Dog Health on the Economy

Debra Gwathney spent her $600 stimulus check on her three cats.

Summer Rose took on a second job to pay for her pug's hip replacement.

And Christine Lewis says she dishes out more on her beagle than her friends do on their toddlers.

Quirky, neighborhood cat-lady types? The kind who dress their animals in knitted sweaters and feed them organic cheese-nip biscuits?

Far from it. But the three Dallas women are part of a growing legion of pet owners around the country choosing to invest in their animals' well-being even as their own health-care costs are rising.

"If you are an animal lover, it's worth it," said Ms. Rose, 30, as she waited for her dog to get $300 worth of shots at Hillside Veterinary Clinic on Mockingbird Lane.

LARA SOLT / DMN

Jake, a 16-year-old cocker spaniel, recouperates at Hillside Veterinary Clinic in Dallas.

She has shelled out at least $12,000 on a litany of dogs and cats in the past decade.

And that's only scratching the surface.

Even with the latest accounts of abandoned pets and packed animal shelters, owners are expected to spend a record $43 billion on their pets this year, $2 billion more than last year, according to a survey by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association.

About 67 percent of U.S. households own a pet, and chances are they spend half their pet costs on vet visits and over-the-counter medicine, the survey said.

"Pets don't live in the back yard anymore," said Dr. Bonnie Beaver, a professor of small-animal medicine at Texas A&M University. "They live in the house. Their role in our lives has changed. Some say they're family members."

This means pet owners are making more sacrifices, especially since veterinary advancements in the past two decades have made health care pricier, Dr. Beaver said.

Also Online

More Pets news

"It parallels human medicine," she said.

Today, CAT scans actually include cats, and doggie sonograms are routine.

Katherine Wells, a veterinarian at the Veterinary Referral Center of North Texas, said she's seen clients take out a second mortgage to pay for their pets' surgery.

Her Far North Dallas clinic offers everything from animal ophthalmology to radiology and internal medicine. Surgical procedures can cost more than $3,000.

Still, on a recent weekday morning, dogs and cats filled the small waiting room.

Although pet owners – many of whom are young professionals without children or empty nesters who have replaced their kids with animals – are willing to pay for major procedures, veterinarians worry they will cut down on basic care with the economic downturn.

"They are shying away from preventive things that will cost them more money in the long run," said Bernadine Cruz, a veterinarian and official of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Dr. Cruz recommends pet insurance – a health-care option better known in the United Kingdom – along with annual trips to the vet.

Less than 1 percent of pet owners in the U.S. have pet insurance, but the market is expanding. Only a handful of companies existed when Veterinary Pet Insurance, the country's oldest and largest animal health-care provider, started business in the early 1980s, said company spokesman Brian Iannessa. That number has since doubled, and Mr. Iannessa said business is better than ever.

"People are recognizing its value more so these days and holding on to their medical plans as they face economic uncertainty," he said. "They want to make the best medical decision without finances getting in the way."

The company has about 450,000 clients, double what it had six years ago. It charges about $25 a month for dogs and $20 a month for cats.

None of the current 11 pet insurance companies cover pre-existing conditions, a factor that has Fort Worth residents Ben and Carolyn Cason skeptical of such organizations.

"I just don't trust it ... all those disclaimers. You think, 'Gosh, what are they going to do?' " she said.

The retired couple, both 66, has spent more than $50,000 on their Shih Tzus in the past decade.

Sometimes it's been "bread or the dog bill," Mr. Cason said.

This week, they took Sassy, one of their five Shih Tzus, to the Veterinary Referral Center for a swollen lymph gland.

The cost?

Ms. Cason shrugged. "I don't know. It doesn't matter. They're just like our children. They're a reason to get up in the morning."

Source: http://www.dallasnews.com

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in dog

CHAMPAIGN – A case of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever has turned up in a dog in Champaign County, public health officials said.

The dog's owner reported that it had been in Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve in Mahomet, according to the Champaign County Forest Preserve District.A disease caused by a bacteria carried by ticks, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever has not turned up in any people in Champaign County, according to the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District.

Symptoms of the disease in people are fever, nausea and muscle pain about one week following the bite, followed by a prominent rash, usually on the arms or ankles.

Public health officials warn you should check yourself and your pet for ticks after being out in tall grass or a wooded area.

If you find a tick, remove it with tweezers and wash and disinfect the bite area. Public health officials also request that you record the date and location of the bite, place the tick in a leak-proof, hard plastic container with rubbing alcohol and bring it to the public health building at 201 W. Kenyon Road, C, for identification.

Source: http://www.news-gazette.com/

Dog Health Care: Best Pet from Shelters

Every pet lover dreamed of having the best pet for themselves. Most of us go to the petshop to get those, but did you know that some of the best pets came from the shelters?

If you wish to get yourself a pet and at the same time give a home to an unfortunate lonely creature, the animal shelter might be the right place for you. Not only do they have a great selection of adult animals for adoption, but they also have kittens and puppies, even purebred animals. On average, purebreds account for about 25 to 30 percent of a shelter’s dog population.

You can depend on responsible shelters to assess the dogs health and temperament in order to make the best adoption matches possible. Another advantage is that shelter adoption fees are usually much less than prices at a pet store or breeder.

Don’t be discouraged if, when you first visit the shelter, there are no animals of the breed or type you want. Youth League of Animal Protection (227-1698, www.dogicat.org ) is non-profit animal rescue organization located in Kyiv that provides sanctuary for animals and specializes in caring for stray cats and dogs. The shelter receives new animals every day. The rescued animals are evaluated by a veterinarian, given the necessary medical treatment, and nursed back to health.

All of them are spayed or neutered. Before choosing your pet, you can even speak with an adoption counselor about whether your choice of a particular type or breed is the best for you. On their website www.dogicat.org they display the animals they have available for adoption. You can read about the responsibilities of pet care and adoption forms on the website.

Source: http://www.kyivpost.com/guide/general/29054/

Dog Health Care: Dog Body language - What does it meanL

NEW PORT RICHEY — Marilyn Wolf grew up on 3 acres in Indiana farm country. Her parents loved animals and took in a menagerie of strays and injured pets that needed tending.

As a little girl, she cared for wild rabbits, dogs, cats, birds, a pig, a groundhog, skunks, horses "and whatever showed up looking for love."

She learned to read their "body language" long before anyone knew what "body language" meant.

When she spoke to animals with a soft tone and gentle hands, they listened. When animals spoke to her, she listened, too.

What did she hear?

Well, things that the rest of us might not even notice.

Let her tell you.

"When a dog freezes with his weight forward and his ears going up, you know something's up — he might bite," explains Wolf, 57, a tall, exceedingly calm woman with a patient demeanor who works as pet trainer and animal behavior consultant.

Focus on behaviors

Her business, Korrect Kritters (www.korrectkritters.com), takes her throughout Pasco, Pinellas and northern Hillsborough counties. She likes to work in people's homes because seeing a dog in its everyday environment can tell her a lot.

"I like to see how people in the home interact with the dog," she explains. "How is the dog fed? Is it a shy dog that's being fed in the middle of the kitchen? Maybe that's not the right thing."

She's tuned in to behaviors like barking at the front door, nipping, chasing bicycles and kitchen counter grazing.

Wolf believes there are no bad dogs in the world: "Yes, there are aggressive dogs; yes, there are dogs that bite," she says, "but there are no bad dogs. Just behaviors that aren't desirable."

Wolf spends Thursday mornings as a volunteer at the Suncoast SPCA in New Port Richey, where she sometimes works with dog health issues.

A lot of times, dogs are dropped off at the shelter because they have behavior problems their owners can't handle.

Lately, the shelter has been taking in dogs whose owners have been forced from their homes by foreclosure.

"It's a sad, sad situation," says executive director Martha Murray. "So often in this business we see dogs that have been neglected. In these cases the animals have been loved, adored and held. They've been given up with such reluctance, it would break your heart."

One of the dogs Wolf was working with may well have been a foreclosure victim: Murray found Lily, a young shepherd-boxer mix, leashed to the mailbox of the veterinarian's office across the street.

"She had actually pulled the mailbox out of the ground," recalls Murray, who named her Lily because she found her right around Easter. She suspects that families facing foreclosure sometimes don't want to actually bring their dog into the shelter and tell their story because they are embarrassed.

For her part, Lily was full of happiness and love, so much so that she just wanted to jump up and down.

"She's just young and hasn't had any training," explained Wolf, who after five minutes had captured Lily's undivided attention. The brindle-colored dog had stopped jumping and was gazing at Wolf attentively.

"If I can't get her attention, I don't have anything at all," said Wolf , who charges $65 an hour for her expertise. Typically, training can be addressed in about five sessions, she says, but if there's a specific behavior that needs to be worked on, she can often help in just one session.

Wolf, who lives in the Timber Greens development in New Port Richey with her husband, Burt Weitzman, a retired IBM executive, wasn't always a dog trainer.

Thanks to Tommy

She's worked for the Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Wolf and Weitzman moved to Pasco County in 2000 because it fit criteria they developed for retirement. Proximity to a large city, airports, hospitals, the water — as well as a solid local Jewish community — were high on their list.

"We chose the Tampa Bay area because it met a lot of those needs," Wolf says. After retirement, she began to pursue dog training, thanks to the influence of her late dog, Tommy, a Rhodesian ridgeback mix. Tommy posed a real challenge to the normally animal-savvy Wolf.

"Before he was a year old, he decided his job in life was to be our sheriff. He took his job very seriously," Wolf writes in a section of her Web site devoted to Tommy. "At home with us and with most people he was funny, happy and playful. When people came to the door or in the house, he was vigilant in his duties. He might be friendly, he might not, and I was never able to consistently identify the things that set him off. "

Wolf consulted discussion boards and began to read avidly on the subject of dog health and dog training. She attended seminars, classes and joined professional organizations.

"I wanted to be as good a partner to my dog as I could be," she writes. "I learned different techniques, training, behavior analysis, more body language specific to dogs, and environmental management."

Wolf became a certified pet dog trainer and earned other accolades. She's also a member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. She officially launched Korrect Kritters in 2007, but health problems forced her to put things on hold for a few months. She began marketing the business in earnest about a month ago.

Now when she shows up for an appointment, she's driving her tan Honda van with a "Korrect Kritters" sign and wearing a polo shirt emblazoned with the logo. At the SPCA, dogs seemed to mellow in her presence.

She is following her dream, she says. And more.

"One reason I love training dogs is that I get to hug dogs all day," she says. "What a great job!"

Source: http://www.tampabay.com/

Dog Health: Dog Therapy for Injuries

When vets couldn't help Chantal Gray's one-year-old Labrador retriever, Trinity, she knew she had to try something new.

He has dog health problems, he was continually limping, but the vets were baffled because Trinity's X-rays were coming up inconclusive. They couldn't find anything wrong.

That's when Gray did what every Labrador retriever loves to do -- she hit the water.

"Trinity had a soft tissue shoulder injury," says Gray. "And because it's always a good idea for humans to work in water when they have joint injuries, we thought we'd try it with her."

So once a week for the next five months -- Gray hopped in the pool with Trinity at Ottawa's K9 Common Scents, rehabilitation facilitation and aquatics centre for dogs, and worked with Trinity while she strengthened her joints in a relatively painless way.

Five months -- and approximately $700 later -- Trinity had stopped limping.

"It was a good experience," says Gray. "It gave us reassurance that we were doing everything we could to help her recover. Trinity is part of the family -- we hated to see her in pain."

Pet therapy, whether it is hydrotherapy, acupuncture or massage, is a growing trend in the industry. This alternative method is being used to treat anything from joint and back pain and arthritis to anxiety issues.

Working the same way they do for people, these ancient methods of healing are being used on pets as a low-impact method, to aid in mobility and pain management. And more pet owners are adopting this often costly alternative to help their pets get back on their feet.

"It's absolutely a trend," says Kelly Caldwell, editor-in-chief and art director for Dogs in Canada magazine. "It's part of the shift we see in the importance we put on our animals as part of our lives."

Caldwell says opting for alternative therapies for pets can do more than strengthen their mobility and muscles -- it can literally work as a pick-me-up for pets.

"You have to be careful because animals can adopt the same mentality as humans when they are injured," says Caldwell. "When they are sore, they can get depressed because they're just sitting there sedentary. At some point, as the doctor always tells humans after an injury, you have to get up and move around."

Helping your pet recover through alternative therapies is also a great way to get your pet off of costly medications, which is better for their systems -- and our dog health -- in the long run.

And it is also a great way to strengthen the animal-human bond.

"If you view your pet as part of the family, you'll get into that pool," says Caldwell. "You will want to be part of their recovery. There is nothing worse than seeing your pet in pain."

Gray says if Trinity's issue reoccurs, she'll definitely consider hydrotherapy again.

"It is a more natural way to go," says Gray. "The only bad part about it is smelling like wet dog for the rest of the day."

Source: http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/story.html?id=526f296a-2364-4bc1-b9f8-2bbb56a0b097

Dog Health: A Purebred Dog - A Pure Heartache

All that Phil and Donna O'Brien wanted was a Great Dane puppy.
What they got was heartache.

Three years ago Phil and Donna purchased a six-month-old Great Dane from a local breeder. At the time they went to pick her up, the breeder told them that the dog had drank some mop water but assured them that the pup was fine, and to give her lots to drink.
They took her to the vet and the vet checked her over.
A couple of days later Jewel ,as they had named their new puppy, started having seizures.
Alarmed, Donna took the dog back to the vet.

The vet told them that there was something "not right" about the dog health and they should take her back to the breeder.

Phil and Donna were reluctant to do that as they had already fallen in love with the dog.

However, the seizures got worse, causing Jewel to not only twitch, but to violently shake and flail around. Donna describes the seizures that started happening one after the other as violent, causing the dog to flop back and forth on the floor.

With a heavy heart Phil reluctantly took the dog back to the breeder. The dog died a short time after.

Instead of a refund, the breeder promised them another puppy.
Thinking that it was a fluke that Jewel had had seizures, they picked up their new puppy almost a year after they had gotten Jewel, a male puppy they named Duke.

Duke is now a beautiful 2-year-old Great Dane.
A few weeks ago things started to go wrong with him.
He started losing weight, and it seemed as though every move he made caused him great pain.
The O'Briens noticed that if anyone went to pet the dog, he would lower his head. When they were out walking the dog would keep his nose close to the ground. Donna said She had laughed at the time, saying that Duke had the nose of a Bloodhound.

What was really going on?
It turns out that Duke has Wobbler's Syndrome, a disease that is common in young Great Danes.
The following was taken from a Veterinary website, which describes what Wobbler's syndrome really is.

". The outstanding symptom of Wobblers is a slowly developing, progressive, uncoordination and paralysis of the hind limbs. This paresis and/or uncoordination is caused by pressure on the spinal cord as it passes through the vertebrae of the neck, the last three being the most prominent sites. The animal may appear clumsy, "wobbling" or display swaying of the rear legs. On slick surfaces it may be difficult or impossible to walk. The dog may fall when attempting to turn and the toes of the hind feet may drag when walking. The dog usually has its legs spread out as far as possible trying to better balance itself. Initially front leg involvement is minimal or undetectable. As the disease progresses, a characteristic short choppy rolling stride is seen on what appears to be somewhat rigid forelimbs. As the
compression of the spinal cord becomes more severe, the front legs can have the same signs as the rear legs. There is usually little or no neck pain but the dog may stand with the neck flexed which usually alleviates some of the spinal cord pinching. Many dogs will object to neck manipulation and may even collapse when the movement is forced. "

Wobbler's syndrome can be genetic and when purchasing a Great Dane the breeding line should be checked thoroughly to make sure that it hasn't affected that lineage.

To Phil and Donna, who had never even heard of the dog health disease before, it came as a shock.

When a few weeks ago, the dog showed reluctance to walk, and it seemed to take him a long time to lie down and be comfortable, they once again took him to the vet where he was diagnosed with Wobbler's. He is losing weight from lack of excercise and a poor appetite.

Duke's prognosis is not good. He is on many painkillers and steroids in an effort to prolong his life a bit, but Phil and Donna know that in the end, Duke will probably have to be put down.

Duke, when he stands, bends his body into a U shape as seen in the photos at right. His back legs are splayed, he drags his front paws when he walks and he rarely keeps his head up for more than a few minutes.

Sometimies surgery is an option, but for Duke it is not. His Wobbler's is severe.

Besides the hundreds of dollars the O'Brien's have spent on the dog and on vet bills, the worst part is the heartache of losing another dog that they love. Their vet has told them that this latest round of pills and pain killers is the last step. When they stop working, Duke will have to be euthanized.

For Phil and Donna the thought of losing another beloved pet is devastating. They fear what their two little girls will feel when Duke doesn't come home anymore.
They are shocked about the whole affair.

Because they bought from a breeder who is registered with the Canadian Kennel Club, they had thought that the puppy would be healthy.
Now they know better. Just being registered with the CKC is not enough. There are several other dogs in this city who are having health problems with puppies they've purchased from this breeder, and these puppies have been reported to the CKC so that they can investigate.
What is foremost in the O'Brien's thoughts is that they want to prevent other people from going through the heatrtache that they have experienced. They want this breeder to stop breeding dogs.

They ask the public to contact them if they have a Great Dane puppy that has or is experiencing health problems.

Duke is a gentle giant, the main reason why Phil and Donna chose to purchase a Great Dane. He has been a therapy dog for the old age homes and the residents there will be missing his companionship too. This is a dog who is loved, and who will be missed by everyone who has met him.


Following are a few things you should ask breeders before purchasing a purebred puppy of any breed: Not all breeders are malicious, some just aren't as knowlegable as they should be.

1 How long has the breeder been breeding this breed of dog?

2. Is the breeder knowledgeable about the breed? Does he/she demonstrate a knowledge of the Standard of the Breed? Responsible breeders try to breed dogs as close as possible to the breed standard.

3. Does he or she represent his dogs as honestly as possible and try to assist the serious novice in his understanding of the breed?

4. Is he or she involved in competition with their dogs (conformation, obedience, agility)?This indicates valuable experience with the breed.

5. Does she/he trace health problems in the dogs he sells? If new to the breed, has breeder carefully researched the genetic problems that may lurk in the background of his lines? The breeder should be knowledgeable about and working to control and/or eradicate conditions, including those that are particular to the breed, such as renal dysplasia, portal systemic shunt, hip and eye problems, allergies, Von Willebrands disease, thyroid disorders, and inguinal hernias? ASTC pamphlets can tell you more about breeding healthy dogs and renal dysplasia.

6. Have the puppies been raised in the home?
Puppies used to home activity will more easily adapt to new families and homes. Puppies require proper socialization by gentle handling, human contact, and a wide variety of noises and experiences, and should not be removed from their dam or littermates before 8 weeks of age. (The ASTC Code of Ethics suggests puppies not be sold before 12 weeks.)

7. Have the puppies' temperaments been evaluated and can the breeder guide you to the puppy that will best suit your lifestyle?
A very shy puppy will not do well in a noisy household with small children, just as a very dominant puppy won't flourish in a sedate, senior citizen household. A caring breeder will know the puppies and be able to help you make a good match.

8. How often is the dam bred?
Breeding every heat cycle is too often and may indicate that profit is the primary motive for the breeding.

9. On what basis was the sire chosen?If the answer is "because he lives right down the street" or "because he is really sweet," it may be that sufficient thought was not put into the breeding.
10. Are the puppy's sire and dam available for you to meet? If the sire is unavailable can you call his owners or people who have his puppies to ask about temperament or health problems? You should also be shown pictures or videos''

11. Where did you find out about this breeder? Responsible breeders usually breed only when they have a waiting list of buyers and don't need to advertise in newspapers or put a sign in the yard.

12. Will the puppy be sold with a mandatory spay/neuter contract and/or limited registration (which means that if the dog is bred, the puppies cannot be CKC registered)?
A breeder who cares enough about the breed to insist on these for a pet puppy is usually a responsible breeder.

13. Do the puppies seem healthy, with no discharge from eyes or nose, no loose stools, no foul smelling ears? Are their coats soft, full, and clean? Do they have plenty of energy when awake yet calm down easily when gently stroked?
If the puppy is in good weight, a slight, clear nasal discharge may be due to pinched nostrils, quite common during the teething phase. They generally open as the puppy matures. Small umbilical hernias almost always close with age.

14. Does the breeder advise you to have the puppy checked by a veterinarian within 2 days (48 hours) of sale, with additional time allowed if the puppy is sold on a Saturday or Sunday, and provide a written agreement to refund the purchase price or take the puppy back and replace it if it is found to be unfit by a veterinarian? Has the puppy received the necessary immunizations and been checked for parasites and treated if necessary?

15. Does the breeder provide a 3-5 generation pedigree, a complete health record, and material to help you with feeding, grooming, training, and housebreaking?
A registration form should also be provided and clearly explained.

16. Are there a majority of titled dogs (the initials CH, CD, etc. before or after the names) in the first two generations?
The term "champion lines" means nothing if those titles are back three or more generations or if there are only one or two in the whole pedigree. Also, remember that not all champions are created equal and that a champion may or may not produce quality puppies.

17. Does the breeder have only 1 or at most 2 breeds of dogs and only 1 litter at a time?
If there are several breeds of dogs, the breeder may not devote the time it takes to become really knowledgeable about our breed. If there are several litters at a time, it is very difficult to give the puppies the attention they need and may indicate that the primary purpose for breeding is profit, rather than a sincere desire to sustain and improve the breed.

18. Will the breeder be available for the life of the dog to answer any questions you might have? Is this someone you would feel comfortable asking any type of question?
If you feel intimidated or pressured, keep looking!

19. Will the breeder take the dog back at any time, for any reason, if you cannot keep it? This is the hallmark of responsible breeding (and the quickest, best way to make rescue obsolete).

20. Responsible breeders also do not sell puppies to pet shops or commercial pet mill establishments, donate puppies for raffles or auctions, crossbreed or sell crossbred puppies, or give stud service to unregistered dogs.


Story source: http://www.soonews.ca/viewarticle.php?id=17309

Dog Health Day Clinic Held for Valley’s Indigenous Families

Dog health can impact on the well-being of children and the families that keep them.

RSCPA vets recently joined with North Coast Area Health representatives to host a dog health day, based at the old preschool building in Bowraville.

The two-day clinic, on April 28 and 29, gave indigenous families from Bowraville, Nambucca Heads and Macksville, an opportunity to have their dogs desexed, microchipped, vaccinated, and wormed to try to stop the spread of communicable diseases and control the dog population in the communities.

“By bringing down the population, you ensure that every dog gets more love and care, and the family has more time to devote to them,” North Coast Area Health environmental health officer Robert Barnett said.

The local community at Bowraville identified to the local health service that there was a high number of roaming dogs in the community, which posed a health risk for everyone.

The RSPCA has run similar programs in Wilcannia and Walgett, which aimed to educate people on how to keep their pets and family healthy.

Conditions that can be passed from dogs to humans include hydatids, round and hook worms and ringworms.

Cats, which were also desexed and health-checked on the day, can be a concern for pregnant women due to toxoplasmosis.

“The main way to prevent catching anything from your dog is to wash your hands after handling them and before eating,” RSPCA training co-ordinator Narelle Maxwell said.

“Also, it’s important to keep the animals’ sandpit clean. It comes down to simple things, and it’s important to educate kids on how to keep their animals and themselves healthy.”

Three RSPCA vets and two vet nurses were on hand over the two days for the animals that were brought in. More than 50 animals were seen, some for

simple health checks and others for desexing operations.

The days gave local animal controller, Reg Clough, an opportunity to gain the practical experience needed to become authorised to install microchips in animals.

It is a service he would be able to offer locally into the future.

Among the locals to bring along their pets was Gillian Williams from Nambucca Heads, with two of her own dogs and Oof, her son’s Irish wolfhound. She said it was a good opportunity to have the dogs looked over and make sure they were in perfect health.

RSCPA vet Ann-Margaret Withers said the two-day program was the first of its kind on the north coast, but could be expanded to Kempsey and Coffs Harbour, due to its success in Bowraville.

The team thanked the local Gumbaynggirr elders, who suggested the use of the old preschool as an ideal location for a make-shift animal hospital and Macksville Hospital, which came on board with supplies when the group’s oxygen ran out.

Dog Health Food: Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Dry Dog Food

An outbreak of Salmonella has been linked to contaminated dry dog food for the first time ever, said officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

CDC officials said dry dog food may be an under-recognized source of illness in humans, and they are unsure how the bacteria got into the dog food. Usually, Salmonella comes from undercooked meats and eggs.

“They are a number of possible ways that that could happen,” said Dr. Casey Barton Behravesh, a CDC epidemiologist, who co-authored a report on the finding. “That’s something we are still trying to figure out.”

Humans became infected with Salmonella in 2006 and 2007 from dry dog food produced by Mars Petcare in Pennsylvania. Dogs were not affected, according to the May 16 issue of the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, but a number of those affected were infants.

"The most important thing is to wash your hands right after you handle any dry dog food, any other pet food, pet treats, even supplements or vitamins," Barton Behravesh said. "In addition, keep infants and other young children away from pet food, because kids tend to want to see what their dogs are eating and grab at the pet food and play with it or even put it in their mouth."

Source: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,356203,00.html

Dog Health Care | Dog Obesity Awareness

When we talk about “obesity”, humans normally come in our mind. But what if it is dog obesity and not humans? Strange, right? We ought to know that dog health and obesity awareness is a perfect way to save the man's best friend. Maybe it was too distinct for people who lived many years ago; but fortunately not for people living in the modern society nowadays. Dogs of today, like humans, experience obesity as one of the major health risks.

Dogs that eat excessively and with unhealthy binges can become obese. This situation often triggered by some environmental factors could create more problems in a dog health if not controlled. Dogs also develop certain diseases if they are overweight that can lead to more serious complications including death. Obesity in dogs tends to put extra weight developing arthritis on their joints and other parts of the bones. It can also develop other muscle and joint problems like spinal disc disease, hip dysplasia, and cracks on the joint ligaments.

We all know that overweight causes diabetes in humans. It certainly does happen to dogs, too. More fat stored in the dog's body generates more insulin in order to cope with its increasing mass. Dogs have the tendency to resist too much insulin in the body, so this results to diabetes. Skin problems also occur if a dog is overweight. Excessive fat deposits are stored in the skin makes the owner find it hard grooming his dog. Dogs without proper grooming oftentimes accumulate bacteria, dirt, or other elements that can harm their skin. This eventually develops rashes, skin ruptures, and infections that are very dangerous on your dog health.

Overweight dogs are prone to heat stroke especially during summer time. Too much fat deposits accumulated in their skin lowers their heat tolerance. Obese dogs can also develop respiratory problems and heart diseases. Thick fat deposits covering the chest cavity, thus making the lungs and the heart expand hardly whenever the dog breathes. If the heart and the lungs can no longer produce the right amount of oxygen and circulate it within the dog's body, it could kill him. Inflamed pancreas, which is very painful, can seriously affect dog health. Lastly, obesity in dogs can create a liver malfunction because of too much fat deposits accumulated in the area. This may even cause the death of your dog.

These health problems are all life threatening to both humans and dogs. But in the case of our pet dogs, it all depends upon the owner on how he secures his dog health. It is important that dog lovers should create a healthy exercise schedule for their dogs like taking them for a walk every afternoon or letting him run through a field. This does not only benefit the dogs but their owners as well. Owners must also create a healthy diet for their dogs. Diet meals with necessary nutrients should include the right combination of fiber, meat, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals in order for the dogs to stay healthy.

Dog lovers should always give more water to their dogs when they feed them fiber. This can prevent constipation. Above all, they should also remember that before trying out new things on their dogs, it is best to consult the veterinarian first. Give your dogs the best love and care you can. Your dog health and obesity awareness is a perfect way to save the man's best friend.

Dog Health Care: How To Spot A Reputable Dog Breeder

Anyone can be a dog breeder - owning a female dog that has produced puppies qualifies you for that dubious distinction. But how can you spot a reputable breeder? Answering "yes" to most or all of the following questions is a great start.

Does the breeder do health screenings? Reputable breeders submit their dog health tests to registries such as the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals to document they are free of heritable disease. They may test for hips, elbows, eyes, thyroid and cardiac. Ask to see official paperwork from both parents' registries.

Does the breeder have a contract? Look for two important components: a "return to breeder" clause requiring you to return the dog should you no longer be able to care for it, no matter the age or reason; and a spay-neuter requirement for pet-quality dogs.

Does the breeder sell puppies on "limited registrations"? The American Kennel Club permits breeders to register pet-quality ("nonbreedable") dogs this way, which means they cannot be shown and none of their offspring registered.

Does the breeder know the puppy's family history? Breeders intent on producing quality puppies have met or researched multiple generations in the family tree and can offer insight into expected longevity, temperament and health.

Is the breeder active in some facet of the dog community? Many reputable breeders enter dog shows for an independent opinion on how close their dogs are to the breed standard. Others "prove" their dogs in field and hunt work, obedience, agility and tracking.

Does the breeder avoid the "hard sell"? Reputable breeders will talk buyers out of a puppy if they feel it is not a good match. No reputable breeder ever sells through a pet store or online auction.

Source: Newsday.com

Dog Health | Deadly Dog Illness Hits For Just 3rd Time

MILWAUKEE - A deadly bacterial strain that attacks dogs in animal shelters has struck for a third time, and a shelter medicine expert credits quick countermeasures for preventing more dogs from dying.

The latest dog health outbreak was at the Humane Animal Welfare Society of Waukesha County, 10 miles west of Milwaukee, where seven dogs died over 10 days and two others became ill, prompting the shelter to stop taking dogs in or adopting them out.

The Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in Madison said Friday that the dogs had the strain of bacteria -- streptococcus equi zooepidemicus -- that rapidly attacks the respiratory system, although at least one of the three dogs the lab examined also had parainfluenza virus. More tests were being done.

The case is just the third documented outbreak of the illness that causes dogs to become lethargic and feverish and then invades the respiratory system, said Kate Hurley, director at the Kort Shelter Medicine Program at the University of California-Davis.

One good thing is that the illness has been limited to shelters, and only rarely occurred there, she said.

"People's pet animals are really at minimal risk," she said. "Even within shelters this is very rare."

The first outbreak was at a Las Vegas shelter where as many as a dozen dogs a day had been dying in late 2006 until the illness was diagnosed in February 2007.

"The staff estimated that over 1,000 dogs had died with this bleeding from the nose and mouth and acute respiratory disease that is characteristic of this," Hurley said.

The second outbreak was last February in a Miami shelter where about a dozen dogs died.

"It doesn't seem to have been able to escape from a shelter or a greyhound kennel type of environment and spread into communities," Hurley said, "and it may be because the disease course is just so rapid.

"Once they are symptomatic, they tend to go downhill very rapidly and maybe there just hasn't been time for it to spread."

The exact mode by which the disease spreads isn't known, she said.

"It does seem to be highly contagious," she said. "It's possible that it's airborne within a facility or it's spread on caretakers' feet and on objects or on common surfaces," Hurley said.

It has not occurred in places such as dog day-care facilities, she said.

"It may be that there is some other compromise with stray animals coming together in shelters with a poor vaccine history that contributes to susceptibility to this kind of outbreak," Hurley said.

"Or it just may be luck that it hasn't struck in a doggy day care or boarding type facility," she added. "The fact is we don't know everything about this disease yet.

"But certainly it's not spreading dramatically and it's not widespread in the United States."

The Waukesha case shows the value of recognizing the disease as soon as a dog dies and then treating other dogs with antibiotics before they start showing symptoms.

"That's exactly what we recommended to the shelter in Waukesha," Hurley said.

"When we get on top of it really quickly, then it's been a lot easier to get the outbreak under control, so that's good news."

Lynn Olenik, executive director at the Waukesha County shelter, said Friday that the two other dogs that showed early symptoms responded to antibiotics and were expected to survive. No other dogs or other animals at the shelter seem to be affected.

The bacterial strain is becoming better known among shelters and veterinarians, according to Hurley. Still, "I think there's a number of veterinarians and shelters who aren't aware of this because it's so new and it's not widespread."

She recommended keeping dogs vaccinated for other canine respiratory disease and in good health to reduce chances of getting the disease.

Also, "keep your animal out of a shelter by making sure that it has two kinds of identification," she said.

That way, if it winds up at the shelter, it can be quickly identified and sent back home.


Source: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-wi-dogdeaths,0,6463906.story

Dog Health Care : "Big Black Dog Syndrome"

An interesting phenomenon in the dog adoption world has recently become very apparent. Dogs that are large and black, especially labs, shepherd mixes, pit bulls, and rottweilers are passed over time after time for smaller, lighter colored dogs for adoption. Some shelters have even named this phenomenon "Big black dog syndrome" because of its prevalence. Although, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, this dog health care problem is not tracked nationally and local shelters keep only limited records on the size, breed, and color of the dogs that are adopted or put down, the problem has become apparent to shelters as they see this reoccurring pattern; big black dogs do not get adopted. At the city animal shelter in Rogers, Arkansas, big black dogs make up the majority of animals that are put down each month. Last month, 13 of the 14 animals put to sleep consisted of big black dogs.

Big black dogs have a negative connotation to some potential pet owners, who mistakenly assume they are mean and aggressive. The concept of the big, black dog as capable of unleashing destruction is a common theme among books, movies, and folklore, which may be partially responsible for this misconception. Another reason that people may be hesitant to become owners of these dogs is the message that the dog may portray about the owner. Owning this type of dog may lead people to believe that the owner has the same negative characteristics that are associated with big black dogs.

Animal shelters attempt to explain the reasoning behind this problem, stating that black dogs of all sizes are difficult to photograph for online listings, and that they are easily hidden in the dark shadows of their cages. Another reason why people are wary of black dogs is that it is difficult to read their expressions due to their dark coloring. Because of the lack of defined eyebrows and absence of contrast between black eyes and black face, it can be a challenge to determine how the dog is feeling.

Blackpearldogs.com is a web site that is devoted to increasing public awareness about the "big black dog phenomenon." This site offers reasons to adopt big black dogs, and advises that people should adopt dogs based on personality and lifestyle match rather than on color or size.

Source: http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/openyourheartwithpets/archives/137184.asp?from=blog_last3

Dog Health : What Are Dog Owners Doing With Their Dogs?

We all know that a lot of people own dogs, but exactly how many of us, and why? And perhaps more to the point, what do we do with them? Many of the answers may appear to be self evident, but no-one before has attempted to quantify such information – and yet it is important sociologically, it has implications for dog health, welfare and behaviour, and it is also important in terms of both the health of dogs and their owners.

A recent study by the University of Liverpool has looked in depth at dog ownership in a small, semi-rural community in Cheshire, which has a variety of housing types, and also fields and country parks where dogs can be exercised. Over 1,200 households were approached, and information collected by a combination of interviews and questionnaires. Approximately 50% of households owned a pet of some sort, and 1 in 4 owned a dog - so clearly pets in general, and perhaps dogs in particular, are very important to us.

The households most likely to own dogs were families with school-age children, and interestingly those with an adult woman in the house. In contrast, families with very young children, and, more surprisingly perhaps retired people, were less likely to have a dog. Gundogs were the most popular type, followed by cross breeds, but Labradors were the most popular individual breed, perhaps fitting in with the view that they tend to make good family pets.

The researchers then questioned householders in some detail as to what they did with their dogs, both inside and outside the home. The majority of dogs were allowed to roam throughout the house when their owner was present, but were confined at night or when the owner was out. The commonest place for the dog to sleep was the kitchen, but 1 in 5 slept on the bedroom floor, and 1 in 7 slept on a human bed, indicating the very close physical and psychological bond between some dogs and their owners. Approximately half of dogs were reported to lie on furniture, and a similar proportion enjoyed regular cuddles on a person’s lap, but smaller dogs and younger dogs were more likely to do this. A variety of games were played with dogs, but the most popular game was to fetch a ball or other object, with smaller dogs more likely to play ‘tug-of war’:

The majority of dogs were fed in the kitchen, and the most popular food was dry complete dog food. A surprising number (85%) received commercial dog ‘treats’, and most dogs were given human food titbits, generally from the hand, or in their bowl – although 11% were given these direct from the human plate.

Outside, most dogs were confined to a secure area and never roamed – only 1% were allowed to roam free. About a third of dogs were walked twice a day, and a third once a day; only a very small number were never walked at all. Over 80% of owners reported that they always picked up dog faeces when they were out walking in urban areas or parks, but only 50% did so when in the countryside – and significantly fewer male owners reported picking up faeces than did females. The researchers also obtained information on where the dogs were walked, and how many people they interacted with apart from their owners, both inside and outside the home.

This investigation, funded by DEFRA, has provided a wealth of data on what exactly we do with our dogs. Not only is this important in terms of the dogs’ health and welfare, but also the health and welfare of their owners. Although there are few dog diseases that can be transmitted to humans, and such events are in any case relatively uncommon, information on how we interact with our dogs may be crucial to know, should any more virulent diseases emerge. Overall however, we are far more likely to catch diseases from fellow humans than from dogs, and dogs are known to provide us with considerable psychological and health benefits.

Source: http://www.dogmagazine.net/archives/497/what-are-dog-owners-doing-with-their-dogs/

Dog Health | Mutt Massages Can Boost Your Dog Health

After a day of destroying the remote control or napping atop the TV, your pet might actually need a massage.

According to animal massage therapists, dogs, cats, birds, guinea pigs and just about every other pet could use your loving touch.

"It's not a luxury. Animals benefit from massage," said Eve Lucia Boucouvalas, who is certified in animal massage through the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. She is also lead canine massage therapist at the Don CeSar Beach Resort and Spa in St. Pete Beach, which allows cats and dogs up to 25 pounds.

"It's preventative," she said. "You can pick up on conditions you might have missed."

Other dog health benefits, she said, include increased blood flow and joint flexibility, support for the animal's immune system and quicker recovery from injuries. There are pluses for the owners, too, including the opportunity to assess your pet's health and a chance to bond with a shelter adoptee or other skittish animal.

Boucouvalas said you should massage your pet for 20 to 45 minutes at least once a month, preferably after exercise but before she eats. Don't massage it if it recently had a fever, shock, open wound, fracture, cancer or skin infection. Consult a vet about pre- and post-surgery rubdowns. Oh, and skip the oils and aromatherapy.

With the help of her Boston terriers Daisy and Dottie, Boucouvalas demonstrated the pet massage basics.


Source: http://www.tampabay.com/features/pets/article461192.ece

Dog Health: Man’s Best Friend Close to Doubling as His Best Man

At age 22, most young men would scoff at the idea of having a chaperone 24 hours a day.

But Mitch Peterson of Monmouth, Ill., said his seizure-response dog, London, gave him his life back.

“I have a lot more freedom than I used to,” said Mitch, who now enjoys living alone and working in his town’s high school library. “I don’t have to be watched 24-hours a day. When you’re a teenager, you didn’t want to be reliant on other people.”

Mitch began having epileptic seizures at age 14, and had to sleep next to a baby monitor during his high school years for his parent’s peace of mind.

Mitch’s mother, Vanya Peterson, said before her son received London, an energetic golden retriever-yellow lab mix, she questioned whether he was going to survive his seizures and seizure-related injuries.

“He was having 10 seizures an hour,” she said, “and could not be left alone. The ambulance was at our house more times than not.”

On Mitch’s 18th birthday, Vanya, desperate to help her son, contacted non-profit organization Canine Assistants, based in Georgia, and applied for a dog health service. This birthday wish was granted almost exactly two years later.

“Having London has completely changed our lives,” Vanya said. “After seeing our son in such a hard state and with his health deteriorating -- to see him turn around, be so positive and look forward to life -- it’s just a blessing.”

Prior to receiving London, Mitch followed the advice of doctors and had a vagal nerve stimulator implanted. This device is comparable to a heart pacemaker, except it’s for the brain, said Dr. Michael Smith, director of Rush University Hospital’s epilepsy center. It sends electrical pulses to help curb seizures.

If a seizure can be predicted, Smith said, the stimulator can be turned on at a higher rate. The stimulator is highly effective if it is triggered in anticipation of a seizure – a feat London and other response dogs have mastered.

“Over 95 percent of the dogs we have placed developed the ability to predict [seizure] onset,” said Jennifer Arnold, founder of Canine Assistants.

London wears a magnet around his neck that can trigger Mitch’s nerve stimulator. When the dog senses Mitch is going to seizure, he “cuddles” his owner, triggering shock waves that prevent or at least minimize the occurrence.

Arnold said she is convinced canines “predict onset through their phenomenal sense of smell – that the human body produces an odor of some sort before a seizure.”

Canine Assistants is undertaking a research project with pharmaceutical company UCB Pharma, with hopes of determining how dogs predict seizures. Arnold said it is her “life’s quest to find the answer … that if we can just determine how the dogs know, we can save a lot of lives.”

Mitch emphasized a dog’s sixth sense, and said he thinks canine intuition plays a large role in preventing owner’s seizures.

“There is a strong bond between the dog and person,” Mitch said. “They sense what’s going on inside the person – they have a feeling of connection with the person.”

Seizure-response dogs also play a key role in preventing masters from injuring themselves during a seizure, Smith said. The canines are trained to gently pull their masters to the ground before or during an episode, something Mitch has experienced with London.

“Seizure dogs literally save peoples’ lives,” Arnold said. “You just don’t realize that people seizure to death. In having the dog, at least you know you’ll be safe. They’ll be right there.”

Each seizure-response dog, which knows about 90 commands following an average of two years of schooling, is trained slightly differently depending on an owner’s needs. Most of them are trained to hit a home-based 9-1-1 switch in case of emergency.

In the 17 years the organization has placed help dogs, there has only been one 9-1-1 false alarm. A service dog hit the switch during a thunderstorm – “apparently he thought it was an emergency,” Arnold said.

If emergencies occur outside the home, bystanders can find instructions inside a service dog’s backpack, such as contact information for someone to call if an individual is confused after a seizure.

Seizure response dogs are predominantly golden retrievers, golden-lab mixes or golden-poodle mixes. These people-oriented breeds, said Arnold, have a natural instinct to use their mouth for all of the tasks that are needed for their owner, like tugging open a drawer.

Since people tend to feel comfortable with these particular canines, the dogs boost their masters’ mental health and lift their spirits by sparking conversations with others in the community, Mitch said.

“I’ve seen several people who’ve had epilepsy who don’t have great morale because they’re relying on other people for their needs,” Mitch said. “Even if they don’t have another friend in the world, they have their service dog health. They’ll always be loyal. They won’t leave your side.”

Although Canine Assistants has placed nearly 1,000 help dogs for individuals with epilepsy and other diseases, and has roughly 120 more in training, the waitlist for a such dogs tops 1,000. In greater Chicago, 13 individuals are waiting for Canine Assistants to provide them with a companion, 11 specifically for seizure-response dogs.

And it’s not first-come, first-serve. Applicants are ranked based on the appropriateness of canine placement and the degree to which it would provide help, Arnold said. The wait time ranges between one and five years.

“Basically, it boils down to not having enough money to expand,” said Arnold, who estimated each service dog costs an average of $20,000, including training.

While UCB Pharma currently sponsors all of Canine Assistants’ seizure response dogs, there are critics.

“Optimally, humans should be relied upon for support … ,” wrote Daphna Nachminovitch, vice president of cruelty investigations for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, “rather than working dogs. It is too common for animals to be exploited and abused.”

Working dogs are often used as a substitute for innovative non-animal programs that intelligently address human needs, Nachminovitch wrote.

But Mitch assures us for London and other service dogs, it’s not all work and no play.

“London can have playtime like other dogs and cats,” Mitch said, adding that after a long day, London prefers to wind down by chasing a soccer ball.

The only tough part for London, Mitch said, is that nobody else can pet him because “he can’t be distracted from doing his job.”

This is one aspect about the man and his best friend that Mitch’s dog-loving fiancé, Heidi, had to get used to. But, as London’s tuxedo has already been purchased for their August wedding, it’s clear, Mitch said, the threesome will mesh just fine.

“To see the transformation in this young man,” his mother said, “this man has changed from someone who didn’t want to be around anyone -- despondent, depressed, isolated -- to someone who is outgoing, lives on his own and is getting married … I’m so happy for my son. He deserves a life.”

Source: http://news.medill.northwestern.edu/chicago/news.aspx?id=86179

Dog Health: How To Help Build & Maintain A Healthy Immune System In Your Dog

An easy way to help boost the immune system is to use a good quality multi-vitamin and mineral supplement daily.

Antioxidants are important to dog health because they help the immune function, by preventing oxidation of chemicals, and may help decrease the risk of infection and possibly cancer. They destroy free radicals which are reactive molecules that damage cells.

Damaged cells leave the body susceptible to cancer, heart disease and other degenerative diseases.

The most common antioxidants are Vitamins A, C and E and they are found in food.

Vitamin A is found in the liver and other tissues. It is most abundant in the fish liver oils. Carotene is found in plant material and dogs can convert carotene to vitamin A with an enzyme that is found in the intestinal walls. Vitamin A makes white blood cells which destroy viruses and harmful bacteria which help regulate the immune system. It helps the skin, mucous membranes, and urinary tract.

Vitamin C is manufactured in the liver and kidneys of dogs and is the most abundant water-soluble antioxidant in the body. Fresh fruits provide Vitamin C.

Vitamin E is in vegetable oils, cereal grains, greens, liver and eggs. It is the most abundant fat-soluble antioxidant in the body. It is very helpful in protecting against oxidation in fatty tissues.

Dog Health Care Insurance

Dogs are really man's best friend and I am sure all dog owners will agree me. The simple wag of its tail and the friendly lick that welcomes you every day can take those strees out after a days work. Taking your pet out for a walk or for a simple game with the frisbee can ensure a healthy workout for you and in the most enjoyable manner possible. The pet gives you silent company on lonely evenings and is more than happy to take a backseat when you are surrounded by your friends and family. The dog never complains if you have forgotten to give it a bath or perhaps you could not take it out for a walk due to some urgent work.

Considering all these facets of a pet it is our duty to ensure our dog health care. Dog health insurance can be one of the best ways to show that we care. The health insurance policies provided by various pet insurance companies cover a wide range of services starting from accidents, serious illnesses and even routine health care for the pets. Dogs of all breeds and ages can benefit and avail the advantages of such dog health insurance policies. It is not only easy on the pocket of the owners but also helps to provide the best care for them as such medical attention becomes easily affordable with the insurance.

As the facilities and technology in the world of dog health care are making major advancements in terms of providing superior treatment to the animals, the cost of such treatments is hitting the roof. Treatments like a hip replacement or kidney transplant which were earlier inconceivable in case of animals are now being provided for animals. Dogs too are prone to certain specific diseases like enlargement of heart, epilepsy, hip dysplasia which can be even be genetic. Also the symptom for these diseases occur in dogs only after a certain period of time and by that time the pet has already become an integral part of our families. Therefore helps the owner to provide the best treatment in such circumstances without feeling the financial pressure of providing the best health care for the dog.

Even on a regular basis them requires close attention to his health in terms of the best food, nutrients and hygiene. Regular check ups include expensive vaccinations, maintenance procedures such as ear and teeth cleaning, deworming, getting rid of unwanted mites and ticks and even minor infections. All these processes form an integral part of the dog's regular check up by the vet. A dog health insurance often covers the necessary processes thereby enabling the owner to provide the best care for his beloved pet. If such care is taken it will ensure a happy and loving association between themand his owner. So it is advisable to check with the other pet owners and companies providing such insurance and acquiring a proper dog health insurance for your precious canine.

Dog Health Care Importance

Health is very important to everyone, and dogs are certainly not an exception to this. Dog health is also a big concern. Healthy dog can help us at all times. To have a healthy dog, a breeder must have enough patience and love to take care of its necessities. All the basic necessities, from the puppy stage until the mature stage must be well observed.

To understand your dog better, you have notice the changes in the behavior of a dog. To note the behavioral changes one has to understand the symptoms of changes in a dog. His health should be given priority and one should take care with proper knowledge. Proper medication will ensure proper health of the dog. A regular veterinary doctor should be in contact to attend to the ailments required.

Dogs do show signs of discomfort. They have some symptoms to indicate that they are not healthy. One symptom is choking; the sound and gesture will be obvious. When a dog cries, trembles or has heavy breathing it is a sign of acute pain in the abdomen. If there is a bad odor from the ear, then it is ear infection or ear mites. Such symptoms should be noticed and medications should be done immediately. A dog’s normal temperature is 101 to 102 degree and the heart beat is 100 to 150 beats per minute. A dog health is comprised of everything from head to toe. It has to be taken care with intense love and affection.

One cannot tame a dog without proper knowledge. Dogs expect every attention from their masters. So the master should take pain to know about dogs, their habits, diets and possible health disorders. Sensing the difference in its health, one should guess its problem and explain it to the doctor and get the right medications.

Dog Health Care : The Amazing Dog

She has only two legs and walks like a human.
Some dogs with this condition could not survive. But in this situation, it was different.
This dog survive the challenges of having only 2 legs. Amazing!




This is a perfect example of the wonders that can be achieve if we take a good dog health care.

Dog Health Care - Helping Keep Dogs Out Of Shelters

While many Americans consider their four-footed friends to be a part of the family, more than 4 million dogs end up in shelters every year. Sadly, nearly half of those canines never find a place to call home. Now it's easier than ever for dog lovers to find a way to help.

Kate Walsh, star of television's "Private Practice" and loyal owner of an adopted dog, partnered with PEDIGREE to launch the PEDIGREE Adoption Drive Foundation, a new nonprofit organization that provides funding to select animal shelters and breed rescues nationwide in order to help dogs find loving homes.

"It breaks my heart to know that there are so many loving dogs in shelters just waiting to find real dog health care," says Walsh. "It's impossible to articulate the happiness that my adopted dog Lucy brings to my life-so I'm excited to be a part of a program that is committed to raising awareness of and funding for these wonderful animals."

It's important to note that adopting a pet is a decision that should not be taken lightly. Caring for a pet is a big responsibility, but most dog lovers will tell you that adding a canine to your family will bring a great deal of joy and happiness. The dog lovers at PEDIGREE created an Adoption Drive to shine the spotlight on the plight of homeless dogs. Here they provide some tips for responsible pet adoption:

• Make sure your home is ready for a dog. Many items in your home can be harmful or even deadly to your dog health, so "doggy-proof" your home in the same way you might for a young child. Remember, the breed of dog you choose might require more space to roam.

• Consider how your pet will fit into your life. In deciding what type of dog you should get, consider what you're looking for in your future pet. Is he going to be a fun playmate for the children or perhaps a silent soul mate for long walks? Visit Dogsrule.com to take the Select-A-Dog Questionnaire to help determine what breed is the best match for your lifestyle.

• Make sure you're financially prepared to own a dog. Remember that toys, training, grooming and medical costs are important factors in your budget as an owner. Look for quality food products that provide lasting nourishment. PEDIGREE is the dog food that gives back. A percentage of each sale is donated to the foundation.

• Learn how to identify your dog from the start. Providing a collar with an ID tag or microchip is one of the first things you should do as a new owner. This adds a level of safety for your pet and provides piece of mind for you.

Dog Health Care Homemade Food

Health is always the major concern for our dogs. And to ensure dog health care, the food that they eat should be a priority. Dog breeds has to follow special diets in order to maintain their muscular strength and form. The easiest solution for this would be homemade health dog food recipes. To make sure they are eating the right food right from your own kitchen.

Here's how you can do it:

1. Recognize the type of food best for your dog. Large dog breeds need much more protein-rich food than other types of breed. This is best suited their bones and muscles. Dogs love tasty beef, pork, liver, and fish. Make sure you stock up with these meats. Simply sauté the meat and your dog will enjoy all the homemade health dog food recipes you prepared.

2. Salt is not advisable on dog health. It is not good on the dog food. Actually natural foods are the best food for our pets . Dog will surely love your choice of homemade health dog food recipes. All you really have to do is to cook it right.

3. Dogs need the vitamins and minerals in vegetables to keep them healthy. Make sure you add enough of them every meal.

There are a lot of dog health food recipes over the internet. Make sure that you pick up the right one to ensure you dog health.

Dog Health: A dog with Narcolepsy

The story of Skeeter, a Poodle with Narcolepsy.

The first time I saw the video, I cannot help but feel pity for the dog. It was one of the strangest medical condition I have ever seen.

A proper dog health care is needed by this dog to overcome this problem.

Dog Health Care - How to Keep Your Dog Safe

Preventable accidents are sadly also a leading cause of early death for many dogs. Dogs, which suffer from car accidents, injuries from, dogfights, and accidental poisonings are unfortunately seen regularly in veterinarian clinics everywhere. While accidents sometimes happen no matter how many precautions we take to ensure dog health care, there are things that you can do to help keep your dog as safe as possible.

Protect Your Dog From Vehicular Accidents And Dog Fights

Never let your dog outside unaccompanied, and try to keep your dog in a fenced in yard. Keep the possibilities of accidental dogfights down by introducing your dog slowly to other dogs, or better yet keep other dogs away from your dog all together. Most dogfights occur when dogs are outside by themselves; be sure that your dog cannot run out of the house or escape from the yard.

If your dog is in an area where there are any vehicles, even golf carts or mopeds, watch your dog closely and always keep your dog on a secure leash and harness.

Dangerous dogfights can also occur when dogs are in a household that has a lot of other dogs. If you own more than one dog, and they continue to fight, then you may need to permanently separate the dogs to keep them from hurting one another.

Train Your Dog To Respond To Your Commands

A big part of keeping your dog safe involves training, which will help your dog to respond to your voice in any type of situation. Professional training classes are often needed to obtain the desired and effective results, and the lessons you and your dog learn in these classes will need to be continually practiced throughout the dog's lifetime.

If one day your dog does run outside without a leash, you can quickly call your dog back to you before he or she gets into an accident; if your dog confronts another dog you may be able to call your dog away before a fight occurs. Training your dog can save your dog's life, and working with your dog will also help you and your dog to develop a stronger bond.

Protect Your Dog From Accidental Poisoning

Every year dogs around the world experience fatal poisoning accidents. Many of these accidents are caused by rodent poisons that are placed around the home or in outside areas where a dog has access to them. A dog may be treated successfully from dog poisonings, but ingesting these products can often lead to permanent organ damage. If you use any poisonous products around your home, make sure that your dog will not be able to reach them at all.

Dog Health Question and Answers

Are you concerned about your pet's health or just have some dog health questions?

The following list of dog health care questions and answers will help you to recognize if your pet is ill. It will also help you to take a better care of your puppy or an adult dog.

Before we proceed to questions and answers, here is something important...

Don't try to make a diagnosis on your own. If you suspect your pet is ill, take him to a veterinarian.

OK, here are the...

5 Dog Health Questions and Answers

1. How can I tell if my puppy is ill?

The most common signs that your pet is ill are a loss or appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss and depression (yes, dogs get that too). If these symptoms don't disappear in two days, contact your dog's veterinarian. In general, you will get to know your dog pretty well and will be able to tell if there is something wrong with him.

2. Is it necessary to brush my dog's teeth?

Surprisingly, and unfortunately, this is not one of the more common dog health questions.
In short, the answer is "yes". According to American Veterinary Dental Society, around 80 percent of dogs show signs of oral disease by the age of three. By cleaning your dog's teeth on a regular basis, you will keep his gums and jaw bones healthy. You will also be able to reduce or even eliminate costly cleanings done under general anesthesia by a vet. Chew toys will also help you keep your pet's teeth healthy.

3. Is it possible to tell by the temperature of my dog's nose if he is ill?

A common dog health question that many owners feel they have an answer for. Unfortunately, the answer they have is wrong. No, you can't tell if your dog is ill by his nose. Dogs have only two body parts though which they sweat. Nose is one of them (paws are another). When the outside temperature is hot and your dog is sweating to cool himself, his nose will feel cool and moist. On the other hand, if a dog does not need to cool himself, his nose will feel dry.

4. How often will I need to vaccinate my dog?

This is one of the most common dog health questions. There are many factors that will influence vaccination schedule and, because each situation is unique, only your veterinarian can answer this question. He or she will talk to you about it during your pet's first visit.

5. How often will I need to take my dog to a vet?

It all depends on your dog health in general. If your dog is in good health, an older dog will usually need to see a vet once a year. For younger puppies, because of vaccinations, vet visits will be more frequent. And, of course, if your dog is ill, he will need to see a vet whether it's time for a regular checkup or not.


For more information on dog health problems, visit www.puppy-training-solutions.com

Dog Health : Pet Dental Health First

This blog is all about our dog health and anything that concerns our pets.

On my first post here is Missy, the cutest little terrier I found. As you can see shes getting ready for her dental repair. In fact by the time you have finished reading this post she already have a brand new smile.

But did you know that, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, more than 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by the time they are 3 years old. This can lead to serious health problems.

Here are some AVMA tips and information on how to keep your pet’s teeth healthy:

• Look for signs of tooth decay and oral disease by inspecting your pet’s teeth regularly. Bad breath, discoloration and tartar are all indications of problems.

• Regular visits to your veterinarian should include a complete checkup of your pet’s teeth and gums. Your veterinarian should clean plaque and tartar off your pet’s teeth if necessary. Tartar is created by the mixture of food debris, saliva and bacteria in the mouth. When it is allowed to build up it can accumulate between teeth and gums, causing tooth loss and resulting in an infection that could enter the bloodstream and spread to the heart or other internal organs.

• Brush your pet’s teeth daily or at least weekly. While most dogs or cats will not immediately accept a dental hygiene regimen, it can be successfully introduced with patience, particularly if you start when the pet is young.

To acclimate your dog health, start slowly using plenty of praise and treats. Begin at a time when your pet is relaxed and massage the outside of their mouth with your finger. Then give them a taste of pet toothpaste — poultry-flavored is popular — and slowly introduce a toothbrush to their teeth. Begin brushing in short intervals, working up to about 30 seconds a side.

Dogs don’t accumulate as much tartar on the outside of their teeth as they do the inside, so focus your dental hygiene attention there.

Feed your dog or cat crunchy food, or at least a mix of hard and soft foods. The abrasive texture of kibble can help keep teeth clean, while soft food can cling to your pet’s teeth and lead to decay. Also consider crunchy treats, which also help clean teeth.

Chew toys for dogs and rope toys that cats can chew are not only immensely entertaining for your pet, but also keep teeth clean and breath smelling fresh.
For more information on pet dental health, visit www.petdental.com.