Clean Teeth a Must

OOOO!!!! Nobody wants a kiss with bad breath!!

Does your dog have just "doggy breath" or does it knock you over.

The bad odor could be telling you, your dog has peridontal desease, Just like people our dogs can have this desease.

Actually its fairly common in dogs and cats 3 years and older.

Preventing peridontal desease can result in a longer, healthier life for your pet.

Plaque and tartar can cause gingivitis, tooth decay, bleeding gums, and tooth loss. The bacteria that causes these can travel through the blood stream and eventually cause damage to major organs. A trip to your vet for an exam is the first step and then a good cleaning just like we get.

There are supplements and treats to help keep tartar down and clean teeth these regular check-ups and teaching your pet from day one that you brush his teeth on a regular basis will ensure a easy time keeping healthy and happy with a full set of teeth for his life.

Browning the Earth

I read a really awesome article the other day and I wanted to share it.
Some cities and bussinesses are going brown. Their using animal feces for energy.
The city of San Francisco is working towards using dog feces to produce an alternative power source.
There is an estimated 10 million tons of pet waste annually with 6,500 tons alone in San Francisco
Currently feces is being scooped into non-biodegradable bags and dumbed in landfills where it sits for years and years. Feces that aren't scooped up stay on the ground possibly contaminating our water supply over time.
A waste pick up service called Norcal waste will soon be picking up park dog waste in biodegradable bags. This waste will then be processed in a methane digester where fece-eating bacteria produce methane. Then the methane can be used by anything that runs on natural gas or it can be used to generate electricity.
This technology has been used and proven on European farms for over 20 years.
Dog poop is actually ideal waste in this energy producing process because of the protein we feed our dogs.
The droppings should produce as much energy as food scraps which is used for alternative energy.
80 tons of dog feces and food scraps could produce enough energy to power thousands of homes.
I just think this is a wonderful alternative and if we have to pick-up after our dogs and we know its going for this maybe it won't be so hard to pick-up after all.

Carbon Monoxide in Dogs

Did you know dogs can die from carbon monoxide poisoning too?

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, poisonous gas. When it is present the gas is absorbed into the bloodstream and forms a compound that causes a reduced oxygen supply to the heart and brain.

The most common cause of carbon monoxide poisoning is from non-vented and poorly ventilated furnace, gas water heaters, gas/kerosene space heaters in your home or it can be a faulty exhaust system. I started thinking to about our heated dog kennels or spaces we put our dogs to keep warm are we paying attention to the ventilation also.

Also a running car in an enclosed area, smoke inhalation in a burning building, and get this a cargo area in an airplane are all places for carbon monoxide poisoning

Common signs of poisoning are drowsiness, lethargy, weakness, bright red color to the skin and gums, difficulty breathing, coma and sudden death. Now sometimes we can be exposed at lower levels on a consistent basis and we need to watch our dogs for excercise intolerance changes in their gate being wobbly when walking and disturbances in their normal reflexes. If you see any of these signs start checking the heating system and your ventilation.

Just like humans we need to protect our dogs. We need to minimize exposure by using carbon monoxide detectors They can be bought at any home improvement store and they have dual purpose detectors to that are useful. I think investing in a detector is a lot less expensive than having to take our dog to the vet or having the possibility of losing a beloved friend

Jumping Dogs

Have you ever had muddy paw prints on your clean clothes? Or been knocked down by your big loveable pet?
When training your pet this is one of the things you have to consider. All dogs will jump up on you , excited to see you ,licking , happy. Its wonderful when he's a puppy ,it makes you feel good. But what happens when he's grown especially if he's a large breed. What happens when Grandma comes over and spot knocks her on the ground to say hello. These are the things you need to consider.
If this is something you think you don't want your dog to do then you need to teach your dog while he's a puppy to sit down and greet people not jump.
First do not encourage your puppy to jump when he's small .
Next teach him to greet people sitting down being calm when a friend approaches and to give love calmly so Grandma won't get knocked down If the dog is calm and sits when it greets people everyone will want to pet spot , but if spot jumps and acts wild others will shy away from spot and spot won't understand why no one wants to pet him.
Praise him every time he sits and does the right thing give him a treat and pet him. When he jumps turn around and ignore him no treats no petting until he sits down he will learn quickly to do what he is supposed to do.
Training your puppy takes time, persistants and patience but in the end it will be well worth that time and effort because he will be a good dog.

OH-OH DIGGING

Isn't he magnificent !! This was found on the web and I just wanted to share it with all you dog lovers. What a wonderful fella.

Now for the subject of today digging. Every dog does it sooner or later and most of us don't want to walk into the yard and twist our ankles in holes or find our newly planted flowers dug up. So why do dogs dig and what can we do.

Dogs dig for different reasons. Some dig to make a cool bed when its hot. Some dig just for the joy of digging. But it seems the trainers consensus is that your dog is bored and lonely.

Well then the first step is alleviate bored and lonely. If you have to be away for most of the day maybe pay a neighbor to come over and play with him for a little while or take him for a walk change of scenery will help. A pet-sitter will do this also. Make sure your dog has plenty of toys to keep him occupied Things to chew on and toss around.

I found my Rottweilers love to go to the park and dig in the sand. My Rock Boy just loves doing this and its good for him he really gets a work out moving that sand and boy does he sleep good. Also you can create a sand box at home for them in the back yard to dig in To get them started bury some of their toys with treats in them just shallow at first creating a hide and seek game Once they get the idea bury the toys a little deeper Soon your dog will be busy digging in the right spot. Always praise him when he's doing the right thing and remind him this is spot's place to dig. It will give him joy and you alot less dug up flowers.

Positive praise, consistent training and reminding will give your dog happy things to do while your gone and make your life easier.

PARVO the Killer continued

Ok lets continue with this look at Parvo only this time lets look at all natural preventatives and cures. Also I found other alternatives to Bleach to clean I'm allergic to bleach it gives me terrible sinus infections and I've been looking for alternatives. One of the parvo helpers is called Parvo-K It is a product carried at http://www.petalive.com/ and also at http://www.mindbodyand/ paw.com It is a blend of herbal homopathic ingredients easily dissolved. Lactose granules. One bottle lasts 1-4 weeks Theres a list of ingredients on http://www.mindbodyandpaw.com/ that tells you what each ingredient does and how it helps a bottle os 34.95 plus shipping and handling

Next is Parvaid You will find this at http://www.ambertech.com/ This is an all natural product helping to ease the stomach of vomiting and diarrhea. Parvaid calms the stomach promotes the appetite and allows fluids to pass into the intestinal track. Made in an alcohol base in order to get medicinal properties into the bloodstream quickly. There is an e-book to download there about parvo and how to help your dog to overcome it. That is a good informational tool

The last one sounded real good to me its called Parvoguard

You can find this product at http://www.parvoguard.com/ Made of natural herbs it sattacks the parvo virus within 10 minutes of entering the body. It gives your dogs body the stength it needs to deal with the virus. It provides vital support and protection for your dogs immune system It eliminates your dogs pain and suffering ends his vomiting and diarrhea. You can order it by phone at 1-800-805-1592 or on the site for 37.00 theres alot of information there thats helpful

I think I would like to keep these products on hand just in case since we raise Rottweilers Always better safe than sorry and these could be used before you can get your babies shots at 4 weeks or 6 weeks just as a preventative

Now I found several products to clean that kills parvo virus Of course theres bleach which isn't natural but we know it kills parvo. You mix 1 ounce to one quart water and clean

Next is a product you find at http://www.htproducts.com/ Its a germicide and has a more pleasant scent than bleach

Third is a product by www.lyndist.com/disinfectant They have a list of products for different cleaning needs but the ninth one down is called Spray Fresh RTU with dye and fragrance If used as directed this product kills canine parvo

The last one is from www.entireltpets.com

It kills 99.99% of viruses, bacteria,and fungi. It is biodegradable safe, and pleasant smelling. citrus scented. A ten pound pail makes 123 gallons of cleaning solution It is called Tomlyn Trifectant Disinfectant

This is the best I have found so far If I come across anything else I will let you know .

In the mean time may all our friends stay safe and healthy.

Round worms

Ok I know YUCK! But we have to deal with them for our dogs But theres something else you need to know

PARASITE FACTS

Thousands of people become infected with roundworms in the United States every year. How do people become infected you ask? Large numbers of eggs can accumulate in the soil where dogs are allowed to defecate. The eggs are sticky and collect on objects, the hands and under fingernails of people. Children and others who may not have good hygiene are most prone to becoming infected.

So wash your hands wash your hands wash your HANDS. wear shoes and keep the kids clean.

Now that were done with that tidbit lets go on to how our dogs get them and how to prevent it and eliminate it.

Of the three types of roundworms affecting dogs T. canis has the most complex life. It begins when the worms eggs pass out in the dogs infected feces. These eggs survive in the environment and are later ingested by other dogs. The larvae are released from the eggs and enter the wall of the new host small intestine and eventually migrate through the circulatory system or to other organs and tissues. They finally re-enter the intestines where they mature and mate, and eggs are passed again through dog feces.

Round worms live in the hosts intestines and can cause malnutrition, diarrhea, vomiting, and pot-bellied appearance Heavy infestation can lead to pneumonia and obstruction of the intestines.

It is recommended to have your vet check for worms on a scheduled basis. If worms are found de-worming products which are used is prowormer-2, or safe guard granules These treatments anesthetize the mature woms allowing them to exit with feces Two or three treatments are required 2-4 weeks apart to rid the dog completely of worms as they mature.

You must remove and dispose of stool in order to control the spread of roundworms Also watch your dog so they don't pick up dead rodents or infected things to eat.

Now those are vet medications for worms there is always natural remedies one is again parasite dr from www.nativeremedies.com Alot of prevention is keeping your dogs are clean

When I'm done with the parasite series I'm going to get all the natural remedies together and write a blog on those and places to find them

But for now keep yourself clean and your dog for pevention

Itching

Have you ever seen your dog sit down and scoot his butt along the ground? Or trying real hard to chew his butt.
Well theres several reasons why that might be happening.
Dogs have glands just inside their anus opening that can fill full of fluids and become impacted if not emptied or relieved.
Wild dogs normally emptied these glands by marking their territory and roaming. But our dogs have become house dogs and many don't mark or roam. So their marking glands can fill full and create all kinds of problems .They itch and burn hence the scooting trying to at least give them temporary relief.
You can help them yourself by putting on a surgical rubber glove and inserting your finger to "milk the glands on each side. Which by the way smell really obnoxious or take him to the vet and let them milk them and aleveate the problem.
In reading about this I also found a really good product to use called "anal glandz" made by pet alive . It will take away the itching and break up impacted glands. I'm not saying not to take your dog to the vet don't let him suffer but this product can help and perhaps you won't have to take your dog to the vet for this problem as often.
Another reason anal itching ocurrs is worms always have the vet check for worms they need to be eliminated as soon as possible. tapeworms , and others can cause these symtoms.
Also yeast infection can cause itching I feed our dogs yogurt the plain kind with no fruit or sugar, natural it balances the friendly bacteria in the intestines and creates a healthy environment. Just like for humans I find my dogs love it
You can find the "anal glandz" at http://www.petalive.com/ it doesn't take much and your poor itchy friend will feel better

WARNING Garlic can be hazardous to your dog

This is Rusty and Peanut our little min-pins They think their big just like our Rottweilers

I've given my dogs powdered garlic for years and fresh garlic in their food to enhance their health and deter fleas and its worked most of the time. I always thought I was doing good for them until now when I found an article on www.petsbynature.com by Laura Murphy about the dangers of garlic. So I went on line and found more articles about garlic and studies that made me think. So I want to share this with you and let you decide what you think is best for your dog.

Its been thought for a long time that garlic provides many healthy benefits. When fed regularly it stimulates white blood cells, prevents tumors,decrease blood cholesterol. Vets have suggested to us for years to use garlic as treatment for allergies, asthma, diabetes, cancer,infections, intestinal parasites, and kidney desease also for natural control of fleas and parasite repellent. Now with that kind of review wouldn't you add it to you pets diet? Of course you would.

Now lets look at the new studies on garlic.

Garlic is part of the onion family along with leeks and shallots. research indicates onions can be harmful, if not deadly to our pets. More and more studies are being done on garlic and all indicate that it to can pose serious health risks when fed to cats and dogs. It is indicated that its toxic when given in excessive amounts. The problem is what is excessive amounts how do you judge that. Unfortunately no one knows what excessive amounts really is.

Garlic is used as flavor enhancers in food. This enhancer can cause Heinz body anemia, resulting in a break down of the red blood cells and anemia, studies indicate garlic shouldn't be fed to dogs.

The effects of garlic include vomiting, diarrhea, anemia, tachycardia "irregular heart beat" weakness, liver damage, allergic reactions,asthmatic attacks, contact dermatitis, and gastrointestinal damage.

There are many forms of garlic fresh raw, cooked,dryed, oil of garlic all are a serious risk.The bulbs, bublets, flowers, and stems are all poisonous

Many over the counter dog foods have garlic in them If you feel you don't want to feed your dog garlic you will have to check ingredient labels before purchasing.

The entire article can be viewed at www.petsbynature.com and thank-you Laura for allowing me to use parts of your article in my blog.

I don't know about you but I've decided to quit using garlic for my dogs because no one knows exact amounts that will cause illness to my dogs Its not worth the risk for me to possibly harm my dogs What do you think?