Heartworm disease is a disease in dogs that develops when a dog is bitten by a mosquito carrying microscopic heartworm larvae of a parasitic worm known as Dirofilaria immitis. As the mosquito feeds on your dog the larvae are deposited within your dog. They enter through the skin, then travel through the bloodstream and eventually settle and grown in the right side of the heart and the arteries of the lungs. Once there the parasites will grow until they reach a length of 10 to 12 inches at maturity. Heartworm disease causes lung disease and heart failure and is often fatal. While easy to prevent, heartworms continue to be a major health problem for dogs throughout the United States.

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Preventing heartworms is as simple as giving your pet a monthly medication containing ivermectin. There are many products on the market that contain ivermectin including chewables and topical treatments. Pet owners can also administer products made with selamectin to prevent heartworm disease, fleas, ticks, earmites and sarcoptic mange all through one monthly topical treatment. These treatments are applied directly to the skin at the base of your dogs neck or between her shoulder blades. These treatments are relatively inexpensive and range in price from $5 – $20 per month depending on the size of your dog. These methods are safe, easy to use and when given on time every month, extremely effective.

Heartworm preventative requires a prescription and none of the preventatives above should be administered without testing your dog beforehand. Veterinarians will give a blood test to your pooch to check for parasites before issuing a prescription. This is important because the medication in these preventatives can cause life-threatening reactions to dogs who already have heartworm disease. If you already take your dog to the Vet for her yearly physical and shots then chances are the Vet is performing a blood test to check for these parasites. That test is all you need for a year long prescription for heartworm preventative. Testing and preventing heartworm could not be easier and is much less expensive than treating your dog for heartworm disease.

If your dog is not currently taking monthly preventative then there are symptoms indicative to heartworms that you can look out for. Dogs may have a frequent and persistent cough, a decrease in energy level, reluctance to exercise, fatigue, decreased appetite and weight loss. Weight loss is often followed by a swollen abdomen caused by a fluid build up in the stomach. Dogs can be infected for years before these symptoms show up. The heartworms themselves do not cause symptoms they are a result of the damage they do to the heart and lungs over the course of the infection. As heartworm disease progresses blood flow through diseased lungs to the heart becomes restricted. This is what causes heart failure and death.

Cases of heartworm disease have been reported in every state in the US; however, they are more prevalent in the southeastern portion of the country. This is partly due to the climate in this region and the number of mosquitoes native to the area. Everyone should treat their dog for heartworms because infected dogs can move into the area with new owners or due to displacement from areas struck by natural disasters. While treatment options vary consistent year round protection is the best course of action. Of dogs exposed to the larvae, 100% become infected. Treatments for the disease can be effective in otherwise healthy dogs; however, they are quite costly and can easily extend into the several thousand dollar range. While heartworm prevention is extremely effective, treatment can be painful, dangerous and in some cases, fatal.

This article was written by the authors at pet-super-store a unique pet shop that offers free-shipping when you buy pet fence.

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What is Heartworm Disease and How Can I Prevent It

Heartworm disease is a disease in dogs that develops when a dog is bitten by a mosquito carrying microscopic heartworm larvae of a parasitic worm known as Dirofilaria immitis. What is Heartworm Disease and How Can I Prevent It.   

Pets | How to Treat Your Dog’s Heartworms

What are Heartworms? Heartworms are a commonly found parasite in the same class as roundworms. This parasitic worm infects many different pets but is most commonly found in dogs. The parasitic worm has the diameter of thin spaghetti and [...]

Battle Against Heartworm Disease in Dogs Gets Tougher!

Pet owners are trying to save money in many ways, but according to veterinarian, Dr. Carol Osborne stopping your dog’s heartworm prevention should not be one of them. 

Heartworm Disease in Dogs

With over 250000 known cases across the United States, canine heartworm disease continues to plague our pets, causing emotional distress to the owners and [...]

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Dog shedding can be a big pain in some households, and depending on how disciplined you are about your dog clambering around the furniture the fur mess can be more than expected sometimes, and can get absolutely everywhere.

Stop Dog Shedding Here!

Dog shredding happens as a result of a few different situations, the first and common in all breeds of dogs is to make way for a new shiny coat every now and again, and to get rid of dead hair that is no longer needed. Another cause for shedding is seasonal changes like some breeds are used to in their natural habitat, in theses situation there can be lots of hair being dropped at an almost worrying rate twice a year, but it is actually quite normal for this to happen.

If you are worried about how much hair your dog is loosing, then do some research or go to the vets and find out the different types of dogs that get affected by this seasonal change. In rare cases loosing large amount or fur can be caused by a poor diet and insufficient amounts of vitamins to keep the fur alive. All these can be answered by your local veterinarian.

If you are tired of all this fur and the effects of your dog loosing its coat, keeping your dog well groomed will help to stop the spread of hair and keep your dogs coat healthy at the same time and is always recommended to stop knots or matted hair along with keeping your dog healthier and happier.

To summarise, if you are worried about your dogs shedding and have looked to find the shedding habits of the breed of dog you have then visiting a vet is the best option and they will be able to give you a more in-depth analysis of the situation after an examination of your dog and keep your mind at rest about the health of your dog.

By: John M Williams

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

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Coping with Shedding Dogs

We all love our dogs, but there is no denying that we are often presented with aspects of dog keeping that are very problematic in nature. One such dog problem that is impossible to escape is that of dog shedding.

Non Shedding Dogs: Part I : Dog Shedding

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Non Shedding Dogs: Part II : Dog Shedding

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Dog Shedding: An Introduction

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If you are looking for a hypoallergenic dog, you will have many breeds to choose from. From smaller dogs like the Maltese, to larger breeds such as the Greyhound, these dogs tend to shed less, and do not product as much saliva or urine. When researching dog breeds, you should keep in mind not only whether they are hypoallergenic, but also which living conditions they prefer, how they behave around children, and how much care and maintenance they will need. Certain breeds require constant companionship, while other breeds can be left along all day while you are at work.

Smaller hypoallergenic breeds such as the Poodle, Maltese, Labradoodle, and Bishon Frise require much from their owners. Not only do they need companionship, they will also need to be bathed once a month and will also need to be brushed once a day in order to keep knots from developing in their fur. While these dogs have shorter hair and no undercoating, they may not be the best choice if you have small children. Territorial and moody, these dogs will get upset when they are competing with children for your attention.

Small to medium dogs that are hypoallergenic and will behave around children include terriers, greyhounds, and the Mexican hairless. These dogs have short fur or none at all and do not shed as much dander as other breeds. If you live in a small apartment, these dogs are the better choice. They do not need a lot of room to run around in and they do not make too much noise. If you need to leave these dogs for the day while you are working or running errands, they will not be as nervous or scared as other breeds.

Hypoallergenic dogs are usually the smaller breeds, even though greyhounds come in a variety of sizes. Deciding on the breed of dog will depend on your lifestyle and what you expect from a pet. If you already have a pet, you will want to buy a breed that will get along with other pets.

Typically, hypoallergenic dogs will live ten to fifteen years. Many smaller breeds may experience dog health issues during this time, but for the most part, the dogs make great pets for those who do not have children or who do not have to travel for work. Because these dogs are small, they will usually not be able to reach couches, chairs, beds, or other furniture unless you help them up. This will also reduce allergens that can cause an allergy attack.

Having your hypoallergenic dog groomed once every two months or so will not only keep the dog looking its best, but it will also help reduce the amount of allergens. Smaller dogs need to be bathed once a month in order to keep them clean. Over bathing will result in dry skin, so you should ask your veterinarian for instructions on how to bathe small dogs. Maintaining a clean coat and brushing your dog once a day will help reduce the allergens in your home.

By: Jasmine Stone

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Visit The Dog Trainer to learn about how to stop dog chewing problems and how to choose a dog obedience school.

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Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds

Hypoallergenic dog breeds can be a breath of fresh air for the allergic dog lover. Though no dog is non-allergenic, these low-shedding hypoallergenic dog breeds are the most appropriate for allergy sufferers. [...]

Are You Allergic To Your Dog – Here are some Hypoallergenic Dogs

If you have pet allergies, but you still want a dog, you may want to consider a Hypoallergenic Dog Breed. Read this article for a list of those breeds. Are You Allergic To Your Dog – Here are some Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds To Consider.   

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Canine parvovirus or parvo is a very contagious virus that affects dogs. The disease is spreading from dog to dog directly or indirectly in contact with their feces. The most affected are the puppies rather than adult dogs. The virus can cause bloody diarrhea. In very young puppies it can infect the heart and lead to death. It can take up to 10 days from exposure until the dog or poppy may show symptoms of infection. Being a very serious disease, some puppies or dogs may not survive even if they were treated for this disease. Without treatment it is very probable that the puppy will not survive. They will die of dehydration.

The problem is that this disease is incurable for the moment, since no available drug can kill it. This disease doesn’t kill the dog directly, acting on the intestines instead, which in turn causes the dehydration, blood infection and the electrolyte imbalance. These are the reasons why dogs die after they contract this disease, so the treatment consists mostly of using medicine that reduces the effects of the conditions mentioned so far. Secondary infections caused by this virus are usually prevented by using antibiotics. In order for the dog to have a chance to survive, the treatment for this disease needs to begin as soon as possible, and the dog needs to be monitored while the treatment is administered. Veterinarians can only help you to treat the symptoms and to try to hydrate the puppy. The only thing that can be done if you dog is sick is to offer support to the systems in his body during the course of the disease and provide pain relief.  This can be done administering him fluids, regulating electrolyte levels, controlling body temperature and giving blood transfusions when necessary.

Sometimes, you can administer homeopathic remedies, along with the medicine already prescribed. There are some products out there that are natural and can help the dog. Some examples are the Oregon grape, goldenseal and echinacea, which are found in a lot of these types of remedies. They help the dog’s organism by boosting their immunity, reducing the inflammation, preventing bacterial infections and helping the digestive system. Dog’s who survived the disease are not off the hook. Even if your dog does not have today the parvo disease, they can get it back in a few days.

Because of how dangerous and contagious this disease is, you need to prevent it as much as possible, decreasing the chances that your dog will get it. Getting your dog to the veterinarian for vaccines is the best method of prevention. Always make sure that the dog gets all his shots in time. You can also clean areas that might be contaminated with chlorine mixed with water (use a 1:30 ratio). Use that chlorine bleach to clean all places that came into contact with a dog that has the disease.

Parvaid is an aid medicine for parvo disease. Studies show that if the medication is administered before symptoms of disease show, the dog may not get sick in the end. The dog should defeat the illness in a couple of days from the beginning of treatment. No side effects where noticed. If your dog is pregnant, or has a pancreas or liver disease you shouldn’t administer to it the medicine. Parvaid only contains natural ingredients like: Peppermint, Spearmint, Chamomile, Plantain, Echinacea, Rose, Garlic and other ingredients.

By: Anne Ming

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Want to learn more about parvo virus in dogs? On ParvoInDogs.Com you can find articles about parvo in dogs dealing with the main symptoms, prevention methods and about Parvaid, one of the most popular treatments for the dog parvo virus.

Know the Causes and Avoid Canine Parvo

The feces of a dog infected with the canine parvovirus will be infected as well and can carry the disease to others. Other dogs don’t even need to come in contact with the feces of infected dogs. 

Canine Parvovirus Cases Increase – Detroit Local News Story – WDIV

PONTIAC, Mich. — Dozens of dogs have died or been stricken with the canine Parvovirus in Pontiac. Wednesday, February 25, 2009.   

Learn More about the Symptoms and Signs of Canine Parvovirus

The canine parvovirus is a DNA virus that is single stranded and very contagious, found in canines. The first time that this virus appeared was in 1978, but it can be found in every country in world right now. 

Relieve Your Dogs Pain Caused By Parvo Virus

Canine parvovirus or parvo is a very contagious virus that affects dogs. The disease is spreading from dog to dog directly or indirectly in contact with their feces. Relieve Your Dogs Pain Caused By Parvo Virus.   

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This hard-to-treat disease is highly contagious and the main source of infection is by inhalation during close dog to dog contact. The first signs are: fever, coughing, diarrhea, and vomiting followed by unusual tiredness and lack of appetite. Usually dogs under one year of age suffer from this disease. Survivors often develop nervous system breakdown later in life.  It is important to provide your dog with the proper pain relief.

CANINE TRACHEOBRONCHITIS (Canine/Kennel Cough). Caused by various airborne bacteria and viruses, this infectious bronchitis is a contagious upper respiratory disease which occurs when dogs are in close contact. Signs are a distressing dry cough, tiredness and loss of appetite and moderately raised temperature. This disease may lead to pneumonia.

RABIES. An incurable, viral disease that attacks the central nervous system of almost all mammals including humans. This disease can be transmitted through bites, while the saliva is in contact with the skin. Once you have this disease, there is no cure and would already lead to death. Vaccine during the twelfth week is a great ounce of prevention.

INFECTIOUS CANINE HEPATITIS. This is caused by Canine Adenovirus Type I. Liver is the attacked organ and can be rapidly fatal. Transmission is through secretions like saliva, infected urine or feces. Early symptoms are general discomfort and lack of appetite, high temperature, pale gums, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. This can cause also liver failure, clouding of cornea known as "blue eye" and breathing problems.

Other vaccinations that need booster recommendations from your veterinarian are as follows: LEPTOSPIROSIS, a bacterial disease which attacks the kidneys and the liver; vaccines are due on the twelfth to fifteenth week of your dog; CANINE CORONAVIRUS, which attacks the intestinal system; and, Lyme Disease, transmitted by ticks to both dogs and humans which results in chronic arthritis and, sometimes, death.

It is important to consult your veterinarian to determine the appropriate vaccination and schedule for your dog. Recommendations on what vaccines to give may vary on the age, breed and health condition of the dog, susceptibility and risk, type of vaccine and the geographical setting.

Issues on vaccines having side effects are lurking but the benefits outweigh tremendously the danger of having it. Effectivity may not be guaranteed 100% but with the combination of proper nutrition and eating habits, a good and sanitized environment, vaccination is a great way to protect your dog and other of your pets as well. Dogs is a major status symbol in American pet-keeping. Every year, over 12 billion dollars have been spent on dog food and veterinary care alone. According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association’s 2003-2004 Pet Owners’ Survey, more than half of dog owners purchase toys for their dogs.

Playing with toys is not the monopoly of little kids but also pets of different kind. Dogs have their own sets of toys to enjoy during their playing time.

Dogs benefit from these toys, health and training wise. There are dog toys that can strengthen their teeth or build their intelligence especially if they also attend a series of training classes with the experts. Like man, dogs are very sociable. Interaction with their companion or a sibling dog is very important in avoiding behavioral problems in the future.

When buying toys, you may want to match them with your dog’s needs, demands and even personality. Is your dog the type that enjoys chasing and retrieving games, or chewing, sitting and sprawling? You may want to try experimenting first to find out which toys make your dogs the happiest.

Before going on a toy hunt, take a look at this list of toys that may help you identify the right kind of toy for your dog. CHEW TOYS. These are perfect for the dog that likes to chew a lot. Instead of your dog chewing your furniture, why not buy these TOUGH little babies for them. These types of dog toy are usually made of nylon or latex rubber. The "King Kong Toys" are among the popular brands of chew toys. You can experiment by stuffing these toys with peanut butter or cheese spread, freeze them and give them to your dog for hours of licking and chewing fun.

By: John Samson

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Want to find out about beagle breeders and pocket beagles? Get tips from the About Beagles website.

How Canine Distemper Virus Jumps Across Species

How Canine Distemper Virus Jumps Across Species. October 25, 2007 — Ralph Maughan. CDV is passed through close contact from domestic and feral dogs causing epidemics that often result in mass mortalities – and is pushing some species to[...]

Canine distemper

The canine distemper virus travels through the bodily fluids of infected dogs. It is important to keep dogs with distemper away from others to reduce the risk of healthy dogs getting the virus. If you spend time with a dog infected with[...]

Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) In Dogs

The canine distemper virus (CDV) causes a highly contagious disease in dogs known as distemper. Dogs who contract distemper suffer damage to their gastrointestinal, central nervous and respiratory systems. Distemper is incurable and[...]

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