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Sunday, October 23, 2011
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Saturday, March 12, 2011
Infection Problems: Fungal Diseases...
Below are the various dog diseases that are caused by fungal infection.
Ringworm. Ringworm is a major fungal infection that troubles dogs. Ringworm fungi live in dead skin tissues, nails, and hairs of dogs, particularly younger dogs. Its symptoms include: hair loss which usually appears in circular patches, hair loss patches that displays a crusty, dry look, hair loss on the head and legs and continuous scratching of the patchy areas.
Ringworm is very contagious to both animals and humans especially to children. You should ensure that your dog that is infected with ringworm is kept away from your kids and other household pets until the infection is fully treated. You should also practice proper hygiene by washing your hands very well after handling your infected pet to avoid further contamination. Typically, ringworm is treated by trimming or shaving the hair around affected areas, using fungicidal shampoos for bathing the dog, applying a topical antifungal medication, and lime sulphur dips.
Valley Fever. It is caused by a fungus called Coccidioides immitis and affects both animals and humans. This fungus is found in dry, arid soil; when dust is raised from that soil, the fungus is inhaled. Dogs that spend time around construction areas, dig frequently, or are out in the wind, are more susceptible to this disease. Young dogs and dogs with weakened immune systems are also prone to develop Valley Fever.
Coccidioides immitis fungus is difficult to diagnose and is sometimes mistaken for other fungal diseases, cancer, pneumonia, or Lyme disease. Its symptoms include harsh cough, fever, lethargy, lack of appetite, and seizures. If your dog is suspected to have Valley Fever, your vet may perform x-rays, blood tests, or antibody testing to help diagnose the disease.
Blastomycosis. It is another fungal disease which is usually found in both dogs and humans. In most cases, Blastomycosis is mainly caused by contact to damp soil containing organic matter with growing fungus. The fungus penetrates your dog’s system through wounds, or through inhalation. As it begins to thrive in your dog's body, it spreads to the lungs, the vascular system, or to the lymph nodes. Roaming dogs, hunting dogs and other dogs that are frequently exposed to outdoor activities are particularly at risk of acquiring Blastomycosis.
Indications that your pet may be suffering from this disease are: weight loss, chronic coughing, shortness of breath, skin lesions, red eyes, swollen eyes, excessive tearing of the eyes, clouding of the corneas, and loss of muscle tone. If your pet manifests any of these symptoms, you should consult your veterinarian for immediate treatment. Infected dogs that are treated at the earlier stages of the disease have better chances for a healthy recovery. If blastomycosis is left untreated, this can result to blindness or other serious health problems. Treatment of this disease includes drug therapy, and may include required several short hospitalizations. During treatment, ensure that your dog is given a diet that consists of high-quality food, and limit his exercise until he is completely well.
Aspergillosis. Aspergillosis is a fungal disease that usually affects the nasal cavity and respiratory system, before attacking the rest of the body. Dogs with long noses are most susceptible. Symptoms aspergillosis includes open sores around the nostrils, bloody or puss-filled nasal discharge, lethargy, weight loss, fever, and vomiting.
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Sunday, January 2, 2011
The Basics of Pet Water Safety...
The Basics of Pet Water Safety
It would be very fun to watch your adorable pooch having his time playing and swimming in the pool or in the beach. Bringing your pet to swimming pools, lakes or beaches and engaging yourselves in water sports and other water recreation is one way of bonding with your pet. Most dogs, if not all, enjoy having fun in cool and refreshing water, most especially during the summer season when the weather is very warm.
Being a mature dog owner, you should always ensure your pet’s safety when bringing him into this kind of environment. Never allow your pet to wander into the water without your supervision just because he seems to have a lot of fun waddling into the water. Always take notice of warning signs such “No Swimming Allowed,” “No Entry: Beach Closed,” or “Caution: Thin Ice” when getting into any body of water or frozen lakes during winter season. Warnings like these signify danger for you and your pet and should not be ignored.
Like people, dogs also love taking a dip in cold water to freshen up. Taking your pet for a swim can prevent him from suffering heat stroke during extremely hot summer months. But always test the temperature of the water before you let your dog to take a dip. If it is too cold for you then it is definitely too cold for your pet, fur or no fur. Bear in mind that too much cold water can quickly lower your dog’s body temperature and can lead to hypothermia.
It is a common misconception that all dogs are great swimmers. To think that your pet pooch can paddle gracefully like Lassie is a bad idea. The truth is, not all dogs are natural swimmers; some breeds have a hard time keeping up their noses in the water and surprisingly, some are even afraid of getting into the water. Dogs with short legs, dense body conditions, and cropped tails find difficulty staying afloat while dogs with flat noses have a more difficult time breathing when in the water. Aside from breed, age and physical attributes also contributes to your pet’s swimming capability. Overweight dogs as well as older dogs are easily tired out when swimming. Take proper precautions when taking your pet for a swim; make sure he is very capable of swimming beforehand.
Beaches, public pools and rivers may contain bacteria and chemical contaminants that may bring hazard to your pet’s health. Algae and other microorganism are almost always present at any body of water, especially still waters like lakes and ponds. These microorganism and chemicals can be ingested or contacted by your pet during swimming. Always check the body of water you will be swimming in; avoid those that emit a stinky smell and displays an unnatural water color. If you are near an industrial area, avoid going into beaches, lakes or rivers that receive runoff from industrial firms, farming activities or municipal sewage.
Always bring with you a fresh drinking water for your pet when swimming in pools and beaches. Chlorine and other chemicals as well as infectious organisms that are present in pool and beach waters may cause gastrointestinal upset if drank by your pet. Encourage your pet to drink from your fresh water supply and he will be less likely to drink water that may be harmful.
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Saturday, November 6, 2010
Pet Water Safety: Must-Haves and To Dos...
Pet Water Safety: Must-Haves and To Dos
Find out the essential items that you must have and the basic things that you must do to ensure your pet’s safety in any water sport or activity.
Must-Haves:
We all know that swimming and other water activities offers a lot of fun and socialization to our pet dogs, but water activities are also associated with health risks that ranges from obtaining minor wounds to drowning. Below are some must-haves that you should bring with you when engaging your pet into water activities.
First Aid Kit. Beaches and rivers may contain sharp objects such as stones, sea shells, fishhooks, broken glass or metal that lies unseen beneath its water. Such objects may pose risks of your pet obtaining lacerations, cuts and puncture during swimming. Always keep a first aid kit on hand that contains iodine and antibiotic ointment for treating superficial wounds, and sterile bandage material for dressing. However, deep wounds require immediate medical attention and your pet should be taken into an animal clinic as soon as possible.
Life Vests. When your dog is going swimming in water that is too deep for him or if he can hardly swim, it is recommended that you provide your pet with a life vest. Have your dog wear a life vest that is sized and designed for his proper fit to avoid drowning.
To Dos:
You might find it inconvenient and discouraging to bring your dog to water activities with all the precautions and dos and don’ts that you have to follow to ensure his safety. But it would be cruel to deprive him with the fun and benefits he can get from participating in water activities. In order to help you through, safety tips are provided below in every water activity you are getting your pet into.
When Boating. Ensure that your dog is wearing his life vest and is secured with a leash when the boat starts moving. You do not want your pet to fall from the boat and drown or get injured with the boat’s propeller just because you think he is super cute being perched on the boat unsecured.
When Swimming in the Beach. Remember that the sea holds various dangers for your pet compared to lakes and swimming pools. Hazards such as drowning brought by strong tides and underwater currents, jellyfish sting, and poisonous sea shells can endanger your pet. Never forget to bring your pet’s life vest when swimming in open waters. Be keen in observing warnings for dangerous water conditions.
When Swimming in the Pool. Do not allow your pet to go to the stairs of the pool alone. Lead him in going down the pool’s steps and teach him how to get out from the water. Avoid having your pet drink too much water in the pool, chemicals in pool water can lead to gastrointestinal upset. Observe your pet’s emergency reflexes while swimming so that you can determine how capable a swimmer your pet is.
When in frozen water with thin ice. Be very cautious when getting near a frozen body of water with thin ice sheets. Even a Chihuahua’s weight is enough to possibly break a thin ice in a frozen lake. Avoid following your pet when he is stubborn enough to stray onto the ice. If falling accidents happen, immediately call 911 or your area’s emergency number for professional help. After your pet is safely rescued from the danger zone, dry him thoroughly to avoid attack of hypothermia. Wrap your pet with blankets to keep him warm.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Helpful Tips to Prevent Dog Bite Accidents...
Helpful Tips to Prevent Dog Bite Accidents
All dogs have a tendency to bite, no matter how social your pet can be; and we all know how painful a dog bite is. Not just that, but much more on the health hazard a dog’s bite may offer, think of the deadly rabies virus.
As a responsible dog owner you should ensure that your pet dog does not pose any threat and danger when he is around other people especially with playful kids. Numerous studies show that a dog’s aggressive and non-aggressive behavior greatly depends on his environment and training.
Below are helpful tips you can do to improve your pet’s behavior around people and preventing your dog from biting.
Socialize your pup. Start socializing your puppy when he is about 8 to 12 weeks of age. During this early stage, it is best to introduce your pet pup to other people as well as other animals, just make sure that these other animals are already vaccinated so that your pup will not be able to acquire harmful diseases during interaction. Let your pet interact with strangers in a friendly environment such as in parks, pet stores and puppy classes. Do not forget to praise your pet if he shows a positive behavior during interaction.
Teach your pet not to bite. It is very typical for dogs to mouth, chew and bite everything they can put their mouth into. But you must be able to teach your dog when this act is no longer appropriate. If your pet starts growling or biting at your kids or at you or any member of the family, be prompt on distracting him with a quick sound. You can call his name using a firm voice or can simply clap your hands once. Just ensure that the noise you make is heard by your pet at the precise moment he is biting so that he will be able to associate the clapping, for example, as a signal for him to stop.
Dog control. Keeping your dog on a firm leash whenever you are out in public is one way of preventing bites. Statistics shows that 82 percent of fatal dog bites are caused by unrestrained dogs. When you are with strangers or outside of the house, make sure that your pet is calm and relaxed; tensed and startled pets tend to bite easily. Provide fencing around your house if you want to leave your pet out in your yard.
Dog behavior alert. Keeping an eye of your dog’s behavior is the most crucial part of preventing your dog from biting. Avoid showing your dog any consenting act if he starts growling, snapping, or biting family members; growling or snapping at strangers; or extreme fear of strangers. If your pet starts exhibiting this kind of behavior, visit your veterinarian for help.
Alter your pet. Have you pet dog spayed or neutered. Territorial instincts and territorial aggression of your pet will be decreased when he is altered. This is due to the fact that spaying and neutering decreases the levels of progesterone and testosterone in your pet’s body that also causes aggressive behavior.
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