Pet Shambhala: Dog Health

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All About the Burnese Mountain Dog

By Duncan Lancer

The Bernese mountain dog is a strong, sturdy, and very agile dog. He comes in tricolors with white, black and rust being his prime shades. In most cases, the base of the dog is always black while the chest is white. He likes being around humans and doesn't like being chained or kept in a kennel.

Temperament

The good side with Bernese is that he is intelligent which makes it very easy to train him. You should note that for him to be obedient, you need to be assertive. This means that you should let him know that you are the leader and he needs to respect you for him to stay in your house.

The dog is usually very well behaved in the house; however, you should not let him stay idle; you should engage him in exercises. Some of the best exercises to engage him in include: running and jumping. The good side is that despite his large size, he is able to run very fast and jump high.

Health

The main disease that affects this dog is cancer. Common cancers that affect the Bernese dog include: osteosarcoma, lymphosarcoma, mast cell tumor, fibrosarcoma, and malignanthistiocytosis.

Other than cancer, other diseases that affect the dog are arthritis, hip dysplasia, and cruciate ligament. To protect your dog from suffering from these diseases you should regularly take him to a vet.

Training the dog

When training your dog, you should not yell or scream. If you feel that the Bernese is not making any progress in his training, you should take a break and resume the training at a later time.

For ideal results, you should start training your dog early, using positive reinforcement. When training your dog you should start with the basic commands: sit, down, come, and stay. When he obeys the commands, you should praise and reward him with a treat.

You should reinforce the commands by practicing daily for at least five minutes. When your dog takes hold of some of the commands, you should gradually introduce others over time.

You should avoid hitting or physically punishing your dog. Doing this will not yield any results. To make it easy for you to train your Bernese, you should take proper care of him-you should give him the right food, groom him regularly, and give him access to fresh water and exercises. A happy and healthy dog is easy to train.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Duncan_Lancer/1848978

Books on the Bernese Mountain Dog

Dogs and Nuts are Not a Good Mix

By M.K. Albus

Dogs have a keen sense of smell. Most dog owners know that if they are eating something their dog will smell it and come to see what you are eating and they will usually want some of it. Well nuts are a nutritional snack for humans and it not uncommon to be eating nuts. Before long, our dog is at our side looking at us with those loving eyes, watching us eat those nuts, and wanting us to share with them. Our first inclination is to share. We might even have fun throwing a nut and watching our dog jump to catch it in its mouth.

But nuts can produce stomach upset and even worse conditions for our dogs. A dog's stomach has trouble digesting whole nuts. And that is a big part of the problem. If the nuts were well chewed they would not cause as much stomach upset but as we all know, dogs don't chew their food. They gulp it down and nuts they swallow whole.

A dog's stomach cannot break down whole nuts and gets upset trying. Then, as the nuts pass into the intestines they can cause blockages and constipation.

Nuts are also high in phosporous, which in dogs can lead to bladder stones. Nuts are also very fatty and their kinds of fats can lead to pancreatitis in dogs.

While most nuts are not exactly poisonous for dogs, they are not very healthy and excessive consumption can lead to serious health problems. One kind of nut, however, is poisonous to dogs and that is the Macadamia nut. Macadamia nuts have a toxic compound that affects the skeletal muscles of a dog and it can lead to tremors and even temporary paralysis. They should never be fed to dogs.

A few nuts may only upset a dog's tummy but continued regular consumption can lead to bladder stones, gall stones, pancreatitis, and intestinal problems. So it is best not to feed your dog nuts at all. The nuts smell good to a dog, though, so it is up to us to keep them away from them.

M.K. Albus is a freelance writer who has written numerous articles for several websites, including Independent Literature Gallery.

Also by M. K. Albus:
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How to Help a Whelping Dog

By Jerry Welsh

Dogs are kind of addicting – dog owners can’t seem to have enough of these wonderful furry creatures. Dog owners that form a strong bond with the pet would want to breed the dog. Four legged fur balls that follow the original pooch would be a wonderful sight. Watching a dog deliver the puppies is one of the wonders of nature that should not be missed.

Normally, dogs, like their ancient ancestors in the wild would not need human intervention to whelp. However, whelping difficulties that can endanger the life of the dam and the puppies can occur. It is the task of the owner to provide for all the necessities that will make the whelping dog as comfortable as possible. To be able to give urgent assistance, a dog owner has to be able to promptly recognize the signs that the pet is having difficulties in delivering the puppies. While it is important to promptly recognize the signs of difficult labor, it is also equally important for a dog owner to know what must be done to help the pet.

A dog will be pregnant for about eight to nine weeks. At the end of this period, the whelping box lined with old blankets should be ready. Other equipments that must be readied are scissors or dental floss to cut the puppies’ umbilical cord and towels. One very important tool that will let the dog owner know that the pet is ready to give birth is a thermometer. Twelve to twenty four hours before the dog whelps, the normal body temperature of 101.5 F will drop 2 to 3 degrees.

The dog usually takes care of the birthing. The puppy will be licked clean and the umbilical cord will be severed by the dog’s teeth. Cleaning the newborn and cutting the umbilical cord will be the task of the dog owner if for some reasons, the dog would not want to attend to the newly born puppies. This usually happens to first time moms. It will be the dog owner’s task to tear the sac to prevent the puppy from suffocation. As the dog would not clean the puppy the task will fall on the hands of the dog owner.

A whelping dog with a puppy stuck half in and half out would need urgent help. Firmly hold the protruding body part with a towel and pull out the puppy. Remove a dead puppy stuck in the birth canal immediately. This is a life threatening condition that would need urgent professional attention but if none is available, the owner can lubricate the hand with K-Y jelly and try to remove the dead pup. This can be a hard line first aid method but it is very necessary to save both the lives of the unborn puppies and the mother dog.

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Why You Should Protect Your Dog From Lyme disease - and How To Do It

(ARA) - The urge to be outside during spring and summer is something that's shared by people and dogs. We all learn to tolerate the bites from mosquitoes and other pesky insects, but there's one pest that both people and pets need to really watch out for: Lyme disease-carrying ticks.

While you might hear a lot about checking yourself for ticks after a hike in the woods, you need to check your dog, too - and remember that it's possible for him to pick up ticks even if you live in an urban area. A number of tick species carry the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, which causes Lyme disease, but the most common is the deer tick.

While humans can look for the tell-tale sign of a bull's-eye-shaped rash on their skin, there's no such convenient warning for dogs, says Dr. Ernest Ward, a well-known veterinarian who has published numerous articles on MyPetED.com.

"Lyme disease symptoms in dogs are more difficult to detect than in people," says Ward. "When people are bitten by a tick carrying the infection, they see a 'bull's-eye' rash at the site of the bite within three to 30 days. This rash doesn't appear in bitten dogs."

Ward advises dog owners to look for other signs, like lameness, swollen joints, fever, lethargy or decreased appetite. Lameness and limping are common symptoms because Lyme disease affects the joints. The painful limping that suddenly appears may shift from one leg to another. "Some pet owners describe their dogs as 'walking on eggshells,'" Ward adds. "This may eventually disappear and then recur weeks or months later."

Because Lyme disease symptoms are often delayed or go unrecognized, it's possible for Lyme disease to progress to an advanced state before it's considered a problem. However, rare cases of Lyme disease can lead to kidney disease or failure, which is potentially fatal.

If your dog exhibits the symptoms of Lyme disease, it's important to get him to a veterinarian quickly. A veterinarian can administer a blood test to confirm the presence of Lyme disease and prescribe antibiotics to treat it. Sites like MyPetED.com can help you find a veterinarian near you, as well as provide you with credible pet health information and a secure place to store all of your pet's health records. MyPetED also offers a mobile app for iPhones and iPads, which can help you locate a veterinarian, even when you're far from home.

Taking preventive measures can be an effective way to keep your dog Lyme disease-free. While avoiding areas where ticks live, such as grassy, wooded or sandy areas, it's not always possible, particularly with pups that are eager to get outside and play. Instead, be sure to thoroughly inspect your dog after each walk or romp through the woods. If you find ticks on your dog, it's important not to touch them - wear gloves and use tweezers to remove them instead.

For extra protection against Lyme disease, you can opt for a vaccine, which is usually administered in two doses at two- to three-week intervals, and needs to be repeated annually. Be sure to talk to your veterinarian about whether vaccination is the right choice for your dog. He or she might also recommend a topical preventive, such as those that repel both fleas and ticks.

Just a few simple steps can prevent your pet from contracting Lyme disease. When you know what to do and what to look for, you'll be able to concentrate on having fun with your dog in the great outdoors.

Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook, The guide dog lovers have relied on for more than twenty-seven years, this handbook has been extensively revised to include the latest information on everything from canine healthcare to nutrition to holistic treatments. Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook, Fourth Edition, is the definitive guide for every dog owner. With this guide, you'll know when to rush your pet to the vet and when you can begin treatment at home. You'll communicate more effectively with your vet. You'll have the latest information on every aspect of your dog's medical care when you need it. This is the hands-on reference you'll trust again and again...More

Some notable people who have dealth with Lyme Disease include:
Amy Tan, author
Daryl Hall, musician
Ben Petrick, Colorado Rockies catcher
George W. Bush, former president

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What to Do If Your Dog Has Diarrhea - Tips For a Healthy Recovery

By Alex Howell

Dogs being man's best friend can provide enjoyment and entertainment to its owner especially if they are healthy. Like his master, dogs can encounter health problems. One of the major causes why dog owners visit veterinarians is because their pets have diarrhea.

Actually, it is not considered as a disease but rather a symptom because it indicates that something is wrong with the dogs' health. As the owner, it is necessary to know what to do if your dog has diarrhea in order to apply certain medications as early as possible.

The intensity of diarrhea varies as its cause does. However, there are certain things that can be done at home provided with proper information. To help you what to do if your dog has diarrhea, you have to go over this whole article.

Diarrhea is characterized by watery stool that can sometimes include blood. Therefore, it is just expected that the dog will be dehydrated if the condition will continue to occur for 2 or more days. This time, it would be better to let your pet dog drink water in large amounts. Make sure that the water is clean because if not, there is a big possibility that it will just worsen the condition.

Foods given to the dog is one great contributor for the condition. For acute diarrhea in dogs, it is advisable not to give any food for about 24 hours. This will let the stomach be at rest. After neglecting food for the time allotted, you may gradually re-introduce his meal such as boiled or baked potatoes, cooked rice, canned or mashed pumpkins, boiled eggs, boiled turkey and chicken.

Just make sure that these must be given in small amounts and must not include flavorings, oil or butter. Also, giving little amounts of plain yogurt can help cure the condition because it has probiotic cultures that are good for digesting.

Medicines like Pepto Bismol and Loperamide Immodium are used by humans to help them relieve from diarrhea. These medications are also possible for use in dogs with the same condition, but using the specific amount prescribed by the vet. Pepto Bismol can make the watery stool become compact and hard.

If the condition of your dog still continues for three days, it is better to bring him to the veterinarian to seek proper care. Remedies at home can help a lot but sometimes if the diarrhea is already chronic, it is better to ask for professional help. You may have your dog's stool tested for possible cause of the symptoms. Learning what to do if your dog has diarrhea is important in order not to worsen your pets annoying condition.

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Bad Dog Breath: Why It's Not Normal and Can Be a Sign of Dental Trouble

(ARA) - Most people dutifully brush their teeth not only to prevent cavities and gingivitis, but also to keep their breath smelling fresh. In just the same way, regular brushing for dogs can ensure good dental hygiene and reduce the infamous "doggy breath."

Many pet parents believe that bad dog breath is a package deal and comes along with having a dog. While a common misconception, this is not true -- bad dog breath is a symptom of poor oral hygiene. Therefore, it's important that pet owners recognize this and take steps to improve their dog's oral health.

According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, up to 80 percent of dogs over three have some form of tooth and gum disease. If left untreated, tooth and gum disease can cause bad breath, swollen and bleeding gums, difficulty eating, and tooth loss. Longer term it can lead to even more serious health problems like liver, heart or kidney disease since bacteria can travel from the mouth to other parts of the animal's body.

"Some dogs are predisposed to having dental problems, but a majority of the dogs that I treat have bad teeth because their owners didn't take any preventative measures. As a result, these dogs are forced to undergo expensive cleanings that must be done under anesthesia," says Dr. Elizabette Cohen, practicing veterinarian and author. "Brushing your dog's teeth shouldn't be a big chore, and certainly nothing to fear. Your dog depends on you to make the proper health choices for him, and dental care is one of them."

Any pet owner can do much of their dog's dental care maintenance right at home. And for new pet parents that have never brushed their pet's teeth or pet owners looking to get rid of doggy breath, Dr. Elizabette Cohen offers these tips:

1. Brush your dog's teeth every day. Make it a point to do it after you've brushed your own teeth, either in the morning or the evening, so that when you think of brushing your teeth, you think of brushing your dog's as well. Retail stores with pet care sections and veterinarian's offices sell specially designed dog toothbrushes and dog toothpaste that make the job easier on you and more palatable for him. For those that simply cannot brush their dog's teeth, your veterinarian can prescribe dental wipes that can help simplify the process.

2. Get your dog in the habit of sitting for a teeth cleaning. It's a huge help if you can start your oral care routine early by getting your dog in the habit when he is a puppy. That way, it will become part of his normal routine. But whether your dog is a puppy or an adult, ease him into the feelings associated with dental care. Start by gently touching his mouth on a regular basis, and then by touching the inside of his mouth, followed by opening his mouth. Always be gentle and move slowly to help dogs get used to this new routine.

3. Contrary to popular belief, doggy breath is NOT normal. Give them dog toys and dog treats that will do double duty - clean their teeth and keep them entertained. For example, Hartz Chew 'n Clean Dental Duo will satisfy your dog's natural desire to chew and gently massage his gums, all while helping to clean his teeth. Also, treats like Hartz Crunch 'n Clean contain breath-freshening crystals with chlorophyll to freshen breath.

4. Make a dog biscuit or treat with dental benefits a part of your dog's regular diet. Most treats and biscuits only provide cleaning by mechanical abrasion. Hartz Crunch 'n Clean Dog Biscuits and Treats go one step further - they include Dentashield, an ingredient that reduces new tartar formation. A recommended daily serving of these biscuits and treats can make a difference in your dog's oral health in just 30 days.

5. Go back to training basics and treat your dog to a healthy reward to make teeth cleaning a habit. Teach your pup to associate a tooth brushing routine with a reward your dog is sure to like, and that supports your good oral care efforts.

Taking better care of your dog starts with paying attention to his teeth -- something that many pet owners ignore. By doing simple things like brushing your dog's teeth regularly or giving him treats and toys that encourage good dental health, you'll help to ensure that he's healthy and happy for many years to come. For more information about the importance of caring for your dog's teeth, visit the American Veterinary Dental Society website at www.avds-online.org, or to find out more about caring for dogs, visit Dental Essentials for Dogs.

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