexpensive ones. These help your do move up the stairs, get into cars and even go from one floor to another in your house.

Booties and mats

If your dog has a hard time standing up because it can’t control its lower limbs anymore, let them wear a bootie so that they can have a better grip on the floor. Another way to help them out is to place mats on areas in the house where they might need to turn. This helps to avoid them from slipping and tripping. This helps dogs with arthritis and degenerative myelopathywhen keeping their balance and not falling off.

Wheelchairs

If your dog has completely lost its ability to move its hind legs, then getting it a wheelchair will help. Ask your vet id they can offer a good doctor that can fit your dog a wheelchair. Don’t just get any readymade one since this could not be the right fit and size for your dog.

Medication
Although some immobility problems are not curable, you can still help minimize symptoms by giving your dog some medication. Other vets would just advise some additional food supplement and extra exercise. Before giving your dog any form of medication or food supplement, make sure that the vet approves it first. Regular check-ups are also advisable.

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Adopted Dogs – Helping them through their Adjustment Problems

Adopting a dog is a wonderful thing to do. You are giving a helpless dog a second chance in life, taking them out of a life in cages and holding pens, or worse, a fate that may involve them being put to sleep. Taking in an adopted dog to a new home usually calls for minor adjustment problems, both for you and your family as well as the new pet. However, some adopted dogs have been through a lot of abuse and suffering. Even if the animal shelter says that the dog is cleared for adoption, they may not have looked at factors that could cause the dog to feel fear, anxiety and even extreme hyperactivity when they move it with their new owners.

So how do you deal with your dog’s odd behavior?
Just let it be. You can simply keep it calm and make it feel that it’s going to be fine. Try to make it feel that it’s not such as big deal. He will soon find out that his fears and worries are just for nothing. However, sometimes this is not enough.

Professional intervention

If your dog has a tendency to want to escape or run away from the house, act violently and snarls or bites, constantly keeps on hiding away from other people, does not eat even if you try to hand feed it, or gets seizure attacks, then you will need to get a professional to help you with the problem. This could be either a health or behavioral problem.

Talk to a Veterinarian

Make sure that it’s not a health issue that’s causing the dog to act strangely. If the dog constantly shakes, have it tested for illnesses like degenerative myelopathy or other nerve problems. If he does not eat or vomits, check if his stomach and digestion is ok. They could also be suffering from internal damages, so have a few tests run on them just to make sure.

Ask Help from a Trainer
You can definitely ask help from a trainer to modify your dog’s behavior. Choose one that concentrates more on positive reinforcement then punishment. It may take the dog a longer time to learn, but he will not feel threatened if he does not follow orders.

Family

Make sure that your family knows how to deal with the dog. Younger children need to be watched over very careful around the dog since they might place themselves and the dog in harm. If you adopted a dog that is already ill with a progressing illness, such as arthritis or degenerative myelopathy, you will have to make sure that you and the other family members can actually give time to help the dog recover and get better.

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Common Nerve Disorders Amongst Dogs

In humans and animals, nerves control all body movement. Any disorder that affects the nervous system is bound to cause mobility problems. In many cases, the normal function of that body part will never get back to normal. Dogs are also affected with nerve disorders, especially if they are already in their senior years. Below are some common nerve disorders amongst dogs that you should know about.

Peripheral Neuropathy

This illness is caused by damage or an injury caused by outside sources. Nerves that are spread all though-out the body, controlling the different systems and sending back responses to external and internal stimuli, become weakened as a result of the problem. Loss of consciousness, instability, and spatial disorientation are also other symptoms. This could be caused by toxins, infections, immune or metabolic diseases, and even certain medications that are used to treat cancer.

Radial Nerve Paralysis

Radial nerve paralysis is by far one of the most common nerve problems experienced by dogs. When the dog has this, they have a very hard time using their front legs, resulting with them dragging their paws while walking and damaging their nails. This is usually caused by an injury or excessive stretching. The dog will need some form of therapy and rehabilitation to be able to walk properly again.

Degenerative Myelopathy

Genetics plays a vital roles in this illness. Degenerative myelopathy or DM in dogs, is an illness that affects the dog’s spine and nerves. It usually first affects the dog’s hind legs, causing it drag them while walking. The dog will also shake and lose balance because of the loss of control. The illness will progress and begin to affect the dog’s body, moving up to its torso, front legs, and then their head. DM in dogs eventually results in full body paralysis and manifests in dogs that are in their older years.

Neuromuscular Disorder

With neuromuscular disorders, illnesses such as diabetes, Cushing’s disease, botulism, Addison’s disease, cancer, and tetanus could affect the dog’s neuromuscular system. These disorders could cause swelling of the nerves, leaving the dog in pain. They may also have a hard time when exercising, eating, and even supporting their own weight.

Axonotmesis

This is when nerve fibers rupture due to prolonged pressure, crushing and pinching. It normally takes the dog about a few weeks to a few months to recover from the damage. Depending on how damaged the body part is, the dog may not regain full ability and control of that part of the body.

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Puppy Care – 8 Vitamins your Pup Needs

Although many of us just buy a random bag of dog food for our dog, it’s actually important that they get a specific blend or formula, especially if they are still puppies. If puppies do not get the right amount of vitamins and minerals, they are more prone to develop illnesses such as DM in dogs and heart problems. Below is a short list of the different types of vitamins your puppy needs to develop a strong and healthy body.

Vitamin A

This is to ensure that the dog’s eyesight stays in top shape. It also helps build a healthy immune system. It’s important however to never overdose your dog on vitamin A since it’s fat soluble and sticks to the dog’s body fats.

Vitamin D

This vitamin is needed for strong muscles and bones. As with vitamin A, it’s a fat soluble vitamin so you should not overdose your dog with it.

Vitamin B

Your dg will need different types of vitamin Bs. Thiamin or vitamin B1 for high carbohydrate metabolism and energy. B6 is needed for a healthy immune, blood, and nervous system. The right amount of B6 also helps prevent DM in dogs. B6 deficiency can cause muscle twitching, weight loss and anemia. Lastly, B12, riboflavin and niacin is needed to help the dog prevent low levels of white blood cells and low appetite.

Calcium
Calcium is needed for strong teeth and bones. The right amount of calcium also helps normal blood coagulation and a strong nervous system. Lack of calcium will cause skeletal abnormalities.
Copper

This might sound unusual, but it’s also very important for proper bone, cell, and tissue formation. It also helps their fur color stay at its best.

Iron

Red blood cells need iron to work properly. These cells transport oxygen all over the body, and if the dog does not get enough of this substance, they become weak and lethargic.

Iodine

Iodine is needed for proper metabolism and thyroid function. Symptoms of Iodine deficiency would include thyroid gland enlargement, dry and sparse fur, and sudden weight gain.

Zinc
Dogs need this to maintain healthy skin and hair. Not having enough zinc can cause skin lesion, vomiting and low weight gain.

The best way to make sure your dog gets enough of the right vitamins and minerals is to get dog food that is appropriate for its age. You can also give it food supplements.

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Advantages of Adopting Dogs Instead of Buying a Puppy

Finding the right pet for your kids can be a bit of a challenge, but the most popular pets by far have to be dogs. After all, they are man’s best friends and they can help watch over their children. The question of where to get the dog comes to mind. Many people would think about just buying a new dog from the pet shop. However, have you thought about adopting one instead? Adopting a dog may just give you more benefits; for one, you not only give a dog a new home and family to love, you get to help the local pound and animal shelter as well.

Below are more reasons that may compel you to adopt a dog instead of buy a new puppy.

Choices

You have more than one or two dogs to choose from if you adopt. Take a trip to the local animal shelter and check out what dogs are available for adoption. There are probably hundreds of dogs, with different sizes and personalities, which you can take a pick from.

They are handpicked
Most dogs that are up for adoption are chosen carefully. Animal shelters make sure that the dogs are healty and fit to be taken into a new family. Another benefit is that these dogs have already been given their shots, so you don’t have to worry about going to the vet and get them immunized before taking them home.

You can “test drive” them

Animal shelters usually let potential new families take the dog home for a day or two to see how they deal with the new environment. Shelters also allow potential owners to pay dogs regular visits to give time for play and interaction, allowing them to be familiar with their potential pets before adoption.

Find the right one for you
Like people, dogs have different personalities. Some dogs may be a little lazy and prefer to lie around, while other loves to jump up, run and play with people. By adopting, you can choose the dog that fits your personality and lifestyle.

Healthy

Dogs that are up for adoption are generally healthier. However, there are some illnesses, like degenerative myelopathy, that you cannot detect when the dog is still young. Always ask for the dog’s health history so you can review it.

Sharing the love

Some animal shelters let you adopt dogs who have health issues and physical disabilities. For example, some animal shelters would allow you to take care of a dog that has degenerative myelopathy during its earlier stage. It’s a form of therapy for the dog to feel the love and support that a family would give.

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Care for Dogs during summer

When the warmer seasons start rolling in, expect a lot of people going out and enjoying the sun. Many of these people would bring their dogs out to enjoy themselves and also have a good time. However, too much heat might cause the dog to get sick. Below are a few tips that can help your keep your beloved pet dog safe during summer.

No parking

You should never, in under any circumstance, leave your dog inside the car. It does not matter if you parked in the shade or in a covered car park. The interior of your car will heat up and it’s very dangerous for dogs to stay in very hot places. If you are off running errands, leave your dog or bring a leash so you can take it around with you. When taking your pet out, also make sure that its leash is securely on it so that it will not run off or get lost.

Give it a lot of water

Make sure your dog is well hydrated. Give it a good amount of water and make sure their water bowl is full with clean water all the time. Dogs that are paralyzes, such as the ones suffering from dm in dogs, will need assistance in keeping them hydrated. You can use a feeding tube and squirt water into their mouth so it goes into their system. If you are planning to go out with your pet dog, bring a small container of water along with you.

Cut their hair

Grooming your pet will not only make it look good, it will also help them keep cool. Dogs that have long and shaggy hair commonly suffer from heat strokes. Keeping their fur well kept, clean and trimmed will be a big help. Bigger dogs are more prone to heat strokes during summer. Other illnesses that dogs also be prone due to the heat are DM in dogs, arthritis, and bone and muscle problems. A dog who is suffering from a heat stroke are constantly panting, staring at blank spaces, refuse to obey any commands, has dry skin, being tired all the time, and vomiting.

Crank up the cooling system

Dogs who are more use in living in colder areas will love you for it. Boost the temperature of your cooling system to a relaxing and comfortable temperature. Another way to keep them cool is to give them a bath. Once or twice a week should cover it.

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Puppy Care – Setting the Right Diet

One of the most frequently asked questions dog owners ask their veterinarians is what to feed to their puppies. Puppies, like human babies, required a more complex diet in order for them to grow well. They are still growing and need more than the usual combination and amount of nutrients to develop normally. Giving them the right diet will also help prevent them from developing any genetic illnesses such as degenerative myelopathy. Below are a few common food choices that dog owners give to their puppies and their pros and cons.

Table Scraps

Many people give their puppy table scraps thinking that they are enough to give them the nutrients they need. It’s also a very cheap way to feet you pets—you basically cook for yourself and your dog. However, table scraps are not enough for a growing puppy. Scraps still lack the nutrients they need to develop strong muscles and bones. If you are planning to give your puppy table scraps, you will need to give it food supplements to make up for the lacking vitamins and minerals.

Meat

Meat is also another common thing that dog owners give to their pets. Some vets have also recommended giving dogs meat because of its high protein content. A down side when it comes to serving meat to puppies everyday is that the protein content of meat can be too much for their kidneys. Also, you have to prepare and cook the meat properly to prevent the puppy from getting food poisoning. It can also be a bit expensive over time if you go with an all-meat diet.

Dog Food

This is the best type of food to give to dogs, no matter how old they are. High quality dog food contains all the right nutrients, vitamins and minerals specifically formulated for growing puppies. There are even dog food brands that offer a specific blend for puppy size and breeds. Dog food becomes very cheap if you buy it in sacks of bulks and its available everywhere. However, care must be taken when switching dog food, since puppies have sensitive stomachs and may react negatively when introduced to a new brand. A good way to stop this is to integrate the new dog food slowly into their diet so that their system can get used to it.

Since puppies are still developing, it is a good idea to give them supplements to make sure they are getting enough nutrients. Another thing to be careful about is their diet. Puppies grow very fast, and you have to make sure you do not over feed them. Over weight dogs are more prone to illnesses like cardio vascular problems, degenerative myelopathy, hip dysplasia and bone disease.

Puppy Care Video

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Taking Care of an Older Dog

A few people might end up getting an older or an adult dog instead of a puppy. So might consider adopting a dog from the local pound and give it a family that it deserves. Others might get one from a friend or family member that is not able to take care of it anymore. Taking care of an older dog might sound easier compared to taking care of a puppy, but it’s actually more complex then you think. Older dogs face a few certain types of illnesses that puppies may not experience. Here is a guideline on how you can take care of an older dog.

Keep a very close eye on their weight

Like humans, dogs tend to have a more active metabolism when they are younger. As they age, it slows down and it’s easier for them to gain a few pounds. To assure that the dog’s weight is just right for their height and breed, weight the dog regularly. Keep a small notebook or list with you or use a track chart and write down any changes on their weight. You need to keep their weight at a certain rage to keep them healthy and prevent any illnesses. If you do not have a scale, you can go to the vet and ask them if you can use theirs. Most vet office let their clients use their scale for free.

Include more healty activities
An excellent diet is not enough to keep your dog healthy. It will also need some exercise and physical activity. A great way to let your dog get some exercise and also let you enjoy spending time with it is to play games. A popular game that most dog owners sign up for is dog Frisbee. You and your dog can enjoy running around in a field, throwing and catching a Frisbee. Some games even have competitions and many dog owners would train their dogs to become the best. Keeping an older dog active helps minimize the possibility of them getting arthritis, degenerative myelopathy, hip dyspepsia and more.

Visit the vet more often

Making frequent visits to the vet is needed for older dogs. More frequent visits will detect any illnesses while it is still on its early stages. Illnesses that only affect older dogs, like degenerative myelopathy, can be tested for. Vets know what is best for your dog during this age so talk to them and ask for a few care tips as well.

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Animals Library

It’s a Dog Life - Common Jobs for Dogs

Dogs and Birds – Can They get Along?

Pet Care –A Good Night’s Sleep for your Pup

How to Get your Dog Ready for a Show

Common Wide Dogs as Pets

Dealing with Your Dog’s Aggression

Ideas of A Doggy Vacation

Taking Care of Your French Bulldog

Tips on giving your Dog a Home Checkup

Caring for a Bedridden Dog

Top Hypoallergenic Dogs for Kids and Families

Should You Dress your Dog Up?

Caring for Immobile Dogs

Adopted Dogs – Helping them through their Adjustment Problems

Common Nerve Disorders Amongst Dogs

Puppy Care – 8 Vitamins your Pup Needs

Advantages of Adopting Dogs Instead of Buying a Puppy

Care for Dogs during summer

Puppy Care – Setting the Right Diet

Taking Care of an Older Dog

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