Thyroid Disorders In Cats And Dogs

The thyroid gland produces hormones that affect the body’s metabolism, growth and development. The two most important hormones are tetraiodothyronine (thyroxine or T4) and triodothyronine (T3). There are two conditions caused by a dysfunctional thyroid gland – hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is more common in cats and is caused by an overactive thyroid gland with the resulting overproduction of hormones. Hypothyroidism, which is more common in dogs, is caused by an under active thyroid gland that is not producing enough hormones resulting in decreased metabolism.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is diagnosed so often in cats that it has practically become an epidemic. It is rarely seen in dogs. It is more common in older cats, but may be seen in younger cats as well. Hyperthyroidism is generally a result of benign (non-cancerous) changes or enlargement of the thyroid gland. It seems to be more common among cats that have been fed sub-standard nutrition and food containing artificial preservatives. Some holistic veterinarians feel they have seen an increase in hyperthyroidism that corresponds to the increased vaccination rate for feline leukemia. Viral and bacterial infections can also play a role, as well as environmental toxins.


Prevention of hypothyroidism is the best approach through proper diet and daily supplements, avoiding unnecessary vaccines, and minimizing exposure to chemical or environmental hazards including cleaning products, X rays, antibiotics and food preservatives.

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:

• Excessive thirst (in 10% of hyperthyroid cats)
• Excessive urination
• Increased appetite
• Weight loss (despite increased appetite)
• Hyperactivity
• Irritability or Aggression
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Voluminous fatty feces
• Panting, Heat intolerance
• Skin lesions, dry, greasy, matted coat

Secondary problems include high blood pressure and heart disease. The increased metabolic activity stimulated by the excess thyroid hormones cause an increased heart rate which leads to an enlargement of the heart and thickening of the heart walls. The increased pumping pressure of the heart leads to high blood pressure.

Hyperthyroidism is best addressed with a team approach that includes you, your veterinarian and a holistic veterinarian – either in your area or via phone consultation. Some cats are excellent candidates for allopathic treatments; some cats need a strictly holistic approach; many will do best with a combination of both approaches. The holistic methods of treating hyperthyroidism include improving the overall health of the animal through improving diet and providing proper supplements, as well as more targeted treatments such as constitutional homeopathy or Chinese herbal remedies.

Diet

Feeding the best diet possible is the place to start. Feed the freshest food you can – raw is best, freeze dried and dehydrated follow that, then canned, and lastly dry food. Dry kibble should be a minimal part of the diet for cats. Cats do not produce as much of the enzyme amylase, that digests carbohydrates, as people and dogs do, so grains and other carbohydrates are more difficult for cats to break down and digest properly. Cats need meat as the main portion of their diet.

Hypothyroidism commonly occurs in cats that have some form of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Chronic vomiting and other symptoms of gastro-intestinal disorders are often resolved through diet changes as outlined above. In addition to feeding the freshest food possible, the diet should be free of common allergens such as wheat, corn, soy and dairy. See Inflammatory Bowel Disease & Other Gastrointestinal Issues for more information about treating IBD.

Supplements

Carnitine is an amino acid that has been shown to prevent or reverse hyperthyroid symptoms in humans, and is often recommended for cats as well. Since hyperthyroidism tends to deplete the body of carnitine, supplementation is recommended anyway. Cats can be given 125 to 250 mg 2 times per day.

Chinese herbal formulas are frequently a part of a comprehensive approach to hyperthyroidism. Thyroid Calming by Nature’s Herbs for Pets is designed to aid in balancing thyroid function. More advanced Chinese herbal remedies may be prescribed by your holistic veterinarian. The herbs Bugleweed and Melissa (lemon balm) are western herbs used traditionally in the treatment of hyperthyroidism in cats. These should be used under the supervision of a holistically trained veterinarian.

Constitutional Homeopathy has also been successful in reversing hypothyroidism, particularly in the early stages. Constitutional homeopathy takes into consideration the whole patient, the totality of all symptoms including physical, mental and emotional states. A classically trained homeopath will ask many detailed questions in order to obtain a complete picture of the individual and match this to the most appropriate remedy. To find a holistic veterinarian that practices homeopathy near you, check the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association or Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy referral directories.

Flower essences can support your pet’s emotional well-being during his treatment. Thyroid Balance Flower Essence by Pet Essences may help calm the irritability or ease depression that often occurs with hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism often masks underlying kidney disease in older cats. It is not uncommon to bring the thyroid under control only to find that the patient needs treatment for kidney disease within months. For this reason it is even more important to improve the diet as much as possible and provide daily supplements for optimal overall health including a good daily multivitamin, digestive enzymes, essential fatty acids, and vitamin C.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is more commonly seen in dogs than cats. It is typically a result of physical degeneration of the thyroid gland – either from an autoimmune response or atrophy of the thyroid gland. Some holistic veterinarians believe this degeneration may be related to environmental toxin exposure, poor diet and nutrition, over-vaccination, or a combination of these factors. Some dogs have a genetic pre-disposition to the disease. Breeds that are more commonly affected include Golden Retrievers, Doberman Pinschers, Greyhounds, Irish setters, Dachshunds, and Cocker Spaniels. Hypothyroidism is rare in toy and miniature breeds of dogs.

Over 80% of hypothyroid dogs show some kind of skin abnormality such as thickening in some areas, darkening pigmentation, dry skin, or infections. Other symptoms of Hypothyroidism may include the following:

• Lethargic behavior (lack of interest in play, frequent napping, tiring out easily)
• Weight gain, sometimes without an apparent gain in appetite
• Hair loss, especially on the trunk or tail (without associated itching)
• Cold intolerance/seeking out warm places to lie down
• Slow heart rate
• Chronic ear infections
• Behavioral changes such as aggression, anxiety and/or compulsivity
• Depression

These symptoms will appear gradually, so it is not uncommon for guardians to miss the initial stage of the disorder. It is generally seen in middle-aged or older dogs.

Hypothyroidism is difficult to diagnose despite its seeming simplicity. It is not so straight forward as testing for low thyroid hormone levels and prescribing synthetic hormone replacement. There are a variety of tests available to determine the level of thyroid function and hormones available in the system. Endocrinologists may use multiple tests to make a proper diagnosis. Some veterinarians will prescribe a trial period of synthetic thyroid hormone and, if the response is positive, use this as the means of diagnosis.

The problem with this method is that synthetic thyroid hormone acts as a stimulant, so most dogs will respond with increased activity and interest in life. If a dog that is not truly hypothyroid is kept on synthetic thyroid hormones for an extended period, the increased metabolic rate can tax the dog’s system - hastening the aging process and leading to other degenerative conditions. In addition, the use of synthetic thyroid hormone can hasten the degeneration of the thyroid gland. As you can see, proper diagnosis is rather important.

Since most hypothyroid dogs will retain at least some function of the thyroid gland, it may be very useful to support the function of the thyroid gland through the use of supplements, herbs and glandulars possibly in combination with synthetic thyroid hormone depending on the stage and severity of the issue. Again, diet is the place to begin (see above under hyperthyroid treatment). A high quality diet supports the body in managing its own endocrine system. As with treating any health issue, provide daily supplements for support of overall health including a good daily multivitamin, digestive enzymes, essential fatty acids. Essential fatty acids can be helpful in treating some of the skin abnormalities resulting from hypothyroidism.

Chinese herbal formulas are can be particularly helpful in treating hypothyroidism. Thyroid Boost by Nature’s Herbs for Pets is designed to aid in balancing thyroid function. Again, more advanced Chinese herbal remedies can be prescribed by a holistic veterinarian.

Thyroid Balance Flower Essence by Pet Essences may help address any emotional and behavioral issues resulting from the thyroid imbalance. Glandular supplements can be prescribed by a holistic veterinarian and are often helpful in supporting thyroid function.


Obinna Heche: Los Angeles- California

To find excellent information about Dog Training, Dog Behaviour, Dog Food, Dog Health, Grooming and Dog Care. Everything that concerns Dog Owners and their Dogs.. Visit.. http://squidoo.com/dog-behavior-training-1

Weight Management for Dogs and Cats

Obesity in dogs and cats is one of the most common problems seen by veterinarians today. Overweight companion animals are at a higher risk for a number of health problems including diabetes, joint stiffness and arthritis, non-allergenic skin disorders, lower urinary tract issues, fatty liver disease (hepatic lipidosis) and shortened life span. In other words; you may be killing your companion with "kindness."

How to tell if your dog or cat is overweight:

Feel their ribs. You should be able to feel each individual rib with a slight layer of fat over them. If you have to work at feeling those ribs or can’t feel them at all, it’s time for a weight-loss plan. If you can see the ribs, your companion may too thin.
Feel the area over the base of your dog or cat’s tail. A slight layer of fat over the bones is good. If the bones are prominent, the animal is too thin. If the bones are hard to find, the animal is overweight.

Feel other bony areas such as the spine, shoulders and hips. Again, a slight layer of fat is what we are looking for. If they are visible, the animal may be too thin. If there is extra padding, then your companion is overweight. Look at your companion from above. You should see a waist behind the rib cage of a cat or dog in appropriate condition. In the photo below our friends Honda and Jack have modeled this view. Jack, on the left, is in ideal condition and shows a nice waist. Honda, his buddy on the right, is overweight - his waist is missing.

Finally, look at your companion from the side. The waist should again be visible – a "tuck" behind the rib cage area. If the animal’s waist is the same as his chest, he is definitely overweight. This side view will vary from breed to breed with greyhounds and similarly built dogs looking thin compared to others as they have rather deep chests and smaller waists.

If your veterinarian has ruled out any health conditions that are causing your friend’s extra weight gain, then a weight management program is in order. Crash diets are not healthy, however. Aim for a gradual weight loss of .5 - 2% of body weight per week. If you can, weigh your pet weekly.

Weight loss and control consist of:

Proper diet (lower carbohydrates)
Proper portions
Meals rather than "free choice"
Quantity and quality of treats

What to Feed


Weight loss programs for animals are the same as those for people, eat less and exercise more. Specially formulated weight loss diets are not generally necessary. High quality nutrition is the best way to help your friend lose her extra pounds. Most kibbles are high in carbohydrates, which can contribute to weight gain, especially in cats. Cats do not produce as much of the enzyme, amylase, that digests carbohydrates as people and dogs do, so grains and other carbohydrates are more difficult for cats to break down and digest properly. Cats need meat as the main portion of their diet.

Many overweight animals slim down nicely when transitioned to a raw food diet, but even a high quality kibble is fine as long as you feed the appropriate quantity. The newer grain free diets may be appropriate, but keep in mind that you will need to feed less of this type of food. If you know you will not be able to reduce the amount of food you are giving your companion without feeling overwhelming guilt, then try a food formulated for weight control. Adding digestive enzymes to each meal can help break down the food and make the nutrients more available for absorption.

How Much to Feed

Pet food labels are not the best way to determine the proper amount to feed your companion. The recommended portions on pet food labels are a very rough guideline and are based on the manufacturer’s estimate of what an "average" cat or dog may be. Each animal is an individual and will have different activity levels and metabolism than others even in the same household. In our house we have a 75 pound lab mix and a 56 pound border collie mix with a 20 pound difference in size they still eat exactly the same portion at every meal. The border collie mix is much more active and spends most of the day outside whereas the lab mix likes the sofa. They also need less food in the winter than in the summer when they are more active.

Cats and small dogs need very small portions, sometimes less than an ounce per meal. It may look like hardly any food to you, but it will be plenty to meet your companion’s needs. If you are monitoring his weight regularly you will notice if he is losing too much too fast and can adjust the amount you feed slightly.

Meal Schedule

Leaving food available "free choice" contributes to obesity and also a number of other health problems. It is a myth that dogs and cats will regulate their own weight if food is left out. Some may, others will not, but they will all suffer from an over-stimulated digestive system and stressed immune system over time. Cats and dogs are hunters – they eat and then rest. They do not snack. If your companion is used to eating at will, cut back to 3 or 4 small meals a day, and then down to 2. Two meals a day is fine for adult animals. Puppies and kittens should be fed at least 3 times a day during their greatest growth period in the first 4 to 6 months.

Exercise

Exercise provides much more than just an increase in calorie usage. It contributes to the quality of your relationship with your companion as well as improving his mental health, cardiovascular health and increasing his longevity. For dogs this can be as simple as a 15 or 20 minute walk twice a day. A trip to the local off leash dog park can provide even more fun and exercise. Cats are a bit trickier to exercise, especially overweight cats as they tend to feel less energetic and playful. Try a wide variety of toys both interactive toys that you can use to stimulate your cat, and some toys that might encourage her to play when you are away. Catnip can help stimulate your kitty to play a bit.

If she tires or gets bored easily, then start with shorter play sessions in the beginning and try to gradually increase the play periods. An outdoor space for your cat can contribute to both their physical activity and mental health. Provide climbing branches or structures for strength building if possible. If you live in an apartment – get the biggest cat tree you can fit in the space available.

Treats

It is difficult for most guardians to eliminate treats especially those guardians who are well trained or rather who have trained their animals well. You may have thought it was cute the first time Fido ran to the treat cupboard and looked at you with hopeful eyes, but now it is a very hard habit to break. The same goes for your feline friend when she meows relentlessly until you give her a tidbit. If you have rewarded your friend for begging, he will continue to beg and learn to beg harder.

Since treats provide enjoyment for both of you, just change the quantity and quality to meet the weight loss program. Break the treats into smaller pieces no larger than the size of a pea. A taste is all that is needed to give your friend a reward or special treat. And use high-quality all or mostly meat treats such as the freeze-dried or dehydrated meat treats. Reduce the amount you feed at each meal by the amount of treats you have fed that day.

The Reward – Happier, Healthier Companions

Once you have helped your companion reach a healthier weight, you can slightly increase the food portion to maintain that weight. Continue to watch her closely, feeling for ribs and looking for a waist, and weighing her if possible on a regular basis. Remember to adjust the amount you feed to his activity level, don’t keep feeding a cup per meal in the winter if he is inside and less active.

In the long run your pet will be happier and more active when kept at an appropriate weight. She will be healthier and will likely live longer as well. Weight control is well worth the time and effort for the long-term health of your companion.


Obinna Heche: Los Angeles- California

To find excellent information about Dog Training, Dog Behaviour, Dog Food, Dog Health, Grooming and Dog Care. Everything that concerns Dog Owners and their Dogs.. Visit.. http://myspace.com/biggso

Intestinal Worms & Heartworm

The most common internal parasite problems in companion animals are intestinal worms like roundworm, tapeworm, hookworm and whipworm and heartworm. Many dogs and cats can have a mild parasite infestation and show no symptoms. A healthy animal may fight off an infestation without their guardian ever knowing of it. Dogs and cats with stressed or weakened immune systems, however, will succumb to a more severe infestation if left unchecked.

Intestinal Worms

It seems that new pets often arrive with worms. Most puppies and kittens will have intestinal worms from birth. The worms are passed on from the mother, and the undeveloped immune systems and gastrointestinal systems of very young animals cannot keep the parasite population in check. Rescued animals should also be checked for parasite infestations as stress and crowded conditions contribute to the animal’s vulnerability to parasites.

Animals can become infested by eating feces, ingesting fleas, hunting rodents, coming into contact with dead animals or eating contaminated food. Common symptoms can include:

Diarrhea
Weight loss
Gastrointestinal disturbances
Anemia
Scratching, particularly around the base of the tail
Vomiting
Mild to severe coughing
Eating a great deal without putting on weight
Bad breath
Puppies and kittens with roundworms may appear to have a pot belly and exhibit slow growth. They can be born with a roundworm infection or become infected from the mother’s milk. The mother does not have to have an active worm infestation to pass worms to her puppies or kittens–the roundworm larvae may encyst in her system for years until the hormones of pregnancy signal the larvae to migrate and develop.

Rodents are also common carriers, so if you have a hunter in the household, it is wise to regularly check for roundworm. If the roundworm infestation is severe, long, whitish worms may be seen in the stools, but they are more commonly detected through a fecal examination by a veterinarian that reveals the presence of eggs. The life cycle of these worms includes a trip through the respiratory system (as microscopic larvae), they are then swallowed and complete their development in the intestinal tract.

Hookworms are more common in dogs than cats. As with roundworms, puppies and kittens can be infested in-utero or from the mother’s milk. Hookworms attach to the wall of the intestine and suck blood. It the infestation is severe the animal will develop anemia. Older dogs with a weakened immune system are also susceptible and may show signs such as poor weight maintenance, poor stamina, progressive weakness, and possibly bloody diarrhea. It is important that older animals visit their veterinarian for regular checkups as not all decline in activity can be written off to “old age.”

Whipworms are also more common in dogs than cats. They are difficult to detect as they are seldom seen in the stool and they produce relatively few eggs, so a single fecal exam may not reveal the problem. The most common signs of whipworm are chronic weight loss and stools that seem to have a mucous covering–particularly on the last bit of stool passed. Whipworm infestation has also been known to manifest the same symptoms as Addison’s Disease. If a dog shows the signs and symptoms of Addison’s Disease such as a waxing and waning weakness with inability to conserve salt - ultimately resulting in dehydration, and the tests for Addison’s come up negative, then de-worming for whipworm may be in order.

If you are seeing small worms in your dog or cats’ stools, fur or bedding, then you are likely seeing tapeworms. Tapeworms look like flattened grains of rice - usually found on your companion’s bedding and/or the fur around his anus, or sometimes in the stools. They often do not show up during a fecal exam by a veterinarian, so watching your pet’s bedding and fur are the best ways to detect them.

Tapeworms come with flea infestations as they are carried by fleas. Before treating for tapeworm, you must first eradicate any fleas in the environment (home/yard) or they will become re-infested. (see "The Natural Approach to Flea Control"). Consuming rodents with tapeworm or fleas may also cause infestation, so again if your companion likes to hunt–regularly check for tapeworm.

If you suspect your companion may have worms, it is very important to have a stool analysis performed by a veterinarian to determine the type of worm for which treatment is needed.

Prevention and Treatment

A healthy animal with a strong immune system eating a high-quality, raw food diet is not only less susceptible to worms and parasites of all kinds, she also will be more able to eliminate any infestation that does occur without intervention. Cleaning litter boxes regularly or “scooping” the yard on a regular basis is also important.

In treating puppies and kittens I generally recommend using prescription de-wormers. The newer prescription worm medications available to veterinarians are very effective and relatively safe and gentle. I do not recommend over-the-counter worm medications – many are harder on the animal’s system and less effective. As worm medications only kill the worms in the animal’s intestines, a fecal analysis should be done approximately 3 weeks after the initial de-worming to ensure that no migrating worms were able to re-infest the animal’s intestines.

Herbal worm remedies have been used successfully for many years. They are particularly effective for less severe infestations and are safer and gentler than over-the-counter medications. There are no rigorous tests of the natural de-worming remedies available since there is no money to be made there, but these remedies have been used for many years for humans and animals.

Only Natural Pet Para-Gone is an herbal complex with herbs that both help expel worms and strengthen and heal the digestive tract. Consistent dosing 3 times per day for 10 days is required for greatest effectiveness.

HomeoPet Wrm Clear is a homeopathic combination remedy. Again, this requires consistent dosing 3 times per day for 14 days. Wrm Clear can be given to puppies and kittens as young as 6 weeks old. A course of Wrm Clear can be given following a course of Only Natural Pet Para-Gone or can be given along with conventional medication to aid recovery of the digestive tract and help prevent re-infestation.

When using either of these remedies, it can take 3 days or more for the worms to begin to be eliminated, depending on the overall health of the animal and whether or not the animal is constipated. The worms will pass out of the animal’s system in their stools. If the animal is constipated, a laxative herb such as Only Natural Pet Laxa-Herb is recommended to aid digestion and elimination since constipation will hinder the worming process. Digestive Enzymes (For Dogs, For Cats) and Probiotics (For Dogs, For Cats) are also good companions to any de-worming program, conventional or herbal, to help aid the digestive tract.


Following the de-worming process with a course of Only Natural Pet GI Health Herbal Formula can aid in healing the intestinal tract and make the animal less susceptible to further infestation.

The effectiveness of Para Gone and Wrm Clear, as with ANY herbal or natural remedy, varies with the health of the animal. A healthier animal being fed a high-quality diet will respond better than an ailing animal on a poor quality diet. Para Gone and Wrm Clear will only eliminate the worms currently in the animal’s intestinal tract, just like conventional medications. The SOURCE of the worms must be eliminated also – i.e. fleas, eating feces, etc. or the animal will be continually re-infested. Also, as with conventional medications, larvae that are migrating within the animal’s body can re-infest the intestines within several weeks, so a repeat fecal analysis is highly recommended.

Heartworm

Depending on where you live, choosing a method of heartworm control may be a difficult decision. Here in the Pacific Northwest, we are fortunate and do not have a heartworm problem. Those living in the Southeastern states, however, must deal with the issue year-round. If you live in an area where the risk of heartworm infestation is high, the decision of whether or not to use conventional heartworm medications to prevent heartworm infestation is one that should be guided by careful research and consultation with a holistic veterinarian.

Animals contract heartworm when they are bitten by a mosquito that has already bitten another animal that was infected. The immature heartworm larvae (microfilariae) must go through a period of development within the mosquito. The process of change in the mosquito takes about 10 days in warm climates, but can take six weeks in colder temperatures – although the average mosquito only lives 30 days. Development of the larvae in the mosquito requires a temperature at or above 80 degrees Fahrenheit for about two weeks. No larval development takes place in the mosquito below 57 degrees F.

The larvae are passed from the mosquito onto (not into) the dog, or less commonly – the cat. The larva is deposited in a tiny drop of mosquito "spit" adjacent to the mosquito bite. For transmission to occur, there must be adequate humidity to prevent evaporation of this fluid droplet before the larvae can swim through the mosquito bite and into the new host. They live near the skin for a time, then migrate to the heart and are mature in about 5-7 months after entering the dog’s system.

In light of this complicated life cycle in need of optimal conditions, some areas of the country just do not see heartworm problems occur. Many veterinarians recommend year-round treatment even though conditions are only conducive for heartworm during the summer months in some areas. Again, become an informed guardian and do what you feel is best for your companion. If it snows where you live, then year-round heartworm protection is over-kill.

Overuse of insecticides for flea and heartworm control are believed, by most holistic veterinarians, to contribute to the increasing prevalence of cancer and chronic disease in our companion animals. The long-term health of the animal needs to be weighed against the risks of chemical prevention. A recent article in the Whole Dog Journal discussed the benefits of using a more prudent dosing protocol with conventional heartworm preventatives. This can be a viable option for those in high-risk areas.

Herbal preventatives are available such as Only Natural Pet HW Protect. Chemical heartworm preventatives work by continual administration of a low dose of insecticide to kill any developing microfilariae in the animal’s bloodstream. Herbal preventatives work in a similar fashion, only using herbs instead of pesticides, and they also make the animal less appealing to mosquitoes in the first place. Neither method kills adult heartworms – which is why regular testing for heartworm is absolutely necessary regardless of what method you choose for prevention.

As with all herbal remedies and treatments, the healthier the animal overall, the more effective the treatment will be. Provide your companion with the best diet along with proper supplements for optimal health, and this will go a long way to preventing disease and making them less appealing and susceptible to parasites.

Heartworm disease (adult heartworm infestation in the heart and lungs) is a very serious health concern and treatment for heartworm disease should ALWAYS be guided by a veterinarian. There are some holistic veterinarians treating heartworm without conventional insecticides, but this should never be attempted on your own. Click here for remedies and treatments for intestinal worms and heartworms!




Obinna Heche: Los Angeles- California

To find excellent information about Dog Training, Dog Behaviour, Dog Obedience Training, Dog Food, Dog Health, Grooming and Dog Care. Everything that concerns Dog Owners and their Dogs.. Visit.. http://myspace.com/biggso

Puppy-Proofing Your Home

Just like new mothers and fathers baby-proof their homes, you need to puppy-proof yours. Puppies have a lot of energy and like babies, they're too young to know what they should and shouldn't get into. You need to make your home as safe as possible for your new bundle of joy.

Collect all small and breakable objects, such as anything that can break or that's small enough to swallow, and put them into a room thats off limits to your puppy. Naturally, you'll keep the door to this room closed at all times.

Get down on your hands and knees and pretend you're a puppy. Sound ridiculous? Maybe, but it works. Seeing your home from a puppy's eyes level will help you spot anything dangerous. For instance, do your tablecloths have fringes that hang down? Do you have lots of electrical cords that your puppy could chew? And what about the garbage? Can your puppy get into it?

Make sure all toxins, such as bathroom and kitchen cleaners, are secured in a cabinet with a latch. Some common houseplants are poisonous. Your vet can give you a complete list. Consider moving your plants into the 'off-limits" room.

Unplug all small appliances when you're not using them. Inspect your home for any frayed electrical cords that can shock your puppy if he tries to play with them. Cords hanging from blinds can be deadly. Your puppy can hang himself if he gets tangled in one of these cords. Cut blind cords, wrap them tightly around a bracket, or tape them tightly to the top of your window.

Be certain all doors that lead to the outside shut tightly. Watch windows too. If your puppy is large, he may be able to crawl out of a low window. Once you've taken these steps to puppy-proof your home, you're ready to bring your puppy home.



Obinna Heche: Los Angeles- California

To find excellent information about Dog Training, Dog Behaviour, Dog Food, Dog Health, Grooming and Dog Care. Everything that concerns Dog Owners and their Dogs.. Visit.. http://myspace.com/biggso

Pet Natural Chews

In addition to rawhide, other naturals are pig ears, chew hooves and bones. Following is some information to help you decide if these treats are right for your pet.

Pig ears are all natural pork, processed without preservatives, artificial coloring or flavoring. They're 100% digestible, and easier to digest than rawhide. They're also high in fat (which helps keep skin and coat healthy) and high in protein (essential for healthy muscle tone). Because they're high in calories, we recommend that you limit pig ears to no more than one per day for large dogs (over 70 pounds) and proportionately less for smaller dogs.

Chew hooves are one of the many usable by-products of meat processing. They are 100% protein, which makes them fully digestible. However, hooves have the potential to splinter, especially if your dog is an aggressive chewer, so you should only offer your dog chew hooves when you can be there to supervise.

Certain bones are good choices for dogs to chew as long as they are not too small or too brittle. Chicken bones, for example, are small and could splinter easily, getting caught in your dogs throat or digestive system. The best bones generally come from the femur (leg bone) of a large animal, such as a cow. They are very dense so they don't splinter, yet are a manageable size for a dog to handle. They even come smoked and basted, so your dog has a variety to choose from.



Obinna Heche: Los Angeles- California

To find excellent information about Dog Training, Dog Behaviour, Dog Obedience Training, Dog Food, Dog Health, Grooming and Dog Care. Everything that concerns Dog Owners and their Dogs.. Visit.. http://myspace.com/biggso