If your younger dog always deferred to the older dog, but now they fight, one scenario may be that an older, previously dominant dog is challenged by a younger, more domineering dog. This may happen as the older dog ages, or as the younger dog reaches behavioral maturity at 12 to 36 months. This may be an attempt to alter the existing hierarchy but at other times the dog is being a “bully.” Sometimes the older dog will acquiesce and things are fine, but at other times the owners do not want the change and intervene. In some situations, the older dog will not relinquish the dominant role even though it cannot physically compete with the younger dog. This can result in severe, injurious fights.
Breaking up a fight can be a dangerous situation for people and dogs alike. Owners usually try to reach for the collar of the fighting dogs, or if one is small, pick it up. This can result in severe owner injury if the fighting is very intense. If both are wearing leashes, they can usually be pulled apart. If all else fails,...

I have a dog about a year old and she loves to swallow things whole yep she does not even chew them... :)
My vet told me to start giving her frozen veggies to chew on to distract her but she eats those in 5 seconds we call her the vacuum at home she can eat anything in less than a min.
Any ideas?

Anyone who owns a dog or a cat knows that they will typically eat
anything they can get their paws on. While it is not harmful for a dog
to eat a cat’s food, it can be potentially hazardous for a cat to eat
a dog’s food. In moderation, a cat eating a dog’s food is probably
safe, but if the cat is only eating Fido’s dinner, they are probably
not getting the nutrients that are essential to their specific health
needs.

“Cats’ nutrition requirements are different than dogs’, they have
unique needs,” explains Dr. John Bauer, a professor of animal
nutrition at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine &Biomedical
Science. “Your cat is not going to get ill from eating the occasional
pieces of dog food, but if they are only eating dog food, then they are
not getting nutrients they need for a healthy life.”

If you have a cat that prefers to feast on their canine pal’s dinner,
it is important to know that there are five main nutrients, essential
to feline health, that are not balanced properly for proper feline
nutrition.

“First,...

Dogs are social animals whose evolutionary history makes them willing and able to live in groups. Group living enabled wolves to work together to obtain food, raise their young and defend their territory. It would be counter-productive for members of a group to fight with each other and risk injury. That would prevent them from working with the group.
Although domestic dogs are not wolves, they do have a social structure in which each dog is either dominant (leader) or subordinate in its relationship with each pack member. This is a “dominance hierarchy.” The leader or “alpha” dog is the one that has first access to all the “critical” resources. These resources include food, resting places, mates, territory and favored possessions. Assertion of dominance by the alpha is generally communicated through facial expressions, body postures and actions. Fighting is rare, since as soon as the subordinate submits or defers to the alpha animal and the alpha gets its way, he or she gives up the challenge.
Fights between...

The African Grey (Psittacus erithacus) from central Africa is a highly intelligent bird commonly encountered in captivity. This elegant medium-sized bird is entirely grey with a strikingly red short blunt tail. The African Grey has a charming personality and is recognized as one of the best talkers among all the pet birds. With this extraordinary ability to imitate, some African Greys develop extensive vocabularies of words, songs, verses, whistles, sneezes, coughs and electronic sounds such as telephones and microwave ovens. Some individuals, especially if wild or improperly socialized, may have unacceptable vocalizations.
The sound that a frightened, defensive or timid African Grey will make is a characteristic, loud growl. African Greys bond readily, often with one member of the family or specifically with males or females. This bond occasionally leads to aggression towards others. These handsome, good-natured birds make excellent companions and family pets. Most are generally interactive and affectionate....

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums, with or without infection. Stomatitis means that the inflammation involves the entire mouth. Cats have a disease that causes severe gum irritation that may involve almost all of the mouth. The tissues are infiltrated with plasmacytes and lymphocytes, cells of the immune system. Therefore, this disease is called lymphocytic-plasmacytic gingivitis, lymphoplasmacytic gingivitis, lymphocytic-plasmacytic stomatitis, or lymphoplasmacytic stomatitis.
Contributing factors are tartar formation on the teeth and accompanying bacteria around the teeth and gums are usually present. Although these factors do not cause this disease, they contribute to its severity and must be controlled as part of the overall treatment protocol. Many of these cats develop tartar at a very rapid rate and need dental cleaning every 4-6 months.
This is one of the more common diseases of the mouth of cats.
The cause of this disease is not known. Various theories exist, most of which revolve around the...

NAMPA — Anyone seeking a new or a lost pet should call the Pet Haven Shelter at 466-1298 for information, or visit the shelter at 333 Orchard Ave.
Pet Haven’s shelter is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, Saturday noon to 4 p.m. and closed Sunday and most holidays.
It costs $50 to adopt a cat. These charges include spaying or neutering the pet, deworming it, vaccination and a leukemia test.
Remember the low-cost spay and neuter clinic at the shelter. Call for times and dates.
All cats ready for adoption are spayed or neutered.
Find out more online at www.pethavenonline.org.
The Thrift Store at 619 Main St., Caldwell, helps fund the operating expenses of Pet Haven. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 10-4:30 Saturday. For more information call 455-1303.

CALDWELL — The Canyon County Animal Shelter is at 5801 Graye Lane, behind the Larry Miller Auto Mall. For information about lost pets or adopting a companion animal, call 455-5920.
All dogs cost $65 for males or females, for neuter or spay, first...

Pyometra is defined as a bacterial infection of the uterus. Unfortunately, most cases of pyometra are much more difficult to manage than a routine infection. Pyometra is most often diagnosed within 1-12 weeks after the end of estrus (“heat”). Pyometra is most often seen in middle-aged bitches that have undergone numerous estrous cycles during their lifetime. There is no known breed predisposition for canine pyometra.
Clinical signs depend on whether or not the cervix is open. If it is open, pus will drain from the uterus through the vagina to the outside. It may be noted on the skin or hair under the tail or on bedding and furniture where the dog has been. Fever, lethargy, anorexia and depression may or may not be present.
If the cervix is closed, pus that forms is not able to drain to the outside. It collects in the uterus causing distention of the abdomen. The bacteria release toxins that are absorbed into circulation. These dogs often become severely ill very rapidly. They are anorectic, very listless and very...

Dogs fight for a variety of reasons. Usually there is a dominant and subordinate dog and the owner should not interfere with the relationship.
On other occasions, neither dog is willing to be subordinate. This could be due to a challenge to the hierarchy as a younger dog matures, as an older dog becomes sick or aged, when a new dog is introduced into the home or when one dog is not clearly dominant to the other. You should learn how to recognize canine body language and low-level threats such as eye contact, snarls or low growls. Keep records of threats, attacks or tension-producing situations. An owner must have excellent control over both dogs in order to succeed. To facilitate treatment, decrease the chances of injuries and increase owner control, a remote leash can be left attached to one or both dogs. Often the best form of owner control is to fit and train each dog with a head halter, and to leave a leash and head halter on each dog when they are together (under the owner’s supervision). In other cases,...

Goldfish (Carassium aruatus) are often the first type of fish that people will buy as pets. They are very easy to care for and are graceful to watch; especially the varieties with the longer fins and tails.
Originating in China where goldfish cultivation is still a very popular activity, the spectrum of novel goldfish types has expanded considerably as a result of intensive breeding programs. Over a hundred varieties provide the purchaser with a spectrum of choice ranging from the simple comet-type fish that you commonly find in the local pet store that might sell for a few dollars, to rare varieties that have elaborate coloring and fins that can cost many hundreds of dollars!
These fish can be very long-lived if fed and “housed” appropriately. Taking time to set up a top-notch aquarium is a bit of an investment up-front, but will help the fish potentially enjoy a full lifespan, which can easily top 10 years.
Aquariums
The goldfish is considered a very hardy species and is tolerant of temperature changes, but it...

Have you ever taken a brand new puppy on its first walk, or to a dog park with other dogs? This can sometimes be a difficult undertaking, seeing as puppies have yet to be exposed to many humans and animals in their young lives. But dogs and cats need to develop social skills just as much as people do! It is important for an animal’s health and well-being to become a socially acceptable pet. “The most important time for puppy socialization is before the age of 12 weeks,” Dr. M.A. Crist, Clinical Assistant Professor at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine, said. “Puppies should be handled from birth and exposed to as many new animals, people, surroundings, and stimuli without causing fear, overstimulation, or avoidance behavior. Puppies should be encouraged to survey and investigate their environments, and these exposures should continue into adulthood to help maintain an outgoing and sociable dog.” Many cats are easily frightened and spend a lot of time hiding and trying to avoid the things they are afraid...

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums, with or without infection. Stomatitis means that the inflammation involves the entire mouth. Cats have a disease that causes severe gum irritation that may involve almost all of the mouth. The tissues are infiltrated with plasmacytes and lymphocytes, cells of the immune system. Therefore, this disease is called lymphocytic-plasmacytic gingivitis, lymphoplasmacytic gingivitis, lymphocytic-plasmacytic stomatitis, or lymphoplasmacytic stomatitis.
Contributing factors are tartar formation on the teeth and accompanying bacteria around the teeth and gums are usually present. Although these factors do not cause this disease, they contribute to its severity and must be controlled as part of the overall treatment protocol. Many of these cats develop tartar at a very rapid rate and need dental cleaning every 4-6 months.
This is one of the more common diseases of the mouth of cats.
The cause of this disease is not known. Various theories exist, most of which revolve around the...

With the fall season in sight, many of us will venture to the great outdoors and go camping. All kinds of fascinating creatures can be found in the great outdoors, but when your puppy is roaming around, beware the skunks! Puppies especially can become curious when they come across these foreign creatures, but skunks are startled easily and have no mercy. The skunk odor, which is actually a poison, can sometimes take years to remove from a dog’s fur. Skunks have an incredible talent for spraying with accuracy. They also have the ability to spray multiple times in a row, reaching up to ten feet away. The spray that a skunk emits is a type of oil, ayed by a skunk. She also warned pet owners to be sure pets do not get loose on the way to the bath tub, because the odor-causing oil will stick to anything it touches. There are no toxins in skunk spray, so it will not harm your pet. However, it could become uncomfortable for them. “If your pet was sprayed in the face, make sure to clean it properly,” said Dr. Blue-...

The recent emergence and spread of the Swine Flu virus, also known as H1N1, has affected people throughout the world. From school closings to cancelled vacations, the Swine Flu has caused a lot of concern. These concerns have led many to take extended precautions for themselves, their spouses and their children. But what, if any, precautions should be taken for the furry members of our families? The H1N1 strain may not affect our animals in the way that it does humans, but similar type A flu viruses can affect our pets. In 2005, the first cases of the canine influenza virus were reported in Florida and have since spread throughout the country. The virus is a mutant of the H3N8 equine influenza virus and is a contagious respiratory disease that may mirror signs of kennel cough, including sneezing, coughing and fever. “Nearly one-hundred percent of dogs that come in contact with the virus become infected, regardless of age or vaccination history because the virus is new to them,” says Dr. Deb Zoran, an associate...

As the winter season settles in, the chill of the cold air often make
us more aware of our joint health problems- the same goes for your pet.
Though commonly bothersome in the winter, joint discomfort can be a year
round-pain that affects your pet’s quality of life.

“Joints are areas where bones come together,” explains Dr. Sharon
Kerwin, an associate professor at the Texas A&M University College of
Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. “They are a combination of
bone, ligaments, cartilage, and the joint capsule and fluid. If anything
damages the cartilage or another structure in the joint then arthritis
or deterioration results.”

Unfortunately, at this point in time, there is no cure for arthritis.
Symptoms can be treated but arthritis is often progressive and gets
worse with time.

Though no cure has been found yet, there are ways to prevent or
postpone the onset of your pet’s joint problems.

“While genetics do play a role in the development of some joint
issues, weight control and proper diet are essential in both prevention<...

The Bulldog is small in stature, but wide and compact, with a thick, massive head. Its head should be broad (the broader the more prized) with cheeks that extend to the sides of the eyes. The skin on the skull and forehead should fall in dense folds. Its muzzle is short and pug, its nose, broad and black with large nostrils. Its upper lip is pendent and its lower jaw should be very undershot. Eyes are very round, far apart and very dark. The ears should be small and thin, folded back in the form of a rose. The tail is short and carries low. The coat comes in red, fawn, brindle, pale yellow or washed-out red, or white, and can combine any of these colors. Black is not acceptable. The Muzzle is sometimes dark. With its stocky legs set squarely at each corner of its compact, muscular body, the Bulldog's deliberate gain has become a waddle.

Anyone who owns a dog or a cat knows that they will typically eat anything they can get their paws on. While it is not harmful for a dog to eat a cat’s food, it can be potentially hazardous for a cat to eat a dog’s food. In moderation, a cat eating a dog’s food is probably safe, but if the cat is only eating Fido’s dinner, they are probably not getting the nutrients that are essential to their specific health needs.

“Cats’ nutrition requirements are different than dogs’, they have unique needs,” explains Dr. John Bauer, a professor of animal nutrition at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine &Biomedical Science. “Your cat is not going to get ill from eating the occasional pieces of dog food, but if they are only eating dog food, then they are not getting nutrients they need for a healthy life.”

If you have a cat that prefers to feast on their canine pal’s dinner, it is important to know that there are five main nutrients, essential to feline health, that are not balanced properly for proper feline nutrition....

I have a 120lb. dog that has some hip problems. Sometimes he gets so bad that he can't walk very well for a few days. We were told by the vet that we could give him Baby Bayer but that upsets his stomach and then he won't eat.
Does anyone know of any other remedies that may help ease his pain? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

COLLEGE STATION, Sept. 11, 2008 – If Rover seems anxious and wakes up panting at night, it may be more than just a bad dream.
He may be suffering with Cushing’s disease, and although it can cause significant health problems, it can be managed with proper veterinary care.
“Cushing’s disease (also known as hyperadrenocorticism) primarily occurs in small breed dogs that are middle aged and older,” says Dr. Deb Zoran, a veterinarian at the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M University.
“In 90 to 95 percent of cases, it is caused by a tiny tumor, called a microadenoma, that forms in the pituitary gland in the brain. The tumor secretes increased hormones that signal the adrenal glands to produce excessive amounts of a hormone called cortisol.”
In addition to panting and anxiety, symptoms may include pacing, increased thirst and urination, increased appetite, a pot-bellied appearance due to an enlarged liver, muscle weakness, hair loss, pigmentation of the skin and the appearance of thinning...