Owning a Dog - Tips for First Time Owners

Although a great number of people own dogs, not all of them know how to do so correctly. If you intend to take the responsibility of dog ownership seriously, there are quite a few things you'll need to know. Here are a few useful tips for first time dog owners. 

Home 

It is vital that you provide your canine with a safe environment in which to live. Indoor dogs will be in proximity to all sorts of hazards such as electrical cords and objects that they can choke on. Dog-proof your home to the best of your ability, paying particular attention to chemicals that can cause poisoning like household cleaners, antifreeze, etc. 

You should also be aware of the various species of shrubs and plants that are poisonous to dogs. Having any of those around your home is a disaster waiting to happen. Some of the most poisonous plants include tulips, mistletoe, and lilies. 

Food 

It's obvious that you will need to feed your dog on a daily basis. The quality of the food he eats will have a direct impact on his health, both now and in the future. It's not always necessary or even best to pay for the most expensive brand of dog food. However, it is important to choose a high-quality brand. 

As a general rule of thumb, you don't want to give your dog too many types of human foods. Some of them can upset his digestive system considerably. Foods like grapes and chocolate can even be fatal for dogs, so you'll definitely want to avoid those. 

Exercise 

Your dog needs exercise on a daily basis. Exercise obviously helps prevent obesity. However, it also offers other benefits such as increasing blood circulation, promoting strong bones, and providing mental stimulation. Running and jogging with your dog are two of the most common ways to meet his daily exercise needs. 

If you like to hike, you should consider bringing your dog along. Dogs can also be adept at swimming. Classes designed for canines are also good for providing exercise. 

Grooming 

When owning a dog, you will also need to set aside time for grooming duties. To keep the hair coat in excellent condition, it will need to be brushed on a regular basis. Breeds with longer hair will need to be groomed much more often, especially if you want to keep hair from ending up all over your home. 

In addition to brushing your dog's hair coat, don't forget to brush his teeth daily as well. Canines can develop oral problems like gum disease and infections just like we can when we don't pay attention to our oral health. Buy toothbrushes and toothpaste designed for dogs; don't use one made for humans. 

Pests 

Pests such as fleas and ticks can make your dog quite miserable due to constant itching. However, some pests can also lead to health concerns. Combat fleas and ticks using various methods such as collars, shampoo, powder, and monthly medication. Monthly heartworm medication is also a good idea since heartworm disease can be a fatal disease that's easily prevented. 

Vet 

First time dog owners will need to do research in order to find a quality veterinarian for their pet. Vet appointments should be made on an annual basis to ensure that your dog is in good health. Catching problems as early as possible increases that chances of dealing with them successfully. As dogs get older, it's best that they be seen twice a year. 

Owning a dog is a joyful experience. Keep these tips in mind to help your canine friend will live a long and healthy life.

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Tips For Treating Severe Itching In Dogs

It is not unusual to see dogs scratch behind their ear or neck once in a while. But if you see them doing this frequently and it seems to be happening more often as the day goes by, your canine friend may be suffering from excessive itching.

One of the usual causes of excessive itching or pruritus is dry skin. Dry skin in dogs can be caused by a number of factors including using the wrong shampoo when bathing them, under-grooming, dry climate or excessive forced air heating, and even a poor diet. Allergies, infections, parasites, and eczema can also cause pups to itch and scratch excessively.

To correctly identify the cause of your dog's severe itching, it is best to bring him or her to your vet. However, you can help dogs get relief from this itching by following the useful tips below:

Change your dog's diet. When you start providing better, more nutritious, and well-balanced meals to your dog, you help him or her stay in tip-top condition and this will reduce itching and scratching. If the main cause of your skin's dry skin and itchiness is his or her diet, your vet will likely recommend a hypoallergenic diet for your pet. You can also consider cooking or making food for your dog using organic ingredients instead of feeding him or her commercial dog food since this a healthier and chemical-free option.

Groom your dog properly and regularly. You can reduce minor itching in dogs by using a special dermatological shampoo at each washing or as advised by your vet. Giving your pet an oatmeal bath may also be beneficial for your dog since this can temporarily alleviate itching. However, make sure to rinse all the oatmeal out of the dog's coat when you're finished. There will be instances though when frequent shampooing will not be advised by the veterinarian. This is especially true if the dog's skin is particularly dry. In such instances, the vet will recommend gentle brushing with a medium strength bristle brush to remove debris from the coat. You have to take special care though when brushing your dog to avoid scratching the damaged skin.

Get rid of the parasites. If parasites, such as ticks or fleas, are causing your dog to itch, ask your vet for a suitable and safe parasitic treatment. There are various flea control products and miticides available today, including collars, liquid treatments and injections. Your vet will also have to advise you on whether there are any specific areas on your dog's body that requires some particular type of parasitic treatment.

Hold an ice pack wrapped in a towel against the dog's itchy area to give him or her some temporary relief. Lastly, this tip can help alleviate itching in your dog, but make sure you remove the pack after a few minutes so that you won't injure or damage the pup's skin.

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Tips to Avoid Pet Health Hazards in Fall

Fall is one of the favorite seasons for furry pals due to its crisp air, colorful foliage and sweet aroma of the seasonal plants lingering in the environment. Though the season is welcoming, it has potential health hazards for your furry pals, about which you may not be knowing. It is essential to learn about these dangers and protect your pet from the unconditional situations.

Let us look into some of the major things that you need to take care of in Fall.

Less Hours Of Daylight

Shorter days mean fewer hours of daylight and we have to cut short some of our day activities when visibility is poor. Dog owners have to take their furry pal on walks either during the dusk or dawn. This brings in the added risks of accidents due to low visibility.

During winters, when taking your furry pals on walks in the darkness of early morning or evening, it is crucial to be careful of your pet. Reduced light means it is challenging for drivers to see animals, which may lead to accidents at times. Therefore, it is crucial to keep a close observation on your pooch on a walk and control by having a leash and collar or chest harness. Make him wear reflective collars as well as a tag with a microchip for a safe return in case of missing incident.

Leaves - A Catastrophe to Handle

It's a pleasure to just move around and listen to that rumbling sound coming out of the dried leaves. Dogs love to run about the foliage and have fun time. But the furry animals are not aware of the danger of this debris. These dried leaves are the source of toxicity if your fur pal licks any substance from the ground or their paws.

There may be fleas, ticks as well as bacteria and mold growth on these leaves. And, if your pet ingests any of these micro-organisms, it would be creating dangerous condition including vomiting, diarrhea, sickness or even tapeworm infection.

It is better to remove the foliage and cut short the dried grass in the lawn to keep away those nasty parasites. Moreover, ensure that your pet remains indoors, separate from the yard work.

Plants and Mushrooms

Mushrooms and other toxic plants are seasonal plants of the Fall and they are wildly found during this time. Your furry pal may succumb to toxicity if any of the part - leaves, stem or flower, any of these is ingested by them. Mushrooms are wildly found in yards. Though most of the wild mushrooms are non-toxic, there are a few which are highly toxic, and when ingested cause challenging situations.

Therefore, try to remove any unwanted plants and mushrooms from your yard and avoid your pet from moving around in the yard until you remove it.

Fatality due to Rodenticides

Falling temperatures drive rodents out of their shell in search of shelter for cold into your homes. People mostly use rodenticides to kill these creatures and keep them away from their homes. However, at times your dog or cat are likely to feast on these chemicals, and may encounter grave danger. Rodenticides cause critical conditions like hemorrhages, uncontrolled bleeding, and blood in vomit.

If you suspect that your cat or a dog has ingested rodenticides and find any toxicities, immediately contact your vet or poison emergency center for immediate help.

Before your dog or a cat fall to any of the dangers of the season fall, ensure all the care and take precautions to avoid any unfaithful circumstances.

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What You Need To Know About Lyme Disease In Dogs

Lyme Disease is a zoonotic, bacterial, vector-borne disease of the Borrelia burgdorferi group. It got its name from the towns of Lyme and Old Lyme, Connecticut, because in 1975, numerous cases with similar symptoms suddenly emerged in that region. In 1982, the bacterium was isolated and named. It was also recognized to be transmitted when the bacteria found in the saliva of an infected blood-sucking insect, such as nymph and/or adult deer ticks, fleas, and lice, is injected into a host, while the parasite is feeding.

It causes painful inflammation in one or more of your dog's joints. It can be reoccurring.

Even though the disease has expanded worldwide, in the United States, the Atlantic Coast, Northern Midwestern states and the Pacific Coast are where it is most prevalent.

Some believe the seriousness of the disease can be reduced, or avoided, if the tick is extracted within the first 50 hours of affixing to the host. That's why it is so important to regularly check your dog. Run your hands over their entire body to feel for, and remove ticks before they attach and start feeding.

All dogs could be potential candidates of Lyme Disease. However, young, senior and dogs with suppressed immune systems are more vulnerable.

Additional complications, although not common, are the risks of pulmonary, cardiac, renal, and neurological problems. Kidney failure is rare, but sometimes found in Bernese Mountain Dogs, Labrador Retrievers, and Golden Retrievers, suffering from severe or prolonged cases.

Signs & Symptoms

The sooner there is a diagnosis and it is treated with antibiotics, the greater the likelihood of minimizing or eliminating the debilitating effects of the disease. The longer the symptoms are ignored or are left untreated, the greater the possibility of cardiac, neurological, pulmonary, renal problems.

The most common early signs and symptoms of Lyme Disease in dogs include, fever, breathing difficulties, depression, bulls-eye rash, lack of appetite, fatigue, sensitive to touch, arched back, swollen lymph nodes nearest the site of the bite, painful joints, stiff walking and lameness.

Diagnosis

Your veterinarian will review your dog's medical history, perform a physical, concentrating on the site of the bite, and order a complete blood profile, and urinalysis. They may also suggest x-rays of the infected joints. They may also draw and test fluids from the inflamed joints.

There are a group of tests known as the SNAP Tests. They are accurate, can check for other parasitic problems too. Your veterinarian can perform these tests, in their office, with immediate results.

Treatment

Unless your dog's case is extremely severe, he or she will be treated with antibiotics as an out-patient. Treatment commonly lasts 3-4 weeks. Re-occurrences can happen, so be mindful and continue to monitor your dog.

Prevention

Avoid wooded areas and fields of tall grass, as much as possible.

You can find over-the-counter products, such as collars, spot-on, and topical treatments for repelling and killing ticks.

Although not recommended for all dogs, there are vaccines available to help prevent disease. Speak to your veterinarian, to see if using a vaccine would put your dog at any risk. Two to four weeks after initial vaccination, immunization would be followed up by a booster shot. Many veterinarians recommend annual booster shots, especial for dogs that go regularly go camping, attend sporting events and/or go hunting in fields or wooded areas, known for the possibility of tick infestation.

Manually inspecting your dog following field trips to tick-infested areas is strongly recommended. Preventing, finding, and destroying a tick before it has a chance to infect your dog is always the best option.

Bottom line: By being informed and perceptive, you will do your dog a great service, and spare them unnecessary pain.

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Why Does My Dog Chase Its Tail?

Just about everyone has witnessed a dog chasing his tail. It is always good for a chuckle, and this could be exactly why your dog is doing it. Often chasing his tail is just a humorous little game, but sometimes it could be a sign of something more serious. It is important to understand the underlying reason why your dog may be chasing his tail.

If your dog is very young it is likely he is just going through a temporary phase. Often when puppies discover their tails it is something new that they can play with. This is perfectly normal.

Normally tail chasing will subside as the dog gets older. They may still revert to this behavior from time to time for attention. If they discover that chasing their tail will get you to laugh and pet them they will continue to do it. Again, this is normally harmless unless it becomes a real habit.

Excessive tail chasing could be a sign that your dog is not getting enough exercise or is suffering from boredom. Often if a dog is confined to a small space, or lacks an appropriate level of exercise they could fall back on this behavior.

Other times it can be a sign of an injury, flees, or another cause of discomfort on their tail. If tail chasing is not a usual activity for your dog you should investigate if it suddenly starts happening.

Check the tail area for injury, rashes, or a cause that could lead to your dog trying to catch his tail. If there are no visible signs of the cause you should try to increase your dog's activity level. Incorporate walks in the park and additional play time. If boredom or excessive energy is the culprit this should clear it up. If exercise doesn't work and there are no physical signs of discomfort it may be time to consult your veterinarian.

Tail chasing sounds very harmless, but this sudden change in activity in an older dog can be a warning sign of greater problems. Your dog could be suffering from anxiety or psychological issues.

Often the behavior starts when there is an irritant on the tail. When he catches it in his mouth there is some relief. Later, he could resort to this activity when faced with other threats because catching his tail provided relief in the past. If the activity is not stopped early it could be difficult to prevent in the future.

If your dog suddenly starts chasing his tail, do him a favor and investigate. Hopefully he is just vying for your attention, but in some cases it is a warning sign of a larger problem.

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Taking Your New Puppy For A Vet Check

You just bought a new puppy from a breeder or perhaps you adopted it from a shelter or rescue group. The first thing you should do is make arrangements to take the puppy to your vet for a wellness examination. Most breeders allow a certain number of days to accomplish the wellness exam and you want to make sure that you have a healthy puppy. This is especially true if you are going to bring this puppy around your other pets.

Your vet will be able to make sure that it is free of ticks and fleas while at the same time doing a fecal exam to make sure your new family member is free of internal parasites as well. Treating for internal parasite is easy and it will be nice to know if there is a worm problem so it is not spread to your other dogs.

Of course while you are with your vet he will inspect your dog's eyes and ears to make sure everything looks clear.

I'm sure your vet will mention it, however if he doesn't be sure and ask when you should start giving your dog heartworm medication. Heartworms can be a very serious problem however with a very simple monthly treatment you can avoid the pain and expense of heartworms later on.

If you have any shot records that came with your pup make sure you leave a copy with the vet. He will be able to recommend a vaccination schedule for your new dog and it is very important to follow his recommendation and keep your dog healthy and safe.

This is the time to ask questions. Vets are always happy to giving good useful pointers for raising that new dog so that it stays healthy.

Discussing which dog food is the best for your dog is a common question with new puppy owners. Your vet will have some good information to guide you in the right direction.

Now that you know your puppy is healthy it's time to start looking for a dog trainer that can give you advice on all things relating to raising a puppy to be a confident well behaved adult dog and member of your family.

Most trainers have a short puppy lesson program for puppies that will help with puppy problems and socialization. Later when your dog is 4 months old the trainer will be able to help you with the formal obedience training that will give you the dog you have always wanted.

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Understanding Why Your Dog Is Scratching

Dogs can scratch for a lot of different reasons. They usually scratch because they have a real itch. It can be the result of a flea bite, an allergy, or something that irritates them.

If your dog is itching you should watch him and see if there are other symptoms. If you notice dandruff or a dull, dry coat, he may have dry skin or allergies.

If your dog begins to develop red spots or sores he may have a skin infection. Skin infections can grow larger and some of them can make a dog ill. If you suspect that your dog has a skin infection you should take him to the vet right away for treatment.

When You Should Worry About Scratching

In many cases you can ignore a dog's casual scratching. He may just have a temporary, meaningless itch. However, if your dog has chronic itching and starts to damage his skin, you should pay attention.

If your dog's scratching leads to sores that start to open or if his scratching becomes determined, take him to the vet to find out the cause. A dog may scratch his ears until they are red and inflamed, for example.

Your vet will perform blood tests and other tests such as skin scrapings to find out if there is a serious problem.

How To Stop Excessive Scratching

It's not usually possible to stop all scratching. You should treat any problems that develop because of infection or allergies. This usually requires the help of your vet, as well as testing and medications. If your dog has fleas or other parasites, use the appropriate preventives.

Flea Preventive

After your dog is treated, you should continue to use the correct deterrents or preventives. If your dog has a sore or other place that he continues to try to scratch, you should treat it according to your vet's instructions.

Most dogs will occasionally sit and scratch their neck. This is probably not something to worry about. However, it your dog scratches at his rear or bites on his leg for hours, there is probably a serious problem and you need to see your vet.

In this case the problem could be fleas, an allergy, or even a compulsion to scratch. Or, your dog could be scratching out of boredom. See your vet for help.

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Why Does My Dog Constantly Lick His Paws?

Dogs are some of the most incredible animals on earth, they love humans unconditionally, and will happily obey our wishes to keep us company anytime we need it. However, at times they can be a little excessive at certain things like licking or chewing. If your dog has developed a habit of licking his paws or chewing the insides of his legs until they are raw, sometimes 24 hours a day, then you have a problem that needs to be addressed. Let's look at a couple of the different reasons he may be excessively licking his paws.

One of the first things that you'll want to look for is if your dog seems to have a problem with ticks and fleas. There are certain types of ticks that like the warm dark space between your dogs toes, or paws. If you sit down under some bright light and check between all the toes, you might be surprised at how many ticks can fit in there hidden. Fleas also like the warm dark area of the dogs paws and will be seen scurrying out of the way as soon as the lights hits them. If it turns out that this is the problem, then your dog is easily cured by using some good quality flea and tick spray to kill the offending bugs. His paws may continue to itch for several days afterwards, you'll just need to be understanding and maintain vigilance for the future.

Paw Cleaner

Another possible problem that can happen, is your dog has developed an allergy to something he has walked in, either out in your yard, the garage, or somewhere else. In this case a good and thorough washing of each of the paws is in order, then a dousing in medicated baby powder afterwards. The medicated baby powder will help alleviate the itching, keep the area dry so it doesn't develop a yeast infection, and taste bad if your dog decides to lick it. It is also important to try and track down whatever chemical your dog has walked in that is causing this irritation, because it will definitely return as soon as he walks through it again.

There are other, less likely problems that your dog could be experiencing, including behavioral, so if it turns out that neither of

these two hints has helped, it might be time to take your dog to a vet for a professional opinion. Many times a regular play schedule involving a tennis ball is all that is needed to cure his boredom.

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What's The Best Way To Control Fleas?

Fleas are often the bane (no pun intended) of both dogs and their owners. Mercifully, today we have many excellent ways to control them. If your dog is suffering from fleas there is help. Here's a look at some of the best ways to control fleas.

Once upon a time, fleas were an unavoidable part of living with dogs. If you lived in the South, especially, summertime was all about flea bombs, dog dips and waging a war on fleas. Dogs with flea allergies suffered terribly.

Bayer Advantage II Topical Flea Treatment

Frontline Plus Flea and Tick Control for Dogs

Today's generation of flea control is largely focused on topical applications. These flea preventives include Frontline and Advantage as well as the topicals you can find in any pet store. They are easy to use and usually very effective. To use one of these topical flea preventives you simply squeeze the product on the dog (usually between the shoulder blades) and that's it. Don't bathe the dog for 48-72 hours. The product is absorbed into the skin or hair. The flea control typically kills the fleas that are already on the dog within the next 24 hours and then prevents other fleas from taking up residence on your dog. You usually need to reapply in a few weeks.

Topical flea control products are very good for people who don't have a bad flea infestation and who can afford to wait while the product takes effect. There have been some reports in the last couple of years from people who claim that their dogs have had bad reactions to these products. The FDA is investigating. The problem may be due to misuse of the product. However, different products rely on different chemicals. If your dog has a bad reaction to one product he may be able to use a different product. Always keep the package any product comes in until you see how your dog will react to it. If you have a problem call the company and ask to speak to a veterinarian for help. 

SENTRY Capguard (nitenpyram) Oral Flea Control Medication

If you bring home a dog who has a bad flea infestation you can use a product such as CapStar. This product begins to kill fleas on your dog within 30 minutes.

Program Oral Treatment for Small Dogs

Program is a pill that you can give your dog to break the life cycle of the flea. The flea bites your dog and then becomes unable to reproduce. Program is effective but the drawback is that the flea has to bite your dog in order for it to be

Program Oral Treatment for Large Dogs

effective. Program does work well in conjunction with a good flea spray to kill existing fleas.

All of these products depend on introducing chemicals into your dog's system in order to work. Some people prefer to try to control fleas using natural methods. These methods can be kinder to your dog's system but they are not always effective.

First of all, make sure you keep your house vacuumed regularly and wash your pet's bedding frequently. This will eliminate a lot of fleas immediately. You can put down borax powder in your carpets. Borax dries out flea eggs and prevents them from hatching. You can also spread diatomaceous earth (the garden kind, not the pool kind) in your backyard to dry out the exoskeletons of fleas there. Use it generously.

You can also plant chrysanthemums and marigolds around your house. These flowers are known for keeping fleas away.

Herbal flea collars are still popular though they aren't always effective. Be careful of using them if you are pregnant since they usually contain pennyroyal and other herbs which can cause miscarriages.

Vets Best Natural Flea and Tick Home Spray

Some people like to use a nice, homemade spray on their dogs to control fleas. You can place a sprig of rosemary and lemon peel or citronella oil in a pint of water, let it sit overnight and use it as a flea spray. Your dog probably won't like the scent but it may keep the fleas away if you use it regularly.

Fleas are relentless so whatever method of flea control you use you'll need to keep using it. Check your dog for fleas regularly and if you go to places with other dogs check your dog when you get home. You can use a simple flea comb (found at pet stores) to remove any fleas you see on your pet. This can stop fleas from getting started in your home.

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3 Simple Dog Care Tips From The Pros

Having a pet dog is no easy responsibility. Every dog parent should always be on top of their pet's physical and emotional well-being. The goal is to have a healthy and happy pet which makes both your life and his life better. Taking care of a dog is a continuous learning process - you learn something new from time to time. While each dog owner has their own approach on how they prefer to raise their pets, here are some easy dog care tips from the pros you can consider:

Have your dog checked by the vet regularly

Like us, as dogs grow older, they become more prone to health issues. It could be as simple as a toothache or as serious as a heart problem. The symptoms doesn't always show or it's too late when they do - that's why it's important to bring your pet to the vet regularly to have a general check up. Annual check ups should also cover dental care, health screenings, vaccinations, parasite control as well as recommended vaccinations. According to the Academy of Veterinary Nutrition Technicians president Dr. Kara M. Burns, regular exams are the single most important way to keep pets healthy.

Prevent your dog from getting parasites

K9 Advantix

The most common parasite that can affect your canine's health are fleas. When they're exposed to other dogs who has them, your pet can easily be plagued by the external parasite. Fleas can cause skin irritation, infection, hair loss, hot spots and more. If your pet swallows a flea, other parasites can easily be introduced to his body like a tapeworm. To help prevent both external and internal parasites, make sure that your dog and the environment he moves in are clean. Year-round prevention is ideal by getting regular flea and internal parasite control.

Keep your dog mentally and physically healthy

According to Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center professor and veterinary nutritionist Dr. Tony Buffington, an enriched environment is key to the long-term health and welfare of both canines and felines. A daily walk or run or a regular game of fetch will keep your pet physically active and healthy. Mental stimulation is just as important, so try a game of hide and seek, a toy or a treat hunt and other similar games at home.

Follow these effective dog care tips from the pros to contribute to your pet's health and happiness!

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