Pacemakers for Dogs

If you have a dog who has a defect in the function of it's heart you might want to know that human quality pacemakers are available to help your dog. The average cost to install a pacemaker is $2,000.

Medical device makers take pacemakers that are no longer suitable for humans and sell them to vets. There are approximately 200 veterinary cardiologists in the U.S. that do these operations. About 500 pacemakers are implanted in dogs each year.

Here's a list of U.S. vet cardiologists at Cavalier Health.

Read more about Canine Pacemakers at KUSI.com.

Cauda Equina Syndrome Info

Cauda Equina Syndrome in Dogs
By Frank Will

Cauda Equina Syndrome in dogs is an extremely painful disease that can be congenital, where it is present at birth, as well as acquired. If it is acquired, it can show up at any time in your dog's life. If you start to see your dog nails suddenly wearing down, this is the first real warning sign of what is about to occur. If this disease becomes severe enough, your dog will not be able to move their tail, get up or lay down, and may start to lose control of their bladder.

What is it?

Cauda Equina Syndrome in dogs goes by several other names, with the most common being Lumbo-sacral disease. It is most commonly described as arthritis of your dog's joint between their last lumbar vertebra and their sacrum. The sacrum in your dog is one of the bones that make up their pelvis. This form of arthritis causes a narrowing of the canal through which both the spinal cord and the nerves pass through.

However, there is another complication with this disease; the intervertebral disc is often affected as well. When this occurs, the intervertebral disk between the vertebrae and the sacrum may also become abnormal, which makes the disease even more painful for your dog as it further narrows the canal. When all of this comes together, it causes a compression of the nerve roots and the spinal cord, which will affect the lower back near the hips, as both the arthritis and the disc disease is placing pressure on the nerves coming from the spinal cord. As a result of this pressure, your dog will start to show some very distinctive symptoms.

Symptoms:

Cauda Equina Syndrome in dogs most commonly affects larger breeds, but it can also affect middle sized breeds as well. There is a misconception that it only affects German shepherds, which is the breed most affected, but it can and does affective other breeds as well. Males and females are affected with the same symptoms, as this disease plays no favorites.

The first and the most common symptom that your dog will show is pain. However, it is very important to understand that this will not be mild or moderate pain in most cases. In fact, if it passes what is considered the mild stage, the pain will be absolutely excoriating to your dog. Once this starts to occur, they will have a very difficult time lying down, and have even more difficulty in getting up. If it is mild, your dog will show these first signs, but once up, they will be able to work out this stiffness, although it is usually temporary.

As it progresses, your dog may develop muscle loss in one or both if their rear legs. Some dogs may also lose the ability to move their tail, while other dogs may be able to move their tail, but it will be very painful to any type of touching. Because of the pain and the area that it is located in, your dog may also start to have a very difficult time urinating or defecating. But this may be only the beginning of their problems, as they may do the complete opposite and lose total control of both processes.

One of the first signs that you can watch for with Cauda Equina Syndrome, is in your dog's nails. Some dogs in the very early stages will start to develop a shuffling gait, and when this occurs, they will naturally start to scuff or wear down their nails. In some dogs the pain will become so overpowering that they will begin to chew on their pelvic area, their hind legs, as well as their tail. Because the pain is so severe, they may also mutilate these areas which cause several other problems to develop.

This disease is often mistaking identified as hip dysplasia, and as such, it will be very important to watch for the signs in their nails. The earlier you can catch this very damaging disease, the better the chances of your dog surviving it as once it affects their bladder; it is a whole different ball game.

Treatments:

Cauda Equina Syndrome in dogs has two types of treatments; nonsurgical and surgical. The actual form of treatment with this disease, however, will depend on several factors. The first will be the amount of pain your dog is experiencing as well as their overall general health. If your dog is older and is not in good health, you may have to make a very difficult decision. The other factor that will have to be considered, as cold as it may sound, is your financial position as surgery can be quite expensive.

Non-surgical treatments:

Cauda Equina Syndrome can be treated without surgery if the disease is considered to be mild. However, there is one decision that will have to be made and strictly adhered to; your dog will need complete bed rest for at least 6 to 8 weeks. Anti-inflammatory drugs such as prednisolone is often used by your veterinarian is this disease, but it will be very important to understand that if your dog becomes active again without the proper rest, the symptoms will almost always return.

In cases where the nerve compression is mild and the cost of the surgery is prohibitive, this same treatment may be tried for the same time frame. However, if it does not improve, your dog can never lead a normal life again and the only humane thing to do may be to put them down.

Surgical:

Cauda Equina Syndrome in dogs using surgical treatments, in most cases, can be very effective. You will need to discuss this in detail with your veterinarian as there are generally two types of surgery that they will do. The first is to fuse the bones together to a position that is as normal as possible. This will greatly reduce any type of abnormal friction or motion, and as a result, it dramatically reduces the risk of any further type of arthritis from developing.

The second method involves your veterinarian removing part of the bone as well as the intervertebral disc. This technique will immediately remove pressure from your dog's spinal cord as well as their nerves that have become affected. In either of the surgical processes, your dog's bladder will also have to be addressed. If they have any difficulty in urinating or were unable to urinate, the bladder must be treated every day to avoid other complications.

Both of these procedures will also require complete bed rest, but not as long as the non-surgical methods. The bed rest required in these cases will only be between 2 and 4 weeks, not the 6 to 8 weeks.

Summary:

Dogs with Cauda Equina Syndrome overall chances of recovery are very good if it is caught early. However, even with surgery, if your dog's bladder has been severely affected, the outlook is considered to be guarded at best. The key is catching it early and looking for the symptoms. If your dog's nails suddenly start to wear for no apparent reason, this may the early warning you need and may just save your dog's life.

I am an avid lover of pets and my wife and I have had several pets throughout our years. We are especially fond of dogs, and we have a 12 year old Dalmatian (our 3rd) and a "mutt" that we rescued when someone threw him away to die in a vacant field.

He found us, nearly starved to death, and weighed about 2 pounds.

After severe bouts of mange and severe dehydration, and over 1,000.00 in veterinarian bills, we saved the little guys life, and he is one of the best, if not the best, dogs we have ever had and today is a muscular, fit, and firm 70 pound best friend.

After finishing my MBA, which at middle age was not easy, I decided to keep the research work ethics that I acquired, and devote about two hours each night in understanding the health benefits of supplementation for both humans and pets and how they might strengthen our, as well as our pets, immune system in a pre-emptive approach to health rather than a reactionary approach.

Both of my daughters are avid cat lovers, and asked me to help them with health concerns and challenges with their cats.

I am not a veterinarian nor claim to be, just a lover of pets that loves to research and pass on some knowledge that might be helpful, or at least stimulating to the thought process.

Several of the articles that I have written can be found on my website;

Liquid Vitamins & Minerals for Humans & Pets http://www.liquid-vitamins-minerals-humans-pets.com/

Alternatives to Dog Insurance

Top 5 Alternatives to Dog Insurance
By Sasha Rae

Any pet owner that has ever considered buying pet health insurance knows that dog insurance can be expensive. Premiums can vary widely based on the health of your pet and the level of coverage you choose, but even the cheapest monthly premium is going to add up over the life of your pet. Many pet owners feel that most pet health insurance policies do not offer adequate coverage for their needs and just adds unnecessary expense to the cost of having a pet. So how can you make sure your dog is cared for without buying an insurance policy? Here are the top 5 alternatives to dog insurance:

1. Pet Savings Account
Open a separate savings account at your bank, and use this fund to pay for your dog's expenses. The biggest benefit of having a pet emergency fund is in being able to use the fund for anything your dog may need. From vaccinations and vet bills to accessories and toys, one could consider a pet savings account to be the only true "full-coverage" dog insurance.

2. Holistic Pet Care

An increasing number of veterinarians are now recommending holistic care for dogs as an alternative to pet health insurance. Holistic pet care uses a variety of herbal supplements and a natural pet diet to help prevent disease and treat illness. Using a holistic approach to pet care can eliminate the need for dog insurance and help your pet live a longer, healthier life.

3. Discount Pet Programs

There are several companies that offer discount programs that can give you a 10%-30% savings on vet services, boarding, grooming, and other pet needs. These programs are generally available for all pets, regardless of age or health status, and there are no restrictions on coverage. These programs cost on average about $100 per year, which makes discount pet programs cheaper than most pet health insurance, but you have to use a participating provider to enjoy the discounts.

4. Prepaid Veterinary Services

A large number of veterinarians and animal hospitals offer prepaid services packages to their regular clients. You can arrange a prepaid custom medical care package that is suited to your pet, including check-ups, vaccinations, dental care, and other vet services. This is a lot like the pet savings account in that you have control over the services that are covered in the plan.

5. Pet Care Credit
Several companies today offer lines of credit to cover emergency vet expenses. While this can be a true lifesaver in a real emergency, you'll want to read the fine print carefully before signing up. Watch for high interest rates and hidden fees, and make sure that you can afford the payments on the credit line. Some pet owners will also keep a dedicated credit card for emergency expenses, which could offer lower interest rates than many of the pet care credit companies.

Although these pet health insurance alternatives can be used independently, you can combine them to get even greater health benefits for your dog. For example, you can use a holistic approach to keep your pet healthy, and still open a pet savings account as a cushion for any unexpected emergencies. No matter which alternatives to dog insurance you choose, you'll sleep much better at night knowing that you're prepared to handle anything your pet may need.

Visit for Dog Training and Dog Care articles. I highly recommend this fun and interesting post on http://www.halleballedog.com/real-thoughts-on-top-dog-insurance/for info on Top Dog Insurance!

Slim Down Your Pets with These Secrets

Slim down secrets for pets



(ARA) - Humans aren't the only ones fighting the battle of the bulge. The number of overweight dogs and cats in America continues to rise. Nearly half (45 percent) of dogs and 58 percent of cats are overweight or obese (at least 20 percent above ideal weight), according to a recent survey of veterinarians by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention.



"Many owners don't realize that excess weight puts their pets at greater risk for developing serious health problems, including arthritis and diabetes," says Dr. Grace Long, a veterinarian with Nestle Purina. "While those health conditions can be nutritionally managed, obesity can be reversed."



Fortunately, help exists for concerned pet owners. Dr. Meredith Rettinger, a veterinarian with Laurel Pet Hospital in West Hollywood, Calif., recently supervised a series of eight overweight pets and their owners as they participated in Project: Pet Slim Down - a 90-day weight loss journey documented online. Project: Pet Slim Down is a nationwide program from Purina Veterinary Diets that unites pet owners and veterinarians in helping pets lose weight.



Dr. Rettinger offers five simple "Slim Down Secrets" to help you - working with your veterinarian -  help your pet live a leaner, healthier life.



Secret 1: Have your veterinarian rule out medical reasons for excess weight.

Some conditions can lead to weight gain. Your veterinarian can screen for these and help to manage them before starting a weight loss program.



Secret 2: Don't say "I love you" with food.

Instead, spend quality time with your pet. Take your dog for a walk or play with your cat using a fluffy tail wand.



Secret 3: Increase your pet's activity level.

Be sure to consult with your veterinarian first, so you keep the exercise safe and appropriate for your pet's age and health status.



Secret 4: Make portion control a priority.

Your veterinarian can tell you the exact amount of food to feed your pet each day to achieve a healthy weight, so you don't need to guess. Track intake carefully, and make sure everyone in the household knows not to exceed the daily volume of allowed food.



Secret 5: Treats count, too.

If you are feeding your pet treats, these calories need to be subtracted from the total calories allotted for the day, and they shouldn't exceed 10 percent of that allotment. Consider low-calorie treats, or break treats into smaller pieces for more rewards with the same amount of calories.



For more information on Project: Pet Slim Down, go to projectpetslimdown.com.

Tips for Finding the Best Kennel for Your Dog

Don't Let Strangers Hurt Your Dog - How to Find the Best Dog Kennel
By John Sommer

It is important not to get overly excited about the kennel that you are interested in until you call and talk to someone from the facility on the phone. A lot of kennels are seasonal only working during the town's busy times of the year. Times when families are most likely to be taking vacations that involve them leaving their dogs behind. If you managed to luck out and the kennel that you are interested in is open the days that you need them, it is time to take the next step.

Ask the owner of the kennel if it would be ok with them if you came and toured the grounds. If they tell you no that that is not an option it is time to look elsewhere. A good kennel has nothing to hide and had no reason to put you off when you want to visit with the employers and inspect the property. It is a good kennel that is confident enough to let you just stop by and the drop of a hat.

Be Snoopy at the Kennel Once you are at the kennel don't be afraid to be snoopy. Really take the time to notice how clean the kennel is. Notice if there are any messes left in any of the cages and see if there is a fresh supply of food and water available for the dog. Remember if it is early morning when your visit occurs, that in most kennels this is clean up time so there might be little messes from the night before.

Don't be afraid to ask the staff questions, after all they are the ones that will be dealing with your dog. You are going to want them to patient and playful. Ask where your dog will be sleeping, how much interaction each dog gets, if they have a vet on call just in case something is wrong, ask them if they will follow the diet that is you already have your dog on. It is the way that they answer these questions that will determine how lenient and flexible that the kennel is.

Be Sure to Ask the Owner Questions It is a good idea to ask the owner if you can hang around in the shadows and watch how the employees get along with the dogs. You want them to be gentle and interacting with them. Notice how the dogs react to the employees also. If the dog seems OK around certain ones and not others it is time to ask about that reaction. If the own is a true lover of animals she will understand all of your concerns and not be afraid to answer any of your questions.

If you are happy with everything that you have seen during your visit and select the kennel now all you have to do is make the visit as stress free for your dog as possible. Take a few blankets and toys with you when you drop off your pet. The items that you leave with your dog will carry the smell of you and your home one them, and this scent will comfort your dog when he is missing you. When you are getting ready to leave the dog do it fast. Do not give your dog the chance to see that you are upset. Make him think that you are happy about the situation and let him know that he is safe.

John Sommer is a leading expert in the field of pet health and training. He runs the successful website [http://www.petinsurancepro.com. Topics range from finding cheap pet insurance coverage to how to feed your dog the right nutrients for the specific breed.

Making Your Dog Obey Commands

Reasons Not to Repeat Commands to Your Dog
By Mandy Makein

When working with your dog it is very important to not repeat commands that you give. There are many reasons why you should not repeat to your dog. Unfortunately most people do not realize how detrimental this can be to your relationship with your dog.

When working with your dog it is very easy to fall into the trap of repeating a command when your dog does not do the command immediately. Many people repeat over and over before the dog actually performs the command. This becomes a pattern between you and your dog. You give the command several times and then your dog may or may not do what you say. This creates frustration for both you and your dog! Sometimes your dog truly does not know what you want from her, but sometimes she is just so used to hearing the command two or three times before she has to do it. In your dog's mind "sit, sit, sit" becomes the command. Even though this is not your intention, it is what your dog has learned.

Some dogs, like children, don't believe you are serious the first time you say the command. They know that you will repeat it several times and then they may do what you are telling them to do. It is very important to mean what you say the first time you say it! If you tell a child to go clean his room over and over and never follow through and make him do it, he probably never will. But, if you tell your child to go clean his room and make him do it the first time you say it, he will learn that this is what is expected of him. He will learn to clean his room the first time you tell him to and you won't have to make him do it anymore. Dogs are just like this. They need to understand what you want and that you want it done the first time you give the command.

If you want your dog to do what you say the first time, you need to make sure that you reinforce this behavior. Give your dog the "sit" command and make sure to say it only one time. If she doesn't "sit" right away, make her by putting her into the "sit" position and then praise her for doing it. This is how you will have a dog that does what you want the first time you say what you want. You will no longer have to repeat commands!

Mandy Makein is an author and dog trainer. For more information on dog related issues visit her website at http://www.wecantrainanydog.com/

(c) Copyright Mandy Makein 2010. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

Homemade Dog Shampoo Recipe

Homemade Dog Shampoo - Save Money and Avoid Harmful Chemicals
By Warren Davis

If you have a dog you already know how expensive store bought shampoo can be. In addition to the expense many of the chemicals can be harmful if overused or if used on animals with allergies. You can save time and stick to safe ingredients by making your own pet shampoo at home. In fact, you probably already have most, if not all, of the items you will need in your cupboard.

What to Use

You only need three ingredients: dish soap, apple cider vinegar, and glycerin. Select a dish soap that is soft and gentle. Dove and Ivory are good choices as are all natural varieties. However, any non-concentrated soap that you already have should be fine to use. If you do not have apple cider vinegar it can be found at any large grocery store. You may have the visit the pharmacy section for the glycerin.

How to Mix

Mix equal parts dish soap, apple cider vinegar, and water for the base. Then add 1/3 part glycerin to the mixture. Be careful not to over mix the solution or you will agitate the soap and turn what should be a shampoo like consistency into a frothy mess. Once it is well mixed put the homemade dog shampoo into a bottle with a tight lid and it will keep for many uses. Simply shake it lightly if the contents have settled and it should be ready to use again.

Bathing Tips

When bathing your dog avoid getting soap in his eyes. You will want the apple cider vinegar to protect their coat and leave it shiny but if it gets into the eyes it will burn. Take extra care when washing his face. It is highly recommended that you not dry your dog with a blow dryer. These tend to over dry the skin and coat. Simply use an old towel to get the excess water off and then allow the dog to air dry.

The key to keeping your dog happy and healthy is a regular bathing. If he is an inside dog a bath every 4-6 weeks should do the trick. If he is an outside dog more frequent dips may be needed. When you make your own dog shampoo at home you will save money over the store brands and know exactly what is in the bottle.

Can you use people shampoo for a dog? Get the answer to this and other dog shampoo questions by visiting our website at http://www.oatmealshampoo.com.

Tips When Considering a Second Dog...

How About Bringing Home a Second Dog?
By Justin R Hopley

If you're actually planning to bring home one more dog, then it's time you think a lot about it. You need to consider a lot of factors before you take such a decision. Not only that, a lot depends upon whether the new dog is a small pup or another dog. It also depends upon what breed you are going to bring.

First of all, you need to consider the budget. This is because you need to obviously feed two dogs from now. Apart from feeding, you also need to calculate the expenditure that is going to go for the veterinary visits, bringing home some toys and the pedigree. Apart from all these things, you also need to think of how much you need to spend on taking care of the health of both the dogs. So, all the expenditure is going to be multiplied by two if you're going to bring home a second dog.

Apart from all these things, that most important thing that you need to consider is whether the two dogs get along well with each other. If your old dog has any behavioral problems, then it would be quite difficult because he might actually envy the second dog. Both of them might actually fight with each other if you don't take adequate care.

You really need to have a lot of patience when it comes to dealing with two dogs. If both of the dogs fight with each other, then it's a very big problem. So whenever you get the idea of bringing home a second dog, consider all these factors. Ask yourself the question whether you are actually ready for the budget and also ask yourself the question whether your second dog can actually get along well with the new dog.

Justin has been writing articles for almost two years now. In his spare time he creates websites, you can view his latest website about Midland Walkie talkie and his latest post about Walkie talkie headsets.

Sedatives Are Working!

Consider Adopting a Loyal Rescue Dog

*** Editor:  It's been thought and certainly understood by people who adopt stray dogs or dogs given up because of an owner's poor finances, that dogs who are "rescued" are extremely grateful dogs. They inherently understand that you've saved their life and want them around and to be a part of your family. No dog is as loyal as an a rescued dog!

Reasons Why You Should Consider Adopting a Shelter Dog
By Dana Lloyd

You've made the decision to add a new dog to your family. It's such an exciting time! One of the things to think about once this decision has been made is where you will be getting your new dog from. Even though there are many reputable breeders in this country, you should absolutely consider adopting a dog from a local rescue group or shelter. There are many myths associated with shelter dogs that make it difficult for local rescue groups to do their jobs, which is saving lives and finding good homes for adoptable dogs and cats.

It's safe to say that millions of dogs are euthanized each year in this country. What's not known by many people is that many of these dogs were perfectly adoptable. Not only were they adoptable, but they would have made wonderful pets! Many people assume that if a dog is in a shelter it must be "bad" or aggressive in some way. This simply is not true of all shelter dogs. Many of these dogs end up euthanized because the shelters are inundated with animals and there is just not enough room or homes for all of them. In other words, they are euthanized through no fault of their own.

There are many reasons why people surrender their pets to local shelters or rescue agencies. Most surrenders are not because an animal is aggressive or bad. The following are some of the most common reasons why people make the decision to surrender their dogs: they are moving and cannot take the dog with them; divorce or separation; having a baby; no time to take care of the dog anymore. And then you get dogs in shelters who are there because they have been picked up as strays. Many times, these dogs have been in a home situation before but have ended up on the streets due to irresponsible owners.

If you decide to go to your local shelter you will most certainly see many adorable, adoptable dogs who are in desperate need of a forever home. Utilize the staff at these shelters or rescue organizations to learn more about the dogs there. Many of the animals come with at least a bit of history. In addition, many rescue organizations temper/personality test the dogs before adopting them out. Find out if the dogs have worked with a trainer, and if so ask what was discovered. You may be able to find out more than think.

By adopting a shelter dog not only will you be adding a wonderful member to your family, but you will also be saving a life and doing your part to help prevent pet over population. Most of these dogs get a bad rap through no fault of their own. Of course there are exceptions, and each shelter or rescue group should be researched to make sure they are reputable. Adopting a dog is a decision that should not be taken lightly. But if you do your homework and work with a rescue group that is knowledgeable and helpful, you will end up with a delightful addition to your family.

Dana Lloyd is the owner of La Bella Doggy Boutique, an online designer dog boutique that specializes in luxury dog fashion, dog clothes & accessories, designer dog collars, unique dog beds, gourmet all natural dog treats, dog strollers & carriers, dog toys and more. She is also an animal advocate who dedicates some of her time to dog rescue.

Visit this Designer Dog Boutique to see their selection of Designer Dog Collars.

Know that when you shop at LaBellaDoggy.com you are supporting a small family owned business!