Foods That Dogs Need to Avoid

You may not know this, but some foods that are good for you might be dangerous to your dog. Chocolate is just one among others. Do you know why? Read through to understand how this food affects your precious dog. 

1. Chocolate can stimulate the nervous system and the heart. Make your dog vomit, increase in thirst, tremors, seizures, restless, increased or irregular heartbeat, increase in body temperature and agitation. 

2. Macadamia Nuts can cause muscle  and Nervous system problems to your dog. Possible effects would be vomiting, weakness, tremors, lethargy and increase body temperature.

3. Avocado contains persin which damages the heart muscle. It can result to vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy.

4. Raw Yeast and Bread Dough forms gas in digestive tract; fermentation of yeast causes alcohol poisoning. Possible effects might be vomiting, diarrhea, disorientation, lethargy, distention of abdomen, difficulty breathing, lack of coordination, tremors, coma and seizures.

5. Xylitol which commonly seen on sugarless gum can cause increased insulin secretion, resulting in lower blood sugar levels. This is very poisonous to dogs. Possible effects of xylitol to dogs are diarrhea, vomiting. lethargy, seizures, jaundice and  lack of coordination, 

6. Alcoholic drinks can depress the nervous system. Possible effects are vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, disorientation, lack of coordination, tremors, coma, difficulty breathing and seizures.

7. Onions and Garlic can damage red blood cells which cause anemia. Most probably the effects would be vomiting, weakness, anemia and red-colored urine.

8. Grapes and Raisins can damage the kidney. Increased thirst, lethargy, vomiting and increase in urination are  just among other possible effects on your dog. 

These are the foods that your dog should never eat. You now understand how these food can affect them. So better keep these away from them. :) 

Cesar Millan... Your Dog's Bestfriend

Have a bad temper dog? Do you want to have a dog trainer but don't know where to look for? Why don't you just watch Dog Whisperer on National Geographic Channel! 

All your questions about your dog's behavior and attitude, Cesar can answer it. And if your wondering how you can train your dog to behave, just watch the show.

I've learned a lot from this show. I hope you do too. :D 

Dog Health: Ear Infection

Recently, I've noticed a lot of wounds in Oreo's ear. At times it would disappear and after awhile, it comes back again. I observe it for a month or so and realize that it was some kind of allergy that cause it. So I stop giving him something that would trigger his allergies and start treating his wounds. Anyways, I thought I might share a little information I've learned about this one.

 Dogs can commonly acquire ear infections or wounds. There are a lot of different causes, and the treatment varies from dog to dog. If you can identify what causes your dog's ear wound, then it will be a lot easier for you to treat him.

Signs that your dog might have ear infection: 

• constant scratching and rubbing of the ear
• foul odor coming from the ear
• changes in behavior: tirediness, lack of appetite, and irritability
• redness of  the inner ear

Causes:

• Allergy-- Your dog may have food allergies you didn't know. Observe what he eats, by then you'll know what food he'll get allergies from. 
• Parasite-- Check your dog's ear for ear mites or any parasite. Usually dog can acquire them especially if their ears are big and touches the floor. 
• Trauma-- There are certain accidents that can cause trauma. It might also be caused by fighting with cats that left wounds untreated. 

Treatment: 

• If your dog's ear infection is caused by a food allergy, then restrain him from eating that kind of food. 
• If its parasite, clean your dog's ear and apply medication. Apply medication that your veterinarian prescribed you. There are also shampoos available in the market that you can use. REMEMBER: Always consult your vet before giving or applying any medication to your dog. 
• If your dogs have ear wounds that left untreated, treat it regularly. You can apply betadine. Its fine to use this medication on your dog. 

Hope this gives you an idea how to deal with that ear infection or wound on your dog. Oreo has been doing great and I started restraining him from eating food that can trigger his allergies. His wounds have been healing , and I'm happy it did. 

This is How He Sleep

I was making a shoe organizer this past few days, and Oreo keeps messing around with my things. Until he gets tired and sleeps.

This is his favorite position when he sleep. Don't mind the open eye. He wakes up when he heard someone walking behind my back. 

Does your dog sleeps like this? He's so cute isn't he?

Common Dental Problems in Dogs

Dogs are also like human beings. They also have their own dental issues. I'll give you some idea about the common dental problems of your dogs. Knowing this problems, you'll be able to feel the urge to prevent this from happening to your dog.

Dental problems in dogs:

• Plaque. This is the accumulation of food particles and bacteria along the the gumline.
• Tartar. This is form if unremoved plaque is combined with minerals in the saliva. 
• Periodontal Disease. A serious infection that spreads to the tissues and bone in which the teeth are rooted causing loss of the teeth.
• Gengivitis. This is the inflammation of the gums caused by accumulation of food particles in the crevices between the gums and the teeth.
• Broken teeth. This is commonly caused by aggressive chewing on hard objects.

Most common signs of oral disease which you would watch out for:

• Increase salivation
• Yellow and brown tartar bulidup
• Missing or loose teeth
• Bleeding
• Bad breath
• Red inflamed gums
• Difficulty chewing
• Change in eating habits
• Pawing at the mouth

If you every observe any of these in your dog, contact your Veterinary for advice and check-ups. Never take this for granted. Some disease can cause a dogs death. You don't want that to happen to your dog right? Schedule your dog for annual dental check-up if you have to. Act now before its too late.  :) 

How to Deal with Dog's Menstruation

I have already provided you with some basic information about dog's menstrual cycle yesterday. I guess I have to share how to deal with your dog during her menstrual period. Now they tend to get messy around if you don't take care of them. This tips might give you some idea how to deal with it. :)

• If your dog is bleeding heavily, purchase a dog diaper or  pants. If your on a tight budget and don't have any money to buy some diaper, you can make use of a man's underwear on her. Put the underwear backwards and put the dog's  tail out through the fly or cut a little hole, enough for her tail to fit. Then put a menstrual pad or pantyliner inside the underpants.

• If she refuses to wear underpants, put her in one room with a floor that is easy to clean. Use baby gate to close her on a room when she is bleeding the heaviest.

• Stay close to your dog whenever she is outside. Male dogs can smell a female dog in heat and will tend to have intercourse with her, even if they have to climb or dig under a fence. 

• Take your dog outside more frequently during her menstrual period. This will allow her for more frequent urination.

• Take note of your dog's first menstrual day, in that way you can expect her next menstrual cycle and be ready for it.

I hope this few tips can help you deal with your dog during her menstruation. :) 

Thanks for reading!
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Dog Menstruation

Do you know that female dogs have also there menstrual cycle? Yes, they have. In fact my cousins dog name Kimchi had her first menstruation yesterday. After learning about this news, we ask her Veterinarian about it and also do some researches of our own. 

Bleeding in dogs are also known as heat period or estrous cycle which is equivalent to menstrual cycle in human being. Usually dogs heat cycle occur at age 6-12 months. For smaller breeds it may start as early as five months. For larger breeds it my take until 14 months or may be later for this to happen. Dogs menstruation last in an average of 21 days or three weeks, but may vary from 8 to 30 days. Menstrual/heat cycle of dogs happen at least twice a year or once every seven months.

There are four cycle in Dogs heat cycle/estrous cycle:

1. Pro-estrus. This stage usually last for 4-20 days. During this phase, your female dog my show symptoms such as swelling of the vulva and clear discharge sometimes accompanied by blood and frequent urination. Some large breed dogs may not show any external signs and symptoms. 
2. Estrus. This stage can last for 4-7 days. During this phase, your dog would be more receptive to males and allow them to mate with her. At this stage, the bleeding normally stops but there could still be swelling at the vulva region. Your female dog's secretions would also turn a lighter color.
3. Diestrus/Metestrus. This phase is known as the false pregnancy phase. Your dog would gradually stop bleeding and would also stop from flirting from other male dogs. Prenancy would last for about 60-64 days, that is if your female dog mated successfully and got pregnant.
4. Anestrus. This is the last phase, the time when your dog ends her heat cycle. There is no activity in the female dog's reproductive tract at this time, lasting around 5-11 months.

Sometimes it is hard to tell if your female dog is in heat. But here are some signs you may watch out for:

• Increase urination
• Swelling vulva, although this may not be noticeable in some dog breeds
• Menstrual bleeding

There, that should give you some basic ideas regarding your dogs menstrual cycle. :)
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