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Here are some eye problems that could affect your dog:

* Cherry Eye can occur if the haw dries out and swells. The tear duct will then appear as a red mass. If a dog has Cherry Eye he is more susceptible to other eye irritations and infections. Surgery is usually necessary to correct this problem.

* Uveitis may be apparent in your dog if he blinks or squints and has a clear discharge from the eye. The eye itself can become discolored or dull. Your dog will also want to avoid brightly lit areas. Treatment such as antibiotics and pain medication may be needed to treat this infection.

* Dry Eye happens when the cornea is damaged by a breakdown in the tear film. Scar tissue can build up and cause eyesight problems. The eye needs to be lubricated and antibiotics may be administered.

* Eyelid tumors can occur. They are usually benign but should be treated.

* Glaucoma, as with humans, is the build up of pressure in the eye. Some dog breeds are more susceptible to glaucoma, such as Basset Hounds and Cocker Spaniels.

Keeping your dog’s eyes free from debris will reduce the risk of infection and eye conditions. Never let your dog travel in the car with its head out of the window. If he does this, insects, dirt and debris could get caught in his eyes. Eye injuries from dog fights and car accidents can also occur.

If you see your dog squinting or excessively blinking, or pawing at his eyes, he may have a problem. Inspect your dog’s eyes regularly during grooming sessions. Take note of any abnormalities and have them seen to. With long haired dogs, it is important to keep hair out of the dog’s eyes by regularly trimming the ‘fringe’.

If you think your dog has something in his eye, make a solution of salt and water (one teaspoon salt to a pint of water) and squeeze the liquid in his eyes. If this flush does not remove the object, take your dog to the veterinarian immediately.

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Plaque is the soft gummy deposit that grows on teeth. Plaque is made from saliva bacteria mixed in with minerals and food residue. Although plaque is initially soft, it can become hard and discolored if left on the teeth. When it hardens it is known as tartar. If this deposit is not removed it will eventually affect the gums, causing infection, which can lead to teeth loosening and falling out. It is a very painful condition in both dogs and humans.

The key to controlling plaque is to get rid of it before it turns to tartar. In dogs, this is a very simple procedure. Three methods are recommended for keeping your dog’s teeth clean.

1. Give your dog raw bones to chew on. Chewing on a bone will ensure tartar does not build up on your dog’s teeth. Make sure the bone is raw as cooked bones can splinter and get stuck in the dog’s mouth and bowel. Hard biscuits or kibble are also good for your dog to chew on and aid in the removal of plaque.
2. Brushing you dog’s teeth is the second method. There are various tooth brushes available and toothpaste flavored to a dog’s tastes. Some people use a finger brush (a rubber sleeve with soft bristles, slipped over your finger), others use regular human toothbrushes or you can buy a special dog toothbrush. You should brush your dog’s teeth regularly – about once a week. So now you are going to brush his teeth. Make sure your dog is in a relaxed mood before you start. Get him used to the procedure before you introduce the toothbrush. Stroke the outside of his cheeks and then let him taste a bit of toothpaste off the end of your finger. Do this a few times before you try it with the brush. Now try it with the paste on the brush. Brushing only one or two teeth at first, move the brush in a circular motion – take your time. Build up the amount of teeth you brush over the next few sessions until you are brushing all the teeth, especially the ones at the back. Thirty seconds is long enough to be brushing your dog’s teeth.
3. Once a year you should consider getting your dog’s teeth scaled at the veterinarian’s. If you take care of your dog’s teeth, an annual scale and polish is all your dog will require.

Looking after your dog’s teeth will help in his overall well-being and will result in your dog having fresher breath, being healthier and living longer.

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A dog’s nails are different from humans. They have a hard outer covering which is there to protect the inner part of the nail. This part (the quick) is softer and has veins and nerve endings running through it. Some dogs have lighter or white colored nails. These ones are easier to see the quick as it is a faint pink color. However the quick is difficult to see in dogs with black nails. You need to be extra careful when cutting these nails so as not to nip the quick. Not only will there be blood but it will be painful for your dog.

If you want to carry out the nail clipping procedure yourself, you will need a few tools. Firstly, purchase a good set of nail clippers, either a guillotine type or a claw cutter (for bigger dogs). You may need a file for rough edges and some clotting powder in case you cut too far and cause bleeding.

Okay, you are ready to start clipping. Here’s what you should do:

1. Dogs may not take kindly to this procedure so it’s a good idea to introduce them to nail clipping when they are puppies. Get your dog used to having his paws held and stroked. You may also like to apply light pressure to his nails by pinching them softly. Give your dog a treat when he lets you do this successfully.

2. When you are ready to trim the nails, put a towel under the paw, in the event you cut the nail too close. Have your clotting powder at the ready for this event.

3. Get your dog to lie on the floor and hold him firmly. Pick up his paw and ready yourself to cut the nail from front on. Talk in a soothing voice to relax your dog.

4. Get your clippers and slide the opening over the nail. Clip smoothly and quickly with a steady hand.

5. If your dog’s nails are white, you will be able to see the vein that run through it. Clip off the nail to just before the vein. With black nails, you will have to go carefully. Cut a small bit off the end of the nail. Look for a small dot in the centre of the nail – this is the vein. Keep clipping off small amounts until you see this dot. When you see it, stop clipping. If you accidentally cut this part, apply pressure on the nail to stop the bleeding or use your clotting powder.

6. Don’t forget to clip the dew claw (above the dog’s ankle).

When you’ve finished the clipping procedure, reward your dog with a treat and a cuddle. Hopefully both you and he will soon become experts at this procedure!

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Roundworm – this worm is the most common parasite found in animals. Dogs can often be born with roundworm as they become infected when the roundworm is transferred through the placenta from the mother. These worms may be vomited up by the dog or passed in the stools. Anthelmintics or dewormers are used to treat roundworm.

Heartworm – is fatal to dogs if left untreated. Dogs should be given preventative heartworm treatment regularly, as prescribed by your veterinarian. If a dog is found to have heartworm, the treatment is very traumatic for your dog.

Tapeworm – this parasite is transmitted through fleas. If you keep your dog free from fleas, this worm will not be a problem. You will know if your dog has tapeworm if you see egg sacks (which look like grains of rice) around your dog’s anus. A trip to the veterinarian will be necessary for a prescription to rid your dog of tapeworm. Owners can either use a deworming medication or injection on their dog to help control this parasite.

Hookworm – these tiny worms are found in the dog’s intestine and hook on to the intestinal wall where they suck out large amounts of blood. This parasite will kill a puppy quickly. It is very contagious to other pets and humans and needs to be checked for regularly. Deworming medications are used to treat hookworm.

Whipworm – these are long worms shaped like whips living in your dog’s colon. Their presence may go undetected except through a stool examination. Your dog may show signs of anemia, weight loss and blood in his stools if whipworms have taken up residence. If you are giving your dog regular heartworm preventative medicine then you will find that whipworm is kept under control as well.

Coccida – this tiny organism is not a worm but is invasive in the dog’s intestinal tract. Your dog will suffer from diarrhea and possibly a reduced immune system. This parasite can be removed with a daily treatment of an antimicrobial agent.

Fleas – these insects can cause skin problems and allergies in dogs. They can also carry disease and are often hard to keep under control, especially in hot weather. Flea collars, shampoos and combs can help keep this problem under control. Regular maintenance of your dog’s coat will help keep these insects away.

Your dog will need regular check ups at the veterinarian to ensure parasites do not become a problem. Keep a look out for these nasty little creatures to ensure your dog stays healthy.

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* When you begin socializing your dog, take it slowly! Do not overwhelm him with too many visitors, smells, sounds and experiences at once. You want your dog to be relaxed, not fearful when he meets new people and goes to new places.

* Introduce your dog to everyone - mum, dad, children, visitors and strangers – anyone who comes in to the home and you meet when walking your dog. Encourage the people your dog is meeting not to be fearful of him. Dogs can sense fear in humans easily.

* Let your dog play with other dogs and socialize with them. Your dog needs to learn that dogs come in all shapes and sizes and smells and he needs to be familiar with these differences.

* Take your dog to different places. Let him experience the park, the car, friend’s yards, the neighborhood, the beach, the vet, car parks and any other dog friendly place you like to visit. The more experiences your dog has, the less fearful of different circumstances he will become.

* Introduce your dog to different objects and sounds. Dogs are fearful of thunder and firecrackers and these are difficult to get used to as their ears are so sensitive. You could use a tape of these sounds and introduce them to the noises slowly. Objects such as vacuum cleaners, umbrellas, noisy kitchen appliances can all be frightening to your dog. Help him get used to these everyday objects.

* Some dogs don’t like being brushed or bathed. If you get your dog used to human handling and being patted all over, grooming will become a pleasurable experience, rather than a fearful one.

Dogs that have limited or no socialization grow up to be fearful dogs and are not good as family pets. Dogs needed to be handled by humans by the age of sixteen weeks or they will trust no one. When socializing you dog, have a calm, happy approach when you are meeting new people or introducing your dog to new situations. If the owner seems happy and relaxed, the dog will soon realize this is not a fearful situation. Watch your dog for signs he may not be comfortable with a situation. Excessive yawning or panting, growling, or tail not wagging will indicate your dog is becoming fearful. Don’t force the socialization process. You can always try another day if your dog becomes agitated.

Socialization of your dog doesn’t end once he is no longer a puppy. You must continue to take him out and include him in everyday experiences so he continues to be a well-socialized pet.

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1. Work out several single syllable commands you will use with your dog. Dogs don’t speak English so you need to keep your commands simple and consistent throughout the family. Words such as “heel”, “go”, “stay”, “down”, “off” are all common terms used when teaching dogs obedience.

2. Use a firm, kind voice when training your dog. Their hearing is much more acute than ours so yelling at your dog will not make him do things any better.

3. Always use positive reinforcement when your dog does the right thing. When teaching them obedience commands such as “sit” or “stay”, reward them with affection, encouraging words such as “good boy”, food treats or play.

4. Dogs love games, so if possible, employ game playing into your obedience training sessions. This way, your training sessions will become their favorite time of the day.

5. Start each obedience training session with your dog sitting on the left hand side, in the “heel” position. When your dog has mastered this command, he will be ready to try a new one.

6. Don’t train your dog for longer than fifteen minutes at a time. Like a child, a dog’s concentration span is shorter than an adult’s.

7. When you give your dog a command, don’t reward him until he does the right thing. Reward him immediately he gives the correct response.

8. Be patient with your dog. It may take quite a few practice runs for him to do the things you want him to do.

9. If you need to punish your dog for incorrect behavior, you must give the punishment immediately after the act has taken place. If you leave it a few seconds to give the punishment, your dog won’t know what he is being disciplined for. He will not link his bad act with the punishment and will become confused and even fearful.

Giving your dog obedience training will not only make him a better behaved pet, but it will also help in socializing him. Directing your dog in a positive way gives your pet a ‘job’ and helps him expend some of his mental energy.

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All dogs are different and will require variants in nutritional needs. A dog’s diet should include a combination of vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fats and proteins. If it does, then your dog’s needs for growth, tissue repair and exercise will be met.

Here are some tips to follow to ensure good nutrition for your dog:

1. Ensure your dog always has fresh, clean water.

2. Avoid feeding your dog scraps from the dinner table. This can lead to overweight canines!

3. Buy dog food that states it has a balanced combination of nutrients. These nutrients should be processed in a way that the dog will be able to absorb them into his body.

4. Do not feed your dog excess amounts of fat and carbohydrates.

5. If your dog has a skin problem, it may be wise to include foods with fatty acids such as Omega 3 and Omega 6.

6. Dry dog food, of a good quality, is often considered the best food for dogs. Fresh meat alone will not provide your dog with adequate nutrition. Meat scraps and leftover vegetables can be added to dry food for variation in texture.

7. Do not feed your dog only soft food, as this will lead to plaque build up on his teeth. Make sure your dog gets raw bones and hard dog biscuits included in his diet.

8. Ensure your puppy’s dietary needs are met. Introduce them to ‘solid’ food as they are being weaned. Any new foods should be brought in gradually so as not to upset the young stomach. Special puppy canned and dry food is available.

9. Puppies will need to be fed a few times a day until six months old, then twice a day until they are twelve months old. After that, you only need to feed your dog once a day.

10. Do not over-feed your dog. If he is gaining weight, you will need to reduce the amount of food you are feeding him.

Dogs have different needs at different stages of their lives, in terms of nutrition. Be aware of this and feed your dog accordingly.

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If you have a puppy, ring the surgery and tell them you want to make an appointment for a ‘new puppy visit’. You should take your puppy for an examination early in the first week you have him. Take with you any medical records your new dog might have, including any vaccination information. If your dog is on medication, take these along too. Tell the veterinarian what the puppy is being fed. You may also be asked about where the puppy was born and need to give information about its parents. The veterinarian may also ask you to bring along a fresh stool sample.

Here are some of the things the veterinarian will examine your puppy for:
* Congenital defects; many dog breeds have specific health issues and these need to be checked for and monitored.
* Internal and external parasites; dogs are born with these so need to be treated as puppies. Worming your dog is something you will need to do regularly
* Ear and mouth health
* Healthy paws
* Correct temperature

If you have any questions about your dog’s care, now is the time to ask them. The veterinarian may also give you information on vaccinations, worm treatment, nutrition, spaying and neutering.

Vaccinations for distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, rabies and parvovirus may need to be scheduled for your dog, depending on what vaccinations he already has and what is required by your state. Your veterinarian should be able to discuss these with you on your first visit. You should keep a vaccination card as a record of all shots your dog has had. This card will also have information about your dog’s breed and where it was born and your contact details on it. It is a useful record for your dog’s identity.

Hopefully your first visit to the veterinarian will be a positive one, so as your dog will not be adverse to any subsequent trips he may have to make.

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The dog should then be called back and praised for coming. The dog should never be called and punishment administered when it returns as this only makes the dog more reluctant to come next time.  

If the dog is quiet it should be praised. It is important to show the dog what it is allowed to do and what it is not. The dog will soon learn to associate being quiet with praise.  
The owner’s tone of voice should be soft but firm when correcting the dog.

If the dog does not respond then a ’shake tin’ (tin can half filled with stones) may be used to gain the dogs attention. This should be shaken vigorously in conjunction with a firm “NO” and the dog should be praised when it stops barking.

The ’shake can’ or any other object must not be thrown at the dog. 

If the dog does not listen when corrected verbally, then it requires obedience training. 
Physical punishment such as belting the dog, throwing a bucket of water over it or squirting it with a water pistol can usually makes the problem worse. It will also demonstrate that the owner has lost control. 

Obedience training does not in itself correct a barking problem, but it enables the owner to gain control over their dog so that it can be commanded to stop barking.
Five minutes, twice a day reinforcing commands such as “HEEL”, “SIT”, “STAY”, “DOWN”, and “COME” will help maintain control. 

Group training sessions have a number of advantages in that they provide an opportunity for the dog to socialise with other dogs and people, and for owners to train the dog around distractions. 

Once the dog has been obedience trained the owner has a set of commands that the dog has learned, which can be used in difficult situations.
For example you may tell your dog to sit and stay while a visitor arrives at the front door. 
People must be consistent when training. Often an owner will yell at or scold the dog for barking and then on other occasions reward it by bringing it inside.

Source: Dog Obedience

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