Posted on 29 December 2009. Tags: Breeds/Hybrids/Mixed Breeds, dog, dog breed, dog breeding, Dog Care, Dog Health, dog health issues, Dog Health: Early Signs of Illness, doggy, dogs, Early Signs of Illness, good dog, owner, Ownership Advice, Puppies, Puppy, tips, Tips and Advice
In most cases dog health concerns and illnesses are not evident for a long period of time before being diagnosed. However some of the dog problems related to the condition may be there but are so mild that owners don't realize their importance. Having a good understanding of dog health and dog care can help you identify these precursor symptoms that can lead to an earlier diagnosis and better treatment outcome.
Early Signs of Dog Problems and Dog Health Issues
There are several key factors in dog care and dog health monitoring that will help you report issues to your vet and provide the necessary information. The symptoms or signs that may indicate minor or major dog health issues include:
- Changes in the coat
This can often be a coat that changes from a lustrous, shiny coat to a dry, brittle or dull looking coat. Hair loss may or may not accompany this change in the coat either in a uniform manner across the entire dog's body or just in patches or spots.
- Lethargic behavior
Even those dogs that are over seven years of age are far from senior pets. Any dramatic or gradual decrease in your dog's normal energy or activity levels is typically the first sign that something is not right. These dog problems can range from a simple digestive problem or parasite infestation to a serious neurological or circulatory problem.
- Eating and appetite changes
Dogs should not have large changes in the amount of food they eat after they mature. Of course dogs that work or are very active are going to eat more than dogs that rest all day, but their appetites are consistent from day to day. When a dog suddenly goes off his or her food, dramatically cuts down their food consumption or leaves food in the dish this can be a signal that all is not well. In addition dogs that suddenly begin to eat more than usual or appear constantly hungry can also be ill or have some type of parasite or other dog health problem.
- Temperament changes
Dogs that are in pain will not always react in the same manner. Some dogs will hide and try to stay away from people and other animals, while others may look to their owners for comfort. Most dogs will react with growls, whines or even snapping at people when the area that is hurting is touched or tested.
- Stiffness
Muscle stiffness is not just symptomatic of aging, it can occur in growing puppies and even adult dogs that are at the peak of their physical abilities. Muscle stiffness, paralysis and tremors or seizures can signal everything from some type of poisoning to neurological conditions or metabolic conditions.
Always keep a careful record of any unusual behavior you notice in your dog. Dog health, dog care and dog problems relating to changes in the normal behavior should be discussed with your vet as soon as possible to start working towards a diagnosis and treatment if necessary.
Posted in Dog Health
Posted on 29 December 2009. Tags: Breeds/Hybrids/Mixed Breeds, celebrities, Celebrities and Their Dogs, Celebrity, Celebrity Dog News, dog, dog breed, Dog Care, Dog Health, dog owner, doggy, dogs, good dog, owner, Ownership Advice, Puppies, Puppy, tips, Tips and Advice, Winter 2006, Winter 2006 Celebrity Dog News
Another season, another reason for picking the hair off the couch…in a manner of speaking, of course.
Rounding out 2006 was a very festive occasion in Culver City , California – that's right, it was time for the Lint Roller Party. This charity event is the annual fundraising celebration for the Best Friends Animal Society and it certainly brought all the celebrities out – and their canine friends.
Chad Lowe was there, trying his best to get a dog Spunky adopted and into a good home.
Amy Smart and her fiancé Brandon Williams showed up with their pooch Oscar, while Corey Feldman, Carl Lewis, and many others were also on hand to help support a great cause.
But while these celebrities were using their powers for good, Ms. Britney Spears was named the WORST DOG OWNER of 2006 by an online poll.
According to the Associated Press, Hilary O'Hagan of The Hollywood Dog and The New York Dog stated, "Britney was the overwhelming choice."
Her worst offenses? Britney seems to have 'lost' her three Chihuahuas ever since she was married to Kevin "Apparently I don't like dogs" Federline and had her two sons.
Oh, Bit Bit, where have you gone?
But never to be outdone, Miss Paris Hilton was also in this list of world's worst dog owners, though she was only second (word has it that she is still waiting on the recount results). By treating her dogs like Louis Vuitton purses, she's a dog's enemy number one among those of us that love our dogs for more than just their ability to match with our newest dress.
Still, there is good news in this poll.
Oprah Winfrey was voted the year 2006's best celebrity dog owner with her five often talked about and probably very spoiled pups.
They are certainly some of Oprah's Favorite Things.
Speaking of Oprah, Alicia Silverstone (vegan and animal lover extraordinaire) was asking viewers to try to get Oprah to do a show on the pets that were abandoned during Hurricane Katrina.
With the hopes of educating people on the importance of spaying and neutering in order to control the pet population (thanks to Bob Barker, as always), Ms. Silverstone is trying to make her famous voice heard.
Celebrities that actually have a conscience….it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas…
Posted in Hello! Celebrity Dogs
Posted on 29 December 2009. Tags: A Recap of the Summer’s Sightings 2005, Breeds/Hybrids/Mixed Breeds, celebrities, Celebrities and Their Dogs, Celebrities and Their Dogs—A Recap of the Summer’s Sightings 2005, Celebrity, dog, dog breed, dog breeding, Dog Care, Dog Health, doggy, dogs, dogs lie, good dog, owner, paris hilton, Puppies, Puppy, tips, Tips and Advice, Train, Train Your Dog
While some celebrity dogs get a lot of recognition for their fashion triumphs and their up to date carry cases, others just let dogs lie (get it? let sleeping dogs lie, well, it was funny to me when I was writing this).
There are the Paris Hiltons and the Tori Spellings that publicly and privately love and adore their dogs as though they were their own children. Paris and her Tinkerbell made appearances as Grand Marshals of the 2005 Gay Pride Parade. Tinkerbell was sporting a lovely matching pink ensemble as was her owner. Fashion and social consciousness, that’s so HOT.
And as for Ms. Spelling and her Mimi La Rue, they were out on the town to show their support in the 11th Annual Bid Dog Parade. Funny enough, Tori’s pup isn’t very large, but Ms. Spelling’s devotion most certainly is. Tori is a frequent supporter of dog rights and care. Also found at the Much Love animal rescue fundraiser, Tori brought both of her dogs in full costume for the celebration.
But there are other celebs that like to let their dogs be dogs. Owen Wilson and Jake Gyllenhaal can be seen walking their dogs around California or New York, letting them lay in the grass as their owners catch a little time for themselves. Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck have been seen walking her pup Martha Stewart, looking very much the family that they’ve recently made official.
Nicole Ritchie takes Foxxy Cleopatra and Honeychild to the vet. Mischa Barton plays with her new dog Charlie on breaks while filming “The O.C.” Courteney Cox and David Arquette are frequently spotted with their adorable dogs Hopper and Hardy as Ms. Cox is in New York making a new film. Kate Beckinsdale’s new teeny tiny pup was spotted on a recent trip to an L.A. costume shop.
Posted in Hello! Celebrity Dogs
Posted on 29 December 2009. Tags: blap, Breeds & Hybrid/Mixed Breeds, dog, dog breed, dog breeding, Dog Care, Dog Health, doggy, dogs, good dog, Hybrid Dogs, owner, Puppies, Puppy, THE FOUR TYPES OF DOG VOMIT!, tips, Tips and Advice, Train Your Dog, train your puppies, train your puppy
This was forwarded to me from the Border Collie banter elist - if you are the author please contact me to be credited for writing your article!
YELLOW URKA-GURKAS
Dog runs around the house and hides under furniture while making a prolonged 'uuuurka-guuurka, uuurka-guuurka' noise. (this noise is the only thing guaranteed to wake up a true dog lover who is hungover from a post dog show celebration at 3:30 am) After mad scrambling to capture the dog and drag him outside the episode ends with an indelible ten yard line of slimy yellow froth from the living rug to back door.
BLAP DISEASE
Dog exercises hard and a) eats large mouthfuls of snow(Winter Blap Disease) or b) drinks a bucket of water (Summer Blap Disease). Within 2 minutes of returning inside the dog spews out large amounts of clear slimy liquid while making a distinctive 'blap' sound and sharp percussive noise as it hits the linoleum.
GARKS
Dog suddenly clears his throat with loud and dramatic 'gggaark, gggark,' noises, generally followed by prolonged 'iiikssss', licking sounds and then loud satisfied smacking noises. There is nothing on the rug. Don't investigate, you don't want to know.
RALFS
Appropos of nothing, the dog strolls into the dining room and waits till the innocent dinner guests are all watching him. Then with a single deep gut-wrenching 'raaaalfff' disgorges the entire week's contents of his stomach on the dining room rug. VARIATION: then he eats it.
In all the above events, the dog is entirely healthy and indeed deeply pleased with himself.
Posted in Ownership Advice
Posted on 29 December 2009. Tags: Breeds/Hybrids/Mixed Breeds, Cavapoo Hybrid Dogs (Cavoodle), cavoodle, dog, dog breed, dog breeding, Dog Care, Dog Health, doggy, dogs, hybrid, Hybrid Dogs, owner, Puppies, Puppy, Tips and Advice
The Cavapoo, a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle, may also be known as a Cavoodle. This small dog usually matures at a weight of under 10 pounds and measures between about 8 and 15 inches at the shoulder. They have the wavy to curly coat associated with Poodle hybrid dog types. Some Cavapoos will be more Poodle like in coat and appearance while others may have the longer, silkier coat of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Cavoodles can be a variety of colors from solid white, black or tan through to black and white, brown to red and white or even tri-colored.
The Cavapoo is a relatively low shedding hybrid dog, especially if they tend to favor the Poodle. Some may be ideal for people with dog allergies although it is important to check each dog with the person before making a decision.
What You Need To Know About Owning A Cavoodle
Hybrid breeds tend to favor both parents with regards to temperament and the Cavapoo is no exception. These small dogs are intelligent but also very connected with their owners. They are easy to train, quick to learn new tricks and very friendly dogs that really love everyone. While a great companion dog they are not suitable as guard dogs since they are simply too friendly.
The Cavoodle gets along well with other dogs and non-canine pets, especially when raised together. They make ideal apartment pets and can do well in small spaces with routine daily walks and runs. The Cavoodle tends to be very playful and needs to spend time with people on an ongoing basis. Without routine human interaction they can become anxious and engage in problematic behaviors such as barking and chewing. Separation anxiety can be a problem with this hybrid especially if there are changes in the household routine.
Posted in Breeds/Hybrids/Mixed Breeds
Posted on 28 December 2009. Tags: bichon, Bichon Frise, bichon frise health, Breeds/Hybrids/Mixed Breeds, dog, dog breed, dog breeding, Dog Care, Dog Health, doggy, dogs, good dog, Learn To Care, Learn To Care For Your Bichon Frise, owner, Puppies, Puppy, tips, Tips and Advice
Not all dogs require the exact same approach to care and disclipline. Various breeds could have specific needs with respect to grooming and to diet as well as obedience training. If you’re a Bichon Frise owner or are considering getting either a Bichon puppy or older dog, you’ll want breed specific information. This will save you frustration, money and will help you be a happy pet owner with a happy dog.
Before You Buy Your Dog
If you haven’t gotten your dog yet, you might want to look at a Bichon Frise buying guide to help you figure out what features and traits to look for in a breeder and in the sire and dame as well. Choosing the right breeder is vital in terms of getting a healthy dog with a good temperament.
You might also consider specific things to look for in the pedigree as well. Various issues come in to play whether or not you’re going to show the dog and / or breed him or her and valuable breed specific information makes a difference!
If you’ve Already Bought Your Dog...
If you’ve already bought your dog, different dogs have different needs so a dog training and dog care guide shouldn’t really be a one size fits all solution. The Bichon Frise has specific dietary requirements, grooming needs and exercise needs that might not be the same as another dog such as a German Shepherd, Chihuahua or Golden Retriever.
Take the time to learn to train and to socialize your dog well so that you can have a four-legged family member that really blends well with your family life.
There are lots of dog care books available but here’s one that’s specific to caring for your Bichon and it includes an audio package as well: The Insider’s Guide to a Happy, Healthy & Well Behaved Bichon Frise.
Posted in Breeds/Hybrids/Mixed Breeds
US $29.95
