Dogs can overact when they feel unwell or when they are just not happy. They will mope and lie around, looking at you for sympathy. The moment you grab the leash or pick up his favourite toy, his attitude will change drastically. This makes it difficult to know when the dog is really ill.
There are some signs that are sure a sure giveaway.
1. Nasal discharge. This indicates that your dog is suffering some nasal congestion. If it is a thick discharge, the dog might have pneumonia. You might notice the dog is having difficulty breathing or is wheezing. Seek medical attention immediately if you think your dog has a serious nasal or lung congestion.
2. Vomiting. While dogs will vomit for no apparent reason, there are times when it is serious. Some dogs will eat grass to throw up, although they will also eat grass when they do not feel ill. The grass will cause sufficient irritation to allow the dog to get rid of things like fur balls or small foreign objects in their stomachs. If the vomiting is consistently and violently, consider it to be a sign of serious ill health.
3. Scratching. Dogs will scratch flea bites or because their skin is dry. It can also indicate that they have parasites such as ticks and lice on the skin. Dry skin can mean that the dog is dehydrated and possibly suffering a more serious illness. Persistent scratching should be checked by a vet.
4. Diarrhea. Occasionally, dogs can have a reaction to a particular can of food or from something else they have swallowed. If the diarrhea clears itself in a day, chances are it was a temporary condition. If it persists, however, it can mean that your dog has a bowel disorder such as a blockage or internal parasites. Observe the dog to check for limping, a reluctance to walk or refusing food. Any one of these can indicate that your dog might have a renal disorder, like nephritis.
5. Whiteness in the eyes. If this is present, your dog could have an eye disease or be anaemic. In this case, the mucous membrane of the eyes is paler or white. If the dog bites his chain, owners or others and demonstrates behavior changes, he could have rabies. Protect yourself and others by isolating the dog and staying out of reach to avoid being bitten. Rabies is highly contagious to man and requires painful injections. Rabid dogs cannot be cured.
For more great dog training tips and resources to help you train your dog, or puppy, visit Dogs Training Site at http://DogsTrainingMadeEasy.com
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Dogs Training Series Provide Variety to Stop Bad Dog Behavior
Dogs get bored, just like humans. And like humans, they tend to get into more trouble when they have nothing to do to keep themselves occupied. Dogs need variety just like we do.
If your dog is misbehaving, getting into things he shouldn't, then he probably is bored. Bored dogs will chew anything handy like table legs, purse straps or footwear. They will chase and bite your family's feet. They will shred whatever is in their path, including paper, items of clothing, towels, walls and weather-stripping on doors.
Barking is another sign of a bored dog as are digging and escaping.
Toys of any sort can provide a certain amount of entertainment, until he gets bored with them too. One toy that seems to provide hours of distraction allows you to insert dog biscuits inside. Some dogs will spend hours rolling the toy to get the treats to fall out.
Select chewable toys that represent items such as bones that provide natural chewing activity. While you must be very selective in the type of bones you give your dog, nylon bones can be equally effective.
If you provide your dog with real bones, be sure they are not boiled as this makes them brittle and dangerous. Choose hard bones. Knuckle bones, which are available from your local butcher or from your pet supply store, are best.
Soft toys can ease boredom, but in extremely destructive dogs, they will be destroyed quickly. Make sure your dog does not swallow the pieces as they can cause internal blockages. This is especially true of tennis balls, plastic toys, and toys that are formed from string.
Severely bored and destructive dogs can end up costing you in toy purchases and repairs or replacement of damaged items around the house.
The best most cost effective way to break boredom is to interact with your dog. Exercise is good for both of you, so why not head out for a walk twice a day? Toss a ball for him to chase. Let him interact with other dogs at the local dog park, if you have one nearby.
You can provide your dog with inside games that are sure to cure boredom. One excellent game involves hiding his toy or a few dog biscuits around the house and have your dog find them. They love this activity as it satisfies their natural hunting instincts.
Get creative. Think about your dog's natural instincts. Play with him every day and you will soon put an end to his boredom and destructive behavior.
For more great dog training tips and resources to help you train your dog, or puppy, visit Dogs Training Site at http://DogsTrainingMadeEasy.com
If your dog is misbehaving, getting into things he shouldn't, then he probably is bored. Bored dogs will chew anything handy like table legs, purse straps or footwear. They will chase and bite your family's feet. They will shred whatever is in their path, including paper, items of clothing, towels, walls and weather-stripping on doors.
Barking is another sign of a bored dog as are digging and escaping.
Toys of any sort can provide a certain amount of entertainment, until he gets bored with them too. One toy that seems to provide hours of distraction allows you to insert dog biscuits inside. Some dogs will spend hours rolling the toy to get the treats to fall out.
Select chewable toys that represent items such as bones that provide natural chewing activity. While you must be very selective in the type of bones you give your dog, nylon bones can be equally effective.
If you provide your dog with real bones, be sure they are not boiled as this makes them brittle and dangerous. Choose hard bones. Knuckle bones, which are available from your local butcher or from your pet supply store, are best.
Soft toys can ease boredom, but in extremely destructive dogs, they will be destroyed quickly. Make sure your dog does not swallow the pieces as they can cause internal blockages. This is especially true of tennis balls, plastic toys, and toys that are formed from string.
Severely bored and destructive dogs can end up costing you in toy purchases and repairs or replacement of damaged items around the house.
The best most cost effective way to break boredom is to interact with your dog. Exercise is good for both of you, so why not head out for a walk twice a day? Toss a ball for him to chase. Let him interact with other dogs at the local dog park, if you have one nearby.
You can provide your dog with inside games that are sure to cure boredom. One excellent game involves hiding his toy or a few dog biscuits around the house and have your dog find them. They love this activity as it satisfies their natural hunting instincts.
Get creative. Think about your dog's natural instincts. Play with him every day and you will soon put an end to his boredom and destructive behavior.
For more great dog training tips and resources to help you train your dog, or puppy, visit Dogs Training Site at http://DogsTrainingMadeEasy.com
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