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NaturalPetRemedies.Net Articles

Causes of Liver Disease in Dogs - As Varied as Liver Functions

The Right Dog Food for Liver Disease

Symptoms of Liver Disease in Dogs

What to Expect with Liver Disease in Cats

Signs of Cancer in Dogs - Early detection can save the life of your dog

Symptoms of Intestinal Cancer in Cats and How to Treat Them

All That you Wanted to Know About Lymph Cancer in Dogs

Feline Cancers and Chemo

Blood Clot in Dogs Ear Lobe – Hematomas

Ear Ablation in Dog Ears - The Last Resort for Chronic Ear Infections

Homeopathy for Cats – Ear mites

Feline Ear Discomfort - Causes

Home Cooked Dog Food for Sensitive Skin

All That You Wanted to Know about Dog Skin Lesions

Cat Skin Problems

Cat Acne Treatment and Prevention

The Connection Between a Dog, Fleas, Worms, and Humans

Dog Hookworm – How it Affects Puppies and the Mode of Treatment to Follow

Handle Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in Cats with Care

Pet Anxiety Wrap

Traveling with Nervous Dog in the Car

What Causes Anxiety Attacks in Dogs

Dog Health and Nutrtion

Causes of Liver Disease in Dogs - As Varied as Liver Functions
To understand the causes of liver disease in dogs, it is important to have a look at its physiology. The liver is involved in multiple functions and therefore its health can affect numerous organs. Conversely, the health of various other organs can negatively affect the health of the liver too. A summary of liver functions is presented here.

• Metabolism - The liver regulates the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins.
• Detoxification - It is a multi-phased process that involves deactivating an offending drug for easy elimination and converting an inactive compound into an active form so that it can circulate through the blood stream and have an affect on the body.
• Bile Metabolism - Bile is produced by liver cells and secreted by them into channels in the liver and stored in the bladder. Inactive compounds are eliminated in the bile, red blood cells are re-circulated through the bile system, and bile helps in absorption of fats from the intestines to the blood stream.
• Coagulation - The liver plans and directs the complex synthesis of proteins that initiate and maintain clotting of blood.

Apart from these primary functions the liver also performs other functions like storing vitamins and housing cells related to certain functions of the immune system.

Considering the multifaceted ‘personality’ of the biggest organ in the body, it is difficult to pinpoint causes of liver disease. What adds to an already difficult job is that in many cases liver disease is secondary in nature, and the liver is affected due to a problem that originates elsewhere in the body.

• A severe blow in the front of the abdomen may lead to breaking up of a liver lobe, which causes bleeding into the abdomen. This can even lead to the death of a dog. Bruises caused by minor accidents often heal on their own.
• Liver disease may also be caused due to a severe attack of pancreatitis, which is an inflammation of the pancreas.
• The liver needs sufficient quantities of oxygen to function. Hemolytic anemia reduces the supply of oxygen, which can ultimately lead to the death of the animal.
• Liver disease is also caused by bacterial, viral and fungal infections. Different types of viruses and bacteria bring about various conditions, some of which are infectious and fatal.
• Any condition that causes failure of the right of the heart can potentially affect the liver also. Heartworms can restrict the supply of blood to the liver and cause liver failure.
• Different types of drugs used to treat other conditions can create problems for the liver. Cortisone and other drugs commonly used to treat arthritis, heartworms, fungal infections, intestinal parasites and epilepsy can be toxic to the liver.
• Two-thirds of the blood flows into the liver through the portal vein. Sometimes, due to a congenital defect, the vein bypasses the liver giving rise to a liver disease known as a liver shunt.
• Last but not least; liver cancer is another dreaded liver disease in dogs, which may be primary or secondary.

It is obvious that liver diseases are proportionate with the variety of functions that the liver performs. The problem arises when symptoms of liver disease in dogs or feline liver disease remain hidden for a long time and delay treatment. Diet plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of the liver. The correct approach is to stick to a natural and home cooked diet for the pet, avoiding toxic foods and drugs, from the day you bring it home.

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The Right Dog Food for Liver Disease
Liver disease in dogs is a more common occurrence than feline liver disease.The liver has always been a mysterious organ, which performs more functions in maintaining life than any other organ in the body. Its large size with the capacity to continue work even when it is affected by disease makes it difficult to diagnose a liver disease. In addition, given the right support, liver cells can regenerate and bounce back to normal functioning.

One of the major functions of the liver is to metabolize fats, carbohydrates and proteins. If the liver does not function properly, the nutrients cannot be metabolized effectively and harmful by-products cannot be broken down. This can greatly affect the detoxification process.

1. The bacteria in large intestines produce toxic ammonia while breaking down proteins for absorption in the blood stream.
2. When the liver is unable to provide essential nutrients to the body, cells break down body tissue to cover up the loss. Ammonia is also produced during this process.
3. Liver disease leads to an inability to detoxify toxins and they enter the blood and circulate throughout the body.
4. In severe conditions, contaminated blood reaches the brain and causes hepatic encephalopathy leading to fits, seizures, excess salivation and head pressing.

Symptoms of liver disease in dogs usually surface long after the disease has progressed as they are vague and mimic the symptoms of other common disorders. Once it is diagnosed, a liver disease requires a multi-pronged treatment approach. Diet plays an important role in providing support to medicines or supplements that the veterinarian may prescribe.

Blood vessels associated with the intestines supply most of the blood that the liver receives. The type of diet that you feed your dog is directly responsible for the type and amount of nutrients and toxins that the liver cells have to work on. The diet should ensure that all the below mentioned factors are taken into consideration.

1. The requirement of the dog’s body
2. Need for nutrients that aid in the repair of damaged cells
3. Need to limit toxicity
4. Necessity to reduce the absorption of toxins from the bowel

There is a need to control and balance the protein that is ingested. Too much protein leads to a high level of ammonia production in the body during the metabolism process. If the protein level is too low, your dog’s body is likely to break down the body’s own tissues to replenish the shortfall. Proteins are also needed for repairing the damaged hepatocytes (liver cells). High quality proteins are the best for a dog that has a liver disease as they are easily digested and absorbed. The bacteria in the intestines get fewer proteins to breakdown meaning reduction in ammonia production.

A similar situation exists when it comes to carbohydrates and fats. A diseased liver is unable to process carbohydrates and at the same time the liver needs nutrients like glucose. Feeding the dog with complex carbohydrates like starch and fiber helps in inhibiting production. It also helps in the easy elimination of ammonia and other toxins.

Vitamin, mineral and zinc supplements help in detoxification process, support synthesis and protect the liver from copper accumulation.  It is advisable to avoid commercial foods that contain preservatives and synthetic additives; however a veterinarian is the right person to suggest the right diet for a dog that has liver disease.

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Symptoms of Liver Disease in Dogs
The liver has innate properties of regenerating itself and can function easily even when a major part of its mass has been affected by a disease. This is the double-edged nature of the largest organ in the body. It is advantageous in as much as it means that it keeps on working to its full potential for a long time even when it is affected by a liver disease. On the other hand, it also restricts manifestation of symptoms of liver disease in dogs while the disease continues to progress.

Liver disease in dogs presents multiple symptoms, which are often confusing as they can relate to many mild disorders. The liver being the main industrial center in the body, performing multiple functions, is connected with practically all the biochemical processes that a body needs to function at optimal levels. As such, liver disease can affect any part of the body and in turn be affected by viral or bacterial infections in other organs or body systems.  Some of the main symptoms of liver diseases in dogs are discussed in detail below:

Gastrointestinal
The most common symptom is anorexia or loss of appetite. Loss of appetite is often accompanied by other gastrointestinal and abdominal upsets like diarrhea, vomiting and constipation. Lack of proper metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins and the resultant weight loss leads to further complications. Disruption of normal physiological processes leads to anemia, which in turn causes progressive depression and lethargy. The dog may refuse to go out on walks and become intolerant to exercise.

Pale gray stools
Bile is made up of electrolytes, cholesterol, bile acids, bilirubin (an orange yellow pigment in bile that forms as a product of hemoglobin), and globulins. It is produced and channeled by liver cells for storage in the gall bladder. Bile is important for drug elimination, recirculation of red blood cells and absorption of fats from intestines into the blood stream. Bilirubin, which is toxic, must be detoxified and excreted into the intestines for further break up into urobilinogen. Urobilinogen gives stool its dark brown color. Liver disease may obstruct the bile duct and hamper this excretion resulting in pale gray colored feces.

Jaundice
Once the bile duct starts obstructing secretion of bile from the gall bladder the resultant accumulation of the toxic bilirubin in the blood stream leads to jaundice. The dog may show a yellow discoloration in the skin and mucous membranes.

Bleeding disorders
Liver synthesizes proteins that initiate and maintain the complex biochemical process of clotting. A liver disease can impair the normal clotting system, which results in bleeding disorders.

Ascites (Accumulation of fluids)
Accumulation of fluids in the abdominal cavity is more common in a canine liver disease rather than a feline liver disease. It is caused when the blood flow from the portal vein is diminished. The resultant rise in blood pressure causes fluids to leaks from the portal vein into the abdomen. This manifests as external symptom of a distended stomach. A severe condition hampers breathing as pressure on the diaphragm increases. A dog’s stomach can also appear to be bloated if the liver is abnormally enlarged. An enlarged liver induces pain in the abdomen, which can be aggravated when the dog is lifted from the stomach.

Symptoms of liver disease in dogs are so varied that they are difficult to compile in a short write up. Besides physical symptoms, liver disease is also indicated through a condition known as Hepatic encephalopathy, or severe neurological signs like seizures, unnecessary pacing or circling, and other behavioral changes.

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What to Expect with Liver Disease in Cats 
The main problem with feline liver disease is that by the time it starts manifesting specific liver related symptoms, almost two-thirds of the liver has already been affected. This is partly because the liver has a huge reserve capacity and continues to function even after a majority of its cells have been destroyed or weakened, and partly because the liver cells have an enormous capacity to regenerate and get back to work. Another possible reason for late detection is the inherent similarity of symptoms of liver disease in cats and dogs with other mild conditions.

The liver is a critical organ that performs numerous and wide ranging functions including digestion, metabolism and production of chemical compounds, elimination of wastes and toxins, and regulation of immunity functions. Toxins consumed by pets reach the liver almost immediately since there is a direct supply of blood from the gut to the liver. The involvement of the liver in multiple functions also presupposes secondary liver disease in cats and dogs caused by primary conditions like diabetes. Most of the malignant cancers often metastasize to the liver as well.

Symptoms of feline liver disease are very similar to liver disease in dogs. They are subtle and vague and are normally difficult to distinguish from symptoms of other common diseases. For example, loss of appetite may relate to digestive disorders due to factors others than a liver disorder. Some of the common symptoms that cat owners should look for include:

• Lethargy
• Weight loss
• Occasional fever
• Increased thirst
• Vomiting
• Fluid retention within the abdomen, resulting in a distended stomach and pot-belly
• Abdominal pain on lifting the cat from the stomach

Once the liver disease advances, it manifests as a typical symptom - jaundice. The gums, teeth and the skin appear yellowish. The membranes under the eye turn yellow. Excess salivation is another manifestation of a liver problem.

Severe liver dysfunction can lead the cat to behave abnormally. Cat owners should be observant about any behavioral changes in their pets since it can lead to an early detection and a better prognosis. Cats are vulnerable to some liver diseases that can be caused due to certain drugs that otherwise do not cause liver disease in other pets. Treating your cat with drugs should be under the supervision of a specialist. While consulting a veterinarian, it will be a good idea to inform the doctor of the drugs that you have administered or toxins that may have been accessible for accidental ingestion.

As mentioned earlier, many malignant tumors spread to the liver. There is also the possibility of a primary liver cancer occurring that originates from the liver itself. Liver cancer has a very poor prognosis and sedative treatment is the only option available. Chemotherapy and radiation that have serious side effects are successful only in increasing the survival time, but they often leave the pet with a poor quality of life.

Liver disease is difficult to treat. Treatments of secondary diseases are often targeted at the cause. Liver specific therapies that are available provide very limited cure. The best course of action is to be aware of liver friendly diet that contains the right balance of high quality proteins, vitamins and mineral meant specifically for cats.

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Signs of Cancer in Dogs - Early detection can save the life of your dog
In recent times, there has been a significant rise in the incidence of cancer in dogs, as well as feline cancer. The main culprit seems to be the manner in which we have treated our environment and the lifestyle of convenience that we have adopted. We look for readymade quick solutions for everything - for ourselves and for the pets we bring home. Home cooked food seems to have become a thing of the past. Commercial foods containing harmful preservatives and coloring agents are becoming the order of the day with little regard being paid to the long term effects of chemicals and toxins that go in to producing them.

We all know that cancer takes time to be detected. We also know that it usually manifests itself when it is almost impossible to cure it completely. What most of us would like to know is why it is so. The term neoplasia is used interchangeably with cancer. Neoplasia is the pathological process that results in the formation and growth of a tumor. It requires a billion cells or thirty times of dividing and multiplying before a tumor can be seen. Malignancy occurs only when these rapidly dividing cancer cells invade normal tissue.

Malignant cancers can spread through the blood stream or lymphatic vessels. There are many types of cancers that spread to specific neighboring or distant organs, but the most common sites are lymph nodes, lungs and liver. To add to the problem, symptoms of most types of cancer, like the symptoms of liver cancer in dogs, tend to surface prominently only when the disease has reached an advanced stage.

It is imperative that attention be paid to even subtle behavioral and physical changes in dogs for ruling out or confirming the prevalence of cancer. Many types of cancer can be effectively treated, even cured, if it is attended to in the early stages. Some of the signs that may indicate cancer as an underlying cause are easily listed into ten general symptoms. It will not be out of place to mention here that these signs apply to humans also.

1. Abnormal swelling that refuses to go away even after treatment
2. A sore, lesion or a wound that does not heal within a reasonable time period
3. Weight loss despite sufficient diet
4. Incessant bleeding or discharge from any opening in the body
5. Difficulty in urinating or passing stools
6. Chronic diarrhea or vomiting
7. Loss of stamina and difficulty in breathing
8. Subtle changes like increased sleep, lack of interest and refusal to play
9. Foul odor
10. Refusal to eat for more than two days

Most of the symptoms can be noticed easily if you are observant and indulgent while grooming. Any abnormal sign that was not there when you last groomed the dog should be brought to the notice of the veterinarian. Nine times out of ten it may turn out to be a minor ailment but that should not reason to be negligent. Remember that early detection can save the life of your pet.

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Symptoms of Intestinal Cancer in Cats and How to Treat Them
Intestinal cancer causes symptoms that are similar to an inflammation or obstruction in the intestinal passage. This makes early detection a difficult task. Although they form a small percentage of all feline cancers and cancers in dogs, prognosis ranges from poor to bad depending upon the location of the tumor.

The common types of cancers that can develop in a cat’s intestines include:

• Lymphoma - A neoplasm of lymph tissue that is most predominant in cats.
• Mast Cell Neoplasia – A cancer that causes single or multiple lesions in the small intestines.
• Adenocarcinoma – A malignant tumor that originates from the glandular epithelium.
• Other Intestinal Neoplasms – Examples include rectal and colon tumors.

Lymphoma is the most common form of intestinal tumors in cats, followed by carcinomas and mast cell tumors. Like the symptoms of liver cancer in dogs, intestinal tumors in cats also remain concealed due to the general nature of symptoms. Tumors located in different areas of the intestine have different manifestations.

• Tumors of Duodenum and Small Intestines
• Vomiting - chronic or acute
• Diarrhea - abnormally dark tarry feces containing blood
• Weight loss
• Colon and Rectal Tumors
• Painful spasm of the anal sphincter along with an urgent desire to defecate without the significant production of feces
• Passage of stools containing blood

As with most types of feline cancers, intestinal cancer is commonly treated with surgery or chemotherapy. Most of the intestinal tumors are difficult to remove surgically because of their size. Even after surgery, the survival time is limited. Local recurrence or metastasis leads to an early death. Chemotherapeutic drugs have a minimal affect on adenocarcinomas.

Lymphomas in cats are mostly treated by chemotherapy. But even expensive and systemic chemotherapy is unable to improve the median survival time of two months. High doses of radiation are used for shrinking rectal tumors. The rectum is sutured, and rays are directed to the visible tumor that may increase the survival time to 12 months.

A vast majority of intestinal neoplasms are malignant. Abdominal serosa (a thin membrane lining with two layers filled with serous fluid), lymph nodes and the liver are the most commonly affected sites when it spreads in cats. By the time the cancer is diagnosed, in most cases it has already advanced to an incurable stage.

The cause of intestinal cancer is unknown, but if you take good care of your cat by protecting her from ingesting carcinogenic food and substances right from the day you bring her home, it may, to a great extent, prevent the occurrence of this highly aggressive cancer. Although relatively less common, it may give rise to thoughts of euthanasia once it develops in your cat.

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All That you Wanted to Know About Lymph Cancer in Dogs
Lymphoma, one of the four major types of cancer, is a neoplasm (an abnormal growth that serves no purpose) of the lymph tissue. It is commonly known as lymph cancer and is almost always malignant. Lymph cancer usually occurs in middle aged dogs, and one of the major indications is the prevalence of one or more lumps just under the skin. Physical examination would normally reveal that the peripheral lymph nodes are enlarged and firm.

While there is no evidence of a link between the leukemia virus and canine lymphoma, feline cancer of the lymphatic system is normally associated with the leukemia virus. The fact that lymphoma is more prevalent in certain breeds is indicative of a genetic predisposition for this type of cancer. Besides this, like all other types of cancers, there is no known cause for lymph cancer in dogs.

The most common form of lymphoma is multi-centric; therefore it appears at several sites at the same time. In normal conditions, lymph nodes are difficult to feel under the skin. The indication of lymph cancer comes in the shape of enlarged lumps that can be felt easily under the skin. In some cases the symptoms of lethargy, loss of appetite, increased thirst and urination and loss of energy appear before the lumps can be felt. Multi-centric lymphoma can potentially spread to the liver and demonstrate the symptoms of liver cancer in dogs.

Other types of lymphomas present different symptoms:

1. Lymphoma in the alimentary canal is associated with diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss and lethargy. Cutaneous lymphoma is rare and affects the skin.
2. Lymph cancer in the mediastina, the part of the thoracic cavity between the lungs that contains the heart, aorta, esophagus, trachea and thymus, shows as a tumor in the front part of the chest leading to fluid retention and a difficulty in breathing.
3. Extra-nodal lymphoma pertains to other parts of the body including eyes, the central nervous system, bones, heart, kidneys, bladder and the nasal cavity where the lymphatic system can be potentially affected by cancer cells.

Aspirates from the lymph nodes are sent to the pathological lab to establish the malignancy of the lumps. Blood tests, X-rays and a biopsy of the lymph tissues are some of the other tests that may be performed for an effective diagnosis.

Without treatment, lymph cancer results in the death of the dog within four to six weeks. Chemotherapy protocols are well defined for treating lymphomas as they are the most commonly treated cancer in dogs. Most dogs respond favorably to anti-cancer drugs, and there is an approximately 84% chances of remission and an increase in the survival time.

Although the overall prognosis of lymphoma is poor, drugs can induce remission. If money is not a consideration, another round of drugs can be administered for a second remission. Even a one year increase in the life of the dog is worth the expense especially if you keep in mind that that one year is equivalent to six to seven years in a dog’s life.

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Feline Cancers and Chemo
Generally, cancer occurs in older animals. Cats are destined to live long lives, and the price they pay for it shows in the increased incidence of feline cancer. Symptoms of cancer in cats and dogs do not present themselves in early stages. It requires a keen observation for an early detection and treatment. For example, the symptoms of liver cancer in dogs need to be evaluated after considering other conditions that show similar symptoms.

Cells normally multiply by division in a pattern. Initially, there is a continuous increase in cells to achieve an optimal level of growth in cats. Once a particular level is achieved, cell multiplication is automatically curbed, and new cells are formed to replace dead cells. Certain unknown conditions cause cells to ‘rebel’ and multiply even when the body does not need them. Characteristically, an unrestricted multiplication of cells is known as cancer. Normally a tumor or growth is formed in and around the affected organ or area, which may be localized or invasive and spread to distant organs as well. A tumor may be benign (harmless) or malignant (dangerous to health, often fatal and characterized by progressive and uncontrolled growth)

Benign tumors and certain malignant tumors can be removed surgically without harming the cat. Surgery is not recommended in cases where cancer has spread to vital organs, and radiation or chemotherapy is used to treat cancer. Chemotherapy is also used as a post surgical treatment where the tumor has not been removed totally. Chemotherapy is the use of different anti-cancer drugs, singly or in a combination.

Although all conventional drugs have accompanying side effects, chemotherapeutic medication requires extra care during and after administration. Anti-cancer drugs are normally expelled by the body via urine and stool within a period that may extend from 48 hours to 5 days. Handling of urine or feces should only be with protective gloves or disposable heavy wipes. Better yet, train your cat to eliminate away from the immediate yard or play area. Similar precautions need to be taken in instances of chemotherapeutic treatment of cancer in dogs.

Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are some of the common side effects of chemotherapy. Nausea often leads to a refusal to eat. Nausea is usually transient and does not require specific treatment. Adding smelly fish to the cat’s food normally tempts the cat to resume eating. Persistent conditions are treated with anti-emetics and appetite promoting drugs. Diarrhea is also mild and transient and treated with drugs that reduce intestinal discomfort.

The most serious aspect of chemotherapy arises from the inherent quality of these drugs to suppress the body’s own immune system that may lead to systemic infections. The cat may have a fever. As the body becomes more susceptible to infections, pus-forming bacteria and their toxins travel through the blood and tissues. This may lead to a condition known as septic shock, which needs to be attended to immediately to avoid risk of death.

Although the side effects of chemotherapy are mostly restricted and transient in nature, cat owners should learn about preventive measures. A healthy diet that is actually meant for cats can help to avoid this life threatening disease.

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Blood Clot in Dogs Ear Lobe – Hematomas 
Dogs have a keen auditory faculty. To help retain this extraordinary attribute, a dog’s ear canal is L-shaped to protect the tympanic membrane (ear drum) from any kind of injury. The typical structure of a dog’s ear means that a foreign substance that enters the ear or wax or debris that accumulates has to work its way upwards rather than straight out, as is the case in the human ear. This makes it difficult for anything going in to easily come out.

Common ear infections, like dog ear mites and yeast infections, lead to an increased production of wax which has to be removed manually. Further, dogs with drooping ears have restricted air flow into the ear cavity. Moist ears are a sure invitation for infections to establish roots.

Ear mites and other ear infections cause excessive itching, which is the root cause of blood clots that develop in a dog’s ear lobe. When a dog is uncomfortable due an ear infection, he is prone to shake his head and scratch his ears vigorously. This leads to bleeding due a rupture in a vessel in the external ear. Medically known as hematomas, clots occur because there is nothing in the ear that can produce enough pressure to stop the bleeding and the blood vessel swells. These blood clots can develop into serious conditions if not treated in time.

Most ear infections are effectively managed by regular cleaning followed by home remedies for ear mites like vinegar and water or mineral oil and vitamin C. In severe infections, a full ear flush is required even for examining the ear to pinpoint the cause of the discomfort to the dog. Once a hematoma is diagnosed, the treatment is limited to the following three options:

• Aspiration in which the fluid is drained out with the aid of a syringe. There is a strong possibility in this method that the blood vessel will swell again.
• Teat Cannula that involves a small flexible tube that is inserted into the swollen vessel for draining off the fluid.  
• Surgery includes an incision that is made in the ear and the blood clots are removed. The cut is later closed with sutures.

The basic preventive measures for hematomas are similar to those for other ear infections. Regular grooming and ear cleaning of pet ears is a must and any negligence in the routine can cause a lot of discomfort to your pet. For example, even relatively less bothersome conditions like cat ear mites can develop into serious conditions if ear cleaning is not done on a regular basis. Hematomas can also cause many problems. Left untreated, they can lead to a complete blockage of the ear. After treatment, your pet may not look the same as before as surgery can alter the shape of the ear.

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Ear Ablation in Dog Ears - The Last Resort for Chronic Ear Infections
The treatment that is most effective for ear infections in dogs depends upon the severity of the condition. Home remedies for dog ear mites and regular grooming are effective methods to treat and prevent mild ear infections. Chronic and recurrent ear infections that do not respond to treatment may even require surgical removal of part or all of the ear. Vertical Canal Ablation and Lateral Wall Resection are designed to modify the anatomy of the dog’s ear to facilitate easy exit of fluids, much like as it is done in the human ear.

Total Ear Canal Ablation involves removal of the vertical and horizontal ear canal, the ear drum and part of the middle ear. It is the ultimate treatment when nothing else works. It removes the infected ear and allows fluid to be drained from the middle ear. The process involves removing the entire amplification system of the body, and if this surgery is performed on both ears, the dog becomes deaf. To understand ear ablation, it is necessary to know the significant role that the structure of a dog ear plays in ear infections.

The anatomy of a dog ear is one of the major reasons behind chronic inflammation of the external ear. Unlike the human ear that has a short, straight and horizontal passage leading to the ear drum, the dog ear has an L-shaped passage. The vertical ear canal is shaped like a funnel and takes a 90 degree horizontal turn to end up at the ear drum. Any fluid that gets trapped in a dog’s ear cannot come out easily. The typical shape also makes it difficult for any medication to reach the ear drum.

The retained fluid and external parasites like dog ear mites can lead to an infection. A long standing infection triggers excess production of wax and other infectious fluids making the ear a welcome residence for ear mites and yeast. The resultant inflammation causes thickening of the skin that lines the external ear creating further problems in treatment.

Chronic ear infections often lead to injury in the middle ear cavity and can thicken the ear canal to such an extent that it becomes similar to a bone. Malignant tumors in the ear that have not metastasized through the cartilage or into the middle ear cavity should be surgically treated.

Prognosis of Total Ear Canal Ablation is encouraging as long as the procedure is performed by an experienced veterinarian surgeon. This helps in avoiding any complications during this delicate procedure. Like all surgeries, the Total Ear Canal Ablation procedure needs to be followed up so that any post-surgical complications can be addressed quickly. After an ear ablation, total or partial, your dog may live long, but as you may expect, he may never be the same as before.

Your pet is your responsibility and when you bring a pet home, it is incumbent upon you to take proper care of its health. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. If you think about it, ear infections are initiated by poor grooming. Dogs and cats require help from their owners. Regular and proper ear cleaning can save you a lot of expense and your pets from a great deal of discomfort.

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Homeopathy for Cats – Ear mites
Pet ear infections pose a perpetual problem, equally for owners and the specialists who are called upon to treat them. The fact that your pets have been domesticated and made to change their natural habitat is one of the major causes behind their vulnerability to attacks from infectious bacteria and parasites like ear mites.

The limitations of conventional medications, including side effects that lead to more problems than they are supposed to cure, has been instrumental in giving a boost to alternative therapies. These holistic therapies take a holistic view of disease. Homeopathy, one of many alternative therapies, may be relatively less popular because this therapy is slower in treating an ailment. At the same time, the fact that homeopathy attempts to remove the root cause of a disease and not just the symptoms, is not properly advertised.

Homeopathy is a treatment that cares for the disease on the basis of how a disease manifests itself in an individual. It treats symptoms as the body’s own attempt to cure. Rather than trying to provide a temporary relief, it focuses on the condition causing an ailment. Having proved its merit in treating human conditions, it is now being extensively used for treat pet ailments as well.

Dog and cat ear mites remain one of the most common underlying conditions behind ear infections in pets. As in dogs, cat ear mites live in the ears and cause irritation and incite the cat to scratch its ears. If not handled in its early stages, mite infestation can further lead to:

• Increased production of wax in the ears
• A black and dry discharge from the ears
• A foul smell
• Secondary infections
• Aural hematomas (a localized swelling of a blood vessel)

Homeopathy offers natural remedies for treating ear mite infestation and does not have any side effects. The remedy aims at improving the auto-immune system of the cat. A strong immune system helps in combating any future infections.

Homeopathy suggests different remedies for ear infections depending upon the type of symptoms and behavior of the pet. For example, Sulphur is advised for cats that prefer cool places. Psorium is indicated for cats who love warmth. For intense itchy and sore ears, Rhus Tox is the most recommended remedy. For cats that show signs of a thick, sticky and foul smelling discharge, Graphites is the preferred remedy.

Being holistic in nature, homeopathy lays more importance on prevention. Bimonthly cleaning of ears is highly recommended and homeopathy has remedies for this aspect of managing ear infections also. A combination of Calendula Officinalis, Verbascum Thapsus, Pulsatilla Causticum, Conium Maculatum, and Kali Muriaticum is highly effective in eliminating ear mites and cleaning the ears. Unlike conventional therapies, homeopathy does not restrict the use of home remedies for cat ear mites as both homeopathy and home remedies are based on natural products.

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Feline Ear Discomfort - Causes 
Apart from the difference in frequency, cats and dogs are susceptible to practically the same types of infections of the external ear. For example, cat ear mites maybe a less common occurrence than dog ear mites, but when infested, they can lead to similar symptoms and develop into serious conditions in both animals if not attended to in time.

Minor Irritations - The first sign of discomfort in cats is scratching caused by an infestation of parasites, infection, injury or an allergic reaction. Some of the conditions are a direct cause of excessive scratching and itching when an initial sign of ear discomfort is ignored by cat owners.

Ear Mites - These are small external parasites that look like crabs. Ear mites in cats are easy to eliminate and this can be done simply by cleaning the ear regularly. However, in the absence of a timely intervention, they can lead to bacterial and fungal infections. In severe conditions, mites can move further to the inner ear and rupture the tympanic membrane (ear drum). This may lead to seizures and deafness.

Bacterial and Fungal Infections - These are secondary infections and often a direct result of ear mites and poor grooming by owners. Ear mites create an environment that promotes yeast and bacteria within the ear canal. Since cats naturally resist ear infections, by the time you take the cat to the veterinarian, the mites may have vanished. It’s important to make sure that there is no secondary infection remaining.

Polyps - Polyps are small vascular growths that usually occur in cat ears and can lead to symptoms similar to ear mites like scratching and irritation. These need to be removed surgically for fear that they may lead to permanent damage or the inability to walk straight.

Hematomas - These are one of the numerous secondary conditions caused by excessive scratching that lead to rupture of an external ear blood vessel. The vessel swells and fills with blood which, in extreme manifestations, can block the ear canal totally.

Chronic Conditions - All primary infections need to be attended to seriously. If left untreated, all can develop into severe and chronic infections. Chronic infections can potentially affect a cats’ immune system and lead to life threatening conditions.

Prognosis of ear infections in cats is extremely encouraging. With proper diagnosis and treatment, nearly all infections can be cured. Ear discomfort always has an underlying condition that causes it. If the underlying disease or infection is not identified properly in its early stages, it can prove to be detrimental to the overall health of the cat.

Prevention is the best remedy for keeping ear infections at bay. Home remedies for dog ear mites , like vinegar or mineral oil solutions, can play a pivotal role in eliminating primary infections. Regular grooming with extra care to cleaning cat ears can help in avoiding discomfort to your cat due to ear problems.

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Home Cooked Dog Food for Sensitive Skin 
Being the largest and the most exposed organ of the body, pet skin is likely to be affected with mild to severe conditions. One of the major dog skin problems arise from allergies. Allergies can cause canine or feline acne . Allergies may arise from contact with an allergen or from food that does not suit your pet.

Before starting treatment for any type of allergy, it is of paramount importance that you establish the cause of allergy. It is erroneous to assume that only new foods cause allergies and consequent itching. The truth is that any food, new or old, can cause an allergic reaction in dogs. The commonly known skin condition of ‘hot spots’ can develop if your dog becomes allergic to his routine diet that he is no longer able to digest.

Food allergy often forms a typical distribution pattern, and your veterinarian is the best guide in this matter. You can suspect food allergy in your dog in conditions where the following occur:

• There has been poor response to treatment for mange.
• There is little or no improvement on administration of steroidal treatment.
• The dog has not previously experienced any seasonal allergies.

Dogs are often fed various commercial diets that contain processed proteins, fillers and artificial colorings. These undergo a further change inside the body. The auto-immune system may recognize them as foreign substances and respond accordingly. In such an eventuality, the most commonly affected organ in dogs and cats is the skin.

The only method to arrive at what is causing food allergy in a dog is through putting him on a trial diet. A trial diet can be one that is based on a protein source the dog has never eaten before. Through a method of elimination by trial and error the allergen can be identified. The latest approach to the problem is through the use of hydrolyzed proteins. A conventional source of protein is broken down with the aid of water into molecules so small that the immune system cannot recognize it.

During the trial period it is important to avoid all unnecessary medication and chewable treats not compatible with the trial diet.

Pets are exposed to external and internal risks. Attacks by external parasites cause mild conditions like dog or cat dandruff, canine or feline hair loss and other dog skin problems. Food allergy is a condition that has its roots in what your pet is eating, which can potentially damage the skin of your pet to a great extent.  Lesions caused by food allergies result in skin problems that can be extremely uncomfortable and may distort the appearance of your pet.

Traditionally, home cooking has been the best non-allergic diet for pets. In many cases, home cooked food may still be the only choice to avoid food allergy.

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All That You Wanted to Know about Dog Skin Lesions
If you read a book on health issues of cats and dogs, you will probably be surprised at the number of skin problems that these pets face. Such books have detailed chapters on common problems like feline acne, feline hair loss, feline dandruff and other issues on dog skin problems. The list of dog skin health issues is particularly long, and you can read about fifty hair loss conditions without any signs of the list ending.

The skin is perhaps the most affected organ in a dog’s body. Susceptibility to skin problems can cause major health concerns like skin lesions or lacerations. If you see your dog chewing continuously at what looks like wet raw skin, there is a reason to be concerned. You should not wait to see if the condition improves on its own, but seek medical advice as soon as you spot the smallest patch.

One of the main reasons for dog lesions is the sensitivity of the dog to the environment. Environmental Dermatitis usually affects dogs that spend too much time swimming, digging into gopher holes or playing in weed infested areas. Some dogs can even get lesions due to sensitivity towards grasses.

Lesions can also appear due to the retention of moisture on the skin. A dense coat or matted hair causes water to absorb into the skin. This moist, warm environment is a breeding ground for bacteria. The condition is called Moist Eczema and is commonly known as ‘hot spots’ to most pet owners. If left untreated, hot spots can convert to tumors of granulation tissue. This is mostly caused by excessive licking that scars the tissue and leads to further repeated infections. Although hot spots are more common during hot weather, they can occur in cold conditions, too.

The presence of ticks can cause festering wounds and inflammatory lesions. The ticks feed on the dog’s blood and can also severely traumatize the area of attack.

Lesions can also be caused by excessive sunburn. This results in abnormal redness of the skin and leads to the dilation of blood vessels.

Another skin health problem for dogs that causes dog skin lesions is called Erythema multiforme. This condition is the result of an allergic reaction to a drug, disease, or allergen. This condition is often accompanied by loss of hair, lacerations resembling a “bull’s eye”, and vesicles near the mouth, ears, groin and elbows.

Large dogs are prone to develop what is known as pressure ulcers on the salient bony structures on elbows. In puppies, a typical type of mite causes Demodectic mange. It is a condition where localized red and scaly lesions are formed. Unlike other dog skin problems, these should be observed for some time.  More often than not, this condition heals by itself.

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Cat Skin Problems

Of all the body organs, the skin is not only the biggest but also the most problematic organ of the cat’s body. Most medical conditions demonstrate symptoms that relate to skin and coat. In addition, external factors like physical trauma and parasites can also affect the skin in a significant manner. Like dog skin problems, cats can also suffer from skin disorders that are self limiting, and chronic conditions that require treatment over a protracted period of time.

Pruritus: The Itchy Cat

Itching brings forth an amazing array of changes in a cat’s skin. Constant itching can make it impossible for the veterinarian to ascertain whether the skin condition has caused the itching or whether the excessive itching has caused the skin lesions. Besides itching, pruritus causes symptoms like symmetrical feline hair loss , damage to skin due to intense scratching and Miliary dermatitis. Miliary dermatitis relates to appearance of multiple crusty lesions that are greasy and filled with cat dandruff. It can also lead to Eosinophilic granuloma complex, a condition where linear inflamed crusts are accompanied by oozing, red areas near the chin and the trunk.

Food allergy, bacterial infection, external parasitic ear or other mites, dust, pollen and insect bites are some of the major causes of pruritus.

Feline Flea

While grooming, cats eat fleas that may have infested their coat. This makes it difficult for the owner to ascertain the presence of fleas. You can determine whether your cat has fleas by using a fine-toothed comb on the coat and examining the comb for trapped fleas. Black and comma-shaped flea excreta or flea-dirt can also prove the prevalence of fleas on a cat.

Fleas can be harmful for cats in various ways:

1. They carry larva of intestinal parasites that can infect your pet.
2. Allergies to flea bites can induce itching and scratching. This causes many skin problems later.
3. Adult fleas feed on the blood of the host and can cause anemia in young cats.

Ringworm

Ringworm is caused by fungi that grow in dead tissue, hair or nails. It is a condition that causes skin lesions and circular areas of hair loss appear. Ringworm is infectious and occurs mostly due to contact with an infected individual.

Feline acne and stud tail

Cats use secretions of sebaceous glands located near the chin, nose and the base of the tail for territorial markings. Excessive use of the sebaceous glands makes cats susceptible to feline acne. Use of the glands at the base of the tail for territorial marking is commonly known as ‘stud tail’.  Cats with feline acne or stud tail do not show any clinical signs except for black heads or some bacterial infection. Severe cases cause irritation and inflammation and the affected skin might become overly swollen.

Besides the conditions discussed above, cats develop skin problems due to overexposure to sun (especially among light colored cats), mite infestations and excessive licking of the inflamed site of the skin.

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Cat Acne Treatment and Prevention
Your cat’s skin has two types of glands in the dermal layer:

• The sweat glands that keep the body temperature in check.
• The sebaceous glands that secrete a greasy substance called sebum.

The sebum is a source of one of the most common cat skin diseases that we know as feline acne .

Sebaceous glands are present in large numbers under the skin on the chin, lips, top surface of the base of the tail, prepuce and scrotum of cats. Sebum secretions from these glands are primarily meant to protect the hair against water and keep the skin supple.

Cats also have a tendency to mark their territories. Cats mark their areas by rubbing their chin, temples and the base of the tail against certain favorite objects. This behavior surfaces more evidently during feeding time. The evident sign of such ‘markings’ is the appearance of black greasy spots on the objects. Those cats that are more inclined to this marking behavior have high levels of secretions and are more susceptible to feline acne.

Similar to cat dandruff, cat acne does not show any clinical signs when it is mild. The only care that is required is simple cleaning of excess sebum. Cleaning the sebum with the aid of anti-bacterial scrubs prevents formation of comedones (black heads) that clog the pores of the skin. This also reduces the chances of secondary infection. Chlorhexidine, used by surgeons to wash their hands before performing surgery, is a good anti-bacterial scrub.

Severe conditions of feline acne can cause clinical signs like a swollen chin and an enlargement of the draining lymph nodes of the head and chin. Topical creams for treating secondary infections do not suffice in such severe conditions.

The choice of the antibiotic to be administered depends upon the laboratory reports. An oral antibiotic treatment for four to six weeks will normally cure the cat. In cases of serious secondary infection, the cat might require treatment for a longer period of time. Excessive inflammation of the skin may even require administration of steroids for effective treatment.

Preventing your cat from developing acne involves hygiene and grooming. Here are some basic tips:

• Clip the hair regularly.
• If your cat is predisposed to chin acne, apply chlorhexidine daily.
• Ensure hygiene after feeding or choose less messy diets.
• Use ceramic or metal feeding bowls.

Some cats are predisposed to use the base of the tail for territorial marking. The condition known as ‘stud tail’ is suspected to be related to the male hormone testosterone but has been seen in neuters and females also. Treatment and prevention for ‘stud tail’ is the same as that for chin acne.

Some mild cat and dog skin problems are self limiting and vanish on their own over time. Prevention, however, is a better policy than cure. Even mild conditions like feline hair loss can be signs of some serious underlying medical condition.

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 The Connection Between a Dog, Fleas, Worms, and Humans
Out of the two common species of dog tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum, the flea tapeworm and Echinococcus granulosus, the hydatid tapeworm), the flea tapeworm is the most common type of canine and feline parasite that reside in a pet’s intestines.

Like all parasitic worms, dog tapeworm requires an intermediate host. In the case of flea tapeworm, fleas act as the intermediate host. Fleas ingest tapeworm eggs from the feces of the infected dogs and transform them into cysts. When the dog accidentally ingests an infected flea while licking his coat, the cysts hatch into tapeworms and mature inside the body of the dog.

Once ingested, the eggs develop into adult tapeworms. An adult tapeworm is made up of grain-sized segments. These segments are attached together, and a grown tapeworm can measure up to 28 inches in length. The head segment clings to the intestinal wall, and the remaining segments hangs in the enclosed area of the gut.

In most tapeworms, the rear segments break away from the others intermittently. These pass into the environment through stools.

However, flea tapeworms are rarely excreted through stools, and a routine fecal examination is unlikely to confirm the prevalence. Flea tapeworm segments that pass out in feces stick to the anus of the dog and look like moving melon seeds. Sometimes a dog may vomit out several inches of the tapeworm segments. Owners should be watchful of these symptoms since the veterinarian will depend upon such reports to arrive at the proper diagnosis.

Symptoms of tapeworm in dogs are mild and usually do not cause too much discomfort to the dog. Severe infection may cause irritation at the tail, especially when the segments are passed in the stool. Excessive rubbing of the bottom by a dog is an indication of severe tapeworm infection. Heavy infection may also cause weight loss over time.

Fleas and ticks are two external parasites that dogs can bring home. In such cases, humans who come in close contact with the infected canine can also get infected. If a dog is infected and he shakes himself vigorously (something that most dogs do pretty often) close to humans in the house, it can be potentially dangerous for the family members and cause the infection to transfer.

With tick-borne disease having reached a widespread stage in some areas, it is important that fleas be controlled to prevent a similar situation. Humans run the risk of infection from hydatid tapeworm by other means. But the flea tapeworm can be caused only if an infected flea is swallowed. Preventing tapeworm infection involves controlling fleas, keeping a clean environment and maintaining proper hygiene.

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Dog Hookworm – How it Affects Puppies and the Mode of Treatment to Follow
Hookworms are relatively more dangerous than other types of worms in dogs . Left untreated, hookworms can lead to death. This is particularly true for young puppies.

Hookworms are ravenous creatures that suck blood by sticking themselves to the intestinal walls of the host. The hookworm larvae can even burrow into the skin of the human foot or leg causing itchy lesions. Hookworms are not as common among the feline parasites, but if they do infect a cat, they can be equally problematic for cats, dogs and humans.

The most common species of hookworm that infects puppies is Ancylostoma caninum. The natural habitat of this species is warm and humid areas in the countryside, but they are known to survive almost anywhere. Although the most common mode of transmission to puppies is through the mother’s milk, hookworms can also penetrate the skin and get into a puppy’s body. Once inside, they cling to the intestinal walls with their hooks, a characteristic which gives them their name.

Symptoms of worms in dogs are mostly general in nature, but hookworms, being voracious blood suckers, can drain energy in puppies to a much larger extent than in adult dogs. Symptoms of hookworms in puppies depend upon the severity of the infection. The most common symptoms of hookworm infestation in puppies include anemia (in severe cases), disturbance in bowel movement and diminished vitality. Hookworms can affect a young dog to such an extent that even mild infection causes a puppy to curl up and sleep for long hours, shunning play.

Most other worms in dogs can be seen alive in dog feces. Unlike other types of worms, hookworms are extremely small and cannot be viewed with a naked eye. This physical trait of a hookworm means that a microscopic examination is the only method to confirm the prevalence of hookworms.

It is imperative that you initiate preventive treatment for hookworms in puppies as soon as they are 2 weeks old. For the effective removal of hookworms, the treatment has to be repeated after every two weeks until the puppy is two months old. In a high risk environment, the same treatment should be continued at weekly intervals for another month and then at monthly intervals until the dog is six months old. Thereafter, medication for preventing heartworm can be used which is effective for roundworms, hookworms and dog tapeworm as well. A nursing mother should be treated along with her puppies to ensure that worms do not continue to pass through lactation.

Despite proper treatment, it may be necessary to provide supportive care in the form of a high protein diet and iron supplements to make up for the blood loss. In extremely severe cases, a blood transfusion may also be required.

Considering the treatment protocol, it is better to take preventive measures. Regular cleaning of the environment and periodic check-ups can go a long way to prevent and control infection. Since hookworms can also penetrate human skin, it is advised that children be kept away from infected puppies. Walking barefoot in areas where the dogs defecate, like the backyard or the garden, can be dangerous for adults also.

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Handle Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in Cats with Care
Most cat owners do not realize that pets face stress like humans. When you bring home a cat you are actually denying her the company of her mother and litter. This can have a great impact on the animal. Post traumatic stress and separation anxiety in cats and dogs can lead to significant abnormal behaviors in pets. Stress and separation anxiety are more prominent in cats that…

• were abandoned,
• are reunited after a long separation,
• are exposed too much attention every time the cat owner returns from work,
• have been separated from mothers immediately after birth,
• are exposed to too much noise, and
• have suffered from physical trauma.

Post traumatic stress disorder in cats and other pets is almost similar to humans. It can be sparked by anything that reminds them of a traumatic circumstance that they may have experienced. Your cat may show the following signs of stress or anxiety:

• Urinating and defecating at inappropriate places
• Fearful reaction to cues of trauma
• Mewing excessively without any evident reason
• Hiding behind doors or furniture
• Aggressive behavior
• Seizure (in severe cases)

Relieving stress in pets requires adept handling. Punishment should not be an option to consider. Punishing your cat is unlikely to cure her of the condition. On the other hand, it is liable to make things worse. Some of the options that you should consider are the following:

• Fix up a separate, but safe place for the cat. This can be used for getting away from noise, people and other animals.
• Cats find the owner’s smell comforting. Leave a piece of clothing that you have recently worn or some favorite toy or food dish in the safe place. This will keep the cat calm in the place.
• Play is a stress reliever for domestic cats. Play with your cat but ensure that you do not push her pace.
• Try to return to the usual routine that you were following, in pre-stress period, as soon as possible.

Abandoned cats that have found a home tend to fear that they will be abandoned again. Cats that have been separated from their mother as soon as they are born do not get enough time to learn socializing with other cats. Trauma of any sort, a long separation, excessive noise or injury has similar effects.

It is easier to handle post traumatic stress in younger cats. If trauma happens later in life, it might require training your cat in socializing and house breaking all over again. If your cat still continues to show signs of post trauma stress, it will be better to consult a veterinarian for ruling out medical problems.

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Pet Anxiety Wrap 
Dog is man’s best friend. We have heard this saying numerous times, and it is almost universally agreed that it is true. There are innumerable stories that support this truth, but it is also true that dogs must be trained for house life. There are many aspects of house training that you need to go through before you can rest assured that your dog is fully trained.

Dogs need to be house trained. They need to understand what behavior is desirable and what is not. Pet owners also need to ensure that their dogs do not suffer. For example, separation anxiety in dogs can lead to a situation where all that has been learned can be forgotten.

Normally dogs are fast learners and can be trained at home if you know the basics. For some specific situations, you may need professional help. Anxiety is one of the conditions that can only be handled when specific techniques are used. Such techniques can help in relieving stress in pets.

One thing to note is that intensive training can get tiresome and frustrating at times. If you feel that you cannot be patient with your dog, employing a dog trainer is a better option. Sometimes even a trainer cannot succeed in his efforts for relieving stress in dogs. You may think that medication is the next best approach, but you need to realize the side effects that they can cause.

A pet anxiety wrap is a recent invention that attempts to help in many ways, assuming the claims made by the manufacturers are to be believed.

The theory behind pet anxiety wraps is that dogs require different ways to learn from past experiences. The normal method of training is reward and punishment. This system almost always works. The exception, however, is of dogs whose past experience has been very harrowing and present fears are so overwhelming that they are unable to focus.

A pet anxiety wrap is a fabric tool that increases the positive effects of sensations that are sent by the brain’s receptors. A certain level of “maintained pressure” is applied continuously to calm frustrated nerves. The effect is similar to that of stroking and patting down a dog.

No matter the authenticity of the manufacturers’ claims, anxiety wraps are marketed with a note that they are a tool to be used in conjunction with other training techniques and not as a standalone remedy for all anxiety-related undesirable behaviors.

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Traveling with Nervous Dog in the Car
Traveling long distances can get stressful even for humans. As a pet owner, you might have faced difficulties with your dog while traveling. Sometimes getting the dog inside the car for a ride can be particularly challenging. If you have been taking your dog in the car only to visit the vet, he is likely to be unwilling to get into a car irrespective of whether you are planning to go to the playground, a holiday vacation or the vet.

This does not mean that you cannot travel with your dog. Just as dogs have to be trained to live within the house, they need to be trained to travel in a car.

Since car rides may stress your dog, training the dog for travel in a car actually involves relieving stress in pets. It is important that you ensure that the agitation and anxiety that arises out of a cramped and close environment be released.

The earlier you start the training, the better it is for you and the dog.  Ensure that your first few trips with the puppy are to the playground or a field. This ensures that the association with a car ride is pleasant. If the first car trip is to the vet, it is likely to make him dread car travel forever.

For older dogs you need to desensitize them to the anxiety associated with car travel. Don’t try and push or force him into the car. Lure him with patience. Try giving him treats in the car without even starting the engine. Allow him to get used to the car before you actually take him anywhere.

If you are traveling with someone, ask your companion to pat the dog every now and then. This will help assure your pet that he is not alone. If you are traveling alone, put a blanket at a place where the dog can lie down and not bother you while driving.

Remember that dogs are daytime animals and used to daytime activities. They need to get to know the land in order to identify with it through smell and vision. Natural association with the environment is the best way for acclimation. On long trips, it is advisable to stop the car occasionally and take the dog for a walk. This will help in allowing him to stretch his legs as well.

Like humans, dogs can also get car sick. Do not feed the dog before traveling. Treat the dog when you arrive at your destination. The association with the treat will help you on your return trip.

Remember, when it comes to handling stress situations like car travel, it is not the breed or size of the dog that matters. Separation anxiety in dogs, trauma, medical disorders and a change in environment can affect a dog of any size. Sedation while traveling does help but you need to be prepared to handle the side effects of the medicine. Appropriate handling with proper understanding of dog psychology can help in relieving stress in pets.

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What Causes Anxiety Attacks in Dogs 
Dogs cannot speak our language, and we can never be sure whether their barking is a warning, a complaint or an expression of some discomfort. But there is one thing that we do know, and that is that the barking is supposed to mean something.

A dog may bark for various reasons. In many cases, the barking is due to a previous situation or experience that he may have had. Research has unequivocally established that the dog’s brain does respond to stimuli, and this was proven long time ago with Pavlov’s experiment.

Experiments reveal that there is imagery in the dog’s brain that induces specific dog behaviors. These behaviors could seem normal or abnormal to us, but they do have a meaning. Dogs have the capacity to recall images of the owner, earlier smells and sounds and past experiences, and these cause them to behave in a certain manner.

Imagine a situation where you return home at the same time every day and indulge in joyous playing with your puppy. The image of the good time that the young dog experiences gets ingrained in the dog’s brain. The problem arises on the day you are late from work. The young dog recalls the images and anticipates the fun. He starts getting ready for play and then as your expected time of arrival passes, he starts fretting, pacing and barking. Relieving stress in pets becomes essential in such conditions so that the dog can cope with such unexpected situations.

In a similar manner, certain images get associated with the act of leaving home. We may have a ritual of doing certain things like putting on our shoes, picking up the keys of the car and wearing a jacket that get recorded as images that get associated with leaving. This obviously is not desirable from the pet’s point of view. Many dogs get excessively possessive and follow the owner from room to room or try to obstruct the passage to the main door. If you do find your way out and actually leave, you may find that your house is in shambles when you return. Objects associated with leaving may suddenly go missing. Shoes may have been chewed upon. A condition like this is called separation anxiety in dogs and is more evident among dogs that are excessively pampered by their owners.

A lot of research has been done on the issue of whether dogs can think or not. After having studied dog behavior, one can easily conclude that the dog’s brain definitely retains experiences. The manner in which they are stored and recollected, however, is uncertain.

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