An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! The best way to prevent disease is to keep your dog healthy and in the best shape you possibly can. Feed him good quality food, give him plenty of exercise, and keep his living quarters as clean as possible. If you take care of these basic needs, your dog will be much better equipped to fight off diseases that come along.
Inevitably, even the healthiest of dogs will become sick at some point and the key to getting them well again is being able to identify the signs of illness and take proper action. In this section, we will be focusing on specific areas of the dog, how those areas should appear and function normally, and what signs to look for that point to potential health problems. We will give you best supplements for dogs.
Keep in mind that this is a general overview of dog care tips, and is by no means a comprehensive text. If you have any questions about symptoms your dog is exhibiting, don’t delay in contacting your veterinarian.
The Coat: The state of your dog’s coat can be a good indicator of overall health. The coat should be bright, with a healthy lustre and shine. It should not be overly dry and should spring back into place when moved. Daily brushing will help keep your dog’s coat healthy and shiny by removing dead hairs and debris, and stimulating oil production in the skin. It also gives you a great chance to bond with your dog and serves as a good time to inspect for fleas and ticks with products. Several dietary factors will also help keep your dog’s coat looking good. Foods made with lamb and rice formulas as well as dietary supplements promote healthy coat.
Keep your eye out for the following conditions that could indicate that there is a problem: Dry Coat, Dandruff, Excessive Scratching, Patches of Missing Hair, Lesions, Crusted Areas, Scaling, Red Patches or Sores, Growths or Lumps and External Parasites (fleas and ticks).
If you observe any of these conditions on your dog, take him to the vet right away! If you find any parasites, you may want to consider purchasing an over-the-counter flea and tick shampoo or insecticide application from your local pet store. Your vet may have several parasite control options available as well that can be extremely effective at eliminating and preventing infestations.
The Eyes: The eyes should be bright and clear, with no signs of cloudiness. They should be checked regularly for any abnormalities.
Trouble Signs: Inflammation of the Eyelids, Runny Eyes, Pus in or around the eyes, Crustiness on the Eyelids, Abnormal Thickening or Swelling of the Eyelids, Irritation of the Eyes, or Surrounding Area, Abnormal Colouring or Spots in the Cornea, Cloudiness, and Protrusion of the Third Eyelid.
The Ears: You should check your dog’s ears on a regular basis. They should appear clean, healthily pink, and should not emit any odour. Floppy eared dogs are more prone to ear problems, including infection. Any dirt of debris can be gently cleaned with a damp cotton ball. But be careful not to push the cotton too far into the ear canal, as this can seriously injure your dog’s ear!
Trouble Signs: Excessive Scratching or Self-Mutilation, Sores or Scratches, Redness or Irritation, Foul Odour, Growths, Parasites.
If you are a new pet owner, you may feel overwhelmed at the upcoming task ahead of you. After all, taking care of animals is more than just giving them food at the right time. There are simple things you can do for them to make them feel loved, accepted, and comfortable in their new surroundings. Giving pets confidence in this area will boost their temperaments for the better.
Give Your Pet Space
All pets need time to explore and roam outside. Try to set up a fenced in area where they can play outdoors for a few hours. This gives them a chance to run off any access energy and learn to play by themselves.
Give Your Pet Quality Food
When you first get your pet, request for a small bag of food that they were given from their previous owners. That way, you will be able to mix that dog food with a new brand. This is easier on their stomachs and will reduce nervousness in their behavior. Be sure to find quality pet food that uses only choice ingredients. For questions regarding the best food sources, you may want to get information and guidance from your local veterinarian.
Give Your Pet Several Toys
Giving your pets toys to play with is crucial, especially for those who plan to keep their pets indoor most of the time. This lets them know they have items that belong to them and will reduce the chances of your prized possessions to become chew toys. It is a low-cost investment that can really save your heart a lot of ache in the long run.
Give Your Pet Updated Shots
When you first bring your pet home, set up a visit to the vet. It is vital for your safety as well as others under your care. Make sure your pet is updated on their vaccinations. You should also inquire as to whether they will need worm or heart medication. Otherwise, you could be dealing with a very sick pet on your hands. On average, most pets will need to have yearly visits if not more. Most of that will depend on the age of your pet, and how long you have had them.
Give Your Pet Much Needed Attention
Just like any other living creature, your pets will need time and attention from you alone. This lets them know that you are in command, and that you care. They love to play and be petted. Again, this will help them build confidence in their new surroundings. A confident and happy pet will lead to a much healthier relationship.
Give Your Pet Excellent Overnight Care
Should you be traveling without the capacity to take them with you be sure to find suitable pet friendly hotels. That way, you know they will be well taken care of during your time away from home.
With these simple steps, you will be well on your way to a wonderful future with your new furry pet. Take your time with adjustments so that everyone will be happier regarding this new change in your life.
According to statistics quoted by umansociety.org, 53% of US households own at least one cat and 56% of the owners own more than one cat. Like all other pets, cats too need a great deal of warmth and affection. The owners need to take proper care of the health and happiness of their cats. This requires awareness of the various problems and ways to tackle them.
Your cat can be exposed to serious diseases and viruses through fleas and ticks. Infections resulting from fleas and ticks can have several adverse effects like itching and loss of blood. These fleas suck on the blood of the animal it leeches to and can even result in death. So, it is very important for you to keep your cats free of fleas and ticks as much as possible. Frontline for cats is an effective remedy for dealing with this problem.
Frontline for Cats: Application
Frontline for cats is a monthly topical flea and tick preventative medicine for dogs and cats. The solution kills 100% of adult fleas within 18 hours and 100% of all ticks and chewing lie within 48 hours. The product contains Fipronil, a broad spectrum insecticide and Methoprene, an insect growth regulator which kills flea eggs and larvae. Fipronil is a slow acting poison that blocks the passage of chloride ions through the GABA receptor and glutamate-gated Chloride (GLuCI) channels, components of the central nervous system. The non prescription product is effective against all stages of the brown dog tick, the American dog tick, the lone star tick and the deer tick.
One should use frontline plus (fipronil 9.8% and S-methoprene 11.8%), available in the form of 0.5ml applicators on cats and kittens that are eight weeks or older. The application should be used by placing its tip to the animal’s skin between the shoulder blades. Apply the entire contents of the applicator in a single spot to the animal’s skin and use only one applicator per treatment.
Side Effects of Using Frontline for Cats
Frontline for cats is an over-the-counter product and has limited side effects. Pets may experience some temporary irritation at the site of product application. However, if the irritation persists for long or becomes more severe after a few days of application, one should consult a veterinarian immediately. The product is approved for use on breeding, pregnant or nursing cats. One should consult a veterinarian before using frontline for cats on medicated animals, debilitated or aged animals.
Frontline for cats should be stored at room temperature and in the original container only. Since the product is poisonous, its original container should never be reused and should be disposed by wrapping it in several layers of newspapers.
When I officially met my mother’s new baby girl Miniature Schnauzer, Precious, she was one adorable pup! What an angel!
However, before we were due for her 1 week health check up required by our breeder, she came down with a lot of coughing and hacking. She sounded like she had something stuck in her throat that she wanted to cough up.
Poor little Precious has Kennel Cough, and it has gotten to be quite a pain for her, as she will have fits of trouble breathing, hacking and coughing, and is just generally uncomfortable, especially at night.
Kennel Cough is also called tracheobronchitis. It is a virus contracted by dogs, often when they are housed or come into contact with other dogs in a common area, such as the kennels, doggie daycare, groomers, and any other area frequented by a number of dogs. It is highly contagious. Incubation is 8-10 days and then your dog will start to show symptoms.
So, one of Precious’ kennel-mates must have been infected with this virus and passed it on to her. It just breaks your heart to see a little puppy suffering so.
It is very important to do something proactive for this infection, especially in small pups and elderly dogs, as it could turn into something worse: Pneumonia!
What Your Vet Is Likely To Do:
The vet gave Precious 2 antibiotics to take at home:
1. Clavamox: A liquid antibiotic that comes with a dropper – 1 cc twice a day
2. Temaril P: A pill that we give her 1/2 of twice a day.
3. She was also given a shot to increase healing time, of which I am unsure of the name.
4. It was recommended by our vet that on top of the liquid vitamins our breeder gives us to give the puppies 2 cc twice a day in dropper format, that we also supplement her with more vitamins to increase her immune system response.
5. It is called Lickables Nutritional Gel – Super Charger. They really like the taste of it (I am told by outside resources that it tastes something like honey) and it boosts their immune system. In fact, the vet gave her a generous amount during this check up.
This stuff is great and we have used it before with our dogs that don’t like or will not take vitamins because you an put it on their nose (don’t cover their nostrils), or let them lick it off your finger or whatever. Sugar, my mother’s dog will NOT take any kind of medication without a lot of trickery on our behalf! This stuff is fantastic for her! The vet says that a dog could live off of this stuff, especially if they are sick and don’t want to eat, for a time…It is great for aging dogs as well!
6. We were also instructed to buy a Vicks Vaporizer: The same thing you would use for a baby or yourself when you have a similar infection.
You will also have to get the Vicks Vapo Steam, and the Steam Inhalant for this system. (This has really helped her a lot, especially at night!)
What Else You Can Do At Home:
The whole point here is to boost your terrier’s immune system. The things you would do, you can do for your pup as well! Also, boosting any dog’s immune system is important for prevention of infections and sicknesses.
We have been supplementing Precious’ diet with:
1. Vitamin C: You can get a supplement specifically for dogs, or you can give them chewable human vitamin C tablets (our dogs won’t take the human chewables from us, so we have to crush them and put them into their food if we use these).
Obviously, the difference is in the price.You can give them 500 mg 3 times/day (250 mg for tiny terriers). If you get Vitamin C specifically for canines, follow the directions on the bottle.
2. Echinacea: Again, you can get Echinacea especially for dogs, or get the kind for humans (we have been using the human form, as it is cheaper and does the trick).
Follow the instructions on the bottle, but probably reduce the dosage in 1/2 if it is for humans. We just open up the capsules and mix the contents in with the food. For canine specific Echinacea, follow instructions on the bottle.
3. You can also use Colloidial Silver, Goldenseal Herb, etc. etc. The list goes on and on with supplements that can boost immunity!
4. Homemade Chicken Soup:
I am not kidding. If you know how to make chicken soup from scratch at home, this is fantastic for your terrier! Reduce salt levels though.
Who doesn’t want Chicken Soup when they feel sick? Your terrier is no exception!
5. Sleep!: Let your pooch sleep as much as they desire! They need it, especially if they are very uncomfortable at night.
Some other things to keep in mind are:
1. Keep your terrier dry! Since we are in fall, it will be raining quite a bit, and winter is around the corner. If they get wet outside, dry them off thoroughly. Don’t let them “catch cold”. Don’t bathe them while they are sick with Kennel Cough if you can at all help it!
2. Love: Give your terrier lots of love! They will need and want it!
Disclaimer: Any information contained in this site relating to various medical, health and fitness conditions of Terriers and their treatments is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own veterinarian. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing the health of any animal. You should always consult and check with your own vet or veterinarian.
Whether you’re riding around in an environmentally-friendly hybrid or gas-guzzling SUV, there is one thing all vehicles have in common: they can all carry pets. But, anywhere your furry friend goes, messes are always close at hand. Luckily, there are a number of convenient and simple pet travel supplies that make chauffeuring Fido a practically worry-free experience.
One of the most useful accessories for any pet owner is a pet barrier. Whether your pet is large and takes up the bulk of your rear-view or small and obscures your vision as they jump from seat to seat, animals have a knack for blocking your vision at the most inopportune time. A pet barrier keeps your pet from distracting or interfering with your driving by confining them to a specific location. With a pet barrier, they’re kept safely out of the way and out of your line of sight. It also adds a layer of protection for other people by preventing your pets from lunging at those who pass by.
Another handy accessory is a dog seat cover. Drool and muddy paws make for a dangerous combination that can leave your interior smelling like “dog” and looking even worse. Some of those stains may be set for life, taking a serious toll on your resale value. A dog seat cover provides a barrier of protection against hair, claw marks and other “accidents” from ruining your interior. They come in a couple of different varieties and are similar to the seat covers you use to protect your seats from your human passengers. A dog seat cover features a quilted layer for added comfort and is also manufactured with a water-repellent woven top finish, a nylon liner to block extra dirt and moisture, and non-slip inserts that keep the cover in place. Plus, with a custom-tailored fit that takes into account each of your seat belts, they won’t reduce the safety of your vehicle.
The other option when it comes to seat covers is known as a dog hammock. It features easily-adjustable straps that buckle to the headrest of the front seats and the headrests or auxiliary handles in the back seat. Made of durable 420-denier nylon with a quilted backing, a dog hammock helps protect your interior while providing your dog a warm, comfortable place to ride. Plus, you can make getting in and out of the vehicle easier with dog ramps. Dog ramps provide a simple way to load and unload your dog, preventing injury to his legs and your back.
Pets are like children (and by all accounts, a considerably cheaper investment). And, like children, they have what usually amounts to a full bag of gear that needs to travel with them. Plus, dog beds don’t always provide enough warmth depending on your location. A kennel jacket is the solution to both problems. In addition to keeping your dog warm and dry while traveling around, a kennel jacket also provides storage capacity (depending on the model selected), making it easy to cart around extras like the leash, snacks or dog travel bowl.
Having a pet dog is no easy responsibility. Every dog parent should always be on top of their pet’s physical and emotional well-being. The goal is to have a healthy and happy pet which makes both your life and his life better. Taking care of a dog is a continuous learning process – you learn something new from time to time. While each dog owner has their own approach on how they prefer to raise their pets, here are some easy dog care tips from the pros you can consider:
Have your dog checked by the vet regularly
Like us, as dogs grow older, they become more prone to health issues. It could be as simple as a toothache or as serious as a heart problem. The symptoms doesn’t always show or it’s too late when they do – that’s why it’s important to bring your pet to the vet regularly to have a general check up. Annual check ups should also cover dental care, health screenings, vaccinations, parasite control as well as recommended vaccinations. According to the Academy of Veterinary Nutrition Technicians president Dr. Kara M. Burns, regular exams are the single most important way to keep pets healthy.
Prevent your dog from getting parasites
The most common parasite that can affect your canine’s health are fleas. When they’re exposed to other dogs who has them, your pet can easily be plagued by the external parasite. Fleas can cause skin irritation, infection, hair loss, hot spots and more. If your pet swallows a flea, other parasites can easily be introduced to his body like a tapeworm. To help prevent both external and internal parasites, make sure that your dog and the environment he moves in are clean. Year-round prevention is ideal by getting regular flea and internal parasite control.
Keep your dog mentally and physically healthy
According to Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center professor and veterinary nutritionist Dr. Tony Buffington, an enriched environment is key to the long-term health and welfare of both canines and felines. A daily walk or run or a regular game of fetch will keep your pet physically active and healthy. Mental stimulation is just as important, so try a game of hide and seek, a toy or a treat hunt and other similar games at home.
Follow these effective dog care tips from the pros to contribute to your pet’s health and happiness!
