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Uncategorized

The reason why chocolate can kill your dog!

by Audrey Harvey

In my opinion, chocolate is one of the five food groups. I am a chocoholic, and there is always some chocolate hidden away in my home for emergencies.

 

Althuogh we all enjoy sharing life’s little luxuries with our dogs, chocolate is one thing that you should definitely not give them. It can make them quite sick, and if they eat enough, it can be fatal.

 

Chocolate contains a compound called theobromine which is found in cocoa. It is theobromine which is poisonous to dogs, even in small doses. Incidentally, caffeine has a similar chemical structure to theobromine and can also make dogs ill. Because dogs don’t seem to enjoy the taste of coffee, caffeine poisoning isn’t nearly as common as chocolate poisoning.

 

How much chocolate will make your dog sick? That depends on two things – your dog’s body weight and whether he eats dark, milk or white chocolate.

 

Let’s do some number crunching. The lethal dose of theobromine is 100 to 150 mg per kilo bodyweight. We’ll use a 10kg dog as an example, that’s a nice round figure to work with. Breeds of dogs that reach 10kg, or 22lb as adults include Beagles, American Cocker Spaniels and Standard Fox Terriers. Using these figures, they would need to eat 1000 to 1500 mg of theobromine to become poisoned.

 

Cooking chocolate contains the most theobromine, 140mg per gram. Our 22lb dog would only need to eat 10g of this type of chocolate before he became seriously ill. That’s not much at all!

 

Milk chocolate contains15mg of theobromine per gram, so it would take 100g of this chocolate to affect your dog. White chocolate is least dangerous, as there is very little theobromine in it.

 

If, in spite of your best efforts at keeping your treats all for yourself, your dog eats enough chocolate to poison himself, he can start to show symptoms within half an hour. You can expect to see vomiting and diarrhea, and he will appear twitchy, hyperactive and excited. Depending on dose, he may then start to stagger and develop seizures. Finally he will lapse into a coma, and he may die.

 

As you can see, chocolate poisoning in dogs is an emergency, and it’s important that you contact your veterinarian as soon as you realize your dog has eaten some of your chocolate stash. Treatment is aimed at preventing him absorbing more theobromine, and controlling any symptoms he is showing.

 

Your vet can give your dog medication to make him vomit up any chocolate that remains in his stomach. Activated charcoal by mouth will absorb any theobromine that’s travelling along his gastro-intestinal tract, and sedatives or anesthesia will control twitching muscles and seizures.

 

As an alternative to chocolate, why not give your dog a bone, some dried liver treats or even carob – it contains no theobromine and is quite safe for dogs.

 

There are so many safe treats that are available for your dog, there is no reason to give him something that may kill him, no matter how good it tastes. That suits me just fine, because I don’t have to feel guilty when I keep my chocolate all for myself!

 

 

Since 2004 Los Angeles-based happytails has created eco-friendly spa, grooming and wellness products for the modern dog. We use the finest (“better than human quality”) ingredients to solve the toughest problems that dogs face, like itchy skin, tear stains and bad breath. Happytails is sold and recommended by veterinarians around the world for one simple reason- they work, naturally

 

 

Categories
Activities & Fun

Get your next dog from an animal shelter!

There are many places you can buy a dog, from pet stores to breeders. However, don’t rule out getting your next dog from an animal shelter.

 Dogs end up in animal shelters for many reasons. Sometimes they have escaped from their yard and become lost. Other times they have been given up by a loving family who can no longer keep them. Whatever the reason, these dogs still have a lot of love to give, and can make wonderful companions at  more affordable prices then buying a dog from a breeder.

Choosing Your Shelter Dog

When you choose a shelter dog, you must follow the same steps as you would if you’re buying a dog from anywhere else. You need to work out exactly what you want in a dog – should he be large or small, do you prefer a long or a short coat, do you prefer an active dog or one that is more laid back?  It’s important that you have the time and money to properly feed, groom and exercise your dog, so give some serious thought to these questions.

An advantage to buying a dog from a shelter is that often the staff will know the dogs quite well, and will be able to guide you in your decision. If you have boisterous young children, they can steer you away from dogs that have a nervous disposition, and if you are an active person, they’ll help you choose a great running buddy.

Bringing Your New Dog Home

Keep in mind that your new dog may take some time to settle into your family. You can expect him to perhaps have toileting accidents and be a little anxious until he becomes familiar with his surrounding.

Here are some steps to helping your shelter dog relax in his new home.

.       Dogs that are adopted from shelters often have dull coats associated with too many processed foods and not enough exercise.  Place a few drops of Healthy Skin Shiny Coat in your dog’s mouth to help detoxify his body after his stay in the shelter. It helps him eliminate waste products which will improve his coat condition, and it will boost his immune system which may become stressed with all the changes in his life.

 

.       As much as you’d like to celebrate his arrival, don’t have a welcoming party for him. He may become quite overwhelmed by lots of new people. Allow him to get to know you for a few days, then introduce him to your family or friends one or two at a time.

 

.       Use Sleepytime Tonic regularly in those first few weeks to ease any anxiety and help him adapt to his new lifestyle. It contains all natural herbs and Bach Flower Remedies which will calm his nerves and encourage a good night’s sleep.

 

If you choose to add a shelter dog to your family, you can be proud because you’re taking a dog out of the shelter environment and potentially saving his life. In return you’ll have a loyal loving companion who will really appreciate his new forever home.

 

Categories
Old Age

How long will YOUR dog live?

Dogs in the United States have an average lifespan of 12 years, with smaller breeds usually living longer than giant breeds. Although we can’t avoid the inevitable heartache of losing a pet, we can take steps to help our dogs live as long as possible.

 

1.       Use your common sense. Keep your dog on a leash when you’re walking, so he doesn’t run onto the road and get hit by a car. Wild animals such as coyotes may see your dog as prey, so if you live near the forestry, make sure your fencing is secure to protect him from attack.

 

2.       Feed your dog a good quality food. It’s a good idea to give him anti-oxidants if they’re not included in his kibble. Both Vitamin E and Vitamin C are well known anti-oxidants which may help reduce cell damage. Ask your veterinarian for a dose rate that’s suitable for your dog.

 

3.       Watch how much food you give your dog. Research has shown that dogs fed a restricted amount of food can live up to 2 years longer than a dog fed as much as he wants. Obesity is also a leading cause of heart disease and diabetes in dogs, which can also shorten his life. Physical exercise is also important in trimming his waistline, and keeping his heart healthy.

 

4.       Regular veterinary care is important. If your dog has an illness and it is diagnosed and treated early, the outcome will be much better. For example, dogs who suffered from kidney disease and were fed a prescription kidney diet lived longer than dogs fed regular kibble. Not only that, but the sooner the prescription diet was started, the better the outcome. By having your dog’s health checked frequently, you’ll be able to start any necessary treatment early, and your dog will be with you longer.

 

5.       Stress can affect your dog’s immune system and can make him more likely to fall ill. It’s important that you make sure his life is as stress free as possible. Your dog can’t possibly be stressed, can he? He’s well fed, has a warm bed and someone who loves him. Stress in dogs can be very subtle. For example, a herding breed may be stressed if he can’t expend his energy, or use his brain. Dogs are intelligent animals. Regular exercise and mental stimulation is so important in keeping their stress levels down. Consider obedience training, agility or herding classes to give them something to do with their mind.

 

Children walking past your front fence on their way home from school may also cause your dog some anxiety, particularly if they tease him. If you’re concerned about your dog’s stress levels, place a few drops of Sleepytime Tonic on his tongue. It contains Skullcap and Passionflower, both of which reduce anxiety. Its Bach Flower Remedies, particularly Wild Oat, help ease fear and irritability, and reduce boredom-related depression.

 

If your dog does live to a ripe old age, you may find that you have to deal with age related conditions which can affect his quality of life. One of the most common problems in senior dogs is arthritis. They find it harder to get up and down stairs, and are often stiff in the legs first thing in the morning. Joint Resolution is your solution to this problem. Collagen in Joint Resolution reduces discomfort in arthritic dogs and allows them to enjoy life to the fullest.

 

There are no guarantees that anything you do will increase the time you have to share with your four legged best friend. Keep him physically safe, watch what he eats, manage his stress levels and develop a close relationship with your veterinarian. This gives you the best chance of having your dog grow old with you.

Categories
Anxiety & Nervousness

Living with a dog that just won’t relax- two natural remedies explored

 

It can be challenging living with a dog that just won’t relax. Some dogs are anxious, and can become stressed if there are any changes to their daily routine. Other dogs are like children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and just don’t seem to be able to calm down.

 

It’s important that you make sure there aren’t any medical or behavioral reasons for your dog being fidgety. Perhaps he has arthritis, and sitting still for any length of time is uncomfortable. If so, he will benefit greatly from the pain relieving effects of Joint Resolution. Perhaps he is a high energy dog and just isn’t getting the physical and mental stimulation he needs. In this case, you need to exercise him more, and give him opportunities to use his brain, such as obedience training or trick training.

 

If you have dealt with such issues, and your dog still won’t settle, you may feel you have run out of options.  Fortunately, there are natural treatments which will calm an unsettled dog and make life a lot more relaxing for him and for you. However, how do you choose the best treatment for your dog?

 

Commonly Used Natural Remedies

 

Two popular treatments for restlessness and agitation in dogs are Rescue Remedy and Sleepytime Tonic.

 

Rescue Remedy contains a very small amount of flower material in a 50:50 solution of water and brandy. These essences  were created by  Edward Bach in the 1930’s. Each essence, or remedy, is directed at a specific spiritual or emotional problem such as grief, shock or a visit to the vet. They are completely non-toxic and very safe to give your dog at any time.  According to users of Rescue Remedy the product works because it contains the “energetic” nature of the flower and that this can be transmitted to the user,

 

Sleepytime Tonic was formulated by Robert McDowell, who is considered to be the world’s leading authority on using western herbal medicines to treat illness in our dogs. It too contains flower essences, but they are carefully combined with other ingredients which have similar effects. Herbs such as Valerian, passion flower, vervain and Skullcap are natural calming agent, and are well known to reduce anxiety and restlessness. There are no side effects to using Sleepytime Tonic  and its natural honey flavor means that dogs are only too happy to swallow it.

 

Choices, Choices…

 

Given that both Rescue Remedy and Sleepytime Tonic are both effective in reducing stress and calming an unsettled dog, is there any advantage to using one over the other?

Arguments in favour of Sleepytime Tonic

Does not contain any alcohol.

contains Bach Flower essences, as does Rescue Remedy. However, its combination of calming herbs means that it works in two ways: the flower essences help soothe your dog’s emotions, and the herbs will physically relax him and help him calm down.

Product does not just rely on the “energetic” nature of flower essences. Rather, the percentage of the herbs in the formula is significant enough to effect a change.

The product is larger for less money  ($13 for 1 fl. oz vs $15 for .35 fl oz)

What do you have to say? Have you tried this product? Include your opinion!

 
 
 

 

 

Arguments in favour of Rescue Remedy

 

Has stood the test of time.

Is available almost everywhere.

Because the dosage of flower essence is so small it can be used inconjunction with conventional drugs, with no fear of drug interaction.

What do you have to say? Have you tried this product? Include your opinion!

 

 

 

 

 
 

Categories
Ears

Treating Your Dog's Hematoma

When a dog has an ear irritation, he will shake his head, scratch his ear and even rub the side of his face along the ground. As you can imagine, this can cause trauma to the flap of his ear, which is also known as the pinna.  The inside of the pinna can become quite red and inflamed and, in extreme cases, this scratching may lead to development of a hematoma or blood blister.

A hematoma occurs when a blood vessel between the skin and the cartilage on the pinna becomes broken. The ear flap becomes swollen with blood, and is very uncomfortable. Your dog is then even more likely to scratch and shake his ears.

Hematomas are most likely to occur secondary to infection or allergies in the ear canal. Your vet won’t have any trouble confirming the diagnosis of a hematoma; the swollen pinna is a giveaway.

Treating a Hematoma

How your vet treats a hematoma depends to a large extent on its size. If it is only a small blood blister, your vet may decide it can be left alone. The blood in the pinna will clot and shrink, and your dog’s ear may become crinkled. This is called a “cauliflower ear”; it doesn’t cause your dog any problems at all, but it may look a little odd.

It is very important that the underlying cause of the hematoma is treated. Most dogs that develop a hematoma have a chronic ear problem that has gone undetected for some time. If this isn’t managed properly, your dog will continue to scratch, and things may go from bad to worse.

Larger hematomas respond best to surgery.  The blood is drained from the ear flap and stitches are placed through the pinna to hold it together while it heals. The ear may then be bandaged to your dog’s head, which will look quite funny for a little while.

How to Prevent a Hematoma

Prevention is better than cure, so if you can avoid your dog developing an annoying unsightly hematoma, he will be much happier.

Here are the steps you can take to prevent a hematoma developing:

1.       Stay on top of your dog’s allergies. The skin in his ear canal is very similar to the skin on his body, so if he’s scratching himself a bit, it’s worth having a quick look in his ears to make sure they’re not also affected. If they’re red, smelly or the skin is thickened, it’s time to have them looked at by your vet.

 

2.       At the first sign of ear irritation, make an appointment with your vet for a check-up.  By doing that, you’ll prevent any infections becoming more serious, and stop your dog scratching at his ears. This reduces the likelihood of him breaking a blood vessel in his pinna.

 

3.       Preventative care of his ears is critical. An ideal product to keep his ears healthy is Ear Aid. Clean his ears regularly with Ear Wipes to remove any dirt and wax. They contain colloidal silver and witch hazel to cleanse his ear canals, and prevent the growth of bacteria.  When this is done, apply Ear Clear drops to his ear to soothe and heal any ear inflammation. By following this regime twice weekly, you’ll help prevent any irritation that may lead to hematoma development.

 

 

 

Categories
Uncategorized

Do your lover and dog have a power struggle?

 

Love is in the air, the world is rosy, and life is good. Well, it’s all good until your dog meets your new partner and decides he doesn’t like him/her.  Your dog may feel that your lover is taking his place in your affections, and he feels threatened. He may also feel he needs to teach your new love interest where he/she fits in the household. In some cases, your canine companion may worry that your human companion is a threat to you, and he feels the need to protect you.

All of these are fair reasons for him to react to your partner with apprehension, but you need to help your dog adapt to this major change in his life. He is very important to you, but so is your new love. How can you help them get along?

There are things you can do to help your dog love your partner as much as you do.

1.       Don’t force your dog to accept your partner. Let him get acquainted in his own good time. If your dog feels pressured or threatened, he may become defensive. This isn’t a good start to their relationship.

 

2.       Reinforce your dog’s basic training so he acknowledges you as his leader. By doing this, you’re teaching him that you’re in charge, and if you are happy to have someone in your home, he should be too.

 

3.       Encourage your partner to feed your dog. If he learns that good things come from the new member of your household, he’s more likely to tolerate them. Tolerance is the first step to developing a friendship.

 

4.       Playtime is a great time for your dog and your partner to have fun together. Choose your dog’s favorite toy, and involve your partner in a game with him. Use treats to encourage your dog to interact with your new love, and help him learn that your partner is actually good to have around.

 

5.       Don’t let your dog sit on the couch or on your bed with you and your partner. This can encourage rivalry, and won’t help the situation at all.

 

6.       If your dog is actually aggressive and trying to bite your partner, get a referral to a veterinary behavioralist sooner rather than later. Aggression is something that is best managed by professionals, and it’s not worth risking your new love being injured.

 

7.       Use Sleepytime Tonic whenever your dog is going to spend time with your partner. It contains Skullcap, Valerian and Passionflower which reduce anxiety and nervousness.  Its ingredient list also includes Bach Flower Remedies to reduce shyness and fear, and it is safe enough to use whenever you anticipate your dog becoming tense around your partner.

 

There’s no reason for you to have to choose between your dog and your love life. As with any aspect of owning and training a dog, you’ll need to invest time and energy into managing the situation. It’s worth it; your dog will learn to love your partner just as much as you do.

Now, if you could only get your significant other to like your dog! 

On another related topic you may be interetsted in reading the Top Five Signs that she loves her dog more than you: A man’s Guide to Winning the Fluff Wars!

 

Categories
gas & poop

Does your dog do the butt scoot?

Dogs get itchy bottoms at times, and they don’t have too many options when it comes to scratching that itch. They can bite or lick at their bottom, or they can scoot it along the ground.

Let’s look at the most common reasons why your dog’s bottom might itch.

1.       Worms, in particular tapeworms, can cause itching around his anus. You may have noticed the small white worm segments that look like rice grains in his stools or around his bottom. They are very itchy indeed and are a common cause of scooting.

2.       Your dog’s rear end is a popular spot for fleas to gather, and they too will make him itchy around his rump. Some dogs are actually allergic to flea saliva and one bite from a flea will make their skin red and inflamed. To add insult to injury, fleas spread tapeworm so if your dog is itchy from fleas, he’ll soon be itchy from tapeworm too.

3.       Dogs have two little scent glands just inside their anus which contain a very smelly liquid.  These glands can become blocked, swollen and infected, and your dog will drag his bottom along the ground to try and relieve the discomfort.

4.       Some breeds of dogs are prone to severe infection and ulceration around the anus. German Shepherds are known to develop these perianal fistulas. They can be quite painful, and very difficult to treat. This is less common than the other causes of scooting we’ve mentioned.

Stop That Scoot!

It’s embarrassing when your dog scoots in public, and it’s not so pleasant when he does it at home either, particularly if he scoots on your carpet. What can you do to stop him?

Make sure you worm him with an effective broad spectrum worming tablet. This will get rid of any tapeworms lurking in his intestines.

Have a look under his tail. If his scooting has resulted in any redness or irritation, bathe the area with Comfy Dog shampoo with colloidal oatmeal. It will relieve the inflammation and soothe his itch.

Use Flea the Scene regularly to keep these blood sucking parasites at bay. It contains natural insect repellents, and antiseptics to soothe any itchy bites. It has no side effects and is safe enough to use every day.

If you’re concerned about your dog’s anal glands, take him to your veterinarian for an examination.  She will empty his glands, and check for any infection. If infection is present, he may need a course of antibiotics to clear it up. Some dogs are prone to anal gland issues like my 5 year old Westie. I have to take her in about once a month or so.  Some people tell me that I can do it myself. But sticking my finger up my dog’s bum doesn’t sound appealing to either of us! Now that we know what the problem is we can bypass the vet altogether and just see the vet tech. Each visit is only $15.  Well worth it I say!

Cleaning Up Afterwards

Sometimes scooting can result in a little soiling of the hair around your dog’s bottom. You’ll want to clean that up before he jumps into your car, or climbs onto your couch.

Pre-moistened Eyepads are very convenient for cleaning up any soiling or discoloration around your dog’s bottom while you’re out and about. Just grab a pad, wipe, and throw it in the trash. When you’re at home, keep Dry Dog Instant Clean handy for when he needs a quick freshen up under his tail. Spray it on his skin and wipe it off with a cloth.

If you can figure out what’s causing your dog to scoot, and remedy the situation, you won’t be embarrassed by him when you’re out walking together!

 

 

 

 

Categories
Anxiety & Nervousness

Can't the Cat & Dog Just Get Along?

 

Cats and dogs are known to fight like, well, cats and dogs. However, if you want to adopt a cat, there is no reason you can’t teach your dog to get along with it. It just takes a little time.

 

Consider your dog’s breed and temperament. Some breeds, such as terriers, have a very strong prey drive. They are bred to chase, and are going to do exactly the same thing to a cat. You’ll need to be particularly careful when introducing your cat to a dog with this type of temperament.

 

Ideally, choose a young kitten to add to your family. It is less likely to be afraid of dogs. Adult cats can learn to share their lives with a dog but again, it can take much longer.

 

Before you introduce him to your new cat, pop some Sleepytime Tonic on your dog’s tongue. Herbs such as Skullcap, Passion Flower and Valerian will calm your dog and reduce any anxiety he may feel. Sleepytime Tonic also contains Bach Flower Remedies which reduce shyness, fear and nervousness. Dogs love its natural honey flavor, and it is safe enough to use every day.

 

Here is a step by step guide to help your dog accept your cat.

 

1.      When you bring your cat home, keep it in a separate room to your dog, but allow them the freedom to sniff around the door. This lets them hear each other, and become familiar with  the scent of each other. Continue to do this for a few days, until each is no longer excited by the presence of the other.

 

2.      Put your kitten in a cat carrier, and encourage your dog to walk up to the carrier on a leash. Your dog can investigate your cat through the spaces in the side of the carrier and your cat can do the same, while both are kept quite safe. If your dog is behaving nicely around your cat, give him regular treats as a reward.

 

3.      The last step is to allow your cat and dog to meet without any barriers in place. You should only attempt this if your dog is quite relaxed around your cat. Keep him on a short leash, and let both animals sniff each other. Again, reward your dog for staying calm around your cat. 

 

Only after several weeks of your cat and dog interacting well under close supervision should you let your dog off his leash.

 

One thing to keep in mind is that this process shouldn’t be rushed. If at any time your dog or cat becomes stressed, take a break and move back to the previous step in the process. There is no hurry. If you do this right, your dog and cat will live harmoniously for many years.

 

In spite of your best efforts, things may just not work out between your cat and your dog. Make sure they are always supervised when they’re in the same room if they don’t appear to be getting along. Lock them up so they can’t get to each other if you need to leave them unsupervised. They are both quite capable of hurting each other, and it’s not worth taking any chances.

 

Cats and dogs can live together very well, providing they’re introduced properly. Do invest time in the process, and your life will be enriched by the company of both of your furry friends.

 

 

 

 

 

Categories
Anxiety & Nervousness

Does your dog dream? Tips for a good night's sleep.

Have you ever watched your dog when he’s asleep? You may have noticed his feet paddling, and his eyelids twitching. He may even yelp or whimper in his sleep. It looks like he’s having a very vivid dream.

 

When your dog is asleep, he goes through the same sleep patterns as we do. He too has REM (rapid eye movement) and non REM sleep. Most of his nap time is spent in non REM sleep, where his mind is still but his muscles aren’t fully relaxed.

 

When your dog is in a deep REM sleep, his brain is as active as it is while he is awake. This is when he twitches, paddles and yelps. Fortunately, during this type of sleep, his body is extremely relaxed, so he’s not able to get up and move around, and won’t cause himself an injury. Only about 10% of his sleep time is spent in REM sleep.

 

Given that your dog’s sleep is just like ours, it’s fair to assume that he also has dreams and nightmares. If you do notice that he is deep in REM sleep, don’t wake him. He’s likely to be disoriented if he is suddenly woken up from REM sleep, and he might just snap at you.

 

To Sleep, Perchance To Dream

 

Your dog’s sleep requirements vary depending on his age, his breed and how active he is during the day. Growing puppies will sleep for at least fifteen hours a day. Active adult dogs such as those  who work stock, or those involved in police or customs work, will also sleep more than a sedentary dog. Giant breeds of dogs tend to be less active just by nature of their size, and they may not need to sleep as much as a more active breed.

 

Older dogs may find it difficult to settle to sleep. They may suffer from dementia, and may pace the floor at night. Sore joints can make it uncomfortable to lie still for any length of time.

 

A Good Night’s Sleep

 

Here are some suggestions to help your dog enjoy a restful night’s sleep.

 

1. Take your dog for a gentle walk around 1-2 hours before bedtime. Don’t exercise just before bed, or his heart rate will be high and he’ll find it hard to settle.

 

2. Take care with the timing of dinner. It’s hard to get to sleep when you’re hungry, and a full tummy can be uncomfortable when your dog is lying down. Give him his meal at least one hour before he has to go to sleep.

 

3. Provide a comfortable sleeping environment. Give him a soft bed to lie on, and make sure he isn’t too cold or too warm.

 

4. If your dog is elderly and a bit stiff, Joint Resolution will help to ease any pain in his joints. He’ll be much more comfortable when he’s lying down.

 

5. Sleepytime Tonic contains gentle and effective herbal sedatives and Bach Flower Remedies to encourage a restful night’s sleep. Put a few drops on his tongue shortly before bedtime, and he’ll be off to the land of nod in no time.

 

A good night’s sleep is important to your dog. It will recharge his batteries, and he’ll wake in good spirits, ready to meet the new day.

 

 

 

 

 

Categories
Eyes

How to Treat Conjunctivitis in Dogs

If you’ve ever had conjunctivitis, you’ll know how uncomfortable it is. It’s every bit as painful for your dog.

Conjunctivitis, as the name suggests, affects the conjunctiva, which is the inside of your dog’s eyelids. It also affects the sclera, the white of the eye. These become very red, with prominent blood vessels, and there is often a yellowish discharge.  Your dog will usually close the affected eye, but he’s not winking at you; his eyes hurt!

There are several causes of conjunctivitis in dogs. Sand and dust in the environment can irritate his eyes, and lead to a secondary bacterial infection. If your dog hangs his head out of the car window when you drive, the wind will also blow dust in his eyes. They will also become quite dry and irritated.

Conjunctivitis is often a symptom of allergies in dogs, particularly inhaled allergies to dusts and pollens. Your dog may also sneeze, have itchy ears and chew his feet.

Some dogs suffer from a condition called keratoconjunctivitis sicca, where their immune system destroys their tear glands. The result is chronically dry eyes, inflammation and infection.

What to Do With Sore Eyes

It’s important that if you suspect your dog has conjunctivitis, see your veterinarian sooner rather than later. If it isn’t treated, it can lead to ulceration of the cornea at the front of the eye. This is extremely painful and can take some time to resolve. It may also involve suturing your dog’s upper and lower eyelids closed to allow the ulcer to heal.

Your vet will check for any ulceration to the eye, and try to figure out the cause of the inflammation. A simple bacterial infection associated with dust and wind will respond well to an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory ointment. Allergies usually require more extensive treatment, as does keratoconjunctivitis sicca.

Don’t waste time if your dog has sore eyes. It’s better for both your dog and your budget if you tackle conjunctivitis in its early stages.

 

Caring for Your Dog’s Eyes At Home

You can help to prevent your dog developing painful conjunctivitis by keeping him away from dust and sand, and keeping him inside the car when you’re traveling. This isn’t always possible; fortunately we have Eye Pack to help protect his eyes from infection. This is a two-step process to keep your dog’s eyes clean and inhibit the growth of bacteria.

1.       Wipe your dog’s eyes with Eye Pads. This is particularly important if he has been rolling in the dust, or enjoying the feeling of the wind in his hair as you drive. These soft pre-moistened pads contain herbal ingredients that clean away dirt, and colloidal silver which acts as a natural antibiotic.

2.       Add the powdered Eyemunity to your dog’s food every day. It tastes great, and includes Epicor in its ingredient list.  This has been clinically proven to improve your dog’s immune system, and help him fight off infection from the inside.

Dogs are so expressive, and it’s easy to see how much they love us when they look at us with their soft brown eyes. Use Eye Pack on a regular basis and keep those eyes bright and healthy, and you’ll have no doubt about how he feels about you.