Diabetes in dogs

The early warning sign of diabetes in dogs include lack of energy, vision problems and cataracts, lack of coordination, incontinence, throwing up, and drinking large amounts of water. With Diabetes mellitus in dogs there are two varieties, type 1 and type 2 -- with most dogs suffering from type 1. Approximately, 1 out of  400 dogs will have diabetes, and it's regulated normally with insulin injections and diet modification.

After diabetes is diagnosed with blood test or glucose test strip, the next step is to attempt to regulate the sugar level in the blood. If you don't want to take your dog to the veterinarian every day, you should learn to use a blood glucose meter. This is the same meter human diabetics use to take a drop of blood and test it. Though it's not pleasant, it's probably less traumatic than taking your pet to the vet for a blood draw. If you cannot bear to do the blood testing, urine samples may be an alternative but are not quite as accurate.

Once you determine the proper amounts of insulin, your dog will go back to his frisky personality. Your dog may require insulin for the rest of his life, but at least it will buy years that he might not otherwise have. Dogs with diabetes left untreated have a poor prognosis. A special diet, proper amounts of insulin and regular exercise can make all the difference. For many, the hardest part is getting through the steps necessary after initial diagnosis.

When you first discover your dog has diabetes, it's normal to feel a little overwhelmed. Diabetes is a treatable condition, with proper instruction and guidance, your dog will be feeling better soon.

Belgian Laekenois Rare Belgian Sheepdog

Photo: Wiki
 
The Belgian Laekenois is the rarest of four Belgian Sheepdogs. This medium sized breed weighs between 50-65 pounds and reaches between 22" to 26" in height. Their name is pronounced LAK-in-wah. The Belgian Laekenois is the rarest of four Belgian Sheepdogs. Bred to herd sheep, this breed remains a working breed today.

The AKC recognizes three of the Belgian Sheepdogs but does not recognize the Belgian Laekenois. Their color ranges from red to fawn and mahogany to gray. They may or may not have a dark masking on their face. Their harsh, rough, wiry coat is over 2" in length and gives them an unkempt or tousled appearance. Their coat is waterproofed and they should not be bathed on a regular basis. They only require minimal grooming and should never be clipped to closely.

This energetic, protective and intelligent breed is more of a working dog than family companion. The Belgian Laekenois loves to work and is happiest when they have a job to do. They are excellent farm dogs, herding dogs and watchdogs. They can also make an good family pets for active families. The Belgian Laekenois has an abundance of energy and loves to be on the go. They are not meant to be indoors all day and are happiest when they have plenty of room to run and play. Early socialization is a must for other pets, dogs and children. Early training is also recommended. They have a herding instinct and will herd family and pets alike.

The Belgian Laekenois originated in Belgium. It is one of four Belgian Sheepdogs. They are often recognized as distinct breeds, but in some countries they are actually all considered to be one breed. Originally bred to watch over linen bleaching fields, they were later used to watch over sheep. They are now used for herding and as guard dogs.

Work, work and more work is the Belgian Laekenois' motto. They love to have a job to do and are not a lazy breed by any means. To have a happy Belgian Laekenois, they need a family that will recognize their energy level and work instinct and make sure that both those needs are met. If you are a family that likes to relax inside all the time, then the Belgian Laekenois is probably not for you.

What to consider before adopting a dog

The last thing I would want to do is talk anyone out of adopting a dog. Our shelters are full of homeless dogs in desperate need of a good home. However, there are a few things to consider before taking Fido home.

1. Do you have time to take care of a dog?

Dogs are social animals, and crave attention. If you work 9-5, it doesn't mean that you can't provide a good home. It just makes it a little more difficult. You'll know your dog is waiting for you, and will be very excited when you get home. Even though you may be tired, your dog should be able to expect to play, go for a walk, and special attention when you get home. At times, you may need to reject outside social activities, so that you do not leave your dog feeling neglected.

2. What are your plans for the holidays?

If you have a dog, the best holiday plan is home sweet home. If that's not practical, you'll need to be prepared. If you travel a distance to celebrate holidays with family, what about your dog? Sadly, more dogs are destroyed during the holidays than any other time. You need to consider ahead of time if you can bring your dog, whether you have a reliable friend to look after him, or if you will need to place him in a kennel during this time.

3. Are you able to afford a dog?

Your dog will require nutritious dog food. He will need things like a collar, leash, food and water bowls. If your dog becomes infected with fleas or ticks, he'll need treatment. Your dog needs comfortable shelter, preferably inside. If you cannot keep your dog inside, they will need a dog house and fenced yard. Your dog will need vaccinations, and they city you live in may require a license. Dental cleanings may be necessary. If your dog becomes ill, you may need to take him to the veterinarian.

4. Are you able to exercise your dog?

There was a story about an elderly gentlemen who was physically unable to keep up with his dog on regular walks. Apparently, this man was a creative solutions type. He bought a used treadmill, and trained his dog to use it. In that way, he could cut down on the amount of walking for him, and still provide adequate exercise for his dog. Dogs need to exercise, even during rain, sleet, and snow. It might be a walk, a run in the park, or playing ball. If you're not very active, consider providing a home to an elderly dog, as their exercise requirements will be less.

5. Is your family ready for a dog?

If you have a family member that adamantly does NOT want a dog, it might be better to wait. Especially, if there is any chance they may mistreat the dog. Another problematic scenario, is if you have small children. They may unintentionally injure a small dog. Further, there are kids that are cruel to dogs because they, sadly, have never learned kindness to animals. A dog is not a toy. Wait until the children are older and a little more responsible.

6. Will you be able to spend time or money for grooming?

Every dog requires grooming to some extent, but certain breeds will require more. It may just be a weekly brushing, and a bath every so often. It might be a trip to the beauty parlor every two months for a new hair do. It depends on what breed you adopt. You can pay someone to do it, or you can do it yourself. Be prepared to spend time or money.

This list is not to discourage anyone from adopting a dog. The benefits of have a dog around, far outweigh the responsibilities. These are just things to consider beforehand.

Dogs that are good with kids

If you are looking for a dog that is good with kids, you should pay close attention to disposition, energy level, and size of the dog. In this article, you'll find information about certain breeds considered to be "family" friendly. It's important to keep in mind that your child needs to be at least as well behaved as you expect the dog to be.

In other words, it's unacceptable to allow your child to tease the dog, pull the dogs ears, poke the dog, and so forth. You want a dog with a naturally friendly disposition, but you should never abuse that disposition by allowing your child to mistreat the dog. They may require constant supervision until you are absolutely certain they will both "play nice."

In case your child on occasion fails to pick up on the dog's cue to back off, you'll want a dog with a happy, patient, gentle disposition. Energy level is important as well, you don't want a low energy dog with a high energy kid, or visa versa. Size does matter. If the dog is too small, it could be easily injured in a game of rough house. On the other hand, a dog too large may have a habit of accidentally knocking your kid over. The following is a list of breeds that are considered to be good with kids. Obviously, this is generally speaking, and there are always exceptions to the rule.  

Beagle: Sadly, this breed of dog is used frequently in animal research because of their gentle, cooperative nature. These are sweet dogs, and make a perfect loyal family pet. Beagles are usually black and tan, and weigh 40-59 lbs. as adults.

Bassett Hound: I have a relative with children, and three Bassett Hounds. They are loving, playful, and excellent with kids. They are usually black and tan, and will grow to about 50-65 lbs.

Cairn Terrier: This breed is known to be gentle, and great with kids. They do not shed much, and are small dogs weighing in at only 13-25 lbs. full grown. 

Cocker Spaniel: This list would not be complete without the Cocker Spaniel. Extremely popular family dog, as they are great with children. An adult Cocker Spaniel will weigh in at about 13 to 30 lbs.

Dachshund: I've had bad luck with Dachshunds. In my lifetime, I've met three. None of them liked me. I'm still listing them here, as many Dachshund pawrents swear they are the best family dogs that ever existed. I've been told they are good with kids. Approximate size: 16 to 32 lbs. 

Golden Retriever: Who doesn't love Golden Retrievers? Extremely gentle, intelligent dogs with a reputation for being excellent with kids. They will love to go for walks, play ball, and are easy to train. will grow to about 65 to 75 lbs.

Labrador Retriever: When I grew up, we had a 3/4 Black Lab mixed with 1/4 German Shepherd. I'll never forget "Grace" she was my best friend in the world. Smart dogs, great with kids. Black Labs weigh in at about 60 to 75 lbs. upon maturity. 

Pug: This is a small dog of about 14 to 18 lbs.. known to be gentle with kids. Sheds copious amounts, usually seasonally.

I've tried to list many dog breeds that are regarded as being good with kids. Undoubtedly, I've left some breeds out that would make excellent family dogs. While breed may give an indication, it can never be a guarantee.

Grooming Your Dog

Grooming your dog is a responsibility best incorporated into your daily routine. Whether you have a Poodle or Rottweiler, your dog is going to require a certain level of grooming. This includes brushing your dog's teeth, checking for fleas, bathing, and cleaning out the ears.


It's the best practice to get your dog used to all of these grooming activities when he's still a puppy. If you wait until adulthood, your dog may be anxious or fearful from grooming. As far as giving your dog a bath, there is no set timetable on when to do this. You will probably know when it's time. If they are dirty, itching, or have fleas it's probably time.   

Dental care for your dog

Veterinarians will usually recommend brushing the teeth about twice a week. If you maintain the dental care of your dog on a regular basis, it may make professional dental cleanings unnecessary. You can actually buy a toothbrush and toothpaste designed especially for dogs. The toothpaste will typically have a meat flavor that is pleasing to your dogs taste buds. If your dog is not going to cooperate, you could also try a thin washcloth moistened with warm water. Brush up and down the length of canine teeth, and in small circles around the molars.


Checking for fleas and ticks

Fleas can be difficult to detect at times, especially if your dog has a thick undercoat. If you part each section of your dog's hair with a flea comb you may spot one, you can also inspect the hair for signs of "flea dirt" that looks like pepper. If your dog is itching frequently, there is a good possibility fleas are the culprit. Ticks are larger and easier to spot. They like to hide in or around the ears, under the collar, on your dog’s belly, as long as they are buried in the fur. To remove a tick, carefully pull it off by its head.


Cleaning your dog's ears

A black crusty buildup in your dog's ear is usually ear mites. You can create a solution of olive oil and Vitamin E, and warm it up to body temperature. Using a dropper, massage it into the ear canal for about a minute. Then, wipe the ear with a cotton swab to get off the extra oil. For regular maintenance, you can make a solution of 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water. Use a cotton swab to clean your dog's ears.

Grooming your dog can be enjoyable and pleasant for your dog, as long as you are gentle. Your dog may even start to look forward to grooming sessions, and will certainly feel great afterwards.

What do flea bites look like?

It's starting to get warmer, flea season is approaching. These critters have a way of making your dog's life (and yours) miserable. What do flea bites look like? On a human, they look something like this:

You can fight back! There are many ways to keep the fleas away this summer. The best cure is prevention and natural ways to repel fleas. You can vacuum frequently to stop them from taking hold in your home. Was your dogs bed frequently, give your dog a bath regularly, and sprinkle a bit of brewer's yeast in his food.

Natural flea repellents:

* Marigolds are known to repel fleas, plant them outdoors.

* Boil orange and lemon peels in water and use the solution as a pre-soak for dog bedding, or as a dip for your dog.

You may know what do flea bites look like, but do you know the signs of fleas? In the picture below it shows what's known as "flea dirt." To be specific, this is not dirt. It's your dog's blood consumed by the flea and passed as feces. Gross, huh?

If the flea problem gets that bad, natural remedies may not work. There are pesticide flea products you can use, but it's important to research them first. The manufacturers claim they are safe, but common sense dictates placing pesticides on your dogs skin, may have detrimental effects over the long term. I've used both Advantage and Frontline at different times, but never on a continuous basis.

Advantage. Advantage is a spot on flea and tick killer, and lasts for about a month. In my opinion, it's not terribly effective on fleas, but it's excellent in killing ticks. The main ingredient is imidacloprid, which effects the nervous system of the flea.

Frontline. Frontline is advertised as a flea and tick killer, but in my experience, it wasn't helpful with ticks at all. I actually called Frontline customer service. They told me that the only way it could kill a tick is if it first sucks the blood of your dog. If you've got a tick problem, get Advantage instead. For fleas though, Frontline is awesome. The main ingredients of Frontline are: Fipronil 5-amino -1- (2, 6-dichloro-4 [trifluoromethyl]phenyl) -4- (1,R,S)- (trifluoromethyl0sulfinyl) -1H-pryazole-3-carbonitrile 0.29% inert ingredients 99.71%.

Biospot. Biospot is another spot on type treatment applied to the nape of the neck. It's not nearly as effective as Frontline or Advantix. I've tried the "natural" version of Biospot and it made my dog have a strong smell of peppermint. In my case, it seemed to have no effect whatsoever on fleas. The main ingredients are permethrins and IGR.

Proban and Prospot. Proban (cythioate) and Prospot (Fenthion) products are supposed to kill fleas, and they work by getting in the blood stream. The major downfall for these is that they won't repel fleas at all, it will only kill the flea if it's actually sucking your dogs blood. Obviously, it's preferable to get rid of the fleas before they bite your dog, not just afterwards. Therefore, your dog would still be suffering from flea bite allergies, scrating, and itching.

It helps to know the signs of flea infestation, what do flea bites look like, and products you can use to fight fleas this summer.