Tag Archives: Dogs
What Are Dog Hot Spots And Ways To Treat Them
An abnormal area of the body that loses fur, and perhaps leaks a fluid or becomes dry and patchy might indicate that your dog has dog hot spots. These skin lesions result from bacterial infestation of the area, but usually require some type of environmental cause that allows the bacteria to get a foothold. The technical term for these lesions is pyotraumatic dermatitis, and the underlying cause can be related to poor grooming, allergies, or behavioral issues.
Hot spots develop when the skin is irritated in some manner and infection is allowed to set in. This might be for a variety of reasons, including allergic reactions to food or environs, mats of fur that do not allow sufficient air circulation, or a behavioral problem such as excessive licking. Aside from licking, excessive scratching can also result in this problem.
If your dog exhibits signs of this problem, take them to the veterinarian. The vet will probably suggest that the fur around the area be clipped short, and that the infected skin be gently washed and dried on a regular basis with an antiseptic solution. If the problem was caused behaviorally (via excessive licking or scratching), an e-collar might be indicated until it…
Dogs – Dealing With The Common Problem Of Fleas And Ticks
One of the most troublesome problems anyone will face when looking after dogs is ticks and fleas. These parasites can be quite difficult to get rid of even if you are taking the right measures, though not doing anything to solve the problem is much worse. Ticks and fleas can spread some quite nasty diseases such as Lyme disease and anaplasmosis. Ultimately, these infections can lead to paralysis, anemia or even death. The most obvious signs of a tick or flea infestation are excessive scratching of the skin, lesions, lethargy, hair loss, loss of appetite or depression.
In order to effectively treat your pet for tick and flea infestation you must not only eliminate the parasites when they appear but also be pro-active in order to prevent them from developing into an infestation in the first place. There are a huge variety of treatments available on the market today and it can be difficult choosing the right medications to use. Following the steps below will explain the best course of action to take if your dog is suffering from these parasitic infestations.
To begin with you need to thoroughly clean you dog to remove as many of the fleas and ticks as…
How To Cure Your Furry Friend Of Separation Anxiety
Are you annoyed about your puppy’s constant whining every time you leave him alone? Does your pet ruin or chew on your furniture when you leave him alone in the house? In case your response to these questions is in the affirmative, keep reading.
The condition your dog is suffering from is known as separation anxiety. It is a clinical condition mainly looked as frantic and aggressive behavior by pets when left to themselves, separated from their masters. The typical signs and symptoms of dog or puppy separation anxiety are crying or whining, constant barking, scratching and biting house furniture, along with other harmful behavior on being left alone. Not only is this kind of behavior irritating, the destruction a puppy with separation anxiety could cause can put a significant dent in your budget.
The great news is – puppy separation anxiety is completely curable. Don’t assume all dogs suffer from separation anxiety however it does occur in 30% to 40% of pet dogs. The frequency is higher in dogs that have been adopted from dog impounds. To cure a problem you have to first study the problem. Similarly, to cure puppy separation anxiety, study your pet’s behavior. Create a list of factors…
How To Choose a Dog
Dogs can be a wonderful addition to any household but it’s vital that you choose the correct one. Some dogs are simply much more suited to certain individuals than others. Buying the wrong type of dog for your situation can be traumatic for all concerned. Read on to learn more.
All About Dogs and Puppies
- All individual dogs and puppies differ from each other but generally dogs of the same breeds will display similar traits. Your decision will be influenced by what you want from a dog. For instance, Labradors are renowned for being friendly and active dogs that have lots of energy to burn. If you know you’re going to be out of the house for long periods every day or don’t think you are able to provide the exercise that some dogs require then find something that is suitable.
- Many potential dog owners are attracted to the idea of a dog that is highly intelligent. An intelligent dog may well be easier to train but they also often need much more interaction to ensure they don’t get bored. An intelligent dog that is bored will misbehave so mental stimulation is needed.
- The amount of living space you can afford the dog should be…
A Safety Area For Dog Epilepsy
Dog epilepsy can cause a series of seizures. If it is the first time it happens to your pet, it can be frightening and you may feel helpless. A dog who has epilepsy can have seizures at any time, which is why it is important to dog proof your home. Make it safe for your loved pet to be in even when you are not around.
One way you can keep your dog from hurting himself when you are away is to leave him in a crate. Make sure the crate is padded enough for a bed so he can be comfortable while you are away. Remove any dog collars or leashes while your dog is crating. Should he have a seizure during this time, he can choke with it on. Do not leave any toys or sharp objects in the crate, this can hurt your dog during the seizure.
Although leaving the dog in the crate during the time you are away is not cruel, some opt against it. You can create a room just for your dog. It is suggested that you do not put windows on this room. This can be very dangerous for your pet when he is having…
Training a Six Week Old Puppy: Essential Information
At the age of six weeks, a puppy will be a bundle of energy, but it’s during this phase that any dog owner should look to introduce some discipline into the puppy’s daily routine.
Training a puppy can be a real challenge, but introducing exercises at regular intervals will be key to minimising the amount of chaos your beloved canine companion causes around the house. Read on to discover more about the challenges involved in training a puppy at this young age.
Six Week Old Puppy: Training Guidance
Even pet lovers fully versed in the demands of puppy training may have to exhibit a little patience at this defining stage of the puppy’s development, as some breed of dogs take longer than others to adjust to basic commands such as ‘Sit’ and ‘Stay’.
Puppies can be hyperactive, but they will tire easily after using up all that energy, and for this reason it makes sense to set up a low key area in the house where the puppy can retreat. Some owners prefer a crate; others a deep bed, so ensure the puppy can enjoy a peaceful environment in which to relax after burning off steam.
A growing puppy will always be on the lookout…
The Proper Dog Walking Manners
When you walk your dog, you’re taking your dog out in public and therefore it becomes your responsibility to take care of the animal. You are the one who is going to make sure that the animal behaves itself and that it will not jump on other people or bother them. You will have to clean after the animal – that is your job. These are just a few of the regulations on dog walking etiquette that make sure you really follow.
03/28/2011 Wilmington, DE – Gabrielle Pearl works as a dog trainer and she shares some of her thoughts on proper protocol with dog walking. “absolutely, you really need to adhere to the correct protocol when you are taking your dog out for a walk ,” said Pearl. “I really dislike it when people are so rude that they permit their dogs to be uncontrolled when they are out walking. However, there are just those owners whose canines have not be properly taught.” Pearl was also one of those who were in attendance at the launch of the website – http://www.weimaranerproblems.com/how-to-train-a-weimaraner/.
When you’re learning how to train a weimaraner, you may also really need to learn the appropriate good manners…
A Guide To Dog Skin Problems
Most dog skin problems are not serious, but the intense itching associated can be painful. Fortunately, most can be cured with a quick trip to the veterinarian.
A rash that your dog scratches at persistently is most likely allergic dermatitis. Corticosteroids can help alleviate symptoms, but the most effective treatment is identifying and removing the root allergen. Common dog allergies include grooming products, pollen, insect bites, and food.
If your dog is scratching primarily at the ears and/or toes, a yeast infection is the likely culprit. Symptoms include irritated, itchy, or discolored skin most common on the ears and paws. A topical cream can be prescribed. This is sufficient most of the time, but medicated baths or oral drugs are also options.
Sores, scabs, and bumps might be superficial bacterial folliculitis. Shorthaired dogs present more obvious symptoms, but longhaired dogs may have increased shedding and scaly skin. Other skin problems often occur simultaneously with superficial bacterial folliculitis.
A common bacterial infection found in puppies is impetigo. Blisters filled with pus will commonly break and crust over. The blisters are easy to see since they are on the hairless portion of the abdomen. Treatment by topical solution is simple.
Seborrhea is a disorder of greasy and scaly…
Good Dogs For Children
Dogs can be a fantastic addition to a household but it’s understandable why some parents are hesitant to have dogs and children in the same house. While all dogs need proper socialisation, certain dogs and puppies will often be better around children than some others. To find out more, keep reading.
Labrador
Labradors are the most popular registered dog in many countries worldwide and this is largely to do with their great personalities. Labradors are known for being excellent family dogs because they love to have fun and are extremely friendly. Labradors are extremely intelligent dogs and are generally very easy to train.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Staffordshire bull terriers have a reputation for being dangerous and aggressive. In reality however the staffy is an excellent dog for children. The Staffordshire bull terrier is one of only two dogs that are recommended by the UK Kennel club to be around children. The nickname of nanny dogs has been earned by the Staffy because of their natural connection with children.
Golden Retrievers
The golden retriever is a lot like the Labrador in that they have brilliant personalities and are great for families. Golden retrievers may well shed more than Labradors however. Like labradors, Golden retrievers love family life and…
Discover More About Dog Separation Anxiety
There are dogs that experience dog separation anxiety when left alone at home. These dogs that are having separation anxiety attacks usually whine and bark so much. This can be very irritating and will surely be a source of complaints from your neighbors. There are also dogs having this condition that lose control over their bowel movement. In severe cases, a pet with dog separation anxiety can exhibit destructive behavior and may even hurt itself in the process.
If you want to prevent dog separation anxiety, start even before you take home the dog you adopted. Waiting until it is weaned completely will let it have some level of independence from its mother. The best time to take a puppy away from its mother is when it is eight weeks old. If you take a puppy earlier than this, it is more likely to develop dog separation anxiety. Strays or adult dogs adopted from the shelter are also more likely to exhibit dog separation anxiety.
After bringing your new pet home, you should train it if you want to prevent the occurrence of dog separation anxiety. One important thing to remember is not to make so much fuss about your leaving. You…