Archive for September, 2008

Know About Bichon Frise Health Problems

September 30th, 2008 | Category: Pets

Bichon Frise is a typically healthy dog that may live sixteen years or even longer. This cute looking living fur ball still experiences some common health problems. We are now going to focus on few specific Bichon Frise health problems here, which as a Bichon Frise owner you may find valuable. Although we all know that prevention is always a better strategy, sometimes preventive measures may some inevitable ailments, and you cannot simply avoid the problem.

Allergy and other skin problems, dental issue, gallbladder stones, kidney and bladder infections, ear and eye problems are the common health problems of Bichon Frise. Apart from that, hip problems, cancer, degenerative diseases, heart problems and aging can be serious issues sometimes. If you suspect that your Bichon Frise is suffering from any illness, it is better to call veterinarian as soon as possible. Don’t assume yourself a doctor for your dog since you dog may experience even worse condition.
If you do not recognize the symptoms of common Bichon Frise health problems in your dog right away, you may probably end up with great financial loss and your dog, needless to say, with enormous pain and discomfort. The primary symptoms that you may encounter when your dog is not in good health are excessive chewing, licking or scratching for long periods of time. Similar to many other white dogs, Bichon Frise dogs are subject to skin allergy problems, which may occur due to a wide variety of reasons like chemical exposure, fleas or other allergens and irritants.

Dental care is another common health concern for the Bichon Frise. Health problems of Bichon Frise may arise significantly from this dental disease. Brushing the teeth of the Bichon Frise, on a regular basis, is highly recommended. It is not a good idea to use human toothbrush for cleaning the teeth of the Bichon Frise, you should buy dog toothbrush along with the special toothpaste from a pet shop. Many expert veterinarians suggest that brushing the teeth is the ideal way to keep the excess medical bills for the dog at bay.
It is very important to take care of the teeth of the Bichon Frise all the time, if not it may lead to serious health concerns such as kidney, bladder and liver infections. However, it is not only the teeth problem, but the Bichon Frise may also experience these sorts of problems for some other reasons. Essentially there are two types of stones that occur in a Bichon Frise, one type can be managed by simply altering the diet, while the other may require surgical intervention. In both the cases, observation and care are mandatory in order to minimize the risks for additional Bichon Frise health problems.

Ear and eyes problems are also common for a Bichon Frise. While eye problems may include cataracts, and tear staining, the ear problems come with a bad odor. Additionally, patella problems may also occur in a Bichon Frise as a result of no or minimum exercise or carrying too much weight or a genetic predisposition, which you can only avoid if you know the family history of the Bichon Frise better. So it is important to consider only reputable and well-known breeders at the time of buying a dog.

Bichon Frise care involves a thorough understanding of different health issues pertaining to this cute and loving small dog breed. Understanding the common health problems of this breed will help you to know when to seek emergency care for your Bichon Frise.

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Find A Used Dog Kennel To Keep Spot Safe And Sound

September 30th, 2008 | Category: Pets

If your new puppy is truly your best friend, then you want him or her to be safe, happy, and healthy. Finding and setting up a used dog kennel in your yard is a great way to provide a warm and happy home for your pet without emptying your wallet.

There are a variety of dog kennel setups available, ranging from a few hundred to thousands of dollars, but there also are a ton of places to find a used dog kennel to get the same great results and quality without spending too much money.

First, when searching for a used dog kennel and housebreaking dogs, the Internet offers hundreds of sites, from online auctions to small, local and large, chain retailing stores that offer used equipment and do-it-yourself kits to set up a used dog kennel in your yard. Most used dog kennels are simple and easy to install, offering the protection and containment you’d get from a brand new kennel. Several pet owners have seen their dogs grow too large for their homes, and offer their used dog kennel online at popular auction sites.

When selecting a dog kennel, make sure to keep a few things in mind. The size of your dog, the amount of time you plan to keep him or her in the kennel, the amount of space you would like them to have, and the type of dog kennel you are looking to purchase and install are all key factors.

If you’d like a larger dog kennel, with all the fixings of home, you may be required to secure zoning permits and undertake some simple site preparation prior to setting the used dog kennel up in your yard.

Some dog kennels require you lay a simple concrete foundation, and, with any kennel, you will want to make sure you have a dog house and cover so your dog can get out from under the inclement weather. Have a nice place for your dog to sleep and enjoy his or her home year-round.

A Modular Used Dog Kennel is a Popular Option

One of the most popular forms of kennels today is the modular type, which comes in easy-to-install separate pieces of varying lengths depending on the size of the kennel you want to avoid dog teeth problems. Modular used dog kennels are inexpensive, yet still provide the basic kennel components that have made dog kennels an increasingly popular option for dog owners.

Modular used dog kennels can be set up in a variety of shapes, so you are not limited to the traditional square, and they also come in a variety of sizes. So theses kennels can provide a safe and happy home for the smallest of Poodles to the largest Great Dane!

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What Causes Dog Allergy?

September 29th, 2008 | Category: Pets

Many people suffer from the unfortunate experience of a dog allergy.

This is a relatively common condition that can plague any single person, at any given time. Individuals who seek pet ownership of a canine may be devastated to discover that once they acquire the pet they are allergic to it.

Many dog owners may develop an allergy of this nature even after owning a pet dog for a while. Here, you will learn various facts regarding this medical condition. You will learn the causes of this type of allergy.

Causes

There are many different opinions regarding the causes of dog allergies, however, there is one fact that is certain – and that is that these types of allergies are a direct result of an allergen that is generally found in the saliva of a canine.

Furthermore, it has been established that there is a part of the blood in a dog that may also contain an allergen. This is actually a protein that is referred to as “albumin”.

These allergens can be located in many different places. This is especially true when it comes to places that the dogs frequent, and areas near to these areas. For example, parks, sidewalks, streets, lawns, and other areas may offer exposure to these allergens.

Read much more information on dog care.

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Bulldog Breeding For Love Or For Money

September 29th, 2008 | Category: Pets

When people think about Bulldog breeding, generally they think of puppy mills and all of the money that is being made off of these poor little animals. Of course it is not true that everyone who is involved with Bulldog breeding is in it for the wrong reasons as there are people who truly love to breed animals and share their passion with others. In order to make sure that you are not someone who is going to turn his or her yard into a puppy mill, you need to truly consider everything that is involved and really think about why you want to do it.

There is nothing worse then using and abusing animals for your own personal financial gain. Read up on all of the Bulldog information possible so that you are truly prepared for what you are about to get involved in so that you are making any mistakes that you may regret later. There is nothing wrong with looking forward to the money as you should be rewarded for your time and work but make sure that you have other reasons for wanting to do Bulldog breeding.
After you know that you are truly in it for all the right reasons, then you can begin to get ready to start breeding. But Bulldog breeding is not always that easy and there is a lot of information that you need to know about in order to make the most of your time and efforts and to keep the dogs healthy. There is a lot of Bulldog information that can be found in books and in articles online. Make sure that you read up on Bulldog breeding as much as possible so your truly know what to do and what you can expect from it all.

There is nothing worse then being unprepared as it can not only cost you a lot of money and a lot of wasted time, but you can also damage your dog which is not only expensive but heartbreaking as well as this is probably a pet that you love and have cared after for some time now. Make sure that you seek advice when it is needed and do everything by the books and never cut corners. Your final results will show what kind of care and work you put into this adventure.
Even when someone thinks that they know everything there is to know about Bulldog breeding, it is important to remember that you may not have done absolutely everything. Something that seems to be forgotten the most is a check up for the adult dogs at the local vet’s office. By sending your dogs in for a routine checkup, you will be able to be forewarned about possible problems that can occur because of the particular breed or the particular dog you are dealing with.

Make sure that you are explaining to the vet what your intentions are for the dogs so that he or she can take an extra close look at certain things. Also, with that information, the vet will know to discuss issues with you that they think are important. Through their training and experience in the field, there may be a lot that he or she knows that you did not read about in the book you picked up.

You must make sure that you are completely knowledgeable in Bulldog care before you step into the Bulldog breeding life. There is a lot of Bulldog information out there just waiting to be read in order to make sure that Bulldog breeding is done properly.

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Dog Yeast Infection Cure - Yeast Infection In Dog Ear!

September 29th, 2008 | Category: Pets

If your dog has a yeast infection, it may be that your dog has a weak immune system and will be vulnerable to problems with yeast. When the immune system is weak, it lessens the good bacteria and yeast changes to a full blown yeast infection in dogs. The odor of yeast is noticeable especially in dogs.

You might think it is wax since it is brown in color and thick and it can go untreated.

Yeast infection targets the ears, feet and anal parts of a dog’s body. Anywhere that is moist will attract yeast. Dogs that have this infection usually have an excess of oil on the skin. The yeast loves this kind of oily skin texture. Extreme itching and irritation is also a product of yeast infection in dogs. Learn more at Yeast Infection Canine.

If your dog has an infection, be sure that you have to do things such as always keeping your dog clean. If the dog is outdoors in the rain or snow, make sure you bring him or her inside and thoroughly dry them especially in between the toes and behind the ears. The dog’s bedding should also be kept dry.

Poor diet and a weak immune system is a serious cause for dogs yeast infection.

Start feeding your dog premium food or a raw diet. Use food that has allergy blend if your dog is allergic to anything including yeast infection.

Use shampoo with less grease when bathing your dog. Yeast thrives on moisture. Antibiotics will only worsen the yeast infection and cause recurring yeast infection. Using natural baby wipes on your dog each day can help. If you can find one that has aloe as part of the ingredient, that would be helpful. You can also try enzyme supplements along with the premium diet.

Here is a homeopathic yeast infection remedy to try:
Use rubbing alcohol – about four ounces and mix it with two tablespoon of boric acid and a tablespoon of glycerine. You can put this in a dropper and administer two drops in each of your dog’s ear. Use this weekly until the dog ear yeast infection clears up.

Learn about how to cure dog yeast infection here at Yeast Infection Canine.

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Different Allergies Of Bichon Frise

September 29th, 2008 | Category: Pets

If you have a Bichon Frise, you certainly know how adorable this creature is, especially when it moves around you like a soft white fur ball. You share so many things with your dog. However, not all shared things are good for your dog such as Bichon Frise allergies. There are a wide variety of factors like food, environmental pollutants, household chemicals and irritants that can cause allergies in the Bichon Frise. It is the veterinarian who is able to diagnose the allergies.

The sensitive skin of the Bichon Frise makes them highly vulnerable towards allergies. If these dogs are badly affected by fleas, they lack their liveliness and oomph. You can certainly prevent fleas by ensuring thorough bathing at least twice in a month. The dog needs to be groomed properly on a regular basis. Regular bathing and grooming are effective preventive measures in order to avoid getting fleas in their body.
If you find your dog scratching too much, you can assume this as a significant sign of Bichon Frise allergies. It also signifies that the dog has developed the allergy as a result of the chemical compounds available in the shampoo or they may have got infected with fleas or other pests residing within their hair. This is the reason why veterinarians always suggest the owners to brush their Bichon Frise regularly. But when they have already started itching, excessive brushing may damage their skin condition.

In the majority of the cases, veterinarians will suggest you the ways following which you can treat Bichon Frise allergies without intervening excessive medications. It may be as simple as changing the regular shampoo to a medicated one, as suggested by the veterinarian. However, not all the pet owners are really sensitive, since they always look for faster solution. In that case, veterinarians put the dog onto a steroid medication for resolving the issue quickest possible way.
Truly, the need for steroid medications to treat Bichon Frise allergies may turn to be indispensable sometimes under certain circumstances, but the long-term and continuous usage of these medications without the appropriate supervision of veterinarians may cause a wide variety of diseases including Cushing’s syndrome. Cortical imbalance is largely responsible for this condition since the cortical release is highly dependent on steroid interventions. So, you must think twice before administering steroid medications as a quick fix.

There are other methods of treatment for Bichon Frise allergies that bring about fewer, or at least less severe, side effects. Sometimes a change in location can help with certain plant allergies or weather related irritants. For example, a plant allergen that is indigenous to a specific location may be avoided by simply moving to a place where the particular plant does not grow. Even when you know what the allergen is, treatment may still require some experimentation. Your patience and understanding, a good veterinarian and well planned out treatment plan can give your pet a normal healthy life.

In order to maintain a good health of the dog, proper level of Bichon Frise care needs to be maintained. If you would like to know how to choose a vet for your Bichon Frise, this article can teach you the basic information about Bichon Frise allergies.

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Tips For Maintaining Proper Shar Pei Health

September 28th, 2008 | Category: Pets

Shar Pei’s have a personality that is all their own just the same as they have health problems all their own. A Shar Pei faces several health problems due to the wrinkles in their skin such as ear infections, skin problems and eye problems. The best way to avoid health problems with your Shar Pei is to keep your regular appointments with a veterinarian.

It is a good idea to purchase an ear wash from your veterinarian and use it at least once a week. An ear wash will help to loosen the wax inside and further down the ear canal. You should also place a special salve in the ears at least once a month in order to prevent any ear infections. If you notice any signs of an ear infection it is important to get your dog to a veterinarian right away. The key to keeping your dog healthy is getting medical attention for conditions such as ear infections as soon as possible.
When your Shar Pei begins pawing at their eyes you know they have eye problems. The Shar Pei can have problems with the lids rolling in because of the wrinkles in their skin. Sometimes just the top or bottom lids are affected but in some cases both the lids can be affected. As soon as possible you want to correct this Shar Pei health problem with an operation otherwise your Shar Pei can eventually go blind. For your dog it feels the same as having an eyelash stuck in your eye and you know how painful that can be.

Skin conditions are the most common Shar Pei health problems. Your dog is actually rare compared to other Shar Pei’s if they don’t have skin problems. Occasionally too much bathing can results in skin problems. It is important that you rinse your Shar Pei very well after you bathe them. You can use human Benedryl in order to help with the itching and it won’t harm the dog.
Checking between the paws from time to time is another important part of the Shar Pei health check. Shar Pei can sometimes get sore paws and you will know this when it happens because your dog will start to constantly lick their paws. Your veterinarian can recommend an antibiotic salve, that won’t harm your dog in case they lick it. The antibiotic will also help to get rid of the soreness between their paws.

Despite the many Shar Pei health problems the breed makes an excellent pet. There is less change of having your Shar Pei develop breed specific health problems if you get them from a reputable breeder. On the other hand, your Shar Pei could have health problems if you get them from a puppy mill or an unknown source. Before taking a Shar Pei into your household it is important to carefully consider the puppy and the person you are getting your dog from. You should talk with your veterinarian about any concerns you have regarding your Shar Pei health since they are trained to handle breed specific problems.

The most important part of keeping your dog healthy is Shar Pei care. Finding the best Shar Pei diet is another part of caring for your dog.

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The Importance Of An Insulated Dog House

September 28th, 2008 | Category: Pets

The majority of people prefer to have their new puppy live with them inside their homes, and derive great comfort from having their dogs sitting besides them at all times. However, there are people who in spite of loving their pets very much, still do not like to have them roam freely in the house. Dog houses would be constructed outside the house for this purpose.

What Are the Main Factors That One Should Keep in Mind for an Ideal Dog House

Just like the house of a human being, the house for a dog should instill a sense of comfort and safety. There are a few critical factors without which this is not possible like buying a dog. Let us look at what makes the house of a dog feel good.

* Plan the dog house to accommodate the full height of an adult dog. The dog would need about one third a height above his full height as the ideal size. In order to work out the ideal size for the house of your dog, you will need to measure it (or find out how much he would grow into) when it stands up and also when he lies down. Then, to that measurement, you should add one-third of the measurement all around the dog. Also keep in mind that the kennel house opening should be visible to the dog both when standing and when lying down. Make sure the entrance is big enough for the dog to enter his home without any effort.
* The insulation of the dog house plays a major role in the comfort of the dog. Many times, the dog would face bad weather, such a chilled winds and/or rain, which will require it to generate heat. An insulated dog house would be able to keep the cold out and warmth inside during such times. The role of an insulated dog house will be similar when the heat is bad, as well. In this case, the insulated dog house would act opposite – it would be cool inside and keep the heat outside.
* It is not enough to have an insulated dog house; the house should also be water proof and capable of evaporating inner humidity fast enough to discourage mildew formation inside. For this purpose many people prefer to give the dog an inner sanctum the entrance of which is not exactly aligned with the outside entrance. In this way the dog can ‘hide’ from the bad weather in its ‘bedroom’. This would enhance the capacity of the insulated dog house to protect and comfort the animal in both cold and warm weather.

Besides the point listed above, it would be good if the house is constructed on some type of stilts which will allow air to circulate underneath the house as well to avoid dog diseases. In this way your pet would be protected from unwanted pests and have the home always dry and safe.

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A Few Facts About The Boxer: Essential Dog Help

September 28th, 2008 | Category: Pets

Boxers are a superb all around breed. They are a distinguished canine and the coolest, most lovable dog out there! Okay, as a long time owner of Boxer dogs perhaps I’m a little biased.

It is a medium-built and strong breed that is so named because of its habit of standing on the hind legs to begin a fight and boxing with the front paws.

By their nature, Boxers are working dogs. Throughout history they have been used as:

- hunting dog
- police dog
- seeing-eye dog for the blind
- guard dog
- circus dog
- courier dog on the battlefields during World War I and World War II
- Fighting dog in the once popular sport of dog fighting.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) categorizes dogs into 7 groups:
• herding
• hound
• non-sporting
• sporting
• terrier
• toy
• working

And the largest breed registered in the working dog category is the Boxer.

No doubt the Boxer breed makes for great utility dog but the greatest advantage to owning one is that a Boxer can be your most outstanding companion on four legs.

Devoted and delighted owners of Boxers have come up with a long list of attributes and traits of their favorite pet. These include:

• Alertness
• Boisterous
• Boundless energy
• Brave
• Canine clown
• Courageous
• Devil dog
• Devoted
• Dignified
• Exuberance
• Family dog
• Fearless
• Friendly
• Hearing dog
• Highly trainable
• Intelligent
• Intuitive
• Keen judge of character
• Loving
• Loyal
• Patient with children
• People dog
• Poor swimmer
• Playful
• Quick learner
• Self-assured
• Smart
• Soulful
• Spirited
• Stoical
• Vigilant
• Working dog
• Wonderful pet

The histiry of the Boxer could be traced back to feudal Germany, where it was a small hunting dog that could strongly cling onto a boar, bull, or bear till the master arrived. It was also used as a utility dog for peasants and shop owners, and even a performing dog in circus.

The Boxer as we recognize it today is a bigger breed – a mixture of the German Boxer with a taller, more elegant English import. The era of this modern Boxer began in the 1880s and became really popular in the US in the late 1930s-1940s.

Within the canine world, the Boxer is a medium-sized dog standing at 21 to 25 inches at the shoulder for a full-grown female, and weighs some 50 to 65 pounds. The male can be taller and approx. 15 pounds heavier.

It has a striking good look with chiseled head, square jaw and muscular body that make for a very handsome silhouette.
The ears are cropped and erect that enhance its hearing – the Boxer’s most developed sense. It is always alert and vigilant, a natural guard dog.

The shortened muzzle makes hot and humid weather uncomfortable for the Boxer.

The coat is short, hard and smooth, and possesses a natural sheen that can be enhanced with rubdowns with a chamois cloth (especially after a bath).

The short coat does not protect him well from extreme elements of the weather. Thus a Boxer should definitely not be kept outdoors. It is a definitely a housedog, sensitive to extremes of temperature and does not like the draft

Every dog, no matter the breed should be correctly house trained.
crate train dog
Toilet training puppies
house training puppies
These articles are packed with practical tips

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Allergies That Can Affect Your Golden Retriever

September 27th, 2008 | Category: Pets

From the time you got your Golden Retriever, you have loved the golden hair of your dog. But you don’t love it falling all over your car, furniture, foods or clothes, right? And having to ask the veterinarian about the persistent itching and biting problem is not a very uncommon problem for Golden Retriever owners. There may be a wide variety of reasons including infection, parasitical intervention and allergies. Primarily there are four major forms of Golden Retriever allergies. These are flea allergies, atopy, food allergies and contact allergies.

Flea allergies, also referred to as skin inflammation, occurs due to an allergic reaction to flea saliva. If this happens to your dog, the first thing you will notice on his body is a small red papule, which is gradually changed into a crust. The commonly affected areas are lower back, back legs, hind legs, upper thighs and belly areas. Flea allergies is one of the most common forms of skin allergies and when you find your dog is excessively scratching and itching, you can consider this as the primary symptom of Golden Retriever allergies.
When flea allergies occur, the affected areas become hairless. In addition, the areas change color and the skin becomes thickened. As few a couple of bites or less can make a dog react if the skin is sensitive to flea biting. If you can control the flea population, then you can possibly offer effective treatment measures to your dog. Additionally, you have to control flea population in the external environment. There are few advanced methodologies and products that are beneficial in controlling flea infection.

When a dog becomes sensitive to any particular substance in the environment, atopy occurs. The harmful substances are either inhaled or soaked up by the skin of the dog. This is one of the major forms of Golden Retriever allergies, which may affect different body parts including groin, feet, underarm and face. Atopy also affects areas close to ear. Cat dander, fungal spores, weeds, pollen and grasses are the most common factors of atopy. Common interventions may involve antihistamines, antibiotics, cortisone administered either by shampooing or spraying.
Food allergies are another common form of Golden Retriever allergies. The symptoms are quite similar to atopy however the root cause differs significantly. Food allergies occur due to adverse reactions to specific foods like beef, dairy, wheat, soy and few poultry products. Only by changing the entire diet pattern can you identify whether your dog is suffering from a food allergy or not. You need to feed the dog continuously for eight weeks. This is the observation period when you need to observe any possible allergic reactions in the dog.

Contact allergy is another form of Golden Retriever allergies, however, it is not as common. This occurs only when any other form of allergy like atopy affects the dog or a flea reaction causes the area to become hairless and the dog becomes vulnerable towards contact allergies. Paw, underarms and belly are the most affected regions. Chemicals used in carpet cleaning, polishes, grasses, waxes, and pollens may contribute to contact allergies in Golden Retrievers.

Owner must be aware of proper Golden Retriever care so that the dog can grow with optimum health. If you would like to know how to choose a vet for your Golden Retriever, this article can teach you the basic information about Golden Retriever allergies.

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