How Dog Fleas Affect Dog"s Health

Dogs are, and will always be, Man’s best friend. For centuries, they have provided reliable companionship to people and have proven themselves to be indispensable co-workers in daily living.

That’s why it is only proper that they receive proper treatment and care from their owners. Sick dogs make for sick homes. And one of the worst source of sickness for dogs are fleas. Dog fleas are becoming a very common thing in dogs as well as the remedy Click Here! . Dogs that are not properly groomed and not well taken care of may end up having fleas. Fleas are small insects that can bite like mosquitoes. When they do bite, they will leave red spots on the dog’s hide about 3 millimeters in size.

Dog fleas are one of the most irritating aspects of dog ownership. Dog fleas not only annoy your pet, but can cause a more serious dog health problems. Fleas feed on your dogs blood and can cause skin irritation, allergies, anemia and even death. Fleas also carry tapeworms and diseases such as lyme disease. While dog flea bites are rarely a major health concern for humans, they can turn into one  when they become carriers of epidemics like the bubonic plague. If you can remember, this is the disease associated with the Black Death that plagued Europe during the Middle Ages.

That’s why dog owners should make it a habit to groom their pats regularly. Studies have shown that regular grooming of pets, especially dogs, results in better health and social interaction between animal and owner. Also, when you groom pets, you reduce the chances of fleas and other insects to reside on their skin. You can also gain a better relationship with your dogs as they will see you as caring owners and will reciprocate your actions in return.

If your dog has been infested with fleas, there’s no need to worry. There are many treatment solutions that are readily available Click Here!. One of the most common would be the use of dog shampoos. These mild detergents are specially formulated to contain insecticides that are designed to destroy these parasites without harming your pet. If you feel unsure about the correct treatment for your dog, then a short visit to the veterinarian may be in order. It may be a bit of hassle, but it will be invaluable for your dog’s health.

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia In Dogs: Symptoms and Treatment

Most of us are familiar with the word leukemia and are aware that it is some sort of a cancer that affects people. It is also a fairly well-known fact that leukemia is a serious condition that can be fatal. There are many different types of leukemia, which can affect not just humans, but also …

HERBS AND SPICES FOR YOUR DOG"S HEALTH

Humans have used herbs and spices to add flavour to their food and to treat ailments for thousands of years.So, it should not be surprising that there are many herbs and spices that are good for dogs. Holistic medicine for dogs includes the use of herbs and spices to treat and ameliorate ailments and diseases. 

Herbs and spices can also be added to your dog’s food as part of a healthy diet. One of your dog’s best defenses against ailments and diseases is healthy immune system. A healthy diet supports a healthy immune system. Whole raw foods can be an excellent addition to your dog’s daily diet – fruits and vegetables, fatty fish, eggs, yogurt, herbs and spices. In addition to the health benefits, dogs do like the taste of many herbs and spices. 

Herbs and spices should not be indiscriminately given to dogs. Some herbs and spices are very powerful and can have side affects will others are mild and less likely to cause issues. Before you decide to give a herb or spice to your dog make sure you know its use, side affects, toxicity (if any) and safe dosage. 

My dogs eat the following herbs and spices…Aloe Vera, Basil, Caraway Seeds, Flax Seed, Fennel Seeds, Garlic, Rooibos Tea or Green Tea (decaffeinated), Parsley, Rosemary, Turmeric and Ginger. These herbs are all non-toxic and beneficial for dogs, but like any other food stuff should always be provided in a safe amount. You can refer to the dosage chart at the bottom of this article. While these herbs are non-toxic, they can interfere with conventional western medicines – this is discussed further below. These herbs are safe for pregnant and nursing dogs.

Here is a little information on the benefits of each of these herbs/spices…

Aloe Veracontains amino acids, folate, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, zinc, vitamin A, C and E. It has anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy agents and is an anti-oxidant. 100% pure Aloe Vera juice can also be taken internally to boost the immune system, help reduce the symptoms of allergies and to help the healing of wounds. Aloe Vera gel can be used topically to help wounds heal – 100% Aloe Vera Gel is best. Daily dosages for my dogs are as follows ½ tbs for my 4lb dog, 1tbs for my 8 lb to 25 lb dogs and, 2 tbs for my larger dogs 30 to 70 lbs.

Basil is rich in essential vitamins, minerals, phyto-nutrients, electrolytes and oils that are essential for optimal health. Basil is an anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant. Basil is well known for its multiple disease preventing and health promoting properties. You can use fresh basil or dry basil.

Caraway Seedsare rich in dietary fibre, vital vitamins, and minerals, anti-oxidants (cancer and disease fighting). Caraway seeds are considered a warming herb – meaning they help the body stay warm. Caraway seeds are also good for muscle health (anti-contraction).

Cinnamon (Ceylon Cinnamon) is an anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-septic, warming and soothing, calming, carminative (anti-flatulent). Cinnamon is said to have one of the highest anti-oxidant levels of all food sources. Cinnamon can help remove the alfatoxins present in foods. Cinnamon is also good for keeping teeth clean and fighting bad breath. I use the powder form ( ground cinnamon).

 

Flax Seeds are rich in omega-3 and fatty acids, anti-oxidants, nutrients, minerals and vitamins that are essential for optimal health. Flax seeds also help pass toxins out of the body. There are two types of flax seeds – brown and yellow (golden), both are similar in nutritional value. Daily dosage should be in the range of:
1/2 tsp for tea cup dogs 2 to 4 lbs;
1 tsp for toy dogs 5 to 15 lbs;
1 tbs for small dogs 16 to 25 lbs;
1.5 tbs for medium-small dogs 26 to 39 lbs
2 tbs for medium-large size dogs 40 to 70 lbs
2.5 tbs for large dogs 71 lbs to 90 lbs 
3 tbs for x-large dogs 91+ pounds

Fennel Seeds are rich in dietary fibre, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, rich in vitamins, minerals. They also help protect the body from infection, disease and caner. Fennel seeds are good for the urinary tract. They also help in the absorption of food stuff – thereby helping to keep your dog’s teeth clean and helping with digestion.

Garlic You may have heard that garlic is bad for dogs. Well, garlic has been used for many years by holistic veterinarians. The confusion about whether garlic is good or bad seems to have arisen from confusion with its close cousin, the onion. Both garlic and onion contain thiosulphate, the substance responsible for causing ‘Heinx Factor’ anemia in dogs. However the amount of thiosulphate found in garlic is much lower than in onions, in fact the amount in garlic is barely traceable!  The fear of garlic is a new one – propagated by rumor on the internet and not proven by any facts or study. For an extensive list of foods that dogs should not eat you can click here.

When garlic is ingested in reasonable amounts there are no harmful affects, but there are plenty of beneficial qualities…

• Garlic contains germanium – an anti-cancer agent;


• Garlic helps to regulate blood pressure;


• Helps strengthen the body’s defences against allergies;


• Helps regulate blood sugar levels; 


• Garlic is high in vitamins, minerals and nutrients:


• Calcium, Potassium, Zinc;


• Protein;


• Vitamin A, B, B2, C;


• Garlic is an aid to fighting and treating:




• Diabetes; 


• Liver, heart and kidney disease;




• Garlic is a natural flea repellent and de-wormer.

Please do not add garlic in a mixed form to your dogs diet (i.e. garlic steak spice – this is not pure garlic and can make your dog very ill). When I refer to garlic I am talking about garlic in its pure form – garlic cloves. A safe dosage for garlic is 1 clove/30lbs of body weight per day. I use finely chopped fresh garlic, you can also use dried, ground garlic. You can read more about garlic here.

Ginger is an anti-coagulant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, carminative. Ginger also Ginger helps in the absorption of food stuff – thereby helping to keep your dog’s teeth clean and helping with digestion. Ginger also helps in treating nausea such as motion sickness. Ginger helps boost healthy blood circulation, so it is very helpful for a dog that is prone to vascular damage of the extremities. My Boxer, Robbie has very short fur and is particularly susceptible to vascular damage (i.e. frost bite of the extremities, including ears). In the winter I add about 1 tbs of finely chopped ginger root to his daily salad.  You can also use dry, ground ginger.

Green Teais rich in anti-oxidants and is helpful in fighting some cancers. It is also calming. Make sure you use de-cafinated Green Tea.

Rooibos Tea (Red Bush Tea) is naturally anti-viral, anti-allergenic and a mild anti-anxiety mediator. Rooibos tea is also high in vitamin C, rich in antioxidants (37 to be exact), several minerals and alpha-hydroxy-acid. To give your dog’s immune system a boost you can also add rooibos tea to your dog’s drinking water or food. Rooibos is naturally caffeine free and low in tannin. The USDA has confirmed that rooibos tea is capable of reducing cancer, heart disease and other illness. It is also excellent for dogs with chronic skin allergies. If your dog suffers from anxiety it can help to relax and de-stress your dog. The only caution – if your dog is suffering from iron deficiency do not give him/her rooibos as it slows down the absorption of iron. You can read more about Rooibos Tea here.

I add the juice of one fresh lemon to a freshly steeped pot of green tea or rooibos tea and pour the resulting tea into a large bottle that I store in the refrigerator. Once a day I add the tea to each of my dogs’ meals.

Parsley is high in fiber, rich in anti-oxidants, vitamins and minerals which help fight cancer and enhance the functioning of all organs. It also helps the body pass toxins and fights bad breath. Fresh Parsley is best but you can also use dry parsley.

Rosemary is high in fiber, rich in vitamins, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti fungal, anti-septic, disease preventing and health promoting properties. You can use fresh or dry rosemary. 

Turmeric is high in fiber, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, rich in vitamins and minerals and offers protection against anemia, arthritis, cancer, stroke (cardiovascular health), neuritis, memory disorders. You can use powder (most commonly available), crushed or fresh root. I use the powder form (ground turmeric).

If your dog is overweight you might want to try adding either turmeric or curcumin to his/her daily diet…new research by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed that curcumin helps to speed up metabolism…

Curcumin is the most active curcuminoid found in turmeric, and provides turmeric with:
Its bright yellow colour. Curcumin is well known for its…

• Anti-inflammatory properties;




• beneficial for traumatic from accidents and trauma as it helps lower serum levels which would otherwise cause massive inflammation leading to the shut down of the heart and other organs;


• beneficial in the fight against rheumatoid arthritis.  




• 
  Cancer fighting properties:
  




• Inhibition, and;


• Treatment;




• Cardiovascular health properties, and;


• As mentioned above – metabolism boosting properties.

Like turmeric, curcumin is safe for dogs. If you would like to learn more about the health benefits of Curcumin and Turmeric for you dog you can read this article.

Introducing Herbs to Your Dog’s Diet
My dogs have ever had an allergic reaction to the herbs or spices that I give them, but just like with any other food stuff, some dogs may react to a herb or spice when other dogs will not. I always recommend that if you are going to introduce a new food stuff to your dog, introduce only one new item at a time. Wait a few days before introducing the next new item. Allergic reactions can range from runny eyes and nose, sneezing, itching, swelling, diarrhea or vomiting.

How to Incorporate Herbs and Spices Into Your Dog’s Diet

You can make your own dog food that incorporates herbs and spices. If you would like to try a recipe you can take a look at these Homemade Dog Food Recipes (grain free and wholesome grain options) or these Homemade Dog Treat Recipes that I developed for the health of my dogs. These recipes incorporate many of the herbs and spices noted above.

You can sprinkle the herbs and spices over top of your dog’s food and then drizzle with coconut oil and/or olive or sweet almond oil - I do this with my dogs’ fresh food.


When Should Herbs & Spices Not be Introduced to Your Dog’s Diet

While certain herbs and spices do not create a hazard by themselves they can interfere with the conventional medicines. If your dog is on any of conventional medicines please make sure you consult your veterinarian before you introduce herbs or spices to your dog’s diet. The following provides a list of some of the medicines that some herbs may interfere with…

Anti-inflammatory (i.e. Rimadyl) - please note – turmeric and curcumin will not degrade the effects of glucosamine, chondrotin or MSN, and therefore can be used with turmeric and curcumin

Aspirin
Antibiotics
Cardiac drugs
Central Nervous System drugs
Chemotherapy drugs
Diabetic / Hypoglycemic drugs (i.e. Insulin)
Diuretics (i.e. Furosemide, Diazide)
Hormones (i.e. Thyroxine)
Steroids

To See a More Comprehensive List of Herbs

• That are good for your dog;


• That are dangerous for your dog;


• Many beneficial uses of herbs;

You can read this article. 

Daily Herbal Intake Based on Dog’s Weight
The table below provides a general guideline for herbs/spices based on your dog’s weight. The information provided in the table is an extract from Dr. Kidd’s Guide to Herbal Dogs Care.
 

Dog’s Weight	Sprinkles (on dog’s food once/day)	Teas	Capsules/Tablets	Tinctures
1-10 lbs	a small pinch	less than 1/4 cup, 1-3 times/day	1/2 capsule, 1-3 times/day	1-3 drops, 2-3 times/day
10-20 lbs	a bigger pinch about	1/4 cup, 1-3 times/day	1/2-1 capsule/tablet, 1-3 times/day	3-5 drops, 2-3 times/day
20-50 lbs	2 pinches-1 teaspoon	1/4-1/2 cup, 1-3 times/day	1-2 capsules/tablets, 2-3 times/day	5-10 drops, 2-3 times/day
50-100 lbs 10-	2 pinches-2 teaspoons	1/2-1 cup, 1-3 times/day	1-2 capsules/tablets, 3-4 times/day	20 drops, 2-3 times/day
Over 100 lbs,	up to 1 tablespoon	up to 1 cup 3 times/day	adult human dose	adult human dose

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Related Articles

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Dawg Business: It"s Your Dog"s Health!: Veterinary Highlights: Dogs ...

Veterinary Highlights: Dogs Wanted For A Promising Dog Cancer Study. Owners of dogs with cancerous tumors can enroll their dogs in a University of Missouri study that aims to use the body’s own defenses to fight cancer.

See on dawgbusiness.blogspot.fr

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In the News: Therapy Dogs - Helpers of Society

Photo retrieved from The National Capital Therapy Dogs, used via a Creative Commons license.

In today’s society, individuals with special needs and disabilities find the use of a Therapy Dog to be an essential role in their lives.  These four-footed furry animals help in terms of guidance, comfort and companionship. The links provided below, will give an overview of how these animals provide a source of comfort and assistance for each person’s needs.

New resources that will be added to the ipl2 are noted NEW! All other resources are already listed in the ipl2 collections.

Photo retrieved from mediapoondi.com used via a Creative Commons license.

NEW! Cesar’s Therapy Dogs

http://www.cesar.com/therapydogs/#welcome

This website, acquired by Google, gives users a glimpse of Therapy Dogs and what they have to offer.  Users can read about Cesar dog products commitment to dogs by donating funds to support Therapy Dogs to assist individuals in need.  Additionally, a person can submit their own personal dog therapy story as well.

The Cesar’s Therapy Dogs link above and photo has a video introducing these canine heroes.

Photo provided from Pet Partners, used via a Creative Commons license.

Pet Partners (Find it on ipl2)

http://www.petpartners.org/

This website provides links and resources to find information about Therapy Dogs along with sources on how to apply for a dog.  It also includes, information regarding donations, volunteering and creating memorial tributes.

Photo provided from Therapy Dogs International, used via a Creative Commons license.

NEW! Therapy Dogs International

http://www.tdi-dog.org/Introduction.aspx?Page=Children+Reading+To+Dogs+Video

This is a great resource that displays how Therapy Dogs used to help people with literacy.  These dogs will sit patiently while individuals which range from children o adults read them stories. This website also contains information regarding additional programs such as: hospice, libraries, shelters, nursing homes and home visits. The  Therapy Dogs International link above and photo has a video introducing special dogs.

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NEW! Therapy Dogs, Inc.

http://www.therapydogs.com/

This source discusses the steps to obtaining certification for dogs that are eligible to become therapy dogs. Furthermore, this website also contains information regarding membership, donations and canine requirements of good manner, good health and testing for certification.

We hope that you found this topic of Therapy Dogs interesting.  Again, thank you for visiting the ipl2blog.

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Congestive Heart Failure in Dogs

Dogs are man’s best friend and there is nothing more important than our dog’s health. Today’s topic will cover congestive heart failure. We will learn to know and understand what it is, what it does and how we can prevent such a disease from happening to our dogs.

Congestive heart failures is the final result of a massive heart disease or a genetic malformation of the heart muscle. These conditions can severely lessen the heart’s ability to pump effectively thus, fluid retention in the dog’s body cavities eventually lead to a complete heart failure. Due to the many causes of heart failure, this disease can be seen in dogs of any age or breed but larger breeds are more apt in having this condition as opposed to smaller breeds. Some of the most prone breeds are Dobermans, Boxers, Great Danes, Irish Wolfhounds, Cocker Spaniels and Scottish Deerhounds. There are many things that can cause failure in your dog’s heart. Some are treatable and some are not.

Some common causes of congestive heart failures are:

• Congenital Heart Defects


• Heartworm


• Degeneration of the heart valve


• Cardiomyopathy


• Inflammation and disease of the pericardium


• Arrhythmia

There are two types of congestive heart failure, the left CHF and the right CHF. They have some symptoms that are identical and some that are different but are all dangerous to your dog’s health.

With the left CHF, your dog should have the following symptoms:

• Intolerance to exercise


• Rapid breathing


• Difficulty in breathing


• Coughing


• Fainting

For the Right CHF, your dog should be feeling these symptoms:

• Swollen abdomen due to fluid build up


• Intolerance to exercise


• Rapid breathing


• Difficulty in breathing


• Coughing


• Swelling of the limbs

Congestive heart failure in dogs may be diagnosed by your vet by using a stethoscope to listen to your dog’s heart and lungs. Other testing procedures that may be used are x-rays, echocardiogram, electrocardiogram and measuring blood pressure. Doing these tests will allow the vet to develop a treatment plan. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the dog’s heart problem. Treatment may be done at a dog hospital or at home. When at home, always monitor your dog’s diet and activities. Try to make it stress free for your dog and let him enjoy an activity level where he is comfortable with at his own pace. Do not try to force him. Anything that looks out of the ordinary should be immediately addressed to your vet. Do not try to do things on your own so as to avoid complicating your dog health.

Surviving The Post-Op: After Your Dog"s ACL Surgery

You’re probably all worried, I was too. Let me start with the good news. Based on my experience with Jasmine’s bi-lateral ACL surgeries I truly believe that the post-op recovery is actually going to be much easier for your dog than it will be for you.

Dogs are survivors. They don’t sulk or complain, they take what there is and make the best of it. They have an amazing ability to adapt and make things work. This is probably one of the times when the difference between a dog and a human attitude is the most profound.

The other good news is that from the moment of the surgery your dog is on his way to get well. That’s what I kept telling Jasmine–and more importantly myself–when I was counting the days. You are one day closer to getting your life back. And then two …

Prepare your home

It will make it easier on both you and your dog if you plan ahead and get some things ready before the surgery. Of course if you have a little dog some of the points below won’t apply, because you can simply carry your dog around. However, large breed dogs are more likely to suffer an ACL injury.

After your dog comes home, you will have to restrict his movement. Prepare a comfortable and safe place for your dog, ideally somewhere near you.

He will not be allowed to use stairs. This means he will be restricted to the main floor for some time. Think how you’re going to make this work so your dog is excluded from your life as little as possible. Good spirits are important for physical healing.

We dealt with that by moving all our activity to the main floor, and because our bedrooms are on the second floor, I slept with Jasmine in the kitchen. Clearly you don’t have to go to the same extreme, but whatever you’re going to do, have it figured out before hand.

Slippery surfaces can be a danger to your dog after the surgery. You can assist your dog when walking on them, or you can do what we did–buy some cheap carpets and rugs and cover the entire main floor. Problem solved.

Are there a couple of stairs on the way to his potty place? Again, you can assist your dog by supporting him with a towel (towel-walking) or, if you have the means, you can build a simple ramp. Jasmine didn’t like the idea of towel-walking at all. She would either freeze or move awkwardly backwards – clearly not very helpful when trying to assist her up and down the steps. She did however love her ramp. We also covered it with an outdoor rug to make a safe non-slippery surface.

If getting a ramp, make sure it’s comfortably wide and with a very mild incline for safety (which means it will need to be fairly long as well).

Prepare your dog

If you never tried towel-walking your dog before, you might want to try and see how he responds to it. Place a towel under his belly and support his weight when walking. There are also some cool products designed for this purpose. In any case, I think it’s a good idea to have this figured out before hand also.

Prepare yourself

The post-op is going to be quite similar regardless of which surgery you choose for your dog. It will be a long  journey. Seeing the light at the end of the tunnel is what will help you to get through it.

Prepare yourself for a visual shock. When your dog comes back home, his leg will be shaved, bruised and with a long incision. He might be quite spaced out from the surgery and from the meds. When Jasmine came home, her eyes looked quite bewildered. He will be using the leg very little or not at all.

Do your best to make him comfortable. Plenty of deep sleep is important for the healing process.

Have your vet explain the post-op rehabilitation to you in detail. You will probably get a printed sheet – read it and ask questions until you understand everything you need to do.

Taking care of the incision

Keep an eye on the incision. Make sure it remains dry and clean, do not allow your dog to lick it. This can lead to infections and neither you or your dog need the additional trouble. The incision shouldn’t be bleeding or oozing.

TIP: We found that Preparation H (yes, the hemorrhoid ointment) works wonders in promoting faster deep wound healing. 

The PROM is not a party

Passive Range of Motion exercise (PROM) is an important part of your dog’s post-op program. It is a flexing and stretching exercise that promotes joint health, prevents contraction of the muscles and stimulates blood and lymphatic flow.

However, there is a good chance your dog won’t like it at all. Have your veterinarian show you how to do the exercise properly. I recommend you consider muzzling your dog for the exercise (simple cloth muzzle works fine).

Don’t use force. If the joint is too painful to do the exercise, consult your veterinarian about pain management.

Bringing it home

Safety is the most important part of the post-op period. Do everything you can to prevent any mishaps. One bad slip or one bad jump of the couch can be disastrous.

Follow your dog’s post-op schedule religiously. The better you do with that, the better and faster will your dog recover.

Figure out ways of entertaining your dog during his restricted exercise period. Try some clicker training. Get a lot of yummy chew toys. You can even try some dog companion videos, such as the ones by Stanley Coren.

It will feel like a lifetime. But that too shall pass.

Wishing your dog perfect recovery
Jana

Related articles:
Talk To Me About ACL Injuries
Preventing ACL Injuries In Dogs
ACL Injuries In Dogs: Xena’s Story 
ACL Injury Conservative Management: Sandy’s Story
Don’t Forget the Physical Therapy
ACL Injuries in Dogs: Non-Surgical Alternatives?