Dog Diseases- Possible Symptoms and Precautions

by Janice Kumar

It is normally difficult for a dog owner to understand if the pet is sick. However abnormal behavior, aggressive posturing, lack of diet can point towards a disease.

There are many symptoms which can be looked at and are indicative of a disease. However these symptoms and pointers are only indicative and a visit to a vet is necessary to understand and clarify the problem or disease.

• Loss of hair and dull fur would normally indicate a poor diet, or fungus or parasite infections. Dull fur can be caused by an improper diet lacking essential minerals and nutrients. Worm infestations can also cause hair to fall. At times, loss of hair can simply be a result of old age.
• If you find that the pet dog is raising its hair without enough provocation, then the cause may not be agitation. You may instead, look for sores, pimples or allergies. These may be causing a skin rash causing the dog to raise its hair.
• The nose leather of a healthy dog is normally wet and cold. If you find it is dry and warm, it may indicate a problem.
• A dog licking its nose continuously may indicate an injury to the tongue or a cold.
• 
  A dog frequently swallowing, would normally indicate a sore throat.
• As in a human, frequent sneezing and coughing can indicate the onset of a cold or tonsillitis. If the same is accompanied with a raised temperature, it may indicate distemper.
• An old dog may suffer from chronic coughing. However, this may not indicate a cold but rather a weak heart.
• Tear eyes can indicate conjunctivitis or something foreign in the eye of the dog.
• Pale lips or pale eyes can indicate blood loss or food poisoning, so they should be taken seriously.
• If your dog, keeps tilting its head, it may indicate an inflammation in the ear canal of the dog. This is not to be confused with the dog tilting its head, listening for unusual sounds. Constant shaking of the head can also indicate an ear infection requiring a visit to a vet.
• 
  A dog dragging its rear requires a visit to the vet as it normally indicates an itchy anus or an inflamed one.
• Frequent scratching indicates, parasites in the dog fur.
• Swelling in the mouth indicates bug or insect bites.
• A continuous fever requires attention and indicates a running infection in the body.
• Vomiting can indicate motion sickness, over eating or food poisoning depending upon the intensity and circumstances.
• A dog with diarrhea without fever must be treated for fluid loss and given light food. Diarrhea that does not clear up in three days needs a vet.
• Dark urine can be caused by certain foods or may indicate illness.
• Blood in the urine is a danger sign and needs a rushed visit to the vet.
• 
  Blood in the stool can signify food poisoning.

The above symptoms are not exhaustive. Suffice it to say that anything out of the ordinary requires care and attention. A dog is like a member of the human family requiring care and love. A healthy dog is a joy to be with. A sick dog can cause complications and infections in the family so it needs to be treated as soon as possible.

Disclaimer: The article and tips are for guidance only. Use them at your own risk and discretion. We take no responsibility for any suggestion given above. We strongly urge you consult a qualified professional vet to find a lasting cure for any problem. Please consult a professional , before using any information on this site. No liability of any kind is accepted by us.

Dogs with Children and Babies

by Janice Kumar

Most dogs are well disposed towards children. However there are always exceptions to the rule and nothing can be taken for granted. Some breeds have a natural tendency to enjoy a child's company, and some may be indifferent, reserved or hostile to them. It is important to understand which breed in general is good with children and then make sure that that the dog is not neurotic due to genetic problems or bad training, making it dangerous.

In short, no dog can be considered fully safe with children. Many television and movies propagate the myth that dogs are a child's best friend, however it must be remembered that a dog does not act rationally in human terms. A dog will always follow its instincts and act as a pack animal with its specific needs.

To get a dog familiar with children, it is important to let the child interact with it. Children can help with the chores of feeding a dog, grooming it and taking it for walks. As the friendship between the dog and the child deepens, the dog will start to love and protect the child. This will take time and effort and should not be assumed to happen automatically. Smaller, preschool children should never be left alone with dogs and puppies.

Children should be taught to treat dogs with respect and kindness. Pulling the tails or ears of a dog should be discouraged because the dog, also feels pain. A dog in pain can react violently. A dog (especially a puppy) needs long periods of peace, rest and sleep. If denied, it can react violently.

A baby should not be kept in isolation from a dog in the house. If this is done, the dog may fell that the hidden baby is not part of the family (pack) and may react violently to its presence. A grown dog may try to drive away the (baby) intruder. It is therefore important to introduce the baby to the dog and let it understand that the baby is part of the family.

Lead the dog to the baby talking to it in friendly terms. The dog will want to sniff the baby and lick it. Allow this to happen and the dog will slowly understand that the baby belongs to the family and will even try to protect it. It is important not to give the dog cause for jealously by ignoring it in favor of the baby. As you love and take care of the baby and the dog together, both will coexist and enjoy each other's company.

Disclaimer: The article and tips are for guidance only. Use them at your own risk and discretion. We take no responsibility for any suggestion given above. We strongly urge you consult a qualified professional vet to find a lasting cure for any problem. Please consult a professional , before using any information on this site. No liability of any kind is accepted by us.

Weird Dog Behavior - Is this Normal?

Janice Kumar

A dog may at times behave in a way which dies not seem normal to humans. The pet owner may become perplexed and a little worried unable to explain weird behavior. The behavior may seem odd to the human, but for a dog, it may be all in a days work!

Here are a few random 'weird' behavior patterns that may be perfectly normal and may have a perfectly valid reason governing their behavior. At times, some modification in dog behavior may be possible and desirable, however many a times, nothing effective can be done.

A pet dog may love to roll in the smelly dirt and grass, especially after a bath. This may be very irritating to a dog owner, who may see all his effort at keeping a dog clean go waste. However the dog may be doing this specific act to mask his scent. This is one dog trait that the pet owner may find almost impossible top change or control.

A pet dog digging holes in a perfectly manicured garden can be very annoying to the owner. However, a dog owner has to remember that digging is a basic instinct with most dogs. They may be burying something or trying to reach the cooler soil underneath. If, repeated observation, shows that the dog is digging for no apparent reason, it may be prudent to designate a specific area for the dog to dig. This will prevent the whole garden from being spoiled and limit the damage to a particular designated area.

A dog chasing its tail, can be amusing for a while. It is perfectly normal doggy behavior. However if it becomes excessive, then you need to find the underlying reason. One possible reason could be that the dog gets lot of positive attention while chasing its tail. Encouragement in the form of loud clapping and excitement shown by those around the dog, may encourage the dog to keep chasing its tail, seeking continued attention. It is time for the humans around the dog to change their behavior, before the dog will change.

A dog jumping on visitors and the owner as he enters the house, is normal affectionate behavior. It may have been lonely for a while and may be pleased to find company. A small puppy keeps jumping on everyone, seeking attention and is considered cute. This same behavior when translated into the grown dog is irritating to some owners. However this is a normal extension of the same puppy behavior.

Dogs may like to ride in the car with their heads sticking out of the car window. The dog does this for the fresh air and to soak in new smells and sights. This may be normal dog behavior, but it may be prudent to keep the windows partially closed to discourage this kind of behavior so that the dog may not get harmed by passing vehicles or road debris.

A dog may chew up shoes on account of a couple of reasons. It may be teething or just seeking attention. if it is teething, it makes sense to provide it with store bought chew toys. If, it is seeking attention, keep your shoes safe and give the dog lots of love and attention and time and it will start to reciprocate. A dog may chew socks and other pieces of clothing to vent its frustration or anxiety. When it starts to do this on a regular basis, the pet owner needs to give it more attention, more exercise and some company.

Many big and small dogs are sacred of thunder. This is normal as the loud sound coming from seemingly nowhere, can scare a pet.

I hope you found the above explanations for weird dog behavior useful. Many a times, it is just the dig seeking attention and minor behavioral modification techniques can help amend weird patterns. However at times weird behavior, is a perfectly normal doggy trait.

Disclaimer: The article and tips are for guidance only. Use them at your own risk and discretion. We take no responsibility for any suggestion given above. We strongly urge you consult a qualified professional vet to find a lasting cure for any problem. Please consult a professional , before using any information on this site. No liability of any kind is accepted by us.

Barking Dog Help

by Janice Kumar

If your dog keeps barking, you need to find the cause and the corrective measures will follow. All dogs bark, what is important is to find out why the dog is barking loudly.

A dog may bark at strangers as it is out of its comfort zone with them and is naturally protective of its turf and its owner.

It may bark because it is a alone and seeks company or if it is naturally aggressive.

A dog may also be barking because it is being abused, neglected or ignored. A dog is a pack animal and needs the love and attention of the family to be happy and contented.

If the dog insists on barking and annoying everyone around, there are a few techniques and options available.

The first is behavioral modification. This involves finding out the specific cause and then altering the response of the dog to that cause. For example, if the dog barks every time a heavy vehicle goes by..Next time try and divert its attention and give it a ball to grab.. Reward it with biscuits etc if it does not bark. Reinforce the positive. This needs to be done again and again before a satisfactory result can be had. It may take a few tries, but the results are long term.

A dog (shock) collar can be used to reinforce a No. But this is better used with lot of care as dogs can get used to pain quite quickly and then they will be difficult to control. If used incorrectly the electrodes can cause infection and further complication.

There are other kind of dog collars giving different kinds of negative reinforcements. However all of them have to be used for a short time only, targeted towards modifying a specific behavioral problem and have to be used consistently to break that association. They require sensitive handling and careful handling to avoid doing damage to the dog in more ways than one.

If the dog is barking out of loneliness because for example it is left alone for long periods of time, then you need to give it various old articles, like an old blanket of the owner or some other used article it can associate with its master. This will help give it some kind of an association with the absent owner and help it get over the loneliness. It should also, preferably not be chained.

If nothing works, the last option is Debarking. In this method, a part of the vocal cords of the dog are snipped by a vet and the dog bark becomes less loud. Some pet lovers feel this is an inhumane way to control a dog's loud bark as the dog may lose self respect or become cowed down. However in extreme cases, this may be a last resort. This will reduce the intensity of the noise level but will not help in modification of the dog behavior.

Unfortunately many pet owners do not make the effort to find out the cause of the dog barking and try to go for a quick fix. Incase, the dog owner finds himself to be at a loss, it may be better for him or her to seek the help of a professional dog trainer who will help in behavioral modification of the dog and will also provide appropriate guidance and counseling.

I hope you find these tips useful. Do experiment a bit to check what will work best for your pet. Best of luck.

Disclaimer: The article and tips are for guidance only. Use them at your own risk and discretion. We take no responsibility for any suggestion given above. We strongly urge you consult a qualified professional vet to find a lasting cure for any problem. Please consult a professional , before using any information on this site. No liability of any kind is accepted by us.

Healthy Doggy Snack

by Janice Kumar

Keeping a dog healthy is a challenge. Especially when dogs are prone to eating and sniffing at almost any kind of food. A dog is also prone to picking up ticks and fleas from the environment and other 'friendly' dogs and pets. The pet owner goes through pain and suffering when the beloved pet falls ill. A healthy and happy pet keeps the pet owner also happy and joyous.

Healthy food which is well balanced and contains essential nutrients is a must have for all pet dogs. This kind of food helps prevent illness and helps in all around development of the dog. It is not healthy to give a dog left overs as these left overs can contain fungus and toxic compounds which may be unhealthy for pets. Leftovers are not necessarily a balanced meal for the pet dog.

I give below a Dog Biscuit Recipe which is vegetarian. It is healthy and also helps prevent ticks in the dog.

To create this Super Doggie Veggie Biscuit, collect the following ingredients.

One garlic clove

60 grams margarine or butter.

150 grams whole wheat flour

60 grams grated cheese

60- 70 grams mixed chopped vegetables like beans, carrots, cabbage.

Milk

The Process is as follows.

Crush the garlic clove and keep it in a cup.

Now mix the grated cheese and margarine (butter) together in a mixing pan. To this mixture add the crushed garlic clove and mix thoroughly so that the garlic is spread evenly throughout the mixture. It is this, garlic which will help prevent ticks and flea infection in the fur of the dog.

Add the chopped vegetables to this mixture and then stir in the whole wheat flour. Stir well and add milk as required to form a a ball shape which stays together.

Refrigerate for up to a couple of hours to harden the flour ball ( with all the ingredients mixed in).

Now roll on a floured surface and cut into desired shapes. You may create circular biscuits or square ones as desired.

Bake these raw biscuits in an oven at 375 Degrees Fahrenheit for at least 15 minutes or until they are slightly brown.

Remove the tray from the oven, let the biscuits cool on their own before offering them to the pet as a tasty healthy snack.

It is munch time !!

Disclaimer: The article and tips are for guidance only. Use them at your own risk and discretion. We take no responsibility for any suggestion given above. We strongly urge you consult a qualified professional vet to find a lasting cure for any problem. Please consult a professional , before using any information on this site. No liability of any kind is accepted by us.

Homeopathy works on Dogs

by Janice Kumar

Homeopathy is a holistic and alternative way to to treat many common diseases. It is used widely with great effect to treat many common ailments without the use of costly medicines. Homeopathy remedies are normally safe, with hardly an side effects and easily available. They may be available in liquid form or in the form of pellets ( small white tablets). The following approach may be used to treat pets especially dogs.

I will give a few homeopathy remedies to treat a few first aid cases in dogs. This is an over the counter approach and all remedies will not work in all cases. Homeopathy works best by matching symptoms in the dog to the remedy. However this is best done by an expert trained homeopath. The remedies suggested should have a positive effect within 20 to 30 minutes of starting them. In case, there is no effect in the dog, it should be rushed to a vet.

In general, a dose may be described as 3- 4 drops of the liquid remedy in a little water or 3- 4 pellets ( small tablets). This can be given mixed in a little water to the dog.

Homeopathy works well in cases of heat stroke. In case, you discern that the dog, is suffering from heat stroke, you need to rush it to a vet because, this can be life threatening. As a first aid, you may give the dog, Belladonna 30 CH and Glonoine 30 CH every 10 minutes for an hour or so. In case, the dog is experiencing cramps, you need to rush to a vet. Meanwhile a few doses of Cuprum Metallicum 30CH every half an hour can help.

Homeopathy can work well in cases of a dog suffering from Shock. This shock may be the result of many factors and can be discerned by the fact that the dog may be whimpering, scared and sitting in a corner etc. The homeopathy remedy that can work in this case would be Aconite 30CH. Give a few does of this remedy every 10 minutes for an hour or so, before the dog clams down.

For a dog that has suffered cuts and bruises, Calendula mother tincture solution can be effective. Take 10/15 drops of Calendula mother tincture in a small bowl of clean water and apply this mixture to the cuts and wounds with a cotton swab. Repeat every 15 minutes till relief is felt. Hypercal ( a combination of Calendula and Hypericum) ointment is available in many homeopathy shops. This ointment works very well for deep cuts and wounds and the skin heals faster without pain.

Homeopathy for dogs can be effective in treating some common problems and diseases also. In the following paragraphs, I will mention a few remedies that will normally work in most cases. However as mentioned before, homeopathy works on matching the symptoms of the patient to the remedy and effective matching may be possible only by a trained homeopath. Some common remedies are as follows.

For a dog suffering from constipation and difficulty in passing stool, it may be prudent to give it a few doses of Nux Vomica 30CH. Mix this remedy in food (pellets) or water (3-4 drops of the liquid) and give it three to four time a day. After you see an improvement reduce slowly after a couple of days.

If you suspect, that your pet dog has eaten some unhealthy stuff, give it a few doses of Arsenicum Album 30CH. Four to Five doses of this remedy given every 1 hour will normally prevent food poisoning in most cases. However, it may be necessary to continue this remedy for 3 days for effective relief. In case, no relief is felt even after 3 doses, it may be important to rush the dog to a vet.

A dog suffering from cough and cold can also be treated effectively with homeopathy. If you hear a rattling sound, you may try alternating Ipecacuanha 30CH with Mercurius Vivus 30CH every half an hour till relief is felt. Another remedy that is effective for rattling cough is Antimonium Tartaricum 30CH. This may be tried in place of Ipecac for rattling sound in chest. There can be many different remedies which can be effective in case of a cold and cough. It will take the expertise of a trained homeopath to get the right remedy, if the above does not work. If relief is seen, you need to reduce the dosage to 3- 4 times a day, after the first day.

A few dogs may suffer from travel sickness and may be uncomfortable traveling in cars and vehicles. They may be showing symptoms of nervousness and may like to lie down on the seat all the time. An effective remedy is Cocculus 30CH. Try giving this remedy 2- 3 times every 10 minutes before traveling to reduce the problem. One dose may also be required during travel, in case of long drives. If Cocculus seems to be ineffective, substitute it with Petroleum 30CH.

In general, homeopathy can be an effective natural remedy for many ailments effecting dogs. It works well for most symptoms and may require at times a trained homeopath to match symptoms to remedies. There are many homeopathy remedy finders on the web which can also be adapted and used to find the correct remedy for a dog. However for a novice, it does require some practice and care. A visit to a vet is a must, if the remedy does not work after 2- 3 doses.

Disclaimer: The article and tips are for guidance only. Use them at your own risk and discretion. We take no responsibility for any suggestion given above. We strongly urge you consult a qualified professional vet to find a lasting cure for any problem. Please consult a professional , before using any information on this site. No liability of any kind is accepted by us.

Super Herbal Tips for Pets

by Janice Kumar



I may suggest the following home remedies and tips for pet dogs. These work well in most case but some discretion is always suggested and advised.



In case your dog is suffering from the common problem of ticks or fleas then I suggest the following home remedy. Grind a few orange rinds to a paste and apply on fur. Keep on for, four to five hours and see the ticks and fleas vanish. Easy isn’t it? This remedy is effective in most case and is easy to make and apply. It is completely herbal and also safe for most dogs.



Another pre-emptive measure and also an effective treatment for the problem of fleas and ticks in your pet dogs’ coat, involve its diet. Try to add two to three finely chopped garlic flakes to its food. Mix well into the food and let the pet eat it. This is very effective measure against the dog getting ticks in its fur.



Many dogs have cracked and dry paws. An effective low cost treatment is to apply petroleum jelly or Vaseline to its paws. Apply daily for two to five days and the cracked and dry paws will smoothen out. As the cracked paws heel, the dogs behavior will see an improvement also.



Do try to add a few drops of vinegar to your dogs’ bath water. This will keep his coat smelling sweet. No more bad smells or unhygienic odour. This is an easy and effective home remedy for a common problem.



It is difficult to keep the dog clean and hygienic during winters. The dog avoids taking a bath and consequently gets dirty and can be a source of infection for the family. In this case, try using soda bicarbonate on its fur as a dry shampoo. Rub vigorously and the dog will come out clean.



To deter a puppy from chewing furniture legs, wipe the legs with a little clove oil. The puppy will stop chewing them. The furniture will stay safe and sound while the puppy learns to use something else.



A common problem in households having pets is the falling hair that keeps sticking and adhering to various articles. To pick up the pets hair, from a blanket or furnishing fabric, wet a sponge and run it over the article. The hair will stick to the damp sponge and the article will look as good as new.



I hope you find these tips useful. Do experiment a bit to check what will work best for your pet. Best of luck.

Basics of Dog Training

by Janice Kumar



Training a dog requires certain attributes in the trainer himself, if he is to succeed in the training process.

The dog trainer has to be:

*

Smart or Smarter than the Dog. The dog has cunning and wile in his personality and will many a time outwit the trainer. Instead of getting angry, the pet trainer must get smarter.
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Patient. Without patience, the trainer will not be able to train the dog properly and will do irrevocable harm.
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Knowledgeable. The pet owner or trainer has to understand the dog's personality before the training can start. He/she has to categorize the dog mentally as shy/nervous/bullish/naive/crazy etc and adjust himself/herself accordingly.



The following three basics must be adhered to.

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The training process can start at fourth to fifth month of the age. Basic -No!, and name association should have been done at the pup (one month) stage itself.
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The process will consist of periods of repetition and reward for at least 15 minutes daily. This is flexible depending upon how much the trainer and the dog can handle.
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The training must take place before food is given to the dog. Food can thus be a 'reward' for being a good dog.



Basic training is accomplished with the help of a collar, leash and a choker. The choker , when put on properly, will tighten when the dog strains away and loosens when the dog ceases the pulling action.

How to give Commands

Remember and follow the following basic principles.

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Speak always in an even voice to the dog. Do not raise your voice or shout at it. This will only confuse the dog.
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Pay particular attention to the tone of the command. Adhere to the same tone throughout the training process. Avoid inconsistencies.
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Reward a successful execution of a command with a tidbit and signs of affection. Ignore 'failures'.
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Keep the dog on a leash while giving the command under training.
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Ensure that the dog follows each command before moving on to the next command.
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Avoid hitting the dog in any circumstances. Use an appropriate tug on the choker and tidbits and praise to admonish and reward a dog.
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Stop a training session when the trainers or the dog's attention starts wavering.

Some Important commands. Follow the sequence. Teach the dog, one command properly before proceeding to the next.



Heel

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Speak out the dogs Name.
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Command HEEL to the dog, letting the dog stand at the left side.
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Pull back and snap back the leash if the dog tries to run.
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Let it associate the command with the action.
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Once the dog is in proper position, pat it and stroke it , letting it know, that it is doing things right.

Sit

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Once the dog knows how to heel. Teach it the second command -Sit.
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Let the dog trot /walk properly at your left (heel).
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Stop and give the command SIT after calling the Dog's name.
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Pull the leash and push down the dog's hind quarters to show it the sitting position.
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Force the dog down to sit , putting pressure on the rump.
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Give it a tidbit or stroke it , when it follows your command.

Stay

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After the dog learns the sit command, the stay command can be taught.
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Sit is prolonged into STAY.
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In order to differentiate between the two, do not call out the dog's name before the command.
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Put the leash in your right hand and put your left palm in front of the dogs nose.
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Face the dog and repulse any forward movement of the dog, and repeat the command stay.

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Repeat a few times till the dog understands and then reward it.
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In the next few training times, move slowly away, making the dog understand that stay means no movement.

Stand

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Let the dog heel. Bring it to a gradual halt.
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Put your right hand before the dog's nose and say the command STAND.
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Gently caress the dog's back with your other hand. If the dog tries to sit, exert a slight lifting pressure under the body indicating to the dog that he has to stand.
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Repeat and reward till it gets it right.

Come

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Command the dog to Sit, then to Stay on the longest leash available with the trainer.
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Then in a friendly voice ask it to COME.
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Pull the leash a bit to give it direction and encouragement.
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Give it a small reward when it begins to understand the command.



After the dog has mastered the above basic commands, remove the leash and teach the dog to follow the commands.

It is important to teach the pet dog these commands without the aid of the leash in a small enclosed yard or small garden so that it does not run away.



This completes the basic training. Now it is up to the trainer to teach the dog , more command such as Go, Stop etc as and when required. Advanced obedience training for guard dogs, hunting dogs etc will take place under the guidance of an expert after the basic training is completed satisfactorily.

Emergency Help for Dogs

by Janice Kumar

A dog can get injured without warning. The animal is by nature playful, active and aggressive. An injury can take place due to many possible foreseeable and some unknown causes also. It is important to know what to do when the pet is in pain.

A severely injured dog may be so blinded by pain that it might even attempt to bite it's owner. It may be necessary in such a case, to make a temporary muzzle with a strip of cloth or bandage and tie it below the jaws and and on top of the head or back of the ears. This will prevent the dog from biting the person, trying to give first aid to the dog.

It may be possible to treat the obvious injuries by using commonsense and some guidance. However some injuries may be internal or not visible to the naked eye and may require an emergency visit to the vet.

Wounds may be from automobile accidents, cuts from glass, sharp objects, wire, bites from other animals, puncture wounds, and / or from foreign objects such as thorns, glass splinters, sharp edges etc. All these may require first aid and severe wounds may require specialized care by a vet.

The dog has to be treated for shock in case of an automobile accident. This can be done by covering the dog with a blanket and allowing it to rest. The dog may require consoling in a soft voice and affectionate stroking. Keep the dog rested in a semi dark place as the shock wears off. If you suspect internal injuries in the dog, a vet, need to be called. Before calling the vet, it may be necessary to immobilize the animal by wrapping it in a tight bandage so as to form a sheath. This will prevent further internal damage. Internal injuries can be indicated by symptoms of white gums and or when the dog is in obvious pain without sign of external damage.

If a bone is broken, the limb needs to be immobilized immediately. This can be done with splint. In case some other bones are broken , the dog needs to be totally immobilized before a veterinarian is called.

For bee stings, the dog needs to be given an antihistamine cold tablet and cold compress over the area of the sting. Normally this should be sufficient, however if you feel that the problem is serious, do consult a vet.

Burns should be treated by applying cold water to them. Water- immersable (burn) creams can also be used in the dressing afterwards. Serious burn injuries have to be treated by a specialized animal hospital.

Bites from other animals can be treated by applying an antiseptic solution in to the puncture wounds. The solution can be applied by using an eyedropper or disposable syringe ( without the needle) and letting the antiseptic liquid flow directly into the wound. Bad bites, where the skin is badly torn up, need specialized care.

If the dog is choking on a foreign object, open the mouth of the pet wide and remove the objects which may be stuck at the back of the throat or the mouth. If it cannot be removed, you need to rush to a vet, to save the pet's life.

A dog that has succumbed to a heat stroke needs immediate care. It needs to be immediately immersed in a tub of cold water or lay it flat and pour cold water with a jug over the body. The body temperature needs to be bought down fast, so a fan may also be necessary. If the dog does not accept cold water over itself, then try to press cold towels against it's abdomen and back of the head before you call a vet.

Incase you suspect that the dog has been poisoned, indicated by trembling, panting, intestinal pain, vomiting, slimy secretion from mouth, convulsions etc, then you need to take prompt action. The accepted first aid treatment is giving the dog a general emetic so that the dog regurgitates the contents of the stomach immediately. Take the advice of a vet as to what exact treatment to give, while you wait for him. Immediate action from your end, can save the pet's life in case of serious poisoning.

In general, first aid to a dog is the first step that can be taken by a pet owner, before a vet is called. Minor puncture wounds, bee stings, minor cuts and lacerations and some minor emergencies can be treated quite successfully at home. However if the wound is serious or not responding to treatment a visit to a vet is a must.

Some Common Dog Diseases

by Janice Kumar

The pet dog is susceptible to some specific diseases and complaints. This article does not purport to give any solutions but seeks to educate the owner about possible causes for dog discomfort.

The dog may pick up external or internal parasites. These parasites can lead to disease. Some symptoms are severe and need a visit to the vet to cure. the other minor symptoms if properly understood can be treated at home also.

External parasites which the dog can pick up include fleas, lice, ticks and mange mites. Internal parasites include roundworms, tapeworms, flukes (trematodes) and protozoa (bacteria). A few of the infectious diseases which have been seen to occur in dogs include distemper, leptospirosis, tularemia, nocardosis and histoplasmosis. The treatment of the various infectious diseases is out of the scope of this article and needs a detailed treatment possible only at a veterinarian. Refer to Encyclopedia of Canine Veterinary Medical Information for detailed disease description.

The problem of mange ( caused by several kind of mites) is preventable by a good grooming and balanced diet and clean/dry bedding. A generally well care for dog, will not suffer from this condition. If you find your pet suffering from Mange, try to understand the cause which may lie in improper grooming, poor diet or unclean surroundings.

Some other skin conditions are as follows:

The so called 'Ring Worm' infection caused by fungus, Pyoderma caused by bacteria- Staphylococcus, allergy due to insect bites and or unusual foods or drugs. Unusual skin activity may be caused by hormonal imbalances and sebaceous gland over activity.

Ticks are a nuisance for dogs who love the outdoors. They attach themselves to the dog's skin and cause irritation and itching. They can grow to a substantial size causing behavioral changes in dogs. If a tick is pulled out but the head is left embedded in the dog's skin, infection can occur around it. It is advisable to remove a tick by grasping it close to the skin ( using forceps or fingers) and exerting a steady ( non jerky) pull. The tick along with the head will come out. Apply an antiseptic and leave. If the head remains embedded, do not panic, apply an antiseptic and leave it. A small pustule will form and burst. Some ticks may carry infection. So if you see a dog behaving oddly, or the skin swelling up after the ticks have been removed, do consult a vet.

Another problem facing dogs is fleas. Normally fleas ( except the sticktight) variety migrate freely over the dog, so that liquid or powder treatment on the back, head and neck only, is effective. A flea collar bought from a pet store can also be effective in warding off these kind of fleas. However sticktight fleas ( which do not move) must be doused directly with specific kind of flea sprays, powders and other preparations available in a pet store. This will normally help get rid of them. For severe flea infestation, a visit to a vet may be advised.

The dog can also suffer from 'Worm' infestation. Pets with improper eating habits or those given improperly cooked foods can suffer from many varieties of parasitic round worms, flat worms, heart worms, hook worms and tape worms. A physical examination of the vomit and sometimes feces can tell the pet owner if the dog is suffering from an infection. The advice of a vet is normally necessary to treat such infections.

The above article, will give a pet owner a broad guideline as to what to expect when a dog looks and falls ill. It is again emphasized that well groomed dogs, who are given a proper diet and regular visits to the vet will normally keep fit barring unforeseen circumstances.

As the Puppy Grows into a Dog

by Janice Kumar

The cute and cuddly puppy stays a puppy only for a few months. The puppy will soon become a fully grown dog /bitch. The transformation will take place in a few months and right before the pet owner's eyes. It is great fun and a lot of pleasure to see the puppy grow into a dog. There are behavioral changes and physical changes in the pup as it grows into an adult dog and grows in confidence and develops a unique personality.

There is rapid growth over the first eight months. The puppy is a little unsure and hesitant in the beginning .It is a little shaky in the legs, fun loving, playful and mischievous in the first three months. This is the time to build love and trust in the relationship with the pup. This is the time to give it simple commands like No ! and Yes ! and teach it to respond to it's name. The pup is loving, seeking love and bonding. Give it care and attention and see it form a life long strong bonding with the owner.

From the fourth to the fifth month, the pup begins to lose its milk teeth. This is the time it needs understanding and help. The pup may become touchy and irritable because of the sore gums associated with the change in dentition. This is the time to give it specially prepared chewable 'bones' and other toys which will help in teething. A visit to the vet will help in case of any pain associated with teething and is suggested for new pet owners.

At six months , the pup is a half grown dog. It is in the process of developing its personality and its behavioral attributes. It needs guidance and training at this time to get up to the pet owner's expectations. A few countries and / or local government authorities may require licensing / registration at this stage.

As the dog enters the eighth month and moves towards its eleventh month, it is almost a full grown dog. There may still be some traces of ungainliness but the dog is changing into a confident animal with a strong will. Female dogs may begin to show their first bleeding at this time. This bleeding may last for up to three weeks. This is the time, the puppy coat is shed and there may be a slight color change appearing in the new coat.

From the eleventh to the thirteen month, the pup/dog, will gain maximal height. However the chest muscles are still not completely developed. The dog starts to become stubborn and extremely headstrong. A careful owner, will ensure that the pup goes through proper training before this period of growth to prepare the pet for major attitude change.

After the thirteenth month, the dog can be considered fully grown as it slowly develops its chest muscles and gets used to its height and new found strength. Proper nutrition and training will ensure that the dog turns out into a well muscled, well trained, loving pet.

I hope you find these tips useful. Here's wishing you much happiness and joy with your pet.

Disclaimer: The article and tips are for guidance only. Use them at your own risk and discretion. We take no responsibility for any suggestion given above. We strongly urge you consult a qualified professional vet to find a lasting cure for any problem. Please consult a professional , before using any information on this site. No liability of any kind is accepted by us.