Many of you have asked about the experiences I have had with our German Shepherd “Lady Belle” and her dog hip dysplasia. I purchased Lady Belle from a reputable pet store in Fort Worth, TX. She was bred locally (Justin TX) and she is a purebred GSD. Our family immediately fell in love with her and we set about training her to be a great family dog. She certainly has turned out that way. On her second visit to the vet for the puppy shots, he noticed some “looseness” in her hips and suggested we watch it carefully. Some months later, we noticed she had a hard time getting up from lying down, and struggled to make it up our stairs without stopping to rest. She was still less than a year old, but we were very disheartened to see her in pain and struggling to enjoy the things puppies should be enjoying.
When she was in the hospital for her spaying surgery, the doctor suggested we have her hips x-rays done, which could confirm or refute the diagnosis of hip dysplasia. The x-rays confirmed that she did indeed have sever dog hip dysplasia. The next summer, my wife and I was attending a business conference and was introduced to a representative from a pharmaceutical company in Florida. He told us about a product his company produced called “Mussel Dog“ that dramatically helped with the pain and suffering associated with dog hip dysplasia. He offered us some free samples, which we took and tried on our dog, now almost 2 years old. The results were quite dramatic.
She improved within days, and for the past several months, she has been running up the stairs and prancing around the yard again. Words cannot express how grateful we are to have found this product and what it has done for our dear Lady Belle. We can now go out on our bike rides, walks, runs around the dog park and she can keep up with all her friends. The vet tells us she is likely to get worse as she gets older, but for now we are certainly grateful for the improvement we have experienced in her dog hip dysplasia.
Since then, we have become affiliates for this wonderful product and cannot recommend it highly enough. Right now, you can get a free bottle when you order one and they come with a full 60 day money-back guarantee. That is more than enough time to learn for yourself how great they work, and we are certain you will agree. You can check out the results others have had and order your own risk-free samples of Mussel Dog to help with your dog hip dysplasia by clicking here.
Let us know your experiences and comments below. Thanks for visiting our site. Take a look around and see what information we have gathered for you. Until later….
Scott
Technorati Tags: dog arthritis, Dog Arthritis Relief, dog hip dysplasia
Nov 05, 2009 | | dog hip dysplasia
Many canines need basic dog obedience training because, like humans, dogs are not born with manners. Some canines display aggressive dog behavior, while others are constantly barking or whining. Behavior problems in dogs are very common, so if you have an unruly dog, do not panic; you are not alone. A typical dilemma faced by dog owners is dog aggression. This, like many other bad dog behaviors, can be prevented. However, in order to stop dog behavior problems, you first need to be able to understand their underlying causes.
Correcting aggressive dogs calls upon you to discover the root of the aggression. Does you dog behave aggressively towards members of the family, strangers, or both? You must ask yourself this critical question. The answer will influence treatment of the problem.
If your pet only exhibits aggressive dog behavior in the presence of strangers, then you need to: learn how to socialize your dog and why socialization is the first, most important step of aggressive dog training. If your dog is aggressive towards family members, then you need to understand why resource guarding and dog pack behavior have a tremendous influence on your dog’s actions. A dog may also show aggression towards members of the family if he is mishandled or mistreated. It is important for each family member to learn what type handling/treatment can trigger aggression.
Aggressive dog training is a hard job to do without some form of help. Books on dog behavior are an excellent resource that can guide you through basic dog obedience training and help you learn how to stop dog behavior problems (for example, dog aggression). So, if you want to train your dog in the house and don’t want to spend a ton of money on training lessons, then a book on dog behavior is an excellent investment!
Five Suggestions you need to start correcting aggressive dogs:
- Bring your puppy to meet a bunch of different people and expose him to new surroundings.
- Give your puppy lots of physical contact so he can get used to being handled.
- Show your dog that it is you who rules the coop.
- Obedience training lessons should never be too long, inconsistent, or sporadic.
- Reward your dog with treats or attention when he obeys you, and seclude him when he fails to.
J. Walden
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/5-ways-to-stop-dog-aggression-aggressive-dog-training-exposed-749240.html
Feb 08, 2010 | | dog treatment
Canine influenza is a fairly recent addition to the list of things we have to worry about when it comes to our dogs. Although the widespread epidemic of suggested by the media does not exist, it is certainly a disease that is spreading and that we should be aware of if we live or work with dogs.
It was discovered in Florida during research into the causes of kennel cough amongst greyhounds, and is thought to be a variation of horse influenza. It is an airborne disease and is most likely to be found where many dogs are housed in close proximity to each other. Roughly 16% of dogs who are exposed to the disease develop symptoms, and of these cases, about 6% prove fatal.
The symptoms of canine influenza are a high fever, coughing and sneezing, a runny nose, excessive lethargy or depression and a lack of appetite. Of course, many other illnesses are characterised by coughing and sneezing so you shouldn’t immediately assume your dog has influenza, but if you are concerned you should consult your veterinarian, particularly of your dog’s temperature reaches 106 degrees.
Canine influenza is a virus and therefore does not respond to antibiotics. In severe cases, the damage to the respiratory system leads to a secondary pneumonia infection, and it is this that usually causes deaths. Pneumonia is treatable with antibiotics and a high fluid intake, so the number of fatal cases of influenza can be reduced. Research into a vaccine for canine influenza is currently in progress, but it may not be available for another couple of years.
If you are planning on leaving your dog in kennels you should check their policy on respiratory infections. Ask whether they isolate any dog that develops an infection, whether it is influenza or something less harmful such as kennel cough. Also make sure that they will inform you if your dog has come into contact with another dog with a respiratory infection.
A recent case in Pittsburgh saw the high quality boarding facility, Misty Pines, temporarily closed because thirty of their dogs developed canine influenza. None of the dogs died and the facility was reopened once the infection had run its course. Canine influenza is only infectious for ten days and has an incubation period of two to five days so it is perfectly safe for dogs to board there again now the infection has gone.
Although the infection is more common in places where dogs are grouped together, you shouldn’t let this put you off buying a dog from a shelter. You will, however, want to check the shelter’s policy on new arrivals. Do they isolate them for the first few days to ensure they don’t have the infection? If you already have a dog at home, you may want to keep your new pet separate from them for a few days just to be on the safe side.
Canine influenza does not pose any risk to humans as they cannot become infected. However it is believed that humans can carry the virus on their hands, clothes and shoes so you should be aware of this. In some cases it is believed that employees of dog shelters or kennels have transmitted the virus to their own dogs in this way.
Although canine influenza is clearly an issue that you should be aware of, and take precautions against, you should not let it stop your dog from living life as usual. And you should not stop using your usual pet facilities. If you want to find out about any outbreaks of the virus in your area contact your local veterinarian or the state veterinary medical association, who will be able to give you local information and some peace of mind.
Rebecca Prescott
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/is-your-dog-at-risk-of-canine-influenza-124408.html
Feb 08, 2010 | | dog symptoms
The Bouvier des Flandres makes a great family pet for those who would like to have a watch dog and guard dog combination. She can be relatively inactive indoors and can be exercised via many walks. A better situation for her is a properly fenced in exercise area. She is good with other dogs and pets, especially if she has been socialized with them early on. She is generally good with children but may have a problem with their friends. Just as a reminder, never leave young children alone with any puppy or dog.
*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the male Bouvier des Flandres ranges from 24 to 28 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 75 to 90 pounds and the females run from 22 to 27 inches to the withers and 60 to 80 pounds.
*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Bouvier des Flandres is no exception. Be on the look out for bloat (Gastric Dilation-Volvulus, the second leading killer of dogs, can kill within the hour, this space is too limited for a complete explanation but you should read up on this). Feeding more then once a day and avoiding exercise right after meals may help guard against bloat.
Also be aware of canine hip dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness), Laryngeal Paralysis (muscular narrowing of the airway especially during exercise) and eye problems. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.
She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.
*Grooming. The Bouvier des Flandres has a rough coat with a dense undercoat that requires plenty of attention. She needs to be brushed regularly, bathed infrequently and trimmed professionally several times a year. The pads of her feel will need to be trimmed also.
Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.
Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.
Her ears should be checked once a week and be kept clean. When you have her professionally groomed, make sure ear cleaning and inspection is part of the package. No water or excess fluid should get in the dogs ears, and do not try to irrigate the ears. Ear cleaning is too complicated and critical to instruct here. Look for hair growing in the ear canal, excess wax, or moisture. If her ears have a discharge, foul odor or she seems to be in distress and you suspect an infection, or tumor, consult your veterinarian.
*Life Span. The Bouvier des Flandres can live between 10 and 12 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.
*History. The Bouvier des Flandres originated from Flanders, Belgium around the sixteenth century. They were bred to drive cattle and pull carts. The name Bouvier means driver of oxen. They were almost lost during World War I. They came to the United States around 1930. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1931.
Some Registries:
*American Bouvier des Flandres Club.
*UKC United Kennel Club
*NKC National Kennel Club
*CKC Continental Kennel Club
*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
*AKC American Kennel Club
*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
*ACR = American Canine Registry
Litter Size: 5 to 10 Bouvier des Flandres puppies
Category: Herding.
Terms To Describe: Intelligent, trainable, powerful, agile, bold, spirited, fearless, alert, brilliant, well behaved, serene, calm, gentle
*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS
Very good watch dog.
Very good guard dog.
Generally will stay home, not roam.
Good with children but maybe not their friends.
Can tolerate cold.
*SPECIAL BAD POINTS
May be aggressive to other dogs.
High pain threshold. Hard too tell if they are hurting.
She needs an experienced owner.
Slow to mature.
May be suspicious of strangers.
*Other Names Known By: Belgian Cattle Dog
*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.
Mitch Endick
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/bouvier-des-flandres-puppy-and-dog-information-78025.html
Feb 08, 2010 | | dog hip dysplasia
Everyone knows that dogs love to go for a walk, but did you know your dog receives 7 important health benefits every time you snap on the leash? These important health benefits make it worth your time to leash train your dog.
Since many of our dogs are just as overweight and out of shape as their owners, taking your dog for a walk will give him all the same fitness benefits that people get from a walking program. The fact that you care enough about your dog to want him to keep him healthy will keep you on your own exercise program, too.
In addition to the fitness benefits, walking can also improve moods, for both people and dogs. Walking causes your brain to produce more serotonin, a mood enhancing chemical. Walking also causes your brain to produce less cortisol, a stress hormone. When the brain chemicals are re-balanced this way, both you and your dog be calmer and less anxious and less stressed out.
In other words, walking regularly will make both you and your dog happier, healthier, and perhaps even more enjoyable to be around.
Since a dog’s normal lifespan is so much shorter than ours, the effect of a sedentary lifestyle and too much food has an even more devastating effect on dogs than on people. The stress of excess weight and too much fat can cut a dog’s life short by as much as two years, according to Marty Becker, DVM, the author of The Healing Power of Pets. Walking daily will prevent many of the more common health problem in dogs.
Regular exercise, including a daily walk, will tone your dog’s muscles, improve his digestion, and make him feel happily tired. It may also boost his immune system. And it could even prolong his life, because excess weight leads to chronic illnesses in dogs, such as heart disease and diabetes. Getting regular exercise helps your dog keep his weight down, so he can stay healthy.
Once you establish a regular walking program, your dog may experience some or all the following benefits:
1. A regular walking program will help your overweight dog lose the extra pounds, which will help him feel more energetic and enthusiastic about life.
2. The weight loss could help him live longer, and the regular, gentle exercise could help reduce any pain he now feels from arthritis, hip displasia, or simple inactivity. (Remember, if your dog has any problems with his joints, or any illnesses that affect his breathing or movement, talk to his vet before beginning any exercise program.)
3. The increased fitness could reduce the chance that he will get one of the chronic diseases associated with excess weight, such as heart disease, diabetes, and osteoarthritis.
4. Your dog will look up to you as the real leader of the household, and the two of you will form a strong, natural bond.
5. Some disciplinary problems may go away on their own when your dog starts getting the exercise he really needs and when he can use his brain and creative intelligence while discovering the world outside.
6. He’ll probably feel calmer, more content, and more playful because he feels better, and because his internal chemistry has adjusted to more normal levels.
7. He’ll sleep better, and snore less. This may not seem like a big deal unless you’ve become accustomed to waking up many times in the night because your dog just can’t get comfortable. Overweight dogs (like overweight people) tend to snore.
So get out and walk every day with your dog. It will make both of you happier, and healthier.
Jonni Good
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/7-dog-health-benefits-from-leash-training-your-dog-79554.html
Feb 08, 2010 | | dog health
You have several dogs that you love to groom, and you’re always on the lookout for new dog grooming tools that will make the process comfortable for both you and your dogs. However, believe it or not, the most important dog grooming tool is your hands.
The Bond Between a Dog and Its Owner
The bond between a dog and its owner is a unique relationship. Dogs are loyal and protective of their owners, and their owners in turn make sure that they take care of them too, by giving them food, toys, shelter, and by grooming them with the right dog grooming tools.
Many owners think that the right do grooming tools have to include such things as brushes, clippers, and scissors, and this is true. However, there is more to grooming that just those basic dog grooming tools. In order to successfully groom a dog, the owner has to build up that trust factor.
The trust factor should ideally be established between a dog and its owner when the dog is a puppy. By feeding and bathing the puppy from such an early age, the puppy begins to think of the owner as its “mother.” As such, the dog will trust its owner implicitly.
Dogs are hands-on animals, and the thing that they react to the most is touch. This is why hands are the most important dog grooming tools. If the owner grooms the dos with a heavy hand, the dog will associate that with the experience of being groomed. If the owner grooms the dog gently, the dog twill be most more amenable to the idea of being groomed.
Owners that are grooming their dogs should constantly pat them during the process, because unless the dog is used to being groomed, chances are that the dog will be stressed. Provide a relaxed atmosphere for the dog by shampooing it by gently massaging the shampoo into the dog’s coat.
Grooming can also be beneficial for the owner too. For example, if the owner has mild arthritis in the hands, the warm water and the massaging motions of applying the shampoo on the dog’s coat can actually be soothing. So, the next time an owner goes to groom their dog, they should remember that while it is important to have the necessary dog grooming tool, the most important dog grooming tool is their own hands.
John Mailer
http://www.articlesbase.com/advice-articles/what-is-the-most-important-dog-grooming-tool-101931.html
Feb 08, 2010 | | dog arthritis
Take a look at this cool fat burning diet.
Feb 03, 2010 | | Uncategorized
She limps a lot because of her arthritis and sometimes i even rub her shoulders…its not like im pampering her its just that i want her to be able to climb our stairs. haha. So does anyone know any good dog foods for arthritis?…for dogs
English Springer Spaniel Type: Showdog NOT field dog
No. There are foods that have glucosamine in them but nowhere near enough to make even the slightest difference to a dog with arthritis.
What your dog needs is a trip to the vet for x-rays to determine how bad her arthritis is. The vet can then tell you if she needs prescription meds to keep her pain free or if you can give her glucosamine chondroitin with MSM and how much.
She deserves the best care and doesn’t have to be in pain – just take her to her vet.
Feb 02, 2010 | | dog arthritis
Today a small dog bitten on my leg. There is no injury, no wound at all. It is a street dog. I think it was just playing with me. I wear trouser and sox at that time. Need I take any treatment for that?
Since there is no wound you are safe
Feb 01, 2010 | | dog treatment
Jack Russell in Heat?
We have 8 months old jack russell that is in heat just started yesterday. She was a very playful puppy, Active and full of energy, always love play and its so rare to see her laying down cause of being tired but when she had her blood she change…
She act like not the normal her….
Now she always want to sleep, always tired and dont play much…
She dont eat the way she eat before…
Is it a normal symptoms of a dog who is in heat?
Get her spayed and it won’t be a problem.
I hope you’re not planning to breed her. Believe me, that would be a BAD idea.
Jan 31, 2010 | | dog symptoms
