Blastomycosis Checklist for Dogs
Dog owners need to be alert to the possible existence of the fungal organism Blastomyces dermatitidis, which can be found in sandy, acidic soils close to water or in swampy, low-lying areas. It is especially prevalent in certain areas of Mississippi, Missouri, the Ohio River Valley, as well as the Mid-Atlantic States, but it can occur almost anywhere. The resulting systemic fungal disease, blastomycosis, is serious, affecting primarily dogs and humans. It creates a variety of symptoms. Early detection is critical to successful treatment and rate of survival.
Hunting dogs and those that love to take to the woods and swamps, or those living by water, are especially vulnerable. On a chase, with his nose to the ground, a dog can inhale spores that harbor in the soil. If the dog has a healthy immune system, there is likelihood that the disease will not develop. If, however, the spores are abundant, or if the dog’s immune system is compromised, there is risk of infection. Spores travel down the airways of the lungs, and the disease begins. It then spreads throughout the body and can affect the skin, eyes, bones, lymph nodes, subcutaneous tissue, brain, and testes. Blastomycosis can wax and wane with symptoms improving, only to worsen later.
Refer to this checklist of symptoms if you suspect your dog has been exposed to this organism:
1. Lack of appetite
2. Weight loss
3. Cough
4. Eye problems
5. Lameness
6. Skin problems
7. Blood in urine
8. Shortness of breath
9. Exercise intolerance
10. Enlarged lymph glands
11. Persistent fever that does not respond to antibiotics
This important checklist can be printed and shared with your veterinarian. Arriving at a diagnosis can sometimes be difficult. Your veterinarian will consider the history and symptoms and seek to identify the organism under a microscope or through a blood test. Treatment is required in the case of a positive identification because dogs are not able to fight off this fungal disease without support.
Treatment options include the oral administration of Itaconazole. This is an expensive drug, and some dogs cannot tolerate it. Injectable Amphotericin B can also be used. It is administered intravenously and under close veterinary supervision. Ketoconazole (Nizoral) is another treatment option, especially helpful in mild cases of the disease and where cost is a factor.
Please note that, with Blastomycosis, prevention is easier than the cure. Avoid taking dogs to regions of high risk or incidence and places with disturbed areas of moist soil. Awareness of the disease and its symptoms is the best defense against it.
Brent Goodman holds degrees in English from Ripon College, a Masters of Fine Arts from Purdue University, and has extensive experience in research communications and educational publishing across various fields of study. He is currently the Senior Copywriter at Drs. Foster & Smith Pet Supplies, the nation’s leading online and catalog pet supplier.
Dog Health Care – Health Care in Dogs
www.doghealthproblemsadvice.com – Keeping your dog healthy involves not only good nutrition and lifestyle but also proper dog health care with your veterinarian. Sam Meisler DVM, a small animal veterinarian, discusses the preventive health care needed for your dog. Health care in dogs includes periodic vaccinations, parasite prevention and annual physical examinations.
Hypoallergic Dog Breeds – Allergic To Dogs? This Is For You!
Hypoallergenic dog breeds are the most suitable for people who are allergic to dog dander and fur. Some of the more popular hypoallergenic dog breeds include terrier, basenji, bichon frise, poodle, chinese crested, greyhound, havanese, irish water spaniel, and shih tzu.
While they do produce some dander, the dander of hypoallogenic dogs is little enough to create minimal discomfort for those who come in contact with them. There are many breeds of hypoallergenic dog. Many of them are miniatures or toys that have lots of energy and may have difficult temperaments for the more sedate dog owner.
Nonetheless, even the allergic dog owner can follow a few simple steps to limit discomfort and enjoy your life with your furry companion. These tips will also generally apply to any household welcoming a new dog into its family, especially the hypoallergenic dog breeds.
A new dog (no matter how old) may well be frightened during its first hours and days in your house. Hypoallergenic dog breeds tend to be a bit more nervous than others. It may not welcome human contact at first, so you should refrain from handling them too much the first few days. Be attentive, but don’t smother them with affection. Let them acclimate to their new house. Just let your new dog roam around the house, sniff the furniture, and find its way around.
When your new hypoallergenic dog becomes accustomed to its new surroundings, begin a grooming routine to reduce the amount of dander and fur that might otherwise settle on your furniture, carpets, and clothing. In addition to reducing your danger of allergic reactions, regular brushing will reduce matting and knots that make your hypoallergenic dog uncomfortable and unattractive. A steel comb with wide teeth will help untangle knots and trap loose hair. It’s important not to let your hypoallergenic dog’s skin get too dry with all the brushing and grooming. You can find products at the pet store or through your veterinarian that will help reduce skin problems.
Giving your hypoallergenic dog plenty of exercise will also reduce your risk of allergic reaction. First, the fresh air will help keep its fur free of dander. Second, when your dog is tired and sleeps all night, it will be less likely to want your company while you sleep, spending less time on your bed to leave dander and fur on your bedspread and sheets. Regular, frequent cleaning of your sheets and bedspread will also reduce your discomfort.
Make sure your hypoallergenic dog has a special place of its own to sleep, day and night. A soft bed or an old blanket will give them a warm, secure spot for sleeping. Wash their pet bed often so that dander and fur don’t build up to a dangerous level where it can easily transfer to your carpet or clothing.
You can’t avoid some allergens from being present in your home, even with a hypoallergenic dog breed, so it’s important to keep your home well-vacuumed and clean at all times to maintain your good health as well.
Regular grooming is perhaps more important for hypoallergenic dog breeds than for others, especially when you have allergies to your baby. Even dogs with short hair need regular professional grooming. For people with allergies, monthly baths are a must! This will not only protect you from allergies, but it will assure your hypoallergenic dog a long, happy, healthy life.
Remember that even hypoallergenic dog breeds can still cause allergy attacks now and then. Be sure you visit your doctor when you get your dog and continue to follow your personal preventive routine to prevent serious problems with your allergies.
Abhishek is an avid dog lover and he has got some great Dog Health Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 80 Pages Ebook, “How To Take Care Of Your Dog’s Health” from his website http://www.Dog-Tale.com/192/index.htm . Only limited Free Copies available.
Important Steps To Cleaning Your Dog’s Ears
With respect to anatomy, dog’s ear are different from human ears. Unlike human ear, dog’s ears have extra turn and length that makes the visibility and medication rather difficult, making your dog susceptible to infections which is one of the most common problems.
Among the several factors that causes dogs ear problems are; ear design that is some dogs have short ear, some have long pendulous ear, while others have thick hair in their ear. Second is the humid climate that encourages the growth of parasites, bacterial and yeasts. Next factor is the long exposure to other infected pets and lastly the dogs that can swim are prone to ear infections.
To keep your dog free form ear infections you need put your minimum effort that will surely avoid major ear problems.
Follow the instructions as recommended by your vets. If you get the slightest hint of bad odor then do ear cleaning with warm water, mineral oil, hydrogen peroxide, or a combination of equal parts of vinegar and rubbing alcohol but make sure that your dog does not have open sores that will have a burning sensation. You are also recommended to apply pet ear care product that cleans and dry up excess moisture in the ear canal after bathing or swimming. Pet ear care product containing Tea Tree Oil will keep the ear canal of your dog dry and problem free. There are also pet ear cares products available for routine ear cleaning that will dissolve wax, remove foreign debris and dry the ear canal. Even home dog care treatments are also available that can kill ear mites and ear ticks. Even though your dog’s eardrum is better protected than a human beings, but the process of cleaning should be done with precise care especially when you are inserting cotton-tipped swabs into the ear canal. There is the possibility of the dirt and other foreign matter to get pushed deeper and even losing the cotton tip in the ear canal if not handled properly. Use a long cotton-tipped swab since a dog’s ear canal is much deeper than ours. Using the same cotton ball or unclean tip of ear cleaning solution in another dog’s ears or even in a dog’s other ear will surely spread disease. Therefore always remember to use a new cotton ball or wipe clean any applicator tips. Another method of cleaning involves filling the ear canal with a pet ear cleaning solution followed by gentle massage of the outer ear. After a few minutes the dog is allowed to shake his head to help clear the ear canal. Removal of excess hair by trimming the hair.
This is an excellent source for Pet Supplies to help you with your dog grooming needs.
Larry Volwiler is CEO and co-founder of RadioFence.com featuring a full line of Pet Doors, Bark Collars and dog training Shock Collars”>Dog Training Collars.
Are You Allergic To Dogs?
Humans in general are not allergic to animals; however, some with hypersensitive immune system can become allergic to animals. Since most of us have cats, or dogs in our homes, any allergy due to animals is most likely to be caused by dog, or cat.
Causes of dog allergies
People can be allergic to dog’s dander, saliva, or urine. As most dogs urinate at outside places, the most common causes of allergies due to dog is saliva, or dander. Dander is the dead skin shed by dog. Many times, pollen that gets stuck to the coat of dogs can also cause allergies to pollen sensitive people.
Types of dog allergies caused
Allergy causing proteins (allergens) from dogs can cause sneezing, nasal congestion, running nose, coughing, and shortness of breath, wheezing, and serious asthma attack. Skin problems like, red skin rashes. You might experience headaches, or fatigue. If hands from dogs are directly touched to eyes, then it may also cause itchy and watery eyes. Different people may experience one or more type of these symptoms.
Some times, you may mistakenly consider an allergy to be caused by the dog. It is therefore important that you verify that the source of allergy. To do this, the simplest way is to keep the dog two to three months away from home. During this time, clean your home properly. Wash all the walls, floors, and steam clean the carpets. Clean all the furniture, and door and window covers. Allow air to pass through the house, so that the allergens that might be suspended in the air get removed. Cleaning the house of allergens might take more than three months. During this time, check the allergy symptoms. After 3 to 4 months, if you need bring the dog in the house, and compare the symptoms. This will give you an idea whether the allergy is due to pet or something else.
Prevention from dog allergies
1. Allergy from dogs is mostly caused by dander, and so controlling dander can help reducing the possibility of allergies from dogs. Here are few steps that can be taken so that allergy risks can be minimized
2. Bath your dog once or twice every week. It is better to have the dog accustomed to bath since young age, as the dog will later resist. It is better give the dog-medicated bath, or you can use a dog shampoo.
3. Take a proper bathe after bathing the dog, or cleaning dog cloths, beds, and other dog stuff.
4. Do not allow dogs to enter the bedrooms, and in no case allow them to get over the bed.
5. Spray anti-allergen powder at all the places where the dog lives.
6. At times when there is no pollen outside (some people are allergic to pollen), open the doors, and windows, to that the air passes through the house.
7. Put a sheet on the furniture, and car seat before allowing the dog to sit on them. Leather sheets are best.
9. Use HEPA room air cleaners, as they are best for people suffering from asthma, and other dog allergies.
10. Finally, provide your dog good multivitamin, and fatty acid diet. This will keep the dog free of diseases. Every body loves a good-looking healthy dog.
More resources about dog handling can be found in http://dogandpuppy.simpleusermanual.com
p.s. After quitting my 10 years serving in MNC, I dived into internet and invested much to find out about it. My success roadmap is in http://www.ThisIsJustA.com
Aromatherapy for Dogs – 10 Ways You Can Use Aromatherapy to Make Your Dog Happier and Healthier
Did you know that Aromatherapy is wonderful for dogs? It not only has brilliant healing powers for their body but can be immensely beneficial to their happiness and general well being. Here are a 10 ways in which you can use Aromatherapy to enrich your dogs life.
i. Combating dog odors – If you have an indoor dog it is likely that their bedding and your carpet, lounge etc will at some stage have that ‘doggy’ smell, particularly if the house has been locked up all day in the middle of summer. By spraying essential oil blends on your dog and the affected areas around your home you can freshen the house up immediately. I have found that the scent from essential oil sprays last much longer than the commercial air fresheners.
ii. Repelling fleas and ticks – There are a number of different blends you can make to repel fleas and ticks. There are a number of ways to apply these blends as well. Certain essential oils can be added to the dogs shampoo or a few drops can be placed under his collar to name just a couple. Dogs can be sprayed before going into areas that may be tick infected like cattle country to protect them against ticks. If they do get a tick on them essential oils can also kill the tick and after extraction can disinfect where the tick was.
iii. Rheumatism and Arthritis – Many older dogs in particular suffer from aching arthritic joints, some to the point where they have trouble even walking. Massage is excellent for greatly improving their happiness and mobility. By making massage oil and rubbing the affected areas morning and night you can see a huge improvement.
iv. Anxiety and nervousness – Some dogs suffer emotionally. They can make themselves ill or can become very destructive, particularly in the case of separation anxiety. Spraying your dog with a blend of calming essential oils prior to whatever stresses them eg: storms, being left home alone, fireworks etc can have an immediate effect and work wonders.
v. Boosting energy levels – If your dog suffers from lethargy you can restore some of his energy levels by rubbing a blend of oils into his spine. Only do this in the morning so he has all day to burn off the energy.
vi. Bad breath – Most dogs at some point suffer from really bad breath making it more uncomfortable for his owner than himself. Usually bad breath is a result of plaque that has formed on his teeth. You can actually brush your dogs teeth with a few drops of oil to prevent this but if that is just too time consuming or too much hassle, particularly if the dog is not happy to let you, you can add drops to his food.
vii. Poor coat condition – Some dogs suffer from a poor coat. There are many reasons why this may be the case but again aromatherapy can help. You can brush a blend of oils through their coat or you can add some to their food. His coat will be shiny and healthy in no time.
viii. Skin problems – Dogs can develop skin problems from time to time and essential oils are also very beneficial in clearing it up particularly rashes, bites and cuts.
ix. Treating an abscess – If your dog has an abscess essential oils can treat this problem too. Of course all dogs are different so if improvement isn’t apparent fairly quickly he or she may need a course of antibiotics to solve the problem.
x. Itching and scratching – I’ve seen dogs who seem to scratch endlessly without having even one flea on their body. A blend of essential oils can really make a difference and stop his itching altogether.
Tracey Peapell is the author of Aromatherapy For Dogs. She lives in Australia and is a great believer in the power of Aromatherapy for maintaining good health and well being in dogs.
To learn how you and your dog can benefit visit http://www.aromatherapy4dogs.com
Possible Physical Causes for Behavior Problems in Geriatric Dogs
Different breeds of dogs age at different rates. A large breed such as a Great Dane or Newfoundland will reach old age sooner than smaller breeds like Chihuahuas or Toy Poodles. Life spans range from 7 to 15 years, with each year equivalent to 6 or 7 human years. Despite whatever breed your dog may be, you will have to watch them closely and take him on regular visits to the vet to determine where he is in his life cycle and what special needs, if any, are required at each stage.
Regardless of when the onset of old age begins, there are changes that are common to all dogs. Behavioral problems, such as indifference to food, increased wandering, house soiling, and changes in the way your dog interacts with other dogs and people, are all signs that your dog is getting old.
The first thing you should do upon noticing any of these behavioral changes is determine the cause. That means a physical workup and a talk with your dog’s vet. Aging pets will begin to have many more health issues than they did when they were younger and many times those issues will be the cause of problems such as aggression. You are grumpier when you don’t feel well and your pet will be also. Unfortunately, a grumpy pet may be more likely than a human to lash out physically, and that means biting or snapping. If a previously non-aggressive dog begins to exhibit aggressive behavior, determine whether it is a physical problem that may be handled with medication. If not, simply make sure that family members and visitors realize that Fido no longer likes to be touched in that particular spot if, for instance, the problem is an arthritic hip.
Sometimes, however, decreased functioning of eyesight or hearing may cause fear aggression in a pet. In that case, make sure people know that they should warn the pet of their approach, and not to approach the pet suddenly. Simply calling out, “Hey Fido, it’s me,” if the pet has eyesight issues, or making sure he can see you coming if he has hearing issues, will usually do the trick.
Even if your pet is not exhibiting aggression, you will want to be alert for other changes in behavior associated with pain or failing senses. Pets with these problems may also become withdrawn and depressed. If he starts lying around all day and refuses food or playtime, then that may be a sign of depression in your pet. You will want to make the effort to deal with the physical problems, and also to make sure that the pet is still included in interactions with the family.
Any sudden changes in your dog’s habits may indicate that he is getting old. However, you should try to first rule out that it is not a physical problem that is causing the change in behavior. Decreased bladder control or aching joints could keep your dog from wanting to go out as often as he should. Nutrition is also to be taken into consideration, as older dogs have different ones from their younger, more active counterparts. Above all, have patience. Your dog’s life and yours is changing. Don’t give up or abandon him, because he needs you now more than before.
Jeff Clare runs dog training News where you can read many more articles on dog training. For more general advice on dog health go to Dogs And Dog News.
Dog Health : How to Measure a Dog’s Blood Pressure
In order to measure a dog’s blood pressure, a special piece of equipment called a Doppler is needed in order to listen into the arteries. Find out how a dog’s arteries and veins are deeper into the tissue than those of humans withhelp from a veterinarian in this free video on dog health and blood pressure. Expert: Gregory McDonald Contact: www.petpointers.com Bio: Dr. Gregory McDonald earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Ohio State University in 1979.
Allergy Free Dogs Do They Really Exist?
Is there such a thing as an allergy free dog? To answer this question you first must understand what an allergy is. If you have dog allergy then you suffer from Allergies Type 1, also called Contact Allergies.
The allergy producing proteins called allergens are produced in the dogs skin. When the dog licks himself or herself this sticky protein in the dead skin cells is deposited on the hair. When the dog hair comes into contact with dust, clothing, furniture, curtains, or you, the protein will stick to the surface of the object. Pet hair itself does not product allergic reactions in individual, but the dog dander that sticks to the dog hair will.
So the answer to the question is there such a thing as an allergy free dog is a resounding no. All dogs will produce this type of allergens and it will be found in the dog’s dander, saliva, or urine. The good news is that depending on the severity of the allergy reaction, the care you take in avoiding them, and the type of dog you have you may still own a dog.
When searching for hypoallergenic pets your first stop should be the American Kennel Club (AKC). They listed some dog breeds that they considered to be the most suitable for allergic individuals.
Consider Poodles, Airedales, and Schnauzers because they shed their skin about every 21 days whereas German Shepard and Irish Setters shed their skin about every three days. Less dander means less contact with the allergy producing allergen.
Another considerations are dogs that do not shed their hair very often or have very little hair to shed. Less airborne hair means less chance of you coming into contact with the allergen. You should consider the Poodle, Chinese Crested, Labradoodle (cross between a Labrador and a Poodle), Mexican Hairless, Chihuahua, Greyhound and Basenji.
The only true pet allergy test is for you to come into contact with the dog. Find a breeder or pet shop owner that will allow you to be with the dog for a day or so. If no allergy symptoms show up then you may have found the type of dog best suited to your allergy problems. Allergies Type I can get worst over time so if you have even a slight allergy reaction during your contact with the breed of dog you are considering you will need to look at another breed. Dogs usually live to be over 10 years of age so the decision you make today will affect you for years to come.
Mild cases of Allergies Type 1 can be treated with common products such as Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Pantothenic Acid, Glucosamine, and Quercitin.
Vitamin A is a known antioxidant and can assist the human body in the healing process. Vitamin A is stored in the liver and fat cells of the human body and can reach toxic levels. DO NOT take more than the recommended dosage of Vitamin A.
Up to one-third of older people can no longer absorb Vitamin B from their food. Vitamin B is needed to form red blood cells and keep nerves healthy.
Beta Carotene protects the mucus membranes of the mouth, nose, throat and lungs. It also helps protect Vitamin C from oxidation, which enables it to perform at optimum efficiency.
Vitamin C is nature’s protective nutrient, essential for defending the body against pollution and infection and enhances the bodies immune system.
Vitamin E protects the lung tissue from inhaled pollutants and aids in the functioning of the immune system.
Many find Pantothenic Acid to be very helpful against allergy symptoms. It is another form of nontoxic B vitamins. Pantothenic Acid is critical in the metabolism and synthesis of carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
Glucosamine is an anti-inflammatory and may give some relief from allergy symptoms.
Quercitin is a well known flavonoid. Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants and can reduce inflammation boost the immune system and strengthen blood vessels and improve circulation. Quercitin is also known for its ability to block the release of histamines, thus reducing or preventing allergy symptoms.
Always consult your doctor before using this information.
This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.
David Cowley has created numerous articles on allergies. He has also created a Web Site dedicated to allergies and how to treat them. Visit Allergy Treatment