Dog congestive heart failure

Dog congestive heart failure

Canine Congestive Heart Failure

Author: Joann Henry

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is a clinical condition which is the final result of severe heart disease. It is usual that when a dog has heart failure, heart disease is also present in the body. However, it is true that in some cases, heart disease can be present, but never lead to congestive heart disease.

When high diastolic pressures in the heart build up into the veins and capillaries, then congestive heart failure can occur, which in turn causes a leakage of fluid out of those vessels.

Heart failure is the end result of many different cardiac and pericardial diseases. These include:

• Decreased myocardial contractibility. This is a weak heart muscle, which is commonly seen with dilated cardiomyopathy.

• Valvular regurgitation. This is a leak in one of the four heart valves, as seen with mitral and tricuspid regurgitation.

• Increased myocardial stiffness, which impairs the heart's ability to fill with blood.

In the beginning, the signs of congestive heart failure can be quite mild and difficult to see. However the symptoms can become more severe in a short space of time. Some of the symptoms to look for are:

• Lack of energy - the dog becomes much less active and tires quickly during the later stages of congestive heart failure;

• Poor appetite;

• Weight loss;

• Heavy breathing - the dog can show signs of difficulty in breathing, panting and coughing whilst resting;

• Coughing;

• Swollen abdomen - the dogs' stomach can enlarge as fluid accumulates in the liver and abdomen; and

• Change of mouth color - the color of the membranes of the mouth can be grayish rather than being a healthy pink color.

The first thing that is needs to be done though, is to manage the clinical signs of congestive heart failure by reducing the formation of edema and effusion and to increase the cardiac output, which is the delivery of blood to the tissues.

There are a wide variety of treatments available for Congestive Heart Failure, depending on the severity of the condition.

One of the most popular drugs used for this disease is Digitalis. This is a medication which belongs to a group called positive inotropic agents which help to increase the concentration of calcium in the heart muscle cells.

Diuretics are also another well known drug used for dogs with this condition. These drugs help to remove built up fluids that occur in the lungs and abdomen.

Monitor your dogs attitude and any changes in appearance when you spend time with your friend. It is essential to keep a diary of anything that varies from "the norm" so that you can show it to your vet. Check your dog on a daily basis for:

- breathing, see if it is heavy or labored;
- loss or reduction of appetite;
- restlessness;
- fainting; and
- profound lethargy.

However, it is important to remember, that canine congestive heart failure is a major disease and it is a necessity to have regular visits to your veterinarian to ensure that your dogs' needs are being met.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/canine-congestive-heart-failure-221554.html

About the Author

Joann Henry operates "Doggie Health Care" http://www.DoggieHealthCare.com, a blog all about our pooches health. Sign up to receive her newsletter, & not only will you get some free tips to keep your dog healthier, but FOR A LIMITED TIME, she'll give you a FREE ebook. http://www.DoggieHealthCare.com

An Owner's Guide to Congestive Heart Failure in Dogs

Author: D Swain

Congestive heart failure in dogs is a very serious condition. It is caused by an abnormality in the structure of function of the heart. There are two forms of this disease.

Forms

In one form of heart failure, the walls of the chambers in the heart thicken. This leads to reduced pumping efficiency. The other form is characterized by the muscles the form the walls stretching thinner. This causes the heart to enlarge.

When your dog's heart enlarges, the left side starts pumping blood less efficiently. This makes the heart work harder to compensate for the decreased efficiency. Once this compensation is no longer enough, dog congestive heart failure results.

Symptoms

As your dog's heart compensates in the early stages of this disease, he will show no symptoms. This can last for months or even years. As the disease progresses, he will begin to drool excessively and get tired very easily. He may pant and cough a lot after exercise, or even while resting. Two other common symptoms of congestive heart failure in dogs includes gray membranes in the mouth and a blueish tongue.

Diagnosis

The main method of diagnosis is an electrocardiogram. This will detect any abnormalities in the heart. Since this condition causes the heart to enlarge, an ultrasound will also be useful. An x-ray of the chest is also commonly done.

Treatment

If your dog is diagnosed with congestive heart failure, you will have to restrict his exercise and sodium intake. He will also need to take medications to increase calcium in the heart muscles. This will help increase pumping efficiency and reduce the heart rate.

Dogs with this condition will also need diuretics. This is due to the fact that the reduced blood flow may cause buildup of fluids in the lungs and abdomen. ACE inhibitors will also help increase efficiency by tightening the blood vessels.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/an-owners-guide-to-congestive-heart-failure-in-dogs-673673.html

About the Author

Congestive heart failure in dogs is a very serious disease. However, there are many more that can affect your dog such as dog valley fever and dog bloat. Dog-illnesses.com provides a wealth of information for dog owners about many different diseases. So, stop by today to learn about some of these diseases that can affect your pet.

Some tips and fun facts on the bichon frise dog

Some tips and fun facts on the bichon frise dog

Fun Facts About Bichon Frise

Author: Kevin Gawricki

Fun Facts About Bichon Frise

By Kevin Gawricki

The Bichon Frise was a favorite in Spain. Becoming the favorite of painters. Goya featured the Bichon in a number of paintings.

Was developed in Mediterranean area.

Made its appearance in Canary Islands under Francis I, patron of Renaissance, but greatest success was in Court of Henry III.

Became favorite of Italian nobility in 14th Century.

Descended from Barbet or Water-Spaniel.

Was used as barter item by sailors.

Kevin is owner of Dog Gone Good Stuff which he founded because of the need for a place that caters specifically to dogs and their owners specific needs. Please feel free to visit Dog Gone Good Stuff for all your dogs needs. Web address www.doggonegoodstuff.com

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/fun-facts-about-bichon-frise-32254.html

About the Author

Care and Grooming for Your Bichon Frise

Author: Elvis Foote

Bichon Frise Care and Grooming

Bichon Frise are a very sociable dog from the time that they are puppies on through adulthood. Bichon Frises have an easy, happy disposition. A Bichon Frisé (French, literally meaning Curly lap dog; often spelled Bichon Frise in English) is a small breed of dog.

The Bichon Frise was developed in the Mediterranean area, when a Barbet (a large water spaniel breed) was crossed with small white lapdogs. The Bichon Frise of today has its descent in the Bichon Tenerife breed line, which found its way to the Mediterranean area, onto the Canary Islands or rather, "the Island of Tenerife

. In the 1980s, the Bichon Frise was part of the "Yuppie Puppies" choice of the majority population, and everyone just HAD to have one. Bichon Frises make an excellent addition to the family. Bichon Frise are affectionate, cuddly and just plain happy to see people.

The disposition of the Bichon Frise is sweet, perky, bouncy, active, and very playful with sporadic bursts of energy that leads them into many unknown adventures--usually beyond the fenced in yard or when they get loose from the leash, even though they are considered to be gentle creatures. Bichon Frises can be hard to house train; crate training may be a successful technique. Bichon Frises can conform to apartment life fairly easily. Bichon Frise also are very intelligent and quick learners.

Bichon Frise, as with many sociable breeds, are not suited to being left alone all day. Bichon Frises have a life span of 12-13 years and have litters of 4-5 pups. An independent dog, the Bichon Frise bond well with adults and children and is also very highly intelligent, affectionate, charming, and self-assured. Serious dog lovers who own, or want to own a Bichon Frise would rather invest their valuable Internet time on a website that truly UNDERSTANDS this amazing breed.

Training

Training must be gentle and firm, with no harsh corrections or scolding. Training the Bichon works well with food treats along with the leash and collar. A crate is usually the best method of training. The puppy should come to see his/her crate as his personal space so avoid using it as discipline for bad behavior to maximize house training potential.

Roughhousing is definitely out with this guy, and play training is in. This breed requires gentle and firm training, as they are so gentle and sensitive that any harsh training or negative corrections will have an opposite effect on the puppy or adult dog. But all trainers/owners will eventually need a collar and leash to begin the training-the many types available will depend on the person doing the training, as each one is a matter of personal preference and what the dog needs.

Some of the training collar tools that are acceptable for the Bichon training, as chain or nylon chokers will matt and tangle in their hair, are the buckle collars, leather-training collars, or even the reversed pinch collars. The head collar is becoming very popular as a training tool for most dogs in training classes. Positive reinforcement and gentle training are the choice training of the day, with kindness, persistence, and patience. As far as training is concerned, this breed often proves to be hard to housebreak, but likes to learn. The Bichon does not require aggressive training, and likes challenges. These dogs need training and exercise at the minimum one walk a day.

Grooming

Grooming requirements are based on coat type and the size of the dog. Grooming is recommended on a daily basis to avoid matting. Professional grooming is recommended every 4 weeks. They are a non-shedding breed that requires daily grooming. They require regular grooming, which can be expensive and/or time-consuming.

Because Bichons are so susceptible to skin problems and allergies, good grooming practices are very important. Like all dogs that require frequent grooming, Bichons should be accustomed to grooming from a young age and care should be taken to keep grooming pleasurable. Anyone considering a Bichon should carefully weigh the amount of time available for grooming, for the coat needs lots of attention.

But good grooming is required once shedding begins, as the undercoat needs to be removed once the weather begins to warm up or excessive shedding will leave piles of hair throughout the home. High on the playfulness range, along with friendliness toward strangers, watchdog ability, and grooming requirements-anyone who purchases the Bichon will be a powder-puff challenge, to say the least.

To keep the Bichons soft white curly coat well cared for takes daily grooming and as the coat is white and non shedding, it also needs regular bathing and trimming. There are two popular Bichon Frise grooming styles: a short, poodle-like coat or a long, puffy coat for a more rounded appearance. For anyone wanting to learn to do the grooming on their own dogs, be prepared to make many mistakes along the way.

Conclusion

With proper attention, the Bichon Frise will develop into a wonderful companion animal. Bichon Frise are a very sociable dog from the time that they are puppies on through adulthood. So instead of wasting hours of your time scouring the Internet for specific info about the Bichon Frise, it's all here in one place. You can find out all you need to know about the Bichon Frise. With thousands of Bichon Frise puppies for sale and hundreds of Bichon Frise dog breeders, you're sure to find the perfect Bichon Frise puppy.

For this and other pet related topics please visit The Shoppbox Ebook Reviews.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/care-and-grooming-for-your-bichon-frise-448889.html

About the Author

married,father of two growing boys. Living in Ontario, Canada.

How to teach your dog its name

How to teach your dog its name

Teaching Your Dog His Name

Author: Lidya NW

Many dog owners tend to think of their dog's name as a "catch-all" command with multiple definitions that vary depending on what they want their dog to do at the moment: "Max!" (Meaning "Come here!"); "Max!" (Meaning "Stop that!"); "Max!" (Meaning "Get down!"); "Max!" (Meaning "Stop barking!"); "Max!" (Meaning "Don't eat that cat poop!). You get the ide

You should not use your dog's name any in another way than a baby's name. For example, if you name a child's name, he might acknowledge that he hears you (should you're lucky), but his doubtless response will be to name again, "What?" He in all probability will not even look up from the video game or no matter else he was doing once you referred to as his name. You will need to follow up with an instruction; tell him what you need: "Bobby! Stop enjoying that sport and do your homework!" (Then he may or might not do as you ask, relying on how well he's been trained.)

Read this lesson first, and then practice it with your dog:

First, load up your pocket (or a bag or pouch) with 20 or so treats.

1. Take your dog to an area the place there received't be numerous distractions.
2. Wait in your dog to look at something other than you, then say his identify (once!).
3. When he seems at you, instantly give him a treat and say "Good!" (Or no matter you've chosen as the first reinforcer, phrase or clicker. We're going to simply use "Good!" in our coaching examples.)
4. Now move a number of steps to another location and again wait for your Dog to be trying away from you.
5. Say your dog's title again and immediately reward him again with the treat and reward when he seems at you.
6. Repeat this course of 5 times. If your Dog was notably distracted earlier than responding to his title, give him additional praise and treats

In case you say his identify and he doesn't look at you, he could also be too distracted. Transfer him a number of paces to a special location and try again.
Say his name. Use an enthusiastic tone of voice. Give rapid rewards if he appears at you.
If he still doesn't respond to his identify, clap your hands, whistle or make some other attention-getting sound. When he seems to be, say his title again and instantly give the rewards. Do this as a last resort. You want him to learn to reply to his name, not the other sounds.

Keep trying, be patient, and remember not to repeat his name. Give immediate rewards when he responds. If you want to become a professional training for your dog I HIGHLY recommend a wonderful resource called Clicker Training check it out!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/teaching-your-dog-his-name-4413191.html

About the Author

L.Nawang

Awesome dog names

Awesome dog names

Dog Names: Finding Unique, Cool, and Funny Dog and Puppy Names

Author: Richard Livitski

Congratulations! After searching long and hard at the shelters, thru the newspaper and even enlisting friends and family in your search, you've found the right dog! So what's next? Giving him/her a proper name of course!

So you think to yourself, just any ol name won't do. It's got to be unique, something different! Well, allow me to give you a few dog naming categories that will hopefully help you to come up with some really novel names for your four legged friend.

First though, when coming up with a name keep in mind a few things to watch out for.

1. Stay away from names that might be potentiallyembarrassing to both you AND your dog. The name "Stinky" might be cute at first, but once the joke gets old, think of how you'll feel a year from now when you have to call "Stinky" home at night. Embarrassing names could also apply to negative words that might rhyme with your dogs name.

2. There's been a tendency in recent years to give dogs human names. Though there's nothing wrong with this, be kind to your pooch and name him after someone you like. Also, if want to name him after someone you know, better check with that person first to see if it's alright. I'm not sure how much your human friend Max will like hearing, "Get off the couch Max!" or worse "We took Max to get fixed today."

3. If possible, keep the name to one or two syllables. Dogs not only learn it quicker, but it makes them easier to train as well.

On with the names!

In this article I've listed just 3 of the many dog name categories that might help you to think a bit outside the box when coming up with great puppy names. They are,

Unique Dog Names: Have you ever considered naming your dog after something that you eat or drink? I'm serious. Allow me to give you just a few examples that will hopefully get your creative juices flowing….

Bon Bon: I can see this as a good name for a small black dog.
Caviar: For a dog with expensive tastes. Maybe a good Poodle name?
Jalapeno: A good name for a dog with a sometimes fiery disposition.
Crouton: Another good name for a small breed. Maybe a Chihuahua?
Latte: Possibly a good name for a black dog.
Kahlua: I can see this name on a brown dog.

As strange as it sounds, many more food and drink related dog names can be as close as your refrigerator, pantry or liquor cabinet!

Cool Dog Names: The dictionary defines the word "cool" as something that's fashionable, or hip. To me, when it comes to dog names, a name that's "cool" is a name that one doesn't normally hear. One that is creative enough to be memorable. And that perhaps matches that particular dogs appearance or disposition.

Here's just a few names from my site that I put into the "cool" dog name category for starters...

Aspen, Azure, Capri, Charisma, Denali, Java, Mahala, Maui, Mignon, Nirvana, Pirouette, Rio, Sahara, Sierra, Taboo, Tiara

Funny Dog Names: By funny, I'm referring to cute dog names that will match it's physical appearance. Here's just a few ideas…

Espresso: For an energetic black dog.
Kisses: For a small affectionate pup.
Brutus: For a BIG dog.
Putt-Putt: For a dog with short legs.

Here's some additional ideas…

Big Dog Names: Barbarian, Big Foot, Butkus, Chewbacca, Genghis, Godzilla, Hummer, Terminator, T-Rex, Tsunami

Small Dog Names: Doodle, Gumball, Kewpie, Laptop, Nibbles, Widget

For additional funny ideas, think opposites! Peanut for a BIG dog, Moose for a small dog.

If you spent as much time as you did when finding the perfect dog, why not spend a little extra time in finding the perfect name? Your dog will thank you for it!

When Richard Livitski isn't busy running around after his own dogs, he's busy searching for more unique and cool dog names for his website www.puppy-names-plus.com where puppy names as well as other helpful dog related topics can be found.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/dog-names-finding-unique-cool-and-funny-dog-and-puppy-names-50734.html

About the Author

Names For Dogs: Choosing The Right Dog Name The First Time

Author: Richard Livitski

After searching long and hard, you've finally found the perfect dog. So what's next?... Finding the perfect names for dogs of course!

Considering that over the course of your puppies lifetime his name will be used over 30,000 times, and that 1 in 5 new dog owners want to change their dogs name in the first year, choosing the right puppy name should be given as much care and thought as you showed when finding your pooch in the first place.

Below I've listed 10 dog naming tips taken from my website to be mindful of when looking for the right name, they are...

1. Avoid names that sound like common commands such as Go, Stay, Sit, etc. This might cause confusion for your puppy when trying to train it.

2. Be mindful that your dog might outgrow it's name. The name Buttercup might be appropriate for a cute puppy, but not when it becomes a full grown Great Dane!

3. Choose a name with one or two syllables. Dogs not only learn it quicker, but it makes them easier to train as well.

4. Watch out for trendy names that might cause embarrassment once the trend is passed. Do you want people to realize from your dog's name that you were once a big fan of Disco?

5. If you've adopted an older dog, it's best to keep her current name so that it doesn't become confused. If for some reason you must change it, consider a name that sounds similar or rhymes.

6. Beware of the common trend to name dogs after people. Though doing so is not a bad thing in itself, if you name your pup after a friend or family member, they might take offense. Although you might think naming your dog Sally after your favorite Aunt is an honor, Aunt Sally might not. Also, be kind to your dog and name her after someone you like.

7. Does the dog name rhyme with something negative? Or maybe with the name of a family member or friend? Once discovered, you might be one of those 1 in 5 people who want to change their dogs name!

8. Stay away from potentially embarrassing names. The name "Pee Wee" might be funny at first, but as the joke gets old, how will you feel in a year or so when you have to call "Pee Wee" home at night?

9. Pick a name that matches your dogs own unique appearance or personality. The name Electra might be a good name for an energetic pooch, but not for one that like's to sleep all day.

10. Ask your dog what he thinks! Since it's going to be his name, you might want to narrow your search down to your own 5 favorite names, then try them out on your dog. You'd be surprised how well he responds to some, yet yawns at others.

Keeping in mind the above tips when searching for dog names will not only ensure a long, happy friendship with your dog, but also help to avoid a mid-life name change.

You see? Choosing the right names for dogs is not only easy, but your dog will love you for it!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/names-for-dogs-choosing-the-right-dog-name-the-first-time-57594.html

About the Author

When Richard Livitski isn't busy running around after his own dogs, he's busy searching for more unique, cool and funny dog names for www.puppy-names-plus.com where dog names as well as other helpful dog related topics can be found.

Wood Dog Kennels- Are they good for your dog

Wood dog kennels- Are they good for your dog

Advantages of Wooden Dog Kennels

Author: Malcolm Nguyen

Are you on the lookout for a great kennel for your dog? Are you trying to work out if you should buy a wooden dog kennels, plastic kennels or a kennel that is made from treated metal? If you are a first time buyer the chances are that you are feeling a bit confused, especially if you have been getting advice from different people who own the various types of kennel. So take a look at some of the advantages of wooden dog kennels and hopefully it should make your life a whole lot easier.

Good quality dog kennels that are made from wood come in at many different styles and sizes which means they are suitable for all dogs. Obviously you will need to pay close attention to the size of kennel that you buy to make sure that your own dog will be able to use it for a long time. Thankfully when you are buying this type of kennel there will be information relating to the side of the kennel telling you how big a dog should be to use that particular product.

One dog kennels also tend to be very easy to assemble and as most people will purchase their kennels in a flat pack you need to know that you can assemble it quickly. Once again you should find information relating to how many people are needed, usually just one or two, to build a kennel before you buy it.

You can then decide if the project is right for you or not. Dog kennels made from wood can also be treated easily using safe painting products so that they are water proof. The roof of the kennel should be covered in a suitable material that will be able to withstand the various elements. All weather protection like this is not expensive and you will find that as long as you check that your kennel does not leak, your dog will be very happy in it.

Depending on the type of wooden dog kennels you are interested in you can find additional extras that you can add on to the kennel. For example if you want your dog to get some exercise you can add a run to the kennel with the minimum of fuss. This is also a good idea if you have more than one dog and you want to make sure that they are comfortable and have enough room in the wooden dog kennels that you are interested in.

By adding dog beds to a wooden kennel you will be making it as warm as cosy as possible and your dog will love you for it. When you have wooden dog kennels that do not let in the wind, rain or sun your dog will want to spend time in there as it will feel very safe and secure. This should always be your aim when you are a dog owner, so make sure that you take your time when searching for a kennel to make the best choice.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/advantages-of-wooden-dog-kennels-5837626.html

About the Author

My dog supplies is an online dog supplies store. Check out why we are a fast growing online dog retailer. We specialize in wooden dog kennel and comfy dog beds. Take one dog kennel today from our vast variety of kennels and take advantage of our money back guarantee service.

Eczema for Dogs

Eczema for Dogs

Canine Hot Spots (Moist Dermatitis/Eczema)

Author: Matthew Homfray

Also known as Acute Moist Dermatitis or Moist Eczema, Hot Spots can seemingly appear spontaneously anywhere on a dogs body and the area involved can rapidly spread. This raw, unsightly skin disorder has a variety of causes but the most consistent factor is a bacterial infection. There are a number of kinds of bacteria that can be cultured from a hot spot and fortunately most respond to oral and topical antibiotics. Anything that irritates or breaks the skin can create the right environment for bacterial contamination if the skin surface is wet. The bodys response is either to itch or become inflamed. The itching then causes the dog to lick or chew the area, which further damages the skin, and creates a cycle of itching, scratching and chewing. If left to develop the infection goes into the deep layers of the skin.

Hot spots tend to occur most often in the summer months, and dogs with matted, dirty coats are at greater risk of developing them. Some owners keep their long haired dogs shaved in the summer, which helps prevent the thick coat from covering any dampness on the surface of the skin. Regular grooming enables swift intervention if a hot spot is developing; often they will simply get worse and worse until treated so veterinary help is advisable. A hot spot that is left untreated may turn into a lick granuloma, which can be difficult to get rid of.

Typical locations for "hot spots" are the side of the face and the flank areas. Golden retrievers and young dogs seem to be predisposed, while they are seldom, if ever, found in cats.

What to look out for – Scratching or biting at one area incessantly – A patch of hair loss with reddened moist skin, often with a film of pus – Scabs and crusts – Surrounding hair wet from saliva

Diagnosis is usually obvious from the clinical signs, but your veterinarian may be inclined to search for any contributing factors by doing allergy testing, or take a bacteriology swab so that antibiotic selection is targeted specifically at the bacterium responsible. If the hot spot is on the dogs back leg it is worth checking the anal glands are not the source of the discomfort by emptying them.

Treatment – Clip the hair around the hot spot. The hot spot may be more extensive than it originally appears. Clipping will expose the area to the air and accelerate healing (scabbing over) – Topical medication: the area can be cleaned with an antiseptic solution suchas chlorhexidine, and a topical antibiotic cream applied. There is little point of this if the dog will simply lick the cream off (i.e. use buster collar, or only use topical cream if hot spot on face) – Break the scratch cycle. To allow the hot spot to heal, the dog must stop scratching at it. A one off steroid injection is usually very effective, but sometimes a short course of oral steroids is necessary. Your dog may be more hungry and thirsty while receiving corticosteroids, this is a common side effect. As a consequence, the dog may need to urinate more frequently than normal. – Oral antibiotics. The best way to deal with a deep skin infection is to deliver antibiotics to the site of the hot spot via the blood stream. If a hot spot is quite advanced, at least a 10-14 day course of a broad spectrum antibiotic is required to prevent immediate recurrence. – Elimination of predisposing factors: aggressive flea control, investigation to rule out food and pollen allergies etc.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/canine-hot-spots-moist-dermatitiseczema-70962.html

About the Author

Dr Matthew Homfray is one of the experts at www.WhyDoesMyPet.com - Expert Answers for all your Pet Questions

Visit them today, you will be impressed by the quality of their pet experts and the speed with which your question is answered!

Dog Eczema - Everything There Is To Know About It

Author: Charles Perkins

It is only normal that you are troubled by the rashes that's plaguing your pet dog's skin. After all, dog eczema is no laughing matter as it causes hair loss in your dog and leaves him constantly pestered by the itchiness of these rashes. As a dog owner, it is only logical that you seek everything that there is to know about dog eczema. A complete understanding of this canine dilemma will be useful in quelling it.

Dog eczema is no different to the same eczema that affects us humans. The only difference is that it affects dogs and their skin. What happens with dog eczema is that the skin underneath their fur becomes irritated, causing these distinct rashes to appear on your dog's skin. Particularly, it is only your dog's epidermal skin layer that becomes irritated and inflamed.

Whether your dog has long or short hair, hair loss is among the first signs of dog eczema. Your dog won't be losing all of his hair but will lose it on skin areas that are affected by eczema. Following hair loss, you will immediately notice bald patches on your dog's skin. These bald patches are often accompanied by your dog's persistent licking, scratching, or nibbling on these same areas. If you notice your dog licking, scratching, or nibbling on these bald skin areas, then you can assume that your dog is irritated by them and that there is some form of underlying skin irritation.

When you look closely at your dog's bald skin spots, you will also notice that the skin looks different. It will be dry and flaky. Aside from the obvious itchiness of these spots, you can determine if they really are rashes by comparing the skin on these areas to the skin of your dog which still has fur on it. If the skin on the bald spots look thicker and dryer compared to skin on the rest of your dog, then it is possible that your pet has dog eczema.

Later on, dog eczema may progress to its wet stage when left untreated. The dog eczema symptoms which were earlier mentioned only belong to the dry stage of this canine condition. During the wet stage of this condition, your dog's bald skin spots will no longer appear dry. While the rashes may still be thick, you will notice that they are already oozing and possibly even bleeding. Basically, during this wet stage of dog eczema, your dog's rashes are already wounded. These wounds leave your dog more prone to infections since their skin is already broken.

As soon as you notice that your dog is losing hair or if you suspect that your dog is already suffering from the dry stage of dog eczema, calling the vet is your safest option. It is not advisable that you use steroid eczema creams or ointments that are prescribed for humans on dogs. There are specific eczema creams and ointments designed for use on dog eczema. With regards to natural eczema treatments, you can consult these with the veterinarian as to which products might help with your dog's condition.

The best way to control dog eczema is not with the use of any eczema treatment though. It is always better that you identify what irritated your dog's skin in the first place. This may require you to put your dog on a "trial and error" in order to identify what caused his dog eczema. However, the reward will be fruitful with the identification of these causes since you will be able to keep skin irritants away from your dog in the long run.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/fitness-articles/dog-eczema-everything-there-is-to-know-about-it-4483421.html

About the Author

Charles Perkins is a skin care expert. For more information related to dog eczema, visit http://www.GoodbyeEczema.com/Dog-Eczema/

Games to play with your dog

Games to play with your dog

Playing games with your dog is a great way to bond. Here are a couple great games to play with your dog.

The Trading Game
To play the trading game, you trade items of various values with your dog. The trading game teaches your dog to give up items to you upon command.

To play the trading game, you first identify your dog's favorite items. Make sure you use a variety of items, such as food treats, balls stuffed toys, and squeaky toys. To encourage your dog to give up objects, you begin with his least favorite items and trade for ones that he enjoys more.

The lessons learned by playing the trading game can be helpful in everyday situations. For example, your dog may get a hold of a new item that has high reward potential, such as a piece of pizza. If your dog is comfortable with the trading game, you should have little trouble getting the pizza away from him.

Here are the steps to learn to play the trading game with your dog

* Make a list of your dog's 10 favorite items, in order from least to favorite. The items on this list should include a variety of items, such as toys, bones and food items.

* Obtain one of your dog's least favorite items from the list

* Give the item to your dog and allow him to play with the item for a few seconds.

* Place your hand on the item and say the command "Give".

* When your dog releases the item into your hand, praise your dog and give them one of their favorite items as a reward.

* When you start playing this game, trade a less favorite item for a more favorite item. After your dog becomes comfortable, you can start trading them on the list in different orders,

The front and Center dog game
When walking your dog, you can play the front and center game to practice their skills of walking on a loose leash, paying attention to their owner and coming when called. The front and center game is a safe and easy way to practice the come command when there are distractions around, since your dog is on a leash during the game.

To begin playing the front and center game with your dog. Take your dog for a walk on a loose leash at your side and then say the "Let's Go" command and begin walking forward quickly. You then say the "Come" command and jog backwards for at least five steps to have your dog practice coming to you. When your dog turns and runs towards you, you should praise them as a reward.

When playing front and center with your dog, make sure you jog backwards instead of turning around and running away from your dog. You should also make sure you do not pull your dog toward you with the leash. Your dog should turn and come to you on their own.

Here are the steps to play the front and center game while walking your dog

* With your dog on a loose leash at your left side, say the command "Let's Go" and then walk forward at a quick pace.

* Call your dog's name and say the command "Come"

* Jog backwards at least five steps away from your dog

* As your dog turns and runs toward you, encourage him to keep him moving toward you

* When your dog is right in front of you, praise him.

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