Dog Obesity and the Harmful Side Effects

That is our image of normal for dogs. But a dog in good body condition, you should be not able to see his ribs but you should be able to feel his individual ribs. You shouldn’t have fist full of fat that you have to feel through to get to the ribs. When you look at him from the top, he should have a waist. When you look at him from the side, depending on the breed, you should see that abdominal cut. Most people when they see a dog that is actually in ideal condition would think that it’s probably on the thin side. But that’s just in our culture. If your dog is overweight, there is extra load on the heart and the joints. It can also predispose them to diseases depending on how heavy they are like diabetes and eventually, osteo-arthritis.

There more osteo-arthritis in heavy pets than pets that are lean. Most of the veterinarian orthopedic surgeons would say, “I’m not going to fix your dog until you take some weight off because I don’t want that pet carrying around that extra weight and destroying the work that I do on that knee” or “You have to take weight off of a total hip replacement because it’s going to blow out the implant.” So it is very important.

Try to be pretty proactive and start educating yourself about the way your dog should work at an early age when they’re puppies. When they’re older and don’t exercise as much and already having some arthritis, it’s a lot harder to get the weight off.

Purina came out with the study results over 13-15 years ago. What they found that if they fed one set of dogs not necessarily as much as they wanted but more than they needed, and The other set of dogs were lean-fed, meaning, they were fed to maintain a specific body condition. Everything else was the same for these animals. The animals that were lean-fed lived 2-3 years longer than the animals that were not.

You literally increase their life span if you feed them properly. Even though you see pudgy dogs and consider it cute, the reality is the more weight you have on your dog, the more you are taking off of its life.

Article Source: www.ezine.com

Getting Your Dog to Take His Pills, What Works?

Somehow they sense it coming: maybe they recognize that purposeful stride into the kitchen where you keep the bottles, or the telltale scrape of the childproof lid against the plastic as you open it. They see you coming with that calming smile on your face and they know the next few seconds are going to be difficult. You’ll know it, anyway, as you struggle to get your dog to take his medicine. You may spend the next twenty minutes or so wrestling him to the ground and prying and mouth open, and you may wonder…surely there’s a better way.

We recall as children going through the same thing ourselves. Mom would balance horrible-tasting syrup in a spoon and push it past our shut lips, because it would make us feel better. Your dog is not likely to understand the need to take pills if he truly needs them, so you’ll have to be a bit inventive when that time comes. If you have had trouble administering pills to your dog, consider these tactics to ensure he is properly cared for.

1) Crush pills in food or water if possible. Consult with your vet about the possibility of breaking pills into tinier pieces to mix in with food or water. If your dog doesn’t see the pill, he is less likely to freak when it’s time for his meds.

2) Use a food wrapper. If your dog is perceptive, he’ll sense when the time is near for medicine, but if you come with a dog treat instead you may find success in your endeavors. Check your local pet supply shop for special food wraps like edible pill pockets or dough you can use to hid the pill. Some pet owners may also use peanut butter or cheese to mask the pill and taste of medicine, but these products are caloric and could cause stomach problems for your pet if you’re not careful.

If possible, too, mix up “pill time” so it doesn’t fall on the same hour and minute daily. If you’re accustomed to administering meds right at seven, the dog will know to expect something, so talk with your vet if necessary about giving the pills fifteen minutes earlier or later on some days. Your pet may be more apt to accept a treat if he’s certain it’s not “that time.”

Above all else, be patient with your pet and don’t let your frustration transfer to him.

Article Source: www.ezine.com

Solving Cat Spraying

Cat spraying is a natural behavior among felines. Your cat will deposit small quantities of urine on vertical surfaces such as walls, furniture, and doorways. This behavior is usually caused by the necessity to mark the territory.

However, as we will see in this article, cat spraying can start for other reasons, including medical problems and stress.

Cat spraying indoors can become a nightmare because it will leave behind an awful cat urine smell, and difficult to remove stains. Knowing the reasons that are causing this behavior is always the first step to address the problem.

The main reasons that can cause cat spraying:

1- Necessity to mark the territory

Cats are territorial animals and they want to have their own space. They tend to mark their territory outside the litter box. It is how they communicate with other cats, letting them know that they own that territory. This tendency is even greater during mating season and in houses with more than one cat.

2- Medical problems

Urination Tract Infection (UTI) can cause cat spraying. Your cat will urinate more often and in small quantities. This disease makes urination a painful activity. Your cat will associate the litter box with the pain, peeing outside the box as a result.

3- Changing the litter box type or location

Cats are creatures of routine. A new litter box, different from the old one, or placing the litter box in a different spot, can cause cat spraying. The litter box should be placed in a quiet spot, easy to access, and away from the cat’ s food and water.

4- Stress and anxiety

Cats are very sensitive to small changes. Any change in their life can cause cat spraying due to stress or anxiety (moving to a new home, a new family member, visitors, changes in your own routine…).

As you can see, cat spraying can start for different reasons. The first thing you should do is identify the main reason causing this behavior. Knowing this is crucial in order to find the correct solution. Stress and anxiety are usually the most difficult to treat, because you need to know first what is causing the stress, and then you have to fix it. Being animals it can be complicated to identify the origin of your cat’s stress.

Article Source: www.ezine.com

Puppy Training Checklist – 5 Essentials When Getting Started

There seem to be so many things to think about when you bring a new dog into your house.

Use this list to make sure you cover what is important for the dog and your family.

• Firstly, the person who will spend the most time with the dog should be present, even if they are not the one conducting the training. It is very important that the methods and language are consistent, whoever is relating to the dog.
• Dogs are not natural students and do not have a very long attention span. This means that each session to introduce a new idea should last not much longer than 3 to 5 minutes. The animal would soon get bored and be distracted if you carry on too long.
• The potty training should start immediately and there are a number of methods. Some people now favor the use of pads, but whichever way you go you will need to help the dog set up its routine. They soon get used to being allowed to ‘go’ when they need to do so. Your puppy will thank you for providing their own special place. You could not do better than getting the right size crate and learning to use it properly. This can help the animal feel safe and secure also help prevent ‘separation anxiety’ when left on their own.
• Once they can recognize and respond to their name, then it is a good thing to start with the essential commands. It is usually best to get each word of command into their behavior one at a time. ‘Sit’ ‘Down’ ‘Stay’ and ‘Stand’ are all easy to practice in the house or garden.
• Training to walk properly on the leash, using ‘Heel’ and ‘Leave it’ can be part of your fun while walking in the park.

This is just the beginning, but get these points right and you can be well on your way to a happy well-behaved dog.

Now you have an outline of the first few steps to take. You can find details of exactly how to make each idea work from the many courses and books which are readily available.

If you are not sure what you should do for the best, do make sure to get the right help and guidance.

The relationship between you and a well-behaved pet is certainly worth the effort needed in the beginning.

Article Source: www.ezine.com

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Preventing and Treating Matted Cat Hair

Owners can prevent matted cat hair in their pets by grooming them daily. This will remove the hair that is loose, preventing it from tangling up. It also brings attention to the owner any mats that may be starting so that they can untangle the start of a matting problem while it is still easy to deal with.

Treatment of matted cat hair depends on the severity of the matted hair itself and can range from something that can be taken care of just by petting your cat to having your cat shaved. To start, always try to gently separate the matted hair with your fingers while you are petting your cat. Never pull or tug at the matted hair as this will hurt the cat’s skin the same way it would hurt your scalp if you tugged at your own hair that was tangled up.

If using your fingers didn’t work, try cutting out the mat with a pair of scissors. If it can be avoided don’t cut the hair all the way to the skin. The skin under the cat fur is very delicate and other serious problems can be started of you accidentally cut it.

Finally, if nothing else works have your feline shaved by a professional to relieve them of their matted cat hair. This has two benefits for your cat. One, it will remove the matted hair that can become painful the worse the matting gets. Two, it will also temporarily prevent future matted hair, because there will be very little hair left to get tangled up.

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The Golden Years: A Little More Care Goes a Long Way for Senior Cats and Dogs

With advancements in veterinary medicine and nutrition, pets are living longer than ever before. Like people, as pets age they become more susceptible to illness and disease and need extra attention to help keep them vibrant and healthy.

“Exams twice a year are important for older animals… so we have a chance to intervene early should we detect any serious problems,” says Eileen Landry, CVT, of AAHA-accredited Connecticut Veterinary Center & Pet ER.

According to Cindy Morgan, CVT, practice manager of Denver’s AAHA-accredited University Hills Animal Hospital, geriatric patients also need more extensive evaluations than their younger counterparts, such as additional blood tests and ocular pressure checks.

“The tests are age-specific and we customize tests to each animal’s breed and health history. For example, we might do thoracic X-rays on bigger dogs at 7 years, but smaller dogs at 9 years,” explains Morgan.

Symptoms of age-related health problems might be nothing more than subtle behavior changes, so your veterinarian may look to you for additional information.

Something as seemingly insignificant as a change in the way your pet chews or sits can signal a problem. Because you know your pet’s daily patterns and behavior best, sharing your observations with your veterinarian is essential.

According to Morgan, some symptoms creep up so slowly owners do not notice them. She describes a conversation with a client who was picking up a pain reliever for his pet. “He didn’t realize that his dog [was in pain] until after she was on this medication and started being much more active and getting around much more easily.”

Some animal hospitals send checklists with their exam reminder letters, which prompt owners to see their pets through fresh eyes. Questions might include: Does your pet take longer to get up? Is your pet drinking more water? Is your pet sleeping more?

If your clinic doesn’t do this, consider keeping a list of your pet’s behavior changes or physical abnormalities as they occur. Note any changes in coat and skin; gait; posture; oral health, such as bad breath or difficulty eating hard foods; weight; sleep patterns; and hearing or sight.

Signs that your pet needs to be seen by a veterinarian immediately include increased water consumption, inability to urinate or excessive or inappropriate urination, staring, and disorientation, to name a few.

Article source: www.healthypet.com

Plaque and Tartar Build-Up is the Most Common Cause of Bad Breath in Your Pet

Plaque and tartar build-up on your pet’s teeth is responsible for the vast majority of cases of halitosis in pets, commonly known as “dog breath” and “cat breath”. The worse the plaque and tartar build-up, the worse your pet’s breath is. Severe dental disease can cause severe halitosis. Bad breath, medically termed ‘halitosis,’ is one of the most common problems reported by pet owners. ‘Dog breath’ or ‘cat breath’ can seem like a laughable problem, but it can be serious.

Most cats or dogs who have bad breath also have plaque or tartar build-up on their teeth. This is something that can be easily fixed or prevented. Your pet will be healthier if you prevent and/or remove the plaque on his teeth, and you will be happier with his fresher, cleaner-smelling breath.

How Your Dog or Cat Gets Plaque and Tartar Build-Up:

Just like it does in people, small particles of food remain in the mouth after eating meals. These particles (if not removed) decompose, and attract oral bacteria, who thrive in the decomposing particles. Then the bacteria, saliva, and food particles form plaque, or tartar build-up, on the teeth, which causes your pet’s bad breath.

Plaque gives your dog or cat’s breath a terrible odor, and also can cause the gums to become inflamed, which causes even more bad breath. And gum disease can lead to more severe infections in the heart, kidney, and liver of your cat or dog If not removed or prevented, this tartar or plaque buildup can develop into gingivitis or other periodontal disease, which will make your pet’s breath even more unpleasant and require a trip to the veterinarian.

Severe halitosis in your cat or dog beyond normal ‘doggie breath’ and ‘cat breath’ can have an underlying medical cause. Cats or dogs with severe halitosis should go to the veterinarian and get a check-up. Also, bad breath that persists or gets worse despite home treatment may require a trip to the vet for evaluation as well.

What You Can Do About Bad Breath in Your Dog or Cat:

• The best thing you can do for your dog or cat’s breath is prevent plaque and tartar build-up.
• Mild bad breath in your dog or cat may improve with gentle daily tooth brushing. Do not use human toothpaste when brushing your cat or dog’s teeth. It’s easiest if you begin brushing your pet’s teeth when they are young, but even older pets adapt quickly to the brushing.
• There are commercial sprays available to remove plaque and tartar buildup on your pet’s teeth, reducing their bad breath. The spray mixes with your pet’s saliva to coat the teeth and gums, and the ingredients begin to break up bacteria, plaque, or tartar build-up. This leaves your dog or cat’s mouth healthy and clean, reducing bad breath.

Article Source: www.EzineArticles.com

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Fleas

The flea is a hardy insect with a lifespan of six to 12 months. During that time, a pair of fleas could produce millions of offspring. Fleas have survived millions of years in a variety of environments. Some species can leap 15 to 36 inches high. That’s equivalent to a man jumping over the 555-foot Washington Monument.

All that may be admirable, but fleas on your pet or in your household aren’t. Fleas can cause reactions in your pet varying from a mild skin irritation to a severe allergic reaction. Because fleas feed on blood, an extreme infestation can cause anemia or even death in animals. All cats and dogs, and other mammals, too, are susceptible to flea infestations, except for some that live in high elevations or in extremely dry environments.

Whether or not you actually see fleas on your pet, they may be there. Scratching, scabs and dark specs, or “flea dirt,” found on the skin can all be signs that your pet has become the unwitting host for a family of fleas. Fleas can carry tapeworms, too. If you notice small white rice-like things in your pet’s feces or in the hair around his anus, your pet probably has tapeworms, which means he may also have fleas. In extreme cases, an animal may be lethargic and its lips and gums pale.

To battle flea infestation requires patience and perseverance, so put on your armor and get to it! Because the life cycle of a flea is three to four weeks, it will take at least that long to completely rid your pet and its environment of the enemy. Different flea control products work in different ways, have varying levels of effectiveness and kill different flea stages (eggs, larvae and/or adults). You’ll need to use a combination of products at the same time to be effective.

Dips, shampoos, powders and sprays will usually kill the adult fleas on your pet. Using a flea comb regularly will help, too. But more adults may be lurking in your home or yard, and eggs or larvae may be lying in wait, as well. You’ll need to rid your house of fleas by vacuuming and washing your pet’s bedding once a week, and using a disinfectant on washable surfaces and an insecticide or insect growth regulator in cracks and crevices (sometimes foggers are recommended) every two to four weeks. When using chemical products to control fleas, be very careful. You may be providing too much of a potentially toxic chemical if you use, say, a flea dip and a fogger with the same chemical ingredient. Always check with your veterinarian before beginning your war on fleas. Even if you purchase an over-the-counter product, it’s wise to consult your veterinarian for any safety concerns. To assist you with clearing your home of fleas, you may want to consider hiring a professional exterminator (in which case, your veterinarian may be able to recommend one in your area).

If yours is an outside pet, you’ll need to tackle the yard, too. Sunlight kills fleas, so concentrate your efforts in the shady areas of your yard especially. You can spray your yard with insecticide, or you can battle fleas with their natural enemy, nematodes. Nematodes are microscopic worms that kill flea larvae and cocoons. Apply them to your yard once a month until the fleas are gone. Check with your veterinarian or your pet supply or garden stores to find out more.

Flea control has reached new levels in recent years. Today, there are products on the market that you can treat your pet with once a month that will help keep those annoying little jumpers away. Insect growth regulators, or IGRs, are safe and act like flea hormones to interrupt the life cycle of the flea, preventing them from maturing into adult fleas. Lufenuron is one example of an IGR. It inhibits flea egg production, but doesn’t kill adult fleas, so flea bites can still occur. Others, such as imidacloprid and fipronil kill adult fleas, and the latter works on ticks as well. Depending on the product used, you may be giving your pet a pill, spraying his coat or applying a liquid substance to one area of his skin; the substance will spread to cover his body. These treatments are available only from your veterinarian and are given once a month. Be very careful to use the products as directed; some may be effective for dogs, but toxic to cats. Consult with your veterinarian before implementing any flea control program.

Now that you’re armored with some information, you can help your pet win the war against fleas.

Article source: www.healthypet.com

How to Keep Pets Comfortable During Travel

Traveling can be stressful for humans, who plan for months, pack everything they need and look forward to reaching their destination. Imagine how stressful traveling is for pets, who do not know what is going on or where they are going to end up. Understanding what your pet is going through can help you better prepare them for the trip. There are also a number of steps you can take to relieve the stress of traveling on your four-legged friends.

The best thing you can do for your pet is to comfort them. Animals appreciate boundaries and feeling secure, just like humans. Stowing them in a crate they are used to will give them a sense of home. In addition, providing them with an article of your clothing, such as a sweatshirt, will give them feelings of security because of the familiar smells. There are many pet products available for travel like crates, seat covers and portable kennels; just use them at home for a few weeks before your tip to give your pet a chance to acclimate.

Some pets may get travel anxiety because they associate car trips with visits to the vet or other unpleasant activities. Before taking your trip, take a few smaller trips around town to destinations like the dog park to create positive associations with car travel. Talking to your pet can also be a source of comfort, so speak to them just like you would do at home.

Keeping your pet occupied will not only help pass the time, but will also prevent them from being a distraction to you. Bring along your pet’s favorite toys and some new ones so they have something to chew on and play with, so you can focus on the road.

Bathroom breaks are essential for any trip, but are also an opportunity to allow your pet to release some energy. Stop every two hours to take them for a walk, hike or jog for 20 to 30 minutes. Make sure to use a leash, as pent-up animals in unfamiliar areas may have a tendency to runoff. Getting energy out will make them tired and more relaxed in the car. Bring along some pet accessories like a portable food box and water bottle to keep them fed and hydrated throughout your trip.

Before embarking on a long trip, try a couple of practice trips around town. Pets can get carsick too, either from motion or from traveling anxiety. If your pet has a history of carsickness, try limiting it to a small meal before travel, and then make sure to stop frequently for fresh air, water and food. Your vet may be able to recommend some tips and remedies to make your pet more comfortable.

Proper identification is also essential for traveling with pets, especially in the event that they run off. Make sure they have a collar and microchip with your contact information on it. You may also want to bring along a copy of their vaccination records. Before you travel, check on vaccination regulations in the area you will be visiting, as well as common diseases in the area you are visiting. Just as you check with your doctor about getting shots before traveling, you should check with your pet’s vet to make sure they are protected.

Making sure your pet has an enjoyable voyage will make the trip more enjoyable for you too. You will both arrive ready to make the most of your trip and you will not have to dread the trip back home.

Article Source: www.EzineArticles.com