Teeth of a rottweiler (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Most pet parents are concerned about the state of their dog’s teeth. Several try to schedule regular visits for their dog at the vet to clean their teeth. However this is a hassle for both the pet and their human.
Keep dog teeth clean with the right food
Animals usually have to be sedated for a professional scale and polish because they do not react well to the noise and the tools that must be used. As a dog becomes older, it is risky to do this. Pet products such as Greenies dog treats help to keep the teeth free of bacteria naturally, and make it less necessary to visit the vet for a professional cleaning.
cute dog on table (Photo credit: epSos.de)
“My dog is sneezing a lot. I don’t have the time or money for an expensive Veterinarian trip, but I want to help my canine companion. Is there some way to stop dog sneezing quickly and safely without breaking the bank?â€
Is this going through your mind lately? Your best friend is sneezing, and he seems to be sneezing more frequently.
At first you thought your pet just caught some dust in his inquisitive nose, but it seems to have morphed into something worse. You love your pet and want nothing more than to heal him quickly and safely, so what are your options?
When your dog is sneezing a lot, as opposed to a few singular sneezes, there is a sign of something more serious. At first, your dog probably just caught some local irritant that got lodged in his nasal passage and got him sneezing.
The problem is that every time your pet sneezes, he makes his nasal passages weaker and raw. In this weakened state, bacterial infection can move in, attack his respiratory system, and leave you with a costly, dangerous infection.
When you long to stop dog sneezing and your dog’s misery, you can trundle up your beloved pet and take off for the vet. However, there are several negatives to remember.
1 – Vets are basically playing a “let’s try this and see if it works†game. Maybe it will, maybe it will not. Then it is back to the vet if it doesn’t.
2 – There is always the possibility of side-effects from the drugs used, and you may have to make subsequent trips. Never mind the costly bills and the frustration for both you and your sneezing dog.
3 – You also have to fight your dog every day you are trying to get him to take his medicine. This isn’t the best case scenario when you are trying to stop dog sneezing.
There is a natural, safe, inexpensive alternative that you can apply in the safety of your home in a few seconds however. Natural homeopathic pet cures use leaves, herbs, plants and substances found naturally occurring to treat all your pet’s maladies.
Homeopathy is the practice of “like curing likeâ€. A small, concentrated amount of a natural illness-causing substance is introduced to your pet’s immune system. Your dog’s inner defenses immediately notice the intruder, and his immune system cranks up, arming him like a Sherman tank.
A wonderful by-product of this all-natural treatment to stop dog sneezing is improved overall health for your pet. No side-effects, ten second application at home, no vets, no shots and fast-acting relief. Natural homeopathic pet remedies are the way to go when you are trying to stop dog sneezing.
Want to learn how a natural homeopathic pet cure can heal your sneezing dog in as little as one week with no shots and no vets? Of course you love your pet and want only the safest, all-natural cures when you have a SNEEZING DOG. So check out http://homeopathicpetremedies.blogspot.com/ for natural, chemical-free cures and remedies for all your pets.
Article Source:Â http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jackie_Union
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Pomeranians are of European origin. these toy dogs have a dense under coat.
tick (Photo credit: John Carleton)
Dog ticks are one of the most unwanted pet parasites, and they can cause a host of health problems for your dog. In this article you will learn what the more common ticks are, the signs of ticks, and common diseases they cause. Most importantly you’ll learn the best ways to treat and prevent ticks on your dog with natural options.
So what exactly is a tick? Well it’s a parasite that feeds on the blood of mammals, being attracted to your dog’s heat, and movement. The ticks are often found in brushy, wooded areas; they attach to your dog walking in the dense vegetation. Most ticks have 4 life stages (egg, larva, nymph, adult), and during the adult stage they can lay up to 6000 eggs. Ticks need a blood feeding to progress to each stage. But they are extremely hardy, and can survive for years until a mammal comes by for them to attach to. The adult female tick feeds for 10 days, falls off, stays inactive in the winter, then lays all the eggs in the spring to continue the cycle.
There are three common species of ticks found in North America. The tick of biggest concern is called the Deer Tick, or Black legged tick, known as Ioxodes Scapularis (in the east) or Ioxodes Pacificus (in the west). This is the tick responsible for carrying and transmitting Lyme disease. It is extremely small, not much larger than the tip of a pencil, making them difficult to find. The Brown dog tick, known as Rhipicephalus sanguine, is far more common and easier to identify.It starts out being small, red-brown in color, but when it has a blood meal and is fully engorged, it is very large, and a gray/green color. The American dog tick, known as (Dermacentor variabilis) or its cousin, Rocky Mountain wood tick, known as (Dermacentor andersoni, are hard shelled, brown, being about .5cm long. They can cause paralysis in dogs known as tick paralysis by releasing a neurotoxin into their hosts.
The most common tick borne diseases in dogs are: lyme disease, canine ehrlichiosis, canine babesiosis, and tick borne paralysis. These diseases take hours to days to be transmitted to your dog, but the current topical insecticides do not always work fast enough to prevent transmission of disease. The signs of serious tick illness vary, but here are the bigger ones to be aware of: weakeness, tiring easily and pale gums suggesting anemia. Flu like symptoms, lameness, joint swelling, fever suggestive of lyme disease. Then there is a rapid progression of neurologic sigs, with turn into paralysis; in this situation your dog is unable to walk, and this is suggestive of tick paralysis.
Tick treatment and prevention is very controversial, primarily as many of the common conventional pharmaceuticals can have serious side effects, such as the tick collar containing an insecticide called amitraz. It can cause lethargy, weakness, disorientation, vomiting, and if ingested, lead to coma and death.
So what do you do to prevent and treat dog ticks naturally? First you’ve got to regularly check for ticks on your dog, especially after walking in the dense grasses, and during the peak times of infestation (in the spring). Carefully look in the cracks and crevices, such as behind your dog’s ears. If you find a tick, you want to remove it immediately. Use tweezers, and grab the tick at the mouth parts where it is attached to your dog. Pull slowly, but firmly straight out, not twisting it, and if some of the skin comes off, that is fine. Clean the area with a disinfectant scrub (such as chlorhexidine or black tea), and dispose of the tick being careful that you don’t touch it.
Shampooing your dog with some of the holistic anti-tick shampoos can eliminate ticks. You need to look for shampoos that contain these ingredients: Neem oil, Eucalyptus and Cedarwood oil. Ticks are extremely resistant to most products, but these essential oils appear to have some effect on preventing their life cycle.
A relatively non-toxic natural substance, has been shown to be effective in the eradication of ticks in dogs is cedarwood oil spray. I encourage you to be cautious in spraying excessive of essential oils on your small dogs. It is best to only lightly mist them; following that use a flea comb to spreading the spray. A cedarwood oil spray that I have had success with tick treatment in dogs is: Triple Sure Natural Flea and Tick Spray made by Natural Wonder Products.
Keeping your grass short, and reducing the amount of dense vegetation around your home is one of the easier, and simple ways to lower your dog’s chances of getting ticks. Ticks prefer tall grasses, and low overhanging bushes while waiting for their next host to feed on. Regularly remove fallen leaves (leaf litter), and create a natural buffer by putting down wood chips between your lawn and the wooded areas to keep ticks away. Lastly consider discourging deer from coming into your yard, as the deer tick is the carrier of lyme disease; motion controlled water sprinklers can be very effective.
Then there are the use of natural topical outside, such as Diatomaceous earth- it consists of the skeletons of microscopic algae. Spread the diatomaceous earth at the edge of your lawn, acting as another natural barrier preventing tick infestation.
Ticks are a rather difficult external parasite to prevent and treat, but there are many things that you as an involved dog owner can do. There are a few very potent conventional tick medications, but concerns of side effects of these has lead many a dog owner to try some of the holistic options. These include common sense environmental ones, such as keeping the dense vegetation down, and maintaining a natural ‘tick’ barrier with wood chips. Lastly there are the specific shampoos, such as Neem oil, along with effective sprays containing cedarwood oil.
Dr Andrew Jones is the author of a Free Ebook, Dog Health Secrets, which gives you over 100 safe, natural and effective at home remedies to solve your dog’s health problems quickly and easily at home. He reveals what Vaccines to AVOID and what to give, The BEST food to feed, plus HOW to save money on veterinary fees. Your FREE DOG HEALTH SECRETS BOOK is at http://www.theinternetpetvet.com.
Article Source:Â http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr_Andrew_Jones,_DVM
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Canine cutaneous lupus erythematosus of the nose / discoid lupus (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Discoid lupus in dogs is an autoimmune condition that results in discoloration of the nose. In rare cases, it can also affect other areas of the skin. Professionals have yet to find a specific cause for this problem, but genetics may play a role due to the fact that certain breeds as more affected than others. Some of these breeds include Siberian Husky, German Shepherd, and Collie.
Symptoms
As you already know, this condition begins as loss of pigment around the nose. As the disease gets worse, your dog may develop scaling of nasal tissue and sores. The nose’s surface may also become smooth instead of having it’s normal cobblestoned texture. These sores aren’t bothersome to some dogs, but others are very bothered by them.
Diagnosis
Discoid lupus in dogs causes symptoms that mimic other diseases. They include ringworm and different types of dermatitis, especially solar dermatitis. In order to diagnose this disease accurately, the veterinarian will have to perform a biopsy of tissue from the affected area.
Treatment
Treatment of this condition will depend on how advanced it is. Mild cases can usually be treated using a strong, topical ointment. Severe cases of discoid lupus have to be treated with corticosteroids. It may also be useful to supplement your dog’s diet with vitamin E. However, you should be aware that any benefits of vitamin E supplementation will take months to take effect.
As mentioned earlier, discoid lupus in dogs causes sores to form on your dog’s nose. Ultraviolet light only makes these sores worse. Therefore, you should try to limit your dog’s exposure to ultraviolet light. This is especially important during the summer months. Applying sunscreen to your dog’s nose will help, but you need to make sure he doesn’t rub it off.
As a responsible owner, you may want to learn about some of the most common dog diseases that can affect your dog. So stop by common-dog-diseases.com today to read all about conditions such as canine kidney disease.
Article Source:Â http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=D_Swain
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Toothbrush, photo taken in Sweden (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
A dog is similar to a human in that their teeth need to be brushed periodically. However, many pet owners do not brush their dog’s teeth as often as they should if at all. Not brushing a dog’s teeth can lead to serious health problems. There is a right way and a wrong way to brush a puppy’s teeth. Here is how to brush your puppy’s teeth so they will look forward to it every time.
Why Do I Need to Brush My Puppy’s Teeth?
When dogs eat they get food particles stuck in between their teeth and along their gum line, just like humans. Dog’s are susceptible to many of the same improper mouth hygiene problems as humans. Their teeth need to be brushed regularly or else there will be a build of plaque which can lead to gingivitis, cavities and other teeth problems. Dogs can get tooth aches and even lose teeth prematurely if they are not properly cared for. A dog that has teeth problems will not eat properly and that will affect its health, disposition and demeanor.
When is the Best Tine to Start Brushing My Puppy’s Teeth?
At about the age of eight weeks is a perfect time to start brushing a dog’s teeth. The earlier in life you can start the better so a healthy habit is established. It will be much easier to train a dog and get them used to teeth brushing as a puppy than when they get older. However it is something you do not want to rush into. You must start the process slowly so they get used to it and are not afraid.
How to Introduce Teeth Brushing to Your Puppy Properly
Brushing your puppy’s teeth will foreign to them at first. But if you introduce it the right way, you should have no problems.
First you need to get the right tooth paste. You absolutely need to use toothpaste that is made for dogs. Many of these have meat flavors that dogs love and work very well for cleaning teeth. Under no circumstance should you ever brush a dog’s teeth with human tooth paste. It can damage their teeth and most dogs will resist the minty flavor of human tooth paste.
Start my putting a small amount of dog toothpaste on your finger. Let your puppy smell and lick the toothpaste. Sometimes you may have to experiment to make sure they like the flavor. Once you have found one they like, you are on your way.
For a couple of days just let them smell and lick the paste so they get to remember the flavor. Then begin putting a small dab up to their lips. Do this for a couple of days.
Now you want to put a small amount of the tooth paste in just the front of the puppy’s mouth. If it nips at you make a loud, shrill noise that will tell your dog nipping is not acceptable behavior.
After doing just this for a couple of days now you are ready to put the toothpaste on a finger and touch just the front teeth with it. Let your dog lick it all off and enjoy it. After a day or so of this you are ready to spread the tooth paste on the front and back teeth, just enough so they get the flavor all throughout their mouth.
As you can see this is a slow and gradual process that can take a couple of weeks. But if you are patient and calm and reassuring to your pet it will pay off for you in big ways. If you can brush your own dog’s teeth it will save you lots in veterinarian bills down the road.
Now it will be time to introduce the tooth brush. Make sure you have purchased a tooth brush that is designed for your dog breed. At first, put a small dab of the tooth paste on the brush and let your dog smell and lick it off. Do this for a couple of days.
After your pet has become familiar with the tooth brush you are ready to use it. For the first few days only brush the front teeth. The first few times make it quick (5-10 seconds). Gradually increase the time you have the tooth brush in the mouth. Maybe one day just brush the back teeth and the next time brush just the front, mix it up.
You do not want to brush anymore than a minute at a time or else your puppy will not look forward to the event.
How Often Should I Brush My Puppy’s Teeth?
The correct answer is as often as you can. You should brush your puppy’s teeth daily if possible. If that is not possible it should be done no less than twice per week for the best hygiene care.
Be sure to change their tooth brush often, as soon as it looks like it is getting rough or worn down.
Finally, the health and well being of our new puppy should be a top concern. Puppies get sick, contract illness and become injured just like people. Their care can be expensive, unless you have pet insurance.
People that have pet insurance tend to take better care of their animals because they know the cost for proper health care is a covered expense. If you want the best for your new puppy you can learn more by going here to Discount Pet Insurance. Also, you may want to take a look here at Lifetime Pet Insurance.
Article Source:Â http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_S_Myers
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Feline viral rhinotracheitis infection (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Feline conjunctivitis is a cat eye infection is characterized by an inflamed pink membrane that lines the inner eyelid and the white part of the eye. Oftentimes conjunctivitis occurs only in one eye rather than both. In this article you’ll learn how to recognize and treat cat eye infections without costly prescriptions or antibiotics.
If your cat or kitten has conjunctivitis it is an eye infection that can occur intermittently for a few months to several years. It may or may not occur in conjunction with other eye problems. Sometimes feline conjunctivitis also presents with a cornea erosion or ulcer; corneal inflammation, called Keratitis; or intraocular inflammation, called uveitis. These other cat eye infections are often instigated by Feline Herpesvirus-1.
A conjunctivitis cat eye infection is most often caused by Feline Herpesvirus-1, Feline Chlamydia or Feline Mycoplasma. One, two or all three of these organisms probably caused your cat’s eye problem.
What are the Signs of Cat Eye Infections?
1. Occasional or continual squinting – your kitty looks sort of like Popeye. If her squinting is severe, it may indicate a corneal ulcer or erosion.
2. Watery or mucous-like discharge that’s clear, yellow, gray, or a rusty dark red color that resembles blood – but it’s not blood.
3. The pink membrane lining, or conjunctiva, that surrounds her eye is red and possibly swollen.
4. The cornea, the clear dome over her eye, may be cloudy; this can signify a cat eye infection involving a corneal ulcer or erosion.
5. The iris, the colored part of her eye, may appear duller than usual or be an entirely different color; this can signal an infection involving uveitis.
6. One, several or all of these cat eye infection signs may be present. They may be present in one or both eyes.
7. Sometimes infections are accompanied by frequent sneezing and possibly an upper respiratory tract infection.
How Do Veterinarians Treat Cat Eye Infections?
Cat eye infections caused by Feline Chlamydia and Feline Mycoplasma can be treated with topical antibiotics. Feline Mycoplasma-induced infections respond very well. But Feline Chlamydia cat eye infections may recur. Sometimes topical antiviral medicines may also be prescribed.
FHV-1 cat eye infections are stubborn little boogers to treat. They don’t respond at all to topical antibiotics.
Nearly every cat in the world has FHV-1; they are exposed to the virus when they’re kittens. This virus lies dormant in a cat’s body for its entire life; it can flare up to cause a cat eye infection at any time. The deciding factor in whether FHV-1 flares up is stress. Although your cat isn’t a briefcase-toting stock broker on Wall Street, she can still experience stress! Stress suppresses the immune system.
Some kitties may never experience an infection. Other kitties may go for years between each cat eye infection, and yet other kitties may experience frequent flare-ups. Without proper treatment, your kitty would experience long-term discomfort and pain.
FHV-1 conjunctivitis and keratitis that cause infections cannot be cured-but they can be controlled.
How to Control Cat Eye Infections
Holistic vets and cat owners are finding great success in using homeopathic remedies made of natural substances. These eye tonics are a combination of burdock, rosemary, meadowsweet and Chelidonium majus. Feline conjunctivitis is often the result of a weakened immune system and may occur along side other illnesses such as respiratory infections. Your cat may need some immune boosting supplements to help her body naturally fight off infectious agents – without the side effects of antibiotic therapy.
Find a non-prescription treatment that is proven safe and effective for treating cat eye infections. Kate Rieger is partnered with the Kentucky SNIP clinic where they provide affordable, natural alternatives for treating your pet. Visit Kate’s site today to find more options for treating your best 4-legged friend naturally at http://www.Coolest-Cat-Care.com/CatEyeCareDeals
Article Source:Â http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kate_Rieger
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