Making the decision to let your bitch have a litter of puppies is quite complex and requires a huge amount of effort on your part to find the perfect stud dog as this is one of the most important aspects of dog breeding.
Once you have considered the expense involved and upheaval associated with dog breeding and have come to the decision that it is the right choice for you, you can then begin your search for the stud dog that will be the perfect sire for your litter of pups. With the advent of the Internet, finding a dog is much easier now than it used to be as many people advertise the services of their stud dogs online.
Many owners may look at show dogs to sire a litter of puppies; they may seek stud dogs with a champion lineage and a long line of awards. However, this can prove to be extremely expensive and for many owners is just not affordable. Making use of a dog directory is a good way to find a selection of stud dogs that would be perfect for your bitch, although you must still carry out certain checks to ensure suitability.
Suitability checks
Unfortunately, some dog owners are only interested in breeding to make a huge profit and these owners should be avoided. This type of owner could take little interest in the health and welfare of their dog, which can have an adverse effect on the litter of puppies.
Some breeds have a disposition to certain hereditary weaknesses and care should be taken that the stud dog and indeed the bitch have been thoroughly health checked to avoid these conditions being passed to the puppies. For instance, Golden Retrievers are known to be genetically prone to heart disease, hip dysplasia, cataracts and eye abnormalities plus skin conditions and epilepsy. This doesn't mean that your Golden Retriever will have these conditions but health screening of dogs will help to avoid the chance of developing these conditions. Many dog breeds have genetic conditions that they should be health screened for, as responsible breeding is the only way to have a litter of healthy, desirable pups.
Arranging to meet
When you contact the owner of a dog through a directory it is advisable to arrange a meeting so the dogs become familiar with each other and so that you can ascertain whether the owner of the dog has had health checks carried out. Stud dogs that conform to the breed standard may be preferable as any deviation from the breed can be classed as 'undesirable' by many breeders of show dogs.
When you visit the dog's owner make sure that the dog is kept in good condition and appears healthy with a happy, laid back nature. If there are other dogs present check that they are well cared for too as this will give an indication of whether the owner has a genuine interest in the welfare of their dogs, and not just looking to make money. A stud dog directory will make the search for a perfect sire much easier but you should take care that the dog is a suitable candidate for breeding. Viewing a selection of stud dogs will help you make the right choice.
The author has owned dogs all her life and has over 15 years experience of dog breeding and stud dogs, having cared for more than 30 dogs. Vivien is one of the main authors on Dream Dogs, a site dedicated to news and articles for dog lovers with an emphasis on stud dogs, breeding and raising healthy puppies.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vivien_Richardson
Monday, June 27, 2011
Stud Dogs - How to Find a Stud Dog
Saturday, June 18, 2011
DNA Testing For Dogs
Everyday newspapers and online ads are offering up dogs for sale. Dogs of every breed shape and size are available for a price. If you look closely and are an astute negotiator sometimes you can find what seems to be a bargain. You may be offered a 'non-papered' purebred, which means getting the dog you want at a reduced price.
But are you getting what you ordered? What looks like a purebred may, not be a purebred after all. Papers can be falsified or, as noted above, there may not be papers at all. If only you could see into your dog's DNA would you be able to tell what breed he actually is.
Alternatively, you may be looking for that ideal mixed-breed. You may specifically seek out a combination of breeds that will be the perfect fit for your lifestyle. A solid hunting dog, a running companion, a calm complacent dog for your elderly mother or a delicate portable pet to be the child you never had. Regardless of what you are looking for it's not always obvious to confirm that that is what you've ended up with. Animal shelter and rescue organizations know full well that some breeds are more popular than others and the dogs that can be categorized as 'part' of a favourable breed will likely find a home sooner that a dog who's DNA may suggest a less popular breed affiliation.
In any case, whether you've purchased a puppy, adopted a young dog or been to a shelter and rescued a dog, as the dog ages, its mannerisms and behaviours may not suit the breed characteristics that you had anticipated. An option that is now available to dog owners everywhere is dog DNA testing. There are multiple websites offering this service.
There are many benefits to dog DNA testing. Dog owners know that particular breeds can have particular strengths and weaknesses whether it be in regard to training, behavioural mannerisms or possible future health concerns. Knowing what breed or breeds are in your dog's make up will allow you to take preventative health measures. A greater understanding of your dog's DNA make up may also impact your approach to training or at least greater patience if you're dealing with a more challenging breed.
Conversely, some dog owners undertake dog DNA testing simply in the spirit of fun and interest. Giving a breed name to your faithful family pet only adds to their appeal. Instead of answering the inevitable question with 'oh he's a mixed-breed', dedicated owners will revel in telling people he's a 'Labraspanhound', or a 'Huskpomtzoodle' instead.
Undertaking the actual test using the online kits available is a very simple and painless procedure. Contrary to popular belief, a blood sample is not required. The process simply involves taking a cheek swab (using the materials provided by the testing company), and sending the swabs in for testing. It is important to follow the exact steps in the kit to ensure accurate test results. Results take from four to six weeks depending upon the lab you are dealing with.
I'm a Canadian dog lover, dog blogger, and dog enthusiast, living life to the fullest on Canada's west coast.
http://www.westcoastdogs.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Ritchie
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Distemper in Dogs - Home Detection Tips
Distemper: Spotting This Dog Killer Before it's Too Late
Canine distemper is a devastating disease. It often crops up in seemingly healthy pets without any warning. What's more, distemper often mimics benign problems, like the common cold. This is truly the most insidious aspect of this illness. Sadly, many cases progress to the point where they are no longer treatable before the owner even realizes what's happened.
How to spot the early signs of distemper
Owners who suspect distemper, but haven't had the animal seen by a vet yet, can detect it by a couple of signs. First, yellowish-green or dark green discharge from the eyes and nose is a classic symptom. It's often accompanied by sneezing and general lethargy. Unfortunately, many pet owners assume this is just a sign that their dog has contracted a cold or has allergies and they ignore it.
If you remember nothing else about what you read here, remember this: any greenish discharge from the eyes or nose means distemper is a real possibility. RUSH your pet to the vet at the first sign! In most distemper cases, the only chance your puppy or dog has is early detection and aggressive medical therapy.
While distemper can manifest differently from one dog to the next, another hallmark of it is constant shaking or twitching. This happens in the more advanced stages of the disease, when the infected dog's neurological system has been compromised and muscles fire continuously. Unfortunately, by this stage it's rarely treatable and the humane step is euthanasia. Having said that, always get your pet checked out thoroughly to rule out some other condition that may be causing the tremors. You never know. Dogs are like people, in that they are susceptible to a wide range of illnesses and diseases that can share very similar symptoms. Never assume!
It isn't easy for pet owners to prevent diseases as serious as distemper. It's infamous for sneaking up on otherwise healthy puppies. But starting a new puppy out right - with good nutrition and regular visits to the vet for vaccinations and check-ups - will go a long way toward keeping him healthy and disease-free. Know and watch for the signs of distemper and your dog will have a strong ally in you!
Are you looking for ways to bring in more free traffic to your website? Pick up a copy of John's tips on article writing and learn how to create articles that become traffic magnets.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Schwartz
Canine Distemper
What is Canine Distemper?
Canine distemper is a highly contagios disease caused by a virus (paramyxovirus) which attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervus systems of dogs. Although dogs are the most commonly affected, Canine Distemper is also seen in foxes, ferrets, mink and many other carnivores. These infected animals are often the cause of the spread of this disease to domesticated dogs.
How can the Virus spread?
Canine Distemper is spread through bodily secretions (nasal fluid for example} The most common form of transmission is airborne. Dogs become infected by breathing in particles secreted by infected hosts. For several weeks after recovery, a dog will still carry the virus which can lead to further contamination if not properly quarantined.
Upon contracting the virus, dogs often appear "normal" for several days. The initial symptoms of the disease are runny nose, water eyes and a sore throat. The dogs temperature will increase to approximately 103.5°F (39.7°C). Over the next couple of days the symptoms worsen with the tonsils becoming enlarged, and the dog developing diarrhea. After approximately four weeks of treatment the virus begins to affect the brain. The dog will start twitching which will gradually turn in to larger convulsions The convulsions normally become so frequent and violent, that euthanasia is often carried out at this stage.
Are all dogs at risk?
Yes. Puppies younger than 4 months of age, and dogs who have not received vaccination, are at the greatest risk of infection. However, all dogs are susceptible to the virus. Canine Distemper was at one time the leading cause of deaths in domesticated dogs. Due to understanding of the virus and the ability to treat secondary symptoms, Canine Distemper only become a concern in isolated outbreaks.
What is the treatment for Canine Distemper?
At this time, there is no cure for the actual virus which causes Canine Distemper.. Treatment mainly consists of controlling spread and severity of secondary ailments such as , vomiting, diarrhea and fluid discharge. In the later stages of canine distemper, the use of anti-consultant drugs may help to control twitches and spasms. Constant nursing care is needed to make the dog as comfortable as possible.
Is there anyway to prevent canine distemper?
Have your dog vaccinated!!! Pups should be vaccinated at 6 weeks of age, and re-vaccinated every 3-4 weeks until 16 months old. Adult dogs should be vaccinated every year. Like most disease, prevention is often the only viable solution. Be cautions of where you are taking your dog. Since the most common transmission of Canine Distemper is air born, dog parks, kennels, even grooming facilities can be ideal places for dogs to contract the virus. Raccoons, skunks, foxes, and other carnivores are often the catalysts for outbreak. For this reason ALWAYS be cautions of wild animals. Never let your dog have contact with an unknown animal.
Ths website only provides BASIC information about canine distemper, your veterinarian is always your best source of health information. Consult your veterinarian for more information about Canine Distemper and its prevention.
For more great articles and tons of other great info visit our Dog forum, visit Ron's blog or visit our Pet blog
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ty_Magnum
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Wiener Dog Race (Гонка Винера собак)
Dachshund racing, or wiener dog racing, is a popular, yet controversial sporting event, primarily found in North America. Typical Dachshund races are either 25 or 50 yards in length, and are run on various surfaces. Many race tracks across America host these events as fundraising or publicity events, and routinely draw the venues' largest attendance numbers of the year.
In the less formal events, most entrants are not career racers, nor bred for racing. Often, dogs will choose not to run the length of the course and instead visit with other dogs or the owner that released them. Otherwise, dogs will run swiftly to their owner at the finish line, coaxed by food or toys.
The de facto national championship of wiener dog racing is the Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals, held in San Diego, California every December as part of the Holiday Bowl, however there are many other venues that claim title to the true "national champion".
Data refer: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiener_dog_race
Australian Koolie or German Coolie (Австралийский Koolie или немецкий Кули)
The Koolie or Coolie, also known as the Australian Koolie or the German Koolie is an Australian dog breed. Specifically, it is a herding dog, a subcategory of a working dog. Koolies have existed in Australia since the early 19th century, established through old photos owned by elder Koolie breeders and personal records such as diaries.
He Koolie Club of Australia defines the breed based on its ability to work rather than on its conformation. However, most Koolie breeders refer to the Koolie as a breed rather than as a type, and assert that it "breeds true", with various types or strains within the breed.
Many countries will gather their working dogs under the same category like Germany with their herding dog breeds all classed as Altdeutsche Hütehunde (heading dogs). New Zealand not only classify their breeds this way, but they also grade them by their working traits. Koolies in New Zealand are registered as a "heading dog": A dog which has a natural instinct to cast out (i.e., circle widely), round sheep and bring them back to their owner. The Koolie is known as a silent working dog. They are used for “heading” sheep and also for quiet careful work at close quarters at lambing time or for “shedding” (cutting out) sheep. It is only through the registrar of the Australian Koolie Club that these bloodlines remain an integral part of the breed and are active contributors to the Koolie gene pool. New Zealand Koolie breeders are working towards having the Koolie recognised under their own breed name as they have been in Australia.
The Koolie is as diverse as the country it originates from, Australia. In the north of Queensland and New South Wales they are tall, medium boned and agile, bred for mustering Simmental Cattle and Brahma over many miles. In The Hunter Valley region and Snowy Mountains of New South Wales, they're thicker set and shorter to flush low lying cattle from the dense bush and gullies. In Victoria, one finds the smallest variety of the Koolie. Koolies are bred to meet the needs of the stockman, grazier and farmer, all agile, all with the same ability to adapt to any situation, all with a strong willingness drive. The Koolie vary from 40 to 60 centimetres (16 to 24 in) in size and are a contrast of coat, colour and body type, although they are merled coat pattern. The solid red or black Koolie are often mistaken for Kelpies, and some bi coloured Koolie have been taken for Border Collies by the general public, rarely if ever by breeders. As all of these breeds share Collie ancestry, they resemble each other.
Data refer : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_Coolie
Koolie Dog Directory
- Kelpie, German Coolie, Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog, and Australian Cattle Dog information including origins.
- Offers rehoming for unwanted and neglected animals, information on the breed, success stories and details of available animals. Australia.
- This international registry was created to preserve and maintain the pedigrees and historical records of the German Coolie breed. Contains photo gallery, facts and myths, breed standard and genetics.
Entlebucher Mountain Dog (Собака энтлебухер гора)
The Entlebucher Sennenhund or Entlebucher Mountain Dog is the smallest of the four Sennenhunds, a dog type that includes four regional breeds. The name Sennenhund refers to people called Senn, herders in the Swiss Alps. Entlebuch is a municipality in the canton of Lucerne in Switzerland. The breed is also known in English as the Entelbuch Mountain Dog, Entelbucher Cattle Dog, and similar combinations.
The Entlebucher Sennenhund is a square, sturdy, medium-sized dog. It has small, triangular ears and rather small brown eyes. The head is well proportioned to the body, with a strong flat skull. The long jaw is well formed and powerful. The feet are compact supporting its muscular body. The smooth coat is close and harsh with symmetrical markings of black, tan, and white. This tricolor coat has white on its toes, tail-tip, chest and blaze; the tan always lies between the black and the white. It has muscular broad hips. The hocks are naturally well angled. The tail is sometimes docked, a practice which is now prohibited by law in many countries, or it may have a natural bobtail.Height at the withers is 19-20 ins (48–50 cm) and weight is 45-65 lbs (20.5–30 kg).
As with all large, active working dogs, this breed should be well socialized early in life with other dogs and people, and be provided with regular activity and training. Temperament of individual dogs may vary, the Standard says that the breed is "Good-natured and devoted towards people familiar to him, slightly suspicious of strangers.
Data refer: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Entlebucher
Entlebucher Mountain Dog Directory
- Breed club. Contains information on health, characteristics, club membership and approved breeder list.
- Code of Ethics Breeders of the National Entlebucher Mountain Dog Association. Current breeding stock has been approved for breeding by the Swiss Entlebucher Club in Switzerland. Quebec, Canada.
- Dedicated to preserving and protecting the Entlebucher Sennenhund. Breed information including health, membership, events and Code of Ethics breeder list.
- Family page of Entlebucher puppies featuring dam Eula of Der Viking Kennels, plus general dog information with an emphasis on the Entlebucher.
- Breeder with kennel history, photographs, and information regarding the Entlebucher's breed characteristics, temperament, and abilities. Ohio.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Dachshund Dog
The typical dachshund is long-bodied and muscular, with short and stubby legs. Its paws are unusually large and paddle-shaped, for efficient digging. It has skin that is loose enough not to tear while tunneling in tight burrows to chase prey. The dachshund has a deep chest to allow enough lung capacity to keep going when hunting. Its snout is long with an increased nose area that absorbs odors.There are three types, classified by their coats: short-haired, called "smooth"; long-haired; and wire-haired.
Dachshunds come in three sizes: standard, miniature,and kaninchen, which means rabbit. Although the standard and miniature sizes are recognized almost universally, the rabbit size is not recognized by clubs in the United States and the United Kingdom, but is recognized by all of the clubs within the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (World Canine Federation) (FCI), which contain kennel clubs from 83 countries all over the world.An increasingly common size for family pets falls between the miniature and the standard size, frequently referred to as "tweenies", and is considered by most breeders to be undesirable.
A full-grown standard dachshund averages 15 lb (6.8 kg) to 28 lb (13 kg), while the miniature variety normally weighs less than 11 lb (5.0 kg).The kaninchen weighs 8 lb (3.6 kg) to 10 lb (4.5 kg). According to kennel club standards, the miniature (and kaninchen, where recognized) differs from the full-size only by size and weight, thus offspring from miniature parents must never weigh more than the miniature standard to be considered a miniature as well.While many kennel club size divisions use weight for classification, such as the American Kennel Club, other kennel club standards determine the difference between the miniature and standard by chest circumference; some kennel clubs, such as in Germany, even measure chest circumference in addition to height and weight.
H. L. Mencken said that "A dachshund is a half-dog high and a dog-and-a-half long,"although they have been referred to as "two dogs long".This characteristic has led them to be quite a recognizable breed, and they are featured in many a joke and cartoon, particularly The Far Side by Gary Larson.
Data refer : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dachshund
Dachshund Dog Directory
- Tells about his pastimes and provides some details about the breed. He lives in Gurgaon,India.
- Miniature longhair dogs for show and field/den competition. Pedigrees, photos and kennel details. Alta, California.
- Miniature smooth dogs for show and pets. Pictures, show results, and litter announcements. Louisiana.
- Photos and details of the owner's dogs, general breed information, and tips on canine care.
- Breeder of miniatures. Photographs, litter announcements, and contact information. Lexington, South Carolina.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Chinese Shar Pei Dog
The origin of the Chinese Shar-Pei can be traced to the province of Guangdong and has existed for centuries in the southern provinces of China. These dogs helped their peasant masters with various tasks, such as herding cattle and guarding the home and family, and have proven themselves to be qualified hunters of wild game—usually wild pigs—and, of course, they were used for generations as fighting dogs by the Chinese nobility, although the practice became rarer after the communist revolution, when such activities were seen as the preserve of the decadent classes.
Recent genetic research has suggested the Shar-Pei is one of a few ancient dog breeds, believed to have split from common ancestors earlier than other breeds. By mapping subtle differences in each breed’s genes, searching for patterns of relationships and designing a tree to fit them, they could finally gain insight into this marvel of evolutionary engineering. In 2004, the foundational analysis of purebred dog genetics was published in Science . The resulting tree was profoundly asymmetrical. After wolves, just four groups sat its base: Asia’s shar-pei, along with shiba inu, akita and chow chow; central Africa’s basenji; malamutes from the Arctic, along with Siberian huskies and samoyeds; and from the Middle East, Afghan hounds and salukis.
It was believed in ancient times that the dark mouth of the Chow-Chow, exposed when barking, helped to ward off evil spirits. Shar-Pei, when translated, means "sand skin". This uniquely rough, loose, prickly coat enabled the Shar-Pei to wriggle out of its opponent's grasp while fighting in the dog pits. When stroked against the grain, the coat may be abrasive, producing a burning, itching sensation. The tail is carried over the back on either side, exposing the anus. The first tail set is a tightly curled tail, a "coin" tail. The second tail set is the loose curl, and the third is carried in an arch over the back. Any Shar-Pei with its tail sticking out straight or between its legs was thought to be cowardly. The tail should connote bravery.
According to old-time dog-fighting fanciers, when a dog's toes were slightly turned out as the body was viewed head-on, it was thought to help the dog with balance. The Chinese crawling dragon with its feet pointed east and west was considered a sign of strength. Because of poor breeding practices, many of the Shar-Pei have bad fronts. A dog with straight forelegs is correct.
Incidentally, Western breeders maintain that any dog in China that protects property is called a fighting dog, whereas in Canada and the United States, they are referred to as guard dogs. This is still a moot point. Up until the introduction of Breed Specific Legislation, designed to target breeds alleged to be "more likely" to attack and largely aimed at criminalising the American Pit Bull Terrier, the Shar-Pei was regarded as a breed designed, bred and selected for dog fighting. After the introduction of various Breed Specific Legislation, many breeders started to deny the fighting ancestry and concocted fanciful tales of a hunting heritage. It is worth mentioning that the Chinese and Taiwanese still regard the Shar-Pei as a dog-fighting breed, although the prohibitive cost of the breed has done much to discourage such abuse.
Following the establishment of the People's Republic of China as a communist nation, the dog population was virtually wiped out. If not for the efforts of Matgo Law of Hong Kong, the Shar-Pei would not be here today. Due to his dedication to the breed, a small number of Shar-Pei were brought to the United States in the 1960s and early 1970s. In 1974, American and Canadian fanciers answered Matgo's appeal for help, and, in 1976, the first Shar-Pei was registered. The foundation stock brought over from Hong Kong were of poorer quality than the Shar-Pei we see today. In August 1991, the Shar-Pei officially completed the requirements for recognition by the American Kennel Club and was placed in the Non-Sporting Group. In 1992, the Canadian Kennel Club also officially recognized and grouped the Shar-Pei in group 6, Non-Sporting events. Since that time, several Shar-Pei are now and are continuing to become CKC and AKC champions.
Over 100,000 Shar Pei exist in the United States and Canada. This unique breed is also recognized by the FCI, HKKC, and the CSPCGB. The CSPCGB operates independently, receiving no input or influence from the UK Kennel Club. The FCI recognizes the HKKC standard, which is based on the traditional type, and not the AKC's Western modified type at this time, as per its general policy of using the standard from the country of the breed's origin.
Data refer : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shar_Pei
Chinese Shar Pei Dog Directory
- Article, with photographs, showing the effects of different coat color genes in this breed.
- Forums, photographs, articles and guides related to the breed, and links to Shar Pei rescues.
- Profiles and photographs of dogs, links to other Shar-Pei rescues and past adoptions. Chesapeake.
- Features show results, photos, litter announcements and videos. Vienna, Austria. [German and English]
Cairn Terrier Dog
The history of the Cairn Terrier is enhanced by the fact that the modern Cairn is an attempt to preserve in typical form the old-time working terrier of the Isle of Skye. Known in his native Scotland for over 500 years the Cairn Terrier is believed to be the oldest of the British terriers. The Cairn Terrier was originally bred as a hunting dog, working in packs to kill rats, badgers, fox, weasel, and other small vermin. He hails from the Isle of Skye but to avoid confusion with the existing Skye Terrier, he was named the Cairn Terrier in honor of the piles of rock he scrambled over while on the hunt. In the Scottish Highlands, the Cairn's forebears worked for centuries driving pests from the piles of small stones, called cairns, that commonly marked Scottish farm borders and graves. In this line of work, the dog's scrappy attitude and deadly jaws were of utmost importance, and ensured that the dog always had a place on Scottish farms for hundreds of years. Cairn Terrier was finally recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1913. Cairns are working dogs and are still used as such in parts of Scotland.
- Cairn Terrier Club located in the Pacific Northwest.
- Rasseinformation mit Züchter- und Deckrüdenliste sowie verschiedene Fotogalerien.
- Educating the public about the genetic diseases in this breed.
- News, photos and show record of dogs in Denmark.
- Kennel history, photos and pedigrees are featured. Based in Wales.
- History of the kennel and photos of their show dogs. Denmark. Bilingual site.
Bullmastiff Dog
The Bullmastiff is a breed of large dog. A member of the Working Group, it is large and solidly built, with a short muzzle. The Bullmastiff shares the characteristics of Molosser dogs like it, and was originally developed by 19th-century gamekeepers to guard estates and immobilize poachers. The breed's bloodlines are drawn from the English Mastiff and Old English Bulldog; it was recognized as a purebred dog by the English Kennel Club in 1924. It is an athletic and muscular dog, yet docile and obedient, traits which have made the breed popular as a family pet.
Data refer: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bullmastiff
Bullmastiff Dog Directory
- Official description of the breed as provided by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
- Breed history, care and training tips, message board, health articles, diet recommendations, and a list of breeders.
- News, show results, and photographs.
- Breed information, and pictures and pedigrees of individual dogs.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Dog Diseases: A Quick Guide To Fight The Early Symptoms
Like all the domestic animals, dogs are susceptible to many diseases. So in order to keep them healthy, it is necessary to understand the various diseases they can suffer from. Here is your quick guide on common dog diseases:
Rabies: This disease is caused due to a virus which affects the central nervous system of the dog. It generally spreads through the saliva. Rabies has several stages. In the first stage, there appears some behavior changes in your dog. As it reaches the second stage, the dog becomes very aggressive and by the third stage the body parts of the dog stop coordinating with each other. Once encountered the disease, there remains no cure.
Distemper: This is considered as the biggest threat to the whole population of the dog species. The symptoms are heavy nasal discharge, congestion in the chest, weight loss, coughing, gunky eyes and diarrhea. As the disease reaches its later stages, it has a direct effect on the nervous system of the dog causing paralysis. It is a contagious disease and the virus can be encountered by the air. Even by coming in contact with the excretion of the infected dog, the healthy dog can get afflicted. Once the dog is infected, then there is no cure for the disease. This deadly disease can be prevented by giving a proper vaccination to the dog.
Bloat: It is a serious disorder in a dog, wherein there occurs a twisting in the stomach of the animal. It generally occurs due to over eating. If the dog appears restless and depressed with dry heaves, then you must treat him for bloat.
Parvovirus: This virus is a fast killer as the symptoms can be seen in the dogs within hours of the virus attack, even killing the dog within 48-72 hours. It is a contagious disease and directly attacks the intestinal tract of the dog's digestive system. The effect of the virus can also be seen on the heart of the dog. The symptoms include depression, severe form of diarrhea, vomiting and also loss of appetite. In this disease the color of the feacel matter changes and often have blood stains.
Canine Viral Hepatitis: This disease directly targets the kidney, the liver and the blood vessels of the dog. The symptoms include loss in appetite, intense thirst, vomiting and hemorrhages. The virus of the disease spreads through the faecel matter of the other dogs. The dogs can be prevented from this disease by administering them with the vaccination.
Kennel Cough: This is the most common respiratory disease among the dogs, wherein a typical kind of cough can be seen in the dogs. If given proper treatment, the disorder can be mended.
Leptospirosis: It is a bacterial disease. It spreads through the excretion of the animals. If human beings any how come in contact with this virus, they can also be infected. There is not one but several species of bacterias that produce this disease in dogs. The common symptoms of this disease are kidney inflammation, lethargy, conjuctivita, low grade fever and even sometimes clotting of blood. If the disease is more chronic the symptoms can be jaundice, pneumonia and intestinal inflammation.
Retinal Dysplasia: It is a disorder where there is an abnormal development of the retina. There occurs folds in the outer layers of the retina. It is the most common type of disease that is present in most of the breeds of dogs. A minor form of dysplasia causes minor vision problems, whereas an acute one can lead to total blindness in dogs. Cataract is also accompanied by this disorder.
Lyme Disease: It is a bacterial disease that is spread by ticks. The dog suffers from joint pains, loss of appetite, fever and lethargy. Tetracycline, an antibiotic is used for the treatment of this disease.
It is thus important to detect early symptoms of these diseases in your pet dogs and meet your vet as soon as possible. This will not only keep your dog healthy but will also keep it away from any of the life threatening diseases.
To get more information on pet dogs, dog breeds and dogs and health visit http://www.thepetdogs.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joann_Grant
Common Dog Diseases and Parasites
A good diet and plenty of exercise are important to a dog's health, but they can't make a dog totally immune to illness. Early detection is the key to helping your dog overcome any health problem. If your pet's stools become very loose, or you notice a marked decrease in your dog's appetite and/or that she is very lethargic, she may just have a short-term "bug." On the other hand, if any symptoms continue for more than a few days, you should have your veterinarian examine her for parasites and infections.
If your dog has diarrhea for more than a day, contact your veterinarian for further instructions. You will probably be asked to collect a sample and bring it in so they can examine it to determine the cause and proper treatment.
Coughing, sneezing, and discharge from your dog's nose and/or eyes often indicate a respiratory infection. A lethargic dog with no appetite is likely fighting an Upper Respiratory Infection (URI). URI, caused by airborne viruses and bacteria, is highly contagious among dogs, but is not transmitted between dogs and humans. Early detection of URI is important; ignored dogs suffer from severe dehydration and risk developing pneumonia.
Bortadella, also called 'kennel cough" is another contagious respiratory disease commonly contracted in animal shelters, boarding kennels, or anywhere groups of dogs have close contact with one another. It is a short-term disease, and most dogs get over it with a few days of rest and tender loving care from you. It is possible to have your dog vaccinated against Bortadella - a good idea if you plan on boarding her or placing her in "doggie daycare."
Vaccinations are also available to protect your dog against more deadly diseases such as rabies, distemper and parvovirus. Most municipalities require that all dogs are vaccinated against rabies; some include distemper and parvovirus as well. Making these vaccinations mandatory protects the health of all dogs, and, in the case of rabies, human health as well. If your dog was vaccinated as a puppy, she's off to a good start. However, without yearly booster shots, your dog is at risk of great suffering from one of these diseases.
Dogs serve as hosts to a number of parasites. You will probably be asked to bring a fecal sample to your dog's yearly vet appointment, so that the staff can check for the presence of internal parasites. If you notice small, rice-like granules on your pet's bedding or around her anus, she is suffering from an infestation of worms and needs to be seen by your vet to get proper treatment. Other parasites take up residence on the outside of your dog's body. Mange and sarcoptic mites live on the hair follicles and skin of dogs, while ear mites live on the inside of the ear. These parasites are so small you might not see them, but they cause your dog extreme discomfort. Head shaking and pawing at ears are signs of ear mites. Frequent scratching and skin-biting can indicate either skin mites or a dog's worst enemy: fleas.
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