How to Prevent Dog Dry Skin

An expert can ascertain the general health of a pet simply by keenly observing the skin and coat. Dry skin tends to spoil the glossy coat and often leads to excessive itching and scratching in pets.

Before you do anything about it, it is advisable that you ensure that the dry skin and the resultant itching are not a result of a parasitic infection, an immune mediated diseases, allergies or a bacterial and fungal infection. Such disorders require immediate veterinarian attention and are better treated systemically.

Common conditions like dog or cat dandruff, flaking dry skin and canine or feline acne can be addressed with diet supplements, healthy nutritional diet and medication.

Winter dries human skin, especially hands and feet, and we need to keep the skin moist by applying moisturizing lotions. Just like humans, dogs also face skin problems during the winter. To ensure that your dog’s coat and skin remains in good condition, you need to remember certain basic aspects of dog skin and coat care:

* Dogs do not need a daily bath with soap or shampoo. Excessive use of soap and shampoo can dry the skin.
* Bathe your dog only to keep him clean. Human shampoos are too harsh for dogs. Use only mild shampoos meant specifically for dogs, and buy only a reputable brand.
* Rinse the coat with a moisturizer after every bath.
* Dead hair and dander need to be removed from a dog’s coat. Regular brushing will ensure a coat free from extraneous substances.
* Consult with your veterinarian about your dog’s diet. Ensure that you are feeding him the right amount of fatty acids and other ingredients necessary for healthy skin and coat.
* Stay away from inexpensive dog food since these are not likely to contain adequate amounts of fatty acids, and a lack of adequate amounts of fatty acids can result in dry skin. To be safe, buy only reputable brands of dog food. If you are looking to change your brand or try a new brand of dog food, read the label carefully to ensure that it has all the nutrients that are required for the healthy growth of your dog.
* You can also search the market for nutritional supplements that have the required nutritional components that keep the dog skin healthy and looking good.

Dog skin problems are almost always related to poor nutrition and physical problems. Dry skin will cause excessive canine or feline hair loss and can give an unsightly appearance to the pet.

Basically, healthy skin comes from a healthy body. If your dog is healthy within, his skin and coat are bound to be lush and shiny. Feed your dog with natural foods after consultation with your veterinarian.

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How to Give a Dog a Shiny Coat

A healthy skin and a lustrous coat is a matter of great owner pride. It also reflects the internal good health of a pet. Two things are extremely necessary for a good, shiny dog coat - internal health and external care.

Internal Health

Beauty, as you know, is only skin deep. A strong and healthy body can ensure a healthy skin and, in turn, a shiny coat. Whatever the color or type of coat, proper nutrition is instrumental in improving the appearance of a dog’s coat. There are many dog food brands that claim to have adequate nutrients that can help in obtaining a good coat for your pet. You can also choose to give your dog a nutritional coat supplement. These supplements can provide all the specific nutrients that are necessary for a good skin and coat.

Before buying dog food make sure that you read the label for its contents. Not all the pet foods available in the market pay proper heed to the quantitative and qualitative requirements of dogs. Carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals need to be in a proper balance to ensure a healthy skin. In case you are formulating a homemade diet, you should consult your veterinarian first.

Intestinal parasites can gobble up nutrients and cause conditions that ultimately reflect on the skin and coat of the dog. The dog becomes weaker; the coat may lose its luster and require extra care. These parasites are mostly visible in the feces and can be treated with regular de-worming and prevented through cleaning the environment.

External care

All dogs need to be groomed by their owners. Cats are however, better at grooming themselves and therefore the amount of grooming, cleaning and bathing required for them is less. There are combs available for removing mats and untangling long hair. Regular brushing can remove dead hair and small scales from the skin and hair. Regular grooming can also help in early detection and treatment of external parasites.

External parasites like ear mites and fleas or ticks induce excessive scratching in pets that ends up in causing lesions and patches, or canine and feline hair loss. External parasites can be very uncomfortable for the dog and can make life miserable.

Shampoos meant for humans can cause allergic reactions in dogs. Specialized dog shampoos have a lower pH level, which is more suited to a dog’s skin. These shampoos are also treated especially so that they do not cause irritation in the eyes. If your dog has an itchy skin or if his coat looks rough and patchy, you can choose a shampoo meant for the specific condition. An organic shampoo is preferred if you know that your dog develops allergies or irritations from using normal dog shampoos.

Quite a few cat and dog skin problems can be detected early if you groom your pet regularly. Some conditions like dog and cat dandruff, dog or cat acne and lesions are usually mild in nature and easy to treat at home.

How has Skin and Coat Tonic helped others?

“I can't tell you how pleased I am with this product. I have a one year old English Toy Spaniel who has been suffering from horrible itchy skin (this breed is apparently prone to skin problems). I tried a "skin balance" remedy offered by one of your competitors, with no results or relief whatsoever. After having Romeo on your Skin and Coat Tonic for about 3 weeks now, the improvement in his skin is about 80% (and hopefully will continue to improve the longer he is on this formula). I also noticed that where his skin was previously hot to the touch, it is now normal and cool, and he is comfortable and relieved. Thanks you for a wonderful product. I will keep him on this forever.” —Linda, CA, USA

“We really want to thank you for a great product which works well to bring the shine back to our cat's fur and also helps her in other healthy ways. We will certainly follow your advice and use the capsules every few months as a 'top up' to keep her in top health.” —Zelda and Mick

Get More Info on PetAlive Skin & Coat Tonic to Keep Your Pet's Coat and Skin Healthy

Natural products for your pet's health are available from Pet Alive, a branch of Native Remedies. Visit the site to learn more about how you can protect your pets' health and ensure that they live long and healthy lives. Click-here NOW!

Dog Respiratory Acupuncture Centers

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is based on the philosophy that all beings, humans and animals are small parts of the infinite universe. TCM believes that all life is governed by certain laws that are common to living and non-living beings. It attempts to diagnose imbalances in the body’s vital energy (Qi) to determine the cause behind a condition. It then arrives at a treatment that aims at removing the causes of the imbalance in the patient’s environment.

Acupuncture is a part of the larger traditional Chinese medical system that covers moxibustion (the burning of moxa, a soft woolly mass prepared from the young leaves of Artemisia Chinensis, and used as a cautery by burning it on the skin), massage, breathing exercises, diet, herbal medicine and philosophy of life.

Acupuncture, explained simply, is the treatment of practically any disease or condition by inserting fine needles in various points in the body. This is done to evoke specific physiological responses. It is an ancient procedure and is considered to have been originated in China around 480 B.C. However, some of the earliest records of veterinarian use of primitive acupuncture for treating elephants in India date as far back as some 3000 years ago. In 1973, acupuncture was declared as an experimental medical procedure by The American Medical Association Council of Scientific Affairs, apparently due to the government’s efforts to improve relations with China.

With the passage of time, conventional scientific methods have been incorporated into the ancient Chinese philosophy. This has made it increasingly difficult for conventional medicine to dismiss acupuncture as an accepted medical practice.

As the use of acupuncture gained acceptance in the treatment of humans, veterinary acupuncture also moved closer to mainstream medicine. However, the popularity of acupuncture, including veterinary acupuncture, can be ascribed to referrals by satisfied patients rather than acceptance by the medical community at large.

In canine conditions, favorable results have been reported in the treatment of a number of diseases. Acupuncture treatment has shown encouraging results in addressing respiratory problems, including chronic conditions like canine asthma and common conditions like kennel cough in dogs. TCM believes that respiratory problems can arise from a disorder of the lungs, spleen, pancreas, liver or kidney. Experts in acupuncture identify energy pathways (meridians) and insert needles to cure conditions like asthma and kennel cough in canines. The physiological responses stimulated by the release of Qi can alleviate the symptoms of kennel cough. Dogs have been known to benefit from this treatment to a large extent.

Given the popularity of acupuncture treatment, acupuncture for pets is now a big business worldwide. There are nearly 3 million veterinarian and medical practitioners of acupuncture, out of which approximately 850,000 are involved in treating animals. Apart from standalone veterinarian acupuncturists, there are numerous centers in and outside USA dedicated to specifically treat chronic and common respiratory problems in pets.

Get More Info on PetAlive KC-Defense for the Treatment and Prevention of Kennel Cough

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What is Kennel Cough?

Kennel cough in dogs is as common as common cold in humans. If you have ever consulted a specialist before boarding your dog in a kennel, you would probably remember that you were advised to get your dog vaccinated. Kennel cough is a highly contagious disease that can infect an entire kennel in a matter of days. Dogs can pick up infection from other places like dog shows, training classes, veterinarian clinics or from stray dogs when you take him out for a walk.

Kennel cough in canines is caused by bacteria or viruses or a combination of both. The most common infectious agents are bordetella bronchiseptica (bacteria) and parainfluenza and adenovirus(viruses). Besides, other pathogenic agents like mycoplasma may also cause kennel cough in dogs. Mycoplasmas are small parasitic bacteria that can survive without oxygen and cause pneumonia as well as infections of the urinary tract. The initial symptoms of dry cough in puppies and adult dogs surface after the incubation period of the agent causing the infection has been completed. This ranges from three to seven days.

Although the infection on its own causes an insignificant damage to the lining of bronchi and trachea, it results in an exposure of the nerves. The exposed nerve endings get irritated as air passes over them and results in a dry hacking cough. As such, exercise also triggers a persistent dry cough as the dog breathes hard to cool itself.

The duration of kennel cough in dogs is limited to fifteen days and the lining heals on its own once the infection disappears. Kennel cough is rarely life threatening but if symptoms like lack of appetite and fever are observed it is better to consult a veterinarian for treatment. Kennel cough in puppies is considered to be potentially dangerous and should be treated well in time to avoid the development of secondary infections.

It may be difficult to avoid exposure to infectious agents all the time. Vaccination is often advised for protection and to restrict the severity and frequency of infection. Two types of vaccination, intranasal and injectable, are available. But these may not guarantee protection from infection as there are a number of agents that cause kennel cough. You may also be required to update vaccination frequently, especially before boarding. Treatment of kennel cough involves the use of antibiotics for killing the pathogen. Cough syrups are also used for alleviating symptoms of cough.

A strong immune system is a natural mode of prevention. You may also look for natural remedies like dietary modifications, herbs and homeopathic remedies for boosting your dog’s natural ability to combat infections.

Get More Info on PetAlive KC-Defense for the Treatment and Prevention of Kennel Cough

Natural products for your pet's health are available from Pet Alive, a branch of Native Remedies. Visit the site to learn more about how you can protect your pets' health and ensure that they live long and healthy lives. Click-here NOW!

Tips for Settling Stomachs & Supporting Digestion

While your pet may initiate certain behaviors regarding eating habits and exercise, through the evolution of domestication, many of these normal processes fall under the influence of our hands. Therefore, making just a few tweaks in routine may greatly benefit your pet’s overall health and well-being.

* Do not change diet suddenly, but slowly introduce fresh, raw and unprocessed food into your pet's daily diet, while reducing commercial foods and foods with little nutritious value.
* Keep diet varied and interesting, but watch out for foods that your pet may be allergic to.
* Regular exercise helps to build up a healthy appetite and gets all organs in the body functioning well. It also helps to relieve stress and contributes to a healthy, happy pet!
* Animals need time outdoors where they can naturally seek out herbs that will help them maintain the health of their digestive system. All carnivorous animals, including dogs and cats, will naturally induce vomiting from time to time as a cleansing process to get rid of excess bile, mucus and other impurities. They do this by eating plants which will induce purging. This is healthy and animals should not be reprimanded for it!
* Add green sprouts to your pet's food every day. This is an easy way to improve digestion and supply much-needed vitamins, amino acids, and trace elements.
* Consult a holistic veterinarian for advice about the health problems associated with routine vaccination and regular antibiotic use.
* For animals that suffer from constipation, ensure adequate roughage in the diet.

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Natural products for your pet's health are available from Pet Alive, a branch of Native Remedies. Visit the site to learn more about how you can protect your pets' health and ensure that they live long and healthy lives. Click-here NOW!

What Are the Signs of Diabetes in Dogs?

Diabetes mellitus or simply diabetes is a common condition in dogs. However scary it may sound it is not the end of the world for your dog because diabetes in canines is manageable if proper care is taken. Diet, regular monitoring of blood sugar levels and medication are key aspects of adequate care. Diabetes, however, can cause an early death of the dog if it is not treated. High blood sugar levels produce clinical symptoms of diabetes in dogs and cats that can help in early detection.

Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels rise due to the inability of the pancreas to produce enough insulin to manage glucose (a primary sugar) in the food that the a dog ingests. In another situation, cells become resistant to the action of insulin, which also results in a high blood sugar level. If not managed within reasonable time, it leads to abnormally high blood sugar levels, a condition known as hyperglycemia.

High blood sugar results when the dog’s body is unable to process and convert glucose to energy for maintaining healthy growth. The excess glucose in the blood has to go somewhere if it is not used by the body’s systems and it leaks over to the urine. This leads to excessive urination (polyuria). As fluids in the body reduce, the dog feels the need to drink more (polydipsia) to compensate the loss due to excessive urination.

Besides these two most prominent symptoms of diabetes in dogs and cats some of the other symptoms indicative of diabetes are:

* Weight loss
* Poor skin and hair coat
* Frequent bladder infections

On observing these signs, a veterinarian should be consulted at the first opportunity because untreated diabetes can lead to:

* Loss of appetite
* Vomiting
* Diabetic neuropathy, especially weakness in rear legs
* Dehydration

Left untreated, diabetes can progress and cause some life threatening disorders like diabetic acidosis, a condition where abnormally high acidity is accompanied by an accumulation of ketone bodies. Some of the other complications arising out of unregulated blood sugar levels include liver and kidney dysfunction and canine blindness.

The cause of diabetes still remains a mystery despite large amounts of research that has been initiated in this area. Chronic inflammation of the pancreas and genetic predisposition are often suspected to be the cause in most of the cases. Breeds like Poodles, Schnauzers, Keeshounds, Cairn Terriers, Dachshunds, Cocker Spaniels and Beagles are more predisposed to developing diabetes.

Once your dog has been diagnosed with diabetes, close monitoring of diet and regular checking of blood sugar levels is necessary. Minor increase in blood sugar can be managed by controlling and regulating diet. Abnormally high levels require insulin injections. Injection of insulin needs to be correlated with the amount, quality and timing of food intake. If you are taking care of your dog at home, make sure you get proper instructions about how and when to inject insulin on your own. Since excess insulin can lead to hypoglycemia or extremely low blood sugar levels, this is another area that you must understand well.

Get More Info on PetAlive GlucoBalance for Treatment of Diabetes in Pets

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How to Care For a Dog With Diabetes

Treating diabetes in dogs and cats involves regular monitoring of diet, blood sugar levels and insulin levels. The monitoring needs to be done on a daily basis and pet owners obviously cannot be expected to visit a veterinarian daily for the daily insulin dose. Understanding the basics of home care helps to manage a diabetic dog effectively. Once the symptoms of diabetes in dogs and cats have led to a confirmed diagnosis, the goal of treatment for diabetes is to control the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Efficient control can help your pet in leading a comfortable life On the other hand uncontrolled hyperglycemia (abnormally high blood sugar) can shorten life span due to complications like kidney disease, retinopathy and arteriosclerosis.
Insulin Injections

* Insulin must be administered at the time suggested by the veterinarian. Administration of the correct recommended dose is also important. Try to keep the dose as close as prescribed by understanding the markings on the syringe that you are using. Note that the markings on syringes may vary according to size of the syringe.
* Injections administered should be subcutaneous and learning how to inject needs practice. Such a skill comes easily once you have done it in front of the veterinarian for a couple of times.

Monitoring Blood Sugar

* High sugar levels almost always spill over to urine. Monitor how your dog responds to exogenous insulin by using strips to test level of sugar in the urine. A urine testing kit contains instructions about the change in color of the strips once it is dipped in urine. Different colors represent normal to danger zone of sugar level. In case of doubt, consult your veterinarian.
* It is advisable to keep a record of the test strip results and the amount of insulin injected. A study of this record will help you in understanding the relation between dosage and level of sugar in the urine and also give a definite picture to veterinarian on your next visit.

Dietary Management

* Diet plays an extremely important role in controlling blood sugar. Glucose is the primary source of energy in the body and it cannot be totally avoided. Many foods contain substances that are rich in sugar content even if they are not sweet to taste. Feed your dog with a diet that has high fiber content. A diet low in carbohydrates and fats is also recommended. The meal time schedule is related to the time of the insulin injections. Make sure you have discussed this with the veterinarian.

Exercise

* Fix up a regular exercise regime to help in maintaining blood sugar levels. Such a practice may even lead to a reduction of insulin dosage over time. Make sure that you carry some source of sugar like corn syrup or honey in case of an insulin reaction especially when you are taking your dog out for a walk or exercise. As soon as you see any symptoms of hypoglycemia (abnormally low blood sugar) immediately rub some on the gums and take him to the veterinarian immediately.

Diabetes is a manageable disease and there is no reason why your canine friend cannot survive and lead a normal, healthy and active life even after being diagnosed as diabetic.

Get More Info on PetAlive GlucoBalance for Treatment of Diabetes in Pets

Natural products for your pet's health are available from Pet Alive, a branch of Native Remedies. Visit the site to learn more about how you can protect your pets' health and ensure that they live long and healthy lives. Click-here NOW!