In the same way that millions of people cope with diabetes, so too, does the disease affect canines. Specifically, the disorder is called diabetes mellitus (DM). An insulin deficiency prevents your pooch’s body from metabolizing glucose effectively. There are two varieties of DM: Type I and Type II. The former is the most prevalent type (99% of dogs with DM suffer from this type) and occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin. The latter occurs when insulin is manufactured but your pooch’s body isn’t able to use it properly.
Getting a puppy is an exciting time for both the family and the puppy. When a puppy comes into a home, it will be exposed to a variety of new sights, sounds, and places to explore. This can be a very overwhelming and stressful time for the little critter. It is important for the owner to help the puppy adjust and become a well-behaved adult dog. This will involve teaching it to listen to your commands and desensitizing it to new stimuli.
Certain breeds such as Yorkshire Terriers may need a little extra TLC when it comes time to housebreak them. House training puppies can be tough work, but well worth the time and effort invested. With the smaller breeds sometimes it takes a wee bit longer to develop perfect potty habits.
Our August 12, 2009 article and our article in 2008 about Melatonin for Dogs has been very helpful to our subscribers with anxious or nervous dogs so we dug it up in our Archives page due to popular requests.
If you want a previously written article -just go to the right of this article and look for the Search Bar, it will find your keyword and produce any article you are looking for in a jiffy.
For dog owners who have anxious dogs and for those who have dog that exhibits fearful behavior you may wish to get some melatonin. Even if you have a rescue dog you may not know if the dog was abused and afraid. Check out our Archives Page for more titles.
Time and time again we have received letters from people who have tried melatonin and found success without harmful drugs. My own dog gets it regularly to calm her down without drowsiness and it works for her anxiety and aggression.
CUSTOMER REVIEWS AND COMMENTS ABOUT MELATONIN
Dog Owner with a Barking Adopted Dog
“We adopted a 4 year old small mutt, whenever I would leave the house she would tear up the carpet and use the bathroom weather I took her before hand or not. I have been giving her this calming aid for 2 weeks now and I have already notcied a difference in her, she is not barking excessivly, whining or getting into trouble. She loves the taste of this stuff and now I can not live without it. What a miracle this product is. Thank you Thank you Thank you!”
Another Customer Writes About her Aggressive Dog:
“We’ve had our dogs on various remedies for aggression. They have definitely helped. We found, though, that they would be too expensive to continue to use for maintenance levels. We found these supplements to be more economic in the long run. It does seem to take about a week for a noticable difference. We really think these have provided us with a permanent solution for stopping the fighting.”
A Maltese Dog Owner’s Experience:
”Using it for a few months now on our 13yr old Maltese with a diagnosis of Canine cognitive disfunction (like doggie sun downers syndrome). She gets confused at night time, wants to go outside but then forgets what she needs to do. This has helped her sleep at night. We have progressed to the point of needing prescription meds as well but I still feel this takes the edge off.”
Cairn Terrier Afraid to Ride in the Car:
“My Cairn Terrier is very anxious and noises, new places, rides in the car all were a problem. He is really a very sweet dog but his anxiety made taking him anywhere very stressful for him and for me. After the first few days on the product I noticed a difference in his behavior. vHe has now calmed down enough that for the first time he fell asleep in my lap and in a rain storm he doesn’t freak out. I finally feel he is calm enough to try a group training class and I am hopeful that this product and further socialization may help control his anxiety.”
Jack Russell Afraid of Motorcycles and Thunder:
“We have a wonderful 3 year old Jack Russell (old Irish & English bloodlines) who we love dearly. She has been, however, very anxious about loud noises, thunder, motorcycles, etc. She shakes and retreats to her bed – panting and obviously very anxious. Even when doing Agility which she loves more than anything or riding in the boat which she loves best of all, she becomes terrified if she hears thunder. She has been taking these tablets for 4 months now and the difference in her is remarkable. She is happier, calmer and much less anxious. We are thrilled to have found something that works so well.”
A Beagle with Separation Anxiety:
“I have been using this product for several months with my 3-year-old beagle, a rescue dog with separation anxiety. She takes it readily morning and night (seems to think it’s a treat). I can’t say for sure that the product is making a big difference — training, and time getting to know us and trust us is making a difference. But if you have a dog with separation issues, give it a try.”
A Fearful and Stressed out Lab:
“Our 11 and a half Lab was overcome by stress and anxiety during the holidays. He panted, pace and was afraid of the dark for 3 weeks. We didn’t sleep much! I didn’t know what to do. Thought for a second that he just might have Canine Cognitive Disorder considering he’s 11 1/2. But I knew that he was just stressed so I saw this product and tried it. After a week, he was back to normal! He’s sleeping all through the night again and with the lights off. It works great on stormy nights, too. Now, he can sleep and rest peacefully. This product is great!!! Definitely a life saver- stress saver.”
An Anxious Schnauzer becomes Aggressive with Other Dogs:
“This product calms my little schnauzer so that she is not so anxious and aggressive. If she gets upset, she gets aggressive with the other dogs in the house. This seems to calm her down, not 100%, but we don’t want her drugged either. She is a very high strung dog and this keeps her manageable.”
An Australian Shepherd Too Anxious to Ride in the Car:
“I am giving the Anxiety & Stress Formula to my 9-month old Australian Shepherd. It has helped him calm down enough to focus on what I’m trying to teach him. It has also helped him with his anxiety of riding in the car and meeting strangers and other dogs. With such good results, I am planning on giving the Anxiety & Stress Formula to him indefinitely!”
The stories go on and on about how this product works and its all natural, herbal and good for your dog.
TAGS: melatonin for dogs, melatonin for dogs reviews, veterinarians use melatonin for dogs, melatonin, melatonin for pet anxiety, rescue dog anxiety, dog aggression, cure dog aggression, dog aggression pills, dog fear, dogs, dog’s health.
Dog lovers and owners everywhere are often faced with the issue of how to get rid of fleas! When your pet gets infested with fleas it can be an agonizing experience for both the dog and the owner and the rest of the family. We know there are side-effects of some well known dog flea products. The chemicals used in some of the nationally available household name products and may be harming our dogs and cats and potentially damaging our own health to boot. The local pet store sells a number of different flea shampoos, flea powders and flea collars including Frontline for fleas. Even though the staff are helpful and know their stuff, it is still difficult to know which product to use and almost impossible to know all of the chemical in these flea products. So for many of us the question still remains, how to get rid of fleas safely?
It is well known, cats have an absolutely amazing tongue that they use to keep their coat clean and beautiful. Sometimes, especially in what is called “the shedding season”, or for cats with very long or thick fur, your cats own efforts may need some help. Getting an occasional bath can remove a lot of loose hair, which spells less hairballs, and less cat hair on your “fur”niture. It also keeps mats and tangles at bay while keeping kitty looking magnificent.
The Miniature Schnauzer is a small dog that has its origins in Germany. It is one of the most popular dogs due to its alertness and territorial instincts. Squarely proportioned and as small as 12 to 14 inches, these dogs make great guard dogs and watch dogs. Full of spunk and pep, the Miniature Schnauzer is a friendly and intelligent dog. However this breed is extremely suspicious of strangers and will assume a wary stance until the master greets and welcomes the stranger. Dog breeders and information can be found at Pets4You.com.
Miniature Schnauzer Dog Breed
Feeding and Grooming
The best foods for your Miniature Schnauzer are homemade lean meats and vegetables. Commercial food should be avoided if it can be since the digestive tract of Miniature Schnauzers is relatively weak and susceptible to problems. Some pure breed Miniature Schnauzers may also be allergic to high cereal content, something that is a mainstay of cheaper commercial dog foods. Consulting a veterinarian for a Miniature Schnauzer diet plan is an option you should consider if you want to give a proper and balanced diet that is fir for your loving dog.
Some people refer to Miniature Schnauzers as ‘non shedding dogs’. While this breed does shed, the levels of shedding are minimal and goes unnoticed. However, Miniature Schnauzers have long hair on the legs and the ends that need to be combed every single day. However, all that you need is to brush the coat and untangle the hair. Whiskers should be cleaned after meals. Clipping twice a year by a professional is recommended. Additional care needs to be taken for the Miniature Schnauzers ears especially if they are not cropped. Checking and drying ears after a swim or a bath is extremely important to avoid infections.
Exercise
Miniature Schnauzers do not require too much exercise and are happy to stay indoors. They are therefore extremely good companions if you live in an apartment or a condominium. Small walks are all that is required to keep a Miniature Schnauzer fit and healthy. If you have a large yard, then even the walks are not necessary since the Miniature Schnauzer can get adequate amounts of exercise while playing in the yard without a leash.
Special Care and Health Concerns for Schnauzers
With a life span of 12 to 14 years, the Miniature Schnauzer has a long life. However, some of the major concern that is associated with this breed is urolithiasis and bladder stoned. To avoid this, plenty of clean fresh water should always be made available to Miniature Schnauzer. Other minor issues are follicular dermatitis and esophageal achalasia. Cataract, pulmonic stenosis and Legg Perthes have also been seen at times.
The Schnauzer breed can be susceptible to diabetes, bladder stones, and eye problems. Foods with fatty acids and sugars should be avoided to prevent these conditions from occurring. Heart related conditions that occur due to high fat levels like hyperlipidemia can also occur. This increases the chances of pancreatitis.
Eye problems that are genetic in nature can also occur. Since conditions such as cataract and retinal dysplasia are linked to hereditary there are many Miniature Schnauzer owners that need to live with a pet with such a condition.
A Pug is a small breed that has a short muzzled face and a lot of wrinkles. While the breed has a sullen sad expression, the name of the breed has been means a frisky and prankish little devil. The Pug is a sociable dog and fairly charming. A Pug needs lots of attention and tends to get agitated unless attention is showered by the owner. The life span of a Pug is generally between 12 to 15 years and while there are no major issues with the breed, there are a fair number of minor health issues that the breed is prone to. Pug puppies are very cute.
Feeding and Grooming
Pugs are hungry and greedy dogs that tend to eat more food than they require if it is made available. This can result in obesity and heath issues associated with being overweight. While most adult dogs should be given one or two meals in a day, Pugs should be offered food two to three times a day. Smaller portions should be made available so that the dog eats only a specific measured amount. Fresh meat and vegetables make a good meal for Pugs. Use only the best brands of commercial food if you are not able to provide home food for your pet.
We Are Pugs
While the short coat of a Pug is generally easy to maintain, the wrinkles need special attention. Brushing and combing should be done at least a couple of times a week, while making sure that all the folds are attended to. While a bath is not necessary and a dog shampoo should be used only when absolutely necessary, cleaning the folds daily is required to prevent skin infection. Clipping the nails regularly is also required since Pug nails tend to grow fairly quickly.
Exercise
Being a small dog, the Pug needs relatively lower levels of exercise. A walk in the park is enough to keep them fit. However, this needs to be combined with diet regulations since Pugs tend to overeat. While exercising your Pug, make sure that you do not leave them in the sun for too long since Pugs are not accustomed to extreme heat or cold.
Special care and health concerns
- The wrinkled face and large eyes of the dog combine to create a situation where the drainage from the eyes can get caught in the folds of the skin. Dust particles and other dirt can also get inside the folds of the wrinkles and start to cause infections. Therefore the folds of a Pug’s face should be cleaned carefully.
- While obesity has been mentioned above, it is important to reiterate that obesity can cause other health issues that may be fatal in the long run.
- The long palate accompanied by the short snout causes Pugs to ‘reverse sneeze’. This manifest itself in gasps and snorts that emanate from the Pugs mouth from time to time. While some owners tend to feel that their pet is asphyxiating, there is actually no reason to worry about a ‘reverse sneeze’
- Pugs are also more susceptible to eye injuries like puncture wounds and scratched cornea.
- Demodectic mange is another health concern with Pugs. The weakened immune system causes Pugs to catch diseases more easily than other dogs.
- Since Pugs have a short snout and smaller breathing passages, they tend to have breathing issues too. This also causes the additional concern with being able to use panting effectively to regulate temperature. Extreme heat can actually result in death and therefore it is essential to keep your Pug in areas that have proper cooling or have a temperature that does not go beyond 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Pugs are also known to suffer from an inflammation of the brain called ‘granulomatous meningoencephalitis’. This chronic condition is specific to Pugs and is also called ‘Pug dog encephalitis (PDE)’. The cause of the inflammation is considered to be hereditary in nature and there is no cure. In most cases, the pet either dies or is euthanized in a few months.
- Another health issue that Pugs, like other brachycephalic dogs, are vulnerable to is hemivertebrae. While the screwtail is also a hemivertebrae, when this occurs in other places, it can cause severe pain and then paralysis. However, it should be noted that this defect is generally congenital and can be detected with an x-ray as soon as a Pug puppy is born.
- Special care is required for Pug female dogs during pregnancy and childbirth. Small dogs such as these may require a Caesarian section and sometimes Pug female dogs also show apathy towards their newborns.
TAGS: Pugs, Pug breed, We are Pugs, Pug disease, Pug exercise, Pug health concerns, Small Dog Breeds, Pug Feeding and Grooming, dogs health, dogs.
The relationship you share with your pooch is symbiotic. He showers you with undying, unconditional affection and companionship. For your part, you provide him with meals, dog treats, a roof over his head, periodic trips to the vet, and your friendship. In many cases, it is a perfect match that only grows with age.
Unfortunately, even the most experienced dog owners at times forget a few of their responsibilities. In today’s article, I’ll give you a few reminders of basic things you need to do (if you haven’t already) in order to keep your canine companion safe, healthy, and happy.
Tip 1 – Alway apply a Leash to your dog when outdoors
A lot of owners feel leashing their dog is cruel and inhibiting. While taking a stroll around the neighborhood, visiting parks, or going to other public places, they’ll leave the leash at home. That’s a bad idea. Even if your pooch has been properly vaccinated and has his tags, keeping him on a leash is best for everyone – including him.
Tip 2 – Spay Or Neuter Your Pet
If you are not a dog breeder, there is no reason not to spay or neuter your pet dog. In fact, doing so can help him live a longer, healthier life. Also, it’s worth noting that one of the leading causes of homeless mutts is that their owners fail to have their pets “fixed.” That leads to a greater number of pooches being placed into shelters and eventually euthanized.
Tip 3 – Enroll Him In Obedience Training
Dogs begin learning how to behave immediately. What’s more, they continue learning throughout their lives. If their bad habits are not curbed, those habits can develop into frustrating behavioral problems. Enroll your pooch into obedience classes. Not only will he learn what type of behavior is acceptable and what isn’t, but the training will also improve the relationship you share together.
Tip 4 – Give Him Exercise
Dogs are physical creatures and as such need daily activity for a wide variety of reasons. First, if you spend most of the day away from home, he’s going to have pent-up energy. He needs a way to release it. Second, daily exercise keeps your dog healthy and enthusiastic. Take him for a walk in the morning and again during the evening. You’ll find that providing exercise for him will keep him happy and healthy.
Loyal for Life
The dog ownerships responsibilities never cease. Indeed, keeping your canine companion healthy and safe requires ongoing vigilance. But, by providing him with the essentials he needs, especially in the beginning, you’ll lay the foundation for a lifelong friendship. Most owners agree that the loyalty and love they share with their dogs is irreplaceable. Take care of your pooch and he’ll remain faithful to you for the rest of his days.
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