Dog Health Questions

Pregnancy: The Early Stages

admin — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 11:08:57 +0000

So you have tested yourself for pregnancy using an off-the-shelf test pack; what next? Preparing for early stages of pregnancy may seem like a daunting task at first, but there are actually numerous useful resources that can help you get prepared without hassle.

The first thing you need to do is visit a doctor and confirm the test result. Although test packs are highly accurate in detecting pregnancy, you still need to get a proper check from your doctor.

Once the pregnancy is confirmed, you can start learning more about the early stages of pregnancy. Luckily, there are several quality online resources that can help you acquire all the information you need. Instead of spending hundreds on pregnancy books, simply browse through these online resources and learn more about pregnancy in general.

You can also ask questions about pregnancy using the same online resources. Pregnancy.co.uk, for example, has a fantastic Questions & Answers section filled with frequently asked questions about pregnancy. If you need to ask your own question, you can use the simple form presented on the site and have qualified pregnancy experts assisting you with your issues.

Preparing for early stages of pregnancy doesn’t get any easier than this.

Viral diseases affecting dogs- Rabies

admin — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 17:59:28 +0000

A very well-known viral disease affecting dogs is rabies. Due to the extensive efforts of health care organizations the world over, the disease has been all but eliminated in countries such as the US and UK. It is still widespread in many countries in Asia though. Rabies has generally been linked to dogs for centuries. Rabies is a dangerous and often fatal disease that is spread to dogs from bites from other mammals such as racoons, bats, cats or other dogs. Rabies leads to the deterioration of the brain cells of the dogs. This leads to a bizarre nature in the canines, which makes them aggressive. This increases the chances of them biting other animals and spreading the disease to other animals. There are generally three stages of the disease in dogs. The first period lasts up to three days. In this period, the dog undergoes rapid changes in behaviour. This is often called the prodromal state.

The second stage, called the excited state, can last up to four days. In this stage, the dogs become hyperactive and will try to bite anyone or anything that crosses their path. Once it has reached such a stage, it is difficult to control the disease. The last final stage includes paralysis of the dog. This occurs because the neuron motors have been damaged by the virus. In this stage, the dog drools uncontrollably and cannot swallow anything because the throat and facial muscles get paralysed. The dog generally dies due to respiratory arrest.

It is imperative that you get your dog vaccinated against rabies, since the disease is fatal and can have dangerous consequences for all humans around as well.

Dog reproduction-neutering of dogs

admin — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 17:58:04 +0000

Neutering of dogs (for either gender, but is more common in males) refers to the sterilization of dogs, achieved by removing the female’s ovaries and uterus or by removing the testicles of the male. This is done to remove the possibility of the dogs procreating. This also reduces the dog’s sex drive. Neutering can also be done to reduce the aggression levels in male dogs. However, in the case of female dogs, it can sometimes increase the aggression levels.

Animal control agencies generally recommend that you neuter the dogs so that they do not reproduce indiscriminately. Taking care of new born puppies can be quite a chore for the dog’s owners!

Neutering of dogs is done by animal shelters these days to reduce the risk of overpopulation of dogs in certain countries. Neutering of dogs is also said to reduce the risk of certain diseases such as mammary cancer. Also, neutering can prevent the onset of wild, hormone induced behaviours. Sadly, neutering is not without its risks. Sometimes, it can lead to prostate cancer in dogs. Other side effects include hormonal changes which can sometimes adversely affect the moods of the dogs.

It is not necessary for either males or females to have experienced mating before they get neutered. New methods are being developed to neuter the dogs without having to remove the organs totally. This will reduce the side effects that the dog will experience in the future.

It is important to get your dog neutered before the 3rd year of its life. This will save you a lot of trouble later.

Nutrition for dogs

admin — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 17:57:28 +0000

It is not recommended to feed the dog table scraps in excess. Their normal diet gives them enough nutrients and supplements as it is. As in the case of humans, their diets should consist of a mix of proteins and carbohydrates, with added minerals and vitamins. Wild dogs can generally survive on a diet of raw meat from prey. However, household pets must be kept on a nutritious diet. Food scraps from the dinner table generally consist of more fat than protein, a substance which can be toxic for dogs. Also, by feeding your dog with scraps as well, you over feed the dog which can lead to serious weight problems. Though dogs are less prone to arterial problems as compared to humans, obesity in dogs can lead to many other serious problems. These days, over 25 % of all dogs in the world are obese!

Feeding the dog scraps from the dinner table directly may also lead to unfavourable behavioural tendencies on the dog’s part. These include reaching up to take the food off the table, or begging the humans to feed them every time their owners sit down for a meal. Obesity can also lead to problems such as Cushing’s diseases. Symptoms of this disease include increased appetite and weight gain, apart from lethargy in older dogs. A common trend that has started in households involves feeding the canine raw meats with bones. Sometimes, a small amount of filler material is also included. His is done to strengthen the canine’s digestive system.