Archive for July, 2010
Tips for Senior Dog Owners
1. See a Vet. Make sure your dog gets yearly check-ups, including a physical and blood work. If there are any problems, it is better to confront them early. Dogs can get all of the things that people can as they age – cancer, eyesight loss, senility. Advances in veterinary science are helping dogs live longer and healtheir lives.
2. Exercise in moderation. Running and jumping may not be appropriate for older dogs, but walking and swimming are excellent exercises for senior dogs.
3. Watch what he eats. Obesity is a common ailment for dogs, especially older ones. Adjust his diet accordingly and do not let him get overweight which will put additional strain on his heart, joints, etc.
If your dog has barking or other behavior problems, be sure to visit my site at http://smartdogcollars.com, and select a collar that is right for you.
Vaccinations for Your Dogs – Parainfluenza Virus
This is a non-core vaccination.
Cause: Airborne
Symptons: Nasal discharge, persistent cough, often ending with a gagging sound.
Prognosis: A self-limiting disease, lasting only a few weeks with treatment. Only becomes serious if left untreated or if a secondary bacterial infection sets in.
Schedule Guidelines: Revaccinate at one year of age, then every three years, or as needed.
If your dog has barking or other behavior problems, be sure to visit my site at http://smartdogcollars.com, and select a collar that is right for you.
Goodbye to All My Readers
I am writing my last blog on this site pertaining to dog care, dog training and dog collars. Unfortunately, my business was doing too poorly to continue the costs of maintaining it. I just want to thank all of my readers for following the blog and for your comments and contributions to it. Good luck with your wonderful companions – remember that love and understanding are the keys to your relationships with your “best friends,”
Vaccinations for Your Dogs – Bordatella
This is a non-core vaccination.
Cause: Highly contagious usually spread via coughing or sneezing. Also called “kennel cough.”
Symptoms: Harsh cough
Prognosis: Seldom fatal. In some dogs it can lead to pneumonia.
Schedule Guidelines: Annually or more if at risk for infection – at least one week prior to known exposure. Usually required by boarding kennels. Recommended if you take your dog to dog parks.
If your dog has barking or other behavior problems, be sure to visit my site at http://smartdogcollars.com, and select a collar that is right for you.
Vaccinations for Your Dogs – Canine Adenovirus-2
This is a core vaccination.
Cause: Contact with infected animals’ bodily secretions. Sometimes airborne.
Symptoms: Dry, hacking cough
Prognosis: Poor to good, depending upon dog’s condition and age.
Schedule Guidelines: Revaccinate at one year of age, then every three years. Dog’s breed, lifestyle, geographic location, and type of vaccine used should be taken into account. Vaccine also guards against canine adenovirus-1.
If your dog has barking or other behavior problems, be sure to visit my site at http://smartdogcollars.com, and select a collar that is right for you.
Vaccinations for Your Dogs – Rabies
This is a core vaccination.
Cause: Body fluids of an infected animal toch the broken skin or mucus membranes, mouth, nose or eyes of other animals.
Symptoms: Vague to severe changes in temperament, restlessness, nervousness, viciousness, chewing and biting viciously, frothing at the mouth, bloody saliva, oblivious to pain, and/or paralysis of vocal chords.
Prognosis: Death – there is no cure.
Schedule Guidelines: Revaccinate at one year of age, then every three years depending on local laws. Check with your vet and animal control agency to determine legal requirements.
If your dog has barking or other behavior problems, be sure to visit my site at http://smartdogcollars.com, and select a collar that is right for you.
Vaccinations for Your Dogs – Canine Parvovirus
This is a core vaccination!
Cause: Ingestion of feces with an incubation period of 3-10 days. This virus can live for many months outside the host.
Symptoms: Bloody diarrhea, high fever, loss of appetite, and depression. It can attack the heart, leading to congestive heart failure. It is sometimes mistaken for “doggie flu.”
Prognosis: Usually fatal to puppies, especially without immediate treatment. Older dogs face a 50/50 chance of survival with treatment.
Schedule Guidelines: Revaccinate at one year of age, then every three years.
If your dog has barking or other behavior problems, be sure to visit my site at http://smartdogcollars.com, and select a collar that is right for you.
Vaccinations for Your Dog – Canine Distemper
This is a core vaccination!
Cause: Virus-Contacted with bodily secretions of infected animals. It is sometimes airborne.
Symptoms: Red eyes, nasal discharge, and cold-like symptoms, followed by vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and neurological complications, such as convulsions
Prognosis: More than half of affected dogs and 3/4 of affected puppies will die. Survivors may develop chronic or fatal nervous system problems.
Schedule Guidelines: Revaccinate at one year of age, then every three years.
If you need help with problem barking or other behavior problems, please visit my website at http://smartdogcollars.com.
Common Dog Behavior Problems – #10: Aggression
Dog aggression is exhibited by growling, snarling, showing teeth, lunging and biting. It is important to know that any dog has the potential to become aggressive, regardless of breed or history. However, dogs with violent or abusive histories and those bred from dogs with aggressive tendencies are much more likely to exhibit aggressive behavior towards people or other dogs. Reasons for aggression are basically the same as the reasons a dog will bite or snap, but overall canine aggression is a much more serious problem. If your dog has aggressive tendencies, consult your vet first – it may stem from a health problem. Then, seek the help of an experienced dog trainer. Serious measures should be taken to keep others safe from aggressive dogs! In some cases, remote dog training collars can help to curb his aggression.