Care For Your Aging Bichon Frise Dog

Aging is a natural process in all animals. However, it does not necessarily mean a loss of quality of life for most dogs. The Bichon Frise is a breed that will stay active, energetic, and happy well into his or her senior years and are often very involved with the daily activities of the family until they are over 15 years of age.

Most aging Bichon Frise will have some temperament and behavior changes as they reach their senior years, just like humans and other animals change and slow down as the mature. Some of the differences you may notice in an aging dog include:

1. Confusion and inability to respond appropriately to commands
2. Hearing and vision loss
3. Decrease in energy levels and ability to do all the things they used to do
4. Stiffness and muscle pains
5. Digestive problems and disorders
6. Incontinence
7. Decrease in appetite
8. Increase in sleeping
9. Increasing need for attention or need for greater isolation
10. Possible temperament changes such as snapping or biting

Each one of these changes can be entirely normal or it may also indicate a greater health problem. Always talk to your vet and communicate any changes in behavior that seem abnormal or have suddenly become apparent.

ARTHRITIS, PAIN AND STIFFNESS
If the Bichon Frise dog has a history of any type of joint or skeletal problem then arthritis is often going to become more problematic as the dog matures.

Arthritis can also strike dogs in their adult years so careful monitoring of any signs of stiffness or joint pain is essential.

The senior Bichon Frise with arthritis can be treated with a variety of treatments such as arthritis drug therapies, steroids, specialized diets, additional food supplements and some all natural products are also effective.

Talk to your vet or breeder for options on pain management for senior dogs with arthritis.

INCREASED WATER CONSUMPTION
Most senior dogs will start to drink more water to cope with kidneys that may not be functioning as well as they did when the dog was younger. Diabetes and chronic kidney failure can also be a concern in the senior Bichon Frise so talk to your vet and be prepared to monitor the actual urine production to see if the dog is urinating excessively or hardly at all.

Increased water consumption in senior dogs can also be a factor of the type of food that they are eating so be careful about switching feeds in senior dogs.

BLINDNESS AND HEARING LOSS
To people, blindness and hearing loss in dogs is very sad and heartbreaking, however for the dog, it is not associated with all the negativity that humans put on the condition. If you notice your senior Bichon Frise is starting to have trouble hearing, start pairing hand signals with commands to cope with the hearing loss. Blind dogs can live healthy and happy lives in environments that they are familiar with so avoid changing the layout of the house or yard.

With senior dogs with hearing or vision problems, great care must be taken to avoid these dogs getting out of the yard without being on a leash. They can be injured by other dogs or even run out into traffic without seeing or hearing the danger. There are many great resources available for families dealing with deaf or blind dogs that can both help owners cope as well as keep the dogs leading high quality lives.

CHANGES IN WEIGHT AND APPETITE
Senior dogs tend to exercise less and gain weight faster as their metabolism slows down. They may also become very minimal eaters, often decreasing their food intake considerably as they exercise and move about less. If the food intake amount decreases significantly or suddenly take the dog to the vet as soon as possible.

If he or she is just leaving a small amount in the dish but is eating over half of the food and having normal bowel movements and showing no signs of pain or discomfort, this is just the aging process. If, however, you notice any weight loss, signs of digestive problems, abdominal pain or discomfort after eating immediately consult with the vet.

Many vets and breeders recommend switching a senior dog, especially a Bichon Frise with dental problems or significant tooth loss to a specialty diet particularly designed for senior small dog breeds. These diets can be recommended by the vet or breeder and will be specially formulated to add nutrients to the diet.

MEMORY OR COGNITIVE LOSS
A Bichon Frise is a very intelligent breed that is not known for having cognitive loss as they get older, but you may notice they have trouble remembering or responding appropriately to commands you may not have used in a long time. Try to keep commands simple and basic rather than teaching new tricks if the dog seems to have trouble in remembering what you are asking.

Often, a senior dog is still very mentally capable of working on training routines, but be sure that the physical demands are appropriate for his or her age and condition.

EXERCISE
It is important to continue to provide daily, appropriate exercise for your senior Bichon Frise. They still love to go for a walk although a long jog may be too demanding and they will still love to play fetch or tag, but maybe only for five minutes instead of fifteen.

Finding the right balance of providing exercise without over taxing the senior Bichon Frise is sometimes a challenge. Carefully monitor the dog and call a break or take a rest before you notice he or she seems to be struggling to keep up or is falling behind.

Most dogs are so willing to stay with their owners on runs, walks or play times that they will keep on going long after they are exhausted. This will lead to increased stiffness and movement problems the next day or even for the next few days. Exercise is important for overall health and body functioning, so even if the dog is just given two short five or ten minutes walks at a moderate or slow pace a day this can be ever effective in stimulating the senior dog both mentally and physically.

FOOD, WATER AND BEDDING
Provide fresh water and food in easy to reach areas that do not require the senior dog go up or down stairs, especially if hips or elbows are a problem.

Always provide appropriate types of food such as pre-soaked small dog premium kibble or balance senior formula canned food if the dog is not longer able to eat the kibble.

Bedding can be extra thick or even designed especially for senior dogs. Some manufactures now make insulated bedding that holds the dog's heat providing a self-generating-type heating pad to help with muscle relaxation and prevent stiffness. Take care to keep the senior dog's bedding in a warm, draft free area of the house where the dog feels comfortable and safe.

JUMPING UP
A Bichon Frise that is used to sleeping on the bed or cuddling on the couch with your can seriously hurt his or her legs or back in trying to jump up or down off high areas. There are very safe, simple, lightweight portable stair steps for dogs that can be used to help your Bichon Frise safely step up and down off of furniture.

With a few rewards for using the two or three step stairs you will quickly have your Bichon Frise trained to use this device. In senior dogs where stairs are too difficult, there are also ramps that can be purchased that are ideal for smooth incline for going up or down off of furniture.

MANAGING INCONTINENCE
Incontinence is more prevalent in female Bichon Frise dogs but can occur in males as well. Typically, this will be most problematic with females that have had several litters of puppies or females that have been spayed and have had little estrogen production over the years. In both situations, there are estrogen supplements or medications that can be given to cause the muscles of the bladder to tighten, preventing leakage.

There are also diapers and pads that can be used to absorb any leakage or moisture. Since most incontinence will occur when the dog is sleeping or very relaxed, often pads are just placed on the bedding and changed in the morning. Depending on the severity of the problem, the vet may have other options that can help manage or control incontinence.

ATTENTION
A senior Bichon Frise will need to have just as much attention and love as a puppy or adult. As a breed the Bichon Frise becomes more attached to his or her family as he or she ages, but they still remain happy, friendly and willing to meet new people and animals throughout their lives.

If you have a senior Bichon Frise, be sure to monitor his or her interactions with other, younger dogs to avoid any possible injury or over-exertion by the senior dog. Also remember to play with your senior Bichon Frise and make him or her feel a part of the family.

Travelling With Your Bichon Frise

On the road with your Bichon Frise: As a Bichon Frise owner, you should take special care to see that even if your Bichon Frise is excited to be in the great outdoors, yet it should not lean out of the window or be injured by being flung around the car.. To prevent such an occurrence, you could do the following:
Before setting out, give your Bichon Frise a small snack, roughly 1/3 of his normal diet. When you reach your destination, you can give him the rest Use a seat belt or a harness made specially for dogs so that they remain firmly in one place

Of course, there are those pet carriers that double up as safety harnesses which you could safely use. But these days, you could also opt for safety sitters that join up with the shoulder seat belt of your car so that it keeps your Bichon Frise from being thrown, in case the car lurches forward rudely. This, as you perhaps know, can easily connect with any front or rear seatbelt. It comes with a handy buckle that can be fixed to your Bichon Frise’s leash.

If not this, perhaps your Bichon Frise would be more comfortable with a back seat mesh that could also be useful as a car barrier which will prevent your excited Bichon Frise from leaping into the front seat. The market today has many types of car barriers, but this soft cloth mesh car barrier is perfect for your pet if you have its safety and convenience in mind. Besides, this is more humane for your Bichon Frise since it will not indulge in either scratching or rattling. In addition, it is also simpler to install.

Give him a pair of goggles. Your Bichon Frise too needs to be protected from the harsh sun. So, get him a pair of sunglasses that will protect his eyes both from the elements and from harmful ultraviolet rays, while also giving him a cute look.

And just in case, you have a misadventure while driving, and your Bichon Frise is under stress, make him inhale a mixture of flower essences. This will calm his nerves if he has undergone shock, fear or stress. You could also make him inhale this just before you set out on your journey with your Bichon Frise.

You could also fit a car booster seat that comes with a safety collar strap for dogs as small as your Bichon Frise. Since it has a cushioned and adjustable height, it proves advantageous for pets up to 20lbs. It can easily be attached to almost all passenger seats of cars. Besides, if your Bichon Frise is attracted to all that’s happening outside the car, it can easily look out of the car window while you drive.

Don’t leave your pet unattended in the car at all. If you do this in summer, your car will soon become overheated, making your Bichon Frise very uncomfortable. He could also be stolen from the car

Have your pet vaccinated
Flying with your Bichon Frise: Dog owners usually like to fly with their pets for three main reasons. First, they want to holiday with their pets. Second, dog owners may want to show their dogs in large nationwide dog shows or events. Third, if you are moving house, naturally, your dog goes with you.

If you do choose to fly with your Bichon Frise, it could be either that your new home is too far away to drive to. Or that you don’t have the energy or time to do a car drive, and certainly not with your pet. Plus, if you have children, taking along a pet becomes an additional responsibility. Having said that, flying with your Bichon Frise isn’t easy either.

If you’ve already flown with your pet, you would know that on a commercial airline, you are faced with just two options to seat your pet—cabin or cargo. Your small Bichon Frise would be allowed in the cabin with you, as only small dogs are.

But if you do bring in a small pet, say your Bichon Frise, you must be able to fit in a small carrier, about 8-9 inches high, 12-13 inches wide and 15-23 inches long. Of course, carrier measurements vary from airline to airline, just as the charges also do.

Your dog carrier should be such that he should be able to stand and turn in it without any difficulty. Apart from a small size, your pet is fit to travel by air if he is also not under 8 weeks old. In addition, most airlines do not exceed the number of dogs per flight to more than seven.

Further, the size of your Bichon Frise and its weight are also parameters on which airlines decide whether they will let you and your Bichon Frise fly with them or not. During the flight, your pet will not be allowed to get out of its carrier or kennel.

If yours is a medium to large dog or even a dog that won’t fit in the airline’s carrier, then, opt for cargo. This is an entirely different experience for your pet. As you know, this is that section of the plane that is located just below the cabin, and is inaccessible to passengers during the flight.

A plane’s cargo is indeed a very dark place where pets are kept just the same way as baggage is. Though the cargo area is well-ventilated, pressurized, and has heating and cooling facilities required for animal safety, yet there are times when things can go wrong.

For the safety of the pets, airlines usually do not allow them to travel in extremes of temperature or during particular seasons. But if the weather is so changeable that we cannot determine or estimate weather conditions, it can be most stressful for both animals and airline staff.

As an extra precaution, airlines usually ask to see a health certificate issued by your vet, stating that your Bichon Frise is fit to travel. In fact, some airlines suggest you buy insurance for your pets—particularly if they are flying cargo class.

Vets usually disallow owners from doping their pets before a flight because of the effects of the tranquilizers on them when at an altitude. Besides, service or guide dogs are disallowed from travelling with their owners in the cabin, regardless of the former’s size or breed. If pets are being transported from place to place because they are part of a search and rescue team, they are not allowed in the cabin.

So, with so many restrictions, what does the ordinary traveller, like you and me, do? One option is to charter a flight that may allow your dog, regardless of its size or breed, to accompany you in the cabin. All they ask is that your dog be brought in and kept on a leash or car seat during take off and while landing.

During the flight, however, the dog can move around freely and, in fact, even sit right next to you. Other than that, dogs are allowed to ride in the cabin with you, right next to you! However, this is an idea better left in air as it is frightfully expensive and can cost thousands of dollars.

Another alternative involves putting your Bichon Frise in a kennel or crate at the rear of the plane. While on flight, you can see your dog a couple of times.

A third alternative is to let your dog be driven to your new destination while you fly there. If your new destination is too far to drive, let shuttle services for dogs do a professional job of transporting your pet to his new home. Since dog owners are not allowed on this service, you can very easily fly and wait for your Bichon Frise to arrive by road.

Needless to say, this service will also take care of your Bichon Frise’s potty and exercise breaks all along the way, apart from feeding it, giving it water from time to time and even treats and toys! While on the road, each pet is in his or her own carrier or cage. The bus has two or three drivers who each do an eight-hour schedule, which means that the shuttle is on the road for 24 hours non-stop!

However you choose to take your pet across the miles, there are certain tips that you would do well to follow. They are:

• Ensure that distractions on the road or in a different environment don’t make your Bichon Frise fidgety and nervous to the extent of them moving around in the vehicle.
• Keep your Bichon Frise in the cargo areas of cargo areas of station wagons and sportsutility vehicles that are fitted with barriers. Or else, you could keep your pet confined in a harness or in a portable kennel.
• A kennel is good enough, if your Bichon Frise is used to staying in one even while at home.
• Travelling supplies for your pet should include food, water, medicine, can opener, toys, leash and a collar
• Send your dog on the trip accompanied by his identification papers. These papers should be complete with an address, phone number and your vehicle license number.
• When travelling by air, find out in advance about the airline’s rules concerning pets.
• If you decide to fly your Bichon Frise, buy a specialized carrier just for this flight.
• While on the aircraft, freeze some water in a plastic container and put it in the carrier next to him. As the ice melts, your Bichon Frise will be able to lick off the moisture.
• Be sure to provide adequate ventilation if you are travelling over long periods by car.
• A long international flight can be very hard on your Bichon Frise. If you have a stopover, see if you can bring your pet out there and pick it up. Airports in Europe allow you to walk your pet on a leash—something that they will enjoy after being cooped up for so long.

Etiquette for the Travelling Dog
Wherever you may be:
Before you set out of home on your journey, ring and find out if your hosts allow dogs in or not.

If your dog is hostile to people, particularly strangers, don’t travel with him. If he is good with children, for instance, that’s a good sign. In case he’s moody or not comfortable with others, you should initiate him into an obedience training class or hire a trainer to socialize him.

Keep your Bichon Frise on a leash. Not only do most hoteliers, restaurant managers and festival coordinators require your dog to be on a leash, but those who are afraid of dogs will appreciate the gesture.

Always clean up after your dog. Pet stores sell pooper scooper bags. You can also buy sandwich bags from your local grocery store. They work quite well and are cheap!

Ask your vet if your pet needs to be vaccinated before going on your journey. If he needs to be sedated before the journey, give an appropriate dosage under your vet’s instructions

Festivals and outdoor events:
Before you enter a festival or event celebrations, let your Bichon Frise relieve itself. Usually, festival managers don’t allow pets in because they sometimes use the washrooms meant for people.

Hotel lobby:
Ask the receptionist at the hotel desk if you can bring in your pet dog

Hotel rooms:
Since all hotels have their own set of rules regarding allowing in pets, you need to obey them. In fact, you could practice good etiquette by carrying along with you an extra sheet,if your Bichon Frise is in the habit of sleeping on a bed.

When you reach a rest stop, keep your Bichon Frise on a leash for the safety’s sake. In the presence of other people, your Bichon Frise can easily turn unpredictable.

Does the hotel you live in allow you to leave your pet unattended? Check it out. If they do, leave your Bichon Frise with toys to amuse himself with.

Don’t leave your Bichon Frise in your hotel room all by himself. He can damage hotel property, bark continuously or scare the hotel staff.

When you are in your hotel room with your Bichon Frise, hang up a Do Not Disturb sign on the door or keep it locked. By doing this, housekeeping staff will not be scared to see a pet when they enter your room.

Don’t allow your Bichon Frise to use your bathroom. Instead, take him to the bushes near the parking lot, usually designated for pet walks.

Lay his food and water out in the bathroom or on a tiled floor. Pets usually eat messily, as you know, so you have to be careful.

Stores: Before you enter a store, find out if your pet can enter it with you. If your Bichon Frise can go in with you, see that he doesn’t head for the bathroom. If your dog uses the bathroom here, offer to clean up after him.

Pet requirements:

• Your Bichon Frise must be at least 8 weeks old and be weaned before flying out. His kennel must meet the standards in terms of size, strength, sanitation and ventilation.
• Your Bichon Frise’s kennel must be enclosed, allowing sufficient room for it to stand, sit and lie down in a natural position. It must be easy to open, strong enough to withstand transportation problems, and be free of harmful objects.
• Your Bichon Frise needs to have a solid, leak proof floor with a covering of absorbent lining. Though sub-floors of wire are allowed, pegboard flooring is not. This allows for cleanliness while travelling.
• Give your Bichon Frise an airy kennel whose openings are about 14 percent of the total wall space. About five of these openings must be located on the top half of the kennel. In addition, it must have rims that will prevent the openings for air from being blocked by other cargo.
• Your Bichon Frise’s kennel must have either grips or handles to lift it without cargo personnel putting their hands inside the kennel. If they do this, they run the risk of having their hands bitten by your Bichon Frise.

Mark your kennel with the words “live animal” on the top and on one side, with lettering size being one inch high.


Feeding your Bichon Frise on your journey: Before you send your pet into its kennel, you need to attach a list of feeding and watering instructions, valid for a 24-hour period. If you are travelling by air, the airline staff can carry out your instructions. Since you are the owner, you will have to provide a document that states that your Bichon Frise was last fed four hours before you began your journey.

You will have to attach food and water dishes too and must be easy to remove without the airhostesses having to open the kennel. You will have to ensure that food and water is given to your Bichon Frise every 12 hours if they are 8-16 weeks old. If you are travelling with an adult dog, allow him to be fed once every 24 hours and given water every 12 hours.

What to do if your pet gets lost: You’ve got your luggage off the plane, but your pet hasn’t arrived. What do you do? First, speak to the airline staff. With efficient computer tracking systems, your Bichon Frise can easily be located. Despite this, if you cannot find your Bichon Frise, do the following:

• Get in touch with animal control agencies and humane societies in your areas, ask if they know of your Bichon Frise.
• Give the airline staff a description and photos of your Bichon Frise.
• Be in daily touch with all animal and pet organizations

We hope you always enjoy yourself with your Bichon Frise—whether at home or on holiday. If you’ve done so much to travel with your pet, you deserve a holiday. Now, go out and have fun. What else are pets and holidays for, anyway?

Understanding Bichon Frise Allergies

Owning a Bichon Frise means having a constant companion to bond and play with. Aside from the joy and laughter that a dog can bring to your relationship, he can also bring health problems that can bring discomfort to you or your dog. One of the most common health problem that Bichon Frises encounter is allergies.

What are Dog Allergies?
Dog allergies are often caused by changes in the dog’s food or environment. These allergies are distinguished by how the body reacts to unusual stimulus triggered by different factors. These are known as allergic reactions.

If your Bichon Frise shows signs of allergic reaction, you need to find out what is causing it. A veterinarian can help you verify the problem and then help you determine how to resolve it and strengthen his immunes system.

Dogs can react differently to allergies, even if it is caused by the same allergen. These allergens can at times be in the dog’s body, causing it to react against itself, as in the case of auto-immune diseases.
Some dog breeds may seem less susceptible or even prone to allergies, but in actuality, no dog is immune to them, including the Bichon Frise of course.

What Causes Dog Allergies?
There are many causes of dog allergies. For example, a dog might inhale grass or tree pollen. He could develop a reaction to dust granules. Maybe he’s allergic to flea saliva. Or, he could even be allergic to an ingredient found in his commercial dog food.

You will learn more about the different types of dog allergies later in this article.

6 Common Symptoms of Bichon Frise Allergies

Dogs exhibit different signs as a result of having allergies. Here are six of the most common symptoms to watch for:

1. Skin problems
The most obvious sign of skin problems is when your dog itches more than normal for an extended period of time. This excessive itching is dangerous because pustules can erupt and become infected. You may also notice redness and swelling of the problem area. If he has fleas, then the allergy situation can become more severe.

2. Hair loss
If your dog loses an excessive amount of hair, he could possibly have allergies.

3. Digestive problems
Excessive diarrhea and/or gas is a sign that your dog could have allergies.

4. Vomiting
If your dog vomits, it could be due to stomach and intestinal problems caused by allergies.

5. Foul odors
If you notice foul smelling odors, they are most likely due to infections in open sores on the skin.

6. Ear infections
Scratching or tilting of the head can be signs of an ear infection caused by allergies.

Pay close attention to your dog’s behaviors—and the duration of the “episode.” These could be important clues to determining your dog’s health problems.

What are the Types of Dog Allergies?
There are three basic types of dog allergies:
1. Flea Allergy
2. Inhalant Allergy
3. Food Allergy

Inhalant Allergies
The environment contains allergens which can cause mast cells in the skin and basophils in the blood to release antibodies containing histamines, leukotrienes, and serotonin. These are what cause the dog’s allergy symptoms.

Causes
If your Bichon Frise inhales grass pollen or ragweed pollen, he could show signs of allergy. Your dog will show signs of dust and pollen allergies by scratching himself, biting himself, licking his paws, shaking his head and rub his face on the ground when pollen is in the air.

Some of these inhalant allergies are only seasonal. For example, some dogs may deal with grass pollen only in the spring and summer. Whereas, ragweed pollen could be a problem in late summer and early fall.

When pollen grains are in the air and the inhalant allergies occur, the dog will bite and scratch his body, shake his head, lick his paws, shake his head, and rub his face on the carpet or grass for relief.

Inhalant allergies can also be caused by household dust, mold spores, and other irritants. In these situations, the inhalant allergy is not seasonal, rather year-around.

Prevention and Treatment
You can treat your Bichon Frise of inhalant allergies by giving him cool baths with shampoos or rinses with the ingredients aloe vera, eucalyptus, or oatmeal. These ingredients are soothing to the dog’s skin. His skin will begin to heal as the allergen goes away.

You can also alter your dog’s diet by including more Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids. Read the dog food’s packaging labels to ensure these are included, or consider supplements after discussion with your vet.

Giving your dog a healthy diet containing vitamins and minerals will help improve his overall health, including his coat and skin.

In more extreme cases of inhalant allergies, there are antibiotic and drug therapy treatments that can be given. Talk to your vet about what options are best for your dog.
Also, be sure to keep your home—and especially the areas of the house where your dog spends most of his time—very clean. Vacuum the floors and furniture frequently and dust everything. Also make sure that you keep his bedding clean and fresh at all times.

Some dog owners treat their pet with antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), clemastine (Tavist), or chlorapheniramine (Chlortrimetron). However, it is very important not to give these to your dog unless you have spoken with your vet about the proper dosage.

If you go this route, it is important to point out that your dog’s allergies may not fully disappear following these options. Therefore, you may have to experiment to find the solution that works for him.

In extreme cases, when nothing else seems to work, a vet may recommend prednisone (or other type of steroid). This will interfere with the immune system so the dog’s body won’t consider the allergens as invaders.

Steroids should only be used according to the vet’s recommendations. Excessive use of steroids can cause liver problems for the dog. For older dogs, it can create a form of Cushing’s disease. Other side effects of steroids are that it can cause the dog to have an increase in appetite and thirst. This can lead to frequent urination, which can cause more aggression for some dogs.

Flea Allergies
Constant scratching can be a clear sign that your Bichon Frise has a flea bite allergy. This irritability can be so intolerable for the dog that he may actually chew himself raw while trying to ease the pain.

Causes
Flea allergies can occur when a dog is allergic to the flea saliva. If the dog is bit by a single flea, the dog could begin chewing frantically. He will chew most around his tail, inside his hind legs, and on his stomach in an effort to relieve the pain.

Prevention and Treatment
To help prevent your dog from flea allergy complications, provide him with regular grooming. Have him cut as close to the skin as possible. This way, you can easily detect fleas and their droppings.

Also be sure to regularly apply flea prevention treatment to your dog. Your veterinarian will have a good supply of high-quality flea products. Flea prevention treatments range from once-a-month treatments, pills, sprays, and shampoos.

There are even premise foggers that contain growth regulators and pyrethrins. Talk with your vet about which prevention treatments are best for your dog within your environment.

A word of caution: Don’t let price be a factor in your flea preventionm decision. The better flea preventative products are usually more expensive, but they are much more effective.

Many dog owners prefer to go the “natural” route in preventing fleas by using plant products such as garlic and brewer’s yeast. However, there is no solid proof that these actually deter fleas.

Other dog owners surround the dog crate or doorways with herbs such as southernwood, pennyroyal, or wormwood. Others, swear by herbal flea collars.

Then there are dog owners who brush lavender or eucalyptus oil throughout the dog’s coat—usually weekly. Others sprinkle rosemary, dried lavender leaves, or eucalyptus into the dog’s bed.

While these are all safe and resourceful ideas, it is not known for certain if they can really prevent fleas.

If your dog shows signs of irritated skin, you can follow the tips for shampooing, diet changes, and cleaning as described above in the Inhalant Allergies section above.

Food Allergies
If your Bichon Frise shows signs of allergies, but you are quite certain it is not from inhalants in the environment, fleas in his coat or other health problems, your dog could suffer from food allergies.
It is sometimes difficult to determine food allergies, especially when the dog faces other allergies. It can also be a timely process as you experiment with different foods, trying to isolate the food allergens.

Causes
These food allergies can cause your dog discomfort with severe intestinal and stomach problems. The most obvious signs of food allergies are diarrhea and vomiting, but it can also lead to ear infections.

Prevention and Treatment

If you suspect your Bichon Frise has food allergies, take him to the vet immediately. Your vet can prescribe a new diet that is high in protein, carbohydrates and other nutrients that your dog may not have been receiving from his previous diet.

Some vets recommend a home-cooked diet for dogs with food allergies. This could include protein combined with rice or potatoes, which is a healthy, hypoallergenic meal. To do this, boil all the ingredients and serve the same amount as your dog’s normal diet.

After the food has been cooked, you can package meals in individual portions, freeze them, then thaw as you need them. (Caution: This diet should only be fed for a short period of time—one or two months at the most because it is not a well-balanced diet. It is only a test diet.)

Once your Bichon Frise is on the new prescribed diet, don’t feed him anything else. You are trying to isolate the food allergen. If you notice that the symptoms go away, you can gradually bring new food into his diet to try and identify which ingredient is the cause for the allergies.

If the symptoms do not go away within four weeks, you can try another hypoallergenic diet. If the symptoms still do not go away, your vet will need to run more tests.

When You Are Allergic to Your Bichon Frise Approximately 15 percent of dog owners suffer from some sort of petrelated allergies. These allergic reactions can be mild or quite severe.

Allergies can be caused by dander, saliva, skin or hair proteins, or fur.

How do these allergies affect the body? People can develop an immune reaction to a particular protein that is found in the sebaceous glands of the dog’s skin.

Dogs are continually shedding, so when he releases these tiny scales of dead skin—dander—allergens are also being released.

A dog can also have allergens in his saliva and even urine. These allergens get trapped into his fur and when he licks himself, he is spreading them.

Additionally, as the fur dries out, there are microscopic particles that flake off and get into the air. When this happens, you can breathe in the particles.

These allergens can stay airborne for hours at a time and can stay potent for weeks—making it very uncomfortable for you.

Symptoms of Allergies
If you find yourself sneezing and wheezing, or you discover itchy rashes, chances are you have allergies. If this is the case, you will want to consult with an allergist. He or she will be able to determine if your allergy symptoms are pet-related.

If you find that you are allergic to your dog, the allergist can help alleviate the irritating symptoms by creating a treatment routine. This could include medication, allergy shots, and/or alternative therapy.

15 Helpful Tips for Controlling Allergies
Unfortunately, there is not a cure for allergies. However, there are several things you can do to make life with your dog more comfortable:

1. Wash your hands frequently.
Wash your hands with soap and hot water immediately after handling your dog. If you are unable to wash your hands right away, avoid touching your hands with your face—especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.
If you have severe allergies and are in close contact with your dog, you may need to take frequent showers and change your clothes throughout the day.

2. Feed your dog a well-balanced diet.
Your dog’s diet should include some natural fat. This fat helps to make your dog’s skin less dry, resulting in less shedding. Talk to your vet about his recommendations on how to safely add fat to his diet.

3. Don’t allow your Bichon Frise in the bedroom.
This tip takes a lot of discipline, but it does make a big impact on your reaction to allergies. Keeping your bedroom door closed is ideal because it keeps airborne particles away. Sleep on mattresses and pillows with hypoallergenic polyester fillings. Also, as an extra precaution, cover your pillows, mattresses, and box springs with plastic, zippered, allergy-proof covers.

4. Brush your dog often.
It is ideal to brush your dog daily. However, if you suffer from allergies, you’ll need to give another family member the responsibility of brushing the dog. If possible, the dog should be brushed outdoors.

If you live alone with your dog, consider taking him to a professional groomer. You could wear a dust mask and gloves for brushing him in between grooming visits.

5. Bathe your dog often.
Check your dog’s current shampoo. It should be a hypoallergenic or oatmeal- based shampoo. If it’s not, try switching brands. If your allergies can’t handle the bathing, have another family member be responsible for giving baths. Or, have your dog visit a groomer.

6. Wash your dog’s belongings.
Get into the habit of washing your dog’s bed, blankets, and toys on a weekly basis—either by hand with a safe soap or in the washing machine.

7. Check your vacuum.
Make sure your vacuum cleaner has a HEPA (High Efficiency Particle Air) filtration system. This type of system will help pull up and trap more of your dog’s dander from the floor.
Note: vacuuming is recommended over sweeping because sweeping can stir the dander into the air, rather than trapping and removing it.

8. Have carpets cleaned regularly.
Even though you use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filtration system, it is important to still have your carpets steam-cleaned throughout the year. Try to have this done at least quarterly.

9. Dust often.
Use a damp cloth to wipe down surfaces such as tables, shelves, window sills, wall hangings, lamps, and other furniture and accessories. If necessary, wear a dust mask as you clean.

10. Keep the air fresh.
Use an air purifier one that contains a HEPA. This type of system will help eliminate dander from the air.

11. Wash walls often.
Wipe down your walls, baseboards, and wall accessories. Do this according to how severe your allergies are.

12. Stay away from heavy upholstered furniture and curtains.
These heavy materials can attract tiny allergens and trap them. If you have these heavy fabrics, be sure to vacuum them often. For curtains and pillows, have them professionally dry cleaned.

13. Change filters often.
Replacing air filters for central heating and cooling systems, the furnace, and humidifiers can help control and remove allergies.

14. Circulate the air.
Use exhaust fans and open the windows and doors to keep the home well- ventilated.

15. Don’t smoke.
If you smoke, you are not only lowering your tolerance to the allergens in your home, but you are also aggravating your lungs that are already sensitive.

Recommended Breeds for Allergy Sufferers
If you suffer from allergies, there are some dog breeds that will be less problematic for you.

Keep in mind though, that all dogs produce dander. Depending on the breed, some dogs shed their skin as often as every few days, while others shed every few weeks.

The less a dog sheds the less dander it produces. The following breeds typically produce less dander:
• Airedale
• Basenji
• Bedlington terrier
• Bichon Frise
• Chinese crested
• Irish water spaniel
• Italian greyhound
• Kerry blue terrier
• Maltese
• Bichon Frise
• Portuguese water dog
• Schnauzers
• Shih tzu
• Soft-coated Wheaten terrier
• Tibetan terrier
• Wire-haired fox terrier
• Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican hairless)

ConclusionYou want life to be as comfortable as possible for you, your family, and your Bichon Frise. By educating yourself on the common dog allergies, paying close attention to your Bichon Frise’s behaviors, and keeping your home clean, you can minimize allergy problems before they get out of control.

Dog Yeast Infection - A Pet Owner’s Guide to Understanding Dog Yeast Infection

Behind every yeast infection are single-celled fungi that are found in virtually every living creature on Earth. The truth is, yeast infection in both humans and animals normally appear in warm, moist areas of the body. In humans, yeast infection usually develops in the mouth and genitals whereas in animals such as dogs, signs of yeast infection are commonly seen on the skin and the ears.

Unlike yeast infections in humans, dog yeast infection is caused by a fungus called Malasezzia pachydermatis. Interestingly enough, this fungus made its appearance in the dermatology scene roughly 10 years ago, although it may have been in existence a lot longer. In dog's ears, Malasezzia is considered a secondary pathogen. In the skin, however, it is now regarded as a primary one despite the fact that there is usually a predisposing factor that turns it from a harmless bystander into an extremely itchy and irritating nuisance.

Malasezzia pachydermatis rarely cause an infection when the dog is in healthy condition. However, when the conditions on the dog's skin surface change and favor the growth of yeasts, these opportunistic organisms multiply in large numbers and cause dog yeast infection. Remember, Malasezzia in small numbers is harmless, but when they proliferate and get out of control, disease results.

So, what are some conditions that lead to dog yeast infection? Increased skin oil production, which is often associated with allergic flare ups, is usually the most common factor that increases a dog's susceptibility to yeast infections. As with humans, hormonal imbalances and decreased immune function also predispose a dog to yeast infections.

Although Malasezzia yeast infection can affect any type of dog, the following breeds are known to be genetically predisposed to yeast infections: West Highland White Terriers, Basset hounds, Poodles, Silky terriers, Australian terriers, Malteses, Cocker spaniels, Chihuahuas, Shetland sheepdogs, and Dachshunds.

Skin Yeast Infection in Dogs

Yeast infection in skin of dogs is usually manifested by the following symptoms: skin irritation and itchiness (as evidenced by frequent scratching), loss of hair (alopecia), scaly skin, oily skin, redness on the affected areas, smelly discharge from lesions, hyperpigmentation (patches of skin becoming darker) and epidermal thickening (in chronic cases). Skin yeast infection in dogs usually occurs on the underside of the neck, the belly, and the feet, particularly between the toes.

Diagnosis of skin yeast infection in dogs is based on various tests such as impression smear and tape strip cytology, among others. The skin of affected dogs can be cleared from Malasezzia with the use of ketoconazole for 10 to14 days or application of topical shampoos that contain miconazole or ketoconazole. Because most cases of skin yeast infection in dogs are secondary to an underlying disease, recurrence is very common unless the cause is resolved.

Ear Yeast Infection in Dogs

It is relatively easy to spot an ear yeast infection in dogs, especially when it occurs in the outer ear. If you may notice your dog scratching his ear or rubbing it on the floor, that may indicate that your pet may have an ear yeast infection. Changes in behavior such as lack of interest in people, trouble walking, difficulty hearing, and loss of balance may also be indicative of infection.

Diagnosis of ear yeast infection involves the use of an instrument called otoscope. To determine if your dog's ear drum is intact or if there's something in the ear canal that could be causing the infection, your veterinarian will look at your dog's ear canal using an otoscope. The doctor will probably also take a sample of discharges from in and around the ear, and examine this under the microscope. If the infection is confined in the outer ear, antifungal creams and ointments will usually suffice. If the infection is found in the middle ear, however, systemic medications in the form of tablets or injections are usually prescribed. Full cleaning of the dog's ear canal may also be recommended.

Dog yeast infections are usually associated with the skin and ears. Fortunately, these conditions can be easily prevented with healthy diet. If you suspect yeast infection in your dog, be sure to contact your vet immediately for proper evaluation and treatment.

Tame that Free Spirit in your Pit Bull

Pit bulls sometimes get a bad rap. While there are some unscrupulous people out there who train these dogs to fight, many people have good-natured animals that just need a little obedience training. Before deciding upon a Pit Bull, you have to research the breed to ensure that they are something that you can handle. Pit bulls need an ever-ending supply of attention and love in addition to receiving an obedience training education in order for them to be the wonderful pet you want them to be. The great thing about the pit bull is that they are super smart and will catch on quick to any training you give them.

Your pit bull can be very headstrong which can be trying when it comes to training them. In other words, they can be very stubborn! They have a mind of their own and sometimes will go off on a tangent. You will have to work very hard to keep them on task. Patience is the key ingredient to training a pit bull. Becoming frustrated and annoyed does not solve any problems; rather, it just creates more when it comes to obedience training.

Starting when your pit bull is a puppy will make your obedience training go more smoothly. Eight to ten weeks of age, after being weaned from mom, is the perfect time to get started. Regardless of the age you decide to start, just know that your training will be more successful if you incorporate some fun and games into it. And most of all stay positive and focused on your goal - an obedient pet who loves you!

Integrating your pit bull with other dogs and people is an essential part of your every day training routine. Social skills are important, even with dogs. By mingling with others while he is still a puppy, your pit bull will be less likely to be aggressive. If you decide on a group obedience training class, your puppy will get plenty of socialization.

Just like a teenager, your pit bull will try and test his bounds several weeks into the obedience training. He will push you and push you to see what he can get away with. Typically, this can occur at around twelve to seventeen weeks of age. This is also the time when he will discover his teething skills. He may try and nip or nibble on you during play time. Do not allow this to happen! Assert your dominance and authority over him and immediately correct the nipping and biting behavior. Your dog will respect your position as top dog, if you pardon the pun.

Pit bulls can be loyal and loving to their families, especially with the proper obedience training. That is why you should make the time to ensure that he gets the training he needs. This breed is a very social animal and is a big attention getter. With obedience training, you will get an exuberant dog with good manners and behavior. Don’t forget though – they have forceful doggie personalities. You have to be consistent and strong. Your own reward is a wonderful pet for years to come.

Using a Remote Trainer for the Sit and Stay Command

The advantage of employing a remote trainer for modification purposes during the sit and stay command is good. You will have the ability to time your corrections accurately. That way you can clearly show your dog his mistake immediately so that it can be fixed. This results in fewer corrections with remote training than would have been needed with the conventional one on one hand corrections where you would physically touch your dog each time. In addition, correcting with a remote trainer can be accomplished even if you are not within eyesight of your dog. It cannot be stressed enough that it is less difficult for your dog to learn when they have properly timed corrections.

There are some proper ways to correct your dog during the remote training for the sit and stay commands. If your dog starts to get up or leave, you must instantaneously press the button to activate the electronic collar and say “sit.” When he sits back down, release the button so the electronic charge dissipates. If this happens, he may be in a slightly different spot than where he started. Nonchalantly, guide your dog back to the original location, put him in the sitting position and move away again.

If your dog stays distracted, call him back from it using mild electronic stimulation from the collar. When he comes towards you, cut off the stimulation and then lead him back to the original spot. You must take your cue from your dog. The remote trainer cannot be used accurately if you do not act at the same time as your dog. You must catch him in the act and respond accordingly by depressing the button that activates his remote collar.

Sometimes your dog may try and lie down. Again, if you are observing him closely, you can pick up some body cues to know when he is easing up on his stance and thinking about lying down. When you catch him starting to lie down, press the button to activate his collar. Try and do this before the elbows are touching the ground. This way, your dog can respond and get up more quickly. Do not say anything as you press the button. Sometimes, the quick shock surprises him back into a sitting position. If your dog does this, quietly commend him for acting appropriately. If your dog does not sit back up, go to him and put him back into a sitting position and say “sit” again.

You will have to repeat these processes for remote training multiple times before your dog starts to understand. It takes time and patience before your dog understands how to hold a position. If your dog is persistent in his actions to leave the area or lie down during the training for the “sit” command, you may have to review the need to intensify the shock the electronic collar emits. You must make it uncomfortable, but not painful, for him to do any other action other than the one that was commanded.

Behavior Modification for Shih Tzu Dogs

If you have a Shih Tzu that loves to jump in your lap all the time or paws at you, this does not necessarily mean that he trying to do anything bad. Rather, it may be your dog’s way of saying, “I need to play and exercise!” When this happens, go on a good walk with your Shih Tzu. In fact, to cut down that continual pawing and lap jumping, incorporate daily walks a few times a day if possible.

It is also important to try and read body cues. Sometimes, your dog is not misbehaving but rather trying to tell you that something is not right. It could something simple like your Shih Tzu needs to go eliminate or he needs more water in his bowl. Recognizing that your dog needs you is crucial. The Shih Tzu is very smart but cannot always communicate what it needs.

A Shih Tzu wants nothing better than to be by his master’s side all the time. That is all fine and good. However, did you know you are almost setting him up for failure by not attending to his needs before you get involved in a project, whether it is work or reading a book? If you take care and get him his favorite chew toy or fill his water bowl or whatever before you start something, chances are that he will not bother you or cut into your project time. He will be content just lying next to you or being in the same room.

When you sit down for a while, instruct your Shih Tzu to lie down near you. Most Shih Tzus will automatically do this. However, if they have a pressing need, they will not until it is taken care of first. Often, if you make the effort to see to their needs first, they will likely just lay down near you. Don’t forget, your dog wants nothing else except to be near their human masters.

Some Shi Tzus are naturally a bit high strung and need some time to expend that excess energy. Arrange a play date with another dog or hook a leash on him and take him for a long walk. Once your dog winds down a little, you will find that he is a lot more agreeable in his behavior.

Shi Tzu puppies appear to be little balls of fluff in perpetual motion and they are very inquisitive. They will seem like they are into everything and that is normal, just a part of being a puppy. However, as they get older, most of the Shih Tzu are content to relax all day. Of course, with behavior modification, training should start with they are still puppies. Be advised that it will take a bit longer simply because they are puppies.

Just remember that most of the Shih Tzu, while active, is not hyperactive. Don’t try to “give him something” to make him calmer. That may do more harm than good. With proper training and the setting of limits, they can catch on quick to your personal routine. They are smart and inquisitive, absorbing all the stimuli around them. Be careful though. They can be stubborn little tyrants so you have to show them right away that you are the leader.

Canine Orthopedic Braces for Man's Best Friends

“A dog is a man's best friend” is a cliché, but which dog lovers hold close to their hearts. Perhaps, it is the most quoted among quotes about animals and pets because it can't be truer. This is why dog lovers are pained when they see their dogs suffer brought about by pain and injury. It is a good thing that dogs are treated well these days so that their welfare is taken cared for. These pets need not suffer unceremoniously because there are canine orthopedic braces to support fractured bones and torn ligaments.

What are canine orthopedic braces and its functions?

These devices are designed to appropriately fit the injury and the size of the dog. These help the dog heal faster by stabilizing and supporting the damaged structures through distributing or sharing the weight of the body between the body and the brace.

There are several goals in the treatment involving injuries.

• Foster healing of the traumatized tissues (bones, muscles, ligaments and tendons).

• Reduce the inflammation and ease the pain in the affected area.

• Prevent the atrophy of the muscles in the area of injury by assisting the dog in moving around despite the injury.

• Rehabilitate and reestablish proprioception which refers to the ability of the dog to sense the position, orientation and movement of the body and the body parts.

What are different canine orthopedic braces and prosthetics that help dogs move around?

When the lower limbs (knee, elbow, hock, carpus and paws) are injured, there are splints or braces that are particularly designed to help the part heal. There are dog splints, hock splints, bootie splints and carpal splint for these injured parts.

• Dog splints are for pets with lower limb problems. These are modeled and inspired after splints that support injured foot, lower leg and ankle of humans. Thus, it is positioned on the back of the canine's leg with Velcro adjustments. Its features allow the dog to keep the leg in a normal walking form and helps in managing the weight on the injured leg. The design provides an easy access for daily treatment if there are wounds. Its cost is lower compared to casting. It s also lightweight and waterproof.

• Hock splints stabilize and provide support to the lower rear limb and the heel. This keeps the paws free.

• Bootie splints support the lower rear leg. This type of splint extends under the paw steadying the injuries on the toes or digits. It also effectively provides proper positioning when there are nerve damages. Bootie splints are available in sizes X-Small, Small and Medium has two adjustable straps while Large and X-Large booties have three.

• Carpal splints are intended for carpal joints. This is lightweight and is generally used as a post-surgery brace for the carpal joint. This type usually does not extend under the paw.

What are the important points to remember when buying orthopedic braces dogs for?

There is a huge choice of braces and splints for the dogs. It is important to work closely with a veterinarian or a specialist in dog orthopedics to get proper guidance in choosing the most appropriate brace for your dog. Since dogs have variable sizes, make sure that your dog will get the right fit. That is achieved by having it customized to get a perfect fit. Though there are sizes available in different types of splints, the measurements need to be done the right way. It is also important that these canine orthopedic braces are made out of composite rubber joints than metals, which are similarly strong, and works better with the dog's movements.

For many people, dogs are not just best friends; they are also family. We feel their pain when they are injured. Help them recover faster with these braces.

Why Is My Dog Sneezing?

Seeing a dog sneezing can be funny when it just happens once or twice, but if your pet is starting to sneeze a lot, you may begin to wonder why. Is it just a normal part of a dog's life, or could it be a sign of something more serious?

Like humans, when animals sneeze it is because their nasal passages are irritated or inflamed. This may be caused by something getting into the nose, like pepper, or it could be a symptom of a viral infection that is causing inflammation. If your dog also has a runny nose it is likely that he is going down with some kind of virus.

An infection of the sinuses is another possible cause of repeated sneezing. Sometimes this can be caused by a tooth infection. An abscess in the upper jaw can easily spread to the sinuses. In this situation you will probably realize that the dog is in pain and needs treatment.

More rarely, a cyst or polyp in the nose might cause a dog to sneeze. If this happens, the dog sneezing could gradually become more and more frequent and you might not even notice that your pet's habits had changed for a while.

Of course, sometimes dog sneezing may be one symptom of a more serious problem. In this case there will usually be other symptoms too. Consult with your veterinarian as soon as possible if your pet is panting, coughing or wheezing, or appears to have breathing difficulties.

It is also a good idea to see the vet if any viral infection lasts for longer than a couple of days, or if the dog is very tired and lethargic, or is running a fever. Some viruses are more serious than others and may require treatment.

Another sign that means a trip to the vet's office is if your pet has nosebleeds along with the sneezing. It's not unusual to have a few drops of blood when a sneeze causes a small capillary to burst, but a flow of blood could be a sign of mites, exposure to rat poison or even a tumor in the sinuses.

Of course, a canine sneeze from time to time is usually nothing to worry about. Dogs like to poke their noses and sniff in all kinds of places, so it is not surprising if sometimes they pick up something that irritates. This could be pollen from a plant, smoke, dust or a small foreign object.

Occasionally, they will get something larger stuck in the nose. If the sneezing continues and the dog is also pawing at its nose or shaking its head, it is probably trying to dislodge something. Most times, the dog sneezing will get rid of the irritant but if the problem continues, see your vet because there may be something there that needs to be removed.

Why Is My Dog Not Eating?

A dog not eating can be worrying. Clearly, a dog who does not want any food is not the healthiest of animals. But what is wrong? In this article we look at some of the possible causes of a dog not eating and what you should do.

Like children, dogs often lose their appetite when they are sick. This actually helps the body to recover because it can concentrate all of its resources on the illness without having to handle digestion of food at the same time. Any kind of minor bacterial or viral infection may cause this to happen.

If the dog is also coughing, it may have infectious bronchitis, also known as kennel cough. This is a very common mixture of viral and bacterial infection that is easily passed from dog to dog. The symptoms are a lot like flu in humans, including fever and lethargy or depression, but may last for up to a month.

There is no complete treatment for kennel cough and in most cases you just have to keep the dog home and let it rest. However, you might want to have it checked by a vet. Sometimes antibiotics are necessary to prevent pneumonia. As with flu in humans, kennel cough can sometimes be serious or fatal, especially in old dogs or those with impaired immune systems.

Lyme disease is a more serious infection that is passed on to dogs from ticks. A dog with Lyme disease will often have painful joints and may limp. It will probably also have a fever and bad breath. Lyme disease must be treated as soon as possible to prevent serious complications from developing.

A puppy not eating may be suffering from red or demodectic mange. This is a parasite that lives on virtually all dogs and many humans, but only causes problems in puppies up to one year old or adult dogs with depressed immunity. The skin becomes itchy, reddened or scaly and the puppy loses hair in circular patches.

Another possible cause of a dog not eating is that the dog has an abdominal obstruction. This means that they have swallowed something that is causing a blockage somewhere in the digestive system and will not pass out. It could be a bone or anything that they swallowed that is indigestible. These obstructions can cause serious problems and you should see the vet with your dog to check this out. Surgery is sometimes required to remove the obstruction.

More rarely, loss of appetite in a dog may be caused by rabies, heart disease or heartworms. Of course, these are serious conditions that will have other symptoms too.

In summary, there may be many different reasons for your dog's loss of appetite. It would not be possible to be sure what is wrong without seeing the dog. However, you can be sure there is something. Dogs do not stop eating for no reason at all. Therefore, it is important to take your pet along to the vet's office so that the problem can be investigated and the vet can discover the cause of the dog not eating.

Physical Therapy for Dogs

Animal physical therapy first got its start in the big-money sport of horse racing. When you drive horses hard as all that, of course, there are going to be injuries. Since there is a lot of money riding on these horses, they worked out many rehabilitative techniques to help them. Modern physical therapy for dogs draws comes from these efforts.

Rehabilitation is about the most popular elective in veterinary medicine today. There are more than a dozen veterinary schools that offer specific courses in physical therapy for dogs, and about 500 physical therapists practice this skill today.

If you're unfamiliar with how physical therapy for dogs can help, you're probably wondering at this point, how exactly physical therapy might even be needed. How does physical therapy help a dog, exactly?

When a dog suffers an injury or undergoes surgery of some kind, a little bit of physical therapy can help considerably in the recovery. But it can do other things. It can help the dog gain better flexibility and become more athletic. It can help with weight loss, too.

Let's say for instance that your pet has just had surgery for kidney stones or something. Of course, he can't go and walk about right after, because it could be painful. If you let your pet just rest it out for a week or so, that wouldn't really work, because her joints and muscles quickly become very stiff and even start to atrophy even after a couple of days of no movement. If you find this hard to believe, just think of what happens every morning, when you get up from a full night's rest. Doesn't your entire body feel stiff?

Now imagine what would happen if you were to try to rest for a whole week without moving much? You would be completely unable to move if you were asked to get out of bed at the end of the week. Your muscles would have atrophied, and your joints would have become extremely stiff. Do that for even longer, and you might permanently lose the use of your limbs.

Physical therapy for dogs is very useful when your dog is in pain from arthritis or any kind of injury, too.

Physical therapy canine rehabilitation has come a long way from the one-size-fits-all attitude that was used at first. These days, the physical therapist will work together with your dog's veterinarian to develop a program just for your dog. It works just the way it does with people.

How to Evaluate a Seizure in Dogs

While all breeds of dog have a great personality, not all tend to health in the same way. Some breeds, such as the boxer, have some particularly worrisome health tendencies. What do you do in the event of a seizure in dogs?

Usually, there are two different kinds of seizure in dogs, in general. The first is the most serious – they coll them primary epilepsy or true epilepsy. This is where the dog inherits it the tendency, from its genes. Doctors only ever entertain the possibility last of all. They always try to rule out every other possible kind of seizure before thinking of this. With dogs like boxers that are known to have a genetic predisposition to this though, doctors may be willing to call it a seizure a little early. With most kinds of dogs though, they think about it quite a lot.

They usually investigate for secondary epilepsy first. They look for anything in the dog's environment that could be disagreeing with him. But when it is a young dog though – dogs that are anything short of three years generally – seizures are quickly identified as genetic. Generally, things in a dogs environment can't bring about an effect like this in just a few years.

If it isn't the dog's environment, and if it isn't genetic, what else could it be? There are a number of possibilities.

A brain tumor is one of the first possibilities that a vet will consider. A seizure in older dogs is often very quickly narrowed down to a brain tumor. The two are often easily associated. But not all dogs are equally susceptible. Dogs like boxers that have squashed-looking faces, are the ones that have the most trouble with this.

A vet will typically be able to judge if a dog has a brain tumor, by the way he holds himself. With a brain tumor, a dog is often unsteady, and may tilt his head because it feels more comfortable that way. The vet will give your dog an x-ray and find out.

Degenerative myelopathy is another possible reason for seizure in dogs. Once the disease strikes, it gradually destroys the dog's central nervous system.

There are other ways in which seizures can occur in dogs. But no one knows how they work exactly. That's why the doctors call them idiopathic seizures. A dog can get one for all kinds of complex reasons that are never immediately apparent. Even regular loud noises can do this.

How to Buy the Best Pet Insurance for Dogs

Just the very idea makes a lot of sense to a lot of us. We do worry about what we will do come the day that our cherished pet needs expensive medical attention. The kind of treatment options that veterinarians give us these days can easily run to thousands of dollars. What is one to do when there is an unexpected illness or something? There are so many things that can very easily happen to our dog – he could lick antifreeze off a puddle somewhere, run out to the street and get in an accident or anything. Thousands of people find that when something like this happens, that they haven't prepared for it; and their savings go up in a puff of smoke. One does hear about how insurance can help, but one does tend to be skeptical. While a little bit of skepticism certainly is called for, you can follow a few basic guidelines on how to buy the best pet insurance for dogs, and you could come out in good shape.

The first thing that you have to understand is that not even the best pet insurance for dogs will pay everything that your dog will need, when he falls sick. You do have to be willing to make a hefty co-pay. How much they will reimburse you, is what sets the good plans apart from the bad ones.

Before you start looking for an insurance policy, make sure that you know what exactly you're looking for. Write down everything you know about your dog – his breed, how often he visits the vet, what kind of health problems he has had so far and so on. It wouldn't be a bad idea also, to work out how much exactly you spend on your dog's veterinary care every year. With all this information in hand, you should be in a good position to talk to the insurance companies and find the best plan for your needs.

Your dog's veterinarian should be a very good source of information on who has the best pet insurance for dogs. Since vets routinely deal with pet insurance agencies, they know which ones are the best and the easiest to deal with. If there's a particular pet insurance company that routinely gives its customers grief, the veterinarian is going to know, and he is going to tell you. You could also try talking to the vets at a multispecialty veterinary practice. They are likely to know which insurance companies handle expensive surgeries the best. Talking to every kind of vet – this is the way to come by the best pet insurance for dogs.

While pet insurance isn't usually as complex as health insurance for people, they still can be quite complicated. They all have something or the other and that they won't cover. Some will not cover accidents, others will cover treatment but not medication costs, and so on. Be sure that you really understand what each company offers you.

It can be a complex decision to make, to understand who has the best pet insurance for dogs. But just as you do go and buy something even if you don't like any of the health insurance options that are open to you, you shouldn't just put this thing off in disgust. You will thank yourself one day for it.

Bringing Home An Adult Dog

Bringing home an adult dog is quite different from bringing home a puppy. His adaptation to your way of living will largely depend on his previous treatment and environment. In most cases, firm rules and abundant kindness will win him over. Time is in your favor, so use it! If you expect the dog to adapt in a few days or weeks, change your thinking: It will be six months to a year before he is really yours.

All dogs should be kept under physical control, that is, fenced or leashed, for that period of time. Unlimited walks will help the adaptation process, especially if you walk in different directions, covering different territories. This helps your bonding with the dog, and the walk back, always leading to his new home, will help him become used to his new "den."

As with the puppy, the following guidelines should help you in conditioning the new adult dog to become socially acceptable.

Housebreaking

1. Keep the dog tied to you for the first two weeks when he is in the house. Let him loose in your yard to potty or take him on lead to where you want him to potty. Always tell him "Potty" and praise when he does so.
2. Keep a close eye on him during the third week and let him off the leash in the house for short periods of time. Let him out frequently.
3. If you have a Toy breed or Toy mix, or a dog raised and previously kept in a kennel, your time frames should be a month each for Steps 1 and 2.
4. Do not leave the dog alone to roam the house. If you leave, put him in a secured yard or pen, or in a crate in the house.
5. As time goes on, you will be able to tell if he has good intentions of seeking the outdoors to relieve himself. Depending on the dog and his former circumstances, he may be reliable from the first day you bring him home; alternatively, it may take three or four months.

Sleeping Quarters

1. Select the place you wish the dog to sleep.
2. If it is in the house, let him out shortly before you go to bed or take him for a walk.
3. Tie him on a fairly short lead to keep him where you want him to sleep. Give him his own rug and a small bowl of water, or provide a bed or crate for him.
4. If you want him to sleep outside, provide him with a doghouse or a dry, warm corner underneath a porch or a wind-sheltered corner with some type of protected covering. Make sure your yard is secure.

When Your Dog Is Vomiting

The dog vomits with ease, seemingly at will, and often without apparent cause. One thing that almost never causes a dog to vomit is eating too fast. Bolting food is the natural way for a dog.

Eating too much, however, is another matter. The capacity of a pup's stomach to hold food is phenomenal. Life Magazine once ran a story about a five-pound puppy that ate a five-pound ham, all but the bone! Such examples, of course, are the ultra-extreme. Adult dogs, on the other hand, can hold only about one and one-half ounces of liquid for each pound the dog weighs. Some dogs may even hold as much as two ounces per pound of body weight, but any quantities above this almost always produce vomiting.

Vomiting, like diarrhea, is often seen in puppies. Dogs at this age have the exasperating habit of eating such things as dirt, stones, sand, bedding, toys, foil, paper, socks or almost anything else they can get into their mouths. Vomiting also occurs in adults from eating bones, sour food, garbage, carrion or feces. In these cases, vomiting is a sign of gastritis, which is an inflammation of the stomach. Gastritis is rapidly produced by such things as garbage, carrion or caustic chemicals. Most older dogs eventually learn that the foreign materials will make them sick, and stop eating them. The same dogs never seem to realize that garbage, buried bones or sour food may do the same thing - and neither do many owners!

One of the most serious consequences of vomiting is that, once begun, vomiting can persist, even though the cause no longer exists. The usual course in such cases, if uncorrected, follows a characteristic pattern. The dog has a more or less violent seizure of vomiting that ordinarily eliminates the causative substance or object. The vomiting continues, but in a somewhat less violent nature, giving the appearance that the dog is improving.

The loss of fluids and electrolytes in the vomiting causes an imbalance and a noticeable thirst develops. Mild depression develops as well as anorexia, and the vomiting begins to become more severe. Thirst is exaggerated, loss of fluids and electrolytes is accelerated and depression becomes marked. The vomiting becomes more and more violent and the continued loss of fluids and electrolytes creates a critical imbalance. If the situation is allowed to continue uninterrupted, the dog eventually dies from electrolyte imbalance and dehydration.

To help with your dog's vomiting problem, liquid foods should be fed first. Such things as beef and chicken broth not only supply a few calories, but are excellent tor establishing many of the electrolyte balances that have been disturbed by vomiting. Within 48 hours it is usually possible to finely chop a little hard-boiled egg into the broth. If this does not cause a return of the vomiting, then a little cottage cheese, some vanilla ice cream or a little toast and milk can be offered. Resumption of the regular diet can commence as soon as the bland foods are tolerated for at least 24 hours.

Dog Transport that Doesn't Alarm the Dog

It isn't an easy thing to transport an animal. Not if you want to do it in a way treats the animal well. If your problem is how to make those dog transport arrangements in such a way that your dog never has any reason to feel alarmed through the whole thing, you need to know that it can be done only if you plan ahead.

The first thing that you need to do is to prepare your dog for the trip. If your dog is going to go on an airplane for the first time now, you need to mentally prepare him for what is to come. You can do this by bringing out the crate that you wish to carry your dog in on the airplane, put him in it, and then drive him around town with him in the crate. Doing this should help him associate the crate with a safe and familiar travel experience.

On the day of your trip, before you start your whole dog transport plan, bring out a little essential oil of lavender and rub it on his paws. The smell of lavender has a calming effect on man and animal.

A lot of people worry about whether or not they should sedate their pets before they put him in the cargo hold of an airplane. The idea that your pet should be out cold for the whole trip so that he doesn't really know what's going on, is a very good one. But not using drugs is a good idea too. You can choose a natural way to knock him out. You could take him out on a long and tiring hike shortly before the trip. This way, he's going to be yearning for a little rest, and he will fall right asleep the moment you put him in his crate and take him to the airport.

When your pet is jostled about in his crate at the airport, of course, he is going to wake up and react in whatever way he knows to react. Some dogs will pee right there. Wherever you are, people do know that dogs do react in certain ways sometimes. Most people won't mind. Especially if you happen to the with a pet friendly airline or pet friendly hotel. Some hotels and airlines charge you a "naughty pet fee" sometimes, and they just take care of the problem.

When it comes to renting a car and carrying your pet in it, you don't want to do anything that could mess up the car. If your pet leaves a mess in there, the car rental company will charge a cleanup fee. You could avoid this by feeding him tiny meals ahead of the trip. That should help keep his stomach empty enough.

About Those Dog Tear Stains

We will call them "dog tear stains" so that we are in agreement over what are talking about; to let you in on a secret though, they aren't really tears. Those distressing stains on a dog's light-colored facial fur that you see sometimes, come from the kind of secretion from the dog's eyes, that aren't tears.

These stains are not really a health problem at all for the most part – they are only a cosmetic problem. People who own dogs with snow white fur, will often worry about how those dried-up tear stains don't look good on an impeccable coat of white. It could be argued that those moist patches on a dogs facial fur can foster bacterial growth, but most of the time, that's a secondary consideration.

If your dog has this problem and you want a safe way to clean it off, here's what you do.

Before you actually go and clean those dog tear stains away, wait and watch a few days to see how much moisture there is coming from your dog's eyes. If there seems to be rather too much, it's possible that it's an allergic reaction. There might be something in the environment or something in your dog's food.

With that out of the way, let's get to the cleaning part.

Those tear stains are easy enough to clean, actually. You need to mix just a little lemon juice in some warm water, moisten a clean cloth in it, and dab those stains away. As long as you don't let any of the water get into your dog's eyes, you (and your dog) should be fine.

Sometimes, even after you've removed any actual deposits from your dog's facial fur, the stains still remain. To remove those, consider a solution of milk of magnesia and peroxide. Mix equal amounts in the bowl, and put in some cornstarch in it to use as a thickening agent.

You want something that doesn't seem runny. You need to be particularly careful applying this stuff to the affected area. These are real dangerous chemicals, and you can't get any tears in your dog's eyes at all. All you need to do is to do is to let this stuff dry, and then wash it off with water.

If you wish to go a little higher end, pet stores do sell dog tear stain removal products.

It might also be an idea to put a little cider vinegar into your dog's water everyday. It just might help do away with the bacteria that grow around those stains.

The Best Flea Treatment for Puppies

Of course, any flea infestation is a problem. It can drive a dog completely insane even to get a couple of fleas on his coat. An infestation of this kind rarely goes any farther than being an annoyance. When puppies get fleas though, that's a situation that can end in a dead puppy. Puppies are small creatures, and they can't afford to just waste blood on parasites. It's important when you have a puppy, that you should be on your alert for any infestation problems. The moment it happens, you need to quickly start with some kind of effective flea treatment for puppies.

The problem of course is that most commercial flea control products are too strong for use on very young animals. You need to look for something that's safe for a young and sensitive puppy, and it still needs to get the job done. Make the wrong choice here, and the cure could be just as bad as the affliction.

Even the best and safest flea treatment for puppies can be ineffective if you give those fleas any time to settle in. You need to be on them just as soon as they get on your puppy. For this, you need to always be on the lookout.

Make it a habit to check your puppy's gums about twice a week. If they seem a little pale or even white, that's a sign that you're puppy is anemic, and that a flea infestation is at the bottom of the problem. Anemia or blood of deficient quality, can easily kill a puppy. When you see signs of anemia in your puppy, you need to rush the little things to of that right away.

If you find fleas on your puppy's coat, but your puppy isn't anemic yet, there's time to try a couple of home-based treatments.

It would be a good idea to give your puppy a thorough washing in warm soapy water. The soap you use should be pretty mild – mild dish soap would be an excellent choice.

After you bathe and rinse the little critter and give him a nice and thorough drying with a towel, it's time to reach for the flea comb. You need to go through your puppy's coat with a fine flea comb. To make sure that you really are getting all the fleas, make your puppy stand on a large, light-colored towel that will let you quickly see any fleas that pop out. You need to put them all in water to kill them, if any should come out that are still alive.

Now that you have got all those fleas out, you want to make sure that you don't just leave the door wide open for the new infestation. Make sure that you wash your puppy's bedding out thoroughly, and make sure that you keep combing your puppy, just to be safe.

How to Nurse Injured Dog Paw Pads Back to Health

Have you ever wondered how dogs manage to just walk anywhere they want and their soft paw pads give them great service all through? As tough as dog paw pads are, they still do have their limits – just the way human feet to do.

Dogs can hurt their paw pads. And they can become dry and cracked, just the way human feet can. There are a number of things that can do this to a dog's paw pads. Allergies, poor nutrition, rough weather – all the things that can affect human paw pads .. er .. feet – can affect paws as well.

As with human feet, dog paw pads that are cracked or that are otherwise in poor shape, can be treated and healed. Since those pads happen to be softer than feet, leaving them cracked or injured and not treating them, could be a bad idea. Paw pads that are not in the best shape can easily get infected.

The first thing that you need to do is to take a closer look at the undersides of your dog's paws. You can probably take a clue to which paw pads are affected by the way your dog walks. If your dog seems to tread lightly on a paw or if he seems to keep licking a paw often to try to make it better, that's your sign right there.

If you happen to be out walking with your dog when this happens, or if you happen to be on a hike, you really need to turn back the moment you notice a paw injury. Cracked paw pads can be really painful. In fact, it should always be a good idea to check your dog's paws each time you return from time outside with your dog.

Injured paws could be more than just simple cracks, sometimes. There could actually be a cut or puncture from a thorn or splinter. You need to check to see if something still remains in there. It doesn't even necessarily have to be the paw pads. Why, there could be little stones stuck between the toes, or there could be dried bits of rough grass. You neef to look closely to find out what goes on.

If you do find signs of actual injury, you may either take your dog down to the vet, or you could administer the same kind of treatment as the vet would, at home. When there is a paw injury, the vet will usually use povidone iodine to clean it up. And then, the vet will try to make sure that your dog doesn't worry his injured paw, by fitting some kind of protective device there.

You could conceivably do the same thing yourself and save yourself little bit of money. Any dressing that you put on the paws needs to be changed frequently. Dogs sweat through their paws, and bandages can get damp pretty soon.

Training Your Dog With a Service Dog Certification in Mind

Service dogs are not trained to simple general requirements the way everyday dogs are. These are dogs that need to perform to very specific demands, as they help people with different kinds of disabilities get through their day. Service dog certification doesn't come easily. Every dog that qualifies in this capacity, needs to learn to work with his handler as if they were a team.

Service dog certification is something the law takes very seriously. The law in question is the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the law does its best to make sure that people with disabilities are well-served when they get a service dog to help them.

It isn't just federal law that governs how service dogs are certified though. There are state regulations as well. If you wish to train your dog for service dog certification, you need to become intimately familiar with both state and federal laws.

Whatever you do with your dog as you train him, you need to make sure that you maintain meticulous records. Everything that goes into your training, needs to go into your logbook. This is important because the law does require detailed logs, and the degree of detail that they need isn't really clear in the way the law is written. It's really up to the certifying authorities how they interpret those laws.

One of the first things that you should pay attention to training a dog for certification, is its health. Dogs that have troubling health issues do not get certified. You should probably work in consultation with your dog's veterinarian all through the process.

A service dog needs to guide and help a person through their life. As such, the dog needs to be completely dependable in every kind of situation. Service dogs cannot afford to be the jumpy or anxious kind. They need to be thoroughly socialized, and be calm and composed in every situation. For instance, not only does a service dog need to be thoroughly familiar with all the right obedience commands, it needs to be able to follow them no matter what the situation is, or who is around.

The dog certification authorities will take a look at your logs to see how humane your methods are. You want to make sure that they are humane, or your dog doesn't get certified. Basically, they look for about four months of instruction before a dog can qualify for the AKC Canine Good Citizen Test.