Being man’s best friend, a dog definitely makes an excellent family pet, but some breeds are more suitable than others. The single most important quality is the ability to get along with children. A family dog should be easy going and tolerant, but also playful and a good companion. Some people may also want an…
Pus on a dog’s skin or fur is usually indicative of an infection or other skin problem. Infected wounds and abscesses, for instance, are two of the most common cause of pus in dogs. Parasites and inflamed hair follicles can also cause pus to seep from a dog’s skin as well. When bacteria is introduced into the body,…
The common causes of swelling in dogs include allergies, injury, infection, and disease. The swelling may occur in the joints, face, or internally. Diagnosis and treatment of swelling will vary depending on the type and location of the swelling. A veterinarian should be contacted at the first sign of swelling in a dog. Swelling in…
There are numerous homeopathic remedies that may be used to treat dogs. Among the most common are phosphorus, silica, aconite, and nux vomica. Homeopathy for dogs can be used to treat everything from gum infections and vomiting to cysts and the sudden development of fever. In general, homeopathic treatments are thought to be safe and effective for dog owners. To ensure…
Just as humans require relief from pesky mosquitoes, dogs need protection in the form of citronella and other aids as well. Mosquito repellent for dogs often is the same or similar to that of humans. Most veterinarians recommend natural repellent sources rather than ones that contain N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET). Many parents already avoid using DEET on their children because of…
Different uses of metronidazole for dogs include treating infections and parasites such as Giardia. Metronidazole is an antibiotic and is most effective in treating infections categorized as anaerobic infections. These infections thrive without oxygen and can occur in deep wounds and in the mouth. Metronidazole is also effective in the treatment of canine diarrhea, pancreatic disorders and tetanus. While receiving therapy with…
The pros of using amoxicillin for dogs generally outweigh the cons of using this method of treatment because it is an effective treatment for many forms of bacterial infection. Allergic reactions do occur in some dogs, so this drug should not be used for those pets. Any dog with an allergy to penicillin should also avoid amoxicillin, because both medications…
Ketoconazole for dogs is a prescription anti-fungal medication that is often used to treat different types of infections. It works by reducing the growth of fungal organisms, and also prevents cortisol from forming within the adrenal glands. While very successful in treating dogs, it has several side effects and should be used with caution. It may…
Dog owners who are interested in a natural treatment for behavioral problems should ask their veterinarian about melatonin for dogs. Melatonin is a neurohormone, and it can be used as a sedative or to control seizures in dogs. It can also aid in regulating the normal body rhythms of the animal. There is no specific formulation of…
There are many things that can cause dog diarrhea and vomiting. Often, these symptoms develop because a dog simply has an upset stomach, but they can develop in relation to more serious illnesses as well. For example, a dog could also develop these symptoms because he has heat stroke or intestinal parasites, or if he has been…