Saturday, August 30, 2008

Foods You Should Not Feed Your Dogs

Q : Which foods could be dangerous for my dog?
A: Some foods which are edible for humans, and even other species of animals, can pose hazards for dogs because of their different metabolism. Some may cause only mild digestive upsets, whereas, others can cause severe illness, and even death. The following common food items should not be fed (intentionally or unintentionally) to dogs. This list is, of course, incomplete because we can not possibly list everything your dog should not eat.
Alcoholic beverages
Can cause intoxication, coma, and death.
Baby food
Can contain onion powder, which can be toxic to dogs. (Please see onion below.) Can also result in nutritional deficiencies, if fed in large amounts.
Bones from fish, poultry, or other meat sources
Can cause obstruction or laceration of the digestive system.
Cat food
Generally too high in protein and fats.
Chocolate, coffee, tea, and other caffeine
Contain caffeine, theobromine, or theophylline, which can be toxic and affect the heart and nervous systems.
Link : [Article]Chocolate VS Dogs
Citrus oil extracts
Can cause vomiting.
Link :[Article]Citrus Oil
Fat trimmings
Can cause pancreatitis.
Grapes and raisins
Contain an unknown toxin, which can damage the kidneys. There have been no problems associated with grape seed extract.
Link : [Article] Raisin and Grape Toxicity in Dogs
Hops
Unknown compound causes panting, increased heart rate, elevated temperature, seizures, and death.
Human vitamin supplements containing iron
Can damage the lining of the digestive system and be toxic to the other organs including the liver and kidneys.

Large amounts of liver
Can cause Vitamin A toxicity, which affects muscles and bones.
Macadamia nuts
Contain an unknown toxin, which can affect the digestive and nervous systems and muscle.
Marijuana
Can depress the nervous system, cause vomiting, and changes in the heart rate.
Milk and other dairy products
Some adult dogs and cats do not have sufficient amounts of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down the lactose in milk. This can result in diarrhea. Lactose-free milk products are available for pets.
Moldy or spoiled food, garbage
Can contain multiple toxins causing vomiting and diarrhea and can also affect other organs.
Mushrooms
Can contain toxins, which may affect multiple systems in the body, cause shock, and result in death.
Onions and garlic (raw, cooked, or powder)
Contain sulfoxides and disulfides, which can damage red blood cells and cause anemia. Cats are more susceptible than dogs. Garlic is less toxic than onions.
Persimmons
Seeds can cause intestinal obstruction and enteritis.
Pits from peaches and plums
Can cause obstruction of the digestive tract.

Potato, rhubarb, and tomato leaves; potato and tomato stems
Contain oxalates, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems. This is more of a problem in livestock.
Raw eggs
Contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin). This can lead to skin and hair coat problems. Raw eggs may also contain Salmonella.
Raw fish
Can result in a thiamine (a B vitamin) deficiency leading to loss of appetite, seizures, and in severe cases, death. More common if raw fish is fed regularly.
Salt
If eaten in large quantities it may lead to electrolyte imbalances.
String
Can become trapped in the digestive system; called a "string foreign body."
Sugary foods
Can lead to obesity, dental problems, and possibly diabetes mellitus.
Table scraps (in large amounts)
Table scraps are not nutritionally balanced. They should never be more than 10% of the diet. Fat should be trimmed from meat; bones should not be fed.
Tobacco
Contains nicotine, which affects the digestive and nervous systems. Can result in rapid heart beat, collapse, coma, and death.
Yeast dough
Can expand and produce gas in the digestive system, causing pain and possible rupture of the stomach or intestines.

Source: http://www.peteducation.com

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Sunday, May 25, 2008

Still, Dog Vaccination

DOG VACCINATION SCHEDULE:

Age 6 & 9 weeks: 5 way (plus Coronavirus if prevalent in your area), Bordetella*.
Age 12 & 15 weeks: 7 way (plus Coronavirus & Lyme if prevalent in your area), Rabies, Bordetella.
Adult (annual booster): 7 way (plus Coronavirus & Lyme if prevalent in your area), Rabies, Bordetella.

5 way dog vaccines include Distemper, Parvovirus, Adenovirus, Hepatitis, and Parainfluenza.
Adding Coronavirus makes it a 6 way vaccine.

7 way dog vaccines include Distemper, Parvovirus, Adenovirus, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, and 2 strains of Lepto.

Adding Coronavirus makes it an 8 way vaccine.
*Note: Age of vaccination varies depending on manufacturer.

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Saturday, May 24, 2008

Understanding your dog's body condition


And also a good link for your dog's daily calories need :
http://www.mycockerspaniel.com/mer.htm

 

 

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Thursday, May 22, 2008

Dog to Dog Introductions

Adding a new canine companion to a home with a dog can be great fun and offer extra companionship for both your dog and your family.
The dogs need time to build a good relationship.
The following tips are suggestions for safety and will help the relationship get off to a great start.
Introduce the dogs outside your home in a neutral area.
Take a short walk in the neighborhood, or at a park nearby.
Pick up all toys, chews, bones, food bowls, and the resident dog’s favorite items.
When dogs are creating a relationship these items (resources) may cause rivalry. They can be introduced after a couple of weeks.
It is very important to avoid quarrels during these early stages of the “sibling” relationship.
Also, you must double your supply of water dishes, food dishes, dog beds, and dog toys.
- Do give your new dog his/her own confinement area
- Do keep all dog play and socializing positive and brief. This will help avoid over-stimulation or quarrels which may erupt with overly rough or extended play
- Do feed dogs in separate areas, completely closed off from one another
- Do spend time with each dog individually
- Do keep dogs separate when you cannot supervise interactions
- Do supervise dogs when around family members, toys or resting areas
- Do use a “Happy Praising Voice” whenever the dogs are having positive interactions.
- Do use a “Strong Voice” to interrupt any growling or bully type behavior. -Use a phrase such as “Too Bad” and separate the “bully-dog” to a different area for a few minutes then try again.
DON’T give chews, rawhides, or bones (even if each dog has his/her own) when dogs are together.
Wait several weeks, please!
The dogs should enjoy these fun chews but only when they are separated, in their own crate or individual confinement area.
DON’T use your hands or body to intervene during a dog quarrel.
Use your voice, a loud noise or water to stop the fight.
If the dogs do not stop, use a chair or other large object to insert in between
them, or pull them apart by the rear legs or tail to separate.
Be aware that, when dogs are fighting, they are highly aroused and it
is never safe to use your hands to attempt separation.

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Monday, May 19, 2008

More about Dog Vaccination Schedule

Dog Vaccination Schedule
all dogs require vaccinations for these and possibly several other types of diseases:
Rabies: Some states require rabies revaccination every 3 years.
Parvovirus: After the first vaccination, an injection at 20 weeks is sometimes needed.
Hepatitis: Protects against canine adenovirus type I and II.
Six to Eight Weeks:
* Bordetella
* Distemper/Corona vaccine
* Hepatitis
* Parainfluenza
* Parvovirus
* Intestinal parasite screen
* Heartworm preventive pill
* Strategic de-worming (for intestinal parasites)
Ten to Twelve Weeks:
* Intranasai Bordatella vaccine
* Hepatitis
* Leptospirosis
* Parainfluenza
* Parvovirus
* Distemper/Corona vaccine
* Intestinal parasite screen
* Heartworm preventive pill
* Strategic de-worming (for intestinal parasites)
* Lyme disease vaccine (only for dogs at high risk)
Fourteen to Sixteen Weeks:
* Distemper vaccine
* One-year Rabies vaccine
* Bordetella
* Hepatitis
* Leptospirosis
* Parainfluenza
* Parvovirus
* Lyme disease vaccine (only for dogs at high risk)
* Strategic de-worming (for intestinal parasites)
* Heartworm preventive pill

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16 Common Dog Myths

  1. Dogs should have a litter before they are spayed.
    This is not true. Dogs that have a litter before they are spayed are not better for it in any way. In fact, spayed dogs are at lower risk for breast cancer and uterine infections.
  2. Dogs are sick when their noses are warm.
    The temperature of a dogs nose does not indicate health or illness or if they have a fever. There is an "old wives tale" that cold wet noses indicate health. And Warm or dry noses indicate a fever or illness. The only accurate method to access a dog's temperature is to take it with a thermometer. Normal dog temperature is 100.5 to 102.5 degrees F.
  3. Mutts are always healthier than purebred dogs.
    This is not true. Both mutts and purebred dogs can be unhealthy. Both can have diseases, however, mutts generally do not have many of the genetic diseases common in purebred lines.
  4. All dogs like to be petted on their heads.
    Some dogs do like to be petted on their heads but many do NOT.
  5. Happy dogs wag their tails.
    This may be true but aggressive dogs often wag their tails too. There are several physical body motions and cues that help dogs to communicate their intent. A wagging tail can mean agitation or excitement. A dog that wags his tail slowly and moves his all rear end or crouches down in the classic "play bow" position is usually a friendly wag. Tails that are wagged when held higher, twitches or wagging while held over the back may be associated with aggression.
  6. Only male dogs will "hump" or lift their leg to urinate.
    This is not true. Female dogs, especially dominant female dogs, will lift their leg to urinate and "hump" other dogs or objects. This can be true even if they are spayed.
  7. Table scraps are good for dogs.
    Some table scraps such as bones and pieces of fat can be dangerous to some pets. They may not digest the bones and the fat may cause gastrointestinal problems such as pancreatitis.
  8. Garlic prevents fleas.
    Garlic has not been proven to be helpful for flea control. Large amounts of garlic can even be harmful.
  9. Household "pet dogs" don't need to be trained.
    This is not true. Every dog should be trained.
  10. Dogs eat grass when they are sick.
    Dog descended from wild wolves and foxes that ate all parts of their "kill." This included the stomach contents of many animals that ate berries and grass. Many scientists believe grass was once part of their normal diet and eating small amounts is normal.
  11. Dogs like tasty food.
    Dogs have very poor taste buds and eat primarily based on their sense of smell.
  12. Licking is Healing.
    It is natural for a dog to lick its wound but this not necessarily always "healing." Too much licking can actually prohibit healing.
  13. Dogs will let you know when they are sick.
    This is not true. Dogs generally are very good at hiding that they are sick by survival instinct, thus not to appear vulnerable to "prey." Often by the time they show you that they are sick, their disease or condition is quite advanced.
  14. Dogs that are mostly indoors don't need heartworm prevention.
    This is not true. Indoor pets are also at risk for heartworm disease. Heartworm disease is spread by mosquitoes which can come inside.
  15. Dogs eat rocks, lick concrete or eat their or another animals stools because of nutrient imbalances.
    No one knows why dogs eat "stuff" that they shouldn't eat. Some veterinarians believe that some dogs that eat "things" may be trying to get attention or acting out of boredom. It is important for dogs to eat a well balanced diet that will fulfill their dietary and nutrient requirements.
  16. Dogs don't need to housebroken--they naturally know where to go.
    Oh, if only this were true. You need to train your dog on where to go. This preferably happens when you start young and give him positive encouragement for jobs well done.

#-----------D-O-G-'-S--M-Y-T-H-----------#
source : http://www.PetPlace.com

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Vaccination Schedule

Vaccination Schedule for Dogs
From: The Humane Society

  • Distemper - an airborne viral disease of the lungs, intestines and brain.
  • Hepatitis - a viral disease of the liver.
  • Leptospirosis - a bacterial disease of the urinary system.
  • Parainfluenza - infectious bronchitis.
  • Parvovirus - a viral disease of the intestines.
  • Rabies - a viral disease fatal to humans and other animals.
  • Corona - a viral disease of the intestines.
  • Bordetella - a bacterial infection (kennel cough)

Puppies - 6 weeks to 1 year

  • 6 to 8 weeks - First puppy shot (DHLPP) + Corona
  • 11 to 12 weeks - Second puppy shot (DHLPP) + Corona
  • 15 to 16 weeks - Third puppy shot (DHLPP) + Corona
  • Over 4 months - Rabies (repeat l year later)
  • 7 to 9 months - First heartworm test

Adult Dogs - After 1 year

  • DHLPP - Yearly
  • Heartworm test - Yearly
  • Rabies - Every 3 years (after second Rabies shot)
  • Bordetella - Yearly

Note: Some states have their own laws regarding the frequency & requirement of certain vaccinations. When in
doubt, always ask your veterinarian or local humane society.

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Friday, May 16, 2008

Vaccination Schedule

Vaccination Schedule for Dogs
From: The Humane Society

  • Distemper - an airborne viral disease of the lungs, intestines and brain.
  • Hepatitis - a viral disease of the liver.
  • Leptospirosis - a bacterial disease of the urinary system.
  • Parainfluenza - infectious bronchitis.
  • Parvovirus - a viral disease of the intestines.
  • Rabies - a viral disease fatal to humans and other animals.
  • Corona - a viral disease of the intestines.
  • Bordetella - a bacterial infection (kennel cough)

Puppies - 6 weeks to 1 year

  • 6 to 8 weeks - First puppy shot (DHLPP) + Corona
  • 11 to 12 weeks - Second puppy shot (DHLPP) + Corona
  • 15 to 16 weeks - Third puppy shot (DHLPP) + Corona
  • Over 4 months - Rabies (repeat l year later)
  • 7 to 9 months - First heartworm test

Adult Dogs - After 1 year

  • DHLPP - Yearly
  • Heartworm test - Yearly
  • Rabies - Every 3 years (after second Rabies shot)
  • Bordetella - Yearly

Note: Some states have their own laws regarding the frequency & requirement of certain vaccinations. When in
doubt, always ask your veterinarian or local humane society.

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