Dog´s Health & Care
Itchy Summer Hot Spots 
Although similar skin lesions can occur any time of year, hot spots.... raw, inflamed, wet sores that itch and often grow rapidly, are much more common in Summer. Warmth and moisture are usually contributing factors in this type of inflammatory skin disorder, also referred to as moist Eczema, Acute Moist Dermatitis or Acute Moist Pyoderma
28 Things You Should Never Feed Your Dog
You see it everywhere, people holding an ice cream and their dog is lapping it up with delight, or kids popping a potato chip into their mouth, then one into their pets. But how good or even safe is it for us to feed them this food? Read on to find out 28 foods you should never feed your dog.
Adrenal Gland Disorders
Here´s inks to information about canine adrenal gland disorders such as Addison´s Disease and Cushing´s disease.
Anemia in Dogs [offsite link]
Anemia is a reduced number of red blood cells or hemoglobin or both. The most easily observed sign of anemia is a loss of the normal pink color of the gingiva (gums). Anemic dogs also have little stamina so they seem very listless or tired.
Arthritis in Dogs
When the weather turns cold and damp, humans aren't the only ones that can suffer from the aches and pains of arthritis. Learn how to recognize the symptoms of canine arthritis, and what you can do to make daily life easier for your dog.
Autumn Threats for Dogs
The autumn brings upon us a glorious canvas of multicoloured trees and shrubs. However, this time of year can pose threats to our pet as we head outside to enjoy the cooler temperatures and our scenery. Read on to see what you can do to enjoy the fall season and keep your dog safe too!
Beneficial Herbs For Dogs
If you are like us, our furbabies are an extremely important part of our family. As we use herbs as part of our daily health regimen, you should also consider them for your four-legged child as well. Try these great herbs for the furbaby in your life you want to protect.
Bloat & Stomach Torsion [offsite link]
What is bloat... What are the symptoms...
Guidelines to help prevent bloat/gastric torsion.
Bloat (Gastric Dilatation & Volvulus) [offsite link]
If your dog’s abdomen is distended and/or you notice nausea, vomiting, attempts to vomit, sudden weakness, or collapse, contact your vet immediately. Bloat is a life-threatening condition. It´s caused by a number of things - most often when a dog swallows excess air, the stomach can rotate on itself and pinch off it´s blood supply. Read more bloat, breeds at high risk, symptoms, and prevention.
Bloat - an acupressure point that can be utilized to combat bloat. [offsite link]
Massaging this acupressure point can stimulate gastrointestinal motility and possibly combat bloat, a dreaded deadly gastric condition. This is definitely not recommended instead of veterinary treatment, but if the prodedure is begun early or on the way to emergency veterinary treatment, perhaps it could can save your dog’s life!
Blood Disorders
Read about caninne blood diseases and disorders such as Von Willebrand´s Disease and Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia. Learn the signs, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
Caffeine and Dogs
While you might not be able to function without your morning cup of coffee, remember that your lifesaver might kill your dog.
Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia [offsite link]
Canine autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is one of the most common blood (hematologic) disorders affecting canines. It´s characterized by increased destruction of red blood cells by the dog´s own immune system. Though much attention has been given recently to AIHA due to evidence linking vaccinations with the manifestation of this sometimes life-threatening disease, immunization is only one potential cause. This article provides a detailed explanation of AIHA, it´s diagnosis and treatment, and
Canine Cancer
Here´s links to everything you need to know about canine cancers - lymphoma, osteosarcoma, mast cell tumors, and more.
Canine Influenza
Bird flu, swine flu, human flu.... there is a dog version as well. Find out more about this potentially deadly illness, and how to protect your pup.
Chocolate Poisoning in Dogs
Chocolate is plentiful around the holidays, but it can be deadly to your dog.
Choosing a Healthy Dog Food 
Our dogs are our family, and just like our kids we want to make sure they have the best possible nutrition to give them a head start on a long and healthy life. But what should you be looking for in food and treats?
Choosing the Right Rawhides
Rawhides are a long-time favorite for many dog breeds. Not all rawhides are the same, however, and some can be downright dangerous. Learn what to look for when choosing a rawhide, and make sure your dog has a great way to keep his teeth and gums healthy.
Clean Ears - Healthy Dog
Ear care should be part of your regular grooming routine. By checking your dog´s ears often you´ll notice signs of irritation early and help prevent painful, often hard to treat ear infections. Setting up a regular weekly schedule can benefit everyone, especially your dog!
Coagulation Disorders [offsite link]
Most inherited bleeding disorders are the result of a deficiency in one or more of the factors involved in the blood clotting system. The most serious and common inherited coagulation disorders in dogs are Hemophilia and Von Willebrand´s disease. Read more about these diseases here.
Contagious Diseases & Vaccinations
Distemper, Parvovirus, Kennel Cough, Rabies and other contagious but preventable diseases + information about vaccinations.
Could Your Dog Be a Blood Donor?
Do you have a calm, friendly, healthy dog that fits the requirements to be blood donor volunteer?
Dachshunds - Steps To Save Their Backs
Dachshunds are loyal and loving. As with all breeds, they come with some issues, the most important being their backs, which are prone to injury. They are predisposed to a condition called IVDD – canine intervertebral disk disease. Follow these steps to help prevent this injury to your doxie.
Dehydration in Dogs
Dehydration can cause lasting damage and even death for a dog. Learn the warning signs of this potentially deadly condition.
Dewclaws and Removal
Most dogs are born with dewclaws, and whether or not they should be removed is an ongoing argument.
Diabetes
Here´s links to articles with information about Caninne Diabetes... symptoms, diagnosis, insulin injection and other treatment methods.
Diabetes Glossary [offsite link]
From Pets with Diabetes.org, here´s definitions and explanations of pet diabetes terms + common abbreviations.
Diabetes in Dogs [offsite link]
This site provides educational information, internet resources, personal experiences, and support for owners of diabetic dogs.
Diabetes in Dogs [offsite link]
From BD Diabetes.com... here´s information about Diagnosing Canine Diabetes, Diet and Exercise, Insulin Therapy for Dogs, Injecting Your Dog,
Monitoring Your Dog, Stress Relief, Diabetes and Cataracts, plus frequently asked questions about Canine Diabetes.
Diabetes Mellitus [offsite link]
What is Diabetes; What conditions predispose a dog to developing Diabetes; How a diagnosis is made; Treament + an excellent pictoral guide on how to give insulin injections.
Diagnostic Tests
Diagnostic tests are crucial to a diagnosis. This category has links to site that explain blood tests, urinalysis, EKG, x-rays, ultrasound, MRI, and more.
Digestive System - Stomach & Bowel Disorders
Read about canine digestive disturbances, bowel disease and disorders - symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
Dog Food Ingredients
It can be bewildering to figure out the quality of a pet food. But with practice, you can become expert at reading labels and understanding the nutritional value of the food you feed your pet. After all, you wouldn’t want to eat something that wasn’t good, so why feed it to your companion?
Dog Food Recalls and What They Mean
The last few months have found dog food recalls back in the news again. Understanding where and why these recalls come is crucial in making the best choices for your pup's diet.
Dog Seizures
There is nothing more frightening than watching someone you care about in a situation where you feel helpless. This is even more apparent when you watch your beloved furbaby having a seizure. Do your homework, research & consult a vet, you can manage their seizures with love, knowlege & nutrition.
Doggy Alzheimer's Disease
Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome causes disorientation, confusion, memory loss and personality changes that are very similar to Alzheimer´s Disease in humans. Don´t assume that changes in your senior dog´s behavior are just a natural part of aging.
Dogs and Fleas
Along with spring comes fleas, so brush up on some flea basics.
Dry Skin [offsite link]
Winter is a common time for pets to have dry skin. Learn steps to take care of your dogs hair and skin and warning signs that your pet has more than dry skin.
Epilepsy & Seizures
Here´s links to sites with facts about Epilepsy - types, seisures, diagnosis, medication and treatment.
Epilepsy & Seizures [offsite link]
Epilepsy is a disorder of recurring seizures. Seizures are described as an uncoordinated firing of the neurons usually within a portion of the brain called the cerebrum. Seizures can be caused by many conditions. Read more...
Eye & Ear Care & Disorders
Information about the proper care of eyes and ears + eye and ear diseases and disorders
Fever in Dogs [offsite link]
The normal temperature in dogs is 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Knowing your dogs´s body temperature can help determine whether urgent treatment is needed and how your pet is responding to treatment or medication. Read what can cause a feve and how to treat it.
Fevers, Body Temperature
Learn what can cause a fever, how to treat it and how to take a dog´s temperature.
First Aid, CPR & Other Emergency Measures
CPR, Heimlich, canine medical emergencies , first aid treatment, kits, etc.
Fleas, Ticks, Stings and Bites
Here´s Flea and tick information... prevention and treatment; Lyme Disease and other tick-transmitted diseases; Bee, wasp and hornet stings + mosquito and other bites.
Heart Disease
Heart murmurs, mitral valve disease, congestive heart failure, plus other heart disease and disorders, symptoms and treatment
Heartworm
It’s bad enough that we have to beat off hoards of mosquitoes to enjoy our time outdoors, but what about our dogs? We have to worry about West Nile Virus and depending on where in the world you live, a host of other problems. Our furbabies, they have to worry about Heartworm.
Hemangiosarcoma [offsite link]
Hemangiosarcomas are a form of cancer which originates in the lining of blood vessels and the spleen. They are highly malignant and can be found almost anywhere in the body since blood vessels are necessary in almost all body tissues. These tumors are most common in middle aged or older dogs which are medium sized or larger but can occur in any breed. German shepherds are reported to be more susceptible to this tumor than most dog breeds. Read more....
High Blood Pressure - Hypertension [offsite link]
A systolic BP consistently exceeding greater than 170 to 180 mm Hg in the dog is considered high. Diastolic pressure in dogs should not exceed the 100 to 110 mm Hg range, provided it is recorded when the dog is relaxed. Read about the causes of high blood pressure, what to watch for, diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
Common genetic joint diseases that lead to severe pain and debilitation - symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Hospice Care [offsite link]
Anyone caring for an elderly and frail, or terminally ill pet, has some understanding of what it means to provide hospice care. Hospice is providing care that´s meant to comfort rather than cure, until the animal dies or the caregiver decides to euthanize. It´s not necessarily a place, but a philosophy that end-of-life care be provided by the caregiver and the family, in comfortable and familiar surroundings.
Hot Weather Tips
We dream of warm summer days and spending time outdoors, especially with our furbabies. However, without taking them into consideration, your day could end in disaster. By taking the time to prepare for your day out, you both can enjoy your day and be safe by following these simple rules.
How Dogs Work - Seizure Alert Dogs
Seizure alert dogs can not only tell their human companions when they´re going to be experiencing a seizure, but can also learn to lie with them to prevent harm. But how can dogs predict what we can´t?
How Dogs Work - Smell
Dogs are well-known for their sense of smell. But even the most devoted dog owners might not realize just how smell impacts their dog's behavior, and how vividly it colors the world around them.
How Dogs Work - Tails
Tails are for more than just communication!
Immune System Disorders
In autoimmune diseases the body reacts against itself. The consequences of auto immune disease may vary from minimal to catastrophic.
Internal Parasites - Worms
Descriptions of the various kinds of intestinal worms, treatment and prevention.
Itch-And-Scratch-Bite-And-Lick! [offsite link]
This article explains the major reasons why dogs itch and scratch. A diagnosis must be made so you and your veterinarian will be better able to select the proper treatment plan.
Keeping Your Dog Cool in the Summer
Making it easy for your pup to regulate his or her body temperature can mean the difference between life and death.
Limping [offsite link]
If your dog is limping, there is definitely a problem. A close examination may turn up an issue you can deal with immediately, or it may turn up nothing. What you should do depends on what you find.
Liver Disease in Dogs [offsite link]
Read about the physiology, causes, symptoms and
diagnosis of Infectious Canine Hepatitis, Hepatic Lipidosis and other canine liver diseases.
Living with an Amputee Dog
Amputation isn't uncommon, but dealing with it can still be difficult. Here's some tips on making the transition from four-legged friend to three-legged a little bit easier.
Mange - Demodectic Mange [offsite link]
Demodectic mange (also known as red mange, follicular mange, or puppy mange) is a skin disease, generally of young dogs, caused by the mite, Demodex canis. Whether or not Demodex causes harm to a dog depends on the animal´s ability to keep the mite under control.
Mange - Mites and Mange [offsite link]
Demodectic mange is caused by the hair follicle mite Demodex canis, which is found normally in most dogs. Infestation leading to mange develops in dogs without natural immunity to the mite. Demodectic mange is not contagious. Read more...
Mange - Sarcoptic Mange [offsite link]
Sarcoptic mange, commonly known as canine scabies is caused by the parasite Sarcoptes scabiei. These microscopic mites can invade the skin of healthy dogs or puppies and create a variety of skin problems, the most common of which is hair loss and severe itching.
Medications
Giving medication to a dog... pills, liquid medicines, injectible medication, applying creams, ointments and topical medications, eye and ear medications
Natural Flea Concoctions
With the warm season approaching many of us, we yearn to be outdoors to enjoy the weather. This however brings on a whole slew of issues, namely fleas. If you don’t want to put harmful chemicals on your pet or in your environment, try these Natural Flea Concoctions, they might just do the trick!
Panting – Is it Normal? [offsite link]
The most common causes of panting are heat, excitement, anxiety, or fear. However, if panting is excessive or your pet is in distress, it is important to identify the underlying cause. Read more....
Pet Insurance [offsite link]Get accident and health insurance coverage for your dog. Financial protection for you.
Purebred Genetics -- Hip Dysplasia and PRA
A close look at two common genetic conditions that can develop in purebred dogs -- hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy.
Reproductive System Disease and Disorders
The heat cycle and other female dog issues + male dog reproductive system issues.
Reverse Sneezing in Dogs
what is reverse sneezing and when should you be worried?
Ringworm in Dogs [offsite link]
Ringworm is a skin disease caused by a fungus. Because the lesions are often circular, it was once thought to be caused by a worm curling up in the tissue. However, there is no truth to that; it has nothing to do with a worm.
Seizure Disorders [offsite link]
Any involuntary behavior that occurs abnormally may represent a seizure. Seizures are classified into several categories. Read more...
Seizures & Epilepsy - Canine Seizures [offsite link]
The site includes an explanation of what happens during a seizure, how to care for your dog after a seizure, medications used to treat canine epilepsy, some of the diseases that can cause seizures, and answers to questions that owners of epileptic dogs frequently have.
Seizures & Epilepsy - Epilepsy Resources [offsite link]
A brief overview of Canine Epilepsy plus issues regarding seizures, medication, holistic approaches, and FAQ about Epilepsy
Seizures in Dogs - Ask Dr. Mike [offsite link]
Read Dr. Mike´s answers to subscriber´s questions about epilepsy & seizures.
Six Signs of a Healthy Dog [offsite link]
When a dog is healthy it shows...in it´s body condition; digestion; skin coat and eyes; immune system; dental health; bone and joint health. The focus is different at different stages in life. Find out more about your dog´s optimal health from "Purina One".
Skin and Hair Disorders
Here´s information about mange, ringworm, hot spots, allergic dermatitis, dry skin and other disorders of the skin and hair.
Skin Diseases - Identifying Skin Diseases in Dogs [offsite link]
An introduction to the causes and symptoms of skin diseases in dogs.
Spay & Neuter
Links to spay and neuter information and resources
Surgical Discharge Instructions [offsite link]
When a dog is recovering from a major surgical procedure, some restrictions of activity and observation by you will be necessary. Your Veterinarian should give you a list of restrictions and things to watch for. Just in case you do not have that list, and you cannot reach your vet, here´s typical post-surgical instructions to follow until you obtain a new list.
Symptoms of Poisoning in Dogs
Even the most vigilant homeowner can find their dog has ingested something poisonous. Knowing the signs and what to do can mean saving your pup's life.
Tail Docking in Dogs
Many dogs have their tails docked, but what is the reason behind this largely cosmetic surgery? Perhaps more importantly, what are the consequences?
Tail Docking, Ear Cropping & Dew Claw Removal
Cropping and docking is the surgical alteration of the ears and tail. It´s very common among many breeds. There is a growing debate against these procedures.
Taking Your Dog´s Temperature [offsite link]
Feeling the ears, nose or head is not considered a reliable method of checking a dog´s body temperature. You determine a dog´s internal temperature by using a rectal thermometer or by using an ear thermometers. Here´s instructions for using both types of thermometers.
Temperature & Fevers - Normal Body Temperature [offsite link]
The normal body temperature for dogs ranges between 99.5° to 102.5°F. Learn to check your dog’s temperature and contact your veterinarian if you find any problems.
Things to Consider Before Breeding Your Dog
Deciding to breed your dog is taking a big step. It's important to consider all the consequences of doing so, and carefully looking at your own motivations as well as some of these facts.
Thyroid Disorders
Information about hypothyroidism and common thyroid diseases and disorders in dogs - symtoms, diagnosis, testing and treatment
Till Death Does Us Part
It is hard enough creating a will; it is even harder putting down what you want to happen to your beloved furbaby, God Forbid something happen to you. But in reality you need to make sure they are taken care of, just as you would any of your beloved children. Read on to see why!
Tonsillitis [offsite link]
The cause of the enlarged tonsils should be determined. Antibiotics are effective if bacteria are the cause. Only in severe chronic tonsillitis of unknown origin should the tonsils be removed.
Urinary Disorders , Kidney/Renal Disease
Urinary incontinence, bladder, kidney/renal disease and disorders symtoms - diagnosis and treatment
Veterinarians - Veterinary Care
Finding a Veterinarian, choosing a Veterinarian, and paying for veterinary care
Vetsulin [offsite link]
Diabetes in dogs can be managed successfully with daily, consistent care that is easy to administer. This site is designed to give you an overview of diabetes, including treatments used and outline what you can expect when managing your dog’s diabetes. It includes and Insulin Conversion Chart, a Pet Owner Manual and a Client Information Sheet.
Von Willebrand´s Disease [offsite link]
Von Willebrand’s disease (wVD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder in dogs. Although dogs of any breed (even mixed breeds) can have vWD, certain breeds are more prone to it than others. Doberman pinschers, Welsh corgis, German shepherds, and Scottish terriers account for most clinical cases of vWD. Read more...
Weight Problems
Here´s articles concerning overweight and underweight dogs; maintaining proper weight, and problems due to obesity in dogs.
Why Dogs Eat Grass
Although there are several theories why dogs eat grass, veterinary experts agree that it really is normal canine behavior. Read on to see why your dog may be eating those luscious blades of green grass!
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