Foods for Constipation in Dogs

Constipation can be painful and confusing for your dog, but there are many foods to relieve constipation and provide your dog with comfort. Constipation may be difficult to diagnose, but veterinarians warn that it's important to recognize it as early as possible.

Causes of Constipation

Though diarrhea is easy to diagnose, constipation may go by unnoticed, especially if your dog relieves himself outside without you watching. Constipation can usually be recognized by:

• painful abdomen
• straining during bowel movements
• lack of appetite
• flatulence
• change in color of stool

While constipation is often caused by diet, it can also be caused by lack of exercise, stress, parasites or illnesses such as irritable bowel syndrome. If it continues, consults your veterinarian.

Pumpkin

One of the best remedies for an ailing digestive system—either diarrhea or constipation—is pumpkin. This can be natural or canned pumpkin, but not pumpkin pie mix. Add a couple of spoonfuls to your dog's food for two or three days and see if symptoms improve. Most dogs like the taste, so this shouldn't be a problem.

Bran or Grains

Just as fiber can help us clear our systems, it can also help your dog. Adding a spoonful of bran to your dog's food can relieve constipation as can other grains, such as oatmeal. Be sure to cook the oatmeal. Don't feed raw oats. You can also heat the bran with water to make it more appealing to your dog.
Some owners have also added a sprinkle of Metamucil to their dog's food, but if you do this, add to canned food only and add lots of water.

Fruits and Vegetables

Diets that are high in protein neglects some key ingredients that dogs need. Dogs are omnivores, not carnivores like cats, and benefit from the addition to fruits and vegetables in their diet. These fruits and vegetables can also help regulate your dog's digestive system.
Some healthy vegetables include:

• green beans
• broccoli
• cauliflower
• carrots
• squash
• zucchini

Just be sure to cook them and blend them in a blender or food processor so that your dog can utilize the nutrients. Healthy fruits include berries, apples and bananas. You can feed these with meals or as a healthy snack.

Mineral Oil

For severe cases of constipation, mineral oil may be your only course of action. However, use sparingly and only if other methods don't work because it can interfere with your dog's ability to absorb key nutrients.
Mineral oil can be given at a dose of 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds, but should be mixed with food. Don't apply directly to the tongue.

Water

Sometimes, constipation is caused by dehydration, so just the simple act of adding water to your dog's food can be very effective. Add a few spoonfuls to your dog's dry food to make it soft or add enticement to your dog's water, such as a few drops of apple juice or tuna juice.
However, if symptoms persist despite dietary changes, consult your veterinarian. There may be a medical issue at the heart of your dog's problem.


Article Source: Foods to Relieve Constipation in Dogs - VetInfo

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Every thing about Parvo in Dogs

What is Parvo in Dogs?
Parvo( know as Canine parvovirus type 2) is a contagious virus mainly affecting dogs. The disease is highly infectious which is spread from dog to dog by direct or indirect contact with their feces. The more common form is the intestinal form, which is characterized by vomiting or diarrhea. The less popular form is the cardiac form, which attacks the heart muscle tissue of young puppies. The majority of cases are seen in puppies that are between six weeks and six months old. There are ways to help prevent the spread of parvo and as a responsible dog owner it is important to be familiar with these prevention methods.
Symptoms of Parvo in Dogs

The symptoms of Parvo include:
+High fever
+Loss of appetite
+Lethargy                              
+Vomiting
+Depression
+Dehydration
+Bloody diarrhea.
Parvo generally incubates for 5 to 10 days, which means 5 to 10 days soon after a dog is exposed to the virus they will infected. Most commonly dogs that have contracted this virus will become very lethargic, then may have a fever or will start vomiting and will also have diarrhea. It is important that if you ever notice blood in your dogs stool that you take them to the vet immediately.
Causes of Parvo in Dogs
There are a variety of risk factors that can increase a dog’s susceptibility to the disease, but mostly the virus is pass on either by direct contact with an infected dog, or may be indirectly by the fecal-oral route.  Weighty concentrations of the virus are normally found in an infected dog’s stool, therefore when a healthy dog sniffs an infected dog’s stool, it will eventually contract the disease. The virus can even be brought into a dog's environment by way of shoes that have come into contact with infected feces. If you suspect that you have come into contact with feces at all, you need clean up the affected area with household bleach and disinfectant known to kill the virus.
Treatment for Canine Parvovirus
Most veterinarians treat parvovirus with intravenous fluids and antibiotics. Also, treatment can sometimes include balancing the blood sugar and intravenous electrolytes or intravenous nourishment, and an antiemetic injection to lower nausea and vomiting. Since the disease is a viral infection, there is no real cure for it, or kill the virus. They are supportive therapies which help balance the dog long enough for his immune system to start counteracting the virus.
How do I protect my dog from becoming infected?
Vaccination is the key to prevent this disease and protect your dog. Breeding bitches need to be vaccinated before to becoming pregnant to ensure that the pups get the best start at immunity. Vaccinations need to begin at 6 weeks of age and speak with your veterinarian about what vaccination protocol is the best for your pet and your lifestyle.
Photo credit: www.ehow.com

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Some Homemade Dog Food Recipes

By  Linda Spangenburg

Homemade Dog Food Recipes

There are many reasons for feeding your dog homemade dog food. One of these is how commercially prepared pet foods came into creation and are still made today. Commercially prepared dog foods did not even exist until the 1930s, when the meat and grain companies wanted to find something to do with their rejected products. These included products that were moldy, contaminated or even rancid. Then and now, pet food companies and veterinarians have a large stake in the pet food industry. There are high quality pet food products, however, it can be cheaper and much more beneficial to make your own "pet kibble".

Making Your Own Dog Food And How to Make Dog Treats

It is recommended for people that prepare homemade dog food recipes that the ingredients consist of 1/3 protein (chicken breast, ground beef, egg, cottage cheese, and tofu) 2/3 whole grains (long grain white or brown rice, white or sweet potatoes, pastas, oats, barley, couscous and tapioca). With all of these ingredients cooked properly.

Another reason is due to canine diabetes. The fillers in prepared dog foods can cause your dogs sugar levels to sky-rocket. It is also not a good idea to free-feed your diabetic dog. Their portions need to be kept to 2 to 3 smaller meals throughout the day. The smaller meals help stabilize the blood sugars. Here is a recipe that is recommended by a vet nutritionist along with one human multivitamin a day.

1 cup cooked brown long grain rice

1 cup cooked chicken breast

1/2 cup green beans

1/2 cup mixed vegetables

1/2 cup cottage cheese

Mix together and serve. Quite simple.

This recipe is based on feeding a 60 pound dog and should be adjusted to your dogs weight and eating habits.

Diabetic Dog Food Treat Recipe

1/2 cup wheat flour

2 eggs

1 and 1/2 pounds beef liver, cut into pieces

1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 celsius). Line a 10 x 15 in. jellyroll pan with parchment paper.

2) Place the liver into a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped. If there is room add the flour and eggs and process until smooth. Otherwise transfer into a bowl and stir in the flour and eggs until smooth. Spread evenly in the prepared pan.

3) Bake for 15 minutes in preheated oven, or until center is firm. Cool, then cut into squares. The treats will have a spongy consistency. Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator.

Homemade dog food recipes can be very beneficial for dogs with food allergies. It is very important to find out if it is a meat allergy so you can eliminate the offending meat. These recipes will include meat, but you can interchange the meat for any of the proteins mentioned previously.

Chicken Recipe

1 pound chicken chopped or ground

1 cup basmati (or hull free) rice

2 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup cooked cauliflower (or whatever vegetable your pooch enjoys)

1 teaspoon bone meal (provides calcium and can be purchased from many online suppliers)

Pet tab based on pet size (provides daily nutrition requirement also available online)

1/2 cup cream of wheat

Cook all (grinding the meal and pet tab together) then mix together in large bowl. Store in separate containers for daily feeding. This is also freezable for later use. Will store in fridge for up to three days.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Linda_Spangenburg

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Dog Bad Breath

By  Linda Spangenburg

Canine bad breath will take the fun out of holding your pet and getting those doggie kisses. This can also get so bad that nobody wants your pet around him or her. Of course this is embarrassing for you and hard on them because of the rejection they will receive. Nobody wants a stinky dog around them. But worse of all it can mean health problems for you pet.

We have all heard of "doggy breath" but truthfully a healthy dog does not have bad breath. There are many causes of this problem but the most common cause is the teeth and gums. Any cause of foul smelling breath or halitosis should be checked into as to the reason for this.

Canine dental care:

Periodontal disease can become very serious if not treated. Inflammation of the gums means infection of the tissue. If not treated this can predispose your pet to heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, arthritis and possibly other chronic diseases.

Plaque is caused from the acid in saliva and bacteria that sticks to the teeth. Calculus is the yellow brown material that sticks to the plaque. These cause an irritant and the beginning of periodontal disease.

Canine dentistry:

Canine bad breath is not something your dog should have. OK they don't have a sweet minty breath but it should in no way smell foul. His gums should be pink and healthy, his teeth white and firm.

Pet oral care:

Chewing is the natural way for a dog to clean their teeth. In the wild they would rip raw meat from the bone. Naturally the domesticated dog does not do this. So we must furnish our pets with chews that help clean their teeth.

Chew items can be bones (you must be careful as to what kind and they must be raw) rawhides and chew toys. Biscuits can make them fat if given too many so they are not much good for cleaning teeth.

Bones need to be raw and you must be careful as to what type you give them. Do not use cooked bones, poultry bones and pork bones as they can splinter and cause a number of problems and even death. So be very careful if you decide to give your pet a bone.

Chew toys are a great choice because they are made to encourage chewing. They are made up to endure the chewing and help to clean the teeth. A rawhide is fine once in awhile but you don't want to give your dog a steady diet of them. These also could cause them to gain weight and have problems if given too many.

Canine bad breath is not normal so please take care when this happens. Chances are it is his teeth but no matter what is causing it you want it treated. This is not only for your relief but for his comfort even more so than yours.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Linda_Spangenburg

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My dog has Bloat.What should I do?

Bloat in dogs ( known as Gastric dilatation volvulus) is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate veterinary care.  When bloat happens, the dog’s stomach fills fluid and food. The bigger stomach sets pressure on other organs and eventually may decrease blood supply to a dog’s vital organs. Even with immediate treatment, approximately 25% to 40% of dogs die from this medical emergency.
Causes of Bloat in Dogs
Bloat in dogs is likely caused by a multitude of factors, but in every case the immediate prerequisite is a dysfunction of the sphincter between the esophagus and stomach and an obstruction of outflow through the pylorus. Certain risk factors include: rapid eating or eating one large meal daily, dry food-only diet, overeating and heavy exercise after eating, fearful temperament, sometimes is stress, trauma and abnormal gastric motility or hormone secretion. Dogs with inflammatory bowel disease may be at an increased risk for bloat.
Symptoms of Bloat in Dogs

Dog bloat

Distended abdomen                
Excessive salivation
Pale gums
Rapid heartbea
Retching
Unfortunately, not all cases of bloat present with typical signs. A high rate of dogs with bloat have cardiac arrhythmias (40% in one study).  A dog that stands uncomfortably and seems to have abdominal pain for no apparent reason may be suffering from bloat or from a number of unrelated conditions. When a large, deep-chested dog is retching, restless and trying to vomit unproductively, painful and drooling, with a distended abdomen, he must be rushed to the nearby veterinary hospital, time is of the essence. Bloat can become fatal within a matter of minutes.
Treatment for Dogs bloat
Depending on your dog’s situation, a veterinarian will take an X-ray of the abdomen to assess the stomach’s position. The vet can extract the stomach and relieve gas and fluid pressure by inserting a tube down the esophagus.  Intravenous fluids may be started to reduce shock; bloodwork may be done to check for abnormalities, and a heart monitor may be set up. Most vets will still recommend surgery to permanently attach the stomach to the side of the abdomen in an attempt to prevent future episodes.
Photo credit: www.animalemergencyservice.com.au

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Valley fever in dogs- Symptoms and Treatment for Canine Valley Fever

Canine valley fever originates in a dog as he inhales the coccidioidomycosis fungal spores. These spores are frequently found in dirt as well as in arid areas of the desert. The fungus thrives well in sandy alkaline soils in regions with low rainfall, very high temperatures, as well as low elevation and dusty areas of the deep southwestern United States & especially in Arizona and California along with Texas. It also exists in Mexico and in parts of Central and South America. Although it's not typically fatal, the condition will progress to more severe health concerns, such as pneumonia and the symptoms becomes more detrimental and more pronounced.
Cause of Canine valley fever
Canine valley fever originates in a dog as he inhales the coccidioidomycosis fungal spores. When dogs disturb the soil when digging, they will breathe some of the fungus spores. Usually, the immune system will kill the infection. Even so, if the immune system won't act quick enough, the infection will spread to the lungs and the rest of the body.
Symptoms of valley fever in dogs
The symptoms of  valley fever in dogs do not usually start to surface until about three weeks post-infection. Sometimes, the dog don't possess any signs of a primary infection in the lungs, such as coughing, but is going to develop symptoms of disseminated disease(ie, lameness or seizures). Owners of affected dogs may notice one or more of the following signs in the early course of the disease:
Coughing
Fever
Difficulty breathing
Loss of appetite
The lungs are most often affected by this fungus. The lungs are certainly not really the only organs affected, as this illness may affect any tissue in your dog's body. Frequent symptoms include neck and back pain or seizures, a few dogs also develop skin ulcerations.
Treatment for Canine valley fever
Most dogs with Valley Fever are treated as outpatients. The vet may choose to administer an antifungal treatment (azoles include ketoconazole, itraconazole and fluconazole). For a ample antifungal therapy most dogs recover from the disease. Also,  dogs should be fed a high quality, particularly tasty diet with free access to fresh water. When this disease is properly treated, your dog will probably recover. Almost dogs begin back acting normally 7 days after treatment has begun. However, this illness might be fatal. Older dogs and puppies with a weak immune system have the most risk of dying from this disease.
Photo credit: www.thehonestkitchen.com

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All about Worms in Dogs

Worms are one of the most common health problems for dog. There are five types of worms that generally affect dogs: heartworms and roundworms, hookworms or tapeworms, and whipworms. Of these four only two are commonly seen in the stool with the unaided eye: roundworms and tapeworms. Therefore, it is important for you to learn how to tell if your dog has worms and obtain the appropriate medication.
Types of Worms in Dogs
+Roundworms
Roundworms are the most common type of worms, that can infect your dog's intestines. Usually spread in feces or while pregnancy and nursing, the roundworm causes a serious infection in dogs and puppies. They eats the food of its host and could cause diarrhea and other symptoms. If your dog is infected by these worms, then he will experience symptoms as:
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Weight loss
Itching
+Hookworms
Hookworms can enter through the skin of your dog to reach the lungs. Living mostly in the small intestine, hookworms suck the blood of its host. Young dogs  becomes infected from their mothers. Adult dogs is usually infected via their skin or when cleaning themselves. Infections will cause weakness and malnutrition or anemia and can lead to death in puppies. Also, hookworm infestation can also cause:
Coughing
Diarrhea
Skin dryness
Itchy feet
Bloody stools
Weight loss
+Heartworms
Heartworms are spread to dogs through mosquito bites. Out of all the worms, heartworms can be the most dangerous worms that can cause serious illnesses and even death of your pet dogs. Heartworms affect how the heart functions and how blood clots and is likely to cause death if untreated. Per month heartworm preventives are helpful. Symptoms of heartworms include:
Cough
Breathing difficulty
+Whipworms
As the name suggests these worms look like a whip and inhabit the intestines of the dog, especially the large intestine. Dogs can pick them up from contaminated soil or by grooming. Whipworms usually don't cause severe blood loss or other serious symptoms unless large numbers embed in the intestine. Symptoms of whipworms include
Weight loss
Bloody stools
+Tapeworms
Tapeworms are one of the most common parasites, that can infect your dogs. Dogs get tapeworms from licking themselves and eating fleas, which have them. Tapeworms absorb some of the dog’s nutrients from the intestine, the place they add. He tapeworm is composed of small segments, every about the size of a grain of rice. These segments can break off in the intestine of your dog and then come out with stools.
Vomiting
Weight loss
Abdominal pain
Treatment for Worms in Dogs
Worms in dogs are treated by first evaluating the severity of the infestation and determining what type of worm is involved. To cure dog worms, veterinarians would prescribe some wormer or medications such as ivermectin or pyrantel pamoate and praziquantel or fenbendazole and milbemycin oxime. The treatment and medication can differ substantially, based on the types of worms that have infected your dog.
Photo credit: www.howtodothings.com

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