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Did you know that animal feces carries bacteria, diseases, viruses and parasites that are carried in canine feces such as: Roundworm, Parvo Virus, Whipworms, Hookworms, Giardia and Coccidia. The devastating effect of Roundworm is usually blindness to children and can be transmitted to adults also. Roundworms can develop within a couple of weeks and can live from months to years on your property. The best way to prevent pet waste diseases is immediately picking up dog waste from public areas and from your yard to reduce the chances of contaminating the soil.

Coccidiosis is the disease caused by coccidian infection. Coccidiosis is a parasitic disease of the intestinal tract of animals, caused by coccidian protozoa. The disease spreads from one animal to another by contact with infected feces, or ingestion of infected tissue. Diarrhea, which may become bloody in severe cases, is the primary symptom. Most animals infected with coccidia are asymptomatic; however, young or immuno-compromised animals may suffer severe symptoms, including death. While coccidian organisms can infect a wide variety of animals, including humans and livestock, they are usually species-specific.

Hookworm is a disease caused by several species of parasites. The symptoms of animal hookworm infection in people depend on how people get the infection. Early stages of animal hookworms, the larvae, can infect people and travel through different parts of the human body. This is called larva migrans (LAR-va MIGH-granz). People can also get painful and itchy skin infections when animal hookworm larvae move through their skin. If a person accidentally eats animal hookworm eggs, then the larvae that hatch out of the eggs can reach the intestine and cause bleeding, inflammation (swelling), and abdominal pain.

Yes, but not directly. Puppies and kittens are especially likely to have hookworm infections. Animals that are infected pass hookworm eggs in their stools. The eggs can hatch into larvae, and both eggs and larvae may be found in dirt where animals have been. Eggs or larvae can get into your body when you accidentally eat or have direct contact with contaminated dirt. For example, this can happen if a child is walking barefoot or playing in an area where dogs or cats have been (especially puppies or kittens).

Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious and serious disease caused by a virus that attacks the gastrointestinal tract of puppies, dogs, and wild canids. It was first identified in 1978 and is seen worldwide. It also can damage the heart muscle in very young and unborn puppies. Canine parvovirus is resistant to changes in environmental conditions and can survive for long periods of time. Trace amounts of feces containing parvovirus may serve as reservoirs of infection and the virus is readily transmitted from place to place on the hair or feet of dogs or via contaminated cages, shoes, or other objects. Gaining entry through the mouth, the virus attacks the digestive tract and kills cells that are critical in the absorption of nutrients. Severe fluid loss through diarrhea and vomiting can lead to death. Parvo also temporarily affects a dog's immune system and can lead to heart failure in some young dogs. Bottom Line, do not allow your puppy or dog to come into contact with the fecal waste of other dogs while walking or playing outdoors. Prompt and proper disposal of waste material is always advisable as a way to limit spread of canine parvovirus infection.

Roundworms are the most common intestinal parasite in dogs and cats in the world. Animals with roundworms pass the infection to other animals when the worm eggs develop into larvae and are present in the animal's feces (droppings). Your pet can pick up the infection by eating infected soil, licking contaminated fur or paws, or by drinking contaminated water. Roundworm infections are zoonotic (pronounced zoe-oh-NOT-ick) diseases, meaning that they are animal diseases that can be transmitted to humans. While direct contact with infected dogs and cats increases a person's risk for roundworm infection, most infections come from accidentally eating the worm larvae or from larvae that enter through the skin. For example, children are at risk for infection if they play in areas that may contain infected feces (such as dirt piles and sandboxes), and they pick up the larvae on their hands. Left untreated, roundworms in people can cause serious health problems when the larvae enter organs and other tissues, resulting in lung, brain, or liver damage. If the roundworm larva enters the eyes, permanent, partial blindness can result.

Whipworm get their name from their whip-like shape. Animals with whipworms pass the infection along to other animals when the worm eggs develop into larvae and are passed in their feces (droppings). Your pet can pick up the infection by eating infected soil or licking their contaminated fur or paws.

Like Hookworms, Whipworms bury their heads in the lining of an animal's intestine and suck blood, but they are generally less harmful and usually do not cause health problems. Occasionally, severe infections can develop and lead to diarrhea, weight loss, and blood loss. Whipworm larvae rarely infect humans when they are accidentally eaten.

If ingestion of any of these items should occur, please note the amount ingested and contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately.

1. Chocolate, Coffee, Caffeine
These products all contain substances called methylxanthines, which are found in cacao seeds, the fruit of the plant used to make coffee and in the nuts of an extract used in some sodas. When ingested by pets, methylxanthines can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death. Note that darker chocolate is more dangerous than milk chocolate. White chocolate has the lowest level of methylxanthines, while baking chocolate contains the highest.

2. Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages and food products containing alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma and even death.

3. Avocado
The leaves, fruit, seeds and bark of avocados contain Persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. Birds and rodents are especially sensitive to avocado poisoning, and can develop congestion, difficulty breathing and fluid accumulation around the heart. Some ingestions may even be fatal.

4. Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts are commonly used in many cookies and candies. However, they can cause problems for your canine companion. These nuts have caused weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors and hyperthermia in dogs. Signs usually appear within 12 hours of ingestion and last approximately 12 to 48 hours.

5. Grapes & Raisins
Although the toxic substance within grapes and raisins is unknown, these fruits can cause kidney failure. In pets who already have certain health problems, signs may be more dramatic.

6. Yeast Dough
Yeast dough can rise and cause gas to accumulate in your pet’s digestive system. This can be painful and can cause the stomach or intestines to rupture. Because the risk diminishes after the dough is cooked and the yeast has fully risen, pets can have small bits of bread as treats. However, these treats should not constitute more than 5 percent to 10 percent of your pet’s daily caloric intake.

7. Raw/Undercooked Meat, Eggs and Bones
Raw meat and raw eggs can contain bacteria such as Salmonella [ital] and E. coli [ital] that can be harmful to pets. In addition, raw eggs contain an enzyme called avidin that decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin), which can lead to skin and coat problems. Feeding your pet raw bones may seem like a natural and healthy option that might occur if your pet lived in the wild. However, this can be very dangerous for a domestic pet, who might choke on bones, or sustain a grave injury should the bone splinter and become lodged in or puncture your pet’s digestive tract.

8. Xylitol
Xylitol is used as a sweetener in many products, including gum, candy, baked goods and toothpaste. It can cause insulin release in most species, which can lead to liver failure. The increase in insulin leads to hypoglycemia (lowered sugar levels). Initial signs of toxicosis include vomiting, lethargy and loss of coordination. Signs can progress to recumbancy and seizures. Elevated liver enzymes and liver failure can be seen within a few days.

9. Onions, Garlic, Chives
These vegetables and herbs can cause gastrointestinal irritation and could lead to red blood cell damage. Although cats are more susceptible, dogs are also at risk if a large enough amount is consumed. Toxicity is normally diagnosed through history, clinical signs and microscopic confirmation of Heinz bodies. An occasional low dose, such as what might be found in pet foods or treats, likely will not cause a problem, but we recommend that you do NOT give your pets large quantities of these foods.

10. Milk
Because pets do not possess significant amounts of lactase (the enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk), milk and other milk-based products cause them diarrhea or other digestive upset.

Vitamins that are good for your dogs

Our Recommendations: GNC Products or Vet approved products

Fish Oil Helps Keep Your Dogs And Cats Healthy

Fish oil has shown positive benefits in helping pets with disease. Fatty acids are among the most commonly used nutritional supplements used in treating dogs and cats.

Fish Oil and Healthy Pets
In research studies, fish oil has shown positive benefits in helping pets with disease. Fatty acids are among the most commonly used nutritional supplements used in treating dogs and cats. Fortunately, they have been used successfully long enough that most conventional veterinarians include their usage in the treatment of at least some diseases. Though some pet diets may include Omega-3 fatty acids, virtually none include satisfactory amounts of the most important Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. Many pet foods contain primarily Omega-6 fatty acids from vegetable oils resulting in a highly unbalanced ratio of Omega-6s to Omega-3s. Research has shown that a ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3 of 5:1 to 10:1 is optimal for dogs and cats and therefore supplementing with a high quality Omega-3 fish oil supports pet health.

Omega 3 oils support heart, vision and joint health, provide important nutrients for proper immune function, and nourish the skin and coat. First suggested for use in treating allergies in pets, they are now advocated in cases of kidney disease, elevated cholesterol, and arthritis as well. Veterinarians are discovering that fatty acids can be valuable for a variety of conditions. Fish oil supplementation may be helpful for pets with inflammatory diseases including allergies, arthritis, kidney disease, heart disease, and cancers. Pets with any type of inflammatory disease may benefit from fish oil supplementation. In general, more severe disease requires doses higher than those commonly recommended.

Fish oil is very effective in some pets with allergies and skin disease. It is easy to administer (via gel caps or liquid) and can reduce the amount of corticosteroid or antihistamine needed to control itching. Most pets take either form well. For pets that are difficult to "pill," the liquid form is quite popular. Owners of dogs and cats 20 pounds and under find the liquid form more cost effective than the large bottle of fatty acid capsules that we prescribe. The response is variable in other diseases (such as kidney disease) but fish oil appears effective in research studies. In pets with some types of cancer, fish oil has slowed down the growth and spread of the cancer. While more studies are needed on other types of cancer, the general recommendation is to add fish oil to the diets of all pets with cancer.

As with other supplements, the use of fatty acids often allows doctors to lower the dosages of drugs such as corticosteroids or antihistamines. Choosing a high quality Omega-3 fish oil supplement with exceptional purity and freshness, as well as, high levels of Omega-3s is key to supporting pet health.

Glucosamine for Dogs

As your dog ages, its joints, ligaments, tendons and joint fluids wear and "age" too. Depending on their level of exercise and their diets, some dogs can remain very healthy until their last days whilst others get very stiff and immobile within a few years.
Unfortunately the main food for dogs is red meat, which is high in uric acid. Uric acid is a main contributor to many arthritic-type conditions. In a way, feeding your dog the foods they love can be setting them up for mobility problems later on in life!

Many dog owners are unaware that certain nutrients can greatly help their dog’s health and joint management. Proven agents like Glucosamine can be very beneficial in maintaining a dog’s joint health and ensuring that they are mobile and active. Glucosamine is found in cartilage and synovial fluid. It is a normal constituent of your dog’s glycosaminoglycans. Glycosaminoglycans form part of the ground substance of connective tissue, which is found throughout your dog's body.

Several recent studies have shown that oral Glucosamine is absorbed and distributed to joint tissues and that it does have anti-inflammatory properties, meaning it can be beneficial in osteo-arthritic type conditions. Glucosamine as a supplement comes in many forms, including Glucosamine hcl and sulfate.

Glucosamine has been reported to be supportive in arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, disc degeneration, bursitis, ankylosing spondylitis, tendinitis, cartilage / tendons / ligaments repair, skin wound-healing, carpal tunnel syndrome and in reducing inflammatory response.

Glucosamine can also assist with dog's inflamed discs, siatic nerve, and inflamed joints associated with ageing. If you have a dog that is losing its mobility or is suffering from joint pain, introducing a Glucosamine supplement can be of great benefit. Most pet owners that supplement their dog's diet with the right Glucosamine supplement see an improvement within a short period of time.

CQ10

CoEnzyme Q10 is a supplement for cardiovascular and periodontal functions. Deficiencies of CoEnzyme Q10 have been associated with improper functioning of the heart muscle and gum tissue. CoEnzyme Q10 can increase the cellular energy necessary for heart health and helps carbohydrate metabolism and maintains gum tissue health. CoEnzyme Q10 is a safe and natural supplement.

MSM for Dogs and Cats

Why should you use MSM for your dog? MSM has been said to be a joint healer, a cell rejuvinator and an antioxidant. MSM contains natural sulfur, a mineral needed to maintain good joint, skin, coat and nail health in your dog. Sulfur is also a component of insulin, the hormone that regulates the use of glucose by cells for energy. Because MSM contains sulfur, it is an important supplement for maintaining or improving your pets overall health.

Benefits of MSM include:

Anti-Inflammatory properties.
Pain relieving properties.
Helps strengthen connective tissue.
Regulates the flow of nutrients into cells and toxins out of cells.

Sulfur can be found in a variety of foods, such as meat, eggs, cheese, kelp, raw fruits, vegetables, and seeds. Most commercial dog foods contain a high amount of carbohydrates, which does not provide enough sulfur to promote or maintain good overall health. Check with your vet before adding any supplements to your dog's diet and discuss the advantages of adding supplements such as Glucosamine / Chondroitin / MSM

Pet Home Remedies

Never buy over-the-counter medication for your pet without knowing exactly what you are supposed to get and never medicate your pet without your vet’s guidance.

Over-The-Counter Medications You Can Give To Your Pet
Medicine	Notes	Dosage	How Often
Buffered Aspirin	For dogs only. Pain relief, anti-inflammatory.	1 tablet per 60 Lbs.	2 times per day
Baby Aspirin	For dogs only. Pain relief, anti-inflammatory.	1 tablet per 15 Lbs.	2 times per day
Benedryl®	Treat allergies, itching, reaction to insect stings, etc.	1 mg. Per 1 Lb.	2 times per day
Dramamine®	Not for animals with glaucoma or bladder problems. Reduce car sickness.	3-25 Lb. Pet - 12.5 mg. 26-50 Lb. Pet - 25 mg. 51 Lb. + pet - 50 mg.	Give at least 1 hour prior to travel, no more than once a day
Pepto-Bismol®	For dogs only. Relieve vomiting or stomach gas, diarrhea.	1 tsp. Per 20 Lbs.	Every 6 hours
Hydrogen Peroxide 3%	To induce vomiting after accidental ingestion of a poison.	1 Tbls. Per 10 Lbs.	Up to 3 times, 10 minute intervals, until vomiting occurs
Mineral Oil	Eliminate constipation.	Dogs: up to 4 Tbls. Cats: up to 2 Tbls.	Daily, as needed
Acetaminophen, Tylenol®, Ibuprofen, Motrin®, Nuprin®, Alieve®	Never give to animals.

These home pet remedies should never be used in place of taking your pet to the veterinary office. These remedies are the result of Internet searches and I make no claims to their effectiveness, so use at your own risk.

Anemia: Feeding your pet foods high in iron and B vitamins will help this problem. A serving of liver once a day is sufficient: 1 oz. for cats, 2 oz. for small dogs, 3 oz. for medium dogs, 4 oz. for large dogs.

Animals In Heat: Your pet's affectionate (and sometimes annoying) actions are demands for attention, so give them more than usual. The strong smell Vicks® VapoRub ointment may help keep roaming males away: rub a little in the fur of the tail on females and above the nose on males. Keep the windows closed; a male cat can smell a female in heat a mile away, while a dog's range is about three miles. Get your pet spayed/neutered.

Arthritis: For overweight pets, losing weight will help lighten the load on those achy joints. A 20 minute walk several times a day can reduce the progression of arthritis. If it's cold outside, let them sleep inside. Make sure they are provided with soft bedding to reduce discomfort. Moist heat applied for 20 minutes twice a day can be a great comfort.

Asthma: Keep pets with asthma free of excess weight; overweight animals have a harder time breathing. Use a humidifier; dry air irritates the airway. If you, the owner, smokes, stop! Keep them indoors during pollen season. For cats, use a dust-free kitty litter.

Bad Breath: A foul odor coming from your pet's mouth is a sign of plaque. Prevent this by brushing your pets teeth, feeding them a raw turkey neck or raw carrots; don't feed them canned food or table scraps, and get them a rope to play with. Your vet can also thoroughly clean your pet's teeth.

Broken Bones: Immobilize your pet while holding him still and place him on a board, car floor mat, or a folded blanket. Do not attempt to bandage or splint broken limbs as you can cause more damage. Take your pet to the vet immediately.

Car Sickness: Most animals travel best on an empty stomach, so pick up their food 6-8 hours before travel. However, some pets prefer to have a small amount of food in their stomachs. See what works best for your animal. Other ways to reduce sickness includes letting them sit in the front seat, allowing them to look out the windows, and cracking the windows to allow fresh air to flow inside the vehicle.

Cat in a Tree: Cats will more than likely come down on their own. Leave them alone to make their way down. Give them an entire day to do so. Tempt them with their favorite strong-smelling food. If the cat is injured, wearing a leash that could choke them, or hasn't come down in a day, you need to climb up and get them, whether up the tree itself, or with a ladder. Grab them by the skin on the back of the neck and make your first attempt at reaching them a good one - they may flee further up the tree. The Human Society may be able to assist you if you are not able to reach the cat yourself.

Choking: Open your pet's mouth to see if you can visualize the object and remove it. If you are unsuccessful, take your pet to the vet immediately. If your pet is not breathing and you can't find what's obstructing the air passage, try the Heimlich maneuver: Hold your pet against you and clasp your hand around his upper abdomen OR place your pet on their side, on the floor and put one of your hands on top of the other so that the bottom hand is just below the rib cage. Push or lift upward to dislodge the object.

Diarrhea: Ensure your pet is drinking enough fluids. In addition to their water bowl, a bowl of Gatorade® will further help. Stop feeding for 24 hours from the onset of the diarrhea. When your pet is ready to eat again, try 2 parts cooked white rice mixed with 1 part boiled hamburger or skinless white meat chicken, feeding small amounts every 4 hours for 2 days. Slowly introduce their regular food back into the diet. If the diarrhea doesn't subside, seek the advise of your veterinarian. It may be caused by intestinal parasites or something more serious.

Ear Mites: You can temporarily treat the ear mites by soaking a cotton ball with mineral oil and swabbing the ear canal. Then, seek the assistance of your veterinarian for treatment with Ivermectin.

Fever: Normal temperatures of cats and dogs ranges from 100.5 and 102.5 degrees. Sooth away the heat with a cool compress on their belly or a 10 minute cool bath. Ensure they are drinking enough water. Consult your vet, as fever can mean serious illness and/or infection.

Flatulence: Exercise helps move gas out of the system, so take them for a walk. Stop feeding table scraps and dairy foods and ensure they aren't getting into the trash. Check the soy content of your pet's food; high soy content causes gas. Many yogurts contain digestion-friendly bacteria that can help decrease flatulence. Give 1/4 tsp. plain yogurt to cats and small dogs, 1 tsp. to dogs 15-20 pounds, and 1 Tbls. to large dogs. Raise their food dish to eliminate air digested while eating.

Fleas: Though a preventative such as Advantage® , Frontline® , Revolution®, or K9 Advantix® is the best way to treat and prevent fleas, a diet including Brewer's Yeast and garlic prove to keep them away, as well. Flea collars, powders, and dips only work temporarily; don't consider them for long-term use or you'll find the fleas returning.

Getting Out Mats: Wet fur is more difficult to unmat, so keep them dry. Starting at the ends of the hairs and working inward, divide the mat in half with your fingers. Then divide the halves into quarters, the quarters into eighths and so on until all the clumps are gone. A light sprinkling of cornstarch makes stubborn mats easier to pull apart. For a particularly tough mat, clip the mat in half with scissors.

Hairballs: First try a commercial hairball lubricant or a tsp. of petroleum jelly. Sometimes, high-fiber diets accelerate the passage of hairballs. Keep fleas under control to reduce licking. Brush your cat often, then follow with wiping the coat with a moist towel to pick up any loose hairs.

Hot Spots: Dissolve 2 adult aspirins in 1 Tbls. rubbing alcohol. Steep 1 tea bag in 1 cup warm water; discard tea bag. Stir together aspirin mixture and tea; allow to cool. Shave hair around hot spot. Blot prepared mixture over spot with a cotton ball. Follow with over-the-counter cortisone spray or crème. Repeat as necessary.

Insect Bites and Stings: Remove stingers, if present. Dab a mixture of baking soda and water on the spot to help reduce discomfort. Milk of Magnesia and meat tenderizer works in the same way, as well.

Itchy Skin from Allergies: Give your pet a 10 minute cool bath to relieve itching. For further soothing, you may also add colloidal oatmeal (Aveeno®) to the bathwater. For dogs with itchy feet, fill the tub with enough cool water to cover their feet, dissolve a couple cups of Epsom salts in the water, and soak the dog's feet for 5-10 minutes. Be careful not to let them drink the water.

Kitty Litter: To keep cat litter fresh smelling, mix baby powder in with the litter.

Poisoning: Call your vet immediately and have on hand the substance your pet ingested. If your pet has gotten into pills, antifreeze, or other toxic substances (but not caustic substances) getting him to vomit will help eliminate some of the danger. If your pet has ingested something alkaline, such as cleaner or kerosene, don't induce vomiting. Give him about 3 tsp. vinegar or lemon juice diluted in an equal amount of water. If your pet has ingested something acid, maybe from chewing on a battery, give Milk of Magnesia, 1 tsp. per 5 Lbs. of pet.

Puppy Diarrhea/Dogs with Soft Stool: Plain canned pumpkin works well for puppies with diarrhea and adult dogs with soft stool. A few spoonfuls in their food will often stop it right away. The pumpkins adds fiber to the diet, therefore firming up the stools. It often works more completely and more quickly than Kaopectate® if your pet isn't ill from something else.

Reduce Anal Sac Problems: Stop feeding your pet table scraps. The fatty foods soften the stool, making the fluid more likely to build up.

Removing Burrs: Remove burrs in your pet's coat as soon as possible. Allowing their fur to get wet makes it worse, so keep them dry. Most burrs can be removed with your fingers or tweezers. For the more difficult ones, soak the area in vegetable oil to help slide them out.

Seizures: Dogs don't swallow their tongues, so don't put your hand in their mouth. Move furniture out of the way and try to keep the area as dark as possible. Gentle talking and stroking may help to shorten the length of the seizure. If the seizure lasts more than 10 minutes, take your pet to the vet immediately. If this is the first time your pet is having a seizure, take him to the vet for assessment.

Severe Bleeding: Place gauze over the wound and apply direct pressure using your hands for 5 minutes, recheck, and continue applying pressure until bleeding stops or you've reached the vet. Do not use a tourniquet, as they are dangerous. Cold packs over oozing wounds can help reduce swelling and bleeding. Take your pet to the vet immediately.

Skunk Spray: If your pet's eyes are watering, use an eye wash to flush out any irritating spray. Shampoo with a mixture of 1 quart 3% Hydrogen Peroxide, 1/4 cup baking soda, and 1 Tbls. liquid dish soap. Follow with a washing of regular pet shampoo.

Stop Bleeding from a Nail Trim: When you've cut a nail too short, stop the bleeding by pressing the nail in styptic powder or flour, then tap the powder in.

Urinary Infections: The common human remedy of cranberry, orange, and other citrus juices also work for pets in boosting the acidity of the urine and decreasing the amount of bacteria. A chewable vitamin C tablet a day will reduce the acidity to prevent further infections.

Pet Urine on Carpet: First, blot up what you can with paper towels. Then, with warm, soapy water and a clean cloth, blot the area clean; rinse with clean water; blot until dry. Next, combine 1/3 cup white vinegar with 2/3 cup water and dab it on stain; rinse with clean water; blot until dry. Once the area is totally dry (at least 24 hours), sprinkle entire carpet with baking soda or rug deodorizer; vacuum after a few hours.

Vomiting: Stop feeding your pet for 24 hours, only providing water. Afterwards, slowly introduce mild foods back into the diet over a 3 day time period, to include boiled hamburger, boiled chicken, cooked rice, and/or cottage cheese. If the vomiting continues after the first 24 hours or if there is bloating, consult your veterinarian immediately.

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Copyright © 2007 Doodie Deeds "Done Dirt Cheap"
Last modified: 11/07/09

Contact Information

Send mail to Godaddy.com with questions or comments about this web site. Copyright © 2007 Doodie Deeds "Done Dirt Cheap" Last modified: 11/07/09

Send mail to Godaddy.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2007 Doodie Deeds "Done Dirt Cheap"
Last modified: 11/07/09