Today’s article is from our guest contributor Mr. Moses Wright. He talks about Basic Dog Health Care which many of our readers will find very resourceful.

So sit back, relax and enjoy.

I will talk to you soon.

Dr. Deborah Rodrigues DMello

Basic Dog Health Care - What Every dog owners Should Know
By Moses Wright

There is a reason why they call dogs ‘man’s best friend’. It’s truly an honour to win and keep a dog’s trust. Owners tend to build a lifelong bond with their dogs. Get to know him really well - not just about how he likes to chew your slippers, or what his favourite toy is or even why he hates the postman, but about dog health issues – what affects his body and how to recognise signs and symptoms of illness so that you can make sure he is in tip-top condition. You want your best friend to be happy!

A comprehensive book on dog health is an investment you should not overlook. Knowing details about your dog’s particular breed and general care would be helpful. Grooming and skin care are part of the basics in caring for your dog. Knowing when and how to give your dog a bath or dental care especially if he’s almost as big as you are will make exercise and play far more enjoyable for both of you.

Take a walk down to your veterinary surgery enquire about the treatments and services they offer, and take note of their operation hours and emergency service telephone numbers. More vets these days complement traditional veterinary practices with holistic health care for pets and can use complementary medicine to ensure your dog’s health is holistic. Vets will keep you in the know regarding natural dog health products that work to maintain your dog’s overall health as well as function as prescription based treatments for specific ailments. They will be able to advise you on which dog care product will suit your particular dog depending on his size, breed, coat and characteristics. Remember that different breeds will have unique health issues and preferences, and your vet will have some tips that would make the first step to owning a dog that much easier.

Do enquire about the vaccination programmes and feeding regimes suitable for the breed and age of dog you are intending to keep as a pet. The care of puppies can vary greatly with mature dogs; vaccination programmes could be vastly different as well. Many a time, vets will have some literature that will come in handy. It’s a good idea to get all this background information before you own a dog so that you can be well prepared and can plan ahead for the regular care and treatment your dog might need.

Most importantly, do build up a good relationship with the veterinary team. Remember, they are not only there for emergencies - they are there whenever you need advice, and together, you can make sure your dog has the happiest, healthiest life possible.

Moses Wright is the webmaster of DogCustomer.com. He provides more information on Dog Health, Dog Health Care and Dog Veterinary Diseases that you can learn in the comfort of your home.

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Symptoms of Pain and Illness in Dogs
By Jennifer Bryant

dog owners, who recognize the early signs and symptoms of illness or pain in their dogs, will not only relieve their loved one’s suffering but may also be able to save themselves an expensive trip to the veterinarian. Not only is it important to recognize these signs early to relieve pain and suffering, but it is much more effective to treat an illness when it is detected early.

The dog owner should keep an accurate and detailed account of their dog’s symptoms to help the veterinarian correctly diagnose and effectively treat the dog’s illness or condition. Most canine illnesses are detected through a combination of various signs and symptoms:

Temperature, Respiratory Rate and Heart Rate

A newborn puppy will have a temperature of 94-97º F. which will eventually reach the normal adult body temperature of 101.5º F. at the age of 4 weeks old. Take care when trying to take your dog or puppies temperature as the thermometer can easily be broken off in the canine’s rectum. Also any form of excitement can cause the temperature to rise by 2-3º when the dog is actually in normal health. If your dog’s temperature reaches 105º or above OR 96º or below please take him/her to the emergency vet immediately!

An adult dog will have a respiratory rate of 15-20 breaths per minute (depending on such variables as size and weight) and a heart rate of 80-120 beats per minute. You can feel for your dog’s heartbeat by placing your hand on his/her lower ribcage just behind the elbow. Don’t be alarmed if the heartbeat seems irregular compared to a human’s heartbeat, it is irregular in many dogs. Have your vet check it out and get used to how it feels when it is normal.

behavior Changes

Any behavior changes that are not associated with a change in the household atmosphere, such as jealousy over a new pet or child may be an indication of an illness. Signs of behavioral changes may be:

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Fatigue

• Sleepiness

• Trembling

• Falling/Stumbling

If your dog shows any of these signs, he/she needs to be kept under close watch for a few hours, or even a few days, until positive signs develop or he/she has returned to normal. Do not try to exercise the dog or put him/her in any situation that may cause stress. Most veterinarians will want for you to keep track of when the symptoms first appeared, whether they are getting better or worse, and also whether the symptoms are intermittent, continuous, or increasing in frequency.

Pain

Dogs that are in pain will likely indicate that they are suffering by giving you clues as to where the area of discomfort is. For instance, a dog that has abdominal pain will continually glance toward their belly, bite or lick the area, and will not want to leave his/her bed. The dog may stand hunched over, or take the ‘prayer position’ which is when a dog gets down on it’s forelegs with the hind legs still standing, because of the pain in her abdomen area.

Dogs can not tell you that they are hurting or cry real tears but a dog may vocalize their pain in a different way. A dog that is hurt suddenly (such as being stepped on) will cry out or wimper in pain. This also happens when an external injury or internal injury (such as an organ) is touched. Whining or vocalization that is unprovoked may be caused from an internal injury as well. Some breeds of dogs (such as the American Pit Bull Terrier) have a higher pain threshold and need to be watched more closely for signs of pain. Breeds with a high pain tolerance are more likely to endure the pain without vocalization.

Another clue to pain is a change in temperament. A dog that is in pain may show signs of aggression. Please take note of this before concluding that a dog has become vicious and let your veterinarian know so that the correct treatment can be administered. Also females in general (even humans!) have days when they are just in a bad mood for no obvious reason. Take note of days of times that these mood swings occur as well as any events that might have triggered them.

Other signs that your dog may be sick:

• Ears: discharge, debris, odor, scratching, crusted tips, twitching or shaking.

• Eyes: redness, swelling or discharge.

• Nose: runny, thickened or colored discharge, crusty.

• Coughing, sneezing, vomiting or gagging.

• Shortness of breath, irregular breathing or prolonged/heavy panting

• Evidence of parasites in the dog’s stool, strange color, blood in the stool, or lack of a bowel movement (constipation).

• Loss of appetite or not drinking as much water as normally would.

• Weight Loss.

• Strange color of urine, small amount of urine, straining, dribbling, or not going as frequently as normal.

• Bad odor coming from mouth, ears, or skin.

• Hair loss, wounds, tumors, dander or change of the skin’s color.

• Biting of the skin, parasites, scratching or licking the skin frequently.

The preceding article was meant to help educate you to the signs and symptoms of probable pain or sickness in your dog. If any of these symptoms occur over a prolonged period of time, please seek the help of a veterinarian. I hope that this article will help stress the importance of keeping watch over your dog’s health patterns and the importance of keeping an accurate, detailed health record for your veterinarian’s convenience.

About the Author:

Jennifer Bryant is a life-long lover of dogs. Jennifer loves and breeds American Pit Bull Terriers in her North Georgia home with her 2 young children. Her love of dogs has inspired her to create a website for herself (as well as other breeders) to advertise their occasional litter of puppies and to educate others with dog breed information and useful articles.

Bryant’s Red Devils Red Nose American Pit Bull Terriers

Puppies and Dogs for Sale.com

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Dog Care Tips: #1By Eric Hartwell

Basic Commands your dog needs to know

There are certain basic commands that are considered important for your dog to know to be considered a trained pet. The most common and basic of them all would probably be the command “sit.” I suppose this is one of the first things that you normally teach your dog. Your dog should also understand “stay.” He should know when he is not allowed to move or follow you around. It is important also that your dog understands when you say “no.” Knowing that what he is doing is unacceptable would make him stop every time you give the command “no.” “Down” is an essential ingredient on the basics of dog training.

Picking out a dog food

The best thing you could probably do would be to do your homework and research on the particular needs of your dog. Just like human beings, dogs need the right combination of vitamins, minerals, fats, carbohydrates and protein to keep them in tip top shape, to have energy needed for their various activities and for them to grow healthy and strong. It may not come as a surprise that many pet owners would choose the affordable ones, considering that these are hard times and often the budget is limited. You have to bear in mind though that you also have to take into consideration the importance of nourishment and nutrition to avoid future health related problems for your pooch.

Pet food manufacturers are exerting all their efforts to provide quality balance pet food incorporating them with the needed nutrition for a healthy pet. It’s a matter of you finding the right one for your dog because different breeds may require different needs.

Eric Hartwell oversees “The World’s Best Homepage” intended to be a user-generated resource where YOUR opinion counts. Anybody can contribute and all are welcomed. Visit us to read, comment upon or share opinions at the worlds best homepage or submit or use content at free content resource.

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