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Dog Vomiting Bile

Some dogs are more prone to stomach disorders and may vomit a watery fluid (bile), after eating too much or eating something the poor pooch isnt used to. The second reason could be due to an underlying liver infection, which may be causing the condition. In order to know the reasons for your dog vomiting bile, you will need to seek a vets medical advice. The problem may arise when the vomiting is regular and is affecting the dogs general behavior, demeanor, and well-being.

Why Is Your Dog Vomiting?

Eating Grass
Dogs tend to eat grass when they have upset stomachs, which when eaten in excess will be regurgitated as bile. This may explain the reason for your dog throwing up yellowish bile. The problem lies in the fact that the dogs stomach is upset, which if cured will prevent it from eating grass. So you will need to find out whats causing the upset stomach in your pooch.

Processed Tin Foods
Not all dogs can digest the artificially processed dog foods available commercially. Perhaps the chemicals and the preservatives in the food are making the dog ill. Or this food is difficult for your dog to digest. Or perhaps your dog is allergic to a particular chemical in the processed food.

Gastritis
Dogs will vomit bile if they have not been eating properly and have been starving themselves. The lack of food will cause a build up of gas in the dogs stomach, making it nauseous and thus making the dog throw up bile. The reason bile is regurgitated is because there isnt much food in the dogs tummy, thus causing the stomachs natural fluids to react against the digestive system. Find out the reason for your dogs low appetite and rectify it immediately. Some reasons could be stress, fear, solitude or food allergy.

Worms in the Stomach
The reason for vomiting bile in dogs could also be due to worms in the stomach. Worms can cause several health problems in dogs, such as stomach upset, loss of appetite or even overeating. Get the dog to have anti-worm medications, after taking prescriptions from your vet.

Liver Infection or Stomach Ulcers
A non-obvious infection in the liver can cause the dog to vomit. This condition could be due to any possible reason and if you suspect a rather severe case as this, you must get your dog checked. The second possibility could be due to stomach ulcers, which often cause pets to gag and vomit clear fluids. In case there are ulcers, you will need to feed the dog boiled food with no added condiments.

Poisoning
My friends pug once ate a grasshopper and had to be rushed to the vet after a day or so, because the dog kept vomiting fluid, throughout the day and was extremely nauseous. Which is why make sure you keep an eye on what your dog may be poking its nose into, while taking it for a walk. Keep it away from garbage and insects.

Preventive Measures

Medications
Give only vet approved medication to your dog. However medicines such as pepcid are safe to use and are excellent for reducing the vomiting as well as the nausea. Make sure your dog drinks adequate amounts of water, so that it remains hydrated at all times.

Feed Home Cooked Meals
Try to gradually reduce the quantity of tinned food and instead make your dog eat home cooked food. Remember to not add any oil or spices to the dogs food. The more bland the food, the better is will be for the dog. Use plenty of vegetables, so that it can be excreted as roughage.

Feed Regularly All Day Long
Give very small helpings of food to the dog throughout the day, so that it will not go hungry. The objective is to keep the tummy full, so that there is no possibility of gas building up in excess. Give your dog healthy food and small treats, after every meal. Moist food helps sooth the poochs stomach, so you should feed it meals which are cooked in the form of porridge or as semisolid soup.

Keep Meal Time Calm
Do not let the dog feel obliged to eat and instead make it eager. Treat it with love and care and speak to it in a soothing tone, encouraging it to eat. Keep all distraction away, and let the pet eat in a less noisy room. Do not let children trouble it, as the dog may not necessarily enjoy their company at all times. If its possible for you, try to be around the dog so that it feels safe.

Also ensure that your dog gets adequate rest and is not forced into activity. It will automatically come to you when it wants to go out for a small walk or relieve itself. The above mentioned reasons for dog vomiting bile are often the most commonly occurring and influencing factors.

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Jobs for Dog Lovers

It is every dog lovers dream to be able to spend as much time as they can with their favorite animal. If you had the chance to look after them and get paid in the process, wouldnt you do it? More and more animal lovers are realizing that they can convert their passion for animals into a proper profession. For those who cannot afford to have pets of their own, because of financial constrains, housing limitations, or strict/allergic parents or spouses, can try looking for jobs than involve taking care of dogs. Every dog lover will find something useful from the list mentioned below. Nonetheless, we will proceed from the easiest to the rather complicated list of jobs for dog lovers, in terms of the time and money spent by you in learning and practicing the job. It must also be noted that there are no fix margins to the income you can earn, as the rates may fluctuate from bigger cities to smaller ones. The second constraint is that your earnings will depend a lot on your clientele and how much are you willing to charge them for your services.

List of Careers for Dog Lovers

1 - Dogs Daycare
You can work in a dog-care facility or become a dog-care owner if you have the initial capital to invest for a lease and incorporation of your business. If not, you can simply work for a dog daycare unit. The concept is similar to child daycare centers, wherein people with busy schedule can get their pet dogs to the daycare facility. It will be your responsibility to look after the dogs, take them out for walks, feed them, and play with them.

2 - Dog Walker
This is an ideal job for people with plenty of free time and also happens to be a well paid job, especially if you are walking dogs in big cities. At an average, youll be paid anywhere between US $15-20 on an hourly basis. You can take 2-4 dogs out for a walk together at one time, thereby increasing your average pay on a daily basis.

3 - Dog Sitter
This job entails that you look after the dogs of a particular family for a few hours, or days, if they are out of station or cannot be at home. It will be you responsibility to look after the dogs as if they were your own and see to it that all their needs are met. You can earn about US $50-100 for every day spent with the dogs and bargain on the sum youll be paid for every hour spent taking care of the dogs.

4 - Dog Rescue and Shelter
You may volunteer to work in a dog shelter, where you can bestow all your love and care for these abandoned, ill, and disabled dogs. Youll be doing these dogs a big favor by looking after them and being kind to them. You could also volunteer to rescue dogs who are in danger.

5 - Dog Grooming
A very interesting job, especially for women who can use their beauty expertise, for grooming dogs! You will need to learn all there is about bathing dogs, cleaning their fur, nails, teeth, etc. You will also need to learn how to give dogs hairstyles and hair trims. This is a financially stable job and will pay you really good money.

6 - Cooking Meals for Dogs
You can open your own store which sells organic and natural foods made especially for dogs and cats. When you think about it, all the canned foods have added preservatives and chemicals. A cheaper option would be to have a page online where people can order for food, or call you and can get it delivered or personally come and take the package.

7 - Dog Trainer
If youre good with dogs and have a knack at training these adorable pets, then you may seriously consider training dogs as a profession. You do not need a degree for this job, which makes it a convenient option, for teenagers and college students who wish to take this as more than just a hobby!

8 - Pet Supplies
You can always work at a pet supplies store where the clients are allowed to bring their pets along. This will be an excellent opportunity for you to spend time with a lot of dogs, as well as learn about the nuances involved in maintaining such a store. You may use this information, for starting your own venture some day.

9 - Dog Breeder
This is no cakewalk and is not everyones cup of tea. In order to become a professional dog breeder, you must first register yourself as one, as per the laws of your state. Dog lovers are usually very well-informed about dog breeds and can easily distinguish between a pure breed and a mixed/inferior breed. Youll need to be aware about the various diseases that affect particular dog breeds and how to treat it. You will also need to learn about the type of food you must feed each breed and how to groom them. All of this is necessary for providing your clients with the information theyre seeking.

10 - Dog Behaviorist
It will be your job to train other peoples dogs to follow commands and become guard dogs. You will need to teach the dogs how to detect danger and help in rescue missions. It is a very tedious job and requires you to either have your own training center or you to personally go and teach the dogs at their homes. You will need to get a dog trainer certification in order to be able to practice this job. The course is not very expensive and can be easily cleared. How much you earn depends completely on how much you quote and how much you are charged. This job requires a lot of knowledge about dogs, patience and a strict demeanor around difficult and aggressive dogs.

11 - Vet Technician
You will need to pay for getting this certification and it takes time in order to complete the course. However, if you can afford it, it is a very rewarding job because it will allow you to save the lives of ill and injured dogs. It is also a well-paying job. The next best option is to become a full-fledged veterinarian doctor, however the only flip side is that you will need to treat other animals as well.

These are a few jobs which you can do without investing too much money and time. It depends on you as to how much time you would like to spend with the dogs and on the job. It can either become a full-time job or be treated as a part-time option. For those who wish to take up the job as a profession, they can try opening a business in a few years time which deals with taking care of dog and their every need such as their grooming, training, accessories, toys, food, kennels, and exercise. Good Luck!

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Homemade Dog Shampoo

Bathing your dog is an important grooming ritual. As a pet owner, youd obviously want whats best for your pet, and that automatically includes grooming products. You would ordinarily find a variety of dog shampoos and conditioners in pet stores, and you could even have your favorite brand.

However, there are several pet owners across the world who express concern over the chemicals used in these products and the long-term effects of using them on their beloved furries. Even otherwise, wouldnt it be great if you could whip up a nice cleanser at home?

A perfect shampoo would be the one that gets the cleaning done, without a trace of strong chemicals. So here are some shampoo recipes that are easy to make and work fabulously well on your dog.

Natural Shampoo
Ingredients:
1 cup mild dish washing liquid
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1/3 cup glycerin
1 quart water

Directions
Mix all the ingredients in a container. Store this mixture in an old shampoo bottle. Use this shampoo while bathing the dog and rinse well. Make sure you shake the bottle well before every use as the glycerin tends to form a layer on top of the liquid.
*Do not use it on the ears or near the eyes.
Oatmeal Shampoo
Ingredients:
Oatmeal, as required
Warm water, as required

Directions
The measure of the ingredients would depend on the size of your dog. Combine the two ingredients to form a starchy mixture. Pour it into a sock and apply it over the dogs coat. Keep it on for 5 minutes and rinse with warm water. Oatmeal shampoo is ideal for relief from dry and scaly skin, mosquito bites, to remove fleas and also for cleansing and deodorizing.
Shampoo for Dry Skin
Ingredients:
1 box cornstarch
10 drops of essential oil
(choose from tea tree, lemon, lavender or rosemary)
1 and 1/2 cup cornmeal

Directions
Mix all the ingredients in a container and store. When giving your dog a bath, apply this shampoo and massage it well into the skin. Let it stand for around 5 minutes and then brush it away, followed by a good rinse.
Flea and Tick Shampoo
Ingredients:
2 cups warm water
2 tbsp peppermint oil
2 tbsp eucalyptus oil
2 tbsp white cedar oil
cup white vinegar
cup citronella oil

Directions
Mix all the ingredients and store it in a bottle. This shampoo works well to remove tick and flea infestation in dogs. Other than that, it also has a cleansing and deodorizing effect.
A Few Conditioner Recipes...
The regular grooming routine for a dog would suggest a conditioning treatment after a shampoo. Using homemade dog conditioner after shampooing will give a healthy shine and soft feel to the dogs coat, along with leaving a pleasant, lingering smell.
Rosemary Conditioner
Ingredients:
Rosemary seeds
Water

Directions
Add some rosemary seeds to boiling water and boil for a minute or two. Remove this mixture from heat, let it cool down. After ten minutes, strain the rosemary seeds and pour the solution into a bottle. Use this conditioner after shampooing and rinse well.
Egg Conditioner
Ingredients:
Eggs
Warm water

Directions
Whisk some egg yolk with warm water until it turns creamy, then add the egg whites and whisk well. Apply this to the dogs coat and let it stay for around two minutes and then rinse out with lukewarm water. Ensure that the final rinse does not leave any egg residues on the dogs coat, as it may result in itching and leave an unpleasant odor.
Homemade dog shampoos and conditioners will keep the dogs fur and skin healthy, soft and shiny. They will prevent flea infestations and skin disorders. Whats more, they are also easy on your pocket and completely safe to use. Youll begin to notice the difference soon after you start using these shampoo and conditioner recipes.

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Dog Vomiting Blood

Is your dog vomiting blood? This condition is medically referred to as hematemesis. If your dog is throwing up blood, have your dog examined by a vet in order to determine the cause. Though vomiting could just be a case of dietary intolerance, throwing up large amounts of blood could even be a symptom of a serious ailment.

Hematemesis in Dogs

Causes

If it is your puppy that is vomiting blood, have a vet examine it. Its possible that the puppy may be suffering from a parasitic infection. If a tumor in the dogs gastrointestinal tract bleed, there may be significant amount of blood in the dogs vomit. The dog may vomit blood if blood gets filled up in the dogs lungs. Blood clotting disorders can also cause this problem. Gastritis, inflammatory bowel disease, ingestion of non-food items, speedy eating, bile overproduction and anxiety are some of the possible reasons behind a dog throwing up blood and bile. In case, vomiting is also accompanied by diarrhea, your dog might be suffering from intestinal obstruction or peritonitis.

Stomach ulcers, esophagus ulcers or duodenum ulcers could also be contributory factors for hematemesis. Sometimes, certain drugs can have an adverse effect on the blood platelet count. Thrombocytopenia is the condition associated with a dip in the level of blood platelet count. This can also be one of the reasons why your dog may be vomiting blood. Your dog may throw up blood on swallowing a splintered bone. You must also check if your dog is suffering from a nosebleed or bleeding gums. In case your dog swallowed this blood, that might induce vomiting. Consumption of rat poison could also cause this condition.

Diagnosis

If your pet is throwing up blood, watch out for other symptoms such as weakness, diarrhea, lethargy, nausea, belching, bloating, pain in the abdominal region, pale gums and loss of appetite. Since the presence of blood in vomit can be linked to several dog health issues, you must get your dog examined soon. The veterinarian will generally get some blood tests done in order to check for the platelet count and perform X-rays to investigate the presence of tumors. Ultrasound and endoscopy for the stomach might also help in determining the condition responsible for causing blood in vomit.

Treatment

Once the underlying cause of blood in vomit has been diagnosed, the vet will initiate the symptomatic treatment. Severe vomiting can lead to dehydration, therefore, intravenous fluids might be required to stabilize the condition of your dog. Sometimes, the problem could be caused due to a change in your dogs diet. In that case, you need to discontinue that diet, and provide your dog with a bland diet. Spicy food can aggravate the problem of stomach ulcers, so be very careful about the food your dog eats.

Prostaglandin drugs may be prescribed by the vet in case of ulcers. Sometimes, dog coughing up blood might be related to gum diseases. In this case, dental hygiene needs to be taken care of. You must also make sure that your dog doesnt consume non-food items. Rat poison and other toxic substances must be kept out of their reach. In case, swallowing a splintered bone has caused this condition, a laxative will be used by the veterinarian to tackle the problem. Antibiotics might also be required to reduce the chances of an infection.

In case your dog is suffering from this condition, make sure that you consult a veterinarian soon. The earlier the diagnosis, the better would be the chances of a speedy recovery. Follow the advice of your vet regarding the diet and aftercare.

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How To Choose A Dog Breed

Dog lovers are always keen on experimenting with new breeds of dogs. But how far can you go in choosing a dog? I was not surprised when I came to know that there over 5000 breeds of dogs, out of which around 150 breeds have been registered with the American Kennel Club and more than 200 registered dog breeds in the UK. Choosing from such a huge variety could be a little tougher than youd thought. A dog breed has certain set characteristics which define the breed. If you take a close look at the characteristics of each breed you are interested in, you might get a list of more than 20 matches, that could be best suited for you. But how to choose one from those 20 breeds is the catch! Well, let me first tell you that, choosing one is easy if you look at the factors involved as part of dog care, your lifestyle, kind of house, your family and children, backyard accommodations and so on.

Factors Involved When Choosing a Dog

Lifestyle

Lifestyle involves questions like how much are you willing to spend on a dog while buying it, how much dog food can you afford per week and other costs involved in maintenance of a dog. Firstly, you should prepare your mind for keeping a large pet like a dog and the trouble involved in the process. Willingness and ability to spend the required time with your dog is also one of the most important factors of owning a dog. It will help you choose a breed based on the behavioral characteristics of a dog.

Type of Home

A dog is a large pet and requires a lot of space in the house. Some questions to ask yourself under this factor are, how big is your house, do you have an open-air/outdoor space in your house that can be used by a dog, if your house is an apartment, a condo or a bungalow and which floor does it occupy. It may answer your doubts about the size of the dog you want to choose. For example, if you live in an apartment, choose from a list of good apartment dogs.

Family and Children

A type of family and its attitude towards dogs will affect your dogs behavior. Points that should be remembered under this factor involves questions like, whether you have a small or a large family, are there any kids in the family and so on. A family with kids should always choose from the best dog breeds. Another important factor in choosing a dog breed is, your purpose behind it. If the purpose behind owning a dog is protection, you should opt for larger and sharper breeds of dogs while if the purpose is to keep one out of your fondness for dogs, you should go for a friendly, low-maintenance dog.

Important Questions To Ask Yourself Before Getting a Dog

Is affordability an issue in buying a dog?
If you think your pockets are not ready for buying a new breed of dog, just listen to them! Because, costs involved in dog are beyond its buying costs. These costs involve the maintenance, the dog food, dog shelter, vaccinations, medical expenses and secondary costs like dog belts, chains, clothes and toys, nevertheless.

How much time can you give to your dog in a day?
Now this ones really important. Choosing a dog involves evaluating factors like dogs personality, size, dog care etc. Raising a large pet like dog is similar to raising a child. The adult dog behavior will depend on its upbringing. Sometimes, the upbringing is so well, that the dog turns out to be as attached as a family member. If you do not give enough time to your dog, he will not be trained enough to live with your family. Besides, a neglected dog will turn out to be very lazy and will become a couch potato. Less time means less activity and that develops lethargy in dogs.

Will you be able to manage a dog that sheds heavily?
If you are in a job that doesnt let you take care of your own self, you may not be able to handle a dog that sheds too much. Some dogs like golden retriever and Dalmatians are shedding factories! A dog breed that sheds less is always more desirable than the other dog breeds. Opt for non-shedding dogs.

Is there a veterinary doctors clinic in close proximity?
Most people ignore this factor before adopting a dog. Would you ever shift to a new place that has no shops or clinics around it? Well that would apply to your dog too. Make sure, a veterinary doctors clinic is around you, somewhere in the close proximity of your house, in case of any medical emergency for the dog. A puppy requires to take several vaccinations frequently. A veterinary clinic around would be ensuring the safety and the dog health.

What dog size are you looking for?
Size of dog plays the most significant part of choosing a dog breed. It is a myth that small-sized dogs need small space and large-sized dogs need a larger space to breed. Your dog behavior and habits will entirely depend on its overall upbringing. You should not forget that all the large dogs look small when they are puppies! So, dont fall for their puppy-size! There are some breeds of small dogs that remain tiny even when they mature. A large dog is recommended only if you are experienced in raising and training different breeds and sizes of dogs. A large dog will necessarily require relatively larger space, larger quantity of food, maintenance and a huge responsibility. Large dogs may also require professional dog training.

What is your purpose of adopting a dog?
There is no point in buying a dog without having your purpose solved behind adopting it. Your purpose behind it could be for protection, out of fondness for dogs, for entertainment and even as a toy for your kids. You need to first examine your purpose of adopting a dog and the responsibilities involved in its process. If you want a dog just for entertainment, out of fondness or as toys, you may opt for designer dog breeds. If you have a huge mansion-like house, and need a dog for protection, guard dogs may be for you. You might as well have a busy schedule and need a non-shedding yet a guard dog.

Remember that a dog is your family member and you should treat him like one. Dogs have emotions, along with impulsive internal structures that are similar to those in human beings, which is what makes us understand their behavior. So, ask yourself these questions, examine the answers, check the list of suitable dog breeds and start shortlisting!

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Dog Breeding for Beginners

Every dog owner around the world has one common issue that they have to deal with at some point of time in their pet dogs lives, irrespective of the sex of the dog. This issue is that of the breeding of dogs. For beginners it can be a very taxing and complex matter that must be dealt with very carefully and if proper care is not taken, it can lead to some unpleasant situations cropping up. The breeding of dogs is not as simple as it may seem. There are many considerations that the owner of the dog must keep in mind, before they actually select the dogs for breeding. The health of the dogs, the age and the fertility are a few parameters that play a role, when you are breeding your dog.

There are many reasons why dog owners should be aware about how to breed dogs and the breeding of dogs is controlled and monitored for a variety of reasons. Some dog owners may wish to know how to breed a dog in order to get healthy puppies of a dog breed of their choice. Other owners may wish to acquire knowledge about breeding as they may wish to get puppies in order to sell them to dog lovers or pet store owners, or put them up for dog adoption. There is an adequate amount of information available over the Internet, which can make the business a relatively easier task.

Timing
One of the most important tips for beginners is to know when to breed a dog. Good timing is imperative, in order to get a healthy offspring. Getting inaccurate dog breeding information regarding the timing of breeding your dog, can have a lot of serious repercussions on the health of the puppies that are born. The best way to learn about the right time for carrying out the breeding of dogs is to consult either a veterinarian, or somebody who is experienced in the business.

Age and Health
Dog breeding is a tricky subject, if the dog owner involved has no prior experience or knowledge about how to breed a dog. The next most important thing to consider is the age and health of the bitch and the stud involved in the breeding. The bitch must be at least two years old, or else the health of the puppies will be under serious threat. There are a number of health checks that need to be carried out for the bitch and the stud as well. Once the information has been received regarding the health of the dogs for breeding, the owner should carry forward with the process. It goes without saying that prior permission must be taken from the owner of the dog that does not belong to you.

Professional Help
How to breed dogs is something that can be read about over the Internet, or from books, but it is not something that should be carried out without the consultation or supervision of a vet or a professional dog breeder. These professionals can provide some very valuable breeding tips for beginners and can also be at call if there is an emergency.

Financial Resources
Most people fail to take into consideration the financial aspect of the breeding process. This is a task that requires a healthy contribution of financial resources and you should compulsorily set aside a certain amount of money, in case some unforeseen medical situation arises. These financial resources are required for the purpose of health checks, pregnancy related emergencies and medications, professional help required and most importantly, for taking care of the puppies. The puppies must not be separated from their mother for at least 6-8 weeks after they are born.

Investment of Time
The last piece of advice is to be prepared to set aside time for the whole breeding process. This is not a task that can be accomplished overnight and it requires a fair investment of time, for the process to be carried out smoothly. Any form of negligence in your part regarding the dog behavior of your pet can have many serious repercussions in the future, and it is advisable to keep a watch on the dogs at all times.

Dog breeding is a sensitive issue for most dog owners, and proper care must be taken before and after the actual mating process. You must be absolutely sure that you have chosen the right breed and the right dog for your dog to mate with, and that there are absolutely no genetic complications involved.

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Dog Leg Injuries

Injuries to a dog can be distressing not only for the pet but also for the dog owner. Canine or dog leg injuries are one of the most common traumatic injuries in dogs. As a matter of fact, it does not really take much to injure a dogs leg. Everyday activities like running and sprinting around can result in cuts, sprains, torn ligaments and even broken bones in your pet. It is vital that as soon as you identify the symptoms of a leg injury in a dog, immediate assistance by your veterinarian should be solicited who can advise the appropriate dog care. This can help find the causes of the injuries which range from mild and benign to severe and life-threatening. However, in the absence of immediate care even the mildest of the injuries can become critical to the dogs health.

Causes of Dog Leg Injuries

Leg injuries in dogs can be attributed to the injuries on the skin, muscles, ligaments, tendons and bones or even a hurt paw. When you visit the vet make sure that you pay attention to what his prescriptive medical aid and precautions that need to be administered to avert such leg injuries in the future.

Dog Paw Injuries: The pads on the bottom of a dogs foot are prone to injury from glass, hot pavements etc. Also, healing can be difficult due to the paw pads exposure to bacteria and pressure from standing on the injured foot. If you find the dog limping then inspect its paw for cuts, punctures or swollen areas. If it is injured then the dog will react to the pressure being put on the paw. If you find a deep cut or a shred of glass embedded in the paw, then you need to go to a veterinarian. Also, paw injuries may be caused when the nails of the dogs are torn or cracked. If you find the nails chipped and bleeding, then the damaged part must be removed either at home or by a veterinarian. Remember that since this type of injury is likely to become infected, an antibiotic treatment may be needed.

Canine Ligament Injuries: A serious orthopedic knee injury in the dogs is a ruptured cruciate ligament. When the anterior cruciate ligament (the ligaments that prevent the ends of the femur and tibia from moving back and forth across each other) is torn, the joint becomes unstable. This causes the femur and tibia to move back and forth across each other and puts too much tension on the ligament causing it to tear. The most common reasons for the occurrence of this injury is when the dog slips on a slippery surface, makes a sudden turn while running, or is hit by a car. Also dog obesity can result in too much weight on the knees.

Tendon Tears: Although not as common as ligament injuries, tendon tears or strains can be quite painful for dogs. Tendonitis, or inflammation of the tendon can occasionally occur with excessive running or jumping by the dog.

Muscular Sprains and Strains: One of the common reasons for dog leg injuries are muscular sprains and strains. These are characterized by swelling of the affected area and an inability to move the muscular joint. This is usually caused during rough play or icy, muddy or slippery conditions, that can cause the joint to move in a sharp, unnatural direction, resulting in the ligaments being stretched or torn.

Bone Fractures: When excessive stress is put on the skeletal frame of the legs, it might cause fractures of the bones. There are many types of bone fractures like closed fractures, compound fractures, epiphyseal fracture (when the growth plate is fractured) and a greenstick fracture (bone is cracked).

Symptoms to Detect Leg Injuries

• Limping
• Foot Dragging
• Stiff Gait Pattern (generally associated with arthritis)
• Pain
• Swelling
• Bleeding and Wounds
• Snappy behavior
• Lethargy

Potent Treatment Methods

For treating wounds or in case of a broken nail involving bleeding, the foot must be washed with an anti-bacterial soap. Be very careful while doing so, as it may result in a painful experience for the dog. Be gentle in your movements while you clean the wound. If there are some embedded debris, remove it with a pair of tweezers and then disinfect the wound using an antibiotic ointment. In case of any fractures or dislocation of the joints, owners should not try to re-align the joint all by themselves. You may unknowingly, end up doing more harm than good. Instead, what you could manage to do, is to splint the dogs foot and seek immediate veterinary attention. If the condition thrives on neglect, severed arteries, muscular damage and compound fractures can occur, if left unsplinted and untreated. Once the leg is splinted, the foot should be immobilized to prevent further injury.

Remember to consult a veterinarian for further advice. Identifying a dog leg injury and providing appropriate medical care, goes a long way in saving the dog from other serious health problems.

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Good Dog Food Brands

Its a dog-eat-dog world, especially in the canine food market. There are so many brands, each with its own ideas and suggestions of what your dog should and shouldnt eat. But after the 2007 pet food recall, dog owners have become a little more careful about dog food brands and their promises. Even if the word "organic" is on the label, how many of the ingredients are actually organic? And how much of the food is actually meat and vegetables, and not just junk? These questions are what every dog owner should ask, for a dogs health depends to a large extent, on its food. However, some dog food brands are genuinely good for your dogs health, by providing high quality ingredients in the right balance. The best dog food brands are not necessarily the most expensive or premium ones, but the ones that suit your dogs lifestyle and your budget.

How to Choose Good Dog Food

• Dog food must consist of even parts of vegetables and meat. Choose dog foods which contain whole meats or meat-meal.
• There must be no corn, soy or wheat grains in the food. They cause allergies and other health issues in dogs.
• No meat by-products should be a part of the dog food ingredients. These are animal feet, intestines, heads, nails, hooves and beaks. Even animal fats and vegetable oil are bad ingredients.
• No artificial additives like flavors, colors or preservatives (BHT, BHA and ethoxyquin), should be part of the foods content.
• Canned food is more fresh and has less grain content than dry food. But do not feed only one type of food to your dog. Use canned food as a supplement to a dry food diet.
• Puppy and adult dog foods are different in content.
• Look for an AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) certification on the dog food.

Some Good Dog Food Brands

Based on the above thumb rules, here are some of the best dog food brands, that are safe and excellent for your dogs health.

Solid Gold Dog Food
Founded in 1974, Solid Gold is considered one of the best dog food brands in the market. It produces natural and human grade dog food, free of chemical additives and by-products. There are no animal fats or grains like corn, wheat and soy, present in their products, and their meats are USDA choice. Their product line includes canned food, dried food, treats and supplements, and is diverse enough for dogs of different sizes and ages. For example, Hundchen Flocken Puppy and Hund-N-Flocken Adult are 2 of its well-known formulas.

Timberwolf
One of the lesser-known, good dog food brands is Timberwolf, who produce dog food with high grade ingredients. Some of the ingredients are organically grown, and Timberwolf uses meat-meals of lamb, chicken and salmon, which are not meat by-products. Oats and brown rice are the grains used, with a mix of herbs, nuts and grasses, to provide a balanced food mix. Timberwolf dog foods are a wholesome, additive free, gluten-free product, suitable for a wide range of dog needs.

Wellness Dog Food
An extremely healthy dog food brand, Wellness products come in canned and dried formulas. Wellness dog food has no wheat, corn or soy grains. They are free from artificial flavors and colors, and use human consumption lamb, white fish and deboned chicken meat. Their products fit the most generic and specific of dog nutritional profiles, from Super5Mix for all life stages, to Simple Food, designed for dogs with food allergies.

Merrick
This is a top-notch and slightly expensive dog food brand. The Merrick brand offers both canned and dry food, with ingredients grown and produced in the U.S.A. Merrick products are additive free, with human grade ingredients. While their dog food is not organic, they use organic chicken meat. What distinguishes Merrick among various dog food brands, is the versatile array and type of ingredients used. Oatmeal, brown rice and barley, are among the grains used. Different meats and meals, like salmon, trout, chicken, beef, buffalo and venison, are used. Rich and easily digestible are two key factors of Merrick dog products.

Natural Balance
This dog food brand was founded by actor Dick Van Patten in 1989. The food line includes dry, canned and specialty food, with formulas adapted for allergies, vegetarian diets and small breeds. The meat used is USDA approved, all ingredients, meat and grains are made in the U.S.A ., and there are no artificial flavors or colors, meat by-products or preservatives used. One Natural Balance dog food, "Organic Formulas" is a certified organic chicken dog food. Natural Balance is the official dog food of the working dogs of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives office.

Fromm Family Foods
The Fromm Family Foods dog food is famous for being one of the oldest and most respected dog food brands. The family itself has been involved with dog health, from introducing a distemper vaccine in 1930, to introducing the concept of premium dog food to the public in 1949. The company is based in Wisconsin, and all ingredients used in the food are from local farms. They offer 3 lines of food, Four Star, Gold and Classic, in both dry and canned forms. Their dog food is protein rich with USDA approved meats, like chicken, whitefish, salmon and duck. Grains used are barley, brown rice and oats. No corn, wheat or soy grains are used. Fromm dog food is even recommended for prescription diets, as its products are easily digestible and suited for dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs.

Some people like chocolate, some like vanilla. Its a personal choice. The same applies to your dog. Just because your neighbors hound will chow down on a brand of dog food, it doesnt mean your pet will like it too. So dont get surprised if your dog turns his nose up at that expensive brand you bought. Another factor is variety. If you ate only chicken at all meals, arent you missing out on the nutrients present in vegetables and fish? The same rule applies to your dog. Dont just feed him one brand for the rest of his life. Try alternating and testing, if one brand is good, the other might be better. Dog food makes an impact, not just in internal health, but in physical appearance as well. Top dog food brands make a change in diet, that can make your dogs coat shiny and glossy, and he can be more alert and active. A poorly fed dog has loose or watery stools, dull eyes, and bald coat patches, to name a few effects. So its up to you to be careful about your dogs diet, as he trusts your choice for his health.

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How to Take Care of a Dog

You can take it from me that owning a dog is one of the few pleasures of life that everyone can enjoy, as it becomes more of a family member than just a pet. God knows how, but it does learn to share all your joys and sorrows just as any other person close to you would. So obviously, when your dog is ill or injured, there is no way you can ignore the situation, and rather you should not. There are various dog health problems that they can suffer from and you need to know how exactly you can help them recover from these illnesses. Injuries will be a common phenomena when it comes to them, just as we humans. In case of emergencies, knowing how to treat a dog is an essential aspect of dog care and can prove to be a life saver for it.

Treating a Dog...

...With an Upset Stomach
Dogs dont really know how much they are supposed to be eating at a time, and if you overfeed them accidentally, it can result in an upset stomach for the dog. Also, dogs are known to eat stuff they are unfamiliar with. To treat a dogs upset tummy, you need to first ensure that the situation is not a very serious one. For mild stomach upsets, you may need to starve the dog for 24hours. I know it sounds a bit harsh on the dog, but you need to treat it, right? If the stomach is even a little better after the stipulated time, you can introduce bland food like steamed chicken with rice. Clean and freshwater needs to be made available all the time. If the symptoms persist for more than the stipulated time, consult a veterinarian.

...With Ear Infection
Ear infection or otitis externa, is a common condition most dogs suffer from. This is caused on the external ear, mainly due to a bacterial or yeast infection. It is very important to get a proper and on time dog ear infection treatment, so as to avoid any further complications. To treat the ear infection, you will need to clean the infected area with an antibacterial solution, using a cotton swab. Applying an anti-microbial ear drop thrice a day will help cure the infection. If the infection persists for more than three days and causes discomfort for your dog, consult a veterinarian for an antibiotic treatment.

...With Wounds
Dog wound needs to be treated efficiently, so that it does not turn into an infection and worsen. Treating dog wounds may not be that easy, as the dog may not allow touching the wound. In such a case, you will need to tie the dog by a leash and also muzzle it, if it gets too difficult. Lean the wound with clean running water, avoid the use of antiseptics as it might cause pain. Dry the wound using cotton, apply an antiseptic cream and put on a bandage. Make sure the dog does not lick or bite around the bite, this can cause an infection. For deeper wounds, punctures, incisions, etc. get the wound checked and treated by a veterinarian.

...With a Sprained Leg
To treat a dogs sprained or broken leg, immediate veterinary consultation is advised. Do not try to treat it on your own, as you can damage the sprain further. After the veterinarian has checked your dog and has allowed it to get back home, you should make sure the dog takes complete rest and should be kept in a crate if possible. Take it frequently to the veterinarian until the sprain or broken leg heals completely and administer the medicine as and when prescribed. Also, it is very important to make sure that the dog does not put any weight on the broken or sprained leg.

...With Parvo
Treating a dog with parvo would involve confining it to a separate room, away from other dogs and especially children. Make sure the dog has everything it needs around the crate. Administer the prescribed dosage of medications regularly. A solution called colloidal silver is especially useful in treating parvo. Take good care of the dog and feed it well. Parvo can be prevented with the administration of yearly vaccinations and preventing it is essential for your dogs health.

...With Mange
Treating sarcoptic mange in a dog involves bathing it regularly with benzoyl peroxide shampoo, to keep its skin clean and to prevent the development of secondary infections. Also, application of organophosphate dip will help cure the skin disorder. Wash the dogs bedding regularly and make sure you give it the prescribed medicines on time.

Now, that you know to take care of a dog and how to treat it in case of different dog illnesses, make sure you take good care to prevent illnesses and help it recover quickly.

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Best Rated Dog Food

A dog is one of the best pets that one can have. Dogs are friendly, playful, and fiercely loyal, which makes them perfect to be kept as companions at home. But just taking the dog for its customary walk around the park and playing fetch with him is not enough. You need to take good care of his diet and ensure that he receives all the nutrition that he requires to keep him healthy, up and about. That involves feeding him some of the best dog food that is available in the market today. This Buzzle article will give you information about some brands that you can try out for your dog.

Dry Dog Food

In this section, well tell you about the three top brands in the dry food section that you can look out for, to feed your dog a wholesome and nourishing meal. Check them out and decide which one suits your dog the best.

Orijen
In the dry food category, we have one of the most popular brands, Orijen. The salient feature about Orijen is that it does not use grain. Instead, it uses potato for the necessary carbohydrates content. This dog food has a high protein content, coming from its use of deboned chicken, chicken meal and turkey meat used in its preparation. It also uses natural preservatives in it, so theres no danger there either. The only problem is that it is slightly expensive and hence, difficult to find. But its good value for money and will nourish your pet thoroughly.

Natures Variety Instinct
Natures Variety is another major brand when it comes to dry dog foods, especially, for dogs with food allergies. This is another dog food that is completely grain free and in addition to that, even gluten free. The food has enough of meat, poultry and fish to ensure a well rounded and nutritious diet for your pet. It is also relatively easy to digest and helps dogs overcome food allergies. It gives a renewed shine to the coat and also helps to maintain a fit and healthy dog.

Natural Balance
The third and final one in this category is Natural Balance. This dog food, though it contains some proportion of grain like brown rice, barley and oatmeal, ensures that only top quality grain is used to maintain the health of the dog by giving it the required carbohydrates content. It has a major proportion of meats like chicken, duck and lamb, which give it the high nutritious value. The only con in this dog food is that it is slightly expensive.

Canned Dog Food

Many dog owners believe that a combination of dry and wet food is best for their dog. So, in addition to the dry foods mentioned above, you can treat your dog to a canned meal once in a while, or vice versa. Let us now take a look at the top three canned foods for dogs.

Newmans Own Organics Organic Beef & Liver
Newmans Own Organics Organic Beef & Liver is one of the best options in the canned food arena today. Made from completely organic ingredients, and bearing a U.S. Department of Agriculture organic seal, this ones a true winner for your dog. A high meat content will give your dog the required protein, but mind you, all dogs may not be able to handle it. It is completely grain free and uses only best quality ingredients.

Evangers
Evangers is a brand that offers two varieties in the canned food section for dogs. You have a 100% organic chicken which is cooked, and you also have a turkey with potato and carrots one. Both are organically prepared and use fresh and healthy ingredients to be made. The chicken is cooked well and fresh vegetables are used for the potato and carrot meal. Both provide a healthy and wholesome meal for your dog.

Canidae
Another of the best dog foods on the market today is the canned one of the Canidae brand. The content of meat in the meal is quite high which makes it very healthy for the dog. It is a completely natural product and does not use any chemical preservatives in it. It has a relatively higher grain content (barley and brown rice), compared to other brands, but it is healthy nonetheless.

In addition to feeding your dog the best food, you need to understand and fulfill the emotional and physical needs of your dog as well. Regular exercise and games, showering verbal and physical love and affection on your dog will bring him closer to you and he will return it twenty-fold. What else do you need from him?

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