By the way, I had a blind 14 year old lab who got this disease.  He was also not well at the time.  Like other dog owners, I had no clue about this disease and I was freaking.  I took him in to the vet thinking I had to have him put to sleep.  I was totally thrilled when he told me no, this is what it is.  Wow, what a scary thing to watch.  Thanks Dr Sarah for this post!!

Video by Dr. Sarah
Of conditions from which canines can suffer, few provoke as much fright in pet parents as that which accompanies Canine Vestibular Disease. If you’re not familiar with this syndrome, you might believe your dog is having a stroke or experiencing a serious neurological problem. Not to worry, because Dr. Sarah’s on hand to explain this malady, including the wide range of symptoms, possible causes and steps you can take to help alleviate your dog’s misery. Watch the latest episode of Pet Talk now…

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It’s no secret that Almanac readers adore their pets. And it turns out that pets are good for us. For example, having a pet by your side keeps your blood pressure low. Pets keep us well!

In turn, we can keep our pets healthy. Each week, give your pet a quick at-home checkup:

• Give a full-body rubdown. Check for lumps, bumps, or flaking skin—as well as unusual weight gain/loss or swelling. See how to check if your pet is overweight.

• Listen to the breathing. Note rasping or any major change from the norm.

• Check the pulse under the left front elbow. Get the beats per minute by counting the heartbeats in 15 seconds, then multiplying by 4. Cats should be 120 beats per minute, and dogs are 60 to 160, depending upon breed.

• Examine your pet’s ears and eyes for wounds, unusual discharge, or irritation.

• Look in your pet’s mouth for healthy gums.

• Pay attention to day-to-day changes in appetite, gait, bowel movements, and behavior

Courtesy, www.almanac.com/

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KingdomPets: Dog Training

Whether your dog is a puppy or an adult, it doesn’t matter, I’ll show you how in minutes a day, you can transform your dog’s behavior. The information and techniques apply to all breeds and all ages of dogs. Forget hiring a professional dog trainer. Save hundreds of dollars and learn their most guarded secrets here. Best of all, the information and techniques are easy for anyone to use.

Our Secrets to Dog Training book brings you over 260 pages packed with powerful facts, instructions and insight – all you need to know to STOP your dog’s behavior problems in their tracks!

Housebreaking

How to PUT AN END TO your puppy or adult dog’s indoor ACCIDENTS, and how to better COMMUNICATE with your dog in the process.

tags: Training an older dog, Adult dog training ,Training an adult dog

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How to Greet Your New Canine Friend (I read an article from dogster.com and I thought it worth sharing some points with you.)

photo credit: e³°°°

You are out walking and you see a dog owner with their dog. Of course, being a dog lover, like me, you want to greet the dog. The owner says sure, go ahead! So, now you have permission, you know the dog is friendly, but still, you need to do it in a way that is NOT threatening or scary to the dog.

1. Have you ever noticed that dogs often do a “doggy dance” when they first meet. And no, you don’t have to do the dance, but according to dogster.com, it is less threatening to the dog if you turn sideways when you first greet him.

2. Like you would do with a smaller kid, get down (slowly) to his level, you won’t be overbearing that way. Don’t forget, the dog’s sees you from many feet lower.

3. Don’t stare at the dog. Too much eye contact and too long an eye contact could be threatening instead of friendly to him.

4. If the dog seems a bit shy, or quietly ignoring you, just drop your arms to your sides, and let the dog approach you for the first touch.

Now, on the other hand, when you meet a golden retriever, 10 to 1, non of the above are necessary, because most goldens will already have accosted (in a mild and gentle way) you before you have the chance to make the first move

Just be aware!!! A dog is not a toy. Be aware of the dog, his mood, his responses.

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