Archive for November, 2009
Canine Hip Dysplasia: The Connection Between Hip Dysplasia In Dogs
Posted by: | CommentsCanine Hip Dysplasia: The Connection Between Hip Dysplasia In Dogs & Arthritis In Humans
Canine hip dysplasia is a developmental malformation of the hip joint in dogs. The same condition was recognized in humans by Hippocrates in the year 370 B.C. In the past six decades, a lot of money, effort, and time have been used in the study and research of canine hip dysplasia. This calls for all of us who are interested in, and have a deep love for dogs, to pause and determine our course of action toward the control of this condition.
What we knew about hip dysplasia back in the 30's was limited to only what could be read in the medical press which, summed up briefly: "It constituted faulty growth and development of all tissues in and around the hip joint, that it was not uncommon in a tribe of Canadian Indian children and Italian children and, if not corrected in its early stage, could lead to very painful, arthritic hips in human at middle age or beyond."
Additional Knowledge Of Canine Hip Dysplasia
As knowledge and experience with this condition in dogs had increased, we learned that there was an acute stage during the period of rapid growth of the dog. During this stage, the canine, usually one of a large breed, would have difficulty getting up, particularly on a slippery floor.
The dog would flop down instead of easing itself to the ground, and would, in different ways, show pain in the area of the hip joints. As our understanding of canine hip dysplasia further increased, we learned that canines recovered from the acute phase and by the time they were matured physically, the hip joint symptoms not only lessened, but very often disappeared completely.
The Connection Between Canine Hip Dysplasia & Human Hip Problems
The later phase of arthritis that occurred in humans might or might not be evident during middle age or later in life depending on race, lifestyle, activity, sensitivity, and weight of the person. We found out that some dogs were able to live long lives with this condition, experiencing only minimal discomfort or malfunction.
There are two main factors that account for the clear difference between the course of hip dysplasia in human and in dogs. First, man walks entirely on his "hind legs" and for many more years than do dogs. Second, diagnoses of this condition in dogs were being made on the basis of joint laxity (looseness) in the young dog.
As to the first factor, we can say that dogs with dysfunction or pain in both hind legs can and do shift a considerable part of their weight-bearing function to their forelegs. The second factor, we can say that hip joint laxity has been reported to be present in all large breeds of dogs, except racing Greyhounds, at some phase of their growth period.
The same has been reported to be present in children. It is established that hip joint laxity may be a precursor to hip dysplasia but it should be realized that it very often does not lead to the later-life arthritic changes that complete the cycle and define the disease.
Adult Dog – Your Dog Is Older Now, So Treat
Posted by: | CommentsAdult Dog - Your Dog Is Older Now, So Treat Him With More Respect & Understanding
You give your dog food and shelter in order to keep him alive. But there are three other things that he needs in order to stay healthy, happy, and improve the quality of his life. First, he needs regular exercise to keep his body in shape. Second, his mind needs to be stimulated to keep him alert and occupied. And third, he needs to be socialized continually in order for him to stay confident and happy.
Keep Your Adult Dog Entertained And Avoid Punishing Him For Sudden Mistakes
Dogs feel sadness when their family tends to ignore them or do not spend enough quality time with them. And when dogs get sad, they act up by displaying negative behaviors. This includes chewing, digging, barking incessantly, and they may even run away. These adult dogs are not acting bad on purpose. They are just reverting back to their natural canine behaviors in order to entertain themselves. And since they cannot communicate with words, they communicate with action.
Don't Just Love Your Dog When He's Good
Learn to love your pet unconditionally and when he misbehaves, try to seek out the reason for the behavioral problem instead of scolding or punishing the dog. Remember that he is an adult now and is probably very well behaved most, if not all the time. This means that when he lashes out and does something wrong, it is typically related to an underlying cause which you can treat with success. Something may be lacking or out of balance with your dog. Find the cause and then provide the solution.
Keep Your Adult Dog Socialized
Sometimes as our dogs get older and become more mature, we tend to not take them out as much as we did when they were puppies. This is quite understandable since adult dogs seem to enjoy just lounging around the house in their adult years and watching TV with you. However, to keep your dogs' mind stimulated and his social skills intact, do your best to take him out as often as possible to greet other people and other dogs.
Nutrition For Active Dogs – Supplements To Help Your Working
Posted by: | CommentsNutrition For Active Dogs - Supplements To Help Your Working Dog
Even the best commercial dog foods available on the market today do not contain all of the ingredients that are necessary to sustain the nutritional needs of your working dog.
Active dogs need an extra boost of nutrition to support their busy lifestyle. A good example of their diet should contain a high-quality meal consisting of 40% - 45% fats and close to 50% protein.
In addition, active dogs should take extra supplements. Below is a list of four supplements to add to your dog's diet.
Antioxidants: Regular, intense exercise increases the amount of free radicals and oxidative damage in the body. That is why it is beneficial to provide your dog with a daily dose of antioxidants.
Antioxidants are necessary to every dog's diet, especially if you have an active dog. The power of antioxidants works to block the harmful effects of free radicals, therefore reducing their numbers. Antioxidants are also said to help strengthen blood vessel walls and improve circulation.
Antioxidants are acquired by eating fruits and vegetables that are rich in colors. Some examples are grapefruits, grapes, broccoli, peas, carrots, and dark green vegetables. If your dog is not into eating fruits and vegetables, he can still obtain antioxidants by taking supplements.
Most supplements also include vitamins C and E, flavonoids, and carotenoids such as lycopene, beta-carotene, and lutein. Some even contain amino acids, the building blocks of cells. Dosage will vary according to your dog's weight.
Vitamins And Minerals: Increased exercise demands more vitamin C and B-complex. Vitamin C combats stress and helps support the immune system, while B-complex vitamins promote healthy skin, muscles, and blood.
Fruits and vegetables, as well as organ meats (kidney and liver), are high in vitamins and minerals. But for finicky dogs, you may need to give them vitamin and mineral supplements in chewable tablet form. Small dogs should take 50 mg of Vitamin C per day and 500 mg for large dogs. B-complex vitamins should contain 4-5 mg of niacin for a dog weighing 35 lb.
Probiotics And Enzymes: Probiotics and digestive enzymes aid in proper food digestion. They also prevent your dog from acquiring stress-related stomach problems such as diarrhea and nervous vomiting. These two supplements are best when given in tablet form.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These essential fatty acids have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, Omega-3 fatty acids prevent and cure skin problems and decrease arthritic stiffness in dogs. Excellent sources of Omega-3 include cod liver oil, fish oil, flaxseed oil, and animal sources.
You’re in the Dog House? Lucky Thing!
Posted by: | CommentsDogs love being outdoors, I'll tell you that for nothing. But when the weather is hot and you're out sunbathing, their fur coat makes them too hot and they'll search for somewhere cool and shady to lie down.
An outdoor dog house or kennel' is the ideal place for a dog to cool down and relax when all that running around gets too much and not only that but they're great for house training in the summer. Both owner and dog can relax in the garden and whenever the dog does his business, he is rewarded and learns from the experience. An effortless investment! Dog houses are typically wooden structures in the shape of small houses with a large entrance, and although there is a vast array of designs available for any canine, this stereotypical snoopy' style dog house remains prevalent. Even ancient Egyptian nobility kept their dogs in kennels and they are still in a high level of production today. Some dog houses are designed to compliment their surroundings. For example, if you live in a log cabin style house then you can buy a log cabin style dog house to match!
Dog houses are not limited to being a permanent structure. There has been a dramatic rise in plastic houses that can be collapsed and transported, including a pop-up doggy tent or an igloo style cabin with an external water bowl. The list is endless. In fact, there is almost no limit. Whatever the size, shape or need of your dog, there is guaranteed to be a kennel made of each material to fit the bill.
However, wood is the most desirable material used in the crafting of dog houses due to its natural insulation, durability and availability. Red cedar wood is often used in making dog houses as its own resins protect the wood from precipitation damage (rotting and mould) and repel insects such as fleas, ticks and mites. Such structures are also often specially treated to give the wood extra protection against extreme elements for them to last longer. Also, cedar wood has low temperature conducting properties meaning that it doesn't lose or gain heat easily and will keep a dog cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
For the winter months, modern dog kennels can be insulated, particularly in the roof if it is peaked and some are fitted with a self-closing door to keep in the heat. Often these doors have an UV ray filter and are removable. Also, a kennel that is raised above the ground is further away from damp and insects so that a pet is kept dry and safe whatever the weather. Many houses are fitted with a porch and awning so that the pooch can relax whilst watching whatever is going on outside his kennel.
Dogs adore the outdoors and they could explore for hours, but at the end of the day the little guys need their rest, and what better way to relax than in their own perfectly sized canine palace!
Wolf Ancestry – What are Wolfdogs & Do They Make
Posted by: | CommentsWolf Ancestry - What are Wolfdogs & Do They Make Good Pets?
They have been referred to by many names: Wolf Hybrids, Wolfdogs, or Wolf/Dog crosses. However, if you were to describe these creatures in an accurate term, the right name would simply be "Wolfdogs."
There is nothing hybrid about these creatures. In reference to an animal, a hybrid means that the animal came from two different kinds of species. But dogs and wolves are the same species, so the term hybrid would be considered an inaccurate term to describe these exotic animals.
Setting aside all technicality terms, wolfdogs are produced by breeding canines with animals that are either full or partial wolf. The majority of wolfdogs are three-quarters or half Malamute or German Shepherd and half or one-quarter timber wolf.
Wolfdogs are not considered a breed in general. A dog breed is a term that is used to described dogs that have been bred by the same ancestors for many years. A breed of dog shares a distinct consistency in appearance, traits, and behavior. Wolfdogs, on the other hand, are crosses between dogs of different breeds and wolves.
Wolfdogs are not bred in order to set-up a particular type of dog, other than expecting them to be healthy and to have a good temperament. Some owners prefer a cross with German Shepherd and the Malamutes. In addition, the wolf content can range from to parts. A low content wolfdog has more canine blood whereas a high content wolfdog has a higher percentage of wolf blood.
There are, however, several types of wolfdogs that are recognized today. They are: Czechoslovakian Wolfdog and the Saarloos Wolfhond, American Tundra Shepherd, and the Kunming Wolfdog.
Although wolfdogs are becoming more popular these days, they are not and should not be considered pets. These animals are not for everyone, and there are a lot of factors that go into owning them. But they can be a great and loyal companion as long as you recognize their true nature and not go against it.
They are strong, highly intelligent, and cautions creatures. They are independent and can be very unpredictable so you have to train them early on in life. These animals have more demanding needs than your average dog. You need to devote a lot of time in training and socialization to be able to live with this animal.
Is dog grooming training pretty tough??
Posted by: | CommentsI have a friend who's about to start, and wanted me to ask this question as she starts in one wk I believe. but she loves dogs, ect.
whats the training like exactly?thx
she's already aware that she won't be playing with dogs dingbat at the end here.
To other poster, luckily around here "Petsmart" is PAYING for training 
*actually they are paying her as they train. I was thinking about it, but glad you both told me about that God awful smell thang you have to do, man that's disgusting. And I KNOW that is NOT for me!! The doggie day care sounds GREAT however!!
thanks!!
Kennel Cough – A Dog’s Equivalent To The Common Cold
Posted by: | CommentsKennel Cough - A Dog's Equivalent To The Common Cold
If you own a puppy or adult dog that was purchased from the local pet store, and he is coughing on a regular basis, then there is a solid possibility that your new dog has brought home "kennel cough."
With kennel cough, a dog will typically have intense periods of nonstop coughing and even end these sessions with vomiting. Although this spasm of coughing looks like a terrible experience to your dog, kennel cough does not affect his energy levels and he may still seem very alert and upbeat after having a full blown cough attack.
Kennel cough is highly contagious
If your dog is indeed displaying the above signs of coughing problems then you need to accept the possibility that he has kennel cough. The technical term for this disease is called "infectious tracheobronchitis" and is very contagious. It is a respiratory condition that is most common in dogs that have spent time in pet stores where they are enclosed with other dogs and animals. Kennel cough is a combination of several bacteria, viruses, and mycoplasma.
The most common symptom of kennel cough is when your dog gives out a dry and rough sounding tracheal cough. Your dog may gag and choke frequently in the attempt to clear his air passageway.
Kennel cough in dogs is very similar to the common cold that humans get, with the symptoms lasting anywhere from five to ten days. The cough may pass after that time but then return to afflict your dog, much like the common cold comes back to infect our bodies.
Steps you can take to help your dog
Like any health concern, the first thing you should do is take your dog to the veterinarian. The vet will be able to properly examine your pet and find out exactly how bad the symptoms are, as well as advise you on a few possible remedies.
The vet may administer cough suppressants and possibly antibiotics depending on how bad the cough is. Some dogs have a deeper health issue due to kennel cough which can be the formation of pneumonia. Pneumonia is caused because bacteria has infiltrated the dog's air sacs.
You may also want to look into preventative measures such as intranasal vaccines. This is a great way to help prepare your dog to avoid infection of kennel cough if he ever has to be placed in a kennel at any point in his lifetime. These types of vaccines have been shown to offer stronger immunity than injectable types because they help stimulate both the upper and lower airways with strong immunity.
How do we give our older dog exercise without straining his body?
Posted by: | CommentsWe have a 9 and 1/2 year old Estrela Mountain dog who is a very large breed. The life expectancy for larger dogs isn't usually as long as smaller breed and his little mate was put to sleep some months ago. Since then we adopted a slightly younger dog who is full of energy. It's obvious that our older dog isn't as spry and has some trouble sitting or coming up the stairs, but he gets so excited when we play ball or go for walks. We try to limit the amount of playing and walks for him because of his age, but I'm worried that this might have some negative effects on his health as well. I want to give him exercise but am afraid of his body not being able to handle it well. Also, it's difficult to balance our younger dog's energy with our older dog, since they both want to be very active but one is more capable than the other. Sorry to ramble on, but does anyone have any advice?
Nutrition For Active Dogs – Proper Nutrition For Your Working
Posted by: | CommentsNutrition For Active Dogs - Proper Nutrition For Your Working Dog
Dogs that lead a very active lifestyle demand a more comprehensive diet than average dogs require. Examples of these hard-working dogs are those that participate in agility competitions as well as those that team up with law enforcement on a search-and-rescue mission.
These dogs require nutritional needs that are different from an average household pet. Most of these sporting and working dogs participate in intermediate activities as well. These are activities that require low to moderate duration and intensity. Examples include: Competition or agility, service, search and rescue, tracking or hunting, police or guarding, detection, and even managing livestock.
Essential Nutrients For Your Busy Canine Athlete
Because your dog is always on the go, you need to provide him with larger doses of food and certain types of nutrients. This is especially important in times when they are most active. A typical working dog would need about 2 - 5 times more calories than a sedentary dog. These extra calories are converted into energy that helps our canine athletes perform better.
Below are four key nutrients for busy dogs.
1. Carbohydrate: Once your dog reaches adulthood, he has no need for carbohydrates in his diet, although he is able to absorb this nutrient if eaten. Less carbohydrates in the adult dog's diet creates better performance. Therefore, minimum amount of carbohydrates is required for the working dog or any dog that participates in any kind of activity that lasts for more than two minutes.
2. Protein: Protein contains amino acids, which are the building blocks for hormones, tissues, and enzymes. This nutrient provides energy and helps develop muscle mass for extra size and strength. Keep in mind, however, that too much protein in your dog's diet can lead to excessive protein breakdown. A busy dog should have a diet that includes high-quality protein, enough to provide for muscle and structural repair.
3. Fats: The main source of energy for intermediate athletic dogs comes from fats. This nutrient contains about twice as much energy as carbohydrates and protein provides. Adding more fat to your dog's diet is the best way to increase his energy and strength. A diet high in fat is more appealing to your dog while at the same time providing him with better endurance. Therefore, it is very important to supply him with adequate amount of essential fatty acids along with saturated and unsaturated fats.
4. Water: A hard-working dog normally loses more water during laborious activity so it is very important to provide him with an ample supply of water to keep him hydrated. This is even more important when your dog is under extreme temperatures (both hot and cold weather).
Dog Communication: Are You Listening? (2)
Posted by: | CommentsWhen you verbally ask someone a question you expect an answer, right? A well-mannered, thought-out response is always appreciated and humans talk with their mouths and voice boxes to respond. This is how we interact, mostly with words to let others know how we feel.
Dogs, on the other hand, communicate in a very different way. Yes they bark and use their vocal cords to cry about something, but the number one way to read how a dog is feeling or what he wants you to know is by looking at his tail.
As your dog wags his tail in happiness, he may also exercise the rest of his body to tell you that you are a welcome sight. He may greet you by jumping, dancing around, and attempting to lick your face.
As one dog trainer, Chris, tells of his German short-haired pointer, named Tiger, your dog can let you know when he is approaching a place which associates with comfort and happiness.
When Chris, who spent many hours out of the house to play golf and hunt, would come home from his long day and driving hours to get home, his wife would comment on how Tiger's ears would perk up and the dog would show ripples of excitement up and down his back in awaiting Chris's return.
What is amazing is that these signs of excitement to greet his owner at the door, Tiger would start to become anxious and happy when Chris was still more than an hour away driving home.
In addition to their expression of elation, dogs many times warns their owners of danger. You have probably heard many emotional stories of dogs scratching at the bedroom door to warn the family that the house was on fire. It happens all of the time.
One woman was suffering a heart attack while her dog literally broke through the backyard screen door to get to the husband, barking fiercely in the attempt to get the husband's attention of what was happening inside the house. It worked - the woman survived.
Dogs also communicate with people by using their head and nose as part of the body actions. My three-year-old Dachshund nosed a message to me one afternoon. Sandy had learned that the covered candy dish on the coffee table was a good place to satisfy her sweet tooth.
This particular day, I was sitting on the couch reading the newspaper, and I wasn't paying attention to Sandy. She jumped up on the couch and nudged me with her nose. When I looked at her, she gave her head a jerk, pointing her nose straight at the candy dish.
After sensing that I knew what she wanted, she began to jump up and down as if to say, "Please, please, please! Just one little piece!" I had understood very well what my dog was saying with her nonverbal head and nose language.
Hi! I'm Jamie and this is my site about dogs.
