Pet Tips

Protect Your Pets Health With Home Cooking
My Lhasa Apso Gallagher came to me completely hairless except for the hair on his head. He looked so bad that the humane society scheduled him to be euthanized, luckily he was saved by a local rescue group. His hair loss was due to lack of care and nutrition from his time spent on the streets. I was able to see past Gallagher’s condition when I looked into his big brown eyes that were calling for me to save him. I immediately secured the services of a holistic veterinarian. Over a six month period we tried every specialty food product available on the market. Some were quite awful, mushy fish and potatoes being high on the list. No matter what I did Gallagher always had this smell of fish about him. Out of complete frustration I told the vet that I had to take matters into my own hands. The Vet was very helpful in telling me what not to feed the Lhasa breed. Of course I did do some further research as I didn’t want to jeopardize Gallagher’s heath in any way. It took another three months before I actually started to see a nice coat of hair covering his body. After experimenting with several food combinations I settled on chicken, fresh cat fish, some beef and occasionaly turkey. Unfortunately Gallgher has an aversion to rice, so he’s just a meat and poulty guy. It’s now eight years since Gallagher came into my life. He along with his sisters Fanny and Kiki are still eating home cooked meals. I truly believe this is the natural and healthy way to feed my pets. As a testament to this belief all of my pets have been quite healthy throughout their lives. I am also so grateful that I didn’t have to be concerned with all the pet food scares going on these days. I know that I’m doing the cooking and all my dogs are quite happy, healthy and satisfied. Whenever I take Gallagher to the groomer I am reminded of his early days in my life and I can clearly see the black leather skin on his hairless body. All it took was a little home cooking to restore Gallagher’s dignity and health.

Is Your Dog or Cat Taking In Any Vitamin Supplements Right Now?
Just like humans, animals just like dogs, cats and many pets need a balanced diet with proteins, carbohydrates, fats and water, just like humans do. However, these are only the starting point for a healthy diet. Pets also need vitamins and minerals to keep them healthy. However, it is not easy to find independent information online on the subject of canine vitamin supplements. If you are considering a vitamin supplement for your dog, be extra careful about getting caught up in the articles from the websites promoting such supplements. What you demand is to have an objective and independent information regarding your own need for dietary supplements, your pet’s health can fall into the same category. Whoever sells the supplements says you need the supplements. Just as we should check with our doctors before embarking on dietary supplements, so should you check hard by your veterinarian before you conclude on a supplement for your dog. Almost any website, store or publication that sells dietary supplements for pets will tell you that your dog does indeed need a supplement. However, just as humans can ingest toxic levels of vitamins and suffer dangerous side effects, so can your dog. Your veterinarian can conduct a blood test to see if your dog is deficient in any vitamins and nutrients. Just as in humans there are medical conditions for which a supplement is warranted, there are medical conditions including mal-absorption issues that indicate a need for supplement for your dog. In discussion with your veterinarian the possible need for a health supplement for your dog, you and your veterinarian should discuss the activity level of your four-legged friend. Service dogs, such as guide dogs for the blind sometimes need health food due to their increased activity. Also, be sure to discuss the need for a supplement for your dog in conjunction with any ongoing medical condition your dog may have. In modern years, there’s been a lot of controversy over pet supplements. At one point, pet owners were concerned the FDA was going to pull all pet supplements off the market. Instead, the National Animal Supplement Council was formed. It’s comprised mostly of pet supplement manufacturers whose mission is to forge compliance of supplement statutes. The FDA regulates animal supplements the same way it does supplements for human consumption. Enforcement of the laws, though as in the human sector is lacking due to a shortage of resources. Some manufacturers take advantage of this knowing it will take a long time at worst, for the FDA to crack down on them. If you are considering a vitamin supplement for your dog, make sure you consult with a veterinarian who does not sell supplements. This will help ensure you get an unbiased opinion as to whether you need to purchase a vitamin supplement for your dog. After knowing why and how to choose a good vitamin supplement for your dog, it is important to realise that more information in vitamins for humans is also crucial. Earlier you are going to swallow any type of vitamin health food, you need to first consult your doctor. However, many people sometimes tend to forget the quality and quantity of swallowing vitamins, without realizing the dangerous effects of over-consumption it, level while various kinds of these can treat chronic diseases. Ergo, without a proper understanding of using proper vitamins to treat many chronic diseases, there will not be much illness free lifestyle to craving for. Apply these effective tips as being highlighted here, together alongside an thorough understanding of vitamin supplements is important so that you enjoy your life once again. Let me ask you a question, besides your pets are taking in vitamins, are you as a human being also consuming vitamins as well. If not, do you think it is about time to consider taking it.

Eddy K Elgin is the author of the 17 Minutes Vitamin Supplements Tips and Resource. Drop by at <a href="http://www.17minvitaminssecrets.com/vitamin-supplements-blog/">Is Your Dog or Cat Taking In Any Vitamin Supplements Now</a> for more details.

Top Pet Medications
The development of medications for pets has increased rapidly in recent years. Pets are becoming a part of the family, and general advancements are being made in medicine. It makes sense that more resources are being devoted to pets. The advances in medications have increased the quality of life for many pets, and made life more pleasant for owners as well.

For instance, the development of Frontline, one of the top selling pet medications, has greatly reduced the hassles associated with fleas. Before the development of the topical spot-on treatment, fleas were a major problem for many pet owners. While there were a myriad of sprays, collars, dips and shampoos available to treat one’s pet, these were only temporary relief measures. Carpet powders and sprays could reduce the flea population in the home for a time, but flea eggs can remain dormant, and the fleas always came back. Frontline eliminated the need for ineffective flea treatments. Frontline is a very beneficial medication for your pet because it kills fleas and ticks that are on your pet while helping to kill those in your house.

Another medication that has improved the lives of one’s pet is the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, Rimadyl. Rimadyl is a highly effective pain reliever, which also helps reduce inflammation. This medication is used to treat temporary pain, such as post surgery, or chronic pain, such as that associated with osteoarthritis. The pain relief is dramatic, and for many pets that have suffered from osteoarthritis, the difference in the animals behavior and activity level is dramatic. Rimadyl has provided an alternative treatment for many pets whose owners would previously have had little choice other than euthanasia to relieve their pet’s pain.

Another way to treat arthritic conditions is through supplementation. While supplements such as Dasuquin do not provide pain relief in the traditional way, they contain ingredients that help lessen the pain of osteoarthritis. For instance, Dasuquin contains glucosamine, chondroitin, avocado and soybean unsaponifiables, tea polyphenols and other ingredients that have been shown to improve joint health. Dasuquin has a chicken and tuna flavor that most pets readily accept.

Many pets today suffer from various digestive ailments. Whether from allergies or disease, problems with the digestive tract are no fun. A pet that cannot properly absorb nutrients will not have a strong immune system, will have trouble maintaining weight, and may develop other problems as well. Denamarin is a liver supplement that can help with these issues. Denamarin provides support for liver function, and helps bile flow through the liver. This improves digestion and helps your pet absorb nutrients from his diet.

If your pet has problems with his skin and coat, you may be interested in Douxo Calm, an emulsion spray that is used in the treatment of seborrhea. The spray improves the quality of the coat, moisturizes and relieves your pet’s itching.

If you believe that your pet could benefit from one of these pet medications, it is important to talk to your veterinarian. Some medications, such as Frontline, are available without a prescription, but others require a prescription to be dispensed.
These medications can put a strain on your budget, but there are ways to make them more affordable. One way is to purchase the medications online. Even medications that require a prescription can be purchased online; you simply fax or ask your veterinarian to fax a copy of the prescription to the online store where you found a better price.

While some veterinarians may prefer to sell you the medication themselves, but if you explain the financial realities of your situation, many veterinarians may provide you with a prescription or offer to match the price of the online pharmacy.

Occasionally veterinarians are unwilling to provide a prescription for various medications. Often, prescription medications make up a large percentage of the profit that is generated by a veterinary hospital. Particularly with medications such as Rimadyl that are taken for chronic conditions. A medication for a chronic condition could become quite expensive, and purchasing online may be the best choice for your budget.

If your veterinarian is reluctant to provide you with a prescription, you have two remedies. The first is to shop around for a different veterinarian. If you are otherwise happy with your pet’s care, you may not want to switch hospitals over this issue. The other choice is to have a frank discussion with your veterinarian about the expense. In some states, the veterinarian is required to provide you with a prescription of any prescribed drug, but if the veterinarian is strongly opposed to you purchasing the prescription online, this can create conflict in your relationship and they may also charge you a fee for writing the prescription. It is best to be honest about your budget concerns in order to convince your pet’s health care provider that you need the option of ordering online.

Shawn Thomas is a freelance writer who often writes about topics pertaining to the care of pets and health options for pets such as <a href="http://www.vetrxdirect.com/">pet medicine</a>

Pet Eye Health — What to Look For
Keeping eyes healthy is important both for pets and humans. The area around the eyes as well as the eyes themselves is a very sensitive area. The cleaner this area is kept the more likely an animal’s eye will stay healthy. Your pet’s eyes are crucial to their safety and well-being. There are many substances and conditions that can threaten your pet’s eye health and understanding the signs of certain problems can help you anticipate and treat these problems before they permanently affect your pet’s vision. Red Eyes Red eyes can signal many different inflammatory conditions and infectious diseases ranging from conjunctivitis to glaucoma. The most common conditions associated with your pet’s red eyes are below. Conjunctivitis Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the mucous membranes of the eye. It’s the most common eye disease in all domestic animals, and it has a number of causes. Conjunctivitis might be caused by a viral or bacterial infection, by a parasite (like ticks) and by allergies. Ticks in particular can transmit a number of parasites that can cause conjunctivitis. Treatment for conjunctivitis includes keeping the eye clean and eliminating the cause of the inflammation. Dogs with allergies and purebred cats are most prone to conjunctivitis. Keratitis Keratitis causes superficial blood vessels and pigmentation on the eye. It can decrease vision if left untreated. It is a common eye disorder, especially among German shepherds, and the redness is often accompanied by a thick, ropy mucous discharge from the eyes. In severe and chronic cases, the eye surface becomes infiltrated with blood vessels, and may harden because of long term irritation. There may also be ulceration of the eye tissue due to keratitis. Treatment of keratitis includes tear stimulants and anti-inflammatory medicines. Eye ulcers may require surgical repair. Most external eye diseases are treated with antibacterial eye drops that must be applied several times a day. Newer technologies that treat eye infections in dogs include a bioadhesive ophthalmic drug insert which can be placed in the eye to avoid the daily treatment and make compliance with treatment easier. Cherry Eye Cherry Eye is a prolapse of the gland of the third eyelid. It is most common among young dogs, especially Pekingese, bulldogs, beagles and cocker spaniels. The gland becomes infected, irritated and inflamed. Treatment for cherry eye is surgical replacement of the gland. Scleritis Scleritis is inflammation of the opaque white outer coat enclosing the eyeball. It may result from parasitic disease like Lyme disease or toxoplasmosis. Untreated, it can result in the loss of the eye. The red area around the eye may develop suddenly, and is usually hard, lumpy and immovable. Treatment of scleritis is often topical steroids. Uveitis Uveitis is inflammation of the uveal tract or tear ducts. It usually results from an underlying disease. Your pet may show signs of eye pain, overflowing tears, sensitivity to light, eyelid spasms and small pupils. Left untreated, it can damage vision and lead to glaucoma. It can also be the first symptom of a more serious, life-threatening disease. Treatment for uveitis is dependent on the underlying cause. Glaucoma Glaucoma is an elevation of pressure in the eyeball. Just like in humans, glaucoma can lead to irreversible blindness. Signs of glaucoma include large pupils, cloudy pupils and redness. Treatment for acute glaucoma should be started immediately and should be directed toward rapidly reducing the pressure before permanent damage occurs. Breeds most prone to glaucoma are American cocker spaniels, bassets, wire fox terriers, Boston terriers, Siberian huskies, cairn terriers, chow chows, Norwegian elk hounds and miniature poodles. Cataracts Cataracts are white spots in the lenses of the eye that impair vision and cause blindness. Cataracts may be genetic, or they may be caused by diabetes mellitus, or by infections like canine herpes, canine parovirus-2 and canine adenovirus-1. They may also be caused by injury to the eye, poor nutrition, radiation therapy or toxins. Treatment of cataracts is surgical removal if they significantly impair vision. There are a number of breeds that may inherit a tendency to develop cataracts. They include Miniature Schnauzer, Boston Terrier, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Siberian Husky, American Cocker Spaniel, Old English sheepdog, Standard Poodle, Welsh Springer Spaniel and German Shepherd Dog. Bleeding in the eye Bleeding in the eye is usually the result of injury or inflammation. Treatment for the condition depends on the cause. Herpes viral conjunctivitis Herpes viral conjunctivitis is extremely common in young kittens, especially those who are dealing with other stresses to their system like fleas, environmental cold and poor nutrition. Outdoor kittens, feral kittens and kittens in shelters are especially prone to feline conjunctivitis. Watery eyes Watery eyes have many causes. One of the more common is entropion, a condition where the lashes turn inward. The treatment is to clean the eyes carefully with a wet cotton pad and remove any debris from the corner of the eye. The tendency to watery eyes caused by hair and lashes in the eye can best be treated by keeping the top knot tidy in breads with top knots. Trichiasis Trichiasis is a condition that causes some lashes to grow inward and rub on the surface of the eye. It can eventually cause scarring of the cornea and lead to vision loss. Treatment for trichiasis is surgical removal of the abnormal lashes. Jaundice Jaundice is yellowness in the whites of the eyes. There are many causes for jaundice, and your pet should be seen by a vet to determine the underlying cause. Some possible causes include hepatitis, urinary tract infections, pancreatitis, gallstones, anemia, medications and viral infections. Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the disease.

Brian Jenkins is a freelance writer who often writes about topics pertaining to the care of pets and health options for pets such as <a href="http://www.vetrxdirect.com/">Pet Meds</a>

Is there too many dog breeds?
Pedigree dog has been criticized a lot lately for inbreeding. The growing number of recognized breeds could be one the root causes of the problem.

Hazards of tap water for pets
One question that normally comes in the mind that is, “Is the tap water safe for drinking?” if people are doubtful about the quality of their drinking water then they would not find an appropriate answer to this question. However, speaking about tap water around 80 percent of Americans prefer to drink bottled water than tap water. They usually spend more on buying bottled water to drink but many times still offer tap water to their pets. Does this mean that they are just concerned about their own health and not about their pets? This is actually a serious problem and every pet owner has to take into consideration health concerns about their pets in the same way they take their own.

People should know that carcinogens and toxins may be present in the water they drink. There are many ways in which drinking tap water can be effected such as trace amounts of chlorine, fluoride, lead, radon & arsenic, perchlorate or rocket fuel and bacteria & parasites.

- Chlorine is being added to the drinking water as a pathogen deterrent and bacteria retardant. Chlorine is a chemical which in fact reacts with healthy nutrients to cause cancer in the human body.
- Fluoride is being added to the drinking water in order to prevent cavities and strengthen tooth enamel. However, recent studies have suggested that fluoride can harmfully affect organs and also be carcinogenic.
- Radon & Arsenic are those contaminants which enter the water in numerous ways which include running water from the fields, by the use of herbicides and pesticides and also by industrial pollution.
- Lead is being used to prevent leakage from fixtures and pipes and this is being used for over 100 years by many people.
- Perchlorate or Rocket Fuel is not an innovative caffeine enhanced soft drinks but it is considered as one of the most dangerous chemical that causes thyroid cancer and several other physical problems.
- Parasites and Bacteria normally enter via the ground water supply especially in cases where there is more wastage of water, potholes filled with water or animal waste.

Noticeably, if the drinking water in the house in not safe for human consumption then it will also be inappropriate for pets. Most of the similar diseases and illness caused to humans by toxic taps can also apply to the pets as well. So, in order to avoid these problems one should make use of bottled water which may be cleaner than unregulated tap water. Quite often people buy bottle water from super markets which is in fact tap water and not the spring water or mineral water. so, make sure that the water is coming from the trustworthy source and try to identify the difference between different types of water such as spring water, mineral water or distilled water.

Ensure that your drinking water is always safe get natural <a href="http://www.tranquilwater.com.au">spring water</a> from Tranquil Water (http://www.tranquilwater.com.au) delivered to your home or office. <a href="http://www.tranquilwater.com.au/products.html">Bottled water dispenser</a> available for lease.

Animal Assisted Therapy
The term “animal assisted therapy” is to be distinguished from the more familiar practice of “animal assisted activities”, which refers generally to pet visitation at hospitals and residential care facilities.

Animal Assisted Therapy is part of a formal and carefully designed treatment program with specific and measurable objectives that matches one animal to one patient. Under the guidance of a trained medical professional, patients with severe mental and/or physical disabilities are encouraged to interact with a “therapy dog” under the supervision of a trained dog handler.

The patient’s interaction with the dog is increased gradually. Initially, the patient may merely observe the dog or touch it. As the patient becomes more responsive and confident, activities may include brushing, attaching collars and even walking the dog. Progress records are maintained as milestones are met and exceeded.

Studies have shown that therapy pets motivate people to participate in therapeutic interactions. Dogs are not judgmental, they don’t hassle or pressure their partner and they have endless patience. Further, simply because they are animals and require care, the patient grooming them or walking them is made to feel useful.

The benefits and expectations of animal assisted activities, or pet visits, vary according to the needs and conditions of the patients being visited. Pet visits are less formal; they do not follow a particular treatment plan or schedule and they are not usually set up on a one pet to one patient scenario.

Pet visits are common to hospitals, assisted living homes and nursing homes. They are often nothing more than a way to entertain people or to change their routine and brighten their day.

On the other hand, when visited by a pet some people who have basically shut themselves off from human interaction will begin to work their way back to reality. Apparently the pet stirs emotions in them that have been lying dormant. Examples have been given where patients who have not spoken a word in over a year will begin to talk to the visiting dog.

Now that pet therapy has become a proven and documented reality, institutions are beginning to capitalize on this phenomenon with the “resident pet.” This term refers to a cat or a dog that becomes a permanent resident of a particular facility and is usually given free run of the place.

Each resident benefits from a proprietary interest in the animal and looks forward to assisting in its care. In some cases, a full course of therapy has been designed around the care and feeding of a resident pet. The residents meet to discuss what must be done and develop their own charts and schedules to accommodate the pet’s needs. However, staff must be constantly on the alert to avoid problems of jealousy and feuds over the pet’s affections.

The attributes and characteristics that comprise a good visiting dog or therapy dog have more to do with temperament than training. Not to say that the dog will not need training in basic obedience, but that is normally sufficient except in extraordinary situations.

Patients and residents react to the dogs in a variety of ways. Some are effusive, some impulsive and others are shy. Therefore, the dogs must be ready for anything. It surely wouldn’t do for a dog to lunge away or growl if a patient makes a loud noise or reaches for them abruptly. When selecting a dog for these purposes you would not necessarily want an animal that is high strung or one that is too laid back to get up and socialize.

Numerous studies have documented the benefits of pet therapy. Pets have been used in treating AIDS patients, cancer patients, the elderly and the mentally ill. One study determined that petting a dog can lower blood pressure and another found that pets can reduce stress related illnesses.

A study at City Hospital in New York noted that heart patients who owned pets lived longer than those without pets. Owning a pet was found to be more significant to long term survival than the presence of even a spouse or friends.

Pets make us feel good. They comfort us, allow us to be ourselves and give those of us that need it a reason for living. Please visit my website for more great information at http://www.free-online-veterinarian-advice.com

Chris Suckow lives and works in Los Angeles CA http://www.free-online-veterinarian-advice.com

Term life insurance no medical exam-Best chance to get it
I think you are in search of life insurance where you don’t need medical exam. Have you been looking for life insurance online? But sometimes we are frustrated with many choices. Why are you spending your costly time searching online? I think you already know that buying life insurance is the right thing to do because the terms of life insurance offers you the maximum protection at the lowest rates Currently, to get term life insurance online without taking a medical exam is very easy, quick and affordable. Actually there are few insurers who provide this facility and offers instant approval life insurance. You can apply online in about 5 minutes and find out if you qualify instantly. Today, you can get life insurance online and print your policy immediately after you pay your first premium online. You can get life insurance coverage “In Force” today. Everyone doesn’t qualify for coverage though. Generally, you do have to be in good health, but, even if you’re taking medication, or may not qualify with other life insurers — you might qualify for no exam life insurance. It may be also that life insurance with no exam required may cost you a little more than coverage through other insurers. It is beneficial for you. Several benefits include: Instant approval, coverage, no doctors, no invasive needles, no medical tests, no mailing delays, and no forceful insurance agents to deal with. The list goes on. However, there are two drawbacks - the premium may be a little higher. And, not everyone qualifies for coverage. You just have to give the answers of few simple health questions to get your immediate quotes to find out if you meet the requirements for no exam life insurance easily. Than you should decide if you like the rates and than you can apply online in about 5 minutes. After 10 minute you will get response whether you have approved for your life insurance coverage. After that you can pay your first month premium online and print your policy soon. It is so simple that No time delays, no mountain of paperwork and no dreaded medical exams. Make sure to check the financial rating of your life insurer. It is usually provided on their web site. Also, paying an annual premium is usually less expensive than monthly payment options. Finally, when you buy direct online, you’re cutting out the uncomfortable sales person at your dinner table trying to talk you into the policy.

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