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Humans are not the only species to be suffering an obesity epidemic in certain parts of the world. Our pampered pets are also getting fat, with some estimates putting the level of obesity amongst dogs and cats at around 25%. It is accepted that being clinically obese can lead to medical problems in humans, and this too is true for our pets. Arthritis, heart disease, bladder problems and diabetes are just some of the ailments our pets can suffer from if they are predisposed to it by their weight problem. Also, obese pets experience fatigue, exercise intolerance and heat intolerance leading to a poor overall quality of life.

Quite often overweight owners will have overweight pets. For dogs, this derives from 3 likelihoods:

1. The owner is relatively inactive, and the dog does not get walked as much as it should, burning off less calories.

2. The owner eats regularly throughout the day, meaning the dog is more often begging for treats and probably getting them.

3. The owner has a misplaced judgement of what is overweight and what is healthy, and what constitutes an appropriate portion size for the dogs body weight.

For cats, the situation is a little different as they cannot be walked like dogs can to burn off calories. Naturally cats that spend more time indoors are getting less exercise than those that spend most of the time outdoors, and so are more likely to be obese. The latter 2 likelihoods above apply to cats too though.

In the authors experience, a motivated attempt by the owner to lose weight will often co-incide with the pet losing weight too. Like humans, pets cannot manufacture fat or muscle out of thin air and so for dogs and indoor cats you have total control over your pets body condition.

How can I tell if my pet is overweight?

There is no set rule of what is overweight and what not because there is so much variation between and within breeds. As a rule of thumb you should be able to feel your pets ribs easily by gently stroking the side of the chest with your fingertips. You should also be able to just feel the tips of the vertebrae jutting out (dorsal spinous processes) along your pets spine as you stroke him/her from head to tail. If they are not palpable then your pet is likely to be obese.

All pets should be weighed regularly. This may be difficult to achieve at home but a rough guide to your pets weight can be obtained by weighing yourself on some bathroom scales, then weighing yourself whilst carrying your pet and subtracting one from the other. This may be difficult for big heavy dogs, and inaccurate for small dogs and cats where small fluctuations can be more significant. Keeping track of your pets weight means that you can:

a) Dose them more accurately for medicines such as flea and worming prevention drugs.

b) Tell if they are putting on weight more accurately, as change is seldom noticed if you are seeing the animal on a daily basis rather than at intervals.

c) Tell if they are losing weight, which is a common factor in many disease processes.

If the bathroom scales option is not feasible, drop by your local veterinary clinic and ask if you can weight your pet on their scales. They will be impressed at your conscientiousness!

Killing your pet with kindness

For many animals the highlight of the day is meal time. Of course if your pet had just weeks to live due to, say, an inoperable tumor, then it would be wise to feed him/her whatever his/her favorite food is as there is no long term to suffer the long term consequences. However, for the vast majority, feeding an appropriate amount of a healthy diet will be greeted with equal enthusiasm as the gluttonous portions your pet may be accustomed to, it just needs a little owner motivation and discipline to get to that point.

So, are these diseases that fat animals suffer from genuine or are they just scare stories? They are indeed real and possibly even imminent for your pet. Lets have a closer look at some of the diseases and problems pets can suffer from as a direct result of their obesity:

1. Heart disease. The bigger you are, the harder your heart has to work to pump blood around the body. Very obese pets have a higher than normal heart rate and a larger heart with no reserve capacity, meaning they get out of breath very easily and regularly pant after minimal physical exertion. Losing some of that weight takes a huge strain off the heart.

2. Arthritis. Imagine carrying around a large rucksack full of stones wherever you went. After some time the strain on your joints would start to tell. Many pets will get arthritis at a certain age anyway, for obese pets this is more likely to occur sooner and the severity of the disease will be increased, necessitating permanent anti-inflammatory painkillers which can be expensive.

3. Diabetes Mellitus. Obesity is a well known factor in the development of diabetes, due to insufficient insulin produced in the pancreas and resistance to the insulin that is already being produced. Unfortunately once your pet develops diabetes there is no cure for it, and you must accept the responsibility of giving once or twice daily insulin injections for the rest of your pets life. Much better to avoid developing diabetes in the first place of course!

4. Urinary problems. Obese animals are more likely to suffer from cystitis, which requires veterinary treatment, and blockage of the bladder. A blocked bladder is common in obese male cats and is a true emergency.

5. Problems giving birth.

6. Non allergic skin diseases.

7. Breathing problems.

8. Hepatic lipidosis (fat deposited in the liver). This is a very serious condition that occurs in cats, particularly those that lose weight very quickly, or are starved for greater than 5 days.

9. Increased anesthetic risk.

How can I get my pet to lose weight?

1. Take your pet to the vet to have a thorough physical examination, lab tests, and an accurate weight recorded. The main purpose of this visit is to rule out hypothyroidism or other metabolic disorders which can prevent normal weight loss.

2. Feed less food than you have been. Quite simply, feed smaller portions.

3. Change the type of food to a low calorie complete diet. These diets, e.g. Hills r/d, provide less calories than regular pet foods do despite the portion being the same size. As a result your pets stomach is filled to the same degree and he/she does not feel hungry.

4. Feed pets small portions at intervals rather than continuous free access. If your pet goes outdoors, make sure no neighbors are feeding him/her.

5. Take your dog for longer and more regular walks to burn off calories. Increase the cats activity and exercise by enriching the cats environment, encouraging play.

6. Reweigh your pet at monthly intervals to assess your weight loss progress. If possible keep a chart so you can visualize how you are doing, with the target weight marked clearly. Your vet will be able to suggest an appropriate target weight.

7. Reduce the total daily amount fed if weight gain or no weight loss is noted.

8. Once your pet is at an ideal weight, adjust the total amount fed so that his or her body weight remains stable.

# posted by Medical Information : 1:24 AM

Although my dog is by no means a puppy, he still acts like it most of the time. He's a Wheaton Terrier, and boy, are those dogs high-strung. He is extremely excitable when people come to call, wants to spend most of the winter out playing in the snow, but by far his most favourite pastime is romping through the mud after spring and fall rains. This can, by all accounts, get to be quite messy, and letting him tear loose through the house after running through the mud can cause quite the disaster.

Cleaning him was always quite the ordeal. My dog's a fairly big dog as far as Wheaton Terriers go, and he really does not enjoy baths. When he was quite a bit younger, I was able to wash him in the bathtub, but eventually he realized that he was perfectly capable of jumping out of the tub in order to avoid bath-time. So then, I had to resort to soaping him down in the laundry tub (lucky for me, he does not like jumping from heights). Have you ever tried lifting a large, heavy dog into a laundry tub? Not a pleasant experience.

Recently, I've discovered an ultra-absorbent cloth that just does wonders! Known as the world's most absorbent cloth, Moose River's chamois is a thick, durable fabric that can soak up liquid like a sponge. It's great for bathing pets, and to clean up after pet accidents, because unlike sponges and paper towels, once it soaks up the water, it retains it and does not drip or leak. And the best thing about the chamois is that it is machine washable and thus, is re-useable for many years to come.

Now that I have my chamois, things are so much easier. With just a bit of warm, soapy water, it's so easy to wipe my dog down! He doesn't put up half the fuss, and I'm able to clean him just as well as if he had actually been in the bath. This works much better than regular clothes would - instead of just spreading the mud around, and rubbing it in even more, I'm actually able to take the mud and dirt off his coat.

This cloth also comes in so handy when my dog makes a mess in the house, whether it's due to him tracking mud through the house, if he's sick, or any other sort of doggy messes. Instead of going through a roll of paper towels to clean up after him (and we all know how easily paper towels rip when they're wet, definitely not conducive to cleaning up messes on carpet), I use my chamois. I can use it with various cleaning products, and it doesn't harm the chamois at all, and again it just picks up the mess instead of rubbing it even more into the carpet. Then, when I'm done cleaning, I just throw it in the wash and it's all ready to go next time my dog decides to take a romp through the mud!

# posted by Medical Information : 1:23 AM

Q. My 9 yr old 40kg dog hurt her cruciate ligament in her right back leg two weeks ago. My vet took xrays and performed tests on the knee and told me that the ligament had completely torn. He then advised strict rest for four weeks and to use Rimadyl anti-inflammatories. Yesterday however I came home from work to find her not using either of her back legs. I rushed her down to an emergency vet who said it was highly likely that her other leg was starting to rupture too. No neurological problems were found. The emergency vet suggested that I contact an orthopaedic specialist as surgery was almost certainly warranted in the right leg now. Since then we have booked her in for surgery and she is on rimadyl and glucosamine to keep her happy in the meantime. Any advice? and are there any other alternatives at this stage? Thank you

A. It is quite common for dogs who have a cruciate ligament rupture in one leg to develop one in the other leg unfortunately. It is however, a little strange that two complete ruptures occur at the same time like this. From your description of events it does sound like this is what is occuring here though. Surgical stabilization of the stifle (knee joint) is advocated by most veterinary surgeons when cruciate ligament rupture has occurred in both legs as this will aid recovery. With both legs possibly ruptured I would definately seek specialist help like you have to ensure the best treatment is received. In this circumstance a double (bilateral) TPLO surgery may be necessary to ensure a quick recovery (although I am not an orthopaedic specialist this sounds the most sensible to me). Surgery is also likely to reduce the amount of arthritis that will build up in the future. The other alternative is to continue resting her with anti-inflammatories, although I think this is less ideal because the healing process will probably take a lot longer.

# posted by Medical Information : 1:22 AM

Buying a horse can be a very time consuming endeavor, with all the different horse breeds and skills to choose from. The more you become familiar with the process of buying and selling horses, the better your chances will be to end up with the horse to fit your needs. There are many avenues to look for the horse you want, like a local barn, tack shops, newspaper classifieds, and now you can go online and look through thousands of horse for sale classifieds. Take your time and don't get to overwhelmed. If you make the selection process in a hurry, you might make an unwise purchase. Plan to take from one month to one year to find your ideal horse. Understandably, if you are without a horse, one year might sound like a very long time, but you can use this time to become more knowledgeable about what you want by taking lessons.

The first thing you must determine is what you really want from a horse, and to what extent you will be using him/her. Will the horse be a trustworthy companion or wonderful Dressage prospect? Buy taking the time and comparing the different classified ads presented to you, will help determine your priorities. Be sure to use the advanced search features each online classified horse website has to offer, this will help you to narrow down your search results.

Once you have found the horse you want, its always a good idea to get a professional opinion when you are buying a horse. Whether or not you use an agent to help you select your horse, you should always have a basic veterinary pre-purchase exam performed. When you seek out professional advice, pay for it and then listen to it! When your instructor or veterinarian cautions you about a horse, it is for a reason. When seeking advice, it is best to a well-respected professional that has no vested interest in the horse sale.

Here is a breakdown of what to look for when a horse is for sale:

* does the horse fit your needs

* what skills does the horse possess

* does the horse have a good temperament

* do comparisons of other similar horses

* does the horse fit the selling price

* get professional advice

* are there any lessons with the sale

* make sure to have pre-purchase vet exam

* can you afford the upkeep on a horse (such as boarding, feed, and veterinary care.)

Stay focused. Keep in mind that you are selecting a horse for a particular reason or desired skill. There are many decisions and compromises lying ahead, so it helps if you set your priorities clearly at the outset.

If the overall purpose of the horse is to teach you how to ride rather than to carry you to the winner's circle, then the selection process will emphasize different traits to fit your needs. If the horse is intended to be a long-term project rather than a stepping stone, you may need to invest more time, effort, and money in your purchase. Remember to take your time and use the tools at your disposal, such as online horse classifieds, you will thank yourself in the end.

# posted by Medical Information : 1:22 AM

With the ever-growing demand for pet grooming services, if you are a pet lover, it is time that you may want to start thinking about starting a pet grooming business. A pet grooming business does not just wash the pet. It also provides other value-added services such as trimming the pet's nails, cleaning their teeth, and shaving their coat. These value-added services call for your expertise and creativity in the work and thus they can fetch you a higher profit.

If you are interested in starting a pet grooming business, below are some tips that you can take away.

1) You should find out if there are any other pet grooming services near your shop location.

2) Purchasing pet grooming equipment can be expensive. You should buy them just before your business opens, just in case you back up. You should buy the equipment from people who have knowledge about grooming supplies so as to get the best price.

3) As a professional pet groomer, you should not only give your clients advice on how to groom their pets but also how to care for their pets. This will make your service unique so that they will come back to you again.

4) To increase your credential, you should obtain a pet grooming license. But be prepared to go through intensive hands-on grooming training before you can receive the license. But once you got it, it’s going to benefit you for your entire career course.

5) Constantly attending pet grooming course and seminars to keep yourself ahead of your competitors. Upgrade your equipment regularly and more importantly, consciously convey the benefits of your new equipment to your clients. Let them know that they are getting the most up-to-date service and technology from you.

6) As a professional pet groomer, you should always take your time when grooming each pet. You should make sure you do your best, because this is what it takes to keep your business.

7) Initially, you may want to start your business out of your home until you build up your client base. The time to move out of your home to a shop is when your income in enough to cover the shop rental and other basic recurring expenses.

Businesses do not grow overnight. The law of germination applies. Take your time to build up a reputation for your service, always over deliver your service and soon, your business will spread by word of mouth. When that happens, success is inevitable and no one will be able to stop you.

# posted by Medical Information : 1:21 AM

Bird watching is a wonderfully relaxing non-activity. Creating a bird sanctuary complete with a hummingbird feeder will attract hummingbirds to your backyard so you get an opportunity to watch these wonderful little creatures in action.

Bird watching can keep your mind sharp and your attitude positive. Watching hummingbirds fly into their own little specialized habitat will give you a very positive experience. A hummingbird feeder will add elements to our backyard that would encourage hummingbirds to come. The hummingbird feeder can be hung from a tree in the backyard or another appropriate location can be chosen.

Choosing the kind of hummingbird feeder that you will use should not be a problem. There are several styles of feeders to choose from. You can build one that would be a creative undertaking or you can run to your nearby hardware store and get a hummingbird feeder already set up for you. A garden shop, discount marts or online, hummingbird feeders are available almost everywhere.

As soon as you hang the feeder, you can determine how many birds will be coming into your yard. You can expand the size of the feeder if necessary. You can add an additional larger feeder. Then you can watch all the activity around your feeder from the comfort of the backyard habitat.

Most hummingbird feeders are made of plastic. Newer feeders are made of ceramic or glass. Since if the hummingbirds do not always recognize the feeders as a source they may not come immediately to the hummingbird feeder. Add nectar to the feeder to attract them but keep in mind that hummingbirds must learn to use the feeder.

Any feeder will attract hummingbirds. The features to look for in your hummingbird feeder are ease of cleaning and personal style. Get the basin-style hummingbird feeder instead of the ones with the inverted bottle.

If your birds seem to prefer one style feeder rather than another, it's probably a simple matter of being familiar with a certain type of feeder. If you have a lot of hummingbirds coming to your feeder, you might want to increase the number of hummingbird feeders in the sanctuary.

Hummingbirds are very territorial. Hummingbirds are small little birds but are also fierce competitors. While they are flying around your hummingbird feeder, they are aware of everything around them and will defend their territory from other hummingbirds and from insects. They must also watch out for other animals that might prey on them, such as tarantulas. Praying mantises are known to capture and kill hummingbirds.

To provide the best environment for the humming bird, your feeder should provide a source of energy for the hummingbird. The hummingbird feeder should have flower nectar and sugar water that you place in the hummingbird feeder. For protein and other nutrients hummingbirds eat insects and spiders.

You can put over ripe fruit in the hummingbird feeder. Although banana peels will attract flies to your hummingbird feeder don;t worry because the hummingbird is an insect killing machine.

# posted by Medical Information : 3:09 AM

If you have pets you will probably at some point have to deal with pet stains on carpeting. They can be difficult to remove but they are just part of life when you have a pet. This article will give you some advice to help you treat and hopeful remove pet stains.

If your pet has an accident on the carpet the first thing you must do is remove as much of the material as possible. This is easy if you are dealing with feces. just pick it up. If your pet has urinated on the carpet you should blot it up with dye free paper towels. Blot up as much as you can and then place a stack of paper towels on the spot and place a weight on to p of the towels. Let is sit for a few hours to give the liquid time to wick up into the towels. Change the towel often if necessary.

After you have cleaned up as much of the liquid or solid material as possible you can clean the area. Obtain a a spray bottle and mix up a solution of 1 part vinegar to 4 parts of water. Spray the solution on the spot and let it dwell for a minute. Blot the spot and repeat if necessary.

In most cases this will have done the trick. If you notice an odor problem in the future you can try an enzyme cleaner. They are available at most pet stores. Follow the directions on the product. With this product you mix up the solution and pour it on the spot. Let it dwell. You will usually want it to remain wet for 24 to 48 hours to give the enzyme time to work.

If you still have an odor problem you should probably contact a local carpet cleaner. they will have professional tools and methods to take care of the problem.

# posted by Medical Information : 3:09 AM

Like all the domestic animals, dogs are susceptible to many diseases. So in order to keep them healthy, it is necessary to understand the various diseases they can suffer from. Here is your quick guide on common dog diseases:

Rabies: This disease is caused due to a virus which affects the central nervous system of the dog. It generally spreads through the saliva. Rabies has several stages. In the first stage, there appears some behavior changes in your dog. As it reaches the second stage, the dog becomes very aggressive and by the third stage the body parts of the dog stop coordinating with each other. Once encountered the disease, there remains no cure.

Distempter: This is considered as the biggest threat to the whole population of the dog species. The symptoms are heavy nasal discharge, congestion in the chest, weight loss, coughing, gunky eyes and diarrhea. As the disease reaches its later stages, it has a direct effect on the nervous system of the dog causing paralysis. It is a contagious disease and the virus can be encountered by the air. Even by coming in contact with the excretion of the infected dog, the healthy dog can get afflicted. Once the dog is infected, then there is no cure for the disease. This deadly disease can be prevented by giving a proper vaccination to the dog.

Bloat: It is a serious disorder in a dog, wherein there occurs a twisting in the stomach of the animal. It generally occurs due to over eating. If the dog appears restless and depressed with dry heaves, then you must treat him for bloat.

Parvovirus: This virus is a fast killer as the symptoms can be seen in the dogs within hours of the virus attack, even killing the dog within 48-72 hours. It is a contagious disease and directly attacks the intestinal tract of the dog's digestive system. The effect of the virus can also be seen on the heart of the dog. The symptoms include depression, severe form of diarrhea, vomiting and also loss of appetite. In this disease the color of the feacel matter changes and often have blood stains.

Canine Viral Hepatitis: This disease directly targets the kidney, the liver and the blood vessels of the dog. The symptoms include loss in appetite, intense thirst, vomiting and hemorrhages. The virus of the disease spreads through the faecel matter of the other dogs. The dogs can be prevented from this disease by administering them with the vaccination.

Kennel Cough: This is the most common respiratory disease among the dogs, wherein a typical kind of cough can be seen in the dogs. If given proper treatment, the disorder can be mended.

Leptospirosis: It is a bacterial disease. It spreads through the excretion of the animals. If human beings any how come in contact with this virus, they can also be infected. There is not one but several species of bacterias that produce this disease in dogs. The common symptoms of this disease are kidney inflammation, lethargy, conjuctivita, low grade fever and even sometimes clotting of blood. If the disease is more chronic the symptoms can be jaundice, pneumonia and intestinal inflammation.

Retinal Dysplasia: It is a disorder where there is an abnormal development of the retina. There occurs folds in the outer layers of the retina. It is the most common type of disease that is present in most of the breeds of dogs. A minor form of dysplasia causes minor vision problems, whereas an acute one can lead to total blindness in dogs. Cataract is also accompanied by this disorder.

Lyme Disease: It is a bacterial disease that is spread by ticks. The dog suffers from joint pains, loss of appetite, fever and lethargy. Tetracycline, an antibiotic is used for the treatment of this disease.

It is thus important to detect early symptoms of these diseases in your pet dogs and meet your vet as soon as possible. This will not only keep your dog healthy but will also keep it away from any of the life threatening diseases.

# posted by Medical Information : 3:08 AM

As a dog owner it is sometimes difficult to make decisions about what is right for your pet, especially with many veterinarians and pet professionals having at times conflicting views on the pros and cons of neutering. This article aims to dispel some of the myths surrounding neutering and enable you to make an informed choice on this important issue.

Neutering a male is a procedure known as castration. It involves complete removal of the testes via a small surgical incision between the penis and the scrotum. Dogs do not have vasectomies like humans do as they are usually neutered for reasons other than birth control. There have been several occasions where owners have been unaware of this fact until the operation has been done, causing resentment in some cases. The pros and cons of castration will be discussed shortly.

Neutering a female is a procedure known as spaying. It usually involves an ovariohysterectomy, removal of the ovaries and uterus via a surgical incision over the belly button. Note how this differs with the equivalent human procedure, a hysterectomy, where only the uterus is removed. Again this is because female dogs are neutered for other reasons in addition to birth control where removal of the ovaries is beneficial.

Why should I neuter my dog?

For males, the reasons in favor of castration are:

1. Birth control. If you also own a bitch that has not been spayed, this will prevent unwanted pregnancies.

2. Stopping territorial behavior such as urine marking.

3. Stopping sexual behavior such as masturbation (humping cushions, teddies etc).

4. Reducing dominance aggression.

5. Eliminating the possibility of testicular cancer later in life.

6. Reducing the likelihood of prostate disease later in life.

The arguments against castration in male dogs are:

1. Weight gain. Castration usually leads to undesirable weight gain, which in itself can cause or exacerbate diabetes, heart disease and arthritis. Castrated dogs should have their food intake decreased by 20% to accommodate this change and prevent obesity.

2. The anesthetic risk. With every general anesthetic there is a risk, but in a young fit dog that risk is very, very low.

3. Other potential complications. These are very rare and usually easily resolved and include infection, bleeding into the scrotum and herniation.

4. The cost. This will vary hugely between clinics, and depend upon the size of the dog.

For females, the reasons in favor of spaying are:

1. Birth control. Unwanted pregnancies are a hassle, if they occur you have the responsibility of terminating the pregnancy (this can be done via a simple injection soon after mating), paying for any complications with the birth (Caesarian sections are expensive) or finding loving homes for the puppies.

2. Stopping the bitch from having seasons during which blood is dripped from the vulva over the floor in your home.

3. Stopping erratic behavior associated with being on heat.

4. Decreasing the likelihood of breast cancer later in life.

5. Eliminating the risk of developing a pyometra, a life threatening infection of the uterus.

6. Eliminating the risk of ovarian or uterine cancer.

The argument against spaying in females are:

1. Weight gain. Spaying usually leads to undesirable weight gain, which in itself can cause or exacerbate diabetes, heart disease and arthritis. Spayed dogs should have their food intake decreased by 20% to accommodate this change and prevent obesity.

2. The anesthetic risk. With every general anesthetic there is a risk, but in a young fit bitch that risk is very, very low.

3. Other potential complications. There include infection, breakdown of the abdominal wound and internal bleeding. These are very rare and usually easy to resolve.

4. Spayed bitches are more likely to suffer from urinary incontinence in old age. However, this type of incontinence is easily controlled by medication if it occurs.

5. The cost. This will vary hugely between clinics, and depend upon the size of the bitch.

When should I neuter my dog?

The answer is it varies with the breed. For male dogs, they should be approaching skeletal maturity, i.e. their bones should be almost fully grown. In small breed dogs such as terriers, this can be around 6 months of age but larger breeds mature more slowly, and should be castrated at nearer 1 year old. If the reason for castration is to alter the behavior of the dog, then it must be done at the earliest opportunity so that the behavior does not get engrained.

Bitches should be spayed just before or 3 months after their first season. Doing it early in this fashion minimizes the chances of the bitch getting mammary tumors later in life. Leaving it until the bitch has had 2 seasons means you are missing this window, and the advantage is lost. As with male dogs, small breed bitches mature more quickly than larger breed bitches and so will have their first season earlier, sometimes as early as 6-7 months old. There is no significant difference in before or after the season, but it must be the first season.

It is a bad idea to spay a bitch during a season as the uterus is swollen with a larger blood supply then, so the risk of bleeding is increased. Hence vets like to leave it until 3 months after the season, when the uterus has shrunk again and the surgery is easier and safer. It is also a false myth that it is healthier for a bitch to let her have a litter before spaying her. This simply means you miss your optimal spaying window and lose the ability to prevent breast cancer later in life.

How do I get my dog neutered?

Very easily. Both castration and spaying are routine operations performed by virtually all veterinary clinics, often on a daily basis. Before booking your dog in to be neutered your vet will need to do a quick clinical examination to check your dog is ready for the operation. This will usually involve just listening to the heart and lungs to confirm there is no underlying disease that might jeopardize an anesthetic. In male dogs, the testes are felt to make sure they have descended properly. If they have not, a more complex procedure might be necessary to remove them. In bitches, the mammary glands are often felt to check she is not lactating as this can complicate the surgery.

Once booked in, your vet will usually ask you to starve your dog from midnight the night before the operation, to ensure he/she has an empty stomach at the time of surgery. The dog is then dropped off at the clinic and usually collected later on that day. Dogs having routine neutering rarely have to stay at the clinic overnight, they usually go home with an Elizabethan collar to protect their stitches and a wagging tail!

# posted by Medical Information : 3:08 AM

When your beloved pet is not well, it is but a simple task to go online to seek diagnoses and purchase some pet medicine for the sick animal, as it is usually more cost effective.

However, is it the correct way to get your pet cured? Is it safe to buy non-prescription pet medicine online without advices from a professional veterinarian or animal doctor?

Although certain commonly used pet medicine, such as drugs for flea, tick or worming, does not require a prescription from a recognized veterinarian, it does not remove their potential danger and abusive powers if administered unwisely, even with repeat medications.

Some online websites provide useful and extensive information on the correct dosage and any side effects on the particular type of pet medicine that you are buying. As such, you have to exercise a lot of caution when buying non-prescription pet medicine online although it may be benign.

Our pets have become a special part of our family and we will always want the best for them. They depend on their owners to look after their needs including food, shelter and proper pet medicine when they are sick.

In addition, pet owners should have at least some basic knowledge on common pet medicine. In the event that the situation arises, they will most likely be able to distinguish and analyze the symptoms as well as to provide a little comfort to the distraught animal.

However, if the situation is critical, you should not try to diagnose your pet's ailment yourself or log onto the websites to locate the correct pet medicine. Otherwise, it may lead to devastating adverse consequences, as time is the essence. In addition, it is not cost effective as well as inhumane to let the suffering animal wait.

The bottom line is nothing can take the place of a veterinarian. The best action is to consult him when your pet shows any signs of discomfort or abnormal behaviors. He will be the best person to prescribe some appropriate pet medicine for your beloved friend.

He is also the best source of information on the correct pet medicine to be applied and should be able to provide you with the answers about the medicine, which you may not be able to find at the online websites.

However, it is important that you monitor your pet, to ensure that the prescribed pet medicine is functioning well. If it does not work, you should have the animal re-examined. The veterinarian should provide suggestions on what you should do when the medicine is not doing the right thing for your pet. Then in no time, your pet will be completely healed and active again.

Some home remedies can be used for simple benign problems such as an irritated eye or ear infection. It is also important to know if any pet medicine is not suitable for your pet such as developing skin problems or allergies after taking them. In addition, you should store some precautionary medicine in the house, like repeat medications previously prescribed by the veterinarian.

Your pet may dislike some of the oral pet medicine prescribed by the veterinarian. Here are some effective ways to make your pet swallow them. They may even work better than that spoonful of sugar. a. smash up the medicine into tiny pieces and place it inside their food such as mixed into the chopped meat or vegetables b. wrap the piece of medicine with the food if it is big enough like a hotdog bun or tuna sandwich c. offer your pet a treat such as a piece of cheese or a bunch of butter to stimulate its desire for food and then administer the medicine after that d. make use of the above treats but hide or cover the medicine inside it e. chop up or blend the medicine and disguise it with thick soup

Lastly, always remember to check on your pet's health every now and then. In addition, it is the owners' duty to provide their pets with the appropriate pet care such as a clean and safe environment, a healthy diet and sufficient exercises. With your love and care will keep the pet medicine away from the your beloved pets.

# posted by Medical Information : 3:07 AM

'Tis the season for glitter, tinsel, toys, and delectable food. But did you know all of these things can be hazardous — even deadly — to your pet?

Gift wrapping paper, bows, ribbons, and faux snow are pretty to look at and may be particularly intriguing to your pet, but they can also be swallowed or caught around your pet's neck. Tree tinsel and small parts from children's toys can also end up in the wrong mouth and become lodged in the throat, causing your pet to choke to death.

Be sure to hang tree decorations out of reach, as ornament hooks can also be a choking hazard. And make sure your Christmas tree is well secured. Cats are inquisitive and love to climb. They can easily become entangled in strands of lights, knocking the tree over.

Holiday plants such as mistletoe, holly and poinsettia can be deadly to animals. Make sure these are well out of reach of pets. Holiday candles should also be kept out of harm's way.

While there may be plenty of food in your home this time of year, avoid feeding your pet things such as turkey or other types of poultry that may have bones. And never give your pet chocolate. A substance called theobromine is in chocolate and can be toxic to pets.

Be careful when winterizing your automobiles. Spilled anti-freeze can have a sweet taste to pets, but can be especially dangerous if ingested, even fatal. The location of other household chemicals should be checked to be sure they don't pose a potential hazard.

By keeping these tips in mind and using common sense, you can help keep your pets safe during the holidays.

# posted by Medical Information : 4:01 AM

The care we give our pets is not just an obligation; it can also be seen as our way of showing them that we care and love them. The care we show our pet should not be limited to just the meals we provide for them everyday. You have to realize that your pet or pets have emotions as well and they also want to be played with, payed attention to and given some form of training on what to do, what is expected and when to it. Your pet needs to know that you as its owner cares for it.

There are numerous ways for you to show your pet you care. First time pet owners have to be prepared to learn about these ways so that they are prepared when it comes time to show your pet you care and can take care of it. For those pet owners who fall into the new category there are instructional videos in the market that can helpful to pet owners for taking care of the health, wellness and needs of your pet. These videos will show various aspects of taking care of all your pets needs and also show how to provide care for your pet as well as showing it the attention and care it needs.

There are many videos that provide instruction on how to care, raise, anticipate and establish communication with your pet. The best videos pet training videos reveal all the information for you to provide the necessary and proper care that your pet needs. An example of this is: The Tellington Touch for Happier, Healthier Dogs

The tellington touch for happier, healthier dogs provides learning and instructions on the best ways of dog communication. The video takes the time to show the best ways to communicating and creating understanding with your dog. The video shows the most effective way to make you pet dog your best friend. With this video your pet will go from being your pet and ward to your best friend. What this video shows is the necessary steps to create a relationship with mans best friend. As your dogs’ best friend, you will become more observant to the needs of your best friend and be able to decipher what every bark, facial expression and body language means.

This is good for times when your pet is sick but cannot say so verbally or when it has needs which it cannot say to you. Being able to understand what your dog is saying to you will save you boat loads of time and possible keep your dog safe, in healthy condition and away from danger.

Working with your pet takes devotion and dedication but is something every pet owner has to be ready for. It is part of the responsibility of owning and having that pet. Providing the necessary care for your dog or any other pet you own will ensure it shows you love and loyalty at all times.

# posted by Medical Information : 4:00 AM

Faithful, eager, clever, affectionate, good-natured, and impressibly high-spirited. These are all words that describe the Pug dog. The pug has a long history dating back to at least 700 B.C. Originated in China; the wrinkle that forms a W on its forehead was actually known as the Chinese character for “Prince”.

There is much debate on the subject of how the pug got its name. The first recorded appearance of the word pug in the English language was in 1566 meaning “endearment”. By 1600 the word came to be known to mean “courtesan” or “bargeman”. Then by the middle of the next century it finally appeared in the Oxford English Dictionary as “dwarf breed of dog resembling a miniature bulldog” which remains today.

The pug was known for its comical appearance, famous for its loyalty and bred as a companion. There is one story widely known that demonstrates this loyalty. In 1573 at William the Silent of Holland’s House of Orange, the now famous pug named Pompey awoke his master in the night right before a surprise attack by the Spaniards. Sir William escaped capture and Pompey became the symbol of the House of Orange. An effigy of the monarch with his pug at his feet is carved over William’s tomb in Delft Cathedral.

Another story displaying the obvious worthiness of the pug took place on the night of Napoleon’s wedding to Josephine. He had told her that he refused to share his bed with the animal and in return her beloved pug “Fortune” bit him. Josephine made it clear that Fortune would stay or she would not and from then on Napoleon shared his bed with the two.

Coming into the 18th century, the pug breed was accepted for registration by the American Kennel Club in 1885. Since registration the breed has been known as an excellent show dog but still remains the perfect loyal companion. Its motto “Multum in Parvo” means a lot a dog in a small space. The pug most definitely lives up its motto!

# posted by Medical Information : 3:59 AM

A number of music producers caught a ride on the wave of new and innovative pet products that emerged in the late 1990s when they created musical arrangements especially for our furry friends. Take Laurel Canyon Animal Company, for instance, a music company that produces “Music to Make Dogs Happy.” Humorous pet-related verses keep dog owners giggling, while squeaky toys and other sound effects stimulate their dogs.

Then, enter Pet Music, a company that recently reintroduced pet music specifically designed to calm pets and help with separation anxiety. No cutesy verses or stimulating sound effects here. Just soft, lulling instrumentals that promote relaxation.

When the results of a study at Queens University in Belfast, Northern Ireland, were released in 2002, it confirmed what these music producers have been claiming all along: Animal behavior is influenced by music. Heavy metal can get canines in a tizzy and classical compositions can quiet them. But what Dan Rappoport, president of Pet Music, probably didn’t count on was the affinity humans would have for the same pacifying music.

A modern alternative to classical music, Pet Music’s tranquil CDs seem to appeal just as much to the human senses, according to some of the consumer reviews on Amazon.com. One CD buyer boldly admits, “Forget the pets, I love the soothing music.”

Amy Brodsky, owner of a pet sitting business called The Waldog Astoria in Warwick, NY, confides, “I have listened to it for years. It’s very relaxing, and we all need to relax.” It shouldn’t be surprising that pet owners are usurping the use of their pets’ stress-reducing music, since humans, perhaps, suffer even greater stress than their animal companions. An American Psychological Association survey in 2004 indicated that 54 percent of Americans were concerned about the level of stress in their every day lives.

The number of pets experiencing stress is likely to come in a close second, since animals are known to be extremely perceptive of human emotions. Body language and voice tone speak volumes to a pet, so if Master is stressed, Fido and Fluffy probably are, too. “I think pets cheer up their owners and do know when they are stressed,” says Brodsky. But in the process of turning to pets for stress relief, pet owners may not realize they are transferring tension to their animal companions.

Lorraine Zdeb, a professional pet sitter in Manville, NJ, who specializes in stress reduction for both people and their pets, speaks of a love energy connection between humans and their animals. “People do not realize just how powerful that is,” she says. “If the owner is not calm, the animal will not be.”

The vicious cycle of stress is easy to envision: Master comes home from a stressful day at work and passes stress on to his dog. The dog is stressed from being left home alone all day, so he chews up the couch in frustration and passes stress on to his master. Stress could be considered the most highly contagious psychological zoonosis known to human (and animal) kind. So it makes sense that humans and animals should seek the same treatment.

Rappoport concurs. “Pet Music is good for human stress, too; just don’t listen and drive at the same time,” he jokes.

The inter-species benefits of stress-relieving music obviously apply to dogs, cats and birds, but the benefits to humans were not a consideration when Rappoport first embarked on a quest to help distressed pets. “When our original series was released in 1999, my partner and I did it almost as a lark, being as we were refugees from the record business.”

If dogs could classify stress-reducing pet music, they might call it great music “to chew a bone by” or “to take a nap by.” Humans might discover the same CD provides perfect music “to crochet by” or “to do yoga by.” Would it be such a bad thing to abandon the TV in favor of listening to music “to read a good book by”?

Better yet, pet owners can share the experience with their pets by including peaceful pet music in their interactions. It is, after all, good music “to groom a pet by.” There’s nothing like a mellow melody during dog training sessions to encourage pets and their people to take things slow and be patient.

The calming effect of a Pet Music CD obviously has more applications than are immediately apparent. While Rappoport’s original intention was to create “a natural way to address pet stress and separation anxiety,” he has also succeeded in soothing the savage human.

# posted by Medical Information : 3:48 AM

Las Vegas animal boarding info is probably the last thing people think of when thinking of Vegas, and while the city is known for the unusual and offbeat, but it is also reputed to be the fastest-growing city in America with many families and businesses relocating to this city in the desert. While Bugsy Segal's dream was to establish a legal gambling center with entertainment for all, it has also become very family oriented with a vibrant center of culture and an attractive site for businesses to drop anchor.

Vegas will always may be a Mecca for gamblers, but it is now a city that is middle-class and bourgeois, and with the middle-class you get middle-class lifestyles of which pets are a part. Believe it or not, dog sitting and cat services are among the most popular web searches regarding Las Vegas. To that end, this article was written in order to point you in the right direction when procuring your Las Vegas dog sitting or cat services.

More Las Vegas Animal Boarding Info
Animal boarding services are in high demand with over 120 Las Vegas dog watching services available in the greater Vegas metropolitan area alone. (Las Vegas cat services are also available as well for your feline friend.) However, finding a good, trustworthy Las Vegas animal boarding service for Fido or your ferocious feline is not that easy. To that end, I've compiled a list of some of the better Las Vegas dog sitting or Las Vegas animal boarding full-service organizations that can help you with your beloved pet. They are:

1. Sunset Eastern Animal Hospital, 6521 S Eastern Ave - Las Vegas, NV 89119; (702) 361-2566
2. Gentle Doctor Animal Hospital, 1550 S Rainbow Blvd - Las Vegas, NV 89146; (702) 259-9200
3. Animal Inn Kennels, 3460 W Oquendo Rd - Las Vegas, NV 89118; (702) 736-0036
4. Tropicana Animal Hospital, (702) 736-4944 2385 E Tropicana Ave - Las Vegas, NV 89119;
5. Courtyard Animal Hospital, 3250 N Decatur Blvd - Las Vegas, NV 89130; (702) 648-0662
6. Chapparal Animal Spa, 2105 E Alexander Rd - Las Vegas, NV 89101; (702) 649-6383
7. Hot Dog Heaven 87 E Lake Mead Pkwy Henderson, NV 89015-5531.

4 Tips on What to Look for When Searching for a Las Vegas Animal Boarding Service
I'd suggest the following when looking for a good Las Vegas dog watching or cat-caring service.

#1). Look for a full-service Las Vegas animal boarding service. I already mentioned this but it is important as the more services at the shop will save you money. And of course, if you just want your basic Las Vegas dog sitting or cat services, you can opt for just that. If you just want your family pet boarded while you take your vacation, you can do that too. Dog or cat sitting, animal spa, vet, and animal boarding services should be the core services offered by a good Las Vegas animal boarding service or a Las Vegas dog sitting service. (A Las Vegas dog sitting service is bit of a misnomer as they also provide cat services as well.)
#2). Look for Las Vegas animal boarding services that also have a veterinarian on staff.
#3). Look for services that have high-quality, nutritionally-complementary food. As with humans, you are what you eat. If a dog or cat is fed nutritionally-sound food, it will make their stay more comfortable provided they are being temporarily boarded. #4). Make sure the staff is trained to work with animals. Most Las Vegas animal boarding services tend to hire anyone. Those trained with animals will ensure your pet gets the attention and care he/she deserves.

These basic tips included herein on Las Vegas animal boarding or Las Vegas dog watching services will point you in the right direction in the care and keeping of your beloved family pet.

# posted by Medical Information : 3:47 AM

Comb through the unseen healthy hair and get rid of the shedding hair; this is what most groomers do first before cutting your pets coat. A professional pet groomer will take their time when grooming each pet; they will make sure they do their best, because they understand that is what it takes to keep your business. You have to groom some animals all at once, while a lot of other animals have so much hair that it is easier to do a little at a time each day. Dog grooming seminars are usually advertised in dog grooming papers; these seminars are designed to help you get a feel for dog grooming.

A knowledgeable professional pet groomer will be able to give you some tips on the proper foods and medicines to provide to your pet to help keep them healthy. You will be able to receive special offers, some free samples, and learn about the latest equipment for grooming your pet if you just look for it. You must groom your pet's whole body including the legs, tail, and underbody if you want to do it right. You must groom certain pets from the skin outward to truly be effective in taking care of their coat of hair and keeping it healthy. A grooming business can either be mobile or stationary; with a mobile business the groomer can bring their services to you.

Dog grooming experience might be gained through apprenticeship; therefore, it is wise to spend at least one year gaining experience from a well respected groomer. Anyone interested in starting their own pet grooming business should find out if there are any grooming schools located near them. You know the best way to groom your pet is to visit a salon or pet grooming professional for advice and instructions on the proper maintenance of your pet. Dog grooming is difficult work that requires adequate professional training and a dedication to dogs; it also helps if you truly like dogs. Buying equipment for pet grooming may be tricky if you do not know exactly what you need; amateurs should consult a professional before purchasing things they might not need.

Anyone interested in a self-paced, but highly credible learning experience about pet grooming can attend grooming seminars that are sometimes hosted by pet lovers. You know the pet is well-mannered when it will sit still and let the owner or a professional perform regular grooming and maintenance without any fuss. Dog grooming seminars are designed to keep you up to date on the latest grooming tools as well as provide free samples of grooming products. You know the chances of your pet shedding hair is very likely, but some pets shed more than others.

# posted by Medical Information : 3:47 AM

Here are some basic principles that all dog owners need to learn and follow:

1. Be consistent. A behavior is either acceptable or it isn’t. It can’t be acceptable on alternate Tuesdays when you’re in the mood. For example, it can’t be OK to allow your dog to jump all over you on the weekends when you’re in casual clothes, but not during the week when you’re dressed for work. That’s an obvious one, although you’d be amazed how many people I’ve met who do exactly that.

Here’s one that’s less obvious. It can’t be OK for your dog to chew fabric toys but not to chew “inappropriate” fabric items. In other words, if you give your dog an old sock and say, “Here, chew this,” don’t be surprised when she eats your shirt. Consistency is a bit easier for singles or couples, and toughest for families. The more people who interact with the dog, the greater the likelihood of inconsistency. I strongly recommend that families conduct a few meetings to discuss and agree upon what will be universally unacceptable behavior on the part of the dog.

Everyone needs to clearly understand what the rules will be for a training program to be most successful. That being said, we live in the real world and I recognize how difficult consistency on the part of a six-year-old child will likely be. Parents of younger children will need to practice a fair amount of prevention and understand that the dog’s training process may be a little bit more difficult and prolonged.

2. Be consistent. Yes, I know I already said this, but consistency also extends to obedience commands. If you want your dog to learn to listen to obedience commands the first time they’re given, you need to be prepared to properly teach your dog to obey them the first time. This is most effectively accomplished if the initial foundation-level obedience you teach around the house is done off leash.

I have sometimes run into problems when discussing how important it is for dogs to obey commands consistently. In my opinion, this is an area where attitudes have gone downhill in the last 30 years. Decades ago the idea that a dog needed to obey commands the first time they were given would not have drawn comment. Today, there are many owners who are uncomfortable with the idea that their dog should be trained to respond so predictably.

I’ve had owners object, based on the idea that they did not want their dogs “to become robots.” It is important for these owners to understand that, first of all, if training is primarily done with compassion and reward this will not happen; and second of all, you might not care if your dog listens on the first command until the very first time she runs out into the street. Then, as cars are barreling toward her, you will pray she listens on the first command, because you may never get a second one.

The specifics of how to teach foundation-level obedience off leash can be found in Chapter 7 of this book. However, the principles of consistency really need to be understood here.

3. Understand why behaviors take place and deal with problems by dealing with the cause. When owners learn to do this, they will not just be reacting to what are often symptoms of an underlying problem.

4. Learn basic training techniques and then follow rules one and two. All owners need to understand the principles of prevention, maintenance, redirection, reward and correction. And they need to use them consistently. Now that you have an understanding of some of the challenges, let’s discuss a little bit about behavior, so that everyone can be clear what terms such as “prevention,” “maintenance,” “redirection” and “reward” really mean. Once you understand how a dog learns, we can get on to the business of training.

# posted by Medical Information : 3:46 AM