Heartworm is a disease that could take you by surprise. Before starting any treatment for heartworm you should first know how the disease acts. If your dog gets the disease it is in great danger as the worm is known to be fatal in most untreated cases. In dogs, it takes about six months before the heartworm turns into an adult worm that may threaten your pet’s heart. As these worms get inside the body of your pet, they could reproduce, situation you must avoid.
A couple of treatments have been developed to cure this deadly disease. The disease is not too well known among common pet owners. As the disease can infect humans too, people should be better informed about the disease and how it should be treated in case the pet is already infected.
Let’s start with an overview of the disease. The heartworm is a roundworm which is transferred from host to host with the help of mosquito. Mostly it infects dogs, but can also infect cats, foxes, wolves and humans as well. It is very important for your dog’s health that you know as many as you can about the heartworm disease. The disease gets its name from the fact that when the worm is an adult it establishes in the pulmonary artery of the host where it can survive for several years.
A good treatment it’s mandatory as the infection could cause a serious disease that could endanger the life of your pet, even death if untreated.
The worm gets through several life stages until it develops into an adult worm and lives on the heart of the pet. The worm then produces thousands of microfilariae each day, and then it would circulate in the dog’s bloodstream. When the dog is bitten again by a mosquito, even by an uninfected mosquito, it transmits the disease to the mosquito. Now the mosquito will transmit the disease to another host.
Diagnosis is the most important step in helping treat heartworm infection. Dogs infected with heartworm do not reveal any signs until the worms have reached maturity or at least after a 6 month period. You must pay attention to any mood change or other signs and symptoms. After this period, the animal will show a sedentary lifestyle. This is the most common symptom for the heartworm disease. Other symptoms like cough and exhaustion and in cases of advanced stages of infection weight loss, coughing up blood, fainting, and heart failure may occur.
Before starting a treatment for heartworm, your pet must go through an evaluation of organs like heart, kidney and liver function to see if any risks are involved. After this check up, adult worms are treated with an arsenic-based compound. There are several approved drugs on the market that help treat heartworm infection.
After and during the treatment the dog must then rest for a few weeks just enough time to enable it to recover from the treatment. The microfilariae are treated with a different and separate form of treatment.

The post Heartworms in Dogs General Overview first appeared on Puppy Blog.

We all love our dogs. They very quickly become part of the family and win their way into our homes and heart. You obviously have a dog or are looking to get a new one. You know when you find the right one for you and your family, but what you are not ready for is how they will behave.

Many people are looking to train their dog for many different reasons. The majority of people find that they have behavioural problems with their dog. This problem is not always there from the start and sometimes can become a lot worse over time. Others would like to train their dog to do tricks and to play on command.

We are going to look at behavioural issues along with reasons and solutions. A lot of people discover that a dog starts off fine but develops bad habits and behaviour problems over time. However, a lot of things are over looked. To start with, the breed of the dog is so important. Despite what some may say, the breed can decipher on their general personality and many breeds need to be trained in order to become a family pet to start with. Its not uncommon that they are nice natured and playful as a puppy, soon to change as they grow older. Its never to late to train any breed but its generally the owners ignorance or acceptance to this which is usually the problem.

Its not just down to the breed. There are many more factors to look at. How is your dog being treated. Is your dog being treated nicely by everybody he or she is left with. Again, normally overlooked, but yet again a common problem. Make sure your dog is always treated with love and care. However, this does not mean free run of the house and getting its own way with everything. Its like having a child and if everything revolved around them you are going to end up with a very grumpy teen and possibly not a nice person when older. Sounds harsh, but true.

Ok, so we have looked at the breed and how your dog is being treated. However, something else hugely overlooked is the dogs diet. Food is very important and as with humans causes a direct effect upon health and wellbeing. I am not going to tell you what to feed your dog as every dog, like humans, are different, and each respond differently to different kinds of foods. However, I do know that dry food is preferred amongst experts, especially homemade healthy recipes. So when looking to train your dog for whatever reason, you will definitely need to look at their diet. In fact many people have claimed to have solved behavioural problems simply by changing their food.

Another area to look at is, how much proper attention does your dog get. A dog seeking attention can behave really bad, or appear to, and as long as they get attention this way they will continue and in many cases become worse.

These are just a few of my dog training tips. Remember to look at many factors which include the breed, how much attention and play you give your dog, how your dog is treated by everybody, your dogs diet. If you first look at all these factors you may find a solution to your problem and training your dog will become a lot easier.

The post Dog Training Tips With Behaviour And Diet Needs first appeared on Puppy Blog.

As dogs get older and start slowing down, they still need to exercise to keep their blood pumping and heart racing! You should also consult with the vet for tips on how to care and help your dog with exercise.

Your best friend can still do the same thing they’ve always done as to when they were puppies, the only exception is they’ll be doing it at a slower pace. When doing excersise with your dog make sure you keep your dog hydrated! Just like you running around in the hot sun will leave you pet a very thirsty animal.

Which is why you should keep an eye on the weather reports. When taking your dog out for a walk, make sure its not too hot or too cold for your dog. The weather could hinder them just a bit. If its cold for your dog and you still would like to take your dog out for a walk, consider a doggy sweater. A 10 -15 minute walk with your dog twice a day. If there is a favorite spot your dog liked to stroll or spend time at, then I would take your dog there. Sometimes taking them to places they like playing will motivate them a bit more.

If your dog likes to play fetch, take your pals favorite toy, if not a soft toy would work just as good. A hard toy would more than likely hurt their teeth or jaw. Don’t forget your dogs favorite treat as a reward! Playing tug is also a good exercise as well as swimming! Swimming helps with dogs that have hip problems! If you can’t make it outside for their daily walks, a treadmill works just as good.

If your dog likes to run, then go for it! However, running on hard surfaces like concrete isn’t something that is helpful or beneficial to your dog. If you don’t have any other place other than concrete, then walking slowly with your dog is highly suggested and walking at your dogs pace!

Some of these exercises can be done indoors, just incase the weather is a bit too unbearable for your dog.

While you and your dog do your daily excersises, you should keep a closer eye on your dog. Try to go with your dogs speed, not yours.

If you feel your dog is going way too slow, then taking him to the vet is something you should consider! Your dog may be having other issues that you’re not aware about! After all, you would like to keep your furry pal longer and we all know, dogs are man’s best friend!

Colin McDonald writes on behalf of Lintbells – dog health and oneagency.co a seo agency

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The term ‘heart attack’ only applies to humans, right?

Wrong. Dogs suffer from heart attacks too. This is why it is important for the pet’s owner to understand just what causes this condition, how to recognize the signs, and ways that they can help prevent this illness from occurring. This way, they can possibly prevent their pet from experiencing this life threatening illness during their lifetime and increase their dog’s lifespan.

About the Dog’s Heart

The dog’s heart is similar to the human heart in that it has four chambers and is made of muscle which pumps blood around the dog. This pumping action allows blood to circulate throughout the dog and keeps the dog’s vital organs and body functioning at an optimum level. Without a heart that functions well the dog’s circulation is compromised. This may have an adverse effect on the animal’s health and in some instances can cause the dog to have a heart attack.

Heart Conditions in Dogs

Most heart attacks in dogs are caused by heart disease, a condition that affects the strength of the heart muscle and impairs the quality of the heart valves.

Heart disease in dogs typically comes in two forms:

Mitral Valve Disease – Also known as a heart murmur, this illness affects the valves of the dog’s heart and changes their consistency so that once smooth valves become lumpy and thickened. This change then reduces the performance of the valves causing them to leak, which in turn lessens the blood flow that circulates throughout the dog. In fact, in some instances the value flow is reduced so much that blood which has been pushed from the atrium of the heart flows back into the chamber that it has come from and this affects the dog’s circulation significantly.

This illness typically affects smaller to medium sized dog breeds, such as Fox Terriers, Poodles, Chihuahuas, and Cocker Spaniels. Some dog breeds are more susceptible to heart disease and heart attacks than other breeds and this is why it is important to have regular vet checks over the course of the dog’s life.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) – This form of heart disease affects the muscle of the heart and compromises the heart’s contractions which then reduce the dog’s circulation. This illness progressively gets worse as the dog ages and often affects medium to large dog breeds, such as Boxers, Great Danes, and German Shepherds.

Both forms of heart disease can cause heart attacks in dogs and heart failure if left untreated. In fact, statistically speaking, some 11% of dogs have heart disease. In the U.S this amounts to approximately 3.2 million beloved pets which have the illness. The incidence of valve disease is said to increase as the dog gets older with some 30-35% of dogs acquiring the illness once they are aged 13-years and over.

Signs of Dog Heart Attack

The signs of a heart attack in a dog are not easy to recognize, as the dog’s body often will make adjustments so that the dog can cope with the changes in its heart’s condition. This is what is referred to as the dog’s survival mechanism. The body, which is a survival fanatic, will instinctively alter behavior so that the dog conserves energy and reduces the impact on its heart.

Typical signs that can be noticed may include the following:

1. Coughing

2. Craning of the Neck

3. Breathing Difficulties

4. Depression

5. Excessive Panting

6. Lack of Energy

7. Loss of Consciousness

8. Poor Appetite

9. Swelling of Limbs

10. Weakness

A dog showing these signs should be taken to a vet clinic immediately for diagnoses and treatment.

Heart Attack Prevention

Many dog health professionals believe that heart disease and dog heart attack prevention is better than treatment, as once a dog has heart disease it cannot be cured. This is why it is recommended that the dog’s owner use natural products that increase blood flow and ensure that the dog’s heart and valves remain strong over the duration of its life (dog health professionals often recommend Petsprin). These products contain dog specific ingredients that are made from fermented soy – Natto – and are a safe alternative to aspirin. The Japanese have been using Natto for thousands of years as a wellbeing and longevity food for stronger health and vitality.

The post Dog Heart Attack – How to Protect Your Dog From Heart Attack first appeared on Puppy Blog.

Many people love the idea of owning a dog but one thing that they have to keep in mind often times, is that the dog needs to be trained. While the pet may look heart-breakingly cute when it’s in a shelter or at the pound, picking out the dog is only the first part of the relationship between dog owner and the animal. Many people don’t understand that they have to put time and effort into socializing the dog.  

An unsocialized dog will intimidate others, tear up the home, and will create an environment that can become so bad that the it will have to be returned. Many times when dogs have to be returned to shelters or to other resources, it will end up euthanized, which is very heartbreaking.  All of this can be spared if a person learns the various techniques in order to socialize the dog.

One thing that they have to understand is that the he wants to be told what to do. It’s in the canine nature to follow a leader. The dog will be more than willing to obey the leadership of its master. Here’s a look at some common techniques that are used in dog training:

“Dog Whispering”

This is a technique that has been around for a while, but gained national notoriety over the last 10 years.  Some people might hear this term and wonder how in the world whispering to a dog can train it!  Whispering isn’t meant to be taken literally in this case.  As trainers have shown, whispering is a term that refers to connecting with a being or an entity on a very deep and almost spiritual level. When it comes to dog training techniques, dog whispering involves careful observation of the dog’s behavior and actions.  

It literally entails getting inside the mind and the behavior system of the canine. When a person uses dog whispering techniques, they interact with the dog on the canine level.  Again, one the most common mistakes that people make is treating the dog like a small human being.

“Reward Training”

Reward training is very simple and it’s one of the older tricks that works.  This is a simple method of training the dog by positive reinforcement. Once he does what it is told to do, it receives a treat.  How this works is that the dog owner must entice the dog towards the treat.  Once the canine develops awareness for the treat, it develops a strong desire for it.  When the desire for it is extremely strong, the dog owner pulls back.  Then the dog receives a command and when the dog obeys the command, it receives the treat.  The object is to make the dog associate a treat with the command.

“Clicker Training”

Other dog training techniques include one that is similar to reward training, which is called clicker training.  How this works is that the clicker is incorporated to get the dog’s attention.  The clicker is clicked as a form of communication with the dog.  It learns that there is a command or reward associated in conjunction with the clicker.  Many people claim that this is fun, and they actually make a game with the dog by using the clicker for their dog training tasks.

“Ultrasonic Whistle”

Last, a relatively new form of dog training technique is called the ultrasonic whistle.  This works because the ultrasonic sound is only heard by the dog. When the owner is trying to communicate a command, or stop the dog from barking, they will blow on their whistle when they want to communicate a command to the dog.  The benefit of this is that the humans can’t hear this noise, but the dog can hear it, and they will learn to associate the sound with a command.

Dog training techniques aren’t hard to incorporate, but they are something that absolutely must be incorporated from the time a dog owner brings their new dog home.  No matter how old or how young the dog is, they will need training. Once they are trained properly, they will be a wonderful addition to one’s family.

I know how it can be tough and time consuming to train a dog. With patience and consistency you will be able to put an end to all your dog’s “problems” but you need to do it the right way.
If you need help to better understand your dog’s attitude, and therefore to be able to better train and correct your pretty stubborn mutt, then you should go to AboutDogsandpets.com.
AboutDogsandPets.com is the all-in-one solution for all your dog training and dog health concerns.
You will find the best dog training tips and techniques that are proven to be effective together with a lot of advices related to your dog’s health.
Implement what you will learn and you will see noticeable improvements in your dog’s attitude, not to mention that you will create a special bond with your dog and live a great relationship with him or her.
I would be very surprised if you do not find the answer you are looking for at AboutDogsandPets.com.

The post Dog Training Techniques – A Quick Overview first appeared on Puppy Blog.

]]> http://puppyblog.org/curing-%e2%80%9cdog-separation-anxiety-disorder%e2%80%9d/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=curing-%25e2%2580%259cdog-separation-anxiety-disorder%25e2%2580%259d Mon, 19 Sep 2011 02:54:32 +0000 http://puppyblog.org/?p=198 This eBook Is For People Who Want The Cure For “Dog Separation Anxiety Disorder” NOW !!! If you cringe when you try to leave your home because your dog whines, cries and tears your home to shreds, you must read this important letter… “Does it break your heart to hear your dog cry when you […]

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CURING “DOG SEPARATION ANXIETY DISORDER” first appeared on Puppy Blog.

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This eBook Is For People
Who Want The Cure For
“Dog Separation Anxiety Disorder”
NOW !!!

If you cringe when you try to leave your home because your dog whines, cries and tears your home to shreds, you must read this important letter…

“Does it break your heart to hear your
dog cry when you try to leave home?

Are You Worried Your Dog Will destroy
everything in your home while you’re away?”

“These are signs your best-Friend is emotionally
distressed and needs your help!

Dear Fellow Dog Lover:

Have you taken in an older dog or untrained pup and find when you come home the house is destroyed and your dog jumps on you and makes this appear they are so excited to see you? If you think them jumping on you acting crazy is a sign of affection, well that’s partly true; but mostly they are so wound up about being left alone that they act out much like a child would.

What’s worse is trying to leave your home for any period of time and hear them physically crying for you – this is the part that really used to tug at my heart. I hated leaving my beloved friend behind, but having to leave the house is a necessity in life. It was so bad I used to pop in my iPod headphones so I wouldn’t hear her cry- I feel awful for telling you this, but I need you to understand what I (and a lot of you are now) going through.

If you want to arrive home without being attacked or having to clean up a huge mess, this may very well be the most important letter you will ever read!

Is your puppy reacting like this when you leave?

Does it break your heart to walk away?
(did you know this crying can go on for hours?)


. . . and what about the protective dog
who thinks someone is in your home
to take you away from them?

OVER 80 PAGES – ONLY $24.97

Let me ask you… is it safe for your friends to come over if your dog thinks that you will be taken away by them? Does your dog perceive anyone near you to be a threat to them; for example; your friends, relatives or God forbid… your children?

How often I go to a persons home only to have their dog growl at me, and to be told by the owner, “Oh, don’t worry about her, she growls at everybody… she’s harmless.” Really? Harmless? Here you are with this untrained animal growling at you. This is a sure warning sign to stay away. The dog is simply alerting you that “there may be danger ahead”. This is not a harmless act and the pet owner is oblivious that something is emotionally wrong with their pet. It only takes one bite to have an animal put down. Once an animal bites a human there is typically no one that will adopt your beloved pet…

…and, should the dog ever bite someone, especially if they bite or attack a child… you could be looking at a criminal action! You should never be worried about leaving your home . . . or inviting people into your home.

A normal dog with great behavior will sleep, bark every so often or chew their toys when left alone. Basically they do what they normally do when you are with them.

An emotionally scarred dog with separation anxiety will typically do one or more of the following:
Whine, cry and bark incessantly
The animal will pace the house or perimeter looking for you – and never rest
The dog will chew furniture, destroy carpeting, knock over plants and often eat through paneling or drywall
A dog with this anxiety will jump on you and your guests when they see you often ruining and dirtying clothes and possibly scratching skin
Dogs also get jealous and will growl or attack anyone near you… this can include small children… who love to pet “any” dog
A female dog will often be so excited you returned that she will unknowingly begin to urinate… while jumping on you
Dogs with severe separation anxiety will also urinate and defecate all over your home. These poor animals can also cause
themselves great harm by jumping through plate glass windows!

OVER 80 PAGES – ONLY $24.97

Does your pet have any of the above symptoms? If so please keep reading…

Really, this is what you want and what you need in a pet:
A loving animal that is comfortable around everyone in your home
A pet that can be trusted to not destroy your home while you are away.
A dog that won’t growl or bark at friends and family
A dog that won’t jump on people and scratch and tear their clothes
A dog like you see in the movies, loving, warm and kind to all.
But most of all… a wonderful dog that is able to lead an emotionally healthy life!

It’s now time to take control of your pet and show them that its OK to be by themselves. That breaking this level of anxiety is only going to make them live a rich, full life. How great would it be to trust your dog around your children, or your guest’s children?

Click Below Now To teach Your Pet To End Bad Habits
In As Little As A Few Hours


OVER 80 PAGES – ONLY $24.97
Click Here Now!

“Dogs are truly just like people… although they have no ability to talk and tell you how they are feeling, they act out on their emotions…”

Its true! Dogs, especially puppies, are exactly like small children. They have wants and needs but no way to express them other than acting out using the only tool they have – they’re paws, claws, teeth and emotions. When a dog is angry with you, they’ll let you know by either destroying something in your home, urinating in your home or flat out other destructive bad behavior. Its usually something easy to fix – but not with a dog with a separation anxiety disorder. If left untreated, it can cause this poor animal to hurt themselves and possibly someone else.

Their need for attention, especially as puppies, is pretty demanding; but there are ways to calm them down, to let them know its OK to be left alone by themselves and this is often something they should enjoy. Making them understand that its OK is one of the first steps but often the hardest. My book includes all the information you’ll need to get into your animals head to know what it truly needs to be placated.

P.S. Seriously, for just ONLY $24.97 you’re going to learn some really incredible stuff and take control of your pet showing them that its OK to be by themselves. Also breaking this level of anxiety is only going to make them live a rich, full life!!

Don’t pass on this one, grab your copy today
before it’s no longer available!
OVER 80 PAGES – ONLY $24.97

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