Causes and Signs of Canine Hyperthermia - Also Known As Heatstroke in Dogs

The body temperature of dogs vary, but anything over 103° F, means your dog is in a danger zone. When the ambient temperature is between 85°- 90° F, they often show signs of distress. However, heat and humidity aren't the only factors causing hypertension in dogs.

Brachycepthalic breeds such as Boxers, Pugs, Pekingese, Bulldogs, and Mastiffs are high on the list of candidates for hypertension. Their short noses do not allow enough time for air to adequately cool before reaching their lungs.

Working, obese, giant breeds, and senior dogs are also more at risk. Puppies of any breed usually need someone to remind them to take a break, have a drink, and cool off!

Causes

The most common causes of heatstroke are, dogs left in cars, kept in unventilated plastic crates too long, left in unventilated rooms or garages, muzzled in hot, humid conditions, obesity, age, over-exercised, grooming dryers and drying rooms, heart and lung diseases, fever, seizures, lack of water, lack of shade, and kept on asphalt or concrete too long.

Limit walks, jogging, strenuous exercise, and outdoor playtime to the cooler times of the day. Keep playtime in shadier areas of your yard. Always keep water and a towel available.

Less common, but also important to know is, in addition to excessive thyroid levels and lesions on the hypothalamus, both which regulate body temperature; poisoning, and complications from anesthesia can also cause your dog's body temperature to rise to a danger zone.

Signs and Symptoms

Dehydration is often the first signs of a problem. The lack of fluid and electrolytes will cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, lack of elasticity of the skin, dry gums, thick if any saliva, sunken eyes, glazed look, confusion, unsteadiness, and the start of kidney failure.

There are several obvious warning signs indicating your puppy or dog is in distress. They include, but are not limited to, uneasiness, pacing, heavy panting, labored breathing, bright red tongue (frequently extended longer than usual), thick saliva, increased pulse, disoriented, unsteady, vomiting (often bloody), bloody diarrhea, black, tarry stools, difficulty urinating due to little or no urine, tremors, and unconsciousness.

If your pet has reached the point of shock, their lips and gums may turn from red to purple to blue to grey. Their blood may start clotting. They will be unable to stand. Their liver and kidneys start shutting down. They may go into seizures, coma, and ultimately death.

Treatment

If you suspect your puppy or dog is suffering from heat exhaustion, take their temperature. If it is over 103°F (rectal), immediately start the cooling process. Gently hose or wet them down with cool, not cold water. Get them inside or if that's not possible, into a shady place. 

Place cool, wet towels under their forearms and groin area. Place them near a fan if possible. Do not force them to drink water. Squeeze a wet towel with just enough water, (and Gatorade or Pedialyte) carefully into their mouth, so they don't choke. If they are able to drink, limit their intake, and make sure the water is not too cold.

They know something is wrong, and they are scared! Talk calmly to your pet, to keep them reassured and focused.

Call the nearest veterinarian. Let them know what you suspect and that you are on your way. This will allow them to have the IV fluid therapy ready when you arrive. Wrap your dog in wet towels. Carry them to the vehicle. Do not put them in the back of a truck! Place them in the coolest part of the vehicle, preferably on the floor, as a precaution should they go into a seizure while you transport them to the animal hospital. Ideally, you will have someone with you to help control your dog, should that happen. Speak calmly to your dog, to keep them reassured and focused during transport.

If your dog is in the latter stages, you may need to perform CPR. You may never have to use it, but it never hurts to know it. Check around your area, find someone who teaches Canine CPR.

Bottom line: Hypertension is serious. Know the warning signs. Know what you need and can do, to relieve the stress your dog is suffering before and during transport. Get immediate veterinary help. Minutes count!

Karen A. Soukiasian, GOOD DOG! - DOG TRAINING and BED-n-BISCUITS dog boarding and training - Owner/Trainer, St. Augustine, Florida - AKC CANINE GOOD CITIZEN and S.T.A.R. PUPPY Evaluator http://www.freewebs.com/gooddogsite http://www.Facebook.com/pages/GOOD-DOG-DOG-TRAINING/95917282486

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Considerations For Aging Dogs And Glucosamine Supplements

Glucosamine is a dietary supplement that can affect joints by maintaining or possibly even helping to grow cartilaginous tissue. While this sounds great, you may not know whether it is right for your pet. Typically this is a result of the difficulty of spotting the signs of aging, but do what you can to pay attention and consider whether your friend is in need of some help.

One of the signs to watch for is whenever your dog gets down from something such as stairs or a car seat. If he or she is hesitating or taking more time than in the past, you should probably begin working to ease the stress on the animal's joints. Loss of fluids and tissues that brace against falls is typical as they age, but when you start to notice it you should take action.

Bear in mind that this could also be a sign of something more serious, but if it's something that presents without other symptoms it is unlikely that you need to worry. Glucosamine can potentially help your pet maintain or even regenerate some of what he or she has lost. This means that, if nothing else, you can hope to keep him or her from worsening with the continued passage of time.

Remember that how soon you may want to begin supplementing your dog's diet also depends on what kind of life he or she has led. Dogs used in hunting or hiking or those that have had to regularly navigate rough terrain often have problems earlier. There is no harm in beginning a glucosamine regimen earlier rather than later, as it can help even before problems develop.

One thing to note is that this particular supplement is one that takes time to really take effect. This means that you do not want to stop and start or otherwise forget to include it in meals. Check with recommended dosages based on your pet's age and weight, as the dosage can vary depending upon just how active and how heavy your animal is.

Glucosamine for dogs can result in a number of improvements where his or her quality of life is concerned. Be sure that you are maintaining the regimen and including this substance in meals each day. With time and some care you should see your pet managing to get around better than in the past and you may manage to keep it that way for years to come.

John Perry is a pet care expert with a passionate interest in dog arthritis. For more information on glucosamine for dogs, visit http://www.petvitalix.com.

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Because They're Worth It: Custom Pet Urns for Dogs and Cats

As anyone with a beloved family pet knows, when you have a dog or cat (or more than one), they become just as much a part of the family as everyone else. They greet you in the morning and they're with you when you go to bed at night. So it's no surprise then, that when they pass away, we mourn their loss just as we would mourn the loss of anyone in our family. Just because they couldn't speak doesn't mean they didn't leave a lasting impression on our lives.

As such, it's natural to want to offer some sort of suitable memorial for your pet cat or dog and what better way to do that than with custom pet urns. These urns can be any style, material or size that you can dream up and you can design it to be the perfect memorial for your family pet.

What's the process for creating custom urns? Below are some of the key steps to designing an urn that's the perfect final resting place for your furry friend.

Step One: Find an artist. There are many artisans that work with a variety of materials and have experience creating custom pet urns. Decide which types of material you would like your pet's urn to be made of and start looking from there.

Step Two: Create a design. This is the part where you can let your imagination run wild. If you want to go more abstract, you can, or perhaps you would prefer custom urns with a more realistic look to them. The sky is the limit.

Step Three: Approve the design. Once you've communicated your design ideas to the artist, they will come up with sketches to show you how the urn will look. It's your job then to either approve the design or give feedback on desired changes and then submit them. Once you're satisfied with the way your custom pet urn looks, then you sign off on the design and the artist gets to work.

Step Four: Receive your custom pet urn. Custom urns take a little extra time to make so factor in 6-8 weeks for delivery after you have approved the final design. Once you receive your pet's urn, you can transfer the cremains yourself or some funeral homes or crematories will transfer cremains for a fee if you're uncomfortable doing it yourself.

To get started looking at artists for your custom pet urn, fill out a custom urn form today and contact the artist that will be right for your needs.

Melody Jamali is the Founder and President of ( Une Belle Vie ), a Colorado company dedicated to bringing choice of cremation to public light. Their company offers the widest selection in decorative urns for cremation and includes a wide collection of resources designed to help families and friends in their time of need. From tool for the grieving to informative articles about planning, support and other uplifting thoughts, Une Belle Vie is a company dedicated to helping your celebrate the life of the one you love - on your terms.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Melody_Jamali

Homemade Foods for Dogs: Do You Want to Be Your Dog's Chef?

Many of us are familiar with the commercial ads for dog food, each stating that their product is definitely the one which has all the nutrients and vitamins our dogs require for a healthy life. But... do we know if these claims are at all true?

In the spring of 2007 there was a recall of melamine-tainted pet food, and videos have been seen on the internet showing the way all kinds of sick animals are included in the manufacturing of certain dog foods, so people have begun to wonder if preparing their own food for their pets is the intelligent solution.

In some cases, homemade foods for dogs may be just that solution, all depending on many factors, including the finances of the family, the time needed for the preparation of those meals and the knowledge required as to what the dog really needs. It is not just like preparing a meal for ourselves. Dogs and humans do not share the same physiological structure; therefore, not the same requirements for a healthy nutrition.

Veterinarians can give us the ideas of the basic components our dog's food must have, but also the veterinary nutritionists ( oh yes, there are!) are the other fountain of information one should consult when making the decision to become our dog's private chef. The main concern should always be that the recipe is going to provide something that is complete and balanced for the animal. That is maybe when things start to become a little complicated.

The diet we need to consider providing our dog has to contain a protein source, a carbohydrate source, sufficient vitamins, minerals and some fat. Yes, a little fat is required, so don't try to put your dog on anything else eliminating this necessary content.

The sources for protein and carbohydrates can be several, including combinations of rice and lamb, pasta and chicken, beef and potatoes, etc. Some vegetables may also be included, but it is extremely important to remember that there are some of these, like onions and garlic, that can be very toxic to dogs and should never be included.

We have also read or heard from different sources that there are other foods we humans may love, but have to crossed from our dogs list of ingredients, such as raisins, grapes, macadamia nuts, chocolate, and raw meat, which exposes dogs to risks, such as salmonella and E. coli. All meat should be cooked always. They do not live in the wild any more, remember?

Two other very important points to keep in mind also are the age and the size of the dog. When we, as humans, are born, we have special nutritional needs, and as we develop and grow older, these needs vary. Well, dogs are the same. You will not feed a puppy he same food you would a four year or an old dog. The animal's veterinary would be the best place to visit and consult. If you have been feeding your dog homemade food, it is important its veterinary know and give you advice if it is necessary.

Homemade foods may also be perfect for healthy dogs, but if your pet suffers from any condition that requires special nutrients, that has to be taken into consideration also.

Even though the homemade foods given by some owners may have all the supposed necessary components, it is also advisable, according to experts, to give them supplements to avoid nutritional deficiencies, the most common one being lack of necessary calcium. Calcium deficiency will directly affect the bones, just as happens with us humans, and cause what is called hyperparathyroidism, which can cause soft bones and fractures.

Besides calcium, there are other vitamins and minerals that are extremely important too, like magnesium, zinc and iron.

Even though all commercial dog foods are not of the same quality, there are many, some even distributed by veterinarians themselves that do contain all of our pets' needs for a healthy nutrition.

Finally, if you have decided to put that chef's hat on and prepare homemade dog food for your companion, consider too the time and effort it will take for you to cook and most importantly, the capacity that homemade food has to resist time without getting spoiled, even if in the refrigerator. If you have to cook for a big dog every day, or maybe every two days, it is not the same as having to cook for a tiny one, food that you can freeze and serve little by little.

The last consideration to take, I believe, is... are you willing to go on preparing homemade food for your dog for the length of time he or she lives? Sometimes, if we accustom our pets to homemade food and all of a sudden decide to go back to good old dry one, our dog may resent it and it may take quite a while for it to accept it again, so think about it. On this same line of thought, are you the only one going to cook for your dog, or do you live with someone who could continue for you in case you cannot?

All these little details should definitely be considered before, and not after, you decide to jump in the kitchen and start preparing homemade food for your dog. That way, many mistakes can and should be avoided, so our wonderful companion does not have to suffer the consequences of our impulsive actions.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Raquel_Cervera,_Ph.D.

Uncovering Dog Bladder Problems And Homeopathic Interventions

Are you frustrated with your dog peeing everywhere around the house? Does he seem to urinate whenever excited? Has he forgotten his toilet manners all of a sudden?

At times, loss of bladder control for a dog is simply a matter of behavior. A dog who perceives a person or an "alpha dog" to be more dominant urinates in his presence to show submission. This type of incontinence is easy to correct and would require only behavioral training.

However, dog bladder control problems may also be a sign of other urinary tract diseases. Endocrine disorders like diabetes can be a triggering factor, so is urinary tract infection. Spayed or neutered dogs are also an increased risk because of the significant decrease in hormones responsible for sphincter muscle control.

An in-depth analysis of the underlying cause is thus imperative in determining suitable and effective treatment options. This does not only help in identifying the proper course of action to take, but also allows vets and owners to explore other less-harmful alternatives to synthetic drugs like homeopathic remedies.

Below are some of the underlying causes of dog bladder control problems and their corresponding treatment.

Hormonal Commonly seen in spayed females ages 4 and up, this type of incontinence occurs due to a drop in hormones estrogen and testosterone, which are both responsible for sphincter muscle tone, the muscle that controls the opening and closing of the urethra. The dripping occurs when the dog is relaxed or asleep.

Conventional treatment involves use of phenylpropanolamine (PPA) but if ineffective, testosterone may be given to male dogs. Diethylstilbestrol is rarely used nowadays because of the increased risk of bone marrow suppression. Homeopathic remedies that help increase bladder control for a dog may be given, such as Equisetum arvense and Cantharis.

Neurogenic - (Brain Or Spinal cord Injuries Or Defects, Tumors) In these cases, nerve supply leading to the bladder is affected, thus weakening sphincter control. Dogs that suffer from neurogenic causes often exhibit intermittent dribbling of urine.

This is harder to treat especially when trauma is involved. The dog may have to be catheterized indefinitely. Remedies for prevention of infections are given alongside, since catheterization is invasive and increases the risk of infection. Causticum also helps in strengthening decreased bladder tone and even paralysis of affected muscles.

UTI When infection is the culprit, patients present with symptoms such as pain upon urination and lethargy. Treatment is geared towards eliminating the bacteria, and to this end, many natural remedies prove to be as effective as antibiotics. Some commonly used herbal remedies are Berberis, Cantharis, Uva ursi and goldenseal root.

Aging As dogs age, functions of the body begin to weaken. Dog bladder control problems typically manifest when they enter middle age. It would be advisable not to resort to synthetic drugs during this time to help preserve kidney functions. Homeopathic treatments like equisetum can help increase muscle tone and resolve incontinence.

Once the contributing factor has been determined, natural remedies can do wonders to help improve bladder control for a dog safely and effectively. This does not only strengthen bladder muscles and solve incontinence but also help enhance overall urinary performance and health.

Mark Lunardi is a pet health enthusiast who has been researching natural remedies to promote pets health. To learn more about his researches, visit his website at http://www.pet-uti-treatments.com.

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How to Train Your Dogs Using Collars

Being a dog owner doesn't stop at taking him for his daily walks, feeding him the best dog food and expecting unconditional love in return. Dogs, like us humans, also need to be well-behaved in social situations and sometimes, it can be quite a challenge to get your dog to follow even the most basic commands.

Unless you dog has serious behavioral problems, in which case you'll need to call upon the services of a dog behavior specialist, dogs can basically be trained to follow commands just by using collars and leashes, without having to hire a special dog trainer. If he has issues on the walk or has too much energy that your sofa gets chewed to bits, this can all be easily changed with the use of dog training collars.

Training your dog, especially if this is your first time to do it can be a challenge that can go two ways - you either win or lose. It is very important to achieve balance and harmony when housebreaking your pet or teaching him manners because without the right attitude, you can end up with a pet that's too much to handle. 

The training collars you use will also depend on your dog's personality and medical history so be sure to speak to a vet first before getting him anything.

You will also need to understand that you should let the dog know you're the boss, the leader of the pack so to speak. He must look to you as someone who can lead him which is why when first using a leash and a collar, you need to make sure that you walk your dog with him beside you or behind you as this is very important in establishing your role as leader of the pack.

A simple leash and collar is usually fine for dogs that don't have issues on the walk and have an easygoing, happy-go-lucky personality with no obedience problems. For dogs that are easily distracted by small animals or even a gust of wind, you may need to consider a slip collar as this allows you to pull your dog to get his attention and correct any misbehavior. 

For dogs that have health problems, harnesses may be the best tool to use and if you want your dog to be able to pull you when riding your bike or gliding on your rollerblades.

A quick pull sideways will knock him off balance and will make him turn his attention to you. Never pull the leash straight back as your dog will pull against you. Keep in mind your dog's safety and never overdo your corrections. If you are unfamiliar about how to use collars and leashes to train your dog, ask the store where you bought them to teach you the basics.

Of course if you don't have the time to thoroughly train your dog and want faster results, you can always opt for electronic dog collars. Usually referred to as shock collars, these were used mainly on hunting dogs in the old days but are now used to contain pets, to keep dogs from barking too loud and generally how to obey. While there are different reactions towards its usage, shock collars are actually far from being the torture devices people think them to be.

For one, these collars are available in a wide range of frequencies and modes, although first-time owners are advised to get the beep and vibrate modes. The logic behind this is collars that are operated with shock levels can become a deadly weapon when used by inexperienced hands and it can be lethal not just for the dog but for the owner as well.

Beep and vibrate collars will hardly affect the dog and at the most, only elicit a "what was that?" look when used. However, it may be prudent to remember that these shock collars are only to be used on really stubborn dogs and in cases when you want to train your dog to avoid certain places in your backyard or electric fences.

For the best dog training collars for Fido, check out Garmin delta sport at Dogmaster. Visit this website today and find what you need to keep your dog on the right track every time, all the time.

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Consider a Dog Rope Toy for Active and Inactive Dogs

Are you deciding what dog toy to get your dog? How about trying the Dog Rope Toy with a ball attached to it. This toy has been enjoyed by many dogs across the globe because of the versatility built into it. The Dog Rope Toy with an attached ball can accommodate active dogs and inactive dogs.

For the active dog, the rope toy that has a looped handle is great for playing a game of tug-of-war. On one end of the rope the dog owner can have their hand in the loop for a firm grip while on the other end of the rope your dog can tug and pull on the ball. 

Now, if the dog's mouth is too small to grab onto the ball, then you can switch the toy around so your dog can grab onto the rope while you hold the ball. Many dogs love this way of interacting with their owners and this gives the owner quality time with their four legged friend. 

What I like to do with my dog is to just hold onto the toy and let the dog do all the pulling and tugging. This way of playing allows the dog to regulate the pull stress on the rope on his terms and not to over stress his teeth. Remember to never yank the rope or ball out of the dog's teeth because this can damage or even break a tooth!

Dogs that are not very active tend to like to chew on this toy. Some dogs can spend hours chewing on the rope until they sever the rope in half. If your dog starts to pull pieces of the rope off, then you might consider throwing it away. You don't want your dog ingesting foreign objects. Also, if your pooch starts ripping a small piece of the rubber ball apart, just throw the whole thing away and get a new one.

If you want to prolong the life of the Dog Rope Toy, you can do this by alternating the toy with another toy. Having several dog toys can help keep your dog entertained and not become bored with just one toy.

Another great way to use this toy is to play fetch. The looped handle that is built into this toy makes it very easy to throw either long or short distances. Many dogs really like this game and its an all time favorite. Usually young energetic dogs just seem to instinctively know to chase the toy, and if they feel like it they might return it to you. Getting your pooch to bring back the toy can be accomplished by bribing them with a tasty treat. I like to use toasted oat cereal. After playing fetch for a while, your dog may not require anymore bribes.

So, if your dog has never had a Dog Rope Toy, maybe you might want to try one out to bond even closer with your dog.

To find some of the Dog Rope Toys listed in this article, go to http://www.fourpawsbuddy.com. Marcelo Bancalari is the operator of fourpawsbuddy.com

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Grooming For Dogs - Your Dog's Fur and His Health

Dog grooming is a vital aspect of the general upkeep of your furry friend and any dog owner who has the love of his or her dog at heart will pay better attention to the grooming of his dog. The health of our furry friends is intricately tied to their fur because the state of a dog's coat is indicative of his condition both emotionally and physically. Therefore a dog that lacks regular grooming is far more susceptible to health conditions that a dog which is regularly groomed is less likely to experience.

Dog grooming does not just provide the opportunity to maintain a dog's healthy and shiny coat but it also helps to prevent infections that may be caused as a result of matted hairs and also to ensure that excessive wax in their ears, which could equally cause infections are regularly cleaned out and mouth related diseases due to lack of care are well taken care of through regular cleaning of the teeth. A dog's breed plays a vital part in deciding the frequency of grooming that the dog requires therefore it is important to find out the ideal qualities of your dog's breed so that you can set aside time for regular care of his coat.

Dog fur is essentially made of protein, so a dog with a fragile and dull coat is an indication that he is probably not getting the best of nutrition. Therefore a balanced diet containing amino acid and plenty of protein is very important for replenishing and strengthening the dog's coat.

A poorly groomed dog will end up as an inviting haven for fleas, ticks and all sorts of parasites that are harmful to the health of your dog, particularly in a dog with dirty and matted hairs. These parasites will cause infections and discomfort for your furry friend, therefore regular brushing and ensuring that the dog's coat stays clean will keep you in personal contact with your furry friend's hair and skin and also ensure that the parasites are kept away.

Patches of baldness and excessive hair loss on your dog's coat could be indicative of a number of problems. Some possible causes of hair loss in man's best friend include:

Emotional problems such as stress. 

Hormonal problems. 

Tumor. 

Different dog breeds shed of hair at different rates but an unusual or extreme hair loss could be indicative of a more serious overall health condition of your dog.

The look and feel of your dog's coat are not the only ways to easily monitor the health of your dog but the fur should always smell fresh at all time. A dog with a foul smelling coat could be a sign of bacterial infection, fungus or fleas and a coat that retains its foul smell even after a wash will require a vet's attention.

Dog grooming is an essential part of the general upkeep of a dog, get more tips about grooming for dogs.

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How to Overcome Your Fear of Dogs

Are you limited to the places you can go or people you can visit and want to know how to overcome your fear of dogs? This is a fear that plagues more people than you may think. Many people make the mistake of assuming that the only people who are afraid of dogs are those that have been injured by a dog in their past. That is not the case at all. There are many reasons that people have fear of dogs.

If you are afraid of dogs, you cannot go wherever you want whenever you want. You may be fearful to go to a park because you know that there will more than likely be a dog somewhere in the vicinity. If friends or family members have dogs, you may find that you are not able to go to their homes because of your fear. 

The fear is something that is psychological and cannot be controlled. If you have been ridiculed for the fear, it may make you feel silly or foolish, but it is something that you cannot control on your own.

There is hope for overcoming your fear though. You do not have to worry and wonder forever. Hypnosis has been shown to help people dramatically overcome their fear of dogs. Hypnosis changes the way that someone's mind interprets the fear. It changes the way that the brain rationalizes the fear so that the person is able to overcome it and ultimately go on to lead a normal life.

If you think that hypnotism may be a good option for you, you need to take the time to learn what steps to take to get the care that you need. You need to be sure that the hypnotist knows what he or she is doing. Someone that makes a living making people act silly on a stage is not someone that you need to see for the fear that you have. You need to see a professional who has experience with patients who have a fear of dogs. 

You need to speak with him or her or read reviews about them, to learn about what you can expect before, during, and after hypnotism. There are many people who have been able to overcome their fear through the help of a hypnotist. If you have tried everything else and want to exhaust every option, hypnotism is the one option that you will find really works.

To overcome your fear of dogs permanently through the help of a hypnotist visit http://www.naturalhypnosis.info

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