Dog Phobia Treatment

The saying that their bark is worse than their bite can often apply to dogs - especially the ones that are only "brave" when they're standing at the top of the stairs, barking for all they are worth. But that doesn't stop you from being frightened of them. If anything, the loud noise can increase your dog phobia. Here are some ways to help with your dog phobia treatment.

1. Start with a small, friendly dog

At first, it may be all you can do to be in the same vicinity of the dog. If that's the case, take someone with you who can reassure you and who promises to protect you from the canine in question.

Make gradual progress to being in the same room as the dog, possible with it inside a cage so that you know that you're protected from it so long as you don't get too close to the cage.

Over time - and this may take quite a few visits - get to the stage where you can stroke the dog, maybe with someone else holding your hand whilst you do this and maybe even with gloved hands if that helps you to get over the worry you're experiencing.

2. Hide behind a window

Windows are good barriers. They allow us to see through them but we also know that (unless you're a magician or a vandal) it's actually quite difficult to put anything through them.

The dog may well jump up at the window - they have less idea about its function but they do normally know to stop before they collide with it - and the first few times it's likely that your reaction will be to draw back when this happens. But over time you should be able to help your mind come to terms with the idea that the window is protecting you and the dog in question is actually keen to meet you, as evidenced by the wagging tail and maybe even some slurps as it licks the window.

3. Actually meet the dog

This is often best on neutral ground, that way the dog concerned won't have any territorial feelings. So a park is ideal, obviously with the dog on a lead and firmly under the control of its owner.

You can also use this phase to gradually work up in size. If your friends haven't got access to larger dogs, they probably know various people that they meet and say hello to on their daily walks who would be happy to help you overcome your dog phobia.

4. If none of that works, try hypnosis

Hypnosis is a great way of dog phobia treatment.

It is gentle and easy to do - the best way is to listen to a specially recorded hypnosis track on a regular basis. It will work with your unconscious mind to train you to get over your dog phobia without any effort on your part.

It's cheap but despite the low price it has a high success rate in helping people to overcome their phobia of dogs.

Salmonella in Raw Dog Food

The potential for bacteria in all types of pet food has become an increasingly hot topic. With all the pet food recalls that have occurred in the last several months, people are wondering where they can turn to for a safe and healthy option. What is the risk in feeding food that may contain bacteria?

One of the most common bacterial infections obtained through food is salmonellosis which is caused by Salmonella bacteria. Salmonella is a bacterium present in food sources for both pets and humans. While chicken is the most common protein source where it can be found, it can also be found in young cattle, horses, pigs, and other
livestock.

How Does Salmonella Infect Meat?

Animals become infected mainly when they are fed low-grade meats or milk, are given polluted water to drink, or if they ingest the feces of another animal. Since salmonella thrives in moist environments, these are all ideal breeding grounds for the bacteria. Salmonella is quite resistant to environmental factors and can remain alive for months and even years making it an easy bacterium to be infected with.

What Makes A Dog Susceptible to Salmonellosis?

While it is rare for a dog to become infected with Salmonella, it can happen, and often results in digestive upset. Dogs become infected from Salmonella bacteria mostly from eating food that has been exposed to high levels of the bacterium. However, dogs, which are on a raw meat diet, are less likely to become infected with Salmonella bacteria than dogs eating dry pet food. It sounds strange since most experts contribute the cause of salmonellosis to eating uncooked or undercooked meats.

But the reason is quite simple: a healthy dog's digestive system is able to produce the enzymes necessary to eliminate Salmonella bacteria. Added protection is also given to dogs by nature. A dog's stomach acids are stronger than a human's. That point, paired with the fact that a raw diet has a shorter digestion time (4 to 6 hours) than a heat-processed, dry or canned food diet (which takes 8 to 12 hours to digest), all attributes to a dog's ability to handle raw foods while not being infected by salmonella.

A Dog's Natural Defense Against Salmonella

In the same way our dog's ancestor, the wolf, has existed on a raw meat diet for hundreds of thousands of years, your domestic dog is biologically designed to digest raw meat. Healthy dogs have natural means to fight with bacteria, and the disease only occurs if the dog has an immunocompromised system - or other problems - which can lead to salmonellosis.

The Most Common Cause of Salmonellosis

Raw pet food is not usually the reason for infection from Salmonella. If you examine the recent history of pet food recalls, you'll notice a commonality: dry pet food. Dry kibble diets are more likely to become the cause of Salmonellosis infection from food due to the fact that it is digested for much longer time than raw food. Dry kibble diets not only irritate the lining of the bowels, but they also provide the perfect wet, warm environment (with a great deal of undigested sugars and starches), which is a smorgasbord for Salmonella bacteria.

Contrarily, raw meaty bones produce a very hostile environment for bacteria. This along with the fact that raw meaty bones are easily digested by your pet and do not contain starches, carbohydrates, or sugars to feed Salmonella bacteria make a perfect solution to salmonellosis prevention.

Why All The Fuss About Salmonella?

Since humans do not have the same defense mechanisms required to dispose of salmonella, we need to be much more careful about preventing infection in us and our family.

Here are some simple rules, which every owner should follow to avoid salmonella infection:

1. Use plastic bags or gloves to protect hands from Salmonella bacteria when handling feces, and dispose of them where nobody can touch them.

2. Wash hands thoroughly in hot, soapy water after handling feces, even after using protective gloves.

3. Make sure to wash all utensils and preparation surfaces in warm, soapy water after serving a meal made with raw meat for your family or your pet.

4. If raw meat looks discolored or smells odorous, exercise caution and throw it away.

Essentials of a Dog's Daily Diet

As with their human companions, dogs need a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals. But, unlike us, the recommended 2,000-calorie diet for humans doesn't translate to our pets. Dogs, because of their varying weights and body types ultimately require more or less food on a normal basis and dogs with certain deficiencies might need supplemental food to keep them healthy. If you happen to be adopting a dog, it can prove to be helpful, to keep a strict doggy diet.

So, the hard questions is, what should your dog be eating anyway? Begin with the four items listed below that can be found in almost all premium-style dog goods. A good thing to look for when looking for that great dog food is to look for the Association of American Feed Control Officials' stamp of approval on the package.

1. To begin, your canine companion should always be drinking plenty of water. As with all mammals, our pets require water depending on the level of activities, but should realistically be drinking water on a regular basis to remain hydrated. For the most part, dogs are great at drinking water when they're thirsty, so keeping a full and fresh water dish is essential.

2. Second, you dog and any dog needs plenty of protein. Most dog food is developed to include a mix of animal and vegetable proteins, animal protein being much easier for a dog to digest. Most vets suggest that a dog eat a minimum of 18% protein in their daily diet. That number should increase to around 22% while they grow, become pregnant or begin to nurse.

3. Next, your canine will need a good portion of vitamins. Similar to children and the elderly, your dog may not be able to produce the correct or digest the correct amount of vitamins, so providing your pooch with the extra nutrients not available in dog food is suggested.

4. Finally, your dog should consume a good amount of fat as well. Vets recommend that a minimum of 5% of fat in your dog's daily diet will keep their coat shiny and provide the right amount of energy to play an endless amount of catch in the back yard.

But, since dogs aren't all equal in terms of body size or exercise level, you should control daily food allowance for your dog - based on, more or less, 2 levels. Weight and activity levels. DogFoodAdvisor.com has a great dog food calculator that I insist will help you understand what your specific dog needs. Happy feeding!

Remember though, just like humans, dogs will not portion control themselves. What you provide your pooch in term of culinary delights will be consumed with no argument. If your dog has become overweight and sluggish at an early age, serious health issues will ultimately arise. They can range from arthritis to hip dysphasia.

Exercising Your Dog

Dogs are a lot like us when it comes to fitness. If dogs do not get enough exercise they will become unfit and gain weight. This is extremely unhealthy for the dog and cause problems like heart disease and many other problems. If your dog is fit and healthy they are likely to live longer which is obviously what everybody wants.

With dogs you cannot all of a sudden start taking them on a 5 mile run as this can cause just as many problems as not exercising at all. You should build up with the extent of which you exercise so you and your dog can build up your cardio-vascular systems and lead healthy lives. You should start with short walks that last for around 15 minutes and once you dog seems fine with these walks you should slowly increase the duration of the walks. At first you should be walking for your dog so you can build up to walks that last for around an hour.

Once you have built up to a walk that lasts for an hour you should decrease the length of the walk but increase the pace. Firstly go back to the 15 minutes walks but you should be jogging this distance as this is likely to challenge your dog. Then like the walks you can slowly increase the distance of this. On these walks you should keep your dog on lead so they do not run off at any point. You can either have an extending lead which gives your dog more freedom or you could have a restricted lead which stops them going somewhere they shouldn't.

You will need to be careful when taking your dog on a walk as you do not want your dog to become exhausted. You can watch this by looking at your dog throughout the walk. If your dog is breathing too heavily then slow it down and if your dog wants to stop then stop. It might be worth having a short break when going for a long walk as this can help your dog catch its breath. In addition to this if it is a hot summer's day then you will need to tone down the walk as the hot weather will make it even more challenging. It is important to have water ready at the end of the walk so your dog can stay hydrated because a lack of water can be really dangerous for your dog.

If you do not fancy going for a 5 mile run with your dog there are other things that you can do to keep your dog fit. Just take your dog for a short walk but play games with your dog along the way. You can do this by playing fetch. You can use a simple tennis ball on a big field and your dog will have hours of fun. You will need to teach your dog to bring the tennis ball back or the idea of fetch will be defeated. More accessories are available to help you have more fun. For example you can get a tennis ball which clips on an extended stick you can throw it further away and this will help your dog's fitness even more. If you are making your dog fetch a ball you need to make sure that your dog is trained so they will not run off or chase cats.

After you feel you can trust your dog then you can begin to exercise your dog. This will benefit the dog as well as having benefits on your fitness as well. In addition to this you will probably have fun with you dog along the way.

Why You Want a Green Dog Bed

If you're in the market for a new dog bed, you'll quickly notice that there are two basic categories on the market. The first and most common are regular pet beds, and there are eco dog beds. You might be wondering what the difference is between the two categories or why you would want one over the other.

The difference between your regular pet bed and eco-friendly dog beds is simple. The environmentally friendly variety create less of an impact on the environment than their traditionally made counterparts. They are made using green materials or made by utilizing green manufacturing practices for an overall product that is considered more environmentally friendly than the average pet bed on the market.

In the past, eco dog beds have been unattractive and tended to be more uncomfortable. The recycling process was still relatively new and there was some trial and error involved while the process was perfected. That is no longer true. Today's eco-friendly dog beds are just as stylish and every bit as comfortable as their non-green counterparts, but they are made to have less of an impact on the Earth than other styles and types of pet bedding.

Bowsers dog beds are great examples of quality made eco-friendly dog beds. They are made with recycled or environmentally friendly materials, but they maintain a high level of attractiveness and comfort. The interior filling of these stylish pet beds is made from recycled material, including plastic bottles and other natural fibers, while the exteriors are made from environmentally friendly fabrics. Bowsers dog beds are machine washable, durable, stylish and comfortable, making them one of the most appealing options on the market.

The only downside to going green with your pet bedding is that the green alternative can tend to be more expensive than traditional beds. Some of the reasons for this increase in price include that the recycling process necessary to create clean and usable recycled materials and fills and the environmentally friendly manufacturing processes are typically more costly than the non-green alternative. This can result in eco pet beds being priced higher than their non-green counterparts. However, recent advances made in the recycling industry mean that going "green" with your pet is becoming more affordable and green alternatives are becoming more competitively priced.

In terms of durability and comfort, green pet bedding are on par with the competition. They are strong and durable enough to last just as long as their traditional counterparts and are available with all the same features such as orthopedic styles for aging pets and so on.

As more styles of eco-friendly beds for your dog hit the market, you can often find a decent variety wherever regular pet beds are sold, however, since green pet bedding is still falls more under the "specialty" category, shopping online remains one of the easiest ways to find the best selection at the lowest prices. Many pet supply stores and retailers will only carry a limited selection of these wonderful "green" dog beds, so if you're looking for a specific brand, such as Bowsers dog beds, or need a particular style or attribute, you'll save time and find a much wider selection by shopping online. With a little bit of research and patience, you'll be well on your way both to providing your pet with a quality place to lay their furry heads and to doing your part to lower emissions and protect our environment for generations to come.

Mushroom Poisoning in Dogs - Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention

Mushroom poisoning in dogs is a common hazard because of the amount of time dogs spend outdoors; it becomes a problem particularly in the summer and fall. Toxic mushrooms are classified into four categories (A,B,C,D) based on the clinical signs and their time of onset, and into seven groups (1-7). It is important for dog owners to be aware of mushrooms in their yard and take the proper precautions to make sure their dogs don't get sick.

Symptoms

The symptoms your dog will experience after consuming a poisonous mushroom depends on the type that was ingested. Here are the specific effects of the different types of mushrooms:

- Category A: Most toxic, cause destruction of cells, especially liver and kidney cells
- Category B and C: Nervous system
- Category D: Gastrointestinal irritation

The most common symptoms associated with mushroom poisoning include: vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, weakness, lethargy, yellowing of the skin, uncoordinated movements, excessive drooling, seizures and coma. If your pet shows any of these signs of mushroom poisoning, bring him to the vet immediately. If you can, bring the suspected mushroom when you take him for his appointment. This will make it easier for the vet to treat your pet.

Diagnosis and Treatment

When it comes to diagnosing mushroom poisoning in dogs, the vet will perform a complete physical examination as well as a complete blood count, biochemistry profile, and urinalysis. Indicators of mushroom poisoning include: abnormally low blood glucose levels and abnormally high levels of liver enzymes due to liver damage. The vet will usually identify the type of mushroom your pet ate by taking a sample from his stomach. Your pet will be treated with activated charcoal and fluid therapy to eliminate the toxins. If your pet is severely poisoned, the vet may decide to induce vomiting.

Prevention

The best way to prevent your dog from getting mushroom poisoning is by removing them from your yard. They grow best in damp weather and can appear overnight, so it is important for you to check your yard thoroughly every morning before letting your dog outside. Be especially cautious of parasol-shaped mushrooms and all small brown mushrooms. Make sure you properly remove mushrooms by digging them up, not smashing or kicking them. Keep a close eye on your pet when you let him outside to ensure he doesn't find any mushrooms that you missed. By taking all of the necessary precautions, you are on your way to avoiding mushroom poisoning in dogs.

Your Dog and Dealing With Arthritis

Similar to aging humans, a common issue to beset elder canines and some younger dogs as well, is arthritis. Though it can be characterized by inflammations, swelling and stiffness in muscles and joints, the question, what is canine arthritis?

This progressively degenerative disease causes a severe loss in cartilage and can worsen over time as your dog's joints continue to deteriorate. The symptoms of arthritis can range from a very mild pain to extremely painful, primarily effecting the hips, this disease can also occur within the neck, shoulders, legs, and back. For many dogs, it can seriously impact their quality of life, making it especially difficult to climb stairs, run and exorcize, or just walk.

The dogs that have a higher risk of developing this disease are middle-aged to elderly dogs that have become or are inactive, overweight, or both. Many large dog breeds can me more prone to arthritis, including Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Newfoundlands and St. Bernards. 90% of these breeds will typically show symptoms in older age.

Though much rarer, younger dogs can be afflicted by arthritis caused by abnormal bone or joint development, hip dsyplasia, varying diseases, injuries, stress, damaged muscle, tissue, or ligaments can cause joint instability in young canines and can lead to arthritis in later years.

The most obvious clue will be shown in the behavior of your companion. If they begin to slow down, doesn't want to walk or play as they normally do, they appear stiff, they begin limping, it could be more than old age. If you believed your dog could be suffering from this painful ailment, have your vet check them over. Your vet can perform tests to determine what the culprit may be.

Depending on the type of arthritis, there are a variety of anti-inflammatory medications that can control pain and inflammation. That said, it's important to have your veterinarian properly diagnose your dog's condition and provide appropriate medications and dosage levels. Do not medicate your dog on your own!

Natural and homeopathic treatments, alone or combined with medication, can be very effective in treating arthritis. Ask your veterinarian for advice and/or the name of a reputable practitioner.

Overweight/obese dogs typically suffer more severe symptoms because there's more stress on their joints, so an exercise and weight management program is critical. Although it seems counter-intuitive, low-impact exercise (like swimming and walking) helps maintain muscle strength and keeps joints lubricated. Your veterinarian can advise you of an appropriate weight management and exercise plan.

Home measures: Most dogs sleep 12 hours a day. Ease your pet's pain by adding extra fleece or blankets to her bed, and be sure to keep her bed away from windows and other drafty locations. If your dog has shoulder or neck pain, raise up her water and food dishes so she doesn't have to bend over.