However, some lumps can indicate different forms of cancer. Only your veterinarian would be able to diagnose this if this is the case.  A tissue sample is taken of the area in question and biopsied at the lab to determine whether the tissue contains cancerous cells, and if so, what kind.  There are many forms of cancer. If a simple, well contained form of cancer is diagnosed, the prognosis for recovery can be very good nowadays. Chemotherapy, radiation, and physical therapy are among the disease-fighting arsenal of specialties now available to dogs. If the cancer is a more serious or aggressive form, your veterinarian may recommend a more drastic approach to fighting the cancer. Unfortunately, these recommendations may include putting your pet down.  This is the best approach for dogs suffering from brain tumors, for instance.

Other life-threatening forms of cancer may involve the consumption of internal organs.  Pancreatic cancer and cancer of the spleen are two common forms of cancer in this category.  Attempts to cure these forms of cancer have not been successful. One reason for this is the fact that these cancers are not often discovered at an early enough stage to prevent its matastifisation to other areas of the body. The symptoms for spleen cancer are very similar to symptoms of far less serious ailments. Therefore, spleen cancer is often overlooked. Main symptoms include loss of appetite and lethargic behavior.  An older dog will not display a lot of energy anyhow. And by the time a tumor becomes big enough to be seen by ultrasound techniques, the cancer has often progressed far passed any curable stage. Additionally, spleen cancer overcomes the dog rather quickly. Once this cancer is diagnosed, the dog may have anywhere from 1 week to 6 months to live.  The amount of time before the dog’s health considerably declines is unpredictable.  The dog may suddenly die in its sleep from a ruptured tumor that causes weakness and internal bleeding. Or the dog may hold on displaying no relative signs of pain for several weeks.  However, white gums, a sign of anemia, is indicative that death is clearly near.

If you have a dog with lumps developing on his/her body, get your veterinarian to look at them.  And remember, the lumps on the outside of the body are the only ones that can be seen.  Your dog may have similar lumps simultaneously developing internally.  Have a complete exam run by your veterinarian to determine whether your dog’s health is in jeopardy. It may mean the difference between life and death for your pet.

*All content of this blog is provided for educational purposes only. The author is not a veterinarian, and does not encourage using this site for illness diagnosis.

Allergy symptoms include runny, gunky, reddish eyes which are quite common in dogs
this time of year. The whites of his eyes look pink – which is the reason this Canine
Conjunctivitis it is often referred to as ‘pink eye’. The eyelid and the front of
the eyes become inflamed and can affect one or both eyes. This may be the result
of a virus, bacteria, parasites or allergies!

Other symptoms of Canine Conjunctivitis include experiencing a runny discharge. If the infection is severe, the discharge may become so thick that
your dog’s eyelids will stick together and need to be washed gently with a saline
solution.

If your dog is experiencing symptoms that sound like Canine Conjunctivitis, it’s
best to pay a visit to your veterinarian who can determine the severity of the
infection. He or she may prescribe medicated eye drops or an antibiotic ointment.

Allergy eyes are no fun for any of us-human or canine. But the good news is – the
pollen is sure to stop soon!

*All content of this blog is provided for educational purposes only. The author is not a veterinarian, and does not encourage using this site for illness diagnosis.

If you wish to use a breeder for your next pet instead of going to your local shelter or breed-specific rescue organization, there are a few important tips you should consider while going through the process.

Do your research!  After locating the breeders within the area in which you are willing to travel, research each one carefully for breeding history, puppy health (ask the breeder to provide you with former customers so you may call them for a reference), whether or not these breeders are registered with the AKC (American Kennel Club), and each breeder’s policies about adoption, and return if the puppy if determined by a veterinarian to be unhealthy.   Just because a breeder is listed for the breed you’ve selected for your next family member, it doesn’t mean that breeder is reputable.

Research whether this breeder is registered with the AKC. This is important because the AKC closely monitors its members for strict regulations and standards they require of their breeders. Any violations of these guidelines will eliminate that breeder from being recognized as reputable through the AKC. These guidelines put pressure on breeders to maintain healthy living facilities to minimize disease, and require its members to keep sire and dam records of the pups, and health and vaccination records as well.  All prospective puppy buyers are recommended to ask to see the sire and dam health and geneoligical records and the corresponding records of the pup they are interested in adopting.  Also prospective buyers have the right to ask to meet the mother and father of the puppy of interest.  If the breeder hesitates to let you meet either parent, or study the health and geneological records, walk away.  This breeder likely has something to hide.

Also beware that unreputable breeders will not take back an unhealthy puppy for a refund.  Some health problems are congenital, meaning they run within the gene pool of the parents and is not something that can be avoided.  Other health problems are the result of poor breeding, or poor nutrition and care on the part of the breeder. Make sure to ask the breeder what their return policy is before buying a puppy.

In some cases, “backyard” breeders have been known to tell prospective buyers they have pups for sale that are the specified breed they are looking for, when in fact this is not the case at all.  Unreputable breeders will tell you whatever you want to hear to sell you a puppy and get it off their hands.  If you are in the market for a puppy, study your breed of choice carefully. Know its color, weight, hairtype, and size characteristics.  It also helps to be familiar with the typical personality traits of the breed you are interested in.  Use this knowledge as a gage when shopping. Study the puppies in question and ask yourself whether these breed traits are present in the puppy you are considering buying.   Some puppies look similar at such a young age. Bichon Frise’ and Maltese or Maltipoo can be a good example of this.  Make sure you are actually getting what you think you are paying for.  Knowing the breed you prefer well will also save you from falling for the trap of a breeder who tries to sell you an exotic version of the breed you want.  For instance, there is no such thing as an Asiatic pointer.  ”This dog has special markings,” the breeder will tell you to make you believe you have run into something special.  DON’T FALL FOR IT!

Before shopping for any dog study the AKC website thoroughly so you develop a solid understanding of the breeds available. www.akc.org. And don’t be afraid to ask questions….lots of questions of the breeders you approach.

Puppy shopping should be a fun and exciting experience for your family.  Be careful so you don’t get taken.

However a veterinarian recommended remedy does seem to work to neutralize the unpleasant odors your pet may accumulate. Mix together the combination of 1 quart of hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of Dove dish soap. Apply this mixture liberally to all the affected areas on your dog’s body. Leave on for one hour, then rinse away. The peroxide can lighten the color of the dog’s coat, however, so if this matters to you, an alternative solution may be considered.

This solution is also useful for eradicating skunk funk, as I call it. Tomato juice and other citrus remedies are old wives tales.

*All content of this blog is provided for educational purposes only. The author is not a veterinarian, and does not encourage using this site for illness diagnosis.

The appropriate grooming tools and technique is important too. A wire-bristle brush is best used for dogs with either dense coats, or fine or thin hair (single-coated breeds). A tool called the rake, which literally resembles a metal garden rake with two rows of teeth, is best used for all breeds possessing double-coats. The rake is what thins out the cotton-textured undercoat. It is the undercoat that sheds and mats.

Regardless of the tool used, proper brushing technique involves brushing through little sections of hair at a time. Grab a handful of hair with one hand. Using the brush in the other hand, gently swipe small sections of the hair in a downward motion back against the dog’s skin. This is similar to what ladies do to tease their hair for body. Also beware of the pressure used to brush. Too much pressure will irritate the skin and make it bleed. always work from the bottom to top of the dog (belly to back; and back end to front end), and brush with the direction of the natural hair growth. Also don’t forget the legs, armpits, feet, and ears.

*All content of this blog is provided for educational purposes only. The author is not a veterinarian, and does not encourage using this site for illness diagnosis.

*All content of this blog is provided for educational purposes only. The author is not a veterinarian, and does not encourage using this site for illness diagnosis.

Hip dysplasia is another serious ailment that can require using special harnesses to help the animal stand for long periods of time. Its comfort is a plus as well. Such information will indicate to the pet owner that the groomer is knowledgeable about medical issues and practices. Therefore, they will know what to do in case of an emergency. It also indicates the groomer cares, and is willing to accommodate the pet appropriately to overcome whatever obstacles become evident during the grooming session.

*All content of this blog is provided for educational purposes only. The author is not a veterinarian, and does not encourage using this site for illness diagnosis.

As a general rule, shaving dog hair provides no benefit to the cooling down of the animal.  Some veterinarians and groomers will recommend shaving dog hair for health reasons only.  Hair which is extremely matted is painful to the dog because it pulls on the dog’s skin. It feels similar to having your own hair constantly pulled.  And brushing mats this dense is torture for the dog.

Of course, hair is shaved before any kind of surgery to protect the animal from contracting infections. Other examples of why shaving is recommended is because fleas and ticks cannot as readily be seen if burrowed deep within mats, yet they can still reach your dog’s skin for nourishment and reproduction.  Flea infestation is serious and could cause your pet to become anemic, or even worse, your pet could die. Shaving is done before any flea dip to ensure the fleas are exposed to the shampoo designed to kill them. Skin wounds and infections can also develop beneath mats. Believe it or not some dogs have had live maggots chewing on such wounds. This only becomes evident once the mat is removed. In cases like this, repeated bathing does not eradicate the foul odor coming from the dog’s skin, or remove the pests. The odor, of course, is that of decaying flesh.

It is highly encouraged to brush your dog’s coat regularly. If a dog is not brushed as recommended for its breed, the above scenario could become a reality for your pet. If it does, a visit to the veterinarian will be necessary to remove all mats or shave the animal, obtain prescribed antibiotics, and flush the wounds.

Also dogs do not sweat like humans do. The only place on the dog’s anatomy which sweats is the pads of their feet. The best way to cool down your dog in the hot summer months is to provide him/her with a wading pool.  Let the dog dip their feet in a shallow tub of water, stream, or lakeshore.  Also do not walk your dog during the day when temperatures can reach more than 90 degrees.

*All content of this blog is provided for educational purposes only. The author is not a veterinarian, and does not encourage using this site for illness diagnosis.

Also it is important to remember that any dog, no matter how well trained, is still capable of biting when startled.  People who share their beds with their pets risk getting bitten everyday.  When suddenly startled awake, a dog’s immediate, instinctive reaction is going to be to bite. This is his/her self preservation technique. The animal will not mean any harm, but he may not have time to focus properly and recognize that he is biting his family members.  Just keep in mind how incoherent you may be during the first 30 seconds or so after waking.  This fog is is also experienced by dogs.  Many serious, albeit accidental, bites requiring multiple stitches occur every year as a result of dogs sharing beds and sofas with humans.  Be fair to yourself and your dog….please buy your dog his own bed and do not continue to allow him to share your furniture with you. Dog beds are available for purchase in pet stores to avoid such unfortunate incidences. Dogs enjoy having their own territory, allow him his own bed. Also, as a side note, keep in mind that dogs also behave better when they are allowed their own possessions, and personal space. I’ll agree there is nothing better than a good snuggle.  Just try to remember to do the snuggling on neutral territory like the floor.

*All content of this blog is provided for educational purposes only. The author is not a veterinarian, and does not encourage using this site for illness diagnosis.

Leptosporosis is a respiratory disease similar to the human version of the flu.  It is caused by the inhalation or ingestion of bacteria usually living in stagnant water.  It is highly contagious between dogs and can be contagious to humans as well. Unless your pet is in an environment where he has access to stagnant water, this immunization is unnecessary.

Bordetella is a vaccine given through the nose to protect your pet from the airborne transmission of bacteria which will cause upper respiratory and lung infections. This infection is referred to as kennel cough and its main indicating symptoms are an actual cough, white to yellowish colored discharge coming from the nose, and labored breathing. This is a highly contagious illness which can be spread from dog to dog through the air. This vaccine is recommended for anyone who boards their pets at kennels, or takes their dogs to dog parks, for example, where multiple dogs are in close contact with one another.

As a pet owner, you have the right to refuse giving your pet these shots. Discuss your request with your veterinarian. Veterinary practices remind pet owners their pet’s vaccinations are due as a courtesy, not as a necessary benefit to your pet’s health.

*All content of this blog is provided for educational purposes only. The author is not a veterinarian, and does not encourage using this site for illness diagnosis.