A Low-Risk Way to Vaccinate Your Dog

As canine vaccines can potentially cause a lot of health problems, you may wonder if it is absolutely necessary to vaccinate your dog, and if so, what is the safest approach.

Dr. Hamilton, a holistic veterinarian and author of Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs, suggests that we should only vaccinate our dogs against diseases that meet all of the following criteria:

1. The disease is serious, even life threatening.
2. The dog is or will be exposed to the disease.
3. The vaccine for the disease is known to be effective.
4. The vaccine for the disease is safe.

Also, many holistic vets (e.g. Dr. Hamilton and Dr. Pitcairn) stress the importance of using single or simple vaccines instead of the combination vaccines which have become very common these days. This means vaccinating for one disease at a time. Dr. Hamilton rightly points out that natural exposure to diseases is usually one at a time, and so the body is more successful at responding to one vaccine at a time and producing immunity without adverse effects.

Where possible, use only "killed" or "inactivated" vaccines as opposed to "modified live" since "killed" vaccines cannot grow in the body and therefore are safer to use.

It can be difficult to find a vet who has single vaccines readily available. You may have more luck if you seek help from a holistic veterinarian.

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How to Identify the Correct Dog Health Status

We, human beings cannot work without a healthy body but have we ever thought of our pets? So if you have not thought it yet, it is the high time to think about it. First start with asking a question that is your dog really healthy? If you are a responsible pet owner you must understand the importance of having a healthy and happy dog. Probably you understand the relevance of their proper health. You can keep most of the dog health issues at a bay with your attention, care and daily grooming.

You can save yourself with the trouble and the concerns that will come up once your beloved four leg friend became sick. A better way to avoid such troubling issues is to follow the proper routine of deworming and inoculation as laid by your veterinarian. Further in this article we will explain some of the predominant symptoms of dog illness. Tracing out these indicating signs in advance will save your dog from the painful diseases and your money as well.

Some of the peculiar symptoms of dog health disorders are enlisted as under:

1. When it is dejected, loses interest in having food, drinks plenty of water and shows a diverse lack of stamina.
2. When it catches diarrhea, feels excessive vomiting, scratches its body and keeps shaking.
3. When you can see the open sore on the dog's body caused by complete hair loss.
4. When it develops major lumps in the body, reflects stiff movements and takes foul breath.
5. When there is yellowish tartar deposited on their teeth and excess discharge from their nose and eyes.
6. When it faces difficulty while breathing and suddenly reacts aggressively.

Aside the above symptoms which are predominantly identifiable, the dogs may have other diseases which are really hard to detect. There are a number of dog health disorders which are caused by the viral infection, bacterial agents and parasite infestation, etc. if your beloved pet has encountered any of such issues, the symptoms will appear at the serious stages only when the condition is tough to manage. The life threatening diseases actually damage the number of body organs of the dogs because of the bacterial or viral infection.

Dog heath disorder symptoms vary as per the stage and kin fog problem it is facing. However if these are left entreated, these can prove to be fatal. Therefore if you notice any of these unwanted signs in your pet just contact a vet.

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Dog Health Paw Problem Can Be Prevented

If your dog has a paw problem, this needs immediate attention to prevent infection and other serious problems. The dog health paw problem can cause the beloved pet to become aggressive, sad and depressed. Dogs have gained the status of being a part of the family and need special care. Just like you, their health and happiness matters and only you can supply the care.

Causes of the Dog Health Paw Problem

Look at the bottom of your foot and you will see that a dog's pads are just as soft as your foot. Imagine having a piece of glass suck in your foot. The dog will feel the same pain as you do. Dogs have a third digit bone that appears shorter and accounts for why these breeds of dogs are said to have cat feet.

Doberman Pinschers, Giant Schnauzer, Sheep dogs and Akita's all share the cat feet along with many more breeds. Some breeds have feet called hare feet such as Samoyed, Greyhounds and some toy breeds. This paw has center toes longer than the side toes.

The paw absorbs the shock when a dog is running or jumping. When a dog runs, the paw allows for flexibility and is able to bear the weight of the animal. Checking the paws regularly for any type of infection or injury is vital to keeping the dog health paw problem from becoming an issue. Not only can the infection affect the paws, but the infection if not treated can spread to the rest of the dog's body.

Treatment of the Dog Paw

If your dog has a paw injury, you need to clean this area with soap and water and apply an antibiotic cream. If the dog licks the area, wrapping the paw until the antibiotic cream has time to work is needed. Most dogs will take care of minor injuries themselves, but injuries that are more serious require your help and sometime a veterinarian.

Unclipped nails grow out and curl under, which will eventually grow into the pads causing open sores and in some cases, the dog cannot walk due to pain. These nails need clipping down to the pinkish part of the nail, which if clipped will bleed and cause pain to the dog. If the nails have grown long, you need to clip weekly and the pinkish part of the nail will recede until you finally have the nails short enough for comfort. Dog health paw problem issues do not have to be an issue when the dog is properly cared for.

Do not allow the dog to walk on hot sand or blacktop ground during extremely hot days. If you know what it feels like for you, it feels the same for the dog. This can burn their pads and cause a great deal of pain. Slivers of glass or fissile bushes that become embedded in the pads need to be removed with a tweezers just as you would do to yourself. Dog you have hair growing between the pads need to have the hair clipped down to prevent pain when walking. This accounts for Pekinese, Shih-Tzu's, Yorkies and other similar dog breeds.

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Caring for Sick Dogs - Giving the Dog Medication

Many people caring for sick dogs find it hard to give medication to their dogs. Be patient, approach and speak to the dog softly. Pet the dog and calm him down before trying to give him the medicine.

Liquid Medication

• Use one hand to pull out the corner of your dog's lower lip to make a little "pocket".
• Use the other hand to tilt your dog's head back and pour the liquid into it with the other hand. You may find it easier to use a needle-less syringe to get the liquid in.
• After the medication is in, hold the dog's mouth almost closed and gently massage his throat. This can induce swallowing.

Pills and Capsules

• Using one hand, grasp around the upper jaw and insert your thumb and fingers in the gaps just behind the fangs.
• Using the other hand, hold the pill or capsule between your thumb and the first finger, and use the remaining fingers to press down the lower front teeth. This will pry the jaw open.
• Quickly insert the pill into the throat and induce swallowing as describe above.

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Caring for Sick Dogs - Monitoring the Dog's Conditions

Caring for sick dogs also include monitoring and recording the sick dog's health conditions. This can be very helpful in tracking his progress of recovery. The records can also be invaluable information for your vet.

Your daily recording should include the following:

• Your dog's body temperature
• Your dog's pulse.
• The amount of food and water intake.
• The frequency of urination and defecation. Note any abnormality in urine or stools.
• The times and amounts of medication given.
• Any change in your dog's physical or mental conditions.

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Caring for Sick Dogs - Feeding the Dog

A sick dog may need a special diet or additional supplements while recuperating, so be sure to consult your vet about the kind of foods and supplements that should be fed to your dog.

Very often, a dog who is not well (especially one with a fever) chooses to fast for a day or two. If your dog does not want to eat for a few days, do not force him. Fasting is a natural way for the body to get rid of toxic materials and wastes. Just make sure that he has sufficient water so he does not get dehydrated.

However, if your dog does not regain his appetite after a few days' fasting, and he is losing weight or becoming weak, then you need to tempt your dog into eating by giving him tasty food that has a strong aroma, such as freshly broiled chicken or turkey. Sprinkling garlic powder on the food may do the trick as well since many dogs like the taste of garlic. Other herbs that are not only appetite-stimulating but also nutritious include peppermint, fennel, ginger, alfalfa, and dill. Just sprinkle some of these dried herbs on your dog's food.

Dogs love to eat foods that have strong smells. By warming the dog food a bit, therefore, it becomes more aromatic and may just be the way to get your dog eating again.

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Caring for Sick Dogs at Home

There are a number of advantages to caring for a sick dog at home. One obvious advantage is that home is familiar to the dog and definitely less stressful than staying in a hospital.

Dogs usually recover faster in their home surroundings. At home, a dog parent can pay closer attention to the needs of the sick dog, and extra meticulous cleaning can be given to the dog to keep him more comfortable and less miserable.

Of course, there are cases in which a sick dog is best taken care of at a hospital. For example, conditions that are life-threatening or very messy (e.g. severe vomiting and diarrhea) make it difficult, if not impossible, to have the dog at home. In most cases, your vet will only allow your sick dog to go home with you when he or she is confident that you can provide adequate nursing.

When you bring your dog home from the hospital, you need to give your dog nursing care, such as giving him medication, keeping him clean, monitoring his physical and mental conditions, as well as paying attention to his nutrition. If your dog has little or no appetite, you may need to work harder to get him to eat.

The first thing to do is to find a place in your house which is quiet, safe, cozy and warm so that your sick dog can rest comfortably. Keep the area clean and change the blankets or towels frequently. Make sure that your dog has easy access to toilet, sunlight, and fresh air. 

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Dog Health Problems You Should Know About

There are many common dog health problems, but some are breed specific. For example, giant breed dogs are more likely to have joint problems in their growing period if not on the proper nutrition. However, there are some common health concerns that fit almost every breed.

Allergies in Dogs

It is an extremely common issue with dogs to have some type of allergy. Many have airborne allergies like people do, others may have food allergies, and some suffer from both. Unlike people, dogs do not sneeze or get the sniffles. Dogs with allergies tend to bite their paws, have ear infections, and may have skin conditions such as scratching and biting on other areas besides the paws.

Treatment for dog allergies is antihistamines. Most veterinarians prescribe diphenhydramine hydrochloride, and hydroxyzine. If the allergy is seasonal, these drugs work remarkably well at reliving symptoms, if the dog suffers from food allergies a natural diet consisting of one meat and one carbohydrate is normally best to control the allergies.

Constipation in Dogs

This is a very common health issue with dogs, especially as they grow older. The solution is to increase their fiber intake either by the food they eat or by giving them canned pumpkin. Dogs love pumpkin, and it helps with both diarrhea and constipation. The easiest way to give it to the dog is mix a teaspoon (for a small dog) with their meals.

Diarrhea in Dogs

This is exceedingly common, and many veterinarians see many dogs each day suffering from the condition. Puppies are prone to diarrhea more than adult dogs, but it can and does happen to adults of all breads. Common causes include an abrupt change in the dog's diet; puppies often eat inappropriate items, which can lead to diarrhea and colitis.

Chronic diarrhea requires veterinarian assistance because it can lead to dehydration and the doctor will need to figure out what is causing the condition. Treatment consists of anti-diarrhea medications.

Cancer in Dogs

This is an extremely serious health condition and more canines are developing cancer than ever, which many point to as a cause of not having a healthy enough diet. Dogs need a holistic food with natural ingredients. Read the ingredients; you should be able to recognize more of the ingredients. Avoid grocery store brands since they are full of preservatives and dyes that dogs simply cannot digest. Keeping your dog on a healthy diet from the start can lessen their odds of developing cancer when they get older.

Treatment options are similar to people and many dogs successfully go through chemotherapy. Depending on the type of cancer, surgery may be an answer.

Fleas and Ticks in Dogs

When summer comes around, so do fleas and ticks, and they are hungry to find a dog to chew on and make their home. Dogs with fleas are miserable and one flea can turn into several in just a matter of days. There are anti-flea and tick treatments that are applied monthly that works well especially if you live in an area where the problem is persistent.

Additionally, bathing the dog with a mild flea shampoo can rid the dog of the fleas immediately, but the ticks may take more work. Do not yank the ticks out because you could leave the head behind and this can cause problems for the dog. If in doubt, call your veterinarian for assistance in ridding the dog of ticks.

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Taking Care of Your Dog's Health

Owners of dogs love their pets, just like cat owners, horse owners, and everyone who has pets. Dog owners invest a lot of energy, love, money and time into their pets. This makes them a large investment in many respects, and well worth special attention regarding their health. If you own a dog it will definitely be worth your time to explore some basic information on dog health.

Dogs are very similar to people in many respects, and therefore, are also subject to many similar ailments. Luckily, there are numerous tips that can lessen the impact of health problems. Dogs, especially those who are mature, are subject to bone and joint issues and eye problems. They are also subject to diseases and conditions regarding their cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems. You may not be able to avoid these problems, but there are many ways to manage them.

Exercise is a very important part of a dog's life. Some smaller breeds of dog are able to exercise indoors and therefore require little active participation. Other breeds may need special attention. If you just let your dog go outside for a while, there's a good chance that he'll just find a nice shady spot, like under a tree, and lie down, not getting any exercise at all.. It is wise to actively participate in activities that will make sure your dog is getting enough exercise. Playing catch for 15 or 20 minutes a day or going for a walk with your dog are great ideas.

Just like people, a proper diet can mean good health, attitude, and energy levels. An unhealthy diet can be fatal, so it's important to take your dog's dietary habits seriously. Dry dog food is usually a better choice than canned dog food. Canned dog food is generally not as nutritious as dry food, and it can cause dental and dietary problems. Don't forget that all animals need access to clean water at all times. Vitally important for your dog's health is avoiding foods that can be fatal. These include chocolates and other sweets, raw meat, as well as raisins, coffee, and mushrooms.

If your dog exhibits signs of illness, discomfort or anxiety, you should take notice. Be alert for any significant changes in your dog's food or water consumption as well as his general behavior. One of the first signs of a problem will manifest in an alteration in regular eating patterns. If you see any behavioral changes, discuss them with your veterinarian.

Make routine visits to your local vet a normal part of your pet's health. It is important to catch potential problems early and to deal with the issue before it progresses. Also be sure to keep all vaccinations and other routine health precautions up to date. This is important in eliminating issues before they begin.

Dogs need love and attention just like people do. Dogs that are well treated and know that they are loved and cared for tend to have better overall health. Also, changes in a pet's attitude and general health are more likely to be noticed quickly by a loving owner. Science is proving that emotional well being has a great influence on physical health. And of course emotional health has a lot to do with the amount of love and attention a dog gets. A happy, well-loved dog will live a longer, happier life.

Remember that all dogs are different, and therefore, they will require different responsibilities from you. Do some research about your particular breed and consider speaking with a qualified veterinarian about important issues and information relevant to the age and breed of dog. Your dog should like a long, happy life with an intelligent and loving approach from you.

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A Safe Puppy Vaccination Schedule

An example of a safe puppy vaccination schedule as suggested by Dr. Pitcairn is as follows:

• From 0 week to 22 weeks - keep the puppy isolated from other dogs
• First distemper - 16 weeks
• First parvo - 20 weeks
• Second distemper - 24 weeks
• Second parvo - 28 weeks
• Rabies - 32 weeks

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Are Yearly "Booster Shots" Necessary?

Vaccinations do not magically lose their effectiveness 366 days after the last shot. In fact, studies have shown that the vaccines for parvovirus and canine distemper provide extremely good, long-term protection from the diseases for 8 to 10 years or more.

"Booster shots" do not increase a dog's immunity, but they do increase the risk of adverse reactions. There are no benefits and many risks to re-vaccinating for a disease your dog is already immune to.

If you want to play it safe, there is a blood test called determining the "titer". It can tell if your dog's antibody levels for parvovirus or canine distemper remain high enough to resist infection. However, even with a low titer, most animals will still retain enough immunity to fight off infection. Parvo and distemper are almost exclusively diseases affecting young puppies, so while puppies definitely need the protection of vaccines, adults do not.

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When Not to Vaccinate Your Dog

As vaccinations put a lot of stress on your dog's immune system, DO NOT vaccinate your dog if she:

• is younger than 16 weeks of age;
• is sick;
• is malnourished;
• has a weakened immune system due to genetics, a previous disease, or drug therapy.

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