Doggie Supplies

 Itching Situation

 Ear Cleane

Is your dog restless and perhaps constantly shaking his head or scratching at his ears?  Chances are your dog has ear mites or an ear infection. 

Ear mites look like tiny ticks ( are usually to small to see) and they live inside the ear canal, which are particularly difficult, but a common problem for dogs.     Symptoms include intense itching, odor, tar-colored waxy buildup inside the ears and sometimes outside the ear.

There are many treatments available for ear mites.  Be sure to read the label carefully and use treatment as recommended preceded by a thorough ear cleaner each time.  You may choose to visit with your veterinarian as to which ear cleaner is best for your dog especially if the problem persists.

Yeast infections are very common in dogs, especially floppy eared dogs such as cockers and retrievers.  Lack of oxygen to the ear canal smothers the aerobic bacteria that is beneficial to the ear and allows the yeast to grow.

A dark brown, odorous discharge is typical of a yeast infection.  There are many over the counter products recommended for treatment of yeast infection.  Most veterinarians will recommend using Lotrimin.

Bacterial infections can be caused by several conditions. Normal wax in the ear is usually light tan.  If your dog has a yellowish discharge then your dog might have a bacterial infection.  Unfortunately most treatments for a bacterial infection requires a perscription from your veterinarian.

Joint Support

Arthritis is the inflammation of the joints.  Arthritis can cause changes to joint cartilage,  joint fluid and even the bones which becomes very painful for your dog.

Signs of arthritis in your dog are lameness,  limping,  swollen joints,  pain on palpation of the joints and stiffness.  Stiffness in the joints is normally worse in the mornings.  He may not be as eager to go for his early morning walk as he used to be.

Obesity in dogs can cause arthritis.  Tearing of a ligament can cause it also.  Genetics can be a cause for joints to be weak and become unstable.  Sometimes when young dogs develop joint problems it is created from improper bone development.

Anti-inflammatory medications can provide relief from pain and reduce the inflammation caused by arthritis.  There are nutrients to support healthy hip and joint mobility for your dog.  It helps with cartilage health, bone and tendon strength.  Check with your veterinarian as to which joint support is best for your dog.

Tick season is primarily in the spring and summer.  The black legged tick and the American dog tick are the most prominent.  Lyme disease and spotted or rocky mountain spotted fever are potentially serious bacterial diseases carried by ticks.  The exposure of ticks to you and your family is very critical. In order to reduce the risk of diseases you must make your dogs health a top and continuous priority.

The time between April and August are usually the most prominent time for ticks.  Ticks are found walking through grassy areas or on hillsides in the brush.  It is easy for a tick to be picked up by on the fur of your pet and bring them into your home.  Many different compounds have been formulated in today’s insecticides for pets.   Healthy Dogs Are Happy Dogs so be one hundred percent sure and contact your vet as to what product he recommends to be used on your pet for tick control .