An Owner's Guide to Liver Disease in Dogs

The liver is vitally important. It is involved in virtually every biochemical process in your dog's body. Therefore, liver disease in dogs is a serious medical condition. So, what exactly causes it?

Causes

There are many different causes of canine liver disease. A severe blunt to the front of the abdomen can cause trauma to the kidney. This is a common problem when dogs get hit by cars. Another cause is an infection from viruses, fungi, and bacteria. Heartworms can also lead to disease if they grow severe enough to block the flow of blood to the liver. So, what exactly should you be on the lookout for?

Symptoms

As mentioned earlier, the liver is involved in about every biochemical process. Damage to the liver can cause problems to any other part of the body. Therefore, this disease leads to unpredictable signs. Fortunately, the liver has a lot of reserve capacity, so it can function with up to 80 percent damage. However, this also means that your dog won't start showing symptoms until the disease is well-advanced.

Your dog will likely experience recurrent abdominal pain. He will also be prone to gastrointestinal problems leading to diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Since the liver will stop processing bile properly, your dog's feces will be gray instead of brown. Other dogs also suffer from weight loss, increased drinking and urination, and jaundice.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of canine liver disease involves a urinalysis, complete blood count, and chemistry screen. The veterinarian will also take an x-ray of your dog's abdomen. This will show any change in liver size, as well as abnormalities in circulation and mineralization. An ultrasound is also useful in checking for this disease. The most definitive method of diagnosis is to take a biopsy of the liver. This involves removing a piece of the organ surgically or with a biopsy needle. The liver is capable of regeneration, so any removed piece won't cause any problems.

Treatment

Treatment of liver disease in dogs depends on the level of damage and the underlying cause. Toxic substances that can cause damage to the organ have to be removed. It is also important to place your dog on a special diet. This will help decrease the liver's workload, so it can hopefully recover. Dogs are also susceptible to secondary infections, so they will need to be treated with antibiotics.

Canine liver disease can potentially be serious. There are many other canine illnesses that can harm your precious pet. So, stop by dog-illnesses.com today to learn about some of these diseases such as canine kidney failure.

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Canine Osteosarcoma - An Owner's Guide to Osteosarcoma in Dogs

Canine osteosarcoma is more commonly known as bone cancer. The cancer develops deep inside the bone and grows outwardly as the disease progresses. The bone is slowly destroyed from the inside. This cancer can affect any bone in the body, but the limbs are affected in the majority of cases. So, what causes this devastating condition?

Causes

There are various reasons why osteosarcoma in dogs can occur. Some family lines simply have a genetic predisposition to this cancer. Other dogs may have pre-existing abnormalities. Other common reasons include radiation, chemicals, and foreign objects such as bullets or metal implants.

Symptoms

As mentioned earlier, this cancer grows deep inside the bone and progresses outward. As the condition advances, your dog will experience more pain. The affected limb will swell up and become lame. In its early stages, this period of lameness will only occur occasionally. Over time, it will affect your dog constantly.

Diagnosis

If your dog shows any of these symptoms of canine osteosarcoma, you should have him checked out as soon as possible. The first step will be to take an x-ray of the limb. This is usually the only procedure necessary. In some cases, a biopsy of the bone will be done to provide a definitive diagnosis. However, this is usually avoided due to the pain involved.

Treatment

Osteosarcoma in dogs needs to be treated as soon as possible as the tumor spreads rapidly. Medication will be prescribed to try to control the growth of the tumor. Your dog will also need medication to control pain. It may be necessary to remove the affected limb if your dog starts experiencing too much pain. This may be avoided if the affected bone can be replaced. Radiation and chemotherapy are also treatment methods.

There are many other canine illnesses that can affect your dog besides osteosarcoma. You owe it to your precious pet to learn the causes, symptoms, and treatments of a range of diseases in case he becomes affected. So, stop by dog-illnesses.com today to learn about some of these diseases such as canine lyme disease.

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Can Honey Cure Dog Allergies?

If dog allergies are plaguing your dog, you may be able to help relieve her suffering with a spoonful of honey. Local honey that is. If your pet is suffering from dog allergies caused by the seasons and the environment--local plants and trees--local honey may make a difference.

Why honey? Honey is gathered by bees as you know and it includes minute amounts of local pollen. The amount is low enough that dogs (or humans) can ingest a small amount without an allergic reaction. The effect is the same as an antibody or a vaccine; your body (or in this case your dog's) is exposed to a little at a time until he or she has built up a tolerance and the seasonal allergies are no longer afflicting the poor thing.

Honey also has healing properties. You know how you might drink tea with honey for a sore throat? Honey has been used for centuries to heal cuts, ulcers, and more by both ingesting it and by applying it right to the cut or scrape. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities will help heal your pet, both inside and out.

The trick with the honey cure of dog allergies is that you have to feed the right type of honey and the right amount. It'll do no good to be feeding Fido honey from across the world, that will have a different type of pollen in it. No, you'll need to find honey from a local source. Your farmer's market or local produce stand should be able to help you. Then you have to figure out the right amount for your pet. A larger dog will take about a tablespoon a smaller dog, a teaspoon or less. Use your judgment.

How should you feed this local honey to your pet to rid him of the dreaded dog allergies? Well, your pet may be happy to lick it directly off the spoon, but failing that, try mixing it in with his food.

It'll take 3-4 weeks for you to notice a difference but when Max stops scratching himself to death, you'll all be happier!

Learn more about treating dog allergies with local honey.

Jen P. April has been researching dog treat recipes and dog allergies for nearly four years. You can visit her website at http://www.all-natural-dog-treat.com to learn more.

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Top 6 Dog Behavior Problems and Solutions

Are you tired of your dog behavior problems?

Do you get angry and frustrated because of bad dog behavior problem of your dog and end up hitting your dog?

You are not alone. I did an survey and found 87% of people are not aware of common dog problems and reasons behind it.

Here you will learn 6 common dog behavior problems. You will also get tips on how you can fix all those problems using dog training, equipments, harness, collar and lead etc.

1 Chewing

Four most common reasons for chewing are puppy teething, anxiety, curiosity and loneliness. You should a give a toy to chew and keep personal items away from your dog. If you ever catch a dog chewing the wrong thing, stop him with a loud "no".

2. Digging

Dogs dig because of hunting instinct, nesting, hiding possessions or to gain access of something. You should try to determine the cause of the digging, then work to eliminate that source. Best recommendations to stop digging are extra training and identify a certain area for your dog to dig.

3. Separation Anxiety

Symptoms of separation anxieties are vocalization, chewing, inappropriate urination and defecation. Normally it starts within first 15-45 minutes after owner leaves. You need to provide separate dedicated training for your dog behavior modification. You should consult your vet before taking action to treat acute this type of behavior problem.

4. Chasing

Normally dog chase any moving things because of its hunting instinct and this is dangerous for your dog. You should train your dog to sit, stay and come on your command. If your dog has this tendency, you should use leash and harness always to avoid any mishap.

5. Biting

Dog biting is a bad dog behavior problem. Dog bites because of fear, hunting instinct, to protect property, sickness or for dominance assertion. You need to control this type of aggressive behavior by proper training and socialization. You should use muzzle or other tools while you take your pet to public place.

6. Barking

Most dogs bark, howl and whine to some degree and it is canine natural instinct. Dogs normally bark to warn you or want to draw your attention to play with you or from fear.

Training your dog not to bark requires special training and you can get quick result by using proper dog collars.

I am a dog lover and professional dog trainer. I documented my experience in training a dog of different breeds like Newfoundlands, German Shepherd, Border Collies, pugs etc in my blog edogtrainingtips.com. You can also read other dog training articles on how to train your dog at my blog.

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Solve Your Dog Barking Problems Through Dog DNA Breed Test

Every one of us knows that a dog barks when it speaks. But, fewer people know the reasons on why do dogs bark. There are few possibilities why your dog barks that has given you unwanted noise disturbance:

• Some dogs were bred to bark only when a threat is perceived.
• Some were bred to use their voices as a tool of sorts, to assist their owners in pursuit of a common goal.
• Some dogs can use their voices as a means of manipulation.
• When they are nervous and coupled with agitated demeanor - the kind she gets from not getting enough exercise.
• They need your plenty of attention and interaction.

If your mixed-breed dog had received complains from your neighbors about the intolerantly noise of unpleasant dog barking during late night, then it is time for you to seek a proper solution of this particular problem.

How do I solve this intolerable noise caused by my mixed-breed dog?

It is much easier to solve this particular problem if you are able to identify your dog breed. For example, if your dog's primary breed is Beagle or Bloodhounds; they normally use their voice to assist their owners in order to achieve a certain goal. For instance, they are well-trained to 'bay' when they scent a quarry.

It is important to understand their temperament based on their distinctive breeds. Most guarding breed dogs were bred to bark only when a threat is perceived including Rottweilers, Dobermans, and German Shepherds. These particular breeds need more ample time for exercise that can avoid excessive vocalization due to boredom or lack of attention from dog owners.

There are simply lots of thins to learn about your dog's common misbehavior like for instance excessive dog barking. It is much easier to deal with this particular problem if you are able to identify the breed of your mixed-breed dog. For more information about dog DNA testing as a breed identification tool, visit http://dogdnabasics.com

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7 Ways to Recognize a Dog Urinary Tract Infection

Have you ever wondered if your beloved canine can suffer from illnesses similar to the maladies you may deal with in a lifetime? The answer is an unqualified yes. In fact, just like the human version, your pup can be miserable with a urinary infection. Unfortunately, he cannot articulate the symptoms and ask for a trip to the vet. So, it is incumbent upon you to be aware when your faithful friend is under the weather. So, here are 7 ways to recognize a dog urinary tract infection:

1. Excessively thirsty
2. Goes potty a lot
3. The volume of urine is increased
4. He does not want a belly rub
5. Forget the walk to the park
6. Lethargic
7. Housebroken regression

Certainly, in the summer months, your pooch is going to drink more than normal. So are you. It is hot. However, when his thirst is seemingly never quenched, it is time to consider the possibility of a more serious problem. With a canine urinary tract infection, it is important to determine whether other symptoms are also present, before jumping to conclusions.

For example, does you furry friend ask to go outside much more frequently than normal? Does he seem to be going potty a lot, and taking forever to empty his bladder? For a single day, it may be no big deal, but if the signs do not go away tomorrow, your pal may have a dog urinary tract infection.

If your canine does have a dog urinary tract infection, he will probably not want you to give him a belly rub. Now, what dog on the planet hates a good tummy rub? Of course! A sick pooch will back away from the normally loved activities. For instance, he will be less likely to run to the door, when you offer that much coveted trip to the park. Why? Chances are his back is hurting, which would be similar to a human counterpart who also has an infection.

Will you want to go on a romp to the park, if you are suffering from a comparable complaint? Of course not! Instead, just like your furry friend, you will want to lie around and not do much of anything. Understandably, lethargy is a common symptom of a dog urinary tract infection. Coupled with a probable fever, your pet is just trying to get away from the discomfort and make it through the day.

However, just in case you have been really stressed and busy, and unable to discover whether the other symptoms are present, a dog urinary tract infection will eventually progress to the point of causing your smart and adorable companion to regress and start going potty in the house.

Naturally, the first response is to yell and make him go outside. However, in your state of befuddlement, consider the possibility that your faithful friend cannot help himself. Anyone with a serious infection will admit incontinence. No matter how hard he tries to hold it, urine simply escapes and nothing will hold it at bay. So, before sending him to the doghouse, go to the vet first and fast.

In conclusion, dogs are normally faithful and loving no matter what. His attitude toward you has not changed. But, he is counting on you to care for him now, and recognize he is in trouble. Then, after you get the necessary medical attention for a dog urinary tract infection, you can both go back to enjoying companionship and all those activities that have been postponed.

Tina Matsunaga is a freelance writer for home-based businesses, Internet marketers, and professionals around the world. She enjoys working at home while raising 2 children. She holds a BA in English and secondary education from Regis University.

For more information on a dog urinary tract infection, please go to http://www.pet-bladder-treatment.com

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How to Care For Urinary Problems in Dogs

If you are like me, you probably have a hard time imagining your beloved pet being anything but his rambunctious self. But, there will be a day when your canine companion is really sick. When that time comes, it will be up to you to recognize the symptoms. For example, most people do not realize they will one day have to know how to care for urinary problems in dogs.

In truth, the malady is quite common, especially in the smaller breeds. Since your pooch will not be able to articulate his pain and discomfort, it will be your job to recognize the symptoms, and take him to the vet, especially if he is suffering from canine urinary incontinence. Instead of simply succumbing to the natural response to get angry and banish him to the doghouse, see if he has been exhibiting the signs of infection.

In addition to incontinence, urinary problems in dogs will be manifested in several ways:

• He is drinking an abnormally large amount of water
• He is asking to go out all the time
• He seems to take forever to go potty
• He is in pain
• He does not want to play
• He just wants to lay around

Naturally, your canine companion will have a day, here and there, when he simply does not feel up to par. He might have eaten something disagreeable, have a cold, or a myriad of other problems. However, if the symptoms of urinary problems in dogs persist, the best thing you can do for your pal is to seek professional help.

After all, what fun-loving pup does not run to the door when the leash comes out? An offer to go for a walk, go to the park, or take a ride in the car is simply too good to pass up. However, if he is the poster pup for urinary problems in dogs, chances are he will not want to do anything other than lie around, unless he needs to go potty for the tenth time in an hour.

So, now you know he is in trouble. What can you expect, when you take your furry friend to the vet? Well, the doctor will probably start out by asking a few pointed questions like:

• What breed is the dog?
• How old is the dog?
• How often does it urinate?
• How much urine is produced?
• Anything unusual about the appearance or odor of the urine?
• Is the dog excessively thirsty?
• Has the dog broken house-training?
• When were the symptoms first noticed?
• Has the dog been treated for previous urinary tract infections? When and how?
• What has the dog been eating?

The questions are designed to help the vet determine if it is like all common urinary problems in dogs, or whether your canine companion has something else going on, as far as illnesses are concerned. Unfortunately canine urinary incontinence can also be a symptom of other health issues as well.

However, once it has been determined that your pet has joined the club for urinary problems in dogs, the vet will likely prescribe an antibiotic for you to give as recommended. In fact, you might be pleasantly surprised to see how fast your friend bounces back after a dose or two. Nevertheless, finish the medicine, so the infection is long gone and not likely to return.

Your next step? To take what you have just learned, and discover whether your ailing pet is indeed suffering from common urinary problems in dogs. Otherwise, store the information away, so if he ever begins to suffer from canine urinary incontinence, instead of getting mad, you will know immediately to get help right away!

Tina Matsunaga is a freelance writer for home-based businesses, Internet marketers, and professionals around the world. She enjoys working at home while raising 2 children. She holds a BA in English and secondary education from Regis University.

If you want to know more about urinary problems in dogs, please visit http://www.pet-bladder-treatment.com

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