Train the Dog Blog

People have a lot of phobias we need to face; little did we know our own pets have their own troubles to deal with as well. Dog anxiety like noise phobia should not be treated lightly. When left on its own, a dog suffering this fear will injure himself and the surrounding areas he finds himself in.

The reasons why dogs are afraid of thunderstorms have not been accurately determined yet. Some say that it is because of the electric charge in the atmosphere, the drop in barometric pressure, or simply because like humans the dark and loud sounds are scary. Whatever it is, this particular fear is rather common among dogs and have worried many of their owners.

Dogs and thunderstorms are not good bedfellows. Symptoms of mild noise phobia in dogs are shivering, or cowering in corners around the house. Ease their anxiety by bringing your pet to a spot in the house they are most comfortable at. Many times it is an open crate or the bath tub. Gently lead him there every time he seems afraid and reward him when he follows.

Animals that are severely distressed by thunderstorms and other loud noises like engines, fireworks and random loud blasts must be monitored very carefully. These pets not only damage furniture, they injure themselves badly in doing so. There are owners who report their pets were so distraught by the storms that they claw through carpets and even hard wall until they were bleeding.

There are two modification practices dog behaviorists employ in dealing with noise phobia. The first of these is desensitizing the canine. You can do this by introducing the dreaded noise very softly, then raising the intensity of it slowly until he is not afraid of it anymore. When you try this, begin faintly and always keep the increasing intensity under the fear producing volume your dog is aware of.

The other technique to treat dog anxiety is by counter conditioning. You do this by giving your dog something which would normally solicit favorable responses while you increase the source of the fear gradually. For example, if you are able to simulate a thunderstorm, amplify the noise very slightly. As you do this, give your pet his favorite treats. If he still gets agitated, stop. You dont want the dog to associate the treats you give to the phobia he is experiencing.

If the above mentioned behavior modification practices do not work, you have to ask your veterinarian on the best medication you can administer. Preferably, natural or homeopathic treatments should be used like Melatonin and Phosphorous 30C, which have been known to significantly improve noise phobia in canines. Inquire about the dosage in relation to the breed and size of your pet, and follow it carefully.

A common cause of frustration for many pet owners has often been dogs and thunderstorms. Studies are being developed continually to find a safe and thorough cure for this condition. In the meantime, it is prudent to do whatever we know to do to help comfort our pets. Visit the veterinarian regularly for check-ups and any changes in behavior.

How do you fix your problem with dogs and thunderstorms? Download some of Geraldine Dimarco’s most useful articles on dog anxiety and make sure your pet never has to go through this again.

What do you know about canine hip dysplasia? It is a skeletal disorder suffered by the canine when the ball and socket of his hips are not perfectly fitted together. Sometimes, the reason for this is also is because the tissue that binds the ball and socket are not strong enough. We can only imagine what a painful experience even regular movement can be for the dog.

Hip dysplasia is, more often than not, a genetic abnormality that will develop as the dog grows older. Sometimes though, it can be caused by an injury sustained in the puppy’s legs and have not been treated properly. Symptoms do not usually manifest until much later on and the harm in this is that when it is not addressed medically, may result in the dog not being able to walk at all.

This is not to alarm you. You can do some things to deal with your dogs unfortunate condition. Surgery is an option to correct the physical deformity of the dogs skeletal structure. However, this may be too pricey for many pet owners and is not part of the household budget. If this sounds like you, do not feel bad. You can avail of a natural treatment for hip dysplasia for your dog’s health needs.

Chondroitin and Glucosamine are two supplements that aid in the restoration of the joint and cartilage tissues of dogs. While these natural elements are not pain killers, you will be happy to know that consistently using it will show a marked improvement in your dog after about 6 weeks. There are only a few known side effects of Glucosamine and Chondroitin; but your dog will have to be on these for the rest of his life.

Methyl-Sulfonyl-Methane or MSM is a compound that will enhance the connective tissues and reduce joint inflammation which is the common cause for arthritis pain. Herbs like rosemary, licorice, yucca, alfalfa and dandelion are also helpful in easing the painful effects that this condition brings.

The natural treatment for hip dysplasia as mentioned in the earlier paragraphs should be complimented with a diet rich in vitamins and fatty acids. Moreover, you must be very strict in the maintenance of their ideal weight. Being overweight will worsen his condition. Integrate this healthy diet with regular, light exercise as recommended by the veterinarian.

The exercises that you can put your dog through should be very easy on the ligaments and joints. Frisbee, for example, places too much undue stress on the joints, harming his lifestyle later on in his senior years. Try swimming, walking and slow stair walking. Remember that the objective in engaging him in physical activity is not just to develop muscle but to build a wider range of movements. The best thing you can do for your pet is to keep his ideal weight and enhance his immune system.

I hope you gleaned a lot of helpful information about canine hip dysplasia for you to be able to help your dog effectively. Do what you can to keep your pet as healthy as possible and enjoy the best years of his life when you do.

An effective natural treatment for hip dysplasia is invaluable for the suffering canine and his worried pet owner. Discover more about canine hip dysplasia in this premier website that answers all your pet-care needs HealthyHappyDogs.com as you learn from the experts!