Description of Dog Diseases: Rabies,

Rabies- Attacks the nervous system and causes encephalitis. The virus is transmitted in saliva from the bite of an infected animal. It usually takes two-eight weeks before the signs appear. However, it only takes about ten days before it's passable through saliva.
The most common ways for an animal or human to be infected is by a bite from an animal who's infected – usually a skunk, fox, raccoon or bat.

Cats are actually more at risk than dogs – because they put themselves more at risk that dogs.

There are three stages to Rabies:
Prodomal Stage- Lasts two-four days. Signs can include behavioral changes, fever, slow eye reflexes, and chewing at the bite of the site.
The Paralytic Stage- Last two-four days. Signs of paralysis develop, usually beginning in the limb that was bitten. Paralysis of the throat or face causes a change in the bark. Drooling with typical foaming at the mouth, and a dropped jaw. Followed by depression, coma, and death from respiratory paralysis.
Once clinical signs develop there is no treatment! If a pet has been bitten by a wild animal or known related rabid animal – if they've been vaccinated, re-vaccinate them and quarantine them for 90 days. If the pet has not been vaccinated, euthanize and submit tissue for rabies testing. If the owner is unwilling to euthanize the pet, it should be strictly quarantined for six months with vaccination one month prior to release.

Distemper- Greatest single disease threat to the world's dog population. Distemper develops over a course of days. Canine distemper virus is fatal to 80% of the puppies and 50% of the adult dogs that contact it. Symptoms include congested lungs, nasal discharge, vomiting and diarrhea. As it progresses, it attacks the nervous system, often causing partial or complete paralysis and seizures. The disease is highly contagious. Dogs can get the virus through coming into contact with anything another dog infected, including through all secretions of the infected animal and very surprisingly, even through the air.

Most distemper appear in dogs less than six months of age and in old dogs that have not been vaccinated. Once infected, there is no cure. Treatment is supportive -- fluids through I.V to prevent dehydration, and symptoms treated. Dogs who recover from distemper may have vision, nervous system problems, hardened foot pads and nose leathers, throughout their lives. In addition, puppies may also have mottled teeth from damage to developing enamel.
Dogs should be vaccinated, and given boosters, to prevent this disease.

Parvovirus- This disease can overwhelm a dog within hours of first symptoms and result in death within 48-72 hours. It is found through the world, it is highly contagious and attacks the intestinal tract, white blood cells, and sometimes the heart. It is spread with contact through feces of infected dogs. Parvovirus can be carried on shoes, crates, equipment or the hair and feet of infected dogs. Symptoms appear five-seven days after exposure and include depression, loss of appetite, vomiting, severe diarrhea. Feces are generally light gray, or yellow-gray, and may be streaked with blood. Puppies under six months are most susceptible to the disease. If the disease effects the heart, puppies can die within hours, weeks or even months. Doberman Pinschers and Rottweliers appear to be at a higher risk for parvo than other breeds.

There is no treatment that cures the virus. Nursing care consists of replacing fluid, keeping the dog warm, controlling vomiting and diarrhea, and dosing with antibiotics to prevent secondary infections.

Parvovirus can live for several months in an infected area, thorough cleaning of all surfaces is necessary to eradicate the disease. Household bleach is a very effective agent.

Vaccination against parvo has dramatically reduced incidence of the disease. The vaccine protects the dog for several years.

Infectious Canine Hepatitis- It is inhaled or ingested by the dog, enters the bloodstream, and targets the liver, kidneys, eyes, and the cells lining the inner surface of the blood vessels. Some cases barely show symptoms – puppies may show a slight fever or be slightly lethargic and recover quickly.

Some cases are quick and deadly. They may also have tonsillitis, reddened mouth and eye membranes, colic, then shock and death. Sometimes all within 24 hours!

The in-between manifestation of the disease is the one most commonly described. The early symptoms are similar to the other forms – some puppies recover within two weeks, others develop internal bleeding, central nervous system involvement, and liver disease.
There is no cure, only supportive treatment. Vaccination lasts several years.
Kennel Cough- This is a respiratory disease in dogs that covers the actions of several infectious agents, including Bordatella bronchiseptica, a bacteria, canine adenovirus 2, and canine parainfluenza virus.

The parainfluenza virus is related to the canine distemper virus. Symptoms range from hacking cough to inflammation of the larynx, bronchial tubes and trachea. CAV-2 also produces pneumonia in ten-twenty percent of the affected dogs.

They're highly contagious, especially in kennels or shelters where the canine immune systems are stressed. Good ventilation is necessary to prevent and spread diseases.

A combined kennel cough vaccination contains CAV-2, parainfluenza, and Bordatella in one dose of nose drops. Symptoms are no more than a bad cold, vaccination is recommended if dogs are to be boarded, or will come into contact with a large numbers of dogs.

Leptospirosis- This is a bacterial disease spread in the urine of wild and domestic animals and capable of causing illness in humans as well as dogs. Several species of the bacteria produce disease in dogs. Symptoms include lethargy, kidney inflammation, low-grade fever, vomiting, reddening of the mucous membranes, and conjunctiva, and blood clotting abnormalities. A more generalized form of the disease can cause elevated liver enzymes, jaundice, pneumonia, and intestinal inflammation. Chronic kidney problems can result. Antibiotic therapy is effective in fighting the bacterial invasion and supportive nursing (replenishment of fluids, administration of diuretics to flush the kidneys and prevent kidney failure, blood transfusions, if necessary) is required.

Vaccinations are not recommended unless there is a disease in the area. The vaccines help to lessen the severity of the disease, but do not prevent it. It also may not be effective for more than six months. Puppies and small dogs can have adverse reactions to the vaccines. If there is a lepto outbreak occurring and veterinarians do recommend vaccination, dogs should be inoculated against all four strains of the disease, unless the particular strain is identified.

Lyme Disease- Is a bacterial disease spread by ticks. Symptoms in dogs include lethargy, joint pain, lack of appetite, lymph node enlargement, and fever. Some dogs have antibodies to the disease, indicating they've been exposed, but they show no symptoms.
Treatment is with antibiotic, Tetracycline. Vaccine is available, but is not widely recommended because the disease is self-limiting and protection is limited to no more than six months, following inoculation. Lyme disease is more serious for humans than for dogs.

Coronavirus- This virus causes diarrhea and vomiting, and can be confused for parvo. The mode of infection is direct contact of an infected animal or its feces. Some dogs have antibodies but no symptoms, others lose their appetite, have smelly diarrhea, and are lethargic and dehydrated. Treatment involves replacing lost fluids and controlling vomiting and diarrhea. Vaccine is available, but not widely recommended.

-Information taken from the American Veterinary Medical Association
UC Davis Book of Dogs – By, Dr. Race Foster and Dr. Marty Smith
(authors of the particular chapters).
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Pet Health - Recommended Pet Vaccination Schedule

Vaccinations are important, even for indoor pets. Some diseases are airborne or can be acquired by contact with fecal matter that might be brought into your house on your street shoes. Diseases that affect pets are present in the environment, and some diseases can spread to humans.

Any animal that goes outdoors should be vaccinated annually for rabies. This includes ferrets and bunnies. If you have a small house dog, or your dog is at low risk for contracting Leptospirosis, your vet may determine that this vaccination is not necessary. Aged animals should only be vaccinated on the recommendation of your vet.

Vaccinations protect your beloved pet from painful and often fatal diseases. They help ensure a long and happy life for your pet, with many hours of enjoyment for you with your animal companion. The cost of vaccinations is very small, compared to the cost of treating a disease or of losing your pet altogether. Many communities have vaccination clinics where you can get free rabies vaccines for example. Check with your local animal shelter or veterinarian to find out when a free vaccination clinic is scheduled.

Your pet's age, health, lifestyle, environment, and geographic location can all affect the vaccination schedule. Ask your veterinarian about the most appropriate vaccines for your pet.
Vaccination Schedule

Cat
Vaccine: Panleukopenia, Herpesvirus and calicivirus (combined)
When: As early as 6 weeks, with boosters every 3 to 4 weeks until at least 12 weeks of age
Booster: Every 3 years
Cat
Vaccine: Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) When: Begin at 4 months old, repeat in 2-4 weeks Booster: Every year
Cat
Vaccine: Feline distemper When: At 9 weeks old and 12 weeks old Booster: Every year
Cat, Dog, Ferret, Bunny
Vaccine: Rabies When: At 3 months for initial protection, and again at 1 year Booster: Every 1 to 3 years

Dog* Vaccine: Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus (combined DHPP), Leptospirosis, Adenovirus When: At 6 to 8 weeks, 9 to 11 weeks, and 12 to 14 weeks Booster: 1 year after last puppy dose, then every 1 to 3 years depending on vaccine type
Dog
Vaccine: Rabies When: 3 months Booster: 1 year after puppy dose, then as required by local authorities
Dog
Vaccine: Coronavirus When: 6 weeks of age, then every 2-4 weeks until 12 weeks of age
Dog - if it will be exposed to ticks
Vaccine: Lyme When: 9 to 11 weeks, and 12 to 14 weeks Booster: Every year
Dog - if it will be boarded, or going to dog shows or obedience classes
Vaccine: Kennel cough (Bordetelle) When: 16 weeks Booster: Every year
Dog - outdoor dogs; can spread to humans
Vaccine: Giardia When: 12 weeks, 15 weeks Booster: Every year, if indicated in your area
* Not a vaccination, but dogs should receive heartworm prevention starting at between 8-15 weeks of age, continued for life, with annual heartworm blood tests.
After the vaccination, it is important to watch your pet for the next couple of days for any signs of a reaction to the shot.

Possible symptoms include:
Loss of appetite
Minor fever
Irritability, expressed as biting, growling, or unwillingness to be with people
Unusual sleepiness, lack of energy
Swelling or redness around the injection site If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian. If you observe a lump on your cat for more than 3 months after it has been vaccinated for rabies or feline leukemia call your vet. This could be a sign of a vaccine-associated tumor.

Reactions to vaccines happen from time to time, but for the most part, having your pet vaccinated, and given a health checkup once a year, is the safest way to protect them and help them live a long, happy life.
Sources: American Animal Hospital Association and Ontario Veterinary Medical Association, Ontario, Canada
Find Everything Pets - Petboro.com
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Guide to Common Dog Vaccines - DHPPV, DA2PPV, DHLPPV, -C

Sometimes this particular vaccine is titled DHPPV, DA2PPV or DHPPV-C or some other similar variation. This particular vaccine is commonly referred to as the "Distemper-Parvo" vaccine or the "5-in-one" or "seven-in-one". Although there are some differences between them, you can tell what's in the vaccine based on the letters.

The D in DHPPV stands for Distemper. This airborne disease is actually a virus and attacks the nervous system in dogs causing the dog to have seizures, cough, vomit, and sometimes foam at the mouth. This disease is incredibly contagious and all dogs should be vaccinated with DHPPV as a result. Although secondary infections can be treated, most cases of Distemper are incurable and untreatable. Since this is a neurological disease, all dogs should be vaccinated for Distemper regularly. Puppies should receive a series of DHPPV shots before they are five months of age.
The H in DHPPV stands for Hepatitis also known as canine adenovirus type 2 (therefore when "A2" appears as part of this vaccine abbreviation, it refers to the same disease as the "H"). This disease, like the hepatitis in humans, attacks the liver and is contracted through a healthy dog's exposure to the feces, urine, blood, saliva, and nasal discharge of a dog who has the disease. Dogs are especially susceptible to this disease simply because they use their nose to sniff and evaluate their surroundings. Although hepatitis will correct itself in healthy individuals, it does come with symptoms that need treatment. These symptoms include diarrhea and poor immune response. Puppies and weak dogs are especially at risk.

One P in DHPPV stands for Parainfluenza. This is a respiratory tract infection (upper respiratory infection) in dogs, much like a cough or cold in humans. Some symptoms of it include nasal or eye discharge, coughing, and labored breathing. This is different than "kennel cough" or Bordetella, which is a separate vaccine.

One P in DHPPV is for Parvovirus. This is an incredibly contagious, often deadly virus that lives in soil for up to seven to ten years (depending on the study). Infected individuals shed the virus for up to three weeks and it can take up to ten days to two weeks for an infected animal to begin showing signs or symptoms. If an owner believes his or her animal has been exposed to parvo, the dog should be tested (at a vet's office) and vaccinated if he or she has not yet received the proper doses of the DHPPV vaccine. Parvo is very, very contagious.

Infected animals, usually young dogs and puppies, usually stop eating and drinking, lay around with little energy, and eventually have severe, dark, bloody diarrhea. Although some of these symptoms are the same as hookworm infestations, immediate action is necessary to ensure the dog's survival. There is no cure for parvo. Dogs will die from the dehydration and intestinal trauma, not the virus. Young dogs and puppies sometimes die within days of the beginning of symptoms.

Overnight care and IV fluids are required to keep dogs hydrated and comfortable while the virus runs it's course. This treatment often takes a few days and is very expensive. Owners should keep their puppies away from strange, potentially contaminated soil (like parks, strange yards, and dog parks) until the puppy is fully vaccinated ("fully vaccinated" means a series of vaccines 2-3 weeks apart from one another while the animal is still young).

The V stands for "Virus". CPV, for example, is simply the term used for Canine Parvovirus and is the abbreviation for a vaccine that only covers Parvo.

The L in DHLPPV stands for Leptospirosis. This disease is spread through urine and dogs contract the disease by licking a contaminated surface. Basically, leptospirosis, or lepto, is common mostly in kennels where strange, unknown, potentially contaminated dogs might urinate. The disease affects the liver and causes yellow eyes, lethargy, and sometimes renal failure. Many veterinarians have ceased giving a leptospirosis vaccine due to low risk under most circumstances.

The C in DHPPV-C stands for Coronavirus. This disease is spread through contaminated feces and causes diarrhea and vomiting in the infected dog. Although this disease is easily treated, it does manifest symptoms within three days of contamination. Because of the high level of exposure, kennel dogs are usually vaccinated for this disease.

DHPPV should be given annually to dogs under five years of age. Puppies should be vaccinated with DHPPV every 2 to 3 weeks until they are four months of age.
Consult your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your animal's vaccinations.
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Foods Not To Feed Your Dog

Certain foods for dogs should be avoided at all costs. Although dogs can often eat some things that humans eat, there are some things which dog owners should definitely know about.
A clear example is alcohol - even in smaller amounts this can cause major problems for your dog like intoxication. In extreme cases it may also result in a comatose state - or worse, death! Drugs, such as marijuana and similar substances, are an equally bad idea. These can adversely impact the nervous system and change the heart rate, cause vomiting, and more.

Liver is a food that should only be given to dogs in small amounts, as larger servings can result in too much Vitamin A being built up inside the dog, leading to Vitamin A toxicity. This can have a significant negative effect on the muscles and bones of a dog, especially over an extended duration of time.

Raw eggs and raw fish are believed by some people to be acceptable, however uncooked eggs have avidin, which is an enzyme that inhibits the absorption of certain vitamins in the B group. This can lead to (sometimes, but not always) subtle problems with the hair or skin of the dog. Raw fish on the other hand, is even worse. This can cause a deficiency of thiamine, possibly leading to seizures or death, however this usually only becomes serious if the dog is fed raw fish on a regular basis.

Sugary foods should also be avoided for the most part. Obesity and dental problems are the obvious hazards here, however something called diabetes mellitus is also a potential risk.
Allosia Online Books has a section of online dog books.
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How to Stop a Dog From Digging Holes in Your Yard

Imagine coming back from home, looking forward to a peaceful 'time out' - and see your beautiful garden bed turned into a war zone - hmmm... not looking pretty!

If you have experienced this frustration - you are not alone!

Many dog owners experience this kind of dog digging problem as well, and the good news is you can stop your dog from digging.

To stop this unwanted behavior, you must first understand some of the reasons behind their Digging behavior.

How to stop a dog from digging holes in your yard

A Dog digs because a dog is just a dog; it is their true canine nature to dig. And believe it or not, your dog may think he is helping you out - just like how they see you do it!
Lack of exercise - if a dog doesn't have any exercise; digging becomes an alternative for them to burn off all their extra energy.

Boredom -some dog just need to do something to kill time when they are alone. Digging gives them a sense of purpose and distraction from the home alone time.
Separation anxiety - it happens when a dog is isolated or separated from its owner. It is one of the most common problems that dogs develop.

Some dog just need broader horizons!
Study your dog's digging behaviour carefully and understand why - that way you can find the best method of treatment.

If the reason your dog digs is due to a lack of exercise or activity, take time for more walks with your dog. If you don't have time, get someone to help you out!

For a dog that digs because of boredom, give him some toys and chews to play when they are alone. Try to get some challenging toys such as a treat dispenser (a hard rubber dog toy that you can fill with food, which is dispersed when your dog chews or plays with it) - this will keep your dog busy for a long time.

For those dogs who just like to dig, here are some tips for controlling the digging behaviour:
Restrict your dog's access. Allow his to be in the garden only when under supervision.
Use a can of red-hot cayenne pepper or natural deterrent, sprinkling it to the garden area where you don't want your dog to mess up.

Alternatively, consider planning blooms with deep roots and thorny defences, Roses cactus are ideal.

Attend obedience classes with lessons given by you to your dog each day - it may provide mental stimulation to change your dog's behaviour and distract him from digging. Alternatively, one of the best dog behavior training guide is SitStayFetch - it goes through all the necessary steps to correct dog behavior problems.

Otherwise accept your dog's natural digging behavior - create a sandbox for your dog if you have a spare corner in the garden. Spend a little time supervising your dog.

Praise him and give him a treat - and growl at him immediately when he starts digging anywhere else. Redirect him back to the sandbox. You can leave some marrow bones in the sandbox to encourage him that that is the only area where he will get good treat and praises.

For More Tips on How to Stop a Dog From Digging, Visit Sit Stay Fetch AND Slash Your Dog Obedience Training Time in Half by Using Techniques That Give You Immediate Results!
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Dog Diseases - Hypothyroidism

There are certain diseases that dog's can have during their lives that can cause many problems in their overall health. With hypothyroidism in dogs their endocrine system tends to suffer the most. The endocrine system regulates things like temperature, weight, memory, muscles, and a few other things. We are going to explore the symptoms of hypothyroid disorder in dogs including symptoms, causes, and treatment to help dog owners to better understand what their dog may be going through.

The dog breeds that are most commonly affected by hypothyroid include Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Dachshunds, Cocker Spaniels, Boxers, Doberman Pinschers, and Greyhounds. In some cases these breeds may be affected by the counterpart, which is hyperthyroidism. You should also know there are two types of hypothyroid disorder in dogs. First autoimmune thyroiditis is where the immune system actually attacks the thyroid gland; in the other case you have lymphocytic thyroiditis which is where the gland fails to produce enough of the thyroid hormone to regulate the body. You will find that in each case the symptoms and treatment will be the same.

Symptoms of hypothyroid disorder can be a little difficult to diagnose by the unsuspecting owner as there are several reasons some of these symptoms may occur. The first in the short list of symptoms is hair and skin changes. You will start to notice that your dog is shedding more. There are inadequate levels of thyroid hormone for hair to grow which means it will begin to grow sporadically over the body and they will lose hair. Most areas that are affected by this hair loss are the legs, and back.

You will also find that the dog's hair will become scruffy, dull, and flaky. The skin is another clue. Most often dogs have sensitive skin, but in the case of thyroid disorders they can gain more irritations, in some cases they may have black pigment growing on the skin around the groin area. They will also have itchy areas and allergic reactions or infections. The toenails will become less strong, and they tend to break off or have infections.

Infertility is another symptom of hypothyroid disorder. With females the cycle they go through becomes erratic. This means that it is very hard to gauge when they will be in a fertile state or be in heat. Often times they just pass over being in heat. They may also display a false pregnancy. With male dogs you will see low sperm levels or a decreased desire to mate.

Weight is another area of hypothyroid disorder that is affected. Most usually it is hard to understand the weight gain a dog will experience with this disease because diet, a change in exercise, and other things can cause a weight gain and you may not always notice the weight gain. These are the most common symptoms to look for, but what causes the actual hypothyroidism? The cause is largely undetermined. It is thought to be a genetic disorder, but we don't really understand why some dog breeds are more commonly affected by this ailment.
The most common treatment for hypothyroid is a medication that will synthesize the actual thyroid hormone the dog is not producing. The vet will have to work with the dosage until they get it on the proper level, but the dog can live a relatively normal life by taking the medication every day. In some cases medication for a few months may be enough to help regulate the thyroid into producing the hormone again, but most dogs will be on medication for life. They should be tested every six months to make sure the thyroid levels have not changed or if they have to change medication appropriately.

Ashley Peach's websites include dog treats, dog coats and dog books.
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GREAT DOGGIE ADVICE!

If a dog was the teacher you would learn stuff like: When loved ones come home, always run to greet them. Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride. Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy. When it's in your best interest, practice obedience. Let others know when they've invaded your territory.

Take naps. Stretch before rising. Run, romp, and play daily.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do. On warm days, stop to lie on your back in the grass.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree. When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout .. Run right back and make friends.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk. Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough.

Be loyal. Never pretend to be something you're not. If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently

courtesy : my friend.

dogs love letter

my dear master,

I know only you , you are my WORLD.
I LOVE YOU so much and let you know this by wagging my tail.
I love you so much because you give me food at the right time.
I love you so much, because you take care of my vaccines at the right time.
I love you so much, because you take me at the right time to my rest-rooms.
I love you so much, you take care of my health, take me to my pet doctor.
I love you so much, you bath me, groom me and make me feel pride.
I love you so much, you take me for a morning and evening walk.

with love,

jack and jimmy

home made Dog shampoo

Keeping your dog clean and healthy is very important. Your dog needs to be groomed regularly, regardless of hair length. This keeps his coat clean and you can check for burrs, ticks, parasite or any matting. A long-haired dog should be groomed and brushed every day to distribute the oils that accumulate in their skin right down to the ends of their hair.

Frequent bathing is not necessary for most dogs. If a dog has a skin irritation, bathing too often can make it worse. Dogs can suffer from sunburn, mosquitoes, fleas, ticks and grass pollen allergy so sometimes a cool bath might alleviate the suffering. Heat, temperature changes and chemically treated sidewalks and roads can also bother a dog.

You can easily purchase dog shampoo from a veterinarian or from a pet store. Alternatively you can make it yourself. If you choose to use homemade shampoo on your dog, you will know exactly what it is in it and that it does not contain anything harsh or artificial.

The recipe for a homemade dog shampoo is as follows. There are several slight variants of this recipe around but they are pretty much the same. You should mix together a pint of liquid dishwashing soap (Ivory, Dawn or Dove are gentle enough), a pint of water, a pint of apple cider vinegar and 4 ounces of glycerine. You can buy glycerine at the pharmacy.

Combine the ingredients until everything is mixed together well. Keep it in an airtight, easy to pour container and clearly label it. You can use one of your old shampoo bottles if you like.

If you want to make more at once or if you have several large dogs, you can make two or three times the amount at once, to save time. This recipe is very cheap. Soap, vinegar and glycerine should only cost a couple of dollars, if that, and water is free! Not only is this recipe easy to make and cheap, but you are using natural ingredients and not adding any chemicals which might cause skin reactions on your pet.

Many shop-bought dog shampoos contain harsh detergents such as SLS or SLA and artificial fragrances which might result in skin irritation. Shake the homemade dog shampoo before use to ensure the glycerine is mixed thoroughly. When your dog is in the tub, you should start washing the dog from the rear and move towards its head. If you start on the head, the dog will begin shaking and you (and the bathroom) will end up drenched before you have even started! Get the dog wet all over. Apply the homemade dog shampoo, lather it and rub in thoroughly making sure you don’t miss out any creases or rolls.

Do not apply your homemade shampoo or any shampoo in the ears! In fact, never poke anything into a dog’s ear. Make sure you rinse him thoroughly after the bath because any leftover residue might cause skin irritation. Also, a well rinsed coat will be shinier.
The dog should then be towel dried. No matter how well you towel dry him, he will still insist on shaking water all over the place so you might want to keep him in the bathroom for a few minutes!

Jeremy C.W is a dog lover and owner of http://www.dognpuppies.com. Visit www.dognpuppies.com for more Homemade Dog Shampoo related aticles, information and pooch fun!
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Dog Days of Summer times

Dog days of summer are the muggiest days of the summer and generally are considered to occur from July 2 to Aug 11.

Wonder where that term came from? Ancient Egyptians. Before smog, lights and construction obscured the night sky, people used to watch the stars and imagine the constellations formed pictures of common items.

Among those common items were dogs. Two of those constellations became known as Canis Major and Canis Minor. The brightest star in the night sky and one which was part of Canis Major was called Sirius, the dog star.

During July/August, Sirius rises and sets with the Sun at times. Our ancient forefathers believed the star’s heat added to the sun’s which created 20-days of hot and muggy weather. This period became known as “dog days” after the dog star.

Whatever the scientific background of the term, there’s no denying July and August can be beastly hot – for us and our dogs.

You must know the prime rules of summer – never leave a dog in a parked car! and see he has plenty of water to drink but here are three tips that are not so obvious.

1. Prevent sunburn
This is a major problem for hairless dogs such as Chinese Crested, for dogs with bare skins such as Maltese with their parted hair exposing bare skin and for any dog’s exposed ears and nose. Be advised that an overdose of sun may be associated with cancers of the nose and ears.
Don’t let your dog out in the sun, especially on a beach, for long periods of time and use a safe-for-dogs sun block on him.

Remember your dog will want to lick any suntan lotion off so you must be sure it is non-toxic to him. Your vet can recommend a brand or use a product made for babies. Doggles, the company that makes sunglasses for dogs, has come out with a sunscreen safe for dogs called Doggles Pet Screen. It’s available at http://www.entirelypets.com/petsunscreen.html $8.99 for a 2-oz spray.

I prefer to use stick sunscreen as it’s harder for a dog to lick off. If you use a sun block for babies make sure it doesn’t contain any lanolin or baby oil.

2. Protect his paws
Hot pavement and unclean grass can be hard on a dog’s paws. I like to use all-weather Muttluks on my dog while other people try something like Vaseline on their paws.

If it’s too hot or you don’t like paw protectors, there are two products to consider:
1. Shaws Paw Wax which is very popular at dog shows to prevent dogs from slipping on the floors. The Paw Wax will help protect your dog’s paws from the heat as well as gravel, asphalt and all hard surfaces. Shaw's Paw Wax is $5.95 for a can.

2. Musher’s Secret is a popular product that protects paws from hot concrete as well as icy pavement. Apply a thin coat on pads and between the toes. You only use this product once a week unless your dog is out in extreme conditions. It’s $9.95 for a jar.
Both products are safe for dogs and available through the Internet.

3. Beware your own backyard
Along with all the dangerous plants and diseases hiding in the grass, don’t forget about your garden hose. It is NOT advisable to let your dog drink from a hose.
Standard vinyl garden hose has substances in it to keep the hose flexible. These chemicals, which get into the water as it goes through the hose, are not safe for humans or pets and there's also no way to tell what's inside the hose.

The outside thread opening at the end of the hose could be contaminated, covered with chemicals or germs or bacteria from a previous use, dirt, insects, or rodents.

A more current problem is West Nile virus which dogs can get from mosquitoes just as we can. Officials say pet owners should avoid walking dogs especially older dogs in areas with a lot of mosquitoes and should keep them indoors in the evening.

Never use insect spray on dogs because the dog can lick it off and ingest it. As a general preventive, take a few minutes daily to run your hands, or a comb, through your dog's coat to look for ticks and other insects.

Most of all, enjoy the summer sun and vacation time with your canine companion. Just make sure it’s a safe summer for both of you.

Louise Louis is a certified canine specialist and creator of the popular website on small dogs, http://www.ToyBreeds.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Louise_Louis

dog hair care

A dog is one of the favorite pets that people love to have in their homes. Families that keep dogs, often treat them as a member of their family. A dog's hair is an important factor that has to be given regular attention, as it enhances their beauty. A dog's hair should be kept clean to avoid being infected with diseases. Different breeds of dogs have different texture, color and length of hair and have to be given appropriate attention accordingly.

Hair loss in dogs can occur for many reasons. A thorough veterinary examination is necessary to find the cause. Dogs lose hair because of excessive scratching, brittle hair that falls off and sometimes for no reason at all. There is also an endocrine gland disease that can account for hair loses in dogs.

Different breeds have different needs in terms of the number of times they require bathing and with what type of pet shampoo. If a dog spends a lot of time outdoors, chances are it will require more baths using a flea protection shampoo. A veterinarian-approved dog shampoo should be used because it reduces allergic reactions. The other requirements for dog hair care are mineral oil for hair massage, cotton balls to clean areas around eyes, washcloth or sponge and towels.
When a flea bites a dog, a small amount of saliva is injected into the skin, which prevents blood coagulation. A number of dogs become sensitized to this saliva. In highly allergic dogs, the bite of a flea can cause severe itching and scratching. Fleas cause the most common skin disease of dogs - flea allergy dermatitis.

After bathing a dog, tick powder should be evenly applied on the coat and brushed with a soft brush all over. It is essential that a pet dog be seen by a good veterinarian regularly to check the hair and skin, as well as receive necessary vaccinations.

Some breeds, especially longhair breeds, require more bathing than shorthair breeds like German Shepherds. Dogs with smooth coats generally require fewer baths. Too much bathing will remove vital oils from a dog's coat, causing the skin to dry out. Unless the dog is dirty, regular grooming can reduce the number of bathes required.

Dog Care provides detailed information on Dog Care, Dog Day Care, Dog Dental Care, Dog Ear Care and more. Dog Care is affiliated with Large Dog Beds .
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alison_Cole

dog hair care

A dog is one of the favorite pets that people love to have in their homes. Families that keep dogs, often treat them as a member of their family. A dog's hair is an important factor that has to be given regular attention, as it enhances their beauty. A dog's hair should be kept clean to avoid being infected with diseases. Different breeds of dogs have different texture, color and length of hair and have to be given appropriate attention accordingly.

Hair loss in dogs can occur for many reasons. A thorough veterinary examination is necessary to find the cause. Dogs lose hair because of excessive scratching, brittle hair that falls off and sometimes for no reason at all. There is also an endocrine gland disease that can account for hair loses in dogs.

Different breeds have different needs in terms of the number of times they require bathing and with what type of pet shampoo. If a dog spends a lot of time outdoors, chances are it will require more baths using a flea protection shampoo. A veterinarian-approved dog shampoo should be used because it reduces allergic reactions. The other requirements for dog hair care are mineral oil for hair massage, cotton balls to clean areas around eyes, washcloth or sponge and towels.
When a flea bites a dog, a small amount of saliva is injected into the skin, which prevents blood coagulation. A number of dogs become sensitized to this saliva. In highly allergic dogs, the bite of a flea can cause severe itching and scratching. Fleas cause the most common skin disease of dogs - flea allergy dermatitis.

After bathing a dog, tick powder should be evenly applied on the coat and brushed with a soft brush all over. It is essential that a pet dog be seen by a good veterinarian regularly to check the hair and skin, as well as receive necessary vaccinations.

Some breeds, especially longhair breeds, require more bathing than shorthair breeds like German Shepherds. Dogs with smooth coats generally require fewer baths. Too much bathing will remove vital oils from a dog's coat, causing the skin to dry out. Unless the dog is dirty, regular grooming can reduce the number of bathes required.

Dog Care provides detailed information on Dog Care, Dog Day Care, Dog Dental Care, Dog Ear Care and more. Dog Care is affiliated with Large Dog Beds .
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alison_Cole

Pet Friendly Travel Tips

Basics to remember:
• Make sure you bring enough water for your pet to drink on the trip. Packing your pet’s favorite foods is also a good idea as it may not always be readily obtainable at your holiday destination.
• Use your leash to keep your dog with you whenever you leave your car.
• Make sure you use wither a purpose built pet carrier or pet harness while driving.
• Update your pet’s identification tags in case you and your dog become separated whilst away from home.
• Pets should never be left in closed cars.
• Always supervise your pet when initiating contact with strangers, particularly children.
• Make sure your pet has been treated for fleas and ticks prior to traveling
• Clean up after your dog at all times.

An increasing number of places throughout Australia, and even worldwide, have accommodations which cater for pets as well as people. Although they are increasing, when preparing to take a pet friendly holiday with your dog, it is always wise to plan ahead. Most accommodation destinations urge travelers taking a pet friendly holiday to book ahead. The facilities for dogs can vary greatly between each venue so determining exactly what is provided will make your pet friendly holiday a more relaxing experience for both you and your pet.
Driving to your selected pet friendly holiday destination is another area where it is wise to take some care. Many times there have been dogs traveling loose in the car or even on the driver’s lap when a sudden stop or an accident has caused the pet to sustain injuries due to traveling unrestrained in the car. There are several harnesses and carriers made specially for pet friendly traveling, which can lessen the risk of injury. When traveling in your car with your dog on a pet friendly holiday it is also important to take plenty of water for your pet to drink and never to leave your pet in a closed car.

Once you travel to your pet friendly holiday destination, it is important to ensure that you follow the conditions set out by the venue. These are likely to include keeping your dog on a leash whilst out and about, cleaning up after your dog, keeping your dogs quiet to avoid disturbing other guests & there may be designated areas to stay away from with your dog. Many pet friendly holiday destinations now allow dogs to be inside. There may be provisos to this, such as not leaving your dog alone in the room 7 keeping them off the furniture.

To make your pet friendly travel as comfortable as possible, it is always a good idea to take any special bedding and toys that your pet may be used to. Also, ensure that your dog has an ID tag with your name and phone number in case you were to be accidentally separated. Planning ahead for your pet friendly travel will result in a great time for both you and your dog and as the accommodation for pet friendly holidays increase, more of us will be taking our four-legged friends along.

For more information, articles and great pet resources, visit http://www.PetTravelGuide.com.au a comprehensive guide to traveling with pets.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lesley_Komlos

Only ticks can transmit this disease :Piroplasmosis disease

What do I get to know after reading this article:

• what is Piroplasmosis and how it is related to my pet
• How Piroplasmosis is related to ticks
• How important is preventing Ticks
• treatment for piroplasmosis
• prevent piroplasmosis
• Is there any vaccine for this

Piroplasmosis is one of the diseases, sometimes fatal, most frequently seen in dogs. This disease, which destroys the red cells, is due to a parasite of the blood, transmitted by a tick bite. The treatment is effective on condition it is set up in time, but the complications can be serious.
Which are the symptoms which one can observe?

The dog is laid low, it refuses to take nourishment, vomits and has a strong fever. Its urine takes on an abnormal colouring. The symptoms are not always easy to detect and it is advisable to consult a veterinary surgeon in case of doubts.

How is piroplasmosis transmitted?
Only ticks can transmit this disease. In order to be able to drink the blood of the dog, the tick injects an anticoagulant saliva, which contains the parasites of piroplasmosis. Once in the blood these penetrate in the red cells, multiply there, and make them burst. A dog affected by piroplasmosis is not contagious, to other dogs, to other animals, or to man.

What is the treatment for piroplasmosis?
The treatment is very effective assuming it beings rather quickly.
It is advisable to monitor the appearance of the symptoms well.
According to the stage of evolution of the disease, the veterinary surgeon will set up a treatment program in the form of injections which make it possible to destroy the parasite and of infusion, intended to rehydrate the animal and to fight against the hepatic and renal complications.
The animal will be also transfused to compensate for the lack of red globules.

How to prevent piroplasmosis?
wo techniques exist. First there are pesticides, which is the surest way to etablish real prevention. The product must destroy the tick before it has time to puncture the skin. It is thus necessary that it is poisoned in contact with the dogs coat, in a few minutes. The pesticides are in the shape of collars, pulverizers or pipettes.

The other method is that of vaccination. There is a vaccine which protects from piroplasmosis, but it is not 100% effective and appears very expensive.

For more dog caring tips and suggestions, visit my site at http://webbiz99.com/dogtraining/index.html
Steve Cowan is an Asia based businessman and writer,as well as an international racing driver and full time father.To discover more,visit his blog -What’s New Today,Stanley?- at http://webbiz99.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_John_Cowan

How To Prevent Pets from Lyme Disease

Its just the start of the fall season which is ripe for deer ticks carrying Lyme Disease. Lyme disease can affect you dog, humans, birds, cats and farm animals and is initiated and spreads by a bacteria called Spirochete.

Lyme Disease is also on the rise again most likely due to the warmer weather these days due to global warming, the disease carrying bugs such as ticks are living longer and breed in greater volumes.

You have probably seen warnings about the rise in Lyme disease in the recent past. Lyme can be a severe illness, and each year we see more of it in different and larger areas. The basics of the disease as well as preventing, diagnosing, and treating Lyme disease which is important to all pet owners of both dogs and cats in all parts of the country.

The symptoms of Lyme disease which is difficult to diagnose is: lameness or limping, similar to arthritis in nature. It is also accompanied by joint swelling or inflammation which can paralyze an animal overnight. If the disease carries through to the advantaged stages it will cause bladder control loss and eventual death.

Your pet can also carry the disease and not be affected by it, but they can spread it to other pets. Cats appear to be more resistant to Lyme disease than humans or dogs. If a cat is infected it will have a high fever, be very tired, and lose its appetite for food. You can see the difficulty in diagnosing this disease because the symptoms can mimic many other diseases with these similar and common symptoms.

Lyme disease is caused by a bacterial infection by the bite of a deer tick. In the northeastern U.S., deer ticks also called black-legged ticks are the primary carrier of Lyme disease but there are other specimens of ticks that carry the disease in other parts of the US especially in the western regions.

These ticks carry bacteria that cause the disease to spread from animals to humans or animals to pet dogs and cats and farm animals. They transmit the bacteria when they feed on humans or other mammals.
Fortunately, Lyme disease can be treated and prevented as most dog cures with Herbal Therapy. If the disease advances untreated it can cause severe and deadly results.
Only deer ticks are known to transmit Lyme disease. These ticks have a two-year life cycle that includes three stages. Ticks start life in the fall as larvae so small they are nearly invisible. Their first meal comes from a small animal. If that host carries the bacteria that cause Lyme, the tick will pick it up. If you find a tick, the best way to remove it is by holding its head with a pair of tweezers and firmly pulling backwards.

Never try to remove a tick by twisting it or pressing down on it or as some people. Also do not apply kerosene to a tick. This will allow it to throw back the contents of its stomach into the bloodstream of its host namely you or your dog or pet.

After removing the tick disinfect the area with swabs soaked with hydrogen peroxide, which will destroy the Lyme bacteria upon contact. In addition, you could use a diluted portion of tea tree oil or grapefruit extract also diluted by fifty percent and apply with a soaked cloth.
The peroxide may cause the fur to discolor therefore rinse it off carefully and re-apply several times.

After winter, the larvae become nymphs - pinhead-sized ticks that carry Lyme. Ticks need a meal of blood to grow into adults and as adults the females need more blood meals to lay eggs and start the cycle over again. Both the nymphs which are very small and not visible to the naked eye, and the adults can give people Lyme. Many people do not know they have a tick or never see it until it is engorged with the blood from feeding on its host which is you or your dog.

Preventing Lyme Disease :
The best way to prevent Lyme is to keep pets and their humans from being bitten. That involves several strategies which area really quite simple to put into practice.
First: Know when and where ticks are active. Deer ticks can be active in any month, however, adult ticks tend to be most active from March until June and again from September through November.

Therefore be aware now that this is the season for ticks. Nymphs are most active from May to September. Ticks prefer tall grass and shrubby undergrowth which means just about anywhere deer can roam they can be in that area.

Second: Wear light colored clothing which makes ticks easier to spot on your skin or clothing before they bite. Wear a hat and tuck your pants into your boots or long socks when in tick country. Also try not to allow your dog to roam freely in the thick brush or areas where deer are known to live.

Third: Check yourself, your partner, your kids, and your pets for ticks after time outdoors especially in the forest or where deer are known to be frequenting the area. Usually this can be accomplished by a good brushing or with a fine tooth comb.

Ticks like protected or creased areas for feeding and often attach in the groin, navel, armpits, ears, back of the knee or nape of the neck in pets or humans. If you know someone who lives alone and spends time outdoors, offer to help him or her do a tick check.

Fourth: Use an herbal repellent such as grapefruit seed extract, olive leaf extract, or myrrh oil. Other herbals are Rose Geranium, and Rosemary Oil which you can purchase at your local health food store. These will work pretty well if you put it on heavily over all your clothing and acts as a repellant. There are available sprays for pets to apply before you go for that walk in the woods to look at the trees and fall foilage. This will prevent you coming home with a few hitchhiking , blood-sucking bugs which will reak havoc on you and your dog.

It is probably wise for duck hunters to take some along for their hunting expeditio
ns to prevent lyme disease before it starts.

Especially for children herbals are safer, and kids who should not be anywhere near chemicals such as Deet the herbals can provide effective and complete prevention of American Dog ticks. Apply the repellent specifically around pant and shirt cuffs and other areas where tick might be able to crawl underneath clothing. The herbals should not be applied directly to the skin.
Most people do not like wearing dangerous chemicals on their clothes, but would rather wear herbals for a few hours than get Lyme disease for a very long and unhealthy stint wtih Lyme Disease.

Teri Salvador is a freelance writer with a site primarily on dog health issues that offers frequently updated articles on natural remedies, pet product reviews and current articles on pet foods. You will read it first on DogHealth1 before CNN gets around to covering the story. Visit: http://www.DogHealth1.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Teri_Salvador

How To Prevent Pets from Lyme Disease

Its just the start of the fall season which is ripe for deer ticks carrying Lyme Disease. Lyme disease can affect you dog, humans, birds, cats and farm animals and is initiated and spreads by a bacteria called Spirochete.

Lyme Disease is also on the rise again most likely due to the warmer weather these days due to global warming, the disease carrying bugs such as ticks are living longer and breed in greater volumes.

You have probably seen warnings about the rise in Lyme disease in the recent past. Lyme can be a severe illness, and each year we see more of it in different and larger areas. The basics of the disease as well as preventing, diagnosing, and treating Lyme disease which is important to all pet owners of both dogs and cats in all parts of the country.

The symptoms of Lyme disease which is difficult to diagnose is: lameness or limping, similar to arthritis in nature. It is also accompanied by joint swelling or inflammation which can paralyze an animal overnight. If the disease carries through to the advantaged stages it will cause bladder control loss and eventual death.

Your pet can also carry the disease and not be affected by it, but they can spread it to other pets. Cats appear to be more resistant to Lyme disease than humans or dogs. If a cat is infected it will have a high fever, be very tired, and lose its appetite for food. You can see the difficulty in diagnosing this disease because the symptoms can mimic many other diseases with these similar and common symptoms.

Lyme disease is caused by a bacterial infection by the bite of a deer tick. In the northeastern U.S., deer ticks also called black-legged ticks are the primary carrier of Lyme disease but there are other specimens of ticks that carry the disease in other parts of the US especially in the western regions.

These ticks carry bacteria that cause the disease to spread from animals to humans or animals to pet dogs and cats and farm animals. They transmit the bacteria when they feed on humans or other mammals.
Fortunately, Lyme disease can be treated and prevented as most dog cures with Herbal Therapy. If the disease advances untreated it can cause severe and deadly results.
Only deer ticks are known to transmit Lyme disease. These ticks have a two-year life cycle that includes three stages. Ticks start life in the fall as larvae so small they are nearly invisible. Their first meal comes from a small animal. If that host carries the bacteria that cause Lyme, the tick will pick it up. If you find a tick, the best way to remove it is by holding its head with a pair of tweezers and firmly pulling backwards.

Never try to remove a tick by twisting it or pressing down on it or as some people. Also do not apply kerosene to a tick. This will allow it to throw back the contents of its stomach into the bloodstream of its host namely you or your dog or pet.

After removing the tick disinfect the area with swabs soaked with hydrogen peroxide, which will destroy the Lyme bacteria upon contact. In addition, you could use a diluted portion of tea tree oil or grapefruit extract also diluted by fifty percent and apply with a soaked cloth.
The peroxide may cause the fur to discolor therefore rinse it off carefully and re-apply several times.

After winter, the larvae become nymphs - pinhead-sized ticks that carry Lyme. Ticks need a meal of blood to grow into adults and as adults the females need more blood meals to lay eggs and start the cycle over again. Both the nymphs which are very small and not visible to the naked eye, and the adults can give people Lyme. Many people do not know they have a tick or never see it until it is engorged with the blood from feeding on its host which is you or your dog.

Preventing Lyme Disease :
The best way to prevent Lyme is to keep pets and their humans from being bitten. That involves several strategies which area really quite simple to put into practice.
First: Know when and where ticks are active. Deer ticks can be active in any month, however, adult ticks tend to be most active from March until June and again from September through November.

Therefore be aware now that this is the season for ticks. Nymphs are most active from May to September. Ticks prefer tall grass and shrubby undergrowth which means just about anywhere deer can roam they can be in that area.

Second: Wear light colored clothing which makes ticks easier to spot on your skin or clothing before they bite. Wear a hat and tuck your pants into your boots or long socks when in tick country. Also try not to allow your dog to roam freely in the thick brush or areas where deer are known to live.

Third: Check yourself, your partner, your kids, and your pets for ticks after time outdoors especially in the forest or where deer are known to be frequenting the area. Usually this can be accomplished by a good brushing or with a fine tooth comb.

Ticks like protected or creased areas for feeding and often attach in the groin, navel, armpits, ears, back of the knee or nape of the neck in pets or humans. If you know someone who lives alone and spends time outdoors, offer to help him or her do a tick check.

Fourth: Use an herbal repellent such as grapefruit seed extract, olive leaf extract, or myrrh oil. Other herbals are Rose Geranium, and Rosemary Oil which you can purchase at your local health food store. These will work pretty well if you put it on heavily over all your clothing and acts as a repellant. There are available sprays for pets to apply before you go for that walk in the woods to look at the trees and fall foilage. This will prevent you coming home with a few hitchhiking , blood-sucking bugs which will reak havoc on you and your dog.

It is probably wise for duck hunters to take some along for their hunting expeditio
ns to prevent lyme disease before it starts.

Especially for children herbals are safer, and kids who should not be anywhere near chemicals such as Deet the herbals can provide effective and complete prevention of American Dog ticks. Apply the repellent specifically around pant and shirt cuffs and other areas where tick might be able to crawl underneath clothing. The herbals should not be applied directly to the skin.
Most people do not like wearing dangerous chemicals on their clothes, but would rather wear herbals for a few hours than get Lyme disease for a very long and unhealthy stint wtih Lyme Disease.

Teri Salvador is a freelance writer with a site primarily on dog health issues that offers frequently updated articles on natural remedies, pet product reviews and current articles on pet foods. You will read it first on DogHealth1 before CNN gets around to covering the story. Visit: http://www.DogHealth1.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Teri_Salvador

Tick Removal

Ticks can cause serious harm to humans and animals and, therefore, must be removed immediately if found attached to a host. People living within or visiting tick-prone areas need to purchase a handy tick removal tool and other relevant supplies to minimize the chances of tick-borne disease.

Ticks attach themselves to people and pets from grass and shrubs. Therefore, individuals should thoroughly examine themselves, children, and pets after they have been to woody or grassy areas.

Some popular methods of tick removal, such as using a hot match or nail or covering the tick with nail polish, alcohol, or petroleum jelly are not recommended because they increase the possibility of the tick passing on infection to the host.

Ticks should never be touched with bare hands. It is best to wear rubber gloves during tick removal; however, in the absence of gloves, hands can be covered with plastic. Tweezers, blunt forceps, curved-tip forceps, hemostats, tick spoons, tick nooses, tick pliers, or tick sliders can be effectively used for tick removal.

The tick should be slowly removed by grasping its mouth or head. Jerking, crushing, or squeezing of the tick should be avoided. In addition, before using a commercial tick removal tool it is essential to read the instructions carefully. After removal, the attachment site, hands, and tick removal tool must be thoroughly cleaned with soap and water. An antiseptic should then be applied.

The tick must be preserved in a sealed container or bag for a month. Details, such as bite location, date, and patient’s name are to be noted for future reference. If any symptoms of tick-borne disease appear, a medical practitioner should be contacted immediately. Medical help also becomes necessary if the mouthparts of the tick remain embedded in the skin of the host during removal.

To conclude, tick removal is no longer a difficult task due to the variety of tools available. Patience and caution are the only other requirements for efficient tick removal.
Ticks provides detailed information on Ticks, Tick Bites, Deer Ticks, Dog Ticks and more. Ticks is affiliated with Mosquito Magnets.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Josh_Riverside

Natural Treatments to Rid Your Dog of Ticks and Fleas

Not only are ticks and fleas an annoyance for your dog and for you, unfortunately they can cause health problems. There are many different powders and sprays out there, but with their chemical-based formulas, they could be harmful to the pet’s health or to yours.

As we become increasingly conscious of the chemicals contained in many of the items we use for ourselves so more and more people are growing concerned about what is in the treatments they use for their dogs.

Don’t worry though those powders and sprays aren’t your only means of defense against these tiny and horrible tyrants. You can now fight them off with natural remedies that are safe for everyone and can be effective for your dog.

Do make sure to check out your local pet store. You will find that they offer many different products for your dog in respect of flea and tick care that are made from all natural ingredients. They have no chemicals that could be unsafe for your pets or family, but they have ingredients that are very effective in getting rid of the pesky pests.

They have powders and sprays with no harmful chemicals. You can find shampoos and special flea brushes to remove them from our dog’s coat. There are some treatments that you can apply directly to the dog’s skin that won’t harm the dog in any way, but will kill the fleas.
Another option is the special-made flea collar that helps repel the fleas but doesn’t have any harsh chemicals that could seep through the dog’s skin so there’s no risk with other pets coming in contact with the collar.

Keep your dog and your home clean. Bathe your dog at least once a week and brush out their fur daily if possible. Vacuum the carpets in your home and keep the pet’s bedding clean as much as possible.

Fleas and ticks thrive in warm, humid areas and they will lay their eggs in these places, so it’s best to vacuum these areas often. You can use products like borax or some dry powdered laundry detergents to sprinkle on the carpets to let sit for a few minutes. This kills the fleas and their eggs, so you can vacuum them up and be rid of them. Make sure your pets and any children aren’t around when you do it. They’re not known to be harmful, but it’s always best to be safe.

There are some homemade treatments that many pet owners claim to work very well. I would also recommend that you consult your veterinarian to make sure these treatments really are safe. Please alway use these treatments with caution. It’s also very important that you keep your lawn mowed and keep any foliage within the yard trimmed back, so the fleas have a tougher time getting to your dog.

If you take all of the preventative measures possible, you can eliminate the need for chemical-based treatments that could be harmful for your dog. Along with that, use environmentally safe products and your dog will be much healthier.

Paul Duxbury writes extensively about Dogs and their health and care at Ask About Dogs and has a range of Dog websites including Essential Dog Training
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Duxbury

Ticks On Your Dog: What to Do?

Once though of as a mere harmless but annoying pest, ticks are of growing concern for their Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme Disease-carrying ability. Learn the facts, and keep your dog tick and disease-free.

Ticks are a despicable lot of parasitic bloodsuckers. They bide their time in wooded areas, stay close to ground level and wait for an unsuspecting mammal to shuffle on by so they can descend upon him and sink those nasty little teeth in for a long meal of blood, blood and more blood. Once a tick has embedded itself into your dog, it will hang on indefinitely, taking in copious amounts of blood until it is bloated and gorged. If you find a corn kernel-like object hanging from your dog's ear or elsewhere on his body that turns out to have legs, it's probably a tick that's been feasting for hours. Remove it immediately, check your dog thoroughly for more ticks, and then call your veterinarian for further direction and advice.

Check Your Dog Regularly for Ticks
If you live in or near a wooded area, perform a routine tick check on your dog. As a good dog owner who's been looking out for your dog's best interests and ensuring him a happy life, you should already be familiar with the "chassis inspection." If not, now is as good a time as any to get familiar with it. Have your dog sit down in front of you and run your hands all over his body. Check his ears and the undersides of his paws. Don't forget those out of sight areas like his belly and the place where his leg bends into his body. He won't like these intrusions at first, but if you're gentle and speak to him softly in that special voice reserved only for him, your dog will eventually grow to tolerate the tick inspection and may even enjoy it.

Tick Removal
If the tick is well-embedded into your dog's flesh, use a tweezer to grip it firmly, as close to the skin as possible. You want to remove the entire tick without leaving the embedded head behind (I know- disgusting, but necessary). If you take some skin along with the tick, that's okay- it's more important to get the head out than than fret over a little lost skin. If you find that the head has remained imbedded and you can't remove it, keep a close eye on the area. Your dog's immune system will likely create a small site of infection around the head as a way to dislodge it. That's perfectly normal; it's just his body doing its thing to ward off disease.

Once the tick is out, save it in a jar and send it off to school with your little ones for show and tell. Just kidding about the show and tell.... but you really should hold the tick captive in a jar if you can. You'll have it as a specimen to show your vet "just in case" your dog starts exhibiting signs of Lyme disease.

Complications of a Tick Bite
Ticks pose the threat of disease - not just mild illness, but serious, debilitating diseases such as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (prevalent in the western United States), Lyme Disease (prevalent in the Northeastern US), and other less commonly known bacteria-bourne illnesses that can lead to serious complications including paralysis and death.

You can choose not practice tick prevention, thereby engaging your dog in a little "Russian Roulette" each time a tick bites... or you can do the smart thing, which is keep him tick-free and consequently, disease-free.

Tick Control
Many of the same products that afford protection against fleas also repel ticks, particularly the "spot on" applications such as Frontline®, that can be applied to the skin between your dog's shoulder blades once a month for maximum protection. Ticks can also be controlled with the traditional flea prevention methods such as dipping, bathing, spraying and powdering.
Talk to your vet about which tick repellant is right for you, as he has access to your dog's medical history and can offer advice based on prior health records.

Copyright 2005 Dina Giolitto. All rights reserved.
Liked this article? Have more of the same emailed to your inbox each month. Sign up for the Copywriting and Marketing Ezine from Dina at Wordfeeder.com and learn to write search engine friendly web copy and market your web based business for free.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dina_M._Giolitto

How to Choose the Best Flea Treatment For Your Dog

If your dog is suffering from fleas, then how to choose and what all to think before chosing a best flea treatment for your Dog:

After reading this article you will achieve this:

• Understanding of what is Fleas, to help your Dog better and faster.
• Stop spending the extra money on a flea preventative during inactive times of the year.
• Location based Product selection(sub-urban/urban)
• Understand the requirement for flea preventative and heartworm preventative
• cheaper flea preventatives have caused (may) cause skin reactions to your dogs vs costlier flea preventatives may even work @ even when your dog is swimming.
• Comparison of different approaches to understand better the need for you: topical and oral prevention or Collar based approach
• what precautions or pre-requisites when going for Topical preventatives

so why not read this articles and understand your dog requirement better.

Advertisements touting flea preventatives flood our senses through television, magazines, and the internet, each claiming that their product is superior to the alternatives. Products vary in application, range of parasite prevention, and price and the vast array of options can confuse even the most knowledgeable dog owner. So, how can you decide which product is best for you?

Start by determining your needs.

If you live in an area with trees, brush, a creek bed or any other area in which deer and wildlife frequent, then you may want to consider a flea preventative that defends your precious pooch against both fleas and ticks. Ticks need to live on animals in order to survive and they will search out the scents of animals and wait on tall grass for an animal to pass by.
Ticks, unlike fleas, do not jump;

" an animal must brush against the grass or shrub in order for the tick to adhere to the animal’s body."

Not all flea preventatives contain products that repel ticks, but if you live in a location that is frequented by these parasites, then you might consider finding a product that repels these blood-suckers.

If you and your dog live in a suburban or urban environment with little or no wildlife and neither you nor your dog frequents wooded areas or dog parks, then you may be able to use a product that specializes in flea preventative without addressing ticks. This is especially true for dogs that rarely venture past their backyard.

You also need to consider the area of the country in which you live. Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes are everywhere, but not all the time. For example, a dog owner in Florida needs to consider using flea and mosquito repellent most, if not all of the year. An owner in Alaska, however, does not need to worry about fleas, ticks, or mosquitoes during the winter months. Consider where you live then ask your vet to recommend the times of year when these types of parasites are most prevalent.

Since many flea products contain both parasite preventive and heartworm preventative, refraining from using such products during part of the year could put your animal at risk for heartworms.

However, you have the choice to give your animal an oral heartworm preventative (with the same active ingredient) without spending the extra money on a flea preventative during inactive times of the year.

By splitting up the flea preventative and heartworm preventative into separate doses, you may be able to save money when fleas are dormant.

Brands, brands, brands. Keep in mind you generally get what you pay for. Recognized brands that are advertised in vet offices, television, and internet ads are usually more costly but also have a history of scientific testing.

Do your research to find which product best fits your needs and budget. Ask more than one veterinarian or veterinary technician about their opinions on the product and what they’ve heard from clients. Some flea-only preventatives last longer and work more effectively against fleas than the combination products, but do not cover the potential risks of ticks and mosquitoes.

But what about the flea preventatives at the grocery store? Cheap over the counter flea medicines are inexpensive but have not been tested to the extent of the more costly products.

This means that they may not prevent against fleas under some circumstances (like dog swimming) or have a greater tendency for your animal to react to the chemicals.

Some of these cheaper flea preventatives have caused skin reactions in dogs and some have even caused neurological reactions in cats.

By mouth or by neck, that is the question.

It used to be that flea collars were the only acceptable method of flea prevention (and I’ll address those collars in a moment) but topical and oral prevention have managed to push aside the collars to become leaders in the industry.

Topical preventatives generally start working within the first 48 hours after application. You have to beware not to get your animal wet before or after application as the product is likely to wash off and be rendered ineffective.

Topical preventatives are easy to apply and very effective if used according to the directions. There are also oral flea preventatives that, although easy to mask in a tasty bit of peanut butter, take up to eight weeks to begin working. The choice is yours.

Flea collars. These ring-around-the-neck alternatives to topical flea preventatives are cheap but very ineffective.

Not only can they be toxic to children and other animals, they only prevent fleas in a small area around the neck. Flea collars do have their place, however. These powdery strips can be cut into small pieces and dropped into the vacuum cleaner bag to kill any fleas that may be sucked up during cleaning.

Keep in mind when choosing a flea preventative that the flea life cycle can take anywhere from two to four weeks.

Most flea preventatives control adult fleas and larvae but few actually kill eggs or pupae. This means that an owner may see fleas as little as two weeks after topical application. Do not be alarmed, the preventative will kill the adult fleas in a short period of time, breaking the lifecycle. Maintaining a flea preventative schedule with your dog means that you can restrict the need to prevent fleas in your yard or around your home. Fleas need blood to survive and dogs and cats are the preferred hosts for these parasites. By preventing fleas on your dog you can decrease the risk of fleas in your yard and home.

Be sure to ask your veterinarian about the specific needs for your animal and the best solutions to prevent fleas in your home and on your pet.
Emily Kieson has been working in the veterinary field for ten years. Currently working with small animals in Texas, she also writes children's books, screenplays, and spends many hours writing articles for a variety of sites.
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