Dog Pimple Home Remedies

Dog acne is common problem that affects dogs around puberty, which is mostly at the age of 5 to 8 months and can continue till the age of one year. The cause is usually attributed to hormonal imbalances that take place during adolescence. Though this problem can affect any dog it is found that certain breed of dogs like bulldogs, Doberman, Great Danes, and Rottweilers are more susceptible to it. The dog pimple is usually not a serious condition and goes away as the dog passes puberty. However, in some dogs it may become chronic as secondary infection settle in.

Dog acne usually manifests itself in the form of blackheads on the dogs muzzle, chin, and lips. As the sebum gets blocked under the hair follicles, the skin swells and sometimes also ruptures. Secondary infection may take place on the ruptured skin and make the dog’s skin itchy and painful.

Canine Pimple Treatment

Here are some common home remedies that you can try out to relieve dog pimple:

• Give your dog a wash daily with anti-bacterial solution so that the infection can be controlled. If you wish you can also go for herbs with anti-bacterial property, like calendula. You can obtain calendula tincture from health food stores and mix it with the water to give your dog a wash. If washing the dog daily is not possible, you can mix calendula tincture (five or six drops) in a cup of water and use it to swab on the dogs face with a clean ball of cotton.
• You can also use aloe vera gel on the dog’s skin to help treat dog acne. Aloe vera gel can also be obtained from the local health food stores. Apply the gel on the dog’s affected skin area several times a day. This will help keep out the dirt and also soothe the skin.
• Do also apply a warm compress on the dog’s acne-affected skin. To do this, take a clean washcloth, soak it in warm water, wring out excess water and press it on the affected parts of the skin.  Be careful not to heat the water too much or the dog will find it difficult to stand. Keep this warm, wet cloth pressed on the skin until it turns cold. Carry out this procedure at least twice a day and it will help heal the acne quicker.
• Finally, you can also consider sterilizing your dog as it will take out the hormonal imbalance thing for good and consequently reduce the chance of dog acne.

Homemade Canine Diet:

Making dog food at home is something that is gaining increasing popularity with pet owners. This is because of some of the criticisms of dog food that is created industrially as being too low on the nutritional charts and for having food additives that are toxic to dogs. Another reason is the growing movement towards a more wild diet that is believed, by proponents, to be the real natural dog diet. Whichever side of the debate one decides to be on, the fact of the matter is that there is a great deal that one needs to understand about canine nutrition before one ventures into feeding a dog naturally.

One of the biggest mistakes that people tend to make is in believing that what is good for humans must be good for dogs as well – albeit with the exclusion of some of the plant portions of the human diet. To a large extent this is correct because of the course of thousands of years of evolution, dogs have developed a digestive tract that is specialized in only eating meat. In fact, eating plant material is of no use to a dog as it will pass right through the digestive tract. This is because plant material requires time and the action of bacteria to be broken down. Having state the difference in digestion, there are some things that one needs to understand about even feeding meat to a dog. All mammals require the essential nutrients of carbohydrates, proteins, fat, vitamins, and water but dogs require a very different formulation of these essential elements. A dog in the wild would be completely used to a purely protein based diet. Whatever fat and carbohydrates are ingested are a result of eating meat and from the conversion of protein into sugars and glycogen.

Bearing this in mind, you should be feeding your dog fresh meat. The reason for fresh meat is that it is particularly difficult to store meat without losing taste and nutrients. Apart from this, methods like mashing up and baking to make homemade kibble would be fruitless without the use of additives and preservatives. These are not very good for the dog anyway. For dogs that are obese, boiling meat as a preparation to remove fat or cutting away fat from meat is a good practice. Some fiber is allowed and good for the dog and can be achieved by a few bran biscuits in the course of a day.

Vegan Dog Food:

Vegetarian dog food has been something of a contentious topic among pet nutritionists worldwide. The nutritionists have a killer argument in the fact that vegetarianism is not something that dogs are naturally disposed towards and their digestive systems have evolved in a completely different way compared to humans. This basically means that a vegetarian diet is actually bad for a naturally carnivorous animal. In addition, the entire concept of vegetarianism is one of human concoction and something that is actually quite wrong to impose upon one’s pets. The fact of the matter is that a vegetarian diet is something that is actually quite bad for a dog.

The fundamental problem lies in the biology of the digestive tracts of carnivores. Herbivores are built with elaborate digestive systems and many stomachs in some cases to break down really tough plant material. They also have specialized bacteria in their intestines to break down polysaccharides like cellulose. When it comes to omnivores like humans, the digestive system is shorter and looks quite a bit like a carnivores but the stomach bacteria still exist to ensure that complex plant material can be broken down. Humans can live off a completely meat diet but we do need vegetable matter for some essential nutrients and too much meat in our diets can have some adverse effects on the intestines and other organ systems. Dogs, on the other end of the spectrum, are completely specialized to eating pure meat always.

The final verdict is that if a vegetarian diet is something that you do insist on for your dog, go for dog food instead of trying to feed your dog a salad, which really won’t go down well with your dog. Most vegetarian dog food brands are specially designed and supplemented with some of the nutrients that a dog cannot get from a plant diet. Note that most of the time, this is the same case with humans as well, as high concentrations of some types of nutrients like creatine, vitamin B, and choline are not very highly available in plant material and to make up for this, vegetarians would have to indulge in dairy and eggs. In dogs, this strategy can be used but some breeds of dogs can only tolerate milk products for a certain period of time in their lives and after that lose the ability to digest dairy products – a problem in some races of humans as well.

Dog Clothing Tips:

There would be many who would scoff at the occasionally jacketed poodle that walks by and many would consider making a dog wear a hat or sunglasses quite a frivolous task. The truth is that this is indeed the case and one needs to understand that dogs do not need clothes. However, just like humans, dogs do feel cold and don’t like to get wet in the rain so some kind of clothing would not be such a bad idea. Also, one needs to understand that some breeds of dogs are not very well endowed with fur that can deflect sunlight. This can make them prone to sunburn even. Therefore, remember that clothing a dog is something to prevent it from the cold, the elements, and from injury.

There are many types of dog clothing but try and avoid anything that attempts to humanize your dog instead of providing the essentials mentioned above. Also understand your dog itself. Breeds that are over endowed with fur do not need any kind of insulation for medium to short periods of exposure to the cold. Breeds that do not have such a thick coat are the only ones that really require covering. In an absolute reversal to this postulate, it is important to get a raincoat for your very furry dog when it steps out in the rain. When it is snowing, both types of dogs should be protected. One of the most sensitive and often overlooked part of a dog is its paws. This is an area that can experience a lot of heat loss and won’t be able to take too much temperature abuse. In the rain, the area around the paws are sometimes the last to completely dry out. There are some types of dog foot wear available but in general, if it is wet or if it is too cold for you to be out, nor should your pet.

There is a lot to be said about safety clothing for dog as well. Some harnesses and jackets that are designed for dogs are fluorescently lit so that oncoming traffic can be aware of the presence of the animal. This is extremely necessary if your dog is black and can be a bit difficult to make out when taking it for a walk. Avoid getting a dog to try and wear a T-shirt or something that is unnatural to put on.

Homemade Pet Diet Tips:

Pet food depends on breed type, age, personality, genetic weaknesses, the climate, stress levels and the amount of daily exercise that they do. The pet food recalls that occurred recently have seen a rise in the number of pet owners who wish to feed their pets with food from home. However the American Veterinary Medical Association warns against certain things while preparing food for and feeding your pet. It is important to remember that substituting the food that you eat and this includes table scraps is not a substitute for commercially available pet food. The skin of poultry, gravy and meat fat can prove fatal for your pet and lead to a stomach upset or an intestinal upset, occasionally even to a condition known as pancreatitis which may be fatal. Be careful to not feed your pet chocolates, especially dark chocolate as baked products with this ingredient contain xylitol which is a sweetener known to cause liver diseases and subsequent death. Apart from chocolate, it is best that your pet does not consume onions, garlic, raisins, grapes, avocadoes, tomatoes and macademia nuts. Bones are best avoided in your pet’s diet as they can splinter and cannot be digested.

Protein forms two thirds of the general pet diet and these are found in lean ground beef, ground turkey, ground chicken breast with the skin removed and fish such as salmon, halibut and orange. Canned tuna can be avoided as a lot of cat owners warn against it, but you can give your pet pond raised cat fish. If your pet is a confirmed fish eater, you may want to wean it away a little as scientists report a high toxic and metallic content in fish. Hence it would be advisable to give your pet the fish meal only twice in a week. Organ meat, particularly the heart, liver and kidneys are rich in nutrients and economical for the owner as well. A high fiber diet is essential for pets and will help prevent constipation. Oatmeal is rich in fiber although it should not be over done as it may give your pet loose stools. Unflavoured and unseasoned peas are also an excellent source of carbohydrates and fiber. Moderately cooked, diced or shredded carrots are good for pets as they clean the pet’s teeth and prevent bad breath. Nevertheless a well balanced diet will have to be decided upon in consultation with your veterinarian as it will have to meet all your pet’s needs.

Pet Health Issues:

A healthy pet can be a wonderful companion but will require careful and patient care to keep him/her in optimum health. Each species and breed is susceptible to certain kinds of health issues and the owner needs to look out for early signs of these conditions so that treatment can begin as soon as possible. Unfortunately, ignored signs of pet disease can usually become fatal for the pet concerned. Every breed also has specific requirements; for instance, some dogs that are naturally hyperactive require large open spaces to romp in and lots of play time lest your tiny garden gets remodeled every time the pet is let out. So choosing a pet should also involve careful consideration of the home environment and so on.

There are a few symptoms which are indicative of the onset of a deadly disease in most pets and these are a loss of appetite, acute weight loss or a steep weight gain, an unusual amount of water consumption, sudden changes in behavior such as viciousness or lethargy, a dull, ragged coat, constipation or diarrhea, unusual shaking of the head, excessive scratching, licking or biting some parts of the body, discharge from the nose, eyes, mouth and other openings of the body, limping, difficulty while lying down or getting up, abnormal lumps, foul breath and too much tartar on the teeth. Cancer is one disease that attacks a lot of pets and the symptoms include an offensive odor, bleeding from body openings, reluctance to exercise and a lack of stamina, difficulty in breathing and swallowing, sores that refuse to heal and so on apart from the symptoms mentioned earlier. Rabies can be a pet health problem and since it is difficult to keep track of mild injuries, nips and bites your pet may have incurred from another animal, it is necessary to keep them vaccinated regularly along with all the other necessary shots. In case the pet is bitten by another animal, they will have to be revaccinated and kept under strict observation for a month and a half. Ear mites are another common pet health problem. These pests are found in the animal’s ears and it is only once the infestation is very advanced that owners usually note the signs. A regular examination by your veterinarian is the only way to prevent an infestation as the chances of it spreading deep into the ear and affecting the brain, causing convulsions and death is a possibility. Take care of your pet’s oral hygiene with regular visits to the veterinarian to remove plaque from the teeth. Avoid feeding your pet junk food, and try to steam a few vegetables and add it to a well cooked meat or fish diet. Do take care to remove sharp bones though as it can prove harmful for your pet.

Respiratory Infection in Pets:

A respiratory infection is an infection of the nose, throat and lungs and affects pets in the same way it affects humans in the forms of a cold, flu, chest infection or sinus infection. Respiratory infections are contagious and spread through direct contact with the infected pet.

The symptoms of respiratory infection in pets might develop early or be delayed, depending upon the pet’s age, stress level, immunity, diet , presence of irritants such as pollution or chemicals, and lifestyle. If unnoticed, the symptoms might worsen and lead to a secondary infection, further deteriorating your pet’s health. Starting treatment in a timely manner can lessen the discomfort level of your pet.

The few common symptoms that can tell you that your pet is suffering from a respiratory infection are:

• Your pet becomes lethargic.
• Your pet stops eating or being particular about food.
• Coughing, sneezing, running nose, and fever.

Antibiotics are usually the most common treatment given in such an infection. Antibiotics make the immune system weak, so proper care is very important when your pet is on antibiotics. Here are a few tips to prevent respiratory infection in pets and also to boost their immunity:

• Always feed your pet with high quality food devoid of any colorant and preservatives. Raw vegetables and meat are always preferable to highly cooked food.
• Give your pets plenty of pure water to drink.
• For pet health care, ensure a good exercise regimen for your pet as it will boost its immunity and keep it fit.
• Make sure your pet is vaccinated against known viral and bacterial diseases.
• Always wash your hand before and after handling your pet.
• Avoid giving products that contain milk or sugar to your pet.
• It is beneficial to add a teaspoon of olive oil in your pet’s meal everyday
• It is recommended to give your pet a special diet, vitamins, and supplements to maximize its chances of quick recovery
• Lastly, spend quality time with your pet to keep it happy and reduce stress.

If your furry little friend is suffering from a respiratory condition for a long time, you must see a veterinarian. A vet will prescribe some respiratory medication to soothe your animal’s pain. In addition to allopathic medicines, there are good herbal and homeopathic treatments available for respiratory infections in pets. These have very less or no addictive properties. Homeopathy and natural remedies help reduce the symptoms of respiratory infections and speed up the natural healing process.

Lawn Chemical Poisoning in Pet Dogs

Many chemicals have harmful effects on your pets. The story is entirely different when the chemicals are stored safely in your home as they are out of reach of your pets. However, the lawn is a matter of concern as the pets run, play, eat grass, roll about, and groom themselves there. They may end up ingesting the harmful chemicals which you may have used in your lawn. So you need to administer lawn chemicals with close supervision, otherwise it may put your pets at serious risk.

Insecticide Poisonous for Pets

Lawn chemicals can be dangerous to pets and have health risks associated such as skin irritation, rashes, and damage to a pet’s paws from walking on a chemically treated lawn. So it is necessary to know what is going into your lawn so that you can check its effect on your furry friends. The common symptoms of pesticide or fertilizer poisoning in pets are increased heart rate, unsteady gait, foaming of the mouth, difficulty in breathing, vomiting, seizures and collapse.

Here are a few pointers to educate you on lawn chemical poisoning and the steps to be taken to ensure a healthy environment for pet health care.

• You must avoid using pesticides such us insecticides and herbicides in your lawns as pets are more likely to suffer their ill effects.
• The best lawn for your pets is one which is free of fertilizers and pesticides. Fertilizers are known to contain heavy metals which can prove to be hazardous to your dog health.
• You must be cautious and always read the manufacturer’s instructions while purchasing lawn products and know more about the product’s toxicity and potential environmental impact. If possible look for natural alternatives which are non toxic to your pets.
• You must water your lawn after the application of fertilizers and pesticides; meanwhile prevent your pets from going into the lawn.
• You must develop a routine of washing your pet’s paws or fur if they have been playing in the lawn immediately after the application of fertilizers and pesticides.
• You can also maintain a small separate area in your lawn for your pet which is not chemically treated .The pet can use this area to run, play, and walk.
• You must never allow your pet to drink ground water from an area where the lawn has been sprayed with chemicals.
• Lawn chemicals can be absorbed by pets through their skin, swallowed, or inhaled. Thus, the use of pet safe lawn fertilizers, pesticides and other chemicals can negate such problems.
• In case your pet comes in direct contact with a lawn chemical, immediately call the local poison control office or a veterinarian to seek medical attention for your pet.

Get to know about Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs and Chocolate Poisoning in Dogs

Pet Obesity Control:

It’s not only you but even your pet that needs a balanced diet and exercise to stay fit and healthy. Overweight or downright obese pets are on the increase. Any weight loss program for your pet needs long term commitment as it is a gradual process. There is a need to inculcate new eating and exercise habits in your pet, which requires considerable time and patience.

An animal is considered obese when it weighs 10-15 percent above its ideal body weight. It is important to seek your veterinarian’s advice on weight management programs for your pet. The factors responsible for increasing weight in your pet are its breed, age, regular activity levels, food style, feeding portions, lifestyle habits, hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease, and insulinoma.
You have to recognize the symptoms of obesity in pets and also understand the health risks. The typical overweight signs in a pet are varied and include:

• While walking the pet’s flank folds sway from side to side.
• The backbone cannot be easily felt when touched because of heavy fat covering.
• A layer of fat over the ribs.
• The abdomen appears rounded.

These symptoms may aggravate and lead to health risks such as diabetes, kidney problems, cancer, orthopaedic dysfunction, and cardiovascular diseases. Here are a few behavioural change tips which can help your pet in leading a leaner, healthier and longer life. If left untreated, obesity can decrease your pet’s life expectancy and make the life it does have very uncomfortable.

• You must walk your pets (especially dogs) everyday. Long walks help combat excess weight and will keep your pet active. Make sure you don’t walk on hot or hard surfaces; it’s best to walk on soft lawn grass or smooth paths. It is good for your pet’s emotional health and at the same time will improve your walking capabilities as well.
• You must make your pet exercise 20-50 minutes twice a day as it not only helps in burning calories but also strengthens respiratory and circulatory systems, keeps muscles toned, aids in digestion, and keeps its mind active.
• You and your furry friend can play fetch or hide and seek. You can also set up obstacle courses for them or take them swimming as this adds to mental simulation and keep them happy as well as fit.
• You must provide a low calorie, protein rich, and high fiber diet which helps in maintaining the pet’s muscle and gives it a satisfied feeling devoid of unnecessary calories.
• You must feed prescribed portion sizes of meals to your pet which is mentioned on the pet food packages. If you measure each serving, you will avoid over feeding your pet. Also serve smaller portions more frequently throughout the day (2-3 times) which will keep him satisfied and active.
• You must avoid feeding your pet human foods like pizza, baked goods, ice creams or cookies. It is advised to look for high grain content in the commercial foods which you choose to buy for your pet.

Pet Poison:

Many substances like fabric softener sheets, detergents, batteries, moth balls, and coffee grounds in your home may be fatal to your pets. Poisons may not be necessarily eaten by the animal but can also be absorbed through the skin or inhaled. Some of the potential toxins may not be palpable, but think again before your pet reaches for it.

The common signs of pet poisoning are muscle tremors, vomiting, swelling of limbs or the face, excessive salivation, redness of eyes, difficulty in breathing, and blisters in the mouth. You can keep your pet safe and healthy by being aware of the common toxins around your house and yard. Here below are few guidelines which will help you in understanding pet poisons:

• You must be familiar with the plants that you have in your house. The ingestion of sago palm, oleander, Easter lily, and schefflera may prove to be poisonous for your pets.
• You must keep your pets away while treating your lawn with fertilizers and insecticides as these are harmful for their health.
• Human medications which have coatings on them such as painkillers, cold medications, antidepressants, and dietary supplements attract pets. You must ensure that these are kept away from your pet’s reach.
• You must follow the usage directions of the products that you use on your pets like shampoos and dips to reduce the chances of unnecessary exposure to harmful substances.
• You must get specific products and medications that are designed for your pet. This is because the amounts will vary depending upon the species. It is better to seek a veterinarian’s advice before giving any medications.
• You must keep away antifreeze (ethylene glycol), paint thinner, and drain cleaners away from your pets as they pose a substantial danger to them.
• You must avoid giving your pet mouldy foods, chocolates, caffeine based products, alcoholic beverages, grapes and raisins as these are toxic to it. They can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, and seizures.
• You must keep your pets away from rodenticides as they contain inactive ingredients that are attractive to some pets. The ingestion of baits may prove to be fatal for pets.
• You must keep a check on the salt intake by your pet or otherwise it may lead to sodium ion poisoning in pets. Large amount of salt consumption leads to vomiting, elevated body temperature, seizures, and even death.
• Household cleaners such as bleaches, detergents and disinfectants when inhaled by pets can cause irritation to their respiratory tract. So, precautions must be taken to protect your pets from these common agents.

Different toxins need specific attention or else the condition of the pet may deteriorate. If you detect that your pet has a reaction due to a flea product, rinse it with large volumes of water using mild shampoo. In case your pet has inhaled poison, take the animal out in an open space immediately so that it gets sufficient fresh air. If your pet has ingested poison it becomes important to induce vomiting. If the situation is out of your control, seek emergency assistance and immediately contact a veterinarian or the nearest Animal Poison Control Center.