Dogs We Luv!

What is  mitral valve disease? It is a heart condition where the mitral valve (the valve on the left side of the heart) fails to function properly. Who are most commonly affected? Studies show that this disease are common in adult dogs or older dogs that are small to medium sized breeds. High prevalence of the disease were found in King Charles spaniel, Chihuahua, miniature poodle, miniature pinscher, terriers and miniature schnauzers. What causes mitral valve disease in dogs? This condition is caused by the accumulation of plaque in a dog's heart valve. Because the mitral valve is unable to function properly, blood is leaked back to the atrium (upper chamber) of the heart. As a result, the heart tries to pump harder to deliver blood to the atrium which can lead to congestive heart failure. What are the symptoms of this condition? Symptoms may not be obvious right away but as the condition worsens, a dog with this condition may have difficulty breathing and may exper...

Every pet lover should be concerned about making his home as safe and as friendly for both people and pets. If you have a dog, here are some tips on how you can create a comfortable space for your dog and your family: Choose durable furniture. Choose furniture and fixtures that are made out of durable materials. For example, leather is a suitable fabric for seats and table covers because they don’t stain, they’re easy to clean, and they hold up well to scratches (Check out dog trade show exhibits for a variety of dog-friendly furniture, seats, and table top display choices). Stay away from carpets and rugs especially if you have large, long-haired dogs that shed a lot. Give your dog some space . If possible, think about giving your dog his own special room. This way, you can train your dog about his boundaries inside the house, where he can stay and which rooms are off-limits.   For your dog's room, don’t forget to consider grooming. A tiled room where...

Every dog owner knows the importance of the leash and collar. What  important things must you consider when choosing a dog leash? Type of Leash. Standard dog leashes are usually 6 ft. in length and are great for walking your pets. For dog training, a retractable leash which can be extended up to 25 to 30 feet is advisable. Material. Leashes can be made from different materials such as cloth, nylon, leather, and chain. Most professional dog trainers discourage chain leashes because they can easily cause injuries on you or your dog. Nylon is an inexpensive and versatile leash material which can be used for walking and training dogs. Leather is stronger and more durable but it may not be the best leash material for dogs who love the water. Size. How wide or how long your dog leash should be depends on how big your dog is. Larger dogs may need a wider leash for more control and protection. Ornamental Leashes? Some dog leashes are embellished with fur, rhinestones...

Are you a dog lover? Are you allergic to dogs or pets? Is your condition keeping you from doing what you love most- take care of dogs? If so, here are some things you need to know about pet allergy: What causes dog allergy? People with allergies have very sensitive immune systems. Some people are allergic to dusts, pollen or dander while some are allergic to dog saliva.   Dog hair or pet hair itself is not the allergen but they do collect dander, dusts and pollen. Thus, larger dogs, long-haired dogs or dogs with thick fur collect more allergens and highly trigger allergic reactions to people with pet allergies. Reactions differ from person to person. The most common reactions of pet allergy are watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose, itchiness, skin rashes, wheezing and coughing. Other more serious reactions include fatigue, shortness of breath and asthma attacks. When exposed to cats, dogs or other pets (carrying allergens), a person with pet allergy may exper...