Dogs sniff out coronavirus ‘far better than machines or tests’.

Research teams around the world are taking advantage of dogs’ remarkable sense of smell to train them to detect the presence of the coronavirus. At the University of Helsinki, researchers believe that the sniffer dogs Kössi and Lucky may prove to be faster and more accurate detectors of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, than any other currently available method. Using urine samples collected from patients across Finland, the research team has trained the dogs to differentiate between positive and negative samples. More encouragingly, the dogs also appear to be able to detect the presence of COVID-19 before patients display any signs of illness.

DOGS: HOW TO BREED BOERBOELS...

DOGS: HOW TO BREED BOERBOELS..If you are looking to learn how to breed Boerboels, Get our guide: text vet to 35818

Therefore, it is an exceptional guard and working farm dog. They were bred with a specific purpose centuries ago, and therefore, they have an interesting and rich history which we are going to review. Furthermore, we are also going to analyze the appearance standards and desirable temperament and traits.

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 Boerboels originate from South Africa and they appeared for the first time during the 1600s. Boers bred them to protect the homestead and to act as watchdogs and working farm dogs.

    However, before them, they mainly used Mastiff-type dogs and Hounds for this purpose. Jan van Riebeeck arrived in South Africa in 1652 to establish a trading post, as commanded by the Dutch East India Company.

DOGS: How to treat a dog with eclampsia..

DOGS: How to treat a dog with eclampsia. What is eclampsia? Eclampsia (hypocalcemia or puerperal tetany) is an emergency medical condition associated with a life-threatening drop in blood calcium levels that occurs in nursing mothers. Eclampsia most commonly occurs when the puppies are one to four weeks of age and the mother is producing the most milk. The cause of eclampsia is often not discovered, but may be due:1)to excessive loss of calcium from the mother to the developing fetal skeleton. 2)calcium supplementation during pregnancy. 3)producing milk after birth. 4)not receiving a balanced premium growth and development diet while pregnant and nursing. 5) hormonal problem with the parathyroid gland. Females that are particularly good mothers, especially attentive to their puppies, seem to be more likely to develop eclampsia. Breeds such as Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Toy Poodles, Miniature Pinscher, Shih Tzu, and other small breeds are at an increased risk. The signs are initially subtle. The female may be restless or panting a lot, and you may notice that she is moving stiffly (also called tetany) which may progress to her being unable to walk. This soon progresses to muscle spasms affecting the whole body, which can quickly progress to convulsing. Some affected nursing dogs may become disoriented, aggressive, have a high fever, and become restless and pace excessively. How is eclampsia treated? Treatment involves immediate intravenous injections of calcium and other drugs. Intravenous calcium must be administered very carefully and slowly otherwise it can cause severe lowering of the heart rate and arrhythmias. Some dogs will require anti-seizure drugs such as diazepam to control seizures and tetany. Oral calcium supplements (something as simple as Tums® may be recommended) and weaning the puppies as quickly as possible are typically required for follow-up care. If diagnosed and treated promptly, recovery from eclampsia is usually rapid and complete.

DOGS: HOW TO USE PREDNISONE.

DOGS: HOW TO USE PREDNISONE. Prednisone for Dogs With Allergies One of the most common reasons this drug is prescribed is for allergic conditions, which tend to make a dog very itchy and prone to scratching and licking themselves until they get skin infections. Prednisone can provide some much-needed relief and help to prevent future occurrences. It’s also helpful in treating sudden allergic reactions, such as a swollen muzzle following a bee sting. Prednisone for Dogs With Ear Infections Along the same lines, prednisone can also be very helpful for ear infections. The ear canals are an extension of the skin, and therefore ear problems often benefit from similar treatments to skin problems. Prednisone for Immune-Mediated Conditions in Dogs Just like humans, dogs can be affected by a number of different diseases that occur as the result of an overactive immune system. This can include chronic conditions such as lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, and certain neurological conditions, to name a few. It also includes sudden, life-threatening immune reactions like immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA), a condition in which the body rapidly destroys its own red blood cells for reasons that are often unknown. Prednisone for Addison’s Disease in Dogs Addison’s disease, or hypoadrenocorticism, is a condition in which the adrenal glands don’t produce enough of two kinds of hormones: cortisol, as well as another class of hormone, called mineralocorticoids. The disease is most common in certain breeds such as Standard Poodles and West Highland White Terriers. This condition is fatal left untreated but can be managed well for years with the use of certain medications. Another drug is given to address the mineralocorticoid deficiency, but prednisone is used to fill the cortisol gap. During times of stress (such as if an Addisonian dog is ill or needs to board for a little while), prednisone can be lifesaving.Prednisone for Coughing and Asthma in Dogs Prednisone can be very helpful for certain types of coughs, especially genetic conditions like a collapsing trachea (a windpipe that narrows too much) and chronic conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It’s also used for some patients with asthma, a condition more common in cats than in dogs.

Prednisone for Dogs: Uses for Dog Cancer and Other Medical Conditions.

Prednisone for Dogs: Uses for Dog Cancer and Other Medical Conditions. What is prednisone for dogs, why is it prescribed so often, and how can it help your pup? 

 Sometimes, prednisone for dogs can seem like a ‘magic’ pill that makes dogs feel better when they suffer from conditions such as allergies, immune-mediated diseases, or even cancer… But while this drug can help a lot of dogs, it’s important to compare the risks versus the benefits, especially when using it long term.

 If you’ve had dogs or other pets for whom steroids were prescribed, you may have given them prednisone or its very similar cousin prednisolone—or even both forms at different times in your pet’s life. Prednisone and Prednisolone, commonly used glucocorticoids in pets include hydrocortisone, dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, triamcinolone, and others. These drugs are steroids. But, they’re not what might typically come to mind when you think of a “steroid.” 

 Prednisone for Dogs With Cancer. Prednisone is helpful with a wide variety of cancers, especially lymphoma.Sometimes, prednisone is used as part of a chemotherapy protocol and has a direct effect on cancer growth and spread. Other times, it’s used for what we call “palliative therapy,” meaning that whether or not it changes the course of the disease, it can make your dog feel a lot better. While it’s not right for every dog nor every type of cancer, for some patients, prednisone can really give them a good quality of life

Prednisone for Dogs: Uses for Dog Cancer and Other Medical Conditions.

 What is prednisone for dogs, why is it prescribed so often, and how can it help your pup?

 Sometimes, prednisone for dogs can seem like a ‘magic’ pill that makes dogs feel better when they suffer from conditions such as allergies, immune-mediated diseases, or even cancer…

But while this drug can help a lot of dogs, it’s important to compare the risks versus the benefits, especially when using it long term.

If you’ve had dogs or other pets for whom steroids were prescribed, you may have given them prednisone or its very similar cousin prednisolone—or even both forms at different times in your pet’s life.

  Prednisone and prednisolone, commonly used glucocorticoids in pets include hydrocortisone, dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, triamcinolone, and others.

These drugs are steroids. But, they’re not what might typically come to mind when you think of a “steroid.”

Prednisone for Dogs With Cancer

Prednisone is helpful with a wide variety of cancers, especially lymphoma.Sometimes, prednisone is used as part of a chemotherapy protocol and has a direct effect on cancer growth and spread.

Other times, it’s used for what we call “palliative therapy,” meaning that whether or not it changes the course of the disease, it can make your dog feel a lot better.

While it’s not right for every dog nor every type of cancer, for some patients, prednisone can really give them a good quality of life

DOG HEALTH BASICS – A SIMPLE GUIDE TO GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT!

  A dog’s health is not limited to them looking or acting unwell, it can include anything that may bring them discomfort or inhibit their normal behavior, such as an excessively matted coat. We have labeled all the basic dog health factors you need to consistently check and maintain to keep your pup feeling healthy and happy.

   

Basic Dog Health Procedures

There are some elements of your dog’s health that require an unavoidable vet trip such as vaccinations or getting them spayed or neutered. Here are the basic dog health procedures you will have to consider.

Vaccinations

Both puppies and dogs require vaccinations to develop resistance against pathogens. This simply summarized means they avoid being affected by certain illnesses after having these shots. Puppies are particularly vulnerable to becoming ill due to a weak immune system. This is because they have not yet developed the resistance many adult dogs will have and therefore vaccinations will enable them to do this.

DOGS:WHEN IS HYDROTHERAPY USEFUL?

DOGS:WHEN IS HYDROTHERAPY USEFUL?
 
Canine hydrotherapy is the most effective when it is used for some specific causes. These health issues and problems are meant to be treated with canine water therapy and the result, therefore, is commendable. Let’s look into some of these specific use cases of hydrotherapy for dogs.

     

Dogs with hip dysplasia

Hydrotherapy is an ideal treatment for hip and elbow dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is a chronic and degenerative condition in which your dog has developed the hip or elbow joints abnormally. Basically, the head of the dog’s femur bone fails to completely fit into the hip’s socket. When this condition affects your dog, their ligaments become weaker and the joints get misaligned and inflamed. As a result, walking seems to be extremely painful and difficult. There is also stiffness all over.

Hydrotherapy for dogs uses the controlled aquatic exercise to build the weakened muscle in the hind legs. The mobility and endurance of the joints of your dog increases and this happen without putting excessive pressure on your dog’s lower body. Gentle and regular swimming is the key to manage hip dysplasia and these water therapies are suitable for other degenerative joint conditions as well.

HYDROTHERAPY IN DOGS. : BENEFITS OF HYDROTHERAPY IN DOGS.

   Hydrotherapy for dogs comes with multiple benefits for dogs with injuries and joint issues. The following are some of the most prominent benefits of this therapy for dogs.

    Pain Relief – Hydrotherapy for dogs is a pain relief technique that uses the buoyancy of the water to relieve joint and muscle pains in a dog. The warm water has a soothing effect on the painful joints that also tend to get flexible with this therapy.

   Reduces Inflammation – Hydrotherapy for dogs works like magic on sore joints and reduces inflammation of muscles. Therapies like the underwater treadmill encourage a movement of the joints and muscles without requiring your dog to undergo a lot of stress.

  Muscle Relaxation – The buoyancy and the resistance of the water come together to create a force, which effectively relaxes the tired and sore muscles of your dog. That is why; hydrotherapy for dogs is a recommended practice after any orthopedic surgery.

  Soften Muscles – When your dog has not walked for an injury for a long time, their muscles tend to get tight. Hydrotherapy for dogs induces movement of the muscles under water, which prevents them from getting tightened.

 Increased Coordination – Hydrotherapy for dogs also improves coordination. Your dog learns to flexibly move the muscles and often, going the extra mile to encounter the resistance. These activities lead to better coordination of the hips and legs. Hydrotherapy.

How does hydrotherapy for dogs work?

How does hydrotherapy for dogs work?

   Hydrotherapy for dogs can be performed using different types of equipment. They each serve a specific purpose.

  

Underwater treadmills

An underwater treadmill is the most common form of hydrotherapy for dogs. They are quite effective for dogs with joint problems. It is basically a treadmill that comes in a glass or plastic enclosed chamber. As you help your dog enter the chamber or tank, the doors are shut and the water fills up the tank with the level being just above the dog’s legs.

Now, the dog gradually begins to walk on the treadmill and faces the resistance that the water creates to strengthen his muscles in a low-impact environment. The speed of the treadmill is usually medium though it can vary depending upon the dog’s injuries and ability to walk fast.

As a result of this specific type of hydrotherapy for dogs, there is an improvement in blood circulation, an increase in joint flexibility and reduction in joint pain. Some of the additional benefits include cardiorespiratory endurance, agility and muscle strength. Get the guide Hydrotherapy in dogs.

DOGS: HYDROTHERAPY FOR DOGS.

PAIN IN DOGS? HYDROTHERAPY TO THE RESCUE.

•      Hydrotherapy for dogs is a medical practice that uses water to relieve dogs of certain joint and bone pains and problems.
•     Hydrotherapy or more specifically, canine hydrotherapy basically uses the main properties of the water namely buoyancy, viscosity, hydrostatic pressure and resistance.
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•   Buoyancy is the ability or tendency of a body to stay afloat or rise to the top of a liquid or gas. Such properties of water enable dogs to flexibly move their joints. Water makes the dog’s body buoyant by actually supporting the weight of the body when submerged. Your dog, as a result, no longer needs to fight gravity. The buoyancy of the water minimizes the stress on the joints, creating a safe environment for recovery from joint injuries as such.
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• Hydrotherapy for dogs is particularly beneficial when recovering after surgery of the joints or bones. It benefits dogs that are suffering from degenerative joint disease or are perhaps, partially paralyzed. Water therapy further improves conditions like hip dysplasia, amputation of a limb or simply, arthritis due to old DOGS.

Cats, Dogs and COVID: How Safe Are Your Pets?

                    Cats, Dogs and COVID: How Safe Are Your Pets?

Nadia, a tiger at New York City's Bronx Zoo, tested positive for the corona virus. A few pet cats in the United States and some dogs  have  also tested positive.

The novel corona virus causing the current pandemic is thought to have originated at a live animal market in China, some people have wondered if they need to worry about their own pets.

 The good news is that any risk to humans from to pet is very low, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

  Humans with COVID-19 infections could pose a slight risk to certain animals, such as cats or ferrets. but not dogs.

 The basic thing to do is to stay safe and keep your pet safe. All personal hygiene protocol of hand washing, use of face mask is advised. The frequency of hand washing must be increased especially after handling your pet.

 When you take your dog out for walks its advisable to wipe the dog when you return paying particular attention to paws.

DOGS: THE 6 STAGES OF A DOGS LIFE.

DOGS: THE 6 STAGES OF A DOGS LIFE. Puppy to Dog: Your Pet's Life Stages. Puppies and How to Take Care of Them. Life Stage No. 1: Puppy. Your dog is a puppy from the time it's a newborn until it's able to reproduce. This happens at different ages, depending on the breed of your dog. Small breeds tend to reach sexual maturity earlier than larger breeds. Weaning. Puppies slowly switch from their mother's milk to eating other foods when they're 3 or 4 weeks old. They should be fully switched over from milk to food by the time they're 7 or 8 weeks old. Feeding. The number of feedings per day changes as your puppy gets older: 2 to 3 months old: 4 times a day 3 to 6 months old: 3 times a day 6 months old to 1 year old (up to 24 months in larger breeds): 2 times a day After age 1, feed your dog once or twice a day. Get the guide here

DOGS: HOW CAN YOU MAKE YOUR DOG'S DRY FOOD MORE PALATABLE?

DOGS: HOW CAN YOU MAKE YOUR DOG'S DRY FOOD MORE PALATABLE? The common fluid to use as a mix for your dog's dry food is water, here are some tips on other things to explore. 1) Add Meat and Fish – Animal protein is essential for your pet because it is of higher quality, easier to digest and promotes a healthy metabolism by facilitating the oxidation of fat. Therefore, topping dog food with meat or fish will allow your pet to thrive and feel fantastic because it will meet its nutritional requirements 2) Add Stock – Bone broth will improve the health of your dog because it is an excellent source of collagen, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin, glucosamine and amino acids like glycine and arginine. In addition, it is helpful for treating the leaky gut syndrome, arthritis and detoxing your pet from pollutants and heavy metals 3)Add Cottage Cheese and Yogurt – Two super-foods because they are a great source of minerals, antioxidants, vitamins, and high-quality proteins. Furthermore, they introduce novelty to the diet of your dog, especially if it has been eating only dry dog food. Thus, it’s a good idea to integrate them. DOGS: HOW CAN YOU MAKE YOUR DOG'S DRY FOOD MORE PALATABLE? 4)Add Fish Oil – Only add water to dry dog food and then fish oil and you will bring your pet a dish it will love. It is anti-inflammatory, and therefore, it is recommended for dogs that suffer from canine OA and cannot take traditional analgesics. 5)Add Some Steamed Vegetables – You can add some steamed cabbage, kale, lettuce, spinach, carrots or asparagus. Like yogurt and cottage cheese, it is a great way to bring a surprise factor to the food of your dog. Hence, if you to make your dog’s food more interesting, here you have an option 6)Add Eggs – They are an amazing source of folate, iron, selenium, fatty acids, vitamin B12, riboflavin and vitamin A, which are compounds that are necessary for the optimal health of your dog. However, make sure to only add eggs (no salt or spices). Additionally, you can mix it along with meat, fish, vegetables or stock.

DOGS: How Much Water to Add to Dry Dog Food?.

DOGS: How Much Water to Add to Dry Dog Food?.The amount of water to add into your dog food depends on three factors: 1) Amount of food/ portion size. 2) Weather. 3) preference of your dog. When the weather is warmer then the dogs will have higher hydration needs,hence you will have to add more water properly hydrate.

DOGS: WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR DOG IS NOT DRINKING WATER.

DOGS: WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR DOG IS NOT DRINKING WATER.Several dogs can be poor drinkers of water. Therefore, soaking dry dog food in water will help to hydrate your pet. We are aware of the dangers of dehydration; however, it is worth noting that it could be a symptom of a health issue. Here are some health problems in which dehydration can be an alarming and common symptom:1)Stress and anxiety. 2)Injury inside or near to the mouth of your dog. 3)Damaged teeth. 4)Urinary infection Therefore, there is a need to visit a vet if this persists. You can also change the way you serve the water, trying a fountain model or water fall model is a good start.

What Are The Benefits of Adding Water to Dry Dog Food?.

What Are The Benefits of Adding Water to Dry Dog Food? When you add water to dry dog food it makes it more palatable and enhance the dog’s hydration. It is good to mix dry dog food with water. Moist dog food is always preferred by dogs over dry kibble, especially with weaning puppies. It tastes better, it smells better. Water is added for different reasons, for example, to prevent different health issues (ex: dehydration and blood circulation) and increase appetite in case your dog is not eating enough, but there are many others. Increases Hydration Proper hydration is vital for the optimal health of your dog, because water is essential for several physiological functions as an indispensable nutrient, and in addition, it is the perfect medium to remove metabolic waste. Adding water to make hard dog food soft will kill two birds with one stone, because your pet will enjoy it more and you will help it to drink more water without even noticing it. Even if it’s soft, wet, raw or homemade dog food, adding some water will help tremendously. For this reason, we’ll bring you precise indications on how much to add in the next sections. Improves Digestion Dry dog food can be hard to digest, and therefore, adding some water will give your pet a much easier time. In addition, it will induce a proper absorption of nutrients. Furthermore, it is worth noting that the digestive sensitivity of your dog varies according to its size, therefore, an important metric to monitor, because proper digestion is essential for the optimal health of your dog.In consequence, the best strategy is to feed it with highly digestible protein in addition to proper hydration. However, with small breeds, you must avoid ingredients that could reduce colon fermentation. Boosts Appetite If your dog is not eating enough, then water is a great solution to stimulate your dog’s appetite. By adding some of it, you will allow the dry food to release its aroma and flavor, which can spark the curiosity of your pet. Mixing dry dog food with water boosts the meal’s palatability which is great for picky eaters! Additionally, some dogs simply prefer wet food to kibble, and adding water is the fastest and most economical way of overcoming such difficulty. Simple and easy. Get a guide here.

COVID-19 : HOW TO REDUCE STRESS IN DOGS.

          COVID-19 : HOW TO REDUCE STRESS IN DOGS. 

 The best ways to help your dog have a better quality of life is to reduce the amount of stress she experiences.
The first step is to make as complete a list as possible of everything that is stressful for her. This includes mild stressors as well as the most significant ones.

 Stressors are like building blocks that push your dog beyond her ability to cope with her environment; eliminating even the milder ones can help keep her below that threshold.

               Here are few strategies  to reduce stress:

Elimination.: This means getting rid of the stressor altogether.. Stop yelling at your dog. Throw the shock collar away. Teach her cooperative care so there is no need for forced restraint professionals so as not.allow inappropriate interactions from any friends, visitors, or family members.

 Counter-conditioning. This involves changing your dog’s association with the thing she finds stressful by associating it with something wonderful (such as delicious pieces of roasted chicken).

This process is gradual and you must be sure to keep the intensity of the stimulus below threshold – so the dog sees it (or hears it) and is aware of it but isn’t stressed.  The goal is to convince her that other dogs ,children, men, or sounds are wonderful because they make bits of chicken appear.

 Indoor Games to Engage: Your Dog's Brain When You Can't Go Out. As corona virus confinement stretches on, dogs and humans are getting  stressed by the day from lack of exercise, While there are limits to the physical exercise you two can do while shut-in, there are many indoor dog games you can enjoy together such as cognition games, and playing with interactive toys. 

DOGS: Teaching Your Dog THIS Cue Could Save His Life.

DOGS: Teaching Your Dog THIS Cue Could Save His Life. Is your dog trained to reliably come when called? Most dog owners are working on a reliable "recall," but our pooches haven't entirely gotten the hang of it...yet. A reliable recall could save your dog’s life. Dog’s aren’t born knowing they should run right for us when we call them. And most of us are only beginning to understand how our dog’s think and learn. It’s our responsibility to positively train our dogs so that they respond instantaneously to a recall cue, whether you’re calling him in for dinner—or stopping him from making a mad-dash into a busy road. Learn how to train your dog to respond to your calls immediately.Teach Your Dog to Come When Called. In this life-saving guide, our expert-trainers and contributors show you …1) Why it’s important to learn how your dog values his rewards, and which one’s work best. 2) Why your dog sprints over to you in some places, but runs the other way in others. 3)What to do if you’ve “poisoned” your recall cue and your dog just won’t respond. Learn all the tricks here: a complete guide.

DOGS : Tick Bite? Here's What To Do.

DOGS : Tick Bite? Here's What To Do.A dog in the wrong place at the wrong time can be bit by dozens or even hundreds of ticks. Deer ticks go through three stages of life (larva, nymph, and adult), and feed only once in each of these stages; a blood meal ends each stage. Larval ticks feed off mice and other small rodents, but nymphs and adults are a threat to dogs. These ticks are small and their bites don’t itch so they are easily overlooked, especially adult deer ticks and the nymphs of any species. Ticks thrive in warm, moist conditions thus its important to always check under collars and around ears. If you observe a lump or bump inspect it critically you can seek help or better still use a magnifying glass. Tick Bite? Here's What To Do. Be careful when removing a tick to grasp it with tweezers firmly at the head, as close to the dog’s skin as possible, and slowly pull straight back. Never twist, press, burn, or apply irritating substances like kerosene to an attached tick because doing so can cause the parasite to expel the contents of its digestive tract, creating an unwanted hypodermic effect. Three-percent hydrogen peroxide, the common disinfectant, is recommended for tick bites because the oxygen it contains destroys the Lyme disease bacteria. Hydrogen peroxide can be liberally poured over bites on light-haired dogs (keep away from eyes and apply directly to the skin) but because it’s a bleach, this method is not recommended for black or dark-haired dogs. The use of an eyedropper to apply hydrogen peroxide directly to the bite will prevent unwanted bleaching. Get the guide here