There are several possible reasons why a dog could have difficulty urinating. Bladder stones, urinary tract infection, prostate cancer, tumor in the dog s urinary tract, and weakened bladder muscles are some of the possible causes.

Bladder stones result when the dog s urine is too alkaline. These stones could block the dog s urethra, preventing the normal flow of urine. Urinary tract infection happens when bacteria invade the dog s urinary system and infect the bladder and the kidneys. Prostate cancer, most commonly seen in male dogs which have not been castrated, is caused by the build up of testosterone, resulting to infection. In addition, tumor in the dog s urinary tract as well as weakened bladder muscles, although rarely seen in dogs, could also cause dog urinating problem.

The above conditions are all life-threatening to the dog if ignored. A dog that could not urinate for at least 2 or 3 days can die. The bladder may become filled with toxins, or urine could build up inside the bladder and cause further inflammation. The bladder could rupture, causing great harm to the dog. Therefore, it is crucial to seek the help of the veterinarian when your dog is having difficulty in urinating.

Treatment of Dog Difficulty Urinating

Treatment of dogs with difficulty urinating may vary according to the disease causing it. A dog diagnosed to have bladder stones may undergo surgery for stones removal. Likewise, the vet could give the dog a special diet which could help correct the pH level of the dog s urine. Supplements may also be given to help dissolve the stones in the bladder. For dogs suffering from urinary tract infection, the vet may prescribe antibiotics to suppress the growth of bacteria. However, the owner could also opt to give his pet homeopathic remedy, which can be as effective as antibiotics but does not have the dangerous side effects that can go with prescription drugs. If the cause of dog difficulty urinating is a tumor in the dog s urinary tract, the vet may perform surgical procedure.

Tips to Prevent Dog Difficulty Urinating

Dog urinating problem could happen to any dog. However, as a responsible owner, you can help prevent this from happening in your dog. There are effective ways which could help prevent your dog from experiencing dog difficulty urinating. Here are some of them: Always give your dog ample amount of clean water to drink everyday. Water helps to flush out bacteria in the dog s urine, preventing the spread of infection. Similarly, it could help prevent the formation of stones in the bladder. Bathe your dog regularly. Bathing the dog helps to flush out bacteria that may enter the dog s internal urinary system through its external urinary orifices. Encourage your dog to urinate regularly. Give your dog the right diet. Avoid giving your dog foods rich in magnesium as this mineral could lead to the formation of bladder stones. Give your dog a dose of homeopathic remedy. Homeopathic remedy is affordable and is proven to be 100% safe. Moreover, it has been proven to be effective in preventing infections.

These are only some of the ways to prevent and treat the occurrence of dog urinating problem. The best way to keep your dog healthy and free from risk-causing conditions is to bring your dog to the vet regularly for check-up.

Bladder stones could form in the puppy s urinary tract, blocking the normal flow of urine. This could cause the puppy to urinate frequently but to produce only small amounts. If not treated immediately and if complete blockage happens, the bladder may become heavily filled with urine and may eventually result to a ruptured bladder. This is a severe condition in a puppy. The help of a veterinarian should be sought immediately to save the puppy s life.

In some rare instances, the reason behind the puppy frequently urinating small amount is the formation of tumor in its urinary tract. In cases like this, the vet will perform appropriate medical procedure to diagnose and treat the condition.

A birth defect may also be the underlying cause behind the puppy frequently urinating small amounts. In this case, the vet will have to do certain medical procedure to determine the defect and he may use corrective surgery to treat it.

Polydipsia, which is characterized by excessive drinking of water, may also cause the puppy to frequently urinate with only small amounts of urine. This condition may be traced to the puppy s increased craving for water. Both excessive drinking and increased thirst are signs of infection in the puppy s internal urinary system.

In some cases, the reason behind the puppy urinating small amounts is hormonal imbalance. Puppies with this condition may have a problem with their kidneys, thus they are unable to produce the right amount of urine. This condition could lead to dehydration which could be extremely dangerous for the puppy. A puppy frequently urinating small amount because of hormonal imbalance should be given enough amount of clean, filtered water daily to avoid dehydration.

The vet s expertise is essential to determine the real cause behind the puppy frequent urination of small amounts. It would be unwise for an owner to simply give the puppy home treatment without consulting a veterinarian. Doing so may only aggravate the condition of the puppy.

Once the vet has diagnosed and determined the culprit behind the problem, proper medication shall be commenced as advised. If in case the puppy is now allowed to go home and has been given proper medication, the owner may now give it homeopathic remedy to prevent the recurrence of the problem. Homeopathic remedy is more effective when used regularly and is also effective in treating the symptoms of infection. It also helps in preventing the recurrence of the symptoms of infection. Homeopathic remedy which contains ingredients such as uva ursi, cantharis, and berberis vulgaris are known to strengthen the bladder, urinary tract, and the puppy s immune system, facilitating the normal flow of urine and keeping the puppy healthy.

When your puppy starts urinating small amounts, start giving it homeopathic remedy. Do not wait for the condition to worsen before you take an action.

Puppies with UTI usually exhibit any one or more of the following signs: bloody urine intense smell of the urine listlessness or lethargy tender lower abdomen straining to urinate excessive urination excessive thirst producing only small drops of urine

When any of these signs are noticed in a puppy, it is wiser to seek the help of a vet than to attempt to cure the puppy s condition yourself. The vet knows better what to do and what medication to give the puppy. However, you may give the puppy homeopathic remedy to alleviate the discomfort brought about by the infection. For the proper diagnosis, dose, and treatment, the vet still knows better.

Puppy urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria that may have infiltrated the puppy s urinary system. Since they have a shorter urethra, female puppies are more prone to these kinds of diseases. Bacteria can easily spread into the bladder through the ureter and cause inflammation and infections. When the puppy s urine becomes filled with bacteria, she becomes more prone to canine urinary tract infection. If ignored, the infection could spread to the other parts of the puppy s internal urinary system such as the kidneys, causing greater harm.

Puppy urinary tract infection can cause extreme discomfort to the puppy. To keep your puppy free from infections or at least minimize their chances of contracting UTI, be sure to give your puppy the right diet. Do not attempt to give it low-quality foods that may not be able to supplement its daily needs of nutrition. In addition, if you are giving your dog canned food or dry dog food, be sure that it is not mostly contained with grain, as grain-based dog food has properties that may change the pH balance of the puppy s urine, which may in turn lead to recurring conditions of puppy urinary tract infections.

Giving your puppy ample amounts of clean water to drink everyday can also help prevent the probable occurrence of urinary tract infection puppy, as water helps to flush out bacteria that may accumulate in the puppy s urine. Washing your puppy with soap and water regularly also helps, as it can wash out bacteria that may enter the puppy s urethra through its external urinary orifices. Furthermore, always make sure to wash the puppy s food and water bowl with clean water regularly to ensure that those bowls are not contaminated with bacteria.

It is also advisable to give the puppy vitamin C and homeopathic remedies. Homeopathic remedies are 100% safe and are effective in preventing the recurrence of urinary tract infections in puppies.

Although puppy urinary tract infections can be alarming particularly when the puppy starts to pee with blood in its urine, it is highly curable and can be prevented from recurring. It is up to the owner to take certain precautionary measures and to make the right action when symptoms of the disease appear to save the puppy from further discomfort and pain.

Puppy urinary infections can cause a lot of discomfort to the pet. Likewise, these conditions can cause headaches to the owners. Since puppies with infections go through so much pain, owners have all the right in the world to worry and fret. If you have a puppy and it is exhibiting the above-mentioned symptoms, you would likely panic and give the puppy treatment which you think is best to help alleviate his condition. However, before you give your puppy any treatment, remember that anything you give without prescription from a professional may only aggravate the condition of your puppy. Hence, instead of attempting to heal the puppy s discomfort yourself, seek the help of the vet. Proper diagnosis will help determine the right treatment.

The vet will likely perform physical examination and urinalysis to determine the cause of the puppy s urination problems. If bacteria are the culprit, the vet will likely prescribe antibiotics especially when the condition has reached its advanced stage, posing a great threat to the puppy. However, antibiotics can only suppress the growth and action of bacteria; they cannot kill bacteria outright. Hence, there is always a possibility of recurrence of infection.

To prevent the recurrence of puppy urinary infections, try changing your puppy s diet. If he was into dry puppy food, give him wet puppy food instead. Especially avoid giving your puppy grain-based foods as these kinds of food are thought to cause imbalance in the pH level of the puppy s urine, leading to the recurrence of puppy urinary infections. Moreover, make sure that your puppy is getting enough clean water inside its system. Increased water intake can help flush out the bacteria and toxins that may have infiltrated and accumulated in the puppy s urinary system. However, do not just give it ANY kind of water. Tap water is a no-no for a puppy with urinary infection because it may contain harsh contaminants and bacteria that may only aggravate the puppy s condition. Give it filtered water, instead.

Homeopathic remedy is also a good option. Aside from being affordable, homeopathic remedy has been proven to be effective in treating and preventing puppy urinary infections. It is 100% safe, too, so you do not have to worry about dangerous side effects and over doses. Uva ursi, cantharis, and berberis vulgaris are among the known homeopathic ingredients. Homeopathic remedy can be bought over-the-counter and in online stores at a conveniently fair price.

Homeopathic remedy is different from home-made or do-it-yourself treatment. Do not attempt to concoct your own formula to treat puppy urinary infections. A slight mistake in the dose or mixture may create more damage than good. It is wiser to use a formula that has already been proven effective and safe.

Now that you have read the whole article, perhaps you now have an idea on how to treat puppy urinary infections. Take these pointers in mind and help your puppy achieve overall good health.

Some people are driven to acquire the fastest possible car. Or amass wealth. Or get the corner office. Others are driven to build a strong family unit, or to find the perfect romance.

What drives you?

Humans are composed of many drives and desires. We humanoids are complicated creatures. Dogs, however, are much simpler in their major needs and desires, or what I’ll call drives.

A dog’s most important need is the desire for social order, to follow a strong, compassionate leader. I call this Pack Drive. Pack drive can be best summed up like this; it is the desire to follow and collaborate with a clear leader. You can see this drive in action when you notice your dog trying to please you.

But dogs do possess other drives as well. Here is a list of the other most important instincts that literally drive dog behavior…

Prey Drive: the urge to chase, catch, kill and consume moving animals. You see this in action every time your dog chases a squirrel. Unfortunately, you may also see it when your dog chases your cat.

Play Drive: a modified form of Prey Drive, Play Drive is the urge to engage in mock hunting behavior. Play Drive is at work when your dog pounces on a squeaky toy and pretends to shake it to death.

Defensive Drive: the urge to defend himself, his pack mates, or his territory. Not all dogs have the drive to defend, and not every dog can stand up to the pressure of defending. A dog who reacts with a desire to defend, but who lacks the confidence to do so, generally shows fear before aggression. You may note this if your dog barks at the door, but runs away when you let someone in.

Fight Drive: If your dog stands his ground when confronted by threats, real or imagined, he may be high in Fight Drive, the instinct to take action to defend.

Flight Drive: A dog who does not stand his ground when facing a so called enemy or frightening situation, flees, and he is said to be high in Flight Drive. This and other drives are well explained in the works of authors Jack and Wendy Volhard.

It is important for us to understand what drives a dog, what makes him tick, in order that we may not only live with him peaceably, but also so we may train him in the easiest possible manner. To train a dog naturally, in a way that makes sense to his way of thinking, means the dog will learn to do what you want at incredible speed.

If that sounds hard to believe, think about it this way. When dogs play or interact, from the second they meet, they are exchanging information using body language. They speak much faster than humans because they can say “don’t come any closer,” merely by squinting an eye. So their language is quick and most dogs speak it fluently. This is why you’ll see dogs introducing themselves carefully at the dog park before playing. First each must know where he ranks in the pack, who he can be boisterous with, and to whom must he yield. Rarely does a dog fail to understand when another dog explains to him, “I am dominant. I would like to play with you, but please allow me to control the play.”

This happens in the blink of an eye and is the main reason there aren’t constant fights in dog parks. In fact, one of the rare times dogs do fight is when two dominant dogs meet and cannot negotiate a power sharing arrangement. This is rare, because they normally can work out a solution. Fights can also occur when a dog lacks confidence, is high in flight drive, and is cornered by other dogs.

Generally, though, dogs communicate quickly, and for a great reason. If they can instantly determine what their relationships are to be, there is limited need for fighting. And that is good for the species. Evolutionary success demands that social creatures work out their problems peacefully within the species, lest the animals expend more energy on killing one another than thriving. Dogs are a very successful species, and their drives, coupled with their ability to adapt, is the reason.

So what does any of this have to do with training your dog? Let’s go back and remember Pack Drive, the urge to follow and collaborate with the Leader. Dogs have this instinct for a good reason. If no one is in charge, chaos reigns. This means in the dog pack, no one has the authority to determine when we hunt, which deer is slow enough for us to catch, which dogs should pass along the best genes by breeding, and so forth. Lacking clear Leadership, dogs become nervous or aggressive…or both. In the wild, neurotic or unproductive aggression spells doom for the individual so afflicted, or for the entire species if those traits become common.

Dogs are born with Pack Drive so that their species does not live in chaos, thereby dying out. Instead, Pack Drive allows a Leader to emerge and keep the pack safe, content and well fed.

Training your dog is an important step in teaching him to meet your expectations. By recognizing how he his psychology functions, you’ll have a better chance of helping him understand what you want. Appeal to your dog’s need for social order by being a clear and compassionate Leader. By all means, share resources with your pet, just be sure you go first.

Here are a few tips that can help engage your dog’s Pack Drive so that he’ll see you as a Leader, and want to cooperate with you.

One, exit doors ahead of your dog. Encourage him to wait while you step through first.

Two, when walking your dog, don’t permit him to pull ahead of you. Instead, use any fair training method to teach him to walk at your side on a loose leash.

Three, ask your dog to sit before you feed him. Do not release an excited dog to his food bowl. Simply get the sit and stand quietly until he relaxes for a moment, then feed him.

Four, if you enjoy close contact with your dog, allow him to snuggle with you, but only when you have invited him to do so. If he gets in your lap without an invitation, take him off, have him sit, then invite him up as a reward.

Five, take your dog for a walk in a large open field on a 20 foot leash. If he runs ahead of you, simply turn around and walk briskly the other way. Before long, your dog will find it more pleasurable to keep an eye on you and allow you to pick the direction.

If you struggle with any of these matters, a professional dog trainer can help you upgrade your Leadership skills. Reward your dog only when he is in Pack Drive, attempting to please you. As Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan says, dogs follow a Pack Leader.

Marc Goldberg, CDT
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/train-your-dog-with-pack-drive-669979.html

Even though you keep your dog restrained on a leash or in a yard, you can never guarantee he will not come in contact with this deadly disease.

Did you know that your dog can pick up the rabies virus simply by licking the ground? If a rabid animal has left saliva or other body fluid shortly before you passed, your dog is at risk.

Much of the focus for many owners is on obedience training. Dog health care is often only an issue when the dog first arrives at the home or when it becomes ill.

Rabies shots are essential if you want to ensure your dog stays healthy. But that’s not the only reason. If your dog comes in contact with a rabid animal, such as fighting with a raccoon, skunk or an infected dog, your pet could be euthanized.

And if that isn’t enough to get you to the vet, consider that rabies is a threat to your family as well.

What can you do to protect your dog and your family?

Rabies vaccines gradually lose their effectiveness over time. The longer it is since your dog was vaccinated, the more at risk he or she will become. In fact, within as a little as six months, your dog could be at risk. The maximum length of time the vaccine lasts is about two years, but by that time it’s effectiveness has deteriorated significantly.

Many people use this two-year point as the period when they give their dogs booster rabies shots. This is an unsafe practice.

For the best protection, you must have your dog vaccinated every year. Any good vet will send you a reminder every year that your dog’s shots are due.

Dog health care is important, but preventative health care is more important. It ensures your dog is protected against dangerous and painful diseases. Rabid animals suffer terribly. The disease affects their entire nervous system causing death. There is no cure.

Regular dog health care measures can protect your family from the rigors of taking the ‘cure’ if your dog does come in contact with the rabies virus.

And rabies dog health care can save your dog’s life.

Recently, two dogs in North Carolina suffered after fighting with a rabid fox. One was quarantined for 6 months, the other was euthanized. That state also had a cat and a raccoon that were rabid.

You can never be sure when rabies will be present. Infected neighborhood cats, raccoons and skunks can wander into any yard without your knowledge and leave rabies-laden saliva.

If you seldom hear about rabies, do not think that your dog is safe. Every year somewhere in the country there are reported cases of rabies in wild animals. Unprotected dogs have been euthanized after fighting with those rabid animals.

Protection is far better than treatment after the fact. There is no reason for your family or your dog to suffer. It takes about 15 minutes a year to get your dog vaccinated against rabies and other serious diseases.

Make sure your dog health care includes regular rabies vaccines to ensure your dog’s and your family’s safety.

Sylvia Dickens
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/your-dog-health-care-must-include-annual-rabies-shots-531467.html

Why should I insure my pet?

Pets give us so much enjoyment and are one of the family. Whether it is a cat, dog, rabbit or snake, we all love our pets. On average a cat will live for 13 years. However, if they are cared for and stay inside, their lifespan can increase by as much as 7 years.

A lot of money is spent over this time on food, toys, kennels, litter, cages, training, beds, treats, clothes, hutches, collars….. the list goes on and on.

Although we all manage to find the money to buy all of these pet products, one major expenditure is forgotten time after time. Pet insurance. You might ask why should I insure my pet? Or do I need pet insurance? Yes is the answer. Whether it is pet insurance for my cat, or pet insurance for my dog you do need pet insurance.

On average 250,000 cats are hit by vehicles in Britain every year. That’s around 600 cats every single day. The average pet bill after a cat is hit in a road accident is £500 but in some cases could be as much as £10,000.

How much do you love your pet, or more importantly can you afford it. If you can’t afford to cover the pet bills then your pet will have to be put down. If you had a chance to save the life of your pet but money was the decider, you would be devastated that you didn’t insure your pet.

Every pet owner will agree that close bonds develop very quickly. If you have never had a pet then you simply wouldn’t understand what love, affection and companionship a pet can provide.

Where can I get pet insurance online?

For a very small fee per month your pet can be insured. Don’t do it tomorrow, do it today or you will regret not insuring your pet. Everyday pet owners that haven’t insured their pets have to have them put down. You don’t want to be put into the position at the vets where the choice of your pets life is put down to the size of you bank balance.

Peter Ford
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/why-should-i-insure-my-pet-87738.html

The case of a dog urinating blood is called hematuria. This can be caused by different illnesses or health problems that your dog may be suffering at the moment. Several common causes of this condition in dogs are the following: Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). When your dog is urinating blood, it may be suffering from urinary tract infection. When bacteria have infiltrated the dog s urinary bladder, inflammation or infection occurs and sometimes cause bleeding in dogs, leading dogs to urinate blood. Other symptoms of UTI include foul-smelling urine, straining in pain while urinating, incontinence, frequent urination, and an abrupt change in its behavioral pattern. Usually, a dog with urinary tract infection is given antibiotics for treatment. Poisoning. Blood in the dog s urine may indicate that the dog has been poisoned. Your dog might have eaten food that has poison in it. There are certain chemicals that are contained in rat and mouse poisons that could cause bleeding in dogs. Other symptoms of poisoning include diarrhea, vomiting, seizure, panting, lethargy, muscle tremors, drooling, and disoriented behavior. Uterine Infection. A female dog urinating blood may be suffering from a uterine infection. This is common in female dogs which have recently given birth, or which are undergoing a heat cycle. Prostate Gland Infection. This happens in male dogs. Aside from having urine in the blood, other symptoms also include a swollen penis, fever, intense pain during urination, frequent urination, and difficulty in urinating. Tumor Growth. Dog urinating blood may also signal the growth of malignant and benign tumors in the dog s kidneys, bladder, and urinary tract. Trauma. When your dog has been hit by a car or had had a fight with another dog, although it may look fine on the outside, it may suffer from trauma. Trauma can lead to bleeding, especially when the kidneys, urethra, and bladder are damaged. Tick Transmitted Diseases. Tick-borne illnesses can also result to bloody urine. One such disease caused by ticks in dogs is the Lyme disease. The Lyme disease and other diseases caused by ticks could cause serious damage to the kidneys and result to bleeding in dogs.

When your dog is urinating blood, it is important that you bring it to the veterinarian immediately. This may be a sign of a serious disease and may be life-threatening to your dog. It is best that you do not attempt to cure the dog s condition with home-made remedies during this kind of situation as this requires immediate attention of an expert. The veterinarian will do appropriate tests and physical exams to your dog to determine the exact cause of the condition. Afterwards, you can give your dog homeopathic remedies to prevent the recurrence of the disease. Homeopathic remedies are effective ways to prevent infection and aid in the natural healing process.