The following medications are only a few medications used in treating and preventing heartworm disease. Before using any medications you should speak with a veterinarian as your dog’s life might at stake.

Moxidectin, marketed under the brand name ProHeart, is an injectable parasiticide that is used in treatments for prevention and control of heartworm and intestinal worms. Moxidectin should be administered within one month of the dog exposure and prevents infection for six months after administration. After these months, if the dog reacts well to the drug, it can be administered every six months for continuous protection to the heartworm disease.

The following side effects may occur: anaphylaxis, vomiting, diarrhea (with and without blood), listlessness, weight loss, seizures, and high body temperature. If your dog is already infected with heartworm disease side effects like vomiting, lethargy and bloody diarrhea might occur.

Ivermectin can also be found under the brand names Tri-Heart Plus, Heartgard, Ivomec, Heartgard Plus or Iverhart Max. All these medications contain ivermectin and pyrantel. Iverhart Max contains also praziquantel.

In dogs, Ivermectin is used as a preventive drug for heartworm disease but it is also effective in clearing heartworm larvae in active heartworm infection. Ivermectin can only be obtained from your veterinarian or with a prescription from a veterinarian. You should follow strictly the dosage directions provided by your veterinarian when you administer this drug to your dog. Usually it’s prescribed for usage during mosquito season and 1 month after. The drug kills the parasites acquired the month before.

Side effects shouldn’t occur if the drug it’s administered in low dosages. Higher dosage of Ivermectin can be administered as a cure for skin mites. Some canine breeds like Collies, Shetland sheepdogs, Australian shepherds, and Old English sheepdogs may require a blood test before using Ivermectin as these breeds are hypersensitive and genetically sensitive to this medication. If your dog is one of these breeds and it was administered Ivermectin you should supervise your pet for the following 8 hours after using the drug. If you notice weakness, staggering, dilated pupils or trembling you should immediately contact your veterinarian.

Melarsomine Dihydrochloride, marketed under the brand name Immiticide, is used as a treatment for heartworm disease. It’s available as a powder which is mixed with sterile water before use and it kills immature and adult heartworms in dogs. It’s administered by deep intramuscular injection in the lumbar back muscle twice in 48 hours depending on the severity of the case. Immiticide is contraindicated in dogs with very severe heartworm disease until the heartworms are removed surgically.

After the administration of the drug, irritations were observed at the injection site. Other side effects that may occur are swelling, tenderness, and reluctance to move, coughing, gagging, depression, lethargy, lack of appetite, fever, lung congestion and vomiting. Firm nodules can persist indefinitely. Even after the death of the worms the dog may still suffer from coughing, fever, or weakness. The owner has to keep the dog at cage rest for the next 4-6 weeks otherwise the dog may suffer of pulmonary embolism. A retest must be done 4 months after treatment and after which, if everything is clear, you should begin a prevention treatment for heartworm disease.

Ok, let's face it, all breeds of dogs share the common language which is "Doggy Talk". They communicate in far more ways than some might give them credit for: They do not just wag their tail - their posture, ears, teeth and eyes all communicate certain feelings as well.

The most important part of your dog's body language to understand is whether your dog is acting submissively or dominantly to you and your family. Of course, the dog should act submissively - he/she should know that "you" are the leader and that he/she is simply a pack member - and dogs acting dominantly could be uncontrollable or even dangerous.

When Your Dog is Happy: We all identify with a wagging tail. However, there are other ways to know that your dog is content. Bright eyes are a sign of contentment, as are relaxed lips. And sometimes they even appear to be smiling.

Playful Behavior: A dog who wants to play will often adopt submissive behavior to act like a puppy. The paws will be stretched out on front with the bottom held high. This posture will be well known to dog owners and is often termed the 'play bow'.

Frightened or Highly Submissive Behavior: The frightened dog will appear to make itself as small as possible. This is so that the aggressor will think the dog is already beaten and does not offer a threat. Frightened dogs may seem to act like a puppy by crouching and cowering, and this is because instinctively dogs do not like to attack young dogs.

Frightened dogs may also flatten its ears away from danger and put its tail between its legs. This also covers the scent glands, masking its identity. The dog may also roll onto its back to demonstrate that it is not capable of threatening behavior. The eyes of a frightened dog will be wide enough to show the white and will have dilated pupils. Submissive behavior includes actions that a young dog may use to seek attention from its mother, such as licking your face and jumping or reaching up to you.

Dominant or Confident Behavior: If a fight resulted from every meeting of two confident dogs, then many pack members would risk injury, therefore risking the health of the entire family. Instead, dogs will try to demonstrate their superiority by other means. Aggressive dogs will approach confidently with the head held high and the hair on the spine erect so as to make him appear larger.

His ears will point forward and the tail will be pointing up. This is the opposite of the submissive dog in that the confident dog is not concerned about being injured in a fight and not afraid to let its identity known. If the other dog does not act submissively, then the approaching dog will now attempt to scare the other dog into submission. Snarling, wrinkling of the nose and teeth-baring display to the other dog what harm could be done if provoked. If the dog does launch into a fight, its ears will be drawn in at the last minute to prevent injury.

Confusing Body Language: When dogs misunderstand each other, trouble can occur. The breeds who most distinctly look like wolves are those with the clearest body language (such German Shepherd Dogs). Those with peculiar anatomical features are most far-removed from the wolverine shape and so may be misunderstood. For example, spaniels have floppy ears which don't erect when acting confidently.

Other dogs can't display their teeth because of the hair on their face. Dogs with very long hair can not raise their hackles and dogs like the pug can not raise, wag or lower their tails. Black dogs may appear featureless to the eyes of other dogs and so subtle facial expressions are not understood.

These are so simple to make and your doggie will absolutely....love them. You don't need much to make them but a few ingredients and your favorite dog cookie cutter.

I'm going to show you step by step on how to make these delicious hypoallergenic dog treats in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Are ya ready? Here goes.......

INGREDIENTS
* 3 c. barley flour
* 1/2 c. oatmeal (old fashioned oats or quick oats)
* 2 tsp baking powder
* 1 tbs oat bran
* 1 ½ tbs molasses
* 1 ½ c. milk
* 1 ¼ c. peanut butter

DIRECTIONS

* Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F

* Mix dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl.

* Mix the milk, peanut butter, molasses until it's smooth. You can use a mixer,
blender or a whisk.

* Add the liquids to the dry ingredients. Mix, using the dough hook on your mixer.
Or, you can mix the ingredients and then knead them by hand.
Or, easiest of all, just put everything into your bread maker and let it do the
all the work! I personally prefer the bread maker.

* If you decide to do it by hand, Roll the dough out to ¼” thick. Cut into 3” bone
shapes with a dog cookie cutter. You can make them how ever think you choose. Bigger treats cut to ½” thick, or if you are using a really small cutter, you might want to roll the dough to 1/8” thick.

* Bake the bones for 45-60 minutes for the larger bones (less cooking time for the
1” bones) or until they are lightly browned.

* Turn off the oven and let them cool down. They should be crisp and firm and
not move when you press on them.
______________________________________________________
Hypoallergenic Chicken Biscuits

Ingredients
Here is the recipe for Chicken Chompers hypoallergenic dog treats...

* 1 ½ cups soy flour
* 1 ½ cups rice flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 2 tablespoons flax seeds or flax meal
* 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon
* 1/4 cup canola oil
* 1 cup water or chicken broth

Directions
* Place everything in your bread maker according to the manufacturer’s directions.
* Set the bread maker for the dough cycle.
* When the dough is mixed nicely, you can take it out. You don’t have to wait
until the bread maker beeps.
* Roll the dough into a ¼” thick sheet.
* Cut out the chicken shapes and place them on a lightly greased cookie sheet.
* Bake the allergy dog treats 300 degrees F for about an hour.
* Turn off the oven and let the cookies continue to dry overnight. When they are done, they will be very dry and crisp, with no “give”.

Hope you enjoy making these hypoallergenic peanut butter dog treat recipe! Hope your dog(s) will enjoy eating them, and I'm sure they will. Have fun!

These peanut butter home made dog treat bones are packed with protein and will be a great snack to take along (for your dog) when you go hiking together!

Need a dog bone cookie cutter for this dog bone recipe? Check this out:

Fox Run Craftsmen Cookie Cutter 2" Dog Bone Fox Run Craftsmen Cookie Cutters are made of tin and are 1" deep. There are so many fun shapes, you're sure to find one to fit every occasion! Use your creativity to personalize and decorate your cookies. Caution: Edges are sharp. Children should use only with adult supervision. 2" Dog Bone

All Star Dog Training Program: Health, Nutrition & Safety Tips! VHS TAPE! Learn to train and care for your dog using the same proven techniques used with some of TV and motion pictures' favorite canine stars. The All Star Dog Training Program is presented by Birds & Animals Unlimited, the leading Animal Trainer of Hollywood for 25 years. Professional trainer Joel Silverman teaches you, one-on-one, positive training methods. In Health, Nutrition & Safety Tips Birds & Animals will (more...)

It's very important for your pooch to get a daily exercise routine into place or at least three times a week - this means enough exercise to make him/her pant. All it takes is 20minutes, two times a day. If you don't have time for that, then at least get in a 20minute walk or, two, 10minute walks. You will be happy and your pooch will be happy. Daily walks might be enough for some dogs; but others need more intense workouts. Just because your dog is outside in the yard does not mean he is getting enough exercise. It will just depend on their breed, age, weight, physical characteristics.

There are so many dogs that don't get exercise on a daily basis and are very over weight, which leads to health problems, which lead to high vet bills.

The kind of exercising can be any of the following

• Walking
• Running
• Swimming
• Fetching
• Jumping
• Frisbee
• Canine exercise balls

After you exercise your dog, give them a little TLC, by giving your dog a gentle massage, to help his joints relax and this helps especially with the older/senior dogs.

DO NOT give your dog ONIONS. They are  harmful to dogs...they can cause anemia. Whether raw,cooked, flaked, dehydrate. Onions still have the same toxic effect s the same whether they are raw, cooked or dehydrated.

DO NOT give your dog RAISINS OR GRAPES.
Raisins and grapes can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and possible kidney failure. For more information, see Raisins and Grapes Can Be Toxic To Dogs.

DO NOT give your dog MACADAMIA NUTS
When ingested, macadamia nuts can cause muscular weakness, depression, vomiting, incoordination, tremors, fever, abdominal pain and muscle stiffness. A dog's front legs are minimally affected but the back legs can become paralyzed.
While affected dogs can be back to normal in 72 hours, some dogs may have been unnecessarily euthanized the problem was misdiagnosed as serious spinal injuries.

A major side effect of America’s economic downturn is that when people don’t have money, they cannot afford to feed their animals, much less themselves. This seems to leave them no recourse but to drop said pets at a local rescue shelter or worst still just to abandon them, often times to die of dehydration.... and starvation, in the very houses they just foreclosed on. This presents a challenge to the shelters because they now have to feed and care for these frightened animals on budgets that were not meant to handle the overwhelming numbers of healthy, tame, house-trained pets. How it is oftentimes handled, regrettably, is with a quiet death by euthanasia.

My brother has a good friend who lives on a small patch of land in rural Missouri. Not much happens out there except when he comes upon a dog whose owner has driven his pet out into the countryside and left it along the side of the road to find its way. One time there was a beautiful Rottwieler chained to a fence, no doubt so it wouldn’t run after the car accelerating away from him. It wasn’t until after I adopted Seamus and Maya, my two rescue dogs, that I learned their previous owners, a young couple with two small children, filed bankruptcy, lost their home and had to move to a no-pets-allowed apartment.

What does it say about our culture that we can abandon household pets with such disregard and inconsideration? Oops, did I mean animals, or how we treat each other? If we can so easily abandon our spouse, children, friends and family, then it stands to reason the human species has lost a bit too much compassionate DNA. Why are there no financial subsidies for the abandoned animals and children of this country rather than the fat cats on Wall Street? And why are we not, as a country, joining together to see that those who cannot fend for themselves are taken care of, like any healthy society should?

Scientific research has consistently informed us that television violence, movie violence, video game violence, and music violence contributes to desensitizing us to, drum roll, violence. Too busy watching all that violence we did not see how we have been altered by our actions. Abandoning one’s pet to an uncertain fate along the side of the road or to be euthanized because it is more convenient is, make no mistake, a form of cruel and unjust violence.

This violence includes, but is not limited to, the unethical treatment of animals for food, the senseless slaughter of wild horses, wolves, and animals for fur, and the extinction of one animal species after another due to a lack of compassion and a willingness to think only about our own needs and comforts.

Environmental activist, Dr. Wally Burnstein D.O. once said, “Who will speak for the birds and the bees and the butterflies and all the species that have no voice? Who will speak for the children, if we do not?” It is long past time to wake up and see the reality of the world we have created. Sorry to burst anyone’s bubble, but we are not the superior, made-in-the-image-and-likeness-of-god creatures our inflated egos were led to believe. What we are is a struggling, confused, potentially brilliant, but minor species fighting for survival on a living planet who has given us warning that though we may think we are in control, the big Kahuna herself, miss Gaia, will ultimately have the last and final say. Now what can we do about it?

A: While every dog is different, most canines enter their geriatric phase at 7 to 8 years of age. As with humans, advanced age can lead to arthritis, decreased mobility and decreased organ functions. An expert from.... my pooch’s veterinary clinic offers the following tips to help embrace your dog’s inner puppy as the years go by:

Keep up the exercise: Don’t discount those daily walks. Even if the pace is a little slower these days, it’s a way to bond with your dog and burn calories together. Just be sure to monitor your pet during and after the walk. Dogs don’t sweat, so be mindful of excessive panting or signs of exhaustion. If your dog is like my sister’s dog, Daisy, it will simply stop when enough is enough. If you have a couch potato, introduce exercise on a gradual basis. A few minutes of fetch each day can keep dogs active.

Watch the weight: On a small frame, an extra three to five pounds can strain hips and joints. Since older animals are less active, they require fewer calories. Talk to your veterinarian about reducing portions or switching to a senior formula, which has fewer calories and often includes joint-friendly supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin. A smaller-size kibble or softer food also may be necessary to aid in digestion. I’ve added a bit of warm water or veggie broth to help soften Daisy’s food during her visits.

Get regular checkups: An annual veterinary exam is recommended for all dogs. Older dogs also should undergo blood work so vets can catch any internal issues such as kidney or liver damage. In some breeds, biannual blood work is recommended. Talk to your vet about blood tests during the next visit.

Keep it simple: A dog’s vision and sense of smell can diminish with age. Be sure to keep things simple by removing obstacles from around the house. It also helps to establish a routine for older dogs and avoid sudden schedule changes. Pet steps or doggie ramps also provide easy access so your dog doesn’t have to strain. Make sure that pet bedding is soft to cushion old joints.

Take note of toys: Try toys that are gentler on your dog’s teeth and jaws. Contrasting colors make balls and plush pull toys easier for older eyes to track down. Make sure playtime is still fun by adding new activities. You really can teach an old dog new tricks.

Protect those chompers: Teeth become more brittle with age. Make sure to check your dog’s teeth regularly and watch for signs of tartar or gum disease. Check out tips from an earlier column on keeping those teeth pearly white.

Socialize, socialize, socialize: Older dogs need love, too. They make the best cuddle bugs, especially for elderly relatives. Interacting with younger dogs also may help your pooch stay young at heart. Try one-on-one play dates with other dogs. Also, consider fostering a dog from a local rescue group. It’s a short-term commitment that allows your pet to help another dog learn the ropes and — hopefully — land a forever home.

If you would like to gradually improve your canine companion’s.... diet but are not quite ready to cook a doggie stew every few days, here are a few easy changes to make.

• Water: One of the easiest things to change is your dog’s water supply. Author Pat Lazarus strongly recommends buying a water filter to attach to your faucet.

• Veggies and Fruits: These should equal one-third of the daily diet. Use raw or cooked veggies: beans, split peas, lentils, carrots, zucchini, and broccoli are good. Add raw, cut-up fruit occasionally. Organic, unsprayed produce is best.

• Garlic: Garlic is used widely for animals with various conditions. It can help build the immune system and is a good flea and worm repellent, but it may cause anemia if given for long periods of time. Adding a crushed clove of garlic to your dog’s food every day is appropriate.

• Dairy: Raw eggs and cottage cheese. Other possible additions are yogurt and cheddar-type cheese. All provide protein and iron.

• Grains: Cooked grains should equal one-third of a dog’s diet. A few appropriate choices are barley, brown rice, buckwheat, oatmeal, cornmeal and, even, crumbled whole wheat bread. These provide carbohydrates.

• Vitamins: Lazarus would add more of vitamins C and E to a general multiple supplement. In fact, many dog specialists recommend additional vitamin C. Vitamin B is also vital for a healthy immune system and can be found in brewer’s yeast, another possible daily additive. However, adding arbitrary supplements of vitamins or minerals is generally not recommended without consulting your veterinarian.

• Oil: Many veterinarians and breeders recommend a tablespoon or two a day of vegetable or canola oil, especially for a dry coat or skin. However, oil may add calories.

• Meat: Lean, organic meats are best. Turkey, liver, mackerel, chicken, and lamb top most vets’ lists. Some recommend raw liver; many recommend raw meat in total. Meat (or some fish) should represent one-third (perhaps a bit more) of the dog’s daily diet.