All The Things You Should Know About Your Dog - But Don't Want To Talk About!

When you decided to get a dog, I'll bet you daydreamed about thegreat times you'd have with your new best friend. However, thereare many things that you need to consider in order to keep yourpooch happy and healthy. Things that perhaps you'd rather noteven think about!When you go to the veterinarian he may ask you to bring along aurine sample from your dog. How do you do this? Your dog surelywon't be able to hit a sample bottle. The easiest way toaccomplish this is to tape a polythene container to the end of ayard stick. While your dog is out doing his business, positionthe container underneath his urine stream. This is easier to dowith male dogs than female dogs but you can usually get a samplewith one or two tries. Your veterinarian will want as fresh asample as possible so if you won't be taking the sample to thevet right away, keep it refrigerated until you bring it in. Yourveterinarian will be checking the sample for a variety of thingslike bacteria and crystals. If bacteria is found it could meanthat your dog has a urinary tract infection and will most likelyrequire your dog to be put on a course of antibiotics. Crystalsform in the urine whenever minerals bind together, there areseveral different kinds of crystals and these are most oftentreated with prescription diets. If your veterinarian asks for a stool sample it could mean thathe suspects that intestinal parasites are bothering your dog.They can get these by eating fecal matter from another affectedanimal, carcasses, or other unsavory things. You will want tobring in a fresh sample. The doctor will examine it under themicroscope and look for telltale eggs of parasites. Commonestparasites are roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms.Several of today's monthly heartworm medications also protectagainst roundworms and hookworms. If you live in the country oryour dog is outside for much of the day, he may need to betreated with a tapeworm wormer on a quarterly basis. Otherdiseases like coccidia, can also be seen under the microscopefrom your dog's stool sample.What about anal glands? The anal glands are two small glandslocated just on the inside of your dog's anus that secrete afoul smelling liquid. Usually the glands will be emptied whenyour dog defecates. Unfortunately, in some dogs, the anal glandsbecome impacted and do not empty properly. If your dog isurinating more than usual or licking his hind quarters moreoften, there may be a problem with his anal glands. In this caseit's important to make an appointment with your veterinarian whowill check the anal glands by gloved touch. If the anal glandsare full, he will be able to empty them manually. it ispossiblen, however, to learn how to do this yourself at home.Some dogs require their anal glands be manually emptiedregularly. Some owners have their dog's anal glands surgicallyremoved but if you choose to do this, discuss the possibleoutcomes with your veterinarian as there is often a risk offecal incontinence if the surgery goes awry.Occasionally in dogs, dandruff is just dandruff caused by skinallergies, nutritional deficiencies, or improper grooming.Sometimes, however, dandruff can be a sign of a parasite calledmange of which there are a few different types: a) DemodecticMange is caused by a mite which all dogs have but are rarelyadversely affected by it. Sometimes however, there can be anoverabundance of these mites which causes skin irritation andhair loss. b) Sarcoptic Mange (also known as scabies) is causedby another type of mite. A female mite buries herself in thedog's skin and lays her eggs there. When the eggs hatch, thecycle begins again. This causes severe skin irritation and hairloss in dogs but is easily treatable. c) Cheyletiella Mange iscaused by a large mite that lives on the surface of the dog'sskin. This infestation is also known as 'walking dandruff'. Thistype of mange causes minor skin irritation but is easilytreatable with topical medication.So, now you can talk about those unpleasant things! It'simportant that you are properly educated and can recognize signsand symptoms so that you keep your dog as healthy as he can be.