Dogs

Dogs make wonderful companions. They unreservedly love and they will constantly follow their owners everywhere they go. Having a dog at home has many uses. They add life to your home and love you unconditionally.

Dogs have other uses too; one of them is to be guard dogs. Dogs are extremely loyal and will protect you and your family in case of any potential danger.

Dogs are basically of two types – watch dogs and guard dogs. Before you get a dog, you should be clear about which type you want. Here are some basic difference between a watch dog and a guard dog:

Guard Dogs

Guard dogs are more aggressive than watch dogs. They are also known as security dogs. Guard dogs not only scare away probable intruders but they also protect their owners with their lives. They are very loyal and will ensure that you remain safe no matter what the danger. Guard dogs are better options especially if you and your family live in dangerous or secluded areas.

Watch Dogs

Watch dogs will warn their owners whenever any strangers approach their homes. They can scare away strangers and alert you whenever someone approaches your home. However, keep in mind that a watch dog will not necessarily protect you from the impending danger.

Dogs such as the Shetland Sheepdogs make good watch dogs but because of their non-aggressive nature, they do not make such good guard dogs. They will alert you but will not be able to protect you much.

The Best Guard Dogs for Your Home

It is a fact that almost all breeds of dogs have a strong sense of protecting their owners and their homes. Nevertheless, if you live in an out-of-the-way area you need to have a dog that will protect you, your family and your home in the best way possible. While some breeds of dogs are better guard dogs than others are, you should not underestimate the value of training.

When choosing a guard dog, first think about the amount of space you have. Usually, the best guard dogs are the larger breeds of dog. However, smaller dogs such as a Jack Russell or a Chihuahua can be just as helpful in raising an alarm in case of danger.

So, if you do have enough space for a large guard dog, you can always opt for a smaller one. Obviously, a small dog will not really provide substantial protection or be an intimidating figure to intruders.

There are many breeds of dogs that make outstanding and lovable pets but not all make good guard dogs. So, to help you out I have compiled a list of some breeds of dogs that I think make very good guard dogs:

Great Dane

Great Danes are really huge dogs. Physically, they look very intimidating but really, they are very gentle dogs. Great Danes make faithful and loving family pets and they are very good with children.

Nonetheless, if they sense any danger, they will immediately raise an alarm with their very loud bark. Their size and their bark is more than enough to scare away any kind of intruders.

Boxer

Boxers are usually known for their fun loving and playful demeanor. Thus, they may not really be an ideal choice for a guard dog. But, boxers are known to be good judges of character and consequently, can warn their owners of potential threats.

Doberman Pinscher

When it comes to guard dogs, many people choose the Doberman Pinscher. These dogs have a daunting persona. This breed of dog is strong as well as fast and thus, is often used in police and military works. The Doberman Pinscher is similar to the German shepherd as they are both intelligent and extremely loyal. It is a misconception that all Dobermans are essentially aggressive. In actual fact, most dogs become aggressive due to negligent training.

Rottweiler

These dogs are very strong. Rottweilers are loyal and will willingly sacrifice their lives to protect their owners. Because of their defensive nature, rottweilers need a lot of training. However, they are very intelligent animals and can be trained very easily.

A Rottweiler is an extremely strong and powerfully-built dog. They are intelligent and very quick in learning new things. As with other breeds of dogs, rottweilers need proper training to become good guard dogs. They are loyal and friendly and make wonderful family pets.

Rhodesian Ridgeback

These dogs were originally bred to aid in tracking lions. These dogs are very confident and make both good family pets and guard dogs. Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a very calm nature and are very good with children.

German Shepherds

German Shepherds are excellent guard dogs. Not only is the German shepherd a wonderful companions but it is, in my opinion, the best guard dog. They are gentle and loving and yet, in case of danger, they can be very aggressive toward the intruders.

The German Shepherd is one of the most popular breeds of dogs. They are brave and very intelligent and are often used by the police to aid them in some of their works. German Shepherds also make great family pets as they are calm and loving and marvelously patient with children. In case of danger, the German shepherd will ferociously protect its owners. It has a very loud bark which can be threatening to intruders.

The Great Hunter Argentine Mastiff

Dogo Argentino is another name for Argentine mastiff. It has a close resemblance to American bulldog and American Pit Bull Terrier with regards to the appearance and length, respectively.

Dogo Argentino is purposefully used in big game hunting with other wild animals like the bfoar and puma. They are usually trained to become great hunters. In addition to that, these dog breeds are also used to help security officers and state defenders in the search and rescue activities. Along with other purposes also include tracking, narcotics detection and guiding the blind.

Like any other pure breeds, Dogo Argentino can be amiable, charming and playful to their masters, loyal and quick in noticing suspicious acts and attacks intruder. These protective tendencies towards territories have regarded them as also a good guard dog. Dogo Argentino is also can easily get along with other dogs for they are well trained in the field of socialization, yet they can be authoritative at times.

All these dogs need a lot of training to guarantee that they remain loyal and well-behaved at all times. Because of their protective nature, they may seem aggressive. But remember that like all dogs, guard dogs can also be friendly and gentle.

The Function of a Guard Dog

First and foremost a Guard Dog does not necessarily have to be an Attack Dog. Many of the temperate breeds, such as Spaniels and Labradors, will make very effective guard dogs. A Guard Dog should not simply attack intruders on your property. Training an Attack Dog is a very difficult task which may be best left to a professional service, as the dog will need to learn how to distinguish between intruders and friendly visitors.

However, by training your Guard Dog to be always on alert for any type of suspicious activity will go a long way to protecting your property and family against intruders. Just the presence of a dog barking will deter the majority of thieves from your property.

Proper Training Of Your Guard Dog

You have made a good choice if you have decided to keep a guard dog. However, you should understand that your work does not just end by bringing a dog to your home and keep it fed. You will need to give it good training.

One of the major reasons for which people keep guard dogs is to have more security in the home, hence their name. Although dogs are instinctively protective, there is need for proper training in order for them detect likely danger and deal with it adequately. While you may take your dog for professional training, you may as well do the training by yourself. In such a case, there are a number of things that you need to bear in mind.

Training a Guard Dog: Socialization

Before starting to train your dog to be an effective Guard Dog it is very important to socialize your dog. Socializing your dog allows them to become familiar to loud noises, other animals, friends and visitors, traffic, storms etc. If a dog isn’t socialized they will have an extremely difficult time distinguishing between threatening scenarios and normal day to day life. Socialization training should begin as soon as the dog comes into your care.

Dog Obedience

Once your dog has been properly socialized it is now time to begin the training. The best way to start is with basic obedience training. Basic obedience training will train your dog that you are it’s master and to listen to your commands. Once your dog has a firm grasp of basic commands you can begin training your dog as a guard dog.

In order for any dog training to be effective, the dog must first of all be taught to be obedient. Obedience training will not just help the dog to obey instruction but also feel more secure and confident. The understanding between your dog and you will likewise be enhanced, and the dog will follow your instructions well. You may make your dog more obedient through such things as exercises and social interaction. There are basically five major commands that you should teach your dog to obey, which are: down, drop, sit, stay, and come.

The most successful program is using what is known as positive reinforcement. You will reward your dog for desired behavior whilst just ignoring them for bad or unwanted behavior. Using this training method requires that you do not physically punish the dog, as this could lead to uncontrolled aggressiveness or could break their spirit and resolve. Instead the dog will learn that good behavior is rewarded with treats and attention whilst bad behavior will see them ignored entirely.

Training A Guard Dog: Controlled Barking

If you want your Guard Dog to only bark at specific situations, they must be trained when it is appropriate to bark and when to stay quiet. For example, if you have a lot of visitors to your property during the day you may not want your dog to bark uncontrollably every time somebody approaches. However at night time you may want your Guard Dog to bark whenever they see someone approaching.

To enforce this, it is best to choose a verbal command which will tell your dog that they must stop barking. This can be as simple as “Quiet” or any other command that you choose. It is important to use this command once your Guard Dog stops barking accompanied with a reward. Over time they will recognize the command and associate with stopping barking.

Barking

Obedience is very important in teaching your guard dog, but there’s more. For instance, you should train your dog on proper barking. One of the simplest ways of doing this is to respond by going to your dog whenever it barks. Do not underestimate a dog’s intelligence. A dog will take note of your action from its very first bark. If you do not seem to take any action, it will not be inclined to give you any warning when it detects any suspicious activity.

Lessons on Not Barking

As much as it is important to train your guard dog to bark, you should as well train it not to bark when there is no need, such as when someone passes on the road. Just patiently tell it ‘No’ as you tap your finger until it gets the message that that is not the time to bark. When the dog has understood this instruction, it will no longer bark under similar circumstances.

Training A Guard Dog: Property Boundaries

Whilst training a guard dog, your dog must know exactly where your property starts and ends and know that it is only meant to protect your property and nowhere else. This will prevent the dog from barking at someone just walking down the street or visitors next door etc. Walk your Guard Dog around the perimeter of your property once a day and the dog will start to recognize your property as their territory and will only take action on intruders that come into their “territory”.

Training A Guard Dog: Advanced Technique – Aggressive Behavior Snarling Dog

As a general rule, it is not recommended that you train your Guard Dog to attack intruders. Training your Guard Dog to be an „Attack Dog“ is best left to professional trainers who use very strict training programs and have years of experience. However it is still possible to train your Guard Dog to exhibit threatening and aggressive behavior towards intruders. Letting your Guard Dog raise it’s hackles, growl and bare it’s teeth is very effective at scaring away would be intruders.

Using this advanced training technique, it is very important to have a command which will instantly tell your dog to stop and just act normally. This will prevent your Guard Dog from intimidating normal visitors and give you more control over your Guard Dog. Unfortunately it is very hard to train your dog to just act aggressively.

An effective method is to have someone come over that the Guard Dog does not recognize and act in a threatening manner to the dog. Reward your Guard Dog when you successfully utilize the ‘Stop’ command after it has been acting in an aggressive way. Never encourage or reward your Guard Dog for attacking someone.

Speed Up Your Training

The easiest way to speed up the training of your guard dog is to use the services of professional dog trainers. However, you may as well speed the training process yourself. For instance, you may have a neighbor sit on your lawn and give the dog a pat when it barks. This will not just boost the dog’s confidence but also encourage it to bark in case of any trespass.

In Conclusion

Many people think of dogs as loyal companions, who are able to form a strong bond with their owners. However, owning a dog can also be a great way to increase the security of your property. A properly trained guard dog can help to deter potential trespassers and thieves, and is also an effective alarm against intruders that may be on your property. By following a proper training regime, it is possible to train your dog to be a great Guard Dog, whilst still being an affectionate and loving companion.

Training your Guard Dog is a time consuming but rewarding endeavor. Remember above all else that your Guard Dog is NOT an Attack Dog. Your Guard Dog should be effective at alerting you when something is “not right” and act as a deterrence against would be intruders. An appropriately trained Guard Dog will serve as a great companion to you and also as added security to your property and loved ones.

There are hundreds of different dog breeds out there, and most will make a great dog for a first-time owner. However there are few breeds that are ideal for first time dog owners, and will make the experience of owning a dog an easy and joyful one.

Best First Dog

So you’ve been doing a bit of thinking and you’ve decided to get a dog. You’re excited but at the same time a little scared as you have never owned a dog before. It’s only natural to be a little scared as you just don’t know what to expect. Will the dog destroy my home, or will it takes hours to train the dog, or will the dog constantly bark.

Becoming a dog owner is a responsibility not to neglected or taken lightly; the trust that a dog has in its owner should never be betrayed. A dog is not a toy that can be abandoned after a while, out of boredom.

Best Dogs First-Time Owners

Choosing a dog is determined by multiple factors: where you live, the size of your house, the time you can spend with the dog and, of course, the amount of finance you have at your disposal. The negative aspects and difficulties that may arise will better be weighed in advance.

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Golden Retriever

With their loving, sweet and gentle nature it is no surprise that the Golden Retriever makes the top of the list. They love to play and make their families happy. They are loyal and affectionate. However their long coats will require a lot of regular grooming. If you lead a busy lifestyle or spend periods of time away from home a Golden Retriever shouldn’t be your choice of dog and you should look into another breed.

Golden Retriever Facts

• Avg Lifespan: 10 – 12 yrs.
• Avg Weight Male: 65 – 75 lbs (29.4 – 34.01 kg).
• Avg Weight Female: 60 – 70 lbs (27.2 – 31.75 kg).
• Avg Height Male: 22 – 24 inch (56 – 61 cm).
• Avg Height Female: 20 – 22.4 inch (51 – 57 cm).
• Coat: Straight or moderately wavy dense water repellent coat with a good undercoat.
• Color: Any shades of gold or cream.
• Temperament: Trustworthy, Reliable, Friendly, Confident, Intelligent, Kind, Biddable.
• Country of Origin: Scotland.

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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

They are a lovable breed with stunning looks. This dog love people and will want to be involved in everything whether this is sitting on your lap or going for a walk. They have a very easy going trusting nature, and are generally quite welcoming of strangers. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can however be quite stubborn at times, but will be quite happy either playing with children or sitting on the laps of an older person.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Facts

• Avg Lifespan: 9 – 14 yrs
• Avg Weight Male: 13 – 18 lbs (5.9 – 8.2 kg)
• Avg Weight Female: 13 – 18 lbs (5.9 – 8.2 kg)
• Avg Height Male: 11 – 13 inch (30-33 cm)
• Avg Height Female: 11 – 13 inch (30-33 cm)
• Coat: Silky, smooth coat and commonly a smooth undocked tail
• Color: Black and Tan, Tri-color, Blenheim, Ruby
• Temperament: Sociable, Affectionate, Fearless, Patient, Playful, Adaptable
• Country of Origin: England.

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Labrador Retriever

The Lab is one of the most popular family pets in the world, and is ideal for first time dog owner. Their friendly and intelligent nature makes them particularly suited to new dog owners. They are very energetic and will require lots of exercise to remain fit and healthy. They love their families and will want to be with you at all times, which is why they are probably not the best choice if they are to be left at home on their own for lengthy periods.

Labrador Retriever Facts

• Avg Lifespan: 10 – 14 yrs.
• Avg Weight Male: 64 – 80 lbs (29 – 36 kg).
• Avg Weight Female: 55 – 70 lbs (25 – 32 kg).
• Avg Height Male: 22 – 25 inch (57 – 62 cm).
• Avg Height Female: 21 – 23 inch (55 – 60 cm).
• Coat: Double coat (under and outer) to keep it warm in the winter and cool in the summer (short, straight and very dense).
• Color: From solid colors to brindles, to dual colors like black and tan (yellow, black and chocolate or brown).
• Temperament: Gentle, High Intelligent, Kind, Agile, Outgoing, Trusting, Even Tempered, Extreme Good Nature, Never Showing Aggression.
• Country of Origin: Canada.

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Poodle

Poodles are smart and intelligent dogs which is why they are an especially good choice for any first time dog owner. They are energetic but can be a little bit wary of strangers. You will find three sizes of Poodle – Standard, Miniature and Toy. All three will require regular haircuts and grooming.

Poodle Dog Facts

• Avg Lifespan: 12 – 15 yrs.
• Avg Weight Standard Poodle: 44 – 70 lbs (20 – 32 kg).
• Avg Weight Miniature Poodle: 11 – 19 lbs (5 – 9 kg).
• Avg Weight Toy Poodle: 4 – 6 lbs (2 – 3 kg).
• Avg Height: 9 – 23 inch (24 – 60 cm).
• Coat: Non-shedding (most allergy sufferers can live with a poodle).
• Color: Black or White, Cream, Sable, Black and White, Blue and Silvers, Grey, Browns, Reds and Apricots.
• Temperament: High Intelligent, Alert, Active, Faithful, Instinctual, Trainable, Sophisticated, Smart, Lively and Active.
• Country of Origin: Germany, France.

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Goldendoodle

A designer breed combining 2 of the top breeds on the list, it should come as no surprise that it makes the top 10. A mix between the golden retriever and poodle, this is breed is loving, intelligent, affectionate and energetic. All of these will make a loving dog that will be ideal for first time dog owners.

Goldendoodle Dog Facts

• Avg Lifespan: 10 – 15 yrs.
• Avg Weight Standard Size: 45 – 77 lbs (20 – 35 kg).
• Avg Weight Medium Size: 30 – 45 lbs (13 – 20 kg) and and the mini Goldendoodles weigh 15 – 30 lbs (6 – 13 kg).
• Avg Height Male: 24 – 26 inch (61 – 66 cm).
• Avg Height Female: 22 – 23 inch (56 – 58 cm).
• Coat: Hypo-allergenic, Non-shedding, Uniquely Soft Feel (Curly and Wavy Coat).
• Color: Black, Silver, Cream, Apricot Cream, Chalk, Gold, Red, Apricot, Chocolate, and Cafe.
• Temperament: Very Smart, Friendly, Energetic, Intelligent, Friendly, Quick Learners and are Trained Very Easily.
• Country of Origin: United States.

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Labradoodle

One of the most popular designer breeds, the Labradoodle mixes the loving, energetic and even temperament of both the poodle and Labrador. They will be highly intelligent and easy to train, but will also be your best friend. Their size can vary depending on whether the poodle genes are from the standard, miniature or toy variety. Rest assured though they will be a great little companion for any first time dog owner.

Labradoodle Dog Facts

• Avg Lifespan: 12 – 15 yrs.
• Avg Weight Standard Size: 50 – 66 lbs (23 – 30 kg).
• Avg Weight Medium Size: 28 – 44 lbs (13 – 20 kg) and and the mini Goldendoodles weigh 15 – 26 lbs (7 – 12 kg).
• Avg Height Standard: 21 – 24 inch (53 – 63 cm).
• Avg Height Mediums: 17 – 20 inch (43 – 52 cm), Miniatures 14 – 16 inch (36 – 42 cm).
• Coat: Low to Non Shedding (It should be straight, wavy or forming loose spirals. It should not be too thick, dense, fluffy or fuzzy).
• Color: chalk, cream, caramel, black, silver, blue, chocolate, café, parchment, gold, apricot, and red.
• Temperament: Great with kids, Very intelligent, Easy to train, Loyal and affectionate.
• Country of Origin: Australia.

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Bichon Frise

This little dog is loving and affectionate. They were breed purely for companionship so it should come as no surprise that they are also a fantastic little dog for first time dog owners. They love to perform in front of their family and will learn new tricks quickly.

Bichon Frise Dog Facts

• Avg Lifespan: 12 – 15 yrs.
• Avg Weight Male: 6 – 11 lbs (3 – 5 kg).
• Avg Weight Female: 6 – 11 lbs (3 – 5 kg).
• Avg Height Male: 9 – 11 inch (23 – 30 cm).
• Avg Height Female: 9 – 10 inch (23 – 28 cm).
• Coat: Very fluffy and looks like a little puffball. The breed carries a loosely curled coat with fine silky hairs. The coat is considered to be hypoallergenic and is mostly all white.
• Color: Sometimes a cream coloring may be seen but for the most part white is the main color.
• Temperament: Feisty, Affectionate, Cheerful, Playful, Sensitive, Gentle, love to perform tricks, Obedient, Very Independent, Charming, Do Not Bark a Lot, Competitive.
• Country of Origin: Spain.

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Cockapoo

Designer breeds are becoming pretty popular and the Cockerpoo is fast becoming one of the most sought after. A mix between a Cocker Spaniel and a poodle, this breed is happy, loving and affectionate. They shed very little, but will require regular grooming. However like both poodles and Cocker Spaniels they can sometimes get re-occurring ear infections.

Cockapoo Dog Facts

• Avg Lifespan: They have a long life span 13+ yrs the oldest recorded 22 years old.
• Avg Weight: 11 – 24 lbs (5 – 11 kg).
• Avg Height: 9 – 15 inch (25 – 38 cm).
• Grooming: is not only for aesthetics purposes, it is also a vital part of keeping your Cockapoo healthy and comfortable.
• Coat: Non moulting breed, almost hypoallergenic hair, good for those people who have allergies. They are pretty much odorless and they don’t slobber.
• Color: Black, White, Liver, Brindle, Liver & White, Light Brown, Dark Brown, Black & White, Blue, Gold.
• Temperament: Trainable, Intelligent, Can be Very Energetic, Loyal, Jealous, Great with kids.
• Country of Origin: United States.

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Papillon

This little dog has a big reputation. They are intelligent and have lots of energy, so are more suited to those with a more active lifestyle. They are happy in either a big house or a small flat. Due to their tiny size if you do have kids just remember to make sure they play gently.

Papillon Dog Facts

• Avg Lifespan: 13 – 16 yrs.
• Avg Weight Male: 8 – 10 lbs (3 – 5 kg).
• Avg Weight Female: 5 – 9 lbs (2 – 4 kg).
• Avg Height: 8 – 11 inch (20 – 28 cm).
• Purpose: Companion dog and Show dog.
• Alternative Names: Continental Toy Spaniel (in many parts of Europe), Epagneul Nain Continental (in many non-English speaking countries), Butterfly Dog, Squirrel Dog.
• Coat: The single coat that it is fine, long and straight, sometimes has extra frill its depends on the dog but they have them on the ears, at the chest and at the back of the tail and the legs.
• Color: White and Black, White & Lemon, White & Red , White & Sable, White Black & Tan, Black Brown & White, Black Red & White , Brown & White, Fawn & White, Red, Red White & Sable, Sable, White , White & Silver.
• Temperament: Friendly, Very Intelligent, Love the Exercise, Amusing, Charming, Animated, Playful, Passionate, Understand and Learn Really Fast.
• Country of Origin: Spain, France, Italy. England and Belgium are also credited.

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Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu are very lively and energetic dogs. They are very happy dogs with a lot of charisma. Because they are so courageous, they may come across as arrogant and make great watch dogs. With their dynamic character, they can bark a lot. Shih Tzus are good with children who treat the dog with respect. Shih Tzus are also very loyal to their owners can experience separation anxiety if they are separated from their owners for long periods of time.

Shih Tzu Dog Facts

• Avg Lifespan: 10 – 16 yrs.
• Avg Weight Male: 8 – 15 lbs (4 – 7 kg).
• Avg Weight Female: 8 – 15 lbs (4 – 7 kg).
• Avg Height: 9 – 10 inch (22 – 25 cm).
• Grooming: They will need to be brushed daily so they can avoid tangling hair.
• Coat: Hypo-allergenic, Soft long coat, typical Shih Tzu has a blaze of white on the tail tip and also on the forehead. Double-coated is very dense and can grow very long.
• Color: Black, White, Liver, Brindle, Liver & White, Light Brown, Dark Brown, Black & White, Blue, Gold.
• Temperament: Very friendly, Affectionate, Smart, Full of Energy, Very sweet and Playful, Can bark a lot, Good with Children, Very Loyal, Courageous, Make great watch dogs, Can experience separation anxiety.
• Country of Origin: Chinese/Tibetan in origin and means „Lion Dog“.

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Pug

The pug is a funny looking little dog. However he makes up for his small size with a massive personality. They are great with children and other pets, and are ideal for any new first time dog owner. They are happy in most environments whether it is a large house or small flat. Pug don’t need lots of exercise, and are quite happy to simply snuggle up for cuddles.

Pug Dog Facts

• Avg Lifespan: 12 – 15 yrs.
• Avg Weight: 14 – 18 lbs (6 – 8 kg).
• Avg Height: 10 – 13 inch (25 – 33 cm).
• Coat: Don’t let a Pug’s short soft coat fool you! Pugs do shed tons of hair!
• Color: Black, Fawn, Apricot, Silver Fawn.
• Temperament: very stubborn and determined, loving and affectionate, intelligent, great companion dogs, lap dog, loving, good-natured dogs that bring warmth and laughter to every home, NOT great guard dogs, Pugs are BAD workout partners.
• Health Problems: have short muzzles, prominent eyes, and deep facial folds as well as screw tails, all of which make them susceptible to certain illnesses and injuries.
• Country of Origin: China.

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Boston Terrier

This little guy is loving, affectionate and friendly (even with strangers). They love to be with their family so they are probably not the best breed to choose if you are planning to leave them on their own for long periods. They are happy either playing and walking, or being snuggled up on the sofa with their family.

Boston Terrier Dog Facts

• Avg Lifespan: 13 – 15 yrs.
• Avg Weight: 8 – 24 lbs (4 – 11 kg).
• Avg Height: 9 – 15 inch (22 – 38 cm).
• Coat: The coat of the Boston Terrier is very pleasant to the touch, a short, glossy and smooth. The tail is short. The coat is short, tight, almost does not fade.
• Color: Color can not only be brindle, but also white and black markings with white or black colors.
• Temperament: Vibrant energy, good-natured, beautiful ‘guard’ quality, excellent character and high level of intelligence, Very smart, vigilant, and more enthusiastic, They love children, gently and willingly play with them, they have a balanced psyche, they are not subject to violent outbursts, aggression or misbehavior.
• Health Problems: The breed is very poorly adapted to severe frost or heat. In winter, they need to dress in a wool sweater or something else (for severe frosts provided special footwear). In summer, try to avoid overheating in the sun. Representatives of this breed often snore during sleep. Also do not forget about breathing problems caused by a shortened muzzle.
• Country of Origin: United States.

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Maltese

The Maltese is another dog that makes up for his size with a larger than life personality. They are active and almost puppy like well into their later years. They are cuddly and love affection, and love their families, making them perfect for novice dog owners. Just remind your kids to be gentle, although this little dog thinks he bigger than he actually is, he is still small and fragile.

Maltese Dog Facts

• Avg Lifespan: 12 – 15 yrs.
• Avg Weight Male: 64 – 80 lbs (3 – 4 kg).
• Avg Weight Female: 55 – 70 lbs (3 – 4 kg).
• Avg Height Male: 8 – 10 inch (21 – 25 cm).
• Avg Height Female: 7 – 9 inch (20 – 23 cm).
• Coat: Usually have long hair that is surrounded by skin that is a darker color.
  Maltese dogs have silky long coats of hair but have no undercoat. Suitable for persons who have allergies.
• Color: They are usually pure white but may also be cream colored or may have a light lemon color. You will rarely find these dogs in a pale ivory color and sometimes with traces of a pale orange.
• Temperament: good companion dogs, very lively and playful, have a tendency to bark a lot.
• Country of Origin: Malta.

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Shetland Sheepdog

The Shetland Sheepdog is a little bit smaller than the collie. They are extremely loyal, happy and intelligent. This dog can be trained with ease, and they are energetic so will make a great agility dog. Shetland Sheepdog can be very vocal and can sometimes bark a lot which can be a bit overwhelming for a first time dog owner.

Shetland Sheepdog Dog Facts

• Avg Lifespan: 12 – 13 yrs
• Avg Weight: 13 – 26 lbs (6 – 12 kg)
• Avg Height: 13 – 16 inch (33 – 41 cm)
• Coat: The double coat, although beautiful and soft, it requires constant attention and brushing. Even when fully brushed, shedding will occur.
• Color: Blue Merle, Black and White, Sable and White, Sable, Black and Tan, Merle, Tri-color.
• Temperament: The Shetland sheepdog is a smart and alert that has a lot of intelligence. make great family dogs, also can learn to respond to signals and voice commands. has a large degree of trainability and intelligence. Shetland sheepdog has a beautiful personality, their temperament makes them perfect for small apartments and urban locations. This dog must be raised from a puppy to be around children for the best results. This dog is going to bark when people pull in the driveway, knock on the door, appear suspicious or are unfamiliar to the dog. This is a part of their loyal nature to alert the family of danger.
• Country of Origin: Shetland Islands, Scotland.

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Yorkshire Terrier

Small enough to fit in a handbag this little dog has a big personality. They are intelligent and sprightly, and get on well with other pets and they are great with both adults and children, and make a great dog for first time owners. Their coat needs a lot of attention so regular grooming is essential, and it can be a little much for some new dog owners. They are always alert which can sometimes mean they bark and yap a lot.  Yorkshire Terriers come in Standard and Mini sizes (also called miniature or teacup). Mini’s are typically 3 to 4 pounds while the standard s are about 6 to 7 pounds. A standard Yorkshire Terrier will reach a height of 8 to 9 inches.

Yorkshire Terrier Dog Facts

• Avg Lifespan: 13 – 16 yrs
• Avg Weight: 4 – 6 lbs (2 – 3 kg)
• Avg Height: 8 – 9 inch (20 – 22 cm)
• Coat: The coat on a Yorkshire Terrier is long, fine, and silky, parted down the middle of their back. The hair is only one layer and doesn’t shed. Yorkie fall under hypo allergic dog section.
• Color: It may take three to four years for the Yorkie coat that reaches the last and the final result. The final color is mostly black with a grayish tinge.
• Temperament: Yorkshire Terrier is a very smart dog, and are very intelligent, so they are easy to train and teach if you start early. Very proud, loves to be spoiled, can be very demanding. They are very territorial, they play pretty well with older respectful children, but are not really recommended for young children. The Yorkshire Terrier is a wonderful watchdog. This dog love to bark, but over all a Yorkshire Terrier is a very friendly, loving happy and sweet dog.
• Country of Origin: England.

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Choosing Best Dog Breeds For First Time Owners Conclusion

Many families end up unhappy because they don’t know how important choosing the right dog breed is. It can be the difference between a long, wonderful life with your dog, and only a few months before you decide that this beautiful puppy is better suited to another person.

When choosing the best dog breed for first time owner, you can never really know exactly what breed is right for you, but you can make an educated guess based on your life, your wants, and your needs. Really look into the breed before you get any dog, and you’ll have a good companion no matter what.

Puppies, and older adult dogs alike are the most vulnerable to viruses and Canine parvovirus is one the deadliest.

What is Parvo?

Parvovirus in puppies, scientifically known as Parvo or CPV-2, is a highly contagious and very serious viral disease that can be deadly even if treatment is given. Canine parvovirus is a disease that attacks dividing cells, and has two main forms; the cardiac form and the intestinal form.

The most prominent location for dividing cells in your dog’s body is the intestinal lining or the lining of the digestive system, and this is why the most common type of Parvo seen is that of the intestinal form. When a dog, or what is more commonly seen is a puppy, contracts Parvovirus, the virus attacks an area in the intestinal tract called the intestinal villi crypts.

When the Parvo virus becomes active, it attacks and kills the cells in these crypts and causes that area of the intestine to lose the function it’s supposed to have, that of protection and absorption. It kills these areas by stripping off the villi (fingers) where absorption takes place.

By attacking these crypts, it causes areas of denudation, allowing the bacteria that resides in the intestinal tract normally, to cross the intestinal barrier and create a bacterial infection in the puppy’s body causing one of the signs of Parvo, high fever.

Clinical signs of Parvo

• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Bloody, very foul smelling, yellowish diarrhea, almost like water
• Anorexia – loss of appetite
• Fever

These initial signs of Parvo are followed by sometimes referred to as secondary signs of Parvo.

Secondary signs of Parvo

• Dehydration
• Mucus membranes (gums) becoming pale
• Mucus membranes becoming cold to the touch
• Shock
• Comatose
• Death

Types of Dogs that are Particularly at Risk of Parvo?

Strangely, dark and black colored dogs have more of a chance of contracting the disease. Also strangely, Rottweilers, Retrievers, German Shepherds, Pitbulls, Doberman Pinschers and sled dogs are also more likely to get Parvo than other breeds.

Every breed of puppy is susceptible to Parvo virus, while there are a few breeds that are more susceptible than others. These breeds usually are more prone to contracting this disease and have a lower recovery rate than other puppies do.

How is Parvo Spread?

The virus spreads through feces – both direct and indirect contact with feces can infect your dog. Because the virus can survive for months or even a year in soil and the environment, it is very hard to prevent any contact with the virus as it is almost impossible to clean the entire area.

The Parvovirus is a very stable virus, meaning it can live up to a year or more in the environment. This means that you can walk through an area where a dog a year previously defecated and left the virus; you pick it up on your shoes, take it home to your new, un-vaccinated puppy and let your puppy contract the Parvo viral disease from your shoes. This shows that the normal route of infection is by transmission from one dog to another through their feces.

Parvo can be carried in an adult dog that shows no outward signs, but the disease can be found in their stool. The disease is currently not thought to be an air born type, however research is still being done on this aspect, and currently the accepted form of transmission is via fecal contact from an infected, carrier dog to a susceptible puppy. Birds may even carry this deadly disease into your yard if they have been in contact with the infected feces.

A possible method of disease prevention is vaccination. It is not unheard of to get a new puppy or dog from an animal shelter and find that the dog has contracted Parvovirus from being in close proximity to other dogs.

How To Treat Parvo

Treatment for Parvo is intensive. Your puppy will be given supportive, preferably twenty four hour, care. They will have an IV catheter, fluids, and medication to stop the vomiting and antibiotics to help control the bacterial infection.

Many veterinary hospitals now give an immune enhancing medication. At the present time, there is no effective treatment for the Parvo virus itself, as stated treatment is more of the supportive kind and attempting to help the body’s immune system defend against the Parvovirus.

Without treatment your dog has a very slim chance for survival, with mortality rates right at 95-100%. Survival rate with hospitalization and treatment is approximately 80%. Some people opt to attempt Pravo treatment at home; not a form of treatment I recommend but can understand. This treatment brings about a 30-35% survival rate.

This disease is why veterinarians worldwide recommend the vaccination of your new puppy. Many people tend to purchase vaccinations from feed stores, drug stores or online pharmacies. The main drawback to this is that if anywhere along the line, from manufacturer to administration of the vaccine to the puppy, if the vaccine was left out of the refrigerator for more than 60 minutes, the vaccine becomes ineffective.

People who buy vaccines cannot know for certain if the vaccine is good or not. Many times, if an owner purchases the vaccine and gives it to their puppy, this will nullify the manufacturer’s responsibility.

All veterinary clinics will have a recommended guideline for vaccinating your new puppy. The first vaccine is generally given at 6 weeks of age so as to not interfere with the maternal antibodies. Many people believe, and I am of the firm belief that it is an incorrect belief, that giving the vaccine at 4 weeks of age is better.

It has been proven that the maternal antibodies are still present at this age and giving a vaccine this early will interfere tremendously with those antibodies. It is better to give the vaccine at 6 weeks of age and then every 3-4 weeks thereafter for 2-3 more times.

The CPV2 is presented in two physiological structures in dogs namely: intestinal and cardiac.

Intestinal and Cardiac Parvo Infection

When a dog is infected with the CPV2 virus it infects the intestine or in some cases of some dogs the cardiac (heart muscles). The basic mode of infection is Parvovirus infected feces and the mode of transmission can be humans, birds, dogs etc. no, air is not among the transfer agents, so it is not an airborne disease.

The common carriers are usually adult dogs. Adult dogs can be infected with the virus without manifesting any signs and symptoms, this is because adult dogs have a stronger organs that creates a somewhat immunity for them. Regrettably this is not so for smaller dogs or puppies as they, due to their age possess weaker organs that is susceptible to the virus.

When dogs comes in contact with infected stools, even soil they contact the virus which splits in the lymphoid the throat region for onwards multiplication in the bloodstream. Due to the erratic division of virus cells in the lymph, intestinal chamber, and bone marrow the consequences is most severe, causing the lymph to deplete, and damage to the intestine.

When the intestine is destroyed by the Parvovirus, certain bacteria like: clostridia, salmonella, and campylobacter is released from its niche (the intestine) to the blood stream causing the bloodstream to become septic (bacteria infection). When the blood stream is putrefied it results in SIRS or systemic inflammatory response syndrome. SIRS may result to more complications which may eventually result to the intestine been displaced to fall on another.

The Parvovirus apart from affecting the intestine can also affect the heart muscles but it is not common. Dogs or puppies that are infected in the uterus are more liable to this condition. The virus damages the muscles of the heart which in most cases usually lead to death.

Symptoms Of Parvo In Dogs

Within 5 to 10 days of the infection the dogs starts manifesting the illness in form of lethargy, severe vomiting, diarrhea, which leads to dehydration. Due to the intestinal prolapsed, combined with the septic state of the blood stream, the dog develops secondary cases or complications like anemia, endotoxemia, and loss of electrolyte. These factors if not controlled could lead to death.

How To Prevent Parvo In Dogs?

There are no known cures for the Parvo virus infection and that is as all virus infections goes – incurable. So the only safe treatment for this infection is prevention and vaccine. The preventive alternative due to resilience and virulence of the virus, survives up to a year in feces, soil, even strident conditions like cold, except very hard chemical like: chlorine found in bleach. Hard surfaces and possible infected areas should be cleaned using water and bleach.

Another possible preventive strategy is vaccination. Since the puppy is most susceptible to the Parvovirus infection, smaller puppies are hereby vaccinated in thee stages of doses. The adult dog is also vaccinated with three doses at intervals of 4 weeks.

Parvovirus is a debilitating disease which almost have no cure, and the puppy is most susceptible to the infection than the adult dog.

Would you know what to do if your dog eats chocolate? There is a chemical naturally occurring in chocolate that is seriously poisonous to dogs.

What To Do If a Dog Eats Chocolate

If you suspect that your dog has been given chocolate, you will have to know what to do immediately.

Why Chocolate is Bad for Dogs

Chocolate is highly toxic to dogs. The cocoa bean contains theobromine and caffeine both of which can cause sudden doggy death.

Caffeine and theobromine are from the same class of chemicals and are molecularly nearly identical, producing similar nervous system and cardiac effects in dogs as we observe in a human who consumed way too many red bulls.

Many animals including dogs can not metabolize theobromine effectively and a build up of theobromine after consuming chocolate can lead to death.

Chocolate and especially strong dark chocolate is poisonous to dogs and can be lethal, but it is surprising how many people do not know it.

It is bad enough that a lot of adults are not aware of the fact that chocolate is poison to dogs, but hardly any children know it either and that is far worse.

It is almost second nature for a child to share a treat with a favorite pet; be it a bar of chocolate, chocolate ice cream or chocolate chip cookies.

So, the question is: what to do if a dog eats chocolate?

My Dog Ate Chocolate. What now?

The most important thing one can do to save dog is to figure out just how much and what kind of chocolate dog ate.

Fatal levels of theobromine are about 100-200 mg for every pound the dog weighs.

• Milk chocolate 64 mg theobromine/ounce
• Dark chocolate 150 mg theobromine/ounce
• Baking Chocolate 440 mg theobromine/ounce
• Cocoa powder 808 mg theobromine/ounce
• Cocoa garden mulch ( I would suggest not using it in the garden at all. You may never notice a few mulch chips missing).

Cocoa powder poses a far greater threat to a pet compared to milk chocolate.

Doing the math can help to relieve a worried owner (if doggy only ate a few hershey’s kisses).

If you believe that your dog has eaten anywhere close to the fatal dose and is showing symptoms please seek out medical help!

Dog Chocolate Symptoms

If your dog has eaten chocolate, there may be no symptoms – it depends on the amount of chocolate and the body weight of the dog.

But over a few hours you may see some or all of the following symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, heart arrhythmia and twitching. Frequent urination is also a frequent sign.

If you definitely know that your dog has eaten chocolate, then you should definitely take your dog to a vet for a stomach pump.

If you are unsure, you could try to make your dog drink a lot or be sick, but this is not easy with a hyperactive, distressed dog.

If your dog shows symptoms of chocolate poisoning and they do not decrease, your dog could take a rapid turn for the worse and die very quickly, because the toxins in chocolate work on the nervous system.

The active ingredient in chocolate that affects dogs is theobromine cocoa and it directly affects the central nervous system and so the heart as well.

This produces heart palpitations and twitching which throws dogs into panic.

Sometimes seizures are a result. Small dogs can die after eating only one square of chocolate, larger dogs may suffer for hours on the same amount.

How to Treat Chocolate Poisoning in Dogs

If your dog is at special risk of being fed chocolate, you should take precautions. For example, if you take your dog to work or if you live near a school, your dog is at risk from well-wishers feeding chocolate to your dog.

The precautions you can take include buying an emergency kit from your vet.

This kit will usually include activated charcoal, hydrogen peroxide and syrup of Ipecac.

Then you will have to learn how to use them.

For example, activated charcoal will absorb poisons and hydrogen peroxide mixed with water will make your dog sick, clearing its stomach.

As a substitute, burned toast might work in a similar fashion to charcoal, but only if you can make your dog eat it, of course.

The hydrogen peroxide solution should be three percent hydrogen peroxide to water solution.

Give your dog 1-2 tea spoons for a smaller dog, 3-4 tables spoons for a larger dog every 10-15 minutes until you produce vomiting.

The sequence is actually: produce vomitting and then administer the charcoal to soak up any residual theobromine.

If you do not have instructions for the activated charcoal, give one teaspoon full to a dog under 25 k and two to a larger dog.

Obviously, prevention is better than cure, so tell your family that chocolate is poisonous to dogs or better still tell everyone that you want your dog to only accept food from yourself.

This can become important later if your dog develops diabetes or another disease.

Symptoms of Chocolate Poisoning in Dogs

The first sign of chocolate toxicity is a cracked out dog, acting just like someone who has consumed way too much caffeine.

The dog will probably show symptoms of hyperactivity, excessive thirst and urination, twitching muscles, raised blood pressure, or excessive panting.

Hyperactivity will probably be the most obvious and observable effect. Symptoms can progress to a seizure, coma, hyperthermia, or heart attack.

If you know the chocolate was consumed within the last few hours inducing vomiting may lower the amount of theobromine that can be absorbed by the dog.

Further vet care will be required immediately if the dog has consumed a large dose.

There is no specific antidote for chocolate poisoning but the time it takes for half of the theobromine to leave the dog’s system is about 20 hours.

After 20 hours, the immediate threat has probably passed and we can all breathe a little easier.

Chocolate Poisoning and Your Dog

You should never give your dog chocolate as a treat, and you should always keep a watchful eye when children are around, or there are a lot of visitors in your home.

Make sure to always keep chocolate away from your dog to avoid any possible poisoning.

This being said, your dog will not need to be rushed to the hospital if he eats a single M&M.;

The types of chocolate vary in levels of theobromine. Baking chocolate contains the most, where as white chocolate contains very little amount.

Baking Chocolate

This type of chocolate, also known as unsweetened chocolate contains 10 times the amount of theobromine as milk chocolate.

It contains roughly 450mg of theobromine per ounce, where as milk chocolate would only contain about 50mg per ounce of chocolate.

Your dog would only have to consume 1 ounce of baker’s chocolate per 9 pounds to make him sick.

The level of illness depends on your dog’s overall health, allergies and sensitivity to theobromine.

White Chocolate

So, if white chocolate contains such a significant amount of theobromine, can my dog eat white chocolate?

The answer is still no.

Although the amount of theobromine in white chocolate is very little, white chocolate still contains sugar and caffeine, both of which are not good for your dog in any way.

Sugar can create problems in the long run such as diabetes, where as caffeine can still affect your dog’s nervous system negatively, especially if you own a small breed dog.

Feeding a dog chocolate is not the right thing to do – ever.

Not all dogs are the same; breed, age, activity levels and the amount of chocolate consumed by the dog will all contribute to the toxicity level that will affect the dog.

I know it can be difficult to resist sharing your chocolate treats with your best friend…

I hope you now have a good idea what to do if your dog eats chocolate.

Holistic dog food isn’t just important as your puppy grows but also once they’re mature.

You want your dog to live a long, happy life so you care about the food they eat.

Holistic puppy food isn’t just some fancy name a brand gives its pet food.

The best holistic puppy food is actually made from human-grade ingredients with no chemicals and less processing for food that is easier to digest.

Food that is easier for your puppy to digest in turn leads to more waste.

What is Holistic Dog Food, Exactly?

Holistic refers to whole body health and that’s why the best holistic puppy food will address the puppy’s complete needs and offer all of the nutrients they need for healthy muscles, teeth, skin, bones and coat and long-term health.

Holistic puppy foods are the highest quality foods you can buy for your new friend and have the following characteristics that separate them from traditional dog food:

• Powerful antioxidants
• All natural ingredients
• Human-grade dog food ingredients
• Fruit and vegetables
• No chemicals
• Minimal processing

What is the Best Holistic Puppy Food?

While you’re comparing pet food brands, “holistic” isn’t the only thing you want to look for.

A growing puppy needs more calories and nutrients than an adult so the food should be formulated for growing or all life stages.

You should also find an AAFCO label on the product that tells you more about the food value contents.

Human-Grade Ingredients

The best holistic puppy food will also be made from human-grade dog food ingredients, although this isn’t something you’ll find on the AAFCO label because they don’t allow manufacturers to make statements on the label that pertains to food quality.

To learn more about a specific holistic dog food brand, you’ll want to read puppy food reviews.

How Many Ingredients Before the First Fat Source?

As with other types of dog food, you’ll also want to check how many ingredients are listed before the first stated source of fat, such as “chicken fat.”

Dog food ingredients are listed in descending order by weight so the items listed first will make up the majority of the dog food.

The best food for puppies will have anywhere from 6 to 12 high-quality ingredients listed before the first fat source.

Studying the Protein Content

Next, analyze the protein content, or the meat, in the dog food.

Protein is essential for puppies to grow strong and healthy and you want the protein to come from a high quality meat source.

Steer clear of any brands that use the word “meat” or “meat meal” instead of listing a specific animal.

You’ll want to check the position of the meat source on the dog food ingredients list and how many times you find protein before you see a fat source.

Make sure the type of meat is clearly stated.

What is the Fat Source?

The best holistic puppy food has a high-quality source of fat that’s specified along with Omega 3 and Omega 6, which improve your pet’s coat.

Avoid any brand that doesn’t specifically state where the fat comes from, using terms like “poultry fat” or “meat fat.”

Grain Sources

Dogs do not need much grain in their diet so the best food for puppies will have little grains or high-quality grains like rice, barley and oats.

Avoid brands that use fillers like “ground whole corn,” “corn gluten meal,” “soy bean meal” or any unspecified source of grain.

Vegetables and Fruits

Holistic puppy food often has plenty of fruits and vegetables which give your dog additional vitamins and minerals for long-term health.

Look for potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, broccoli, spinach, blueberries and applies in healthy puppy food.

Preservatives

Finally, holistic puppy food should never have artificial preservatives like Ethoxyquin, Menadione (or Vitamin K3), sweeteners like cane molasses, corn syrup, fructose and glucose or artificial colors and flavors.

Natural preservatives that are safe for your puppy include Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) and Tocopherols (Vitamin E), which are human-grade preservatives.

Holistic Dog Food Science

Many Veterinarians are now endorsing the use of holistic dog foods because of the lack of regulations in the dog food production industry.

There are two main considerations when changing a pets diet.

• Affordability
• Time

The consensus is that raw, unprocessed meat and other natural foods are best for pets.

However, the method is very time consuming determining daily pet nutritional needs.

The closer to the ideal manufactured holistic dog food, the more expensive the product.

Although one downside to utilizing the dry holistic dog food over the wet is that the animal has a higher instance of food dehydration.

This problem is easily remedied through the constant hydration of fresh water, or serving wet food regularly.

Suggestion:

BLUE Wilderness is a grain-free, high-protein, low carbohydrate food that contains a higher concentration of meat.

This product was inspired by the diet of wolves, the true omnivores whose endurance is legendary.

It is specially formulated by animal nutritionists, from the finest natural ingredients such as:

• De-boned duck, chicken meal and turkey meal to supply the protein your dog needs.
• Sweet potatoes, oatmeal and potatoes provides healthy complex carbohydrates.
• Blueberries, cranberries and carrots supports antioxidant-enrichment.

BLUE does not cut corners by using protein from chicken or poultry by-product meals, or even worse, from corn or soy.

Preservatives like BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin, propylene glycol provide no nutritional value and have been associated with possible side effects.

BLUE does not resort to artificial colors and flavors in an attempt to make food look and taste better.

The popularity of holistic care is on the uptrend, both for humans and pets.

The holistic approach, which involves achieving wellness from within addresses not just the physical wellbeing of pets but also their entire quality of life.

This has given rise to products that rely on natural ingredients and provide a wide range of treatments for all kinds of pet needs.

For pet food, holistic products include special types such as dehydrated, freeze-dried, raw and home-made varieties.

There are foods specifically formulated for pets with allergies and weight problems, puppies and senior pets.

Foods which are gluten-free, high or low protein, organic and vegetarian cater to the different food needs of pets.

Good puppy care doesn’t just happen. It takes a planned approach. The recommendations below will help you give your puppy everything that’s vital to her health and to having a long, happy relationship together.

It’s been said that the most important part of caring for your puppy is making sure the owner is trained properly.

There’s some truth to this. It’s no use expecting a puppy to learn consistent behavior if her owner is inconsistent. Puppies, like children, learn their habits and attitudes from the adults they grow up with.

Puppy Care Basics

Now that you’ve made yourself responsible for a puppy and her health, here’s where to start.

Nutrition

Make sure your puppy gets enough of the right kind of food. Hint: puppies are not people, so they shouldn’t be eating the same foods people eat.

A puppy’s diet must include the right balance of nutrients for growth and strong bodies. Larger breeds will require extra nutrition to support their extra-rapid growth. Special diets are available that are tailored to different sizes of dogs and their growth and developmental needs.

Think in terms of good quality. In fact, premium dog food is especially important during the first few months of a dog’s life.

Also, your puppy will need a constant supply of clean, fresh water.

Regular grooming

If you’ll introduce your puppy to grooming early, the idea gets planted that this is something normal and routine. As soon as you bring her home, start regular bathing and brushing or combing.

Then maintain that routine long-term. Many dogs take delight in their trips to the groomer and enjoy being bathed, brushed and combed. It’s a good plan to make weekly brushing and grooming a part of a short-hair dog’s routine. Daily brushing for long-hair dogs keeps the coat from matting and tangling.

Exercise

Puppies love physical activity — need it in fact — so give them plenty of opportunities to play and run. Don’t let them overdo it, however, because when young, their energy reserves are quickly used up.

During especially hot or humid weather, keep the play time shorter. This prevents overheating.

Play keeps your puppy fit, but good puppy care includes teaching proper socialization. Puppies can get over enthusiastic and play too rough. Over-aggressive play or biting should be stopped at once.

Don’t introduce your puppy to the local dog park too soon. Parks are fun, but younger puppies are prone to pick up contagious illnesses from other dogs. Make sure all shots and immunizations are finished before hitting the park.

Training

Proper puppy care includes thorough training. Most new puppy owners think training is all about obedience, like learning to heel, stay and come. Others think of all the fun tricks their dog will learn, such as fetching, shaking hands and rolling over.

But good training serves a more important role than mere obedience and tricks.

Teaching obedience positions you as the „alpha member“ in your puppy’s pack. The leader, the boss.

Fail to do this, and you’ll have a dog that has no respect for you. We’ve all seen families where „mommy and daddy“ jump to obey little Fido’s every growl and yip.

You don’t want your puppy (and your family) to end up like that — it’s an unhappy situation for both dog and human.

Training your puppy for instant obedience can also keep her safe, especially when in traffic or around other animals.

Like children, puppies learn very quickly, so as a part of good puppy care, begin training her to obey as soon as possible. This assures a happier, more secure adult dog.

Keep medical records

This is especially important if you have more than one pet. Records help you keep the details of your puppy care straight. Maintain a regular file — preferably on paper (computers crash) — showing your pet’s medical history.

These records should include details on:

Immunizations

At 6-8 weeks start your puppy on vaccines, give them every 3-4 weeks, and continue them until age 16-20 weeks. There are vaccines to prevent rabies, distemper, parvovirus, kennel cough and other diseases.

Parasite Prevention

As with human beings, dogs have more health concerns than just their basic needs for food, water, and shelter. Like human beings, dogs can and do become ill. In the event that your puppy gets sick, remain calm. Just like when a human being gets sick, prompt medical attention is always a good idea.

It is vital you take your puppy for regular veterinary exams. It is also critical to pay close attention to your puppy behavior and eating habits.

Heartworms

Heartworm larvae are transmitted by mosquito bite. Once in your puppy, these creatures congregate in the muscles of the heart, where they grow and multiply.

But heartworms are preventable. A monthly oral dose is a good commonsense part of puppy care, especially during the warmer months, when the chance of heartworm infection is highest.

Most veterinarians recommend a heartworm preventative. Symptoms of heartworms include coughing and difficulty breathing. If you suspect your dog may have heartworms, treatment is available from your veterinarian, but prevention is the best policy.

Ticks

Medications and treatments now available can prevent tick infestation. But if you find a tick on your puppy, be sure to remove it very carefully with tweezers. A special removal device is also available.

Ticks are parasites that attach themselves to a dog’s skin. If you find a tick on your puppy, use a pair of sterilized tweezers to pull the tick out by the head. Squeezing the tick’s body may force toxins out of the tick’s body and into your dog, leading to infection.

Fleas

It’s easier to prevent fleas from moving in than it is to evict them. There both oral and topical treatments that are puppy safe, and those that are applied monthly make the job easy.

But if you ever let fleas get a foothold (or mouth-hold), you’ll end up having to de-flea your entire home and yard. So prevention is better.

Fleas are very common in outdoor dogs, but any dog is susceptible. Symptoms include itching, discomfort, and rash. There is a variety of preventative measures that ward fleas off, and if your dog becomes infected, treatment can be as straightforward as a bath with medicated shampoo.

Mites

Mites are the cause of mange. Signs of mange include hair loss, redness, rash, and scaling. There are other mites that affect your dog’s ears. Signs of ear mites include itching, swelling, red skin, and black crusting within the ear canal

Intestinal Parasites

Every puppy should be de-wormed as a standard practice because many puppies are actually born with roundworms.

Other intestinal parasites include hookworms, whipworms, giardia and coccidia. A fecal sample should be taken right away so that the vet can check that your puppy is parasite-free.

Even after a first de-worming, it’s possible your puppy might need a second treatment to complete the process. Once de-wormed, monthly medications can help prevent re-infestation.

To be on the safe side, a yearly fecal check by the vet is a good idea.

Hookworms

Hookworms attach themselves to a dog’s intestinal lining. This is a relatively common problem among dogs, and is easily treated with medicine.

Roundworms

The symptoms of roundworms are typically mild in comparison to some parasites.
Additionally, roundworms are very contagious, as they affect nearly every part of a dog’s body. Symptoms include stomach problems, bloating, and poor growth. Again, as with most parasites, roundworms are easily treated, and can be prevented.

Giardia

Giardia is caused by microscopic organisms in your dog’s intestines. The Giardia is a very commonplace infection and many effective treatments are available.

Tapeworms

Dogs infected with tapeworms generally exhibit no symptoms except for gradual weight loss. The only sure way to check your puppy for infection is regular trips to the veterinarian, and treatment is very simple.

And here’s one more puppy care tip, but this one is for you:

Learn Patience

Since you’re the „alpha member“ in your puppy’s family, it’s important for you to behave like one.

Every young creature, whether baby or puppy, needs patience and love from you. Also a consistent hand. Learn what you’re doing. Educate yourself about how puppies and dogs behave, what they need from you, and the best ways to communicate with them.

If you’re a book person, get books and read up on puppy care. If not, get videos or DVDs and watch them. In either case, talk with your vet. Learn all you can.

This will keep unexpected surprises from cropping up and catching you flatfooted.

Prepare well to provide good puppy care, and you’ll find it’s easy and fun to build a strong, trusting relationship with your new puppy… a relationship that lasts a lifetime.

If you have a dog pet, you probably know that dog hair loss is a common problem for most dog breeds.

However, sometimes it is quite normal for dogs to lose some of their hair.

In case you can see the dog’s bare skin in the places where he has lost hair, something is definitely wrong with the dog’s health.

It is not time to panic, but you should treat the problem seriously and consult the veterinarian immediately once you notice bald areas.

Before you go for the check up, check the dog’s condition yourself, so that you know how serious it is.

Wearing rubber gloves carefully look over the dog’s coat for all bald spots.

Speak softly to your pet and rub him with the other hand while checking his coat for bald spots.

Alopecia in Dogs

Dog hair loss can be a distressing problem for both pets and their owners.

The medical term for dog’s losing hair is Alopecia.

When your dog starts to lose hair, you may first notice that its coat looks thinner and that it is starting to lose its luster.

As the hair loss becomes more severe, you may start to notice bald patches.

There are many things that can cause your dog to start losing hair, and it may take some detective work to figure out exactly what is happening.

Dog Hair Loss is Common

As many as ten percent of all dogs will experience hair loss at some point in their lives and there are many reasons why it could happen.

Hair loss is not a sign that you are a bad pet owner.

It is usually a sign of an underlying medical condition and if you notice it and treat it early you increase the chances of your pet making a full recovery.

The good news is that there is plenty of support available for diagnosing and treating Alopecia.

Identifying the Cause

The first thing that you should do is examine your dog’s fur.

If you notice signs of skin irritation, then this could be causing the hair loss.

Common external irritants that can cause Alopecia include allergic reactions and the presence of parasites such as fleas, lice and mites.

Your vet will be able to offer you advice on how to manage allergies with antihistamines in the short term while you find a way to prevent exposure to the substance that is causing an allergic reaction.

They will also help you to get rid of any lice or fleas.

Once the external irritants are gone, your pet’s fur should make a full recovery.

Sometimes the cause is not so obvious.

Your pet’s hair may be thinning because your dog is reacting to something in its diet.

Many commercial dog foods contain colors and preservatives that can irritate some dogs.

If your dog’s hair is thinning, consider putting it on an all-natural diet to see if that helps.

In some cases, underlying health conditions can cause hair loss.

Endocrine disorders such as hyperthyroidism and Cushing’s disease can cause hair loss.

If your dog’s hair loss is not obviously being caused by allergens or other external sources then you should speak to a vet to rule out these conditions.

Stress and Pregnancy Can Cause Hair Loss in Dogs

The good news is that once the pregnancy is over or the cause of the stress is removed, the dog will start to recover a full coat of hair.

Stress can occur if a dog is introduced to a new environment, or if there is a change in your family – such as the introduction of a new pet or the birth of a child.

Cause of Hair Loss in Dogs

Reasons for hair loss may be numerous, but first try to answer a few simple questions to figure out the reasons of the problem.

Define if the hair loss is patchy, generalized or confined to small area.

Hypothyroidism in Dogs

General hair loss means there is a systematic problem, such as hypothyroidism, for example.

The disease usually involves hair loss in the significant areas of the dog’s body, often in a symmetric pattern.

If you notice such a pattern, you will need to take the dog to his veterinarian for blood testing immediately.

Bold patchy areas may be formed due to various reasons, including parasite infestation or infection.

These cases will also require visiting the vet.

An isolated single bald spot could be formed due to a common injury or the problem may be more serious.

Look after the spot and consult your veterinarian if it looks more suspicious with time or more spots appear.

Licking and Hair Loss in Dogs

A common reason of the dog losing hair in a particular area may be an injury.

Either the injury itself or the compulsive licking of that spot by your dog can cause hair loss.

In such cases, it may be necessary to hide the injury from attention by the dog and treat it with proper medication.

Cover the spot with a bandage; additionally you may use an Elizabethan collar to prevent the wound from licking by the dog.

This type of collar can be found at most pet supply stores.

Check if your dog has a rash.

Again, you must protect that area from further irritation by the dog.

The shape of the bald areas is also important.

Oval bald areas usually appear as a result of severe fungal infection.

In any case, you should take the dog to the vet as soon as possible, once you notice a problem.

Why is My Dog Losing Hair?

One of the main reasons for hair loss in dogs is scratching.

This is something that dogs do viciously several times a day.

As a result, the hair eventually becomes weak and falls out.

If your dog is scratching itself more than usual, you should take a look at it and determine the cause of the itchiness.

The most common cause of a dog losing hair is fleas.

Fleas tend to infest dogs and even the presence of a single flea can cause itching in a pets body.

The matter is made worse it is very difficult to locate the flea and its waste on the surface of the animals skin.

A whole host of illnesses including infections or parasite infestations cause dogs to lose patches of hair.

Stress also causes a dog to lose patches of hair.

Hair loss in one area only could be due to injury.

Hair loss could be due to the dog constantly licking the injured area.

Why is My Puppy Losing Hair?

Early in their puppyhood, puppies experience hair lose for 3 reasons infections, hormones and parasites.

Puppies get fungal infection ringworm because their immune system is not as strong as an adult dog.

A very young puppies can experience hair loss or even bald spots because their body is not making enough somatotropin growth hormone.

Puppies can also lose their hair because of scratching or biting due to parasites including: fleas and mites.

Why is My Dog Losing Hair After Giving Birth?

It is not uncommon for a dog to lose excessive amount of hair after giving birth or while nursing her pups.

Hair loss is perfectly natural and is known as „blowing her coat“.

It’s cause by the stress of giving birth and nursing. Hair loss can also result from hormonal changes.

Hair loss can occur for up to 3 months after giving birth.

The dog’s hair will commonly fall out symmetrically on the back, sides and flanks.

There maybe some areas that are completely hairless.

The dog skin should remain healthy and normal looking.

Daily brushing will help to remove the loose hair and keep the coat from tangling.

A matted coat provides a breeding ground for bacteria.

A new coat should grow back after a few month.

The fur may have a different texture and color than the original coat.

How to Treat Hair Loss in Dogs

Depending on the seriousness of the wound, there are different methods for treating the dog’s injury.

Some wounds may be treated at home but other need surgery or at least consultation.

Take any laceration or puncture seriously because it may be a more severe injury than it looks like and it may even get worse.

Some dogs are simply more susceptible to hair loss than others.

For example, Dachshunds are likely to suffer hair loss as they get older.

You can prevent hair loss by keeping their skin clean and preventing it from drying out.

Animals can get into a lot of things while walking out in the woods, dogs especially. Our pets are some of the most important things in our lives, keeping them safe is very important.

So staying informed on poisonous plants for dogs is a very good idea before taking your 4 legged friend on a camping trip or into anyplace where these may grow.

Most dogs, love a romp around outside, especially in the open spaces of the countryside, and probably the owners get some pleasure also at the freedom away from the confinements of suburbia.

But dogs are very inquisitive creatures and like to ‘nose around’ at strange objects and ‘sniff’ at newly located plants in their travels off the leash. Owners should be observant and not allow the animal to chew or ingest any wild plants, since very often they can be dangerous and toxic.

You may be fond of gardening at home or simply enjoy strolling around with your pooch in the garden on a pleasant evening. None of these activities seem unsafe for your furry friend to most dog owners, until you know that there are plants that can poison your dog to death.

Keep Plant Supplies Away From Your Pets

Having a garden involves having supplies such as pesticides, fertilizers and many chemicals that you need for spraying on the plants. Although these are essential, they are poisonous. Keep both the supplies and the plant itself out of reach of your pet.

They can lead to disastrous consequences if your pet eats them. Dogs, in particular, are fond of eating mulches, wood chips and grass. Some mulches, like cocoa mulch can be harmful if your dog eats it in excess. Wood chips are harmful even if they are chemically safe.

Don’t Plant Toxic Flowers

Some flowers like carnations, hydrangea, hosta, clematis, Dahlia, lantana, lilies, peony, periwinkle, tulips, vinca, foxglove, hyacinth, azalea, daisy, chrysanthemum, gardenia, daffodils, yarrow, hibiscus, geranium, and oleander are toxic. They are harmful to cats, dogs and sometimes horses.

If you want to plant these flowers, have a hanging pot. Avoid planting them on the ground. This way you can have the plant and the pet in healthy condition. If your pet shows symptoms like vomiting, lethargy or diarrhea, then know that it has eaten the flowers. Take it to a vet immediately.

Don’t Plant These Trees

Some varieties of trees have leaves that are harmful to your pets. Red maple, umbrella tree, pine tree and chinaberry tree all have components including leaves can cause multitude of health problems to your pet.

Keep Your Pets Away From Edible Plants

Fruits like apples, citrus fruits, avocadoes, grapes, apricots, cherry and black walnuts are enjoyed both by humans and animals. But the trees of these fruits have parts or components that are harmful to your pet. Cordon off the area where these trees are planted.

Most Common Plants Poisonous to Dogs

If you find that your pet has ingested something that is making them sick or may be poisonous to dogs, it is important to always contact a veterinarian right away in order to get information on how to flush the toxins out of their system.

Apples and Crab-apples

The stems leaves and seeds of an apple contain small traces of cyanide. If wilted these are particularly toxic to animals. Humans can generally handle these in small doses but a dog will eat the entire core of the apple and extra indigestible parts of the plant, which can result in difficulty breathing, shock and inflamed mucous membranes. If your dog has consumed a large number of apples or crab apples it is important to call a vet immediately.

Begonias

A popular garden plant this is a plant poisonous for dogs. Begonias are pink leaved flowers with a spiny leaf surrounding. The leaves and plant can cause severe oral irritation in dogs, to the point of vomiting or being unable to consume any food. These plants can result in a dog being unable to gain any nutrients and becoming very unhealthy as a result of the irritation.

Baby’s Breath

A small white flowering plant is also a popular garden and house plant with small, thin vines and small leaves. Ingesting any part of the plant can be quite toxic to a dog causing vomiting and diarrhea which can lead to dehydration.

Daisy

The common daisy can be found growing naturally in the wild and also in many gardens and indoor potted plant arrangements. Daisies are poisonous to dogs which can cause rashes, diarrhea and vomiting.

All of the irritants combined can cause a dog to constantly be itching meaning that they will be unable to rest. With a dog consistently vomiting and having diarrhea can lead to extreme dehydration.

Iris

Irises are used in many flower arrangements and sometimes grow in the wild as well. They are a purple flower with large leaves usually with a white and then yellow inner structure to the leaves. Irises can be poison to dogs and result in vomiting and lethargy. Similar to flu like symptoms it is important to contact professional help if your dog ever eats irises.

Lilly

These small bell shaped flowers extending downward from spear shaped leaves can cause severe sickness in dogs and animals. Of all of the poisonous plants for dogs this is one of the worst.

Growing naturally as a wild flower these lilies can cause a dog to behave as if they are in a coma, as well as an irregular heart beat, low blood pressure and vomiting. It is imperative that you contact an animal poison control or a veterinarian immediately as eating this plant can be fatal to a dog.

Lilies are the foremost plant for causing dogs to suffer poison effects by ingesting the plant. There are a variety of lilies which can cause serious kidney disease in the dog if eaten. These include – The Lily of the Valley, Easter Lily, Glory Lily and the Peace Lily.

The usual form of poisoning is from oxalates from within the plant combining with body calcium in the dog, forming calcium oxalate, which can encourage the growth of kidney stones in the animal.

Azaleas

Azaleas are from the Rhododendron family of plants. There habitat is in woody environments (where dogs like to roam!). It is the nectar of the plant which is most toxic containing grayotoxins, sometimes the nectar is referred to as ‘mad nectar’.

The effects of the nectar poisoning are serious even if only a small amount is ingested by the dog, and can show as excess drooling, diarrhea, vomiting and depression of the central nervous system. Severe poisoning from the Azalea plant nectar can result in a coma or death.

Sago Palms

This plant is commonly used as a decorative houseplant but exists in the wild, it is also known as ‘Oldest Known Plant’ or ‘Cycad’ plant. This plant is extremely toxic to dogs if they choose to gnaw on its bark. The poisons which exist in any part of the plant lead to liver failure, and there is a high death rate in animals poisoned by this plant.

Oleanders

These evergreen members of the dogbane family contain the toxin Oleandrin, it is a commonly used landscaping plant and lives in the wild also. Every part of the plant is poison, and if ingested by the dog will cause acute abdominal pain, hypothermia and can often be fatal.

Castor Beans

Is a very ornamental plant but most of the plant parts are extremely poisonous, containing the toxin Ricin. This substance is so toxic that about 1 milligram would kill a human.

The effects on a small dog would include much abdominal pain vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration and it is highly likely that finally it would lead to the death of the animal.

For any owner of a pet dog, thought should be given as to the advisability of having any of these plants in their garden or house, and to be aware of the dangers to the dog if out for a romp in the countryside.

Treatment for Dogs Suffering From Plant Poisoning

If your pet dog is showing any signs of distress and you suspect the your pet has been poisoned, then the first thing to do is try and identify the poison. Examine the house plants for any sign that the leaves have been nibbled at or chewed.

Check with a local Poison Control Center for advice and give them as much information as possible about the condition of the dog and the possible sources of poisoning, remember there are many garden and indoor plants which have poison within them.

There are two immediate things which the pet owner can do to assist the dog. Try to get the dog to vomit to eliminate the poison from the dog’s stomach, then try to delay or prevent the absorption of the poison.

Treatment by Inducing Vomiting

Do not try to make the dog vomit if the animal is comatose, having convulsions, or is unable to swallow. Try giving—

A little charcoal or badly burnt toast. This will help neutralize the toxins, but the dog must have something solid in its stomach. Trying to make it vomit with fluids only inside is difficult.

Within 5 minutes of giving the toast give the dog 1 teaspoon of a 3% solution of Hydrogen Peroxide for each 8 pound of body weight.

If vomiting does not occur, try a repeat dose of hydrogen peroxide, then take the dog to a veterinary doctor.

Treatment by Delaying the Absorption of the Poison

Give activated charcoal to the dog. One charcoal tablet to about 10cc of water, for every 2 pound of body weight. Veterinary assistance may be necessary to carry out this procedure.

Following the activated charcoal, then about 30 minutes later give some Milk of Magnesia, or Glauber salts. An alternative is to give the dog a warm water enema containing egg white, vegetable oil or milk.

If the skin of the dog has been affected, then bathe thoroughly with soap using warm water.

If there is any sign of a nervous reaction by the dog, then if not already with a veterinary doctor, the animal should be taken to one immediately. Take along a sample of the plant which you suspect has poisoned the dog to assist the vet in providing an antidote.

Knowing the plants which are poisonous for dogs is an important part of pet ownership. Before walking your dog in an area where these plants grow, or planting them in your garden, it is important to know the symptoms to watch for and to contact a vet immediately. These are just a few of the plants which can be harmful to dogs, there are more comprehensive lists which can be found online.

Keeping both plants and animals is a difficult job. You would have now seen that many of the flowers and trees are responsible for causing toxic reactions in animals. Dogs act like goats sometimes and eat everything that they can find.

This can also lead to their death. Now that you know that the harmless looking plant you love is actually unsafe, keep your pet away. If possible, keep your pet out of your garden.

If you think your pet has been poisoned be sure to retrace steps and figure out what they may have been exposed to. The more informed a vet is the better chance your dog will have for quickly getting back on their feet and returning to their healthy active old selves.

Hookworms are defined as parasitic organisms that feed off a host in order to survive. Hookworms are internal parasites, which mean they grow, mature, and live inside a dog’s body.

What are Hookworms?

We all love our pet dogs, and want the best for them.

However, it is not possible to watch them 24 hours a day, and we definitely can’t keep an eye on what every is doing.

So occasionally our beloved pet may pick up a parasite.

Parasites in dogs can be picked up from many places, so it is no use keeping the dog locked up all of the time.

The best way to treat your dog is to groom it on a regular basis, and keep an eye on its overall health.

If you notice any changes in its behavior or stools, then seek advice with a vet.

Hookworms can grow in number incredibly fast, since a female hookworm usually lays at least 20,00 eggs per day.

Hookworms have a round mouth, which includes several teeth.

These teeth are used to attach to the inside of a dog’s body, which is most likely located in the intestines.

The intestinal wall usually harbors the adult hookworms, which lay their eggs in order to pass them on into the fecal material.

What Types of Dogs Can Become Infected with Hookworms?

Hookworms can infest any type of dog, and are not breed-specific.

However, it has been noticed by veterinarians that puppies are much more likely to become infected with hookworms, usually before they are one year of age.

This could possibly be because puppies have an underdeveloped immune system.

Adult dogs may become infected with hookworms as well, usually by direct contact with hookworm eggs (through ingestion) or larvae (which enter through a dog’s skin).

Hookworms are more commonly seen in dogs that are in close contact with other dogs on a regular basis.

This is why dogs in kennels are more prone to developing hookworms, since there is a greater likelyhood that they will come in contact with another infected dog.

Do Hookworms Only Infect Dogs?

There are some species of hookworms that are more likely to infect certain types of animals.

Some of the hookworms that infect dogs may also infect cats, birds, cows, chickens, or other animals.

However, some hookworms may also infect humans.

Even though it is rare for a dog to transfer hookworms to a human, it is very important to exercise extreme caution.

If your dog is infected with hookworms, try to keep them from coming into contact with other dogs, to lessen the risk of infection.

It may also be wise to prevent your dog from coming into contact with any other household pets you may have, since some hookworms may infect other animals as well.

What Can I Do to Prevent a Hookworm Infection in My Dog?

The best way to prevent a hookworm infection in your dog is to keep your dog from coming into contact with infected animals.

Try to avoid leaving your dog in a dog kennel that does not have good hygienic standards, since this could possibly lead to hookworm infection from other infected dogs.

Types, Life Cycle and Method of Infection for Hookworms in Dogs

The medical condition caused by a dog being infested with hookworms, is actually caused by a parasitic infection.

Parasites are organisms that thrive by feeding off a „host“, from which they steal nutrients, food, blood, or other substances.

Some parasites are external (such as ticks and lice), while some parasites are internal ( such as hookworms and tapeworms).

Since hookworms are an internal parasite, they habitat inside a host’s body in order to obtain nutrition.

Internal parasites are more difficult to treat than external parasites, since it’s harder to discern when the parasitic infection has been completely eradicated.

There are three species of hookworms that can possibly infect dogs:

• Ancylostoma caninum
• Ancylostoma braziliense
• Uncinaria stenocephala

Out of these three species, Ancylostoma caninum is by far the most common hookworm to infect dogs.

All of these species of hookworm undergo a similar life cycle, which is defined by the method by which a dog becomes infected with hookworms.

How Dogs Get Infected With Hookworms?

First, an adult hookworm in a host organism begins to lay eggs.

Since adult hookworms usually reside in the small intestine, these eggs are passed into the fecal matter of the host.

Once the egg-infested feces exit the host, the eggs hatch into larvae.

These larvae then seek to infect new hosts, usually by either penetrating the skin of a host, or by being ingested by a potential host.

In most dogs, hookworms penetrate a dog’s body through the feet, when a dog passes by their location.

Once the larvae enter a dog’s body, they then seek to find a place to mature.

Some larvae migrate directly to the intestinal area, while some larvae seek to reside in a dog’s lungs (in which case, a dog will develop symptoms such as severe coughing).

Any larvae in the lungs are usually swallowed by a dog, in which case they mature into adults in the intestines.

It is possible for a hookworm larvae to lie dormant prior to maturation, and only mature after a long period of time.

In most cases, the time from a hookworm infection in a dog to the maturation of adult worms, is fourteen days.

If a dog comes into contact with another dog that is infected with hookworms, this is not necessarily enough for direct transmission of hookworm larvae to occur.

However, it is very possible that dogs in close contact will transmit parasitic organisms, especially in closed-quarter environments.

This is most commonly seen in animal shelters, kennels, and other areas where many dogs are in close contact with one another.

Symptoms of Hookworms in Dogs

Most dogs with Hookworms will display several key symptoms.

However, most of the symptoms of hookworms are relatively general, and are not specifically unique to a hookworm infestation.

As a result, it is important to schedule a veterinary checkup as soon as your dog begins to display any adverse health-related symptoms, so that a proper diagnosis can be obtained.

Coughing

Though this is not always the case, it is possible for a dog with hookworms to begin coughing incessantly.

The reason for this symptom is that hookworms will occasionally travel into a dog’s lungs (instead of remaining attached to the intestinal area).

It is possible for a dog with hookworms to have serious complications, if the hookworms migrate into the lungs.

In any case, severe coughing is an indication that something is wrong, so it’s advised to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.

Anemia

Hookworms get their primary source of sustenance from a dog’s blood.

As a result, a dog with a serious hookworm infestation will most likely develop anemia.

A dog with anemia will most likely display several secondary symptoms, including lethargy, depression, and a pale, yellowish tint to the mucous membranes.

There are other medical conditions that will also cause a dog to display anemic symptoms, so it’s always important to seek the advice of a veterinarian immediately.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms

Most dogs with a hookworm infestation will display gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea and vomiting.

This is because hookworms, like many other parasites, have negative effects on a dog’s gastrointestinal tract.

Since gastrointestinal symptoms are seen in dogs with other medical conditions, this symptom is not unique to a hookworm infection.

However, it is possible that constant diarrhea and vomiting will have potentially serious effects on your dog’s heath, if not attended to immediately.

Malnutrition

Hookworms are commonly seen in puppies, where the effects of malnutrition are much more noticeable.

In puppies, stunted, slow growth is a sure sign that they are suffering from malnutrition, possibly from a hookworm infestation.

In adult dogs, the effects of malnutrition may take slightly longer to be displayed.

Malnutrition can cause other secondary symptoms, such as weight loss, lethargy, hair loss, dull fur and distended abdomen.

Malnutrition, in severe cases, can cause other serious complications.

If your dog seems to be displaying any of the symptoms of malnutrition, it is very important that you seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.

Diagnosis of Hookworms in Dogs

When a dog is infected with hookworms, it is not always obvious to a veterinarian or pet owner that this is the cause of the displayed symptoms.

Since the symptoms of a hookworm infection are relatively general, they may also be indicative of other unrelated medical condition.

In addition to this, many other parasitic infections may cause similar symptoms to those of a hookworm infection.

To obtain a positive diagnosis for a hookworm infection, a veterinarian will have to perform several different diagnostic procedures in order to ascertain if a dog is infested with hookworms.

General Examination

This is an integral part of every veterinary appointment, but it is still very important for helping a veterinarian to discern the nature of a dog’s health problem.

This general examination usually includes a temperature reading, facial-area inspection (eyes, ears, nose, mouth), reflex test, examination of the fur, paws, genitals and any other area that a veterinarian wishes to examine.

This may seem like a general procedure, but it may help a veterinarian to better understand the general impact of a medical condition on a dog’s overall health.

Patient History

In the instance of a hookworm infection, the patient history becomes extremely important.

A veterinarian will attempt to obtain information about a dog’s habits, experiences, frequently visited areas, behavioral changes, and other related topics.

Since hookworms are primarily transmitted by exposure, it is very important to tell your veterinarian if your dog has recently been in contact with other animals that may have been infected with hookworms.

It is very important to be honest, since your veterinarian will be using this information to help them obtain a positive diagnosis.

Fecal Flotation

If a veterinarian suspects that your dog has been infected with hookworms, a fecal flotation test will most likely be performed.

This test is very important for helping a veterinarian to identify any hookworm eggs that may be present in your dog’s feces.

It’s essential to obtain a fresh stool sample for this test, as this will provide more definitive results.

A female hookworm may lay around 20,000 eggs in a single day, so the fecal flotation test will usually produce positive results if a dog has been infected.

However, in dogs with advanced hookworm infections, female hookworms may not be producing as many eggs in order to maintain the current population.

In this case, more than one fecal flotation test may need to be performed.

Treatment for Hookworms in Dogs

Most of the current treatment options for hookworms in dogs that are available today, are only effective in killing adult hookworms.

Because of this, it is very important that treatment be continued for a set period of time, depending on the veterinary instructions.

In some severe cases, supplemental treatment must be performed in order to treat the symptoms of a hookworm infection, before measures are taken to eradicate the adult hookworms.

Blood Transfusion

In some severe cases of hookworm infestations, especially in puppies, a blood transfusion must be performed before anti-worming treatment is initiated.

A hookworm infection may cause moderate to severe anemia, which is more likely to negatively impact puppies and younger dogs at early stages.

To treat the anemic condition of a dog infected with hookworms, it may be necessary for a veterinarian to perform a blood transfusion.

However, this treatment is only used in very severe cases, or if a dog’s life is in immediate danger.

Fenbendazole

The drug known as Fenbendazole is also marketed under the brand-name Panacur.

This drug is used in many different parasitic infections, such as hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms and whipworms.

In some cases, this medication may also be used to treat medical conditions such as giardia, or „flukes“.

Like all anti-hookworm medications, Fenbendazole must be repeated more than once (as a treatment), in order to ensure that all of the adult worms present in a dog’s system are eradicated.

Side effects are relatively rare, but may be seen in some dogs.

Pyrantel Pamoate

This drug is commonly used to treat both hookworms (all of the species) and roundworms in domesticated animals.

This deworming agent is made with a combination of pamoic acid and pyrantel.

It is sometimes combined with other anti-worming medications, in order to ensure maximum effectiveness.

It is usually administered orally, and is marketed by some companies as a flavored, chewable tablet.

Like other anti-worming medications, Pyrantel Pamoate must be repeated at least twice, in order to completely eradicate all adult worms.

This medication acts as a paralyzing agent, though only affects the hookworms in a dog’s intestines.

Since the drug is not absorbed by a dog’s system, it does not commonly have adverse paralyzing effects on a dog’s internal organs.

Once the worms are paralyzed, they are no longer to remain attached to a dog’s intestinal wall.

When this occurs, the worms are passed through the intestines, and expelled with fecal material.

If this process is repeated as all adult worms mature, it is very effective in treating a hookworm infection.

Hookworms in dogs is a serious problem as it can be fatal particularly in the puppies.

Hookworms seem like small and thin worms which can be up to one inch in length.

So the people having pets must be aware of the symptoms for the healthy life of their dogs.

However, as we say that the prevention is better than the cure. So there are some steps which must be taken to help the eradication of the hookworms from the bodies of the dogs or the puppies.

The environment of the puppies must be neat and clean with regard to the hygienic conditions.

Puppies or dogs must be fed with the clean drinking water as water is the major source for the contamination.

You must immediately consult a veterinarian if you notice some symptom as in early stages it can be easily cured.

Related:

• Dog ear infection

The infection caused in the dog’s ear due to over growth of the bacteria or yeast is known as Dog’s ear infection. The dog ear actually consists of three layers, the inner layer, the middle layer and the outer layer.

The layers of the ear in the dog have a balance of the yeast and the bacteria. When this balance gets disturbed, there is an infection in the dog’s ear.

If the infection in the dog is in the outer ear, it is known, as „Otitis Externa“, if the infection is in the inner ear it is known as, „Otits Interna“, if the infection is in the middle ear it is known as „Otitis Media“.

This type of infection starts from the outer ear passes through the ear canal and passes to the central nervous system, which can result in serious illness and even death.

Types of Dog Ear Infections

There are basically two types of Dog Ear Infections:

Bacterial Ear Infection: This type of ear infection might occur if there is observed a discharge from the dog’s ear and an unpleasant odour. Also, in such an infection, there is swelling and redness in the ear.

Dog Yeast Ear Infection: This type of ear infection can be there if there is dryness and itching observed in the dog’s skin. The dog ear infection can also spread to other parts of the dogs body such as paws or face.

Causes of Dog Ear Infections

Most dogs will contract an ear infection at one time or another in their lifetime. This is a fairly common aspect that dog owners have to deal with and ear infections are pretty easy to cure. Dogs that have those cute floppy ears are more susceptible to having inner ear infections than dogs with smaller upright ears. This is due to the lack of air flow inside the ear canal.

While ear infections are quite common, knowing what causes an ear infection in a dog will enable you to help cure your dog’s affliction and keep it from getting worse.

The Common Reasons of Ear Infections in Dogs

Knowing these causes can pave the way to a more effective prevention of this disease:

Bacterial and Yeast Infections on Dogs

Your dog may be suffering from a bacterial or yeast infection. While these conditions may not start in the ear, rather they start as a simple skin infection; they can lead to an ear infection. Making sure your dog is bathed and groomed properly will keep these kinds of infections from ever starting.

Dog Ear Mites

Ear mites are one of the most common causes of ear infections in dogs. Although, this usually happens in younger dogs. If your dog has ear mites he will tend to scratch his head and ears quite a bit. You can look inside your dog’s ear, carefully, and see the mites moving around. This will let you know that your dog will be needing ear mite drops to kill off these parasites.

Moisture

Moisture is one of the major causes of Dog Ear Infection. If the dog is kept in contact of water through any means there is high risk of growing infection in the Dog’s face. Increasing humidity in the climate can cause the dog to have more ear infection.

Allergies

Allergies are another cause of ear infection. Dogs that have any kinds of allergies have a higher probability of ear infection.

Presence of Foreign Bodies in the Dog’s Ear

If there’s anything trapped inside your dog’s ear, it is very likely to trigger infections. Dog infection caused by the penetration of a foreign body inside the ear may require surgery to remove. In milder cases, flushing out may work.

Tumors

If ear mites are common in younger dogs, older dogs are more prone in tumors developing in the wax glands. If this is the main cause of ear infection in your dogs, the only solution is tumor’s surgical removal.

Food Intolerance

Ear infections can be caused by your dog’s irritation to certain foods. You know this is the cause of the problem if your dog’s ear infection keeps on recurring. Try to recall the food items that your dog had eaten prior. These are the most common culprits. Try not to feed them to your dog and see if the infection would recur.

Puppy Strangles

Puppy strangles is most fittingly described as swollen lymph nodes. This is one complex disease that can cause ear infection primarily because it is one of the disease’s symptoms. If you suspect that this is the problem your pet is suffering from, be sure that you take it to the vet right away for immediate diagnosis and treatment.

Other Underlying Diseases

If your dog is prone to different types of disorders like scaling, hormonal issues, and immunity problems, high are the chances that it would develop ear infection in the long run. While it may not indirectly cause the problem, studies show a link between a dog’s set of underlying diseases to ear infection.

What Causes Dogs Ear Infection

There are different reasons for a dog ear infections, but the most frequent one is known as otitis externa, this is when a dog gets an ear infection on the outer ear carnal and this happens when bacteria starts growing on a dogs moist ears. This problem is not unique to dogs, there is a similar infection that affects humans, and it’s called „swimmers ear“.

Bacteria likes to grow in damp environment and a dogs moist ear is the perfect home for most of these microbes. Also ear infections in a dog can occur when a dog has a yeast infection or even dog ear mites.

The breed of dogs more susceptible to ear infection are those with floppy ears or the dogs that have hairy ear canals because after they’ve taken a swim/bath their hairs retains water and bacteria then feels at home to grow.

Dog Ear Infection Symptoms

Otitis or generally called as ear infection in pets are very common and almost every dog suffer from such a painful condition at least once in his lifetime. Though ear infection is not that serious but it can turn into if it is left untreated for long time. This causes great discomfort to our furry friends from leading a healthy lifestyle.

Dogs can get ear infection due to several reasons like if they are prone to spend more time in moist areas and in swimming or bathing. The moisture encourages the growth of micro organisms in the ear canal thus causing infection. Or if they are allergic and have floppy ears and even if they grow hairs on the inner part of their ears, ear infection can develop.

Ear infection usually starts with its mild presence in the outer ear. But negligence can turn this into internal otitis causing inflammation and infection in inner ear of the dog. An untreated ear infection can lead to extreme pain of the furry pet discomforting them in touching their head and opening their mouth.

Some symptoms and signs:

• They can be found to shake their head more often than usual and also tilt their heads.
• They would start to paw, rub and scratch their head creating scabs around the ear, hair loss and crustiness.
• Their ear may have typical and unusual smell like yeast.
• Often ear pus may be found which can be black and chunky or yellowish in color or even accompanied with blood.
• Red and swollen ear canal is noticeable.
• The ear canal may become filled with brown wax.
• Abnormal eye movements called Nystagmus are very common among the symptoms.
• If the inner nerves of the ear are affected then the pet is often found to become dizzy and walk and run in a circle most of the time.
• Dog may be found to be yelping and whining at any time.
• It can damage the sensitive ear tissues and also cause blood-filled blisters to develop due to excessive head-shaking.
• In some cases, this ear infection can even cause deafness to the dogs.

Diagnosis

Otitis is diagnosed using an Otoscope by looking deep into the ear canal. If the ear canal appears to be deep red, then it symbolizes that the dog is suffering from an ear infection. The instrument even enables to see the discharge fluid and pus can be collected as laboratory sample for testing the cause of infection.

Prevention

The dogs exposed to water regularly can be made to use soft cotton balls to avoid moisture entering their middle and inner ear canal. Or else can also be cleaned and dried properly immediately after the moisture exposure. If an external ear infection shows up, it should immediately be taken care of.

Some dogs are even allergic to some otitis-curing medicines. Though one of the most common and well-suited medicine is an antibiotic, Neomycin. Some other includes chroramphenicol, miconazole, gentamicin etc.

If you want to lower the chances of your dog getting an ear infection, you should follow the tips given below.

• Avoid plucking hair in the dog ear area. This causes serum production to increase, resulting to bacteria growth, and consequently, ear infections.
• Towel dry dog ears after bathing and swimming to keep them dry. As mentioned above, wet ears can trigger infections.
• See to it that you check your dog’s ears regularly so that you can detect the onset of any infection and therefore, provide treatment right away.
• If there is foxtail in your dog’s ears, have it removed by the vet. Don’t attempt to get it yourself as it could be painful for your dog.

Dog Ear Infection Home Remedy

Ear infection or otitis is one of the most common things that almost every pet suffer once in his lifetime. This is very painful at certain times and can even cause deafness in the pet.

Being an owner of a dog does not only mean belly rubs and cozy cuddles, but the dog should be taken proper care of in daily routine itself by its master.

Our canine companions often enjoy being outside the house and thus they get exposed to a hell lot of dust, pollution, water, allergic components etc. every day which can be a reason behind ear infection and inflammation.

Symptoms like foul odor and discharge from the ear may be noticed accompanied by some abnormal behavior of the pet like tilting and shaking its head, scratching and rubbing its ears more than usual.

The Best Home Remedy for Dog Ear Infection

Though the best remedy to ear infection is to keep the pet clean, dry and hygienic, there are even some home remedies that are inexpensive and easy as well.

Firstly we have to clean the ear with some lukewarm water so that the dust and irritants wash away. This will help the medicine to reach the exact infected area.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Dog Ear Infection

We can mix some apple cider vinegar in water and spray the mixture to the infected part. The vinegar acts as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory helping in easing the discomfort in the ear due to infection. But it should not be used if the dog has scratched the ears and made open sores as it would increase the pain and discomfort.

Witch Hazel for Dog Ear Infection

Witch hazel can also be an effective astringent to clean the infected area.

Essential Oils and Vitamins for Dog Ear Infection

Essential oils are a great home remedy to be used. Applying a mixture of five-six drops of oil of mullein and oil of garlic regularly for 10 days would help in killing viruses, bacteria and also ease pain and swelling of the ears.

A few drops of vitamin E oil can bring relief to the pain and also soothes the inflamed tissues for quite a time.

Pau d’arco and mineral oil can be mixed and used for massaging the ears for several days. It helps in killing the bacteria and fungi causing the infection.

Vitamin C capsules can be used for the dog daily to prevent future ear infection. This vitamin not only boosts the immune system but also excites the adrenalin gland causing much secretion and thus helping to fight ear infection.

Warm Compress for Dog Ear Infection

A warm compress can sometimes alleviate the pain temporarily though it cannot be a permanent cure. Warm compress can be made at home by simply damping a small towel with warm water, wringing it out and pressing it against the ear for once or twice daily very gently.

By plucking all the hair growing in the ear canal, the ear can be made to keep dry and thus away from infection.

Besides all these easy home remedies, if the pet is suffering from major ear infection, it is always advisable to contact the veterinarian at the earliest and then decide the treatment to be done.

Complications of Ear Infection in Dogs

Ear infection in dogs can lead to a more complex health concern if not treated right away.

On the surface, ear infection in dogs seems to be a minor problem. But if left untreated, this condition may turn into something that’s very hard to reverse.

Sarcoma in Dogs

A simple ear infection may lead to sarcoma. Sarcoma is a form of tumor forming on the ear canal that requires surgery to remove. Other types of tumor may also develop, such as hemangiosarcoma and malignant melanoma.

Otitis Media in Dogs

Aside from these, dogs suffering from worse cases of ear infection could develop facial nerve problems as well. Since the ears of the dogs are technically part of their heads, the infection could possibly affect the nerves situated in the face. Scientifically, this condition is referred to as otitis media. Otic neoplasms can also develop in dogs with ear infections, more particularly to Cocker Spaniels that have floppy ears.

Deafness in Dogs

Another very common complication of ear infection in dogs is deafness. Some dogs start with a minor case of infection on their ears. But because of the negligence of their owners, the dog’s poor hygiene, and unhealthy environments, the dog’s inner ear is damaged. Now when that happens, deafness occurs. Most dogs with hearing problems have suffered from ear infection at one point in their life. This is one complication of ear infection that is very hard to reverse.

Ulceration of Ear Canal in Dogs

When dogs suffer from acute cases of ear infection, ulceration of the cartilages of the ears is apparent. This condition isn’t common to dogs, unless they are involved in a fight. There could be lacerations in the conchal cartilages of the ear. This condition could also be the cause why dog deafness due to ear infections occurs.

Bacterial Meningitis in Dogs

In more rare cases, bacterial meningitis may develop in your pets. This occurs when bacteria finds an ascending path from the ear of the dog towards the brainstem region. Bacterial meningitis is characterized by the formation of abscess in the brain area. This condition is very hard to treat.

One of these many complications could be acquired by your pet if you’re not careful. Even so, you should still follow all the recommendations of your dog’s vet. So to ensure long, happy years with your pet, be sure to take care of it at all times.

Conclusion

Dog ear infection can be treated by antibiotics and should not be ignored. It takes from a few days to few weeks depending on the type of infection.

Thus dog’s ear infection should be properly taken care of and shouldn’t be ignored. Your dog is the part of your life, a part of your home and should be taken full care of.