VETERINARY MEDICINE: Joint Supplements for Dogs.

 Managing canine orthopedic disease with joint supplements will help your dog live comfortably.Phytotherapy (“plant medicine”) is as old as humankind.

Turmeric is a powerful spice and has recently received a great deal of attention in human medicine. It is considered a strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Fish oil Fish oil are an excellent source of fatty acids, which are critical for canine health dogs cannot synthesize enough of their own, so fatty acids must be supplemented through diet. Deficiencies can lead to coat, skin, joint, and reproductive problems.

The common supplement is the cod liver oil however,this can be sourced naturally by feeding dogs with fish rich in omega 3 such as the mackerel. 

 Coconut oil. 
The benefits of coconut oil are enormous and have found usefulness in both animals and man. Coconut oil also contains lauric acid, a saturated fatty acid that is converted in the body to monolaurin, a monoglyceride compound with numerous beneficial properties, such as anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, anti-fungal and anti-protozoal.

VETERINARY MEDICINE: Soaking Dry Dog food.

VETERINARY MEDICINE: Soaking Dry Dog food. If you've ever soaked your dog's food, you're aware of how much dry dog food expands when immersed in water. It's a little horrifying, actually, to realize how much more space a certain amount of food will require in a dog's stomach and gut once the dog's digestive juices hydrate the individual kibbles. It nearly doubles in volume. The kibbles are like little sponges - some more than others. Soaking dry dog food by adding water will definitely increase the palatability of dry food for some dogs,help digestibility and prevents bloat.It is very important not to let moisten food stand for long hours at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth . While most people soak the dry food with water,others use bone broth and many others use milk,just to ensure gut health of their pets. According to MastiffLover "I've been soaking my dogs kibble for about 45 years now. When I was a little girl my parents best friends lost their dog to bloat and I remember them saying their vet told them that it was probably because they weren't soaking her food and that she would always drink a bunch of water after eating." Jenny does these to her dogs kibble "If you give it enough 'soaking' time it will increase about four-fold :-(I no longer fed my dogs 'bowls' of dry food -- moistened of not. I prefer to feed hard biscuits -- large enough that they cannot be swallowed whole. I cannot understand WHY pet food manufacturers do not market their dry food as biscuit rather than pelletized bits. Adapted from whole dog journal.

Veterinary Medicine: Xerostomia in dogs.

Veterinary Medicine: Xerostomia in dogs. Xerostomia is also referred to as dry mouth,a condition that occurs when the dog stops producing saliva. Drooling shows that your dog is producing saliva ,this helps to wash over the teeth,helps moisten food during eating and keeps the oral cavity clean. Xerostomia in dogs is not painful but it can affect swallowing of food,results in dry sticky gums and bad breath. The common causes of xerostomia in dogs are 1) Dehydration. 2)Nerve damage. 3)Drug interactions. 4) Cancer treatment. Treatment is based on solving the underlying issues,but the dog is encouraged to drink more water to prevent dehydration.

THE BENEFITS OF YOGURT IN DOGS.

 THE BENEFITS OF YOGURT IN DOGS.

The Benefits of Yogurt for Dogs.Did you know that there is a natural option that can improve almost immediately your dog’s digestive system and in a healthy way?

 It is called Yogurt! Yogurt, what is it? Yogurt  derived when milk is fermented by a bacteria called Lactobacillus Acidophilus that produce lactic acid.

This bacteria, considered one of the “good ones,” it helps in the lactose digestion process and collaborates to keep the natural balance of the internal bacteria culture found in the digestive system as part of the native intestinal flora (Gut Flora).

 Yogurt is one of the best natural calcium sources that help control or prevent gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea, constipation, irritable bowel movement and yeast infection.

 Yogurt also promotes the production of niacin and folic acid these are essential nutrients especially during pregnancy.

   The benefits of yoghurt for dogs:

1)The immune system is improved and enhanced.

 2)Gut flora balance/ control and digestion improvement of the lactose.

 3)Cholesterol, it helps to control and reduce high levels of total cholesterol.

 4)Prevents yeast infection,

 5)Good source of animal protein that helps to build muscle

. 6)Provides a healthy dose of Potassium that is essential  to maintain muscles and nerves  and to regulate fluid levels in your dog’s body.

 7)Its a good source of calcium that helps to develop bone.

VETERINARY MEDICINE: Temperament and Behaviors of Chow Chow Dogs .

VETERINARY MEDICINE: Temperament and Behaviors of Chow Chow Dogs.

The Chow Chow dog has a lion or teddy-bear-like appearance and tends to be quite reserved in nature. This Chow Chow dog temperament can change when the dog is treated in an aggressive manner.

 This dog carries itself with an air of pride and expects to be treated with respect. There is a tendency for Chow Chow dog behaviors to be painted in a negative light, and they have been said to be fierce and vicious dogs, but this type of behavior is only displayed around strangers or with breeds that have not been socialized well or at all. .


  Chow Dog Behaviors Outlined

. 1)Clean and Quiet: The most interesting of the Chow Chow dog behaviors is its tendency to be clean compared to most dogs although it sheds a lot. Its “clean” behavior makes it a great dog to have as a house pet, but its shedding will need getting used to.


 The Chow Chow dog temperament leans towards quietness as this dog usually minds its own business. If you don’t bother it, it will not bother you, unless you come too close for comfort, then you will get a reaction from it. The “clean” behavior of Chow Chow dogs makes them easy to house-train compared to other dogs. Their cleanliness can almost be compared to that of a cat.



 2)Strong Willed: A behavior of Chow Chow dogs that must be managed is the tendency to be strong willed. Unfortunately, this trait does not show up until the dog is much older.

The Chow Chow dog temperament will not allow its owner to beat it into submission, nor does it feel inclined to please its trainer. The personality of the Chow Chow dog is one that runs on respect. If its owner can earn its respect, then it will obey. Consistency in the enforcement of rules, be they house rules or behavior expectations, as well as an understanding of his temperament are bound to bend the will of your Chow Chow.

 Variations in the tone of voice are enough to communicate instructions or wants, never feel tempted to use harsh methods to win his respect.

VETERINARY MEDICINE: Behaviors of Traumatized Dogs and How to Handle them.

VETERINARY MEDICINE: Behaviors of Traumatized Dogs and How to Handle them. Dogs feel happiness, sadness and all different emotions and sensations but triggered in a different way. Dogs response to trauma are all different and will respond to different situations in different ways. For example, some dogs can deal with trauma and seem completely fine, but some can’t, and sometimes with a situation not related to the trauma..the dog “loses it”. Same goes with the severity of the reaction, some dogs are badly affected, others just slightly affected and some dogs do not seem to be affected at all, there is no possible way that we can generalize and say all dogs respond the same. It is sad to say, but not all dogs have a good start in life, and for some, it can be more than simple neglect. It can be an abused dog or mistreated and this can have consequences dog’s behavior, social skills, and the way how interacts with people and other dogs. If you know up front your new pet has a traumatic background, you should make the transition as comfortable as possible. Try to create a routine with simple things like feeding it at the same time every day, giving it space for the most part and, if you have children, make sure they don’t overwhelm the dog… at first can make a big difference. Do the introduction to other pets slowly, not all at once, and if noises seem to upset him/her, keep the volume to a minimum until the dog adjusts. Animals adapt very easily to the external environment, so many will adjust with nothing more than a loving and supportive environment. But if the trauma is severe, it will be better to use the professional intervention of a certified animal behavior that can determine the best method to deal with a specific issue. Tips to deal with Traumatized Dogs. 1) Find a safe place for your dog in your house. A dog crate or his preferred spot for your dog with a dog bed will develop a clear structure of safety. This is the safe place for your dog, do not create a negative experience in that area, for example: don’t take a crate as a punishment to enclose your dog for something wrong that he/she made. 2)Avoid any situation that causes the dog fear A traumatized dog facing a stress situation can feel fear, and the fear is reinforced by the reaction to the trauma exposed, so then the fear to the same recurrent scenario can become stronger and so on. 3)Do not confront its fears or force the dog in any way If you feel you can’t manage how to help your dog the best way is to approach to a professional where he slowly and gradually can be desensitized to its perceived fears. A dog trainer specialized in dog behaviors and fear aggression will be very useful. 4)Have fun with your dog Do as much with your dog that he/she enjoy as possible. Having fun with your dog will help to increase the trust and confidence in you. 5)Never punish a fearful dog Sometimes we can misunderstand that the reaction to a trauma can be just fear and show obedience and behavior issues not listening commands. Remember, a punishment may up the fear for the dog and instead of just looking fearful it may start to react with aggression. 6)Watch your dog’s body language Dog’s body language Always take attention for signs of stress such as leash puller or pusher behavior, slower or faster movement, freezing, lip licking, yawning, etc.

VETERINARY MEDICINE: Understanding Dog Barking.

VETERINARY MEDICINE: Understanding Dog Barking.

Barking is one way of communication that all dogs use, and it means different things depending on the scenario.Sometimes it can go out of control, and when this happens, it is your job to find out why your dog is barking so much or often to stop him/ her and control the situation.

 First, you need to understand three facts about why dogs bark:1) It is natural, Dogs bark.

2) A dog barking is not necessarily a dangerous dog

3 Excessive and out-of-control Barking can test our patience.

VETERINARY MEDICINE: How to Train Your Dog to Be a Guard Dog.

VETERINARY MEDICINE: How to Train Your Dog to Be a Guard Dog. 

 Dogs are great for companionship, and they’re known to improve our quality of life. They give us unconditional love and affection.Your beloved pooch can also provide added protection for your home.

Your pet can be taught ways to alert you of potential dangers. Fido can also protect you and your family from being physically harmed.

 You can teach your pet the basics of being a guard dog with a little time and patience. This type of training is best left to professionals, but basic skills can be taught at home.


Professional training is generally done by one person, but everyone should participate when training is done at home. Your dog should interact with everyone in the home for safety and security reasons. Family members and other pets should never be perceived as a threat.

  Obedience training. You have to be able to communicate with your dog to exert control over its actions. Basic dog obedience training is necessary for a solid foundation to build on. Obedience is helpful for the average pet dog, but it’s crucial for a guard dog.

Your dog has to be able to respond to your commands quickly and correctly in situations that pose a danger to the family.

Your dog should be taught basic commands and be able to respond immediately when prompted. Basic commands such as come, sit, down, stay and heel should be practiced.It’s important to train your dog to respond to commands exclusively from you and household members.This includes accepting treats or food.

  Socialization. Socialization is needed for your dog to be able to differentiate between a normal situation and a dangerous one.Your dog should be taught to behave indifferently while in the presence of unfamiliar people, places or things. For example, your dog will likely see people and other dogs during your daily walks.

Your dog should feel comfortable and safe.They should not view people or animals as a threat during daily outings. The ideal time for socializing dogs is up to about 16 weeks, but it can be done at later .stages.

Veterinary medicine: Strangles outbreak kills 4000 donkeys in Niger.

Veterinary medicine: Strangles outbreak kills 4000 donkeys in Niger.An outbreak of strangles has claimed the lives of more than 4000 donkeys in the west African country of Niger since early December. Officials say that more than 8000 donkeys were affected by the contagious bacterial infection, which is also known as equine distemper, and more than half succumbed since the infection appeared in the first 10 days of December in the north of the country in Agadez, Niger’s gateway to the Sahara. Official statistics show Niger has a population of more than 1.5 million donkeys. The Ingall area was the worst affected, and the government’s minister for pastoral issues, Mohamed Boucha, visited Agadez this week to assess the impact of the outbreak.Veterinary officials said the strangles risk was heightened as the treatment of a sick animal can take several weeks, and the infection can be transferred between equines and through the pasture itself. Herders in the area have been invited to have their donkeys immunised for free by government veterinary services.

Veterinary medicine: How to Stay Healthy at Animal Exhibits.

Veterinary medicine: How to Stay Healthy at Animal Exhibits.Interacting with animals at fairs, zoos, and aquariums can be educational and fun, but it’s important to remember that animals sometimes carry harmful germs that can make us sick. Learn how to stay healthy when visiting animal exhibits. There are many ways to explore the animal world, and many people choose to visit animal exhibits to learn about and interact with animals. Animal exhibits like zoos, petting zoos.Every year, many people get sick after visiting an animal exhibit. From 2010-2015, about 100 outbreaks of illness in people linked to animals in public settings like zoos, fairs, and educational farms were reported to public health officials. Some of the most common harmful germs people get from animals at exhibits are E. coli O157:H7, Cryptosporodium, and Salmonella infections, but there are also many other types of germs that can spread between animals and people. If you forget to wash your hands after petting an animal, or bring food or drinks into an area with animals, you increase your chance of getting sick. Even animals that look clean and healthy can carry harmful germs, and areas where animals live or roam can be contaminated – you don’t have to touch an animal to get sick. Steps to ensure safety. 1)Always wash your hands right after petting animals or touching anything in animal areas (where they live, roam, or eat). 2)Wash your hands when you leave animal areas, even if you did not touch the animals. 3)Running water and soap are the best option, if running water and soap are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. 4)Wash your hands with soap and water as soon as a sink is available. Keep food and drinks out of animal areas.Don’t prepare, serve, or eat food in animal areas (with the exception of service animals, or animals that assist people with disabilities).Don’t share your food with animals, to keep yourself and the animals healthy. Animals should eat the food made for them.

Flea And Tick Prevention For Cats.

 Flea And Tick Prevention For Cats.
Fleas, ticks and other parasites are often the bane of you and your cat's health. Stop your cat scratching through regular treatment.

Cats aren’t the only ones who suffer from fleas. For every single flea living on your cat, there could be hundreds more developing in your home! Flea bites can lead some cats to develop allergies, whilst parasites can act as intermediate hosts for certain tapeworms.

A heavy infestation can also cause anaemia, which is potentially life-threatening.The most recommended method to prevent flea infestations on your cat would be the use of a flea control treatment monthly, especially in the warmer seasons.

 In addition, the environment should also be treated regularly. Vacuuming and steaming the carpets, cleaning and washing all the bedding, and using carpet sprays are some of the options to prevent having these parasites multiplying in your house.

 How do I spot fleas? The most obvious sign is persistent scratching. Fleas are dark brown and about 1mm to 2mms long. You may find them – as well as tiny black specks of flea dirt – in your cat's coat during combing.

 There is an easy treatment now to keep your cats safe,  one dose will kill fleas and ticks for 3 months. Order now.

Veterinary medicine: Cat-Scratch Disease (Bartonella henselae Infection).

Veterinary medicine: Cat-Scratch Disease (Bartonella henselae Infection).Cat-scratch disease (CSD) is a bacterial infection spread by cats. The disease spreads when an infected cat licks a person’s open wound, or bites or scratches a person hard enough to break the surface of the skin. About three to 14 days after the skin is broken, a mild infection can occur at the site of the scratch or bite. The infected area may appear swollen and red with round, raised lesions and can have pus. The infection can feel warm or painful. A person with CSD may also have a fever, headache, poor appetite, and exhaustion. Later, the person’s lymph nodes closest to the original scratch or bite can become swollen, tender, or painful. Wash cat bites and scratches well with soap and running water. Do not allow cats to lick your wounds. Contact your doctor if you develop any symptoms of cat-scratch disease or infection. CSD is caused by a bacterium called Bartonella henselae. About 40% of cats carry B. henselae at some time in their lives, although most cats with this infection show NO signs of illness. Kittens younger than 1 year are more likely to have B. henselae infection and to spread the germ to people. Kittens are also more likely to scratch and bite while they play and learn how to attack prey. How cats and people become infected. Cats can get infected with B. henselae from flea bites and flea dirt (droppings) getting into their wounds. By scratching and biting at the fleas, cats pick up the infected flea dirt under their nails and between their teeth. Cats can also become infected by fighting with other cats that are infected. The germ spreads to people when infected cats bite or scratch a person hard enough to break their skin. The germ can also spread when infected cats lick at wounds or scabs. How to prevent cat bites.