WHY IS CHOCOLATE BAD FOR DOGS?

The toxic substances in chocolate that affect dogs are methylxanthine alkaloids. These alkaloids are in the form of caffeine and theobromine, which can cause many serious health effects in dogs. Certain types of chocolate have higher levels of these substances, which can affect how severe your dog’s symptoms are after ingestion. White chocolate has the lowest level of methylxanthine alkaloids, while baking and dark chocolate have the highest level of these substances. In a 16 pound dog, the toxic dose of chocolate can be as little as one pound of milk chocolate. The effect in dogs is that the methylxanthine alkaloids stimulate the central nervous system, which in effect increases the heart rate of your dog. This is what causes the many symptoms that result from chocolate toxicity in dogs.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CHOCOLATE TOXICITY?

There are several key symptoms that can help you to recognize if your dog is currently experiencing a chocolate toxicity reaction. The most common symptoms are restlessness, increased urination, rapid heart rate, moderate to severe anxiety, seizures, asthmatic attacks, bloating, gastrointestinal distress, severe thirst and increased body temperature. If you notice that your dog is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is best to bring them to the veterinarian immediately. Symptoms usually manifest from six to twelve hours after ingestion of chocolate. Even if your dog does not display any symptoms after ingesting chocolate, it is still strongly advised that you bring them to the veterinarian.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOUR DOG CONSUMES CHOCOLATE?

The best thing that you can do for your dog in the event of chocolate toxicity is to induce vomiting. However, prior to inducing vomiting, it is highly recommended that you contact your veterinarian. Most veterinary professionals will be able to advise you about what immediate action you should take, depending on the type and severity of your dog’s symptoms. If your veterinarian recommends that you immediately induce vomiting, they will usually advise you to accomplish this by administering a small amount of hydrogen peroxide directly into your dog’s mouth. If you have any reservations about doing this on your own, it is always highly recommended that you follow the instructions of your veterinarian. After bringing your dog in for direct veterinary care, treatment will usually involve the administration of activated charcoal in your dog’s stomach in order to absorb any remaining toxins. This treatment is usually very effective, and can prevent your dog from suffering serious complications that may result from chocolate toxicity.

Has your dog ever ingested chocolate?  Please share your story and post a comment below!

Chocolate

Chocolate is commonly known by many dog owners as being a toxic substance for pets. The reason chocolate is dangerous, is because it contains theobromine, which is a cardiac stimulant. Consuming large amounts of chocolate will cause a dog to become extremely sick, as the overdose of theobromine will cause the heart to beat irregularly. Chocolate can also cause extreme excitement in your dog, as well as hyperactivity (due to the high caffeine content). Death by heart failure is very common in dogs that have eaten a significant amount of chocolate.

Onions & Garlic

Onions and garlic both contain thiosulphate, which is extremely toxic to animals. Thiosulphate can cause haemolytic anaemia, which is an extremely serious condition. Dogs that are affected by haemolytic anaemia will have their red blood cells burst during circulation, which will show up in your dog’s vomit or urine. Symptoms include weakness, listlessness, vomiting and irregular urine. This is a very serious condition, and if your dog has eaten any products containing onions, it is strongly recommended to take your dog to a veterinarian immediately.

Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts have only been recently discovered as a toxic substance that can negatively affect pet health. The specific element in macadamia nuts that is toxic for animals is unknown, however, several studies have proven that this is a very dangerous food for dogs. Ingestion of macadamia nuts can cause  swollen joints, labored breathing, and muscle tremors. Most dogs only need ingest a few macadamia nuts to have a negative reaction.

Large Amounts of Liver

Feeding your dog large amounts of “organ meats” (such as liver and kidney meat) can be extremely toxic. These meats are very high in Vitamin A, which should only be given in moderated amounts. Too much organ meat can cause Hypervitaminosis A (Vitamin A poisoning), which results in vomiting, nausea, and loss of muscle coordination.

Fat Trimmings

Though small amounts of fat are needed to sustain your dog’s overall health, large amounts of fat, especially in a single meal, can be extremely dangerous for your dog. Ingestion of a single high-fat meal can cause pancreatitis, a condition that is extremely dangerous if not treated. The pancreas is responsible for secreting digestive enzymes to help break down fats. However, with the constant ingestion of high-fat foods, the pancreas overworks itself, secreting an excess of digestive fluids. These fluids eventually begin to “digest” the pancreas and surrounding organs, sometimes causing complete failure of the pancreas.

These are just a handful of the many foods that can potentially poison your dog.  Always make sure that you do your research before feeding your dog a new food or even plant new shrub in your garden.  Also be sure that any poisonous foods are never left in places accessible by your dog.

Hypoallergenic dog foods are generally free from substances which are likely to trigger canine allergies. Dog food manufacturers have developed hypoallergenic formulas which do not aggravate intestinal distress or skin allergies. Hypoallergenic dog foods can be easily purchased from leading supermarkets as well as veterinary health care facilities and pet stores that specialize in pet care products. Ideally, determining exactly what ingredients and foods trigger allergies in your dog can be achieved successfully through a process of trial and error. You can determine which substances trigger allergic reactions easily by seeing if your dog reacts to certain foods or common allergen he or she digests. If your animal’s symptoms subside, you can be assured you have determined the food allergen in their diet. You can easily pinpoint which food allergen is causing the allergy by initially switching to a high quality hypoallergenic dog food. Thus, by working backwards, you can determine the cause of the symptoms. Food allergies are not only limited to the major ingredients evident in the foods, but also preservatives, colorings, flavourings and the plethora of chemicals used in the production of the food.

Hypoallergenic dog foods are now readily available from leading pet food manufacturers including Addiction pet Food, Health Pro, Hills Prescriptions, Holistic Blend and Purina. While they vary in price and ingredients, hypoallergenic dog foods generally contain ingredients which do not trigger food allergies. Food formulas are generally both holistic and hypoallergenic and free from all fillers, meat by-products, harmful additives and preservatives. Higher end hypoallergenic dog foods are full of nutritious vitamins, minerals, trace elements, and essential oils that are needed to keep your pet free of allergies. In addition, some products contain omega fatty acids for healthy skin and hair.

Nowadays, hypoallergenic dog foods can also treat clean teeth and freshen breath. These specifically formulated foods can avoid the triggering of many types of common canine allergic reactions. They often are served with a full line of supplements designed to promote optimal pet health. Honest Kitchen, a company which manufactures dehydrated raw organic pet food, produces hypoallergenic dog foods which are 100 percent human food grade. The entire product line is made from organic grains and meats that are free from hormones and antibiotics.

A recommended hypoallergenic dog food is the Flint River Ranch Lamb, Millet and Rice formula (or the Trout and Potatoes). As it does not contain wheat, corn, or chemical preservatives (all of which are common causes of allergies), you can be assured that it can be commonly used to determine food allergies. As it is only available by ordering online, its distribution process is quite stringent. It is promoted as a “fresh” food product with premium nutrition and no chemical preservatives, thus minimizing the vitamin losses that occur when food sits on the shop shelf. Ultimately, you must be sure to consult with your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has food allergies, particularly if the symptoms do not diminish significantly within a few weeks of making a change to their diet.

Coming up with a healthy diet plan for your pet may not be as easy as you initially thought it would be. First, it can be truly challenging to choose which dog food product or supplement you will get, given the variety of brands that you are most likely to find in a grocery aisle. Second, you may not know what it is your pet truly needs for him to have a nutritionally balanced diet plan. After all, these essential nutrients are what your pet needs to live longer.

Before attempting to buy even just one bag of dog food from the nearest grocery store, it is wise to speak with your veterinarian first. You will surely be able to learn much from him especially when it comes to taking care of your pet’s health. Moreover, his recommendations will help make creating a diet plan for your dog so much easier. Surely, your veterinarian will recommend a reputable dog food or food supplement brand that boasts of extensive animal nutrition research to back up its products.

It is also advisable to consider the age of your dog when choosing what dog food to buy. Some dog foods have special ingredients that make them more suitable for senior or aging dogs. There are also others that are more appropriate for puppies than for grown dogs. The size of your dog and its breed should also be considered as the effects of certain dog foods may vary depending on these factors.

In addition, it would also be wise to look at the kind of activities that your dog regularly engages in. For example, when your dog is always active, you might want to choose dog food that would give it the necessary sustenance for its activities. Lastly, your dog’s current weight should also be considered to ensure that whatever dog food you will choose will help it attain its desired weight. If your dog happens to be overweight, you may have to be careful about serving only portion sizes of food. This way, your pet will not become obese. Obesity, as it is, will be detrimental for your pet in the long run.

Nonetheless, avoid giving your pet table scraps as these do not constitute a healthy meal for your pet. Rather, choose high-quality dog food or supplement that has everything that your pet might need to make him healthier. By doing these, you will certainly lengthen your pet’s life.

LETHARGY

Lethargy is one of the most common symptoms seen in sick dogs. A sick dog will be feeling ill, so will not show as much enthusiasm for daily activities. Lethargy is usually characterized as a general change in your dog’s activity level. For example, a lethargic dog will also display a loss of interest in food, will spend much more time sleeping, and not be as excited about any activity that involves physical exercise. This may also be accompanied by weight loss, hair loss, or some of the other symptoms that can help you to determine when your dog is sick. Lethargy is usually caused by a virus, bacterial infection or other health condition. However, lethargy can also be caused by changes in diet, medication or lifestyle.

DIARRHEA

If your dog has diarrhea, chances are that they are suffering from a health condition that is causing them gastrointestinal distress. Diarrhea can be a sign of many different diseases, though is usually cause for concern. Some parasitic infections can cause diarrhea, which may or may not be accompanied by the appearance of parasites in your dog’s fecal matter.

HAIR LOSS

Sometimes you may notice that your dog is losing their fur. This can either be present in patches, or be a general loss of hair all over your dog’s body. Hair loss can be caused by a number of health conditions, which aren’t always associated with the condition of your dog’s skin. Though some types of fungal infections on your dog’s skin can cause hair loss, this is usually present in patches. If your dog is experiencing generalized hair loss that is not localized to one area, this could be a symptom of a food allergy in your dog. However, there are many other health conditions that can cause hair loss, some of which require immediate medical treatment. If your dog is experiencing hair loss, it’s best to schedule a veterinary visit as soon as possible.

FEVER

If your adult dog has a temperature that is over 103 degrees (97 degrees in puppies), this means that they are suffering from an increase in temperature. A fever in your dog can be indicative of many health conditions, though is most commonly associated with viral and bacterial infections. If your dog has a fever, chances are that you will need to schedule a visit to your veterinarian in order to have them tested for certain infections. After the cause of the infection is determined, your veterinarian may be able to prescribe antibiotics in order to help cure this condition.

What tel-tale signs do you notice when your dog is sick?  Please post a comment below and let us know!

1.    KEEP YOUR DOG OUTSIDE!

One of the most common mistakes that many dog owners make is to let their dog inside after they have been sprayed with a skunk. Removing skunk smell from your dog is one thing, but removing it from different types of household fabrics, furniture and carpet is something entirely different! It’s best to keep your dog outside while you prepare a solution to remove the smell from your dog.

2.    GATHER YOUR INGREDIENTS

The best proven recipe for removing skunk smell from your dog includes: 1 quart of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide, ¼ cup of baking soda, and 1 tablespoon of de-greasing dish soap. If you have a larger dog, you may want to double this recipe in order to ensure that you have enough for your dog’s fur. Mix all of these ingredients in a container that can be easily carried outside to apply to your dog. It’s best to wear rubber gloves when dealing with a skunk-sprayed dog.

3.    APPLY THE SOLUTION

Before applying the solution, it’s best to douse your dog thoroughly with warm water. Apply the solution to your dog’s fur, lathering and scrubbing it into your dog’s fur as if you were shampooing their fur. It’s essential that you do this thoroughly, in order to ensure that all of the smell is removed from your dog. However, you need to take extra special care when applying it around your dog’s eyes, ears and nose. The peroxide can potentially harm your dog’s more sensitive areas, especially if it gets in your dog’s eyes. You can remove the smell from your dog’s face with the solution, just remember to be extra careful.

4.    WHEN TO REMOVE THE SOLUTION

Once your dog is thoroughly saturated with this solution, it’s best to leave it on their fur for at least five minutes. Try to reassure your dog during this time, giving them treats and praise for being well-behaved for the odor removal process. Many dogs are scared after being sprayed by a skunk, so it’s important not to punish or yell at them for having an undesirable smell! After five minutes have passed, you can rinse the solution from your dog’s fur with warm water. If you have a dog that has dark fur, you may notice a slight lightening of your dog’s fur color. This is due to the peroxide, and will disappear once your dog has begun shedding.

Has your dog ever been sprayed by a skunk?  Please share your story by leaving a comment below!

If your dog has recently encountered a porcupine, properly removing the quills is absolutely essential in order to prevent complications. Porcupine quills gradually work their way into your dog’s body after expanding by contact with body heat. Quills in the face, neck and chest are the most dangerous. The following information will help you to understand the proper procedure for caring for your dog after a porcupine encounter.

ASSESS THE SITUATION

If your dog only has a few manageable quills, you can most likely remove these without taking your dog to the veterinarian. However, if your dog has severely embedded quills, or an extremely large quantity of quills, you want to take your dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible. It is feasible for you to remove some of the quills on your own, as long as you have the proper tools.

GATHER TOOLS AND ASSISTANCE

Dogs that have encountered a porcupine are usually in a lot of pain. Even if your dog is well-mannered, it’s important to remember that there is a possibility that your dog will try to bite you when you remove the quills. Try to enlist the help of at least two other people before attempting to remove the quills from your dog. In addition to this, you will need to gather these tools: sturdy needle-nose pliers, scissors, white vinegar, paper towels and antibacterial ointment.

BEGIN THE REMOVAL PROCESS

Pour the vinegar over the area where the quills are embedded, since this will help to slightly loosen the skin around the quill. After that, snip the end of the quill off with the scissors. This allows some of the air to escape from the quill, and makes the quill slightly easier to remove. Grasp the quill with the pliers, as close to your dog’s skin as possible. Using a quick and sharp motion, yank the quill out of your dog’s skin while still maintaining pressure on the pliers. Repeat this procedure until all of the quills are removed from your dog.

AFTER-CARE

Once you have removed all visible quills from your dog, you have two options. You may opt to take your dog to the vet, in order to check for any other embedded quills that may cause harm to your dog. If you believe that you have removed all of the quills from your dog, you can begin treating the afflicted areas with antibacterial ointment in order to prevent infection.

Has your dog ever had a run-in with a porcupine?  Tell us about it.  What happened?  How was the outcome?

Here are a few of the most common illnesses that may afflict your dog:

Worms

This is perhaps the most common dog illness of all. Generally, there are 3 kinds of worms that may affect your dog:

a.    Tap worms
b.    Round Worms
c.    Flat Worms

Tap worms have a tail and a head and dogs acquire them through consuming small animals like rodents that eat fleas. Round worms are narrow and they’re almost invisible to the naked eye.

The flat worms affix themselves to the dog’s liver, intestines, and lungs, and then they will begin to instigate some problems that can result to the dog’s sickness. Finally, all of these worms can afflict your pets when they eat unclean foods or their feces become contaminated with worms.

Treatment for these types of illnesses entails a visit to the veterinarian where the dog is generally prescribed with medicine that removes worms or in some cases the vet may take out the worms from the dog’s body using special equipment.

Arthritis in dogs

Another common health problem in dogs is arthritis. In fact, for every 5 dogs, 1 of them may suffer from this debilitating disease. The dilapidation of cartilage and bone is called osteoarthritis and is very common in dogs. Because the cartilage doesn’t have nerves, the injuries can develop with no visible symptoms until the joint gets seriously affected and the synovial or lubricating fluid has thinned out and its power to protect the bone surfaces is gone. The outcome is painful and inflamed joints.
3 causes of arthritis in dogs:

1. Infections like rocky mountain fever and Lyme disease can have an effect on your dog’s joints.
2. Some injuries and strains on the bones, ligaments, and tissues as well as irregularities in the joints like hip dysplasia.
3. Obesity. Feeding your dog too much food can actually shorten their lifespan and can lead to arthritis too.

There are available treatments for arthritis in dogs:

• Glucosamine-this can help re-grow the damaged cartilage
• Fish oil
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Nutraceuticals

Lastly, you can treat arthritis by giving your dog a proper diet regular exercise, and providing him or her with natural anti-inflammatory supplements.

Dog’s periodontal disease

Periodontal disease is also considered as one of the most common dog illnesses. Actually, it is a kind of a mouth disease. It is a condition that is brought about by microscopic types of bacteria that causes bad breath and weakens the dog’s teeth, jawbones, and gums.
One cause of periodontal disease is the buildup of plaque. Plaque buildup is really a deposit of bacteria on the teeth. If this is not treated immediately, the plaque can result in gingivitis or worst, bone loss.

Other causes of the disease are eating food with extremely pungent odors, eating food from the dumpster, respiratory diseases, and some dermatological diseases as well.

It would be best to bring your dog to the vet for assistance if you suspect that your dog is suffering from this illness.
Furthermore, this disease can be prevented by brushing your dog’s teeth regularly and teaching Buddy some good health habits (such as staying out of the dumpster!)

Lastly, be sure that your dog is getting the proper amount of nutrition as well as good oral exercises. And when you buy chew toys, go for the ones that will enable your dog to exercise his or her jaw to free the mouth from bacteria.

–
Brandon Roe is the developer of K9 KlearUp (http://www.k9klearup.com), the world’s first & only all-natural dog balm that helps clear up the 17 most common canine skin and coat problems… Guaranteed or your money back.

Symptoms that your dog may be suffering from diabetes include a loss of appetite, depression, vomiting and blindness. Severe sufferers can develop extremely serious side effects including liver disease, kidney disease and heart disease. It is recommended that if you see symptoms of diabetes in your dog, you see a vet as soon as possible. Blindness can develop quite quickly if the diabetes is left untreated.

Carbohydrates are high in commercial dog foods (both soft-moist and dry) and are considered a form of sugar because they are metabolized into glucose by the body. Quality canned food is ideal as a substitute, however, feeding your dog homemade dog food and raw and organic foods are highly recommended as you are able to keep track of the sugar and carbohydrate intake. This is not an expensive or labour intensive option, and there are many websites and texts which can assist you with advice and recipes. Natural supplements for diabetes can balance blood sugar and improve insulin production. A diet high in fibre and complex carbohydrates is appropriate for dogs with diabetes. Herbal remedies are available and can work very effectively. If your dog has a milder form of diabetes, the addition of a diabetes supplement can ensure that your dog never needs to progress to insulin injections.

With the increasing incidence of dogs suffering from diabetes, it is ideal to know which diabetic dog food to feed your pet. Choosing low-fat meats produce enzymes that break down fats. It is not recommended to feed ground beef. Processed foods are highly not recommended due to their very low nutritional value and high levels of sodium. Furthermore, they contain simple carbohydrates which are largely what lead to diabetes. A natural diet consisting of raw meats and some rotting vegetable and fruit matter, or even eggs are suitable. Sardines can add fatty acids which provide protection against diabetes. A unperceived benefit is giving a dog a beautiful shine to the coat and adding supplementary nutrition benefits. Dry dog food should be avoided as they lack moisture for good kidney processes. It should never be the sole source of protein or carbohydrates for any diet.

If purchasing canned foods or canned diabetic dog food, it should be high in protein and low in carbohydrate and sodium content. Furthermore, it should contain organic contents and be free from any dangerous toxins or preservatives. Semi-moist pet foods should be avoided due to high sugar content. In addition, they have been associated with high blood glucose levels.

A diet consisting of low sugars and carbohydrates, coupled with an active and energetic lifestyle is the ideal solution for canine diabetes. Ensuring regular exercise and a natural and balanced diet can lead the road to recovery.

Supplements are not needed if you feed your dog a well-balanced diet; this is the key to keeping your dog fit and healthy. If you have chosen a pelletized dry formulation from well-known brands, your dog does not need supplements. It is because these reputable companies spend a lot on research and development for various breeds of dogs, added to the fact that these companies are aware of habit and traits that these dogs have, as well as the activities that they were bred to do. This type of food for dogs is probably the best way to ensure a healthy balance in your pet’s diet since this was specifically designed for them.

If you have chosen to feed your dog some low-quality feed, then your veterinarian may recommend addition of a little protein, as well as vitamins D and A — which can be taken from hardboiled eggs. He may tell you to add eggs in your dog’s food maybe two times a week, depending on his observation of your dog. These vitamins aid in maintaining your pet’s good skeletal structure and eyesight.

There may be times that you want to add some variety in what your pet eats. Perhaps, you want to make a meal out of pork trimmings mixed with raw egg or you want to cook some soup or a stew. Just be aware that your pet does not have the same diet required by humans. Your dog will definitely eat it with gusto but the meal may not be balanced for your pet. You can try adding a bit of whole grains, some nuts, liver, or some green vegetables — for an added boost of vitamin B. This will benefit your dog’s muscles and skin. If your dog is healthy and kept clean all the time, you are actually helping it from acquiring ticks and fleas, which will also undermine your dog’s well-being. Rich sources of Vitamin E may be taken from bran, vegetable oil, and wheat germ. Beware of feeding your dog with grapes for there have been cases of renal failure reported from dogs that have eaten it. Popcorn and chocolates are also not recommended because they are detrimental to your dog’s health.