Dogs and Care of Their Ears
The most common ear problem in dogs is inflammation of the outer ear, technically termed otitis externa. The area between the outside opening and the eardrum can be irritated by infections, parasites, allergies and foreign objects.
Signs of Ear Problems
Signs of irritation include scratching, shaking the head, and reacting painfully when the ears are touched. There may also be a discharge coming from the ear canal. Ear hematomas, (a rupturing of the blood vessels in the ear flap causing the ear flap to swell) are common if irritation goes untreated. Depending on the cause, one or both of the ears may be affected.
How Ear Problems are Diagnosed
Your veterinarian will use an otoscope to look into the ears. Your vet will also take a sample and examine it with the microscope to check for mites, bacteria or yeast. If infection is present, the sample may be sent to a lab for culture. Cultures provide information about the kinds of bacteria present and the medications that can help. During the examination, the veterinarian may also see foreign objects such as fox-tails or ticks in the ear canal. If your dogs ears are very painful, sedation or anesthesia may be required to fully examine and treat the ears.
Common Causes of Ear Problems
Some pets are simply more prone to getting ear problems, either due to their ear structure, allergies or skin conditions. Ventilation of the ears is poor in dogs with floppy ears, resulting in a warm, moist environment perfect for growth of bacteria and yeast. Certain breeds of dogs are also more likely to suffer from skin allergies and disorders like seborrhea. These skin problems affect the ears too, causing chronic inflammation and susceptibility to infection.
The lining of the ear canal, like the rest of the skin, normally contains small amounts of bacteria and yeast. These organisms are harmless unless they multiply out of control. Overgrowth of these organisms causes irritation, inflammation, foul odor and discharge. Chronic infection can lead to damage to ear tissues, including rupture of the ear drum. If the ear drum is ruptured, the infection can gain access to the middle ear, causing serious problems like head tilt, loss of balance, and inability to walk normally. Chronic ear infections may require surgery to remove the diseased ear canal (ear ablation) or to improve air flow to the ear (lateral ear canal resection)
Parasites in the ear include ear mites and ticks. Ear mites are tiny creatures that are just barely visible with the naked eye. You can view the ear video to observe the mites magnified. They are quite contagious between dogs and cats. They cause severe itching and produce large amounts of black, waxy discharge. Pets with ear mites scratch their ears incessantly. This can lead to ear or skin infections as well as damage to deeper ear structures. Ticks can attach to the inside of the ears. They may irritate the ears or obstruct the canal, preventing normal ventilation and interfering with hearing.
The most common foreign bodies in the ears are fox-tails or grass awns. These pointy seeds get caught in pets fur and gradually work their way into the skin, nose, ears, and paws where they can cause major damage. Fox-tails in the ears are very irritating. If they are not removed from the ear canal, they may actually puncture the ear drum.
Treatment for Ear Problems
The first step in treating ear problems is a thorough cleaning of the ears. This may require sedation or anesthesia. Once all the debris is cleaned from the ear, specific medications are then prescribed. Antibiotics are used for bacterial infections, anti-fungals for yeast, anti-inflammatories for irritation and allergies, and insecticides for ear mites. Most of the medications should be applied directly into your dogs ears and are crucial to effectively treat the ear problem. Medication must be given exactly as instructed and continued for the full duration prescribed, even if the pet seems to be fully recovered sooner. If the ears were particularly full of debris, weekly flushing may be needed to get all the debris out of the ear.
The final step is to reduce the causative factors that produced the ear problem. Skin problems and allergies often respond to dietary supplements, antihistamines or anti-inflammatories. Routine ear cleaning with a product recommended by your veterinarian can also help. It is vital that the ears stay clean and the pH of the ear corrected to minimize the return of the yeast or bacteria. Avoid allowing pets in areas that contain fox-tails and check for fox-tails when they return from outdoors. If signs of ear problems recur, seek prompt medical attention before the condition worsens.
For routine cleansing of your pet’s ears, we commonly use T8 Ear Solution.
If your pet has a discharge, pain or itching of his ears, please take your pet to your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Using the improper medication will only prolong your pet’s problem and take longer for the ear to heal.
For pet supplies, tips and more health care articles, visit LuvUrDog.com
Where To Buy A Large Dog Bed
If you own of a large breed of dog, for example a German shepherd, a Doberman or even a Great Dane it is important that you provide a comfortable place for your dog to sleep. Large breeds of dogs require large dog beds in order to rest comfortably. There should be adequate room in the large dog bed so that your dog can stretch out to its full length and still be comfortable. This will ensure your dog is content in his own large dog bed and is less likely to want to sleep on your furniture. There are several styles of large dog bed for you to select from. Visit some online pet stores in your search for a bed for your pet or you may choose to make your own large dog bed.
Materials Needed For Making A Large Dog Bed
First, you will require some type of padding; a pillow from a craft store is suitable for the purpose. When you’re at the craft store grab some fabric for the cover also. If you can sew in a zipper or Velcro fastening you will be able to make a removable cover for the dog bed. You can also use snaps or buttons. Be creative and find out what will work best for your specific large breed dog bed. You can choose from different colors or patterns of fabric to suit your pet or the décor of your home. Before you know it you will have created the ideal bed for your dog at a fraction of the price of a ready made dog bed.
Different Types Of Large Dog Beds
If you’re after a ready made dog bed, Beasley large dog beds are considered to be superior. The inner cushion can be removed while the outer cover and bolster is completely washable. Their couch shape provides comfort for your dog who should be very happy with this selection. Prices for an extra large Beasley dog bed are very competitve and you will find online retailers who offer free shipping. Choose from the wide range of colors available to suit your dog’s temperament and personality. If you are on a tighter budget, you can choose a lower priced dog bed. They have many sizes to select from. The donut shaped dog bed is a popular choice with pet owners. These are suitable for most dogs and are available from $30. A great saving in price, while still providing the comfort your dog deserves.
Accessories For Large Dogs
In addition to large dog beds, you can find many other dog supplies for your favorite pet. These can include designer dog collars, leashes, dog bowls and even doggie clothing that will suit your large breed of dog. We all enjoy pampering our pets, and there are many places you can go to find accessories for your large dog. Most pet stores offer a wide variety of dog toys, bones, and dog blankets as well as kennels, crates and large dog beds.
How to Stop Your Puppy from Biting
You don’t need to be concerned if a puppy bites you. This is completely normal puppy behavior. Chewing, biting and nibbling help puppies through the painful teething period. As well, this teaches puppies about eating and chewing skills. Chewing and biting are playtime activities for puppies.
Even though biting is normal for puppies, you can do some things to stop your puppy from biting. It is your responsibility to help him understand what is appropriate behavior when it comes to biting.
Puppies are usually adorable and cuddly and they don’t mean to injure anyone with their sharp little teeth. In their minds, they are showing affection and playing. That said, there is also a small percentage of puppies that find a reason to bite.
For a great guide to help you with your puppy behavior problems, I recommend that you check out: Stop Puppy Biting.
While puppies are still young, they must be discouraged from biting. By the time your puppy is four months old, he should have stopped biting. A puppy that is left with his mother would learn to stop biting from her. All too often, puppies are taken away from their mothers before they have an opportunity to learn to stop biting from her.
Introducing your dog to other puppies and dogs will help to stop his biting behavior. It is probable that the company of other dogs will help your puppy to understand the lessons that his mother would have taught him. It is natural for puppies to bite and nip during play. Your puppy will understand very quickly that being bitten by other dogs while playing is not a good thing. This factor alone will gradually stop puppy biting.Your puppy can’t learn this from you. It can only be taught through socialization with other dogs and puppies.
Your dog will learn not to fear other dogs if he is allowed to socialize with them. In the company of other dogs, puppies have the freedom to be playful and boisterous. As well, it’s a great way for your puppy to use up surplus energy so he’ll be calmer when you bring him home. A puppy is less inclined to bite if he is given plenty of time to play with other dogs.
If puppies are not properly socialized with other dogs, puppy biting may become an issue. Dogs bite for two key reasons: to show aggression and make people move back from them or out of fear. When a dog is not accustomed to being around other dogs, it is more likely that he will bite. Your puppy biting issues will eventually stop provided that your dog is socialized at an early age.
Your relationship with your dog must be based on mutual trust and respect. This means that you should not shout at your puppy to discipline him. A puppy should never be hit, slapped or kicked. It is important that a firm yet calm voice be used as well as a consistent technique with treats and discipline. Always lavish plenty of affection on your dog. When a puppy feels loved, he will rapidly learn to stop biting.
Visit our site today to stop puppy biting.
Tips To Become A Certified Dog Trainer
There are many circumstances where we are forced to work to live when in reality it should be about us living our lives and doing something that we enjoy. For those who love dogs, becoming a certified dog trainer may be just the career. A certified dog trainer is of great value, especially when helping a new pet owner with adjusting to their new dog and vice versa.
Becoming a certified dog trainer begins with a love of animals. It requires patience and a desire to interact with the animal. Dog obedience training takes knowledge and a compassionate nature in order for there to be success. Most people do not turn to a certified dog trainer until there is an obvious sign of dog aggression and then the battle begins. Dog training starts when the animal first comes home and continues throughout the life-time of the canine.
The training all begins with understanding the basic nature and structure of a dog. It is important to learn the different breeds in order to understand each dog’s particular traits and learning level. Some dog are more hyper than others and require a special sort of handling skills. The same goes for fetching or active breed lines that require special diets and more exercise.
Once the basics of dog behavior are down, then begin the specialized coursework designed to train a dog through a variety of methods. The instruction will teach how to use a variety of instruction in order to train the dog such as through a clicker or through positive reinforcement. Other steps include teaching safety to the owners as well as the dog. It is also important to learn how to deal with dogs that are more difficult to deal with due to a past history of violence or dog fighting.
Once the coursework is complete, the certified dog trainer is ready to begin. There are a variety of places to work such as pet supply stores, kennels or even opening up a business. One great example of a certified dog trainer is Cesar Millan who works with troubled dogs and their owners on his hit television show ‘The Dog Whisperer’ airing on cable.
A freelance trainer will not punch a clock or find them working day-in and day-out within the confines of an office building. There is the freedom of working outdoors and getting to play while being paid. If you decide to work for a company such as Pets Mart then you can get benefits as well. You may never be famous but you will be important to the people you help.
Housetraining Tips and Advice
No training is more basic for pet owners than that first important lesson: Do it outside!
Training your new puppy to potty outside the home, not in it, usually starts between six and eight weeks of age. Dogs as young as four weeks have been started on the program, but at that age not many have the muscular control to succeed.
Like any dog training program, trainer patience is as important as the dog’s temperament. ‘Sit’, ’stay’ and other behaviors can often be learned in a few days. ‘Potty’ training your puppy sometimes takes weeks - maybe as short as two, often a month or more.
As with other learned behaviors, it helps to watch for signs of the desired potty behavior and enforce and direct them with a voice command followed by praise. In this case that technique works even more to the trainer’s advantage, since all dogs will naturally eliminate. You want to train them to do it when and where you want!
Watch for circling or squatting, then pick up the pup, say ‘outside’ and sprint outside. Sometimes, the puppy may circle some more, but will often squat immediately. Once it starts, say ‘Go potty’ ( or some other unique phrase) in a clear, firm (but not angry) voice. Once the puppy has finished, lavish him with praises.
You won’t always be able to see the puppy about to start, but don’t become angry or impatient when the dog has an accident indoors. It takes time for your puppy to learn to tell you it’s time to ‘go potty’. It also takes time for the muscles needed to control bladder and bowels to develop.
On average, young dogs need to eliminate every 2-3 hours,. If you haven’t spotted pre-elimination behavior within that time, take the dog outside anyway. Issue the command ‘Go potty’ and wait. At first, usually, the dog will have no clue what you want.
Again, even when outside, it helps to wait and obseve for the desired behavior then issue the command. That helps the dog associate the command with the behavior. If your puppy still has not relieved himself after a few minutes and a few ‘Go potty’ commands, take him back inside for an hour. Of course, if you spot the pre-elimination behavior sooner, go outside again immediately.
Dogs have an innate ability to quickly learn what their ‘alpha’ (the leader of the pack) wants. This is almost always accomplished by associating a verbal command with behavior, followed by praise. Punishment is usually counter-productive, and nowhere more so than in waste elimination training. Never rub a dog’s nose in the mess.
Paper and/or crate training is preferred by some. A pup can be trained to go on a newspaper, or on one of the chemically treated pads designed for the purpose. Some small breeds that live all day in the home may not need to go outside at all.
The technique has a couple of downsides however. Unlike cats, dogs will rarely go in a perfumed litter box. Newspapers (even with the top layer removed after the dog goes) will eventually leave an unpleasant odor in the house.
Also, long before the odor becomes unattractive to humans, dogs can smell their own distinctive scent. Puppies don’t find the odior unattractive - quite the opposite. And that’s the problem.
Paper trained dogs will prefer to eliminate indoors. Sometimes they’ll miss the paper by just an inch, resulting in a smelly mess to clean up.
Once the odor is in the carpet, the dog will often seek that area out as its proper ‘place to go’. This makes training the dog to eliminate outside even more difficult. Best to suffer a few accidents than to create a hard-to-overcome habit.
Patience, praise and consistency are key factors to any dog training. Elimination training is the first test to be tackled for you and your dog.
Get more tips and advice on housetraining or dog training at Luvurdog.com/dogtraining