One of the worst things that your dog can pick-up outside can lead to some serious problems. Fleas are disgusting parasites that feed on your dog and a severe infestation can be started with just a couple of the tiny little bugs. According to an article on AnimalPlanet.com titled, “Home Remedies for Dogs with Fleas,” by Shanna Freeman and Dr. William Fortney, the authors explain the horrific negative effects of fleas on your dog—and on you.

Fleas bite your dog, which can lead to severely itchy and irritating lumps. Your dog may also be incredibly sensitive to the saliva of fleas, and even just one bite can lead to flea-allergy dermatitis (FAD). This is a condition is which the raw, bitten skin becomes even more susceptible to bacterial infections and your dog may develop hot spots, which are areas of infection on the skin that can continue to spread. Fleas also carry parasites and tapeworms, so it is a very good idea to try to eliminate a flea problem the moment that you think an infestation has occurred.

Treatments

You can find over-the-counter products that you can buy for your dog’s fleas or you can go to the vet to get prescription medications. The medications that you get from your vet will be much more effective than the stuff that you buy from the store. Prescriptions will also work a lot faster and will be safer for your dog’s delicate skin. There are also natural, home remedies that can work to kill the fleas and get rid of the eggs so that no more fleas are produced. Natural options include:

• Vinegar
• Lavender Oil
• Cedar Oil
• Organic remedies that you buy from the vet

If you opt to use vinegar, you should do so after you wash your dog with a mild dishwashing soap or baby shampoo. Then, apply a mixture of vinegar and either lavender oil or cedar oil, and leave this product on the dog for at least 20 minutes. Afterwards, wash the mixture out thoroughly and then use a flea comb to comb through all of your dog’s fur. You should get as close to the skin as possible, to loosen up eggs and dead fleas.

If for any reason your dog seems to be in serious distress after applying the flea repellant, like is he is shaking or drooling heavily, call the vet immediately. You should also wash all fabrics in the house and vacuum carefully to get rid of any fleas in the home.

Flea & Tick Medications
http://www.mrchewy.com/b/flea-and-tick

Basic ear care for dogs is most successful when performed on a routine basis, especially for breeds that have a higher risk of infection, such as Hounds, Labradors, Shar Peis, and Spaniels. Some dog breeds also prone to hair growth within the ear canal, blocking airflow which can result in infection. Hair in the ears should be removed by a pet groomer or veterinarian every one to three months. Dog breeds that commonly suffer from this problem include Schnauzers, Maltese, and Shih Tzu’s.

Ear infections in dogs are generally caused from a build-up of moisture in the ears. Fungus, such as yeast, can grow in the ear, causing black, dark brown or yellow discharge – as well as itching, inflammation, and odor. If not treated, a yeast infection can develop into a secondary bacterial infection, leading to erosions in the ear and pain for the canine. Chronic ear infections are also believed to be caused by a hypersensitivity to food more than 75 to 85 percent of the time.

Learning how to perform ear care for dogs at home can be a great skill for dog owners to obtain. Follow these step-by-step instructions to care for your dog’s ears:

1. Hold the flap of the ear open at its base. Fill the ear with cleaning solution made especially for pets. Be sure to follow all instructions carefully.
2. Massage the ear gently to loosen build-up of wax and debris.
3. Let go of the ear and step back. Allow the dog to shake its head as this will help to remove debris and wax from the horizontal canal up and out to the vertical canal.
4. Use a cotton ball to wipe away any excess debris and liquid that the dog has loosened. Begin at the base of the ear and work your way upwards.
5. With your veterinarian’s permission, use a Q-tip to clean deep into the vertical canal. Be gentle as this sensation can be irritating to the dog.

Ears should be cleaned an average of twice per week if the dog has an ear infection or has chronic ear infections. Breeds that are at high risk for ear infections can also benefit from ear cleanings once or twice per week. Prescription medications used for the treatment of your pet’s ear infections should be given for the entire duration of the treatment, according to your veterinarian instructions. With regular ear care for dogs and speedy treatments of any ear ailments, your canine is sure to maintain healthy ears.

Ear Care for Dogs

Dog Acupressure & Acupuncture

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

Ancient Healing in Modern Times

Acupressure, like acupuncture, is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Both disciplines use the same meridian and point system, yet differ because animal guardians can contribute their touch and energy with acupressure, rather than inserting needles. Only veterinarians with acupuncture training are allowed to use needles. By learning acupressure, you can participate in the health and well-being of your dogs, cats, and horses. Sharing this knowledge with your favorite animals offers you both a rich experience.

In China, acupressure is called Tui Na (the original Chinese meridian massage techniques). Today, Tui Na is used far more extensively in China than acupuncture. Because fine needles are inserted at the “acupoint” sites, acupuncture is considered an invasive procedure that only trained veterinarians are allowed to perform. Acupressure is safe, deceptively gentle, and always available for animal guardians, trainers, and healthcare practitioners to offer.

Thousands of years of clinical observation have proven the benefits of acupressure, which include:

• • Building the immune system
• • Relieving muscle spasms

• Releasing emotional blockages

• Strengthening muscles, tendons, joints and bones

• Replenishing the horse’s physical and emotional energy

• Releasing endorphins necessary to increase energy or relieve pain

• Balancing energy to optimize the body’s natural ability to heal

• Releasing natural cortisone to reduce swelling and inflammation

• Enhancing mental clarity and calm required for focus in training and performance

• Resolving injuries more readily by increasing the blood supply and removing toxins.

Acupressure is Well-Accepted within the Animal Caring Community

Acupressure has been in continuous use with animals from ancient times to now. In the past ten years there has been a surge of interest in bringing this ancient healing art back to the forefront of animal healthcare. Animal acupressure is an emerging career as evidenced by the growing number of equine acupressure practitioners worldwide. As further evidence, Hocking College in southern Ohio has devoted acupressure course work to their Equine Sciences curriculum. The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) offers Continuing Education credits for animal acupressure. And, the National Board of Certification for Animal Acupressure & Massage (www.nbcaam.org) has prepared examinations for these disciplines that reflect standards of professionalism.

Animals are particularly responsive to acupressure. They love touch and they know what helps them to feel healthy and vital. It is rewarding to work with animals because they don’t want to hold on to their “owies” the way humans ten to do. When the hurt is over, they happily get up and go and don’t look back. Combining your animal’s energetic connection and your healing and loving intention with the ancient healing modality of acupressure offers a powerful resource you take with you anywhere you go.

How does Acupressure Work?

Unique to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is the concept of chi, also seen as Qi or Ki and pronounced as “chee,” life-promoting energy. Chi and blood must flow harmoniously throughout the animal’s body along channels or pathways known as meridians. When there’s any type of obstruction or stagnation of the flow of these two vital substances, the body can’t function optimally because the body isn’t receiving the nourishment it needs.

Chinese medicine aims to prevent illness by maintaining a balanced flow of chi and blood to all the internal organ systems and tissues. To be healthy animals need to have a good diet, daily exercise, rest, as natural an environment as possible, and acupressure to help sustain and replenish the balance of chi and blood.

When chi is blocked along the meridians or within an organ, an internal imbalance occurs and the body becomes compromised. This imbalance can lead to health issues. For example, let’s say your dog has a drippy nose, his breathing sounds congested, and his energy level is low. You know that his Lung organ system, which is the Lung organ and its meridian, has become imbalanced and his lungs are not receiving the proper amount of chi and blood to be healthy.

To help restore your dog’s health, you can use acupressure points, (also called “acupoints), known to stimulate and rebalance the Lung chi. By palpating specific acupoints and adding your own energy you can work with your dog’s body to remove the blockage. This is how acupressure works.

Better yet, don’t wait until your dog, cat or horse has a health problem.  If you maintained the animal’s immune system by regular acupressure session, you may not have to deal with any health problems, short of an injury or accident.

###

By Amy Snow & Nancy Zidonis, Founders of Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Institute
Nancy Zidonis and Amy Snow are the authors of: Acu-Dog: A Guide to Canine Acupressure, Equine Acupressure: A Working Manual, and Acu-Cat: A Guide to Feline Acupressure. They founded Tallgrass, which offers books, manuals, DVDs, Apps and meridian charts. Tallgrass also provides hands-on and online training courses worldwide including a 330-hour Practitioner Certification Program. Tallgrass is an approved school by the Dept. of Higher Education through the State of Colorado and an approved provider of National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) Continuing Education.

Website – http://www.animalacupressure.com

Phone – 888-841-7211   /  Email – Tallgrass@animalacupressure.com

Ways to Keep Your Dog Healthy

With every dog comes the responsibility that every owner must provide – a happy, healthy, and active life. As dog owners become too busy with work, school, and other daily activities, dogs may not get the care they truly need. There are many things that owners can do to keep a dog healthy and fit. Domesticated canines generally have it good – a roof over their head, a constant supply of food, and social interactions from their humans. There are other things that go along with having a healthy dog.

Pet-Proof the House

If you want to avoid a trip to the animal emergency room, it’s important to pet-proof your house. Store harmful chemicals, electrical cords, and objects that pose a choking risk in areas where the dog cannot get to them. Identify and prevent access to medications, cleaning supplies, and poisonous house plants.

Supply Daily Exercise

Both small and large breed dogs require a sufficient daily supply of exercise to stay in shape. An active lifestyle will also help eliminate bad behaviors caused by boredom and excess energy. Exercise provides dogs with mental stimulation, improved circulation, toned muscles, and strong bones. Owners should take their dog for a walk at least once each day. Training your dog in agility courses, doggie yoga, flyball, or classes like doggie boot camp are ideal.

Get Check-Ups

It’s important for owners to bring their dog for annual check-ups to help screen for disease and prevent future illnesses. The veterinarian should look for signs of dental decay, changes in health, or any abnormalities. When visiting with your vet, be sure to garner pet care tips, discuss dietary needs, and learn about any signs that may warrant medical attention.

Feed Nutritious Meals

The wide range of selections of dog foods can be overwhelming to pet owners. Get recommendations for the most nutritious food types for your specific pet, according to the dog’s age, weight, and current health. Feed the dog the measured amounts twice each day – as well as a constant supply of fresh water. Avoid giving dogs people food, especially chocolate, macadamia nuts, grapes, and avocados as these foods can be fatal and damage the digestive system.

Debug the Dog

Dogs are prone to mites, ticks, fleas, and heart-worm. These parasites can wreak havoc in your dog’s body. Keep up-to-date on topical products that should be applied once per month to prevent fleas and ticks. Regular monthly doses of heartworm medication can be an effective treatment in the prevention of heartworm disease. Pay close attention to the dog’s skin and fur when performing regular grooming, nail, and ear maintenance.

Owning a dog is a huge responsibility and not everyone has the time or resources available to be a successful pet parent. Dogs need plenty of exercise, quality food, and love to maintain their health. These actions – coupled with regular vet check-ups – will help guarantee your dog will enjoy a healthy and happy life.

Canine Osteoarthritis

Older dogs are prone to developing arthritis. However, young dogs can develop arthritis due to trauma to the joint, hereditary malformations, breeding issues, unstable joints, poor diet, and infection. Early detection is key to slowing the degenerative process and managing the dog’s level of pain.

Indicators of canine arthritis include:

• Reluctance to play, walk, run, climb, jump
• Swelling and heat at the site
• Favoring a limb (limping)
• Difficulty getting up or standing
• Moving stiffly
• Protecting a limb
• Avoiding being touched
• Change in attitude / personality
• Weight gain
• Less alert
• Sleeping more, and,
• Crunching (“crepitus”) sound when the joint is flexed.

Your holistic veterinarian, acupressure practitioner, and canine nutritionist are good resources for your dog to be as comfortable as possible for as long as possible. Because there are many different types of canine arthritis, consulting professionals who can help zero-in on the exact joint problem is the best strategy for your dog’s comfort.

You can begin to offer your dog comfort care by working with the acupressure points  given below on the chart. The points need to be stimulated on both sides of the dog’s body – first one side then the next. You can use the soft tip of your thumb gently on each peach point while your other hand rests on the dog as well. Count to 30 very slowly and remember to breathe evenly and deeply while working with your dog.

Nancy Zidonis and Amy Snow are the authors of: Acu-Dog: A Guide to Canine Acupressure, Acu-Cat: A Guide to Feline Acupressure, and Equine Acupressure: A Working Manual.  They founded Tallgrass offering books, manuals, DVDs, Apps, and meridian charts. Tallgrass also provides hands-on and online training courses worldwide including a 330-hour Practitioner Certification Program.  Tallgrass is an approved school for the Dept. of Higher Education through the State of Colorado and an approved provider of NCBTMB CE’s.

phone: 888-841-7211
web: www.animalacupressure.com
email: Tallgrass@animalacupressure.com

Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds

I often get asked questions about hypoallergenic dog breeds and which are they and what to look for.. However I try to make it clear that no research has found any such breed and varies dog by dog. What you must understand about dog dander is it’s similarity to seasonal allergies and how its affects varies from person to person from dog to dog. So what can you do? My best advice would be to seek a dog that doesn’t shed as much as others and see if you are allergic to them. I myself have very bad allergies but seem to have done well with 2 Shih Tzu’s and  a Great Dane but seriously allergic to Pitbulls. Your next question would be what are some low shedding dog breeds?

Here are a few I came up with based on a few of my favorite or popular low shedding dogs that sometimes get referred as hypoallergenic dog breeds (but are not) and doing some research on your own is recommended but from mine here is my top ten.

1. Poodles
2. Shih Tzu
3. Spanish Water Dog
4. Greyhounds
5. Portuguese Water Dog
6. Komondor
7. Yorkies
8. Basenji
9. Irish Water Spaniel
10. Maltese

My Shih Tzu

There are way’s to reduce allergic reactions from your pets and a few I practice are: bath each dog twice a week, vacuum daily, brush dog hair daily and having dog free rooms. Mix and match to your lifestyle there a quite a few others out there like sprays and bath soap that help reduce allergens just not necessary to my life with dogs.

I hope you found this posting helpful and if so share it with your family and friends.

Regards
Jason DM | DogCulture.net