Dogs can suffer from many of the same illnesses and conditions that we humans do. Arthritis is one of the most common diseases in dogs. One fifth of the canine populace have this joint condition and have to bear with other related symptoms as well. They also experience the similar soreness in the joints that we human beings undergo.

Dogs with arthritic joints usually move slowly because of the pain, when they sit or stand. They love to sleep a lot, more than the usual hours and will have rapid changes in their weight. If they do play around, you might find them limping on one leg. Take your pet to your veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis and plan for treatment. A lot could change for the better if your dog gets immediate medication while the condition is still starting up. Luckily, the vet in our neighborhood offers alternative medications that is acceptable to us. He advised us to include in our dog’s diet, glucosomine, chrondroitin sulfate and vitamin C. These aid in the development of collagen, which provides support to the bones. He also recommended Omega 3 and Omega 6. It aids in the reduction of the joint being inflamed and the corresponding pain that goes with it. You can easily buy these items in the drugstore and they do help. I for one am a user of these supplements for my own arthritic condition.

How we treat arthritis in human beings is also the same with canines. Check your canine friend’s body weight and check the manufacturer’s label. You will see that there is a matching quantity for every kilo or pound of weight. That is how you administer these supplements to your dog.

Cartilage in the joints is formed with the presence of glucosomine and chrondroitin. The supplements serve as an aid in the quick creation of cartilages in the joints.

Belonging to the carbohydrates category, glucosomine is an amino acid that is integrated in the creation of body tissues rather than utilized as a source of energy. It engages in the creation of nails, tendons, skin, eyes, bones, ligaments and heart valves. Study shows it is effective in cartilage creation and repair.

Chrondroitin is responsible for the resiliency of the cartilage, lubricates the joints and maintains the health of the cartilage.

Vitamin C is very important to humans as well as to animals. They are responsible in the formation of collagen. Connective tissues of tendons, ligaments and fascia, has so many of these fibers.

To keep your dog healthy, make sure he or she maintains an ideal weight, gets moderate daily exercise to stay fit and keep joints limber. Don’t try to fit in a week’s worth of exercise into one weekend. It will do more harm rather than good. It’s not good to rush everything. It is imperative that your dog stays on his/her right weight and in shape so that added strain on the bones and joints will be avoided. Nourish your dog with food that have lots of vitamins, proteins and fibers. If your dog is already having signs of arthritis, you can also give him/her supplements for that.

Are you currently interested in knowing far more about dog health care? Right here at Best Pet Products, you will find recommendations and merchandise for appropriate dog health care

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Arthritis in dogs is a degenerative disease of the joints. The combination of inflammation and degradation of the cartilage in the joints as the dog ages causes pain and disability along the way. Injured cartilage disrupts the elasticity and the ability of the joint capsule to nourish and heal itself, by releasing inflammation-causing enzymes.

Most dogs do not vocalize when they are in pain from arthritic joints. The common signs will be a dog that’s reluctant to go on long walks. They may circle endlessly before lying down or really struggle when getting up. They may avoid stairs, refuse to jump up or down from couches or beds, and may limp.

The most common joints affected are the hips, elbows and knees. Dysplasia is a developmental disease they acquire as puppies and usually appears when they are one or two years old. Once the damage of arthritis is done, it will not go away, although the severity of the symptoms can be reduced. Non-surgical management is a three step line of attack; weight control, exercise, and pain relief to increase the quality of life and slow down the progression.

The joint of a dog is comprised of a joint capsule, synovial fluid, articular cartilage and subchondral bone. For a smooth gliding function, the soundness of a joint capsule is extremely important. The production of hyaluronic acid and defense capabilities are of primary concern. To ensure adequate nutrients and lubrication to the cartilage, adequate synovial fluid is needed. This also maximizes the metabolic waste removal from the cartilage.

The wear and tear joint disease is Osteoarthritis. In the progression of OA, there is an increase on the load of the cartilage from the subchondral bone thickening. This leads to further damage and pain in the joint. A decrease in range of motion as well as reduced functioning, is secondary to the low-grade inflammatory process and joint capsular thickening.

For many dogs with arthritis, the use of Nutraceuticals and Chondroprotectants are very popular. The optimum treatment plan would encompass exercise modification, physical rehabilitation, weight management, nutritional therapy and pain management if required. Surgery should be a last resort.

The abnormal joint surface will benefit from a reduced amount of weight placed on it. This is where weight control is of paramount importance. Hip dysplasia will reap enormous benefits from a reduction in the weight load. One of the most beneficial forms of exercise for a dog with arthritis is swimming. Without impacting and stressing the joints with unnecessary weight, the dogs maintain a good range of motion and are comfortable in the process.

One substance that is very beneficial for dog arthritis pain is Omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids prevent abnormal cell growth and normalize the immune system. They also prevent inflammation and degeneration of the joint. When looking for sources of Omega-3, look at green leafy vegetables, flax seeds/oil, green-lipped mussels and cold water fish oils. Be sure to purchase organic cold pressed oils packaged in light resistant containers. The quality of oils will vary.

The most widely used nutraceuticals are chondroitin and glucosamine. These products can be used with other remedies, have anti-inflammatory properties and are effective in slowing the progression of arthritis. These have been proven to reduce swelling and help with pain. For the most absorbable into the joint, Glucosamine HCL has led the way.

There are herbal supplements such as Boswellia, which naturally fights joint inflammation and has been used by people in India for centuries. Devils Claw, Ginger and Tumeric are also effective in reducing inflammation and pain.

If you want to change the course of the disease, relieve the pain from it and use something totally natural, Acupuncture has been around for centuries. The results on animals is astounding.

Homeopathy offers a few treatments to look into. Rhus Tox, is good for joints that are worse in cold, damp weather and stiff upon arising. Bryonia is for when the arthritis is worse with exercise and warm weather. Causticum is useful for the older dog that has less pain with heat. Check with your Holistic Veterinarian as to the correct dosages for your dog.

If we modify the home to accommodate our companion dogs, it helps make their life much easier. One of the easiest modifications to make and utilize is the ramp. This prevents the dog from having to navigate up and down stairs. Raised feeding dishes and water bowels help reduce neck and back strain. Stiff, achy and painful joints are helped with heated beds. After all modalities have been exhausted, drugs or surgery may be useful. For the well-being of your dog, do everything else before that route.

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Many people have for years suspected that nutrients play a key role in our prevention, control and treatment of malignancies in dogs. Now, it is finally accepted by experts and scientists that it is not folklore but a truth. Experts are optimistic that nutrients can be effective measures in preventing and treating certain types of cancers.

Many micro nutrients are extremely effective when combined with traditional therapies such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and biologic responsive modifiers. Any nutrient that is used in conjunction with anticancer therapies is called adjuvant therapeutics.

Cancer has many consequences. A very significant metabolic result is Cachexia. In spite of sufficient nutritional consumption, there is a consistent loss of weight. In response to treatment, this condition lessens the survival time and reduces the beneficial results. Cachexia causes shifts in the dog’s metabolic system before the condition is recognized.

There are three different periods of cancer Cachexia. In the first period, there are no noticeable signs of the disease. There are however, biochemical changes and alterations in the amino acids taking place. Entering into the second period of this disease, the dog will become anorexic, lose weight and have decreased energy. Now into the third period of the disease, the dog is weak, debilitated, and has lost protein and carbohydrate stores from their body.

Unfortunately, the physical effects of the cancer and the alterations in the metabolism, cause these dogs to waste away. It is the carbohydrate metabolism in these dogs with cancer, that has the greatest metabolic impact. Some scientists believe that a diet high in simple carbohydrates increases the amount of lactate produced. This excessive energy is then used by the host to convert the lactate. This is damaging for dogs with cancer.

The cancer is fueled by the carbohydrates at the expense of the host. Tumors usually utilize amino acids for energy via glycogens. Many important bodily functions become altered from this. The most significantly affected is the immune system, gastrointestinal function and surgical healing.

The host and the cancer cells both compete for the amino acids. If the diet cannot supply the need, the malignant process takes them from the host. High quality amounts of proteins should be provided. Amino acids like arginine and glutamine really benefit the host by helping the immune system and reducing gastrointestinal toxicity for dogs with cancer.

Most of the reduction in weight from cancer cachexia is from fat loss. Therefore, a diet that is high in fat and low in simple carbohydrates will benefit a dog with cancer. The fatty acids N-3 have been shown to reduce many metabolic alterations in dogs with cancer. Not only do these have an anticancer effect, they also reduce the adverse effects of radiation.

Each dog with cancer needs to be assessed individually to determine the appropriate amount and type of nutrients that they should receive. Retinoids have the ability to regulate cancer cells. Various studies have determined that these agents are beneficial either as a stand alone or in combination with other agents in the treatment of certain types of malignancies.

Vitamin C has the most potential in preventing malignant disease as well as in treating certain cancers. Vitamin C could be an alternative for overcoming drug resistance in certain cancer cells. It has been known to prevent cancers of the esophagus and stomach.

For inhibiting mammary tumor carcinogens and colon carcinogens, Vitamin E has lots of potential. In its constitution it has chemo-preventative properties which work against certain malignancies. A 50% reduction in tumor size has occurred in some dogs. In others a complete remission has been witnessed.

Some minerals suggested as chemo-preventive or anticancer agents are, copper, zinc, magnesium, calcium, lead, iron, potassium, sodium, arsenic, iodine, germanium and selenium. Several amino acids have also been used as a basis for inhibiting tumor growth.

Another helpful enzyme is L-asparaginase. This has been used in treating lymphomas and leukemia in dogs. Another anticancer alternative is garlic extracts. This has been used on animals that have been subjected to carcinogens.

To reduce the chances of your dog getting cancer, feed them a holistic diet that is rich in fresh foods and supplements, and free from preservatives, additives and chemicals. All this will support the body and reduce the impact if they do get cancer. Turmeric or green tea should be added to their foods daily. These are anticancer herbs that have been used for centuries.

There are a number of signs that could point to cancer. These are some to watch for: picky appetite, lumps and bumps, sudden weight loss, sores that don’t heal, odors, lethargy, breathing difficulties, stiffness or soreness, loss of enthusiasm, difficulty urinating or defecating, and persistent discharges.

It is very important to greatly reduce the carbohydrates in the diet and to increase with fats and proteins. The best fats to add are fish oil (preferably salmon) and cold pressed flax oil. Some anticancer foods are beetroot, broccoli, parsley, berries, apples, pears, peaches, plums, cabbage, sage, garlic, yams, cauliflower, shitake mushrooms, green and orange vegetables, yogurt, fish, carrots, watermelon, spleen, fresh thymus and extracts. Feed approximately 60% meat and 40% vegetables.

Supplement the dogs diet with Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Co enzyme Q10, Omega-3 fatty acids, and digestive enzymes. All anticancer diets are from fresh foods or home cooked foods. Good nutrition is extremely important in anticancer diets. You can dramatically increase the lifespan of your dog by feeding them a top quality diet. Thy food is thy medicine.

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An important component in the rehabilitation for ones dog is aquatic therapy, which provides the buoyancy, hydrostatic pressure, viscosity and resistance as well as the surface tension. How water effects the body is easy to understand through all the basic principles of water and its properties. The upward thrusting of water upon the body is the buoyancy which decreases the weight of the body when immersed in it. This decreases the amount of pain in the dog, by minimizing the amount of weight that is placed on the muscles and painful joints, all aiding in the rehabilitation.

In a study performed on dogs, the amount of body weight carried when immersed in water was based on the percentage of body weight on land in the following positions:

91% when water was at the level of the ateral malleolus of the tibia

85% when water was at the level of the lateral condyle of the femur

with the water level filled up to the underside of the tail, it was 38%

This is very helpful when treating dogs with arthritis because joints can be unloaded when considering the buoyancy factors of water.

Hydrostatic pressure provides an optimum working environment for edematous tissues and sore swollen joints. The tendency of blood and edema to gather in the lower extremities is opposed from the constant pressure to the body or limbs, thus aiding in reducing the swelling.

Hydrostatic pressure lessens the pain during exercise. The theory behind this is that the pressure creates phasic stimuli to the sensory receptors of the skin, causing a decrease in the nociceptor hypersensitivity. By reducing the dogs pain perception, it allows them to perform more movements with less pain.

Fluid flow resistance or viscosity is greater in water than in air. Canine muscles and cardiovascular fitness is increased and strengthened from the resistance that water provides. Sensory awareness is increased from viscosity and unstable joints are supported and stabilized. A paraparesis canine that is supported from the buoyancy and viscosity of water, may choose to walk in water although they won’t on land.

With surface tension, if a dog is extremely weak, movement and exercise are performed with more ease just beneath the water surface than at or on the surface.

Canine hydrotherapy is extremely effective in improving muscle strength and endurance, cardio respiratory endurance, range of motion, agility and all the while enhancing the dog’s psychological well-being in addition to reducing the pain.

In hydrotherapy for dogs the water provides a direct effect on the heart rate and oxygen uptake. The temperature of the water and leg exercise further increases the heart rate. The heart rate and oxygen uptake were greater performing the exercise in water than performing the same exercises on land. When aerobic exercise is utilized in the canine rehabilitation process, it also aids in weight reduction and toning.

Although exercise on land is more effective for achieving maximum muscle performance, dog therapy in water minimizes the amount of joint effusion and leads to greater functional improvement. Exercise such as walking in water recruits muscles in a more functional manner. Performing these exercises where forces are decreased may minimize or eliminate damage and inflammation to the soft tissues.

Dog pools and dog underwater treadmills aid in reducing knee pain and joint effusion. This is helpful in facilitating the recovery of lower-extremity function after a cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) stabilization in dogs. Canine rehabilitation through aquatic exercises may be used as a transition to land based exercises in post surgery or post injury rehabilitation.

Aquatic therapy for dogs has many physiological effects resulting from the heated water. Dogs receive increased circulation to their muscles, increased joint flexibility and decreased joint pain. Dogs become more functional on a daily basis. The recommended water temperatures are between 26 degrees C and 28 degrees C. Lower temperatures are tolerated by dogs with thicker coats.

Some of the available forms of hydrotherapy for dogs include whirlpools, underwater treadmills, and dog pools. Caution should be exercised if taking a dog to a lake or river for aquatic therapy, as currents can be hazardous, or bacteria with recent incisions. Dog life preservers are very beneficial and support the dog while allowing free breathing.

Hydrotherapy for dogs has helped with the following conditions:

Knee Operations

TPLO or ACL operations

Replacement of the hip

Compromised Hip Structure

Arthritic Conditions

Spinal integrity and bone fractures

Osteoarthritis

Nerve Disorders

Cognitive Disorders

Amputation of a limb

Amongst all of the benefits from hydrotherapy for dogs, it also includes improving the dog’s balance, confidence, energy level and co-ordination. When considering hydrotherapy for dogs the potential benefits are vast. Any dog that has undergone surgery, their recovery time is significantly reduced. To have minimal discomfort and to restore the physical condition aquatic therapy is the choice.

Aquatic therapy is very calming for dogs. Besides stimulating metabolic functions, the dog’s level of stress is diminished. Besides draining the lymphatic system thoroughly, the immune system is strengthened. There are so many things that dog hydrotherapy accomplishes. From regulating their electrolytes to removing toxins from their system, it enhances their digestion and improves the dog’s skin and coat.

The potential benefits of canine hydrotherapy is becoming more widely recognized and utilized by veterinarians around the world. Aquatic therapy is the therapeutic treatment of choice for canine patients of today.

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A degenerative joint disease, arthritis inflicts dogs just as it does humans. Much of the inflammation and degradation of the cartilage in the joint is what causes the pain and disability in the dog as it ages. Having a cartilage that has been injured lends itself to releasing inflammation-causing enzymes. This disrupts the elasticity and the ability of the joint capsule to nourish and heal itself.

A dog that is arthritic will usually not vocalize its discomfort. a dog may simply refuse to walk for any distance like it used to before. laying down becomes a difficult task for them. Some dogs plainly have difficulty going up and down stairs, let alone attempting to get up or off of a couch or bed.

Dogs can get arthritis in the hips, knees and elbows. Once a puppy is a year or two old, dysplasia which is a developmental disease, can be diagnosed. Arthritic symptoms can be lessened but they will however, never go away. Once the damage is done, it needs to be managed. By following three steps, a dog’s quality of life can be enhanced and the progression of arthritis can be slowed down. The three actions to take are weight control, exercise and pain management if necessary.

The elements of a normal joint are made up of a joint capsule, synovial fluid, articular cartilage and subchondral bone. The soundness of the joint capsule is very important for a smooth gliding function, for the production of hyaluronic acid and defense mechanisms. To provide proper metabolic waste removal from the cartilage in addition to supplying nutrients and lubrication, adequate synovial fluid production is needed.

The wear and tear joint disease is Osteoarthritis. In the progression of OA, there is an increase on the load of the cartilage from the subchondral bone thickening. This leads to further damage and pain in the joint. A decrease in range of motion as well as reduced functioning, is secondary to the low-grade inflammatory process and joint capsular thickening.

Chondroprotectants and Nutraceuticals are effective and popular for treating dogs with arthritis. A thorough treatment plan for arthritis includes weight loss, exercise modification, physical rehabilitation, pain management, nutritional therapy and possibly surgery.

Weight loss reduces the forces placed upon the abnormal joint surfaces. For dogs with hip dysplasia, reducing their body weight has enormous benefits. The most perfect exercise for dogs with arthritis is swimming. This moves all of their joints through a good range of motion without placing the stress and impact of the weight upon them.

For help with dog arthritis pain, Omega-3 fatty acids are hugely beneficial. Not only do these help with the pain associated with arthritis, they normalize the immune system and prevent abnormal cell growth. In addition to this, they prevent inflammation and degeneration of the joint. To find a rich source of Omega-3, feed green leafy vegetables, flax seeds/oil, green-lipped mussels and cold water fish oils. It is best to be purchasing organic cold pressed oils packaged in light resistant containers.

Two products that have anti-inflammatory properties and are effective in slowing the progression of arthritis are chondroitin and glucosamine. These can be used safely in combination with other products. Both of these reduce swelling and help with pain. For the most absorbable, use Glucosamine HCL.

There are herbal supplements such as Boswellia, which naturally fights joint inflammation and has been used by people in India for centuries. Devils Claw, Ginger and Tumeric are also effective in reducing inflammation and pain.

One of the most effective treatments utilized and also used for centuries on people, is Acupuncture. This is extremely powerful in alleviating the pain and in the same breath can entirely change the course of the disease.

Homeopathy offers a few treatments to look into. Rhus Tox, is good for joints that are worse in cold, damp weather and stiff upon arising. Bryonia is for when the arthritis is worse with exercise and warm weather. Causticum is useful for the older dog that has less pain with heat. Check with your Holistic Veterinarian as to the correct dosages for your dog.

Some simple modifications in the home can help with canine arthritis. Using ramps is very helpful for assisting with the dog getting up or down from places and instead of using stairs. Elevated food bowels minimize back and neck strain. Heated beds help with painful, stiff, achy joints. There are many options available for treating arthritis in dogs. Have surgery and drugs be a last resort, for the well-being of your dog.

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Have you ever wondered how to treat and prevent a dog urinary tract infection at the same time? So many traditional medicines out there aim only at suppressing symptoms and do not get to the root cause of the problem. This leads to recurrent infections and costly bills at the vet. A natural remedy for urinary tract infection in dogs on the other hand is affordable and highly effective at both treating and sparing your dog from a dog UTI.

Now be advised that a bladder stone not only causes your dog terrible pain, but it may end in death. However typical causes of a canine bladder infection may be a birth defect, poor sanitation, eating garbage or old tainted dog food or even a weakened immune sytem.

First, do get your dog to the vet for some simple tests and diagnosis. The longer you wait to find out what is wrong with your dog, the more complex the treatment will be. The earlier you catch a canine UTI the less costly it will be to your bank account and your dog’s health. Once you know the true cause of the problem, whether it a tumor, canine struvite stones or an ectopic ureter then you can get down to the proper treatment. Using a natural remedy for urinary tract infection in dogs will promote a healthy urinary tract system and fight off future infections.

You can get the most out of natural remedies by using them regularly. Natural remedies restore balance at a cellular level and promote overall health. They can keep your dog’s immune system strong and prevent infections from coming back. Antibiotics on the other hand are only a quick fix that will suppress the symptoms but not address the underlying imbalance that is causing the infections to happen in the first place.

Many pet owners are worried about giving their dogs antibiotics because of the potential side effects. Dogs metabolize most of the drugs which then pass through the urine so they have to take high doses of them to compensate. These high doses can lead to an aggravation of the symptoms of UTI.

In contrast, a using a natural remedy for urinary tract infection in dogs is far safer for your dog and you can give it as part of his daily nutritional program. All you do is mix it in his food and he’ll never know its there. There is a pleasant taste and such a small amount dog’s never realize they are taking medicine.

In conclusion, if you are worried about the side effects of giving your dog antibiotics, there are alternatives out there. Natural remedy for urinary tract infection in dogs is safe, affordable, and can also be used as a preventive treatment. The formula is in a granule preparation and all you do is add it to his food.

Get away from traditional medical treatments that are best for treating and suppressing symptoms of the canine bladder infection. To keep an infection from coming back, give homeopathic remedies a try and achieve permanent recovery.

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Selecting a vet doesn’t have to be hard. But, you absolutely don’t want to select one when you are in an urgency situation. There are six must ask questions for veterinary dog care to assist you in the right decision.

Before you decide to affiliate yourself with a veterinarian practice, you want to test the waters first. You will want to speak to the doctor and see what their approach is to veterinary dog care and check out the practice.

This is very important. If your pet ever requires immediate care, you want to make sure you made the right choice. Make sure you select the doctor when you are not in a “life and death” situation. That is not the most desirable time to pick a doctor.

Here are SIX questions you HAVE to ASK:

Can you drop by and introduce your dog?

It is noteworthy to learn how the vet reacts to your question. Also, you want to see how your veterinarian and canine interact with each other.

Can you look over the premises?

If they don’t permit it, they may be trying to hide the condition of the examining rooms, boarding areas, etc.

How many doctors are on staff?

If you need to make an emergency appointment, you don’t want to be waiting around while precious seconds tick past. Ideally, there will be at the minimum two equipped doctors on hand (not just techs or assistants.)

Do you have after-hours urgent care?

If not, do you refer somewhere else? A lot of practices shut the doors in the evenings and on weekends, which means that if there’s an accident, you’ll have to go elsewhere – and expose your dog (and yourself) to an unfamiliar vet. (If you do not mind this, then that’s fine; but be mindful that in a high-stress situation when excitabilities are running high, it’s comforting for your canine and yourself to deal with someone comfortable).

What sort of testing services do you offer?

If they have to send away to a laboratory for this kind of thing, it means that the reports are going to be delayed. If your canine is very ill, time is of the essence: it is preferred if the clinic has at least blood-analysis testing on hand.

What is the price range? Do you have a payment plan for unexpected bills?

The payment-plan option is especially significant. Even with pet insurance, vet bills can occasionally be sizeable – and not everyone has the budget to handle large veterinarian bills straight away. Ask the clinic how they cater for incidents like that.

When choosing veterinary dog care, you are evening out quality and convenience. There’s no right or wrong veterinarian for you and your furry friend – that is partly why making the decision can be so complicated. There are lots of veterinarians to choose from, and they are all diverse!

Even though it is tempting to go for the one that is most convenient with the rock-bottom prices, it truly is worthwhile taking the time to shop around. Your pet is absolutely reliant on you for their health care – and if you take your pet seriously as a best friend and member of the family, you will want veterinary dog care and to do the honorable thing by them.

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All of the dog care information I have located, demonstrates that fleas survive off your pet’s blood. The gestation period of a flea progresses extremely rapidly from stage one (egg) to stage four (full-grown flea), and that means they are capable of multiplying with staggering acceleration.

An adult flea lays a multitude of eggs per day. Each egg will later become an full-grown flea, which lay a mass amount more eggs of its own. One flea will increase into a major problem very quickly!

HOW TO BE SURE IF YOUR PET HAS FLEAS

The warnings of a flea problem are unmistakable.

A canine with a flea problem will scratch virtually continually, frequently at locations that fleas look to prefer: the ears, the bottom of the tail, the belly, and the stifle (the webbing of fleshy skin between the thigh and the abdomen).

It’s actually the spittle of the flea that causes the irritation, not the bite itself, and some dogs have a genuine allergy to this saliva (as opposed to a standard irritation). Dogs with allergies suffer much more significant negative reactions to a flea infestation, and usually develop “hot spots”.

These hot spots are areas of sore, raw, flaky, bleeding, and damaged skin, formed by the flea saliva and your pet’s own reaction to it. Bald patches will sometimes happen also, from habitual clawing and nonstop irritation.

If you suspect your canine has fleas, you can confirm your misgivings by taking a closer look at her skin: you most likely won’t be able to see the fleas themselves, but you should be able to detect what looks like coffee grounds (a thin sprinkling of pulverized black grains) on her skin. This is flea dirt (poop).

If you groom him with a flea comb (which is like a fine-tooth comb), try wiping it on a napkin: if red spots show up on the napkin, you can feel certain that your canine has fleas (on a white background like a napkin, flea poop appears red: since fleas exist on blood, their poop is colored appropriately).

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Ear infections are a common ailment for many dogs. From struggles with ear-mites, fungus, and allergies, to more serious inner ear infections, some dogs seem to fight a never ending battle that has them – and their owners – constantly scratching their heads. Many common outer ear problems can be prevented with a little extra effort and vigilance.

Veterinarians use antibiotics to treat severe ear infections, these may include antibiotic/anti-fungal/anti-inflammatory medicines like Otomax or Malotic. Some owners also choose to take a more holistic approach to dealing with their pups infections before resorting to medicines

Keeping the ears clean and free of debris is the simplest way to help stave off an infection in your pet. Keep the hair around the ears, clean and trimmed and check the ears periodically to make sure they dont have a buildup. Dogs with long floppy ears seem to pick up more debris than those with pricked ears. Be especially sure to do a quick cleaning after a hike or a trip to the beach.

Washing the ears is the next level of prevention. A simple solution of diluted white vinegar is a great way to eliminate common allergies. Use a solution of 1 part vinegar and two parts water to rinse the ear thoroughly before rinsing again using plain clean water. A 1:1 Hydrogen Peroxide/water solution also makes a good rinse and will sting less if your dog has been doing a lot of scratching. Be sure to dry your pups ears gently after youve cleaned them.

Commercial ear cleaners are often a step up from home-made solutions and for troublesome infections may go a step further to help keep your dogs irritations at bay. Many of the commercial varieties also come with an applicator which can make ear cleaning much easier on both the dog and their owner. Check with your local pet store.

One of the easiest ways to reduce all types of infections is to improve the quality of your dogs food. The fillers often used in cheap big brand dog foods offer little to know nutritional value. In addition to sometimes triggering allergies, non-nutritional fillers do your dog no good and only serve to add bulk to the product – and ultimately to your dogs too. Treat your pup to a healthy lifestyle by starting with a high quality dog food, check with your local specialty pet center for quality brands.

In spite of looking and smelling terrible, most ear infections only affect the outer ear. Keeping the ears clean and groomed will help reduce both the discomfort of common problems as well as the risk of greater infection. More serious infections to exist and you should be aware of the symptoms. If you notice your dog tilting their head more than normal, walking in circles, or showing signs of general clumsiness, it may be a sign of a more serious condition and you should schedule a trip to your local vet.

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Some dogs can go through their whole lives without so much as an itchy ear, while others have a never ending struggle with ear-mites, fungus, and allergies that have them forever scratching their heads. Many ear problems only affect the outer ear, and with a little effort you can greatly reduce the frequency and severity of your dogs infections.

Veterinarians use antibiotics to treat severe ear infections, these may include antibiotic/anti-fungal/anti-inflammatory medicines like Otomax or Malotic. Some owners also choose to take a more holistic approach to dealing with their pups infections before resorting to medicines

The easiest way to reduce the number of ear infections your dog has is to keep the ears clean and free of dirt and other gunk. Especially for long haired dogs, keep the hair around the ears trimmed and clean, Long hair can be a magnet for debris which can get carried into the ear canal leading to infection. Dogs with long, floppy ears are also at a higher risk of picking up dirt than are dogs with pricked ears.

Some dogs seem to always have stuff in their ears. For them a rinse made of a simple 1:2 solution of white vinegar and water may help stave off infections. Use the solution to rinse the ear, massaging gently with a towel, then rinse a couple more times using plain filtered water. A 1:1 hydrogen peroxide/water solution also work well. Try the Hydrogen Peroxide solution if your dogs ears are tender from a lot of scratching as it will sting less than the vinegar.

Commercial ear cleaners are a step up from simple vinegar. Most large pet stores will have several to choose from and many come with simple applicators as well which make treatment easier than trying to pour a vinegar/water solution into a wriggling dogs ear.

One of the easiest ways to reduce all types of infections is to improve the quality of your dogs food. The fillers often used in cheap big brand dog foods offer little to know nutritional value. In addition to sometimes triggering allergies, non-nutritional fillers do your dog no good and only serve to add bulk to the product – and ultimately to your dogs too. Treat your pup to a healthy lifestyle by starting with a high quality dog food, check with your local specialty pet center for quality brands.

Most ear infections only affect the outer ear in spite of smelling and looking bad. By taking the time to practice good hygiene you can greatly reduce the incedence of common ear problems. More serious symptoms including head tilting, walking in circles, and general clumsiness can be signs of a more serious inner ear infection and are best handled by your local vet.

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