Bloodshot Eyes in Dogs

There may be several reasons why your beloved furry is having bloodshot eyes. Normally, it isn't a cause for major concern, but it's certainly not to be ignored. Here's what you can do to help your pet...

Dogs, being active and restless pets, often indulge in activities that give them their fair share of nicks and bruises. Even among the calmest of breeds, you are sure to find a few niggling things that are not too bothersome.

Eye maladies, on the other hand, are a little this and that. What it means is, that eye trouble can be caused by a host of reasons, ranging from silly to serious. The rule of thumb is, never ignore any symptoms of eye trouble in dogs, unless you've successfully determined the cause. As mentioned before, spotting red eyes in dogs may not indicate something grave every time, but it never hurts to be cautious, does it?

So where do our dogs get the so-hungover bloodshot eye from? It occurs when the blood vessels in the sclera (the white portion of the eyes) become enlarged due to irritation. This is what gives the characteristic 'bloodshot' look. In most cases, it can be due to foreign particles like grass or small splinters getting lodged in their eyes. Such particles can cause irritation, and result in bloodshot eyes. If the condition does not last beyond an hour or so, you can breathe easy. But, if the condition persists, or is accompanied by a watery discharge, it could be a serious matter.

What Causes Bloodshot Eyes in Dogs?

Debris Trapped in Eyes
It is common for dogs to have foreign particles like grass, wood pieces and debris trapped inside the eye. An important feature of a dog's eye is the third eyelid which serves the important purpose of protecting the eyes from foreign particles. However, when any speck of dirt or a splinter gets trapped beneath this eyelid, it can cause visible redness, especially in the corners of the eye. This is usually accompanied by excessive discharge from the tear glands, in an effort to wash away the debris collected in the eye. This way, the redness gets cleared within an hour, but this might take longer if the offensive particle is stubbornly lodged in the eye. Very gently, splash water into your dog's eye, to help her get rid of the particle. If the redness does not clear up, it would be best to seek a veterinarian's opinion.

Conjunctivitis
Redness, along with a watery discharge can also be symptoms of conjunctivitis or inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eyes. Conjunctivitis or pink eye, as it is also called, can cause itchiness, so you may observe your dog constantly scratching the eyes. Conjunctivitis may not always be painful, but it can cause complications, if left untreated. Here are the types of conjunctivitis that may affect your dog -

• Keratoconjunctivitis is characterized by a slightly thicker, stringy discharge. It is the most common variant among dogs.

• Serous conjunctivitis is when the eyes appear to be swollen, along with the pink tint. The accompanying discharge is mostly watery in appearance.

• Follicular conjunctivitis is when the follicles on the lower side of the nictitating membrane become inflamed. This is followed by a mucus-like discharge.

• Purulent conjunctivitis is the result of an infection, and is marked by a pus-like discharge from the eyes.

• Keratoconjunctivitis sicca or dry eye is the name for the condition that is characterized by insufficient production of fluid or water in the tear glands, which is essential for lubrication of the eyes. The result of this fluid insufficiency in the eye can be a dry and red eye with a burning sensation.

You must take your dog to the veterinarian at the earliest appearance of any of the above symptoms. The doctor may prescribe a sterile eye wash solution to clear out the deposits of discharge from the eyes. In case of an infection, your dog may be prescribed topical antibiotics, which bring relief. It is necessary to keep your dog's eyes clean, in order to contain the inflammation. Also, keep him/her from scratching the eyes.

Allergies
Dogs are as susceptible to allergies as we are. A simple act of hanging their head out of the window during a car ride is enough to cause an allergic reaction in their eyes. If your dog has been swimming in a pool, the chlorine content in the water can redden his/her eyes. If your dog has been sprayed on by a skunk, it may leave him/her with bloodshot eyes. It is hard to list out all the allergies that may trigger these symptoms, but a visit to the veterinarian is a must to ensure the appropriate course of treatment.

Glaucoma
Glaucoma is caused when the pressure in the eye damages the optic nerve, which may result in blindness, if left untreated. It certainly sounds scary, but if you notice any persistent redness in your dog's eyes, it is important that you get him/her screened for the disease, especially if you also notice the following symptoms -

Constant blinking
Cloudy haze in the eye
Pupils that don't shrink when a light is flashed
Eyeballs receding in the head
Poor vision

Do make sure that you visit the veterinarian at the earliest appearance of these symptoms.

Proper diagnosis can play a key role in detecting and treating the underlying cause of redness in the eyes. In the meantime, you may help your dog by keeping the eyes clean by rinsing them properly. You can also opt for Doggles in order to protect their eyes from debris and other foreign objects. But, if the condition does not improve despite all your efforts, do visit a veterinarian at the earliest.

Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for the advice of a veterinarian.
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/bloodshot-eyes-in-dogs.html

How Dogs Show Affection

 

There are so many ways in which your pet dog will show how much he adores you! Find out how dogs show affection and why they do it.

Dogs were chosen to become man's closest pets because of their loving and loyal nature. This is the reason why dogs are known as man's best friends. Canines do not suffer from ego problems and will always remain willing to shower their affection onto their master and the family. Since dogs are pack animals, they have the innate tendency of looking up to one single leader. That leader will be the owner of the dog and specifically the one, who spends the maximum time with the dog.

Dogs are affectionate creatures, who will try their level best to make their master happy. For many, dogs are like family members and are treated as such. It so happens that, first-time owners of a puppy or a grown up dog, find it confusing to comprehend the behavior of their dog. This article discusses the ways in which dogs show affection and how you can use these signs to understand what your dog is trying to tell you.

How Dogs Show Affection to Humans

Wagging The Tail
The position of a dog's tail can say a lot about its mood. An erect and straight tail will show alertness, while a tail stuck in between the legs shows that the dog is scared or guarded. A tail wagging excitedly is an indication that the dog is extremely happy to see you and will welcome you. Therefore, their wagging tails are a telltale sign of how excited they are to have you around!

Whining and Whimpering
Dogs make soft whimpering sounds that come from deep inside their throats and sound like happy gurgles! They may sometimes make soft growling sounds, but these will be sweet and non-aggressive. They will whine softly while wagging their tail, which should be proof enough that the dog is craving for its master's attention.

Licking
Alright, one fact that all dog owners know for sure is that dogs love licking their masters. This is an instinctive behavior which dogs imbibe as pups. The reason dogs lick is because newborn puppies are licked by their parents so as to keep them clean and secure. Licking assures the puppies that the mother is always around. Therefore, dogs licking their master and other members of the family, is the dog's way of grooming their loved ones and showing that they are there for their human companions.

Following you Everywhere
Your dog will follow you to Timbuktu and beyond, if you let him. Dogs will never leave the side of their master and will follow them around where ever the master goes. This is where some training and order can help instill some discipline in the dog, so that in times of peril, your dog will be ready to protect you!

Standing Up on Hind Feet
Dogs will often stand up on their hind feet with their front paws pointing towards their master. This animated gesture, can usually be seen when the dog is leashed and cannot run to greet its master. This shows that the dog wants its owner to come to him and let him free to be allowed to play. Dogs will also run up to you and place their front paws on your knee while you are standing or sitting.

Rolling Over
Many dogs will excitedly roll over on their backs the moment they see their master. This is because, dogs love a good tummy rub and are asking for one. This gives them some one-on-one time with their owner, which helps them feel loved and cared.

Nudging with the Nose
Sometimes and very rarely would a dog, nudge your hands and push it upwards for you to pat it. This is a gesture that dogs practice when they are feeling left out and really want some affection. The dog may perhaps be feeling low and upset, and wants to feel secure, and thus wants you to pat it for a while.

Scratching the Floor with Paws
Dogs when held in a leash will scratch away on the floor or any other surface, if they are not being allowed to come close to their master or let free to loiter. This is their way of showing impatience at being held up and their yearning to interact.

Resting their Head On your Lap
Many dogs will come and rest their head on their master's lap, simply because they feel safe and happy doing so. They want to feel their master's presence and wish to remain nearby. They may also slobber all over your clothes if there are really exited. They may try to climb onto your lap; conveniently forgetting about how big they might have become, since they were puppies and when you used to pick them up often!

Rubbing their Body
Like cats, dogs too will sometimes rub the side of their torso against the legs of their master. This is a rare gesture and is usually done when the dog is not being given adequate attention or is feeling ill.

Bringing you Things
Dogs will use their paws and mouth to bring small things to you, such as the newspaper, the ball, or even your shoes. This is their way of telling you to play with them and spend some time with them.

Play-Bow Stance
The play-bow stance in dogs is a clear and evident sign that the dog is extremely excited and wishes to play at that very moment! Dogs take this stance while you play catch with them, as well as when they are playing with the kids, and other dogs. They'll also take this stance when they see their food approaching and are really hungry and happy that their grub has finally arrived!

Every dog has its own unique traits and may behave in eccentric ways to show affection and loyalty to its master.
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/how-dogs-show-affection.html

Pampered Pooches Put on Posh Pedestals

 Dogs! If you're amazed by the tales of spoiled celebrities going overboard with new ways to luxuriously pamper themselves, you won't believe the money some pet owners are dishing out to pamper their spoiled four-legged pals.

The posh life for pups used to be reserved solely for purebred champions and winners of the top dog awards at the Westminster Dog Show held each year in New York City. According to the staff at the Hotel Pennsylvania, where the contest is held each year, dog owners, groomers, and handlers usually sleep on cots or blankets while their canine protoges lounge comfortably on the beds in their rooms. And those rooms can cost as much as $750 a night, so some owners have to work more than one job just to afford being able to take their dogs to the show.

But nowadays, you don't have to be a pedigreed pooch to be treated to luxury like the dog show stars. This year, Americans will spend over $35 billion on their pets-up from a paltry $17 billion just a decade ago. One of the main reasons for the huge increase is the steadily growing availability of more and more high-end products on the market for pampering pets. It may seem extravagant to some, but with today's society focusing so much on health and good looks, why shouldn't a four-legged American be just as entitled to looking, eating, and feeling fabulous? Robert Yau, 37, knows the importance of pet owners doing whatever it takes to ensure that their hairy friends have a good self-concept and a healthy social life. That's why he founded www.datemypet.com, a website sporting online dating profiles for over 50,000 pets. Yau says that today's digital lifestyle has separated people instead of uniting them, and as a result, people are doting on their pets more than ever. "Pets have become an essential expansion of a lot of people's lives. They provide unconditional love and they've become a very important part of the family," Yau said.

According to Laura Oravec, co-owner of PamperedPetsCatalog.com, it's just as natural to spoil a pet as it is to spoil a child. "They're part of the family; they're like my kids," she says. "Me and my husband don't have kids and so our animals are our kids. There just isn't anything we wouldn't do for them." With orders averaging in the range of $150 apiece, Oravec's business has grown so rapidly during its two years of existence that the company is planning to start up sites in England and Australia. Oravec herself is one of Pampered Pets' best clients, indulging her two dogs and nine cats by feeding them gourmet food, dressing them in jewel-encrusted collars, and giving them waterbeds to lounge on. "When I put a special collar on them or a special scrunchy that I got them, they actually pose," she said. "They get the extra attention for it and they know it-and they love it. "

Doting on pets used to involve a trip to the groomer every few weeks for a bath with a little bow tied on the head, or a box of Meaty Bonz now and then, and maybe even a special rawhide candy cane at Christmas. But today's doting has gone to a whole new level. Paul Mitchell, the hair care guru of beauty salons all across the country, has released a line of high-end grooming products for pets. The John Paul Pet line includes products such as a 'calming, moisturizing shampoo', that contains aloe vera gel, sweet almond oil, and chamomile. And here's the kicker-the shampoo sells for around $12, while a similar sized bottle of Paul Mitchell Awapuhi shampoo for humans costs around $11. If your pooch needs a little pick-me-up, a splash of some Timmy Holedigger or Woof Warren's Bono Sports cologne will get his tail wagging again in no time. For those discriminating doggie divas, Lulu Jane has a line of shimmering silver and prom night pink nail polishes that will make being in heat just a little bit hotter. Add to the glitter a visit to the New York Dog Spa & Hotel, and a pooch can be treated to the finishing touches of a bath, skin conditioning, haircut, and ear cleaning, all for only $55 to $65. Cap everything off with a half hour of massage for only $35, and your canine will be all set to party the night away.

Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/8-7-2005-74404.asp

Correcting Submissive Urination in Dogs

Submissive urination is a common problem in dogs. While it is a natural and essential behavior in the wild, it needs to be corrected in domesticated animals. This Buzzle article tells you how to correct it in dogs.

 

 

 The Medium Is Not The Message!
Peeing is not just a bodily function in the animal world; most animals use it as a vital means of communication. Interpret and respond to the message behind submissive urination. The dog attaches a different connotation to the action than you.

Submissive urination, as the name suggests, happens when the dog wants to show its submissiveness. It is an instinctive behavior, and if not practiced in the wild, can lead to the dog being attacked by the head honcho of its pack.

The first thing to check when encountering submissive urination is whether the dog has any physical disorders that force it to urinate, or cause incontinence. Urinary tract infections can cause unintended urination.

If it is a puppy, it may simply be a physical problem. Like toddlers, puppies take some time to learn where it should do its business. Insufficiently trained puppies aren't to blame for the inconvenience they cause to their owners. Also, if the puppy is less than 3-4 months old, it simply may not have developed enough control over its urges, and it just may not be able to 'hold it in' yet.

Once you make sure that biology or your pet training isn't to blame, move on to correcting the behavioral problem.
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/correcting-submissive-urination-in-dogs.html

Facts about Puppy Mills

Dog breeding is a good business, provided canines are given all the necessary facilities and care. Puppy mills are those breeding facilities, which aim to earn profits, and thus, tend to disregard all other aspects. This  article is an attempt to shed light on some of the most shocking facts about puppy mills.

 

Quick Fact
Missouri is the Puppy Mill Capital of the United States. According to studies, America's largest concentration of puppy mills is situated in the southwest corner of Missouri.

 

 

Facilities that undertake commercial dog breeding, operate in large numbers throughout the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom. A puppy mill, also known as puppy farm, is essentially a commercial dog breeding facility that took root during the post-World War II era. According to historical sources, the opening up of these facilities was an immediate reaction to a major rise in the demand of puppies, owing to which, the midwestern farmers opted to enter into the business of breeding puppies, as an alternative source of income.

Because puppy mills have been commercial in nature right from their inception, making high profits has always been a topmost priority. It continues to be so even today, and it is really unfortunate that animals are, more often than not, kept in substandard and filthy conditions so that the overhead costs can be reduced and profits can be maximized. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has defined a puppy mill as "a large-scale commercial dog breeding operation where profit is given priority over the well-being of the dogs."
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/facts-about-puppy-mills.html

How to Choose a Dog

Though dogs are the most common pets, choosing the right one can be confusing for many. Here is a brief overview about some of the important aspects to be taken care of, while adopting a pet dog. 

 

 

Dogs have always been the most popular pet animals and according to archaeological evidence, the domestication of these animals started around 10,000 BC. Being touted as loyal animals, dogs are often depicted as man's best friend. Owning a dog can be a really great experience for the owner as well as his family members. However, it is a very important decision, which has to be taken after thinking over the pros and cons. Apart from the joy of owning a pet, it is a matter of commitment on the part of the owner, to take care of that dog throughout its lifetime. So, think of the duties and responsibilities (including the finances) on your part and decide. Choosing the right dog breed is often a confusing situation, as there are numerous types of dogs. Here are some tips that will help you out in choosing the right dog.

Finances: If you are concerned about the financial aspects, collect details regarding the cost of raising individual dog breeds. Make a list of those breeds, which you can afford to raise as pets. Once you make the list, you can choose the right breed, after considering other factors like size, looks, gender and compatibility.

Size: This is one of the most important factors for dog selection. Size is a matter of concern for those who want to carry their pet dogs. Those with space constraints may also go for small-sized dogs. However, such small dogs have to be handled very carefully, as most of them are fragile. It is a common misconception that big dogs need more space. This may not be always true, as some big dogs like docile Greyhound, can be kept in small spaces. But larger dogs with waging tails can either damage household articles or cause tail injury. In fact, the larger the dog, the bigger the expenses, whether it be health care, food, or training.

Looks: When in comes to choosing a dog, there are many, who care about looks only. While some people like dogs with ferocious looks, cute canines are very much in demand. Such people do not care about other factors, and land in trouble, once they bring the dog home and encounter different problems. So it is better to understand the various aspects of a particular dog breed before adoption.

Age and Gender: Though puppies are mostly preferred to adults, there are some people, who go for grown-up dogs. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages. While puppies can be trained easily, grown up dogs may take time and may sometimes resist your efforts to get them trained. When it comes to selection of gender, most people go for male dogs. However, it has been suggested that females are more sensible to training and do not have the tendency to run away. In fact, it is the temperament and behavior of the dog that matters, and not the gender. If the owner does not have any intention to breed the dog, then it is best to get the animal spayed or neutered. However, such dogs are not eligible to participate in dog shows.

Compatibility: This is another important factor, which should not be forgotten. Compatibility could be with kids, family members, other pets, and new surroundings. Families with small kids must avoid adopting dogs that shed hair. Dog hair may trigger allergic reactions in children. It is always better to choose a dog that is gentle in nature and is best suited for kids. If you have other pets, then try to get a dog breed that is friendly towards other animals.

Other Factors: Apart from those mentioned above, there are many other factors that have to be taken care of, while selecting a dog. They include health issues in various dog breeds, characters you need in a dog, the amount of time you can spend time with your pet, from where you obtain the dog (breeders, rescues, shelters), etc. You must also choose between a pure breed and a cross-breed. Make sure that the dog breed you choose can survive the local climatic conditions.

In short, choosing a dog would be very easy, if you have a basic idea about the different breeds. You may also talk to experts like breeders, veterinarians and elders, for their opinion. Otherwise conduct an in-depth study about the above said factors and then, make a decision.
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/how-to-choose-a-dog.html

Medium-sized Dogs Good With Children

Medium-sized dogs are great for people who do not want a smaller frail dog and also do not want to go through the hassles of caring for a large dog breed. So if you have a family with kids

 

So you have finally succumbed to the constant pleas of your five year old to have a dog. Well, choosing a dog is not just about picking up a dog breed which looks cute and adorable, especially when there are young children or toddlers in the family. It is vital that before deciding which canine breed to add to your family, you consider a dog who can adjust to your lifestyle and your children. For example, are your kids noisy and boisterous or are they quiet and gentle? So while an active, fun loving German Short-Haired Pointer might be the ideal companion for an active kid, a more placid breed like the Bassett Hound, might be more suitable for a shy bookworm. Choosing a dog breed from the various medium-sized dogs, is an ideal choice for a family which cannot care for a large dog breed, and also cannot handle small dogs which are too fragile and tiny to play with.

Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/medium-sized-dogs-good-with-children.html