Your dog can easily go into a state of shock, caused by any amount of pain, toxin, or injury. And when it comes to the treatment of shock, veterinarians are not in full agreement as to the term "treat for shock."

One side states that treating for canine shock includes the administration of intravenous fluids, oxygen, and possibly blood transfusions; procedures which are not possible for the layman to undertake.

Of course this is agreeable, however, on the opposite side of the controversy there are also veterinarians who feel that if the dog owner will implement a few emergency procedures, the onset of shock can be prevented - and in cases where shock is already present, the effects can be minimized.

Basic Procedures You Can Do

So, while the full procedures for treating for shock include some things not within the scope of the layman, we will still us the term "treat for shock" in describing those procedures which can and should be implemented by anyone on the street.

The first step in the emergency first aid procedures for treatment (or prevention) of shock is to keep the dog calm and warm. Anything available to accomplish this should be used: blankets, hot water bottles, your own coat anything to keep the dog warm and keep its temperature from falling.

The second step depends upon whether the dog is conscious or unconscious. If the dog is conscious, you should administer stimulants such as warm coffee, bourbon, or brandy.

Note: It is also interesting to note that the type of stimulant used is also a big controversy among veterinarians, as will be discussed later.

If warm coffee is used, mix in some sugar and cream (or honey) so that the dog will not find the stimulant bitter and end up trying to fight its administration. Some veterinarians find brandy or whiskey, mixed with equal parts of honey or syrup, to be more effective.

Never Force A Stimulant

Stimulants such as these, spilled into the corner of your dog's mouth, can help to keep it alive until you reach your veterinarian. However, if your dog fights the administration of the stimulant, stop! Step one is to keep the dog calm and warm; if it fights the stimulant, the excitement and distress which result are far worse for the dog's condition than the value it would receive from the stimulant.

If the dog is unconscious - or semi-conscious - do not administer any liquid supplement at all! To do so would probably cause strangulation. The liquids could also go into the lungs causing inhalation pneumonia. When you have done all that you can in the treatment for shock, the dog must be taken to a veterinarian as quickly as possible for supportive treatment and the administration of the necessary intravenous fluids.

Welcome back! If you've commented, I hope you enjoy the eBook. I hope to add more treats in the future, so stay tuned!

Each year as the warm weather approaches, dog owners should be increasingly apprehensive about those gluttonous, disease-carrying "Rhipicephalus Sanquineus." This dangerous creature can infect man with Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, cause paralysis, and even kill dogs and puppies.

Referred to by most everyone as "ticks", these parasites are blamed for carrying the micro-organism that caused the death of so many British war dogs in Singapore several decades ago. And during the Vietnam war, more than 300 U.S. war dogs had died mysteriously from tropical canine hemorrhagic syndrome, and canine hemorrhagic fever. Intensive studies resulted in the finger of guilt pointing directly at the ordinary tick.

Although there are several different species of ticks (wood tick, brown dog tick, etc.), a tick by any other name is still a tick. Because of resistance to insecticides, the tick is one of the most difficult external parasites to control.

The female tick will lay up to five thousands eggs in the crevices of a kennel, baseboard, or under the carpeting in the home. Eggs are never deposited upon the host animal. After twenty to thirty days have elapsed, the eggs hatch and become larvae. The larvae then seek out a host dog, gorge themselves on his blood, then drop off again to hide.

Six to twenty-three days later, the larvae molt and become eight-legged nymphs. The nymphs obtain another blood meal from a dog, drop off again and go into hiding. Twelve to twenty-nine days later, the nymph tick molts and becomes an adult. As an adult, it once more seeks the dog, engorges blood, and mates.

From the time the eggs hatch - and before the tick becomes an adult - it returns to the host dog more than once to feed on the canine's blood. Once hatched however, a tick can live in a house for up to two years without needing a host dog to feed on.

Out of doors, ticks climb onto branches and into foliage to await the arrival of a dog host. A dog napping under a bush, or walking within jumping distance of the tick is all that is needed to provide the parasite with a host. In the home, ticks will emerge from beneath rugs and carpeting, climb walls, table and chairs, and even up as high as wall pictures, to await the passing of a dog. They may even have to wait up to six months, but a tick can instantly sense the approach of a dog and jump on it as it passes.

Ear trouble is common among dogs, particularly dogs with floppy ears, like hounds, or heavy hair growth within the ear canals, like Poodles. (The reason, obviously, lack of ventilation.) As a matter of fact, where the little Poodles are concerned, it is highly doubtful that any of them can survive all their days without some discomfort.

But all dogs, short ears or long, are susceptible to ear trouble.

How can you tell when Bowser is suffering about the ears? Easy. He'll scratch! Sometimes he'll scratch until he draws blood or causes a hematoma (more on that below). He may hold his head at a cockeyed angle. He may also shake his head, continuously.

You might see your dog paw at his head like a fighter in the ring. He will certainly scratch. If you look closer you may find pus in the ear, a lot of wax, or a deposit of what looks like dried blood. There may be swelling. The ear may be read with inflammation. There may be a strong, sour smell.

What To Do?

A better question is what NOT to do?

The worst thing possible is to start prying around with a matchstick or hairpin. There is nothing about which veterinarians are more adamant: Do not probe the inside of a dog's ear, ever!

The dog's ear is far more sensitive than the human ear. Tampering may complicated a simple problem, or it may create a problem where there really isn't any.

There are some things you ought to know if your dog shows any of the symptoms mentioned above. Learning the list may ease your mind until you have contacted your veterinarian. There are four major kinds of ear trouble:

1) Wax
2) Ear mites
g) Infection
4) Hematoma

Very often there is too much wax in the ear canal. Despite anything you may have heard, don't try pouring mineral oil in the ear and getting out the wax by massaging the outside of the ear. You may injure the ear lining. Take your pup to the veterinarian and let him treat the problem.

The ear mite is rightly named. It seems to crave the dark caverns of the ear for its habitat. It can drive a dog half crazy scratching at the ear as if he wants to rip it away. There are some who say you can float out the mites with oil. Forget it. You might miss a mite. You'll certainly make a mess. See the veterinarian instead.

Otitis is a fancy word for an inflammation of the skin of the external ear canal. It is caused by infection or parasites. The ear may become so sore that your dog won't let you come near it. If he will, you can ease his pain temporarily with half an aspirin and a little mineral or baby oil applied on a cotton swab. If your dog seems to have lost his sense of balance, it means, of course, that the infection has reached the middle ear.

Hematoma is a blood-filled blister which causes the ear to swell and become inflamed. It is caused by a bite by another animal or by self-scratching. Surgery is required to remove the blister, or your dog may wind up with a cauliflower ear.

From all of the above, we hope the lesson is clear - It is terribly simple - if you notice anything in your dog like ear trouble, get him to the veterinarian as soon as possible!

Backyard Dangers: Why Your Dog's Life May Be In Danger!

Have you considered that your dog's life may be in danger just from him hanging out in your backyard? Regardless if the area is fenced in and seemingly safe from danger, you would be surprised at what may be hiding, ready to hurt or even kill your lovable canine companion.

Your backyard may be a dog's paradise, but the area can be fraught with danger, especially if you have a puppy that is young, adventurous, and going through that oral fixation phase where he must chew on anything he can find.

The worst age bracket for this problem is between 1 and 6 months, however, other types of dogs, such as Golden retrievers as a prime example, seem to carry this chewing habit with them for the rest of their lives.

Beware Of The Following Backyard Dangers

As a busy dog owner, you may not have the time or the resources to properly research many aspects of raising an adult dog or puppy, therefore, below is a list of the most common dangers may be that lurking in your backyard.

This list is compiled from reports as outlined by the American Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals (ASPCS).

* Fertilizers and compost piles.
* Ornamental ponds that contain blue-green algae.
* Toxins created by animals such as insects, toads, spiders, scorpions, and snakes.
* Poison from citronella candles which are used to guard against mosquitoes.
* Swimming pool supplies and treatment chemicals.
* Mulch that contains Cocoa, which are typically placed around shrubs and other plants.
* Fly traps which contain methomyl.
* Poisonous plants like grape vines, azalea, castor bean, sago palm, and kalanchoe.
* Snail and slug traps which contain metaldehyde.

Be as proactive as you can by puppy-proofing not only the yard area, but the inside of your home as well. Close garbage cans tightly. Lock up all pool supplies. Put away your lawn and garden materials.

Further protect your animals by following the instructions carefully given on pesticide products, fertilizers, bug sprays, and other hazardous materials. I would even go as far as investigating all-natural products that can be used to replace these poisonous dangers. Ask your veterinarian or your local landscaper for some recommendations.

And if you ever suspect that your dog or puppy has ingested a dangerous poison, chemical, or is bitten by a venomous predator, contact your veterinarian or call the APCC: (888) 426񮼣.

Dog Health - 5 Natural Ways To Increase Your Puppy's Energy Levels

Does your puppy have the attention span of a two-year-old child? And does he seem a little too fatigued and tired throughout the day? If you have already taken your dog to the veterinarian for a full examination and he checks out okay, you may want to take it upon yourself to help increase his energy levels and attention span by going the "natural" route.

Of course animal medicines do have their place, but if your veterinarian does not see a major health problem then your best choice is to follow some of the guidelines below to get your puppy feeling better and acting more alert:

1. As long as your puppy is more than six weeks old, try reducing his feeding times to only twice per day. In an attempt to keep our puppies growing and healthy, some dog owners make the mistake of overfeeding the little pups, which can result in lethargic energy levels as well as very short attention spans. You can help your puppy by cutting back on his meals.

2. Check the food labels and be sure that the food you are feeding your puppy has a complete digestibility level of at least 85% to 90%.

3. Protein is a very important nutrient for good health and energy in dogs. Unfortunately, many dog foods sold in stores are made up of mostly carbohydrates. Dogs need meat and lots of protein to be at their best. This is especially true of young puppies. So be sure that each meal has a high level protein source when feeding your puppy.

4. As far as supplements are concerned, is always smart to first check with your veterinarian. But we have a recommendation that may help your dog and that is to supplement his food with brewers yeast. Brewers yeast is chock full of B vitamins and protein.

5. Last but not least, the latest trend in supplements for both people and animals are omega-3 fatty acids. But there is good reason for this popular trend and that is because these oils are extremely healthy and are known to raise concentration levels in dogs as well as create a healthy shine on their coat. You can find omega-3 fatty acids in fish oils and flaxseed oils.

Parasites - 5 Nasty Internal Parasites Your Dog May Have

When you hear about the subject of internal parasites, the most common worm that comes to mind are heartworms. Heartworms are nasty little creatures that can prove to be fatal if left unchecked. However, there are other parasites to look out for which are equally dangerous to your dog or puppy.

Roundworms: Roundworms spend their time floating inside the liver, heart, and the lungs of your dog's body. When they mature, they make their home inside the small intestines where they continually feed on the food that your dog eats. Signs that your dog may be infested with roundworms include gas, enormous surges in appetite, diarrhea, and bloating.

Whipworms: Whipworms can be found living inside the large intestine of your dog, which is where they also reproduce. Dogs can become infected with whipworms by eating the stools of other dogs that contain the parasite. Sometimes a dog can easily become infested with whipworms after stepping in dog feces when walking outside and then lick their paws. These little creatures can cause your dog to have diarrhea, bloody stools, dry fur, and an increase in appetite.

Tapeworms: Like other internal parasites, tapeworms can cause your dog to have increased appetite levels, weight loss, rectal inflammation/itching, and visible signs of the worms from the orifices of your dog's body. Tapeworms look like little pieces of white rice which can easily be seen on his stools and even sometimes coming out of areas like the ears.

Hookworms: Your dog or puppy can pick up this parasite from eating the stools of other animals that have been infected. Hookworms can cause symptoms in your dog such as gas, loose stools, increased appetite, and dry brittle fur. These parasites spend most of their time feeding off of the food your dog eats, as well as sucking the blood from your pet.

Giardia: These internal parasites, called Giardia, are typically picked up from areas of water such as a small pond or lake. Your adult dog or puppy can accidentally pick up this creature from swimming, and once they are ingested, they live and eat at the inner lining of your dog's small intestine. This causes inflammation, mucus covered stools, weight loss, and bloating.

Puppy Health - A Fat Puppy Does Not Equal A Healthy Puppy

As a responsible pet owner, you need to be aware of your dog's growth progress, from puppyhood to adulthood, to make sure that he stays in the best shape for the rest of his life. One of the things that you should do is to keep a weekly record of his weight until he reaches his 1st birthday. This is important in order to determine whether or not you have to modify his diet.

A chubby puppy may look cute and cuddly, but he is at great risk of developing joint problems or a bone disease. On the other hand, a puppy who is not eating his required daily meal may be experiencing an illness by type of food he is eating. If you have a large-breed puppy, he should be at least 2 years old before you can see a dramatic growth in his size.

Determining The Size Of Your Puppy

Obese puppies lead to obese dogs. The best way to find out if your puppy is overweight or underweight is to feel his ribs. The correct way to do this is to position your puppy on the table. Place one hand on his right shoulder and the other on his left shoulder.

Next, feel his ribs by applying a gentle press using the palm of your hand. You should be able to feel his ribs with just a little bit of fat and muscle. If you are having difficulty locating his ribs, then your puppy may need to shed some pounds. On the other hand, if you have no trouble finding every single rib in his body, you may have to add a little bit more calorie to his diet.

Check With Your Veterinarian

If your puppy needs to lose some weight, the best way to handle the situation is to make an appointment with your vet. Your vet will give you specific instructions that you must implement on a day-to-day basis. Your puppy will probably be given a special diet designed specifically for weight loss, one that is going to satisfy his appetite and contain required nutrients that his body needs while helping him lose weight at the same time. Your vet may also recommend regular exercise to help those extra calories. These include walking, occasional running, and lots of playing.

Holistic Nutrition & Care - Feeding & Care For Your Dog Based On His State Of Being

Through the concept of iridology (finding health and character information by studying the eyes), you can get an inside scoop of what your dog is going through and what is happening physiologically that contributes to his behaviors.

Once you have a better understanding of your dog's inner nature, his weaknesses and his personality, you'll be able to determine the root of the problem and provide him with the proper care needed to help him overcome any health problems or personality disorders. It will then be easier for you to customize caring and training that best supports your dog's individual needs.

Overly Emotional Dogs

For emotional body dogs, a healthy, well-balanced meal that includes detoxification, as well as extra support for the digestive system is essential. This is acquired by adding liquid chlorophyll, pure aloe vera juice, and digestive enzymes to the diet.

When training these dogs, special considerations should be taken for their condition. Normal dog training may not work, because of the difficulty for them to process both external and internal stimuli due to the high awareness of the energies all around him.

Nervous, Sensitive Dogs

For nervous, sensitive dogs, diet should be an utmost consideration. Low quality processed foods drain the nervous system since these foods do not contain the necessary nutrients to provide optimum health and wellness. Dogs in general, but particularly those with this constitution, should have a diet that contains the right amount of nutrients without any additives or preservatives.

Training is crucial for these dogs. They should be given a job to do in order for them to feel secure. Clear guidelines and firm discipline are required or these dogs will establish dominance. It is important for these canines to learn, early on in life, that you are the leader and they are the follower. Once you have established leadership, however, these dogs respond very well to positive training.

Immune Reactive Dogs

For immune reactive dogs, a healthy diet is especially important to support and nourish their nervous system. Poor diet runs down the nervous system and creates the feeling of being unsafe and in danger. This unsafe feeling is a big factor in these dogs' mental and physical state of being.

Training will be difficult until you control the over-stimulation, both internal and external, that is continually occurring.

Amputation Of A Limb - Helping Your Dog Get Used To Having 3 Limbs

Depending upon the cause of your dog's amputation surgery, and whether or not there was an underlying disease or other condition at fault, you are going to have to work with your veterinarian or other specialist about rehabilitating the animal so that he can get back to good health and emotional stability.

Should I Exercise My Dog Now That He Only Has 3 Legs?

Most often, dog owners are going through the experience of their lovable pet having an amputation for the first time, and hopefully the last. What is common among all of these people is the thought that they should not exercise their do once it is back home and getting used to living with three legs. This could not be further from the truth.

Amazingly, within a week or two, dogs pretty much forget that they are missing a limb altogether. These doggie "tripods" (as they are called) can jump around, run, swim, play, and even climb stairs just as good as other dogs. They adapt very quickly to getting used to only three limbs.

Not only is it a delight to see your dog back to normal, with the exception of a hop or a limp (of which the animal does not notice after a while), watching this quick healing process take place is also an uplift to your emotional experience as well.

Take Care And Watch Out For Your Dog

Although your dog will bounce back to normal as soon as possible, and with vigorous energy and excitement, you still need to take a bit of care and use caution in order to help him prevent injuries, at least at first.

For example, dog amputees that have a prosthetic leg installed face great danger when it comes to slippery floors. This hazard can cause your dog to have a terrible fall or possibly knock the prosthetic limb off in the process, if he has one. To prevent this from happening it is wise that you replace any hard surfaces in the house with rugs or better yet, have a carpet installed for long-term security.

Another situation to keep an eye on is your dog's remaining healthy limbs, especially the leg which is opposite of the amputated one. Dogs can live a long and healthy life with only three legs, but of course if another of his healthy limbs starts to decline in any form or fashion, this can cause a serious mobility problem.

What you need to do is make sure that his other limbs are strong enough to hold the extra weight. Watch his movements on a daily basis and make sure that he is not getting slower or weaker. Should this happen, you must use a harness if necessary, anything that can help remove the extra weight. It is better to utilize a harness and keep his healthy legs strong instead of creating a situation where the dog will be immobile for the rest of his life.

Dog Health - Natural Ways To Calm The Overexcited & Stress Out Dog

Does your dog become anxious and extremely fearful for no apparent reason at all? You have probably researched and read a lot about dog psychology and behavior issues that result from aggression or fear, however, sometimes the problem is not as complicated is we make it out to be.

Anxiety and fear are not necessarily the result of improper behavior or lack of training. Oftentimes your dog can feel better with less stress levels by using natural therapy. Many dogs like this also have a tough time sleeping at night due to their anxiety. Here are a few tips that you can try to use in order to help your dog relieve his fear and stress:

1. Try feeding your dog any food that has wheat in it. Reports have shown that the byproducts from digesting wheat can help act on certain centers of your dog/s brain which helps make him feel calm.

2. In other way to activate the calming function of your dog's brain is to feed him warm milk with a little bit of natural honey. Add a dog biscuit to the mix and you have a great meal that is a healthy and natural way for your dog to relieve his stress and fear.

3. There is a natural herb called kava which can be found in most health food stores. Try adding a few drops of this herb to your dog's water bowl. Kava has a natural relaxation-inducing effect and is perfectly healthy for your dog to ingest. It can also be purchased as a dry herb which can be added to your dog's food. Please do not use more than the recommended dosage that comes with the package.

4. Since we are on the subject of natural food in order to help relieve your dog's stress and anxiety, simply give your dog small snacks to nibble on during the day instead of one or two big meals. Research has shown that nibbling on food in very small amounts can also create a calming effect on both animals and humans.

5. Last but not least, there is another supplement that is very similar to Kava. It is called Bach's Rescue Remedy and can be found in most health food stores. Dosages vary but of course be sure to read the label for accurate amounts to feed your dog. We suggest that you opt for the liquid form of Bach's that does not contain alcohol and simply add it to your dog's water bowl.