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Pet insurance is one of the most important aspects you should always consider while buying a pet. Similar to human beings, pets also fall ill. And it becomes quite an expensive affair to look after a pet if it falls ill and that to too frequently! To lessen this loss, I would definitely recommend you to get your pet insured. There are several companies that provide pet insurance at a considerably nominal premium. The cost one would incur while treating an uninsured pet is much more than that of the pet insurance cost. So what is the best pet insurance?
Pet insurance cost varies according to the coverage percentage that the insurance company considers, the pet’s age and of course, also the breed. Pet insurance plans make it much easier to take proper care of pets, but one should also be careful while choosing plans quoted by different insurance companies. The average pet insurance cost would be somewhere between $10 to $100 per month, and would not possibly go beyond, unless of course, it's for a horse or some other exotic pet of yours. Illnesses like cancer, fractures, diabetes, pancreatitis, etc. are usually covered under insurance. However, pet insurance for pre-existing conditions can be a complicated issue. They might not cover it. There are some companys that might.
How Much does Pet Insurance Cost
Let’s take a look at the list of factors that contribute to the pet insurance cost.
Dog ear mites are tiny parasites that affect more puppies than older dogs. These ear mites are so small, that they cannot be seen clearly with naked eyes. These pests are very contagious, can spread very quickly from one animal to another, even from mothers to their puppies. It is very important to carry out immediate dog ear mites treatment, as these pests will continue to grow and cause serious dog ear problems.Let us have a look at the dog ear mites symptoms, before we move on to the treatment for dog ear mites.
Symptoms of Dog Ear Mites
The tell tale dog ear mites symptoms is excessive head shaking and continuous scratching of ears. When you examine the ears, you will see tiny white dots, that indicates mites. You will also find black discharge that contains ear wax, blood and ear mites. The inner ear is inflamed and irritated. The dog will cry in pain when you touch the ears, due to increased sensitivity. Also, you will observe crusts and scabs in and around the ears. Some develop dog ear yeast infection and others develop dog health problems related to the ear. The open wounds due to excessive scratching may lead to secondary bacterial dog ear infections.
Treatment of Dog Ear Mites
If you observe any of the symptoms of dog ear mites, you need to take your pet dog to a veterinarian. The veterinarian will be able to detect the dog ear problem and provide you with a treatment plan. The doctor may advice oral and/or topical dog ear mite medications. Medicine for dog ear mites includes ear preparations that kill mites. These ear preparations contain insecticides like pyrethrin that are very necessary in killing and treating ear mites in dogs. The medicine for dog ear mites used by veterinarians includes Ivermectin, selamectin, fipronil, milbemycin and acarexx. These medications need to be used for 3 weeks to over one month. Do not miss any of the medication doses as the ear mite eggs continue to hatch even when the medications are given.
Ear mites can spread to other parts of the dog's body, especially when they are trying to infect other animals. Thus, you will need to bathe your dog with flea and tick sprays, dips and shampoos for treating dog ear mites.You should make sure you apply these medicated products to the tail as well because when the dog sleeps the tail curls over the ear. The vet may even clean your dog's ear before he applies the medicine for dog ear mites. This helps remove the exudates and helps the medication reach the mites properly. You can learn from the veterinarian how to clean the dog's ear, so that you too can do the same once or twice a day at home.
Dog Ear Mites Home Treatment
There are plenty of dog ear mites home treatment that you can try along with the traditional allopathic dog ear mites treatment. You can use tea tree oil and apply it to your dog's ears. This is a natural anti-inflammatory product that helps in reducing the inflammation and soothes the skin in the dog's ear.
You can use vinegar that is diluted in equal amounts of water to remove the debris in the ear. Just put a few drops of diluted vinegar using an ear dropper and allow your dog to shake his head. This will help loosen the wax and debris. You can then use a cotton swab and clean the ear till the inner ear is clean. If there are open sores or scabs in the dog's ear, do not use vinegar.
Garlic is a natural repellent for mites, fleas and other dog parasites. You can soak a garlic pod in olive oil overnight. Then remove the garlic from the oil and add 5 to 6 drops of this olive oil in the dog's ear. You need to apply this twice a day for about 10 days.
You can use almond oil and vitamin E mixture and pour a few drops in the dog's ear. Allow the dog to shake his head and then you can clean the ears just as you did in case of vinegar. You need to continue applying and cleaning dog ears with almond oil or olive oil for at least a week. You can even use yellow dock root extract to kill the ear mites. You need to take nine drops of the yellow dock root extract, diluted with water. Then, fill half a dropper with this mixture and pour it into the dog's ears. You need to continue this dog ear mites home treatment every alternate day for at least 4 weeks.
This was some information related to dog ear mites treatment. Take good dog care and clean your dog's ear regularly to avoid any kind of infections. It is very important that you treat dog ear mites as soon as possible as an extensive infection can lead to middle ear problems. For any further information related to treating dog ear mites, speak to a veterinarian.
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The choice to have a dog in a family with children seems an easy choice. Many families will choose a dog simply by the look of the breed. However, many variables should be considered to make the wise choice for your family. Here are but a few of the considerations that need to be made and some simple rules to live by for dog and child.
1) Choosing a new pet
A) Kid friendly. Breed characteristics and individual personality should be considered. Activity level should match the family. Fragile dogs are not good for young children. They may get hurt and their nervousness may cause aggression. A dog that growls when eating should be avoided. This dog will one day bite. If you child wants to dress the dog in clothes such as dog costumes for Halloween, this can be ok as long as the dog is ok with it.
B) Child's age and temperament. The children's age and energy level should be of great importance. It may be good to adopt an adult dog that has experience with children.
C) Allergies. Allergies can be extremely serious, especially for young children. If you or your child is prone to allergens, care must be taken in breed choice. Generally, a dog that sheds little is a better option, but it is the dander that is of more importance. Do some research and choose a breed that is considered hypo-allergenic, such as Poodle, Chihuahua, Irish Terrier, or Schnauzer.
2) Dog safety rules for kids
A) Let dogs come to you. This ensures that your child is not crowding, cornering or threatening to the dog. Only approaching so close gives the dog choice in coming, so they do not feel threatened.
B) Supervise or separate. With all children and dogs, even gentle animals and calm children, always supervise them together. This is to protect them both from psychological as well as physical injury. If you cannot supervise, separate them.
C) Sit to hold. Children love to hold their puppies. Avoid accidents altogether and only allow them to hold the pup when sitting down.
D) Don't go to strange dogs. Children should never approach dogs they do not know and should never approach an animal while eating. Instill this as a steadfast rule to avoid unforeseen circumstances.
E) Show respect. Children should be taught from a young age to respect dogs. Gentleness and kindness goes a long way with dogs. When appropriate, children may pet a dog, but never pull or be rough. Respect and distance when a dog is eating or drinking should always be observed.
3) Introduce them. When you finally choose a pet for your home, introduce the pet and child. Allow the dog time to sniff-out the child and the child to look over the dog. Observe how they interact and use the opportunity to teach both dog and child what interaction is appropriate. This should be a happy time, as your family is growing.
4) Train them together. As pup and child grow up together, train them together. They will both learn more as they play together. The dog will grow to be loved and loyal and bring joy. The child will learn responsibility, compassion, and consideration for others.
Dogs and children can be a wonderful team and caring family, but only if you take your role of facilitator seriously, be always observant, and teach both consistently.
Did you know that dogs share an ancestry with the wild wolf? Certain studies have shown that when you get down to base DNA analysis there is not a bit of difference between any canine and the wolf. This fact can offer a good deal of insight into obedience training. Wolves are pack animals and within this pack, there is the alpha male who rules the family, this is what your dog needs to see you as.
Establishing Leadership
Whether you are getting a new puppy or simply retraining a dog you have had for several years the first step is to establish yourself as the leader of your household. There are several ways you can accomplish this feat, but the one thing you must never do is use physical punishment. Hitting your dog proves nothing other than the fact that you can inflict pain; it does not necessarily establish you as the clear leader.
One concrete way to establish leadership is to set boundaries in your home. For example, not allowing your dog to jump on the couch at will is a good way to impress upon them their place in the hierarchy. That is not to say they cannot lie with you on the sofa, but they should only jump up when they have been invited.
Tone of Voice
Like children, dogs respond to the sound of your voice. You need to have a firm commanding tone when you are correcting bad behavior. When your dog is misbehaving a firm NO in a tone that brooks no argument will often get their attention. Of course, there are a few dogs who will not understand exactly what to do at this point, but they will understand that the current behavior is unacceptable. You see in the pack the leader or alpha personality will use deep growls, barks and even a sharp nip to get the point across.
Basic Obedience
It is very important that your dog understand a few basic commands. Sit and stay are prime examples of basic commands. Not only does this further reinforce your role in the relationship it also gives you alternatives when they are misbehaving. Let's say your dog is jumping on guests, once you issue the No command it is very helpful to back it up with an understood action such as sit and stay. Soon they will understand that jumping is unacceptable while sitting calmly earns them a pat on the head and positive attention. Same goes for getting your dog to walk on a dog leash next to you. You need to be firm with your actions.
Conclusion
Dogs are wonderful and they enrich the lives of their owner, when obedience is at the forefront of the relationship. An uncontrollable animal is not only frustrating it is dangerous for your dog and could leave you liable in all kinds of situations. Picture a disobedient animal that runs into traffic causing a fender bender and injuries to your dog. You could be sued for the damages and you have the heartbreak of an injured pet. Obedience means establishing a hierarchy with your dog, the sooner you establish this in your life the better.
Parvo is a very serious, and often deadly, condition that affects dogs. It’s also highly aggressive when it’s on the attack. There are several strains of this dreaded condition and it’s important to know how to spot symptoms immediately. If you notice any of these signs and get your dog to the vet instantly, you can possibly save your dog.
However, some types of Parvo only give you a couple of days from the first symptom until death. Even worse, a few of the newer and more aggressive types can kill within a couple hours. That’s why it’s vital to understand precisely what the symptoms are, how to notice them, and how to get immediate treatment.
Keeping in mind that time is of the essence, there are some symptoms that will be pretty easy to spot. The first one is that your dog isn’t hungry and isn’t interested in playing. Other signs that will most likely quickly follow are frequent, discolored diarrhea and vomiting, temperature increase, and bloating. These symptoms may have you racing to the vet for treatment. It’s at least worth a phone call to see what your vet advises.
There are many remedies you can use to treat Parvo. The most effective and safest of them is most likely Parvaid. Of course, it depends on what type of Parvo your dog has. Whichever remedy you choose, be sure they continue to protect your dog for a decent amount of time. You’ll also want to check that there are not many side effects.
The good news is that you can buy Parvaid as well as other treatments and remedies right on the Internet. Typically, you can find them with heavily discounted prices, and a long shelf life. In this way, you can keep something on hand for any future Parvo strikes. You’ll have everything you need to get rid of it right there at your home.
With so many remedies available, it should be easy to successfully fight off Parvo and keep your dog safe from this very serious condition. Keeping those extra remedies on hand will also keep you from running of a huge vet bill in case your dog seems susceptible to many other types of disorders.
Summary
Parvo is a very aggressive and deadly condition that strikes dogs without warning, but you can treat and protect your dog with the right remedy.
Canine lymphoma is a malignant cancer that frequently strikes dogs of middle age. Any breed can contract it, but it seems that Golden Retrievers tend to develop it more than others. If you’re the owner of a middle aged dog, particularly a Golden Retriever, you may be interested in knowing what the treatment options are should your dog develop this type of cancer.
Chemotherapy is highly effective in treating canine lymphoma. Most effective are multi-agent chemotherapy regimens that employ a combination of drugs. There has been more success with this regimen than with treatment using only a single drug.
Eighty percent of dogs that receive multi-agent chemotherapy regimens go into a year-long remission. While it’s possible for them to experience a second remission, it’s typically not as long as the first one.
As some of the cancer cells will develop a resistance to the first round of drugs used, there will be a need to find the right regimen of drugs for the second remission to work.
This is done by simple trial and error. It should be noted that even though the multi-agent regimen increases the dog’s life span, they are more expensive and toxic than single drug regimens.
How successful the chemotherapy treatment is depends on where the tumor is located, what stage the cancer is in, and how healthy the dog is when the cancer is diagnosed. Lymphoma of the bone marrow or the thymus decrease chances for a remission. Dogs that aren’t exhibiting any signs such as diarrhea and vomiting and seem to feel well at the initial diagnosis seem to respond better to chemotherapy. Side effects of chemotherapy in dogs are usually minimal and mild. These may include loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting and low blood cell count.
Prednisone, a type of corticosteroid, can provide up to 2 to 3 months remission. This method is used when the dog isn’t a good candidate for chemotherapy or the owner can’t afford the expense of it. This basically makes the dog’s remaining time more comfortable.
While one university offers canine bone marrow transplant, this is a highly expensive procedure. It offers a 30 percent cure rate so far. They’re hoping to make that higher in the future.
Summary
Canine lymphoma seems to typically affect middle aged dogs but is not as hopeless as it used to be when you choose the proper treatment.
Most of us love our pets and we're willing to put up with all sorts of quirks as a result. However, when it comes to pet odors and stains, taking care of a pet can become a chore, as well as expensive.
Fortunately, there are some homemade pet odor carpet cleaner products made from ordinary household ingredients that will cost you relatively little to purchase compared with ready-made goods. They also often work better than commercial merchandise. After all, companies make more money when you have to repeatedly buy their product if it works only temporarily.
Although you are still faced with the problem of how to get rid of pet odor problems such as that dog urine smell or cat pee smell, if you make homemade pet odor removal mixtures, at least you will not have to stress over how to afford the cleanup!
Of course, pet "accidents" are not always restricted to urine. Vomit and poop are also common deposits on carpeting. Certain mixtures of common household ingredients will serve as a natural pet odor remover for any of these smelly situations.
There are several home remedies for pet odors in carpeting that involve baking soda, vinegar and water. With the right mix of ingredients, you can neutralize odor from a small mess in a jiffy. A larger mess will take more of your time, but you will be able to remove pet odor from carpet permanently. Just be sure to test the vinegar on an out-of-sight area of floor first - and never use it undiluted.
Also, ammonia, a product many people use for cleaning, should NOT be used to clean up pet odors. This is a chemical present in pet urine and actually will encourage your pet to think that you have created a prime bathroom spot for him/her!
What about pet stains removal? The smell may be gone but you may be left with an ugly blotch that shows just where things took place. Well, there are a couple of other "secret" ingredients that can make all the difference as to whether your carpet remains marked with stains or whether it is restored to what it was before your pet(s) had those accidents. You can use the formula to remove a dog urine stain or for cat pee removal. It also works well with diarrhea and vomit - just about anything a dog or cat can produce.
We have used this recipe to sell a home in a tough market, obliterating all evidence that one of our cats had repeatedly used a couple of areas of carpeting as a "spite spot." We currently have an elderly dog, Comet, that has frequent tummy upsets and is mostly deaf, so he no longer whines when he needs to go out. He has managed to create two large diarrhea messes on carpeting in recent months; once in my office and once in the living room. He has also created a lesser pile on a rug in the kitchen.
Although we now use gates to confine him at night or when we go out, we are secure in the knowledge that even if we forget to block him in the kitchen, we can take care of any mess he creates without having to get the carpet steam cleaned each time.
Dog Urine Smell and Stain Remover
Ingredients
Baking Soda
White Vinegar
Liquid Dishwashing Detergent
3% Hydrogen Peroxide
Directions for Dog Urine Removal
1. If the area is still wet you should first attempt to absorb the dog urine. Leaving it there to dry out will only encourage bacterial growth which causes the smell. The best method is to place several layers of paper towel over the wet area and tread on it so as to soak up as much of the dog urine as you possibly can. You may have to repeat this several times until no more urine can be soaked up.
Sometimes dog urine accidents have already dried because you did not notice them previously. You can find dried urine spots on your carpet with the aid of a black light. The dog urine stains will fluoresce under the ultra violet light in a darkened room. Hand held black lights are quiet inexpensive usually costing between $15 - $25
2. The next step is to mix a solution of fifty percent white vinegar and fifty percent water. You must use a liberal amount of this solution to reach the carpet fibers deep down. Work the solution in with a scrubbing brush to ensure it penetrates the carpet fibers below. Now blot the area again using the paper towel method above. The vinegar will neutralize the ammonia in the dog urine. If you own a wet and dry vacuum extractor use that to remove excess moisture.
3. When the area has dried or almost dried sprinkle a good handful of baking soda over the soiled area. Mix half a cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide with a teaspoon of detergent. Ordinary liquid dishwashing detergent is quite suitable. Do not use caustic dishwasher detergent.
Put on a pair of rubber gloves and slowly pour the hydrogen peroxide and detergent mixture over the baking soda. Work the dissolving baking soda well into the carpet, first with your fingers and then with a scrubbing brush.
Allow the area to dry completely and then vacuum thoroughly.
If you don't have hydrogen peroxide on hand you could substitute it in an emergency for a spray laundry stain remover. Check the bottle. If it says 'Oxy' anywhere on the label then it probably contains hydrogen peroxide.
In areas that have been heavily soiled with dog urine you may have to repeat the process again.
| This recipe is for one small area of dog urine. For larger areas you will need to adjust the quantities of ingredients used. |
Important. Never use ammonia or ammonia-based products on the carpet to remove pet pee. One of the ingredients of urine is ammonia and your dog or puppy may well be encouraged to re-offend in the same area if it detects the smell of ammonia. Many household cleaner cleaners contain ammonia so be sure to read the label.
Caution:
Use only 3% Hydrogen Peroxide
Test your carpet for color fastness in an area that won't show.
The dog has now come home with you; this is usually such an exciting time, particularly for the children - but often just as much for the child in all of us. However, doing the right thing by the new pooch, whether puppy or older dog, need some thought and possibly a little detailed research. Stick to the following and you should not go too far wrong.
Giving the dog their own space is a really good start. A correct sized crate or cage can help most dogs to feel at home. It is also better to ensure that they sleep there regularly, instead of allowing them onto a family member's bed - no matter how hard the child might plead. The space helps the dog understand their correct status within the 'pack'. It is good to give the dog treats, but do make certain to know which foods not to give them. There can be real danger for them hidden in some human foods. The most common health risk for dogs comes from chocolate; some brands contain chemicals which can make dogs severally ill. Scraps from the table can also pose problems; mushrooms, onions, garlic and tomatoes are all potential causes of a visit to the vet. Before giving anything not designed as dog food, make absolutely certain it is safe, by checking with a reliable authority.
With regards to discipline, do start as you mean to go on. Make sure the dog knows who is boss, but please do not rely physical punishment. Hitting the dog is not only considered cruel by many, it simply does not work. Use little tasty treats to reward good behavior (tiny bits of cheese work well with our jack russels) and allow the tone of your voice to convey your disapproval. Master the simple commands - sit, stay, heal etc. as soon as possible. Do not try to have a conversation; dogs react to short sharp commands.
Making the dog sit before giving them their food is a very effective way to help them understand that you are the boss. Some experts even suggest you pretend to eat some of it. They then know for sure that their needs come behind yours. When you need to leave the dog alone for extended periods, help them to get used to this by practicing. The first time should be for only a few minutes; this allows them to associate your leaving with your returning.
Do this for gradually longer times and you will soon avoid any stress your leaving might cause. It might also be wise to try this at different times of day, so that your routine is not too obvious. They can pick up signals, so make sure you do not stress about leaving. Be relaxed and expect your dog to be the same.
The right relationship between you and your dog can give all involved a totally positive experience. Because your moods - and therefore theirs as well - change, it does take a bit of effort to get the best out of each other.
There is so much to learn and experience about being a dog owner; most of us learn something new every day. We also know that the more we know, the better we can get along with man's best friend. There is so much information available nowadays that it is not too difficult to find pretty much all you are likely to need to know. Get the correct guidance and you will increase the happiness of you and your pet.
Why not find a course which suits you and become your own dog training expert? It might not be easy, but it will be very rewarding.
As in humans, dogs too can be infested with internal parasites that are commonly known as dog worms. In case of dogs, the most common internal parasites are those that infest the digestive system. However, heartworms are also very common in canines and these parasites infest the heart and the blood vessels. But, how to get rid of dog worms? Read on to know some of the commonly used home remedies for dog worms.
Dog Worms Symptoms
There are five types of dog worms that are commonly found to affect them. These include roundworms, hookworms, tapeworm, whipworms and heartworms. The most dangerous among them are heartworms, whereas roundworms and hookworms can spread to other animals and even humans. Roundworms are very common in dogs, as compared to other types. While heartworms in dogs require immediate treatment, others too must be treated, even though fatal complications may not be caused. Some of the home remedies for dog worms are also found to be effective in treating the condition.
Dog worms is a common condition in canines, especially puppies. Symptoms of worms in dogs include loss of hair, loss of appetite, diarrhea, dull coat, dehydration, vomiting, cough, blood in stools, etc. Some dogs may develop pot bellies as a result of worm infestation. While some types of dog worms are visible to the naked eye (may be present in stools and sometimes on fur) , others require microscopic testing. If you want to know how to treat dog worms effectively, then identifying dog worms is very important.
Home Remedies for Dog worms
As mentioned above, identifying the particular worm that has infested the dog is very important to treat the condition successfully. If you notice any of the above said symptoms, take the dog to the vet. In severe cases, these worms will appear in the stools of your pet. Dog worms treatment is always advisable to keep your dog healthy. As dog worms pose no serious complications (except heartworms), some people may refrain from treating the condition. It is always advisable to go for dog worms treatment, if you notice any of the above mentioned dog worms symptoms. Dog worms treatment involves use of a dewormer that may change with the type of parasite. There are various home remedies for dog worms that can be used to get rid of these parasites. The following are some of the commonly used dog worm home remedies.
How to Treat Dog Worms
Here are some steps on how to treat dog worms. When you find any of the dog worms symptoms in your pet, make sure that you contact a vet. Collect a sample of the stools of the dog and take it along to the vet so that he can decide how far along the infection has spread and what kind of a worm has infected the dog. If the infection is really severe then his stools will have worms in it. After the vet determines what the cause is, you can then go about administering the proper treatment. The doctor will then start a medication course that needs to be followed till the dog is completely rid of the canine worms infestation.
Here are some home remedies that you can start off with for your pet.
Kennel cough is a respiratory disease caused either by bacteria or virus; however, Bordetella bronchiseptica is the most common kennel cough causing bacteria in dogs. Due to this reason, it is often found that people use the terms kennel cough and Bordetella interchangeably. In most of the cases, dogs already suffering from a viral infection are more susceptible to the infection caused by Bordetella. The dog suffers from kennel cough when the bacterial or viral infection reaches the upper respiratory tract. If you are wondering what are the causes of kennel cough in dogs, then note that exposure to cold temperature, smoke, pollutants, stress, etc. can lead to this condition. Severe hacking cough is one of the major kennel cough symptoms in dogs. Let us take a look at symptoms and treatment of kennel cough in dogs in detail.
Symptoms of Kennel Cough in Dogs
As mentioned above, persistent and severe cough is the most common and significant sign of kennel cough. The sound of it appears as though something is stuck in the dog's throat. Due to this very reason, kennel cough in dog is often misunderstood by people. The following are other kennel cough symptoms in dogs:
A reverse sneeze is also one of the symptoms of kennel cough, that is commonly seen in dogs of certain breeds. Loss of appetite may not be observed in dogs. Some dogs may even experience lack of energy, fatigue and lack of activity. On the other hand, one should note that considerable rise in temperature, loss of appetite, excess coughing up of green phlegm, etc. are the kennel cough symptoms in dogs, when the condition becomes more severe and complications develop.
So, is kennel cough contagious like other respiratory diseases? One of the most important thing to note is that kennel cough in dogs is highly contagious, i.e., can be transmitted from one dog to the other. As dogs are social animals, one should be watchful and quarantine the dog in order to prevent the spread of disease. But, is kennel cough contagious to humans? The answer is No, kennel cough in dogs cannot be transmitted to human beings. However, it is recommended to keep babies, children and people suffering from any disease, away from dogs suffering from kennel cough.
Treatment of Kennel Cough in Dogs
If you observe the above mentioned kennel cough symptoms in dogs, you need to take it to the vet immediately. In most of the cases, minor kennel cough (in uncomplicated conditions) subsides in itself in 6-15 days. For kennel cough treatment, the vet may prescribe antibiotics to get rid of the bacterial infection. Secondly, he may also prescribe medications to overcome cough and other symptoms of this condition. If kennel cough persists for a longer period of time, it can develop into pneumonia. Therefore, it is advisable to get quick treatment. Along with this treatment, there are also several measures of home treatment for kennel cough that one can follow. Firstly, the dog must be kept in a warm environment and made to rest. Secondly, it should be made to drink a lot of water and have soft food that can be easily swallowed. It is not recommended for you to smoke near the dog.
This was brief information on kennel cough symptoms in dogs with treatment methods. There are also vaccinations available for the prevention of kennel cough in dogs. Lastly, one should note that with proper treatment, the dog can recover completely within 3-4 weeks.
Home Treatment for Kennel Cough
Treatment of kennel cough is essential as it may lead to other dog health problems such as fever, pneumonia, and even death in severe cases. Treatment is usually done with home remedies and medications. If the dog is suffering from mild cough and has a normal appetite, then you can use home treatments for kennel cough. Medications such as cough suppressants, bronchodilators and antibiotics along with aerosol therapy are recommended. Let's see some of the natural remedies for treatment of kennel cough.
A dog suffering from kennel cough should get maximum rest and sleep. Make sure that you keep it warm, comfortable and free of irritants such as smoke and dust. For prevention of throat swelling, you can use a humidifier to keep the air moist and humid. However, take care that the humidity doesn't exceed 50%.
One of the home treatments for kennel cough is using homeopathic products that are available in the market. Take care while choosing the homeopathic product, it is advisable to check its ingredients before feeding it to your sick dog. You can consult with your vet about effective homeopathic treatments for kennel cough.
Giving a vaporizing treatment to the infected dog, two to three times a day, will help in quick recovery from kennel cough. You can do this by running a hot shower in the bathroom with the door closed. Take the dog in and let it inhale steam for about 20 minutes. This will help in clearing the excess mucus in the nasal passages and bronchial tubes.
Another effective natural remedy of kennel cough is feeding the infected dog with soft food and encouraging it to drink ample amounts of water. This will help in flushing the excess mucus and will give relief from cough.
Care should be taken regarding the type of dog food you feed the sick dog. Supplementing your pet's diet with vitamins will help strengthen its immune system, which is necessary for fighting off the infection. Along with feeding vitamin-rich foods, you can include vitamin C tablets of recommended dose three times a day in your dog's diet.
Giving three teaspoons of honey a day will help in soothing your sick dog's inflamed throat and in treating the cough. You can feed your dog honey mixed into its meal or a bowl of warm water.
Studies have revealed that wild cherry bark, which has an astringent property, helps in alleviating the cough and soothes the throat irritation. You can make use of wild cherry tea, tincture or syrups that are available in the market. Other natural remedies include licorice tea, peppermint, sage leaves, ginger, tulsi leaf extract and coconut oil.
It is advisable to remove the dog collar, as pressure to the trachea and throat would worsen the cough. In addition, proper vaccination of the dog and regular disinfection of the kennel is recommended to prevent kennel cough.
Always consult and seek advice from a vet before following any of the treatments for kennel cough. Proper dog care is crucial to your pet's health. Check for any changes in your dog's behavior; after all, it's the pet owner who is responsible for the dog's health and fitness.
He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion. ~ Unknown
The above given quote can best describe dogs and their unconditional love and support for their masters and families. A loving dog is a friend for life and expects nothing from you, as it lavishes love in its perfect form and protects the members of your family till its least breath. Protection or guard dogs make an ideal guard for their house. They are extremely devoted to their master and also very bold and fearless. Making a best protection dog breeds list is a chance to learn more about these wonderful animals.
Best Protection Dog Breeds
Bullmastiff
Naturally bold, this dog is afraid of nothing. The bull mastiff is a blended breed of dog consisting of 60% mastiff and 40% bulldog. This dog will defend its master's family against anything. It is ranked as one of the best guard dogs. It is very attached to it's owner and prefers to be indoors with the company of people. It gels very well with older children although young children should take care as they can be knocked down pretty easily by a bull mastiff. This dog can be quite stubborn, you must take care that it socializes with other dogs right from a younger age otherwise it can get quite aggressive looking at other dogs. Find out more information on other good guard dogs.
Rottweiler
Rottweilers are the most energetic dogs in the world. They love to run and play with their masters. Rottweilers can be easily trained to perform many tricks. These dogs require a lot of socialization and interaction with humans. They can live in a small apartment or a yard, as it is a quite animal. A rottweiler is very attached to its master and will not allow any stranger near them. If trained at a younger age, they learn to accept and interact with cats and other animals.
German Shepherd
German Shepherds are considered as one of the best protection dogs for families. It has been a favorite pet in families due to its tolerant nature and protective extinct. Apart from being large, strong and quick, the German shepherd loves the company of people. It is considered as a renowned police dog due to its supreme intelligence and because of the extent to which it can be trained. Have a look at guard dogs good with children.
Doberman Pinscher
Considered as a favorite among many people, Doberman pinscher is a dog that has been carrying a guard dog tag successfully for over 100 years. Highly intelligent, the Doberman is a sweet and loving family dog. It binds easily with its master and family. Though it's muscular and athletic, the Doberman is easy to train. It is very necessary that this dog receives a strong obedience training, otherwise it gets pushy and hot headed. Also have a look at guard dogs for families.
Giant Schnauzer
Huge and powerful, it's Germany's favorite police dog. Once committed to a family, it is there to protect you for life. Giant Schnauzers are guard dogs by nature, hence don't even require any formal training. They are highly territorial dog, whose lives are entirely aimed at pleasing their owners. They are of a dominant personality and will not tolerate any other pet in their house.
Komondor
This is a very rare dog breed and is popularly known as the Hungarian sheep dog. It is an unusual dog which resembles a giant mop or dread locks. Despite the long fur, they shed very little and are easy to care. The komondor is highly protective of its home and family. It can be a good family dog if raised since young age with children. If you are an experienced dog owner, then this is an ideal pick for you.
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Also called the African lion hound, the Rhodesian ridgeback is the only registered breed of dog indigenous to South Africa. It was originally bred to hunt lions and keep them at bay. The ridgeback is a gentle, intelligent and loyal dog. These dogs prefer to stay in their houses and are reserved with strangers. The ridgeback is an excellent watch dog and highly protective about its owner.
Puli
Popularly known as the Hungarian water dog, puli is a smart and friendly dog. It's not aggressive by nature, but gets suspicious on the sight of a stranger. It makes an excellent family dog due to its adaptable nature and its skills for performing excellent dog tricks.
Kuvasz
Another popular dog from Hungary, kuvasz was bred to protect flocks from wolves. It is very intelligent, bold, brave, territorial and extremely protective about its family. Kuvasz bonds very strongly with its owner and is highly suspicious about strangers. Not suited for an apartment, it's best suited for a fenced yard. It's a hot headed dog and needs a firm master who has a great deal of patience to train this dog.
10 Best Protection Dogs
"There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face" -Ben Williams.
Those of you, who are pet lovers, will agree with me that puppies are a treat to the eyes … I am not exaggerating! They are really cute. Their wobbly walk is sure to make you fall in love with them.
As a sweet little puppy grows, it transforms into a fully-grown dog. It does not toddle any more. It walks with pride, with loyalty towards its master in its eyes and its astounding sense of smell that is its gift from nature. It is suggested that puppies, during their developmental stages, should be socialized with humans and other puppies for their healthy development.
The first stage in the life of a puppy is the neonatal period, which is of the first twelve days of its life. During this period, puppies are influenced by their mothers and remain in her close vicinity. Their vision and their power of hearing are not much developed at this stage. In this very stage, puppy petters are advised to expose puppies to mild physical stress for the development of their brain.
Their second stage of development is marked by the transitional period. It is between a puppy’s ages of thirteen to twenty days. During this stage, the little eyes of a puppy open to see the world they have never seen. It begins to hear and respond to sound. It develops a sense of smell and taste. Teeth start showing their presence. Puppies at this stage walk with a stumble! Studies show that a puppy that is made to stay with the litter after the eighth week of its ages does not grow into an emotionally healthy dog.
During its socialization period, a puppy takes to its species-specific activities. It learns to play, socialize with others. It becomes inquisitive and starts exploring its surroundings. Puppies begin to develop skills that bring in refinement to their personalities. Studies say that anything that affrights a puppy during its ages of eight to eleven weeks leaves a long lasting impact on its mind.
Twelve to sixteen weeks of age is the seniority classification stage in the life of a puppy. Biting, challenging and testing its master characterize this developmental stage. It tries to express dominance and seniority. This can be the time to train the puppy to respond to your commands.
Next stage in a puppy’s growth is called the flight instinct period. During this period, puppies feel independent, unrestricted. They feel like remaining ‘on their own’. Between its ages of six to fourteen months, feelings of timidity may newly appear in a puppy. Puppies mature sexually. Their so-called puppy coat is replaced by an adult coat. By now they have obtained their adult teeth, their growth in height has completed and they are almost adult dogs. A puppy that has grown to an age of one to four years is a fully-grown dog!
Puppies’ growth to mature dogs needs attention and care. Their growth consists of physical as well as their emotional development. Puppies, like the offspring of human beings, require love and care for their healthy development. We, as puppy tamers must cater to the puppy's needs of security and socialization to expect well-developed dogs to emerge out of the young ones.
The proper supplies are necessary when bringing home a new puppy whether this puppy is intended to be a family pet, hunting companion or both. These supplies will help you and your pup get off to the right start. Hunting dog supply stores will have everything you need along with helpful advice. Among the most important items are a training collar, and a dog crate.
Training collar
Every dog needs a good training collar. This is especially true of hunting dogs. There are several varieties of training collars, with the two most common being a choke collar which is used for obedience training and an electric dog training collar which is used to teach hunting.
A choke collar is excellent for teaching basic obedience. These are commonly used when training non-hunting dogs. Choke collars are typically made of metal or nylon. Some choke collars come in a pinch-style to aid in the control of more energetic and willful dogs.
Positive reinforcement is a gentle training method that is fine for many dogs, but responsible use of an electronic training collar is a valuable tool for larger and more spirited hunting dogs. These collars deliver a mild electronic shock. Hunting dogs and other large breeds tend to respond very well to electronic dog training collars. It is important for hunting dogs to be obedient as well as adept in the field. Firm and consistent training will create a safe environment for your valuable hunting companion.
Dog crates
Puppies are not usually fully housebroken until they are a year old. Potty training accidents, chewing and begging are only some of the issues that will constantly have to be addressed. It is therefore common for owners to house their puppies in a dog crate when they are inside and unsupervised.
Many people feel that crating a dog is cruel, but most dogs usually are quite happy being in a proper sized crate. A crate should be just large enough for a dog to stand upright and turn around comfortably. The enclosed space will act as a den and the dog will come to view it as a safe and secure haven.
Pet and hunting supply stores will have a wide variety of dog crates from rigid, decorative and collapsible. Collapsible crates are easily transportable and ideal for hunting dogs. They are light weight and usually made of metal wire. Because they are easily stored, these collapsible crates are also good for those owners who only intend to use the crate during the housebreaking phase.
Hunting dog supplies
Creating a valuable hunting dog out of a rambunctious puppy will take time and patience. Training must start early and with the proper training supplies. Advice and supplies can be found at hunting dog supply stores.
Some other items you will wish to use are dog whistles, bird launchers and dog training bumpers. The whistle is a valuable tool in training your dog to recall. For retrieval training, bird launchers and dog training bumpers are necessary.
updated: Monday, August 1, 2011 6:19 PM
