Arthritis Treatment For Dogs

By Nicky Takasura

As your dog ages it is not unusual for him to slow down a little; but only a little. The gradual decline of activity, and interest in activity, are signals that your pet may be experiencing joint pain as a result of arthritis. Joint issues are a very common problem affecting over 12 million dogs, especially older and large dogs. Dismissing your dog's symptoms as normal aging could be allowing your dog to suffer needlessly. Pain relief for dogs experiencing joint pain and mobility problems can be effectively managed. Arthritis is a chronic disease that requires life long treatment.

What does arthritis for dogs mean? The hip, knee and ankle joints in pets are the joints most commonly affected by the deterioration of cartilage. Cartilage is the spongy, protective cushion between the bones where joints meet. When the cartilage begins to break down, that is, to disintegrate, the condition is known as arthritis. As the cartilage wears away, the bones begin to rub together, which causes inflammation, pain and stiffness, and in advanced cases, lameness.

Your beloved pet can't explain what's wrong with him or if he's in pain. So, how do you know if your pet is experiencing arthritic problems and pain? You need to watch for the non-verbal clues and take behavior changes seriously. Here are a few of the classic symptoms of arthritis for dogs:

* Reluctance to go up or down stairs

* Resists jumping up into a car or on furniture

* Tiring easily during walks or walking more slowly than usual

* Taking longer to get moving after resting or sleep

* Lies down rather than sits or stands

* Favoring a limb

There are other, more subtle symptoms that may also be indicators that your pet is experiencing joint immobility or pain issues. Weight gain and extensive sleeping, less enthusiasm for play and disinterest in general are also signs to watch for. Keep notes, and if your pet continues to exhibit these symptoms for longer than 2 weeks, take her to the veterinarian for an arthritis evaluation. Arthritis treatment for dogs will vary depending on the age and condition of your pet, so you need to get a proper diagnosis from the vet first, and then you will want to follow the management plan that is prescribed for your pet.

Commonly prescribed pain medications for dogs with arthritis are NSAIDS; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These alleviate pain, as the name implies, but another more important part of your pet's treatment may include supplements that support good joint health and good health in general. Glucosamine and chondroitin are over the counter supplements that are known to promote healthy joints, but buy the supplements that are intended for your pet! Do not feed them human supplements. Your pet's needs are different. A good diet is essential, including Omega fatty acids and fiber. Your pet may need to lose some weight to relieve extra stress on painful joints. Your veterinarian may suggest additional courses of treatment to get your pet back to his/her old self.

Exercise is also a prescribed treatment in arthritis for dogs. Low impact exercises will keep the joints mobile and build muscle without causing undue strain on the joints themselves. The key is 'motion'. Your dog has to be kept mobile to stay healthy. Daily, low impact exercises, like leash walking and swimming, will provide range of movement activities to help prevent the joints from becoming stiff from lack of use. Like people, your pet should have a muscle warm up before more strenuous exercise. If the weather is cold and damp, which can cause muscles to be stiff, give him/her a warm up inside before out of doors exercises. And always provide your pet with a warm, dry and comfortable place to sleep and rest.

Depending on your dog's condition, physical therapy or massage may be part of your pet's arthritic treatment. Massage can be relaxing for both you and your pet. It is time you can spend together in a relaxed and warm environment, when healing can take place. Begin by petting the joint area that is affected with arthritis and gradually use your fingertips in a small, circular motion. From there, continue the massage out to the general area. This may relax your pet for a good night's sleep or could warm up the muscles sufficiently for daily outdoor exercise. Take any new treatment slowly at first. You want to build trust with your pet, so he/she accepts this new type of treatment to derive benefit from it. Massage has proven to reduce stiffness in muscles and promotes better range of motion.

Overall, you want to work closely with your veterinarian to manage your dog's arthritic condition. Your goal is to provide the best treatment and supportive lifestyle that will decrease the degeneration of the cartilage between joints, alleviate joint pain, and keep your pet as healthy as possible. Remember, arthritis doesn't go away, but effective, managed arthritis treatment for dogs can ensure that you will both enjoy the coming years together. - 29895

About the Author:

In his youth, Nicky, his parents and 2 brothers raised and trained spaniels as bird dogs. Injuries on and off the field need to be dealt with immediately, and over the years, Nicky became adept at treating joint injuries to the dogs. Nicky recommends using natural arthritis & joint relief treatments in addition to massage and medications. Visit his site Arthritis For Dogs for selections of holistic and homeopathic treatments for your pets.

Natural Balance Dog Food

By Moses Wright

Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance? Dog Formulas is a collection of high-quality dog food products that is used by dog owners, kennels, breeders, trainers, and recommended by many veterinarians. The different formulas are meant to provide options for meeting the needs of puppies and dogs.

As a premium dog food, Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance? Dog Formulas which is designed to be complete nutrition for dogs. Dogs of all ages can be fed the Ultra-Premium Formula of Natural Balance dog food.

Some Natural Balance dog foods are made to meet specific dietary needs of dogs. Natural Balance makes a reduced calorie dog food for overweight and senior dogs. The Natural Balance dog food designed specifically for active and working dogs is called the Agility Muscle Performance (A.M.P.) Active Dry Formula.

The Natural Balance product line contains dog food specifically for dogs with allergies called the Limited Ingredient Diets dog food. The four products in the limited ingredient diets dog food product line are sweet potato and venison formula, potato and duck formula, sweet potato and fish formula, and Lamb meal and Brown Rice formula.

The Limited Ingredient Diets product lines are sold in canned dog food, dry dog food, and dog treats. The Natural Balance Potato and Duck and Ultra-Premium dry dog foods are available in small kibble for small breeds of dogs.

Canned Natural Balance formulas are also available. The Ultra Premium dog food and Chicken and Sweet Potato Allergy Formula are examples of Natural Balance canned dog food products.

Natural Balance moist dog food sold in tube-like plastic casings is called a dog food roll. Dog food rolls are sold in lamb, turkey, and beef flavors. Some dog owners use the moist dog food to hide pills that the dog needs to take.

Dog treats such as dog biscuits and crunchy lamb-flavored treats are sold by Natural Balance. They also sell organic dog food containing free-range chicken and organic ingredients.

Cat and Zoological formulas are also sold by Natural Balance. The zoological formulas are used by animal parks and zoos to feed carnivorous animals.

Natural Balance helps support guide dog organizations. To find a store that sells Natural Balance products, a dog owner can use the store locator function on the Natural Balance website. - 29895

About the Author:

At our site you will find out the top 10 best dog food and how to make homemade dry dog food at our food for healthy dogs website. It is free to read and you will definitely benefit from the articles written by dog experts.

Types Of Dog Clothing

By Moses Wright

Dog clothing comes in many types and styles that are used for different reasons. Dog clothing may be used for the practical reason of keeping the dog warm or just because the dog owner likes the clothing. Dog clothing can be expensive sweaters and hoodies from designers to affordable handmade sweaters.

The pricing of dog clothing varies as much as the available types of dog clothing. Dog sweaters can be found as cheaply as less than ten dollars while designer dog clothing can cost over one hundred dollars for an article of dog clothing.

The typical design of a dog sweater fits snugly around the neck, front legs, and chest of the dog while the bottom of the sweater lies on the dog's back. Dog sweaters that are sold in pet stores are typically very thin, small pieces of knitted cloth that fit around the dog with strings. Some may have neck and arms holes, but they do not usually resemble regular sweaters like designer and handmade sweaters often do.

Some small, shorthaired dogs may need the extra warmth from a dog sweater. Dog sweaters are often used on other dogs if the dogs are to spend time outdoors in cold weather.

Dog sweaters created by designers tend to be more classic styles. Some classic style dog sweaters are sold through small or home-based businesses, but many have more colorful, whimsical dog sweaters.

Many dog owners enjoy dressing their dogs in dog costumes for Halloween. Fairies, angels, and witches are examples of types of Halloween dog costumes. There are also dog costumes for other holidays.

Some small businesses and designers make dog t-shirts. The majority of dog t-shirts have whimsical decals or prints. Designer dog t-shirts are usually much more expensive than those available through small or home-based businesses.

Many times, dog clothing is only made for small dogs. Small and home-based businesses that offer customized dog clothing may offer to make dog clothing specifically for a larger dog according to the dog's measurements.

Very few dog clothing items are typically available at pet stores. Dog clothing such as sweaters, t-shirts, and hoodies can be found by doing a search on an Internet search engine. Designer dog clothing by Juicy Couture or Ralph Lauren can be found on their websites. - 29895

About the Author:

Looking for unique dog collars? Check out our juicy couture dog carriers and make your doggy look trendy and fashionable. Browse our site for more information on dog collars and carriers.

Pain Relief for Dogs With Arthritis

By Nicky Takasura

As your dog ages it is not unusual for him to slow down a little; but only a little. The gradual decline of activity, and interest in activity, are signals that your pet may be experiencing joint pain as a result of arthritis. Joint issues are a very common problem affecting over 12 million dogs, especially older and large dogs. Dismissing your dog's symptoms as normal aging could be allowing your dog to suffer needlessly. Pain relief for dogs experiencing joint pain and mobility problems can be effectively managed. Arthritis is a chronic disease that requires life long treatment.

Arthritis affects the joints. The most common joints where pets get arthritis is in the hips, knees and ankles. Cartilage is a protective cushion between the bones in the joints that allows ease of movement. In arthritic conditions, when the cartilage begins to deteriorate, the bones start rubbing together, causing growing discomfort, stiffness, pain and, if left untreated, can result in lameness. There are a number of treatments that will impede the deterioration of the cartilage, allowing more freedom of movement for your pet, and reduce her stiffness.

In the absence of a dialog with your pet, your observance of your pet's behavior is critical to determining whether or not he/she may be suffering from stiffness, lack of mobility or joint pain. Before taking your dog to the veterinarian, see if your dog has any of the following, common symptoms of a possible arthritic condition:

* Exhibits obvious slowness or stiffness on stairs

* Resists jumping up into a car or on furniture

* Lagging behind or tiring easily during walks

* Increased stiffness, particularly after resting

* Prefers lying to sitting or standing

* Favors one limb over others

In addition to these, your pet may be gaining extra weight, sleeping more than usual, being less alert and less enthusiastic about play and exercise. These could all be pointing to a decrease in joint mobility. If your pet is displaying a few of these symptoms for more than 2 weeks, make an appointment with the vet to have your dog evaluated for arthritis. Tell your veterinarian which symptoms and behavior changes you have observed. A timely diagnosis means timely treatment for your pet, and your veterinarian will most likely prescribe a management plan of arthritis treatment for dogs that will be customized for your pet's condition.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are commonly prescribed as a pain medication for dogs. Pain medication will only mask the problem, however, so treatment may expand to include special foods and over the counter products that contain glucosamine and chondroitin, which works to support the cartilage in the joints. Omega fatty acids are also known to increase cartilage health. Your dog may have to go on a diet to decrease the extra pounds that are causing unnecessary stress on already sore joints. Adding fiber to you dog's diet should help your pet lose those extra pounds. There are even topical treatments available to relieve joint and muscle soreness.

Besides prescriptions, supplements and diet, exercise is an essential part of your dog's life. Just because those joints are not as mobile as they once were, does not mean your pet can do without exercise. Low impact activities, like leash walking or swimming, allow for good range of motion on joints and building muscle, without stressing out the joints. Daily exercise is better than 3 times a week of strenuous activity. Depending on how advanced the condition is, your pet may benefit from a slow warm up to get the muscles warmed and the joints moving more freely before taking a brisk walk or slower paced run. Cold, damp weather may intensify the joint stiffness. On those days, you may want to give your dog a muscle warm up indoors before proceeding outside for exercise. You might also consider a pet sweater that covers the affected joints and keeps the muscles warmer.

Your veterinarian may prescribe massage or physical therapy, which have proven to be very beneficial therapies in pain relief for dogs, as part of your dog's treatment. The veterinary staff will show you how to massage and perform physical therapy to relax your dog's stiff muscles and promote a better range of motion in the joints. When beginning this type of therapy, remember to take it slowly; you need to build trust with your pet. You can start by petting him around and on the area where you intend to work. You will gently work up to kneading the muscles around the joint, using your fingertips in a small, circular motion. Gradually work your way out to the surrounding muscles. At all times, massage and physical therapy should be done in a warm, relaxed and safe environment. Make this experience as comfortable as possible for both you and your dog.

Making good, healthy choices for your dog's arthritic condition will enable him/her to lead an active and healthy life. Arthritis can be debilitating and crippling without managed arthritis treatment for dogs. You and your veterinarian will decide on appropriate treatments, supplements and any prescriptions that may be necessary to keep you and your dog happy friends for life. - 29895

About the Author:

As a boy, Nicky, his parents and 2 brothers raised and trained spaniels as bird dogs. Injuries on and off the field need to be dealt with effectively, and over the years, Nicky became adept at managing joint injuries to the dogs. Nicky recommends using natural arthritis & joint relief treatments in addition to massage and medications. Visit his site Arthritis For Dogs for selections of holistic and homeopathic treatments for your pets.

Common Causes Of Dog Scratching

By Moses Wright

Dog scratching is a common reason for veterinary visits. There are numerous causes of dog scratching.

One of the most noticeable causes of dog scratching is fleas. Dog owners may see the fleas, see the flea dirt, or even get bitten by fleas themselves.

A flea infestation on a dog and the dog scratching can get so severe that the dog may have hair loss and sores on the skin. Many times this is due to an allergic reaction to flea saliva.

In addition to flea saliva allergies, other types of dog allergies can cause dog scratching. Dogs can develop allergies to dog food, medication, vaccinations, or substances in their environments.

Ear mites can cause dog scratching, especially of the dog's ears. Dogs often shake their heads when they have ear mites.

Mange is a parasitic infection from mites that can cause intense itchiness. Tick bites and infestations of hookworms or lice can be causes of dog scratching.

A common cause of dog scratching are hot spots. Hot spots are a severe, prolonged reaction to a skin injury or irritation from infections, allergic reactions, or poor grooming. Hot spots can also cause hair loss and severe skin irritation.

Staph infections and hypersensitivity to staph can cause intense itchiness. Hair follicles can become infected with staph. A skin condition that is a cause of dog scratching is sebaceous adenitis. Sebaceous adenitis can also cause hair loss.

Two less common causes of itchiness than some of the previous causes are calcinosis cutis and pelodera dermatitis. Often a symptom of Cushing's disease, calcinosis cutis causes mineral buildups of the skin. Pelodera dermatitis is caused by larvae from a worm that is not normally parasitic.

One possible cause of dog scratching is cancer. Cancers that can be causes of dog scratching include lymphoma and epitheliotropic lymphoma.

As in humans, mosquito bites and insect stings can cause itchiness. Bee and wasp stings can cause hives and ulcers. Itchiness is an uncomfortable symptom of many veterinary conditions. Dogs that are scratching frequently should be examined by a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment. - 29895

About the Author:

Moses Wright believes in giving dogs a balance diet. He provides more information on homemade dog foods and natural dog food recipes to help dog owners give a healthy diet to their dogs.

A Guide To Choosing The Right Name For Your Dog

By Allison Thompson

The biggest challenge faced by the owner of a new dog is the name that they are actually going to call it by. Today there are hundreds, even thousands of names that a person is able to choose from by which they can call their pet. But unfortunately not all the names that owners choose for their dogs are really suitable. However in this article we provide some pointers which should when it comes to selecting a name by which your new dog will be called and so make this part of the process of owning a dog much easier.

1. It is best that you choose a name which is not only easy to say but also to pronounce. If you select a name which you find difficult to say then how do you think your dog will cope if they can not understand you. It is best therefore if you select a name which you and members of your family can repeat easily each and every day. Also if you find yourself in a stressful situation and are trying to maintain control of their pet may find it more difficult with a name that is difficult to say or pronounce.

2. Only ever provide your dog with one name, never ever give them two as you would with your children. A dog with more than one name will become easily confused and will be that more difficult to train and control. So stick to one name only and make sure it is one which your dog will actually find easy to remember.

3. Never select a name for your dog that sounds like a command. So avoid names that sound like "heel", "jump" or "kill". Unfortunately a dog whose name sounds like a command can become easily confused when you are carrying out their training. This is because they will not know what is their name and what it is they should be responding to.

4. It is best that you choose a name which contains one or two syllables. We have a number of dogs all we short and easy to remember names including Taz, Heff, Jack and Jodie. Plus choosing names that contain one or two syllables actually makes it much easier for the dog to learn.

5. Never go for a name that seems to have a negative feel to it. Dogs are very aware of the way a person's voice sounds and the less positive you are when calling the less likely they are to respond to you. Also it is important to remember that not just you but other people (including family members and friends) will be calling for the dog to respond to them as well.

6. Also avoid names that could be embarrassing or are simply out of the question. Remember that dogs are very intelligent and they just may begin to realize that the name chosen is not really appealing and they will soon pick up on any negative feelings from you.

7. Finally after you have chosen a name for your dog and you start to use it then don't start changing it. By using one name and then changing to another could leave your dog in a complete state of confusion and they may end up not knowing if they are coming or going.

But at the end of the day when it comes to choosing a name for your dog you should make it as much fun as possible. Also don't forget to get every body involved that will be in contact with the animal on a regular basis. But keeping the above guidelines in mind will ensure that the name you choose for your dog is absolutely perfect for them. - 29895

About the Author:

After owning several different types of dogs, Mark and Allison Thompson have set up this site which provides you with everything you need to know about looking after man's best friend. Therefore if you would like to learn more then please go to Healthy Pets Are Happy Pets

One in Three Individuals Spell It German Shepards

By Larry Brallas

I was amused to learn that about 1 in any three folks spell the word German Shepherd incorrectly, spelling them German Shepards instead. I am surprised that this breed of dog is so normally mistyped, and I am even further stunned to realized that I write it like this for so scores of years.

I dislike spelling words incorrect and I always aim to avoid it. I am always careful to make sure that I am on point with my spelling, although like just about any individual, every so often I simply mess up. The great thing is that I have an easy way to keep in mind how to properly spell this breed of dog the right way.

Follow my little procedure here & you most certainly will always recall that it is not German Shepards, rather shepherds.

Think back to why this type of canine was bred & maybe you'll already figure this out. The German Shepherd was bred as a labor dog, and it was just at the turn of the century that this breed came to life.

Individuals in Germany needed a canine to help herd sheep. Remember the words herd & sheep now, & then reverse them. You do not think of the German Shepards (I'm kidding) now as sheep herding dogs, as they are ordinarily used by police to combat crime, in airports to sniff out drugs, and in other places that rely on the dog's good sense of smell.

This, though, is why they were bred, and remembering this will make it much easier to write the word correctly.

As long as you seek to keep this in mind any time you write or type out the word, I believe you most certainly will get it correctly from here. Don't feel too badly about it because one in three folks do spell it wrong.

I hope this has been valuable. Here's to a few spelling successes later in life when it comes to this wonderful type of canine. - 29895

About the Author:

Now that you recognize it's not German Shepards spelled wrong, you'll have to learn more German Shepherd training tips at my blog.