The Pet Doctor Blog

The Best Dog Names

Dr. Dean Severidt — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 14:04:12 +0000

As you are about to see, choosing from the best dog names might take on a new meaning after you are done reading this. They say that dog is man’s best friend, something that thousands and thousands of people would readily and wholeheartedly agree with. Why is it that we love dogs so much? It is because dogs are loyal, loving, and non-judgmental. They cheer you up when you are sad, are always ready to go anywhere with you, and have an innocence that is reassuring in a world that isn’t always innocent. We love dogs for all of these reasons, and for as many more reasons as there are dog owners. Dogs give us their all, and in return we try to give them our very best, including giving them the very best dog names.

Dr. Severidt Discusses How to Choose from the Best Dog Names

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So what should go into choosing a name for a companion as loyal and wonderful as a dog? The best dog names reflect the personality of the dog, and the personality of his or her owner. They sound good when spoken (or yelled) out loud, and are short enough to be quickly learned by a dog, which makes training easier. For example, a rancher who names his cowdog Cash, after Johnny Cash, has made a good decision; the name is short and easy to say, reflects the personality of the rancher, and makes you think about good country music when you hear the dog’s name.

Narrowing Down The Best Dog Names and Making a Decision

When choosing a name for your dog, it’s a good idea to take your time and choose from the best dog names, so that you can use it right from the beginning. It makes training more difficult for you and your dog when you start with one name, and then decide you don’t like it and switch to a different name. Training takes up enough time without needlessly confusing your dog! It’s also a good idea to give your dog a name that isn’t already being used in your home. If your girlfriend’s name is Brit, you probably shouldn’t name your new Brittany Retriever “Brit”. That will confuse your dog, and probably get you in trouble with your girlfriend!

Which of the Best Dog Names is Right for You

Taking all of that into consideration, there are many resources available online to help you choose among the best dog names. Pick a few that you like, and then try saying them to your dog to see if he or she responds to a particular one. If your dog responds, that is the right name. If not, you’ll have to pick the right one on your own keeping in mind the best dog names may not be your favorite!

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Dog Not Eating? Things to Consider When Your Dog Wont Seem to Eat

Dr. Dean Severidt — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 11:15:14 +0000

A dog not eating is assumed to be not feeling well or actually ill by most pet owners causing them great concern, creating alarm. However, we humans never stop and think that we may eat less, skip meals or even go a day without eating for other reasons than being ill. The same goes for our dogs, except we worry about them more than we do ourselves most of the time. Dr. Dean Severidt, has a different view about a dog not eating and what it may mean for your four legged friend, even if he or she is feeling a little under the weather.

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The dog not eating is not necessarily a sign of not feeling well or actually being desperately ill. However, Dr. Severidt feels that not eating for a day or so gives the dog a chance to have an empty stomach, and have time for his body to recuperate without having to work hard though the digestive process of food. The dog not eating, is actually going through a natural process of self-healing. It is believed that the dog eating while feeling badly may actually take longer to get the zip to return by feeling better.

Dr. Severidt also acknowledges that research has shown fasting our dogs for 24 hours, once a week is provides several advantages for them. There is a lot of information available, found in medical articles about dogs. He also says that the fasting will not harm our dogs. A dog not eating, even for several days, is fine since most dogs are overweight to begin with.
There are other possibilities relating to a dog not eating. One cause, is that they may not be hungry. It is fine for the dog to go several days without eating since most are overweight to begin with.

However, Dr. Severidt also advises that a veterinarian should be consulted if the dog goes more than a few days without eating. He reiterates that not eating is also a way for the dog allowing his body to heal itself and not for us to be concerned, get panicky as soon as we notice our dog not eating.

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How to Handle Dog Joint Pain

Dr. Dean Severidt — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 15:19:53 +0000

Dog joint pain can occur as your dog gets older due to a number of factors. As your dog begins to age, it’s important to begin paying more attention some of the senior dog health issues that may crop up. As with humans, as dogs age their bodies begin to wear out, and they can develop problems with their joints, eyesight, hearing, etc. With proper care many of these issues can be easily treated, keeping your dog happy and comfortable through his or her “golden years”.

As I mentioned before, one highly common problem is dog joint pain. This is especially true for large breed dogs, and can manifest as dog knee pain, or in your dog’s elbows and other large joints. In many cases, this is simply due to the aging process and developing dog arthritis, although dog joint pain can also come from joint injury.

Watch Dr. Severidt’s Discussion on Dog Joint Pain

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When your dog has joint pain, the best course of action is to treat the pain with non-steroidal anti inflammatory medication. Aspirin can be used if you’re careful, although it’s a better idea to use medication specifically for animals. This is safer for your dog because these medications are specifically designed for the needs of animals, and the dosages don’t have to be guessed.

If You Think Dog Joint Pain Is Present See Your Veterinarian

In order to get medication and relieve your dog’s joint pain you need to have your dog seen by a veterinarian. When you see your veterinarian you can discuss your dog’s symptoms, and he may write you a prescription. After the initial trip to the veterinarian’s office, you can choose to buy your dog’s medication either through your vet’s office, or through another source.

For example, you can get dog join pain medication through online animal pharmacies. You can either begin doing this right away, or purchase your dog’s first prescription from your veterinarian, and then see how your dog reacts to it before continuing with that medication. Once you’ve found a good medication, you can continue purchasing it in whatever way that works best for you.

Dog joint pain caused by the aging process is easily treatable, and should be done in order to make your older dog comfortable. So if your older dog seems to be suffering from joint pain, talk with your veterinarian, and find the anti inflammatory medication that is needed to make your dog comfortable and happy. When the uncomfortable dog joint pain subsides he or she will surely thank you!

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Regular Checkups Will Improve Senior Dog Health

Dr. Dean Severidt — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 15:27:05 +0000

Senior dog health is an important aspect of the well being of your dog, just as it is with you. As many of us know, the aging process tends to create health issues with joints, eyesight, hearing, and other areas. This is true for us, but sometimes we forget to stop and consider the fact that it is true for our companion animals as well. The only difference is that for our dogs, they reach ”middle age” a lot sooner than we do.

This is why senior dog health is so important, because the aging process can be as hard on our animals as it is on us. While your dog may not have any physical signs of aging yet, when animals hit five or six years old, it’s a good idea to begin taking them into your veterinarian for checkups twice a year. This way, you can identify issues as they begin, and start treatment sooner rather than later.

Senior Dog Health Video with Dr. Severidt

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Common Senior Dog Health Issues

One common senior dog health issue is dog arthritis. In most cases this pain is simply due to the aging process, although it can be caused by joint injury as well. Joint pain is very common among older, large breed dogs, although it can affect all sizes of dogs. The best course of treatment for joint pain is anti-inflammatory, nonsteroidal medications specifically made for dog pain relief.

Another common senior dog health issue is weight gain. As they age, older dogs tend to not be as active as they once were, which can be due to both the aging process, and to joint pain as mentioned above. Older dogs can be placed on special diets when they begin to gain unhealthy amounts of weight, something that can be discussed and decided upon with your veterinarian.

How to Minimize the Effects of Senior Dog Health Problems

Failing eyesight and hearing are also fairly common among older dogs, and while there aren’t too many treatment options for these types of issues, catching them early enough can give you more options. Which once again highlights the importance of taking your older dog in for senior dog health checkups every six months or so.

During these checkups, your veterinarian will give your dog and overall exam, and possibly take blood for tests, in order to make sure they are healthy. Regular exams will greatly improve your senior dog health, making his or her “golden years” healthy and happy.

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What Should You Do if Dog Sneezing Becomes a Problem?

Dr. Dean Severidt — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 15:17:01 +0000

If you have a dog who is out and about and likes to walk or roam the yard you may notice some dog sneezing from time to time. Under normal conditions this is really nothing to worry about. You dog may have picked up a blade of grass, an odd smell, or perhaps even an allergic reaction to something it has made contact with while walking or running around. The dog will usually sneeze and the problem disappears. This is normal. What is not normal is if your dog continues to sneeze on a regular basis. If this situation occurs you need to have it checked out with a vet. Often this can be a symptom of something wrong with the dog or a more serious problem that is just beginning to develop. To be on the safe side take your dog to a vet or a clinic where they can check it out more carefully.

Dr. Severidt’s Discussion on Dog Sneezing

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Can Dog Sneezing be Caused by Allergies?

It is rare that a dog suffers from an allergy but it is possible. Sometimes dog sneezing may occur with a fungus or bacteria. Your vet can treat these problems with medication and it should clear up quickly. There also may be some type of blockage in the passage way or nose or throat of your dog. This can contribute to dog sneezing as well. Your dog may also be suffering from an infection of some kind to cause the sneezing. This is why it is important to have your dog examined by a professional. These conditions can be treated and cured by using medications.

Can Dog Sneezing be Caused by Food?

Occasionally if you introduce your dog to any new type of food they may have a reaction to the food. This also may cause Dog Sneezing for your animal but will quickly clear up in a few days or by changing food. As soon as they adjust to their new diet this sneezing condition should clear up quickly. Pet owners need to be aware of any changes in food, bedding, or living conditions with their animal. These situations may be the cause of sneezing as well. The responsible pet own and dog lover will take care of their dog by noticing any changes in behavior and health. One thing to keep your attention on is Dog Sneezing and see if it continues.

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Dog Diabetes Treatment

Dr. Dean Severidt — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 13:18:47 +0000

If your dog has has been diagnosed with dog diabetes if is important to implement an effective diabetes treatment plan. Dog diabetes treatment usually requires insulin injections, much like with human diabetes. The most important thing is that if you suspect your dog may have diabetes or if your dog has been diagnosed it is important that you understand how to treat your dog. Thus, it is important to see your veterinarian to discuss your different options immediately.

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Dog Pain Relief: How to Effectively Manage Your Dogs Pain

Dr. Dean Severidt — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 14:33:19 +0000

Veterinarians never used to administer pain medications for dogs. They just assumed that they might heal quickly after surgeries and procedures within just a few days. But with the various advances in vet medication pain alleviation is one area which has progressed.

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Pain can be uncomfortable for dogs and it’s important to alleviate the discomfort right away. The most typical kinds of lingering pain in dogs and other animals spring from diseases like cancer, bone illness and rheumatoid arthritis. The pain starts out slowly and advances as your animal ages. This can mean that your dog becomes used to the discomfort and then as it becomes worse the animal just has to live with the discomfort. Animals that have pain are having to handle added stress that may really shorten their life-span. If you suspect you want dog pain relief for your pet it is important to get them in to see a veterinarian immediately.

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The Importance of Dog Vaccinations and Cat Vaccinations

Dr. Dean Severidt — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 13:57:28 +0000

According to most veterinarians, the right vaccination schedule for dogs and cats will bump up your pets immune response to better fight and stop infection. While the commonness of many sicknesses has reduced over the past one hundred years, the traditional expert understanding is to have your dog or cat immunized as a few very serious sicknesses are still common.

Dog vaccinations and cat vaccinations are similar in many regards. However, there are some things to be aware of for both dog and cat vaccines.

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How to Handle Ticks on Dogs

Dr. Dean Severidt — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 12:49:49 +0000

Each year dog owners fear finding ticks on dogs. Ticks eat the blood off dogs and other animals. Ticks are frequently found in tall grassy and wooded areas. Once a tick attaches itself to a dog it can stay there for one or two hours or perhaps a couple of days. The ticks sometimes attach themselves to parts of the dog that have little hair.

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Although many ticks don’t carry illnesses, many types of tick do carry perilous kinds of illnesses. Lyme disease in dogs is among the most dangerous illness that some ticks carry. Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, and babesiosis are other sorts of disease that ticks can carry. Ticks has also been known to carry Rocky Mountain spotted fever. If dog owners find any ticks on dogs they require to get rid of them right away. To get rid of a tick the dog owner wishes to use tweezers and wear latex gloves. When removing the tick with the tweezers the dog owner must be careful not to squish the ticks body, as it may cause illness or bacteria to inject into the dog. The tick should be pulled out slowly and right from the the dogs body.

Once the tick is took away the dogs skin must be washed with mild soapy water. The dog’s owner wants to look at the dogs skin for a few days after the tick is removed to be sure their is no indications of infection. If there would be any sign of infection the dog ought to be taken to a vet instantly.

Although ticks on dogs can be removed, it is far better stop ticks from getting on dogs right off the bat. There are 1 or 2 things that may be done to help forestall ticks from getting on dogs. The very first thing that may be done to stop ticks from attaching to dogs its to test the dog fairly constantly. Oftentimes ticks can simply be removed before they attach themselves to a dog. An alternative way to help to stop ticks is by keeping the grass in the yard cut. Many dog owners also treat their lawns with insecticides to help scale back the quantity of ticks that would attach themselves to their dogs. One of the greatest paths to stop ticks is to treat a dog with products particularly built to hinder them from getting ticks.

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What to Know About Dog Ear Infections

Dr. Dean Severidt — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 14:24:10 +0000

Anyone, who has ever had a dog, knows that they are part of the family. One of the things that can cause a lot of misery for dogs is when they get Ear Infections. Having an infection in the ear can cause a dog to be very uncomfortable and even major pain. Infections that are left untreated can affect a dog’s ability to hear and even cause deafness. There a number of things that can cause this type of infection. Ear mites and bacteria infections are two of the big cause of these infections. Poor hygiene and an unhealthy environment can also cause the infections. If a dog swims a lot than excess moisture can build up in their ears and cause infections.

There are a few symptoms of dog Ear Infections that dog owners should know about. Many times when dogs have an infection they will rub their head against carpet or furniture. Dogs will often times shake their head and ears when they have an infection. Another sign that a dog has an infection is when they are pawing at their ears. If a dog’s ear smells bad or is inflamed their ear might be infected. Having a discharge coming from a dog’s ears could also be a sign of infection.

If someone suspects that that their dog has an Ear Infections they will want to take their dog to a veterinarian for treatment. There are a couple different treatments for dogs with these infections. Drops and ointments are a common treatment for the infections. Cleaning and flushing the dog’s ear is another way to treat the infection. Antibiotics are sometimes needed to treat the infections. While there are some homeopathic ways to treat infections, dog owners will want to check with their veterinarian to see which option is best for their dog.

While there are some great treatments for dog Ear Infections prevention of the infection would be better. One of the best ways to prevent infections is to clean a dog’s ears regularly. This should be done at least weekly. Another thing that can help prevent infections is to keep a dog’s ears dry. This can be done easily just by wiping a dog’s ears out with a cotton cloth.

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