Dog Health

Summer is just around the corner, and if you haven't done so already, now is a good time to make sure your family dog is ready for the warmer months coming ahead. We all tend to be outdoors more in the spring and summertime, pets and people alike, but along with that outdoors playtime comes the risk of exposure to fleas, ticks and other diseases carried by other animals.

It's important to be sure that your pet is protected from harmful diseases including distemper, rabies and kennel cough. Many vaccines are now combined into a single inoculation, and are generally good for one year. Once a puppy has reached the age of 6 months, it's also imperative that he or she is vaccinated against rabies. Rabies vaccinations are effective for around 3 years, and in the state of New York, this vaccine is required in order to obtain a dog license in your town. When vaccinations are given on time, they are nearly 100% percent effective in preventing common canine illnesses.

Normally, you will only need to take your dog to the vet once a year, following his initial exam, for a wellness checkup and to keep up to date on his vaccinations. During this annual checkup, ask your vet to give your dog a through examination, including checking of his:

• teeth (removing tartar if necessary)
• anal glands (emptying them if necessary)
• nails (clipping them if necessary)
• stool (if you think he may have worms)

Females need more regular attention than males, especially if they are bred. When you wish to travel with your dog, you will be prepared for any state, federal, or international requirement if you ask your vet for a certificate of good health, and make sure that his vaccinations are in order before you leave. Normally, a sound dog needs no more veterinary attention than this. However, you may take him to the vet on other occasions due to accidents or illness.

As you get to know your dog, you will be able to distinguish between passing symptoms of no importance, chronic minor disorders, and the indications of disease and infection. Among the symptoms that warrant a visit to the vet are:

• A temperature over 102 degrees, or under 100 that lasts for more than 24 hours, or a temperature as high as 104, or as low as 99.
• Acute pain for which there is no logical explanation.
• Bloody urine
• Blood in the stool more than once
• A discharge of yellow mucus from the eyes or nose
• Persistent vomiting, coughing, or refusal to ear for more than 24 hours
• If your dog simply looks and acts really sick

When in doubt, it's always safer to err on the side of caution and visit your vet. Not only will it help alleviate any concerns you may have, but your vet is in a much better position to determine whether symptoms could potentially indicate a more serious illness.

Happy Summer!

Dogs can get bored easily, and a bored dog can lead to having a depressed dog. When dogs have a lack of activity for prolonged periods of time, they can develop depression just like people. This is especially true of dogs that are inherently more intelligent. They need activities or work to provide the necessary stimulation to keep their minds active.

Avoiding boredom and depression are two good reasons for dog training. Well trained dogs tend to be happier because they are pleasing their owners, something all dogs live for. Training also establishes you as a good pack leader that will provide security for, and inspire confidence in, your dog.

Many areas of the country have poor weather during different times of the year. Unfortunately, this can make it difficult to provide needed activity for your dog when it's cold outside and there's not as much daylight.

There are a few alternatives to consider for your dog when the weather outside is not conducive to taking him out for playtime and exercise.

One of these options is a treadmill made especially for dogs. A dog treadmill will allow your dog to remain active and stimulated regardless of the weather.

A dog treadmill is also an ideal solution for dog owners that live in an apartment or hesitate to walk their dogs at night due to safety concerns. It's a convenient way to keep your dog in tip top shape and avoid the problems that boredom and depression can cause.

If you've never considered a treadmill for your dog, and he's not getting his needed exercise, it's worth looking into. There are a variety of types of dog treadmills available in all different price ranges.

Unfortunately, just like their owners, dogs can develop skin conditions and allergies. The most common causes of allergies in dogs are food, dust mites and fleas. Following are the typical symptoms to be looking out for, and what you can do about it.

Dog Allergy Symptoms

Dog allergy symptoms aren't too different from the symptoms people suffer when they have an allergy. The most common symptoms are:

• Irritated skin which causes your dog to scratch intensely
• Hot spots or sores on the skin
• Coughing
• Runny eyes
• Nasal Discharge
• Breathing Problems
• Hair loss caused by scratching

Should your dog develop any of these symptoms, it's a good idea to have him checked out by a vet to rule out an allergy.

Food Allergies

Like people, dogs can have an allergy to food ingredients. It can be really hard to identify the specific ingredient that is causing your dog discomfort. Here are some tips for identifying and dealing with a food allergy:

• Grain is often used as a filler ingredient in cheaper dog foods. It's also a common source of allergy.  Check your dog's food packaging to see if grain is ingredient. If so, try switching to a food without grain.
• Some dogs are sensitive to artificial coloring or preservatives used in commercial dog food. A higher quality food with no artificial colors or preservatives may alleviate your dog's symptoms.
• Pay close attention if you change your dog's diet, even noting the ingredients of each food so that you may be able to see if there is a common ingredient that could be causing the reaction.
• Switching to a raw food diet may be the best option for a dog with severe food allergies. A raw diet consists of real meat and vegetables and may be healthier for your dog than store-bought food.

Dust Mites and Fleas

Two more common causes of allergies in dogs are dust mites and/or flea bites. Controlling your dog's environment is essential to avoid a pest infestation. Left untreated, either type of allergy can lead to skin rashes resulting in infections. Fleas are also able to pass tapeworm on to dogs, so it's important to treat flea problems immediately. Here are some tips for preventing mite and flea allergy problems:

• Wash your pet's bedding regularly and keep his environment clean
• If your dog spends most of his time outside, clean his kennel and bedding area regularly
• Check your pet often for any sign of fleas. You should treat him with a flea control product at the very first sign of fleas.

Treatment for Dog Allergies

If you think your dog may have allergies, your first course of action should be to contact your veterinarian. He will be able to help you identify the source of the problem and make recommendations for treatment. Possible treatment options include prescription and over the counter salves and ointments, and oral prescription medications for more severe cases.

Like humans, dogs can suffer miserably if they are affected by allergies. There are several ways to treat allergies in dogs, and your vet will help you make the best choice for you and your dog.

For a more detailed look at dog allergies, see the article: Allergies In Dogs - Common Allergies and Treatment Options

There are several things to consider when choosing the right dog food. You'll want to take into consideration his age, activity level, breed and overall health. For example, puppies have different nutritional needs than older dogs and dogs that are less active won't require the same caloric and fat intake that a more active dog will.

You will want to make sure to choose a food that will provide your dog's nutritional needs, while maintaining a healthy weight. The best place place to start when researching the best dog food is with your veterinarian. They two most popular types of food are dry dog food and a raw food diet.

Dry dog food is the most popular choice of food. It generally comes in small kibble form and price can range from very inexpensive to very expensive. Pay careful attention to the ingredients label on the food. Not all foods, generally the cheaper brands, use high quality natural ingredients. There are a few things to be looking for:

• Preservatives, Artificial Color and Flavor - Just like with humans, anything artificially added to food isn't going to be healthy for your dog. While these additives probably aren't going to harm your dog, finding a food without a lot of extras is the best. You should especially avoid foods that are labeled with chemical additives as a source of flavor. Many of these foods contain very little, if any, meat at all. Your dog needs protein and real meat is the best way for him to get it.
• Color of the Food - Natural food is going to be dull in color, with natural earthtones. Food that has noticably colored kibble is often from the addition of chemicals to add color. The more natural the food is, the better it's going to be for your dog.
• Type of Meat - Many dog food contain what's called meat by-products. By-products can be any part of the animal. You're going to want to look for food that contains "meal". Natural foods will have Chicken Meal, Lamb or Liver listed as one of the main ingredients.

Raw dog food is another type of diet to consider for your dog. Raw food is actually the healthiest food for your dog. It's what dogs eat in the wild, and it provides the best nutritional value for your dog, as well. A healthy raw dog food diets contains only natural and unprocessed ingredients. The proportions for a raw diet are typically 40% meat, 30% fiber and 30% starch. In addition to raw liver, beef, chicken or lamb, you'll want to include some vegetables and starch. Some vegetables that are a good source of fiber and starch are broccoli, carrots and yams.

In addition to these general types of dog foods, that are also special types of food for different life stages and problems. There are dog foods for older dogs, puppies, active and less active dogs, as well as weight control and organic foods. You will want to speak with your veterinarian about the best diet for your dog and choose your dog's food based on his individual nutritional needs.

For more information on your dog's nutritional needs, see our article: Choosing the Best Dog Food

This article explains how your dog's needs change throughout his life, from puppy to adulthood.

Did you know that dogs get bored just like people? Boredom can result in some pretty bad behavior for your dog. A bored dog can become aggressive and/or become very anxious. This can result in destructive behavior, such as chewing on things and nuisance barking.

I'm lucky in that I get to be with my dog 24 hours a day, for the most part. She sleeps under my desk during the day, sits on the couch with me in the evening, and sleeps in her dog bed on the floor next to me every night. I wouldn't say she never gets bored, but at least I'm around if she wants to play or needs to go out. Obviously, for most people this just isn't an option. So what can you do to help alleviate boredom?

Get into a routine of spending some quality time with your dog. If your dog knows that at the end of every day he'll get to spend some time with you, be it taking a walk or a run, or just playing fetch for a few minutes, he'll actually look forward to it. I'm not kidding! Dogs are like people, they get used to routines, and once one has been established, they'll expect it.

Not only will that few minutes of play time get some extra energy out of your dog, it helps promote a healthier and happier dog. Play time also strengthens the bond that exists between you and your dog. Having a dog is just like having a relationship, you need to invest in that relationship to create long term happiness.

For those times when you can't be around, provide your dog with toys that will keep him busy mentally and physically. Kong toys are great for this. Many of them can be filled with small treats or flavored pastes, and it becomes a game for your dog to get to the treat. Get a couple of these and I promise your dog will be entertained for awhile.

Keeping your dog from experiencing boredom will have some great side effects. He will be more obedient, and less prone to misbehaving. Happier dogs are healthier dogs. Healthier dogs live longer and will be around for years for you to enjoy.