My Crazy Dog

Heartworm and Your Gun Dog

Heartworm is a serious, often fatal disease and is one of the worst diseases your dog can face. Luckily, it’s easy to prevent heartworm and it takes nothing more than a pill, food additive, and preventive care. You can purchase a heartworm pill to give to your hunting dogs as a “treat,” or get liquid or powder additives to put into your dog’s food regularly (weekly, monthly, etc. depending on the treatment).

Heartworm Facts
Heartworm is a parasite that can live in your dog’s body and infest every major organ and tissue, including the heart—which is usually what kills the infected animal. Mosquitoes are the culprit most often found carrying heartworm that infects dogs, but dogs can also get heartworm from foxes, coyotes, and other animals. It’s hard to detect heartworm early on, which is why it can often become fatal.

Preventing Heartworm
Prevention as treatment is the best bet for heartworm. You can find convenients pills and food additives. Also, make sure to keep his areas clean and give regular baths. Although most people administer heartworm medication in the sumer months, veterinarians believe tthat giving your dog the medicine every month is just as easy and more effective.

Symptoms of Heartworm
One of the first symptoms you may notice is weight loss, lack of energy, or excessive coughs. As the parasite attacks the dog’s lungs or respiratory system, the cough will become more severe. And as it reaches other areas of the body, symptoms will worsen. In the first few months, the heartworm infection usually goes unnoticed because parasites are too busy propagating and haven’t yet spread to show the symptoms in the dog.

Diagnosis
A veterinarian will be able to diagnose a dog with heartworm through observation and blood tests. Treatment options will be based on whether the infection is male or female since they must be treated according to infection type. A double test will be done not only to determine whether male or female, but also to determine worm count. This will also how far the infection has advanced.

Treating Heartworm
Heartworm treatment must be started as quickly as possible to avoid your dog becoming fatally ill and even spreading the disease to other dogs he may come in contact with. Sadly, if your dog is already ill with the infestation, there is often a reduced chance of them surviving treatment. The good news is that most dogs are healthy when they’re diagnosed and treatment is successful. Many veterinarians encourage you to have annual heartworm tests with your dogs regular annual visits which means that typically this infestation doesn’t have the chance to infect your dog.

If any other dogs are living with or around the infected dog, they should be tested immediately for heartworm as well. It spreads quickly from one dog to the next, so testing is important. People should be tested as well, as humans are also capable of getting heartworm.

While heartworm is a potentially deadly parasite, prevention is the secret to keeping your dog from contracting it. Healthcare is extremely important in your dogs, but so is the products you use to train or keep track of them. You may want to consider looking into Tri-tronics dog training collars or Electric dog fence.

Tags: electric dog fence, hunting dog supplies, tri-tronics dog collars

Get Helpful Info About How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears

Some dogs will let you do what you will for them without a fight and some would rather gnaw off the hand that feeds them than sit still for a simple ear cleaning. Kiwi, the Wonder Pug will spin and roll around hoping that you will exhaust yourself before you accomplish your mission, but if not, then you win and she will lie still for whatever it is that you want to do to her. My Pavlova, however is far more dedicated in foiling plans- there is just no out lasting that wiggly Chihuahua mix. Osgood is resigned that he will never make his people not do things to him, so he sits with his sad little head down and waits for it to be over.

For a larger dog, having him lie on a table will be safest for him and easiest for you. Make sure that he feels safe and secure when he is up there, and speak quietly and reassuringly to him while you work. Wrap you arm around him and grasp his upper leg area to prevent him from trying to get up while you take a look inside of his ears. Do not dig inside the ear canal for any reason, leave that to a vet. If the dog’s ear are excessively dirty, or there is any chance that you are looking at an ear mite infestation, then by all means schedule a vet check. Otherwise, take a wet cotton ball, or soft cloth and wash the outer portions of the dog’s ears, taking care not to allow too much water to get down into the ear canal itself. Continue to reassure your pet while you work and try not to be too slow about it. If your dog has really long ears, you can flip them over, but some dogs truly seem to loathe this.

As amusing as it might seem, a smaller dog might actually be harder to get a good hold on or to keep down, so you might need to recruit a helper for this one. Have the assistant hold the dog nice and firmly, maybe even wrapping her in a towel or small blanket while you are working to prevent wriggling or kicking. Again, speak gently to your pet, letting it know that all will be well in just a matter of time. Inspect the ears just as described above. If your dog’s head and ears are darkly colored, you might need brighter lighting or even a small flashlight to get a good visual on the inner ear.

Ask your veterinarian to show you exactly the best technique for your particular breed and what exactly you are looking for. Some breeds are more prone to ear infections, and dogs have more problems with their ears than cats do, so watch for signs of an impending problems. Floppy eared breeds (blood hounds, beagles, etc.) are the most susceptible to ear problems, but all breeds should be checked regularly. For more info you should check out a Dog Teaching site.

For the information about house train a dog please visit this site.

How Do I Plan For My Dogs Surgery?

Surgery is a serious ordeal even if it’s a minor one. No matter how minor, the process is not going to be as simple as you may think and it is necessary for your beloved pet’s sake that you come to grips with that! Being properly prepared will not only help things go somewhat smoothly but will help to speed your dog’s recovery! A good rule of thumb is to be prepared for the unexpected!

There is no real way to plan for the unexpected, but you can have enough knowledge about certain possibilities your dog may endure during their operation. You can prepare yourself for complications that could risk a lengthy hospital stay and the costs of care. So educate yourself when your dog is getting ready for their surgery.

Should your dog’s surgery be scheduled for the next day there are a few things you may want to know about. Your next set of questions should revolve around food and water for your pet. Can you feed your dog his normal food? If not, then what should he eat? Should the dog abstain from eating altogether? Be sure to take a peek at these dog accessories to help you prepare for your dog’s surgery.

A standard veterinary instruction is that your dog not be fed 12 hours before their surgery. This is important because food that is in their stomachs can cause your dog to become sick due to the anestesia. You should also mention to the veterinarian (specifically the person who is going to perform the surgery on your dog) of any medications that your dog may be taking, such as tranquilizers or heart medications. This information is vital in order for the doctor to determine the proper dose of anesthetic to administer the animal. These dog pajamas will doll up your girl.

Anesthetics can either be short acting anesthetics for minor surgeries or long lasting anesthetics such as a gas for moderate to major surgical procedures. There are pro’s and con’s to anesthetics. The surgeon will know which is the best choice for your dog by evaluating several factors such as: dog’s age, general condition, and how long the surgery will last. Take a look at these dog dresses they’ll keep your dog comfortable.

If your dog must have the anesthetic injected, it is typically given in the large vein located in your dog’s forearm. Sometimes minor accidents may occur with the needle whenever a dog flinches or jerks suddenly from the injection. If this happens, a small amount of anesthesia may be injected into the tissue surrounding vein. Swelling will probably occur but the outcome should only be minor irritation to your dog once the surgery is over.

Why Should I Get My Dog Spayed

Getting your dog fixed is one of the best things that you can do for him. It is extremely healthy and beneficial for him. The surgery is also called altering or sterilizing a dog either way getting your dog fixed should certainly be in your list of priorities if you haven’t got it done already. These dog pj’s will be great for your dog.

Some of the benefits of getting this surgery done are as follows:-

Many dogs are lost each year because they escape away from their homes and back yards when they are in heat. Even a normally docile and friendly dog can display hostility towards other animals when he is in heat. Many dogs that run away from their homes never make it back and even if they do they are in bad shape as a result of fighting with the stray dogs. Once your dog is in heat he will want to desperately find a mate and this can create a lot of problems for you.

If you just let your dog free when he is in heat and let him procreate you are just adding to the ever increasing number of unwanted puppies. Most of these puppies will die a lonely and diseased death. So if you are an animal lover you should certainly consider neutering your dog. Be sure to take a peek at these winter dog coat and cheap dog crate for your dog.

Sterilizing your dog whether male or female also has certain health benefits associated with it. Studies revealed that neutered dogs were less likely to suffer from fatal diseases like testicular cancer in males and ovarian or uterine cancer in females. Sterilization also reduces the risk of other such fatal diseases.

Most dog fights take place when dogs are fighting over a mate and are in heat. Even a domesticated dog that doesn’t normally pick fights with other dogs has a strong tendency to get into violent confrontations when he is in heat. So spaying a dog can be a sure shot way of making him more docile towards his kind.

Finally if you have a female dog it is not unusual to see stains on your carpets and couches when she is menstruating. Unlike in human beings, a dog’s menstruation cycle is not as frequent and largely depends on the breed. However, once a dog is fixed she will not get her periods.

Know How To Keep Your Bird Dogs Flea Free

It’s summer and it seems like fleas are everywhere. Luckily, today’s pet owner has an arsenal of flea treatments at their disposal. Pyrethrin is a safe and widely used insecticide. Methoprene and Fenoxycarb are insect growth regulators (IGR) which prevent eggs and larvae from developing into pupae. Always treat gun dogs and their environment at the same time.

A flea’s life span can range from 2 weeks to 8 months. Because the pupa is wrapped within the protection of a cocoon, insecticides will not affect them one bit. This is why they are extremely difficult to kill, and also the reason why pet owners experience another flea outbreak just 2 weeks for the first treattment. As the pupa stage ends and the adult flea develops, you are left in the same position you began.

Flea Baths
Using a regular flea prevention shampoo can help with flea control. One thing to be careful about though is flea dips – especially if you have children in the house. Flea dips are very harsh and most leave a residue on your dog – they’re only recommended in cases of very extreme infestation and should be discussed with your veterinarian before use.

Spot On Medications
These easy to use once a month treatments are designed to kill adult fleas and are dispensed directly to your dogs skin beginning at the neck typically and going down the top of their back. Before you use this type of treatment, check and see if they also prevent the growth of eggs and/or larvae. Your dog should be at least two month old before you use this type of treatment and check the label for reduced potency if your dog is bathed often or enjoys swimming.

Pill Flea Treatment
Known for its effect as a “flea birth control”, this is also a monthly treatment. When the flea bites your dog, they become sterile and die without every laying eggs. When this happens, the fleas will die out completely, leaving you flea-free. Since this type of treatment can’t be washed off in water, it is great for pets that live indoors.

Natural Methods
Not everyone likes to use chemicals for flea control purposes. If this is the case, you should vacuum thoroughly as often as possible. In addition to carpets, vacuum furniture, pillows, and bedding. Properly discard the bag, or burn it, right away. Secondly, you should wash everything in the hot water cycle. Lastly, use dried pennyroyal, diactomaceous earth, or pyretthrum powder. Apply it on pet bedding and underneath cushions and mattresses. However, don’t use pennyroyal if your dog is pregnant. Repeat this process every few days.

Clean from inside out
Fleas love pet bedding, furniture, cushions, and thick carpeting. Vacuum everything before treating your home. Insecticides will reach immature fleas more easily. Burn or trash vacuum bag immediately. The dust and hair in the bag are a flea buffet. Wash pet bedding often in hot water.

Outside, fleas love wet, shady areas like dog houses, flower beds, and under decks or porches. Treat any location where your pet spends a lot of time. Fully mow and rake your yard. Get rid of leaves in flower beds and under bushes to increase the areas exposed to insecticides. The garage, basement and other places with non-carpeted floors should be thoroughly mopped to get rid of flea larvae hiding in crevices. Wash pet carriers and vacuum the car!

If you’re concerned about an infestation of your home or your yard, you may want to consider treating the area with a fogger or spray that can be effective, especially for heavily infested areas. You should follow all the directions for using these treatments and retreat in 2-3 weeks.

The most important reason for treating fleas immediately is the hazard to both your family and your pet. Flea bites cause annoying itches that can lead to skin problems, dermatitis, hair loss (in your pets) and even infection. If your pet becomes infected from a flea bite they can wind up with anemia or even tapeworms which can lead to other health problems. Help your home stay flea free and your pet stay safe from possible flea infestations.

Healthcare is probably one of the most important issues you should concentrate on with your dog, but so should the hunting dog supplies you buy for him too. If you are looking for a useful tool to train and keep your dog safe you should look into and consider purchasing SportDOG electronic collars.

Tags: bird dogs, fun dogs, hunting dog supplies, hunting dogs, sportdog electronic collars

Read Important Tips About Getting your Pooch to Take a Pill

Today dogs have become like one of our children. We dress them, buy beds for them and care about there health. That is why a dog’s health should definitely be the top priority. There are many vitamins for promoting health and a vast range of medicines to make them feel better. In our modern times we now have drugs to stop infections, get rid of parasites, dog pneumonia, and many other medical conditions that may occur. However there are not very many canine that are available in tasty tablets like many vitamins on the market. Most of the medicines are bad tasting and our four legged friends usually try to run and hide when they see the capsules coming their way.

There are many ways to administer medication you might try if you have trouble giving your dog their daily vitamin or medicine. The first way is to go to your dog and give him a yummy treat without a pill. It should be something strong tasting such as peanut butter or soft cheese on a cracker. Then instantly give him the pill covered in the same yummy thing. This helps to get a good flavor in their mouth first and then hopefully they will be excited and just eat the whole thing. They also make easy to use pill packets in various flavors that dogs love that are not as messy.

The second way is for the more tricky pooches; the ones who hide the pill inside their mouth until you are busy with other activities and then just spit it out somewhere. This method unfortunately is a little more hands on but with your kind voice and soft hand you can make the experience a decent one. Remember to always go to your dog first. Never call their name. They might associate that with pill time and be fearful. First have your dog sit (reassure him) then gently take one hand and open their mouth. With the other hand place the pill as far back in the throat as you can keeping the head tilted up. Gently stroke their throat as this will cause a swallowing response. Then instantly praise your dog with plenty of attention and maybe his most favorite delicious treat after the pill has been swallowed. This will create a positive experience for your canine and hopefully they will think about the yummy treat next time.

The reality is that our dogs don’t live nearly as long as we do. So as dog lovers we try to make their lives as wonderful as we can. Not only is it not fun to have to take a unhealthy dog to the vet for a vet bill, it is not fun to see your pooch sick. So by bringing positive association into the pill taking process, you should be able to administer any pills that they might need to take in the future. We care for our dogs and always try to do what is right for them. After all, if we take care of our best friends right they will be healthy and strong and live a long life.

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Read about house training dogs.

Information About Dog Allergies

If you are one of the many allergy sufferers you know who miserable it can make you.

Now imagine your dog suffering from allergies and how miserable she must be. She cannot complain and she cannot ask for help. So as responsible dog owners it is up to us to figure out when she is having an allergy outbreak and to provide her with medicine as soon as possible.

Similar to humans, dog allergies are usually passed through genetics from parents to puppies.

There are various things that can cause a dog to have an allergic reaction. The more common dog allergies include dog food allergies, protein allergies, allergies to pollen, and dog skin allergies. Thankfully they are all treatable with proper treatment and monitoring. Change her dog food until you find one that does not trigger a dog food allergy. You should be able to find other treatments for other types of allergies.

If you believe your dog has allergies then schedule a vet appointment. You vet can examine her and then recommend the best course of treatment.

The easiest way to identify dog allergies is to know your dog. Know what “normal” looks like for her. So, when you see something that seems to be out of the ordinary you can take a closer look. This can be helpful not only in identifying potential allergies, but it can help to identify the start of other illnesses as well.

Several symptoms can indicate that your dog may be allergic to something. You may notice that she is always scratching, or she may be gnawing at her skin. There is no sure set of symptoms that you can use to identify your dog’s allergies since there is no telling how a dog will exactly react to something.

So any changes in behavior that you see is grounds for further investigation. Try to find out what is causing the change in your dog’s behavior.

Dog allergies should be identified and treated as soon as you can. This can help you poor little dog to avoid additional pain and discomfort and bring her some relief to her allergy suffering.

If you got your dog from a breeder then it is quite likely that they can tell you if her parents had dog allergies too. That may make it a bit easier to pinpoint what she may be allergic to.

Read the rest of the articles in the dog allergy series.

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Keep Your Hunting Dog Safe In The Field With A First Aid Kit

Every hunter who goes out into the field with his dog should carry a first aid kit: both for himself and one for his dog. You never know when something will happen and being prepared is likely to decide whether the injury is taken care of or becomes a real issue. There are plenty of good first aid kits gun dogs you can buy.

While there are many options to purchase a canine first aid kit, it’s up to you to make sure that it’s ‘up to par’ and sufficient to take care of your dogs needs whether you are at home or out hunting. It may be tempting to wrap a dogs wound in whatever happens to be available (a torn shirt, handkerchief, etc) but having a properly sanitary dressing could make a difference between a wound that heals properly and one that can become infected and potentially debilitating. Don’t be penny wise and pound foolish when it comes to preparing your first aid kit for you dog.

Here is what to look for in a good gun dogs first aid kit:

A First Aid Guide
The first aid guide will show you basic first aid for dogs for both small injuries (like wound treatment for scraps) and life-threatening injuries (like mouth-to-snout resuscitation). There should be clear instructions for the use of all items contained within the first aid kit, as well. To be best prepared for emergencies, you should read the first aid guide and learn the basics before emergencies happen. The keyword here is “emergencies” — first aid is not the replacement for regular veterinary visits.

Don’t Forget The Tweezers
This is a very helpful tool for removing splinters, ticks, and more. Splinters can go into the pad of a dog’s foot or elsewhere and work its way deeper and cause discomfort, and worse, abscesses. It’s best to treat them right away before they are forgotten and enters further in, causing infections that can spread to other parts of the body.

Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen Peroxide typically costs less than $1 per bottle and is a must have for any first aid kit (human or canine). It provides for sterilization, wound cleaning and can even help you deal with the area of a splinter before and after you are done removing it.

Iodine
Iodine is even better than peroxide for cleaning a wound before dressing it with gauze or bandages. The best course of action is to use the peroxide, then the iodine, to promote quicker healing of your dog’s wounds.

Antibiotic Ointment
These are off-the-shelf ointments that can be used to help with bee or wasp stings, abrasions, or other small injuries.

Eyewash
Like their adult companions, dogs often get things in their eyes that no amount of trying will dislodge. You can find a simple saline solution that can be safely used to wash out your dogs’ eyes and in some cases, even prevent issues with their vision. Just spray some into the dogs’ eye and as a rule of thumb the rest will take care of itself.

Trauma Pad
In the event of serious injury where the blood flow is severe, a trauma pad will help stop the flow of blood, seal the wound, and provide you with a great tool for transporting your dog to an emergency vet. Because trauma pads for dogs come in different sizes, make sure the size is right for your dog.

Gauze, Tape, and Scissors
Simple, basic, and self-explanatory, these tools are indispensable for your dog’s injuries. It’s useful for cuts and scratches. To properly treat these minor injuries, bandage and gauze the area, then tape it to protect the area from further damage.

Don’t risk your dog’s happiness with being out on a hunting trip with you by being unprepared for an emergency. A good first aid kit is a helpful tool whether you’re out hunting or at home. There is nothing that you can do more easily for your dogs’ safety than have a good first aid kit.

Tags: gun dogs, hunting dog

Keeping Your Puppy Safe When Outside

Just like any good parent, when your children go outside to play you want them to be as safe as possible. It is no different when you are a responsible pet owner of a puppy! You will definitely need to pick up some dog supplies for your new puppy.

There are many hidden dangers that you may or may not be aware of that could really hurt or even pose grave dangers for your pup! Your puppy has no sense of what safety is. However, you can do a few simple things to ensure that your puppy is safe when outside.

One of the first things to look out for is water areas. It is true that every dog can swim, but young pups need some training. There are cases every year of dogs that drown because they got into water that was too much for them. In one story, while on a hiking trek, a man and his new German Shepherd puppy along. When he approached a lake, the pup was so excited that he took off into the lake. The pup did not automatically swim, actually the puppy became overwhelmed by how large a body of water such as this lake.

The puppy would have drown had the man and his friend not gotten to the German Shepherd puppy in the nick of time! Again, all dogs can swim but puppies cannot swim well enough to take on such large bodies of water such as lakes, streams, rivers, etc. So make sure that your puppy stays on their leash when you are approaching water areas. It is always better safe than sorry! Another danger to your puppy can be insects!

Im talking about bugs! Fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and other common insects can be real trouble for puppies. These bloodsuckers can pose a real threat to your puppy because they carry disease not to mention can cause skin irritations and in some puppies, allergic reactions. So make sure just as with yourself and loved ones, that your puppy has more than ample protection against insects. Be sure that you take a quick look at dog dresses and dog shampoo.

There are many great products that give round the clock protection against fleas and ticks in addition to a variety of products that will ward off other bloodsucking pests! These medications may come in the form of a pill, spray, lotion or cream, and powders. There are also many holistic products that are all natural and do not contain chemical repellents that have had success when used correctly. A good rule of thumb is that you use these repellents during the early morning and at dusk because that is when mosquitoes are at their most prevailant.

You can also avoid marshy and heavily wooded areas as well that will reduce the chances of your pup being eaten alive by mosquitoes.

Traveling With Your Dog In A Car - Also You Can Find Your Dog The Best Dog Supplies Available To Show Him/her You Care

The open road is a delight to man and his best friend. Right? This can be the case, but you may have to do a little ground work before you speed off into the sunset. Dogs, like humans, may get carsick. And like us, they also need to learn car etiquette. Here are tips to ensure a drama-free road trip.

If you have a puppy, it’s best to consider the car a training ground. To begin, invite your puppy into the car. Enforce the sit and stay rule and remain calm. Award them a treat if they follow your directions. Quick Note: You should always think about how you can get your dog his or her Small Dog Supplies every day. Also if you are looking for your dog his or her own stylish Dog Clothes and Dog Coats then you should check out Doggy Dog Supplies. After practicing this a few times, crank the car and drive down the driveway. Remember to reinforce the sit and stay rule. After you feel confident that all is well, you and your dog can drive around the block. Don’t go too far on the first drive. After all, your pup may be prone to car sickness.

Once on the open road, remember to concentrate, first and foremost, on the traffic. Do not allow your dog to sit in your lap or climb at will around the car. And, they should not get anywhere near the gas or break petals. On your first drives, you may notice excess salivation ending in throw up. If this happens, remain calm and, if at all possible, head home. Chances are, your pup may grow out of this phase. If not, see your vet for a mild, safe sedative.

A calm dog who teats the car seat as he does his bed is idea. But, not all dogs can handle the excitement. If your dog can’t stop jumping all over the car, pawing at the windows, and generally going berserk, it may be a good idea to crate him or restrain him via a dog seatbelt. If your dog is already crate trained, they should have no problem riding in their crate. If they’re not crate trained but need to be crated on car trips, introduce them to the crate slowly and with lots of calm praise. Make sure it’s a soft and alluring place, a place where treats and toys are readily available. If you and your dog prefer the idea of a seatbelt, there are many available on the market. Check with your vet to find one that is appropriate.

Remember, the number one rule in traveling with a pet is safety. You must stay focused on the road; this is why it’s so important to train and/or restrain your dog when traveling.