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The most common ear problem that plagues or pets is the inflammation or infection of the outer ear canal, technically called otitis externa. The area between the outside opening and the eardrum can be irritated by infections, parasites, allergies and foreign objects.

Symptoms of Ear Problems
Signs of irritation include scratching, shaking the head, and reacting painfully when the ears are touched. There may also be a discharge coming from the ear canal. Ear hematomas, (a rupturing of the blood vessels in the ear flap causing the ear flap to swell) are common if irritation goes untreated. Depending on what caused the ear problem, one or both of the ears may be affected.

Diagnosing Ear Problems
Your veterinarian will use an otoscope to view the ear canals. She will also take a sample of ear discharge and examine it microscopically to check for signs of infection or ear mites. If infection is present, the sample may be sent to a lab for culture. Culturing the ear can give the veterinarian information about the kinds of bacteria and what type of antibiotics will best treat the ear.  During the ear exam, the veterinarian may find foreign objects such as fox-tails or ticks in the ear canal. If your dogs ears are very painful, sedation or anesthesia may be required to fully examine and treat the ears.

Common Causes of Ear Problems
Some pets are simply more prone to getting ear problems, either due to their ear structure, allergies or skin conditions. Ventilation of the ears is poor in dogs with floppy ears, resulting in a warm, moist environment perfect for growth of bacteria and yeast. Certain breeds of dogs are also more likely to suffer from skin allergies and disorders like seborrhea. These skin problems affect the ears too, causing chronic inflammation and susceptibility to infection.

The inside lining of the ear canal, like the rest of the skin, is normally inhabited by bacteria and yeast. These organisms are harmless unless they multiply out of control. Overgrowth of these organisms causes irritation, inflammation, foul odor and discharge. Chronic infection can lead to damage to ear tissues, including rupture of the ear drum. If the ear drum is ruptured, the infection can gain access to the middle ear, causing serious problems like head tilt, loss of balance, and inability to walk normally. Chronic ear infections may require surgery to remove the diseased ear canal (ear ablation) or to improve air flow to the ear (lateral ear canal resection)

Parasites in the ear include ear mites and ticks. Ear mites are tiny creatures that are just barely visible with the naked eye. You can view the ear video to observe the mites magnified. They are quite contagious between dogs and cats. They cause severe itching and produce large amounts of black, waxy discharge. The ear mites cause the ears to itch and the pet will scratch at it incessantly. This can lead to ear or skin infections as well as damage to deeper ear structures. Sometimes ticks will attach themselves inside the ear. They may irritate the ears or obstruct the canal, preventing normal ventilation and interfering with hearing.

The most common foreign bodies in the ears are fox-tails or grass awns. These pointy seeds get caught in pets fur and gradually work their way into the skin, nose, ears, and paws where they can cause major damage. Fox-tails in the ears are very irritating. If they are not removed, they can penetrate the ear drum.

Treatment for Ear Problems
Cleaning your dog’s ears is the first step in treating his ear problems. This may require sedation or anesthesia. When the ears are clean, then specific medications are prescribed to treat the ears. Antibiotics are used for bacterial infections, anti-fungals for yeast, anti-inflammatories for irritation and allergies, and insecticides for ear mites. Most of the medications should be applied directly into your dogs ears and are crucial to effectively treat the ear problem. Medication must be given exactly as instructed and continued for the full duration prescribed, even if the pet seems to be fully recovered sooner. If the ears were particularly full of debris, weekly flushing may be needed to get all the debris out of the ear.

The final step is to reduce the factors that can cause the ear problem to return. Skin problems and allergies often respond to dietary supplements, antihistamines or anti-inflammatories. Routine ear cleaning with a product recommended by your veterinarian can also help. It is vital that the ears stay clean and the pH of the ear corrected to minimize the return of the yeast or bacteria. Avoid allowing pets in areas that contain fox-tails and check for fox-tails when they return from outdoors. If the ear problems return, seek treatment quickly before the ears get worse.

For routine cleansing of your pet’s ears, we commonly use T8 Ear Solution.

If your pet has a discharge, pain or itching of his ears, please take your pet to your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Using the improper medication will only prolong your pet’s problem and take longer for the ear to heal.

For pet supplies, tips and more health care articles, visit LuvUrDog.com

Originally posted 2009-05-13 18:04:42. Republished by Old Post Promoter

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Originally posted 2009-09-11 12:54:49. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Teaching a small dog how to use a cat litter pan requires setting up a large litter pan with a plastic liner and filling the pan with turf or sod in order to get the dog used to outdoor surfaces. T…

Originally posted 2009-09-10 04:19:00. Republished by Old Post Promoter

In most cases, a collar is considered a critical accessory for any dog.  This is because collars are used to identify your dog and any illnesses he or she may have, among other things.  There are also numerous types of collars used for specific training purposes.  Collars can have a lot of different qualities, including, at the most basic level, the material they’re made of.  The most common material for dog collars, as with leashes and leads, is nylon.  There are a few reasons that make nylon such a popular choice.  East Side Collection stylish rhinestone nylon dog collar are among the popular options that dog owners make.

Leather is strong and tough enough to meet the demands posed by big dogs.  Even if you’re using a heavy-duty leash, a collar that can’t bear a heavy load will break under enough stress, so it’s important to have a sturdy collar as well.  The standard for load bearing in dog accessories is set by leather collars and leashes, and this is why they’re considered a must for large breeds.  Another recommendation for leather dog collars comes from trainers.  Along with their strength and durability, leather collars are also easy and comfortable for most dogs to wear, and this makes a big difference for K-9 trainers and other professionals.  East Side Collection studded faux leather dog collars are very popular items in this crowd.

Choke chains generally aren’t appropriate for puppies or dogs that are still growing, as they can cause abnormal growth of the skin around the dog’s neck if left on.  Also, owners must take care to put the choke chain on the dog the correct way, with the ring over the back of the dog’s neck, or else it will not work as intended.  A choke chain can be a very effective and humane training aid when it’s fitted correctly and used appropriately.  For serious owners who are willing to be attentive and careful, choke chains are certainly worth considering.  Many people select Guardian Gear choke chain light dog training collars for their usefulness in this regard.

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Originally posted 2009-10-14 09:25:50. Republished by Old Post Promoter

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Originally posted 2009-09-10 14:04:48. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Finding the best dog beds for your dogs can be a real challenge. Usually we do not have the ability to take our dog out shopping for a dog bed and getting their input. This leaves it up to you to make the best choice for your dog. There are some things you will need to look at when selecting a bed for your dog.

Getting the right size bed is vital to your dog’s comfort. The bed you choose needs to fit the size of your dog. If you don’t measure your dog it will be almost impossible to get the right fit. First measure your dog while he is standing. Measure your dog from the shoulders to floor and from the end of the nose to the beginning of the tail. It is also helpful to take measurements of your dog in its favorite sleeping position. For a dog mattress you will want to add twelve inches to your standing measurements to get the right fit. If you are looking for a nest and ball type bed add approximately nine inches to your dog’s sleeping measurements. It the bed does not have enough space your dog will not be comfortable. If you are buying a bed for a puppy get one with room to grow.

The best shape of dog bed for your dog will depend upon your dog’s size and sleeping habits. Look at where your dog most often snoozes. Most dog’s sleep in the same couple of places all the time. If your dog sleeps in one area in the morning and another during the night consider getting a dog bed that is easy to move around the house.

When selecting the height of the dog bed look for on that is easy for your dog to get in. There are dog beds made from so many different materials and in different shapes and styles. The right choice for your dog will depend on the individual needs of your dog such as how it likes to sleep, the climate in your area, and the dog’s size.

Originally posted 2009-06-08 11:35:52. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Dealing with a whining dog is just as troublesome as dealing with a barking dog. Many dog owners cite incessant whimpering as the most irritating dog behavior. When out in the elements, puppies use whining as the vehicle by which they inform their mother that they are suffering in some way, or that they require help. Eventually this whining while outside disappears as the dog grows a little older.

However, some domesticated dogs never outgrow whining, but merely transfer the whining behavior from their mothers to their owners as a means of drawing attention. Whining, grunting and other sounds made by a fully grown dog are a blatant attempt to focus your attention on them. Much like a mother in the wild, dog owners must curb this behavior early on in order to keep their pet’s behavior in check later on in life.

Finding the cause of the whining

Dogs usually whine for a specific reason. There is something that they want from you, and they believe that whining will help them get it. Once you can determine what it is that your dog ultimately wants, you should be able to stop the whining. Typical reasons for the whining include wanting you to feed him, the desire to have you play with him or spend time giving him affection, and possibly he feels the urgency to go out into the backyard to have a bowel movement.

However, these are not the only reasons a dog will whine. Dogs who whine while eating their food or using the bathroom typically have something physically wrong with them, as do dogs who begin whining for no apparent reason. Your pet may be trying to tell you that he or she is in pain.  After you have ruled out the most common factors, you should call your local veterinarian for an appointment.

Once this has been done, you can assume the whining is a behavior and work on correcting it.

The most successful method of curing the problem is to handle it as you would one of your kids. The first thing is that you must recognize this as attention seeking behavior and be sure that you do not reward your dog for it by giving him what he wants. Reverse the process by interrupting the whining with an unrelated instruction, such as telling the dog to lay down or sit, which will distract his train of thought away from the initial reason for the whining. Obedience should be rewarded not with your food from the table, but instead with an appropriate dog treat.

If the whining is due to the animal wanting to spend more time with you, this might indicate that you have been neglecting the animal and that he believes you are going to desert him. Comfort and confidence are the best things to give your dog in this situation. Begin this process by first spending a few moments with your dog and then leaving for a short time. If your pet begins to whine after your departure, refrain from rushing back to comfort it. Whimpering should be reprimanded with a low, stern voice.  Say “no” and leave the dog alone for a while longer. If the dog does not whine, or stops when you say no, then wait a few more minutes and then reenter the room and praise your dog for his great behavior. If the whining continues, go back to the dog and repeat the same sequence all over again.

Once you begin to notice progress with your dog, begin increasing the periods of time that you leave your pet by itself. Before long, your dog will be comforted by the knowledge that you will eventually return, and will then stop whimpering when you leave. Returning immediately each time your dog fusses will only enforce their negative behavior. Exuding this dominant energy lets your dog know that you are the alpha in the pack and allows them to adjust their behavior accordingly.

What procedures are employed to maintain a Shih Tzu – pet or show – in optimum health? The areas important are:

1.Maintenance of high standards of health.

2.Feeding a scientifically balanced diet.

3.Establishment of a regular program of exercise.

The formality and detail of a system is a matter of personal taste, however, these three areas are of universal importance and must be included whether you are raising a single family pet Shih Tzu or you are maintaining a large kennel of Shih Tzu show dogs.

Raising Shih Tzu Show Dogs

You must employ greater care when conditioning the Shih Tzu show dog. This is true not only because the Shih Tzu represent a larger investment of money, but because the show dog Shih Tzu are forced into situations that are potentially much more damaging to their general health.

Shih Tzu show dogs are constantly on the go being transported from one part of the country to another. Shih Tzu show dogs travel hundreds of miles each week to maintain their show schedule. Such traveling is hard on people and it is hard on Shih Tzu. It disrupts the normal Shih Tzu routine of life. There is breaking of the routine for sleeping and eating. While the Shih Tzu may sleep in the crate as they travel, the situation is still not entirely the same as when the Shih Tzu are at home and sleeping. There are new strange noises that disturb the Shih Tzu’s’ rest, and the Shih Tzu does not sleep as soundly as he would at home. The Shih Tzu rest is also constantly disturbed during the night with the arrival of each new exhibitor.

A dog’s hearing is very much greater than human hearing. It is most likely the Shih Tzu will be disturbed many more times during the traveling than a human on the same trip. All of this can create a nervous strain on the Shih Tzu. The Shih Tzu may simply refuse to eat and have to be force fed. Some Shih Tzu never do make an adequate adjustment and are forced to retire from a show career, just as some humans do not adjust to the busy life of being a Hollywood Movie Star and may turn to alcohol or drugs to help them adjust or not be able to perform at all.

You must consider also that traveling from show to show in a small crate has to be physically exhausting for the Shih Tzu show dog. The motion of the car or the airplane, the noises and the strange fumes all can add to the Shih Tzu’s discomfort and does take its toll on their health and well being.

The Shih Tzu show dog has all the above mentioned areas of concern in addition to those general problems that exist for all Shih Tzu – pet or show. The general conditions of health, diet, and exercise must be watched constantly to prevent serious health problems for the Shih Tzu – pet or show.

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Originally posted 2009-10-25 03:56:29. Republished by Old Post Promoter

If you’d like to have your dog outside, have him undergo leash training. Dogs allowed to venture outside of their owner’s properties need to be leashed.Some argue leash training is harsh but it’s an essential part of dog training. Here are a few great tips for leash training your dog:

Also, view Dove Cresswell puppy & dog training online review, it is a great dog training guide

1.Stock up on patience. Dogs learn at different paces. The manner and speed of learning is a factor of their breed and your commitment to the training program. Beagles must be trained more intensely because they get distracted easily. Bichon Frises are not as smart as Collies; they won’t learn as fast. Of course, you will need to be firm and consistent, ensuring your training is done appropriately. If you fail to be consistent, dogs get confused and your training will last weeks longer.

2. Age matters. Young pups are not as inconvenienced by a leash as adult dogs are the first time.Especially if they had not been previously leash-trained, adult dogs need time to get used to having a collar and leash for the first time.

3. Have your dog’s attention.No matter how you do it, it’s imperative for your dog to be cooperative in training. If his attention lasts only a short time, do your training in a quiet place where he can pay attention.Like, if you’re outside, train at the back, not the front yard. Untrained dogs easily get distracted by passing cars or people. If your trainee is a hyperactive type, exercise him vigorously to tire him a little; he’s likely to pay attention better that way.

Checkout Golden Retriever Training for some training tips.

Your Choices.

Besides the usual flat leash and buckle collar, you have several options as to the equipment that suits your training needs and goals. For instilling discipline in young puppies, the conventional flast leash is often enough. In rare cases, you might need any of these specialized training tools to be more helpful:

1. Head Collar.This kind of collar is very much like a horse’s collar. It lets you in gentle control of your dog with one loop around the neck, the other around the mouth. If you want to teach your dog not to lounge, this is your best bet.Mouth movement stays unrestricted; it thwarts a forward thrust of the head by turning it to a sideways movement.

2. Retractable leash. This leash lets you take up slack easily with a push buton.This is helpful if you’d like your dog to have a wide berth. Your dog can walk at a certain distance ahead of you and you need not worry. However, don’t take up slack with the push button if you’d like to train your dog to heel.

3. Choke/Prong Collars. From this collar’s name, you understand that this tool uses pain in training. On a leash, this allows you to remind your dog to behave himself by a slight tightening of the collar or jabbing spikes at his neck. Your goal is only to cause your dog some discomfort with a little pain, not seriously hurt him for misbehaving.

Read Dog Leash Training Information for further information.