Doggy day care

Doggie Daycare is a way of maintaining the happiness as well as the well being of the dog. You being the owner cannot deprive your dog of this simple luxury. The Doggie Daycare centers provide care to all the dogs from pups to big dogs in a friendly and adventurous manner. They clean your pet and ensure your dog’s safety indoors as well as outdoors. They allow your dogs to play with other dogs and keep them totally occupied. They ascertain that the environment for the dog is fun. They are committed in keeping the dogs healthy throughout the day.

You as an owner have to give this needy and vulnerable member of your family the privilege of the best entertainment of life at Doggie Daycare centers. It is simple for you. You can drop your bet in the care of these doggie daycare centers in the morning while you are leaving for work and collect your pet in the evening while returning home. You can slowly find a considerable change of behavior in your dog. It will become well mannered, obedient and will handle things in a peaceful way. The caretakers offer abundance of physical and mental exercise and also train them to sniff and play and delve into exploring things.

Dogs were seen as a mere companion, but now with the arrival of such Doggie Daycares, the awareness of your dogs to be given equal opportunity to enhance its social and metal skills has become essential. Fortunately, they provide legitimate service and this is mandatory to alleviate boredom and to keep it employed the whole day. Dogs are allowed to run, play and jump and are encouraged to spend quality time in playgroups and indoor games. The dogs in the Doggie daycare are treated as children are treated in the school. They tutor the dogs to swim in the pools, play in the playground, lounge in the couch, relax in the nap time and have lunch at lunch time without any commotion.

Your dogs are trained in an astounding manner. They teach them social skills that help them in understanding how to interact with other dogs and how to greet them without barking. This training is of immense use as it teaches young puppies to maintain their potty schedule and hyper dogs are given enough outlets to exercise their energy. The dogs that were idle at your place without any extra activities gain weight which is reduced here at daycare. They make playgroups and entertain dogs of equal age to play and understand each other. This gives them a comfortable feeling and the special attention showered on them makes them feel they are wanted.

The genuine benefits derived from Doggie daycare are they develop skills in socialization and so there is a positive interaction with other dogs as well as people. They curb all the destructive behaviors and reinforce positive challenges. They decrease the separation anxiety and teach them necessary exercises to burn off excess energy. They stimulate the physical and mental ability and build confidence. These training bestow their owners to have a quality time with their pet in peace.

Natural Flea Remedies for Dogs

While companies boast the effectiveness of traditional flea control methods for dogs, some reports indicate that they can be toxic, and in some cases cause hot spots, allergies, and compromised immune function. In rarer cases, these methods have been fatal. As a result, more and more owners are looking to find safe and effective alternatives to flea shampoos, powders, collars, and the like. The following may help reduce the incidence of fleas for your dog.

1. General Diet. There's a nutritional reason why your dog has fleas, and it could be in large part that your dog’s immune system may be compromised. A strong immune system and high nutrient levels naturally deter fleas and other insects. In particular, the levels of B complex, zinc, selenium and antioxidants in the body and bloodstream play a large role in immune function. By feeding your animals a high-quality, natural diet, free of additives and preservatives, you improve their health and dramatically increase their protection from fleas. A healthy animal does not taste or smell as good to fleas.

2. Dietary Supplements. Garlic. 1-3 fresh garlic cloves-pulverized and mixed with food—may be administered daily. Brewer’s Yeast/Thiamine. The potent nutrient found in brewer’s yeast is thiamine. One milligram (1 mg) of thiamine daily for each five pounds of your pet's body weight is ideal. For a large dog, you might administer one tablespoon of brewer's yeast supplemented with a B-complex vitamin pill. Brewer's yeast can also be dusted on externally as a flea powder. (If your pet licks some off, there's no harm done.)Zinc. This mineral is essential for healthy skin, but is lacking in many pets' diets. Use chelated (pronounced key-lated) zinc: 10 mg daily for small dogs; 20 mg for larger canines.These dietary supplements will require close to a month to build up to flea-fighting levels in a pet's skin. So start them in the spring before you find yourself in the midst of a severe flea invasion.

3. Vinegar—internal use. Take a gallon of water, add four to six teaspoons of organic white vinegar, and give it to your pets as their only drinking water. If they have a water dish outside, use this water for that as well. During the winter, you can use a smaller amount (~ 4 teaspoons), but you’ll want to use a more potent mixture (~ 6 teaspoons) during flea season.

4. Grooming. Combing your dog daily with a flea comb is an important part of flea control. Bathing animals regularly is also advised.

5. Bathing and Shampooing. There is no need to use chemical flea shampoos. A water bath with a gentle soap that won't irritate their skin is sufficient to eliminate existing fleas. You can also use bentonite or terramin clay mixed with water into a thin paste. Wet your dog thoroughly, then in brush the clay into the fur and massage it in the skin for a few minutes. Then rinse off lightly.

6. Organic red or white vinegar as skin remedy. Vinegar is a naturally occurring germ killer and is one of the very first medicines known to man. It kills germs on contact and it contains bacteria which is unfriendly to infectious micro-organisms. It is a natural remedy and most of all, it is safe. For a full body treatment, add four cups of vinegar to the bath water. Be careful not to get the vinegar/water mixture in the ears and eyes. The vinegar/water rinses are a quick remedy to relieve minor skin irritations such as hives, chigger bites, other insect bites and rashes.

7. Neem Oil as skin remedy. The seeds, bark and leaves of the neem plant contain compounds with proven antiseptic, antiviral, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, and antifungal uses. For thousands of years, the Indian people have appreciated the medicinal and insect-repellent properties of neem leaves and seeds. Mix one ounce of pure neem oil with 2 or 3 ounces of organic white vinegar and 4 to 6 ounces of water. Before applying, hose your dog thoroughly with water. Shake the bottle well several times while applying the oil mixture on the entire body, including legs, feet, tail, etc. Then brush your dog to help disperse the neem oil futher on fur and skin. Do not rinse off. Neem oil repels flea immediately and help heal hotspots and promote a healthy skin.

Dog Pregnancy Tips

Breeding dogs is an exciting experience. From the time a proper mate is found to the point that the puppies are born, it is crucial to take careful steps to make this successful.

Professional dog breeders do not breed frequently and will only do so when a pair is found to be healthy that will ensure the birth of healthy offspring. The ideal breeder should have the pair of dogs tested for every possible disease as well as have all the information regarding the pair’s ancestors and health records on file.

Should a breeder find no problem in the history of the pair, then the process can begin. Dogs normally come into heat twice a year which is every six months.

Larger dogs can come into heat every eight or ten months which usually lasts about three weeks. Vaginal bleeding is a sure sign that the dog is in heat as well as swelling in the vulva. A dog's pregnancy or gestation period lasts between 60 to 67 days.

Most dogs give birth after 63 days.

The only way to determine the stage of the dog’s pregnancy is by keeping the track of time from the day of the breeding.

Keeping a record of this on file is advisable for reference purposes. Exactly three weeks after breeding, the mother must be examined to confirm the pregnancy.

The dog must be given a formulated and premium brand of dog food for the duration of the pregnancy and throughout the nursing period preferably with strong nutritional foundation. During pregnancy, the mother's food consumption will almost double compared to the pre-pregnancy level so increased feeding must be given to ensure that there is enough for both the dog and the puppies.

Behavioral changes are to be expected during this time. The dog will demand for more affection or may experience a few days of vomiting. Later on, the expectant mother will search for a secure place to deliver the puppies. So, one must ensure that a proper place is ready when the time comes. An ideal place for an expecting mother is a box.

Depending on the size of the dog, it must be spacious enough for the dog to move around and must have layers of newspaper inside it that will absorb birthing fluids. This should also have low sides for the mother to look outside and for the breeder to easily check if assistance is needed to make it easy to remove soiled papers without interrupting the mother and the newborn puppies.

Four Common Skin Problems in Dogs

Dogs are susceptible to various skin problems -- which can be frustrating for owners who want to see Fido comfortable and happy.

your dog have a skin problem, and if so, how do you fix it?That depends on the symptoms you see. Of course, the most common sign of a possible skin problem in your dog is constant, excessive itching. Other symptoms include fur loss, either localized in a certain location or spread across the dog’s entire body. More severe cases may involve redness in the skin, changes in skin pigmentation or even open sores that your dog constantly licks.

No particular symptom necessarily proves your four-footed friend has a certain type of skin disorder, and you’ll need to investigate other areas before you draw conclusions. While it’s common and helpful for veterinarians to diagnose skin problems, it’s also essential for dog owners like you to familiarize yourself with typical canine skin problems, so you can react quickly and keep his discomfort to a minimum.

Fleas, Lice and TicksOne of the most common problems in dogs is the presence of fleas, lice and ticks, which are parasites that live on the surface of the skin and feed on the dog’s blood. These parasites’ saliva causes skin irritation and results in intense scratching. Lice and ticks can be detected visually when you check your dog’s fur, while fleas are hard to spot with the naked eye. However, fleas cause red pimple marks on the skin and also can be spotted through the black, gritty trail of “dirt” they leave on a dog’s belly.

While you can remove ticks and lice with tweezers -- applying alcohol to relax the tick’s grip before doing so -- you can also adopt more general methods. For instance, you can give your dog a dip with special tick shampoo to eliminate ticks. Flea sprays or flea powder can also be applied to the dog to kill parasites. But all these require persistence and it may be a while before you see results. One of the best methods to keep your dog comfortable is to prevent ticks from living off your dog in the first place through the use of a spot-on product, such as FrontLine or BioSpot.

To apply these chemicals, you drip a small amount onto the back of your dog’s neck once a month. The chemical spreads throughout the dog’s skin and kills parasites -- including the eggs and larvae. When regularly treated, your dog becomes an unattractive host.MangeMange is a skin problem caused by mites that burrow underneath the dog’s skin, causing intense and even agonizing itching. Bald spots or inflamed red skin are common symptoms of mange.

Two types of mange exist in dogs: sarcoptic mange and demodectic mange, depending on the kind of mite involved.Most dogs carry the mites involved in demodectic mange or demodex. However, these mites usually do not cause itching except when they suddenly multiply into huge numbers. This may happen in young puppies, or in dogs with decreased natural body defenses, sometimes from stress. On the other hand, Sacroptic mange or scabies causes intense itching in the dog as the mites burrow under the skin and even lay their eggs there.

This causes large red spots on the dog’s skin, and sometimes fur loss on the ears and elbows. Scabies can infect humans as well and cause itchiness, although infection in humans usually disappears by itself after a while. However, it is still important for people to seek treatment if they get infected.Treatment for mange requires patience and time, as eliminating them or lowering the mite population takes a while to take effect.

The best way to kill the mites is to soak your dog in a lime and sulfur medicated dip for 10 to 15 minutes a few times in a week. The dip should not be washed off, but left to dry on your dog’s skin and fur. During this time, it’s best to watch your dog closely and prevent him from licking himself dry. As a further precaution, you can feed him a raw egg to line his stomach before dipping him in the solution.

This way, even if he does lick himself, the solution won’t be absorbed on an empty stomach. When fighting mange, it’s also important to support your dog with the highest quality diet you can find, to improve his immune system. Healing from mange will take a lot of his internal resources. You might consider looking into the raw diet for dogs and avoiding any corn or rice-based products for the time being.

What Your Vet May Not Tell You About Rimadyl

Thousands of dogs are being prescribed Rimadyl by their veterinarians to treat pain, inflammation, and canine arthritis. Free ArticlesMany of these prescriptions are written without any blood work done to ensure the dog can tolerate the drug. Learn the facts about Rimadyl and what you should know before administering this drug to your dog.What is Rimadyl?Rimadyl was introduced by Pfizer Pharmaceuticals in January 1997 to help treat dogs with inflammation and pain associated with surgery or canine arthritis. Rimadyl is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) available as a prescription drug for dogs. The primary ingredient in Rimadyl is Carprofen. It is available as a caplet and chewable tablet and is given to dogs by mouth, or by injection administered by veterinarians. It has proven to be a successful means of relieving arthritis symptoms in dogs. Is Rimadyl effective and safe?

There is no doubt as to Rimadyl's effectiveness in treating dog arthritis, but it is the potential side effects that may seriously outweigh the benefits of this drug. Many dog owners feel it has vastly improved the quality of their dog's lives and, in some cases, even extended their lives. Many dogs have died due to the unexpectedly rapid onset of side effects such as liver failure and/or because the drug's side effects were not recognized by the attending veterinarian who did not take appropriate action. The Rimadyl labeling includes an extensive adverse reaction section which documents the possibility of a fatal outcome and death.What Precautions Should I Consider Before Giving Rimadyl?•

Pre-screen the dog before prescribing Rimadyl by performing blood work and checking the liver enzymes.• Check for warning signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, behavioral changes, constipation, and an increase in liver enzymes. It could be an indication of a toxic reaction.• Rimadyl is not recommended for animals with known bleeding disorders and should not be used if a dog has pre-existing liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or a known tendency towards gastrointestinal ulceration.• Rimadyl should never be given along with any other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as aspirin, or along with any corticosteroids such as prednisone, prednisolone, or dexamethasone. • Dog age should be considered because approximately 85% of possible adverse drug event reports received by Pfizer Animal Health have been in dogs 6 years of age or older. Alternatives to RimadylMany alternatives are available to the dog owners which are considered safer than Rimadyl. The majority of these products contain glucosamine and/or chondroitin as the primary ingredient.

Studies have proven glucosamine and chondroitin to be effective at alleviating the effects of arthritis, joint pain and inflammation in dogs. Other key ingredients which have shown effective are MSM, Ester-C and Hyaluronic Acid. Hyaluronic Acid is particularly effective in increasing synovial fluid which is very helpful for dogs with Canine Hip Dysplasia. These products use natural substances to achieve similar results without the side effects of Rimadyl. Some of the most popular choices are Free and Easy for Dogs, Cosequin, and Arthrix.

10 things found in your home that can kill your dog

Did you just eat that? 10 things found in your home that can kill your dog

Dogs are very curious animals and as omnivores and natural scavengers, can get into and eat just about anything. However, there are many toxic substances found in your home that could potentially kill your dog. The following is a list of ten common household substances that you should make sure to keep out of your dog?s reach.

1) Antifreeze: Many people do not realize it, but common antifreeze kills many pets each year. It smells and tastes very sweet to your dog and is very appealing to him. Ethylene glycol is toxic however, and each winter, many animals are killed by it. Symptoms of toxicity include seizures, vomiting, stumbling and lethargy leading to kidney failure. Make sure to keep your antifreeze out of your dog?s reach. If you suspect that your dog has ingested antifreeze, take your dog to the veterinarian immediately.

2) Chocolate: Chocolate contains a substance called the obromine which is toxic to dogs. Baking chocolate and dark chocolate is especially dangerous. While it usually takes a somewhat large amount of chocolate to kill a dog, poisoning and death does occur with smaller amounts ingested. Signs of chocolate poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, increased urination, and increased activity. This can progress to seizures and unusual heart rhythms. Call your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate.

3) Bleach: As you might imagine, household bleach is toxic to dogs. Keep all products containing bleach out of your dog?s reach. Symptoms of bleach poisoning include drooling, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Do NOT induce vomiting if you suspect your dog has ingested bleach and contact your veterinarian immediately.

4) Tylenol: As little as two regular strength Tylenol tablets can kill a small dog. Dogs lack the proper liver enzymes to break down acetaminophen. Signs of toxicity include drooling, lethargy, and abdominal pain. If you suspect your dog has ingested Tylenol, call your veterinarian immediately.

5) Watch Batteries: If your dog ingests a watch battery, it can cause a potentially fatal ulceration in the stomach within 12 hours. All other alkaline batteries are toxic to dogs as well. Symptoms of toxicity include drooling, lack of appetite, vomiting, and lethargy. If you suspect your dog has ingested a watch battery, contact your vet immediately.

6) Moth Balls: Moth balls are very dangerous to dogs. They contain an insecticide that causes central nervous system excitement and seizures. When metabolized, ingestion of moth balls can lead to liver failure. Symptoms of poisoning by moth balls include vomiting and seizures. If your dog has consumed moth balls, do NOT induce vomiting. Seek veterinary care immediately.

7) Fabric Softeners and other detergents: All sorts of household detergents are toxic to dogs at one level or another, but fabric softeners fall into the highly toxic category. Signs of toxicity include vomiting, lethargy, burns to the mouth, drooling, muscle weakness, and even coma. Do NOT induce vomiting if your dog has ingested any detergent. Contact your veterinarian immediately.

8) Mouthwash: Mouthwash can contain boric acid which is highly toxic to dogs. Symptoms of poisoning by mouthwash include vomiting, drooling, seizures, and coma. You should take your dog to the veterinarian immediately if you suspect poisoning by mouthwash or other household item containing boric acid like contact lens solution or denture cleaner.

9) Peach Pits: With most fruits, the pits and the seeds are toxic to dogs. Signs of poisoning include drooling, vomiting, and lethargy. If you suspect your dog has eaten a peach pit or the pit or seeds of any fruit, take him to the veterinarian immediately.

10) Household Plants: Many common and popular household plants are highly toxic to dogs. A partial list of toxic plants includes poinsettias, lilies, ferns, devil?s ivy, aloe, and ivy. Symptoms of poisoning due to ingestion of toxic plants include vomiting and central nervous system excitement. Many of these plants are fatal if ingested. Please contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your dog has eaten a toxic houseplant.

With diligence on our part, we can help prevent our dogs from getting into substances that are toxic to them. Many veterinary school websites offer lists of things that are toxic to dogs and what you should do if your dog ingests such things. As always, if you think your dog may have eaten something dangerous, contact your veterinarian immediately or take your dog to the closest emergency clinic.

Dog Illnesses - Secrets To Getting Your Dog Healthy

Why do we have to keep our dogs healthy? Do you have any plan activities for your dog on daily bases? Anyone dog owner who is close to their dog will easily know when their dog is not well. The problem is that some dog illnesses are internal and are sometimes difficult to notice. In some cases visible signs are seen when it is too late. To avoid had I known it is important to keep our dogs healthy. Let consider the

1. Health

Canine sickness will never become a problem if we take the health of our dogs as serious as we can take it. Learning about the common illnesses, skin conditions and health problems in dogs, ailments and how to care for your dog during an illness is very important. Daily care, grooming, and attention go a long way in keeping many health problems at bay. The dog health guide is a source for information on the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of many common canine symptoms and sicknesses.

2. Diagnosis

To be able to deal with canine illnesses very well, one must understand the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of any kind of sicknesses. Especially common ones like allergy, the many types of canine cancer, canine fleas and allergic reaction to fleas. One very serious illnesses is canine nose bleeding and tumors. Canine warts is also a common dog illness which if not detected early can cause a great deal of health hazard for your dog. Through my research on canine illnesses I have come to know so many dog sicknesses which I did not know exist. For all the dog lovers and owners out there, please educate yourself or learn about all these diseases, their symptoms, diagnosis and treatment because it can save a dog life.

Keep your dog in good health condition by having physical activities plan either daily or 3 times a week. The least you can do is walk he or she daily and have a proper check up routine regularly. There are more activities and health guides that I will not be able cover in this article.

Dog Care: Top 10 Ways To Keep Your Dog Forever Young

There is a large disparity between the life spans of dogs and humans. After having loved a pet and lost one, it seems unfair. The best we can do is to keep our friends as healthy as possible and “forever young.”

Here are My Top 10 Ways to Keep Your Dog Forever Young:

1. Know When Your Pet is “Old.” The time when your dog is considered a “senior” depends largely on his or her breed and size. According to Dr. Johnny Hoskins in Geriatrics and Gerontology of the Dog and Cat, small breed dogs (less than 20 pounds) are in their senior years around nine to 13 years of age. Medium sized dogs (21 to 50 pounds) around nine to 11.5 years; large breed dogs (51 to 90 pounds) around 7.5 to 10.5 years and giant dogs (more than 90 pounds) between six and nine years. In general, smaller breed dogs live longer.

2. Wellness Exams. When your pet is considered a senior, you should bring your dog for regular geriatric examinations. These examinations help identify early diseases or problems in older pets. Exams should include a history and physical examination with evaluation of the teeth, listening to the heart and lungs (by stethoscope), abdominal palpation (feeling of the abdomen) and inspection of your dog’s ear and eyes. Weight monitoring, parasite check (fecal examination) and blood work and urine tests are also often recommended. Other tests may be indicated depending on your pet's symptoms.


3. Watch for Illness. Careful observation at home is extremely important. By nature of survival, dogs are very good at hiding their illness until it is too late. Take time to examine your pet. Feel him or her for masses and indications of weight loss or loss of musculature. Things to watch for include changes in water consumption or patterns of urination, poor appetite, weight loss or gain, coughing or difficulty breathing, changes in activity level, vomiting, diarrhea and skin lumps or masses. If you have questions or concerns about your pet, play it safe and have him or her evaluated by your veterinarian. Early diagnosis is vital to the success of treatment.

4. Weight Control. Obese dogs have shorter life spans than non-obese dogs. Obesity may lead to a number of health problems. Excess weight puts excess stress on your dog's heart. When the heart doesn't function properly, other organs may suffer including the brain, lungs, liver and kidneys. Over time, these problems may become severe enough to cause life-threatening conditions.

5. Keep Close Tabs. In general, “outdoor” free roaming dogs have shorter lives than indoor animals. Infectious diseases, poisonings and trauma are common killers. Senior dogs have decreased reflexes and may not see and hear as well as they used to. This makes them vulnerable to outside dangers such as predators or cars. Keep dogs on leashes or in fenced-in yards.

6. Monitor Your Environment. Keep poisons up and out of your dog’s reach. Common toxins include antifreeze, rat poison and slug bait. Keep trash out of reach. Don't count on your pet to “know better.” It doesn't take a large amount of a dangerous substance to make your dog seriously ill.

7. Nutrition. Feed your pet a premium high quality diet supplements such as Hill's Science Diet®, Iams® or Eukanuba®. Feed low fat and high fiber foods since high fat and/or low fiber foods are thought to decrease life expectancy. Minimize treats and make them nutritious and low in calories. Air-popped popcorn is often a good treat for dogs. With your veterinarian, you should discuss the merits of a diet formulation for your senior dog.

8. Exercise. Exercise helps to maintain a healthy body weight, strengthens joints and muscles and provides mental stimulation for your dog.

9. Spay and Neuter. Spayed and neutered dogs tend to have fewer health problems. Spaying is the removal of the ovaries and uterus. Without these organs, ovarian cysts, uterine infections and cancer of the reproductive tract are no longer a concern. Studies have shown that dogs spayed before puberty have a significantly lower chance of developing breast cancer than unspayed dogs, or dogs spayed later in life. Health problems that can be associated with birthing are also eliminated with spaying. Neutering is the removal of the testicles. Without these organs, testicular cancer is no longer a concern and the risk of prostate problems is reduced. In addition, the desire to “wander” is diminished, which lowers the chance of your dog running away and suffering trauma, such as being hit by a car.

10. Mental Stimulation. Provide your pet with toys, games and quality time. Most pets are never too old to play. Encourage mental stimulation. It is never too late to teach old dogs new tricks.

Follow these top 10 tips, and you’ll keep your dog forever young.