The Little Dog-A Story.
The Little Dog-A Story.
A farmer had some puppies that he needed to sell. He painted a sign advertising the puppies and began to nail it to a post at the edge of his yard. As he was driving the last nail into the post, he felt a tug on his overalls. He looked into the eyes of a little boy. Sir, he said, I want to buy one of your puppies.
Well, said the farmer, as he rubbed the sweat from the back of his neck, these puppies come from good parents and cost a lot of money.
The boy bowed his head for a moment. Then, sticking his hand in his pocket, he pulled out a handful of coins and held out to the farmer. I have 89 cents. Is that enough to at least take a look?
Sure, said the farmer. And with that he let out a whistle. Here, Dolly! he called out.
Out of the doghouse and down the ramp came Dolly, followed by four little furballs. The little boy pressed his face against the wire fence. His eyes danced with pleasure. As the dogs headed for the fence, the little boy noticed something else moving inside the doghouse.
Slowly, another little fur ball appeared, this one noticeably smaller. It came down the ramp. Then the puppy began to stagger awkwardly toward the others, doing his best to catch up. "I want that one," said the little boy, pointing quickly at the dwarf.
The farmer knelt down beside the boy and said, "Son, you don't want that puppy. He can never run and play with you like those other dogs would.
With that, the little boy stepped away from the fence, bent down and began to roll up one pant leg. As he did so, he revealed a steel strap that ran down both sides of the leg, attaching to a specially made shoe. Looking back at the farmer, he said : You see, sir, I don't run very well either, and he will need someone who understands.
With tears in his eyes, the farmer bent down and picked up the puppy. Holding him carefully, he handed him to the little boy.
How many? asked the little boy. No cost, replied the farmer, There is no cost for love and understanding.
Like that special puppy, the world is full of people who need someone who understands.
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Understand the probiotic trend in animal nutrition.
Understand the probiotic trend in animal nutrition.
Probiotics are live bacteria or yeasts of different strains that can be added to food or feed. The best transient colonization occurs with microorganisms (MOOGs) such as lactic acid bacteria, which are mostly isolated from the gastrointestinal tract of mammals, and therefore have their best condition for growth and adaptation in them (provided they survive the thermal process and digestion steps prior to their arrival in the intestine).
The genera Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Streptococcus, for example, are lactic bacteria that colonize the gastrointestinal tract and act by competitive exclusion, adhering by means of fimbriae to the cells of the intestinal epithelium, as well as to the main pathogens. The few pet foods on the market that contain probiotics are restricted to the use of Bacillus sp and yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), because they are considered more resistant microorganisms to the extrusion process. However, these are non-colonizing microorganisms, which only pass through the intestinal lumen along with the food content and do not adhere to the epithelium.
Probiotics have wide application in veterinary practice from the primary immunomodulatory effects beneficial to the intestinal microbiota. They exert a biological effect, promoting a low oxygen tension environment, preventing the growth of pathogenic microorganisms, mainly of the genus Salmonella spp. They also have a chemical effect, producing organic acids that will reduce the pH of the intestinal lumen, in order to inhibit the activity of harmful bacteria (such as Clostridium perfringens). They also promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms (such as Lactobacillus). Probiotics can also produce bacteriocins, which inhibit the development of Salmonella, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus, fighting disease-causing pathogens.
In turn, it is important to emphasize that the study of the microbiota of dogs and cats may also have an influence on human health, due to the increasingly close relationship between guardians and pets. Not only does dietary supplementation contribute to the modulation of the microbiota, but also our surroundings, as the individuals we interact with can also shape our microbial communities. A study by SONG and colleagues (2013) observed that dog guardians shared more bacteria with their dogs than with dogs of other guardians, especially in the skin microbiota.
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What is patella surgery in dogs like
What is patella surgery in dogs like.
The patellar surgery is indicated after a complete evaluation by a professional, the patellar luxation is diagnosed through palpation, observation of the affected limb and exams such as X-ray, where the same will assess the degree of pain, discomfort and difficulty in moving around, prescribing surgery or not.
The tibial tuberosity transposition technique (classic TTT) is one of the most used surgical procedures for the treatment of this pathology.
As the years went by, the specialists in orthopedic surgeries implemented improvements in this technique, creating what is now called the 4T surgery for patellar luxation in dogs.
It consists of the lateral or medial transposition of the tibial tuberosity, fixed as a pin, by creating an orifice, both in the tibial tuberosity and in the receptor bed, showing to be effective in stabilization, providing good bone healing and with no complication rates after implantation.
It is normally indicated for dogs that present grade 1 or 2 patellar luxation, uni or bilaterally, with angular alterations in the involved pelvic limb.
When surgical correction is performed early, the prognosis is very good, giving the pet back support and mobility, and most dogs go on to lead normal, active lives.
It is a condition also known as dislocation of the canine patella, very common in veterinary orthopedics, about 75 to 80% of animals are affected. It is more common in smaller dogs.
The main breeds affected are: Boston, Yorkshire terriers, Chihuahuas, Pomeranian Lulu and miniature Poodles.
Normally the patella (kneecap) sits in a groove in the femur (thigh bone), being held by a tendon that connects the quadriceps to the tibia (shin bone), in this alteration the knee is dislocated, it walks out of this groove when the dog's knee is flexed, causing much pain and significant loss of mobility, the symptoms may vary from only pain, rotation of the limb and claudication.
In almost half of all cases, patellar luxation will be found in both knees.
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The use of sodium in dog and cat food.
The use of sodium in dog and cat food.
Sodium is an essential mineral in the diet of dogs and cats. Compared to humans, animals have a much higher tolerance for this nutrient. Learn about some of the benefits of sodium in pet diets, and understand one of the biggest myths about small animal nutrition.
In human medicine, it is common to restrict and worry about the use of sodium in food, and to avoid sausages and other foods to control mainly blood pressure and care with cardiac and renal alterations. Thus, some myths related to the use of sodium in pet food have arisen due to the close relationship between man and animal.
Sodium in pet food is extremely important for optimal health, and the amount of this macroelement in the diet is considerably higher and not harmful as it would be in humans. The conventional industrialized foods (pet food) are balanced and formulated according to the needs of each stage of life, following the nutritional recommendations described by the NRC (National Research Council of the US National Academy of Sciences), FEDIAF (European Pet Food Industry Federation) and Abinpet (Brazilian Pet Products Industry Association), and the non-conventional diets, such as the homemade diet when well formulated and prescribed, also do not bring risks regarding the amount of sodium in the diet. The big problem is when offering non-balanced diets and not properly formulated, where the sodium level and other macro and micro elements may be unbalanced, generating several complications to the animals.
Dogs and cats tolerate relatively higher amounts of sodium in diets, according to data from FEDIAF 2018, a nutritional guideline widely respected and followed by nutrological veterinary physicians. Studies show that 0.19g/1000 kcal of metabolizable energy is adequate for dogs at all life stages, while healthy cats tolerate contents of up to 3.75 g/1000 kcal. Higher values may still be safe, but no studies exist. For growing dogs and cats, these levels may be higher, due to nutritional requirements in the puppy growth phase. So, if we look at the basic composition of puppy food, the sodium level will always be higher than for an adult or senior animal.
Sodium is part of several systems in the animal's body, being responsible, for example, for the acid-base balance and for the utilization of glucose, which is the source of energy for the cells and for the animals
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My pet has come into heat.
My pet has come into heat.
The estrous cycle of female dogs and cats is divided into phases, referring to the reproductive cycle of females. The word "estrus" is used by guardians to designate the estrus phase corresponding to the fertile period. When female dogs and cats reach sexual maturity, they have their "first estrus", with an average age of 6 to 12 months. However, female cats can enter sexual maturity at 4 months, with 3 months being considered early and 18 months being considered late.
In female cats, puberty is also related to the weight reached, being equal to or greater than two thirds of the weight of an adult cat, that is, when she reaches the weight of 2.3 to 3.2 kg. In bitches the variation can occur according to the size, breed and weight of the animal: in small breeds from 6 to 10 months of age, and in large breeds from 12 to 24 months of age.
Female dogs and cats are multiparous (multiple offspring), with a high number of offspring per gestation and a short gestational period (approximately 60 days).
Bitches are classified as non-seasonal monoestrics, that is, they manifest only one estrus each period, they may cycle on average twice a year and only become pregnant in their fertile period.
The female cats, on the other hand, are classified as seasonal polyestrics with positive photoperiod, meaning that they can cycle all year round, but tend to come into heat after the summer solstice, when the days are longer. Female cats are considered species whose ovulation is induced by copulation, which causes the release of the luteinizing hormone (LH) that leads to ovulation and may become pregnant.
The estrous cycle of the female dogs is divided in 4 phases: Proestrus: it is characterized by the follicular development with increase of the estrogen concentration, being able to initiate the attraction of the males, but the female still doesn't accept the mount, Estrus: it is the period of sexual receptivity, because it is the ovulation phase where the female dogs look for the males offering the tail area, Diestrus: it is also known as the luteous phase, in other words, of active corpus luteum, with intense increase of progesterone. This phase has an average duration of 65 days and begins when the female rejects the male. Anestrous: it is the period of sexual inactivity that has an average duration of 120 days, beginning with the regression of the corpus luteum and ending with the next follicular phase.
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You are a dog's mother or father.
You are a dog's mother or father.
They have conquered our sofas and even our beds - although they have their own. They have earned a place in the backseat of cars on family trips, with the right to their own little backpack with their everyday items (which may include a coat for cold days), they go to the doctor regularly and to daycare, they get birthday parties (and attend many other parties thrown by their friends), they occupy our routine conversations, and they also worry us.
We could quietly be talking about our children . oops, but we really are. Four-legged children, in interspecies families. Can you identify yourself? You do . The phenomenon of considering pets as human children began to gain popularity in the middle of the last decade . In 2015, the Oxford Dictionary added the term "fur baby" to its (fur babies) to its official lexicon, recognizing the trend.
The human-dog relationship is not simple to analyze, and the said trend has many layers of interpretation and effects. But the fact is that dogs are occupying such an important and relevant affective place in our lives that transferring to them the role of children seems at first sight totally natural and harmless. Is it?
Spoiling a dog is arguably better than neglecting it. But are we loving them too much? Or in the wrong way? Are we unintentionally hurting them? We don't have the answer, nor is it the intention of this text to pass judgment, but only to look at the phenomenon, just as science is already doing.
The scary and complicated question that also remains is: does my dog want to be loved the way I am loving him? Can treating him like a son do him harm?
This is a really complicated question," confesses biologist Francisco. - Although in the affective field we can see them as our children or as babies, we must keep in mind that dogs have their own way of seeing the world and interacting with it. We cannot alter their "canine" characteristics unmeasurably. We often think that the needs of non-human animals are very similar to ours, and this is not true. Each species has its own characteristics, which must be respected. Otherwise we can negatively affect aspects related to the freedom, comfort, and health of these animals.
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Therapy dogs can help relieve pain in the emergency room.
Therapy dogs can help relieve pain in the emergency room.
Therapy dogs have long visited nursing homes and schools - even disaster sites - offering comfort to humans. A new study shows that a 10-minute visit from a therapy dog can help ease the pain of patients in the emergency room.
The research from the University of Saskatchewan, published in the journal PLOS found that emergency patients who were visited by a therapy dog reported less pain than those who were not.
Therapy dogs themselves...they are just very friendly, family pets that are so excited to visit with people and in places where you don't normally have a pet.
In a controlled study, researchers asked over 200 patients to report their pain levels. One group of patients received a 10-minute visit from a therapy dog and the other group did not. After the dog's visit, the researchers asked patients in both groups to report their pain levels again.
Those who spent 10 minutes with the dog reported less pain, according to the study.
Before the pandemic, a therapy dog visited several times a week. During the visits, the dog usually made a stop in the nursing room before visiting the patients.
I think that brought a smile to the faces of almost every staff member they interacted with.
Therapy dogs love their work, they love people.
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See tips from integrative veterinary medicine to prevent pet diseases.
See tips from integrative veterinary medicine to prevent pet diseases.
Integrative Veterinary Medicine enables the prevention of diseases, with works that provide the individualization and humanization, respecting the individuality of each pet.
With a routine of activities that prevent diseases and treatments to cure the cause of the problem, through the union of conventional procedures and medicines, with complementary natural therapies and techniques, the integrative veterinary medicine develops a routine of continuous care that ensures that the pet has a more fun and healthy life.
Besides being willing to change the routine of the dog and the family, it is important that the guardian understands that this specialty seeks to treat causes and to know the main techniques that can be indicated. So, get to know the main techniques that integrate the integrative veterinary medicine: Natural supplements, There are several natural ingredients that can bring benefits to the pets' health as artichoke, bitter orange, acerola, passion fruit, carrot, chlorella, among others. Bioactive foods have the power to boost pets' immunity and help reduce the risk of various diseases (obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, coat and coat problems, separation anxiety, etc.).
Kinesiotherapy : It is therapy through movement, studied through kinesiology (study of movement). With this, it is necessary to understand the functioning of the muscles and joints of the animals. Kinesiotherapy aims to prevent, eliminate or reduce movement and function disorders.
Chromotherapy : It has been known since ancient times and can change emotional states, produce harmony and health for living beings. Chromotherapy works on the physical and more subtle levels. It is a very gentle but intense technique that rebalances the body's natural energy dynamics.
Ozone therapy: In the medicinal field, ozone acts as an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, modulates oxidative stress, improves peripheral circulation, modulates the immune system, oxygenation, stimulates healing, and epithelialization. It has bactericidal, fungicidal, and anti-virus properties, so it is widely used in the treatment of infected wounds.
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NUTRITION FOR SENIOR DOGS.
NUTRITION FOR SENIOR DOGS.
In recent decades, greater control of infectious diseases, improved nutrition and the inclusion of dogs as part of the family have increased the life expectancy of dogs, which is increasingly leading to an increase in the number of senior dogs. The life expectancy of a dog is very variable depending on its size, for example, mini and small breed dogs tend to live longer than large and giant breed dogs, but in general, the average dog's life expectancy is approximately 13 years.
Advancing age can lead to a decline in the functional capacity of various organs, leading to specific symptoms depending on the organ affected, and these conditions require specific care. The senior dog may have problems associated with the heart, kidneys, joints, and a decline in natural defenses. Proper nutrition along with regular veterinary check-ups play a key role in preventing the most common diseases during geriatrics.
As far as nutritional care is concerned, the goal of a specific food for senior dogs is to maintain good health and proper body weight and condition. The aging dog tends to accumulate more body fat and lose muscle mass, and its metabolism is reduced. These systemic changes necessitate the provision of a specific diet containing fewer calories, more protein and less fat compared to adult dog food.
Because of the reduced metabolism and physical activity, the senior dog's caloric intake should be carefully controlled to ensure an adequate intake of nutrients and calories, while at the same time preventing the development of obesity.
In addition, it is important that senior dogs receive high quality protein at a sufficient level to provide the essential amino acids required for the body's maintenance needs and to minimize the loss of muscle mass that can occur . One should only restrict the protein supply if the dog has altered kidney function.
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Puppy worms: symptoms and how to treat.
Puppy worms: symptoms and how to treat.
Worms in dogs is a dangerous disease, as it is not visible and may go unnoticed by the guardian. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to the feces and the behavior of your puppy to identify it.
The best way to identify a worm disease is by the behavior of the animal.
Usually, he is happy and full of energy and when he is sad and does not want to play or even when it's time to eat, if he is leaving the food for a long time in the container, it may be a sign that deserves your concern, he may be with worms.
3 most common types of worms in dogs:Ringworm:1 these worms usually appear in puppies, this can come from nursing, or insects. This disease causes vomiting and malnutrition. 2 Tapeworm: This disease comes from fleas, which have eggs that contain tapeworm. This worm can cause malnutrition in the animal, 3 Whipworm - Trichuriasis: this worm is transmitted through moist soils, so if your dog lives on grass or very moist environments, the tendency is that he has the whipworm. This disease causes weakness and malnutrition.
Whipworm in dogs usually appears when they are puppies, so it is always worrying, because puppies have low immunity.
However, worms in puppies can happen at other ages as well, so taking your dog to the vet on a regular basis is the best way to treat this disease.
It is very important that the guardian takes his dog to the veterinarian and follows his instructions when it comes to vaccinations; having these medications up to date can prevent these worms from being contracted by your dog.
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Behavioral assessment of shelter dogs
Behavioral evaluation of shelter dogs submitted to different methods of environmental enrichment.
Environmental enrichment is a dynamic process that consists of a set of activities designed to meet the ethological and psychological needs of animals. It stimulates the natural behavior of each animal species, improving the individual's well-being and preventing the development of stereotyped behaviors. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential benefits that four different types of environmental enrichment would bring to the quality of life of shelter dogs. Twenty dogs were observed for 6 hours daily for 5 consecutive days in the first week to assess and document their behavior patterns in an experimental kennel. Between the second and fourth week, 3 forms of play and 1 type of food enrichment were used on the first 4 days of each week. On the fifth day of each week, behavioral patterns were recorded and later compiled and analyzed according to Tukey's test. Statistical analysis showed significant differences in behaviors associated with lying down, standing up, and licking. Based on our findings, we conclude that the use of environmental enrichment methods through different types of play and toys in shelters decreased signs of depression and stereotypical behavior in kennel dogs. The results of the present study showed that these tools can help improve the quality of life of these animals.
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DEALING WITH SEPARATION ANXIETY IN DOGS.
DEALING WITH SEPARATION ANXIETY IN DOGS.
People who live with a dog suffering from separation anxiety never quite know what they will find when they come home and find it difficult to convey the apprehension they feel. Will their window be broken and the dog escaped, or will they be exhausted from pacing or barking?
Separation anxiety is a recognized psychiatric condition in people. The first description of separation anxiety in dogs appeared in a 1968 text on abnormal behavior in animals. It is now a term with which many dog owners are very familiar.
Separation anxiety is thought to affect one in four to six dogs and is even more common in older dogs. But these are just the dogs whose owners recognize that they have a problem being left alone. There are many dogs who suffer in silence - their distress is not apparent.
One of the reasons separation anxiety may be increasing is probably simply because we are more aware of it as a disorder. But also likely is the changing roles of dogs in our lives and the changing nature of our own family/work arrangements.
The vast majority of dogs are no longer working dogs that spend the workday with us. Instead, we now select dogs primarily to be companions or family members.
True separation anxiety involves real and ongoing distress. A dog that barks for a minute when you leave and then settles down to sleep does not have separation anxiety. A dog that destroys furniture in the presence of people or not does not have separation anxiety.
Dogs that suffer from separation anxiety usually bark, cry, scratch doors, have accidents in the house, or try to escape.
Studies have found that dogs that exercised more were less likely to have anxiety disorders, including separation anxiety. If possible, take your dog for a walk in the morning, come home and let him rest for half an hour before going out.
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What is a puppy mill?
What is a puppy mill?
Puppy mills are facilities where dogs are forced to breed for their entire lives until they are physically incapacitated. A female dog is bred every time she comes into heat, so the females are pregnant or nursing all the time.
At this time, the dogs are sold to other breeders, left by the side of the road, neglected or even killed. The dogs spend 24 hours a day, seven days a week in cages, with little or no contact with people or the outside world. Facilities classified as puppy mills are kept in deplorable and unsanitary conditions, lack proper veterinary care for the dogs, but often have USDA licenses. A USDA license ensures that the facility can be sold to pet stores. A USDA license requires a number of requirements; however, with a lack of support staff to enforce the requirements, facilities continue to violate the laws with little or no consequence. In addition, standards of care are often inadequate to ensure humane treatment. The consequences are felt through the continued mistreatment and abuse of dogs.
There are legitimate breeders operating in the world. The best breeders do not operate solely to make money and do not simply sell their puppies to the highest bidder. See Humane Society of the United States. Responsible breeders ensure that the puppies they sell go to the appropriate homes that will provide for the welfare of the puppies. In addition, responsible breeders will encourage consumers to visit the facility and meet potential families before allowing families to leave with the puppies. There are more than 6,000 licensed commercial kennels in the United States and an untold number of unlicensed ones.
More importantly, the general public can help stem the downward spiral of the disruptive puppy mill business by decreasing demand, ensuring that they are buying or adopting puppies from legitimate breeders, conducting self-inspections of facilities and reporting violations, and preventing the purchase of puppies. On the Internet . The commercial breeding business and the general public need to be held accountable for this growing problem of puppy mills in the United States.
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Why can't I resist those "puppy dog" (or "kitty cat") eyes?
Why can't I resist those "puppy dog" (or "kitty cat") eyes?
Attachment theory has become widely used in research on human-animal interactions. However, most of this research has examined how individual differences in attachment affect how humans seek care and comfort from animals. The present article examines an additional component of attachment theory - the care component. Specifically, the goal of the study was to understand how individual differences in attachment anxiety and avoidance predict factors associated with pet obesity, including pet weight, body condition, daily treats, and daily interactions. An online survey with recruitment via social media captured the responses of dog and cat owners. As expected, all associations between owner attachment and factors associated with pet obesity were mediated by owner concerns that a pet might negatively evaluate them and the owner self-reported care and attention. That said, the results indicate that higher levels of attachment anxiety were associated with dog and cat owners who provided a greater number of daily treats and more daily interaction, and higher body condition for dogs. In addition, higher levels of attachment avoidance were associated with dog (but not cat) owners giving fewer treats and less daily interaction. Interestingly, despite these relationships, pet weight was not associated with attachment to the owner. Although the effects presented in this paper are relatively small, they are important.
These findings suggest that attachment plays a unique role in shaping the pet-caregiver relationship and influences several elements that contribute to pet obesity, particularly in dogs. As such, the findings may provide a new perspective on strategies to reduce pet obesity and provide a framework for future research on pet health.
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Ozone therapy treatment in dogs and cats.
Ozone therapy treatment in dogs and cats.
Ozone therapy consists of the use of oxygen and ozone in a therapeutic way. Among its effects we can mention the anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial and healing.
The oxygen that we breathe is a molecule with two oxygen atoms (O2), while ozone is a molecule with 3 oxygen atoms (O3). In order to produce ozone, we need to "break down" the O2 molecules so that they reassemble as O3.
There are several ways of applying ozone. The main ways are the local application of the gas (which can be done in acupuncture points or not) by intramuscular, subcutaneous or intra-articular route, rectal insufflation and major or minor auto-hemotherapy (when ozonization is done and then the patient's own blood is reapplied). Other routes, such as intra-discal, epidural, ozone bag, vesico-urethral insufflation, and fistula application depend on the case to be treated and are usually less frequent than the main forms. Ozone oils can also be applied to water for topical use, tissue cleaning, or even oral use.
Animal ozone therapy is capable of reducing platelet aggregation, undoing red blood cell stacking, modulating oxidative stress, reducing the production of exuberant granulation tissue, improving local circulation and tissue perfusion, promoting wound disinfection and debridement, and stimulating healing and epithelialization. In addition, it has anti-inflammatory, antalgic, immunomodulatory, bactericidal, fungicidal, and virucidal effects.
Ozone therapy can be indicated as a complementary or isolated treatment for several diseases. We can cite among other indications the intervertebral disc disease, spondylosis, osteoarthritis, tendinopathies, septic arthritis, discospondylitis, sepsis, osteomyelitis, contaminated wounds, urinary tract infection, fistulas and abscesses, pyodermites, allergic dermatopathies, papillomas, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic inflammatory intestinal disease diabetes, chronic renal failure, ischemic diseases, treatment of wounds and bedsores, burns, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), dry keratoconjunctivitis, chronic glaucoma, liver disease, neurodegenerative diseases, adjuvant in the treatment of cancer and to alleviate the side effects of chemotherapy.
We must be careful with senile, debilitated, or severely stressed animals. In cases like these, ozone therapy should be avoided, or else done very carefully so as not to worsen the clinical picture of the animal.
remembering to always consult your pet's veterinarian.
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Happy dogs - the secret is socialization.
Happy dogs - the secret is socialization.
The first learned behaviors stem from socialization with the mother and siblings. This is one of the reasons why it is so important that puppies are not taken away from their mother until after 2 months.
Socialization and the learning that results from it will be responsible for the formation of the dog's personality.
Socialization is fundamental for the dog to be sociable, not to have fears, and not to become aggressive towards different people or situations.
The first steps are early socialization and the implementation of rules at home.
While you don't have the vaccination plan updated, take him out on the street on your lap so that he gets used to noises, light, different environments, and to the collar/breast harness.
It is recommended that owners avoid walking their puppies before the first vaccination is complete, especially in places frequented by many dogs, to prevent the appearance of pathologies in pediatric age, where the puppy's immunity is still weak.
However, the fact that puppies are not allowed to walk during the first months does not mean that they have to stay closed at home socializing only with their owners until they are 4 months old.
Whenever possible take him to friends' or family members' houses to see other people, other spaces. Hearing noises, seeing other people and other animals is very important.
As soon as he has his first full vaccination, take him for walks in areas with other animals. Make him live with other docile animals without intervening, reward him whenever he overcomes a fear or a difficult situation like going to the vet!
To socialize your puppy all you need is time.
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Dog newspaper: yes or no?
Dog newspaper: yes or no?
But, after all, buy newspaper for dogs is a correct attitude? Especially when the issue is pee, the choice goes far beyond mere preference of the guardian.
According to veterinarians, although the common newspaper is more economical, the mixture of paint with urine can cause damage to the animal's health.
"These damages include from simple allergies, by exposure, to gastrointestinal disorders, because the dog can consume the paint when licking their paws," he warns. That is, although it seems like a simple newspaper, this object can bring serious disorders.
In addition, the low absorption of urine by the old newspaper for dogs can harm the welfare of the animal, which starts to get wet paws and lick them, causing skin lesions and infectious processes.
In order to ensure more quality of life for your friend, there are already on the market, newspapers developed exclusively for hygienic use and may be an option to consider: the pet newspaper.
They come from reforestation, are thicker, with greater absorption power, use water-based paint and in sufficient quantity not to affect the health of the animal and do not leave footprints around the house.
If you are having trouble teaching the dog to pee in the right place, know that switching to the toilet mat can help!
This is because, in addition to being more comfortable for the dog than the dog newspaper, the mat is still designed with attractive odors.
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treat my dog like a son. Is this wrong?
I treat my dog like a son. Is this wrong?
Starting the text with the answer, no, it is not wrong to treat your dog like a son. But it depends. Let's go to the justification: as long as you treat your dog like a son, to be independent, safe, confident, able to demonstrate natural behaviors, knowledgeable about social rules, while being loving, caring, friendly and companionable, that's fine.
In most cases, parents raise children to become socially educated, safe when alone, and confident in solving adverse situations. Is this what you do with your dog? If so, perfect!
On the other hand, if you treat your dog like a spoiled, dependent, insecure, authoritarian child, yes, it is a problem both for the dog and for those who live with him.
Common sense gives this relationship the name of 'humanization'. It is understood that to humanize animals is to treat them as if they were people, giving them human desires and aspirations. Certainly, projecting onto another species feelings inherent to ours does not bring positive effects to both.
The "humanization" of dogs has a one way street in which the human is always benefited and the dog, in the medium and long term, almost never. However, the correct word to describe this behavior should not be any related to 'humans', since the attitudes attributed to humanization have nothing to do with the relationship between healthy people.
Wouldn't it be strange for a person to give lunch in the mouth of another healthy adult person just because he believes that the latter is incapable? Furthermore, would it be sustainable not to leave the house because an adult child will not be left alone and, if this happens, screams and cries to the point that the landlord intervenes?
That's right. We don't treat healthy humans in this cartoonish way. But you can see people doing this to dogs. This is why I believe that the correct word should not be 'humanization' of dogs, because we don't treat healthy humans this way.
How about we give our canine friends the respectful treatment, giving them the possibility to express their natural behaviors, just like we like to, too? No more, no less: exactly friendly, loved, sociable, healthy dogs that are part of our family. Think about this and live happily with your dog!
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Castration of Dogs and Cats: What you need to know.
Castration of Dogs and Cats: What you need to know.
Castration is one of the most important measures for population control of dogs and cats. The surgery also helps to avoid several health problems, such as testicular, prostate and mammary tumors. Some studies point out that females castrated before their first heat have 90% less chances of developing breast cancer.
The behavioral effects of castration are also very important. Castrated dogs and cats tend to be calmer, more homely and less aggressive. The surgery can reduce the habit of running away and urinating in corners.
It is worth remembering that, despite being quite common, neutering is an invasive procedure and, as such, requires care. Dog and cat owners should be attentive, especially to good practices in the surgical environment.
The most traditional castration technique takes about 30 minutes. It involves the removal of the animals' gonads, where the cells that produce sex hormones are located. Soon, the production of hormones in these regions is also interrupted.
In males, both in dogs and cats, the operation is less invasive. It consists in the removal of the testicles - which implies an expressive reduction in testosterone. In females - of both species - it is necessary to make an incision in the abdomen to remove the uterus and ovaries. The procedure reduces the production of estrogen and progesterone.
All dogs and cats can be castrated. However, the period indicated for castration is quite relative. It depends, among other factors, on the hormonal maturation and the size of the pet.
Seeking guidance from your trusted veterinarian about your case is the best strategy.
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Reasons why dogs don't like certain people.
Reasons why dogs don't like certain people.
It could be a specific person in the dog's family, a friend of their owner or a random person they meet on the street but dogs recognize an enemy when they see one. They may growl if the person approaches or simply turn their back and disappear. It sounds random, but it's not as mysterious as you think. Here are some reasons why your dog doesn't like certain people.
Dogs may not be fluent in your language, but they are experts at picking up on tone of voice. A scientific study published in 2016 found that dogs' brains react based on the tone of voice of the person speaking to them.
While your dog is assessing a person's tone of voice, it is also Observing their body language. Dogs rely on body language to help bridge communication gaps.
A comparative psychologist at Kyoto University conducted a study to determine if certain animals are capable of making social assessments in the same way that humans are. He wanted to know if dogs knew when one person was being rude to another and if this knowledge would affect their opinion of the person.
Dogs that dislike other dogs generally avoid people who smell like unfamiliar dogs. Other smells that dogs typically dislike include citrus, vinegar, mothballs, and alcohol.
Rescued dogs with a history of abuse and abandonment do not forget their traumatic experiences. Even when they move on and are adopted by loving families, the suffering they have been through often stays with them. In some cases, they develop fear and distrust of people who remind them of their difficult pasts.
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Do dogs like it when you talk to them?
Do dogs like it when you talk to them?
Talking to your dog may seem one-sided, but you don't need a verbal response to know that talking to your furry best friend is a good idea. No matter how silly you think talking to your dog sounds, initiating a c
onversation while you're out walking, snuggling on the couch, or preparing dinner has benefits you probably don't know about.
Yes, your neighbor may think you're crazy, but if they have a dog, they probably do that too! In fact, although not all dog owners will admit it, most people with good relationships with their pets find it natural to start conversations with their dogs.
If that sounds like you, keep up the good work. And if you are hesitant to start the conversation, don't be shy, dogs like it when you talk to them! Especially when it's your puppy, so here are some reasons why it's important to talk to your dog on a daily basis.
The bond between a person and their dog is a powerful thing. The potential for a relationship based on mutual love and respect is one of the main reasons why people adopt dogs in the first place. Anything that strengthens that bond is something dog parents should be interested in. Some dogs open their hearts after the first belly rub, but a real and lasting bond will take time and effort. Your dog needs to feel perfectly comfortable around you, and part of that is being accustomed to hearing your voice.
Telling your dog about your day is good, but it's even better to talk to him about things he can relate to and understand.
The answer to our original question is a big yes, dogs like it when you talk to them! So the next time your neighbor catches you excitedly talking to your dog, start telling him these facts to gently inform him about the benefits of talking to dogs.
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The technology that helps dogs learn to 'talk' to humans.
The technology that helps dogs learn to 'talk' to humans.
Using nose-activated vests and touch screens, our canine friends are being trained to call for help for their handlers and more.
The vest is one of several emerging technologies that some universities are developing that could forever change the way working dogs (and probably pet dogs, down the road) can communicate with people and the way people can communicate with dogs.
A seizure alert dog could tell its person to find a safe place before a seizure by pulling on a lead. She could call for help if needed by intruding on another. This would be especially useful in busy public environments when the dog's normal alert signal may not be as obvious to the handler and where there is no life alert button as there might be at home.
Messages can be customized depending on the disability. Diabetic alert dogs that detect low and high blood sugar may have an easier job of communicating if they can "tell" their person is going high or low.
. They could alert their deaf handlers to different sounds by pressing icons that sent them text messages like "bell is ringing" or "tornado siren."
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WHY DOGS CRY.
WHY DOGS CRY.
Generally speaking, in dogs these sounds that resemble crying are related to conveying the desire for food, water, or attention from their owners.
Dog whimpering is similar to how puppies interact with their mothers; puppies, through whimpering, emit some kind of sound to get their attention.
Adult dogs also emit some sound, and it generally comes from that same sensation. They have learned to emit this sound. After all, it doesn't take long for dogs to understand that there is a direct connection between the moan they emit and the possibility of getting what they want.
Separation anxiety is another serious condition that can cause dogs to whine. When they feel lonely they can spend all day barking. Fortunately, there is a solution to this type of behavior. First, consult with your veterinarian to rule out medical problems (such as pain or cognitive deterioration).
Let's remember that for dogs, the owner is the center of the world, so feelings of sadness will also have an effect on him. In several studies researchers have found that dogs were more likely to approach someone who was crying than someone who kept talking or singing. Furthermore, they came to the conclusion that this type of animal responds to crying with submissive behavior.
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A clinical and cardiovascular risk factor study in dogs.
A clinical and cardiovascular risk factor study in dogs.
The clinical knowledge of cardiac abnormalities in dogs is of fundamental importance in the formulation of differential diagnoses and therapeutic institution in the routine of the Small Animal Clinic. This study aimed to describe the clinical, epidemiological and radiographic aspects inherent to cardiovascular changes in dogs with heart disease treated at the Veterinary Hospital of Patos-PB (HV). For this, the clinical records of all animals seen in the period from January 2007 to December 2012 were evaluated, selecting 131 dogs (GCARD) that presented history, clinical and radiographic changes compatible with heart disease. For comparative purposes, a control group without heart disease of equal number was created (GCON). The chi-square test or Fisher's exact test and multiple logistic regression were used for statistical analysis, with a 5% significance level, using the SPSS 20.0 for Windows program. Pulmonary edema and cardiac morphological changes were the most frequent radiographic findings. There was no difference regarding sex and older animals and the poodle breed prevailed. Cough, fatigue and sadness were the most common complaints. Blowing, tartar and ocular alterations were the most frequent clinical signs. The variables related to choking, dizziness/weakness, lung crackling, ascites, obesity, tumor, and tartar were identified as associated with heart disease. The final model showed satisfactory fit (Hosmer and Lemeshow test: χ2=0.221; P=0.994; R2 = 0.46). Even if it is not possible to determine the etiologic diagnosis of heart diseases, it is necessary that a broad clinical and epidemiological knowledge of these diseases is increasingly consolidated, so that the pathophysiological consequences of cardiac disorders are
can be rapidly identified, bringing quality of life to all heart disease patients.
Canines of advanced age, carriers of clinical signs not directly related to heart disease, such as ophthalmic changes, obesity and tumors should be carefully investigated and considered as flags in the suspicion of heart disease.
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Rabies in animals.
Rabies.
Rabies is a vaccine-preventable viral disease that occurs in more than 150 countries and territories.
Dogs are the leading source of human rabies deaths, contributing up to 99% of all rabies transmissions to humans.
Interruption of transmission is feasible through vaccination of dogs and prevention of dog bites.
The infection causes tens of thousands of deaths each year, mainly in Asia and Africa.
Globally rabies causes an estimated cost of US$ 8.6 billion per year
40% of people bitten by rabies-suspect animals are children under 15 years of age.
Immediate and thorough wound washing with soap and water after contact with a rabies suspect animal is crucial and can save lives.
Multi-sector involvement and One Health collaboration, including community education, awareness programs, and vaccination campaigns, are essential.
WHO is leading the "United Against Rabies" collective to drive progress toward "Zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030."
Rabies is a vaccine-preventable viral disease. Once clinical symptoms appear, rabies is virtually 100% fatal. In up to 99% of cases, domestic dogs are responsible for transmitting the rabies virus to humans. However, rabies can affect domestic and wild animals. It is transmitted to people and animals through bites or scratches, usually through saliva.
Rabies is an immunopreventable disease. Vaccination of dogs is the most cost-effective strategy to prevent rabies in people. Vaccination of dogs reduces deaths attributable to dog-mediated rabies and the need for PEP as part of the care of the dog bite patient.
Education about dog behavior and bite prevention for children and adults is an essential extension of a rabies vaccination program and can decrease both the incidence of human rabies and the financial burden of treating dog bites.
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