Archives for chihuahua and dog issues category
We love our chihuahuas and all of our dogs, but sometimes, it’s time to let them go. This can be one of the hardest decisions we make in life. A very good friend of mine had to tell me that it was time to let my Bailey go at the age of 16. She was right. I was too close to see it.
If you’re in a similar position or dreading the decision, here’s some information that may help you along.
Are you considering euthanasia for your dog?
Are you still torn between whether you should do this or not?
Well, the below piece will throw more light on what you should consider when thinking of euthanizing your dog or not.
Before delving into this, it is important to define what euthanasia really means.
Pet Euthanasia means ‘mercy killing’ where pets are killed painlessly and silently to prevent them from continuous suffering.
It was derived from the Greek word meaning “good death”. Good in the sense that the pets are spared from the agony of painful death.
Debating whether euthanasia for your pet should be done or not is always a very complicated debate.
Proponents of pet euthanasia insist that it is better for your pet to die painlessly and silently than to go through unimaginable agony and still die at the end of it.
They wonder why you should be cruel to watch your pet suffer many days, weeks or even months of agony- when you can help it end its life silently and painlessly.
To these proponents of euthanasia in pets, they feel it is much cruel to allow your pet suffer and still die than it is to painlessly end its life via ’silent killing’.
The opponents of pet euthanasia on the other hand see the act as cruelty of the highest order.
Their reasoning is- why wickedly kill these pets when they could still have a chance to survive?
Whichever party you belong to is not important. What is important is how you feel about it all. I personally feel that this issue of pet euthanasia is a touchy issue that only you can decide whether you want it or not.
If you don’t want it, then it is your duty to ensure that your pet does not suffer too much in its present condition. Do all you can to ensure it get the best attention from your vet doctor while it is still alive.
And if you support and want pet euthanasia, then see your veterinary doctor for the best way to do this that will ensure your pet doesn’t feel any pain.
Most pet euthanasia is just by injecting your dog and it will ‘go to sleep’ (as it is often referred) within a short time. There is hardly ever any sign of struggle in your dog after the euthanasia is administered. It would instead gradually fall into a silent state- like a deep sleep- until it losses it’s breath and goes limp- all painlessly done.
If you really feel a lot of love for your pet and want it to be decently buried after the euthanasia, then make sure you don’t leave it with the veterinarian doctor after it is done. Some of these veterinarian doctors actually use these pets for experiments after the euthanasia.
So, either you take your dog along with you for burial or cremation or you get the word of the veterinarian that it will be buried or cremated and not used for experiment.
Technorati Tags: chihuahua, dogs, euthanasia, pet loss
Sep 15, 2008 | | chihuahua and dog issues
There are some basic dog training skills that just about anyone can perfect, so in this article I want to go over some of these with you, so that hopefully you can train your dog properly. Dogs are amazing animals and are so capable of just absolutely being brilliant, but it takes some dog training abilities on your part and plenty of patience. They will not pick up on things the first time that you try it, probably not even the second or third time either, but it will happen, do not give up. If you do give up then chances are you will probably have a very ill mannered dog on your hands, that does not listen to anything that you say and then you will have to worry about many other problems that could occur. Without the appropriate dog training a dog could actually get so bad that they can not be trusted, nobody wants to have to experience this type of thing, so take the time out right now to begin learning more ways to teach your dog and to improve your dog training abilities.
Some people pay high prices to take their dogs to obedience schools for professional dog trainers to train them in every way but if this is something that you truly can not afford, do not break your pockets trying to send your dog to one of these places. Believe it or not, if you work hard enough and study over some information about appropriate dog training techniques then you are just as capable of training your dog properly as any professional would be. It can happen but it will not ever happen instantly, so you will absolutely have to be patient, there is no doubt about that people. If you find yourself becoming frustrated or angry with your dog, do not yell at them or ever strike them because this is not teaching them anything at all. The best way to teach a dog new tricks is by rewarding them every time that they do something wonderful, instead of just constantly screaming at them and hitting them for every little thing that they do wrong.
These helpful tips can help you with your dog training abilities, if you put them to good use and really give it a good, solid try. Your dog can be very responsive to your teachings, if you do it the right way, they can also turn on you in a heartbeat if you do it incorrectly, so remember that the next time that you think about hitting them or screaming at them for doing something that all dogs do. Your dog can be your best friend and you can both have a fun time together, good and appropriate dog training can really make a big difference. If you are unsure about doing it or just do not have the time, perhaps hiring a dog trainer could be an option for you.
Technorati Tags: chihuahua, chihuahua training, dog training
Oct 01, 2008 | | chihuahua and dog issues
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I know what your problem is right now.
Believe me, I do. Your dog has ear infections and you have been spending a lot of your scarce cash in treating it, right?
Well, there is no cause for alarm. You should exploit the alternative solution that many people like you are taking.
There are now very powerful and highly effective natural ways to help prevent or even cure dog ear infections.
Most of these ways are not only time effective but also cost effective…when compared to taking the dog to a professional veterinary doctor whose fees you may not be able to afford.
Your lovely dog has an incredible sense of hearing that could be could be hampered with ear infections. Ear infections are very detrimental to the hearing capability of your lovely dog.
The major damage is inflicted on the ear drum which is very vital to the hearing system of your dog. And do you know that the way the ear of your dog is created is what’s responsible for the ear infections plaguing him or her?
Your dog’s ear canal is L-shaped, thereby allowing the ear to trap parasites, moisture, debris, and earwax. All these can lead to ear infections in your dog.
Hence, it is required that you spend a great deal of time blocking al these from getting into the ear drum of your lovely dog.
The traditional method of dealing with ear infections known to many people out there is antibiotics, antifungal and other similar drugs.
But the problem with all these drugs is that they hamper the normal chemistry in the ear and can turn a simple ear problem to a large ear infection that can make your dog deaf if not quickly addressed.
It is quite ideal that you deal with the source of the problem than having to complicate the problem with drugs that will not work in your dog’s body favour.
So, check to know what caused the problem of the ear infection in the first place. Sadly, many people are not even aware that their dog has ear infection.
If you are one of such people, below are simply ways to know when and if your dog is having an ear infection.
- When your lovely dog is only nodding in response to your conversation. You can quickly detect an ear infection if your dog holds his or her head in one position, trying to get what you are saying.
- When your dog scratches his or her ears, most of the time.
- When there is a black or yellow discharge in one or both ears, it is a sign that your dog, if not quickly cured will become deaf.
- When your dog’s ears smells bad.
Also, apart from ways of preventing ear infections, below is one other very powerful way of not only preventing it but also treating ear infection in your dog:
- The use of Vitamin C: You can give your lovely dog vitamin C. vitamin C will help the adrenal glands in your dogs to function efficiently. However, you must look at the weight of the dog before giving him or her vitamin C.
Technorati Tags: chihuahua, chihuahua ear infection
Sep 28, 2008 | | chihuahua and dog issues
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Is your lovely dog plagued with arthritis? There is no cause for worry as you can get the right medical aid with natural treatments for dogs with arthritis.
However, it is essential that you are rightly informed of what arthritis is all about. You must know how your dog became infected with the disease and how he or she can recover quickly.
The instantaneous response of many dog owners that have discovered that their dog is infected with arthritis is to go the nearest veterinary doctor. Though this is good, you need to be aware that there is a better alternative to the problem of arthritis in your dog. The solution is natural treatment for dogs with arthritis.
Not many people are informed about natural treatments for dogs with arthritis. It is not very complicated as many thought. And also, there is nothing diabolical in it. It is just an alternative solution to the medical aid we get from our doctors.
What is arthritis and how does it affect your dog?
The inflammation or swelling in a joint is referred to as arthritis. The causes include the following:
- Abnormal bone or joint development
- Instability of the surrounding ligaments and tendons
- Damage to joints
- Infection
- Injury caused by immune system
Though there are anti-inflammatory medicines in the market for the treatment of arthritis, there is a better approach to its treatment. The approach is natural treatment for dogs with arthritis.
The following are tips that will greatly assist your ailing dog with arthritis.
- It is essential that you have your dog placed on slip-free flooring. A slippery floor will not be of help in the treatment of arthritis in your dog. This is because your dog needs to have a firm grip on the floor while recuperating. It is therefore recommended that you have a rug or carpet in place.
- Swimming has been discovered to be of great help in the treatment of arthritis in dogs. Swimming is a no-weight bearing activity that will help your dog recover quickly from arthritis. It is advisable that the swimming is monitored so that the dog doesn’t get drowned in the pool. Swimming will help exercise all the parts of the body of your dog.
- It is recommended that you give your dog a soft bed in the quest for recovery. Your dog needs all the rest he or she could get on a soft bed that can cushion the ailing body of your dog. Just like a slippery floor is detrimental to your dog’s recovery, a hard bed is not ideal for him either.
- A peaceful and quiet environment is what your dog with arthritis need to recover from the disease. Let your children be informed of this as your lovely dog may not be tolerant of their noise and playfulness while recuperating.
- A good massage could also be what your ailing dog needs to get off arthritis. A gentle massage from you might provide the much needed assurance of your love for the dog. But if you cannot do it due to one reason or the other, it is advisable that you employ a professional animal massage therapist to do the job for you. The massage will increase flexibility, blood circulation, and calmness which go a great length in giving your dog the good health he or she deserves.
Above all, you must be aware that recovery of dogs with arthritis takes a while. Hence, it is worthwhile giving them that extra attention that they need.
Give enough time to your dog as he or she recovers from arthritis. A natural treatment for dogs with arthritis is highly recommended when you can’t afford the huge fees charged by veterinary doctors out there.
Sep 27, 2008 | | chihuahua and dog issues
Bedtime for Puppies Video Link.
This is adorable. I can’t believe the way the puppies respond to the singing. Check it out.
Technorati Tags: bedtime, puppies
Sep 24, 2008 | | chihuahua and dog issues, chihuahua bedding
Bathing a dog needs to be given more emphasis. This is because of the fact that if you are careless in bathing, the animal may end up having some infections. For example, if you don’t close the ears with large cotton ball, the water may enter into ear canals and may cause some ear infections with signs like constant discharge from the ears and shaking of head.
Frequency of bathing actually depends on the breed of the dog. If the dog is of a hairy type like the cocker spaniel, then the bathing is to be carried out once in six to eight weeks. If these breeds are bathed too frequently, then the skin and coat loose the protective characters. However, when the dog has defecated on the skin due to the frequent digestive upsets leading to diarrhea, to avoid the bad smell, the dog may be subjected to frequent bathing some times by the owners.
Take more care in avoiding some irritant soaps or human soaps. The soap materials used for human beings are not suitable for dogs. Similarly, many human shampoo products are having some ingredients that are not suitable in the proportions that are to be used in case of dogs. Hence, always try to use the shampoo products that are mentioned mainly for use in dogs. Take more care in using any new product.
Always have good time and patience for products required for bathing in one place with availability of water source. Dogs love the sprinkling of water, river, and oceans. Even when you are using bathtub, have everything in one place and then start bathing of the dog. Try to have a leash, conditioner, towel, and shampoo in the bath place.
Conditioner is of helpful to make the combing activity easier later. Bathing should be a convenient activity to both the dog and the owner. This should not be a burden.
Sep 22, 2008 | | chihuahua, chihuahua and dog issues
There are some basic dog training skills that just about anyone can perfect, so in this article I want to go over some of these with you, so that hopefully you can train your dog properly. Dogs are amazing animals and are so capable of just absolutely being brilliant, but it takes some dog training abilities on your part and plenty of patience. They will not pick up on things the first time that you try it, probably not even the second or third time either, but it will happen, do not give up. If you do give up then chances are you will probably have a very ill mannered dog on your hands, that does not listen to anything that you say and then you will have to worry about many other problems that could occur. Without the appropriate dog training a dog could actually get so bad that they can not be trusted, nobody wants to have to experience this type of thing, so take the time out right now to begin learning more ways to teach your dog and to improve your dog training abilities.
Some people pay high prices to take their dogs to obedience schools for professional dog trainers to train them in every way but if this is something that you truly can not afford, do not break your pockets trying to send your dog to one of these places. Believe it or not, if you work hard enough and study over some information about appropriate dog training techniques then you are just as capable of training your dog properly as any professional would be. It can happen but it will not ever happen instantly, so you will absolutely have to be patient, there is no doubt about that people. If you find yourself becoming frustrated or angry with your dog, do not yell at them or ever strike them because this is not teaching them anything at all. The best way to teach a dog new tricks is by rewarding them every time that they do something wonderful, instead of just constantly screaming at them and hitting them for every little thing that they do wrong.
These helpful tips can help you with your dog training abilities, if you put them to good use and really give it a good, solid try. Your dog can be very responsive to your teachings, if you do it the right way, they can also turn on you in a heartbeat if you do it incorrectly, so remember that the next time that you think about hitting them or screaming at them for doing something that all dogs do. Your dog can be your best friend and you can both have a fun time together, good and appropriate dog training can really make a big difference. If you are unsure about doing it or just do not have the time, perhaps hiring a dog trainer could be an option for you.
Sep 19, 2008 | | chihuahua, chihuahua and dog issues, chihuahua pups, chihuahua training