Friday, February 1, 2008

Dog Diarrhea Causes and Symptoms

By John Williams
This illness is a greatly common occurrence in dogs because of their habits of eating, chewing, and licking everything mildly of interest to them or to any other dog, cat, or mammal they see with a similar interest.


Dog diarrhea can be a serious or not so serious in dogs, I this because there are so many different types and causes of diarrhea that making any kind of assumption of your dogs cause of diarrhea would be a complete guess and only based on the most common cause of the illness.


So what is the most common cause of dog diarrhea I hear you ask? Well its usually from eating or trying to digest something unfamiliar or uncomfortable to the dogs digestive system. This could include parts of a favourite but badly designed chew toy that have broken off and been swallowed causing an uncomfortable feeling in the stomach, from gone off foods such as the types many dogs discover and drag out of bins or trash, or not uncommonly because your dogs stomach is just not used to the particular type of food you are giving them.


If your dog is used to a pretty bland diet or the same diet for a long period of time then the last option in the previous paragraph may be the cause and is very similar to what we call a Delhi belly (unwell, being sick, diarrhea) from encountering different types of foods or diet when we go to places similar to India which have spicier and more unfamiliar foods to our systems.


The treatment for such an illness is dependent on the diagnosis from a qualified vt, but in most cases it will be to stop the dog eating for a period of about one day or twenty four hours so that the dogs system has time to get rid of all the waste and possible offending 'poisons' and can return to normal again.


In the attempt to rid of all the bad substance in the dogs body it will continue to cause the dog to vomit or have diarrhea until everything has been cleared out of the body. If the dog is still being fed on a normal diet then the body will continue to think there is more excess waste to get rid of and the diarrhea and vomiting will continue unnecessarily for long periods of time.


Bear in mind this is a guide to dog diarrhea and you should always get the dog checked out by a professional vet before hand so they get the correct treatment and there is nothing else causing the illness.

For more information on dog diarrhea and health, or web link exchanges visit the dog-behavior-training.co.uk website at this link..Dog Training

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My Dog KNOWS This Stuff---What Happened?

By: Dy Witt
We call them "Backyard Champions". When our dog or puppy has learned his lessons so fantastically well that we are ready to take him into the show ring and prove to everyone how smart he is. No one warned us what is likely to happen instead.

We have spent 3 months, more or less, working our puppy on- and off-lead every day for at least 15 minutes. We have worked him at home, in the park, alone and with other dogs nearby, near children playing, every single distracting situation we can come up with. We are sure he is ready. One way we know is every time he sits at our side at the end of a command, a big long yawn comes whining out of his mouth. This long yawn does NOT mean he is bored or sleepy, it means he is sure what is going to happen next. Dogs love to show us how well they know what is going to happen, this is the basis for obedience training.

So we pack him up and take him to a practice obedience trial. The practice shows are less formal than the real Obedience Trials, cheaper too. They get both ourselves and our dog used to the chaos and tension. But little did we know that our backyard champion would stare at us like we just met, and we are giving his well-known commands in a foreign language! We are horrified, we whisper his name to get his attention. Though he seems sane and healthy, he has turned into wood and plastic, an alien creature that will not obey a single word!

Take heart. This happens to every single dog in training. Part of the problem, depending on what stage you are in in his training, is he is transferring his lessons from short-term to long-term memory. Until this is accomplished the stress of being in a strange place with many new dogs and people will short-circuit what you thought was a sure thing.

Another part of the problem is you, fair trainer. Every tense muscle, every frayed nerve, has its own scent to your dog, who spends his entire existence learning your every move, body language and smell. Try to stay as calm as you possibly can. Remember, every other dog and trainer at the show is in the same condition and the calmest ones always win the ribbons. Remember it is all just practice and is a fun game you are sharing with your best friend, not the life and death situation it feels like when it is your turn to be judged. Make sure you do everything you can to plant the image of FUN in your dog's mind. Reassure him of what a good dog he is, praise him and love him up, even bring treats. Let him know how special he is. You do not want anything to happen that will make him dread his next show. You both need a few dry runs before you can relax enough to be ready for the real trials. This is truly another tense situation, but since he is getting used to it, he will enjoy the fun.

Though I guarantee that this first dry run will be a fiasco, it is all worth it. Take your dog home and go over the old lessons again and again. He will be the Amazing Backyard Champion now, so much so you will laugh at him. Have fun with your best friend. Trust me, the next show will be more fun for you both. Do not give up, his first ribbon will be the memory of a lifetime.

In the 25 years Dy Witt has shown, bred and trained her dogs, she has developed the perfect method for training with loving and consistent commands that her dogs love. For more on her training techniques, more free articles and info on her ebook on dog training, visit http://www.DogTraining15MinsADay.com

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The Right Dog Bowl For Your Pet

By: Michael Brown
Buying the proper dog bowl for your dog is extremely important. If you are using the wrong size bowl for your dog this may create problems while he is trying to eat. For example, the dog bowl may skid across the floor, if the animal is too large for it. When the dog has his/her nose in the bowl and begins to push it across the kitchen floor because he or she simply has trouble accessing the food in the dish. In addition, a large dog bowl for a small dog may also cause the dog to not be able to access the food properly.

You'll want to prevent this by looking at a bowl's dimensions and figuring out which size bowl is right for your dog. For a large dog, you'll want a bowl around 10-12 inches in diameter. A small dog needs a bowl between 4-6 inches in diameter and a mid sized dog should fall in the middle of the other two.

Many times if the dog is too large for any given bowl they begin the scoot the dish across the kitchen floor which can lead to skidding. A solution to this problem is first, by a larger bowl for your dog. This allows your pet more access to the food in the container and he or she isn't having to force their snout to the bottom of the bowl to eat. Secondly consider buying a non skid dog bowl. These heavy bowls help prevent the dog from moving the dish and often times contain small pads on the bottom of the dog bowl to further increase its staying power.

Another significant issue that can occur when feeding your dog, is the bowl tipping. Bowl tipping can be a very irritating problem. Basically, while your dog begins eating the end up tipping the bowl over. A very nice solution to this problem is to buy a non-tip dog bowl, which as you may have guessed will prevent your dog from tipping the bowl over. This will solve two problems, you'll be happier and your pet won't be running all over trying to pick up the pieces of food it just tipped over.

Another problem when dog bowl selecting is buying bowls if you have multiple puppies. This can get expensive so an easy solution is to buy a flying saucer style of the bowl. The flying saucer bowls usually come in stainless steel and can be accessed from all sides. In the middle of the bowl is a raised nose which makes this dog bowl look similar to a bunt cake pan. This type of dog bowl allows your puppies access to the food from every side, making this the perfect bowl for multiple pets. You may also consider using a double diner dog bowl when you have more than one small dog or puppy. Double diners sit into a small platform and are two bowls in either side of each other. The double diner allows your dogs to eat side by side at dinner time, which is great for tiny dogs.

If you are going away on vacation for a few days or prefer to fill up your dog bowl and not have to deal with refilling it every other day then this next dog bowl may be perfect for you. Twenty-four hour dog feeders are ideal for owners who have trouble feeding their dog every single day or just prefer not to. You fill the dispenser with dog food and food is automatically refilled into the dog's dish. This helps prevent fast eating dogs from eating to hurriedly. As the food flows slowly into the bowl. Decorative designer dog bowls also exist for anyone who prefers their house and dog dish have style together. Often times designer dog bowls are made of stoneware or ceramics. However, these types of dog bowls can be purchased in many different shapes, styles and sizes.

In the future if you are shopping for a dog bowl keep these tips in mind. Finding the perfect bowl for your dog will also benefit you and the needs of your household. Most dog bowls are inexpensive and replaceable quickly.

Mike Brown Find more useful information about the right dog bowls for your dog here.

http://dog-bowls.org/ceramic-dog-bowls.html http://dog-bowls.org

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Dog Skin Problem - Scratching And Scabs

By: Ron King
Dogs do not have the same allergy symptoms humans do. A dog's reaction to an allergy often comes in the form of dog skin distress, such as excessive itching and biting as well as generating a poor quality coat of fur. Anal itching and chronic ear infections can also be signs and are something most pet owners don't think of as being allergy related.

While dog skin problems and sensitivity can be caused by many things, allergic reactions to food are very common. Food sensitivity may take years for signs to develop, even if you have been feeding your dog the same food.

Once dog skin problems or other allergy symptoms do initiate appearing, it's a good idea to check your pet's diet first. You do this by simply taking away their normal food for several days and giving them a diet that consists of protein and starch. A good diet to try is lamb or rabbit mixed with rice. Do not give them anything else during this test period.

When the reactions improve, go back to giving your dog its regular meal and take notes. If the dog skin problems or other signs return, you know it's something in their food.

Next you return to the test diet above, but start adding one new ingredient each week. For example try chicken one week, beef the next, wheat, then corn. If symptoms get better, for example with beef, you know that beef is not the origin of the allergies. If they get worse, then there is a good chance that you've uncovered the culprit.

Even if you find that your pet is allergic to one ingredient, it's important to continue this process with all ingredients because your dog could be allergic to more than one thing.

Once you uncover what your dog is allergic to, you can start to look for commercial foods that do not contain those ingredients. Some of the best choices with brand name dog food are foods that are made with lamb and rice. Both lamb and rice are considered hypoallergenic (as long as it does not incorporate wheat or corn.).

Do not restrict yourself to just commercial pet food. Many pet owners have used a raw food diet with enormous success for treating dog allergies. This natural manner of diet consists of raw meat, raw bones and raw vegetables. You can find out more data about the raw food diet for dogs by doing a quick search on the internet. (If your dog is already on a raw food diet, you should still use the test diet outlined above and vary ingredients.).

Dog skin problems, sensitivity and food all boil down to one basic fact. Your dog's diet is the foundation of a long, comfortable and joyous life. You need to get the best dog diet data available and take a proactive stance so your pet does not have to needlessly suffer.

For more about dogs, visit Dog Skin Problem. Also check out Dog Skin Problems. For Ron's website, visit Dogs Skin Care.

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Lost in Dog Treats Variety?

By Keith Londrie
If you have had a dog you already know why dog treats are so popular. If you have adopted your first dog, it is time to educate yourself about the most popular dog treats and their use.

Pig and Cow Ears Although pig and cow ears may look disgusting the first time you see these, your dog is likely to love them. Pig and cow ears are delicious for your dog. Usually they are made without the use of any chemical ingredients such as preservatives or artificial colours. Pig and cow ears are perfect for the growing puppy that is eager to chew everything on its way because of teething problems.

Knotted bones Knotted bones are another type of popular dog treats. They are available in various sizes – from small ones to huge ones. You should get a size that corresponds to your dog size. Also have in mind that knotted are quite hard thus unsuitable for puppies. When buying a knotted bone for your dog ask what are its ingredients. Avoid buying treats that contain artificial colorants or any other chemical substances. Try to stick to natural products instead. They might be a bit more expensive however are much healthier for your dog, which is saving you money in the long run.

Dog chips Dog chips is great for dog training. There are various kinds of dog chips – plain, beef, chicken, pork, butter and so on. You can have several tastes – this way you will keep your dog addicted to his new treat for a longer period of time.

Chews Chews are one of the most popular dog training treats. As with the rest of the dog treats the variety is huge. There are meaty chews with various flavors, vegetable chews, and even chews that are good for your dog's dental hygiene.

Since there is a vast choice of dog treats available you should also learn to be alert of certain things when buying. First of all always buy dog treats of famous and proven brands. Cheaper products or products with unknown origin can be harmful and even lethal for your dog.

Second – look at the ingredients list. A dog treat type is good when it contains natural ingredients only. Artificial colorants, preservatives or other substances are bad for your dog's health. Avoid greasy treats as well as treats that contain a lot of sugar or spices.

Finally if you are not quite sure which dog treats are suitable for your dog, ask your vet or dog trainer.

Keith Londrie II is the Webmaster of http://www.dog-treats.info/ A website that specializes in providing tips on Dog treats that you can research on the internet. Visit http://www.dog-treats.info/ now!

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