Males Vs. Females

One of the biggest myths surrounding those tacky brown spots in the yard is that this is a female-dog-only issue. This is not true, and clearly a lie propagated by male chauvinist dogs. Female dogs get a bad rap because they squat and completely empty their bladders in one location, effectively dropping a huge concentrated load of nitrogen in one area, while male dogs tend to spread their urine all over the backyard, in multiple locations. Depending on how and where your male dog urinates, however, he could cause just as much of a lawn-burn problem as a female dog. And he will be less likely to tidy up the place and do the dishes.

It may not be the urine all the time

Scolding your dog about his or her urine stains in the yard each time you see a brown spot is just so unfair. If your dog is well trained to pee in a particular area, there are many factors that might have caused the brown stain. Don't single out that your dog has done some misbehaving.

Super Green Patches Of Grass

There is another misconception about dog urine - they burn grass. How sickening thoughts they are for dog lovers! Actually, as the dogs grown older, their urine becomes more dilute. It also becomes capable of making the grass greener.

Does this happen because you trained your dog to drink too much water or eat his greens? No. This is because as a puppy grows, the urine will often become more dilute due to the high metabolism as your dog grows older.

Even with the older dogs who are in their twilight years, the greening capacity that their urine have on grass remains steady. This may be due to their disease that makes their urine even more dilute. Then, you can boast of your beautiful green lawn!

Just in case that your dog's urine doesn't have the capacity to make your lawn grass become greener, and there are certain spots that has become brown, you might need to have your dog checked by a vet. Remember, only puppies' urine can have that browning effect. The older the dog gets, the greener your grass becomes because the more dilute the urine becomes.

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Written by Billie Johnson using tags: dog health, Home, pet issues, Pets

Having a puppy can be really exciting but also tiresome. You have to pay attention to his diet; you have to play with him and to train him. His health depends very much on you and on the choices you make. Here are some tips worth considering when feeding a puppy (especially if you've never had one before).

First Rule - Don't hurry the weaning process. Puppies need their mother's milk in the first two months. For them, this is the most important source of nutrients. In the first 2 weeks, puppies are completely dependent on their mother, needing milk, protection and warmth. When they are 3-4 weeks old, you can begin the weaning, mixing solid food with milk and hot water. But they are not ready to give up their mother's milk yet. When they are 7-8 weeks old, the puppies should be able to eat dog food.

Healthy food is the key for a long and happy dog life. The main options you have are: kibble, canned, homemade and raw. Kibble and canned are very low on nutrients and they contain large amounts of corn and soy, which are potential allergens for puppies. Homemade is time and energy-consuming, but at least you know what your dog is eating. However, cooking lowers the nutritional value of the food. From my point of view, the raw diet is probably the richest and healthiest. All you have to do is to check the expiration date of the products when buying them (particularly the meat and the eggs). Look for fresh and properly stored food.

Third Rule - Create a feeding schedule. A successful house and crate training depends a lot on this specific rule. Puppies should have around 4 meals when they are really small (2-4 months) and 2 meals after they are 6 months old. I would go for 3 meals, but if you don't have time, 2 will do the job. Remember to feed them at the exact same hours, in the same places so they will learn when it's feeding time.

Other guidelines you should keep in mind regard the fresh water and the treats. Always provide your puppy with fresh water and don't exaggerate with the treats, as they might end up fat or having behavioral problems.

Read more about feeding dogs correctly and puppy feeding!

Written by Zyana Sheen using tags: dog food, dog health, Dogs, feeding dogs correctly, feeding puppies, how to feed dogs, how to feed puppies

Dogs are men's best friends, so when you have a dog allergy it is simply unthinkable. But the fact remains that this happens more often than expected. The symptoms are usually sneezing, runny nose and red eyes. So how can you manage these dog allergies? Here are some pointers you can adapt in this situation.

Determine if the allergy is genuine

This is crucial, because some allergies can be caused by other allergens which may not be dog allergens. This may come from dust, dirt or microorganisms within the area. You should eliminate dust and dirt from your house and observe if the allergy is still there. If it is, then most probably, you got it from your dog.

Bathe your dog regularly

Bathing your dog regularly will not only keep him clean and fresh but will also reduce the dander which is the main cause of allergies. After bathing, you can comb your dog with the appropriate comb. Proper grooming is done by combing the dog's hair and then shampooing every day. You can choose a non-drying shampoo so you could use it daily. Shampooing your dog daily would reduce dog allergies.

Discard items that can capture dander

You have to throw away items like dusters, absorbent pads and the like, because they can easily capture the dander and cause allergies. You can also clean your house daily to get rid of dust, pollutants and other contaminating allergens which can cause dog allergies. You can use a mask if you start cleaning up.

Select low dander producing breeds

Although, there is no such thing as a low dander dog breed, still you can choose your breed wisely. Choose one that would not need lots of attention like an Australian terrier, Maltese, Chinese crested and the like. You may want to choose a half-breed to get the best from two breeds. Your preferences would determine what breed you would finally end up with. These are some pointers that you may want to adapt. Before buying a dog, you should know all pertinent information needed, like the breed, the vaccinations received, what place did it come from and similar data. It is always wise to know your soon-to-be best friend thoroughly. Dog allergies can be minimized and avoided altogether if you have sufficient knowledge. Learn about your dog and you will surely learn how to deal with dog allergies as well.

Get more helpful tips and information on dog allergies today.

Written by Edward Fredo using tags: cure dog allergies, dog allergies, dog allergies cure, dog health, how to treat dog allergies, Pets

There are many ways of keeping your dog healthy and in good shape. In my experience of being a dog owner of more than thirty years I have found that one of the keys to your dog's good health is in the food you give him. Many of the bulk foods available in large pet stores are inadequate in nutritional value and therefore do not make an ideal diet.

Many dog owners I know feed their dogs on the same diet day in day out. I often ask those dog owners, "how would you like to eat the same beans on toast every day"?, and the answers are never encouraging. I think that a lot of people just think that their dog is happy to eat the same food every day, and that may not be so bad if the food they dish up is good quality, but not good if the food is rubbish.

If you make sure your dog has his vaccinations regularly this will help to keep him fit and well. A puppy will need to be inoculated after a few weeks of birth then given a booster injection once a year. Other medication including worming tablets and heartworm tables are some of the other things that you vet will be able to advise you about.

If you dog becomes ill and needs medication and treatment then you should take him to your local vets. Your vet will also be able to advise you on preventative health care as well as routine checkups and medication.

If your dog is of a nervous disposition it is a good idea to get him acquainted with a good vet that understands nervous dogs. It is also a good idea to visit the vet with your dog from time to time even when he is not sick just to get him used to seeing a vet and it will help to prevent your dog from associating the vet with something bad.

Keeping your dog healthy will not only mean less trips to the vets but your dog will live longer and stay as fit and active as possible.

Selecting the best vet for your dog is an important decision to make. Please visit Vets Bristol for more advice about caring for your dog and a recommendation to a premier Vets in Bristol in the UK.. Check here for free reprint license: Tips for Keeping Your Dog Healthy And Fit.

Written by Megan Cattermole using tags: animal care, animals, dog care, dog health, Dogs, family, general, good vets, Home, home and family, Pets, pets and animals, veterinary, vets

If you over feed your pet, you can contribute to serious long term health problems. Dogs are prone to diabetes and heart issues as well as problems with internal organs and connective muscular dysfunction.

If you think your pet might be overweight, there are some things you can do in order to get him back on track to being fit and healthy.

The first thing to do, as you might guess, is to start feeding them less. Reduce it only by a small amount each time, feeding them around 1/10th less every day, so that it's a gradual process and you don't risk underfeeding them.

Secondly, ensure that your pet is getting enough exercise. If you've got a nice big park or an open area where it's ok to let your dog off the lead, try taking a toy to throw for the dog so that they get some extra exercise on your usual run. If you don't have this available, instead simply elongate your usual journey or add an extra trip out for some exercise to your routine every day.

Don't feed your dog too many treats, or give them the remainder of your dinner - you need to feed your dog only food suitable for their diet. Check any treats you to give out against the daily food allowance - it's important to maintain a healthy balance to keep them at their best.

If your pet continually seems to be hungry after finishing his meals and you feed a dry complete diet, it can be an effective idea to add water, this swells the food and helps create a sense of fullness in the dog's stomach. We recommend a ratio of 1 part liquid to 2 parts food.

If your dog tends to gobble his food up too fast, then there are bowls you can buy to encourage him to eat slower - they have a raised centre, so your dog is encouraged to eat around the edges.

Overall, a balance needs to be struck between the amount you feed them and how much exercise they get. Of course, if they eat too much and don't exercise enough then they, like us, would put on weight!

If worst comes to worst and your pet is badly overweight, the most important thing to do is to go and see a vet in order to find a resolution.

The main thing is to make sure that you are feeding your pet great quality food tailored for them. Specially designed puppy food, dry dog food and other diets can help your dog live a long, happy and healthy life.

Written by Jake Stevens using tags: advice, dog health, Dogs, overweight dogs, overweight pets, pet food, Pets

If you own a dog, one of the most annoying habits can be continuous scratching. It can bother you, but the dog will also be in distress. You might be aggravated over the frequent scratching, but your dog is obviously not able to find relief from his condition either. His skin may even get so inflamed it could possibly crack or bleed. When your dog has a continuing itch, you might ask yourself the best way to stop dog scratching so you can actually both have some peace. There are actually several things you'll be able to do to help the problem.

Initially, it might be a little bit hard to figure out the issue the dog is having in order to stop dog scratching. There may very well be one, or several issues. You may want to take your dog to your vet to find out whether he has any kind of medical problems. A continuing itch could possibly be due to mange. In the event your dog has mange, you will certainly have to visit your local vet. The sooner you catch this disease, the much easier it really is to deal with.

The dog might be scratching because of flea infestation. You can then stop dog scratching by getting rid of the fleas. Flea treatment can be as basic as some baths in flea shampoo. You might then want to get your dog a flea collar, or administer other anti-flea products in order to prevent fleas from taking hold again.

Dogs can also get allergies that can cause them to itch all the time. Allergies are broad in range and your dog may very well be allergic to quite a few distinct things. A lot of dogs are allergic to items like specific dog foods, fleas, or things they breathe in. If you suspect allergies in your pet, you can actually get him checked by a specialist. Nevertheless, these types of checks and subsequent remedies could possibly get expensive.

Dry skin is an additional reason that dogs scratch. This might be due to insufficient nutrition, among various other things. In case your dog appears to have dry skin, you can attempt to figure out the problem on your own by switching things around in their diet. Try different dog foods or purchase some supplements to help your pet gain nutrition and ideally stop scratching.

In the event your dog does not appear to have one of these issues, the problem could be psychological. This can be the hardest problem to treat as dogs cannot tell you precisely what's wrong. Dogs can have anxiety problems and there are actually calming methods you can use to help them recover from their problems. If your dog's persistent scratching is annoying you and him, you might wish to try to figure out why the issue is around in the first place. It is often frustrating to eliminate potential causes, but once your dog is itch free, you are going to both be happier.

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Written by Sandy Rutherforde using tags: dog allergies, dog health, dog health problems, dog scratching, Dogs, dry skin in dogs, fleas, Stop dog scratching

Having any type of dog comes with clear obligations. The owner has to be willing to accept the costs of quite a few features of dog care, like grooming, training, exercising, feeding, and also the financial responsibility of health care for your animal. This last issue is actually of special interest to poodle owners, who wind up spending a lot more money on health care for their pets compared to owners of various other dog breeds.

The poodle is susceptible to acquiring several kinds of medical problems, which often can take a number of forms and impact different areas of the dog's body. Since a lot of the problems are complicated, it really is best to have a basic understanding of what sort of medical issues can appear, assisting the dog owner to prevent medical connected poodle problems. The sooner a condition is noticed, the earlier it can be cared for and further complications prevented by a vet, insuring the longer life of your poodle.

Poodles are particularly at risk of issues involving their eyes. These can include entropion, sebaceous adenitis, cataracts, and persistent pupillary membranes. They are additionally at risk of progressive retinal atrophy, which could result in blindness when untreated. Poodles should be checked on a regular basis by a vet to prevent them from acquiring these particular eye conditions.

Distichiasis is one other eye problem to which poodles are vulnerable. It's the term pertaining to the growth of an extra eyelash from the meibomian gland at the side of the dog's eyelid. This is not typically really serious, unless it results in the development of an ectopic cilia, which could lead to corneal ulcers and horrible pain for the dog. It is most effective to have the dog regularly checked out. This can help in preventing these kinds of poodle problems.

Von Willebrand's disease arises from blood disorders in poodles. It arises when proteins existing in platelets of the dog's blood are disturbed and form irregularities, impacting on the blood's ability to clot. It is actually an inherited disorder. This condition is in addition identified in humans but exists in poodles also.

A number of poodles can also be vulnerable to allergies, which are not usually serious, but they are annoying for both your pet as well as the owner. Some are in addition prone to experience epilepsy, a seizure disorder which can be either mild or severe. If the animal's epilepsy is severe, it is often extremely difficult for the owner to tend to the animal, particularly if it's large in size. If a poodle starts to have seizures, it is important to take it to your veterinarian without delay so that the dog can be effectively diagnosed and taken care of.

Patellar luxation and hip dysplasia are a couple of the joint disorders to which poodles are susceptible. While these aren't fatal conditions, they can be quite painful for the dog. If observing any kind of abnormalities in a poodle's stride, have your vet look for these problems. Regular veterinarian trips are essential for the health and well-being of poodles, as well as preventing medical related poodle problems.

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Written by Sandy Rutherforde using tags: dog health, Dogs, hip dysplasia, poodle eye problems, poodle health problems, poodle problems, poodles

One of the most common problems faced by dog owners is their pet's bad breath. Also known as Halitosis, bad dog breath can be very unpleasant and difficult to get rid of. Your first step is to determine the cause in order to effectively solve the problem. Once you've determined the reason for your dog's breath issues, you can identify an appropriate remedy.

Bad breath in dogs can be caused by any number or things including periodontal or gum disease, intestinal or digestive problems, or even a poor diet. Before selecting a remedy, consider a natural solution so as to maintain your pet's health over the long term. Too many medications or the long term use of them can be detrimental to your dog. Having said this, it's recommended that you take your dog to the vet to first determine the exact cause of the problem. And, if it turns our that it's gum disease, you should schedule a teeth cleaning with your vet so that you can more easily maintain his or her oral health at home.

After your visit to the vet to determine that your dog's breath problem isn't because of a serious health issue that requires medical attention, you can safely investigate the natural cures that are available to you. As discussed above, it's always preferable to select an over the counter or home remedy due to the potential side affects of some prescribed medications.

A great way to help your dog's bad breath is with the help of a little lemon juice. You have to make sure the lemon juice you use does not have any sugar added to it as it can cause your dog's teeth permanent damage. Therefore, it might be best to use real lemons. All you need to do is mix a teaspoon or two of the lemon juice into your pet's water dish.

Another natural remedy is to change up your dog's daily menu a bit. Since bad breath most often stems from the mouth - gums, teeth and tongue, it is a good idea to feed your dog a dry dog food. Dry dog food helps dogs keep their teeth clean. Wet dog food can actually get stuck in/on your dog's teeth and make bad breath worse.

The final thing that you can do is brush your dog's teeth. This will do wonders to keep your dog's breath smelling nice. However, some dogs are not very cooperative when it comes to teeth brushing time. If this is the case with your dog, see if your groomer can do it for you on a monthly or bi-monthly basis.

Are you looking to find the best dog bad breath remedies? Then visit Natural Remedies for Dogs where you'll find advice and treatments on many common ailments faced by dogs and their owners.

Written by Beth Collins using tags: animals, dog health, Dogs, health, Home, natural health for pets, pet health

Osteoarthritis is a low grade inflammatory process which can occur in any joint. It is the thickening of the joint capsule with alterations in the synovial fluid. Osteoarthritis is characterized by the progressive loss of articular cartilage. There is an increased density of the sub-chondral bone, and all of these changes will cause a progressive change in joint structure and function.

The cartilage covers the ends of the bones. This acts as a shock absorber and allows the movement of the bones against each other without causing damage by rubbing together. Cartilage withstands an enormous amount of impact and therefore has no supply of blood. All the nourishment comes from the synovial fluid around the joint.

Within a joint capsule the synovial fluid is housed. With disuse this fluid thickens, and so movement is important to keep it liquefied. Osteoarthritis usually comes about secondary to the following:

Osteochondrosis in the dog

Legg Perthes Calve disease in the canine

Joint luxation in the dog

Age, genetics, conformation, obesity

Repeated stress on the dog's joint

Surgical interventions on the dog

Hip or elbow dysplasia in the dog

Articular fractures

Chronic joint instability in the dog

Osteoarthritis is not an "old dog" condition and the process in dogs can start very young in life. A normal load on an abnormal joint can start the process as can an abnormal load on a normal joint. Environmental elements and medical or systemic problems, as well as breed factors can all play a role. Arthritis in dogs can occur at anytime.

There are a number of management options for a dog with osteoarthritis. The following list provides some to be explored:

Hot and cold therapy treatments

NSAID's or steroids

Nutritional supplements for the canine

Exercise management for the canine

Weight loss for the dog

Hydrotherapy for the dog

Physiotherapy for the dog

Acupuncture for the dog

Surgical procedures for the dog

Canine hydrotherapy is one of the best treatments for dogs suffering from osteoarthritis or any other form of arthritis. The hydrotherapy reduces pain and inflammation, increases their range of motion, which in turn has a pump action on the synovial fluid - increasing nutrients in the joint capsule and reducing toxins. The warm water increases blood supply to the surrounding soft tissues, which relieves stiffness and spasms. The dog experiences a greater sense of well-being.

In an osteoarthritis study, dogs with hip OA that were fed 60% of their current calorie intake lost 11 - 18% of their body weight. These identical dogs discovered a profound decrease in hind limb lameness (Impellizeri et al. 2000). They need to be kept lean to prevent or delay the onset of osteoarthritis.

It was found that lifelong exercise did not cause cartilage erosion, osteophytes or meniscal injuries, in another study that was done. Dogs that worked out 4km/day x 5 days/week x 40 weeks had a boost in cartilage thickness, proteoglycan content and indentation stiffness (Newton et al. 1997). Canines need to be exercised regularly on surfaces which reduce joint impact and torsions.

There are many therapeutic modalities available for dogs suffering with osteoarthritis. I encourage you to explore which ones work best with your dog.

Helga Schmitt has been avidly studying and researching dog health, physiotherapy and rehabilitation hands on for the past 20 years. She is a Registered Hydrotherapist, Chartered Herbalist, Holistic Nutritionist, and holds a Certificate in Homeopathy. She endeavors to advise dog owners about healthy choices. Get your free Aging Dog Health Guide and read more on arthritis in dogs at www.health-for-dogs.com.

Written by Helga Schmitt using tags: arthritis in dogs, canine arthritis, canine arthritis treatment, dog arthritis, dog arthritis treatment, dog health, dog health care, dog health problems, dog illness, dog information, dog symptoms, Dogs, dogs with arthritis, older dog

When two canines meet for the first time, they understand each other within moments. Their body language tells each other what to expect from the other animal. If you observe dogs together, you'll notice their interaction follows a uniform code. This is because they essentially "speak" the same language.

Owners who learn to interpret their dogs' body language can protect them, as well as other pets and owners. They can defuse confrontations before they escalate, or prevent them from occurring in the first place. Owners will also form stronger bonds with their canines since they'll be able to better respond to their needs.

The goal of this article is to help you identify important cues from your pet. We'll first highlight important features to watch, and then describe various temperaments. Even though your pet is unable to speak, you'll learn to recognize how he feels, and be able to predict his next moves. This skill alone can help you avert dangerous situations.

Noteworthy Features To Observe

Your canine uses his head and face to express a number of emotions. For example, he might wrinkle his forehead or lean his head to one side when he is confused. He may turn his eyes away from another animal to show submission. He might open his mouth and allow his tongue to hang from one side when he feels content or relaxed.

Your pet also uses his tail to communicate with others. A wagging tail implies he feels happy or excited. He might position it between his legs to show submission.

Posture plays an important role in expressing a canine's intent. If you notice your pet bowing to another animal or person, his bow suggests he wants to play. On the other hand, if his body becomes rigid, he may feel threatened.

As you'll see below, these features will convey all of the information you need in order to understand how your dog is feeling at any given moment. In many cases, they will help you quell confrontations before they can spiral out of control.

Anxiety Or Fear

Dogs can become anxious for many reasons. You'll notice your pet becoming tense, and his ears may be held slightly back. He might begin to lick his lips or whine to express his anxiety. If another animal is making him anxious, he may yawn to let the animal know that he poses no threat. The best response is to move your canine away from whatever is causing him to feel nervous.

If something frightens him, his body may start to shake. If another animal is the trigger for your dog's fear, he will take a defensive posture. This usually includes baring teeth, growling, and even tightening his body in preparation to fight. Here, too, quickly separating your pet from the source of his fear is the best response.

Submission

Canines often show submission when they encounter other animals or people. Typically, they roll onto their backs to expose their stomachs, urinate, or look elsewhere to avoid eye contact. The purpose of these actions is to let the other animal (or person) know that the dog poses no threat. A response from the owner is seldom necessary.

Happiness Or Playfulness

When a canine is happy, he'll start wagging his tail and panting. His step will be light, and he'll interact with others with confidence. When he becomes playful, you'll notice his ears standing erect while he jumps around. A telltale sign of a playful dog is the bow described earlier. Neither a happy or playful pet is likely to fight, but make sure your canine avoids irritating other pets in his zest.

Dominance Or Aggression

A dog that shows dominance toward other animals walks with confidence, and maintains eye contact. There is decidedly less mirth in his step. As long as other pets show deference and submissiveness, confrontations are unlikely. If, however, another animal refuses to submit, a dominant canine may be motivated to fight.

When a canine becomes aggressive, his body will be tense and his teeth will be bared. You will notice his ears are peeled back against his head, and his nose will likely be wrinkled, especially if he is snapping his jaws.

A dog's body language is filled with important cues that reveal his feelings and intent. Learn to recognize your pet's cues to respond in a way that minimizes the likelihood of injury.

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Written by William Renfroe using tags: dog behavior, dog health, Dogs, Pets