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Ear Mites In Cats And Dogs

Wendell Ruben — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 15:33:05 +0000

Ear mites are tiny white insects that live in the ear canal. They most commonly find their way into the ears of cats, dogs, and other small and furry animals.

It is not common to find an infection of this type in humans. If it is suspected that you may have mites, visit your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Luckily if you do, they do not burrow and instead stay in the ear canal and feed off wax and skin oil.

Infection in animals is spread through direct contact with other infected animals. Outdoor pets are therefore the most commonly affected and infection spreads among animals very quickly. The mites, if untreated, will lead to a variety of health issues. These issues include skin diseases and infections in areas other than the ears as well as eventual deafness.

The symptoms are quite recognizable. The most commonly recognized feature is the appearance of dark and crumbly material in the ears. A close look may even result in finding the small white mites themselves amongst the debris. Incessant scratching, head shaking, imbalance, and the appearance of sores are other signs of this infection.

It is important to remember that even if these symptoms are present, if your pet has not come in contact with another and lives in doors, then it is likely they have some other type of medical problem. Your vet will be able to help you decipher the cause of the problem. Be sure to tell the vet that mites are very unlikely so that they do not automatically jump to this conclusion and prescribe and unnecessary and ineffective treatment.

Treatment of mites is relatively easy. Anti-parasitic treatments are the most popular. The ears need to be cleaned followed by application of the treatment. Vets can also supply injected treatments as well as oral medications.

Over-the-counter treatments can be found but they are the longest treatment option. These medications do not kill incubating eggs so the treatment will have to continue at least 21 days. If your pet is averse to medical treatments, this will be a long and uncomfortable time. Luckily prescription topical treatments only take about ten days and there are also several one time use products that are available from the vet that are effective.

This is a very uncomfortable infection to have as an animal and requires medical attention. It is important that it is treated relatively early in the infection so that complications do not manifest themselves as a more serious and more expensive medical problem for your pet.

Darn those nasty ear mites! They will not stop biting. Wait a second, with the right treatment for ear mites, you can put a stop to them. Listen to your pet and get help.

Keep Your Dog Healthy

oaktree — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 01:29:27 +0000

Pet owners absolutely love their pets, and dog owners are no different. People invest lots of time, energy, money, and love into their dogs. This means that dogs represent a large investment in many ways, so it’s worth it to pay special attention to their health. It’s definitely worth your time to learn at least some basic information about dog health if you own a dog. Dogs are very similar to people in many respects, and therefore, are also subject to many similar ailments. Fortunately there are many things that you can do to reduce the impact health problems that affect dogs if you just know a few tips. Dogs, especially those who are mature, are subject to bone and joint issues and eye problems. Their respiratory, nervous, cardiovascular and digestive systems are also subject to diseases and conditions. You may not be able to avoid these problems, but there are many ways to manage them.

Exercise is a very important part of a dog’s life. Some smaller breeds of dog are able to exercise indoors and therefore require little active participation. Many larger breeds require some human participation to get exercise. If you just let your dog go outside for a while, there’s a good chance that he’ll just find a nice shady spot, like under a tree, and lie down, not getting any exercise at all.. It is wise to actively participate in activities that will make sure your dog is getting enough exercise. Playing catch for 15 or 20 minutes a day or going for a walk with your dog are great ideas. Just like people, a proper diet can mean good health, attitude, and energy levels. A bad diet can be fatal for dogs, so a serious approach to dietary habits is important. Dry dog food tends to be the better options over wet brands. Wet dog food can cause dietary and dental problem and are generally not as nutritional as dry dog food. Remember to always give your dog access to clean, cold water. Vitally important for your dog’s health is avoiding foods that can be fatal. Make sure you dog doesn’t eat oleander, chocolate, raisins, coffee, mushrooms or raw meat.

If your dog exhibits signs of illness, discomfort or anxiety, you should take notice. Be mindful of significant changes in your dog’s behavior, as well as their water and food consumption. Changes in a dog’s regular eating pattern are often the first clue you’ll have that something is wrong. If you see any behavioral changes, discuss them with your veterinarian.

Regular visits to the veterinarian are a critical part of your pet’s health plan. It is important to catch potential problems early and to deal with the issue before it progresses. Also be sure to keep all vaccinations and other routine health precautions up to date. This is important in eliminating issues before they begin. If you don’t already have health insurance for your dog, you should look into a pet insurance comparison. Taking money out of the equation makes it much easier to go to the vet regularly.

Just like people, dogs need a lot of attention and love. Dogs that are well treated and know that they are loved and cared for tend to have better overall health. Also, changes in a pet’s attitude and general health are more likely to be noticed quickly by a loving owner. Science is proving that emotional well being has a great influence on physical health. And of course emotional health has a lot to do with the amount of love and attention a dog gets. A happy, well-loved dog will live a longer, happier life.

Of course each dog is different and has different needs. Find out more about your dog’s breed. Do some research on the internet. Talk to your veterinarian. Learn what issues are likely to affect a dog of that breed and age. Your dog should like a long, happy life with an intelligent and loving approach from you.

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Some Simple Steps For Treating Mange

Wendell Ruben — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 10:27:17 +0000

You can not bear it any more. You cringe every time you see your dog starting to nip and bite at her hind quarters. What could it be? Mange? There are three different types of this condition. All three can be treated in order to return your dog to health.

The Demodectic variety of this condition is probably the most common form. A miniscule mite, named Demodex canis is to blame for this condition that even healthy dogs can develop. Sometimes, when the mite population explodes, it can cause your pet a lot of discomfort. Most of the times, the demodectic condition appears as a single or a couple spots which will clear up on their own.

Those small spots tend to clear up without any treatment. However, when a dog develops bald, red, spots all over the body, this is a sign of a major infestation and would require intense treatment in order to get it under control. This often comes in the form of an insecticidal dip, sometimes applied as often as twice a week for up to eight weeks.

If your dog has scaly looking dry flaky skin around its neck and or back, chances are it has “walking dandruff”, the common name for Cheyletiella. This version of the condition is caused by a large red mite. Although it only causes minor itching, it is a major concern as it can spread very easily to other dogs.

So if the dog has been to the kennel recently and has now been diagnosed with this problem, you are advised to contact the kennel and let them know. Otherwise, this mite could spread to other dogs and infect them too. The kennel will likely spray their facilities to prevent the mite from finding a new furry friend to live with.

Scabies is sometimes called sarcoptic mange when it appears on dogs. This infectious illness is sometimes hard to diagnose as it also resembles conditions such as allergies, the demodectic and even ringworm. However, it is important to treat it immediately as the mite which is responsible for the severe itching not only likes dogs and cats as hosts, but also humans.

If your dog exhibits signs that may point to mange, bring them to the veterinarian as quickly as possible. If scabies or walking dandruff are indicated, make certain to also treat any other furry animal friends at home. Clean bedding, vacuuming carpets and the sofa can prevent the spread of these pesky pests and return your pet and you to sanity and health.

When your pet has mange, this can be a sad sight. Did you know that there is a mange cure? We have mange treatment that will put a stop to the problems.

Taking Care Of Your Aging Dog

oaktree — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 02:05:32 +0000

Pet owners place a great value on the companionship of their beloved dogs and cats. This is the reason for the high quality medical care that most pets enjoy. Pets can get treatment for almost any kind of problem that humans receive medical care for. However, there are just as many people that do not care to consider dog health concerns that might exist as they get a little bit older.

Through the course of these paragraphs, you will get a good look at a few different aspects of this general topic. You are going to get some good things to do to take care of your aging four-legged friend. Additionally, you are going to get a brief breakdown of some common issues that dogs have as they age. Perhaps you will be able to diagnose a potential problem early to combat the condition.

One very important and basic step towards keeping your dog strong and healthy is choosing the right dog food for your aging pet. Just like humans, dogs’ nutritional needs change as they get older. There are special blends of foods available that are enriched with the minerals and vitamins that can help older dogs stay healthy and strong as they get on in years.

This also means that you are going to have to keep a mindful eye on the amount of food that they are eating every single day. While you are still going to want to get them regular meals, you are not going to want to overfeed them, as this can be very detrimental to their health in the later years of their life. Just like people, if they take in more calories than they use, they’ll become overweight. This makes it hard for them to move around, which can make life very difficult.

A good dog owner is aware of some of the conditions that dogs are likely to face as they get older. Being able to spot these or prepare yourself for their possibility could be beneficial for both you and the animal that you care for. Almost all dogs get arthritis at some point in your life. Did you dog used to follow you everywhere, but now he doesn’t want to go up and down the stairs frequently? It is difficult for him to get up after he’s been laying still for a while? Joint pain can be managed with medication from your veterinarian. Make sure you get pet insurance now so that this kind of cost will be covered when the time comes.

Sometimes older dogs’ coats start to look a little thinner as less lustrous. Supplements available at the pet store can be used to improve his coat, making it thick and healthy. Over time, though, the supplements may not do the trick completely. In this case you’ll need to visit the veterinarian and see if there are any other problems.

You have to be prepared for the fact that their eyes and ears are going to suffer as a result of their getting older as well. So what this means is, you are likely going to have to provide some provisions for them in the way of smoother paths to their favorite spots and a little more patience when you are calling for them to meet you somewhere.

Really, a dog that is in its golden years is one that has given you the best years of its life. You need to focus on taking care of it as much as it has cared for you throughout its life. Starting early and being aware of what’s coming are a great start.

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Examining Basic Info About Mange

Wendell Ruben — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 18:59:35 +0000

One of the more unfortunate issues that pets often become afflicted with is a condition known as mange. When this disease begins manifesting, the results can often be dramatic and unsettling, especially if pet owners are very close to their pets. Luckily, the issue is usually not very serious and can be treated effectively.

Mange is defined as a very persistent and contagious skin disease. It is actually an infestation of the epidermis by small, parasitic mites. These mites will burrow into the skin of the animal, feeding on the skin, oil glands and hair follicles. The results can be very unsettling and need to immediately be treated.

This issue is most commonly associated with animals, especially animals with fur like cats and dogs. They can infest other animals though, and can even inhabit humans. People, however, are not a suitable host for the parasite and they tend to die off within a week or so after infecting a person.

When the symptoms of this issue manifest, then can be very troubling for those unfamiliar with this common problem. An initial symptom is severe itching made noticeable by frequent scratching. Fur will often begin falling out in large clumps. The pet can become very stress, often leading to weakness and weight loss. If left without treatment, the issue can become fatal

Prevention is the ideal way of dealing with this very common problem. This, unfortunately, is very difficult to accomplish. The infestation is very easily passed on from host to host through simple physical contact. The only real way of preventing the issue is to keep your pets away from stray animals or other animals that you suspect may carry the disease. Also important is a keeping the animal health through good hygiene and a healthy diet.

There are many treatment options available, however, it is best that you speak with a veterinarian before beginning any procedures. Allow the vet to examine the dog for the severity of the condition and the best treatment options for the pet. These options usually take the form of medicated injections and dips.

The skin disease known as mange is a very common issue for pet owners. It is very important, however, that you take the issue seriously and speak with a veterinarian. The issue can become very serious if gone untreated, so consult a vet to discuss the severity of the issue and the treatment options that will help prevent a worsening of the issue and prevent more problems for your pet.

Get complete details on a fast and effective cure for mange today! When you are looking for the mange medicine that will treat your pet quickly, you can find it now!

How To Diagnose And Get Rid Of Canine Mange

Wendell Ruben — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 17:57:31 +0000

The term of mange can be used to describe a parasitic infestation of mites in the skin and hair. Two types of mites can cause this condition, although both kinds will cause the same symptoms. Itchy, crusty areas that the dog scratches at can be an indication that your dog has these mites. The dog may scratch and bite excessively in an attempt at relief, and may cause further issues by doing so.

The canine scabies mite is one common mite that can cause mange. It is also known as sarcoptes scabiei canis, or scabies. These mites live under the skin and can be passed to other pets and people. It can affect all dogs, but is more likely in animals that are not well cared for.

The other type found in dogs is caused by the demodex mite. It is normally present on the skin, and may not cause problems. For some dogs that may have a sensitivity or suppressed immune system, these mites can get out of control. If the dog’s immune system is unable to fight them off, the mites can overpopulate the skin.

Mange is a not always easy to diagnose. Commonly, a scraping of an affected skin area is taken and viewed under a microscope to see if mites are present. This can result in a false negative diagnosis. Another test called the Pedal Pinna reflex may work, especially if the scraping showed no indication. The ear areas are scratched, and if the dog responds by a pedaling action or scratching motion with the hind foot or feet, mites can be suspected.

A dog that has a suspected case of mange should be separated from other pets and people as soon as possible. Bedding and any places the dog frequents should be washed or treated with a spray to ensure there is no cross contamination or reinfestation.

There are several methods that can be used to get rid of the mites, and all can be effective. Rinses, skin drips and oral medications have all proven to be effective, however may not always work and might require re-treatment. Always complete all treatments, even if it seems that the mites are gone. There may be eggs present that will hatch and cause a reinfestation.

Any medical issues with your dog should always be brought to the attention of a veterinarian. Prescription treatments to remove mites are the most effective way of ridding your dog of these pests, and are only available with a prescription. Home remedies can be dangerous, and often have little or no effect.

There are several different types of mites than can cause the misery of mange in your pets. It is important to treat the animal with mange cream or mange spray in order to provide relief from burning and itching.

Sarcoptic Mites Brings The More Severe Symptoms For Mange?

Wendell Ruben — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 14:09:24 +0000

Dogs that have mange are going to be noticeably miserable. The scratching and digging is constant and will sometimes go one until affected areas are bleeding sores. You should never let a dog get to this point in any skin condition. Once you see a scratching problem that is getting out of hand, a trip to the vet should be imminent.

Sarcoptic and demodectic mites are the two most common mites that cause mange in dogs. The symptoms you may see are going to be similar. However, the severity of the sarcoptic mite damage is a lot worse than that of demodectic mites. Your vet will be able to tell you which one you are dealing with and the best treatment for it.

The symptoms for each of these types of mange are similar. The only real way to tell the difference is through a skin scraping test at your vet. The scraping can be viewed to determine the kind of microscopic mite at work on your dogs skin. If you notice itchy and red skin due to constant scratching, your best bet is to take a trip to the vet.

You may be given a shampoo that is Mitoban or you may be able to use Ivermectin if your dog is not a collie or mixed in breed with a collie. Collies have severe reactions to Ivermectin that can be deadly. Use these medicated treatments carefully and follow the vets orders precisely for the best results.

Many people worry they will get the skin trouble their dog has. In fact, humans have their own kind of mange and it is about the same as the kind dogs get, but not exactly. Sarcoptic mites for humans and dogs are different, but they produce the same kinds of symptoms. If you are bitten by a mite that is from a dog, you will have red welting in that area. The only way you will have the complete symptoms is being around human sarcoptic mites, or scabies.

If you are having trouble with your pet being extremely itchy, you should first consult with your veterinarian. Many skin conditions carry the same symptoms as mange, but they also may be the signal of underlying diseases as well. Some disease can present in a dog with loss of hair, swelling, and itching. Only the qualified diagnosis of a vet should cause you to treat for certain ailments involving the skin.

You will also need to treat the areas in your home and yard where your dog lies at the most. Bedding materials are most likely hiding places for mange mites that are not attached to a host. Use hot water and disinfectant to make sure you have gotten rid of these mites.

Find a wide selection of Mange treatment that will remedy this condition fast! If your pet is suffering from mange, ear mites, or other conditions, you can find the best treatment quickly!

Health Care For Labrador Retrievers

Coleen Smith — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 19:06:48 +0000

You’ve welcomed your newest family member into your home, you’ve purchased all the crucial things, like dog food and a soft bed, gotten him a checkup and shots and started obedience lessons. Now it’s time to sit back and relax, right? Wrong.

Most dogs, especially purebreds, will need more than preventative veterinary treatment at some stage in their life. It might be something pretty trivial, such as a broken leg or a skin rash, or it might be major, such as a chronic disease or an unknown malady. It could take place when your Lab is young and apparently strong, or it might come as he ages. Your beloved canine might go to see the vet no more than a few times over the years, or he could be one of those that your vet knows by name.

From a financial point of view, the uncertaintly is the difficulty. You could make plans if you knew how much you would spend on medical care over your dog’s lifetime. You could put money aside every month to cover the expenses.

But as any pet owner can attest, that’s not how it works. When your pet needs expensive health care, it usually happens suddenly and unexpectedly. While you’re stressing about whether your dog is going to be okay, in the back of your mind you’re also worried about how much this is going to cost. Then of course you feel guilty because how can you think of cost at a time like this?

There is a way to reduce the tension about your wallet at a time like this. Make a plan to handle the medical expenses before your pet gets hurt or ill. Carry out your own pet insurance comparison to identify the one that offers the best possible protection for the cost for your Labrador while she’s still a baby – if at all possible before he has the opportunity to get sick or hurt!

Purebred dogs like Labrador Retrievers are the most costly to insure. There’s a reasonable explanation behind this. Dogs are more likely to need costly health care than cats, partially because they get into more mishaps. Cats can stay out all night, dodging dogs, cars and other dangers. Dogs, especially young ones, are more prone to run out into the street or have some other accident.

Purebred dogs are more susceptible to certain diseases than mixed breeds. Labrador Retrievers are susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia, cataracts and skin allergies. Hopefully you got your puppy from a reputable breeder who made sure that your dog’s parents were free from these problems before they bred them. Even so, these types of issues keep cropping up for Labs, and they often mean pricey vet bills.

Make sure to check whether the pet insurance policy you’re considering covers hereditary conditions. Those that do will naturally cost more, but it’s worth it. After all, the reason you need a pet insurance policy in the first place is to guard against large unpredicted costs. If you buy insurance based only on price, you might find out at the worst possible time that you aren’t covered as well as you thought you were. That defeats the point of purchasing veterinary insurance in the first place.

Take your time and evaluate several policies. Don’t settle on one unless it meets your needs. It’s out there.

Written by Coleen Smith VIP Pet Insurance Labrador Rescue

Why Is The Dog Throwing Up

oaktree — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 17:33:57 +0000

Dog owners would already be accustomed to occasionally seeing their dog throwing up. The retching sound being made by a vomiting dog can make an owner vault as often times the pet would choose to upchuck the contents of the stomach on the carpet. It would really be very annoying if the dog would not finish throwing up in one place but would transfer to another to deposit another heap of vomit. In times like this wouldnt you want to vanish the dog to Neverland?

A dog owner should not be surprised if the dog throws up as these animals are indiscriminate eaters. Dogs would eat anything – edible and non-edible. Objects that are not supposed to be in the stomach will be rejected by the dogs system. Vomiting is natures way of removing the offending objects. Dogs have a reputation for being ravenous eaters. Fill the doggie bowl and the food will be gone in an instant. Throwing up can be the result of the dogs fast eating habit as excess food that can no longer be accommodated by the stomach would have to be expulsed. A dog may have chronic or acute bouts of vomiting. Dog owners need not worry about the sudden onset of vomiting as long as the dog exhibits a normal level of energy and has not lost the eagerness for food. Generally, acute vomiting is not life threatening. Often times throwing up is a onetime occurrence and after the offending contents of the stomach are expulsed, the pet would be back in its normal voracious-eating self. Acute vomiting though can also be a medical emergency. Dogs are very curious animals. These adorable creatures may have ingested poisonous substances or objects that were swallowed are too large to pass the smaller intestinal tract. Throwing up caused by poisoning or blockage of the intestinal tract would need immediate medical attention.

A seemingly healthy dog that has recurring bouts of vomiting may have an underlying medical condition. Chronic vomiting can be caused by distemper, parvovirus or by intestinal parasite infestation. Other causes are inflammatory bowel disease, allergies and pancreatitis. Chronic vomiting can lower the energy level and result to a less than appealing appearance of the dog given the fact that the body would not benefit from the nutrients of the food thus to prevent this situation from happening, the dog must receive prompt medical attention. Vomiting is normal in dogs, pet owners have to be observant to know if the dog needs medical attention as throwing up may not be due to overeating but to life threatening concern.

What You Should Do If Your Dog Eats Chocolate

Owen Jones — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 15:50:19 +0000

We all love our dogs, don’t we? We love to give them a little delicacy sometimes as well. Some dogs are so charming when they beg for a bit of what you are eating, but the fact is that some foods that are alright for us to eat are not so good for dogs. This ought not come as much of a surprise as you would almost certainly be quite ill too if you ate a half-rotten rat that you found in the hedgerow.

The main human food that will kill your dog is chocolate or more precisely the theobromine in the chocolate. Some chocolate has more theobromine in it than others. For example, white chocolate has only 1 mg of theobromine per 28 g (1 oz) whereas baking chocolate has 450 mg per 28 g.

So how much theobromine does it take to poison a dog? Well, the answer to that depends on several considerations like age and health but most significantly the weight of the dog. Let us say that an average, knee-high, collie-type dog weighs 20 kilos (about 45 lbs.), then it would take about 250 kg (560 lbs) of white chocolate to harm him, but he probably would have exploded by then anyway having eaten 12.5 times his body weight in food.

However, the scenario changes quickly when we examine other types of chocolate. It would take about 1.5 kg (3 lbs) of milk chocolate to have the same outcome and about a third of that in sweet cacao or half-a-kilo (1 lb). The most hazardous substance is baking chocolate. It only takes just over 100g or four and a half ounces of baking chocolate to give a medium sized dog life threatening problems.

Therefore, the biggest danger would be of a dog eating a chocolate cake with chocolate icing or topping. Children are the worst, albeit innocent, culprits: they frequently give dogs cake at parties and it is one to look out for.

So, what should you do if your dog eats chocolate? It depends on the quantity and the quality and your dog. The safest thing would be to take him to the vet as soon as possible, but if you are confident you could wait for symptoms like vomitting, diarrhea, twitching, seizure, palpitations or undue wetting.

Theobromine attacks a dog’s central nervous system so not all dogs will react in the same way, but you will definitely discern that your dog is perplexed, befuddled and distraught.

If you decide to treat your dog yourself, the first thing you should do is stimulate vomitting all the while comforting your dog. A 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide should do the trick. Give your dog a teaspoon full if it is under 10 kg and a tablespoon if it is over 10 kg. Give every 15 minutes until it takes effect. After this, try to get some activated carbon into him to soak up any residual poison. Follow the directions on the packet.

If you live miles from anywhere or you think that your dog is at high risk (the school vacation season is the worst), you could get a pet’s first aid box from your vet. They are not expensive and have a long shelf life and you will not be caught out if someone gives your dog chocolate.

Owen Jones, the author of this article writes on quite a few subjects, but is at present concerned with researching What to do if your dog eats chocolate. If you would like to know more, please go to our website at http://whattodoifyourdogeatschocolate.com.

Dog Collar & More » Dog Health

Ear Mites In Cats And Dogs

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Keep Your Dog Healthy

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Some Simple Steps For Treating Mange

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Taking Care Of Your Aging Dog

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Examining Basic Info About Mange

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How To Diagnose And Get Rid Of Canine Mange

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Sarcoptic Mites Brings The More Severe Symptoms For Mange?

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Health Care For Labrador Retrievers

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Why Is The Dog Throwing Up

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What You Should Do If Your Dog Eats Chocolate

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