10 Foods To Avoid For Your Dog

How would you believe these 10 Foods To Avoid For Your Dog, care to read on or you would rather not be because you don't believe it, because you've already given all there is to give to your dog, and all is well for the moment, you see it is just for the moment that all is well, you will soon realize and by then it could be too late to do anything about it, then you will regret it all, and so sad that you can't even do anything to help. 


This is a short list of foods to avoid for your dog.
They can be harmful to your pet.

Bone

Although we all look at our doggie friends in our minds that eating large bones, the truth of the matter is that the bone can not be destroyed or broken and can cause your dog to choke.

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Bean

Squirrel loves nuts, as well as dogs,
but the nuts can be dangerous for your pet.

Nuts are high in fat and can cause your dog to vomit and diarrhea.

Cigarette / Tobacco

We all know smoking is bad for us, so why should we give our pets nicotine caused him problems.

Nicotene damage through the digestive system of dogs release harmful toxins that may kill him.

Onion

They do look yummy, but if you share this delicious piece with your dog, he will die.

Onion and garlic family of any of the red blood cell damage and anemia.
Raw garlic can actually cause liver damage.

Rotten fruit

Already obvious right?
we just do not want to eat it, why should we give to our pets

Rhubarb leaves

This plant is poisonous leaves oxalate and will cause problems with the nervous system and urinary tract problems.

Raw dough

raw dough could ferment in the stomach and cause alcohol poisoning.

When the dough rises and causes the gas in the digestive system.

Popcorn

Yummy snacks can cause upper airway obstruction.

Eggs

Though we've all heard that raw eggs are good for dogs skin and fur, it's a myth.

Raw eggs contain avidin which is known to reduce the absorption of biotin which may cause problems with skin and fur. Eggs may also contain Salmonella.

Chocolate

Although everyone knows the dangers of chocolate to the dog, it should be stated again.

Just say no to a confection of sugar for your dog.
These methylxanthine alkaloids in chocolate cause serious problems including stroke, choking, and can kill your dog.


Beware!!! Do take seriously about these 10 Foods To Avoid For Your Dog, because the threat is real.

Learning First Aids for Dogs - Basic Steps

Basic Steps for Learning First Aids for Dogs
Taking the time to learn some information on basic first aids for dogs can make a drastic difference in both serious situations which require immediate assistance and less serious but still bothersome or painful occurrences which can take place.

The good news is that armed with even a bit of knowledge will really go a long way, and that anybody can master some basic elements of first aids for dogs to help take care of problems as they arise.

"Dog First Aids Kits"

  

One of the first recommendations when it comes to first aids for dogs is to either buy a dog first aid kit, or to build your own. You should keep it in an easily accessible spot in your home. Additionally if you take your dog with you lots of places, you should keep an additional one in your car because you never know when something unfortunate could arise.

If you're constructing your own kit, there are a few basic items that you can include in it. You want clean bandages, cloths and wrappings, as well as scissors to cut them and fasteners or adhesive tape to keep them tight. You may want to have some tweezers to help remove small objects as well as saline solutions for cleaning wounds and flushing out the eyes (Dog Eye Problems).

Include a blanket for keeping your dog warm and calm, or for transporting small dogs and you should also have a board handy for carrying larger dogs that are injured. Styptic powder can be used to control bleeding and iodine is useful for treating cuts, scrapes and other open wounds. Also, a muzzle can be a helpful accessory to help keep your dog controlled and calm while he is suffering from pain.

"Putting First Aids for Dogs Into Action"

Now you know some of the basics for what should go into a kit so it's time to learn how to take action when it comes time. Remember the action you take can help to prevent pain and further complication and could even save your dog's life depending on the problem. Therefore, it's always best to familiarize yourself with these basic tips and procedures before you ever encounter a problem so that you can spring into action when you're needed.

Treating wounds for dogs is mostly common sense. You want to clean the wound and to stop the bleeding. Apply pressure over the wound with a clean cloth to stop bleeding, or alternatively use the styptic powder or apply a tourniquet over the wound to stop bleeding. Tourniquets can be used for severe blood loss but keep in mind they are a temporary solution and should not be used for more than perhaps 30 minutes as you get your dog to an animal hospital.

  

Less severe wounds and small cuts that you can control yourself can simply be cleaned, treated and bandaged. Make sure your dog does not scratch, lick or gnaw at the wounds or bandages however. Additionally, before treatment you may want to muzzle your pooch because even a calm dog can have unexpected reactions to painful wounds or invasive treatments.

If your dog has something in his eye you can use some saline solution to clean it out. Contact lens solution can usually do the job, or you can dissolve about 1 teaspoon of salt into one pint of water to create your own on the spot. If you flush the eye out and your dog still is having problems with vision or opening the eye, place a moist cloth over your dog's eyes and get him to the vet. There could be an allergic reaction (Allergies in Dogs) or there could be something painful in the eye somewhere.

Of course dogs often eat things they shouldn't and your pooch may end up choking or having severe difficulty breathing. In this case, first check to see if you can find any large obstructions in the mouth and throat and pull them out. If this isn't possible, you can use chest compressions and even cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

When you need to resuscitate your dog, cup your hands over his closed mouth and breathe deeply into his nose once every three to four seconds. Alternatively, try performing 10-12 chest compressions followed by two deep breaths in a cycle which should hopefully get the job done.

There are many different situations that can arise where you will need to apply some basic first aids for dogs. Stay prepared by knowing what to expect and having a kit on hand, and learn how to proceed with basic procedures including wound treating and dressing, eye cleaning and of course mouth-to-snout resuscitation!

So, do you learn something from this basic steps of first aids for dogs or maybe pets in general.

Common Dog Eye Problems

Here are the Common Dog Eye Problems that could happens to your dogs

Cataracts is the opacity of the lens. Inherited cataracts can often appear in young dogs, in most cases a veterinarian or veterinary ophthalmologist will have to make this diagnosis; owners are often unaware of small focal cataracts. 

There are also late onset cataracts that may not show up until middle or older age. 

Cataracts may develop because of an inherited defect, with age, or secondary to inflammation, trauma, diabetes, or retinal degenerations.




Cherry eye is the term used to refer to canine nictitans gland prolapse, a common eye condition in various dog breeds where the gland of the third eyelid prolapses and becomes visible. 

This condition usually must be corrected, mostly through surgery, because the gland produces some of the eye’s tears. Older methods of cherry eye correction involved simply removing the gland, but it is a last-resort procedure today (complemented with a lifetime of eyedrops if performed), as the gland’s purpose was unknown then. Modern methods of cherry eye correction involve repositioning of the gland to its normal location. The success rate of this type of surgery is approximately 80% in most breeds.

Corneal Ulceration. The cornea is the front clear part of the eye. The corneal is covered with a clear epithelium. The corneal epithelium is like our skin except that it is clear and smoother. If the corneal epithelium is scratched, scraped or rubbed off a corneal ulcer occurs. A corneal ulcer is painful and animals with ulcers often squint their eyes. A corneal ulcer can be a sight-threatening emergency if deep or infected.

Dermoid

is a congenital defect where haired skin is located in an abnormal place on an eye and will often irritate the cornea and can cause ulcers.

Distichiasis

is an abnormal position of eyelashes on a lid margin that result in irritation of the eye.

Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis sicca or KCS)
is the lack of or inadequate production of tears. Sometimes this can be congenital in which case it is often very serious. Pug, Lhasa Apso, Shih Tzu are some of the breeds that may be born with dry eyes.

Ectopic Cilia is an abnormal eyelash that grows through the conjunctiva layer and is usually very painful and almost always causes an ulcer.

Ectropion is a medical condition in which the lower eyelid turns outwards. The condition can be repaired surgically.


Entropion is a medical condition in which the eyelids fold inward. It is very uncomfortable, as the eyelashes rub against the eyeball constantly. Entropion is usually caused by genetic factors and may be congenital. Trachoma infection may cause scarring of the inner eyelid, which may cause entropion.
Treatment is a simple surgery in which excess skin of the outer lids is removed. Prognosis is excellent if surgery is performed before the cornea is damaged. Entropion has been documented in most dog breeds, although there are some breeds (particular purebreds) that are more commonly affected than others.

Follicular Conjunctivitis 

causes itchy, reddened conjunctival tissues, tearing, squinting, it is often related to allergies.

Glaucoma. In glaucoma the pressure inside the eye is too high. The eye is full of fluid. The fluid is constantly produced and drained from the eye and supplies nutrition for all parts of the eye. Glaucoma is caused by a decrease in the amount of fluid that flows out of the eye. This is a serious disease and without proper treatment it can result in blindness. Glaucoma is one of the most frequent causes of blindness in adult dogs. The treatment chosen (i.e. surgery and/or medical therapy) will be influenced by what the goal of therapy is: to stop pain in a blind eye or to preserve vision. 
Medical treatment consists of a number of different drugs used in combination. Some are given by mouth and effect the whole body, while others are put directly into the eye and have a local effect. The drugs that work when the problem is first diagnosed may not work forever. Therefore, the intraocular pressure needs to be monitored on a regular basis so that the medication regimen can be altered to fit the needs of the patient. Unfortunately glaucoma cannot be cured, only controlled. When medical treatment fails, surgical therapy can help prolong vision.

Ocular Melanosis (OM)

is a disease in the eyes which among dogs is almost only found in Cairn Terrier. Untill recently it was known as pigmentary glaucoma. Humans can also have the disease.

Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) 
is a name given to a broad group of eye diseases of similar character. PRA causes no pain or discomfort but may result in permanent blindness. The word atrophy means wasting away. PRA develops after birth and in some breeds has been determined to be inherited from both parents. It affects the retina, which lines the back portion of the inner eye. PRA can occur in all breeds of dogs and cats although certain breeds are at higher risk. 
It appears earlier in some breeds and can take several years to cause complete blindness. An early sign of PRA is inability to see in dim light or at night. For example, an animal with PRA may hesitate to go from a well lighted room into a darkened room. Due to PRA’s slow progress, most pets adapt very well to the gradual loss of sight. Many owners do not realize their pet is becoming blind. Animals compensate well for blindness, because their senses are much more acute than those of people.

Retinal Dysplasia. 

This is an abnormality in the development of the retina. There may be no visual defect in affected dogs, therefore, will only be found when the eye is examined. It is a condition that is thought to be inherited in a number of breeds. The condition may also be acquired as an injury or due to viral infections, toxins and nutritional disorders.

Those are the common dog eye problems that you should really know to prevent or cure if it were ever happen to your dogs.

Dog Skin And Coat Care

All dogs have a fur coat – it may be thin, thick long, short, straight or curly – and if you own a dog, you better think your dog's skin and coat care are as important as other aspect, because it might put you through trouble if you don't, believe me you should really start taking it seriously if you don't already. you probably know the troubles that come along with taking care of their fur. Most dogs suffer from skin problems and dull coats from time to time. If your dog has not, count yourself lucky.


There’s more to your dog’s skin and coat than you may know. Dogs cannot sweat like humans; however, their hair follicles open up to release heat and close to conserve heat.  In many cases if your dog is not physically well, you will be able to see it in their skin and fur. If your dog’s skin changes colors, it could also be an indication that they are getting sick. Likewise, if their coat looks noticeably dull or their hair starts to fall out, there is a good chance something may be wrong.

It’s recommended to check your pet’s skin regularly. Look for bumps, rashes, scabs, flakes and foul odors, as these are indications your pet is having skin problems. Lastly, check for fleas! If left unchecked, fleas can cause your dog intense discomfort. Look for little black specks. Also, the dust from flea waste will turn red when water is applied, so make sure to check thoroughly. If left unchecked, skin problems can lead to more serious issues, so make sure to take care of your dog’s skin and coat.

Use these simple tips to make grooming more enjoyable for you and your pet.

Getting Started-

It’s best to groom your pet when they are calm; this will make everything go much smoother. If your dog is new to grooming, keep the sessions as short as possible, and gradually increase the length over time.  Lastly, make sure you reward them once the grooming is over.

Brushing-

Brushing your dog’s hair is very important in keeping them healthy and clean. It helps remove dirt and spread natural oils, which will make their hair look better and help prevent skin irritation. For short- haired dogs, it’s recommend to brush them at least once a week and for long-haired dogs, daily brushing is recommended to prevent knotting and matting. If your dog is uncomfortable with brushing, gradually introduce the brush beforehand, letting them smell it and get used to the brush.

Bathing-

According to the ASPCA you should bathe your dog at least every 3 months. Use a shampoo made for dogs; this will help prevent skin irritation. Like brushing your dog, he or she may not like getting a bath, so introduce them to the sound of running water before you put him in.

Keeping your dog’s skin and coat clean will not only make them feel and smell better, it will help them stay healthy in the long run. Regular skin and coat maintenance is crucial to dog owners. Do it regularly   and if you notice anything wrong it is advised to see a vet immediately.


As you keep on letting it pass, the problem you face with your dog's skin or coat might become a real pain in the **s, so really take your dog's skin and coat care seriously ok?

Dogs With Asthma Problem

Do you ever wonder how to really take care or your dogs or cats asthma problem? well it's kinda hard, but here we try to give you information of how it occur, and what could be the cause of all the unpleasant days your pets have.

Asthma is characterized by chronic problems with the respiratory system, and just like humans, cats and dogs are susceptible to asthma. It generally affects cats more frequently than dogs.  Similarly to humans, asthma in pets can be triggered by environmental factors such as a change in season. It can be challenging to determine the exact cause of the asthma, but the most frequent culprits are grass, dust, pollen and smoke.

It can also be difficult to tell if your pet is actually suffering from asthma, as it is often misdiagnosed. For instance in cats, the coughing up of hairballs are often mistaken for asthma. While it may be difficult to find the triggers of the asthma, it will be well worth it. For cats, many times the dust from their litter can be the cause, or even the chemicals you use around the house. If you can reduce the amount of exposure your pet has to the allergen you can greatly increase the well-being of your pet.

Symptoms of asthma in pets can include:
Coughing
Wheezing
Trouble breathing
Excessive panting  (for dogs)
Blue coloration of gums or tongue
Weight loss

Pet asthma can be very troublesome for both you and your pet. But rest assured there are solutions, with a little time and effort you can have your pet feeling better in no time.


Home Treatment
Preventive measures include:
• Avoid smoking around the dog
• Keep the dog away from freshly cut grass
• Keep the dog away from moldy places such as basements or attics
• Vacuum and dust regularly if the dog lives indoors

• Use humidifiers or air purifiers in the house

Effective herbs, according to Natural Dog Asthma Remedies website, may include:

• Mullein and licorice root to help coughing
• Echinacea and Oregon grape to help strengthen the immune system

If you think your dogs still have asthma problem, make sure to visit your vet as soon as possible.

Health Care For Your Older Dogs

Hope this entry of health care for your older dogs will not make you go away, because in the end we all will have to face our greatest fear that is to lose our beloved friend to the better place, and by friend i mean dog even though i think it's not necessary but i thought i'll mention it for not-yet dog lover audience.


Old age comes at different times for different breeds of dogs and different individual dogs. In general smaller breeds have a higher life expectancy than larger breeds. A strong, healthy dog will probably age later. Evidence also suggests that dogs that are spayed or neutered before six months of age ordinarily live longer than dogs that are kept intact.


Regular checkups are a must for older dogs. In addition to annual vaccinations and checkups, talk to your veterinarian about special geriatric screenings for your dog.
As your dog ages there are changes that you need to be aware of so that you can adapt their lifestyle to make their lives as happy and healthy as possible.

Weight
Metabolism slows down in the older dog. This means the dog requires less food to meet their lowered energy requirements. As a dog gets older they may also be less enthusiastic for pyhsical activities. Both of these factors can lead to weight gain in the older dog. It is very important to keep your dogs weight under control, as heart conditions, joint pain, and diabetes can all be influenced by obesity. You may need to alter the amount or type of food you are giving to your dog. There are some types of food specially formulated for the older dog. Discuss your dog’s feeding program with your local vet to be sure your dog is getting the proper nutrition for their age and activity level.


Arthritis
The most common reason older pets do not “get around” like they used to is arthritis. The wear and tear on joint surfaces restricts movement and causes discomfort and pain. A number of other anti-arthritic medications are available from your local vet. Dogs with arthritis still need exercise, this should be modified to your dog’s ability.


Eye Sight
The most obvious sign of ageing in a dog is often seen in their eyes. The cloudy appearance in the centre of the eye which used to be dark in colour is due to a cataract. Cataracts occur when the normally clear lens begins to dehydrate and reflects light back from the eye instead of trapping the light and focusing it on the retina.There are many categories and causes of cataracts. Treatment for cataracts is surgical removal and may be done in one or both eyes depending on the specifics of each patient.


Glaucoma, an increase in pressure within the eye, can have serious consequences. Glaucoma can be controlled. Glaucoma is caused by a decrease in the amount of fluid that flows out of the eye. This is a serious disease and without proper treatment it can result in blindness. Glaucoma is one of the most frequent causes of blindness in adult dogs. The treatment chosen (i.e. surgery and/or medical therapy) will be influenced by what the goal of therapy is: to stop pain in a blind eye or to preserve vision. Medical treatment consists of a number of different drugs used in combination. Some are given by mouth and effect the whole body, while others are put directly into the eye and have a local effect. The drugs that work when the problem is first diagnosed may not work forever. Therefore, the intraocular pressure needs to be monitored on a regular basis so that the medication regimen can be altered to fit the needs of the patient. Unfortunately glaucoma cannot be cured, only controlled. When medical treatment fails, surgical therapy can help prolong vision.


Be sure to have your vet give a close look at your pet’s eyes especially after they reach 8 years of age.


Healthy Teeth and Gums
Routine dental care by your veterinarian is very important since older dogs are more prone to gum disease and tartar buildup on their teeth. Diseased teeth and gums can have serious consequences for your pet. In addition to regular visits with a professional, it’s always a good idea for you to check your dog’s teeth and gums regularly.


Kidney and Liver Function

Both functions decrease as your animal ages. Regular check-ups mean these conditions will be treated with medication and appropriate diet. Signs of possible liver or kidney disease could be vomiting, loss of appetite, excessive drinking and urination, and confusion.


Healthy Skin and Fur

The skin seems to lose its elasticity and becomes thinner as your dog ages. The skin is also more susceptible to infection in older pets, especially beneath those fur mats that form if grooming is lacking. Just like humans turn grey with age, more gray hairs appear as your dog ages. If the quality of your dog’s coat changes dramatically, consult your vet. Frequent brushing of the older pet is very important, plus they like the special attention.


With your special loving care and commitment, your dog can enjoy a quality life during these senior years.


Euthaniasia

Inevitably there will be a time when you have to cope with the decision to euthanize your well loved pet. Remember that if your pet is suffering, euthanasia is a final act of caring and love. You will meet again at Rainbow Bridge.


This is where i don't wanna stop actually, but it just sad enough to know that we'll have to part ways with our beloved dog that's always been there for us in happiness and sad... so just to remind you one last time, read out this health care for your older dogs carefully so that maybe, hopefully they could stay a little bit longer with us ^_^