Natural Pet Health

Adapted from New Choices in Natural Healing for Dogs and Cats, by Amy D. Shojai.

For pets that are sensitive to heat, the steamy summer months are not only uncomfortable, they are also the time when the risk of fatal heatstroke is highest. Thousands of pets die needlessly every summer from over-exposure to heat.

Learn how to protect your pets from this easy-to-prevent killer.

Here’s how:

Heastroke is an emergency that needs medical attention as soon as possible. Even before you take your pet to the vet, however, you need to start cooling her body down by putting her in a tub of cool water, for example, or by applying wet towels or ice packs to her body, says Susan G. Synn, D.V. M., a veterinarian in Atlanta. When you are in the car, turn the air conditioner on high and get to the vet as quickly as you can.

The Bouvier des Flandres is an adventurous and independent member of the Herding Group. With its fearless attitude and protective defenses, this dog makes an excellent watchdog. They were bred to perform a variety of functions and have both size and endurance to back it up. The Bouvier is of compact size, rugged in appearance, and enjoys the protection of a weatherproof coat.

The temperament of the Bouvier des Flandres can be summed up in two words confident and bold. An all-natural guard dog, this breed has a dominant personality that can easily be trained by the right owner. They are protective of its family and will fight any battle against intruders. So long as the Bouvier gets daily exercise it stays calm and well-mannered inside the house. They are safe around children but reserved around other dogs and pets.

Many animal lovers get parrots because they are attracted to the parrot�s unusual personality. Parrots are entertaining and beautiful but they are also quick-tempered, independent and very smart animals.

With that being said is a parrot the right pet for you? There are many things to consider should you finally decide to purchase a parrot.

The first thing to consider is the size of your space. Do you have enough room to keep a large cage to house your parrot? You want to make sure that you and your parrot will be comfortable with the amount of room that you have.

Kennel cough or tracheobronchitis is bronchitis that is marked by dry spasmodic cough, retching, sneezing, snorting or choking. It is characterized by inflammation of the upper respiratory system. It can be caused by either a viral or bacterial infection.

Tracheobronchitis is highly contagious and occurs when dogs are kept in crowded places with poor ventilation and lot of warm air – places like boarding kennels, vaccination clinics, hospital waiting rooms or any other such place where other infected dogs may be present.

Kennel cough in canines is equivalent, in some aspects, to common cold in humans. The symptoms are characteristic and obvious enough for diagnosis. And just as common cold caused by a virus requires no treatment, kennel cough in dogs also does not require any treatment if the condition has been caused due to a viral infection.

To ensure fun, stress-free travel with your canine pal, follow these 5 simple tips:

1. With experience, most dogs get over the tendency to become sick when riding in a moving vehicle. However, some will almost always get queasy. In such cases, you should ask your veterinarian to prescribe a motion sickness pill or a sedative.

2. Do not try to sneak your dog into a motel or hotel. If you are caught doing this, you will just make it very hard for people with dogs who come along after you. There are many great places that accommodate well-behaved dogs. An extensive directory of motels and hotels that accommodates pets can be obtained online or from your preferred travel agency.

Canine prescription drugs are available through a veterinarian after a physical exam, and vaccines are often prescribed, such as parvo, distemper, parainfluenza and bordatella. Fill prescription drugs for dogs at a pet pharmacy, or even at a human pharmacy, with health information from a veterinarian in this free video on pet care. Expert: Dr. Aimee Beger Bio: Dr. Aimee Beger works for mcclintock Animal Care Center in Tempe, Ariz. Filmmaker: Ryan Quinn

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Just like humans, domesticated animals like dogs and cats are affected by the health hazards of modern living. Pollution, poor nutrition, stress and unhealthy lifestyles can lead to a variety of illnesses and conditions that are very similar to those experienced by humans.

Can the Samoyed dog make a suitable house pet? We say yes!

He is a companion, playmate, and guardian. He will not desert his charge under any circumstances and his herding instinct has turned many a child away from harm. There are times when this dog’s intelligence and ability to grasp a new situation can make you truly wonder. His heart is loyal and true and he only asks the same of you.

Problems in training can arise if an owner does not realize that his Samoyed does not think and react like other breeds. First, you must get to know your dog, and then teach him that you are a loving but firm owner. A Samoyed has a mind of his own and will try to find ways to obey and yet keep his dignity. Or, if he sees he can easily get around you, like a child, he will do so.

Pet health pharmacies, which are available online or through a catalog, are not regulated in shipping, but the products sold are perfectly fine for use on animals. Learn how online pet pharmacies work with information from a practicing veterinarian in this free video on pet care. Expert: James Dee Bio: Dr. James Dee is a veterinarian and partner at Hollywood Animal Hospital in Hollywood, Fla. Filmmaker: Paul Muller

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Just like humans, domesticated animals like dogs and cats are affected by the health hazards of modern living. Pollution, poor nutrition, stress and unhealthy lifestyles can lead to a variety of illnesses and conditions that are very similar to those experienced by humans.

There is a difference between liver disease and liver failure. Liver disease is a general term applied to any disorder that is affecting liver. The blood tests in this case show higher levels of liver enzymes. Apart from fatty liver disease, which is a more common in cats, other types of feline liver diseases are caused by toxins from food and drugs, trauma, heatstroke and infections.

A liver shunt, where the blood bypasses the liver instead of going through it, is a genetic defect in the portal vein but may be acquired in certain cases.

Otitis Externa is a medical term for a chronic or recurrent ear infection of the external ear and the ear canal. It is the result of a vicious circle of cause and effect. Poor grooming and unclean ears often act as an invitation for bacterial and fungal infections. Treatment is difficult as the anatomy of the dog ear does not allow the medication to reach the inner ear easily. Infection causes the skin lining of the external ear to thicken, which further inhibits exit of infectious fluid and entry of medications for treating the infection.