Chocolates: How Toxic Can They Be For Your Dog? By David P Lee

Very few would say they don't love chocolates. Did you know that chocolate can be harmful to your pet dog? Chocolate can be toxic, but exactly how much chocolate must be ingested before an adverse reaction takes place?

Theobromine: The Offending Substance

A substance called theobromine is what makes chocolate a dangerous food to dogs. Theobromine is a xanthine compound that belongs to the same family that caffeine and theophylline do.

If your dog accidentally ingests chocolate, his reaction will depend on the size of your dog, your dog's sensitivity, and how much theobromine is present in the chocolate. Typically, your dog will become quite ill if it ingests too much chocolate.

Concentration of Theobromine in Chocolate Allowable

- 1 oz. milk chocolate for every 1 lb of a dog's weight
- 1 oz. semi-sweet chocolate for every 3 lbs of a dog's weight
- 1 oz. Baker's chocolate for every 9 lbs of a dog's weight

Based on these figures, a 2 oz. serving of Baker’s chocolate poses a risk of adverse reaction to a 15-lb. dog, while 2 oz. of milk chocolate may only result in mild digestive symptoms in the same animal.

Signs of Chocolate Poisoning

Xanthine compounds like theobromine target the peripheral nerves, central nervous system, and cardiovascular system. Theobromine, like caffeine, is a diuretic so if your dog ingests excessive amounts of chocolate high in theobromine concentration, your dog will be vomiting, having diarrhea, and urinating frequently in large amounts. Your dog will also be too excitable and irritable. His heart rate will be high and he will experience muscle tremors.

Treatment for Chocolate Poisoning

There is no known antidote to theobromine or xanthine poisoning in dogs. However, there are a number of ways to arrest or lessen their adverse effects both immediately and for the longer haul. Activated charcoal may be administered to inhibit the absorption of the offending substance, and anticonvulsants may be given to control neurological symptoms. Oxygen therapy, intravenous medications, drinking water and other fluids may be prescribed by the veterinarian to protect the dog’s heart.

If your dog ingests milk chocolate, he may have diarrhea, which can last from 12 to 24 hours. Make sure that your dog is given lots of water and other liquids so that he doesn't become dehydrated. If your dog ingests chocolate and displays any of the symptoms of chocolate poisoning, call the veterinarian right away. He will be able to prescribe the best treatment for your dog.

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=181027&ca=Pets

Allergies In Your Canine By Lori Matthews

Just as humans experience an assortment of allergies, many pets, such as a dog may experience an allergy as well. It is agreed among professionals that specialize in the health of dogs, that there are at least five specific allergy types that a dog may experience in their lifetime. Common types of allergies in dogs include food allergy, reactions to fleas, and various forms of bacteria. A dog may also experience allergies that are related to inhaling certain irritants. Then, there are many dogs that may even suffer from allergies related to coming in contact with certain materials such as plastic, certain types of plants, and even grass.

When a dog experiences an allergy, they may display an assortment of symptoms. One of the first signs that a dog owner may recognize is that their pet seems to be scratching a lot. When an allergy occurs, it is quite common for the dog to experience a period of time in which their skin becomes extremely itchy. The next symptom that is often recognized by dog owners when their pet is experiencing an allergy is hair loss. The hair loss may be localized to one spot on the body, or it may occur in patches over the entire body.

As you can see, the skin of a dog usually becomes quite sensitive when an allergy is experienced. Many pet owners will see their dogs licking their paws quite often when an allergy is occurring. This is a natural method that the dog uses in order to soothe the symptoms and discomfort of the allergy that they are experiencing. You may notice that your pet is starting to experience redness, swelling, and rashes on the surface of their skin when they are allergic to something. These symptoms are quite common.

If a pet owner suspects that their dog is experiencing an allergy, the first thing that they should do is research the diet of the dog. There are many ingredients that are used in various types of dog foods that may cause reactions in the pet. Most of these ingredients are included in generic or cheap versions of dog foods. Just as many humans ingest toxins as a result of the way that particular foods are grown or processed, dogs suffer from allergies as a result of foods that are processed and created cheaply in order to sell the product at a discounted price.

The digestive system of the dog is sensitive. It requires key ingredients and nutrients in order to function appropriately. When selecting food for your pet, it is important to select premium foods that are loaded with “real” ingredients that can provide the highest level of nutritional value possible. It is vital to avoid foods that contain products such as wheat and soy. If a dog experiences an allergy associated with generic and/or processed ingredients, they may suffer from some very uncomfortable symptoms.

Apart from skin irritation and discomfort, an allergy related to poorly created food products can cause serious symptoms in a dog. These symptoms include severe vomiting, an increased amount of bowel movements each day that may become painful, and diarrhea, itching in the area of the anus, dehydration, and even seizures. Problems with the ears, such as infection and inflammation, are another common and uncomfortable symptom associated with food allergies in dogs.

If you are a pet owner, there are numerous ways that you can help to prevent allergies in dogs. It is important to ensure that you provide your animal with only the highest quality in foods. A dog should receive food that contains ingredients that are not processed. Having a diet with a high amount of nutrients, vitamins, and important minerals will help to allow your pet to remain healthy.

Certain test can be done at your vet’s office or you may have to go to a specialist. From there, numerous tests can be performed to find the exact issue. Some tests will show certain ingredients in food, ingredients in cleaning products, or dust etc. It may be a process to weed out the exact cause but will be worth it in the long run for the comfort of your pet and your sanity.

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=181873&ca=Pets

Gingivitis In Cats By David P Lee

A chronic condition occurring in cats that causes extreme gingivitis and tooth loss is Plasmacytic-Lymphocytic Stomatitis. This disease is usually is a result of another disease. It has been found in cats with Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency. The symptoms are salivating excessively, trouble eating, and a really foul odor in their mouth. Naturally this soreness in their mouth causes them not to eat and they lose weight rapidly.

Severe gingivitis around the back upper molars is found upon examining the mouth, and the gums will appear raw, red and easy to bleed. Untreated, the gums will recede as the tooth root becomes absorbed, thereby causing tooth loss or breakage. Lymphocytes and plasma cells are found in biopsies of such areas, this gives the disease its name. Bacterial infections have a higher than normal breeding ground with the inflammation of tissue. Whenever there is a chronic inflammation and results in secondary infections, these cells are present and can lead to a bacterial infection in the blood stream. Other organs, such as the liver, kidneys and heart can be affected, by such an infection.

Essential to beginning any treatment, a careful cleaning under anesthesia, while cleaning below the gum line with a long acting good quality disinfectant gel is vital. Temporary relief while keeping bacterial infection from worsening the gums is provided by the use of antibiotics. Although, this is not long-term answer, a variety of treatments has been tested such as anti-inflammatory therapy with cortisone and immunostimulants such as immunoregulin.

The only long term treatment that seems to relieve the symptoms and get the cat back to good health is removing the premolars and molars. In the meantime while trying to get the cat back to a healthy animal there are several high calorie, nutritional cat foods on the market that are soft and require very little chewing. Due to the nature of this disease cats are quite reluctant to eat as they are in severe pain. It is imperative that they get nutrition.

Sadly response to treatment for this disease is very poor. Prevention is the best way to avoid chronic gingivitis. Calicivirus seems to be a factor that contributes to this disease, so it is of the utmost importance that upper respiratory infections in the household be controlled. Kittens should receive vaccinations for this disease at 6 weeks, 9 weeks, and 12 weeks. They should be kept away from other cats and kittens until this series of vaccinations are completed. All other cats should be kept up to date on their vaccinations. Tests should be done routinely for FIV and feline leukemia. If any cat tests positive they should immediately be removed and isolated from the other cats.

In 1997, two new products became available, designed especially for preventing and controlling gingivitis and tartar. Hills, TD feature a dry food that aids in fighting the build up of tartar and plaque. Vrx pharmaceuticals, Chews feature a freeze-dried fish food that has antibacterial enzymes which offers an abrasive cleaning action while fighting gingivitis. These products are obtainable from your veterinarian. Such products are an essential key in preventing feline chronic gingivitis, thereby keeping you cat from tooth loss and keeping your cat from getting such a painful and life threatening disease.

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=181025&ca=Pets

Hints On Picking A Puppy To Suit Your Lifestyle By Jason Turnbull

The greatest thing about choosing a puppy is that you get to pick your new family member. Unfortunately you didn’t get the same luxury when you inherited that Uncle or Aunt who always manages to say the most inappropriate things at the best of times. A few hints on picking a puppy can make a big difference.

Picking a puppy is one of the most satisfying and enjoyable experiences you could have. Going from puppy to puppy seeing their big lovable eyes and their floppy paws is heart warming. However, if you haven’t researched the right breed for you, it is very easy to find yourself making an impulse buy at a pet store.

Unfortunately impulse buying from a pet store results in dogs being left at shelters or becoming homeless. You see the grandma down the street attempting to walk the Great Dane her family thought was cute as a puppy. They didn’t quite realize it would grow to be so large. Now when grandma tries to walk her dog it looks more like someone trying to barefoot water ski behind a boat. That adorable puppy just doesn’t quite fit with what grandma was after in a dog.

So the question arises, how do you know which puppy will grow to become a suitable dog for your lifestyle? The first thing you should do is work out what you want from your dog.

Below are some hints on picking a puppy you should think about before selecting a good dog breeder to get your pooch from. Grab yourself a pen and paper, put your feet up and outline the ideal friend for you:

- What type of dog is suited to your home environment? Write down if you’re living in a big family home or a small apartment. You will want to be realistic about which dog will fit your home.

- Are you after an indoors or outdoors dog? Make a note of where the ideal dog can sleep and spend it’s time during the days. Some breeds really hate the cold and some just have separation anxiety that makes them want to be close to you at all times. Start planning sleep areas and play areas. Will you need more fencing around your yard?

- How much time do you have for grooming your pooch? Write down if you have time for daily weekly or monthly grooming requirements. Many short hair breeds require little maintenance whilst others need you pampering them daily with brushing.

- How much time do you have to exercise your pup? Outlining how much time you can spend walking and playing with your dog is important. Do you have time for extensive daily exercise or only leisurely strolls? Have a list of the exercises would you like to enjoy with your new pooch?

- Consider whether you are after a puppy that will snuggle on the couch or one that will be a great fitness partner during exercise. If you want a playful active dog or a mellow easy going dog, make a note of it. There are many different breeds that will suit whatever your needs are.

- An important thing to consider is the cost to provide for your puppy. Write down a budget if need be. Generally the bigger the breed, the more expensive they will be. This is for food, leads, dog bowls and vet bills may also be more expensive due to needing larger doses of medication. You will also want to research common medical conditions found in certain breeds as they can also be expensive.

Once you have this list, you will find many information sites telling you which breeds will fit what you are looking for. Cross out breeds that don’t fit and make a list of the ones that do. Then it is time to finalize your decision, possibly meet a few pooches of the breed you like and start to recognize their personality traits.

There is nothing quite like choosing a best friend that fits everything you desire. A puppy will have unconditional love and affection for you and strive to please you at every opportunity.

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=173506&ca=Pets