Home Remedies for Mange

Everybody knows the term "mangy mutt," referring to a pooch who's seen better days. It conjures up the image of some poor broken-down mutt with a ratty, patchy coat. In fact, that's pretty much how dogs with mange really look. Mange is caused by an infestation of mange mites. It's Latin name, Demodex canis, gives rise to the other formal names for this condition: demodicosis or demodectic mange. Most healthy dogs actually carry around a small population of Demodex mites. The trouble starts when there's a population explosion and the mites get out of control. Demodicosis can be localized, meaning it's found on only one area of the dog's body, or it can be generalized, spreading over the entire body. Localized demodicosis is more common, and it often clears up on its own. On the other hand, generalized demodicosis, which fortunately is pretty rare, requires the dog be dipped once or twice a week for six to eight weeks. The dog usually has to be shaved for the dip to be most effective. Demodicosis is believed to be, at least in part, genetic, and dogs diagnosed with it should be neutered so they don't pass on the tendency. Breeds that tend to have more than their share of demodicosis are Afghan Hounds, American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Boston Terriers, Boxers, Bulldogs, Chihuahuas, Chinese Shar-Pei, Collies, Dalmatians, Dobermans, German Shepherd Dogs, Great Danes, Old English Sheepdogs, and Pugs. Another type of mange mite, Sarcoptes scabei (var. canis), is the cause of sarcoptic mange -- better known as scabies. This mite burrows into the skin's outermost layer and lays its egg. The eggs hatch, the larvae mature, and the emergent adult mites start the life cycle all over again. Scabies is highly contagious, and is one of the more common conditions that can be passed from dogs to people through direct contact. What to Do About It The best treatment for mange is prevention. Regular brushing and baths will help remove scaly skin and scabs caused by mange and can help keep your dog mange-free. If your dog has been infested with mange mites, thoroughly wash his bedding or other sleeping areas. Do not try any other treatment at home until you take your dog to the vet. When to Call the Vet Signs of localized demodicosis are patchy hair loss and scaly, reddened skin around the face or on the front legs. Generalized demodicosis has similar signs, but they are widespread and more severe, being especially likely to affect the feet. To diagnose demodicosis, your vet will gently scrape off some of the superficial layers of the dog's skin and examine them under the microscope to see if mites are present. If necessary, the vet will prescribe a dip and antibiotics to ward off any secondary infections caused by scratching. Unfortunately, demodicosis is persistent and recovery isn't guaranteed, especially in older dogs. Signs of scabies are hair loss, small red bumps, and intense itching. Like demodectic mange, scabies is diagnosed through skin scrapings and treated with a weekly dip that your vet will prescribe. If your dog is diagnosed with scabies, you'll need to isolate her until her course of treatment is complete, and thoroughly clean everything she's been in contact with. Sarcoptic mange mites are extremely persistent, so other dogs in the household should also be treated, even if they don't show signs. I did not post pictures since they were very graphic.

Home Remedies for Dogs With Foxtails

A foxtail is a very common type of grass topped with a slender, spiky bristle. When foxtail bristles get caught in a dog's coat, the barbed ends can pierce her skin, working their way farther and farther in as the dog moves. Foxtails are often found between a dog's toes, but the dog whose luck is not equal to her curiosity may have the painful misfortune of getting a foxtail up her nose. Foxtails are the most common type of imbedded foreign body to be taken out of dogs in this country. Obviously, dogs who spend a lot of time in the great outdoors -- especially sporting or working dogs -- are the most likely to encounter a foxtail. Of course, embedded foxtails in dogs hurt the animal, but of even more concern is the fact that bacteria are often carried into the wound with the spike -- and into the body as far as the spikes burrow. The resulting infections can be very serious, particularly those that occur in the chest. What to Do About It The best strategy for foxtails is to avoid them completely. If you can't avoid them, be sure to check your dog thoroughly and keep her coat short during foxtail season. After outdoor adventures, carefully inspect your dog's entire coat, including between the toes. If you find even the smallest sliver, remove it as soon as possible to prevent it from moving deeper into your dog's coat. When to Call the Vet If your dog has a foxtail and you can't remove it easily, take your pooch to the vet. Don't count on it to come out on its own. The longer you wait, the deeper it can go, so don't hesitate. The foxtail may have to be removed surgically, and the doctor may prescribe a course of antibiotics to curb any infection. .

Why adopt from a Shelter or Rescue

1) Be a hero. Adoption saves an animal whose life literally depends on getting a new home. 2) Adopting a homeless animal is a generous act of compassion, and an expression of the inherent value of animals. 3) You will be assured that you are not contributing to the homeless animal tragedy by encouraging the breeding of even more animals into an already-overpopulated world. 4) There's a large selection of animals to choose from (and not just dogs and cats!) 5) Looking for a purebred? If the animal you want is not at your local shelter, there is a rescue group for virtually every type of purebred dog and cat. 6) Adoption counselors have great expertise about animals, know the specific animals in the shelter, and can help you make the perfect match. 7) Many shelter animals are already housebroken and trained, and have some understanding of what living with a family is like and how to fit in. They have a "head-start" on animals from pet stores or breeders. 8) Most shelters screen their animals for good health and temperament. 9) Save money. Adopting from a shelter is usually less expensive than buying from a store or a breeder. Shelter adoption packages build in the cost of spay/neuter, vaccinations, and microchip identification into their adoption fees. 10) It's the right and ethical thing to do! You will be helping, one animal at a time, to bring an end to this nation's tragic homeless animal problem. (courtesy No Voice Unheard)

Extraordinary Dog Supplies

Natural Ways for Getting Rid of Dog Fleas

If you're leery of using chemical products on your dog or home, there are a number of plant-, vitamin-, and herbal-based natural flea treatments available. Adding garlic or brewer's yeast to a dog's food has long been thought to help keep fleas from alighting and biting. Since both are ordinary food products and not harmful to dogs, there's really nothing to lose by giving them a try. Herbal flea collars and powders are also popular and widely available. Eucalyptus, fennel, rosemary, rue, wormwood, and yellow dock all seem to act as flea repellents. To make your own herbal flea powder, combine equal amounts of these herbs and mix them well. Sprinkle a small amount of the powder on your dog's coat and massage it in thoroughly, making sure to work it all the way down to the skin. You can also use a drop or two of the essential oils of eucalyptus and rosemary on a plain canvas or fabric-covered collar. As with any flea collar, though, watch for signs of hair loss or skin irritation around the neck, and be careful that the dog doesn't chew on the collar. You can also buy ready-made herbal flea collars at pet supply and natural food stores.

Bach Flower Essences:

(for people and animals!) Recue Remedy - for any form of trauma or shock. Also great before stressful events such as going to vet, trailering, shows, vacation, etc. These remedies are made for people but work incredibly well on animals. So they are safe for you to take as well!! You can purchase this essence at some healthfood stores, you can also google it online and find many online stores that sell it. Aspen - Fear of unknown things - i.e. spooky horses Mimulus - Fear of known things - i.e. thunderstorms, people, tests Pine - Homesick, lives in past Walnut - helps animals feel more secure and less vulnerable Larch - builds confidence VIne - for dominant animals, pushy Chicory - Over possessive, demanding, needs to be center of attention. Crab Apple - cleansing remedy - good for hairballs or to help body get rid of toxins, also helpful to rid body of painful memories of abuse. Vervain - Intense hyperactive energy - i.e. car chasers, fanatical barkers, lickers etc. More remedies to come! Star of Bethlehem - helps to comfort animals. Allows healing to occur on the emotional level so it will not manifest physically. http://www.bachflower.com

Want to help animals but don't know how

Well, check out this site. It will help out animals without you having to buy anythign if you don't want to. http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3 You can click on the button and it will help out animal rescues feed or house thier animals. I hope that you will help today.

WHAT to do IF your pet has eaten any of these toxic foods:

TO YOUR VETERINARIAN. If your pet is showing signs of ingesting a poison, it is important that your veterinarian examines her and treated appropriately. Some toxins can progress and lead to severe seizures. If you suspect antifreeze poisoning, it must be treated within 4-6 hours, before irreversible kidney damage occurs. PURGE THE POISON. In most cases of poisoning, getting your pet to vomit is the most important thing that you can do. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING if something caustic has been consumed (such as drain cleaner or bleach). To induce vomiting, give hydrogen peroxide at 1 teaspoon per 10 lbs of body weight. If your pet doesn’t vomit in 10 minutes, repeat again. NEVER do more than 2 treatments of peroxide. You can also try salt: dilute 1 teaspoon of salt in a tablespoon of water per every 10lbs of body weight. NEUTRALIZE THE TOXIN. If a caustic substance has been ingested, DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING, rather give something to neutralize it. An alkaline toxin such as drain cleaner is neutralized by something acidic such as vinegar: give 1 tsp per 10 lbs of body weight. An acidic toxin, such as battery acid, is best neutralized with something alkaline such as Milk of Magnesia: give 1 tsp per 10lbs of body weight. DELAY ABSORPTION. Activated charcoal is readily available at most pharmacies. It delays absorption of any toxin by binding to the toxic compound in the stomach. The easiest way is to give the capsule form. For those garbage-eating dogs (such as my own dog) it is a good idea to have hydrogen peroxide and activated charcoal always on hand. TOPICAL TOXINS. If your pet is having a reaction to something on the skin, such as flea medications, or oil on the skin, then you want to remove it as soon as possible. Dish soap works well - lather it up, then rinse your pet thoroughly. Thick tarry substances that you can’t wash off can be first covered in flour, as the flour absorbs some of the oil, then washed off with dish soap. PREVENTION. Ensure medications are always out of mouth’s reach. Become familiar with toxic plants (visit http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants for a complete list) and remove those from your house, if your pet is a plant-eater. Keep your compost covered.

More Toxic Food for Your Pets

Apples, Apricots, Cherries, Peaches and Plums. Ingestion of large amounts of stems, seeds and leaves of these fruits can be toxic. They contain a cyanide type compound and signs of toxicity include apprehension, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, hyperventilation and shock. Note - it’s the seeds and stems that contain the toxic component, not the fruit itself. Potato peelings and green looking potatoes Potatoes and other Solanum species, including the tomato, are members of the nightshade family of plants. These plants contain solanine and other toxic alkaloids which, if eaten in large enough amounts, can produce drooling, severe gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea, loss of appetite, drowsiness, central nervous system depression, confusion, behavioral changes, weakness, dilated pupils and slowed heart rate. Nutmeg High levels of nutmeg can be toxic, even fatal. The toxic component is unknown. Signs of toxicity include tremors, seizures, nervous system abnormalities or death. Tomato leaves & stems (green parts) The green parts of the tomato plant are considered toxic because they contain solanine, which has the potential to produce significant gastrointestinal and central nervous system effects Tomorrow what you should do if your pet eats of these foods.

Foods that are Hazardous to your pets

Alcoholic beverages It is often sweet - attracting dogs and cats, but can cause serious and fatal intoxication. Don’t ever offer this to your pets. Here are some of the signs and side effects: • Incoordination/ataxia • Excitement • Depression • Excessive urination • Breathing rate is slowed • Cardiac arrest and death Avocado Avocado leaves, fruit, seeds and bark contain a toxic principle known as Persin. The Guatemalan variety is most toxic – but all have toxic potential. They cause vomiting/diarrhea - primarily gastrointestinal distress. Chocolate (all forms) Chocolate contains theobromine, a compound that is a cardiac stimulant and a diuretic. Signs: Initial excitation. Increased drinking and urinating. Vomiting and Diarrhea. Theobromine causes an increased heart rate and arrhythmia –. Seizures can then be seen. Death is then possible. ACTION PLAN: Induce vomiting, give activated charcoal, and go to the Vet if depression and seizures begin. Baker’s chocolate and high cocoa content chocolate is the most toxic; the toxic dose is 2 baking squares for a 10lb dog. Regular chocolate bars have little real chocolate and are seldom toxic. Coffee (all forms) Coffee contains dangerous components called xanthines, which cause nervous system or urinary system damage and heart muscle stimulation Fatty foods The primary concern here is severe gastrointestinal upset- and in some cases Pancreatitis. This can be fatal in some pets- and it is ALMOST always triggered by a High Fat Meal, such as gravy or bacon. Macadamia nuts Macadamia nuts contain an unknown toxin, which can affect the digestive and nervous systems and muscles of dogs. This has lead to paralysis. A small number of nuts and even the butter can cause this. Moldy or spoiled foods Many molds contain a type of toxin called an Aflatoxin. This is thought to be a common cause of “compost toxicity”. Signs include GI (Vomiting/Diarrhea), muscle tremors, in-coordination, elevated temperature, excessive salivation, and liver damage. Avoid feeding ANYTHING moldy to your dog or cat. Onions, onion powder Onions contain the toxic ingredient thiosulphate. Pets affected by onion toxicity will develop anemia. 1 Onion can cause this. Fortunately ALL dogs recover once they are stopped from ingesting onions. Raisins and grapes As few as 6 grapes and raisins have caused acute kidney failure in some dogs. The toxic ingredient is not yet known. There is no treatment. AVOID feeding ANY grapes or raisins to your dogs. Yeast dough The yeast dough/uncooked bread dough will rise in your pet’s stomach causing severe gastrointestinal distress (vomiting/diarrhea), bloating, and signs of alcohol toxicity. Xylitol Xylitol is a artificial sweeter found in “SUGAR FREE” Products, such as gum, candy etc. Signs relate to a sudden drop in glucose (blood sugar), in-coordination, collapse and seizures. More Tomorrow

Nutro Pet Food Article

Some Pet owners are saying that Nutro is making their pets sick. I thought you would like to see the article a I am posting a link to the article here. I few years ago I took my dogs off Nutro when they changed their formula to include more oatmeal which made my little guy sick. He has several food allergies. I moved them to Flint River and now they are on Blue Buffalo. I hope that you find this article interesting. http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/04/nutro_foia.html

Franciscan Animal Blessing

St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and ecology, was a Roman Catholic saint who took the gospel literally by following all Jesus said and did. For all animals: Blessed are you, Lord God, maker of all living creatures. On the fifth and sixth days of creation, you called forth fish in the sea, birds in the air and animals on the land. You inspired St. Francis to call all animals his brothers and sisters. We ask you to bless this animal. By the power of your love, enable it to live according to your plan. May we always praise you for all your beauty in creation. Blessed are you, Lord our God, in all your creatures! Amen. For a sick animal: Heavenly Father, you created all things for your glory and made us stewards of this creature. If it is your will, restore it to health and strength. Blessed are you, Lord God, and holy is your name for ever and ever. Amen.

Thom Thumb

THIS JUST IN: Contender for World’s Smallest Pup Peabody-winning news source “Snuzzy.com” is reporting the smallest puppy molecule evar has been discovered in the wilds of the UK. Check this guy out:

Presence

The passengers on the bus watched sympathetically as the attractive young woman with the white cane made her way carefully up the steps. She paid the driver and, using her hands to feel the location of the seats, walked down the aisle and found the seat he'd told her was empty. Then she's settled in, placed her briefcase on her lap and rested her cane against her leg. It had been a year since Susan, thirty-four, became blind. Due to a medical misdiagnosis she had been rendered sightless, and she was suddenly thrown into a world of darkness, anger, frustration and self-pity. Once a fiercely independent woman, Susan now felt condemned by this terrible twist of fate to become a powerless, helpless burden on everyone around her. "How could this have happened to me?" she would plead, her heart knotted with anger. But no matter how much she cried or ranted or prayed, she knew the painful truth - her sight was never going to return. A cloud of depression hung over Susan's once optimistic spirit. Just getting through each day was an exercise in frustration and exhaustion. And all she had to cling to was her husband Mark. Mark was an Air Force officer and he loved Susan with all of his heart. When she first lost her sight, he watched her sink into despair and was determined to help his wife gain the strength and confidence she needed to become independent again. Mark's military background had trained him well to deal with sensitive situations, and yet he knew this was the most difficult battle he would ever face. Finally, Susan felt ready to return to her job, but how would she get there? She used to take the bus, but was now too frightened to get around the city by herself. Mark volunteered to drive her to work each day, even though they worked at opposite ends of the city. At first, this comforted Susan and fulfilled Mark's need to protect his sightless wife who was so insecure about performing the slightest task. Soon, however Mark realized that this arrangement wasn't working - it was hectic, and costly. Susan is going to have to start taking the bus again, he admitted to himself. But just the thought of mentioning it to her made him cringe. She was still so fragile, so angry. How would she react? Just as Mark predicted, Susan was horrified at the idea of taking the bus again. "I'm blind!" she responded bitterly. "How am I supposed to know where I'm going? I feel like you're abandoning me." Mark's heart broke to hear these words, but he knew what had to be done. He promised Susan that each morning and evening he would ride the bus with her, for as long as it took, until she got the hang of it. And that is exactly what happened. For two solid weeks, Mark, military uniform and all, accompanied Susan to and from work each day. He taught her how to rely on her other senses, specifically her hearing, to determine where she was and how to adapt to her new environment. He helped her befriend the bus drivers who could watch out for her, and save her a seat. He made her laugh, even on those not-so-good days when she would trip exiting the bus, or drop her briefcase. Each morning they made the journey together, and Mark would take a cab back to his office. Although this routine was even more costly and exhausting than the previous one, Mark knew it was only a matter of time before Susan would be able to ride the bus on her own. He believed in her, in the Susan he used to know before she'd lost her sight, who wasn't afraid of any challenge and who would never, ever quit. Finally, Susan decided that she was ready to try the trip on her own. Monday morning arrived, and before she left she threw her arms around Mark, her temporary bus riding companion, her husband, and her best friend. Her eyes filled with tears of gratitude for his loyalty, his patience, his love. She said good-bye, and for the first time, they went their separate ways. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday ... Each day on her own went perfectly, and Susan had never felt better. She was doing it! She was going to work all by herself! On Friday morning, Susan took the bus to work as usual. As she was paying for her fare to exit the bus, the driver said, "Boy, I sure envy you." Susan wasn't sure if the driver was speaking to her or not. After all, who on earth would ever envy a blind woman who had struggled just to find the courage to live for the past year? Curious, she asked the driver, "Why do you say that you envy me?" The driver responded, "It must feel so good to be taken care of and protected like you are." Susan had no idea what the driver was talking about, and asked again, "What do you mean?" The driver answered, "You know, every morning for the past week, a fine looking gentleman in a military uniform has been standing across the corner watching you when you get off the bus. He makes sure you cross the street safely and he watches you until you enter your office building. Then he blows you a kiss, gives you a little salute and walks away. You are one lucky lady." Tears of happiness poured down Susan's cheeks. For although she couldn't physically see him, she had always felt Mark's presence. She was lucky, so lucky, for he had given her a gift more powerful than sight, a gift she didn't need to see to believe - the gift of love that can bring light where there had been darkness. God watches over us in just the same way. We may not know He is present, but He is. We may not be able to see His face, but He is there nonetheless! I hope that you enjoy this story

Types of Pet ID

Every Pet should be have some form of ID. We carry around a Photo Id with us when we go out, so should your pet. There are several Types of IDs and each have a pro and con with them. 1. ID Tags PROS - They are cheap and convenient - You can put any information you want on them - They are easily updated by getting a new tag CONS - They can be removed easily by taking off the collar 2. Tattoo PROS - They are permanent form of identification - They can be registered with a nationwide registry - They are not painful since the nerve ending are not reached. - It is against the law for research facilities to use a tattooed animal in experimentation CONS - Tattoos can be altered - Tattoos on ears, lips can be removed by cutting off the ears or nicking the lip 3. Microchipping PROS - Permanent form of identification - It is applied directly under the skin, the pet usually will fell a slight pinch but not more - It is almost impossible to alter a microchip - Microchip is registered CONS - If you use a microchip that your local community doesn't have a scanner for it will not registry - If you move you must contact the registry and update your information 4. GPS Collar PROS - You can track your pet if it get lost - Gives you peace of mind CONS - Can be removed easily 5. Local Requirements PRO - You registry to dog with you county or city - You get a registry tag and if you animal does get picked up then you will be notified and you will be able to pick up your animal easily. CONS - Some City's and County's you have to pay a small fee

We are Moving Servers

If you are having issues reaching Animal Echoes.com. Please note that we are moving to new server. sorry about the the inconvenience. You can still reach the site by going to Http://www.animalechoes.org

We are now on Twitter

We have decided to try to Twitter. It's the latest thing to hit the web. So if you want to join on twitter our name is: Animalechoes http://twitter.com/animalechoes You can also reach us on Google Talk: animalechoes@gmail.com We hope to see you there

Animal Communication- What is it.

Animal Communication in it's very basic terms is being able to communicate with another species. This could mean the an insect all the way to Polar Bear. Everyone has the ability to communicate with animals and we all do it and most of us are not aware that we do. Here is an example, You dog is on the couch for the hundredth time and you don't want him there, so you think without saying a word out loud, you wish Fido would just stay off the couch and he gets off the couch and goes to his bed. Or in the middle of the night you puppy needs out but all he does is walk to the door and you get up. He is talking to you and letting you know that he needs to go out. An Animal Communicator has fine tuned these skills that we all have in us. Everyone of us can be taught to use these skills we were born with. Children have these skills until very well meaning adults come in and say you really can't talk to Fido, you just watching his body language or it's just your imagination. My daughter when she was just learning to roll over, would watch our dogs, and when she would have a hard time, my dogs would take their nose and help her roll all the way over. We never taught them that, the just did it on their own. The thing about this was that they would only help her if she got frustrated and not before. They would talk and tell her she could do it and when she would give up they would help. She still talks to my dogs and many others. She has been know to talk to rescue dogs and tell them that they would find a forever home soon and not to give up. That they were loved where they were and they would find the perfect home for them, when the time was right. So everyone should encourage children to keep these skills as it helps learn compassion for other people and beings in our world. I hope that this gives you a better understanding about animal communication. To learn more visit our website.