Arthritis In Dogs

Dogs, like people, suffer from many joint problems and infirmities related to age.  It’s estimated that one in five adult dogs in the United States suffers from arthritis.  It’s said to be one of the most common causes of chronic pain in dogs seen by veterinarians.

Arthritis is a general term for abnormal changes in a joint.  It can occur in many joints in the body and can happen from joint tissue destruction following infection, stress, trauma, from conformation, or from other reasons for degeneration.  Usually the cartilage and tissue surround a joint wear away and the bony layers beneath begin to rub against each other, causing pain.  It usually occurs in the later years, but it can happen at surprisingly young ages.  Many different animals can suffer from arthritis.

There are a number of signs that your dog could be suffering from arthritis.  Your dog could show some of the following symptoms 

• Changes in attitude or behavior
• Decreased activity or less interest in play
• Being less alert
• Weight gain
• Reluctant to jump, run or to climb stairs
• Stiff or sore joints
• Difficulty sitting or standing
• Sleeping more
• Favoring a limb or limping

These signs, of course, may also be indicative of other problems, but they can indicate that your dog has arthritis.  If you see these signs in your dog for more than a few days then you should see your veterinarian for an evaluation.  He or she will give your dog a physical exam and possibly x-ray the affected area.  Once you have a diagnosis you and your vet can devise a treatment plan.  There are a number of possible therapies: 

1.  Make sure that your dog has a healthy diet and exercise.  It’s important that your dog should not be overweight if he has arthritis as excess weight can exacerbate the problem.  Gradually increasing your dog’s exercise will help him improve his joint mobility.

2.  You and your vet will work together to find a drug treatment for your dog’s arthritis if it’s appropriate.  Not all arthritis is bad enough to require drug treatment.

3.  Some dogs will take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS).  These are the most common pharmaceutical treatments for arthritis in dogs.  They do have certain risks so you will need to discuss them with your vet.

4.  Your dog may benefit from over-the-counter medication, such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate or Omega fatty acids.  These have been shown to help relieve the symptoms of arthritis in some dogs.

5.  One of the most effective approaches is to treat a dog using both drug treatment and over-the-counter medication.

If your dog is diagnosed with arthritis you shouldn’t despair.  Many dogs in the United States have some degree of arthritis and they continue to lead happy lives.  In fact, with a good diet and exercise and appropriate treatment, there is no reason why they can’t live out their normal lifespan totally pain-free.

How To Stop Dogs Digging

Have you ever looked out at your yard and despaired at seeing all of the holes your dog has dug?  Have you been mowing and cracked your ankle in one of those holes?  Or, worse yet, does your dog try to dig his way under your fence?  If you have a dog who digs like a gopher then you know what a problem this can be.  But don’t give up or bury your dog in one of his holes!  There are some good solutions to stop dogs digging.

If your dog likes to dig random holes in your yard you can fill those holes in with gravel or rocks.  Most dogs don’t like to dig gravel and rocks since it hurts their paws.  You can cover these spots over with topsoil or sod to make them look more attractive.  This will stop your dog from digging in some of his favorite spots.

If your dog likes to dig at the base of bushes or trees you can fill them in with dirt and cover the ground around the base of the bushes and trees with chicken wire.  It’s hard to see from a distance, so it’s not too much of an eyesore, but it will stop your dog from digging in these places since dogs don’t like the feel of it on their paws.  You can spread mulch on top of the chicken wire to hide it.  Your dog probably won’t bother it much with the chicken wire beneath it.

If your dog is prone to trying to dig under your fences you can also use the chicken wire at the base of the fence.  Bury it along your fence line after securing it in place.  Again, it doesn’t hurt a dog at all, but most dogs don’t like the feel of it on their paws when they try to dig since it’s a thin wire.

If your dog is a more determined escape artist you will have to take other measures, such as having concrete poured along the base of your fence or having the fence itself buried lower into the ground.  But these are extreme measures.  Most dogs dig along a fence line for fun — they find a soft spot in the ground along the fence and can’t resist the urge to dig there.  It almost comes as a surprise when they find themselves on the other side of the fence.  At least the first time.  It may become a bad habit after the first time or two.

If you have a terrier breed or a Dachshund or other dog that was used in the past for hunting animals that “went to ground,” i.e., animals that burrowed under ground, then you may have more than your share of problems when it comes to digging.  These dogs have been bred to dig in order to find their prey.  It’s a natural instinct for them.  In fact, when they dig in your yard they may be smelling a mole or some other creature under the ground.  It’s hard to blame them for something that they have been bred to do for centuries.

If you have a dog that loves to dig you can make him happy (and save your yard) by providing him with his own special digging area.  All you need to do is set up a large sandbox-type area in your yard, set off by landscape timbers or two-by-fours.  Fill it with sand.  Sand is better than topsoil because it won’t hold water or get muddy when it rains.  This is your dog’s private digging area.  It’s okay for him to dig here all he wants, as deeply as he wants.  You can get him started by half-burying a few or his favorite toys in the sand, leaving parts out for him to see.  This digging box should make your digging dog very happy.

These tips should help stop your dog from digging where you don’t want him to dig.  Remember that digging is a natural behavior for all dogs.  Try to discourage it where it can cause problems and encourage it where it will make you and your dog happy.  Once your dog knows where it’s all right for him to dig that should be the end of those holes in your yard!

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How To Choose A Dog Breed That Suits You

The American Kennel Club currently recognizes some 173 breeds and varieties of dogs.  There are over 400 dog breeds worldwide.  When it comes to choosing the ideal breed of dog for someone, the task can seem a little overwhelming. What kind of things should you consider?

Where to start?

When trying to decide what kind of dog you want, the most important things to consider are right in your own home.  What do YOU want?  What kind of dog would suit you?  Are you single?  Do you have a family?  Are you looking for a dog for an active lifestyle?  Do you want a dog that’s good with children?  Do you prefer a quiet, mellow dog or an athletic dog that can go out hiking and jogging with you?  Are you looking for the smartest dog around so you can do lots of training with him?  Are you interested in hunting or other activities?  Do you or does anyone in your household have allergies?

Before you start looking for a dog it’s a good idea to make a list of the things that are important to you.  With so many breeds of dogs there is a breed for everything and everyone.  Decide what attributes you would like to find in a dog.  That will help you narrow down the list to a top twenty or so breeds.  You may be able to zero in on a group of dogs that have many of the qualities you like, such as the Sporting group or the Toy group.  Then you can focus on the dogs in that group and decide which one is right for you.

Remember, however, that all dogs are loving and companionable.  No breed or group has a monopoly on those dog-like qualities.  Whether you decide to get the smartest Border Collie, the cutest Pug, or the most devoted Labrador, they will all be loving companions.

Temperament

One of the most important things you can consider about any breed or dog is their temperament.  When you consider purebred dogs those dogs have a breed standard that describes what the temperament for the breed should be — for the Irish Setter, it should be rollicking and outgoing.  For the Golden Retriever, they should be friendly, reliable and trustworthy.  A Yorkshire Terrier should always be confident.  A Dachshund should be lively and friendly.  A so on.  These are what the breeds should be.  Keep in mind that you should, ideally, meet any puppy or dog that you are thinking or purchasing.  You should make sure that they have a stable temperament and that they have the kind of temperament that is typical of their breed.  Individuals in any breed can vary.

A dog’s temperament is his personality.  Consider what kind of personality you would like your dog to have.  Should he be friendly to everyone?  Should he be hostile to strangers?  Should he be very protective?  Should he be outgoing?  Should he be aloof?  Would you like a dog who prefers to snooze all day or one who is very active?  Do you want a dog that likes to play with kids?  Remember that these aren’t necessarily “yes” and “no” questions.  Your dog can be somewhat protective without tearing people to pieces.  There are dogs that will welcome a thief into your home — and other dogs that won’t be very friendly when you invite guests into your home.  Most people want a dog that is somewhere in the middle — a dog that can distinguish between intruders and invited guests.  These are the things you should consider about a dog’s temperament.

Size

What size dog is good for you?  Do you like a large dog or a small one?  Do you live in an apartment?  Contrary to what many people think, you can successfully have a large dog in an apartment.  The important point to consider is how much exercise a dog needs.  That’s at least as important as his size.  There are many large dogs who are quite happy to sleep all day when you’re away.

On the other hand, you should consider that it costs more to maintain a large dog.  Food costs are higher and so are veterinary costs.  The giant breeds tend to have shorter lifespans than the medium and small-sized dogs, too.

Whatever size dog you’re interested in, you should make sure that you know how big the dog will become when he’s an adult.

Grooming needs

All puppies are adorable balls of fur but they don’t stay that way.  You should find out what the adult grooming needs will be for any dog you’re interested in.  Will weekly brushing be enough?  Will you need to learn to do more?  Will your dog require a professional groomer to look nice?  If your puppy has a wirehaired coat then he will likely need to go to a professional groomer every few weeks to look good.  If you are getting a Poodle puppy of any variety then, likewise, he will probably need to go to a groomer.  Even longhaired dogs like Cocker Spaniels are often taken to groomers.  You can learn to do this grooming yourself but it will require an investment in some grooming tools.

If you like longhaired dogs, such as Setters or a Collie, consider whether you have the time and commitment to devote to brushing their coat frequently.

Male or female?

Do you have a preference?  Everyone seems to have their favorite.  Some people swear that males are more affectionate.  Other people prefer females and say that they’re smarter.  But both male and female dogs make wonderful pets.  Most pet owners have their dogs spayed and neutered so the choice is all one of personal preference.  When you are choosing a dog, choose the one who appeals to you the most.

Puppy or adult?

Again, this is a matter of personal preference.  Many people like to get a puppy.  They like to raise a puppy from a young age and have him or her with them for their entire life.  They know that the puppy has not had any bad experiences and they can control everything that the puppy learns.  They also feel that they can bond more closely with a puppy.  Other people like to bring an adult dog into their home.  The adult is likely already housetrained and past the chewing stage.  They can by-pass many of the aggravations of puppy training, which takes a lot of time and patience.  Some people like to rescue adult dogs who have had a bad start in life.  Adult dogs can also bond very closely with their new families and learn everything they need to know in their new homes.  It’s really up to you whether a puppy or an adult dog would fit into your household better.

Health

You should also consider a breed’s health matters before making your choice.  Hip dysplasia, deafness, eye problems — these are just a few of the things that can occur in some breeds.  Dogs as a whole, both purebred and mixed breeds, carry over 400 genetic diseases.  When choosing a breed of dog you should pay attention to the possible health problems that can occur in the breeds you’re interested in.  When talking to a breeder you should inquire about whether they have tested the parents for those problems.  Ask about their contract.  Do they guarantee their puppies?  You need to know that you have a reasonable expectation of getting a puppy that will live a long and healthy life.

These are the kinds of things that you should when you choose a breed of dog.  Every dog is different but if you consider these issues then you should be able to narrow down your choices to the breeds that would be the best match for you.  Good luck!

How To Toilet Train Your Dog

Toilet training your dog isn’t hard but it does take time and patience.  Your dog will need you to be very alert and to watch for the signs that he gives when he needs to go outside.  Whether you have a young puppy or an older dog that hasn’t been toilet trained, your dog will need you to teach him what he needs to learn.

When you first get a new puppy or dog you should ask if they have any any kind of previous toilet training.  Some puppies or dogs may have been paper trained or even taught to use a litter box.  If that’s the case you can start by using papers or a litter box indoors and gradually move them outside.

Most puppies probably won’t have have any toilet training when they come to live with you.  You’ll be starting with the basics.  You can count on your puppy having some accidents.  This is a normal part of house training and something that your puppy can’t help.  He doesn’t understand what you want him to do yet.

You can help your puppy learn what you want by making it easy for him.  That means taking him outside frequently and giving him lots of praise when he uses the bathroom outdoors.  Give him every opportunity to do the right thing.  When you take him out, stay outside with him and give him lots of time.  Don’t rush him.  Some puppies may play first or take a long time to choose just the right spot.  If you become annoyed you will only make him anxious and he probably won’t use the bathroom at all.  So, take a cup of coffee with you or a cola and give him lots of time.

You should plan on taking your puppy outdoors at the following times: 

• When he first wakes up in the morning
• As soon as he eats and drinks
• After he plays
• After he wakes up from a nap
• Before bed time

It’s also a good idea to feed your puppy at least two to three hours before bed time so he has time to relieve himself before he goes to sleep.  You should also put his water up before he goes out for the last time at night.  This will help him make fewer trips outside at night.  If your puppy is very young he may need to go out during the night at least once.

While you are toilet training your puppy you will have to keep a careful eye on him in the house.  Some people recommend restricting your puppy to just one or two rooms so it’s easier to watch him until he is house trained.  (This also makes it easier to keep a puppy from chewing on things.)  You should observe your puppy for signs that he needs to go out:  sniffing the floor, looking for a private spot, going back to places where he’s had an accident before, wandering by the door to go out.  If your puppy does any of these things you should take him outside quickly.  Praise him and reward him for giving you the signals that he needs to go out.  He’s catching on.

It may take several weeks or a couple of months before your puppy is fully toilet trained.  Some breeds are easier to toilet train than others.  If you are house training an adult dog you can follow this same process.  Adult dogs usually catch on very quickly and can be toilet trained in just a few days or weeks.

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Obesity In Dogs

An estimated 40 percent of the dogs in the United States are either overweight or obese.  Forty percent.  There seem to be a lot of dog owners who are unable to tell that their dogs are overweight or who are in denial about the situation.  And, yet, canine obesity can be deadly.

Obesity in dogs can lead to numerous health problems which can shorten your dog’s life: 

• Heart disease
• Respiratory problems
• Heat and exercise intolerance
• Skin, hair and coat problems
• Immune system problems
• Arthritis
• Increased surgical and anesthetic risks
• Possible disk ruptures

With so many serious health consequences, why do we allow our dogs to be overweight?  What are the causes?

The primary cause of obesity in dogs is overfeeding.  Many of us are, quite simply, loving our dogs to death.  People are expressing their love for their dogs by feeding them more and more food without realizing that feeding them too much food is harmful.  For many people, when they see an overweight dog they think it’s a well-loved dog.  When they see a fit, lean dog they think, somehow, that the dog is loved less.  This is categorically untrue.  It takes just as much love to take the food bowl away from a dog as it does to pour in more food.

Many people are also switching foods to very high quality foods without realizing that there is a drastic change in the amount of calories in the food.  They may have been feeding two cups of their previous food and they assume it will take two cups of the new food.  The truth is that the new food may be twice as calorie-dense.  Suddenly the dog is eating twice the calories that he was previously eating.  Weight gain is inevitable.

In many cases dogs gain weight because owners follow the feeding directions on the label.  Feeding directions are only a guideline but many people follow them religiously.  Their dog may start to balloon out but they stick to the directions.  Instead, they should cut back on the dog’s food when they notice that he is gaining weight.

Dogs also gain weight because owners frequently supplement their dog’s food with table food and treats.  There’s nothing wrong with adding human food to your dog’s diet.  You can add up to 30 percent homemade food to your dog’s diet without disturbing the nutritional balance of the commercial food.  However, when you add things to the food you must make allowances for the calories you’re adding.  Otherwise your dog will gain weight.  The same is true of the treats you give your dog.  Giving your dog treats and cookies is great but you should add up the calories.  Treats and cookies are not calorie-free.  Often they’re quite rich in calories.  If you want to give your dog treats that won’t affect his weight too much you should give him things like popcorn and carrot pieces.

Finally, dogs also gain weight because they don’t get enough exercise.  Some people assume that if they have a backyard their dog will self-exercise.  No.  Most dogs will trot out and trot back to the house.  Dogs need real exercise.  The best way to make sure your overweight dog is getting proper exercise is to join with him.  Go for some walks with him, go hiking, take up jogging.  Do whatever the two of you might enjoy doing together, but do something, even if it’s only light exercise three times a week.  If you do the exercise regularly you can help your dog lose a little weight.

Dogs don’t have to be obese and it’s rarely their fault when they are.  It’s up to you, as their owner, to keep them healthy and fit.  Watch their portions, count their calories and make sure they’re getting some real exercise.  It’s not much different than weight control for people.

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