The Natural Healthy Pet

In a nutshell, we need to pay more attention to our pets diet. We can prepare pet food which we prepare with ingredients we’re familiar with.

A good quality diet can help prevent health conditions by providing the body with the clean fuel needed to thrive. Read the rest of this entry »

Some if not many of us love animals and enjoy taking care of them as pets especially dogs. I for one enjoy the company of dogs and take pleasure in giving them a pat, a hug or a walk in the park. Some families even treat their pets as members of their family. Dogs as they say are man’s best friend and of all the animals I have known the dog is one of them who would always remain loyal and stay by your side no matter what.

There may be times when our dog may be feeling weak or getting sick. You bring them to the vet and have them treated. Your dog may not be getting enough nutrients to keep him or her healthy and strong against sickness.

Dogs just like humans need essential vitamins and minerals to enable their bodies to function effectively. Vitamins and minerals are essential for its growth, repair of damaged tissues, having strong teeth and bones and digestion. It doesn’t mean that just because a dog is lower than that of a human being that it doesn’t need to have a well balanced diet as well. In fact, like us it is important for them to eat healthy as well. Animals that lack the needed vitamins and minerals are more at risk to developing diseases and to having a shorter life span.

Your pets, I suppose usually eat dried or canned food. You have to take note that no matter how much these pet food manufacturers guarantee to providing a balanced and complete meal, we won’t really know where its primary ingredients come from. These foods have also already undergone a process, packed with chemicals and artificial coloring. Many of the natural vitamins and minerals usually get lost in the processing stage of dried or canned pet food.

All of us even pets, without an exception are living in a world full of toxic chemicals that may cause harm upon us. So it is with utmost importance that your pets have vitamins to help him or her fight combat against all these harmful elements.

You need to give your pets vitamins aside from the usual pet food to ensure that he gets enough of what is needed to stay healthy and strong. Pet food is not enough and vitamins and minerals fill the gaps that pet food may lack. Visit your vet and consult on what supplement he would recommend for your pet’s needs.

Mary Lorainne writes about Doctor’s Coupon, Nutrition promo and buyvitaminsmart code
Published At: Isnare Free Articles Directory http://www.isnare.com

What causes pet allergies? The primary agents are proteins produced in the hair, feathers, fur, urine, saliva, and feces of pets. These proteins can stimulate a wide and uncomfortable variety of symptoms in sufferers.

Pet allergies can spring up all at once, or they can evolve over months or years. A new cat owner, for instance, may suffer no allergy symptoms until six months after introducing a pet to her apartment. It’s important not to jump to conclusions about the cause of symptoms.

Many environmental and physiological factors can produce “pet allergy like” symptoms. You may be allergic to other substances (e.g. pollen, mold, poison ivy, certain foods, climatic variations, and even stress) or suffer a medical condition like influenza, eczema, lupus, or chronic fatigue syndrome.

The best way to settle the diagnosis is to discuss the matter with your doctor. He or she can perform a range of tests (including skin and blood tests) aimed at pin pointing triggers. Be aware that allergies can often be comorbid with other conditions. To relieve symptoms, you will need to treat all triggers.

Symptoms of Pet Allergies

Pet allergies can present in vastly different ways in different patients. Some sufferers may experience eczema, nettle shaped rashes, and other skin blotches. Others may get asthma or other bronchial problems. Still others may present with full-on “hay fever like” symptoms, such as watery eyes, runny nose, headache, and congestion.

Symptoms can also vary in how, when, and how intensely they present, and individuals can respond to allergens in their environments differently at different times. For instance, let’s say you’re allergic to dogs. During one encounter with a golden retriever, you may develop hay fever symptoms and difficulty breathing. Several weeks later, you can encounter the same golden retriever, and this time, you may experience an allergic rash but no hay fever symptoms.

Allergic symptoms can create secondary health problems as well. Pet allergy sufferers are statistically more likely to develop ear infections, insomnia, and the common cold. Moreover, if left untreated, these symptoms can impede one’s ability to travel, visit friends, or even go shopping.

Notwithstanding all of these negative symptoms, a surprising number of Americans “work through” their symptoms just to have the joy of spending time with their favorite companions. Approximately two millions Americans, according to one study, keep cats even though they are allergic to them.

What Makes Pet Allergies Worse?

Just because you have a pet allergy doesn’t mean that you can’t be allergic to other things in your environment. Indeed, your allergy symptoms can be exacerbated by a whole host of environmental factors, such as cigarette smoke, pollen, dust in the air, and even your diet. If you don’t stay in shape by running, eating well, sleeping enough, limiting your stress, and avoiding excess consumption of drugs, alcohol, and caffeine, you can make your symptoms worse. Some studies even suggest that non-allergic pet owners who lead unhealthy lives put themselves at risk of developing allergies to their pets down the line.

How to Treat Pet Allergies

Fortunately for pet allergy sufferers, solutions abound. The simplest but in some ways saddest solution is to avoid pets entirely (or at least the pets which trigger your allergy symptoms). Thankfully, there are intermediate solutions you can try before parting with Fido or Mittens.

Taking allergy shots can prevent symptoms from developing. Minimize exposure in your environment by cleaning your house of pet dander particles or setting up a HEPA filter to circulate the air and eliminate pet allergens.

Shop for so-called low allergy pets, such as shorthaired cats or “low allergy” dogs like Bichon Frisé’s. If you can wrangle your pet for regular baths, you can reduce the amount of pet dander that will circulate in your house. Also, make sure to keep your pet healthy and active — studies suggest that pets that are confined can become more allergenic over time.

If you’re “super allergic” to pets and you need to visit someone who owns an animal which triggers your symptoms, wear a mask, and/or bring medications to control symptoms. Finally, declare an “allergy free zone” in your house. You may be able to control your symptoms simply by staying out of rooms your pet occupies regularly.

Medications to Control Symptoms

You can find over-the-counter and prescribed antihistamines to control symptoms, and corticosteroids and/or bronchodilators can be effective as well. You can also try over-the-counter topicals, such as eye-drops, nasal sprays, creams, and even non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Finally, it is possible to build up tolerances to pet dander through a program of controlled exposure over time. You may want to speak with an allergy specialist to come up with a comprehensive treatment plan. If you’re really allergic to a certain type of animal, make sure to carry emergency medication on your person in the event that you encounter that animal, since you may not have time to get to medical help before severe symptoms set in.

By: Colleen Finnegan

Article Source: http://www.articleinfo.org

Obesity in pets is common nowadays causing real problems. The obesity in pets is due to either over feeding or not providing any exercise to the pets or not providing the right diet. Obesity in pets is also attributed to the modern lifestyles of people, who leave their pets alone in their house, eating for themselves whatever they want and not providing any exercise. Obesity conditions of pets can lead to devastating state of their health like high blood pressure, skin problems, increased risk to diabetes mellitus and heat intolerance resulting in pets facing high risks of heat strokes during hot weathers, risk towards infections and towards anesthesia.

Obesity in cats:

Nearly 25 percent of cats are known to be clinically obese, meaning excess fat accumulation of the body. Not having a check on the cat’s obesity may lead them to the reduction of the cat’s life span. Obese cats are prone to heart diseases, arthritis, skin disorders, fatty liver disease, lower urinary tract diseases, diabetes and cancer. Obesity can lead to or can be a cause for diabetes.

The main reasons for obesity in cats:

Obesity in cats may be due to aging process or due to the breed, or due to genetics which can cause increase in body weight. Mixed breed cats suffer from obesity than pure breeds.

Neutering female and male cats’ bodily functions gets reduced up to 25 percent leading them into obesity. By eating extra calories too, they become obese. Low thyroid hormonal levels also cause obesity.

Obesity in dogs:

The incidence obesity is more when the dogs are owned by an obese person than the dogs owned by a physically fit person. The dog breeds, which are more prone to obesity, are small terriers, cocker spaniels, dachshunds, beagles etc. This does not mean that other dog breeds are not prone to obesity. Any dog, which is lethargic and lies down all the day, is obese. It has been found that around one third of people do not know that their dogs are obese.

The reasons for obesity in dogs:

When dogs are fed on table scraps they become obese as the food cannot be monitored for quality. The food with a good nutritional balance and value has to be provided for their well being rather than feeding scraps of food.

Spayed female dogs are more prone to obesity. Likewise castrated male dogs too are prone to obesity. A dog may be obese due to under active thyroid hormones making it overweight and sluggish. Also when dogs are not provided regular walks and exercise they tend to become obese.

Ways to overcome obesity in pets:

The pets should be provided with good nutritional food with rich protein content and make the weight loss procedure to take its toll gradually. They have to be supplemented with amino acids, vitamins and minerals for regaining their stamina.

Time should be spent with the pets to make them run, jump and do mild exercises to keep them fit. The valuable time spent with the pet can be very relaxing to both the pet and the owner.

By: Subasree

Article Source: http://www.articleinfo.org

Pet owners are very loyal to their pets and there is nothing a pet owner will do to make sure their pet lives long and is healthy. Instead of buying a more than one puppy it is better to purchase a single puppy this way the puppy will have a better chance bonding with the owner and it will be easier to will bond to its owner better and will be easier to train than having many puppies. Avoid the temptation of buying two or more puppies. Depending on the breed, the best time to purchase a puppy is between 7-9 weeks of age. The puppy should get used to being around people and other dogs. Your puppy should not be allowed to roam the house freely until he is properly housetrained. A common misconception is that healthy dogs and cats must eat every day when in fact they do not. Smaller breeds are an exception, but even then pet owners must take care not to overfeed.

For a little bit of responsibility, time, and money on your part, you and your family will get a lifetime of love and unconditional adoration. The positive effect a dog can have on your family is amazing.

With all animals make sure the water and food bowls are cleaned regularly, the reason for this is to keep them free from germs and bacteria. Place your pets bowl so it is not in the way of walkways or in places where someone could knock into it. Keeping the area sanitized will help keep your pet healthy. Since medicines for pets are not easily distributed, it would help if you would also ask your veterinarian where the drug shops for pet care are.

Many dogs and even cats become very attached to children. Parasites that are internal and external are mainly responsible for illnesses and diseases seen in the large population of dogs. The common dog flea is the number one health problem facing these pets.

Exercise is every bit as vital to your pets health and well being as good food, clean water and shelter. Eating well and getting enough exercise are as important for dogs and cats as they are for people.

Vegetables and some fruit in your dogs diet and a small quantity of such can provide many of these active compounds. For any weight loss program, human or animal, diet is the first essential part.

A pet tag is a very affordable way to help keep your pet around for many years to come. Pet name tags can also be chosen from a variety of materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, brass and even plastic. You want to make sure that your pet tag is made durable enough to last many years, and will not fade or rust. You want to make sure that your pet tag is made durable enough to last many years, and will not fade or rust. 90 percent of pets carrying an identification tag will return to their homes. You should always make sure your pet/dog is wearing his/her id collar tag, the contact information on the tag should be up to date just in case your dog is missing. The ID tag should have your pets name, destination address, your name and telephone number.

By: David Fishman

Article Source: http://www.articleinfo.org

Preparation for home cooked meals for your dog is simple and need not be a pain at all. I have switched from commercialized pet food to home cooked meals after my family two lovely dogs died of cancer suddenly. They were on premium dried pet food all their life but still, both of them died at a young age at 6 and 7 of cancer. This was way before the pet food recall event.

I knew at that time that their commercial pet food must have contributed somewhat to their condition as both were rather young when passed on. Putting aside my initial struggle with thoughts about how difficult to cook home cooked meals for my dogs and just got started with it.

I do not even cook for myself! How can I cook nutritious meals for my pets! I started reading loads of books on home cooked food and came out with this simple and easy to prepare recipe for dog food. It can be done even for busy people like you and me. If I can do it, so can you! So let us step up and commit to making the lives of our pet a long, happy and healthy one.

Take note that we cannot change our dog diet overnight as it may cause stomach upset. Start gradually and mixing their feed gradually until she is completed switched to home cooked food.

Preparation

Purchase the following ingredients, all the ingredients below in equal proportions, supplements should be added separately. The amount to cook depends on your pet size.

Use your own judgment when it comes to quantity to feed. The suggestion below is meant for a week supply for a 1 medium sized dog, healthy dog with normal weight range.

Please change the quantity for your pet needs (This suggestion provides 1 week food for a 10kg dog):

1) Grains choice: Brown rice, provide for 2-3 cups cooked rice (less if your dog is obese or require some weight loss)

2) Vegetables (Add 3 varieties): Broccoli, cauliflower, any green leafy vegetables and beans. Make about 4 cups of pulp vegetables for easy absorption.

3) Meats 500gms: Choice of Chicken, Lamb, Beef or Kangaroo (rotate weekly).

4) 2 Eggs

Avoid night shade vegetables, onions and cabbage for your pets. Some dogs experience more gas when fed with cabbage.

Quick Easy Cooking Steps
Step 1: Put some olive oil in your pot and cook meats

Step 2: Cook rice (or any grain choice, I personally prefer brown rice)

Step 3: Pulp or chop finely the vegetables

Step 4: When meats are almost cook, add the pulp vegetables into the pot

Step 5: Do not overcook the vegetables. Keep them half raw for the enzymes.

Step 6: Add eggs and cook the vegetables in the pot to make the vegetables palatable.

Storage
For convenience, cook your pet homemade meals up to one week supply. Freeze them in daily portions separately for convenience.

Just remember to place next day food supply from the freezer to chiller compartment of your refrigerator. Place a note at your fridge to remind you to do so everyday if not, your poor pet has not food to eat.

Feeding Preparation
Step 1: Place chilled food in your pet bowl

Step 2: Boil some hot water

Step 3: Warm up the food to room temperature with some hot water.

Step 4: Add necessary supplements such as Vitamin C, Flaxseed oil, Egg shell
meals for calcium.

Step 5: Mix and serve!

Using boiled water to warm up food is a recommended. If you prefer microwaving to warm up food, note that this method may destroy some nutrients.

Emergency meals
In case you have forgotten to defreeze your pet food. Here is a simple guide to a quick no hassle wholesome meal in just 5 minutes!

Ensure you home has these at all times in case you need to whip out a wholesome meal in 5 minutes!

All you need are:
Step 1) Oats (get those quick to cook kind or just add hot boiling water)

Step 2) Eggs (Break an egg for a small/medium sized dog)

Step 3) Supplements (Add your regular supplement)

That is all you need for the emergency meal! To ensure not to upset the digestive system from sudden change in diet, feed this option once a while so she is well adjusted to this diet when the need arises.

By: Veronica Eng

Article Source: http://www.articleinfo.org

Not surprisingly, many pet owners are now passing along some human lifestyle habits to their furry housemates. For a number of reasons, pet owners are opting to provide their animal companions with dietary choices once reserved for humans. Maintaining a proper diet regimen for our pets has always been an important responsibility of overall pet ownership. The trend toward more healthy pet foods has been growing for several years.

Dogs and cats are susceptible to many of the same diseases as their human counterparts. Diabetes, heart disease and other medical conditions strike pets with some regularity. Prevention or treatment of these illnesses often requires changes to the animals diet. My own beloved Golden Retriever was stricken with canine diabetes that required daily doses of insulin and very careful monitoring of his blood glucose.

Just like a human with this debilitating disease, Einstein needed a very special diet in order to control his weight and keep his blood glucose levels in line. A local vet recommended a very expensive brand of food that was not much different in nutritional content then the cheaper stuff.

After consulting several veterinary specialists, we settled on a combination of off the shelf foods that worked fairly well. We would occasionally prepare home cooked meals for this sweet dog, following the same dietary prescriptions that would be used for humans. We found recipes that contained high protein levels, and were low in fat and carbohydrates. Vegetables like green pepper and zucchini made great snacks.

Aside from the obvious need to treat a medical condition with proper diet, many pet owners are looking for ways to prolong the life and good health of their animal companions. Home cooked pet food recipes are widely available giving pets access to some foods that they would only dream about while napping on the couch. Begging at the dinner table has become a thing of the past for many pets. Providing the proper balance of fats, proteins and carbohydrates can be tricky at first, but some types of people food can be prepared to your pets benefit.

In 2005, there was a nationwide scare over pet foods that had been contaminated with a naturally occurring grain fungus. The fungus produces the poison aflatoxin that resulted in the recall over a dozen brands of dog and cat food. Sadly, there were reports of pets that died or became seriously ill because of the contamination.

Pets were again put at risk in 2007 when two cases of pet food contamination reportedly caused the deaths of thousands of dogs and cats world wide. Two industrial chemicals, aminopterin and melamine, was found in dozens of pet food products. Two massive product recalls were ordered but not before thousands of family companions died or became seriously ill. Pet owners were forced to spend enormous amounts of money to treat their sick pets.

These tragic events have driven more and more pet owners to reconsider what their pets eat. As a result, the market for natural and organic pet foods has grown significantly. Many pet owners are not only cooking for themselves but for their pets as well. When preparing food for your pet, always consult a veterinary professional. Cats, dogs and other domestic pets have very different dietary needs and owners need to educate themselves before firing up the stove.

When choosing a store bought pet food product, take the time to read the content labeling carefully. Just like humans, our pet companions need us to provide them with a balanced diet. If you have questions about what is best for your pet, always consult a veterinary professional.

By: Mitch Endick

Article Source: http://www.articleinfo.org

If your dog is diagnosed with arthritis, it is very important that you do what it takes to allow it live longer and quite comfortably despite its medical condition. There are effective ways to treat dog arthritis these days.

However, you shouldn’t just limit yourself to the medicines and the cures given by the vet. You should also do your share in alleviating the pain that your pet goes through in your own little way.

Caring for dogs with arthritis is very crucial. Right now, there are many supplements, tools, and devices that can help your dogs manage its condition. The bottom line is to make sure that your pet lives as comfortably as possible. The pain on its joints will always be there, waiting for the right moment to attack. Your main goal is keep the attacks far and in between, or possibly never again.

Dogs suffering from arthritis have to visit the vet regularly now. If before you can afford to skip some appointments, this time each appointment is going to be crucial. The vet needs to check the progression of your pet’s disease. Keep in mind that arthritis may worsen over time. If you fail to take your dog to the vet, its condition may go from good to worse in a matter of a month or so. Regular consultation with the vet would allow you to adjust its medications accordingly, especially if the current ones don’t seem to be working as expected.

Caring for dogs with arthritis may also mean that you have to buy some new beddings and mats for it altogether. The heated ones are usually good, because they can provide the dog with a soothing relief to their aching joints. A few hours worth of sleep can revitalize their bodies and put the pain at bay. With the regular beddings and sleeping crates that they have today, their condition may only worsen because it doesn’t give their limbs the support it needs. In some cases, they end up sleeping in an awkward position because of it.

If your dog has arthritis, you should closely consider what foods you should feed for your pet. There are food items that can help in their condition, like vegetables, legumes, and certain vitamins. Try to ask your vet what changes in your dog’s meal should be carried out. You might have to give him naturally prepared foods in contrast to the dog foods bought commercially.

Lastly, try to help your pet with arthritis in its regular movements by putting ramps and soft stairs in places that it usually goes up to. If it loves to jump to your bed to wake you up, try to install pet stairs on one side of your bed. This way, your dog doesn’t have to muster all its strength on its hind legs to jump. Ramps can also do the job.

Like humans, dogs diagnosed with arthritis require some lifestyle changes. Support your dog in this feat so that it can live longer and happier with you.

By: Robert Thomson

Article Source: http://www.articleinfo.org

Alaska is home to an abundant variety of seafood, and offers some of the purest marine, freshwater, and upland habitats on the planet.

From the clear crystal waters comes seafood that is delicious and healthy. Alaskan seafood is low in fat but big on flavor and Omega-3 oils. You can study thousands of pages of nutritional research. Or, simply observe the amazing health and longevity of people in countries where seafood is the most important part of their diet. Either way, Alaska seafood is as healthy as it is delicious.

Are you are looking for a meal that is low in saturated fat, filled with nutrients and packed with good heart healthy Omega-3s oils? Then you should start with Alaska Seafood.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Allie_Moxley

http://www.alaskaseafood.org

Our pets are special family members that deserve extra attention. Because we love them & care about their health, we should naturally give special attention to their dietary needs.

Vitamins in all natural dog food affect our pets the same way as vitamins affect us humans, and  has many natural benefits, which is why I provide natural food to my 3 Bichon Frise’s-Puff (13 yrs.), Jamie & Benji (both 6 yrs.).

Some benefits to all natural dog food are:
    •    Being rich in vitamin E, which keeps their coats healthy and glowing.
    •    Being rich in vitamin C, which is good for their bones.
    •    Beta-carotene is helpful in removing toxins from their bodies, commonly known as free radical.
    •    Good source of fiber and antioxidants, important for good health.
    •    Some food provides calcium, manganese, phosphorous, and potassium, all of which are necessary.
    •    I have also seen glucosamine and chondroitin in some pet foods which is good for the older dog dealing with arthritis.
    •    All natural dog food also affects the behavior and attitude of your puppy, making them more playful and active.

Dogs are natural carnivores and tend to prefer to eat meat. But meat causes their bodies to store lots of toxic material, and if these toxins are not removed could lead to infection of the heart and lungs.  To combat this danger. It is suggested to give supplements of all natural food daily. This is providing  insurance for the health of your beloved pet.

Today, more than ever natural dog food is easily found. Some persons, even chose to feed their dogs, holistic or home made food, instead of feeding them artificial ingredients. Or to enhance their diets with whole food products, such as marine phytoplankton and liquid calcium.  But the most important factor should be to provide proper rich nutrition, so that your beloved pet can enjoy a healthy long life.

Before rushing out and buying a bunch of dog food, a wise course of action would be to talk to your Veterinarian. They would also know if a particular brand is exceptionally tailored to your special breed of dog.

From my personal experience, I would strongly suggest that you provide all natural dog food to your beloved pet and they will thank you with a happy and healthy long life.
 

The recalls of major “quality” brands of pet food in March 2007 emphasized what many people have said for a long time: “They” are putting bad things into the food that you give to your companion animal. Could there be any worse betrayal than that? You love your dog. You love your cat. You’d do anything for them – and probably have! You’ll go all the way across town to get the food you know they like – and they show their appreciation and love for your efforts in more ways than you can count. You give them the best you can buy, but your trust in the companies that make pet food has been misused.

Although commercial pet food companies claim their products provide complete and balanced nutrition, veterinarians and experts on animal nutrition say that this is not the case. Companies can make this claim legally, but they rely on research studies that are not as thorough as they could be. The studies generally examine only a few nutrients by themselves, rather than the whole food product that is sold. Such tests tend to ignore many critical issues and should not represent the basis for something as important as the health and well-being of your beloved pets.

And it isn’t just the lack of complete nutrition, commercial pet foods include preservatives – man-made chemicals – designed to improve the product’s “shelf life.” It seems that pet food makers are more interested in “shelf life” than your pet’s life.

Of course, the really scandalous thing about the recent pet food recall of more than 100 brands of dog and cat food was the discovery that big-brand companies, which advertised themselves as caring about quality, actually use products manufactured in China where there is minimal oversight and little regulation of how the food is made or what actually goes into it. When you pay that extra money for a brand you think is the best, you’re actually getting some cut-rate product made overseas.

In the recent scandals, the offending ingredient was melamine, commonly used in foods processed in China. In April 2007, the New York Times reported that melamine, a chemical that is made from coal, is routinely added to animal food as a “fake protein.” It seems that the chemical looks like protein on tests to determine the quality of the product, but it has no nutritional value. Adding this cheap material to pet food allows the companies that make it to use less real protein, thereby reducing the costs of manufacture.

Melamine is not highly toxic in general, and it is used in the making of cleaning products, stain-resistant laminates, flame-retardant foam, soundproofing materials, and plastic household products. At high doses, however, it causes a diuretic effect in dogs and cats and encourages the development of crystals in their urine, says Dr. Steven Hansen, veterinary toxicologist and senior vice president of the ASPCA. He manages the Animal Poison Control Center of the ASPCA’s Midwest Office.

While the pet food recall started in March 2007 with suspicions about the wheat gluten added to pet foods from a single Chinese supplier. Some 60 million packages of pet food were recalled after melamine was found in the wheat gluten linked to pet deaths in the United States. The recall quickly spread to concerns about corn gluten and rice gluten from a separate Chinese company. And then the safety of the entire food-processing industry, including companies that provide food for humans, was called into question.

Melamine was not used by accident. It was put into your pet’s food on purpose – to raise the profits of commercial suppliers.

Don’t risk the quality and length of your pet’s life. Consider organic or holistic food manufactured in the United States or learn how to safely home cook food for your pet at home.

Author Resource:-> Bonnie Jo Davis can help you avoid the worry and potential emotional devastation associated with the illness or death of a pet with her two e-books: 50 Fantastic Dog Food Recipes and 50 Fantastic Cat Food Recipes. Visit http://www.dog-and-cat-food.com to purchase the cookbooks in PDF files zipped with a free grocery shopping list.

Submitted By ArticleUnited.com

Article From ArticleSeer.Com
 

Worm infestation is common in dogs – and cats, too, for that matter. Worms are parasites that live inside an animal and they all cause different problems. It all depends upon the kind of worm your pet has.

There are generally five major worm types: roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, whipworms and heartworm. These worms can cause light to severe complications and must be treated. Heartworm is so potentially serious that it can be fatal.

The most common infestation is the roundworm. This parasite usually passes to puppies from their mothers either before birth or while she is breastfeeding. These worms can be passed to humans. In dogs, the roundworm causes weight loss and a potbellied appearance. These worms will swiftly multiply if left untreated. An adult female roundworm may lay as many as 200,000 eggs a day for a year. This may lead to an obstruction in the canine\’s intestinal tract and may lead to death. You should treat your pets with a regular regimen of de-wormer starting when pups are weaned. There are natural as well as commercial treatments available.

Hookworms are similar to roundworms because they are intestinal parasites. The hookworm is smaller and feeds on blood from your dog\’s intestinal wall. Hookworm dog worms symptoms are anemia which may lead to death. Some symptoms are not visible in the vomit or stool. To make sure if your dog is infested with hookworms, you must take in a stool sample to your vet for analysis. The hookworm can be passed to humans but it will not cause the same problems as in canines. In humans, the hookworm penetrates just under the skin\’s surface causing an itchy rash with a worm like appearance.

The tapeworm is long and flat and resembles a piece of tape. It is spread to dogs by the ingestion of an infected flea. For example, the flea feeds off of an infected animal and picks up the tapeworm egg. While grooming itself, your dog eats the flea. dog worms symptoms of the tapeworm include itching, especially around the anus, abdominal pain, itching, vomiting and weight loss. If any of these symptoms appear, get you dog checked out by your vet.

Whipworms live in your pooch\’s colon and cannot be seen by the naked eye. They feed off of your dog\’s intestinal wall and cause many ailments. dog worms symptoms of the whipworm include diarrhea which contains blood or mucous, flatulence, weight loss and anemia. The whipworm is the hardest worm to get rid of but both pharmaceutical and natural treatments are available. Our dog, Lucy, not only had parvovirus but was infected with whipworms, too. An oral medication was given to her.

The most serious of dog worms is the heartworm. It is passed from one animal to another through mosquitoes. If you want your dog to be free of heartworms, you must seek prevention. People need to be concerned who live in warm, damp climates and are prone to heavy mosquito activity. Once your dog is infected, you have a few treatment options available. Most of them amount to giving the dog limited amounts of arsenic. This alone can kill the dog. The heartworm will take up residence in the heart and its arteries causing it to enlarge and eventually fail. dog worms symptoms of the heart worm include weight loss, coughing as well as a potbellied appearance. No matter what kind of parasite you may be dealing with seek either natural advice or that of a veterinarian. Be proactive for better canine health. Your dog will give you a big lick in thanks!

Dog worms are can be prevented. Dog worms symptoms depend upon the type of dog worms that are present in your dog. Heartworm is the most deadly of dog worm types, but all types of canine worms can make your dog sick. Find out how to prevent symptoms of dog worms by preventing the worms.

About the Author:
Author: villenoire

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/natural-cures-for-canine-heart-worms-825623.html