A dog (Canis lupus familiaris) is a is a domesticated form of the Gray Wolf. It is a member of the canidae family of the order carnivora. It is the most common animal kept by humans as pets and for work. Many contries use them in law enforcement because of thier high intelect and loyality.
Dogs are also the most abused animals as many people like have them but can't look after them. If you want a dog you have to look after it. They can not fend for themself because they are domesticated. The are other others that use them for dog fighting. This is illegal in most countries and even if the dogs are rescued they can not be rehabilitated easily.Ear cropping is a painful, disfiguring process for dogs, it is a senseless surgery.Ear cropping and tail docking in dogs for cosmetic reasons are whether medically indicated nor of benefit to the animal. . These procedures are accompanied by inherent risks of anesthesia, blood loss, and infection.Many dogs have gone absolutely head crazy and developed lifelong seizures, or an instant awareness to touches after ear cropping.
Dogs should be given dog food. Even though human food will not harm dog some foods can.Here are some human foods dogs shouldn't have, like onions, whole cloves of garlic and tomatoes. Human food can also cause obesity in dog like the white dog above named rex who will never eat dog food because he got used to human or tabel food.
Chocolates should never be give to a dog. They are toxic to most animals even cats ands horses. The chemical compound theobromine affects their heart, central nervous system, and kidneys.
Dogs should not be left alone regularly for extended periods as they can become becoming destructive without the opportunity to fulfil a well defined role.
your dog should also have basic obedience training. they must b respond to basic commands such as "sit", "down", "come", and "stay.
It is very important the the dog knows that you are the boss not him/her. A dominate or alpha dog will sooner or later bite the owner. this is normal behaviour in a pack.
the are many reason for dogs bites
1)Dominance to show they are the alfa dog
2)Fear bite in defence
3)Territoriality and possessions.
4)Pain.
If you carry your little puppy on the sofa or bed don't be angry when he grows up big and jumps on bed and sofa its your fault. rather play with puppy on the ground. If its a large breed then don't carry him when he small because when he grows big he jump on you he does not know he to heavy for you to carry.
If you throw food to dog while u eating your dog will get habbit of begging at table when you eat.
PLease do not give your dog chicken bones. the bones can get sharp edges if dog chew on them and if swallowed they can cause damage and may need surgery to remove.
Giving dogs as gifts to young kids is not a good idea because even though they like to play with it they do not like to look after it.
Dogs must be cleaned and fed. thier area were they stay must also be cleaned everyday.
If you want a dog you have to get one the suits your needs and can fit in your life style.
If you live in a Flat(apartment) you can not buy a boerboel because they are very territorial and do not take to strangers. you must have a large yard and it must be fenced. Rather get a labrador.
If you want a guard dog Don't get a labrador because they are very friendily thats the reason they use them as guid dogs.
NB. Dogs are like children. they will need to vaccinated They will need vet care and this cost money. So be sure u can afford.
these are some of the vaccine a dog may need , canine distemper, canine parvovirus (cat flu), canine hepatitis virus or adenovirus-2 and rabies. the above is a must and some countries enforce it by law.
Other vacine are for Bordetella (kennel cough), canine parainfluenza virus (another kennel cough agent), and Lyme disease.
lets take a look at some of the diseases that effect dogs
Canine distemper
Canine distemper results from a virus that is quite similar to the one that precipitates measles in human beings. Puppies receive the distemper vaccine to prevent infection by this dangerous virus. The virus is airborne and can infect the puppy through contact with bodily secretions of dogs that have it. Coughing, diarrhea, high fever and potential seizures are symptoms of this disease, for which there is no cure, only supportive treatment. At one time, the vaccine for canine distemper included human measles in the shot to help prevent the malady. The modern vaccine is more efficient, but the dog still requires booster shots during the course of its life.
Anal Gland Disease
Anal glands are two sacs which are located on either side of the rectum of the dog (and cat)Anal gland problems are one of the most frequent issues experienced by dogs. Anal glands disease can cause irritation, itchiness, scooting and even infection in affected dogs.Anal glands are lined with cells which secrete a liquid material into the sac. The liquid material is normally expressed from the anal glands when a dog has a bowel movement. These glands serve no useful purpose for the dog. They are simply part of the dog's normal anatomy.In many cases, the contents of the anal glands are not expressed normally when the dog moves his bowels. When this happens and the anal glands start to fill with fluid, the anal glands begin to become uncomfortable for the dog. Symptoms most commonly seen at this point are scooting and/or licking excessively at the anal region. Occasionally, an affected dog may become uncomfortable enough to begin acting abnormally. The dog may become irritable and even lethargic. The tail may be held at an abnormal angle or tucked under the body.If intervention does not occur, the liquid in the anal glands may begin to thicken and eventually may become a thick dark-colored material which fills the anal glands.Left untreated, anal glands may also become infected, may abscess and may even rupture, resulting in a draining tract and open wound near the rectum.
Parvovirus/cat flu
Bloody yellow diarrhea is the major symptom of parvovirus, a very contagious dog disease for which puppies need to be vaccinated. The gastrointestinal system of the puppy falls victim to this virus, and vomiting, fever and lethargic actions can result. Congestive heart failure is common in pups with parvo. Dogs can encounter feces infected with parvovirus and contract the disease. The CPV-2 vaccine gives a puppy protection from parvovirus for more than a year
Canine hepatitis
Canine hepatitis is a liver disease cause by an adenovirus causes. The disease spreads through contact with body fluids, and even if a puppy recovers, she has the ability to spread the virus to other dogs for as long as nine months afterward. Sore throat, coughing, cloudy eyes and eventual kidney and liver failure result from canine hepatitis. Vaccines that contain the adenovirus type 1 or type 2 can help prevent this disease, which often brings on sudden death in the afflicted animal.
Rabies/ hydrophobia
The rabies virus is one that an infected animal transmits to a non-infected animal through a bite.The puppy typically receives a rabies vaccine at three to four months old and then again when it reaches its first birthday. The rabies vaccine proves very effective and protects the puppy from this disease, which is very painful and the is no cure for animals.
Pseudorabies
Pseudorabies is an infectious disease that primarily affects swine, but can also cause a fatal disease in dogs with signs similar to rabies.
Canine minute
Canine minute virus is an infectious disease that can cause respiratory and gastrointestinal signs in young puppies
Canine influenza
Canine influenza is a newly emerging infectious respiratory disease. Up to 80 percent of dogs infected will have symptoms, but the mortality rate is only 5 to 8 percent
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is caused by bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic infections. In case of dogs, pneumonia is mainly due to bacterial infection. Inhalation is typically a route of transmission of infection. Some of the major causes of dog pneumonia are immunosuppression from drugs, dyskinesia, reduced clearance of inhaled debris from the lungs, malnutrition, aspiration of ingestal material or gastric contents or gastric contents, viral infection and fungal or parasitic infection. Certain dog breeds such as hounds, sporting dogs, working dogs and some mixed breeds are more vulnerable to pneumonia. Dogs from 2 months to 15 years of age are more likely to get pneumonia infection.Symptoms are frequent coughing with mucous secretions,nasal discharge,difficul in breathing,fever,weezing or panting, dehydration and loss of appetite, dogs og’s lips are bulging outward while breathing and lethargic behavior.
Asthma
Asthma is caused by allergies.The airway passages that extend down into the lungs excrete mucus and bronchi spasms may occur making breathing difficult. the dogs air passage becomes narrows because inflammation and constriction.Symptoms are wheezing,panting, coughing, blue coloued gums,difficulty in breading.
Canine coronavirus
Canine coronavirus is a gastrointestinal disease that is usually asymptomatic or with mild clinical signs. The signs are worse in puppies
Brucellosis
Brucellosis is a sexually transmitted bacterial disease that can cause uveitis, abortion, and orchitis in dogs
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by a spirochaete. Symptoms include liver and kidney failure and vasculitis(inflammatory damage of blood vessels)
Lyme disease
Lyme disease is a disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, a spirochaete, and spread by ticks of the genus Ixodes. Symptoms include acute arthritis, anorexia, and lethargy.
Ehrlichiosis
Ehrlichiosis is a disease caused by Ehrlichia canis and spread by the brown dog tick
Rocky Mountain spotted fever
Rocky Mountain spotted fever* is a rickettsial disease that occurs in dogs and humans. It is caused by Rickettsia rickettsii and spread by ticks of the genus Dermacentor. Signs , including anorexia, fever, and thrombocytopenia (few platlets in blood)
Clostridium
Clostridium species are a potential cause of diarrhea in dogs. Associated species include C. perfringens and C. difficile
Blastomycosis
Blastomycosis* is a fungal disease caused by Blastomyces dermatitidis that affects The disease in dogs can affect the eyes, brain, lungs, skin, or bones
Histoplasmosis
Histoplasmosis* is a fungal disease caused by Histoplasma capsulatum. The disease in dogs usually affects the lungs and small intestine'
Ringworm
Ringworm is a fungal skin disease that in dogs is caused by Microsporum canis (70%), Microsporum gypseum (20%), and Trichophyton mentagrophytes (10%). Typical signs in dogs include hair loss and scaly skin
Mucormycosis
Mucormycosis is a collection of fungal and mold diseases in dogs including pythiosis, zygomycosis, and lagenidiosis that affect the gastrointestinal tract and skin.
Giardiasis
is an intestinal infection in dogs caused by the protozoa Giardia lamblia. The most common symptom is diarrhea.
Coccidiosis
Coccidiosis can be caused by a variety of coccidian organisms in dogs, most commonly Isospora. There are usually no symptoms, but diarrhea and weight loss may occur.
Leishmaniasis
is spread by the sandfly. can spread to humans as well.
Hookworms
hookworms are a common parasite of dogs. Most common is Ancylostoma caninum, followed by Uncinaria stenocephala and A. braziliense. Signs include diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss.
Tapeworms
Tapeworms are also common and in the dog are usually Dipylidium caninum, which is spread by ingesting fleas and lice. Also common is Taenia pisiformis, spread by ingesting rabbits and rodents. Rare tapeworm infections are caused by species of the genera Echinococcus,Mesocestoides, and Spirometra.
Roundworms
Roundworms infecting the dog include Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina. Signs are usually mild, but may include diarrhea, pot-bellied appearance, poor growth, and vomiting.
Fleas
Flease in dogs cause itching and hair loss.
Ticks
Ticks are an external parasite of the dog and can spread diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, babesiosis, and ehrlichiosis. They can also cause a neurological disorder known as tick paralysis
Heartworm disease
Heartworm disease in dogs is spread by mosquitoes and is spread by the parasite Dirofilaria immitis. Signs include cough, difficulty breathing, and death
Ear mites
Ear mites in dogs are microscopic members of the species Otodectes cynotis. Symptoms include itching, inflammation, and black debris in the ear.
Cheyletiellosis
Cheyletiellosis is a mild pruritic skin disease in dogs caused by Cheyletiella yasguri. Humans can be transiently infected.
Chiggers
Chiggers, also known as harvest mites, can cause itching, redness and crusting in dogs
Mange
Mange in dogs include demodectic mange and sarcoptic mange. Demodectic mange is caused by Demodex canis. Signs include hair loss, redness, and scaling, and is not contagious to humans. Sarcoptic mange is caused by Sarcoptes scabiei canis. Signs include intense itching and scaling, and is contagious to humans.
Hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is an inherited disease in dogs that is characterized by abnormal development of the acetabulum and head of the femur. It is more common in large breeds.
Elbow dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia is a condition found more commonly in large breeds. It incorporates several different hereditary conditions of the elbow, including osteochondritis of the medial condyle of the humerus, fragmentation of the medial coronoid process of the ulna, and ununited anconeal process of the ulna.
canine arthritis
canine Arthritis s a disease in which joint cartilage deteriorates. The result is that surfaces that are supposed to glide over each other become rough, and lubrication within the joint is decreased. Movement is more difficult and often painful. The signs of arthritis in a canine are: difficulty in walking; such as limping or a stiff, slow, or ungainly gait; difficulty in getting up from a seated or lying position; difficulty climbing stairs; a creaking, crackling, or "ratcheting" sound in the joints; an overall decrease in mobility; an unwillingness to move; and dragging the back legs so that the tops of the nails scrape the floor. Canines who are experiencing the pain of arthritis also may become "snappish" if they are touched in the wrong place or made to move when they're not ready. They experience arthritis pain just as humans do. signs and symtoms are Reluctance to walk, climb stairs, jump, or play,Limping, lagging behind on walks,difficulty rising from a resting position,yelping in pain when touched.
Ectropion
Ectropion is a common condition in dogs, usually affecting the lower lid.the lides begin to fold outwards or inward.
Chalazion
Chalazion is a granuloma that forms in the eyelid due to blocked secretions from the melbomian gland. inflammation of the eyelid may result.
Retinal detachment
Retinal detachment is caused in dogs by genetic disorders such as retinal dysplasia or Collie eye anomaly, trauma, inflammation or cancer. Reattachment may occur spontaneously or with medical or surgical therapy.
Diabetes
Diabetes in dogs is usually type a but also type b.diabetesis lack of insulin production due to damaged of pancreatic.In dogs this is caused by autoimmune disease or severe pancreatitis
hypertension
systemic arterial hypertension – is an increase in the systolic or diastolic arterial blood pressure (ABP). Blood pressure has two values: the systolic pressure, which is the high value that develops as the heart contracts and pumps blood, and the diastolic pressure, the low value that occurs as the heart relaxes and fills. For example, 120/80 means a systolic pressure = 120 mm Hg and diastolic pressure = 80 mm Hg. A systolic ABP consistently exceeding greater than 170 to 180 mm Hg in the dog is considered high. Diastolic pressure in dogs should not exceed the 100 to 110 mm Hg range, provided it is recorded when the dog is relaxed.
Hypotension
pressures < 90/50 mmHg in the awake animal. Normal MAP pressure is usually calculated as the average of systolic and diastolic pressures. Trends in repeated pressures are more significant than results of single measurements.
Hypothyroidism
s the most common endocrine disease in dogs. It can be caused by autoimmune destruction or idiopathic atrophy of the thyroid gland. Signs include decreased appetite, weight gain, hair loss, recurring skin infections, and lethargy. Treatment is with oral thyroid hormone supplementation.
However dogs are wonderfull pets that can be ur best friend and even take a bullet for you. please check below of some of my favorite dog breeds
