Labrador Retriever Dogs Blog

A common dog illness is ringworm and can be prevented and treated if your dog has the problem. Many illnesses affect dogs, some are very common and happen no matter how well cared for your dog is at any time. Dogs are creatures of the outside, and they can get into anything. Ringworm seems to be common in puppies and older dogs. Other common dog illness can be prevented with proper vaccinations and proper health care. Ringworm is a fungal infection that targets the overall health of the dog.

Diagnosis of Ringworm Infection

The common dog illness ringworm has several different ways to be detected and diagnose. The common way to detect ringworm is with a black light. The ringworms glow in the black light when the light hits them. Sometimes this practice does work and a vet will perform another test to detect ringworm.

Signs of Having Ringworm

If you see small areas of the body without hair, chances are your dog has ringworm. The skin will appear scaly and display pus in the area. After time the areas become larger when they receive no medical treatment. You will notice this parasite on the tail, head and legs.

Treating the Common Dog Illness Ringworm

If the health of the dog is healthy then the ringworm will clear up by itself in about four months. However, when severe cases exist, medical treatments are required. If your dog has the lesion, clipping the hair around the area is needed, but do not touch the lesion or it will spread. Apply a tropical anti fungal cream after clipping the hair away. Such creams like miconazole and lotrimin creams are used for this purpose. Do not let the dog lick the area where you apply the cream. A dog funnel collar may be required to prevent the dog from reaching the area.

If the cream alone does not work, antifungal shampoos and antifungal dips will benefit your dog and help the area to heal faster. Some other antifungal agents are griseofulvin and itraconazole, which work well on a dog.

Common Dog Illness Issues

Keeping your dog in perfect health and protected from bacterial, fungal and viral infections is your responsibility. The number one need of the dog is regular vaccines and proper care. Dogs need vaccines against rabies, parvovirus and distemper. Dogs also need to be checked yearly for heartworm, which can cause death to the dog if not properly prevented. Keep in mind that rabies vaccinations are given every two years and distemper vaccinations are received yearly.

Many conditions result in health problems and in some breeds of dogs, the breed is prone to more health problems then others. Joint problems and heart problems account for some of these more serious health problems. When looking for a dog, you need to be aware of some of the problems that can arise in a dog’s life. Besides the everyday parasites and injuries from rough play, some dogs are prone to eye infections, ear infections and mange.

There are many health issues that can affect dogs. Some are more particular to a certain breed.

For instance, hip dysplasia is more often seen in the Akita or the Bullmastiff. While a health issue such as fleas is likely to show up in any type of dog. It is hard for an animal to tell you there’s something wrong. They rely on their behavior to indicate to you something is not up to snuff. By observing your dog, you will know when a health issue pops up.

Fleas can be one of the most bothersome health issues for any dog. This small wingless insect jumps from destination to destination and wrecks havoc on families. They are very difficult to get rid of since they reproduce very quickly and can become immune to pesticides. The best sign of a flea’s presence is your dog’s constant scratching. If you notice this, check the dog’s skin and look for flea excrements. It is a good idea to check with your veterinarian before you try tackling this problem. Drops or pills work well to eradicate them, a flea collar will provide moderate success and if fleas have infested your house, you may need to do some decontamination.

Another troublesome health issue for dogs is worms. They can be seen in the dog’s stool or around it’s anus and under it’s tail. If you suspect worms, a veterinarian should be sought to diagnose and treat this affliction.

Allergies affect dogs just as they do humans. The causes are many, such as, pollen, dander, spores, mites or food, to name some. Although allergies cannot be prevented, eliminating the allergen can control them. Food allergies can be one of the hardest to determine. Together with your veterinarian, you can determine the best treatment for the allergy. Testing can be done to determine the pet’s allergy and steroids will relieve some of the symptoms. Immunotherapy, antihistamines and symptomatic treatment are also available. This health problem will take endurance and fortitude.

Some dogs are plagued by ear infections. Their ears are deep and long and have little airflow. If moisture gets in them, it can be difficult to dry out. They should be inspected as part of a normal grooming process. If you notice red inflamed skin in them, a build up of wax, foul smell, or observe the dog pawing them, it is likely an infection is present. Treatment would consist of medication administered to the ears and also cleaning the ears on a daily basis for one to two weeks.

One of the most common eye problems in dogs is conjunctivitis, which is an inflammation of the eye’s mucous membranes. The eye will redden, swell and possibly produce a discharge. It will also be itchy. It is important to keep the eye clean and get appropriate medicine from your vet that will usually be an antibiotic eye drop or a steroid component to eliminate symptoms.

As in humans, dogs are more prone to certain health problems. By paying attention to your dog’s behavior, you will notice when a problem does arise. Catching the problem early will help put your dog back on the healthy road again and prevent serious complications.

There are many health issues that can affect dogs. Some are more particular to a certain breed.

For instance, hip dysplasia is more often seen in the Akita or the Bullmastiff. While a health issue such as fleas is likely to show up in any type of dog. It is hard for an animal to tell you there’s something wrong. They rely on their behavior to indicate to you something is not up to snuff. By observing your dog, you will know when a health issue pops up.

Fleas can be one of the most bothersome health issues for any dog. This small wingless insect jumps from destination to destination and wrecks havoc on families. They are very difficult to get rid of since they reproduce very quickly and can become immune to pesticides. The best sign of a flea’s presence is your dog’s constant scratching. If you notice this, check the dog’s skin and look for flea excrements. It is a good idea to check with your veterinarian before you try tackling this problem. Drops or pills work well to eradicate them, a flea collar will provide moderate success and if fleas have infested your house, you may need to do some decontamination.

Another troublesome health issue for dogs is worms. They can be seen in the dog’s stool or around it’s anus and under it’s tail. If you suspect worms, a veterinarian should be sought to diagnose and treat this affliction.

Allergies affect dogs just as they do humans. The causes are many, such as, pollen, dander, spores, mites or food, to name some. Although allergies cannot be prevented, eliminating the allergen can control them. Food allergies can be one of the hardest to determine. Together with your veterinarian, you can determine the best treatment for the allergy. Testing can be done to determine the pet’s allergy and steroids will relieve some of the symptoms. Immunotherapy, antihistamines and symptomatic treatment are also available. This health problem will take endurance and fortitude.

Some dogs are plagued by ear infections. Their ears are deep and long and have little airflow. If moisture gets in them, it can be difficult to dry out. They should be inspected as part of a normal grooming process. If you notice red inflamed skin in them, a build up of wax, foul smell, or observe the dog pawing them, it is likely an infection is present. Treatment would consist of medication administered to the ears and also cleaning the ears on a daily basis for one to two weeks.

One of the most common eye problems in dogs is conjunctivitis, which is an inflammation of the eye’s mucous membranes. The eye will redden, swell and possibly produce a discharge. It will also be itchy. It is important to keep the eye clean and get appropriate medicine from your vet that will usually be an antibiotic eye drop or a steroid component to eliminate symptoms.

As in humans, dogs are more prone to certain health problems. By paying attention to your dog’s behavior, you will notice when a problem does arise. Catching the problem early will help put your dog back on the healthy road again and prevent serious complications.

The way I discovered the material covered in Veterinary Secrets Revealed was by learning from many people. I read books-hundreds of books. I went to seminars and conferences, and still do. I consulted with holistic specialists- Homeopaths, Acupuncturists, Chiropractors, Massage therapists, Chinese Medicine practitioners and Herbalists.

I tried these remedies on my clients- and they often worked. I recall one of my first clients 15 years ago, a sweet little Jack Russel named Jessie.

Jessie came in to the clinic feeling sick. Blood tests, X-rays and a liver biopsy showed that Jessie had a severe liver disease that was ‘incurable’. I put her on all the conventional medication – It did not help one bit. As she got sicker, I felt helpless as to what to do.

So, I talked to an herbalist. She suggested trying an herb called Milk Thistle. I was skeptical, being a new graduate from Vet school – but I thought, why not try it? My boss thought it was a waste of time and money.

But it worked. Jessie recovered from the liver disease and her blood tests showed normal liver function 3 months later after taking it.

From that moment on, I was hooked. I incorporated alternative medicine into regular veterinary practice.

After treating thousands of pets for a variety of problems, I wrote my book, Veterinary Secrets Revealed.

Jessie is just one example of the many pets I’ve been fortunate enough to learn from. And it is the result of her successful recovery, and so many others that all went into ‘Veterinary Secrets Revealed’. In my book, I tell about every single at home remedy that I have used for every pet health problem imaginable.

Examination and treatment of common conditions of the Eyes, Ears and Nose

The Eyes

The surface of the eye (cornea) should be clear. The middle of the eye (pupil) should respond to light. You can shine a light into your pets’ eyes and see the pupil constrict. The right and left pupils should be equal size.

The lens, which sits behind the pupil, should be clear. If it appears cloudy, then your pet may be developing cataracts. This may be normal for an aging pet, or may be a sign of disease, such as diabetes.

The area around the eye, the white tissue, is called the sclera. It should be a clear white color. In cases of liver disease, it will become yellow (jaundiced).

The pink tissue around the eye is called the conjuctiva; it is normally a light pink color. In infections, it becomes a darker pink and the eyes will produce a white or greenish discharge. There are a number of home remedies to treat conjunctivitis.

TO THE KITCHEN. Tea is more than just a drink. It has a product in it called tannins, which are anti-inflammatory and have antimicrobial properties. Brew up a strong cup of black tea and place 3-4 drops in the affected eye three times daily. It should be made daily to prevent contamination. More details are found in my book.

The Eyelids should be free of any lumps or bumps; older pets commonly develop benign eyelid tumors, which may need removal by your veterinarian.

There should be no discharge from your pets’ eyes; excessive tearing may indicate a blocked tear duct.

The last part of the eyes to examine is the 3rd eyelid. It sits in the corner of the lower eye closest to the nose. It is not usually seen. In cases of conjunctivitis, it may become very red. It contains a gland that can pop out (prolapsed 3rd eyelid gland). This may respond to anti-inflammatory medication or have to be treated surgically.

The Ears

Your pet should not be shaking their head; if they do there may be an ear infection.

The outside of the ear (pinna) should be a light pink and palpate as being flat. Any thickening could indicate an ear infection, allergy or a blood blister in the ear (aural hematoma).

The inside of the ear (ear canal) should be easy to see and free of discharge. A small amount of light yellow discharge is probably normal wax. Any foul smelling odor indicates an infection. A yellowy discharge often indicates a yeast infection. Hard black debris in your cats’ ears likely indicates ear mites. If debris an odor are present, then clean your pets ears.

A safe home remedy involves a 50:50 mixture of vinegar and water. Drop the mixture in the ear canal, rub the base of the ear well to loosen up the debris, then wipe out the excess by placing a cotton ball as deep as you can into the ear canal. Repeat the cleaning until the debris appears removed from the ear. One home remedy involves garlic soaked in olive oil for 12 hours. Remove the garlic clove and apply 5-6 drops into the ear twice daily for 7-10 days. As ear infections are often a result of an allergic reaction, products that modulate your pet’s immune system will help.

Nose

Check for any signs of discharge from the right or left nostril. The occasional clear discharge is normal for some pets, but ongoing discharge indicates a problem, such as an allergy.

Your pet may benefit from a hypoallergenic diet, which can be bought commercially.

Home Allergy Diet for a 50 lb Dog

Boiled white fish or canned tuna 1 cup

Boiled potatoes or Cooked rice 4 cups

Calcium carbonate or Tums 1 teaspoon

Corn Oil 1 tablespoon

Potassium chloride (light salt) 1 teaspoon

One-a-day multivitamin 1 tablet

Mix all ingredients together and divide into equal portions, feeding 2 1/2 cups in the morning and 2 1/2 cups in the evening.

Feline Home Allergy Diet for a 10 lb Cat

Canned Tuna in Fish Oil 1 cup

Cooked White Rice 1 cup

Cod Liver Oil 1 tablespoon

Calcium Carbonate or Tums 1/2 teaspoon

Potassium Chloride 1/4 teaspoon

One-a-day Vitamin 1/2 tablet

Taurine 500mg

Mix all ingredients so they are well blended together. This will make 2 cups of food, enough for 2 days. Feed 1/2 cup in the morning and 1/2 cup in the evening.

Whatever food you choose, it must be fed for 12 weeks. If after 12 weeks your pet it still scratching, then she probably doesn’t have a food allergy.

Any purulent (thick, whitish) discharge is abnormal and indicates a bacterial infection in the nasal cavity or sinuses.

Feel that air is flowing through both nostrils by placing a hair in front of each nostril. An abnormal growth in the nose can block airflow into the nostril.

The nose may appear dry or wet; a wet nose means that the glands in the nose are producing more fluid. This is not a sign of disease.

The nose and end of the muzzle should be black or light pink. If it becomes inflamed and red, then your pet may have a condition called Collie Nose; this is a localized type of immune problem in which the immune system attacks the end of the nose.

Two simple home remedies involve removing plastic dishes if they are being used for feeding and applying a very safe topical herb, Aloe Vera.

I have over 1 thousand at-home remedies in my book. There are no other comparable Veterinary books out there.

Veterinary Secrets Revealed will provide all the information you need to keep your pet healthy or to improve the health of a sick pet.

In addition, Veterinary Secrets Revealed does it without medical jargon, without complicated procedures, and without an eye on the pharmaceutical companies’ bottom line (yes, we Vets face the same pressures as human doctors.)

Veterinary Secrets Revealed will help your pet.

To Your Pet’s Good Health!

There are several common health problems that may affect your dog during their lifetime, hence why so many opt to take out dog insurance cover. Most of the common illnesses or ailments are not life threatening. If you take measures to prevent or treat the ailments as soon as they occur; your dog is less likely to become seriously ill from these conditions. Below are some of the most common pet ailments that can affect your canine companion.
Arthritis - Arthritis is a common problem and one in five dogs over the age of seven usually has some form of arthritis. If you notice a change in your dog’s daily routine or your dog starts to display signs of discomfort while exercising or when out for a walk you should take him to see your vet. There isn’t a cure for arthritis, however, there are treatments and medications that can help your dog be more comfortable and allow them to stay active.
Arthritis can affect your pets hips, shoulders, joints, neck and back. There are two kinds of arthritis. Degenerative joint disease, also called osteoarthritis, is caused by stress on the joints. Inflammatory Joint Disease is usually caused by an infection. Some of the symptoms include loss of weight and fever. The most common causes of this condition is ticks and bacteria.
Worms – There are many types of worms your pet could become infected with. The more common worms are Flatworms, Tapeworms, heartworms, hookworms, whipworms and lungworms. Worms are very common in dogs and are easily treated. Did you know that a puppy can be born with worms if their mother is infected. An adult dog can get worms from being bitten by fleas, ticks and even mosquitoes. While out playing in the parks they can easily pick up worms by eating or coming in to contact with dead birds, eating frogs and most commonly dog and cat feces. They could even share toys with an infected animal and pick up intestinal worms in this manner. It will not always be apparent that your dog or cat has worms, some worm infected pets show no symptoms initially while other worms cause diarrhea, weight loss and abdominal pain. Possibly one of the best indicators you’re your dog or cat has worms is when they show a lack of energy and motivation to exercise. There are many different treatments ask your vet which one is right for your dog. Worms are not life threatening if you treat them properly. If you set up a regular worming programme you will not have to worry about your dog becoming infected. Most worm infections do not pass to humans, however some do. Ask your vet for more information if you are concerned about your family pet passing worms to your kids.
Anxiety Disorders - Anxiety Disorders are fairly common and recognising them and getting the proper treatment is key to keeping your dog healthy. An anxiety disorder can affect the dog’s emotional and physical health. Some things that dogs are afraid of are things like thunder or fireworks. Sensitive dogs even become anxious when their owners raise their voices unexpectedly. A dog can also suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for long periods of time. Studies have shown that this may be a genetic trait in some specific breeds of dogs. Some of the breeds include, Great Danes, German Shepherd, Jack Russell Terriers and Dalmatians. Some of the symptoms a dog may have include, barking, pacing, urinating in the house and licking themselves excessively. When a dog is in acute distress they may try to hide under a bed.
Your vet can run tests to see exactly what is wrong with your dog. Some of these symptoms could also be associated with other ailments. Once the vet has determined it is anxiety, then they will give you medications or treatments for your specific dog. A dog with anxiety disorders does not deal well with change so you should try to establish a daily routine for your pet. If you maintain a regular schedule of feeding, playtime and walking the dog will be much calmer.
Canine Allergies - Canine Allergies are very common in dogs. Dog allergies usually affect the skin and cause itching and a rash while other common allergic reactions may cause you pet to sneeze and or wheeze. Coughing is actually quite common too. There are three major causes of allergies in dogs. They are insects, with fleas being the most common and airborne allergens such as pollen, grass and mold. The third type is an allergic reaction to certain foods or medicines. Regularly airing your pets bed sheets and kennel, dusting and removing any mould will greatly help reduce the chances of common allergies from flaring up.
A dog will not always display an allergic reaction immediately after exposure; there is often a delayed reaction. One common symptom of allergies is if your dog constantly licks its paws. Other symptoms include face rubbing, head shaking and belly licking. A dog can also get hives from an allergic reaction and they usually disappear within 24 hours. You should consult your vet when you think your dog may be allergic to something. They will suggest the proper treatments. It is possible to have your dog tested for allergies if you are concerned. That way you will be able to prevent some allergies from occurring. Depending on what your dog is allergic to will depend on the treatment, such as changing a dog’s diet or flea treatments.
Ear Problems - Ear problems in dogs are quite common and there are multiple causes, including wax, mites and bacteria. The most common ear problem is excessive ear wax build up or ear mites. Some dog breeds are more susceptible to ear problems than others are, especially breeds with hairy inner ear flaps, like miniature poodles and schnauzers. Did you know that underlying food allergies is the actual cause of ear infections in around 18 to 20% of dogs who have regular ear infections! A dog’s ears should be cleaned and checked on a regular basis to prevent ear infections from occurring. A simple way to help keep your dog’s ears healthy is to keep the hair from blocking the ear’s opening. You could trim the hair to allow air to flow into the ear which will help prevent ear infections.
Your vet is in the best position to determine what is wrong with your dog’s ears and suggest the best treatment. Treatments usually include putting medicated drops in their ears and sometimes a vet will also give your dog an antibiotic. Always contact your vet before you treat your dogs ear infection as infections and treatments vary.
These are just a few of the common ailments that dogs tend to get at sometime in their lives. If you use preventive measures and keep an eye on your dog’s behaviour; you will be able to keep them healthy and happy for their lifetime. Lastly don’t forget pet insurance in case the unexpected happens!

Dog training mistakes are always human mistakes. Surprised? Don’t be. Many pet owners get frustrated when puppies “have accidents” or grown dogs bark like crazy at the doorbell, while, in fact, these and other problems cannot be faulted on the animal. If people don’t know what they want their dog to do instead, like sitting instead of jumping, going to their bed (when the door opens) instead of bolting out the door, dig in a sandbox instead of the garden, chewing appropriate objects, etc., the dog can’t figure it out either.

Mistake #1: Not Socializing a Dog Properly

Proper socialization is one of the kindest acts people can provide for their dogs. Natural by-products of proper socialization are activity, time with your dog, mental and physical stimulation. A dog that has been taught to socialize properly can adapt to changes in the environment and should be able to deal with a variety of situations. Lack of socialization early on in the life of an animal can lead to fear, anxiety, and aggression. The better adapted a dog is to his environment, the less likely he is to engage in unpleasant behavior.

Mistake #2: Giving Up Too Soon

Being impatient is one of the major problems owners face. Although it’s unrealistic to expect a puppy to be completely housetrained in a few weeks, many owners anticipate just that. It takes time and patience for a dog to understand the basic concept of sitting or staying; it takes even more time to change previous behaviors (such as jumping on the counter) or control urges (barking, digging in the garden, etc). Dogs get the short end of the stick in many situations. People think they should learn things very quickly, but do not always spend the time teaching them. The first step is to be calm and patience when teaching dog training basics. If you’re calm and enjoying the process, your dog will too. Don’t make the training a chore. If you feel yourself getting frustrated or angry, walk away and come back to it later.

Mistake #3: Making Training a Chore

Owners are not the only ones that get frustrated during training. Long or repetitive sessions can also be tedious for the dog. A bored dog usually stops paying attention and will have a harder time learning. Keeping the training sessions short, from 15 seconds up to five minutes a session. Practicing many of these sessions throughout the day is much better than doing one or two long sessions everyday. If you focus on making the session a fun activity instead of a chore, dogs will pick up on tricks faster. Some breeds are more prone to boredom than others, but to be safe, concentrate on making the training session as dynamic as possible.

Mistake #4: Being Ambivalent

Consistency is very important in training. If, at the beginning, of teaching a new cue, sometimes you say “Come” and other times you say “Come over here” you can cause confusion. On the other hand, dogs can understand the meaning of numerous physical and verbal cues to mean the same thing. It is important to teach one cue and then add more later. Confusing your dog will lead to failure. When you stick to a specific command or word, your dog is likely to grasp the concept better. It all has to do with the memory process. Repetition forms a “grove” of sorts in our brain which allows information to flow and connect. The deeper the groove, so to speak, the easier it is for the information we’ve stored through repetition to be accessed.

Mistake #5: Using Physical Punishment

Do do use physical violence ever on your dog! Treat dogs with the same consideration and respect that you would treat your children, grandparents and themselves. Positive reinforcement is the key to success. Training your dog out of fear is wrong! Nonviolent animal training is also more effective than earlier techniques. You can change behaviors such as destructiveness and excessive barking by finding what your dog is doing right and praising him for it. When your dog engages in negative behavior, you can choose to ignore him and hold back praise. Dogs usually pick up on it really fast. Nonviolent dog training allows you to create a partnership with your dog using gentle persuasion based in kindness, respect, and compassion.

People who are too busy or too lazy should reconsider getting a dog or any other pet in the first place. Getting a dog that’s too difficult to handle, either because of breed or size. Some breeds are easier to train than others; some breeds are naturally more submissive. Getting upset and screaming are not appropriate. The last thing you want is an animal that’s scared of being around you.

Joining a class and then giving up after the first lesson because you didn’t like the trainer. Not every trainer is a good fit for everybody. Some trainers are better with smaller dogs while others are experts at managing larger animals. Before signing up, ask to observe a class, see how the animals interact, the trainer’s attitude, etc.

I believe nonviolence fosters nonviolence. Because of the link between dog and human behavior, positive dog training contributes to helping build a world of peace for humans and dogs. When people, especially children, are successful using nonviolent methods with animals, they feel good about themselves and they are encouraged to have a kinder, more positive attitude with their friends, family, and the environment.

Inevitably, in the life of every pet owner, there are unexpected behavioral problems here and there that need dealing with. It pays to be understanding and patient with your cat, as many times the issue is fully fixable and just a matter of understanding pet behavior. Here are some of the most common problems owners report having with their cats, and suggestions on how to handle them.

Soiling outside the litter box.

This is something that many cats will do when the litter box is not kept clean. Like us, they want to relieve themselves in a clean environment. If you have a multiple cat household like I do, buy more than one litter box, use scoopable cat litter and strain it frequently to keep it clean as possible. I have one robotic cat box that automatically cleans a few minutes after one of the cats leaves it. It does a great job but it must be kept clean or it will malfunction. The bottom line is, keep the litter box clean.

Wherever the cat has soiled outside the box, make sure the area is cleaned thoroughly with appropriate cleaner. You can buy cat repellant sprays at the pet store, those work pretty well. If you don’t have any, spray the fully cleaned area with potent perfume, cats usually hate perfume and will avoid the area totally to avoid the smell.

Throwing up on the carpet.

If you think your cat is sick, ask the doctor by phone if the symptoms are worth bringing in kitty for a checkup. Cats barf, it happens. They get hairballs from cleaning themselves, or they eat too fast and hurl it back up afterwards. If I see blood in the vomit, that is when I know to call the vet and bring kitty in, especially if he isn’t eating. Don’t delay if that happens. But for everyday barfing up hairballs or overeating, those I prevent as much as I can through their diet. I buy dry food that is for “Sensitive systems” or “Hairball management”. Ask a vet other tips on supplementing kitty’s nutrition so he won’t feel the need to hurl so much. Surely there are more ways to prevent this, but watching my cats’ diets has cut down on their needing to vomit, considerably.

You bring home a new cat, and the new cat doesn’t like it.

Cats are territorial, and it takes some adjustment for everyone when a new pet is added in. Cats naturally react with hissing, maybe growling and swatting one another when really mad. I introduced a new cat into my household a year ago and he instantly got along with one of my cats but hates the other one. But, they have learned to tolerate eachother, and I bet when I’m not looking they may actually be buddies deep down. How I acclimated them to eachother is, at first I used a cat pheramone spray called Feliway in the room, which is a natural calming medium for some cats. It calmed my more hyper cat down somewhat. Also, a spray bottle filled with water works great if they swat at or get nasty with eachother. One good squirt of water, and cats will scatter. Basically, you are re-training them to live with eachother. By rewarding good behavior and quickly, calmly responding to unwanted behavior, they learn to mellow out and co-exist. After 30 plus years of cat ownership, I know all cats can get along eventually. I grew up with cats and we always listened to hissing and mayhem when introducing new ones. If they get really nasty, put one in the bathroom, and let them sniff eachother under the door. Gradually put the two cats together more and more until they are more tolerant of one another. Even now in my household, there is a hiss here or there, or a swat, but nothing catastrophic. Make sure to pet both cats when you bring a new cat in, so the they both see that you “approve” of them. Be patient and don’t lose your temper, as anger will make everything worse, not better. Don’t stir fear into the picture, stay calm and let them go through their meowfest until they calm down. They will, trust me.

Kitty likes to sharpen his claws on your couch and other things he shouldn’t touch.

Buy a scratching post, and a cardboard cat scratcher (found in pet stores). Put dried catnip on the scratching post to attract the kitty and he’ll be climbing all over it in no time. The cardboard cat scratcher comes already infused with catnip, and absolutely no cat will refuse that thing when they smell it. Put your fingers on the post as they are looking at it, and pretend to scratch. I know, it sounds dumb, but it works. Cats mimic their mothers when they show them to hunt, so they can mimic you, the human parent, as you “scratch” at the post. Praise them profusely when they do what you do and start to scratch. If you can afford it, get a kitty condo or cat tree. There are some great ones on online auctions, brand new. I bought a huge one for half of what it would cost at the pet store chains, online. It was easy to put together, and my cats live on it. If you get one, again, put catnip on it to show them how interesting it is. My cats live on theirs. It keeps them off the couch, and gives them something to watch birds from (I put mine next to a large window).

Your cat likes to jump up on tops of things he shouldn’t, such as shelves or the tv.

If the space is small, get a semi-tacky thick roll of painters’ tape (it’s sticky but not overly so) or double sided sticky tape. Put strips of it on top of the items you know he will jump on. When he jumps up on it, believe me, he will not want to do it again. My one cat loved jumping on top of my stereo speakers, but when I did this, he stopped doing it forever after one encounter with the tape. The idea is to make the environment unpleasant to the kitty, and that should do the trick quickly. For larger spaces like a chair seat, buy a Purr Pad at the pet store, which gives a mild shock when kitty jumps on the area. It comes in different sizes and doesn’t hurt the kitty, just shows him that the place he jumped on isn’t for him. Or, tape some balloons on the surface of a place the kitty wants to frequent. One claw touching those balloons and he won’t be wanting to go there again.

These are some tips my family and I have used for years to train our cats. Some cats are more mischevious than others, but that is part of their charm. Cats are a joy to watch, just watch a kitten play, it is fun to see such unbridled energy and excitement. Just show them what behaviors you expect of them, since they won’t know until you guide their way. Do it with love, and patience. And they will reward you with unconditional love for life.

A calm, obedient and faithful dog – it’s what we all want, right? To begin with, obedient and trained dogs are happier dogs, less likely to get into tussles with people or with other dogs. Another reason is that many communities require that the dogs living in their neighborhoods be well trained. This is especially true for many breeds thought to have aggression and behavior problems – large dog breeds such as german shepherds and rottweilers to name a couple. And of course pit bulls are almost synonymous with aggression in many people’s minds.

Now, I have a rottweiler myself, and she’s the soppiest thing out. So I don’t personally subscribe to the view that particular breeds are necessarily aggressive. But nevertheless, large dogs certainly do need to be adequately trained, just because of their size. Larger dogs can be very intimidating to people.

And of course, training your dog well will also make he or she a much better family companion, especially in households where there are young children. Many studies have shown that proper dog training makes a big impact when it comes to cutting down the number of dog bits and other behavior problems encountered by dog owning households.

When considering training your own dog, or having someone else help you train it, there are certain basic commands that must be mastered in order for a dog to be considered truly trained. These basic commands include:

No – The word No is one word that all dogs must learn. Training your dog to respond to this important word can save you a ton of trouble.

Sit – Training your dog to sit on command is a vital part of any dog training program.

Down – Lying down on command is more than just a cute trick; it is a key component of any successful dog training program.

Stay – A well trained dog should remain where his or her owner commands, so Stay is an important command in dog training. (The Stay command is not used by all dog trainers. Some are of the view that the command to Sit means “Sit, and stay there until you’re given another command” – this makes a lot of sense. But many people do like to use the Stay command).

Heel – it is important that any dog learn to walk beside its owner on a loose lead, neither pulling ahead nor lagging behind

Dog training does much more than just create an obedient, willing companion. Training your dog properly actually strengthens the bond that already exists between dog and owner. Dogs are pack animals, and they look to their pack leader to tell them what to do. The key to successful dog training is to set yourself up as that pack leader.

Establishing yourself as pack leader is a very important concept for any potential dog trainer to understand. There is only one leader in every pack of dogs, and the owner must establish him or herself as the dominant animal. Failure to do so leads to all manner of behavior problems.

A properly trained dog will respond properly to all the owner’s commands, and will not display anxiety, displeasure or confusion. A good dog training program will focus on allowing the dog to learn just what is expected of it, and will use positive reinforcement to reward desired behaviors.

In addition to making the dog a good member of the community, obedience training is a great way to fulfill some of the dog’s own needs, including the need for exercise, the security that comes with knowing what is expected of it, a feeling of accomplishment and a good working relationship with its handler. Dog training gives the dog an important job to do, and an important goal to reach.

Giving the dog a job is more important than you may think. Dogs were originally bred by humans to do important work, such as herding sheep, guarding property and protecting people. Many dogs today have no important job to do, and this can often lead to boredom and neurotic behavior.

Basic obedience training, and ongoing training sessions, provide the dog with an important job to do. This is especially important for high energy breeds like German shepherds and border collies. Training sessions are a great way for these high energy dogs to use up their extra energy and simply to enjoy themselves.

Incorporating playtime into your dog training sessions is a great way to prevent both yourself and your dog from becoming bored. Playing with your dog helps to strengthen the all important bond between you – the pack leader – and your dog.

In terms of dog training, house training is one of the areas of dog ownership and one of the most common dog training problems that is most subject to misunderstanding, confusion, and just plain dread boy dog owners and even dog training experts.

In today’s dog training article we are going to examine and learn how to deal with two of the most common problems surrounding the issue of house training your dog:

- Submissive and excited urination

- Scent marking behavior

Common house training problem #1: Submissive and excited urination

What is it a ‘submissive urinator’?

A ‘submissive urinator’, in dog training terms, is a dog that urinates on the floor and himself (and sometimes on you or any guests you may have!) in situations of extreme excitement or stress, like when you return home at the end of the work day or when the dog is being told off for some bad behavior.

Why does this happen?

Puppies are the most usual candidates for submissive/excited urination, but it is also not uncommon to see this behavior in adult dogs as well. Usually, these are highly sensitive and timid dogs, and/or ones from a shelter/with a history of abuse (often these last two go hand-in-hand and one of most common things we see as dog training professionals.)

When does it happen?

Situations which are likely to trigger an excited/fearful dog to urinate:

- Greeting time after a prolonged absence of owner

- Play time where a dog gets too excited

- The arrival of guests (particularly unknown guests)

- Stressful situations at home, eg arguments involving owner

- During a behavior correction such as you’re telling him off

- Sudden and unexpected loud noises such as thunder or fireworks

What can I do about it?

Luckily as dog training experts will tell you, it is not difficult to prevent your dog from doing his submissive or excited urination.

Firstly and most importantly, you should take him to the vet to make sure there is no unknown medical reason for the issue (such as diabetes or a hidden bladder infection.)

Next, it’s time to take use good dog training techniques to control the problem:

- Try to limit his intake of water to help him control his bladder more effectively, this is very important. Don’t restrict his water intake over a prolonged period of time, but if you know there is a situation coming which would normally result in a loss of bladder control, for example, you have guests coming over, or are planning on a play session soon, take his water bowl away for a period of time (maybe half an hour to an hour) before the event.

- When greeting your dog, keep it calm and mellow. The more excited he is, the harder it is for him to control his bladder, so don’t encourage him to get worked up: ignore him for the first few moments, or give him a very neutral “hello”, a quick and gentle pat, and then go about making yourself at home.

- It’s important that you DO NOT punish or harshly correct your dog for this behavior. It is not something that he can easily control, and he’s certainly not doing it on purpose. Punishing a dog for this behavior can cause emotional distress and lead to more problems for you and the dog in the long run. When you catch him in the act, you can interrupt him (a firm “No!” followed by praise when he stops should suffice) but don’t punish him. Keep your cool, and try to be sympathetic: he doesn’t mean to do it, after all!

- If he urinates out of fear (submissiveness) when scolding him for another offense, try to take the stress levels down a notch by keeping a firm, authoritative, but not angry tone. Remember, you’re dealing with a sensitive, highly-strung dog: if you get angry or worry him further, the problem will worsen.

Common house training problem #2: Scent marking

In dog training terms ‘Scent marking’ is where a dog ‘marks’ his or her territory with urine. Technically this is not actually a house training problem, since it’s based on the dog training issues of dominance and territoriality rather than insufficient house training. A dog can be perfectly house trained but still feel the need to mark inside the house.

However, because – since the problem centers around the unwanted presence of urine in the house – it seems logical, in a way, to link this problem with house training. Since this is one of the most widespread problems among dog owners, we as dog training professionals thought it worthwhile to include some practical advice.

Scent marking and lack of house training: how to differentiate between the two

Your dog is most likely scent marking their territory, rather than genuinely relieving himself, if:

- The amount of urine produced is relatively small, and tends to be directed against vertical surfaces such as doors, walls or furniture.

- If your dog is an unneutered male and at least five or six months old. Unneutered dogs are much more territorial than neutered ones. If you have an unneutered dog in the house, you can pretty much expect a certain amount of scent marking as he defines his own areas. It should also be noted that unspayed females also mark, but it is much less common. Spayed and neutered dogs can also exhibit marking behavior, but it’s relatively rare but should not be discounted.

- It makes little difference how often he is taken outside for a toilet break

- He frequently targets items that are new to the house such as new possessions, guest clothing/footwear, etc that do not carry some form of his scent

- You live in a multi-dog household and there is conflict between two or more of the dogs. In this case it is a dominance issue between the two and they may both mark.

- There are other, unneutered or unspayed pets in the house

What to do about the problem?

From a dog training perspective the first thing you need to do is spay or neuter your dog(s) as soon as you possibly can. If you can do this early enough, ideally, at six months of age, this often halts marking altogether. If this is not possible or if your dog’s been marking for a prolonged period of time, he or she may continue to do so after being spayed or neutered, since a pattern of behavior will have been established.

Ensure you clean soiled areas thoroughly. Use a non-ammonia based cleaner, because it smells just like pee, and stay away from vinegar too, it smells similar to pee as well. Oxi-Clean mixed with warm water is particularly effective on these areas and there are also plenty of commercial cleaners designed specifically to lift pet stains and odors, which you can buy from pet stores and some supermarkets.

Because dogs tend to re-mark the same places, you’ll need to redefine the places that you know he’s marked to prevent repeat offending.

Many dog training experts will recommend the following ways to do this:

- Feed him next to or on top of the spot

- Play with him there

- Groom him there

- Put his bed over or next to it

- Spend time there yourself: hang out with a book or sit down and work

Finally, one particular aspect of dog training that is often overlooked is if there is rivalry between dogs in the household. In this case you will need to take steps to resolve it. Any conflict is likely to be hierarchical in nature (a ‘power struggle’), which means that all you have to do to stop the tension is pay attention to which dog seems to be more dominant than the other one (which one eats first, gets the toys he/she wants, ‘stares down’ another dog), and reinforce this position to establish the hierarchy.

So how do you do this? From a dog training perspective it is relatively simple. First, feed the dominant dog first. Pet him/her first. Give him/her a toy before anyone else gets one. This makes it clear to all dogs in the house which one really is the dominant dog. When this hierarchy’s been recognizably established, territorial and dominant behaviors like scent marking often vanish overnight.

Ear infections are common problems in dogs. They usually affect the auricle.

The 4 main causes of infection are allergies, bacteria, yeast and mites. Symptoms include head shaking, scratching, head tilting, personality and behavioral changes, appetite loss, odor, discharge, pain, bleeding and swelling. The treatment of dog ear infections depends on the underlying cause.

Allergy infections

Allergies, to food or inhaled substances, are the primary cause of persistent dog ear infections. In response to the allergy, the ear produces excessive wax which makes an ideal environment for bacteria and yeast to thrive.

Allergies can be difficult to control. They are diagnosed through skin testing, blood testing or allergy testing. These tests determine the allergens that cause infection in your dog. Once the allergen is known, your dog can be treated with allergy shots and by minimizing its contact with the allergen. Although costly and complicated, these tests and injections are more effective to finding the right treatment.

If the dog owner does not want these tests or injections, corticosteroids are prescribed for itchiness and inflammation. Allergy symptoms can be controlled with antihistamine and fatty acid supplements.

Bacteria and yeast infections

Ear infections in dogs can be caused by various types of bacteria and yeast. The healthy ear normally has a strong defense against these micro-organisms. In the event that the ear canal weakens or the ear environment changes due to allergies, injury, moisture and other causes, the defense mechanism is compromised and bacteria and yeast infections can occur.

This type of infection is diagnosed by examining swabs of the ear under a microscope for bacteria, yeast or any other infection. Normally, there is discharge and bad odor. The ear must always be cleaned before applying medications. Bacteria infections are treated with oral and/or topical antibiotics while yeast infections are treated with oral and/or anti fungal drugs.

Ear mite infections

Another common cause of ear infections in dogs is the mite. This parasite lives in the auditory canal and on the head of dogs. The infected dog suffers from intense itchiness and inflammation. Excessive scratching causes damage to the auricle and bleeding. As the auricle becomes injured, secondary infection from bacteria or yeast may occur and further exacerbates existing problems.

The vet can see mites by looking into the ear with an otoscope. The ear must be cleaned thoroughly before applying medication. Treatment is on a daily basis, for a week, and repeated when necessary, depending on the product used.

If you notice any of the symptoms of dog ear infections, consult your vet for proper medical diagnosis and treatment immediately. If left untreated, the infection on the auricle can spread to the middle and inner ear. Once the ear drum is affected, your dog may experience loss of hearing which is irreversible. There may be other complications that may arise.