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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Why Your Senior Dog May Need More - Not Less - Care Than Your Puppy

As with humans, pets aging can bring about changes in their health and what is required. Taking care of them doesn't dwindle, so continue to have regular check-ups with your vet. Your elderly dog will probably need more care - not less - than your puppy.

Since our dogs can't verbally tell us something is wrong and it's their natural way of communicating, behavioral changes are often a clue that there may be a medical issue. Watch for changes in their appetite, water consumption, urinary/bowel habits, sleep routines, and general demeanor. If your dog suddenly becomes irritable for no reason, it may be because he is in pain, having difficulty seeing, or having a hard time hearing properly, according to Lorie Huston, DVM.

If you see changes, a checkup with the vet wouldn't hurt and is recommended to ensure there isn't anything serious. (Our pets can be good at pain management.) Drastic changes definitely require a visit to determine what needs to be done.

Diet needs to be adjusted as well. A puppy often needs a higher calorie diet as they are more active and growing. The need is for more calories and fats to keep them going. An elderly dog may not need that. Keeping their weight down is important for overall health. Since elderly dogs tend to not be as active, they can pack on the pounds if their intake is the same as when they were young and running amok.

But this can vary depending on what illnesses or diseases they are suffering from. What was good to eat before may not be suitable now, so choose a diet that is appropriate for your dog's age and health needs.

Like diet, your elderly dog's lifestyle - and your own - may need changing as well.

As dogs age, they may not be able to do what they used to. An older dog may have less energy or *arthritis pain, so they will need shorter walks. A dog that is going blind can be trained to follow scent trails using lavender or other pleasing scents. You can also 'baby proof' your home by covering sharp edges, so they don't run into corners of furniture. A deaf dog can be taught sign language, so you can still use your commands, such as sit or stay.

Dogs are very resilient and capable of handling new challenges, especially with your assistance. Reevaluate your dog's lifestyle as they age and account for any changes in their health. Small changes can help them live to their fullest and continue to be your happy, healthy companion.

* The taking of a liquid supplement, Glucosamine can often relieve joint pain caused by Arthritis.

Liquid Gluecosamine for Dogs (Vegetarian)
Can be taken by ALL dogs including those allergic to Shellfish or Beef

Liquid Glucosamine for Small Dogs
Suitable for dogs allergic to Shellfish

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Dog's Separation Anxiety - How to Help Your Dog Overcome This

Dogs with their undulating love and the sparkle in those eyes definitely power your day. But, have you ever come across a situation that your dog suddenly starts behaving in an abnormal way. Among the many stress faced by a furry pal, separation anxiety is one that most dogs incline to show due to the attachment to their human partner. They show up in a way of excessive barking, destructive behavior, aggression, self-mutilation due to extreme attachment to one person.

The crucial factor here for a pet parent to understand is not to mistake medical conditions with stress problems as a treatment for both of them may vary dramatically.

Stress

Dogs that experience extreme anxiety can be danger to the environment. They can even be more dangerous to their own safety as well as for the society. Chemical imbalance, lower immunity and other hormonal changes occur due to stress and anxiety. Medications can help significantly but you cannot totally rely on that. There are other factors too that play a major role in reducing stress and anxiety.

One Pill Not a Solution for All Stress Factors

Behavioral and anxiety medications have evolved largely in the past few years. A single formula can never work alone. Pet parents need to realize this and should look around for a program of behavior modification along with making some changes.

How can you help your dog for this? For various situations, various techniques have to be used.

Tough Love

Some dogs develop serious anxiety problem due to too much attachment to one person. To avoid such a situation, that person maintains a policy of aloofness. When returning home that person should not praise or show any attachment to the pet, especially when the dog is going mad with joy. Give attention, when you find that he is relaxed, this gives him the message that your attention comes once he is settled.

Use of Pheromones

Pheromomes for Dogs

Dogs have natural scent through which a mother dog ensures her offspring that they are secure and can relax and everything is fine. This component has been synthesized and is available in the form of collars, diffusers and sprays. This artificial dog scent helps them to relax and lower anxiety. It is highly effective when used in accordance to behavioral training. Adaptil collar and diffuser spray are the best selections to reduce stress and help your dog to feel safe and secure.

Give a Task

Normally, an idle dog is likely to fall in the trap of behavioral problem. Lot of stress and anxiety occur when your dog has nothing to do. Schedule his whole day with exercise, walk and playtime along with going on a drive with you whenever you have planned. This will not give any room for stress and anxiety to buildup.

Talk to your Vet

If you are finding it difficult to cope with the existing separation anxiety problem in your dog, the ultimate option is to take him to a vet. Your veterinarian would help by giving dog's medication that can help towards improvement. Many times the holistic program is developed for your dog to control anxiety and stress.

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Don't Stress Over Your Dog's Small Fatty Tumors!

Dogs seem to acquire small fatty tumors almost as easily as they find smelly things to chew on or roll in. It seems to be a "dog thing," almost like we find a gray hair when we least expect it.

No dog is immune to lipomas, which is a common small fatty tumor, which by definition are benign and sometimes unsightly. In rare occasions they can cause problems.

What is a lipoma? A lipoma is usually a soft and non-painful mass found right under the skin. A true lipoma is never cancerous, however, there are some malignant variants called liposarcomas and infiltrative lipomas, which are locally invasive. Ninety-nine percent of the time lipomas should not cause an owner any need for worry.

Lipomas can appear anywhere on the dog's body, but usually show up on the abdomen and legs. The tumors can range in size from the less than a quarter of an inch to the size of a baseball. It is said that some if neglected for a long period of time can reach basketball size. Somehow, I find it hard to believe that someone would let that happen to his or her dog.

A dog can have several at a time and lipomas do not favor any particular gender or breed of dog. Middle-aged and senior dogs however, seem more prone to them. Any size or age dog can have them; the tumors are not particular.

Even though they are basically harmless, a trip to the vet is a good idea. Your vet will insert a needle into the tumor to confirm that it is benign and discuss whether or not it should be removed.

Lipomas are removed when a vet thinks they may cause pain or impede a dog's movement. A pain causing lipomas would be one located under the "armpit" area (under the dog's foreleg next to its chest). A lipoma in this area would possibly bother the dog while walking. Others would be recommended for removal if the size was large and in an area where a large incision would be necessary.

Some lipomas are removed for cosmetic reasons, though most vets suggest removal for that reason to be put aside until the dog needs to go under anesthesia for another reason. Putting a dog under anesthesia is always a risky endeavor and should only be done when really necessary.

What can be done as a prevention? There is no possible prevention as some dogs are just prone to having them. The only thing you can do is be on the lookout for any lumps or bumps on your dog and have them checked.

liposarcoma

Apparently, the ones to really keep an eye on are lumps that grow quite rapidly and appear to be firmly fixed to the body. This would be a liposarcoma and should be removed and followed up with some radiation therapy. Without some radiation therapy once removed, could spread through the blood to other areas.

Infiltrative lipomas look like an ordinary lipoma under a microscope, but actually have a root type system that will grow into deeper areas including the muscles. This type of tumor is a challenge to remove because of its so-called root system. Both types of these tumors require radiation treatment and sometimes require amputation of a limb.

Amputation is a bitter pill for most dog owners to swallow, however, as a dog owner you need to realize that your pet will adjust to it quickly and very easily. They are not like us and dwell on the loss of a limb; they just find an easy way to get used to not having it, without any fanfare or tears. A lesson we could all learn from.

Since lipomas are part of our dog's life what can we do? Keep a watchful eye on your dog's body. Frequently use your hands when you are petting your dog to wander over its body checking for lumps and bumps. Talk to your vet and whenever you have your dog in for its checkup have the vet look for signs of lipomas.

You can keep track of the size of the tumor by placing a piece of paper over the lump and trace the size; you can then use this guide to measure future growth.

Lipomas are usually nothing to worry about, but it is wise to see you vet and talk to him/her about what to look for. Your vet can give you some guidelines to follow and when in doubt, take a trip to the vet, just to be certain all is well. Your dog deserves proper care and you will have peace of mind.

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How To Properly Clean Your Dog's Ears

Dog's ears are not something that you look at regularly. However, in addition to your dog needing regular baths, they will also need to have their ears cleaned out on a fairly regular basis. When you clean out their ears on a regular basis, it is going to be easy for you to reduce the chance of them having any type of infection in their ears.

Selection of the proper cleaner is going to be what you have to do first. When you select the cleaner, you will want to make sure it is fairly neutral and not harsh for the ears. However, you will want to make sure you are looking at your dog's needs and make sure the cleaner is going to take care of the issues that your dog is having.

The best source for a cleaner will be from your vet. They sell or can recommend a good safe cleaner.

After the proper cleaner has been selected, you will want to keep it at room temperature. You will then take and spray the cleaner into the dog's ears. This is going to allow you to clean the dog's ears, but it is important for you to keep a paper towel or other type of towel under the dog's ears to ensure that you are not dribbling the water on the floor.

When this is done, you will want to take a wash cloth or something else and try to dab the ears dry. By dabbing it dry you will prevent the dog from getting any type of recurring water in their ears. Cleaning your dog's ears is going to help your dog feel better, and also get the gunk out of their ears.

Most people know they have to give their dogs a bath, however they normally do not realize they have to wash their ears as well. The problem is this is not something people tend to learn about and is not even really talked about. However, by learning how to clean your dog's ears properly, it is going to be easy for you to maintain your dog's ears and know they will be healthy for a longer period of time.

How often should the ears be cleaned? That is a good question and is something you should ask your vet. Some dogs require ear cleaning more often than others.

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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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