While every dog is an individual, a few age-related maladies seem to strike many of them. You should of course discuss how they affect your dog – and the best approach to treating them – with your veterinarian, but knowing a little bit about what you’re dealing with before you go in is helpful.

Here are a few old-dog problems, along with some things you can do to help:

1. Stiffness: Your veterinarian can help you determine if the stiffness is because of temporary muscle soreness – say from overdoing it – or the onset of arthritis. Many dogs are worse in cold weather and first thing in the morning. Arthritis is common in older dogs, and while no cure exists, treatments are available that can make your pet’s life comfortable. Your veterinarian may prescribe buffered aspirin, food supplements, or anti-inflammatory medications, all of which your pet may need to take for the rest of her life. For your part, you need to be sure that your pet is not overweight and is kept consistently, but not strenuously, active.

2. Decline of the senses: Deaf and blind dogs do just fine, as long as you do your part to keep them out of any danger their disabilities may cause. Blindness, in particular, is a problem dogs adjust to with an ease that stuns their owners. But consider the following: Dogs don’t have to read the newspaper, they don’t care about TV, and they count on you to read the ingredients label on a bag of kibble. Sight isn’t their primary sense anyway; they put much greater stock in their sense of smell. After they learn the layout of the land, they rarely bump into things (as long as you don’t keep moving the furniture). Handicapped pets should never be allowed off-leash on walks, because they can’t see danger and cannot hear your warnings.

Even if your older dog is blind, there may be something that you can do. Ask your veterinarian for a referral to a specialist like a veterinary ophthalmologist. Problems such as cataracts may be treatable with medications and surgery.

3. Incontinence: There are many inquiries all of the time from frustrated owners wondering why their older dogs are no longer house-trained – and how they can get them back on track. The first rule of any sudden-onset behavior problem is to make sure that it’s not a health problem, and we can think of no case where this rule is more true than with an older dog who’s suddenly urinating in the house. Your pet could have an infection or, if she’s an older spayed female, she may be suffering from the loss of muscle tone related to a decrease in her hormone levels. Both are treatable; see your veterinarian. At a certain age, a little dribbling of urine is practically inevitable, especially while your older dog is sleeping.

4. Lumps and bumps: Benign fatty tumors are common in older dogs, and the vast majority are nothing to worry about. Benign tumors are round and soft, with well-defined edges. You can usually get your fingers nearly around them, and they don’t seem well-anchored. Showing them to your veterinarian for a more complete evaluation is important, and you should inform her of any changes in size or shape, especially if they happen rapidly. Your veterinarian may be concerned enough about the size, appearance, or location of a mass to suggest its removal and a biopsy; most bumps, however, are left alone. The best time to check for lumps and bumps? During regular grooming, weekly, at least. Run your hand over every inch of your dog, and don’t forget to talk sweetly – she’ll think it’s petting.

By: Michael Whitman -

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Michael Whitman can teach you how to quickly and easily train your problem dog. Dog Training Advice

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Like people, dogs are vulnerable and prone to unhealthy conditions like diarrhea. Dog diarrhea is one of the most common issues pertaining to health. It can affect your dog at any chances and because of its prevalence, oftentimes this type of illness is considered not at all serious. But to some, especially to those who take high regard to their pet’s health, become somewhat worried. They eventually seek the help of a veterinarian and ask for some dog diarrhea medications that are apt for their pet’s condition.

Dog diarrhea, even if considered widespread, does not easily affect your dog if proper care measures in pet keeping are observed. However, this case is caused by various things. One main reason is giving inappropriate amount or type of food to your beloved dogs. As a pet owner, you should be very keen and careful in choosing the kind of food to be fed to your pet. Just like people, dogs have sensitive appetites. Their appetites also need to be given the right kind and amount of food every time. Well, there are cases that it is not the pet owners who wrongly feed their pets. It is the pets themselves that take in foods or anything that arouses their curiosity (very many like children). So be sure to take a closer look at your pets especially when they are outside the house.

Another possible cause is the result of vaccinations given to them. This is mostly due to the reactions of the vaccinations. Although considered normal, don’t just ignore when this happens.

Moreover, parasites and other types of viruses or worms can also trigger your dog’s stomach. These parasites easily transmit to the body when your dogs interact with the environment. Just like food, you should take heed in setting out your dogs outside. Be extra careful always.

A dog’s emotion can also make their stomach upset. They are really a lot like people. Due to excitement and nervousness especially when they are brought away from home, they have the possibility to experience diarrhea. But basically, this kind of diarrhea won’t last long because it is just only a result of too much pressure on their emotions.

How to recognize if your dog is experiencing this? If you see that your dog vomits, which is not a normal act of a healthy dog, then it is positively suffering from diarrhea. Like people, they also bowel unconditionally. This is due to the unwanted pressure in their digestive system.

Is it okay even if you won’t bring your dog to its vet? Well in most cases, it is. But if the situation gets worse even if ample dog diarrhea medication has already been given, then it is more advisable to bring your dog to his veterinarian for a thorough check up.

Taking care of dogs is just like taking care of kids. Sometimes because of their hyper sensitivity and hyper ability, they become more prone to infections and illnesses. Even if proper care is given, it is not 100% sure that your dog can’t be inflicted at any chance with diseases like dog diarrhea. Nevertheless, there’s no reason at all for us to fret about this. There are lots of dog diarrhea medications that are available at any pet health stores near your place or even online. You can even buy non-prescription meds for this illness. But bear in mind, if the symptoms still persist, it is better to seek the advice of your vets.

To learn more about the different types of pet meds for your dogs, cats, horse, etc., and how to get discount and cheap pet medications, make sure to visit http://www.callpetmeds.com where you will find everything on getting quality yet affordable pet medications.

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As a new puppy buyer you might be bring home more than you know. Giardia is commonly found in the intestines of many animals, including puppies, and can cause such symptoms as mild recurring diarrhea, soft light yellow colored stools, weight loss, listlessness, mucus in the stool, and can lead to other health risks.

So what is Giardia?

Giardia is microscopic parasites that form cysts. These cysts cling to the surface of the infected dog, or they can float free in the mucous lining and pass from the dog when he eliminates (poops). Once passed, the cysts can survive for several months outside the animal if sufficient moisture is present.

How could my puppy come in contact with these cysts?

If your new puppy shared a kennel with another dog that was infected with Giardia, chances are he ingested the cysts by licking the coat of the infected dog, the floor or surrounding area where the infected dog was kept, or he might have actually ingested the feces that contained the Giardia cysts. Once ingested, the cysts break open, in the new host, thus repeating the infection cycle.

Can my new puppy get Giardia even if he has not been around an infected dog?

Yes. Giardia can also be found in streams or other water sources, and a dog left in unclean conditions can actually re-infect itself causing a vicious cycle.

What type of treatments are available for Giardia?

If you suspect that your new puppy may have Giardia, it is always best to schedule a visit to your veterinary clinic. Be prepared for your visit by collecting a fecal sample to take with you. Using the sample you supply, your vet can perform the necessary tests to determine if your dog actually has Giardia, or some other disorder. If Giardia is diagnosed, some of the treatments available today include; Metronidazole (Flagyl), Furazolidone (Neftin), Tinadazole, Fenbendazole (Panacur), and Albendazole (Valbanzen). Your vet will prescribe the best treatment for your new puppy.

My dog is not infected now, but how can I prevent him from coming in contact with Giardia?

The best way to prevent contact with, and the spread of Giardia, is to be sure your new puppy does not drink from possible contaminated water sources such as; rivers, streams, and or stagnant standing water. Another way to help eliminate the risk of Giardia is to keep your pet away from pets that you don’t know, that could possibly be infected. Popular places like dog parks, dog beaches, and other pet meeting areas can be fun, but is it worth the risk of your puppy’s health?

 
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Being puppy is the cutest stage of a dog, it’s so lovely to see how this little innocent angel moving around, learn to play, eat so well, run around and perform his agilities, and become little cute monster that messes things around. Then we will think about health, petsafe and future. There are still terrible canine over-population problems so it is better to be part of solution rather than to be part of the problem. Responsible owners who want to breed their dogs must pass all required registrations, accreditations, health screening, etc.

A female dog, correctly referred to as a bitch, can only become pregnant if she is bred during her heat cycle. The pregnancy generally lasts about two months or 56 to 69 days from the date of the first breeding, although this period may be slightly shorter or longer. Small breeds may deliver a week earlier while large breeds often deliver later. Over ninety-eight percent of all dogs deliver their puppies without assistance or complications.

For the first three weeks or so of pregnancy, you may not notice any changes in the bitch. Some females will become more demanding for attention, their nipples may enlarge slightly, and some may become hungrier. These are not a guarantee of a pregnancy, but are good signs. Bitches can show the same signs during ‘false pregnancy,’ a hormonal abnormality, which may occur after a bitch has been in heat. Decreased appetite is usually one of the earliest signs that your bitch might be pregnant. Not all females go through this doggie version of "morning sickness", but a small percentage will eat less during the first few weeks of gestation, usually making up for it later in the pregnancy. Further indication is a sudden decrease in activity, the nipple growth is noticeable, breast material will develop beneath the nipples, which will also increase slightly in preparation for eventual milk production.

Behavioral changes such as increase in affectionate behavior or an expressed desire to be left alone. But beware, don’t give any vitamin supplements in the first month of her pregnancy, the birth defects will be develop from too much vitamins A, D and calcium, all she need is high quality diet. No vaccinations should take place during pregnancy, they may harm the fetus. Vaccinations are prior to breeding. Always visit the vet to consult for her condition, from approximate 21-25 days, endocrinological tests detects pregnant dog hormone, relaxin. Puppies hearth beat can be detected after 25 days using ECG but it’s difficult to test their number. X-ray can pick up puppy skeleton from around 49 days and can determine the number of siblings, but X-Ray is not advisable to use because of radiation danger and damage.

In fourth week, the increase in appetite and gaining weight are changes of progress signs of pregnancy, the abdomen will thicken, and gentle examination of the belly will reveal a firm, rather than fat feeling to the area. The bitch should continue to have regular, but not strenuous, exercise to help her maintain her muscle tone and not become overweight. Exercise involves a daily run to make sure all her muscles, including her uterine muscles, are in top condition. She really needs enough sleep on her dog crate, at week 7, it’s advised to increase her meal about 25% and another 25 % on 8th week. Closer to the delivery date, your bitch will probably start to express her nesting instincts, scratching at the floor or in her bed, and displaying signs of increasing restlessness.

During the first stage of labor the cervix begins to dilate and uterine contractions begin. These contractions are painful and perplexing to the dog. She will appear quite uncomfortable and restless – pacing, shivering and panting. She probably will not eat and she may even vomit. Some dogs whine persistently. Others occupy themselves building a nest. Take her temperature rectally twice a day, the normal dog temperature is about 100.3F – 101.3F. It will normally drop to about 98 degrees Fahrenheit, 8 – 24 hours before the onset of labor and she will refuse to eat or drink anything.

During the second stage of labor uterine contractions begin in force. As this stage progresses the placental water sacks break and a straw-colored fluid is passed. Placentas are expelled after each puppy or sporadically during labor. Pups usually appear every half-hour or so after ten to thirty minutes of forceful straining. As the pups deliver, the mother will lick the puppy clean and bite off the umbilical cord. It is important to let the mother do this, if she will, because through this process she bonds with her puppies and learns to recognize them as her own. The rough licking of the mother stimulates the puppies to breathe and improves their circulation.

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Ear infection for dogs is a common problem but there is no need to slack off or completely ignore it. Even if it appears to be a simple case of infection, there is a possibility for the infection to develop into a more serious, even life-threatening condition. So take note of tell tale signs of your dog experiencing any form of irritation on its ear.

Before going into details as to how to cure ear infection for dogs, let us first consider how our pets contract this type of infection. Because dogs’ ears are configured in such a way that the parasites and moisture are trapped by the interior canal, they are more prone to allergies and bacteria. Plus, ear wax and bacteria slowly builds up which can cause real damage to your pets’ ears.

As soon as the dog experiences irritation, they tend to scratch the earflap which puts them in a higher risk of attaining more ear damage. Also, it can cause an excessive swelling on the dog’s ear once it failed to be treated. Among the common signs are when your dog scratches their ears more often than usual, or if they rub it against your carpet, furniture or other objects. You may also notice that your dog’s ears are red or swollen, or when they emit a foul smell.

When you have detected the following symptoms or signs for an ear irritation on your dog, it is best to consult with your veterinarian right away. This will help ensure that proper diagnosis and treatment is applied for your dog’s infection. Meanwhile, having your pet examined will also help the vet prescribed the right medication or antibiotics, whether it be topical or oral.

Aside from what your pet doctor has prescribed, you can also follow a handful of home remedies that are effective as well. If the dog’s ear has a pink brownish wax in it, then it could be caused by a yeast infection. To treat that, acetic acid or vinegar as a cleaning agent. You may also put a few drops of olive oil onto the dog’s ear canal to prevent further infestation of ear mites, or an herbal mixture with mineral oil can keep bacteria and fungi from spreading.

Once the ear infection has started, you can give your dog doses of vitamin C to relieve the inflammation inside the ears. If you are unsure how this is done, or is afraid that you might hurt the dog in the process, you can get your vet to do it for you.

Several over the counter medications are also available such as antibiotics and other flea control treatment that your vet would normally prescribe for your pet. However, you must be aware of any side effects that might occur, depending on how the dog reacts on the treatment received. So, you have to be extra careful before choosing oral treatments or drugs for your pet.

No pet owner wants to see their pets suffer; therefore we should take the initiative to care and look after the needs of our pets. Ear infection for dogs is one of those cases that should not be neglected if you do not want to inflict more harm to your pet’s health.

To learn more about ear infection for dogs and the different types of cheap pet meds for your dogs, cats, horse, etc., and how to get discount and cheap pet medications, make sure to visit http://www.callpetmeds.com where you will find everything on getting quality yet affordable pet medications as well as tips on how to take care of your pets like the experts.

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