Confident dog

This is shown when your dog stands straight and tall with her head held high, ears perked up, and eyes bright. You can see its mouth slightly open but relaxed. Her tail may sway gently, curl loosely or hang in a relaxed position. Your dog is friendly, at ease and non-threatening with her surroundings.

Happy dog

A happy dog is basically the same as a confident dog. The dog will usually wag its tail rapidly. Expect your dog to jump and run around with glee. A playful dog will show the “play bow” where its front legs are stretched forward, head straight ahead, rear end up in the air and wiggling. Take this as a positive sign to play.

Anxious dog

The anxious dog may act similarly submissive. It often holds its ears partially back with its neck stretched out. It stands in a very tense posture and sometimes shudders. Often, an anxious dog slightly whimpers or moans. See its tail set low and may be tucked. An anxious dog may overreact to stimulus and can become fearful or even aggressive. If you are familiar with your dog, try to divert its attention to something more pleasant. However, be cautious when you try to soothe your dog. Do not provoke her or try to soothe it.

Submissive dog

A submissive dog is meek, gentle and non-threatening. Your dog holds its head down, ears down flat and averts its eyes. Its tail is not tucked but is low and may sway slightly. Your pet may roll on its back and expose its belly. You might see your dog doing the submissive pose when you just got home. A submissive dog may also nuzzle or lick the other dog or person to manifest passive intent. Sometimes, your dog will sniff the ground or otherwise divert her attention to show that it does not want to cause any trouble.

Fearful dog

The fearful dog combines submissive and anxious attitudes but with more extreme signals. Your dog stands tense, yet very low to the ground. Its ears are flat back while its eyes are narrowed and averted. The tail is between her legs. A fearful dog typically trembles and often whines or growls. Your dog might even bear its teeth in defense. Just like scared man who feels very threatened, your dog may also urinate or defecate. A fearful dog can become aggressive at the moment it senses a threat. Do not try to reassure the anxious dog. Instead, remove yourself from the situation calmly. Be confident and strong when you do steer your dog away. Do not comfort or punish your dog. Dogs are territorial so move her to a less threatening, more familiar location.

Anxious dog

The anxious dog may act somewhat submissive, but often holds her ears partially back and her neck stretched out. She stands in a very tense posture and sometimes shudders. Often, an anxious dog slightly whimpers or moans. Her tail is low and may be tucked. An anxious dog may overreact to stimulus and can become fearful or even aggressive. If you are familiar with the dog, you may try to divert her attention to something more pleasant. However, be cautious – do not provoke her or try to soothe her.

Aggressive dog

An aggressive dog goes far beyond the word “dominant”. All feet are firmly planted on the ground in a territorial manner. When an unwelcomed visitor advances to its territory, your dog may lunge forward. The ears of the dog are pinned back, head is straight ahead, eyes are narrowed but piercing, tail is straight and full. Your dog bears her teeth, snaps her jaw and growls or barks threateningly. The hairs along her back stand on edge. Instincts will tell you to get away carefully when you see a dog showing these signs. Do not run. Do not make eye contact with the dog. Do not show fear. Slowly back away to your safety. If your own dog becomes aggressive to the point of harming other people, seek the assistance of a professional dog trainer (try Dog Whisperer) to learn the proper way to correct the behavior. Dogs exhibiting aggressive behavior should never be used for breeding.

Dominant dog

A dominant dog will try to assert herself over other dogs and sometimes people. Your dog stands tall and confident and may lean a bit forward. Its eyes are wide open and makes direct eye contact with the other dog or person. See its ears up and alert complete with the hair on its back standing on edge. Its demeanor appears less friendly and possibly threatening. You may also hear lowly growl. If the behavior is directed at dog that submits then there is little concern. If the other dog, however, tries to be dominant, a fight may ensue. A dog that directs dominant behavior towards people can pose a serious threat. Do not make eye contact and slowly try to leave. If your dog regularly exhibits this behavior towards people, you need to modify your dog’s behavior.

Technorati Tags: animal, body language, dogs, English Bulldog Puppy, pets, training

The reality of having to work to earn a living is a must especially if you want to make ends meet, including your dog’s needs. But, a little time alone or make that quality time alone with your dog goes a long way to make your pet feel special and appreciated. Go through simple ways to have a time to bond with your pet dog without exerting very much effort or spending more time.

Take your dog along

Why not let your dog tag along when you are out doing errands like picking kids up from school? It is a hassle-free way to shower your dog with attention and stimulation. If you are one of those owners whose lives rotate around home, sending or picking up kids from school, at soccer games, then allowing your dog to participate in these activities can meet much of her social needs.

Sleep with your dog.

Experts agree that having your dog sleep in your bedroom does not necessarily mean to let it sleep on your bed. Your dear pet can sleep on the floor or another mini sofa in your room. It is a great way to spend extended time with your best friend with no additional effort on your part.

Find common hobbies you both like to do.

There are some activities that seem to be more fun when done with a buddy. Yes, your buddy can be your dog. Try doing mutually enjoyable physical activities that you both love. Add in some cuddle time during these activities too. It never hurts to express how much you love your pet.

Multitasking

Are you busy making lunch or dinner while your dog hangs around? Use this opportunity to train your dog how to sit-stay and down-stay commands.

Delegating

If you don’t live alone, other family members can take turns helping out on dog care. For example, if you are living with children then designate them to be walkers, exercisers and players of your household pet. It spreads the interactions over more people.

Who wants a grumpy, lonely dog for company? Spend a little extra time with your dog to make it a happy member of your home. Every dog requires training, exercise, and quality one-on-one time with people each and every day. A little creativity on your part can help meet most of your dog’s social needs without putting a dent in your schedule.

written by Toni S.

Technorati Tags: dogs, English Bulldog Puppy, how to spend quality time, pets, take care

The Road Home episode shows how Little Girl, a Catahoula leopard dog mix, is given a second chance and learns to overcome her fears with help from John Garcia, in hopes that she will be adopted. Shy dogs are often among the first to be euthanized in shelters because they are difficult to adopt, but not at DogTown, a no-kill facility. Later we will follow a morbidly obese Chihuahua, Tuli, with a tiny head and a pineapple-size body, who must lose weight to become healthy enough for adoption. Finally, we meet Shockey, a terrier mix who is full of energy and excitement that makes her hard to control. See how DogTown manager Michelle Besmehn works to help Shockey listen to commands and overcome her stubbornness.

“Obese Chihuahua” – Due to serious health concerns, an overweight Chihuahua has to shed some pounds.

“Little Girl’s Big Fears” – An extremely shy dog overcomes her fears at Dogtown.

Technorati Tags: chihuahua, dogs, dogtown, january 29 2010, national geographic channel, the road home

Hurry!  Only 2 days left to order for Christmas with FREE Super Saver Shipping for orders over $25 (Restrictions apply).

Charming Medium Pumpkin Party Collar.$ 12

ORDER HERE.

Kyjen Dog Angel Halo Headband $ 6.

ORDER HERE.

Kyjen Kiss Me Antlers Pet Headband $ 5.99.

ORDER HERE.

Kyjen Holiday I-Qube Puzzle Plush Interactive Dog Toy, Large $ 13.59

ORDER HERE.

Kyjen Dog Reindeer Suit with Booties & Antlers $ 9.99

ORDER HERE.

Sergeant’s Seasons Treatings Candy Cane Dog Biscuit, 23 Ounce $ 9.92

ORDER HERE.

Elf Pet Costume $ 18.99

ORDER HERE.

Premier Jingle Bell Dog Collar $ 9.25

ORDER HERE.

Sergeant’s Puppet Dog Toy $ 7.40

ORDER HERE.

Sergeant’s Puppet Dog Toy $ 7.15

ORDER HERE.

Kyjen Plush Puppies 12 Days of Christmas Squeaker Mat Dog Toy with 16 Squeakers $ 14.35

ORDER HERE.

Kyjen Santa Suit w/Boots & Hat with Beard $ 12.57

ORDER HERE.

Kyjen Dog Santa Hat $ 4.93

ORDER HERE.

Kyjen Plush Puppies Santa Squeaky Squiggler Dog Toy $ 9.99

ORDER HERE.

Kyjen Holiday Multi-Pack Stocking $ 14.20

ORDER HERE.

Technorati Tags: CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS, dogs, English Bulldog Puppy, pet costumes, pets, treats

Eczema
Eczema or canine atopic dermatitis is the most common skin problem in the English bulldog. Eczema is a non-parasitic infection that produces dry, itchy skin often manifesting in scaly bumps or open sores. The causes of the said skin disease are allergies, stress, and insect bites. It tends to be worse in the warm, summer months.

What to do
The need to regularly ensure the proper care of the bulldog’s skin is needed to avoid eczema. You can make sure that your dog’s skin is moisturized with the use of emolients that greatly reduce outbreaks of this condition. Incorporate lamb meat in your bulldog’s diet since it can help treat cases of eczema.

Dermatitis, pyoderma and staph
The three common bacterial skin infections affecting English bulldogs are dermatitis, pyoderma and staph. These infections affect the skin surface and cal also penetrates the skin deeply. Allergies, insect bites or moisture in the skin of bulldogs can be a predisposing factor.

What to do
You should go see your vet as soon as possible. Your vet may prescribe oral antibiotic and medicated shampoos to treat your dog.

Seborrhea
Another common skin problem with English bulldog is seborrhea. It causes the skin to become either excessively oily or excessively dry. Infections, either bacterial or fungal also cause this skin condition. The infection appears as inflamed patches of skin that gives off a bad odor.

What to do
Your vet can treat this infection with an antibiotic. Seborrhea manifests in the bulldog without nay signs of infections. In this case, you can treat seborrhea with shampoos and food supplements.

Hot spots
Hot spots are also known as acute moist dermatitis that appears as round, hairless, itchy sores on the superficial layer of the skin. It can be an allergic reaction to insect bites, parasites, food and even anal gland problems. The bulldog often attempts to relive the pain or itchiness of these sores by chewing or licking them. These actions lead to further inflammation.

What to do
Trimming the hair around them can treat hot spots, cleaning the area with Nolvasan solution and applying a medication such as Domeboro powder.

Acne
The English bulldog breed can be prone to acne. It is caused by dirt entering the pores of the skin as well as allergic reactions. Acne afflicts younger bulldogs that appear as pimples or blackheads on the lips, chin, and muzzle. Acne does not usually bother the bulldog not unless the areas become severely infected.

What to do
Your vet can prescribe acne-cleaning shampoo in more severe cases.

Technorati Tags: acne, dogs, eczema, health, pets, seborrha, skin problems of english bulldog

Signs and symptoms of heartworm
The manifestations of heartworm in dogs, including English bulldogs, vary from case to case. It includes loss of energy, loss of appetite, coughing, anemia, and development of a pot belly. Far more intensive effects on the dog are predictable such as cardiac failure over a year or two, resulting to death.

Treatment of heartworm
The process of eliminating heartworm infection on dogs can be difficult. It involves an attempt to poison the healthy worm with the aide of arsenic compounds without harming (or killing) the sick and weak dog. In most cases, this attempt fails. Blood testing for heartworms does not indicate the severity of the infection.

Prevention is a much better and effective option. The treatment of heartworm should start at about six weeks of age. A prophylactic dose should be given monthly.

Other internal parasites
The dog’s intestines can be a breeding ground of internal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms. Roundworms live in the dog’s intestines. They grow about 10 centimeters long and are white in color. About 70% puppies will be infected with Toxocare; the most common term used for roundworms, either as a fetus or from their mother’s milk after birth. It is imperative to deworm pregnant bitches with an appropriate product to help prevent the transmission of worms to their puppies.

Signs of parasite infection
Puppies that are infected exhibit abdominal distension, vomiting, diarrhea and debility. Puppies could be infected without obviously showing any signs of worms.

If you do see worms, it is a sign of a very severe infection. In this case, a professional advice of your vet is recommended. The greatest danger of this parasite is that infects people too. Before that happens to you, test your dog regularly for roundworms. Toxocariasis in humans will cause epilepsy or blindness.

Tapeworms are carried by fleas can be ingurgitated by infected dogs then transmitted to humans. Your mother was right with washing your hands before you eat or even when you cook. Tapeworms can be evident around the anal area or on the bedding. These worms are white in color and look similar to grains of rice. Tapeworms do not often affect puppies. The tapeworm disease is not life threatening in dogs but is a cause of liver disease for humans.

Prevention
All dogs should be treated for worms on a regular basis preferably every three months regardless if there are signs of infection or not. Puppies should be treated every 2 weeks from 4 weeks of age until they are 12 weeks old and after every month until they are 6 months old. Children are at the highest risk of parasite infection when you keep a dog in your household. If you have young children at home, teach them to always wash their hands after petting or any physical contact with dogs.

Technorati Tags: dogs, English Bulldog Puppy, health, internal parasites prevention, pets, tapeworms heartworm

A study is now in progress at the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine in Madison to determine how long a new, more potent rabies vaccine protects dogs from the virus.

The Rabies Challenge Fund study, headed by veterinarian Ronald Schultz, aims to find out if the vaccine provides immunity in canines for as long as seven years. The vaccine’s name is withheld and marked as confidential, as it is yet to be licensed and is not yet on the market.

Most states and local authorities currently require owners to vaccinate their dogs every three years.  If this study proves the current law wrong then animal advocates whose pets were harmed by rabies vaccinations and helped raise money to conduct the study plan to make a nationwide push to extend mandated intervals for boosters.

The two-phase study should be completed in 2013 and 2015.

Jean Dodds, DVM, of Garden Grove, Calif., is one of the researchers involved in the study. She says allowing dogs to be given fewer rabies boosters during their lifetime would significantly reduce adverse the most common vaccine reactions, including seizures, rashes, tumors at the injection site and even death.

Doods reported that “a lot of people have not associated the sudden death or illness of their pet with the vaccination because they weren’t motivated to look at the association.” She added that’s why many veterinarians have not recognized the link between dogs’ death and rabies vaccine.

Currently 14 rabies vaccines for canines are on the market. Vaccines must be shown safe for use before a license is granted by the federal government’s Center for Veterinary Biologics (CVB), a regulatory procedure that’s been in place since 1922.

In a special report, however, published in April’s edition of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA), veterinarian Timothy Frana and his colleagues said evaluations of rabies vaccines before licensure “may not detect all safety concerns” for a number of reasons, including insufficient duration of observation and interactions with products administered at the same time.

Based on the report, during a three-year period (from April 1, 2004 to March 31, 2007), nearly 120 million doses of rabies vaccine (for all species) were distributed in the United States. During that time frame, manufacturers of rabies vaccines received nearly 10,000 adverse reports concerning their products, according the JAVMA report. Out of the 10,000 adverse reports, 65 percent involved dogs.

Due to the large volume of reports, the paper’s authors did not review individual cases.
Instead, they turned their attention to 246 adverse event reports filed for dogs with the CVB during the same period, where rabies was identified as one of the products administered.

About two dozen symptoms were reported including, vomiting, facial swelling, injection site pain, lethargy and circulatory shock. In 12 cases, lack of consciousness and death occurred.

Still, the authors concluded the report’s findings “do not suggest a high frequency or unexpected pattern of adverse events associated with the use of rabies vaccines in veterinary medicine.”

Nonetheless, Shawn Messonnier who is a holistic veterinarian in Plano, Texas, looks forward to the new study’s results and a time when dogs can undergo dramatically fewer rabies vaccinations in their lifetimes.
“It’s important to determine the maximum duration of effectiveness so that we do not over-vaccinate pets,” he said.

(News courtesy of Maryann Mott, Special to LiveScience)

Technorati Tags: dogs, english bulldog, health, rabies vaccine, Study on rabies vaccine & immunity of canines

Vaccination is a serious medical procedure that can potentially affect health, both in short or long term basis. Experts advise pet owners to vaccinate pets according to its individual needs. Read through this guide to get rid of unnecessary shots while actually enhancing health.

1. Don’t allow your vet, kennel owner or groomer to intimidate you into giving unnecessary shots.

When your vet pushes you to give your dog vaccine shots. Suggest titer testing for parvovirus or distemper. As a client, you have the right to select treatment as well as the right to refuse treatment that you think is not necessary. Require written proof from experts that your dog needs any shot. It is a very important issue with your dog’s lifelong health is at stake.

2. Eliminate vaccines on the “not recommended” list.

The American Hospital Association’s Canine Vaccine Task Force as well as most veterinary organizations and schools have released a not recommended list of vaccines. It includes Giardia and Corona virus, found in many combination shots.

3. Firmly say no to combination shots.

Combo shots, called names like DHLPPC, assault your dog’s immune system with five or seven vaccines at once. It is given for false economic reasons and convenience rather than health or safety. The combination shots are linked to autoimmune disease and other major health problems. It has been found that combo shots invariably contain unnecessary and even dangerous vaccines.

4. Stop vaccinating against diseases for which your dog may already have immunity.

Titer testing is a great use to determine the shots that your dog needs. Blood serological studies show that parvovirus vaccines given to dogs over 15-16 weeks of age generally give at least 7 years of immunity, as does the Rockborn distemper strain. (The Onderstepoort strain gives 5 years.) Ask your vet which vaccine your dog received.

5. Always consider locale, lifestyle, risk and vaccine effectiveness.

Bordetella (a.k.a. kennel cough) is for dogs in poorly ventilated close quarters like kennels, not for pets sometimes playing with others. Leptospirosis is a disease of wetlands and woodlands, and the vaccine may not protect against the actual disease in your area. Lyme is only for dogs in areas with Lyme disease. Furthermore, each of these vaccines has dangerous side effects and their efficacy is questionable. Don’t give them without proven need and benefit.

6. Test immunity. Don’t automatically re-vaccinate.

Titer tests are blood tests measuring antibodies to disease. Renowned pet vaccination expert Dr. Ron Schultz believes that titer tests yielding strong titers for parvovirus and distemper means not vaccinating against these diseases for years and maybe life. (Note: Don’t expect everyone to accept test results in lieu of vaccination. This subject is complicated, and most people are programmed to think of vaccination as “the gold standard.” Also, the absence of strong titers does not necessarily mean that a dog needs a “booster.”)

7. Never vaccinate sick dogs.

All vaccine labels state that they’re to be used in healthy animals. Do not be too unmindful of labels given that vaccine labels do not define “healthy”. As a result, sick pets, immune-compromised pets, pets undergoing chemo and surgery, and even dying housebound pets are vaccinated. Any shots given to an unhealthy animal may well not provide immunity and is likely to develop an adverse reaction, even death. Regarding the rabies vaccine: chronically ill or immune-compromised pets may be eligible for a rabies shot exemption for a specified period or even life.

8. Don’t vaccinate puppies too early.

You end up wasting money on vaccines when you vaccinate your puppies too early. Vaccinating pups that still have maternal immunity is unnecessary and ineffective. Most vets suggest waiting until at least 8 weeks of age. Some experts suggest waiting until 3-4 months to vaccinate puppies, keeping pups away from public places and strange dogs until immunity is proven by strong titers.

9. Insist that your vet documents any adverse vaccine reactions in detail.

Someday you may want to apply for rabies vaccine exemption. The dangers of rabies vaccine can be fatal to your dear dogs. Always think of the safety and health of your dog. Too much vaccination can be harmful to pets.

10. Make copies of dog licenses and vet files and store them in a safe place.

Lastly, keep all important documents to prove your dog’s immunity from vaccination. Some clinics go bankrupt, lose records etc. The last things you want to do is to have your dog vaccinate sooner than necessary due to missing records.

Technorati Tags: animal, dogs, english bulldog, health, overvaccinations dangers, pets, tips eliminate unnecessary vaccination

Your vet may never tell you that rabies vaccine is very dangerous. Rabies vaccine sounds like a good thing for pets but did you know that it is known to cause serious, and fatal, side effects in cats and dogs, as listed below:

Immediately or up to 3 days after the shot:

Vomiting
Facial swelling
Fever or lethargy
Circulatory shock
Loss of consciousness
Death

Days, weeks or months after the shot:

Fibrosarconoma (cancer) at the injection site
Seizures and epilepsy
Allergies
Autoimmune diseases, including organ disease, allergies and skin problems
Chronic digestive problems
Muscle weakness, especially lack of hind end coordination
Chronic digestive disorders
Skin diseases such as Ischemic Dermatopathy or cutaneous vasculitis
Behavior problems – aggression, destructive behaviors, separation anxiety and odd obsessive behaviors (like tail chasing and paw licking).

Delayed and unexpected reactions seldom get linked to the vaccines that caused them. Chronic symptoms of a reaction to the rabies vaccine can mimic noninfectious symptoms of rabies include restlessness; viciousness; avoidance of company; unusual affection; desire to travel; inability to be restrained; self biting; strange cries and howls; inability to swallow resulting in gagging while eating/drinking; staring eyes; swallowing wood, stones, non-edibles; destruction of blankets, clothing; convulsive seizures; throat spasms; increased sexual desires; disturbed heart function; excited and jerky breathing.

In worse case scenarios when your English bulldog, other dog breed, or pet cat does develop reactions from rabies vaccine. Report any reactions you think might be linked to the shot to your vet immediately. Here is what you should do when this happens:
1. Get the lot number of the vaccine used, brand name, date given and location of the shot on the dog’s body and report the reaction and diagnosis to the vaccine manufacturer. The manufacturer will sometimes pay for treatment.
2. Have your vet document every step of the dog’s treatment and detail the reactions. And have your vet sign his/her notes and get a copy. This is very important! You will need the documentation to apply for an exemption when the shot is due again.

A dog living to age fourteen would only get 3 shots in its lifetime, not the currently required 6 to 15 shots.

Not all pet owners are warned about these possible adverse effects. Despite an obvious display of the side effects listed above, chances are your vet may not share to make you aware of the connection between the vaccine and the effects to your dog. The vet may not even recognize these rare reactions. All reporting are done voluntarily thus adverse reactions are seldom reported. Report adverse reactions (side effects) of vaccines here:

This is a new page from the AVMA:
Click here.

On-line reporting form:
Online reporting form

You’ll need to get a lot of the information from your vet. Do not expect your vet to make the report. Underreporting is commonplace.

More reporting information and options:
Click here.

Technorati Tags: animals, dangers of rabies vaccines, dogs, english bulldog, health, pets

No need to panic at the sight of your puppy’s soft stool. There are several possible causes for the change in consistency.

1. A change in diet

When you switch your puppy from one brand of food to another or from switching from dry food to canned or homemade food are all very common reasons for loose stools. The food switching can be done as long as any change in diet is made gradually over at least a week.

Start by replacing a small amount of the regular food with the new one. After seven days or so, gradually increase the amount of new food while decreasing the previous type of food. At the end of the wek, your puppy should be happily and well-adjusted to its new dog food without any evidence of upset tummy. It will do your English bulldog puppy good, not to mention for your peace of mind.

2. Stress

Puppies are born with very delicate digestive system which is often affected by stressful situations. Among the situations that can trigger diarrhea are weaning from the mother dog or siblings, adjusting to a new home, a ride on a airplane, a visit to the vet, and over-excitement.

3. Eating something your puppy shouldn’t

Little puppies are curious in nature resulting to a boundless exploration thinking everything is edible. Puppies also wander to garbage cans and tend to snack on the dirty leftovers. Puppy diarrhea is most likely going to happen.

What you should do:

Focus on eliminating the cause of diarrhea. Next step is to replace lost fluids with a regular fresh water supply. You can also use Pedialyte (found in baby section of grocery stores) to replenish the lost fluids of your puppy. Offer it alone or mix it with your puppy’s water.

If your English bulldog puppy is drinking well, it will be lively and bright eyed. If it is not exactly showing the said signs, you should monitor your puppy especially when it shows signs of other illness such as vomiting, lethargy, among others. You can give half teaspoon of Pepto Bismol for every 10 pounds of weight for every 4 hours, to a maximum of 8 doses. It will coat your puppy’s intestines to afford a chance to heal and get rid of diarrhea.

When your pet had its 8th dose of Pepto Bismol but is not showing any improvement. Take your English bulldog puppy to the vet to have it checked for parasites, worms, or other diseases.

Lactobacillus naturally found in yogurt can help add good bacteria back into the digestive tract. You can add a tablespoon of vanilla or strawberry yogurt to your puppy’s meals. Puppies definitely love yogurt!

If none of the tips above works and your vet has ruled out parasites in your puppy’s system, switch your puppy to a bland diet for one week. Bland diet consists of rice with no seasonings mixed with plain cooked hamburger meat or skinless chicken. It will be an -easy-to-digest for your puppy and can be used in a chronic case of diarrhea.

There are some cases of loose stools to last up to 6 months of age with no particular cause except of a sensitive stomach. No need to worry about it since it will eventually get better.

Technorati Tags: animals, dogs, English Bulldog Puppy, health, how to manage diarrhea, pets