Constant itching, scratching, head shaking, and skin or ear infections are the norm for dogs with severe seasonal allergies. Not only are these symptoms frustrating for dogs, but they can be aggravating for pet owners as well. Many veterinarians are touting prescription Apoquel as a miracle cure for allergies. What are the benefits and side effects of Apoquel, and is this solution right for you and your dog? These questions, and more, will be discussed. Photo by: www.lifeinthedoglane.com Allergies in Dogs Dogs experience many of the same allergies as humans, including grass, pollen, mold, weeds, dust mites, and even pet dander. The main difference is how allergies manifest in dogs. Instead of sneezing, watery eyes, and congestion, dogs experience a whole-body histamine release. This reaction causes extreme itching, scratching, and yeast overgrowth. There are many ways to minimize a dog’s reaction to allergens. However, not all of them are feasible for...
Continue reading » Dog HealthNo Comment A daily battle in most pet friendly households is dog hair. For us, we seem to find dog hair in the most unlikely places: in our microwave, in the refrigerator, on the toilet seat, and on our ceiling fans. Over the past year it has become increasingly clear that my Daredevil handheld vacuum cleaner was no longer able to keep up with the amount of fur my two dogs were shedding. After a quick online search, I came across the Shark Cordless Pet Perfect II 18-Volt Handheld Vacuum and immediately purchased it after reading the raving reviews. Below is my opinion of this life-changing product. Shark Vacuums Prior to my desperate internet search, I had never heard of the Shark brand. I was immediately impressed by the number of positive online reviews. I specifically wanted a handheld vacuum cleaner that was designed to pick up pet hair. The fact that...
Continue reading » Dog Product ReviewsNo Comment All dogs require exercise, with certain breeds requiring a larger time commitment than others. However, not all dog owners are able to commit to giving their dogs two 15 – 30+ minute walks per day. Lack of adequate exercise results in boredom, anxiety, and bad behavior. Obesity and related diseases can also occur when a dog is improperly exercised. For these reasons, many dog owners hire dog walkers. Is a dog walker right for you? Here, the pros and cons of hiring a dog walker will be discussed. Benefits of Hiring a Dog Walker Saves Time Ultimately, hiring a dog walker saves time for pet owners. Most dog walkers commit to exercising their canine clients for 30 – 60 minutes per day. In addition, they typically provide extra services at no charge, such as refilling food and water bowls, bringing in mail, and giving treats. Fewer Accidents Even adult...
Continue reading » PlanningNo Comment Do you think raising a puppy is hard? Try raising a puppy that is pregnant with a litter of puppies herself! What most pet owners are surprised to learn is that dogs can become sexually active and mature early in their lives. Listed here is everything you wanted to know (or not) about your dog’s sexual health but were afraid to ask. When Does a Dog Become Sexually Active? Dogs can become sexually active at a surprisingly young age, which is dependent upon their gender. Female Dogs Female dogs experience their first estrus at 4 – 6 months of age. In general, small breed dogs reach puberty earlier, while larger dogs may not “come into season” until 2 years of age. As dogs grow older their heat cycles may become irregular, but they will never stop ovulating entirely. If heat cycles disappear, an underlying health issue is likely to blame. ...
Continue reading » Dog HealthNo Comment If you own a giant-breed dog, such as a Great Dane, Mastiff, or Irish Wolfhound, chances are you are already aware of Bloat – a silent killer of dogs. While Bloat is most common in large dogs with barrel-type chests and tucked waists, this deadly disorder can affect all dog breeds, yet few owners are aware of the condition. Everything you need to know about Bloat is discussed below. Image credit: www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com What is Bloat? When an excessive amount of air, food, or water enters a dog’s stomach and causes discomfort, Bloat has occurred. A second stage of Bloat, called Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), occurs when the stomach flips over on its horizontal axis and cuts off the blood supply to the stomach, rapidly leading to tissue death and organ failure. What are the Symptoms of Bloat? Bloat symptoms include a visibly distended stomach that is hard to the touch, as well...
Continue reading » Dog HealthNo Comment The quest to find the perfect dog breed for your family can be difficult. Pet owners should match activity level, space requirements, and trainability with their individual needs. Listed here are considerations pet owners should make before purchasing or adopting a Bulldog. Cost English bulldogs are among the most expensive of breeds because of the cost that goes into their health and care. A well-bred Bulldog will cost $1,500 – $4,000. Potential Bulldog owners should ask themselves whether they are willing to pay this price, as a poorly-bred Bulldog may be prone to a myriad of serious (and expensive) health problems. Why is the cost so high? Part of the reason is that English Bulldogs have a difficult time reproducing. This breed is known for having an exceptionally wide head and body. Adult Bulldogs are unable to reproduce naturally, and therefore must be artificially inseminated. Additionally, it is rare for...
Continue reading » Dog BreedsNo Comment There are many reasons to discourage your dog from jumping onto furniture, including injury prevention and pain management. Instead, pet steps can be utilized to encourage your dog to climb onto furniture in a safer way. Numerous sizes, styles, and heights of pet steps are available. Here, the Up Pup 4-Step Dog Stairs will be reviewed. About Up Pup 4-Step Dog Stairs The Up Pup 4-Step Dog Stairs are extremely lightweight, carpeted pet steps. These steps stand 28’’ tall and weigh 2 lbs. They are also available in other heights. The steps are two-tone in color, with cream colored carpeting covering the face of the steps and dark brown fabric covering the rest of the structure. This covering can be removed and washed in a washing machine. According to the manufacturer, the Up Pup 4-Step Dog Stairs can support up to 200 lbs. Why We Purchased Up Pup 4-Step Dog...
Continue reading » Dog Product Reviews, Dog ProductsNo Comment This is not enough water for your dog Water is essential for good health, yet many dogs are chronically dehydrated. Here, everything a dog owner needs to know about dehydration and dogs will be discussed. Why is Hydration for Dogs Important? Adequate hydration is necessary for all mammals because it aids in nutrient transport and absorption, proper digestion and metabolism, and body temperature regulation. Dogs that are dehydrated can suffer serious health problems such as diarrhea, vomiting, heat stroke, heart failure, kidney disease, seizures, and death. How do Dogs Become Dehydrated? Unlike humans, dogs are unable to carry a water bottle with them for easy hydration throughout the day. Instead, they must wait for times when cool, clean water is available (Amazon carries some nice dog water bottles that can be found here). Additional factors that affect hydration include climate, body size and shape, coat condition, age, pre-existing health conditions,...
Continue reading » Dog Health, Dog Safety, Food/TreatsNo Comment Treats are an integral part of daily life for most dogs and their owners. Regardless of whether you are teaching your dog an important skill, encouraging good behavior, or simply showing your pet some love, treats are useful. For dog owners with pets who have food allergies or sensitivities, finding the right foods can be difficult. Here, a limited ingredient treat manufactured by Natural Balance will be reviewed. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Treat Jumpin’ Stix – Venison and Sweet Potato Natural Balance Jumpin’ Stix are manufactured by the Natural Balance company, which specializes in limited ingredient dog food. The Natural Balance company formulates their food and treats from wholesome, high quality ingredients that are easy to digest and are safe for pets. Natural Balance Jumpin’ Stix are formulated for dogs who require a grain free, limited ingredient diet and who also have joint mobility concerns. These treats are free from...
Continue reading » Dog Product Reviews, Dog Products, Food/TreatsNo Comment After a dog has surgery – whether for a routine procedure or an emergency – there is a level of care that must be taken to ensure your dog does not have complications. Here, everything a pet owner should know about caring for a dog after surgery will be discussed. Types of Surgery Dogs require surgery for a variety of reasons. Surgeries range from minimally to highly invasive. Types of surgery include: Spay / Neuter Orthopedic Cardiovascular Tumor Removal Gastric Wound Repair The more invasive the surgery, the greater the risk of infection. For instance, a neuter has fewer complications than a spay. Additionally, a dog bite carries the greatest risk of infection because of bacteria introduced from the other animal’s mouth. Wound-Closing Methods There are many different types of wound-closing methods, each of which has advantages, disadvantages, and care requirements. The most common wound-closing methods are: Absorbable Stitches Absorbable...
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