Articles About Dogs

The Dirty Side of Keeping Your Dog Healthy shared by Bullie Pups R Us

The Dirty Side of keeping Fido Healthy

When most people get a dog, they think of the fun times they will have with their new furry companion. But there are many things that aren't so pleasant that we as dog owners must consider to keep our friends happy and healthy.

So you go to the veterinarian, and your doctor asks you to bring along a urine sample from your dog. Your first question is probably, how do I do this? The easiest way to accomplish this is to tape a Tupperware container to the end of a yard stick. While your dog is out doing his business, get the container underneath his urine stream. This is easier to do with male dogs than female dogs but you can usually get a sample with one or two tries. Your veterinarian will want as fresh a sample if possible. If you will not be taking the sample to the vet right away, keep it refrigerated until you bring it in. Your veterinarian will be checking the sample for a variety of things like bacteria and crystals. If bacteria is found, this might mean that your dog has a urinary tract infection, and most likely your vet will put your dog on a course of antibiotics. Crystals form in the urine whenever minerals bind together. There are several different kinds of crystals and these are most often treated with prescription diets.

Why does your veterinarian ask for a stool sample? Frequently, intestinal parasites are found in dogs. They can get these by eating fecal matter from another affected animal, carcasses, or other unsavory things. You will want to bring in a fresh sample. The doctor will look at it under the microscope looking for telltale eggs of parasites. The most common are roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms. Several of today's monthly heartworm medications also protect against roundworms and hookworms. If you live in the country or your dog is outside a lot, he may need to be treated with a wormer on a quarterly basis for tapeworms. Other diseases like coccidia, can also be seen under the microscope from your dog's stool sample.

What are anal glands? The anal glands are two small glands located just on the inside of your dog's anus. They secrete a foul smelling liquid. Most of the time, your dog will empty his own glands while defecating. In some dogs, however, the anal glands do not empty properly and become impacted. If your dog is scooting a lot or licking his hind end often, he may have a problem with his anal glands. Make an appointment with your veterinarian. He will check the anal glands by touch with a gloved hand. If they are full, he can manually empty them. You can learn how to do this yourself at home. Some dogs need to have their anal glands manually emptied on a regular basis. Some owners choose to have their dog's anal glands surgically removed. This often helps the problem, but if you choose to do this, discuss the possible outcomes with your veterinarian. There is often a risk of fecal incontinence if this surgery does not go properly.

In dogs, sometimes dandruff is just that - dandruff. This can be caused by skin allergies, nutritional deficiencies, or improper grooming. But sometimes dandruff can be more. Dandruff can be a sign of a parasite called mange. There are a few different types of mange: a) Demodectic Mange which is caused by a mite. This mite is present in all dogs and rarely affects them adversely. Sometimes however, there can be an overabundance of these mites causing skin irritation and hair loss. b) Sarcoptic Mange which is caused by another type of mite. A female mite will bury herself in your dog's skin and lay eggs. When the eggs hatch, the cycle will begin again. Sarcoptic mange, also known as scabies, causes severe skin irritation and hair loss in dogs. It is easily treatable. c) Cheyletiella Mange is caused by a large mite that lives on the surface of your dog's skin. This infestation is also known as "walking dandruff." Cheyletiella mange is easily treatable with topical medication and causes minor skin irritation.

It's important to know about the less pleasant things that can cause your dog health problems so that you are properly educated and can recognize signs and symptoms. This will ensure that you keep your dog as healthy as he can be.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you want to add this dog article to your website, you must include the following author information with the dog article - including the links:

Dog Article courtesy of I-Love-Dogs.com shared from Bullie Pups R Us English Bulldogs

I am a proud wife, mother of 6 admirable children. Extreme bulldog fanatic! I own Bullie Pups R Us http://www.bulliepupsrus.com/forsale.php. I like to network so people can get to know who I am as a person. http://www.gather.com/my.jsp and http://peopleconnection.aol.com/blogs I love anything with the outdoors and find nature therapeutic and a miracle! Summer is my favorite time of year! I do not like winter as I find it very restrictive.

Other Article Sites

findabook.com  moneycd.info  a-mortgage.info   about-lemon-laws.info  aboutstudentloans.info
all-about-publishing.info  auctions-articles.info  bestcollege-university.com  bestispconnection.com
biblefolder.com  blogger-website.com  books-used.info  brokers-guide.info  buywindows.info  cable-dsl.info
career-miner.com  carpel-tunnel.info  cashinaflash.info  cashloanreviews.info  casinobell.com  chat-house.info
clearmycredit.info  collegeloantips.info  crones.info  depression-articles.info   dirnic.net  dishguides.info
divers-below.com  expodog.info   financewizz.com  fire-insurance.info  getgood.info  handleit.net   it-idea.info
health-supplies.info  hosting-right.com  insidealert.com  insurance-facts.info  jobs-employment.info
justgood.info  lookgold.net   lowcost-travel.info  money-source.info  myhostzone.info  numisblog.com
peoplesearchfinder.info  pr-articles.info  realeas.com   refinancing-guides.info  spyware-remove.info
telelot.info  the-law.info   toppaid.info  travel-deals.info  travelcorrect.com  wedding-guide-site.com
your-blog.info  your-credit.info

MORE ARTICLES:

Can I Get a Disease from my Dog?
Is it possible the family dog will also be a risk to the household when it comes to the spreading disease? Is it likely that a dog will pass on germs to humans?

DogWireGifts.com Donates to Dog Rescues Nationally
DogWireGifts.com, an online dog breed, rescue, and mixed breed dog lover gift store announced today the opening of their doggy bags to give money to dog rescues in need of funding.

Understanding Dog To Dog Aggression Part 1
Your dog is a confidant, a friend and often, your dog is an integral part of your family You will share many memories with this beloved pet

Baby Safety & the Family Dog
I recall how wonderful the baby swing in particular, was for moments of peace and quiet as well as much needed arm rest. A recent article (http://www.

Is Dog Food The Only Way To Keep Them Healthy?
Having a healthy dog is important You want your best friend to be as healthy as possible

The Secrets Of Stopping Your Dog From Digging
Almost all dogs dig holes one time or another The reason for dogs digging may go way back to when dogs weren't domesticated animals

Natural Dog Shampoos are Good for Your Dogs Skin and Coat
A Healthy Skin and Coat for Your Dog ..

The Dog Wolf Link
Several of the wolf-like social behaviors of a dog are not things that endear them to us, and several have lost their social purpose to the dog They are additions that God hasn't managed to shake yet

How To Care For your Pet Dog
He will be there by your side, as your loving companion – he will offer you protection if ever the need arises. Pet dog owners in turn must know how to look after their pet dog, and be responsible for it.

How to become Top Dog - A Dog Owners Guide to Sanity
Peeing on the carpet, knocking you down, or stealing dinner off the counter are all signs that your dog doesn't respect your rules. In other words, you are not the Alpha Dog.

Stop Your Dog From Chewing At Once
Chewing constitutes a common trouble wherever dogs are pertained, and it's an issue that you want to address and control before long Do not delay in controlling this behavior in your dog until it is too late, or you will pay a high price for it

HuntersCreek Retrievers Championship Labradors Offers Personalized In-Home Dog Training
HuntersCreek Retrievers offers Championship AKC Labrador Retrievers for the Field and Family. With clients worldwide Hunters Creek Labradors have become known for their exceptional pedigree, confirmation and trainability. Now offering In-Home Dog Obedience and Retriever Training, get 50% off an initial training evaluation through Spring 2006. Yes, anyone can enjoy owning an elite Chocolate, Black or Yellow Labrador. Look for upcoming litters of Hunters Creek Field Champion Lab Puppies www.HuntersCreekRetrievers.com.

Dog Safety: How to Keep Your Pups Safe From Loss or Theft
According to the American Humane Society, just 15% of dogs in shelters ever find their way home again. Thankfully, these loved pooches had identification, enabling shelter personnel to contact and return them to their owners.

Housebreaking Your Dog - The Correction
Housebreaking Correction If the dog has a mistake, try to understand the reason Was it too much excitement