Aggression usually begins at around 18-24 months of age, when dogs become socially mature. Less commonly, it can occur in puppies as young as 4-5 months. While intact dogs may have a higher tendency towards aggression, spaying or neutering alone will not solve the problem once it has started. Some rather common health problems can make an otherwise even-tempered dog aggressive. These include but are not limited to epilepsy, hypothyroidism, arthritis, hip dysplasia, and dental disease. Consult your veterinarian about the situation and may recommend some testing such as a complete blood count, a chemistry panel or a thyroid test.

Effective treatment with increase the exercise, dogs that get enough exercise are far less likely to have behavioral problems. The exercise such as trainers and behaviorist 45 – 60 minutes until the dog is panting, take your dog jogging with you, play fetch outdoors or inside in a long hallway with your dog, play Frisbee. Also keep in mind that many types of dogs were bred to do a job. If your dog is not used to this much exercise, you will need to increase it gradually. If your dog has any health problems, consult with your veterinarian about a safe exercise program

]]> http://yourpets.wordpress.com/2008/01/02/aggression-in-dogs/feed/ 0 yourpets http://yourpets.wordpress.com/2008/01/02/urinary-disorder/ http://yourpets.wordpress.com/2008/01/02/urinary-disorder/#comments Wed, 02 Jan 2008 07:56:35 +0000 yourpets http://yourpets.wordpress.com/2008/01/02/urinary-disorder/ ]]> Cystitis of origin infection

Cystitis is bladder inflammation with bacteria such as Escherichia coli are found in large number in the urine. This is the most common uinary disease in dogs and its treatment requires the use of antibacterial agents. Infectious cystitis is quite uncommon in cats.

Idiopathic cystitis

Specific to the cat, it accounts for more than 60% of all urinary disorders in thi species. Various factors, including stress, environment are involved in this complex disease, which often reoccurs. Diet plays a key role in managing this disorder.

Neoplasm ( tumour )

Behavioural disorder

Urinary stones

Aggregates mostly form in the urinary bladder of pets, and not in the kidney as in human. Diet plays a major role in preventing recurrences.

These stones may vary in size, be alone or associated with other stones, be of one type or mixed.

Types of stones :

• Struvite stones : very common, they form from phosphate, ammonium and magnesium ions. In the dog, they are often associated with a urinary tract infection, which should be treated at the same time.
• Calcium oxalate stones : together with struvite stones, the most common type of stones in dogs and cats.
• Ammonium urate stones : much less frequent, however they often occur when there is liver disease..
• Cystine stones : rare.

In cats the risk of urolithiasis is increased for indoor, overweight or neutered individual. The risk of struvite and oxalate stone formation varies with age and gender. Certain breeds such as Persian are predisposed to developing oxalate stones.

In dogs small breeds are known to be more prone to developing urinary stones. In general, male dogs are more affected by urinary calculi than bitches, except for struvite calculi.

The factors that promote stone formation :

• The degree of urine acidity ( pH ) : struvite develop in alkaline urine. The pets diet obviously plays an important role in the development of struvite crystals or stones. In dogs and cats, urine is naturally acidic. However, some diet lead to alkaline urine,thus promoting the development of struvite stones.
• Urinary concentrations of minerals : a crystal is made of various molecules whose urinary concentrations are directly influenced by the diet. For example, low dietary magnesium help prevent struvite formation. If the pet drinks small amount, the urine will be more concentrated and the minerals that it contains will more easily crystallize. If a pet is prone to developing stones, encouraging him / her to drink is one of the key factors in preventing recurrences.
• Infectious cystitis : normal urine is sterile. When there is an infection, bacteria tend to increase the urine pH and the risk of struvite stone formation is increased.

Treatment for urinary stones :

• Medical treatment : treatment may consist of the administration of antibacterial agent to fight against a possible bladder infection, anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce inflammation of the urinary tract, or urinary pH modifiers.
• Nutritional treatment : some calculi, such as struvite can be dissolved by a specific diet, this diet is higher in sodium resulting in increased water intake and therefore urine dilution. Diet is specifically designed to reduce the urinary concentrations of mineral ( magnesium and phosphorus ) and urea, and acidify urine. Ammonium urate and cystine stones can also be dissolved. Dissolution requires a diet that alkalinizes urine. Other stones, like calcium oxalate cannot be dissolved.

Detect urinary disprder in a pet

Pet may show one or more of the following signs :

• Urinates more often and passes small quantities, or fails to urinate.
• Lick the genital area frequently.
• Crouches longer in the urinating position.
• Strain or show signs of pain while urinating.
• Pinkish urine, inducative of the presence of blood.
• Urine sometimes found outside the litter tray.
• Loss of appetite.
• Behavioural changes.

The category of mini dogs :

• Terriers : fox terrier, Yorkshire terrier, Scottish terrier, jack Russell terrier, cairn terrier, west highland terrier, etc.
• Dachshunds : standard and miniature dachshunds, each of which has several form according to their type of hair.
• Lapdogs : bichon fries, toy and miniature poodle, Chihuahua, Pekinese, cavalier king charles, shih tzu, lhasa apso, etc.

The many kinds of mini also come in a variety of coat types :

• Long wavy hair : long haired Chihuahua, cotton de tulear, etc.
• Long straight hair : maltese bichon, spitz, cavalier and king charles spaniels, shih tzu, lhasa apso, Pekinese, Yorkshire terrier, etc.
• Short smooth hair : pug, Chihuahua, miniature pinscher.
• Short curly hair : poodle
• Rough hair : cairn terrier, rough haired fox terrier, jack Russell terrier, etc.
• Very short hair : Italian greyhound, short haired dachshund, etc.

Some of these coats require regular care and special grooming.

The small size and elegant shaped of miniature dogs makes theme appear fragile. In fact mini dogs are very tough. Proof of this their typical longevity, which can exceed 15 years.

Growth stage :

From 2 to 10 months

Fast and demanding, the mini puppy growth is achieved by 8 to 10 months of age.

Most of the body development occurs during the first 6 months. Gaining 20 g per day on average, the puppy needs twice as much energymas an equivalent weight adult. At about 10 month, the puppy weight 20 times the birth weight. Once the puppy is weaned, the digestive capacity increases quite slowly. Optimal digestive capacity is reached only when adult. As fat body mass forms early in the puppy, its vital that puppy does not eat too much. Throughout its growth period the puppy energy requirement is very high, reaching a maximum between 2 and 3 months of age. Between the 4^th and 12^th week, the immunity passed from the mother to the puppy gradually decreases whilst the mini puppys own immune defences are not yet optimal. These immune defences are however essential as socialization is vital at this important stage of the puppy life. As the enzymatic system is not yet optimal, the mini puppy has a lower digestive tolerance than an adult. The puppy is therefore more prone to having loose stools. Although mineralization of the skeleton is not usually problematic in dogs weighing less than 10 kg, excessive calcium intake should be avoided.

Over 10 months

From 10 months of age, the mini puppy reaches adulthood. The morphology, abilities and characteristics of this life stage require a specific diet. The mini puppys teeth are often irregularly arranged. As they are very close to each other, the mini puppy is prone to developing periodontal disease. Active and very playful, the mini dog expends a lot of energy. Because of the small size, puppy has to take many more steps to cover a given distance compared to a large sized dog., so mini dog expends more energy. As they can live up to 15 or more years, mini dogs undergo the effects of cell ageing for a long period. More than the other breed dog, small dogs are prone to periodontal disease caused by bacteria. Mineralisation of dental plaque on contact with saliva result in tartar formation. In the long term, bacteria may lead to gingivitis and even tooth loosening. The coat reflects the dogs health status and the skin is the first defence against various environmental stresses.

Once the growth period has ended, the dogs energy requirements decrease while the stomach capacity increase. Its important to guard against weight gain, particularly in those mini dogs with less access to outdoors and hence are expending less energy. The more easily the diet is assimilated, the less the mini dog will be prone to gastrointestinal disorders.

The maxi dog has a vocation :

• German shepherd : guard and protection dog
• Golden retriever : assistance dogs
• Malinois : search and rescue dog
• Briard : herding dogs
• German pointer : sporting dogs

Major characteristics of maxi dogs :

Digesti

Maxi dogs are particularly prone to sensitive digestions. This usually shows itself as wet, soft, voluminous and bad smelling stools, which can be a direct result of the specific anatomical and physiological characteristics of large breed dogs. Some factors such as lifestyle or an unbalanced diet can aggravate or intensify the maxi dogs digestive sensitivity.

Osteo-articular

Large dogs use a lot of energy. Their very active temperament, combined with a large body mass, puts major stress on their joint, and over time, the cartilages can be damaged and arthritis develop. Choosing a specially adapted food from a very young age can help protect the maxi dogs joints.

Cardiac

The heart rate of the maxi dogs is lower than small breed dogs. But they develop a stronger power. This explains a higher cardiac sensitivity of large breed dogs, and even more for hyperactive large breed dogs.

Variable energy needs

Maxi dogs are often sporting, sled, rescue or hunting dogs, which means that their energy needs are affected by the ambient climate, intensity of physical effort required, and also their breed.

Risk of weight gain

There is a common tendency these days for dogs to be prone to weight gain, due to their way of life and their activity levels, with associated risks of damaged to long term health and longevity. Maxi dogs are no exception to this problem, and their weight gain tends to be associated with a number of different factors.

Spotting the early signs of weight gain :

• keep an eye out for changes in the shape or behaviour
• fat deposits an the chest, back or haunches
• loss of tone
• unwillingness to exercise or heat intolerance
• rapid panting.
• Check the dogs weight regularly, if he goes beyond 15% or so over his ideal weight, talk to your vet about a change of diet.

The signs of ageing

The average life expectancy for a maxi dog is around 10 years. To help fight against the effect of ageing, it makes sense to choose a food specifically adapted to their size from a very early age and throughout their adult life.

The signs of ageing in maxi dogs can vary :

• Lower energy levels and tiring more quickly ( the dogs exerts it self less and is therefore more prone to weight gain )
• Slower digestion result in poore assimilation of nutrients
• White hairs appear the coat is harsher and duller and the skin less elastic
• Joint sensitivity encourages the appearance of arthritis
• Changes in cardiac function
• Increased risk of kidney problems

Increased coat and skin health

The skin and coat reflect the general state of the dogs health. Dry skin, scurf, dry or broken hairs are all sign of problem. In some maxi dogs, pollution, poor quality food and using cleaning product too much or in the wrong way can result in skin problem, itching or abnormal hair loss.

There are groups of medium sized dogs :

¨ Hunting dogs ( sporting breeds ) :

o Pointers : French pointer, Hungarian pointer, English pointer, Breton spaniel, pont audemer spaniel, English setter, etc.

o Hounds : basset hounds, beagle, foxhound, greyhound, etc.

o Spaniels : cocker spaniel, springer spaniel, etc.

¨ Sheepdogs : bearded collie, picard sheepdog, Pyrenean sheepdog, border collie, Scottish collie, puli, Australian sheepdog, etc.

¨ Sledge dogs : spitz, Samoyed, Siberian husky, etc.

¨ Working dogs : medium pinscher, medium schnauzer, shar pei, Dalmatian, etc.

Dogs brimming with energy.

Historically medium size dogs were breed for their energy and their physical ability to work outdoor, because of their morphology and their abilities, they can perform brief intense efforts while also being fast runners. Their courageous, enterprising nature and their very well developed sense of smell make them much appreciated working dogs.

Exercise is essential

Medium size dogs have adapted to a wide variety of lifestyle, from working farm dogs to household pets or even city life, but to keep them healthy it is essential to take them out frequently so that they can expend energy.

Growth stage :

1. From 2 to 12 months :

in only 12 months the medium puppy reaches his adult size and weight. At the end of the growth oeriod, the puppy will weigh 40 to 50 times birth weight and therefore needs twice as much energy as an adult dog.

After weaning, the puppy digestive system is not yet fully developed. So the medium puppy still has a limited digestive capacity for the few months following weaning.

Between the 4^th and 12^th week, the immunity passed from the mother to the puppy gradually decreases whilst the medium puppy own immune defences are not yet optimal.

The medium puppy energy requirement is very high for the first months of the growth period reaching a maximum between 4 and 6 months of age.

As the puppy digestive system is not yet mature, the medium puppy has a lower digestive tolerance than the adult and is therefore more prone to gastrointestinal disorders

Fof the first months of growth, the medium puppy cannot adapt the amount of calcium assimilated to its need and so excessive calcium intake should be avoided.

2. Over 12 months

From 1 year of age, the medium dog is an adult. The dogs morphology, abilities and characteristics require a specific diet. The medium dog has physical and behavioural aptitudes which are readly used when it plays, walks, chases and in all its activities. This requires energy and puts strain on the joints, such a vitality deserves to be maintained as long as possible.

Stress caused by lack of exercise and a sedentary way of life leading to obesity, these are 2 factors that may affect the stability of the dogs digestive system and lead to less efficient assimilation of nutrients which may be detrimental to its health.

The medium size dog may be particularly prone to periodontal disease. Mineralisation of dental plaque on contact with saliva result in tartar formation. In the long term this can lead to gingivitis and tooth loosening. The more digestible and easily assimilated the diet, the less the dog will be predisposed to gastrointestinal disorders. To maintain the ideal balance of colonic flora, its vital that the natural defences of the digestive system remain perfectly effective.

Once the growth period has ended, the dogs energy requirements decrease while the stomach capacity increases. Even when the medium dog expends a lot of energy, the dog should be fed a diet which helps to ensure ideal weight and prevent weight gain. As it gets older, the medium dog may become more prone to sensitive digestion and often stresses his joints.

A dogs coat reflects its overall health status and the skin is the first defence against the various environmental stresses.

Antioxidant consist of natural antioxidant and artificial antioxidant that work to preserve food from oxidation. The most common artificial antioxidants used in the pet food industry are ethoxyquin, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA). Artificial preservatives definitely keep ingredients stable longer and give a longer shelf life than natural antioxidants. Pets owner have had concerns over the safety of artificial preservatives in pet food such as in cases ethoxyquin which has been approved for use in animal feeds for over 30 years was related to the development of medical problems in their dogs, including allergic reactions, skin disease, organ failure, cancer, and behavior problems. However, the results from this study of ethoxyquin showed that ethoxyquin levels above the current amounts allowed in dog foods produced no reproductive abnormalities. The only adverse effects noted were mild increases in the blood levels of certain liver enzymes and an increase in the levels of a normally-occurring red blood cell metabolite. BHT and BHA are synthetic analogues of vitamin E and are often used together.

Commonly used natural antioxidants include tocopherols are a common source of vitamin E, ascorbic acid (vitamin C ) is provided by ingredients such as cranberries, blueberries, apples, and some other fruits, citric acid is also found in many of these especially citrus fruits, and rosemary is an extract from the plant Rosmarinus officinalis, an evergreen shrub which has anti-oxidant properties. Pet food containing natural preservatives, keep in mind that they cannot extend shelf life as long as the artificial preservatives.

The first two weeks of a puppy’s life, also known as the neonate period, the puppys brain, sense and motor organs are still undeveloped, but puppies can learn simple associations. The next period of development is known as the socialization period, beginning around 3 weeks (21 days) old, and ending around 12 weeks old. At 3-5 weeks of age, puppies will actively approach strangers, shortly thereafter stranger avoidance begins and slowly escalates until it peaks around 12-14 weeks of age. The biggest aspect of this period is social play, social investigation (curiosity), playful fighting and playful sexual behavior (body contact). New behavior patterns are directly influenced by the puppy’s interaction with its mother and other puppies in the litter.This is a time for developing social relationships, both among other puppies as well as with people. These behaviors are relatively easy for any individual who stays with the puppies during this period. During this period, startle reactions to sudden movement and sounds is now present. This serves to help the puppy learn to differentiate between which events are dangerous, and which events are safe or insignificant. At anywhere from three to six months of age, a puppy begins to get its adult set of teeth. This period can be quite painful and many owners do not recognize the natural need to chew. By providing specific chew toys designed to ease the pain of teething (such as a frozen nylon bone), attention can be diverted from table legs and other furniture. Many people also use a bad-tasting, bad-smelling spray on favorite items, such as shoes, furniture, or even wallpaper, to discourage chewing. Bitter apple is a commonly used spray, but there are several commercial sprays available. Different sprays work better for different applications, owners, or puppies

Puppies can begin learning tricks and commands as early as 8 weeks of age; the only limitations are the pup’s stamina, concentration, and physical coordination. It is much easier to live with young dogs that have already learned basic commands such as sit. Waiting until the puppy is older and has already learned undesirable habits makes the training much more challenging.

The another group of supplements that used in pet food called probiotics. Probiotics contain microorganisms, prebiotics do not. These contain microorganisms such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei that are thought to improve the microbial balance of the host’s intestine.

Another pet food additives ingredient is algae can be good sources of minerals such as iron, iodine, potassium, and trace minerals. Algae have a high level of digestible protein. In addition:

o Brown algae (kelp, fucus) is a good source of potassium.

o Red algae (gigartina, nori, dulce, and Irish Moss) contains a high concentration of carrageenan, which gives it a gelatinous consistency. It maintains this form in the intestines and is thought to help absorb poisons and toxins, which will then be carried out of the body.

o Green algae (sea lettuce) has a lower mineral content, but is a good source of iron. It also contains an element called ‘cesium,’ which is reported to bind with carcinogens and remove them from the digestive tract.

o Blue-green algae is the earth’s most concentrated source of chlorophyll. It contains vitamins (especially B12), minerals, and beta-carotene.

Yeast such as brewer’s yeast, nutritional yeast, or yeast culture may be on the additives ingredient list in some pet foods. In addition :

o Brewer’s yeast is a deactivated yeast that is a by-product of beer making and is rich in protein and B vitamins.

o Nutritional yeast is made from the same strain of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) as brewer’s yeast, but is grown on molasses and has a sweeter flavor.

o Yeast culture may be an active or inactive supplement which contains B vitamins and enzymes. It is thought to encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestine.

In human, they are also missing these digestive enzymes to properly break down the sugar in milk who are lactose intolerant. If the proper enzymes are not present, the lactose remains undigested and tends to ferment in the intestine and cause diarrhea.

If pets enjoys and appears to tolerate milk, owner can give they pets small amounts and give your pets one of the special cat or dog milk that have had the lactose removed to prevent occurring digestive diseases such as chronic diarrhea.