The pet accessories market has expanded significantly in recent years, making it confusing for pet owners to decide which accessories are essential or optional.

Enlightened consumers usually break down their purchases into three categories:

· Must have

· Nice to have

· Can have, provided it doesn’t break the budget

We can apply the same rule when buying accessories for our dog. The guiding theme should be: purchase only those accessories that will keep your pet clean and healthy. Unless you take your pet to dog shows regularly to show him off, you need buy only those products that will help him stay clean and healthy.

We have selected dog accessories that fall under the “must have” category:

Dog Beds

Your dog’s bed should provide adequate body support. Make sure that materials are hypoallergenic and that no toxic elements were used in the manufacturing of the bed. Choose a brand that will prevent bunching or shifting so that your dog’s comfort is ensured 100%.

A suggestion for a dog bed is one that has an exterior made of eco-friendly recycled cotton which is more gentle on your dog’s skin and is machine washable. You can also check if the product or brand has been endorsed by reputable veterinarian associations or dog health organizations.

Dog Tent

If you like to take your dog outdoors during extremely hot and cold weather, a portable tent that can be used outdoors, indoors and inside the van will come in handy and will protect your dog from the elements. It is an umbrella-like mechanism that props up at the flick of a button. A dog tent serves as an extension of your dog’s house or bed; most dog tents come with claw-proof windows made of soft mesh material and a “porch” in the front. This makes travelling with your dog easier, particularly when your car breaks down in extreme weather conditions and you’re waiting for help to come.

Pain Relief

If you have an older dog, their joints and muscles can suffer from pain and swelling. Obesity, seniority and a sedentary lifestyle can trigger arthritic symptoms. Note that young dogs can also have pain symptoms. Choose a product that is made mostly of natural ingredients and which has been tested for effectiveness.

A pain relief product for your dog is your “first aid” chest. Select a product that also has antibacterial, antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Use it when your pet is injured and is bleeding, has swollen joints or itchy skin.

Bathing Products

If your pet is suffering from even the most minor of skin irritations, use gentle coat shampoos that will not have an abrasive effect on skin. You can choose a shampoo that not only cleans but also disinfects your pet against flea dermatitis or infestation including hives, hot spots, odours, ringworms, thrush, wounds and sunburn.

Thousands of pet owners prefer natural oatmeal preparations for their pet’s shampoo because it does not irritate dry skin. You may also buy shampoo and body wash products that will untangle hair and give it a good shine.

Grooming Accessories

You want a stripping comb that will cover large areas of hair to quickly remove loose and falling hair especially if your dog has a thick undercoat. You may also want to consider a lava stripping stone which helps eliminate dead hair to improve the look of your dog’s coat.

Ear and Mouth Wipes

Like humans, dogs are susceptible to dirt and wax build-up in their ears. There are ear wipes that are made with non-allergenic ingredients so that you need not worry about whether the wipes are safe and natural. You need a brand that is hypo-allergenic, is free from soap ingredients and by-products, contains no parabens, sulfates or artificial colours and are bio-degradable.

And dogs, like humans, can also have bad breath. Pet owners tend to overlook this; they become worried only when they kiss their dog and smell a foul odour. Enter mouth wipes. Choose mouth wipes that have been pre-moistened with botanical ingredients to keep your dog’s gums healthy and to give him or her fresher breath. Most mouth wipes are flavoured with peppermint for long lasting freshness.

Reflective Dog Collars

If your dog likes to wander around at night and has a dark coat, reflective dog collars are true life savers. Dog collars are inexpensive and are a good investment. Choose brands that are soft to the skin so they don’t hurt your dog’s neck, and collars that are odor-resistant.

Given recent innovations in pet products, you can now buy dog collars that are made with a special kind of material. There are some materials that have tiny invisible chamber holes to absorb water and to provide proper airing, preventing the formation of mildew.

Mike Cole
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/top-dog-accessories-for-a-clean-and-healthy-pet-741271.html

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

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.

Boy, did I learn a valuable lesson. Once I had to rush my dog to the pet hospital and he practically died. He had a urinary tract infection and I didn’t notice the symptoms until the last minute. Thankfully, my veterinarian was able to save him but it was definitely a wake-up call. Now I focus on preventive treatment and am aware of the signs of infection so it doesn’t spiral out of control again.

Here are 5 steps you should take when you notice your dog urinating frequently.

1. First, have a look at all of the symptoms. Is your dog straining to urinate? Is your dog urinating excessively or are there only drops coming out at a time? A urinary blockage could cause your dog to stop urinating completely so it’s important get him treated if that’s the case because it could mean life or death. If the only symptom you notice is frequent urination, treatment at home with plenty of fresh, filtered water, unprocessed food, and homeopathy will probably be enough to fight off the infection.

2. If you notice your dog urinating frequently, take him to the vet. Your vet will do tests and examinations to figure out the underlying cause of the problem. In severe cases, medication or a surgical procedure may be necessary to correct the problem.

3. If you see your dog urinating excessively, a urinary tract infection is most likely the cause. Most mainstream veterinarians prescribe antibiotics in this situation. However, antibiotics are known to actually aggravate the symptoms of dog UTI and cause other harmful side effects. In many cases, dietary control and homeopathic treatment are enough to get rid of a UTI.

4. Take aggressive action when you notice your dog urinating frequently. Give your dog plenty of filtered water to drink. Bathe him frequently so bacteria don’t have a chance to flourish in his genital area. Give him only raw, unprocessed, or homemade food. Commercial foods are laden with artificial ingredients like preservatives and colorings and they can alter the pH of your dog’s urine so they should be avoided.

5. Administering a homeopathic remedy is hands down the biggest step you can take to help your dog achieve permanent recovery when you notice your dog urinating excessively. Homeopathic remedies restore balance at a cellular level and help maintain a healthy bladder, a healthy flow of urine, and a strong immune system that is capable of fighting off infections. Homeopathic treatments are better than any medication because they are completely free of side effects, they are affordable, and they can both treat and prevent UTI.

So there you have it. The next time you see your dog urinating frequently, follow these 5 simple steps. By doing so you can help your dog achieve a fast recovery and avoid complications. Remember that natural, preventive treatment is the most effective but you have to use it on a regular basis. Rather than just treating the problem when symptoms arise, prevent it from becoming an issue altogether with homeopathic treatment and lifestyle change.

Wayne Mcdonald
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/5-steps-to-take-when-your-dog-is-urinating-frequently-678411.html

What are the normal symptoms for a dog after giving birth, and what are some things I should be concerned about?
Okay, people, no need to get nasty. We got the dog and we didn’t know she was pregnant until shortly before birth, we had her checked and found out she was. So, don’t give me an attitude, just answer my question.

Do you mean what are the symptoms for a dog that is about to have birth?? After having birth, they should be weak, but concerned about their pups and readily eating and drinking as usual. If anything is not normal she should be seen. A good idea is to feed the momma dog puppy food (dry) until she is done nursing (around 4-5 weeks). She will be losing alot of calories in her milk while nursing, so this will help her continue to have good milk for the pups and lots of energy.

For Fido’s bones and joints to be healthy, there are specific medicines that veterinarians recommend. We will give you some of the more common ones.

Note that not only anti-inflammatory medicine are available; supplements specifically for the joints and bones are also available. These are medicines that can be purchased only upon prescription.

Medicines

Deramaxx®

Deramaxx® are chewable tablets that fall under the anti-inflammatory category. When your dog is diagnosed with osteoarthritis or underwent orthopaedic surgery, he or she may feel pain and show signs of inflmmation. Your veterinarian may prescribe Deramaxx® chewable tablets. These tablets help control post-surgery pain. You should ask your veterinarian to explain what Deramaxx® will do for your dog and the likely consequences and side effects that you can expect from this particular medication.

How the medicine works to control pain varies from dog to dog, but it is important to follow your vet’s instructions; otherwise your dog may feel pain again. If your dog limps, has lost interest in his or her usual physical activities, or has difficulty in walking, then he or she may be suffering from osteoarthritis.

While Deramaxx® is not a cure for osteoarthritis, it will help control post-surgery pain and inflammation and help relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Your vet will not prescribe Deramaxx® if your dog has kidney problems, is vomiting, has blood in his stool or tends to dehydrate easily. Other disorders may also be present which your veterinarian will examine to decide if it is safe to administer Deramaxx®.

EtoGesic

Like Deramaxx®, EtoGesic is prescribed for dogs that have osteoarthritis or are suffering from post-surgery pain and inflammation. It is available in tablet form and should be administered as per your vet’s instructions. A dog will not be given EtoGesic if the following conditions are present:<ul>

Shawn Thomas
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/top-dog-medicine-for-healthy-bones-and-joints-640776.html

An estimated 50 million people in the United States suffer from allergies – everything from dust mites to smoke. Many of these are seasonal allergies and don’t really have any serious or long term effects, although an estimated 32 million people suffer from what are known as year-round chronic allergies.

The symptoms of allergies can vary from mild to severe; and can include coughing or sneezing, a runny nose, sore throat, rash or headaches. Many allergy sufferers regard their symptoms as a minor irritation; to others the symptoms are serious enough to keep them off school or work and to require medical help. An allergy can be triggered by eating or drinking, inhaling or touching.

The most common allergies fall into two basic types – airborne and food allergies. The most common food allergies among adults are nuts, shellfish, eggs and fish – children are more likely to be allergic to peanuts and dairy products. In fact, only eight foods account for around 90% of all allergic reactions to food.

Food allergies occur when the body’s immune system reacts to a certain food, often creating antibodies which then release various chemicals which in turn cause the symptoms. Avoiding the food altogether is really the only sure way to avoid an allergic reaction, although this is often impractical; and you also run the risk of suffering from an unhealthy diet.

Symptoms of food allergies range from mild to extreme – even a loss of consciousness and death. Some common symptoms can include swelling of the skin, hives or eczema, as well as stomach pain, vomiting or diarrhea. An extreme allergic reaction to food is known as anaphylaxis, or anaphylactic shock, which can lead to low blood pressure, difficulty breathing and unconsciousness.

Skin allergies are caused by actual contact with an allergen, rather than inhaling it or digesting it. Metal jewelry and fragrances are the most common causes of skin allergy; other causes include such everyday things as soap, deodorant, various dental products and skin lotions. Symptoms are usually highly visible on the skin and can include swelling, burning, itching or redness of the skin – eczema, hives and dermatitis are all types of skin allergy. Dog allergies are surprisingly common, and can be difficult to control, as the allergens can be found in many public places. Many people find that they are more allergic to certain dog breeds than others. If you are allergic to dogs but enjoy having a dog yourself, there are some steps you can take such as keeping it in an area of the house that isn’t carpeted, bathing your dog regularly, making sure it is neutered and using a HEPA room air cleaner.

Common symptoms of dog allergies include nasal congestion, coughing, watery or itchy eyes, and shortness of breath or a runny nose. Extreme symptoms can include a rash on the face or upper part of the chest, or an acute asthma attack. These symptoms can occur within about thirty minutes of contact with a dog, or they may not be noticeable until several hours later.

Emeka Ezidiegwu
http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/common-allergies-and-symptoms-for-allergy-sufferers-674942.html

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.

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.

Colin Philips
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/10-of-the-biggest-dog-killers-in-your-home-113913.html