2009-05-30

Dogs With Ringworm - What to Do

Dogs With Ringworm - What to Do

Author: Cristian Stan

As hard as it may be to believe, ringworm can affect your pets. Ringworm in dogs and cats is more common than you might think. Worse yet, it's also possible for your cat to pass it onto you, but don't freak out, it's rarely the case.

And while the thought of ringworm may not be a pleasant one, it really isn't a worm though, it's a fungus. Let's take a closer look at how ringworm gets started in your pets to begin with and what to look out for.

There are basically three forms of ringworm in dogs or cats, and every breed of dog or cat is susceptible to getting it. One type is found in rats. How can that affect my dog or cat? If your pet were to touch the rat, or dig around in its home, it could easily get ringworm. Another type is found in the soil. And the third type is found in cats only.

While ringworm on people will have a tell tale reddish colored ring shaped rash, on animals there is no set pattern. It can look completely different. This can make it difficult to know that it is ringworm.

So, how do you know if you have ringworm in dog or cat? Many people just assume that if their pet is itching a lot it is from having a few fleas. Makes sense, but you should take a closer look if they continue scratching on a frequent basis as this could be a sign of ringworm. Look for bumps on their skin, or hair loss around places where they have been scratching. This is a good indication of ringworm in your pet.

If you find that your pet appears to have ringworm, take it to the vet and have it checked out. The last thing you want to do is to blow it off and then have it spread and take the risk of getting it yourself. It's easily treated by a vet. They can give your pet a dip, or a special shampoo, and possibly a cream to put on the area infected. A vet can also answer any other questions you might have. You might also look in a pet supply store at medicine for ringworm. in dog or cat. Products containing Ketoconazole are recommended for dogs, and Itraconazole for cats.

Vets agree that treatment should continue for eight weeks, no matter how much better your pet is doing after only a few weeks. This is important due to the fact that the fungal spores from ringworm can exist for many weeks. Don't forget to treat your home at the same time you are treating your pet. Some believe that ringworm spores can live in your carpet for up to two years. Be sure to thoroughly clean your home. Vacuum your carpet and then change out your bag.

By simply following a few of these steps, and being aware of the situation, will help prevent any further complications. While the problem may seem like a real pain, you don't have to let ringworm in dog or cat get you down.

Dog ringworm - articles and information on the symptoms of dog ringworm and dog ringworm treatment.


Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_904161_54.html

About the Author:

http://www.teethgrindingcure.com

2009-05-27

Is Raw Dog Food Healthy For My Pet?

Is Raw Dog Food Healthy For My Pet?

Author: Thomas

More and more pet owners are becoming convinced that raw dog food provides the best form of nutrition. Think about it – it’s what animals in the wild have eaten for centuries. This is nutrition as only nature can supply. Years ago, pets weren’t fed canned and processed, additive- and preservative-laden foods. Many dog lovers today believe that manufactured and processed “filler” dog foods are responsible for more human-type ailments that are afflicting pets than ever before.

Today, most of society is seeing the benefits of an all-natural and nutritious healthy diet. It works to keep humans thriving and at their optimum level of health. The same is true for pets. Dogs (and cats) by nature are carnivores and to receive the nutrition their bodies need requires a level of food that is more than can be found in canned or processed foods with ingredients that would not normally be found in nature. For dogs, it can be found in a raw dog food diet.

Some dehydrated dog food products are frozen and some remain fresh in their natural state until you add warm water to create a refreshing and unpolluted meal for your dog. Many raw food alternatives use hormone-free and antibiotic-free meats as well as 100 percent organic grains. When the ingredients can be referred to as 100 percent human grade food, you can be confident that food choice is a good one.

Raw food in dehydrated (dried) form is a natural process that has been used throughout the ages by humans. The nutritional value of the ingredients remains at premium quality through the use of this method. The moisture in the food (water) is removed in the process of dehydrating raw foods. When water is re-added to the food, it becomes whole again and offers the best nutrient-rich food source. For meat and egg components, the drying takes place at a high enough temperature to kill any bacteria that may have been present so that each food item remains completely safe.

How do you know if the raw dog food you choose for your pet is the right one? After a month or so, you should be able to notice a natural sheen on your dog’s coat, healthier skin, a brighter attitude, and an increased energy level. If you notice these changes, and your dog gets a glowing annual report from your veterinarian showing good overall test results and strong teeth, you will have a good indicator that your best canine friend is receiving the proper nutrition.

About Author : Thomas Kearl lives with his wife and 3 dogs in Escondido, CA. He only feeds his pets raw dog food, human grade dog food and dehydrated dog food.

Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_888392_54.html

About the Author: Thomas Kearl lives with his wife and 3 dogs in Escondido, CA. He only feeds his pets dehydrated raw human grade dog food.

http://www.thehonestkitchen.com/

2009-05-25

Rescue Dog Training

Rescue Dog Training

Author: Nancy Richards

Rescue dog training is mostly the same as regular dog training with a few special considerations.Some of the considerations depend on where your dog has been obtained from and its age, but we will look at rescue dog training and what to keep in mind.Here are special considerations for rescue dog training:

1. Dogs who have been turned into shelters and rescues sometimes have training issues. Often times, the first kind of work you will do with these newly adopted dogs is to untrain the bad habits like jumping on people, chasing other animals, destructive chewing, and counter surfing. All bad habits are easily correctable!

2. Rescue dog training sometimes consists of providing a dog with things they failed to receive at an early age. For example, if a dog was not well socialized early in its life, you may spend a little extra time working through issues related to it. This should not be a deterrent to adoption but rather just something to keep in mind.

3. Older dogs can be trained, but they are not always as eager to learn. They have learned habits and are more set in their ways, so rescue dog training with an older dog will require a little more patience on the handler’s part.

4. Often, rescue dog training involves working through the basic issues first like housetraining. You may adopt a four year old dog who has never been housebroken. You will need to treat this older dog just like a puppy.

5. With an adopted dog, especially if adopted from an animal control, it means you don’t usually know too much about them. You won’t know its likes and dislikes or what it excels at. Rescue dog training often keeps trainers on their toes trying to figure out what makes this particular dog tick.

6. One of the first things you must do with a newly adopted dog is bond. Once the dog knows he can trust you and is bonded to you, then more advanced training can progress.

7. Depending on the dog you adopt, you may have some behavioral issues that have to be worked through as part of the rescue dog training. If your dog is shy or timid, it will need to progress at a slower pace. Aggression will have to be deciphered and addressed.

8. Separation anxiety: It is not uncommon for a shelter dog to experience some separation anxiety, especially if it has had multiple homes. Rescue dog training usually involves making the new dog feel more secure in its new home, and most anxieties usually resolve themselves. Adopting a new dog from a shelter or rescue is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have. Many say that the rescued dog repays you tenfold for the adoption. Don’t be deterred from adopting a dog of any age because any dog can be trained. Just know that there are a few considerations for rescue dog training to keep in mind.

Nancy Richards has been involved with dog training for several years. Learn all about aggressive dog training , rescue dog training for all dog breeds.

Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_885763_54.html

2009-05-24

Dog Health and the Cost of Pet Care

The article discusses the fact that health care for dogs is not inexpensive.
Yearly physical exams, blood tests, vaccines, antiparasitics, and good food can cost a lot of money. However, preventative medicine is always cheaper than treating a disease; overall the health care costs for your dog will be reduced if you invest in preventative health measures.


Dog Health and the Cost of Pet Care

Author: Douglas Hanna

Health care for dogs is not inexpensive. Yearly pysical exams, blood tests, vaccines, antiparasitics,and good food can cost a lot of money. However, preventative medicine is always cheaper than treating a disease Overall health care costs for your dog will be reduced if you invest in preventative health measures.

For example, a year of heartworm preventative for a small dog can cost on average $72 dollars, but treatments for heartworm can cost up to $600 dollars. It is always cheaper to avoid a disease than to treat it, and of course your dog will have the best chance for a long life if it lives a healthy lifestyle.

While the cost of health care for dogs has increased, there are now many different types of dog health insurance plans available.

Talk with your veterinarian about insurance plans. You should also check Internet websites for health plans that may work for you and your dog. Health insurance for animals is becoming a more popular choice for pet owners as these plans are becoming more comprehensive and cost effective. Take the time to research these plans, and you may find a plan that will save you money and help you to care for your dog.

Prevention And Early Diagnosis

Prevention and early diagnosis are the two factors your dog the best chance for a long, healthy life. Always pay attention to your dog's behavior, and never take a 'wait and see' approach. If you feel that there may be something wrong with your dog, take it to a veterinarian immediately.

Take precautions to keep your dog safe in and around your home as well. Owning a dog is a lot like having small children as they like to explore, taste, smell and touch whatever they can get their paws on. 'Doggy proof' your home by keeping poisonous products out of reach. Always store medications far out of reach, Pay particular attention to pills that are left on a counter, in a purse, or in an accessible drawer. These are some of the more frequently reported incidences of dog overdoses).

The Dangers Of Poor Dog Health

While many of the dangers to your dog's health discussed in this article are not always lethal, they can cause damage to your dog's body that will harm your dog's chances of living a long life. One infection may not harm your dog. But repeated infections combined with such things as parasitic infections or poor nutrition can add up to damage over time.

Try to take all measures possible to keep your dog healthy from the very start. Good nutrition, owner vigilance, and parasite control will help keep your dog strong and healthy for years to come.

A Long And Healthy Life

As a dog ages, it is important to provide the problems that come with increased age. It is not enough for most owners that their dog live a long life. They want it to be healthy and happy as well. if you want your dog to lead a long and healthy life, you will need to increase its veterinary care and yearly screenings. Pay particular attention your senior dog's diet needs and watch for any changes in behavior.

Support your aging dog with pain control medications and adjust its surroundings so that i will be more comfortable. For example, put extra padding on the bed, and use a higher doggy dish to avoid neck pain in case yur dog has arthritis. You might also get a sturdy, movable ramp that will help your senior dog get up short flights of stairs or climb into the car.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/dog-health-and-the-cost-of-pet-care-358820.html

About the Author:
There are a number of other things you can do to help ensure your dog lives a long life.We offer a free 10-page report with helpful advice for keeping your dog healthy. It's titled. "How to Help Your Dog Live a Long, Healthy, Happy Life."
Click
here to get your free copy

The author, Douglas Hanna, and his wife currently share their home with a Wheatland Terrier named Emma Lou and Jake, a Cairn Terrier