Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Dog Diseases: A Quick Guide To Fight The Early Symptoms

Title: Dog Diseases: A Quick Guide To Fight The Early Symptoms
Author: Ashish Jain

Like all the domestic animals, dogs are susceptible to many
diseases. So in order to keep them healthy, it is necessary to
understand the various diseases they can suffer from. Here is
your quick guide on common dog diseases:

Rabies: This disease is caused due to a virus which affects the
central nervous system of the dog. It generally spreads through
the saliva. Rabies has several stages. In the first stage, there
appears some behavior changes in your dog. As it reaches the
second stage, the dog becomes very aggressive and by the third
stage the body parts of the dog stop coordinating with each
other. Once encountered the disease, there remains no cure.

Distempter: This is considered as the biggest threat to the
whole population of the dog species. The symptoms are heavy
nasal discharge, congestion in the chest, weight loss, coughing,
gunky eyes and diarrhea. As the disease reaches its later
stages, it has a direct effect on the nervous system of the dog
causing paralysis. It is a contagious disease and the virus can
be encountered by the air. Even by coming in contact with the
excretion of the infected dog, the healthy dog can get
afflicted. Once the dog is infected, then there is no cure for
the disease. This deadly disease can be prevented by giving a
proper vaccination to the dog.

Bloat: It is a serious disorder in a dog, wherein there occurs
a twisting in the stomach of the animal. It generally occurs due
to over eating. If the dog appears restless and depressed with
dry heaves, then you must treat him for bloat.

Parvovirus: This virus is a fast killer as the symptoms can be
seen in the dogs within hours of the virus attack, even killing
the dog within 48-72 hours. It is a contagious disease and
directly attacks the intestinal tract of the dog's digestive
system. The effect of the virus can also be seen on the heart of
the dog. The symptoms include depression, severe form of
diarrhea, vomiting and also loss of appetite. In this disease
the color of the feacel matter changes and often have blood
stains.

Canine Viral Hepatitis: This disease directly targets the
kidney, the liver and the blood vessels of the dog. The symptoms
include loss in appetite, intense thirst, vomiting and
hemorrhages. The virus of the disease spreads through the faecel
matter of the other dogs. The dogs can be prevented from this
disease by administering them with the vaccination.

Kennel Cough: This is the most common respiratory disease among
the dogs, wherein a typical kind of cough can be seen in the
dogs. If given proper treatment, the disorder can be mended.

Leptospirosis: It is a bacterial disease. It spreads through
the excretion of the animals. If human beings any how come in
contact with this virus, they can also be infected. There is not
one but several species of bacterias that produce this disease
in dogs. The common symptoms of this disease are kidney
inflammation, lethargy, conjuctivita, low grade fever and even
sometimes clotting of blood. If the disease is more chronic the
symptoms can be jaundice, pneumonia and intestinal inflammation.

Retinal Dysplasia: It is a disorder where there is an abnormal
development of the retina. There occurs folds in the outer
layers of the retina. It is the most common type of disease that
is present in most of the breeds of dogs. A minor form of
dysplasia causes minor vision problems, whereas an acute one can
lead to total blindness in dogs. Cataract is also accompanied by
this disorder.

Lyme Disease: It is a bacterial disease that is spread by
ticks. The dog suffers from joint pains, loss of appetite, fever
and lethargy. Tetracycline, an antibiotic is used for the
treatment of this disease.

It is thus important to detect early symptoms of these diseases
in your pet dogs and meet your vet as soon as possible. This
will not only keep your dog healthy but will also keep it away
from any of the life threatening diseases.

About The Author: The author writes about a number of different
topics. For more information on pet dogs visit
http://www.thepetdogs.com/ and also visit the article pages:
http://www.thepetdogs.com/dogs-and-health/ and
http://www.thepetdogs.com/dog-breeds/

.

__,_._,___

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Pet Care - 5 Easy Ways To Keep Happy Pets

Title: Pet Care - 5 Easy Ways To Keep Happy Pets
Author: Donald Mckenzie Jr

Owning a pet can really boost morale and lighten anyone's worst
day. The motto most people follow is to treat others the way you
want to be treated. The same can also apply for pets. This
article will show you a few ways to keep a happy house pet.

1) Create a great living atmosphere for your pet.

One of the best things you can do for your pet is to create a
highly comfortable atmosphere for them. This goes for pet dogs,
cats, birds, mice, lizards, turtles, rabbits, and all other
house pets. Think of it this way; would you like to live an
uncomfortable house? That answer is an obvious one. Your pet is
a living being and would love to live comfortably in a good
atmosphere. A couple things going for this tip include fresh
drinking water, a comfortable resting spot, and great clean
nutritious food. You will also want to keep their living space
fresh and comfortable.

2) Only feed them the best nutritious foods.

Your pet will only stay as healthy as the food you are feeding
it. If you are feeding your pet unhealthy food, it will show
through its health. A few signs of this are pet sickness,
hostility, and your pet literally avoiding you. Try to find the
best foods in the pet stores to feed your loving pet. As
previously mentioned, your pets are living beings that need to
be taken care of. Would you eat dirty unhealthy foods everyday?
Put yourself in the position of your pet and you will understand
what is being asked better.

3) Shower your pet with love and affection.

The love and affection you show your pet will help it to live a
long life. A few ways to do this are using low sweet voices when
interacting with any pet, petting and hugging frequently, and
physically playing with your pet. If your pet is a lizard,
snake, mouse, or bird, you can sometime take them out of their
cages to get some fresh air. If you have a pet dog, then pull
off the leash and let them run around outside each day. Believe
it or not, your pet will greatly appreciate this and love you in
return. If they are kept cooped up in a cage or indoors each
day, they will tend to grow viscous and hostile towards anyone
who comes close.

4) Give your pet great baths.

Try to remember that a clean pet is always a happy pet. Would
you be happy with dirty smelly skin? Although some pets hate
baths, they greatly appreciate a clean body. And even though
some of them like to lick themselves to stay clean, it is always
a great idea to get some fresh water and pet shampoo on them.
This will also help to prevent and parasites or bacteria from
getting them sick.

5) Buy your pets great toys to keep them happy.

It is always a great idea to get your pet toys and items that
keep them busy. Cats seem to be fascinated by yarn and fur. They
can just sit there all day swiping at it with their paws. If you
can find out what fascinates your pet, it will help them to stay
alert and even healthy. A lazy pet is never a good thing to have
around.

About The Author: For more information visit these two
websites: http://house-pets.blogspot.com and
http://ebay-account.blogspot.com . You can also get information
on home businesses by visiting this website:
http://internet-business-from-home.blogspot.com

.

__,_._,___

Friday, August 15, 2008

Healthy Pet Food Tips

Title: Healthy Pet Food Tips
Author: Jane Dinunzio

Healthy Pet Food Tips
Deciding what to feed your pet isn't easy these days,
especially after the unprecedented pet food recalls in 2007
that pulled more than 100 brands off store shelves. The
culprit of the contaminated food was wheat gluten, poisoned
with melamine, a chemical used to make plastics and
fertilizers. The tainted food caused kidney failure and
other illnesses, and may have killed thousands of pets.

Recalls and poisonings aside, there are plenty of other
reasons to be aware of what's in your animal's food. A
good diet keeps your pet's coat healthy and keeps his
digestive system running smoothly. Also, you pay for what
you get. Foods with a lot of fillers are cheaper but less
nutritious. Just as with human food, good ingredients will
go a long way toward giving your pet a long, healthy life.

Learn to decipher labels on commercial pet foods. The most
important parts of the label are the nutritional adequacy
statement and ingredients list. The former tells you
whether a food is suitable as the sole nourishment for a
healthy pet. The label will specify that the product
"provides a complete and balanced nutrition."

A well formulated cat or dog food will list chicken, beef,
lamb, poultry, or fish meal first.

Cats are carnivores and dogs are omnivores, so both need
their meat. Bone meal and other meat by-products are
poorer sources of protein. Soy, rice, oats, yeast, wheat,
corn, and other fillers provide protein but aren't as
digestible, so look for foods that list these lower in the
ingredients.

Manufacturers sometimes try to mask the amount of fillers
in pet foods by breaking them into components. For
example, corn may be listed as cornmeal, corn gluten and
ground corn. If all three were grouped together, corn
would appear much higher in the ingredients. At the end of
the list you'll find preservative. Ethoxyquin is one of
the most controversial, because it may affect a dog's
liver. Look for foods preserved with Vitamin C (also
called ascorbic acid) or Vitamin E (listed as tocopherol)
instead.

A better alternative is to buy organic pet food. An
organic pet food marked 95% organic meets the same
guidelines as organic food produced for humans. The food
won't contain pesticides or antibiotics, and it's preserved
with natural substances like Vitamins C and E. As with any
food, the organic option will be more expensive, but it's
healthier for your pet, and the way it is produced is
definitely better for the environment.

The best choice by far is making your own pet food so you
know exactly what you're feeding your animal. Ensure
you're preparing nutritionally balanced food, or your pet
may suffer from malnutrition. Consult your veterinarian
before starting your pet on home made pet food.

Home made pet food tends to be the most expensive option,
but may be worth your peace of mind. While some pet owners
feed their animals raw meat, you'll be hard-pressed to find
a vet who thinks it's a good idea. There is always a
chance that you or your pet could be exposed to E.coli or
salmonella.

About the Author:

I am a strong advocate for feeding your pet healthy
nutritious food which will extend their lives and increase
their health. Find recipes and info at:
http://recipes4gourmetdogs.com

.

__,_._,___

Thursday, August 14, 2008

How To Get Your Dog Health Questions Answered

Title: How To Get Your Dog Health Questions Answered
Author: Sylvia Dickens

How To Get Your Dog Health Questions Answered
Are you reluctant to ask your veterinarian those touchy dog
health questions? Some people accept the veterinarians'
first suggestion for treatment without knowing all the
options. They might be concerned about stepping on the
veterinarians' toes by challenging their decision.

Unfortunately, this can lead to dissatisfaction when the
bill comes in. It's important to get your dog health
questions answered before any treatment begins. If you're
hesitant, especially if you're questioning his decision,
here are some tips to help you.

Always remember that your dog's health is your
responsibility in conjunction with your veterinarian's
expert advice. A good veterinarian will want to provide you
and your dog with the best and quickest solution, which can
be dramatic and expensive. Sometimes, however, there are
less expensive options that he can try first.

Is he open to your input?

One of the first considerations is whether he is open to
your dog health questions. If he isn't, if he rushes you
through and shows little time or patience to listen to your
concerns, find another vet.

It's not uncommon for personalities to clash. It happens
between dogs, it happens between people and it happens
between vet and dog/dog owner. Don't be afraid to find
someone who is better suited to your needs.

Prepare yourself

Before making a decision about treatment, do some research
on your own about your dog's condition. Check the Internet.
Read up on the disease at your local library. Sometimes,
the vet will have pamphlets that can be quite helpful. Look
at the treatment options suggested in those resources.

Offer suggestions

Make notes and take them to your veterinarian. Get
clarification from him that his treatment choice is the
best. Find out why the others are not viable options for
your dog. There are always variables, including your dog's
overall condition, his age, the extend of the disease, the
location of the disease, and your dog breed. Your vet will
take all these into consideration.

Ask for payment options

As the client, you have every right to get your dog health
questions answered. If the treatment is expensive, don't be
afraid to ask if he has a payment plan to make it more
affordable for you. He doesn't want to see your pet suffer
any more than you do. Be honest about your situation and he
is sure to do whatever he can to help you through this
difficult time.

Ask the tough questions

Some clients complain about paying a huge bill, only to
have their pet die shortly thereafter. It's easy to accuse
the vet of taking advantage of the situation to make money.

Good veterinarians will assume you want to spend as much
time with your dog as possible, even if it only means a few
more months. As long as the dog can be treated and saved
from pain and discomfort, he will want to do whatever is
necessary to make that happen.

These are questions you might want to ask your vet before
agreeing to treatment: will your dog be comfortable, will
he be in pain, and what is his life expectancy at that
time. Once you have these answers, you will be better able
to make a good decision for you and your dog.

Take every opportunity to be up front with your
veterinarian. Prepare for his diagnosis and
recommendations, and then get your dog health questions
answered before treatment begins.

About the Author:

Want more dog tips? Get Sylvia's free dog guide, "Unveiling
the Myths & Mysteries of Owning a Puppy" at
http://ebook-haven.com/PuppyGuide1.php . Read her Dog
Training product reviews and recommendations at
http://www.ebook-haven.com .

.

__,_._,___

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

What To Do About Beagle Health Problems

Title: What To Do About Beagle Health Problems
Author: Michelle A Adams

A lot of people love the beagle breed of dog mostly for its
friendly demeanor and its ability to be a good dog with
children. But beagle health problems are somewhat common and can
range from the regular cuts and scratches that any dog gets all
the way up to ailments that are almost completely proprietary to
the beagle. Keep an eye on your beagle and start to become
familiar with the warning signs for beagle health problems.

Beagles are well known as a breed of dog that will eat anything
in sight and then not care so much about their "girlish figure".
Beagles are big on eating and not so big on exercise so your
beagle will gladly trade off a run in the sun for a bowl of
food. It is for that reason that you have to protect your beagle
from obesity by keeping an eye on its diet. Beagles will eat
anything put in front of them whether they are hungry or not so
be diligent a bout supplying a healthy balanced diet.

Beagles suffer beagle health problems like problems with their
eyes. An eye condition common among beagles is a condition
called distichiasis, which is a condition where the eyelashes
grow into the eye and cause irritation and potentially
infection. This condition can be solved with surgery and if you
notice a problem with your beagle's eyes get them to a vet right
away. While this problem can be solved with surgery it is
important to identify the onset of the problem as soon as
possible and seek proper medical assistance right away.

A beagle is also apt to contract some form of renal atrophy
where parts of the eye begin to deteriorate over time. If you
notice that your beagle's eyes are especially dry, or the other
end of the spectrum and you notice that they tear up
excessively, then you need to get your beagle to the vet right
away.

Nature has a way of playing a mean little trick on the beagle
in that some of the beagle health problems are directly related
to something the beagle and its owner can do nothing about, that
is the way the beagle is built. The beagles' big floppy ears can
sometimes prevent air from flowing in and out of the ears like
it should and this can cause a lot of problems. One of the main
problems is a build up of moisture in the ear that can cause
serious beagle health problems. So always check in around and
under your beagle's ears on a regular basis.

Some of the things that sound awful with a beagle are
completely harmless. For some reason beagles occasionally
experience what is known as reverse sneezing. It sounds like
they are trying desperately to catch their breath but they are
just fine and it is harmless. But don't let little warnings go
unattended with your beagle and get it to the vet if you think
something may be wrong.

About The Author: Michelle Adams supports local animal rescue
organizations and is a regular contributor to their cause.
http://www.beagledogguide.com/Beagle_Care/index.php Beagle care
is important and needs to be something the beagle owner is
constantly monitoring. It is important to be aware of
http://www.beagledogguide.com/Beagle_Care/Beagle_Diet_and_Nutrition.php
emergency care for your beagle options in case you should ever
need them.

.

__,_._,___

Havanese Health Problems: How You Can Prevent Them

Title: Havanese Health Problems: How You Can Prevent Them
Author: Fiona A Kelly

The Havanese is a rare and fine animal. Havanese health
problems can be kept to a minimum by utilizing the utmost in
preventative care, namely regular cleaning of eyes, ears and
teeth and regular visits to a veterinarian. Keeping your
Havanese from ingesting foods that are harmless to humans but
poisonous to dogs (e.g., chocolate) is another everyday
preventative measure. Hereditary Havanese health problems can,
in some cases, be prevented before an animal is born. Havanese
are prone to vision, hearing, knee and hip problems. Breeders
are starting to test their Havanese for these problems and then
not breeding the afflicted animals. Additionally, national
registries maintain databases on these hereditary problems.
Prevention may not always be enough to ward away Havanese health
problems. Sometimes you may need to find emergency care for your
Havanese. If you have an established relationship with a
veterinarian, this will help. He or she will probably have
previously given you instructions about how to contact his or
her office in an emergency.

You either have welcomed or will shortly welcome your new
Havanese puppy into your home. She will adore you completely.
You will be a hero simply for coming home from work. More
importantly, your new Havanese puppy will trust you completely.
Her wellbeing is entirely in your hands. In addition to
providing her with food, water and attention, you know you want
to do whatever it takes to keep her happy and healthy. Some
health promotion measures are things you would want to do for
any puppy. Other health promotion measures come with the extra
fur on the Havanese.

You will want very much to learn about common puppy health
problems in general and common Havanese health problems in
particular. You should also know about arranging regular
veterinary care for your Havanese puppy as well as how to
arrange emergency care for your Havanese. Havanese care is a new
adventure in your life.

Some health problems are common to any breed of dog. You
should keep your Havanese's eyes and ears clean to prevent
infection or infestation with ear mites. Also, many puppies
develop internal parasites, such as worms. Regularly check your
pet's coat for ticks and fleas. Even indoor animals can get
them. Your veterinarian can provide treatments for worms and can
provide you with the best treatments for fleas.

Some Havanese health problems are genetic. Problems such as
knee and hip dysplasia (dislocation), early onset cataracts,
retinal atrophy and genetic deafness tend to run in the Havanese
breed. These problems are not fatal, but might affect the
quality of life for your Havanese. For instance, eye problems
can lead to blindness. You will want to make sure that your
breeder has tested the sire (father) and dam (mother) of the
puppy you wish to purchase. Breeders should remove animals with
eye or joint problems from their breeding stock.

Prevention is worth many ounces of cure when it comes to
Havanese health problems. You can prevent ear parasites by
cleaning your Havanese's ears once a week. (Ear mites are a
particular problem for all floppy eared dog breeds—the Havanese
included). You can prevent eye infections by cleaning your
Havanese's eyes once a week. Be sure that your Havanese does
not ingest common foods that you enjoy but that are poisonous to
all dogs. These foods include chocolate, caffeine, grapes and
raisins, tomatoes, onions, garlic, chives, nutmeg, and walnuts.

Some pet owners forget to take their pet for regular veterinary
checkups. Don't do this to your new Havanese. Additionally, be
sure to keep your veterinarians contact information handy in
case you need emergency care for your Havanese. You can also
take your Havanese to the nearest emergency pet clinic.
Additionally, many pet supply super stores have an on site
veterinarian

About The Author: Fiona Kelly is a lifelong animal lover with a
special interest in hereditary health problems facing purebred
dogs. Health care is a vital component of
http://www.havanese-puppy-guide.com/Havanese_Care/ Havanese
care. The health problems that might trouble a Havanese are
discussed in this article. Obtaining
http://www.havanese-puppy-guide.com/Havanese_Care/Havanese_diet_and_nutrition/
emergency care for your Havanese is also covered.

.

__,_._,___

Monday, August 11, 2008

Different Allergies Of Shih Tzu

Title: Different Allergies Of Shih Tzu
Author: Rebecca A Simpson

Both Shih Tzu and Shih Tzu owners share some common qualities
such as obesity, which primarily come about due to improper diet
and not getting enough exercise. Additionally, both may suffer
from a few illnesses such as diabetes and cardiac problems,
which can be the result of long-term obesity. Besides that both
Shih Tzu and Shih Tzu owners are susceptible to allergies. In
fact, veterinarians have many treatments for Shih Tzu allergies.

The most common symptom of allergies is an itching sensation on
the skin. In addition, the allergies may affect the respiratory
tract system as well. The common symptoms of respiratory tract
allergies may include sneezing, wheezing and coughing. The Shih
Tzu can have almost all the same symptoms that humans do. They
have discharge coming from the nose and eyes just like when they
suffer from a cold or the flu. Allergies may also occur that
effect the digestive system and may suffer from the common
symptoms including diarrhea, watery stools and vomiting.

In practice, there is a great variety of allergies that may
affect the Shih Tzu. For instance, flea saliva may cause the
Shih Tzu an allergic reaction. In order to understand whether a
Shih Tzu is being affected by flea saliva a skin allergy
examination is essential. In the case of a positive result, the
owner must use an effective flea control program. But using safe
products must be ensured in order to avoid any possible harm to
the dog.

Many humans have an allergic tendency towards certain types of
foods. The Shih Tzu is also susceptible to food allergies.. In
fact, there is a whole host of foods such as fish, beef, soy
products, milk, wheat, eggs, chemical preservatives and
artificial sweeteners that may function as allergens to a Shih
Tzu dog. Non-verified foods should be strictly avoided for the
Shih Tzu. If commercial dog foods are served to Shih Tzu instead
of homemade food, it lessens the possibilities of developing a
food allergy.

Molds and dust mites, the most common forms of environmental
substances, may also lead to the development of allergic
reaction in the Shih Tzu. These types of Shih Tzu allergies
occur due to a hypersensitivity to the immune system in the
presence of these substances. The condition is known as atopic
dermatitis. It becomes evident that the dog is suffering from
atopic dermatitis when you find them licking and chewing
different areas of the body including the paws, abdomen and rear
feet. Atopic dermatitis may strike areas like the armpit,
central areas of the toes of the paws and the groin.

There are few non-harmful bacteria on the body of a Shih Tzu.
Most of these bacteria come from Staphylococcus family. However,
only a few harmful bacteria may affect Shih Tzu leading to a
bacterial allergy. If you find your Shih Tzu is lacking hair
unusually and some ringworm type of markings appear all over its
body, it is quite possible that the Shih Tzu may have developed
a bacterial allergy on the skin. In United States, over twenty
percent of all dogs are unfortunately suffering from allergies.

About The Author: A dog lover and dog owner, Rebecca Simpson
loves to share knowledge regarding dog's allergies. The owner
must be aware of proper
http://officialshihtzuguide.com/Shih_Tzu_Care/index.php Shih Tzu
care so that the dog can grow with optimum health. If you are
looking for when and
http://officialshihtzuguide.com/Shih_Tzu_Care/Shih_Tzu_Diet_and_Nutrition.php
how to choose a vet for your Shih Tzu, you may find this article
worthy with sufficient information about Shih Tzu allergies.

.

__,_._,___

Knowing About Rottweiler Health Problems

Title: Knowing About Rottweiler Health Problems
Author: Sharon A Davies

One common Rottweiler health problem is shedding so know that
before you get a Rottweiler. Two other common Rottweiler health
problems are gas from a bad diet and bone disease. Rottweiler
health problems can arise from not enough exercise.

Part of the responsibility of owning a Rottweiler is becoming
familiar with the common Rottweiler health problems that can
occur with your dog. Some of the health issues are more of an
inconvenience than anything else and others can be quite
serious. If you take the time to become familiar with potential
Rottweiler health problems then you can help your dog cope
better if some of them come up and you need to act. It always
helps to know what to tell the vet when you feel something is
going wrong.

A Rottweiler will shed a lot all through their lives and they
have very short hair that is hard and pointy and gets
everywhere. They shed when they are petted and when they scratch
themselves so if you do not want to have to pick small coarse
dog furs out of all of your clothing then you may want to
consider not getting a Rottweiler.

Like any other living creature a Rottweiler will develop some
health problems if it is not fed the proper diet. As your dog's
owner it is your responsibility to make sure that your dog is
getting all the nutrients it needs and none of the stuff it does
not need. One good indicator that your dog is getting a bad diet
is that your Rottweiler can develop a bad case of gas from a
poor diet. Flatulence is a result of poor diet and for your own
sake you probably want to avoid that.

Another common Rottweiler health problem is bone and joint
disease. A good diet can help strengthen bones and help them
fight bone disease but sometimes it is in their genes and it
cannot be helped. If you notice your dog having any difficulty
at all in getting around then get your dog to the vet right
away.

It can be a little confusing dealing with some Rottweiler
health problems if you do not take the time to work with your
vet and discuss these issues with them. While a good diet is
extremely important to a Rottweiler so is the right amount of
exercise. The problem is deciding how much exercise is the right
amount for your dog. Too much exercise can cause problems for a
Rottweiler and not enough exercise can lead to obesity so it is
up to you to work with your dog and your vet to come up with a
program that can lead to good health.

Keep an eye on your Rottweiler, as some health issues are more
common with them than other breeds. A Rottweiler is more apt to
get cancer than some other breeds and it is health concerns like
this that you need to keep track of. Regular visits to the vet
can help keep your Rottweiler alive and healthy for a very long
time.

About The Author: Sharon Davies is an animal lover that is very
knowledgeable about breed specific health problems. You can get
tips on
http://www.officialrottweilerguide.com/Rottweiler_Care/index.php
Rottweiler care from this article. If you are considering
http://www.officialrottweilerguide.com/Rottweiler_Care/Rottweiler_Diet_and_Nutrition.php
emergency care for your Rottweiler then read this article.

.

__,_._,___

Saturday, August 09, 2008

Beagle Health Tips

Title: Beagle Health Tips
Author: Michelle A Adams

Pet owners are always concerned with the proper way to care for
their animals and when you decide to invest in a beagle for your
family pet then your first concern should be the proper beagle
health care tips. Owning a pet is a lot of work but there are
some very simple ideas you can use to help keep your beagle
healthy and happy and a part of your family for many years to
come. Make sure regular visit to the vet is part of your
beagle's health plan and contact the vet if persistent problems
arise.

Beagles love to eat just like any other living creature and the
idea that there is such a thing as human food separate from any
other creature's food is wrong. A healthy diet for your dog
should consist of properly cooked meats, raw vegetables, and raw
fruits as well. All creatures eat food and you should help keep
your dog healthy by feeding your beagle the foods that are best
for it.

Beagles have a very thick coat so a major part of proper beagle
health is to make sure that their coat is clean and that nothing
has a chance to get in there and cause any major health
problems. Plan on bathing your beagle at least once a month and
if your beagle goes outdoors at all, or comes into contact with
dirty situations, then plan on bathing them more often than once
a month. The benefit is for your family as well because your
family is also coming into contact with your beagle's coat so
keeping it clean is essential.

Your beagle also needs regular grooming as well and some of
this you can do on your own and some of it you may want to leave
to the professionals. Brush your beagle's thick coat regularly
and make sure there are no tangles or debris caught in it. Your
beagle's nails also need regular clipping and while you are
invited to try this yourself this is something you may want to
send out for.

Beagle health concerns are much more than just providing a
balanced diet and bathing. Your beagle's ears are famous for not
only their look, but also their ability to block the proper
airflow in and out of the dog's ear. Check under you beagle's
floppy ears regularly and if you see any build up then contact
your vet right away.

Your beagle's teeth are also in need of attention and this is a
process that starts when they are very young. As a puppy get
your beagle used to your finger gently rubbing across their
teeth. As they get used to it then add a small wrap of wet gauze
to your finger with some baking soda. If they are okay with this
then you can probably move on to a dog toothbrush. Always keep
an eye on your beagle and make sure you make their health your
primary concern for your pet's sake and your family as well.

About The Author: Michelle Adams is an animal lover that owns
many house pets. This article is a great resource for proper
http://www.beagledogguide.com/Beagle_Care/index.php beagle care.
This article is a great source for tips on the
http://www.beagledogguide.com/Beagle_Care/Beagle_Diet_and_Nutrition.php
best beagle diet.

.

__,_._,___

Wednesday, August 06, 2008

Dog Nutrition - Keeping Your Dog Healthy

Title: Dog Nutrition - Keeping Your Dog Healthy
Author: Jane Dinunzio

Dog Nutrition - Keeping Your Dog Healthy
With so much in the news about contaminated commercial dog
food, I have started making home made dog food for my two
beloved girls, Lady and Lola. Of course the number one
natural ingredient in healthy safe dog food is meat.

Did you know dogs need and enjoy the fresh addition of
vegetables to their daily diet? My dogs love mashed
carrots in there freshly cooked meat as it is naturally
sweet.

Rice or pasta mixed in with the meat and vegetables every
day is not just used as filler and in proper proportion
makes a healthy nutritious diet. The proper mix of meat,
vegetables and grain every day, made with ingredients that
you or I would eat is the basis of proper nutrition for
your dog. There are many resorses available on the
internet for more information and healthy dog food recipes.

We have been told that feeding dogs our food is bad for
them for so long that it has become an unsubstantiated part
of our beliefs. We have actually come to believe and trust
that commercial dog food with additives, toxins and all
sorts of preservatives is better than home made healthy dog
food. There is startling and upsetting information in the
news on what we have been really feeding our beloved pets.

Before you start making healthy, home made dog food you
must be aware that there are certain human foods that are
toxic and can make your dog sick or worse, Most people
know about chocolate being bad, but did you know that
onions and raisins or grapes can harm you pet.

Always check with your vet before starting your pet on a
completely new diet. They need to be slowly swithched
over, and your must make sure you have the proper amounts
needed for your pets size.

Feeding your dog super tasty calorie controlled, home made
healthy food has other incredible benefits other than just
having the most adoring loving pets. Your dog will live
longer. He/she will also look and feel healthier.
Because you are not adding sugar, salt and fat to your home
cooked recipes, you can help an overweight pet lose weight.

A chemical free diet can be nothing but an improvement over
what we now know is being put in a lot of the commercial
dog food. I know I have seen major changes in my two
special girls and you will also with a healthy diet fed
regularly to your pet.

About the Author:

Check out my main site at :
http://www.recipes4gourmetdogs.com to see what my pets
favorite recipes are. I also have special treat recipes
that are healthy, nutritious, and easy to make.

.

__,_._,___

Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Top 5 Dog Health Problem Symptoms

Title: Top 5 Dog Health Problem Symptoms
Author: Wade Robins

Protecting your dog's health is the most important thing over
anything else. With the proper diagnosis and knowing what to
look for will help, you determine some possible reasons for the
dog health problems. The top 5 dog health problem symptoms
provide knowledge about parvovirus, skin disorders, eye
problems, rabies and ear problems. When you see the first signs
of a problem, you need to respond appropriately to protect the
health of your dog.

Dog Health Problem Symptoms of Parvovirus

Some symptoms of the disease are weight loss, dehydration,
vomiting, fever and nasal discharge. If you see any of these
signs, you will need immediate medical attention for your dog.
Diarrhea is usually the first symptom, which could be from
anything, but when other symptoms appear, you will have a better
idea of what you are dealing with. A puppy under the age of six
months can contract this disease and will ultimately die. Proper
vaccination at an early age will protect the puppy from this
horrible disease and death.

Dog Health Problem Symptoms of Skin Disorders

Some symptoms of a skin disorder will be scratching,
inflammation of the skin, and is some cases a discharge of pus
from the area that breaks open due to excessive scratching. This
requires medical tests and observation to determine if it
results from a parasite, both internally and externally,
allergy, bacterial or fungal infections and hereditary. The
bottom line is there are two different types of shin diseases,
hereditary and acquired.

Dog Health Problem Symptoms of Eye Problems

Red eyes, swollen eyes and weepy eyes are signs of something
wrong and should be checked by your veterinarian to determine if
is caused by an allergy or a more serious health problem such as
conjunctivitis. The problem may also be the result of an injury
if the dog plays with other dogs or cats with claws.

Dog Health Problem Symptoms of Ear Problems

Scratching of the ear, discharge, odor and shaking of the head
might indicate some type of ear infection. This also might come
from a parasite infestation that invades the ear such as an ear
mite. Other reasons for symptoms may be trauma, bacterial and
allergies, which will result in ear problems as well. Dogs that
have ears that hang down covering the ear canal are more prone
to ear problems than other dog because no air gets into the ear
to dry it up, so it stays moist and invites infection. For more
info see
http://www.aboutdoghealth.org/doghealthproblems/waukesha-dog-care.html
on Waukesha dog care.

Dog Health Problem Symptoms of Rabies

Without proper vaccination, the dog that has an encounter with
a rabid animal can contract rabies, which will result in death.
Symptoms to watch for are change in behavior, foaming of the
mouth, biting and aggressive behavior towards people and other
animals. This is probably the most serious dog health problem
ever, since it can spread the virus through biting. Immediate
containment and medical help is needed at the onset of such
symptoms to protect your family and society from the spread of
rabies.

About The Author: You can also find more info on
http://www.aboutdoghealth.org/doghealthproblems/endocrine-dog-health-problem.html
on endocrine dog health and
http://www.aboutdoghealth.org/doghealthproblems/problem-health-dog.html
on problems with dog health.

.

__,_._,___

Monday, August 04, 2008

The Right Food for Your Pet


The Right Food for Your Pet
To have a pet in your home is like adding another family
member to the well established set up. One needs to know
how to properly feed them following the right techniques.
Usually, the owners either go for neoteric foods or the
ones available in the market and ready to eat. The best
approach is to provide an ideal diet which should be a
combination of all. This holds true not only for dogs but
for any pet including cats and rabbits.

Rabbits

When you think of a rabbit diet, the first thing that comes
to your mind is a carrot. It is a universal truth that
rabbits love vegetables and need a constant diet including
lettuce and carrots which are considered rabbit foods. They
need high fiber content. An indefectible diet is the one
which contains moderate quantities of hay, pellets, and
vegetables making your rabbit healthy.

Dogs

They are usually considered as flesh eating animals and
believed to be carnivores. People still debate on whether
they should be served human food or not. So, when you
design your dog's diet, the topmost priority is to include
meat even though some human foods are good for them in
moderate amounts. The meat should be fresh and not sorted
out through different course of actions. Ideally, human
food is not meant for the dogs as it could be too oily and
fatty for them leading to blockage of blood vessels. They
are easily susceptible to changes in the digestive tracts
leading to water loss and stomach ailments. Maintaining the
right diet for them is difficult as they like variety and
easily get bored with a routine food pattern. It is a
trick, so consult your vet and design the diet accordingly.
You should not change the food types overnight; give it
some time which could be up to two weeks. This would avoid
any sudden changes and prevent health related disorders.
Try incorporating the new items in their regular foods,
check how they respond and then gradually change it to
different items altogether.

Cats

As they are believed to be from the lion family, these
fragile looking creatures are great huntsman and need
adventure. Keeping them confined indoors is difficult as
they love to walk around and discover everything on their
own. You would find them seeking their own food like
hunting for mice, birds and other small animals. Even then,
it is important that they are fed with a reliable and
steady diet to meet all cardinal nutrient requirements out
of which protein is the most important. Like dogs, even
their digestive system is perceptive to any food items
which might not be appropriate. The litter box in which
they are carried might have a foul smell and stink a lot.
This is a sign to clean and change them with fresh food. It
also indicates that that the food quality is not apposite
and needs attention. You would need to change the food
pattern gradually, ideally within a duration of two weeks.
Along with proteins, vitamin is another essential component
to be included and is primarily obtained from milk. You can
get cat milk in pet stores which is not excessively
processed as compared to the one we use. If you feed them
with cheese sometimes, it would not be harmful, though you
should have other dietary options to fulfill the
nutritional requirements. When we have an upset stomach or
digestive problems, doctors suggest high fiber content as
it provides roughage and helps in bowl movements.
Similarly, in such a condition, a cat will opt for eating
grass.

It is all about making the best choice for your pet which
should meet both the qualitative and quantitative needs. It
is not only restricted to reduce the amount of human food
on their plate but also to ensure that they are getting the
best deal. Their overall well being is as important as
yours. Just like kids need different approaches to be
brought up, your pets might need individual attention. By
providing the right food, you help your pet to get a sound
physical condition, a balanced life style leading to
strength, vigor and longevity.

About the Author:

Article written by : Alitsa Neuyo. She is the professional
freelance writer. To read more articles about Pets, please
visit :
http://www.catbreedstory.com/edition/Take-care-of-my-Pets/
and
http://www.petsza.com/edition/your-healthy-dogs.html

.

__,_._,___