Items filtered by date: March 2011

Dog fleas are one of the most irritating aspects of dog ownership. Dog fleas not only annoy your Bull Terrier, but can cause health problems. Fleas feed on your dog's blood and can cause skin irritation, allergies, anemia and even death. Fleas also carry tapeworms and diseases such as Lyme Disease.

Check your dog for fleas every day, especially after going outdoors. Use a flea comb to find fleas. Put a little petroleum jelly on the tines; the fleas will stick to it. Use a cotton ball and some rubbing alcohol to disinfect your dog's flea bites. Remember to look for dog fleas between the toes, in and around the ears, in the armpits, on the tail and on the head. Look for flea droppings, which appear as small black specks, in your dog's fur.

Talk to your vet before using a chemical flea remedy on your dog. Over-the-counter flea treatments usually carry some risk of side effects, or they may trigger an allergy in your dog. Your vet can recommend the best flea treatment, and prescription flea treatments are usually more effective than over-the-counter remedies anyway. It's also a good idea to talk to your vet about treatments you can use on your carpets and furniture at home. Fleas love to lay eggs in these places and you may have problems controlling dog fleas if you fail to regularly treat carpets, curtains and upholstered furniture.

To cut your Bull Terriers nails is simple, but it must be done safely. Nail trimming may be done at a veterinary clinic, a pet care salon or simply at home.

Trimming Your Dog's Nails at Home

If you decide on doing it at home, make sure you are all set for the task.

Get the Right Equipment

Have everything you need, especially equipments like dog nail clippers, styptic clippers and paper towels, in the event you clip your dog's nails too short and there is bleeding.

Putting Him at Ease

Find a cozy place and position for you and your dog. You may have him lay down on his side or if he's a small one, you may hold him on your lap. To make it easier for you, you may also have someone hold him.

The Actual Clipping

Gently grasp your dog's paw in one hand and keep it steady. Position the nail clipper under the nail by slipping the opening of the clipper over the tip of the toe nail. Be sure to stay on the white part, the pink part is the quick (where his blood vessels are).

Hold the clipper steady and squeeze firmly to make a 45 degree angle cut. The cut has to be made from the underneath of your dog's claw upwards. Do not twist your wrist. If your dog has dark or black nails, it is difficult to see the quick. It would be best to snip bit by bit until you see a black dot surrounded by white in the center of the nail. The black dot is the quick, so you should stop right there.

Safety Precautions

Bleeding may occur if the nail is cut too short. Keep the paper towel pressed against the nail for a few minutes then apply styptic powder to stop the bleeding should it occur. Your dog's nails tend to be sharp after they have been clipped. If your dog is still lying comfortably you may use a small file to file down jagged edges or you could take the dog on a walk on the pavement.

Some dogs may find clipping their nails a stressful experience and the grooming may cause them to behave differently. You may need to coax them into the grooming by giving them a treat. If your dog is too big and too difficult for you to handle, it might be best to leave the nail clipping to professionals.

 Other Tips

If is best to clip your dog's nails little by little and as often as you can. This will be easier for both you and your dog. He may even see it as a routine and be easier to handle the next time you manicure. The point of clipping is to remove the part of the claw that juts over your dog's pad. When your dog stands, his nails should not be touching the ground. Trim slowly to ensure trimming without bleeding.

Contains Vitamin A which promotes good bone development, healthy growth and strong teeth. With vitamins of the B group to promote a glossy coat and healthy teeth, and to aid digestion. Vitamin D which is essential for normal canine and feline growth and for the development of healthy bones and teeth. Vitamin E will alleviate deficiencies associated with muscle weakness and an impaired immune response.

Dogs need strong teeth, a healthy coat and good digestion. In short, your dog needs everything that makes for peak physical condition. The Bob Martin range, trusted since 1892, offers the most complete solution for healthy pets. During certain life stages and periods, a pet will encounter various ailments which will affect their health. It is therefore recommended that such ailments are treated immediately or advice from a veterinarian be sought.

Zingora Bull Terriers recommends Bob Martin Condition Tablets for your Bull Terrier.

Dog illness can often be the result of infection by parasitical worms. There are several types of parasites that can infect your Bull Terrier. The symptoms of worm infestation are often similar to those of other illnesses. Here are some of the worms that can affect your dog, and their symptoms. 

Roundworms

Are the most common type of dog worm. They infect the intestines and can cause a pot-bellied appearance. Puppies can contract this infection from their mothers, whether though her milk or while still in the womb. Dogs can also catch roundworm by eating an infected animal or by ingesting infected soil; roundworm eggs can live in soil for years. Roundworms can be seen with the naked eye. Their symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, dull coat, weight loss, and the aforementioned pot-bellied appearance.

Hookworms

Also live in the intestines, and they are contagious to humans. Hookworms suck blood from their victims; they can cause intestinal bleeding, anemia and death. Unlike roundworms, hookworms cannot by seen with the naked eye. A dog with hookworm might have bloody stool; he'll experience anemia, weight loss, pale gums, diarrhea and low energy levels.

Tapeworms

Are another common parasite that, like the roundworm, can be seen with the naked eye. They get their name from their long, flat, tape-like appearance; in fact, a tapeworm grows in segments, and these segments break off inside your dog's intestines and can be seen in his stool. Tapeworms are spread by the ingestion of infected fleas. Symptoms include vomiting, nervousness, anal itching, vomiting and weight loss.

Whipworms

Are long, whip-like worms that live in your dog's intestines and are not visible to the naked eye. They attach themselves to the intestinal wall and, like roundworms, feed on your dog's blood. This can cause intestinal bleeding. Other symptoms of whipworm infection can include anemia, weight loss, excessive flatulence, bloody diarrhea and lack of energy.

Heartworms

Infect your dog's heart and lungs and can cause serious dog illness. They are spread by mosquito bites. Heartworm infection can be deady; it's difficult to treat and many dogs succumb to the dangerous complications that come with treatment. Luckily, heartworm infection is easily preventable with a regular dosage of the drug ivermectin.

Heartworm infection occurs most often during the warm months, when mosquitoes are most active. The worms destroy the tissues of your dog's heart, which can lead to congestive heart failure and death. Heartworm symptoms can develop slowly over a long period of time, sometimes years.

The first symptom of heart worm is usually a mild cough. This cough gradually worsens and becomes quite severe. It will be accompanied by fatigue and labored breathing. Heartworms can spread to your dog's liver as well; if this happens, he'll experience jaundice, loss of appetite and collapse. He'll also display other symptoms typical of worm infestation, including a pot-bellied appearance, low energy levels, dull coat and weight loss.

Preventing Dog Worm Infection

You can prevent dog illness caused by worm infestation by seeing your vet regularly. Keep your dog away from feces and avoid exposing him to strays or dead animals. Keep his living area clean, and practice good hygiene yourself by washing your hands after handling your dog.

Rawhide is absolutely one of the most dangerous treats that you can give to your Bull Terrier. Unfortunately, a lot of manufacturers and pet stores still do very well at selling the product. But because there are a lot of uninformed consumers, the sale of rawhide products will likely continue. However, because you are informed of the dangers of rawhide chews, it is best to never allow your pet to eat or chew them.

Once your Bull Terrier ingests the rawhide, not only has he ingested several harmful chemicals, but the rawhide also expands in his stomach. When this happens, it can block major passageways in the digestive tract; which can lead to a fatal situation. In addition, rawhide poses a major choking hazard because as your dog chews it, the pieces break down into shards which can become lodged in the throat.

Healthy dog bones may be fed to your pet and come in many forms, from natural bones to artificial products. It is important to consider the benefits and the risks of the different bone types and choose the right product for your dog.

Bones Are Important for Your Bull Terrier's Health

There are many health benefits that dogs get from chewing bones:

1. The dental health in dogs is maintained by their natural habit of chewing on various hard objects or food.
2. Chewing on a bone will help remove plaque off the teeth.
3. The gums will be healthier due to the removal of bacterial plaque.
4. Many dental problems and visits to the dentist can be avoided by giving a dog something to chew on.
5. Chewing healthy dog bones helps exercise mouth joints and muscles.
6. Chewing bones is a form of entertainment for dogs.
7. A dog that has nothing to chew on can more easily become nervous or bored

 Risks of Bones for Dogs

Chewing is a great pleasure for a dog; however, there are some things you should consider:

Cooked bones should be avoided because they tend to hinder digestion. Never give sawed or cut bones to your dog, as there is a high risk of bone splinters.

More and more dog owners are considering raw diets for their dogs, and bones are often included in this diet. However, you should know that there is a chance of choking on a bone, or a bone fragment can block the dog's intestines or cause organ puncture.

Rawhide bones taste like beef, because they're made of cow skin. As rawhide becomes sticky when chewed, it may become stuck in the dog's intestinal tract, just as chewing gum would. Also, as pieces of the rawhide are torn, they can scratch the dog's oesophagus.  If you decide to give rawhide bones to your dog, you should also check the preservatives used. Compressed rawhide bones are a better option.

Cow hooves can also be dangerous. Because they are very hard, the dog can break a tooth while chewing on them. Small pieces broken from the cow hoof can perforate the bowel walls.

When it comes to pig ears, the first thing you should be aware of is the danger of salmonella. Pig ears can also cause intestinal blockages, just as rawhide.

Recommended Healthy Dog Bones

Artificial bones which are made of nylon eliminate the risk of choking or organ punctures, because only small bits can be broken off these bones. These really small parts travel through the digestive tract and are eliminated without harming the dog. However, your dog might not enjoy them as much, so you will have to observe his reaction and whether he enjoys these bones.

Cornstarch bones are the safest for dogs to chew on, provided that the dog does not have food allergies.

Our recommendation is the raw beef knuckle bones as shown below.

If you would like to know what not to feed dogs, you need to know what is toxic and may possibly create intolerances in dogs. Not all human food is good for dogs. A dog that is fed only table leftovers may get obese, have a poor health and possibly eat food that is toxic.

If you suspect that your dog has eaten something toxic, make him vomit and go to the vet immediately.

Grapes

Grapes shouldn't be fed to dogs. Grapes may poison the dog and lead to kidney failure. A dog may get poisoned by ingesting only 4 to 5 grapes. Raisins are as toxic as grapes.

Onions

Onions may cause the Heinz anemia in dogs. This type of anemia leads to a low red blood cell count and kidney failure. Garlic or chives are also toxic for dogs.

Onions and garlic are the most poisonous when raw, but you should avoid feeding your dog even cooked or fried onion or garlic.

The symptoms of Heinz anemia include pale gums, heart murmur, tiredness, vomiting, diarrhea and blood in the urine.

The pet will need blood transfusions and fluid therapy.

Chocolate

Chocolate is toxic for dogs, as it contains theobromide. Cocoa is also toxic for dogs.

The dose of chocolate that causes poisoning in dogs depends on the type of chocolate. Baking chocolate is the most toxic and 2 ounces may be fatal for your dog.

Coffee

Coffee contains the same toxic chemical as chocolate and cocoa. Make sure your dog also stays away from drinks that contain caffeine such as sodas or black tea.

Alcohol/Ethanol

Dogs may get poisoning from just a few drops of alcohol. Ethanol is contained in all alcoholic beverages and is the ingredient that is toxic for dogs.

Yeast dough may also contain ethanol, so keep your dog away from yeast as well. Also, rotten fruit may also produce ethanol.

Nuts

Nuts, especially macadamia nuts are toxic for pets. Just a few nuts may poison your dog; however just a few nuts are not fatal to dogs.

Fruit Seeds and Pits

Some fruit seeds and pits may contain cyanide:

1. Apple
2. Peach
3. Apricots
4. Plum
5. Cherry

So make sure to remove the seeds and pits when you feed these fruits to your dog.

Xylitol

Xylitol is a sweetener that may be present in candy, soda or chewing gum. Xylitol may lead to liver damage. Only 2 pieces of gum may cause hypoglycemia, while 12 pieces cause liver damage.

Symptoms of Poisoning

If a dog ingests a poisonous substance he will display the following symptoms:

1. Vomiting
2. Loss of appetite
3. Diarrhea
4. Abdominal pain
5. Weakness
6. Collapse
7. Seizures

The symptoms may occur 1 to 24 hours after the ingestion of the toxic ingredient. Try to induce vomiting if you suspect that your dog has ingested a toxic food. This may prevent the absorption of the toxic ingredient. Go to the vet immediately for a gastric lavage, administration of activated charcoal and further treatment.

Bull Terriers need both physical and mental stimulation provided by their owners by daily exercise. Exercises give a dog a natural outlet for energy. They create strong bodies and good muscle tone for the pet. Lack of sufficient exercise, will result in boredom and behavioral problems. A well-known yard or a house is often boring for a dog. Even if the dog is in a big yard, few exercise on their own, so it will presumably sleep all day without the interaction of exercise by the owner.

Exercising with your dog creates a human-dog bond. It is a great way to show that you care about your dog and make it happy. Tired dogs are the happiest ones.

Once you've been able to housebreak your puppy and identify that you are its pack leader, it is time to start working on more advanced bull terrier training tips. While training your bull terrier, always keep in mind the basics: calmness, patience, endurance, consistency, the use of a crystal clear, strong voice, plus a reward system which is both immediate naturally and not dependent on the particular distribution of foodstuff or treats. The dog wants to learn and also wants to be obedient; most creatures crave reliability and routine - your dog is no exception. Puppies enjoy learning new methods to please their owners, thus teaching them a couple of additional tricks are something that will be enjoyed by both you and your dog.

When commencing any obedience training plan, be sure to follow these bull terrier training tips: first, be patient; no creature learns brand-new behaviours immediately - your terrier dog is no different. Following, make sure you maintain a frequent training schedule - same moment, same place, each day. Your dog will soon learn to associate this time and place, curbing its attempts to convert training time straight into play time. Reward good behaviour immediately, not necessarily with doggy snacks but with affection and praise. Also be sure to respond to all behaviours, positive or negative, so your dog understands that its actions, whether good or bad always generates consequences; this moment is crucial…if you overlook the opportunity to correct as well as reward due to lack of attention, you have skipped a golden opportunity to operate as your dog’s pack leader.

Establish commands that are usually used and employed not only by you but by each member of your family; if everyone uses different verbal directions/commands all you will create will be confusion and consternation, leaving the dog unclear about exactly what is expected from it. Finally, remember that as you need to employ a regular daily training schedule, particularly with the most basic commands for instance “Sit” or “Come.”

Once you’ve mastered the basics regarding bull terrier training tips on housebreaking and also the simpler commands associated with sitting and/or coming whenever called, you are free to move on to more advanced dog training cases. This is not difficult, as the dog craves mental stimulation as much as it demands physical activity. Dogs, just like humans, get bored and complacent when there are no new things to explore and also learn. Therefore you’ll have a willing partner with your obedience training endeavours. There isn’t a magic formula to educating your dog with more advanced hints and behaviours; the recipe for success is following the same steps used in more basic training: calmness, patience, endurance, and consistence, clarity of control, and appropriate praise and punishment pertaining to behaviour. If a dog ceases to learn or be skilled it is not because the dog is actually ignorant; it is the handler who has failed to totally fulfil their dog control responsibilities. In order to ensure you do have a happy, healthy, and also wanted dog, be willing to give the necessary time and energy to that end.   Remember the dog’s failures are generally, unfortunately more an expression of your own failure in appropriate training with clear concise direction.