Pet Blogs, Pet Health Care Advice, Symptoms | Pet Care Tips, Info

The Alopekis dog is a small dog that appears like a fox. It has a set of pricked ears, a short and smooth coat, a sickle tail, and a long body. Like a fox, Alopekis dog has a tapering muzzle and swift movements, which can be described as graceful. The dog has a set of strong jaws and developed cheeks, which are not prominent, but not understated either. The dog has unusually large eye orbits, which gives it a very characteristic appearance.

Alopekis Dog Facts and Information

The Alopekis dog has taut lips and round, intelligent eyes. Like most other small dogs, the body of the Alopekis dog is longer than its height. The dog has barrel shaped rib cage is a deep and broad chested. The loins of the dog are broad and the hind quarters are strong and well-rounded as well. It has a sickle shaped tail that is set high and forms an elegant curve. It has a good quality double coat with the outer coat being rather smooth and soft. The dog also has a thick and long jacket around the neck. There are two different varieties of coats in the Alopekis dog. One is the shorthaired variety, and the other is the wiry haired variety. These fur types come in different color combinations.

Since the Alopekis dog is a small dog, it is suited for small spaces in the city. It grows well in apartments and is a great apartment dog. The dog also has a very eager disposition and is highly intelligent. It is healthy and hardy, and does not have too many needs. It can be used as an attentive watchdog and can also be used to catch rodents around the house.

Majority of the Alopekis information and Alopekis facts available in books and online point to it being a great pet. It is an outgoing and happy dog and loves its family a lot. As a pet, you can expect full devotion from it. It is also very lively and extremely obedient. These dogs can be trained easily, as they are obedient and loyal. It also has a lot of stamina and can play as much as you like. The dog has very fast reflexes and is athletic enough to cover long distances with relative ease.

The dog is suitable to both city and country life. It lives a ripe old age and does not have any genetic disorders that are known. They need moderate exercise and should ideally be taken for long walks every day.

Elbow dysplasia in dogs can be described as an abnormal development of certain parts in the elbow joint. This is an inherited disease, which could occur during any phase of the dog’s life. Although this condition can be seen in dogs of all sizes and breeds, elbow dysplasia in dogs is more common in medium sized and larger dogs. Therefore, some of the most common breeds that have been affected by elbow dysplasia in dogs include Labrador Retrievers, Rottweilers, Bernese Mountain Dog, Golden Retrievers and the German Shepherd. Some of the other breeds that can also be affected by this condition include a few of the Terrier breeds, the Shar Pei, Chow-chow, Springer Spaniel and Saint Bernard. Normally, elbow dysplasia in dogs affects both the elbows, but it is possible for them to suffer from unilateral elbow dysplasia.

Elbow Dysplasia In Dogs Symptoms

There are several sign and symptoms that can let a pet owner know that the dog is suffering from elbow dysplasia. Dogs that have this problem may start showing the symptoms when they are anywhere between 5 and 12 months. Some of the first signs that become evident are morning stiffness, signs of lameness in the front leg and stiffness after a period of rest. Hence the dog may develop an abnormal gait or may start limping. In fact, the way the dog sits, stands or lies down may also change significantly.

Elbow Dysplasia In Dogs Causes

The exact causes of elbow dysplasia in dogs are still not clear, but most pet experts believe that there could be a combination of  few factors that lead to this condition, which include over nutrition accompanied by rapid growth, hormonal factors, genetic factors and trauma.

Elbow Dysplasia In Dogs Treatment

The treatment of elbow dysplasia in dogs varies, as it is dependent on the severity of the condition. In some dogs, the treatment is a one time surgery, but in others, it could be an ongoing matter. The best way to treat this condition is by getting the dog operated. However, there are several people who are conscious about elbow dysplasia in dogs cost and therefore, choose more economical options, like medication. However, medicines could take up to a month to bring about any improvement in dogs. In case a dog suffering from dysplasia is overweight, it is absolutely essential to ensure that the dog loses weight as soon as possible.

While there are alternative treatment options for the condition too, all pet owners should ensure that all instances of elbow dysplasia in dogs are monitored by vets.

Dog bloat is a very serious health risk and should be treated immediately as soon as it is observed in dogs. It has been seen that dog bloat causes nearly as many deaths as cancer. Dogs that have deep chests are especially at risk of developing this fatal condition. Some of the breeds that are more susceptible than others include Great Danes, German Shepherds, and Doberman Pinschers. Dog bloats can kill dogs very quickly, and therefore, the dog should be taken to a doctor immediately. There are many cases where bloating in dogs may be completely harmless, but since it can be potentially fatal, it is best if you do not wait.

Dog Bloat Symptoms and Diarrhea

Dog bloat is known as gastric dilatation volvulus. In most cases, bloating in dogs is related to excessive swallowing of air. Abnormal accumulation of fluids, air, foam, or foods in the stomach can cause bloating. Stress is another major contributing factor in cases of dog bloat. Dog bloat symptoms are extremely characteristic. These include twisting of stomach, appearance of bulging and bloated chest and belly, and diarrhea. Dog bloat diarrhea is usually the earliest of symptoms. It is only after the dog begins to experience vomiting and diarrhea that the stomach begins to swell up. The dog may not act like its usual self, may be seen trying to vomit unsuccessfully, may show restlessness and anxiety, may emit funny gurgling sounds from the stomach, and may begin to avoid eating food. Other dog bloat symptoms include pale gums, whining, heavy drooling, and pacing. The dog may drink excessively, may only be able to stand spread legged, may have heavy panting, and may refuse to lie down or even sit.

Dog Bloat Surgery and Treatment

As the stomach swells, it often twists and traps air as well. The veins in the abdomen can often get entwisted with the stomach, therefore causing low blood pressure and severe damage to other neighboring organs. The pain and the shock of the twisted stomach is often enough to kill a dog. Dog bloat treatment should be received as soon as the first symptoms begin to appear. If the stomach has become twisted, dog bloat surgery may have to be performed. Dog bloat cure may be sought by using antacids and gas relieving medications. However, these are not substitutes for veterinary care.

You, as a dog owner, can help prevent dog bloat by avoiding stressful situations for the dog. Minimize stress as much as possible and do not let your dog eat very rapidly. Also, instead of giving one large meal to your dog, give several smaller ones.

Colitis is condition in which the colon becomes inflamed. Dog colitis is very similar to colitis in humans, and in this condition, the large intestine, especially its lower part, gets inflamed. There are mainly two types of colitis. There is acute colitis and the other is chronic colitis. In acute colitis, the inflammation of the intestine occurs in a short duration and has a sudden onset. On the other hand, in chronic colitis, the onset is slow and the inflammation is caused due to an underlying condition.

There are some dogs that are especially susceptible to colitis. These are poodles, boxers, schnauzers, and Great Danes. The exact cause of this is not known. Fortunately, dog colitis, both chronic and acute, can be completely treated. They also do not pose any great risk to the health of the dog suffering from them.

What is Dog Colitis?

Dog colitis is most common in boxers. This is because their anatomy is such. Colitis is a condition in which your dog may continue to behave normally, even when the dog is unwell. The dog may have streaks of blood and mucus in their feces. This is usually the first and only sign of colitis in dogs. If the dog remains untreated, it may keep losing weight. It also becomes lethargic and shows poor appetite. Fever and persistent abdominal pain are usually the second most significant symptoms in dogs that have colitis.

Dog Colitis Causes and Symptoms

Dog colitis does not always come with symptoms. Dog colitis symptoms, though distinct, are quite rare. Most dogs that are suffering from this condition will continue to behave normally until the condition becomes very severe. Dog colitis causes include spasms in the colon, parasites, bacteria and food allergies.

Stress, parasites, sudden changes in diet and dietary indiscretion are usually behind chronic colitis. Though dog colitis does not pose a great threat to the dog’s health, it can make the dog malnourished. In case there is deep ulceration in the stomach, the situation becomes extremely serious.

Dog Colitis Treatment, Medicine and Diet

To diagnose colitis in dogs, the vet will perform a rectal exam. Dog colitis natural treatment is preferred by a lot of pet owners, but according to the diagnosis given by the doctor, more conventional dog colitis medicine may be prescribed. If there is deep ulceration in the colon, the situation becomes very serious. In such a case, dog colitis treatment may require amputation of part of the large intestines. Dog colitis diet may include a variety of bland foods which do not irritate the large intestines.

Adopting a bunny for a pet is hard work and requires commitment. It involves an initial for food, shelter and inoculations. You also need to get your house for a bunny including cordoning an area where it can be by itself, if it wants to.

Bunny Care

At the same time, the bunny should be able to social and mingle whenever it wants. Bunny care and baby bunny care include tips and basics that you can remember. The bunny needs social interaction and exercise, along with good healthy food to keep it happy. A good idea for the bunny to intellectually challenged and stimulated is building a cardboard castle, with old books and paper around the house and toilet rolls.

Prepare to give the bunnies litter box training. The can be trained and it is important that you persevere. You also need to make sure you give bunnies the correct food and stick to the nutritional profile. Hay and some vegetables along with fruits for treats is the preferred diet.

Newborn Bunny Care Guide

The bunny care guide helps you with pet bunny and newborn bunny care. Baby bunnies largely feed from the mother. And within a few weeks are ready to eat hay and other permitted foods. Socializing your rabbit with other humans and other rabbits is also important. How well each rabbit takes to it depends on your rabbit’s personality. You have to learn to decipher its noises, like thumping for annoyance, gentle grinding of teeth for contentment or loud grinding to indicate discomfort. Rabbits are also known for blinking and even licking your feet. You need to observe and decide what your rabbit’s personality is. You have to let your rabbit approach you. They are not as carefree as dogs or cats. That is also the reason that if anything goes wrong with its health, it will not make it apparent as it would not want any weaknesses to be perceived.

If you have a dwarf bunny or a lionhead bunny, you have a specialized pet. Dwarf bunnies are the third most popular kind of pet. They are tiny and quite cuddly. They are usually bred and bought in pairs who are inseparable and can keep each other busy and entertained.

The lionhead bunny is a new bunny breed to be introduced in America and the evolution of that breed is still being studied. It is known for its mane and longer coat. This breed is developing a reputation for a show rabbit.

Bunnies are vegetarian and though the idea of feeding them seems easy peasy, it is actually tricky as there are some things that can be great for bunnies while others can be trouble. It may be a good idea to look at a bunny food list to formulate the ideal bunny diet.

Healthy Bunny Food Guide

Healthy bunny food includes a food list of many fruits and vegetables. The bunny food guide includes all vegetarian food. But despite what common items suggest, apparent favorites like lettuce, cabbage, potato tops, tomato leaves should not be given to rabbits.  Even fruits like cherries, peaches, plums and apricots are not good for the bunny.

The most common favorite food for rabbits is hay. If you cannot find hay, you can certainly find nutrition packed hay pellets at your pet store. Fresh food that you can feed the rabbit can include carrot, apple, banana, broccoli, as treats.

Treats in bunnies are largely fruits and are considered fattening for rabbits. A little fruit is good but making an everyday diet of fruits is not advisable as it could cause diarrhea, causing much anguish to the bunny and you too. You can also feed your bunny things like coriander, collard greens, artichoke, arugula, basil, beet tops, brussel sprouts, celery, chard, fennel, endive, dill, cucumber and chives.

If your choose to let your bunny eat out in your garden and grow plants that it will like to eat, remember there are some plants that should not be there at all. These plants can be life threatening for rabbits. Plants like cloves, honeysuckle, poppies, ivy, oleander, holly, poinsettias, rhubarb leaves and daffodils along with many others can kill a rabbit quickly if it ingests it.

Baby Bunny Diet and Treats

The baby bunny diet has food that is also fed to adult bunnies. Adult bunnies tend to eat a lot as they are used to that in the wild, where eating a lot means getting some nutrition. That is also why digestion is so important in bunnies. You will need to monitor what and how much your bunny eats.

Your bunny also cannot see his food, rather can smell it. A bunny also cannot vomit which make a digestion irregularity that much more difficult for the bunny.

Some rare bunny treats can be raisins or dried fruits, unsalted peanuts, dried banana chips and perhaps graham crackers. But this is not food that can be given every day and the bunny needs his share of greens to keep his digestive system intact. Chocolate is a big no no as it can be toxic for bunnies.

Kitten Food

Feeding your kitten well and right is very important. Kittens, as they are growing rapidly, need proper nutrition and food especially meant for kittens.  A kitten diet is easy to maintain. Kitten food needs to contain goods fats like Omega 3 fatty acids and minerals like phosphorus, calcium and potassium to build strong teeth and bones.

Best Natural Kitten Food and Diet

Good and natural kitten food is the best kitten diet. The best kitten food can be a combination of dry and canned kitten food. The combination of wet and dry food develops a good balance for the kitten. The wet food provides the balance of protein and fats that kittens need in plenty while growing rapidly while the dry food allows the kitten to learn to chew food properly.

If you want to change the brand of dry food for the kittens, start by mixing some of the new stuff with the old stuff and gradually increase it every day. Once the kitten noses out the new pellets, you can stop giving the old brand. While the kittens are still young, they need to be fed at least four times a day which will reduce to about twice a day as an adult cat.

There are some major don’t while feeding a kitten. Do not give the kitten milk, especially cow’s milk. It causes digestion problems for the cat. Sometimes you can find a milk replacer especially for a cat which can be fed to the cat. But usually if the kittens are already on solid food they do not have a requirement for milk. You can also give your cat milk that has been specially processed for cats.

Homemade Kitten Food and Recipes

Make sure you keep fresh, clean water available for kittens, one that is away from litter and easy for the cat to reach. It is also important to note that you do not feed dog food to the cat. Do not encourage your cat by feeding it kitchen scraps. This will only fill the kitten on the cat’s version of junk food and it will encourage the kitten to ask for scraps.

You can even give your kitten homemade kitten food by trying out some kitten food recipes. Homemade cat food includes some form cooked or raw meat, ground bone meal, pureed vegetables, taurine and multi vitamin supplements. It is also important that you do not feed the kitten liver or tuna meant for humans. It creates an imbalance of vitamins A, D and E.

Information on Komondor Dog, Puppies and Breeders

The Komondor is a Hungarian long-haired dog whose appearance makes it a very unique dog. It is also occasionally known as the mop dogs.

It is a very old breed and has been declared by the Hungarian government as a national treasure so that it is not genetically modified. Its first mention was in the mid 16th century. The origin of the Komondor is not without argument but it is generally believed that Cumans brought the Komondor to Hungary. Cumans were nomads who were settled in Hungary in the 12th and 13th century. It is also believed that there is a genetic link between the white Russian livestock dogs – the south Russian Ovcharka.

The Komondor can be over 30 inches tall, with a thick beautifully corded coat. Its coat is very distinct and it makes the dog with the longest coat in the canine world. Komondor puppies tend to have soft coats and these cords form as the puppies mature. They have strong, short backs and muscular legs. The length of this breed is more than its height, giving the appearance of a rectangle from certain angles. The average height of the female Kommondor is about 27 inches and it can weigh between 88 and 110 pounds. The average height for a male Komondor is 32 inches and it can weigh 110 to 132 pounds.

Its biggest distinguishing factor is its dreadlock-like coat. Its coat is excellent protection for extreme dry and cold weather, for attacks of other wild animals and from vegetation, making it the perfect dog for shepherding livestock. It is a very strong dog that has traditionally guarded livestock.  This coat also makes it look like a sheep which allows it blend into the herd well.

It has the temperament of a livestock guarding dog but can be calm with children. It constantly patrols through the night while also keep a guarded eye in the day. Due to its size, dog obedience training becomes mandatory from an early age. You should start training Komondor puppies from month four onwards.  The Komondor could cause harm even if it doesn’t intend to.

Grooming in Komondor dogs is a very important aspect of dog care. The Komondor’s coat needs special care as while protecting animals it could get bitten. If you give your Komondor a bath, its coat will take two and half days to dry. Their coats also attract a lot of parasites and needs constant attention.

Information on Harrier Dog Facts, Shedding and Price

The Harrier dog is truly one of the few medium-sized dogs today. The Harrier dog breed is similar to that of the foxhound. It was bred primarily to hunt hares. In America the Harrier dog is classified as a hunters’ dog. The name Harrier comes from an old Norman word harier which means hound, as this dog typically chases hares.

There are different stories about the origin of the Harrier dog breed. One says it is a mixed breed between Bloodhounds, Talbot hounds and Basset Hound. Another story says it is a mix between English Foxhound, Fox Terrier and Greyhound. Sir Elias de Midhope was the first person to introduce this breed in 1260. This was introduced as a hunting dog. But it still has to get recognition. Today the dog is in between the Beagle and the Foxhound.

Let’s look at some Harrier dog facts. These dogs grow to about 21 inches in height and could weigh up to pounds. It has a big head with a square shaped muzzle. Their coat is a short hair coat and comes in different colors and is usually tri-colored, yellow and white, white and tan or red and white. The Harrier dog is not known for shedding. It even has hanging ears that give it a cure appearance. This dog has large bones and tremendous stamina.

It is a pack dog that is cheerful and very tolerant of children. If you have other pets, you should train your Harrier dog otherwise they can be very intolerant of other pets if not trained. These dogs also have a tendency to wander off and go sniffing so it helps if you have an enclosure. It helps if you keep in mind what the original purpose of the dog was and ensure it gets activities that are close to that purpose.

This breed needs regular exercise and long walks are good. The Harrier dogs make good companions for daily jogs. Without exercise and activity these dogs become hyperactive and obese. These dogs tend to live for 12 to 15 years and have a tendency towards developing hip dysplasia and epilepsy. They tend to develop malformations of the jaw and excessive knuckling on the forelegs. This can cause the dog to collapse without a warning.

Even though the Harrier dogs are rare in America, they do not cost as much. Harrier dog puppies can be bought for a price of $300 to $400.

Information on Eurasier Dog

The Eurasier originated in Germany and is a breed of Spitz.  It was created to incorporate the various favorable traits of different breeds. This dog was earlier called Wolf Chow as it was a combination of Chow Chow, Wolfspitz and Samoyed but was later named Eurasier.  The Eurasier dog is also known by the name Eurasian. Sometimes a mix of Keeshond and Chow Chow is also called a Eurasier but this mix is not a Eurasier.

The Eurasier is a medium-sized dog and can be of different colors like fawn, red, black, tan and gray. These dogs have a thick undercoat with loosely lying hair on the outer coat and a short coat on the muzzle. The breed can also have some spots in different colors but some colors are not permitted on dogs that want to compete in professional events. The males of the breed grow to a height of 23 odd inches while the female grows to about 22 inches. The males at the full growth can weigh up to 70 pounds while the female Eurasier can weigh up to 57 pounds. This dog breed can have a life expectancy of about 11 to 13 years. These dogs need regular grooming and brushing and they shed at least twice in a year.

The Eurasier has a great temperament and is known to be great to train as a family pet. Eurasier dog info is easy to collect. They are not very fond of harsh training and respond well to gentle reprimands. It is possible to communicate very efficiently with your dog. It is known for its mild temperament and yet, a reserve towards strangers. Like most even tempered dogs, they need to constantly be around their families. If they mix well with the family, they can play along with dogs with good pack leader skills. They are not dogs you can relegate to yard dog houses. Being kept away from their family would depress them and make them pine for you. They have qualities off Chow Chow, Wolfspitz and Samoyed and all together this makes the Eurasier a quiet and dignified dog. They enjoy most activities that their family enjoys.

This breed, like most inbred dog breeds, is prone to hereditary diseases. There dogs are even prone to hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism and luxating patella. This breed is even susceptible to eyelid and eyelash disorders like entropion, ectropion and distichiae.