Jun 29, 2009

Dog Disease - Kennel Cough Disease in Dogs

Dogs over time become a part of our family and any suffering that we might notice in our dogs worry us as to their pain. We want to know what dog disease might be affecting our pet and how we can remedy the situation. If we notice our dog wheezing and coughing all the time we will be very worried about the well being of our dog and we would want to get our pet thoroughly checked for any dog disease that it might be suffering from. A dog that is coughing and wheezing continuously is most likely suffering from a common dog disease known as Kennel cough. Kennel cough disease in dogs is a very contagious disease in dogs and is characterized by an inflammation of the upper respiratory system of the dog.

Causes of Kennel Cough in Dogs
Kennel cough can be caused to numerous reasons; these reasons can be viral infections like canine distemper, canine adenovirus, canine Para influenza virus or canine respiratory corona virus. This dog disease can also be caused by bacterial infections like bordetella bronchiseptica. The name of the disease is kennel cough because it primarily spreads to dogs living in close quarters with other dogs like in a kennel environment. The disease is very infectious but it is not very serious in dogs. As a pet owner if you feel that your dog is suffering from kennel cough you should get it treatment as soon as possible because although the disease in itself is not fatal but a prolonged spell of kennel cough can lead to other more serious problems for your dog.

Symptoms of Kennel Cough in Dogs
Dogs suffering from the kennel cough disease will show several symptoms. These symptoms should indicate a problem with your pet’s health and treatment should be started at the earliest. The most common symptom of this disease in dogs is a continuous dry cough, other symptoms include retching, sneezing, gagging, and sometimes a dog suffering from kennel cough will likely even vomit. Sometimes the disease can cause the dog to have fever. Kennel cough in dogs will generally last between 10-20 days but there can be a relapse if the dog is not well taken care of and its immune system is weak.

Treatment for Kennel Cough Disease
Kennel cough is a disease that is not very dangerous in dogs and can be treated very easily. Your dog’s veterinary care provider will guide you to the best form of treatment your dog should get. Usually a dog suffering from kennel cough disease will be administered antibiotics which will help in its swift recovery. Sometimes Vitamin C can be very effective treatment. A veterinary might administer a nasal vaccine to prevent any further kennel cough attacks in your dog. Inoculations are available which can be administered intravenously to protect your dog against this disease. You should be aware of all treatment options available for your dogs well being but it is best you let a qualified vet treat your dog according to its symptoms. A healthy dog is a great companion, Look out for your pets health and get it checked regularly for any dog disease.

Here is a list of all the Dog Diseases featured on the Dog Disease Site
Dog Addison's Disease
Dog Disease Arthritis
Dog Disease Cataract
Dog Disease Constipation
Dog Disease Depression
Dog Disease Diabetes
Dog Disease Distemper
Dog Fleas
Dog Lymphoma Disease
Dog Obesity
Dog Pancreatitis Disease
Dog Disease Rabies
Heart Disease in Dogs
Heart worm disease in dogs
Lyme Disease in Dogs

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Jun 28, 2009

Walking the dog an important rule

The question which makes every dog owner a bit confuses is how he or she can take their dog on a proper and healthy walk. Taking your dog for a walk is not as simple as it sounds there are certain rules that need to be followed and your dog needs to be aware of the rules. Taking your dog out for a walk is one of the most important aspects of owning a dog and it should be done right. If you allow your pet to walk in front of you or lead you then it makes the dog think that the dog is ALPHA OVER you because leaders always go first.
This can lead so many behavioral issues in the mind of your dog and at the end the dog will never obey your orders. A dog walking in front does not drain their mental energy. They are not relaxed and following, as they have a big responsibility to be leading the pack. This mental anguish can build up inside of a dog. When a dog is hyper or high strung it means the dog is not getting the proper amount and or type of exercise. If your dog runs laps around your yard or houses it is an indication that they are not getting enough exercise.
 
If you take your dog on a regular walk and your dog is still unhappy or hipper than ask yourself what exactly could be going wrong, when you left for the walk and who lead the walk towards the door, was the dog following you or its you following the dog if your answer is yes then you are walking the dog while they are excited and if the answer is NO then you may have the super high energy dog which required more exercise.

Another thing which every owner should keep in mind is it is not solely the act of heeling but also you as a human should make a decision for the dog to heel. Meaning how often do you walk, do you make your dog to heel or its the dog who heels because he become tired or for some other reasons Just because a dog walks well on a lead, not pulling and for most of the walk walks beside the humans does not mean the humans are being pack leaders. It really is about who is making the decisions.

Was your dog calm and in a submissive state of mind when you snapped on their lead? When you left your home who went out the doorway and/or gate first? You or the dog? Is the dog deciding to heel when it wishes, but pulling to the side to sniff or walk out in front when it pleases? Or is the human consciously making the dog heel? If the humans allow the dog to decide because after all he walks "pretty good", then the dog is making the calls and that is allowing your dog to be your leader. If it is all about who is making the decisions, can I decide to let my dog walk in front? No, since instinct tells a dog the leader leads the way, your decision to allow your dog to walk in front will be communicating to your dog that you are allowing him to be your leader.

As a dog owner it is your job to provide adequate exercise to your dog, walking is one form of exercise every dog loves and it is also an exercise that can be given by most dog owners without a problem, if done right this can be very constructive and healthy activity for your dog, but make sure you follow the important rules and train your dog right otherwise you will face behavioral issues later on.

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Understanding Dog Behaviour

We all know that dogs are living things and not mechanical creatures or robots, nor are they humans with the thinking capability of humans, yes they are intelligent among other animals and can be trained well but still you can't expect them to be perfect. Dog's lack reasoning and emotional capabilities but in the same time they have certain capabilities that make them dear to us.

Now that the level of intelligence of your dog is established we all know that dogs are smart pets that get along with humans well and are loved by people all over the world. Although not entirely intelligent dogs have great abilities and can be taught to do several things by their owners. Dogs are instinctive animals and do a lot of actions on instinct, for example even a well trained dog can bite other humans, because of its instincts and how it perceives a situation. We humanize our dogs and do not realize that naturally the dog is an instinctive animal and even though it can be trained there are certain things that will work on instinct. according to scientific surveys, 99% of the times a dog bites a human it is because of something that the human has done, the bite is a reaction to an action taken by the human.

In the world every animal in general have a universal language which they can understand and that is the language of emotions which make every living thing reacts. So the power of analyzing such emotions are more in animals as compare with human like your dog know that you are displeased when you walk in to the room in anger because they can feel that anger and can react on that, so the only way to make your dog understand RIGHT or WRONG or GOOD or BAD is to catch him at the time when they are committing any deed or the split second before. Knowning and understanding your dog will help you better train it and communicate with it.

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Communicating with your Dog


It is really important to understand the words of dogs and their requirement, Dogmanship is about understanding and communicating with the dog in their own language. It require a special training that a person fully understand the need and requirement of a dog. It is a universal truth that the dogs are less complicated to understand as compare with human. Human can learn the language of the dog if they open their minds to idea for that you must need to work with the natural instincts of the animal not against them.

Take horses for example. Some of the best horse trainers and owners are those that apply natural horsemanship. Those that learn how the horse communicates towards one another and uses their own language to speak to them. Every animal is unique in their own way. As the dogs are but dogs are fight animals meaning they have an instincts of fighting, as they have this tendency naturally so every animal is different with other by nature and it is important to treat them as their requirement.

Because dogs are so closely bonded with the human species, most humans forget, or never even think about their natural instincts. Some even take it as far as seeing those who do speak dog to the dog as cruel. Dogs have a natural instinct to want structure, rules and boundaries. To know where they stand among their pack and believe it or not, they want to know the rules and they need consistency with those rules.

While those who believe it is cruel to use natural dogmanship towards a dog, I am here to tell you that it is more cruel to assume your dog is human, overlooking their natural wants and needs. All dog behavior issues stem from humans who are not practicing natural dogmanship. Not providing what the dog needs in their life, from exercise, both mental and physical, to the leadership they all crave. What one thing means to a human may mean the total opposite to a dog. Dogs all around the world receive mixed signals from humans. Any dog who misbehaves is missing something in their lives. A dog's temperament is a direct result of the owners ability to understand him and give him what he instinctually needs as a canine animal. There are no bad dogs... just uneducated owners. And yes, you can teach an old dog new tricks. It's NEVER too late to turn a dogs behavior around.

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Jun 27, 2009

Dog Disease - Ringworm in Dogs




Being a pet owner your biggest concern is that your dog remains free of any and all dog disease that affects dogs all over the world. Any suffering that you notice in your loved dog can cause you to suffer. Ringworm disease in dogs is a disease that shows obvious and visible signs of pain and suffering for your dog. The name ringworm indicates the presence of worms that cause the disease this is an ancient concept which has been disproved by use of latest veterinary medicine. The fact is that the ringworm disease in dogs is caused by a fungal infection and not by a worm. There are several types of fungus that cause the ringworm disease in dogs, the disease is also known as “dermatophytosis”.

Indications of Ringworm Disease in Dogs
Circular lesions on the dog’s skin generally indicate ringworm disease in a dog, not all dogs will show this sign, some dogs will have lesions of a different shape making it quite difficult to identify and diagnose the disease, as these lesions can be mistaken for some other skin disease in dogs. Ringworm in dogs usually shows physical symptoms and the dog suffers discomfort on account of these symptoms.

Almost every dog has a possibility to be affected by ringworm and this dog disease is not limited to a specific geographic region, since it is a fungal disease it can affect all breeds of dogs all over the world. The disease in more common in hot and humid environments since it affects the skin of the dog. A dog with a weak immune system is more likely to suffer from the disease so young dogs and puppies are more prone to the disease.

Ringworm is a skin condition caused by a fungal infection this dog disease can be transmitted to other animals by several ways, the most common being contact between dogs. Any sort of contact with infected hair, dead skin, or other materials that have been near an infected dog can cause the transmission of the disease to other dogs.

Diagnosis of Ringworm Disease
Ringworm in dogs can sometimes be difficult to diagnose because it has many symptoms that are also present in other skin conditions for example dry skin in a dog or an allergic reaction to pain, chemicals or some other household goods. Here are the most common symptoms of ringworm in dogs, skin pustules, skin lesions, regular itching, and a prominent red, scaly skin. If you notice any of these symptoms consult a vet and start treating your pet immediately.

Treatment of Ringworm Disease
Ringworm disease in dogs is quite easy to treat and the vet will advise you as to the best way of treating this ailment. Topical treatments like creams, lotions and antifungal shampoo will generally solve the problem, and since this disease is caused due to fungal infection the vet can also advise you to give your dog oral medication to treat the disease, some  effective medicines used to treat this condition are,  Griseofulvin, Ketoconazole  and Itraconazole. Let the veterinary decide the best course of treatment for your dog, and you will see your dog's health improve fast.

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Jun 26, 2009

Dog Diseases of the Nervous system

Here is a list of some dog diseases that affect the nervous system of the Dog, we will be adding complete details of these disease in the near future, taking care of your dogs is a responsibility know symptoms and causes of the various diseases that affect your dog so you can get treatment for the dog disease at the earliest.
  • Syringomyelia is a dog disease in which a fluid filled sac develops in the spinal cord of the dog. The most common cause in dogs is due to Chiari I malformation, which is when an underdeveloped occipital bone interferes with spinal fluid circulation and results in fluid accumulation in the cervical spinal cord. This is a congenital disease most commonly found in small breeds, especially the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Symptoms of this disease include ataxia, weakness, and neck pain.
  • Epilepsy in dogs can be a primary, idiopathic, inherited dog disease or secondary to previous head trauma or CNS infections. Idiopathic epilepsy is commonly found in breeds such as German Shepherd Dogs, Beagles, and Dachshunds. The most common symptom of this disease is recurring generalized seizures beginning at a young age.
  • Cerebellar hypoplasia is an incomplete development of the cerebellum. The most common cause of this disease in dogs is an in utero infection with canine herpesvirus. It is also seen associated with lissencephaly in Wire-haired Fox Terriers and Irish Setters, and as a separate condition in Chow Chows.
  • Polyneuropathy is a collection of peripheral nerve disorders in dogs that are usually breed-related. Polyneuropathy indicates that multiple nerves are involved, unlike mononeuropathy. Polyneuropathy usually involves motor nerve dysfunction, also known as lower motor neuron dog disease.
  • Scotty Cramp is a dog disease in Scottish Terriers causing spasms and hyperflexion and hyperextension of the legs. It is caused by a disorder in serotonin metabolism that causes a deficiency of serotonin in the nervous system.
  • Cauda equina syndrome, in dogs is a compression of the cauda equina by a narrowing of the lumbosacral vertebral canal. It is most commonly seen in German Shepherd Dogs. Symptoms include pain, weakness, and rear limb muscle atrophy.
  • Coonhound paralysis is a type of polyradiculoneuritis seen in Coonhounds. This dog disease is caused by a raccoon bite. Symptoms of the disease include rear leg weakness progressing rapidly to paralysis, and decreased reflexes.
  • Tick paralysis is a dog disease caused by a neurotoxin found in the saliva of female ticks. Dermacentor species predominate as a cause in North America, while Ixodes mainly causes the disease in Australia. There is a gradual onset of signs, which include incoordination progressing to paralysis, changed voice, and difficulty eating.
  • Dancing Dobermann disease is a type of myopathy that primarily affects the gastrocnemius muscle in Dobermanns. It usually starts between the ages of 6 to 7 months. One rear leg will flex while standing. Over the next few months it will begin to affect the other rear leg.
  • Granulomatous meningoencephalitis (GME) is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system of dogs. It is a form of meningoencephalitis. The disease is more common in female toy dogs of young and middle age.
  • Facial nerve paralysis is common in dogs that have suffered trauma, otitis media, or as an idiopathic condition. Signs include an inability to blink, drooping of the ear, and drooping of the lips on the affected side, although in chronic conditions fibrosis occurs and the ear and lips may appear to be in an abnormal position.
  • Laryngeal paralysis is unilateral or bilateral paralysis of the larynx. In dogs it can be congenital, common in certain breeds like the Bouvier des Flandres, Bull Terrier, Dalmatian, Rottweiler and Huskies, or an acquired, idiopathic disease, seen in older Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, St. Bernards, and Irish Setters. Signs include change in voice and difficulty breathing.
  • White dog shaker syndrome causes full body tremors in small, white dog breeds. It is most common in West Highland White Terriers, Maltese, Bichons, and Poodles.
  • Wobbler disease  is a condition of the cervical vertebrae that causes an unsteady gait and weakness in dogs.
  • Cerebellar abiotrophy is caused by the death of Purkinje cells in the cerebellum. It results in progressive ataxia beginning at a young age. It is most commonly seen in Kerry Blue Terriers and Gordon Setters.

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Dog Disease - Heart and Blood related Dog Disease

  • Von Willebrand dog disease is an inherited disease in dogs, it is  a disease present in both dogs and humans. This disease is caused by the lack of a protein called von Willebrand factor, this protein is essential for blood clotting. This dog disease can be either mild or severe, depending on the amount of von Willebrand present in the dog. Symptoms of the disease include spontaneous bleeding and excessive bleeding following surgery, injury, or during an estrous cycle, this happens due to the blood not clotting.
  • Thrombocytopenia is a condition in dogs where there is a low platelet counts in the dog's blood. Platelets are also used in the clotting of blood, so dogs with this condition may have spontaneous bleeding or prolonged bleeding following surgery, injury, or during an estrous cycle. This disease can be caused by rickettisal infections and cancers. 
  • Thrombocytosis is a condition when there is an excess no of platelets present in the dog's blood. Most cases are caused by exercise or secondary to some cancers, blood loss, or certain drugs. Sometimes the disease is caused by a primary bone marrow disorder. In this last case, the platelets may not function normally, causing the blood to not clot properly.
Hemolytic anemia
This is a dog disease present in dogs which causes the destruction of the red blood cells. The most important type is of this disorder is immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, which can be a primary disease as well as it can be caused as a secondary disease due to to cancer, infection, drugs, or vaccinations. In this medical condition antibodies are present on the cell surface, leading to lysis and severe anemia. There can be several other causes of hemolytic lesion these may include hypophosphatemia, exposure to toxins such as lead, infections such as ehrlichiosis or babesiosis, and rarely, neonatal isoerythrolysis. The behavioral condition pica, especially when involving the eating of concrete dust, tile grout, or sand, may be a sign of hemolytic anemia, indicating the need for a complete blood count to investigate a possible diagnosis.

Heart diseases in Dogs
  • Degenerative mitral valve disease in dogs is a major cause of congestive heart failure in dogs, especially small, older dogs. The leaflets of the valve become thickened and nodular, leading to mitral valve regurgitation and volume overload of the left side of the heart. One breed in particular the Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have an inherited form of this disease.
  • Dilated cardiomyopathy is a disease of heart muscle in dogs which causes atrial and ventricular dilation. It is generally present in large dog breeds such as Boxers, Great Danes, and Dobermanns. This dog disease is usually idiopathic, but can also be caused by taurine deficiency in Cocker Spaniels or doxorubicin use. Dilated cardiomyopathy generally results in congestive heart failure.
  • Congestive heart failure is the name given to any heart disease that results in the inability of the heart to put out enough blood to meet the dog's needs. It can be caused by the above two diseases, heat stroke, electric shock, injury, infection, developmental heart defects, or high blood pressure. Signs depend on which side of the heart is affected. Left-sided heart failure may result in coughing and difficulty breathing from a build-up of fluid in the lungs and fainting. Right-sided heart failure may result in a build-up of fluid in the abdomen, fluid around the lungs, or peripheral edema.
  • Sick sinus syndrome is specifically present in female Miniature Schnauzers. It is characterized by sinoatrial node dysfunction and often includes atrioventricular node disease and bundle branch block. Electrocardiogram findings include sinus bradycardia, sinus arrest, sinoatrial heart block, and asystole. The major sign is fainting.   
Various heart defects
  • Aortic stenosis is a congenital disease in dogs characterized by left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. It is inherited in Newfoundlands, and also present in Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, Boxers, Bulldogs, German Shepherd Dogs, and Samoyeds. symptoms of this defect include fainting and exercise intolerance. 
  • Pulmonic stenosis is a congenital disease in dogs characterized by right ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Most commonly the narrowing occurs at the pulmonary valve. The most commonly affected breeds include terriers, Bulldogs, Miniature Schnauzers, Chihuahuas, Samoyeds, Beagles, Keeshonds, Mastiffs, and Bullmastiffs. Symptoms of this dog disease include exercise intolerance, but often there is only a heart murmur.
  • Ventricular septal defect is a hole in the division between the heart ventricles of the dog. It is a congenital disease in dogs. There usually are no symptoms in dogs except for a heart murmur.
  • Atrial septal defect is a hole in the division between the heart atria. It is an uncommon condition in dogs. Most are not very dangerous, but large defects may cause heart failure, cyanosis, and exercise intolerance.                
  • Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital heart defect in dogs that includes four separate defects: pulmonic stenosis, a ventricular septal defect, right ventricular hypertrophy, and an overriding aorta. Keeshonds and Bulldogs are predisposed. Symptoms of this condition include cyanosis and exercise intolerance.
  • Patent ductus arteriosus is the most common congenital heart defect in dogs in the United States. It is inherited in toy and miniature Poodles, and seen commonly in Pomeranians, Bichon Frises, and Malteses. Symptoms of this dog disease include cough and intolerance to exercise.
  • Heart valve dysplasia is a congenital heart defect in dogs.
  • Cor triatriatum, specifically cor triatriatum dexter, occurs in dogs and is characterized by a fibrous division of the right atrium. It can be treated by balloon valvuloplasty.
Pericardial effusion is a condition where there is a collection of either clear or yellow fluid(serous) or bloody fluid (serosanguinous) in the pericardium. Serious accumulation is caused by heart failure, peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernias, uremia, pericardial cysts, or hypoalbuminemia. Serosanguinous accumulation can be caused by cancer, usually hemangiosarcoma, idiopathic disease, trauma, clotting disorders, or left atrial rupture. Rarely pericardial effusion can be caused by infection and consist of pus. Drainage of the fluid is the ideal treatment.

Pulmonary hypertension is a dog disease where there is a high pressure in the pulmonary artery. In dogs it can be caused by heartworm disease or pulmonary thromboembolism. It can result in right-sided heart disease (cor pulmonale). Symptoms include difficulty breathing, cyanosis, and exercise intolerance.

Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome is an autosomal recessive dog disease which results in mature neutrophils being unable to migrate from the bone marrow into the blood. Affected pups suffer from chronic infections and failure to thrive. Other symptoms can include stunted growth and a ferret like facial appearance. This dog  disease is common in Border collies.

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Jun 25, 2009

Cost of Keeping a Dog

Although the love of pets may create an enthusiasm in you to keep a dog as a pet it is very important that you keep the financial aspect of owning a dog in mind. Although your finances are a private matter, keepping a dog or for that matter any pet is a huge responsibility and this responsibility entails a lot of expenses to provide your dog with a healthy and comfortable environment. Keeping a dog can be quite expensive especially the first year will drain m oney like anything,below we are listing some common expenses incurred in your puppy's first year.

Puppy's Purchase price from a reputable Breeder: $500 - $2500
If you adopt a Shelter Dog: $50 - $200
Puppy's Startuing supplies: $100 - $200
Vetrenary Exam, vaccinations and De-worming: $100
2nd and 3rd exam with vaccinations: $100-$150
Cost for Spaying and Neutring: $125 - $200
Microchipping, and Miscelleneous vetrenary costs: $100 - $200
Licencing for your dog: $20 - $50
One year suppy of good quality dog food: $700- $1500
Grooming supplies for your dog: $50
Flea and Tick prevention Supplies: $100
Early training classes $75- $150
Cleaning supplies for a healthy environment: $30 - $60

This list of expenses that we have provided above covers only the basic and necessary costs associated with owning a dog. There are many other expenses that a dog owner might incur, for example if your dog becomes ill and suffers from any dog disease the checkup and medication cost for that will be an added expense. In the same we if you have to build a fence or other protective measures for your new puppy in your house that will also be quite expensive.

The point of providing you with this list of expenses is that you should be aware of what you are going to be sending on your puppy in the first year, although owning a pet especially a dog can be a very rewarding experience you should keep the expenses in mind and know your budget so that you can keep your dog in the best possible environment that you can provide.

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Jun 24, 2009

Calm Laid back dog breeds


Every dog breed has its own attributes and behavioral traits, some are very active while others are lazy and slow, some might be calm while others can be protective and ferocious, selecting a dog breed for yourself and your family depends on what attributes you are looking for in a dog breed.

Here we are compiling a list of the various dog breeds that are on the calmer, laid back side. Although these dog breeds are playful at times and can be active, but in general the following dog breeds are known to be laid back and lazy so if you are looking for breed that is calm and leads the lifestyle of a couch potato these are breeds that you should go for.

Akita
Alaskan Malamute
Basset Hound
Bloodhound
Bulldog
Chow Chow
Great Dane
Greyhound
Newfoundland
Pug
Rottweiler
Saint Bernard

Check out our dog breeds section for more details on each dog breed, as well as health and disease issues particular to the dog breed.

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Jun 23, 2009

Dog Disease - Bone and Muscle Disease in Dogs




Following is a list of some bone and muscle disease affecting dogs commonly, you will find out about these diseases, the reasons behind these diseases and symptoms of the diseases we will be adding detailed articles about these diseases in the near future so keep visiting the dog disease site to keep updated about your dog's health.


Osteoarthritis:
Osteoarthritis is a dog disease commonly known as degenerative arthritis, it is a common condition in dogs which is characterized by progressive deterioration of cartilage in the joints of the limbs. This condition in the dog can be very painful. There are several  treatment options available which include medications such as NSAIDs, corticosteroids, and joint fluid modifiers such as glycosaminoglycans. Other treatments include surgery, massage, warm compresses, chiropractic, and acupuncture.
Hip Dysplasia:
This is an inherited dog disease that is characterized by abnormal development of the acetabulum and head of the femur. This dog disease is quite common in large breeds of dogs.
Elbow Dysplasia:
Elbow Dysplasia is a dog disease found in large breeds of dogs. It incorporates many different hereditary problems of the elbow, including osteochondritis of the medial condyle of the humerus, fragmentation of the medial coronoid process of the ulna, and ununited anconeal process of the ulna.
Luxating Patella:
This is a medial or lateral displacement of the kneecap in dogs. This condition is usually inherited, but can also be caused by trauma. This dog disease is more common in smaller breeds of dogs
Osteochondritis Dissecans:
(OCD) is separation of immature articular cartilage from underlying bone. It is caused by osteochondrosis, which is characterized by abnormal endochondral ossification of epiphyseal cartilage. It is most commonly seen in the stifle, elbow, shoulder, and hock.
Panosteitis:
This is a common dog disease of unknown cause that causes pain and a shifting leg lameness in medium and large breed dogs. It affects the long bones of the hind and forelimbs.
Legg-Calvé-Perthes syndrome:
Also known as Perthes disease or aseptic necrosis of the femoral head, the dog disease is characterized by a deformity of the head of the femur and hip pain. It usually affects small breed puppies.
Back pain:
Back pain in dogs, specially in long-backed breeds, for example Basset Hounds and Dachshunds, is commonly caused by intervertebral disk disease. It is caused by degeneration and protrusion of the disk and compression of the spinal cord. This dog disease occurs most commonly in the cervical and thoracolumbar regions. Symptoms of this disease include back pain, hind limb weakness, and paralysis.
Congenital vertebral anomalies:
These anomalies including butterfly, block, and transitional vertebrae, and hemivertebrae, are a collection of medical problems of the spine in animals. Most are not clinically significant, but they can cause compression of the spinal cord by deforming the vertebral canal or causing instability.
Craniomandibular osteopathy:
This is a hereditary disease specifically in West Highland White Terriers and also occurs in other terrier breeds. It is a developmental disease in puppies causing extensive bony changes in the mandible and skull. Symptoms of this dog disease include pain when opening the mouth.
Hypertrophic osteopathy:
This is a bone disease secondary to disease in the lungs. It is characterized by new bone formation on the outside of the long bones.
Hypertrophic osteodystrophy:
This is a bone dog disease present in rapidly growing large breed dogs. Symptoms of this dog disease include swelling of the metaphysis (the part of the bone adjacent to the joint), pain, depression, loss of appetite, and fever. The disease is usually bilateral in the limb bones.
Spondylosis:
Also known as spondylosis deformans in dogs, is growth of osteophytes on the ventral and lateral surfaces of the vertebral bodies. It is usually an incidental finding on radiographs and usually does not manifest any  symptoms.
Masticatory muscle myositis:
(MMM) is an inflammatory dog disease that affects the muscles of the jaw. Symptoms of this disease include swelling of the jaw muscles and pain on opening the mouth. In chronic MMM there is atrophy of the jaw muscles, and scarring of the masticatory muscles due to fibrosis may result in inability to open the mouth a condition known as trismus.

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Jun 22, 2009

Dog Disease caused by Parasites


 
There are many dog diseases caused by parasites. A parasite lives in a close relationship with another organism, its host in this case a dog, and causes it harm.  The parasite is dependent on its host for its life functions.  For example, viruses are common parasites. The parasite has to be in its host to live, grow, and multiply. Parasites rarely kill their hosts, but in some cases complications caused due to parasites can be fatal to a dog. The following dog diseases are caused due to parasites in dogs, it is imperative that you provide a healthy parasite free environment for your dog to give it a long healthy life and if your pet is affected by parasites get treatment as soon as possible.

Intestinal parasites
  • Hookworms are a common parasite causing dog disease. Most common hookworm is Ancylostoma caninum, followed by Uncinaria stenocephala and A. braziliense. symptoms of hookworm in your dog include diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss.
  • Tapeworms are also common in dogs causing dog disease and in the dog are usually Dipylidium caninum, which is spread by ingesting fleas and lice. Also common is Taenia pisiformis, spread by ingesting rabbits and rodents. Rare tapeworm infections are caused by species of the genera Echinococcus, Mesocestoides, and Spirometra. There are usually no symptoms.
  • Roundworms infecting and causing dog disease include Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina. Signs are usually mild, but may include diarrhea, pot-bellied appearance, poor growth, and vomiting.
  • Fleas in dogs cause your dog to have itching on its skin and hair loss. The most common flea in dogs is the cat flea, followed by the dog flea.
  • Ticks are an external parasite of the dog and can cause many dog diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, babesiosis, and ehrlichiosis. They can also cause a neurological disorder known as tick paralysis.
  • Heartworm disease in dogs is spread by mosquitoes and is spread by the parasite Dirofilaria immitis. symptoms of heart worm disease in dogs include cough, difficulty breathing, and death.
  • Mites.
    • Ear mites in dogs are microscopic members species. Symptoms of ear mite disease in dogs include itching, inflammation, and black debris in the ears.
    • Cheyletiellosis is a mild pruritic skin disease in dogs caused by Cheyletiella yasguri. Humans can be transiently infected.
    • Chiggers, also known as harvest mites, they usually cause itching, redness and crusting in dogs.
    • Mange in dogs include demodectic mange and sarcoptic mange. Demodectic mange is caused by Demodex canis. symptoms include hair loss, redness, and scaling, and is contagious to humans!. Sarcoptic mange is caused by Sarcoptes scabiei canis. Signs include intense itching and scaling, and is contagious to humans.
  • Trichinellosis is a dog disease caused by Trichinella spiralis, T. britovi
  • Demodex also known as demodicosis live in small numbers in the sebaceous glands and hair follicles. These mites can cause inflammation and hair loss, they can also lead to secondary bacterial infections such as fever, lethargy, and in larged lymph nodes.
  • Sarcoptes scabiei is a mite that burries into humans and dogs alike and causes scabies. There is only one symptom, itchy and red skin.
Parasites can cause great harm to your dog and help spread different kind of dog diseases be vary of them and keep your dog free of parasites. Consult a vet if you see symptoms of any dog disease caused by parasites or if you notice the physical presence of parasites in your dog.

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Dog Disease - List of Protozoal Dog Diseases


Here you will find a list of some Protozoal Dog Diseases we already have detailed information on some of these diseases and we will continuously be adding more dog diseases to the database. It is important that you know about these diseases to maintain the health of your dog, to know symptoms and treatments for these common dog diseases.
  • Giardiasis is an infection in dogs intestines caused by the protozoa Giardia lamblia. Symptom common with this type of dog disease is diarrhea. The zoonotic potential of giardiasis is controversial.
  • Coccidiosis can be caused by a several coccidian organisms in dogs, most commonly Isospora. There are usually no symptoms, but diarrhea and weight loss may occur and point to the disease, look out for symptoms and consult a vet if you have any doubts.
  • Leishmaniasis is a dog disease that is spread by the sandfly, and in the dog as well as human has both cutaneous and visceral forms. The dog is considered to be the reservoir for human disease in the Americas.
  • Babesiosis is a dog disease spread by members of the family Ixodidae, or hard ticks. The two species of the genus Babesia that affect dogs are B. canis and B. gibsoni. Babesiosis can cause hemolytic anemia in dogs.
  • Neosporosis is dog disease caused by Neospora caninum.

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The varied Sizes, Shapes and Temperaments of Dog breeds


Dogs come in all shapes sizes and varied temperaments, perhaps dogs also known as Canis familiaris is one species on the planet with the most variety in shapes, sizes and temperaments among domesticated animals. When you look at the different breeds of dogs around you, you will notice everything from a tiny 2 pound designer dog to a 200 pound trained farm dog which are used for protection of flocks on farms around the world. When it comes to the shapes of dogs you will notice features unique to each breed. Some dog breeds might have very short muzzles while others may have elegant long noses. Then you will see certain dog breeds that are powerful with short, sturdy bodies, while other breeds of dogs that have long legs and bodies which assist them in running. You will also notice some breeds with no hair while others have long flowing coats. Some breeds of dogs are friendly and social while others are ferocious and protective.

You will notice that the variables in dog breeds are quite diverse and therefore choosing the right dog for your family is a very important decision that warrants great thought and planning, a hurried or impulsive decision about getting a dog for your family can lead to a lot of problems. A dog might seem very cute and cuddly but do you know anything about that breed other than its physical attributes. A big ferocious looking dog could look appealing to you but would it be safe around your family and small kids, These types of questions should be part of your research on the dog breed before you decide on buying the dog, unfortunately most people do more research when buying a computer or a television compared to making the decision of adding a dog to the family.

On our website we have a dedicated section on dog breeds where we have provided you with profiles of more than 300 dog breeds, you will be able to obtain information on each dog breeds, their shapes and sizes, their temperaments, their personality, and behavioral traits, also each article has specific health and disease information for that particular dog breed. A lot of research has gone into providing you with individual profiles for each breed. Our dog breeds section will help you decide and make a choice on what breed of dog you should choose for your house and family.

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Jun 21, 2009

Dog Disease - List of Fungal infectious Dog Diseases

Here you will find a list of some fungal infectious dog diseases we already have detailed information on some of these diseases and we will continuously be adding more dog diseases to the database. It is important that you know about these diseases to maintain the health of your dog, to know symptoms and treatments for these common dog diseases.
  • Blastomycosis is a fungal  dog disease caused by Blastomyces dermatitidis that affects both dogs and humans. Dogs are ten times more likely to be infected than humans. The disease in dogs can affect the eyes, brain, lungs, skin, or bones.
  • Histoplasmosis is a fungal dog disease caused by Histoplasma capsulatum that affects both dogs and humans. The disease in dogs usually affects the lungs and small intestine.
  • Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal dog disease caused by Coccidioides immitis that affects both dogs and humans. In dogs symptoms include coughing, fever, lethargy, and anorexia.
  • Cryptococcosis is a fungal dog disease caused by Cryptococcus neoformans that affects both dogs and humans. It is a rare disease in dogs. The disease in dogs can affect the lungs and skin, but more commonly the eye and central nervous system.
  • Ringworm is a fungal skin dog disease that is caused by Microsporum canis (70%), Microsporum gypseum (20%), and Trichophyton mentagrophytes (10%). Typical symptoms in dogs include hair loss and scaly skin.
  • Sporotrichosis is a fungal dog disease caused by Sporothrix schenckii that affects both dogs and humans. It is a rare disease in dogs, with cat and horse infections predominating in veterinary medicine. The disease in dogs is usually nodular skin lesions of the head and trunk.
  • Aspergillosis is a fungal dog disease that is caused primarily by Aspergillus fumigatus. Infection is usually in the nasal cavity. Typical symptoms in dogs include sneezing, nasal discharge, bleeding from the nose, and ulcerations of the nose.
  • Pythiosis is a dog disease cause by a water mould Pythium, P. insidiosum. It occurs primarily in dogs and horses, but can also affect humans. In dogs it affects the gastrointestinal system and lymph nodes, and rarely the skin.
  • Mucormycosis is a collection of fungal and mold dog disease including pythiosis, zygomycosis, and lagenidiosis that affect the gastrointestinal tract and skin.

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List of Bacterial infectious Dog Diseases


Here you will find a list of some bacterial infectious dog diseases we already have detailed information on some of these diseases and we will continuously be adding more dog diseases to the database. It is important that you know about these diseases to maintain the health of your dog, to know symptoms and treatments for these common dog diseases.
  • Brucellosis a sexually transmitted bacterial dog disease that can cause uveitis, abortion, and orchitis in dogs.
  • Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by a spirochaete. Symptoms of this disease are liver and kidney failure and vasculitis.
  • Lyme disease is a bacterial dog disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, a spirochaete, and spread by ticks. Symptoms of lyme disease in dogs include acute arthritis, anorexia, and lethargy. There is no rash as is typically seen in humans suffering from lyme disease.
  • Ehrlichiosis is a disease caused by Ehrlichia canis and spread by the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineous. symptoms of this disease include fever, vasculitis, and low blood counts.
  • Rocky Mountain spotted fever is a rickettsial disease that occurs in dogs and humans. It is caused by Rickettsia rickettsii and spread by ticks. symptoms are similar to human form of this disease,they including anorexia, fever, and thrombocytopenia.
  • Clostridium species are a potential cause of diarrhea in dogs. Associated species include C. perfringens and C. difficile.
  • Kennel cough is an infectious respiratory disease which can be caused by one of several viruses or by Bordetella bronchiseptica. It most commonly occurs in dogs in close confinement such as kennels.

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Dog Disease - List of Some Viral infectious Dog Diseases


Here you will find a list of some viral infectious dog diseases we already have detailed information on some of these diseases and we will continuously be adding more dog diseases to the database. It is important that you know about these diseases to maintain the health of your dog, to know symptoms and treatments for common dog diseases.

  • Rabies (hydrophobia) is a life taking viral disease that affects many mammals. The close relationship of dogs with humans makes canine rabies a very concerning disease because it can be transmitted to humans. Vaccination of dogs for rabies is usually required by law. Please see the article dog rabies for information on this disease in dogs.
  • Canine parvovirus is a potentially fatal gastrointestinal infection that usually affects only small puppies because of their weak immune systems; this dog disease is present in dogs throughout the world.
  • Canine coronavirus is a gastrointestinal disease that is usually asymptomatic or with mild clinical signs. The symptoms are worse in puppies.
  • Canine distemper is an often fatal infectious disease that mainly affects the respiratory and neurologic systems.
  • Canine influenza is a newly emerging infectious respiratory disease. Up to 80 percent of dogs infected will have symptoms, but the mortality rate is only 5 to 8 percent.
  • Infectious canine hepatitis is a potentially fatal infectious dog disease of the liver.
  • Canine herpesvirus is an infectious disease that is a common cause of death in puppies less than three weeks old.
  • Pseudorabies is an infectious disease that primarily affects swine, but can also cause a fatal disease in dogs with signs similar to rabies.
  • Canine minute virus is an infectious disease that can cause respiratory and gastrointestinal signs in young puppies.

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Jun 17, 2009

Dog Breeds - Xoloitzcuintli


Breed :    Miscellaneous Class
Weight:    Toy: 5-15; Miniature: 15-30; Standard: 25-40 lbs
Height:    Toy: 9-14; Miniature: 15-20; Standard: 20-30 inches
Color(s):    Black, slate, gray, brindle, fawn, red, bronze; spotted or solid

Xoloitzcuintli Breed Information:
The Xoloitzcuintl is also known as the Mexican hairless, this breed is one of the oldest dog breeds found in the world. They are famous because of their healing and magical powers. This breed possess lots of power and stamina, the most admirable think in this dog breed which make them different from other is their large bat like ears which provide them an amazing hearing.

This breed is very strong well-built and agile. This dogs breed is very intelligent affectionate and loving. They are also used as a guard and watchdogs, they are very protective for their family and territory, they are very silent and obedient by nature they are recommended for first time dog owners. They do well with children and older people.

The Xoloitzcuintil breed comes in two varieties, the Hairless and Coated. The Hairless only have a short tuff of hair on head and tail where as the Coated one has full coat of hair that is short and sleek, they are non shedder and odorless. This energetic and bold breed requires early socialization and obedience training. Training should be done with fairness and patience; they will not respond to hard and harsh methods of training.

This dog breed is well suited for apartments if they are provided sufficient exercise, they love to go for a walk and enjoy family play sessions. This breed of dogs is not suited for cold weather. Bathing should be done when it is needed otherwise bathing can damage their skin, brushing should be done twice a week.

Xoloitzcuintli Health and Diseases:
The Xoloitzcuintli suffers from some health issues and dog diseases like
  • Early tooth loss
  • Allergies to food,
  • Skin infection
  • Drug sensitivity
As a dog owner it is your responsibility to provide the right environment to your dog and keep it healthy. If you see any symptoms of disease in your dog be sure to consult a qualified vet to diagnose the problem and provide your dog with an early treatment.

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Dog Breeds - Wolf Hybrid


Group:    Not Akc Recognized
Weight:    100 lbs
Height:    26 inches
Color(s):    Varying shades of black, white and gray.

Wolf Hybrid Breed Information:
The Wolf Hybrid came into existence with the crossing of the Arctic Wolf and a large dog. This breed is very rare in the world, there are some countries where the Wolf Hybrid is banned so it is really important to check local laws before purchasing that breed. This breed of dogs is very large and aggressive. They have long limbs, and are agile and muscular. They face looks like a Wolf with a long and straight muzzle.

The Wolf Hybrid is not recommended for inexperienced owners. They are very aggressive and fast, they are loyal to their family and master. This dog breed can be used as a guard and watchdog, they are very suspicious of strangers, they are not good with children and older people.

The Wolf Hybrid has a double coat which is extremely dense. This breed requires early socialization and obedience training. This dog breed is not easy to train, the training should be done with fairness and patience, they will not respond to hard and harsh methods of training.

The Wolf Hybrid has high endurance and energy they are not good for apartment living with small children. They do well in rural settings. This dog breed requires regular brushing and bathing should be done when needed with a dry shampoo.

Wolf Hybrid Health and Diseases:
The Wolf Hybrid is a relatively sturdy and healthy breed and is not known to suffer from many diseases and health issues that affect most dog breeds, the most common ailment this breed suffers from is Hip Dysplasia. As a dog owner it is your responsibility to provide a healthy environment for your dog and keep it free of any diseases that might affect it, if you see any signs or symptoms of illness in your dog be sure to consult a vet for an early diagnosis and treatment.       

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Jun 16, 2009

Dog Breeds - Wirehaired Pointing Griffon


Group:    Sporting
Weight:    50-60 lbs
Height:    Male: 22-24; Female: 20-22 inches
Color(s):    Preferably steel gray with brown markings, also chestnut brown, or roan, white and brown. Less desirable is solid brown, solid white, or white and ora

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Breed Information:
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon was developed in Netherlands in 1873, this dog breed was used for hunting and as a guard dog. This breed of dogs is very intelligent and are keen which make them a true champion of their field, this breed of dogs is not very common in United States. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon breed of dogs is medium in size and is very speedy; they are very loyal to their master and can be used as a family pet.

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a lively breed, they are deeply devoted and externally intelligent when they are at work. This breed of dogs builds a strong relationship with their master and can become destructive if they are left alone for long duration of time. This breed of dog does well with children and older people, they do well with other pets and small animals.

This dogs breed has double coat: the outer coat is Wiry, straight, hard and gives them protection from the weather, whereas the under coat is thick and soft, the color of the coat is typically gray or silver, with roan or chestnut markings, or they may also be a solid chestnut. A distinguishing feature of this breed is the soft, thick, and bushy beard, mustache, and eyebrows. They shed little to no hair.

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon needs consistent training; training should be done with fairness and patience, they will not respond to hard and harsh methods of training. They require early socialization and obedience training. This dog breed is very energetic and speedy they need sufficient amount of exercise. They love to go for a walk and enjoy family play sessions. This breed of dogs is not suited for apartments, they are best in rural settings with a job to do. This dog breed does not require much grooming, they need to be brushed twice in a week to prevent dirt and dead hairs, and bathing should be done when needed with a mild shampoo. It is important to clean their ears weekly to avoid any infection.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Health and Diseases:
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon has some health issues and dog diseases like.
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Elbow
  • Eye
  • Thyroid problem
The lifespan of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is about 12 to 15 years. It is important as a dog owner for you to observe the health of your pet, if you notice any signs and symptoms of disease with your pet consult a veterinary at the earliest for diagnosis and treatment.

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Dog Breeds - Whoodles


Group:    Not Akc Recognized
Weight:    Male: 20-40; Female: 20-40 lbs
Height:    12-20 inches
Color(s):    Black, apricot, white, wheaten; may be solid or sabled

Whoodles Breed Information:
The Whoodle was bred by the crossing of two breeds: Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier and the Poodle. This breed of dogs is generally known as a designer dog and are quit rare in United States. This breed of dog is Sturdy and has a lively expression, they are very tough, brave and are true champions in their work.

This breed of dogs is friendly and full of life, they are alert and suspicious of strangers. The whoodle dog breed do well with children and older people. This breed of dogs can be used as a house pet as they have a very sweet and nice nature.

The coat of the Whoodle may be slightly wavy, profuse, soft and silky; curly; or a combination.  This speedy and energetic breed requires early socialization and obedience training. They will not respond to hard and harsh methods of training, training should be done with fairness and patience. The Whoodle will do okay in apartments if they are provided sufficient exercise but they are best in rural settings with a job to do. They can be good in homes with a fenced yard where there is enough space that they can run and play. This breed of dog requires daily brushing to avoid dirt and dead hairs, bathing should be done when mandatory.

Whoodles Health and Diseases:
This breed of dogs has some health issues like
  • PRA
  • Bloat
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Sensitivity to flea bites
  • PLE
They have a life cycle of about 12 to 15 years. As a dog owner it is your responsibility to keep you pet healthy and free of disease, if you see any symptoms of diseases affecting your dog please consult with a veterinary at the earliest.

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Dog Breeds - Whippet


Group:    Hounds
Weight:    20-40 lbs
Height:    Male: 19-22; Female: 18-21 inches
Color(s):    Beige, blue, roan, black, black and white, or white with streaked or yellow patches

Whippet Breed Information:
The Whippet is a lively breed; they are very loyal to their masters. This breed of dogs requires early socialization and obedience training to behave well, this breed can do well with other animals if they are provided early age socialization, they are very speedy and can run quite fast. This dog’s breed is very loving and carrying; they love to participate in working sports and are true champions.

The Whippet is a wonderful companion for children, if the child knows how to handle a dog. This breed love to be independent and learns quickly. They do well with children and older people. The Whippet dog breed is a very sensitive breed, they form a strong bond with their master and family and can become destructive if they are left alone for long periods of time. This breed of dogs has a single coat which is soft, textured and smooth. Their coat can protect them from cold climates.

The Whippet does well in homes if they have a gentle handler, training should be done by fairness and patience they will not respond to hard and harsh methods of training. This breed of dogs requires early age training, they need regular exercise to remain fit, they love to go for a walk and enjoy family play session. They do well in apartments if they are provided sufficient exercise. The Whippets are very easily groomed, they require occasionally brushing and bathing should be done when needed. This breed of dogs has some problem with cold weather so it is important to protect them from cold whether.

Whippet Health and Diseases:
This breed of dogs is prone with such health issues and dog diseases as follows:
Stomach upset
Skin problems
The Whippet dog breed lives for between 12 to 15 years. As a dog owner it is your responsibility to keep you pet healthy and free of diseases that might affect the dog,if you see any signs or symptoms of disease be sure to consult with a vet at the earliest.

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Dog Breeds - Westiepoo


Group:    Not Akc Recognized
Weight:    Male: 20-30; Female: 20-30 lbs
Height:    15-17 inches
Color(s):    White

Westiepoo Breed Information:
This breed of dogs came into existence by the crossing of two breeds, The West Highland White Terrier and the Poodle. These types of dogs are generally called designer dogs, and are very popular among the pet lover due to their Hypoallergenic  coats. This breed of dogs are highly energetic and brave, they are medium in size; they possess a nice and gentle expression.

The Westiepoo is an intelligent and clever breed; they build strong relationships with their master and can become destructive if they are left alone. This breed of dogs does well with children and older people, they commonly do well with other small animals and pets. This breed of dog is also used as a guard and is very alert; they are destructive with strangers and have a tendency to bark if they see any danger.

The Coat of the westiepoo dog breed is wavy, light in weight and soft they are average shedders. This breed of dogs requires early socialization and obedience training. Training should be given with fairness and patience, they will not respond to any hard and harsh methods of training. This energetic and athletic dog breed requires consistent exercise to remain fit. They are well suited for apartment living, if they are provided sufficient exercise, they love to go for a walk and enjoy family play sessions. The Westiepoo requires regular brushing to avoid dirt and dead hair, bathing should be done when needed with a mild shampoo.

Westiepoo Health and Diseases:
This breed of dogs suffers from some known health problems associated with this breed, these dog diseases and health problems are listed below:
Liver disease
Chronic skin problems
PRA
Epilepsy
If you notice any signs or symptoms of disease or illness consult with a veterinary at the earliest.        

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Dog Disease - Dog Fleas

Pets give us company and are very loyal companions and there fore we should be loving pet owners and should always take care of our pets. We have a responsibility to our dogs and their well being. As dog owners we need to try our best to keep our dogs safe from any dog disease that can be avoided. We should provide our dogs with the best medical treatment, the best living environment and the best diet and nutrition. Dogs are animals that need care and grooming them regularly is very important, the fur of the dog is very sensitive, it should be shampooed, brushed and should be kept clean. A dirty dog attracts fleas which a detrimental to the health and well being of any dog. Fleas are very small insects that stick to the fur of the dog and bite then dogs on their skin. Flea bites leave red spots on your dog’s skin indicating they have been bitten. The issue with fleas is that they are present year round and are not seasonal like mosquitoes; they are strong and are persistent in all weather conditions.

Flea bites are not a major problem for the dogs themselves but fleas also carry epidemics that can be transmitted to the dog from the bites. These can cause several dog diseases and that is why fleas are not good for the health of your dog. As a dog owner one should never neglect the presence or possibility of fleas in your dog, this presence exposes your dog to a lot of dog diseases that can harm the long term well being of your pet. Even if your dog is not infected with a dangerous dog disease the flea bites themselves can cause severe skin irritation in a dog.

What are Dog fleas
Fleas are dangerous parasites that stick to the skin and fur of a dog and bite away and sometimes suck the blood out of the dog. Their bites can cause severe pain to the dog and skin rashes as well as irritation of the skin is common due to fleas. Fleas are transmitted from dogs that already have fleas to other dogs. Fleas can not fly but they jump from one dog to the other so close proximity to infected dogs can cause your dog to get fleas. The best thing to do is keep your lovely pet away from stray dogs and other small animals groom your dog regularly and regularly check it for the presence of fleas.

Preventive measure to keep Dog fleas away
There are several ways you can use to keep you dog free of fleas, keeping fleas from attacking your dogs is the best way to deal with the problem. You can prevent fleas by
  • Bathing and grooming your dog regularly
  • Take the dog to the vet regularly and get it checked for fleas
  • Apply topical anti dog flea treatment
  • Try and keep your home flea free
If you are careful of cleanliness and hygiene your dog should be free of fleas, but if despite of all the precautions you still notice fleas on your dog you should  quickly remedy the situation and get treatment for your dog fleas.

Treatment for Dog fleas
There are several treatment options available to dog owners to treat the presence of fleas in their dogs.
  • There are topical ointments that are available to rid your dog of fleas
  • There are special shampoos you can use to rid the dog of fleas
  • If this does not work you can use a combination of medicines and powder or ointment to check the problem.
Your dog’s vet will be able to assist you as to the best way to solve the problem, remember a clean dog is a healthy disease free dog and a healthy dog is a great companion.

Here is a list of all the Dog Diseases featured on the Dog Disease Site
Dog Addison's Disease
Dog Disease Arthritis
Dog Disease Cataract
Dog Disease Constipation
Dog Disease Depression
Dog Disease Diabetes
Dog Disease Distemper
Dog Fleas
Dog Lymphoma Disease
Dog Obesity
Dog Pancreatitis Disease
Dog Disease Rabies
Heart Disease in Dogs
Heart worm disease in dogs
Lyme Disease in Dogs

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Dog Disease - Heart worm disease in dogs

For a pet owner who is attached to his dog, keeping it healthy and free of any dog disease is the first priority. Dog diseases are of several kinds, some are hereditary and some are due to factors that can be controlled for example environment, diet, cleanliness etc. for diseases that can be controlled it is better to prevent them then have your dog suffer and get it treated. Heart worm disease in dogs is one such disease that can be easily prevented taking precautions; it is a disease in dogs where a special type of parasite invades our dog’s body. The parasite is injected into the dog by mosquito bites, and any place where mosquitoes are present your dog will be at a high risk of contracting this dog disease. Heart worm disease is more common in open areas and rural areas because of presence of mosquitoes in these areas. Heart worm disease is a very dangerous disease in dogs and proper precautions should be taken to avoid your dog from being infected, as soon as a mosquito infects the dog the larvae goes into the blood stream of the dog and incubates for several days, if left untreated this parasite affects your dog’s health in a very adverse manner.

The disease is so named because the parasite travels in the blood and makes the heart of the dog its home, from there it spreads to the different organs of a dog’s body, once the heart begins to get affected the entire system of the dog starts to collapse. Once infected the disease is quite hard to treat. The good news is that it can be prevented quite easily by taking some precautions. Some special measures need to be avoided during mosquito season to keep your dog free of this dog disease

Symptoms for heart worm disease in dogs
The drawback of heart worm disease in a dog is that it is very hard to diagnose and treat; it is dangerous because if you dog is infected symptoms might not show until it is too late for treatment to be effective. The only clear symptom of this dog disease is that an infected dog will cough; this cough will be a soft dry cough. If you notice your dog showing this particular symptom do not ignore it and contact your veterinary at the earliest. The only other symptom that a dog suffering from heart worm disease manifests is that it becomes intolerant to exercise.

Prevention of heart worm disease in dogs
As stated earlier preventing this dog disease is easy and all precautions must be taken so your loving dog does not get infected. Here are some steps to help you avoid heart worm disease in dogs.
  • Keep dog’s environment disinfected
  • Keep the area free of mosquitoes
  • Vaccinate the dog for heart worm disease
Treatment for Heart worm disease in dogs
If your dog is infected with heart worms and a diagnosis is made only a licensed veterinary is able to treat it, there are drugs available for treating the disease and they are very strong and dangerous to be self administered, the treatment is also very painful for your dog. If your pet has contracted this dog disease it is best to leave its treatment to a qualified and trusted vet, who can help your dog and give it a long and healthy life.

Related Articles

Here is a list of all the Dog Diseases featured on the Dog Disease Site

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Jun 15, 2009

Dog Disease - Dog Lyme Disease





Dogs throughout history have suffered from illnesses and medical conditions just like humans, but modern veterinary medicine and effective treatment methods have made it easier and comfortable for a dog to live a healthy and comfortable life. As long as diagnosis of a disease is made in a timely manner it is more than likely that your dog will be cured of its medical condition or at least be made comfortable and its medical condition will be stabilized. Lyme disease is a dog disease most common in the United States of America; it has been affecting dogs in the US for a long time. This disease is so named because it was first identified in a city called Lyme in Connecticut in 1975. The Lyme disease is known to affect not only dogs but also other mammals like cats and even humans. This disease is caused by bacteria transmitted through tick bites. In itself the disease is not life threatening but it should not be left untreated as it can otherwise cause serious damage and lifetime conditions the can be avoided. A dog infected with Lyme disease can bring infectious ticks into the house so it is essential that the health of your dog is kept in check.

Once you are aware that your dog is suffering from a disease you should get it treated as soon as possible to avoid complications that the disease might cause. If Lyme disease is not treated in time it can cause damage to a dog’s cardiac and neurological symptoms. Depending how advanced Lyme disease is sometimes it is unlikely to recover from the damage already caused. If treatment is neglected your dog can suffer from lifelong health problems. If treated in a timely fashion your dog will fully recover from this  dog disease, several treatment options are available and your vet should be able to guide you to the best options that your dog might have.

Symptoms of Lyme disease in a Dog
A dog affected by Lyme disease will show symptoms of the disease some of the symptoms of this disease are.
  • Limping
  • Lameness
  • High fever
  • Muscle pain in dogs
  • Loss of interest in food
  • Lymphadenopathy where you should notice that the dog's lymph nodes are swollen
If you notice any of these symptoms be aware that your pet might be suffering from Lyme disease and get your dog to a veterinary as soon as possible.

Treatment of Lyme disease in a Dog
There are several treatment options available to dog owners but a veterinary is the best person to decide the course of treatment for your dog. Antibiotic treatment is usually done to treat this disease; some of the popular antibiotics used to treat Lyme disease are Doxycycline & Amoxicillin. Sometimes the vet will advise antimicrobial therapy along with the antibiotics. Aspirin and steroids might also be administered to treat the pain caused by this disease. Timely treatment can cure this dog disease, so it is essential you know the symptoms and get your dog treated as soon as you find out of its condition.

Here is a list of all the Dog Diseases featured on the Dog Disease Site
Dog Addison's Disease
Dog Disease Arthritis
Dog Disease Cataract
Dog Disease Constipation
Dog Disease Depression
Dog Disease Diabetes
Dog Disease Distemper
Dog Fleas
Dog Lymphoma Disease
Dog Obesity
Dog Pancreatitis Disease
Dog Disease Rabies
Heart Disease in Dogs
Heart worm disease in dogs
Lyme Disease in Dogs

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Jun 14, 2009

Dog Disease - Cardiac Dog Disease

For dog lovers the health and well being of their pet is most important, and their awareness of dog diseases prevalent in the animal kingdom helps them keep their pets safe and healthy. The health of any dog depends on many things, the most important being a healthy living environment, an active lifestyle and a proper healthy diet. Lack of exercise or an unhealthy diet can lead to many a dog disease, the most common of them being dog diseases related to the heart. Cardiac diseases in dogs are quite similar to these diseases in humans and are quite common in dogs. It is said that almost 11% of all dogs around the world are affected by one form or the other of cardiac disease, if the disease is diagnosed early and proper treatment is provided to the dog in a timely manner your dog can live a full and healthy life.

Although there are several types of dog heart disease that can affect your dog the 3 most common types are:
  • Congenial birth defects, these types of cardiac defects are detected when your dog is still a little puppy, usually these are pre-existing heart problems from birth.
  • Degenerative valve disease or heart valve leaks, this condition mostly affects older and middle-aged dogs.
  • Loss of heart muscle tissue; this problem is typically detected in young dogs or some of the larger breeds in their middle-age.
Symptoms of Heart Disease in a dog:
Dogs are intelligent animals but they still can not communicate their problems like humans can, when they are suffering they will show signs of an illness or discomfort. It is the responsibility of a dog owner to keep an eye on the health of their pet and be aware of any changes the following symptoms in your dog will indicate a heart problem.
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Coughing
  • Intolerance to exercise
  • A swollen abdomen which is usually caused by water retention in the body
Detection and Diagnosis of Heart Disease in a Dog
If you notice these symptoms in your pet consult a vet to be sure that all is well the vet will be in a position to determine if something is wrong with your pet. A veterinary can detect a heart murmur simply by using a stethoscope on the pet. For further testing your veterinary will have to monitor blood pressure, do a chest x-ray, run an EKG test, and for a definitive diagnosis an ultrasound of your pet's heart will be done.

Treatment of Heart Disease
Any type of cardiac problem in your dog should be taken seriously. If your dog is diagnosed with cardiac dog disease your dog will most likely be put on long term medication to treat its condition properly and effectively. In the early stages of diagnosis of cardiac problems you and your pet will have to regularly visit the vet for checkups and any update to medication, once the condition of your dog is stabilized with treatment you can resume your regular checkup schedule. This treatment will make your dog feel better and live longer and minimize unexpected problems that might arise if the condition is not treated properly. Proper care will enable your dog to live a long healthy life.

Here is a list of all the Dog Diseases featured on the Dog Disease Site
Dog Addison's Disease
Dog Disease Arthritis
Dog Disease Cataract
Dog Disease Constipation
Dog Disease Depression
Dog Disease Diabetes
Dog Disease Distemper
Dog Fleas
Dog Lymphoma Disease
Dog Obesity
Dog Pancreatitis Disease
Dog Disease Rabies
Heart Disease in Dogs
Heart worm disease in dogs
Lyme Disease in Dogs

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Dog Disease - Dog Obesity





Dog Obesity

 Dogs are animals that we love, this love for our pets sometimes makes us spoil their habits, and since we love our dogs we should be careful to the extent to which we spoil our dogs. One thing that some dog owners do is make their pets lazy and feed them excessively; this is not a good thing for the animal and should be avoided at all costs. Obesity is a major problem in dogs and it can be as dangerous a disease in dogs as it is in humans. Without proper exercise and diet control our dogs can become obese and this can cause lifelong health problems for the dog which otherwise could have been avoided.

What is Dog Obesity?
A dog that has a high fat content in its body is considered to be obese; this extra fat is very bad for an otherwise healthy dog, obesity can be considered a dangerous dog disease and is quite common in many dogs these days. As a dog disease obesity itself is not that dangerous but obesity leads to many other problems in a dog’s health. Dogs with high body fat are more likely to have blood pressure problems and heart related disease, severely obese dogs can have heart failure, the most common and dangerous disease that affects an obese dog is diabetes, so obesity should be avoided at all costs to give your dog a healthy life and keep other dangerous dog disease away from your loving pet.

Causes of Dog Obesity:
There are many factors that can cause a dog to be obese. The biggest factor for dog obesity is a non physical lifestyle where the pet gets minimal exercise. In a lifestyle where physical activity is missing fat starts to accumulate around the dog’s organs. Another major reason for obesity in dogs is a slow metabolism rate, if that is the reason your dog is becoming obese it should be examined and the metabolism problem should be treated. Another factor for dog obesity is commercial food products rich in carbohydrates, these foods should be avoided and a healthy diet should be given to your dog to avoid dog obesity on account of diet. Some breeds are more likely to be obese because of their genetic traits and larger appetites these breeds include spaniels and Labradors, especial care should be taken to provide them with a physically active lifestyle and a proper diet to offset the genetic disadvantages of these breeds. 

Treatment of Dog Obesity as a Disease:
Dog obesity is a relatively easy disease to treat; in a normal healthy dog treating obesity can be a very simple exercise. Responsible pet owners should be careful of their pets habits and provide ample opportunity to their pets to exercise and have a healthy lifestyle. A proper diet with low calorie count should be given to an obese dog to bring down its weight. A combination of physical activity and a proper diet are the two biggest things that will keep your dog from becoming obese or shedding weight if it is obese. Exercise and diet will keep your dog safe from this dog disease. It is essential that these things are done to avoid further health complications in your dog and give it a long healthy life.

Here is a list of all the Dog Diseases featured on the Dog Disease Site
Dog Addison's Disease
Dog Disease Arthritis
Dog Disease Cataract
Dog Disease Constipation
Dog Disease Depression
Dog Disease Diabetes
Dog Disease Distemper
Dog Fleas
Dog Lymphoma Disease
Dog Obesity
Dog Pancreatitis Disease
Dog Disease Rabies
Heart Disease in Dogs
Heart worm disease in dogs
Lyme Disease in Dogs

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