dogcents

Four-legged animals are as inclined to experience stress as their two-legged owners. While your dog won’t labour over where his next meal will come from, he may wrestle with his own fears and anxieties. Fear may be associated with a particular person or gender, or a specific situation, such as a visit to the veterinarian’s office. Dogs may become anxious when their owners are away, when they hear certain noises such as thunder or fireworks, when a new pet enters the house or an animal companion dies.

Eliminating the cause is the first step in preventing your dog’s anxiety attacks. If your dog runs under the bed during a thunderstorm, the source of the stress is clear, but sometimes the cause of the stress is more difficult to determine.

To help a nervous pet, try some of these tension-easing tips.:

1. If your dog has a fear of thunder or fireworks, desensitising your pet is almost impossible. Instead, provide a place in your home away from windows and doors in which he can wait out the storm and keep a radio on to help drown out the sounds of the thunder or fireworks.

2. If your dog experiences anxiety over a new pet addition to the home, introduce the animals gradually.

3. Dogs may experience stress at being left alone. Consider the option of adopting or purchasing a second dog to keep your existing dog company.

4. If your dog seems anxious when you are away even for short periods of time, leave the television or a radio on.

5. If your dog becomes stressed because you are moving to a new home, take him to your new home before you move in, if possible, and allow him to investigate the surroundings. Give your dog some treats or play with him in the new home so he will associate something positive with the experience.

6. If the appearance of a new baby or new spouse in your home is making your dog anxious, try to keep things as normal as possible. Stick to your dog’s regular schedule and give him plenty of attention.

7. If your dog grieves due to the loss of an animal companion, give him plenty of love and affection. After some time passes, consider a new animal playmate.

What happens if your dog gets lost? Hopefully this wil not happen but if it does if you love your dog and your a responsible dog owner he will be returned to you if you had bought him a collar with his name and your address or Phone number on the tag he is wearing. What is the Best identification for your dog?
There are several types. Here are some types of identification for your pets. Basic tags and collars. This type is easy to spot and anybody who sees a dog running loose can simply look down and check to see what family he belongs to.
But these can easily be removed or torn off and their are people out there who will be more than happy to see a puppy running around by himself and remove its collar in order to take it home or return it, if their is a reward offered….
Then there are Microchips which can be surgically implanted into your dog underneath the skin and generally in between the shoulder blades.
They are real small and if the dogcatcher picks the dog up they have scanners to check and will give you a call. Another form of identification is tattoo it can be done quite easy and is does not cost alot. So be sure to get some kind of identification for your dog just in case he decides to go exploring aroung the neighborhood and should get lost…But I think it wold be a great idea if you just keep an eye out and check on him now and then to see he has not left your home. If you have a fence in your backyard then you can set your mind at ease but still get your dog some kind of Identification just in case he digs a hole and gets out. Smile.. All of mine have collars with tags.

Training a dog is a little easier if the dog is content. When training a dog, use the following teaching tips:

Provide plenty of exercise

You’re the “Alpha Dog” and control the pack. It’s very important that you feel and believe this, because your dog will sense it if you don’t. A stern voice and confidence goes a long way when training a dog.

Most important of all, “Praise”. All dogs want to please their owners and that is why praising him is as equally important. Let him know you’re proud of him and he’s doing a great job, then slip him one of his favorite treats.

Many dog owners have turned to natural home remedies instead of store bought products because they are affordable and safe and you can find them right in your home.. Many of these natural home remedies for dogs are quite easy to obtain. For example, do you have garlic in your kitchen? Most people do and use it to cook up tasty dishes but never consider that it is an effective flea repellant.

What about mineral oil, olive oil or almond oil? These are also common household items that can be used for a variety of different purposes. Did you know that they are also effective for treating ear infections or ear mites in dogs?

Do you treat your own skin with Vitamin E? It’s a common way to soothe irritated and dry skin. If your dog suffers from irritated skin as a result of allergies, try applying a bit to their skin to see rapid improvement.

What about oats? They are excellent for adding to your dog’s bath water if he has problems with allergies and as a result spends a lot of time itching and scratching. Just a handful of oats added to your dog’s bath water can help to soothe his irritated skin.

Epsom salts are excellent additives if your dog has problems with his feet. Just add a bit to some water and then soak your dog’s feet. Remember to take care that he does not drink the water.

Natural home remedies for dogs are safe, easy and inexpensive solutions to many health problems that may plague your dog.

Source: Ezine articles

The best cure for dog mange is to mix a 1% hydrogen peroxide solution with water and add borax.Dissolve thoroughly. Wash the dog with it once a week. Do Not Wash the solution left on the dog with ANY WATER. Do not wipe the dog dry. The solution will take effect on mange. The treatment period should not be longer than a month or two. The dog will probably not be resistant as the treatment is painless. This has worked well on dogs I have tried it on. A definitive recipe is add 1-2 tablespoon of borax per 500 cc of 1% hydrogen peroxide solution. plus two parts of water. Then apply them on the dog. Wash with this solution daily, no rinsing. If it doesn’t go away, I have found mites, or mange to have a large beehive hidden somewhere. In case, quarantine the dog in a small area that is sterile. The borax will destroy the eggs from laying under the skin which causes the mange. Get some solution and spray or use this to wipe all floors so the dog will not get re infected. Repeat this every week when bathing. The solution should be applied after you shampoo and rinse your dog. . You cannot rinse the dog of borax and peroxide solution with any shampoo or water. After bathing the dog, keep the dog that wy no drying no rinsing. Keep in mind Borax is added directly to the1% hydrogen peroxide solution and no water is added separately, otherwise the solution is too weak. If the mange returns then see your Vet.

I received a comment from Sarah Young who is having probelm with fleas on her cat and since she read my post about a home remedy that helps remove fleas from dogs she wanted to know if this same remedy would be of help to remove fleas from her beloved cat and asked me for some advice and so being as that Im no expert on home remedies concerning cats and how to to remove fleas off of them I had to go and search the net until I found what I think is exactly the solution for what she needs and what will help bring relief to her cat and I hope that this home remedy will also be of great help to other cat owners who have this same problem and with the econmoy the way it is can not afford to keep spending alot of money on those expensive medicines to remove fleas from their cats when they can find what they need right in their kitchen and put it together themselves right in their own homes.Try it and see if it will work just as great as those store bought flea medications. Many readers who have tried it say it works and continue to use this homemade remedy so its up to you if you want to give it a try just prepare it the right way and like anything else keep it away from your cats eyes………………Thank you and thanks Sarah, and the rest of you for your comments I always appreciate you leaving comments and asking for suggestions about home remedies that may be helpful to your pet and can save you money and work just as well………. @lilruth better known as Lilyruth… Keep in mind dogs have feelings too just like other animalswho we love and care for and take into our homes. When a cat begins to furiously scratch, their owner should investigate the source of their discomfort at once. If your cat is not suffering a skin infection, the root of the problem is most likely the cat flea, which becomes increasingly possible when your cat likes to roam about the great outdoors. It is this destructive pest that is known as one of the most widespread of flea species in the world. This often makes the cat owner in distress readily welcome any home remedy before spending a large amount of money on commercial products and professional assistance.

What are Cat Fleas?
The cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) primarily attacks the domesticated cat, but also causes trouble for dogs, humans, rabbits, rodents, and other animals [1]. Once a female flea comes in contact with a cat, she lays her eggs, which become dry and later fall to a more protected shelter on the host. As the eggs hatch into larvae, the immature fleas feed on the organic substances they find on the cat, including adult flea waste and dried blood.

Next, a process of metamorphosis takes place, where the larvae then spin a cocoon and enter what is called the “pupal stage.” This process varies, as a young adult flea only emerges when signs of a viable host are present, such as warmth, movement, and carbon dioxide production [2]. After a newly emerged flea breaths its first swallow of fresh air, it is motivated to jump about its host, where it takes minutes for the new flea to feed on blood.

Symptoms and Diagnosis
When a cat suffers a flea infestation, you will notice scratching and a noticeable discomfort on their part. A sure sign of cat fleas is seen when your cat walks away from the places they sleep or rest and small grains resembling “salt and pepper” are left behind. This is an indication that fleas are reproducing on your pet, as these remnants are actually flea eggs and droppings. While most cats live life as usual with a few fleas, untreated infestations may cause a variety of problems.

While cat fleas do not typically find a home on humans, they still bite cat owners who have a habit of picking up and stroking their cats. Human cat flea bites produce small, red, itchy bumps that often plague the ankles and lower legs. If a person suffers an allergy to flea bites, they experiences extreme rashes, hives, or generalized itching [3]. Usually, an allergic reaction to flea bites appears 12 to 24 hours after a bite and may last more than a week.

Risk Factors and Negative Effects of Cat Fleas
Cats face the higher risk of fleas when felines are placed in environments that promote the growth and spread of these common household pests. When left untreated, cat fleas have the ability to pose medical concerns and affect the humans living within the same space. Below you will find a wide-range of risk factors and negative effects associated with cat fleas:

a) Heavy Infestations:
The repeated bloodsucking that accompanies heavy infestations of fleas can cause iron deficiencies and anemia in cats. This is especially seen in young felines, which eventually leads to the death of some pets. Heavy infestations also mean that the fleas have spread to other parts of a household, often biting human occupants.

b) Disease:
Cat fleas are known to transmit other parasites to their host, including cats, dogs, and humans. Common diseases include Bartonalla, tapeworm, and murine typhus.

c) Hair Loss:
When a cat frequently scratches and licks at their flea bites, their hair may fall out.

d) Flea Allergy Dermatitis:
Cat fleas are responsible for causing flea allergy dermatitis (also known as FAD) in both cats and dogs. This type of allergy is believed responsible for more than 50% of all the dermatological cases reported to veterinarians.

e) Stray Cats:
When a stray cat has kittens under or close to an uninfested home, the chances of suffering a flea infestation becomes much greater. Cats who live in a heavily flea infested home will also sometimes escape their surroundings to seek relief, usually bringing an infestation to an uninfested residence when rescued as a stray.

f) Weather:
In the outdoors, cat fleas thrive when the weather is humid and rainy, which causes the southern parts of the United States to suffer flea infestations more than the north. The summertime also sees a high population of cat fleas.

g) Dormant Flea Cocoons:
Houses or apartments that have been unoccupied for a long time may suffer a flea infestation when new tenants or homeowners move inside and “awaken” dormant flea cocoons.

h) Frequent Outdoor Visits:
A cat that frequents the outdoors will heighten the risk of bringing fleas into their home environment.

Home Remedies for Cat Fleas
When it comes to using home remedies to treat cat flea problems, you should know that the fleas present on your feline only represent a minute piece of the entire flea population within your home. This is why it is important to follow home remedies associated with both your pet and household. Popular cat flea home remedies include:

a) All-Natural Flea Collar Vacuuming:
A regular vacuuming of carpets, upholstery, and pet bedding helps remedy flea infestations and aids in removing flea cocoons. Since vibrations trigger the emergence of new adult fleas, you may use the clipped ends of an all-natural flea collar as a deterrent. Simply place the flea collar clippings inside of your vacuum bag, which will destroy new fleas on the spot. It is important to use all-natural flea collars, as toxic fumes may arise when using other selections.

b) Yard Cleanup:
Since fleas thrive in moist, wet environments, you may treat the exterior of your house to lower the flea population outside of your home. To create a drier yard, you should cut the grass, trim shrubs, and avoid leaving piles of gravel and sand about the house for long periods of time. Additionally, remove any unnecessary organic debris, including leaves, grass clippings, and straw, which easily becomes a haven for fleas.

c) Promote Spider and Ant Populations:
Ants and spiders serve as great enemies to the flea by eating their eggs and larvae. When mowing your lawn too short, you help fleas to thrive within the outdoors. Lawns kept shorter than two inches encourages a lowering of the population of ants and spiders in a yard, who become susceptible to ground-feeding birds.

d) Birds [4]:
While ants and spiders put a dent in the flea population, so do birds, such as songbirds, sparrows, and starlings. If you encourage birds to settle in or close to your yard, you will also help lessen the fleas outside of your home because birds consider them a fine source of food. You should offer seeds, water, and shelter throughout the year to promote birds frequenting your yard.

e) Vinegar and Water:
In a spray bottle, place equal parts of white vinegar and water, which is then used to mist flea-infected bedding, pets, and carpets.

f) Cedar Shavings:
The local home improvement, home and garden, or feed shop can provide homeowners with cedar shavings, which makes an effective remedy for cat fleas. It is suggested to sprinkle the shavings about the house, in the garden, and inside flowerbeds. You may also fill a pillowcase with cedar shavings and sew it shut for your cat to lie on.

g) Hydrogen Peroxide:
Some individuals have found results when placing their cat in a tub and administering hydrogen peroxide to their coats. It is important to avoid getting the liquid in their eyes, nose, or mouth. In the end, you should see fleas dropping into the water. This home remedy should be avoided if you are worried about lightening the coat of your cat, which may last for a couple of weeks.

h) Borax:
Applying borax to cat bedding and surrounding floor spaces, carpeting, rugs, and furniture is known as an effective home remedy for fleas [5].

i) Routine Pet Bedding Washing [6]:
It is suggested to wash your pet’s bedding and treat surrounding areas with a product that prevents the growth of fleas. This especially comes in handy when your cat frequents the outdoors. As a rule of thumb, regular checks and cleaning of the basement, garage, car, and pet carrier is needed to remedy any possible flea infestations.

j) Flea Combs and Detergent Water:
When it comes time to remove fleas, many cat owners underestimate the power of a good flea comb, which provides a great non-toxic method of ridding your pet of cumbersome cat fleas. The proper way to use the tool is to comb your pet and then place dislodged fleas into a bowl of water filled with detergent, which kills the pests. Be sure to set aside a chunk of time to complete this home remedy. Effective combs should provide 32 teeth per inch.

k) Summer Maintenance:
Since fleas tend to thrive under warm conditions, it is suggested to wash pet bedding in hot, soapy water once per week, followed by a session in a hot dryer. You should always keep in mind that 90% of fleas in a household congregate where your pet sleeps. Rugs and carpeting should be vacuumed every two to three days.

l) Soap Detergent, Water and Light:
Place a pan filled with water and a few drops of dish soap in the center of a room infested with cat fleas. Next to the pan, situate a bright light onto the water as the only source of light in the room. The cat fleas are attracted to the light, causing them to jump into the water and drown because of the added dish soap. Without the dish detergent, the fleas will simply bounce back out.

Resources

[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cat_flea
[2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cat_flea#Life_cycle
[3] http://insects.tamu.edu/extension/bulletins/l-1738.html
[4] http://www.yardener.com/PreventingFleasNextYear.html
[5] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flea#Flea_treatments

A Clean Dog Is better then a dirty Dog!
always keeep in mind that a clean dog is a happy dog, so rreeeemember to bathe yur best companion regularly.
I recommend at least every two to three weeks and use doggie or baby wipes to clean him when you don’t have time to bathe him that certain week.

Parasite Prevention
Your Dogs heart
One of the most comon dog health problems includes parasites. Faithfully provide your dog with monthtly Heartworm medication. Start by having your veterinarian take a blood test. Heart worms in your dog are are deadly, but more One of the most common dog health problems includes parasites, but more importantly this is a dog health problem that is preventable. Heart worms are transmitted by mosquitoes, so protect him at all times.
Flea And Tick Dog Care
Both of these parasites cause so much distress for a dog by actually sucking their blood. Parasites cause dog health problems such as anemia, they become infected with tapeworms and fleas are also the primary cause for some skin conditions in dogs.

Here are some great tips I have used on my old dogs and they have helped them alot .
Give “Coated” Aspirin such as Ascriptin but NEVER IBUPROFEN or any products that contain Ibuprofen.
A dog bed made specifically for dogs with joint problems.
Purchase doggie stairs or a ramp and never allow him to jump and land on his front legs.
Don’t put his bed directly in front of the air conditioner vent.
Have a dog sweater ready for colder days and nights.
Avoid allowing your old dog to go up or down the stairs too much.
Place a thick rug down on hard wood floors for him to lay on.
Provide exercise with several short walks during the day.
Many Dog Health Problems Can Be Avoided With A Healthy Diet
No matter what the age of your dog, make diet the most important part of your daily dog care.
The fundamentals of dog care start with diet and nutrition and should start as soon as you bring your dog home. By feeding a premium diet rich in vitamins and minerals, you can avoid many dog health problems later on in your dog’s life. If you need to save money, this is not the place. “Dogs are what they eat” and your dog’s health starts with his food.

Lack Of Exercise And Dog Health Problems
Dogs with arthritis or joint problems should still be exercised daily with several short walks.
If overweight, it will be “twice” as hard for your dog if he develops Osteoarthritis or Hip Dysplasia.
Lack of exercise and weight issues are major factors in many dog health problems and diseases. All dogs need exercise daily no matter what their age. With this in mind, you also have to use common sense. If your dog is older and has a hard time getting around, limit the exercise to several small walks daily and check with your vet.
Dog Health Issues For Canine Ears
Dogs ears are one of the most sensitive parts of his body. Dirty ears and ear infections will cause your dog to shake his head frequently.

Clean your dog’s ears weekly and check for odor, redness or a thick pasty substance which could indicate a yeast problem and/or an ear infection.
Avoid infections with this all natural remedy that balances the pH level in your dog’s ears.

Caring For Your Dog’s Eyes
Use a soft cloth dampened in warm water to gently remove sleepers and anything around the eye.
A haze or cloudy look to the eyes usually means cataracts are present. Have your Vet check it out.

Excess dog scratching can be a sign of a huge number of canine health issues including mange, lice, fleas, ticks, parasites, fungus, cancer, liver disease or even anxiety. Dog itch is not a problem every once and awhile, but excess scratching can lead to inflammation or infection so you should stay on top of heavy canine itching and look out for problem symptoms. Besides the obvious sight of dogs itching, you should watch your pets for excess licking, chewing, redness of the skin or ears, hair loss, and head shaking. With such a large number of potential reasons for these symptoms, however, going to a veterinary doctor or even a veterinary dermatologist is necessary for a correct diagnosis.

Bacterial and yeast infections frequently cause canine itching, especially a certain type of bacterial infection known as a hot spot. Hot spots are a type of skin infection that causes common but painful sores, especially for dogs with thick hair. To prevent the spread of the infection, trim the hair around the infected spot to dry the area and watch the hot spot to make sure it does not get worse and require a trip to the vet’s office. Apply hydrocortisone spray or antibiotic ointment to speed healing and offer relief, but be sure to check with your vet first before using these products.

Mange is another common cause for heavy dog itching and is caused by mites. Bring your dog to the vet if you think mange might be the problem. Symptoms include hair loss and dry, scab-like marks on the dog’s skin around the eyes, ears, and joints. A skin test and medication is needed to diagnose and treat mange and can be prescribed by your veterinary doctor.

If allergies are the cause of your dog’s itching, solutions may include flea prevention and control products, drugs such as antihistamines or allergy shots, or a diet change if food allergies are suspected. Healthy eating habits can also prevent canine itching, especially a diet rich in omega fatty acids.

An at-home remedy for your dog’s itchy skin is a cool water bath– not warm or hot water– especially a bath using an oatmeal shampoo to ease superficial symptoms. Psychological issues like separation anxiety can also lead to excess dog itching, and these symptoms may be relieved through training and calming methods. Source: Vet info on the net..

Animals have been on earth way before man. However, man developed the art of taming beasts and used them for his daily needs and chores. Farmers used cattle and oxen. Hunters used horses, camel, donkeys etc. Animals like cattle, pigs, goats, sheep and chickens were bred as a source of food.

Farmers used cattle in their day to day chores and over time a relationship between man and animals were formed. A bond was developed between the animals and humans. These animals became more than just beasts of burden.

As time progressed, animals have become more than just ‘animals’, they became companions of mankind. Love and passion between a man and animal developed. The species that became a common part of some humans were cats and dogs.

Cats and dogs were breed widely to fulfill mankind needs of companionship from animals.In the present day, the roles of companion animal are far beyond that of fulfilling daily chores. Companion animal or pets have far surpassed their core purpose of existence. In the day to day life, a man or woman faces many challenges and stress at work, home and in the social community. Pets help to overcome these stresses. The role of pets in present day community is only felt by those who have been able to relate to them as one.

Pets, with their god given sixth sense are able to feel the emotions of their owners. They are able to understand anger, sadness, happiness and other emotions of man. However, this is only possible if owners are able to relate to them.

Animal is the only being on this earth that is multi-linguistic. They learn the language from their owners. Pets imported from Russia and other parts of the world, are able to understand the dialect of their owners, within days. It is sad that pets cannot talk back when you talk to them.

As much as pets serve us in our daily feelings, their health is also of utmost importance. Here’s a brief highlight of some important requirement of owning a pet: