The canine immune system is a fabulous, whole-body network of defenses against infections; whether viral, bacterial, parasitic or fungal. Parasitic infections include such conditions as mange; while bacterial and viral infections are usually indicative of an infectious disease that is generally contagious between animals. Fungal infections are by far the most difficult to treat, this includes cancer. A canine’s immune system also protects against pollen and other environmental allergens.

The canine immune system is, like a human’s, divided into “general immune response” & “innate immunity,” or a specific immune response. The innate spectrum is exactly what it sounds like: the animal is born with it. The acquired immunity, specifically, is the dog’s system learning to defend against specific attacks by an outside organism. For instance, the presence of a particular pollen may trigger autoimmune response and the release of histamines into the blood in order to combat the attack. A good example of an acquired response, is the rabies vaccine: the dead and weakened rabies virus is introduced into the bloodstream and develops the immune system according to a specific antibody for an adequate offense.

Canine Lice are a common and annoying parasite; fortunately for humans, the lice found on animals cannot infect humans. The two types of that can infect your pet are Linognathus Setosus and Trichodectes Canis. Linognathus is commonly known as the canine sucking louse. Its name is derived from its need to suck blood from the host’s body to survive.The Trichodectes variety of louse is commonly called the canine biting louse, as it survives on the dead skin flakes of the victim’s body. When a dog is heavily infested with either type, it is called Pediculosis. Usually, these infestations are rare in a healthy, well cared for pooch. Lice are more commonly found on those with health, nutrition, or grooming deficiencies.

The life cycles of the two types of louse are remarkably similar. They start as nits (eggs) which are found at the base of the hair shaft, near the follicle. The nit stage lasts from one to two weeks; after hatching, they enter the first of three nymph stages (these generally last from two to three weeks). After, they gradually mature into an adult louse capable of laying eggs. From the time it is hatched to the time it dies, the life span of an average louse is about three to six weeks. The louse will not usually last more than three to seven days when separated from a host.

The sucking louse is usually found in colder climates and is characterized by their sharper face and more developed front claws: these help to grasp hair for staying in place as it feeds. Since they survive on blood, untreated infestations can cause some significant health problems for your pet. The first is anemia: a condition that occurs when the amount iron in the blood is below the acceptable range. Iron is used by all mammals to form red blood cells; these cells carry oxygen and nutrients to every cell in the body. Without a large enough supply of red blood cells, oxygen and other nutrients are unable to be delivered: ultimately depressing the animal’s immune system. The depressed immune system leads to more infections and if left untreated, death. The other health risk associated with this occurrence is the transmission of bacterial infections directly from the parasite to the blood stream of the infested animal; however, this is very rare.

The biting louse is much more common since it is a more active variation. They are responsible for the majority of reported pediculosis infestations. Unlike its cousin, they move around the dog’s body as it searches for the flakes that are its food supply. This type of infestation can easily result in acute moist dermatitis (hot spots) because the dog is trying to relieve the itching by gnawing at the insects.

Although there are still some working terriers, most are bred only for pets. We want the best for them when it comes to their health but the problem is many terrier breeds get osteoarthritis.

Pet lovers will do almost anything for their animals and certainly don’t want them to be sick or suffer in any way. The sad truth, many masters don’t realize their terriers have arthritis, leaving them to suffer in silence. Small Dog Arthritis becomes very prevalent as a pup gets older. Paying attention to how he moves and plays is a good way to notice signs early on.

What Is Canine Arthritis?

Arthritis is a degenerative disease that may get worse over time. This disease has been known to cause stiffness in the joints and muscles of the victim. Sometimes this condition manifests due to being overweight or age; on the other hand, there are times it could be due to trauma.

Two of the most common types of inflammation are hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis. The normal lifespan for a dog is around 15 years; so if yours is at the 8 to 10 year mark, the risk for arthritis is a lot higher.

Signs to Look for

•Possible trouble getting up or down out of a chair or couch. This could be something as simple as hesitating before jumping.

•Difficulty sitting or standing very long without shaking or lying down.

•Lack of interest in activities they usually love to do. Very active animals may not want to run and fetch when the pain is too severe.

•Look for attitude or behavioral changes.

•Is yours sleeping more? If so they probably aren’t comfortable enough to sleep well at night and try to sleep more during the day.

•Do they have slow or guarded movement; this may indicate soreness?

Treatment for Inflammation in Terriers

1. Treatment for small dog arthritis can be sometime as simple as a new diet all the way to extreme treatment such as surgery. A healthy diet is important because many are overweight. This can lead to arthritic behavior because there is too much weight on their joints.

2. There are also some natural cures that have had great success in the treatment of decreased mobility. One very popular natural cure is Vitamin C: it can be taken on a daily basis. Vitamin C helps keep tissue healthy while also protecting against further deterioration.

The Dosage for Vitamin C is as follows:

Small Animal: 500mg – 1,000mg
Medium/Large: 1,000 mg – 2,000mg
Very Large: 2,000mg – 4,000mg

Two other items that are being used to treat joint deterioration are Glucosamine and Chondroitin but as with any treatment, you should seek the approval of your veterinarian.

3. Exercise is great for canines but you need to be careful you don’t do more damage at the same time. Joints need to be used to stay lubricated, but this is sometimes very painful for your pet. Swimming has been proven to be a great way to give your pup exercise without putting unnecessary stress on their joints. Exercise your pet in ways that won’t be difficult for them.

4. Damp, cold weather makes the pain worse so be sure your terrier has a warm comfortable bed to sleep on in the winter months to help with the discomfort.

5. Massage and physical therapy can help to relieve soreness and stiffness but you must ease into this. Start by petting the sore areas, then gently start the massage as they start to relax. By easing into the massage, you will be able to give them better relief from pain.

6. There may be times that the only recourse for treatment may be surgery. There is a minimally-invasive joint surgery that is very successful in resolving problems to the shoulders and other joints in the rear legs and ankle bones. This Arthroscopy procedure is the last resort you should try; however, many times surgery gives many more years their life.

If you feel that your terrier may be experiencing mobility issues, be sure and contact your local veterinarian for advice on possible treatments. Go over the options with them and see if they have anything special to try. Help your buddy be healthy and feel good through all their years of life by making sure they get the right diet, exercise, and medications!

What is Hip Dysplasia?

This is a type of deformity caused within the hip socket; if it goes unchecked, it could lead to a number of other problematic scenarios including painful arthritis and crippling lameness. While there are no dogs entirely immune to this concern, it is more commonly found in the bigger breeds like the Mastiff.

Generally, what is happening is the top of the femur is no longer fitting into the hip socket as snug as it should be. While the cartilage that is holding it all together renews itself, it is still a process that happens slowly. In the meantime, this loose activity could be creating even more problematic situations within the hip like degradation. When it’s a heavier breed like the Mastiff, the joints are struggling to support the weight. This in turn causes even more damage to the cartilage creating a painful cycle, and can then even lead the bone into osteoarthritis.

Signs of Hip Dysplasia

There is some early indicators that the Mastiff may be suffering from these hip problems. They may take on different postures while doing simple things like sitting. It may even appear as if they are trying to sit on their back instead of their rear ends. They’ll also show signs of it when they walk, beginning to limp along or bunny hop. In fact, it’s a little disheartening to witness such a heroic breed of dog be so afflicted by this condition. It’s a very unorthodox movement when a dog is experiencing such trauma. What they are trying to do is displace the movements away from the areas that are causing them pain, these are usually the strong visual indicators.

This May Not Just Be Hereditary:

The causes of this deformity have long been thought to be solely hereditary, but new studies have suggested that a Mastiff’s routines and environment can also play a big role in this affliction. Most owners do want to promote a healthy lifestyle for their pet, however, something as simple as jogging with the pup too early in their growth stage can lead to these problems down the line. It’s often suggested to wait until they are a year old anyway, to ensure their joints and muscles have grown properly. This also lessens the risk of an injury at an early age in the pup’s life which can also lead to deformities.

| Proper Dieting |

Of course, a healthy diet is also critical to the development of the Mastiff. Not only does this promote healthy bone, joint, and muscle structure, but it keeps them from becoming overweight. Obviously, an overweight animal will be putting even more strain on their joints, leading them right into this problem.

In fact, there is some recommended dietary products on the market today that can aid in the treatment of this condition. Green lipped Mussels are one of these products that are garnering a lot of attention lately.

This type of mussel is strongly recommended for its potent anti-inflammatory properties that affect the joints in a positive manner. The omega-3 fatty acids and the powerful natural inhibitors found in the mussel not only bind the enzymes, they also slow the production. This keeps inflammation very minimal; this is also a natural element, so owners can keep piece of mind as many other products are loaded with harsh chemicals. Green Lipped Mussels have been proven to benefit those affected with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. By being aware of Canine Hip Dysplasia, its symptoms, and most importantly the causes, owners can create the best environment for their pet. It’s important to remember that it may not only be a hereditary issue, it can in fact be a created problem. A solid diet plan and healthy exercise routine will ensure your Mastiff loses the limp and strides proud, like he was meant to.

Dogs and cats are the most widely kept domestic pets in our society. In many cases they become part of the family, that’s why it is imperative to learn as much as you can about acute liver failure because it can strike at any time.

What Causes Liver Failure

The liver acts as a blood cleaner. All animals ingest a certain amount of toxins and most of the time the liver can function normally and all is well. But, there are certain conditions that cause the liver to fail and this is when acute liver failure can occur. The most common cause of this is infectious toxins. One common chemical in many households is antifreeze. Animals are attracted to antifreeze because of its sweet smell and taste; the chemicals in antifreeze destroy the liver tissue and liver failure can lead to death.

Many animals have allergies or joint problems and require medication. Well, just as it is with humans these medications make your liver work overtime, and prolonged use of these medications can eventually cause liver failure.

Detoxification Process

An animal’s nervous system is quite sensitive to toxins; when it is not functioning properly, these toxins create chemical imbalances in your pet’s system. The symptoms can show up as being uncharacteristically thirsty all the time, or your pet can even experience a seizure. Since they don’t sweat like we do they eliminate toxins through urine and stool. If the detoxification process is not working properly (liver problems), then blood in the stool would be a definite sign to look for.

How to Handle Acute Liver Failure

Of course, if there is any hint of this condition you must immediately take your pet to the vet. They will do the necessary tests to diagnose the cause of the condition; if untreated, it is possible your dog could die within 24 hours, this is a serious matter.

There are several levels of this condition, in mild cases it could be a dietary change. Pet foods these days contain all sorts of chemicals which some just can’t process properly. In these cases it is just a matter of adjusting their diet. In more severe cases, they may have to be hospitalized for a term. During this time the caregiver will administer fluids, electrolytes, and oxygen therapy. When he returns home, you will be asked to refrain them from over activity. The reason is the liver needs time for regeneration. Amazingly, this organelle can regenerate its own tissue and restore full functionality with the appropriate amount of time.

Avoiding This Problem in the Future

There is never a 100% guarantee when it comes to health; but, there are precautions you can take in the form of vaccines and diet. Also, being conscious of certain chemicals (antifreeze) that can do harm to your buddy is a first line of defense. If you leave them outside or take them to the park, they are more susceptible to catching viruses or bacterial infections. As you might have observed, animals like to sniff a lot, especially dogs. One of the most vulnerable areas for viruses and bacteria to enter an animal is their nose. Next comes their eyes and ears, but the nose is a primary point of entry.

Some animals are genetically weak and have a higher risk of acute liver failure. In cases like this diet and medication may be your only alternative. Knowing the causes and talking precautions is your best form of prevention. Even with all these preventative measures, you still need to be sensitive to changes in your pets habits. Remember some of the signs: loss of appetite, weight loss, dark brown urine, blood in the stool, vomiting.

Since your pal can’t explain to you how they feel they will show you. It’s up to you to recognize these signs and act swiftly, why? Because your dog depends on you for care and they need you to take care of them.

Pet owners who want to prevent their animals from suffering painful knee problems as they age should make sure to manage their pup’s weight. The owner should also keep their pet active by creating and including them in various activities; these are some of the best solutions for avoiding and preventing knee pain and other debilitating issues.

High Fiber and Low Carbohydrate Diets

As the dog ages, the weight they gain will become one of the major factors in dealing with damaged joints, which is one of the major reasons owner’a should control the amount of fiber and carbohydrates contained in the dog food they purchase. Another recommendation is adding a chondroitin / glucosamine supplement to your pet’s regiment. These types of supplements aid in overall joint flexibility.

Two Major Types of Knee Joint Problems

Presently, there are at least two major types of knee problems that exist in dogs. The first knee problem occurs during their middle age. They may experience these issues when they are considerably overweight and they hyperextend their joints. When diagnosed by a veteran the condition is called a cruxiate ligament injury. One of the key symptoms of this type of traumatic injury is the knee popping out of its place. This injury may also occur in various athletic breeds and can result in degeneration if treatment is not administered within a few weeks.

The second type of knee injury is the Patellar luxation. This injury may involve the dislocation of the kneecap and problems with the ligament and the grooves within. Dogs that have this problem may have certain congenital deformities or they may have an injury from trauma to the knee. These problems may start when it is a puppy and it can become continuously worse as they begin to age.

In addition to the two major types, canines may have problems with sprains, osteoarthritis, tendons, ligament strains as well as infections. If the owner believes there are issues when the pet is limping around outside or in the home, they should visit a licensed vet for the proper diagnosis. Once the vet makes the proper diagnosis, they can also recommend the right treatment for the problem that is occurring.

Treatment For Cruxiate Ligament Injury and the Patellar Luxation Injury

When dogs have a cruxiate ligament injury or the patellar luxation condition, they may need extensive treatment to repair such issues. The type of treatment required for these conditions usually involve surgery (surgically stabilizing the knee). Before the damaged joints can be secured, the vet will have to remove all damaged tissue. Once the surgery is complete, the pet’s owner will have to limit their buddy’s activities, meaning the dog cannot jump or exercise for several weeks. Pain medicine and inflammatory medications are normally prescribed and a supportive bandage is normally placed over the area. Also, after the surgery is complete, physical therapy and losing weight is required.

Preventing Canine Ticks

You may think that because your pet stays inside they are safe from pests. The truth is that indoor dogs can get ticks. Prevention is the best way to avoid complications from infestation; the Brown Dog Tick can build its habitat indoors, with an expansive ife cycle.

These bugs can spend their whole lives inside, hanging out in cracks, baseboards, trim, ceilings, and picture frames. Once they get in, a female can lay thousands of eggs; as they hatch, the home will need professional help to eliminate them.

How to Get Ticks Out Of Your Home?

Other species of parasites can make their way into your home by attaching to your clothes or whoever comes inside your house. Pets that may go outside can be carriers; the best defense is killing these pests outside, where they belong. There are effective treatments and applications you can use to halt takeover; your veterinarian can sell these products to you while explaining everything. Regular grooming is highly recommended; inspect around the head, neck, ears, genitals, and anus; these are common camping grounds for unwanted guests.

Many diseases are spread through these annoying insects. Lyme disease and Ehrlichiosis, paralysis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, hot spots and skin infections are some of the horrible effects that can be produced.

Keeping an eye out for signs of infestation is essential, sometimes you can actually see them hanging off your pet’s body. Scratching, head shaking, toe biting and flaky skin are early signs. Continued behavior of clawing, biting, and hair loss signals a serious problem that needs to be addressed immediately.

Should you or your pet get bitten by a tick, call a physician immediately. If you find one, remove it from your skin with tweezers, grasp tightly near where the tick enters the skin and gently pull it out. The insect should be saved in a jar to be brought to the doctor’s office for testing.

There are many species common to the North American region; the reddish-brown deer tick is spread out all over and carry the horrible Lyme disease. The Lone Star Tick has a white spot on its back and is brownish-tan in color; they live near creeks and water, carrying Ehrlichiosis disease. The American Dog spectrum looks similar to the Lone Star with a white streak on its back and can be found mostly in the south, in wet and humid places. It is known for carrying the Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever disease and should be avoided if possible, as any tick should.

For thorough information on tick prevention visit http://www.theorganicdog.com . Some simple measures include keeping the grass in your yard cut below your ankles is a good way to keep them at bay. Keep brush and shrubs cleared out for outdoor prevention. For prevention from the indoor variety, keep your pets bedding neat and clean. Bathing your dog in special shampoo can also help deter their emergence.

High Quality Dog Food

There are many different brands of food on the market today and they all guarantee the same outcomes: a longer lifespan, healthier coat, and stronger teeth. Given that they are all making these statements, it is tough to decipher which are actually valid. There are organic canine meal companies and many different snacks to feed your favorite pet, all yielding more than adequate energy for indoor and outdoor animals.

Dry Canine Diet

An important aspect to your pet’s daily regiment is timing, regardless of the chow quality. If someone forgets to feed them at the correct interval, many will cause a ruckus. Now there are many different selections for dry alternatives. Go into any pet store and there is an overwhelming variety of name brands and organic companies competing for your loyalty. For puppies, you need to look for the right amount of nutrients that they need to grow. Older breeds need an addendum of supplements and minerals to aid their internal organs and joints.

Know your dogs current situation when picking out the dry food. If they have a skin problem or aching bones, then they need the corresponding dietetics. If he has a stomach ailment then adequate enzymes will need to be included.

Is Wet Dog Food Better?

Canines love meaty, canned, moist meals. A great way to get them the best of both worlds is to mix the wet and dry alternatives together during snacks. This will get them a wide spectrum of nutrients and a good amount of calories to make it through their daily routine. The same rules apply with wet food as it did with arid, you have to know your buddy well enough to make a fitting decision. Aging and younger pups will have their own preference, pay attention.

Another way to improve your friend’s regime is to deliver differing variations of snacks like fish, fruits, and even vegetables. These will be enjoyed immensely and they can improve vital signs. One of the most beloved snacks is rawhide. Rawhide is a great chewable for whitening teeth.

The best solution to feeding your pet depends on how well you know him. If you have owned them for awhile then it is pretty easy to see what kind nutrients they need the most and what snacks they crave; pick wisely, enjoy your family friend by clicking here

Types of Animal Epilepsy

While only a veterinarian can effectively diagnose canine epilepsy, owners play an important role in the process. There are three divisions of epilepsy: Idiopathic or primary seizures, has no underlying cause; secondary fits, the result of an intracranial illness or injury to the brain; reactive epilepsy, a problem with the animal’s metabolic system.

As humans, we can provide the physician with significant information vital to  the proposed treatment. We should compile a complete medical history, taking detailed notes when attacks occur. Note, what the dog has eaten and come in contact with are important events to include. As patterns ultimately develop, the episodes will occur in one of three phases:

The Pre-Ictal Phase is just before the event; an Ictal Phase occurs during the contortions, leaving the result to the Post-Ictal Phase. The primary period resembles restlessness to unresponsiveness; the second, sparks teeth grinding, loss of bodily functions, thrashing, extended head and thrashing. Finally, post-trauma yields increased appetite, confusion, disorientation, loss of sight and hearing.

Veterinarians may diagnose reactive and secondary afflictions through the testing phase, but no test exists for idiopathic emergencies. Along with the medical and pattern history, the process of elimination makes the diagnosis. One expected test is the complete blood count or CBC. Among other things, it can detect a metabolic problem. A cerebral spinal fluid test or CSF can detect any abnormalities or lesions in the nervous system.

A spinal tap can indicate an intracranial problem causing the secondary paradigm. A urinalysis is possible because it can identify conditions that are the underlying cause. Vets may run a bile-acid test, particularly in puppies; identifying an illness called Liver Shunt where a blood vessel goes around the liver instead of through it, a genetic condition from birth.

If the diagnostic tests conducted reveal no reason for the fits, a definite diagnosis of idiopathic attacks will be gathered from brain-imaging tests. An MRI or CT scan is required to rule out any possibility of an underpinning event.

Are Fleas Contagious?

Part of owning a canine means taking the responsibility to keep him clean and healthy at all times. Whether you own outdoor breeds or ones that stay inside, there are certain dangers they will all face. Issues like Heartworms, bites, scratches and especially Fleas can be very troublesome for a victim of any size or age. If he becomes infected with fleas and treatment is not pursued, your home may become infected. Once a house is filled with fleas, they will hide, bite and itch anywhere at any time. Removing the flea infestation is a hassle that requires deep cleaning in every corner. Therefore, understanding the annoyances in the first place will help you develop a prevention plan.

These bugs are most commonly spread through the very animal they infected. Canines with this infection can infect others with in close proximity, due to their ability to leap. Of course, practicing proper preventative measures ahead of time will negate this risk. The same is true for wild animals, and if you own an outdoor breed this is an especially big risk to consider. These parasites have no allegiance when it comes to which host they gather on. They can be found on squirrels, raccoons, rabbits and even mice. Thus, keep your companion away from such animals.

A single predator can be so small that it may go undetected for a long time, especially in areas they are known to frequent; including kennels, groomers, and veterinary offices. If routine cleaning does not occur, they will start to colonize. Once the room itself is covered, simply walking through will result in exposure.

Just because they are most known for hitching rides on animals and infesting homes doesn’t mean the wild, open, outdoors is not also their playground. In fact, the terrorists lay eggs in tall grass, where they are hatched and live before ever beginning a nuisance. Once mature, he will jump up from the grass onto passing prospects, such as a cat walking by, and so begins their life cycle. Any pet walking through a park or yard could easily become a host without even slowing down.

With so many causes, the case for preventing them ahead of time is clear. Fortunately the methods of protecting both yourself and your companion are all easy. The flea collar is the quickest, cheapest and most well-known method around. It is a collar worn by the pet just like a normal one, except it emits a chemical that forms a barrier on the skin that kills them and their eggs. There are also topical liquids that act the same way but are applied by a few drops directly onto the coat. Finally recent advancements in canine mange prevention have created oral, anti-parasite, medication in the form of chewable tablets. By using any of these methods, you can ensure an insect free house and companion