Archive for the ‘pet health questions’ Category

Canine Yeast Infection

Tuesday, July 15th, 2008

Canine yeast infection is the condition caused by yeast overgrowth in dogs. Cases of the infection are many and man and his best friend have not been able to escape a common enemy called candida. The full name of yeast is candida albicans. In canines there are several other strains of yeast that cause infections. Infections are caused when yeast overgrows and the growth in canines is facilitated by several factors which include the following. A dog which has a very poor mechanism of fighting infections or low immunity will be susceptible to infections. The yeast will easily colonize its system and it will affected.

Canine yeast infection occurs when the dog has been on antibiotics to treat a certain ailments or condition. Just like in humans, the drugs will get rid of the good bacteria and the body of a canine is left without any protection. Infection by yeast in dogs is called malessezia dermatitis and there are several ways you can conduct a diagnosis. The methods include impression smear, scotch tape sampling, skin scraping with blade, cotton swab and skin biopsy. All these tests will ensure that you know what condition your dog has. When you have established this, you can then administer the necessary medication.

Canine yeast infection comes with several symptoms that you can look out for in your dog. Yeast infections are usually smelly. You will notice a certain odor in your dog that is unusual and you can be sure that the odor is quite unpleasant. If you notice this, together with constant itching, you will be most sure that you have a yeast infection puzzle. The next thing you need to look out for is a lesion on the skin and they might affect the whole body. The skin might resemble that of an elephant skin. Therefore, with all these symptoms, it is hard to miss the condition in your dog.

For more tests to be conducted, you need to seek medical help for your canine. The health professional will even give you future tips that can follow to ensure you protect your dog. Some of the tips that will ensure that your dog stays healthy include feeding the dog well with essential nutrients that will be laid out by the professional, the other thing you must ensure is good hygiene which will not only help your canine friend stay yeast free but will also ensure they stay comfortable. You can also see how you can use anti fungal medication if the dog is undergoing antibiotic treatment.

Canine yeast infections are easy to eradicate and with the medications available, you do not have to let your dog suffer. Make sure you keep the dog dry when possible and you can also get to read more about this on the internet. There is no doubt that your dog will even be happier and you will only be pleased to enjoy happy times with your dog. Make sure you follow through with every treatment plan that you are given. If you find that a particular medication is not working, inform your pet physician for a better prescription.

Peter Gitundu is a Web Administrator and Has Been Researching and Reporting on Yeast Infection for Years. For More Information on Canine Yeast Infection, Visit His Site at CANINE YEAST INFECTION You Can Also Post Pour Views About Canine Yeast Infection On My Blog Here CANINE YEAST INFECTION.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Gitundu
http://EzineArticles.com/?Canine-Yeast-Infection&id=1322140


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Ear Cropping and Aftercare Procedures

Sunday, July 6th, 2008

‘To crop, or not to crop?’ is a question you may find yourself asking, if you have recently bought a puppy. There are many breeds that are required, by breed standard, to have their ear’s cropped. However many new owners are apprehensive about the procedure and should be, as it is something that should not be done lightly as every dog and owner are different. Many owners and vets alike condemn ear cropping as cruel and unnecessary, yet there are just as many that believe dogs must have the cosmetic procedures done, if they are to truly represent their breed standard.

Ear cropping is usually done between nine and twelve weeks of age after a brief fast of usually around twelve hours. This prevents complications with the anesthetic. During the procedure the ear is cut, and then sutured. Finally the puppy will be prescribed a medicine to reduce pain, and possibly to help fight off the chances of infection before returning home with you. Aftercare, is of the up most importance. This will literally make or break the ears standing well or not. The puppy will usually leave the vets office with a metal or strong plastic apparatus to hold the ears in place. You must take great care that the ears stay clean and the sutures are not ripped out. Ears will Bleed easily for the first few days, so you must watch the pup and keep him or her as calm as possible. After Seven days of this, the vet will remove the sutures, and once again tape the ears in an upward position so healing may finish in the correct position. The bandages will be changed roughly every week, depending on your vet until the ears stand correctly. Usually taking Six to eight weeks for the whole procedure, however they may take longer on certain breeds.

Please consider all the avenues of ear cropping before you make a decision, and Never go ahead with the procedure if you are not one hundred percent committed to the aftercare. First find a vet you feel you can trust to talk about all your questions and concerns regarding the procedure. Ask to see pictures of the ears he personally has done, as two vets may have very different techniques. Do not let anyone sway you one way or the other. Make an informed decision you trust, and can comfortably stand by, and remember all that really matters is if you believe your new puppy should have his ears cropped or not.

Read more of my articles about your new best friend at Canine Counterparts

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=K._Townsend
http://EzineArticles.com/?Ear-Cropping-and-Aftercare-Procedures&id=1294311


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What You Need to Know About Respiratory Disorders in Dogs

Sunday, July 6th, 2008

Pet respiratory disorders may arise as a consequence to poor sanitation, of an unregulated living environment with multiple animals and likely due to a pet’s susceptibility to other infected dogs. Despite the proper sustenance of canine health, including the periodic upkeep of its living quarters, the chances of contracting infections still prevail since pathogens are easily transmitted by mere interaction with other dogs, particularly if the dog’s immune system is weak.

The foregoing paragraphs will discuss the veterinary treatments for Kennel Cough and make special mention of the natural solutions available for this disorder in the form of herbal remedies. Find a list of natural, immune-enhancing constituents that have been observed to soothe and prevent respiratory disorders in pets.

Veterinary Treatments

Whenever respiratory infections set in, an intricate process of diagnosis is required to determine the cause of the disorder. A wide variety of veterinary drugs may be prescribed to provide symptomatic relief and this may be in the form of intra-nasal vaccinations or pet antibiotics.

But then know that it takes time for intra-nasal vaccinations to stimulate the immune system and reinforce its defenses. Frequent vaccinations likewise pose a challenge to the pet owner as antibiotics in the form of cough suppressants may likewise suppress immune system functions in the course of treatment.

Alternative Medicine Solutions

Medications that successfully treat the disorder without triggering long-term side effects have likely been formulated with organic compounds derived from the extracts of herbal remedies. In the practice of alternative medicine, herbs have been extensively used to heal respiratory ailments in human beings by relieving its symptoms, treating underlying disorders and strengthening immune defenses.

Looks like disease treatment through herbals is applicable in the physiology of pets. In fact, holistic practices now prescribe the use of herbal remedies to support the health care needs of pets. Standardized pet herbal supplements are formulated with the therapeutic compounds of recognized respiratory tract remedies Plantago Lanceolata and Bryonia. The immune-enhancing properties of the the herb Echinacea Purpurea makes it a popular ingredient as well.

Non-herbal constituents may include Ferrum Phosphate (a mineral known to support immune and circulatory health) and biochemic tissue salts such as Kalium Sulphate and Magnesium Phosphate. These are natural bodily constituents that help promote systemic wellness.

Standardized herbal supplements such as PetAlive KC-Defense endeavors to be a great alternative to veterinary medicine by promoting respiratory disorder relief without triggering severe side effects. The supplement is is an all-natural, holistic remedy that eases kennel cough, supports respiratory health and reinforces the immunity of dogs.

Bruce Maul is a partner in Gold Flax Seed, Inc. which provides only top quality Flax Seed, Herbal Remedies and other health related products. Learn more about Herbal Remedies by visiting http://www.myherbalremedystore.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bruce_Maul
http://EzineArticles.com/?What-You-Need-to-Know-About-Respiratory-Disorders-in-Dogs&id=1282742


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Are You Killing Your Dog - Steps You Must Follow to Ensure Your Dogs Health

Monday, June 23rd, 2008

Any dog that exclusively consumes commercial dog food is at a noticeably greater risk of dying prematurely according to many renowned Doctors of Veterinary Medicine and published Dog Care Experts. And by the time symptoms are noticeable, it’s often too late to avert a distressing death apart from a lethal injection.

In other words commercial dog food you trust may be killing your dog as the frequent disease and death of dogs from nutritionally insufficient and poison-laden commercial dog food is no secret in the world of vets and dog experts.

It’s a little known fact amongst the general public that many pet foods claimed to be preservative-free do, in fact, include preservatives, as manufacturers are not obliged to list preservatives that were not added during the production process.

Before the meat is even sent to the manufacturer many preservatives find their way into pet food at rendering plants and research has found that some pet foods that came with chemical free or all natural ingredient labels were found to contain synthetic antioxidants.

You can potentially love your dog to death with the wrong foods even though you may be paying for top range products. However, there are alternatives.

Stop using commercial dog food as your dogs only or main diet. This is the most important step you should make for your dogs well being. However, most people would find it unrealistic to never use commercial dog food ever again, but if it is essential use it cautiously for a few meals during the week.

Start feeding your dog home made food. It’s easier than you think to cook expressly for dogs with healthy, well-balanced dog food recipes. But be sure you have a good supply of recipes written particularly for dogs because they have very precise needs.

For a confirmed alternative, cheaper plan, proven recipes and a one-of-a-kind, step-by-step survival guide click here.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Philips
http://EzineArticles.com/?Are-You-Killing-Your-Dog—Steps-You-Must-Follow-to-Ensure-Your-Dogs-Health&id=1264763


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Be Aware of Changes In Your Dog

Friday, June 20th, 2008

One of the best things you can do for your dog besides regular exercise, good food, water and shelter, is to be aware of any changes that it might exhibit in all aspects of it’s life.  Particularly as dogs get older they might seem like they are just not interested in exercise any longer but this might be due to the fact that they are suffering from pain of some form or another.

Many older dogs suffer from arthritis and this can be very painful. There are all sorts of remedies that can help your dog from natural remedies to ones that your local vet might prescribe.

More Information:
Dog Supplies

Our beloved pets cannot talk to us and they can only hope that we are aware of their conditions by knowing what they are usually like and noticing any behavioral changes.

Even if a normally quiet dog starts whining or barking more often they might be trying to give you a signal that something is not quite right in their life.

A regular checkup at the Vet is a good solution to ensure that your dog is always in optimal health and that includes their mental state.

Older dogs can become depressed because they are no longer getting the required stimulation mentally and a depressed dog will suffer just as a human can do in similar circumstances.

If your dog starts to eat more or less food than normal this could be another sign that there is a problem and also if they gain or lose weight they could be suffering from some health problems.

Always be aware of their behavior and it will ensure that your dog has a happy and long life.

More Information:
Dog Supplies

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