This How Do You Care for your Neon Tetras

Neon Tetras

Diversity of fish

3 Common Dog Urinary Problems

Dog urinary issues are common. Most canine urinary issues are simple to treat once there is a proper diagnosis. Understanding the common issues and their symptoms will help you understand what your dog may be suffering from.
1. Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)

Dog urinary infections are not unusual. Female dog urinary tract infections are more common than urinary tract infections in male dogs. There are several types of bacteria that can cause urinary tract infections in dogs. Dogs suffering from urinary tract infections may have accidents in the house when they are otherwise housebroken. Dogs may also display frequent urination, strain to urinate or appear to be in pain. Treatment for urinary tract infections usually involves a course of antibiotics prescribed by your veterinarian. Urinary tract infections are easily diagnoses, so complications are rare, however, left untreated urinary tract infections can cause kidney infections and kidney disease.
2. Canine Incontinence

There are several types of dog urinary incontinence. There is urge, stress, paradoxical, overflow, hormone responsive and urethral sphincter incontinence. Some incontinence is a product of spaying and neutering, particularly after a female is spade. Treatment of canine incontinence varies based on what is causing the dog's incontinence in the first place. Treatment can include surgery or it could be as simple as adding a hormone to the dog's diet to help restore muscle control, this is a much more common treatment for female dogs. Also, dogs that develop incontinence as a symptom of diabetes will most likely have their incontinence cured with the addition of insulin to treat the diabetes.
3. Canine Bladder Stones

While commonly known as canine bladder stones, the proper medical term is urolithiasis. Bladder stones can develop in the bladder, the kidneys or the urethra. Canine bladder stones are usually in the bladder, as their name implies, 85% of time. There are several types of bladder stones that a dog can develop. There are struvite stones, which develop from magnesium ammonium phosphate due to a bacterial infection. Other stones include calcium oxalate, calcium apatite, cystine or ammonium urate. These types of stones develop when a mineral separates from the urine and then other minerals attach to the crystal over time. Bladder stones can lead to a blocked urethra making it impossible for the dog to empty its bladder. Surgery may be necessary to treat the bladder stone. Following surgery changes in the dog's diet will be necessary to prevent more bladder stones from developing.

Symptoms of all these common canine urinary issues are similar. The symptoms include uncharacteristic accidents in the house, straining to urinate, inability to urinate, clear discomfort while urinating and then as the symptoms progress, dogs may stop eating or begin vomiting. Usually a urinalysis done by your veterinarian will lead to an accurate diagnosis of your dog's symptoms. With proper diagnosis treatment of your dog and a full recovery are possible.

3 Common Dog Prostate Problems

Canines that have not been neutered are at the highest risk to have dog prostate gland problems as they get older. Neutered dogs are at a lower risk because the prostate either never develops or shrinks to a much smaller size depending on the dog's age at castration. However, it is not outside the realm of possibility for a neutered dog to develop prostate problems.

If at all, they usually will start to appear around the age of 6, but younger dogs that are intact but not sexually active can also show symptoms. Listed are three common dog prostate problems: enlargement, inflammation and cancer. They should be taken seriously for they, especially cancer, could lead to further problems, such as kidney failure in dogs. The longer it takes for any problems to be detected, the more unlikely that the prognosis will be good, so it's important to pay attention to warning signs.
Prostrate Enlargement

Known as benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH, this is the most common prostate ailment for non-neutered dogs. It is part of the normal aging process of dogs, usually occurring when 4 or 5 years old, and it is not cancerous. The prostate swells and presses against the rectum which causes discomfort for the animal. Untreated, enlargement can affect the dog's ability to both urinate and defecate.
Inflammation of the Prostrate

A dog urinary infection can be caused by bacteria getting into the urinary tract which in turn can cause inflammation. Bacterial infections may cause blood to be present in the urine which leads to discomfort during urination. The blood is likely to come after the urine.
Dog Prostate Cancer

Although relatively uncommon, dog prostate cancer can affect older dogs. It can strike neutered dogs as well, but it is not as likely. Prostate cancer in dogs can be life threatening due to the difficulty of removing the affected region by surgery. Radiation and chemotherapy can treat the disease, but on average, dogs only live six weeks after the treatment. It is difficult to treat, as well, because by the time of diagnosis it is usually advanced, possibly to other regions. The best ways to prevent this from happening to your dog are to neuter him early and to watch for warning signs.
Warning Signs of Prostate Problems

As can be the case, the visible symptoms of prostate problems in dogs may be similar to those of other ailments, but in general, watch out for these signs:

* Frequent urination, blood following urination, or straining to urinate
* Bloody or pus-like discharge from the penis
* Lethargy
* Fever
* Constipation
* Arched back, stiff hind legs with shortened steps

Not all prostate problems in dogs are terminal, and if you detect any symptoms early, they can be treated. Depending on the age of the dog and the extent of their problem, treatment might not prevent a shortened lifespan, so do your best to prevent any prostate problems by neutering your dog, maintaining a healthy diet and active lifestyle and watching for any warning signs.

Tips to Keep Your Pet Safe - Renovating With Pets

Renovations are stressful for everyone and your pet is no exception. However, with everything going on during a renovation, pets are often overlooked so I want to share some tips on how you can help your furry friends get through the chaos.

Tip #1 Create a Safe Place

Have a safe place for your pet to be while work is going on; maybe a bedroom that you can close off. Make sure you put food and water in the room and you have a cat like I do don't forget the litter box. I also put some of her favorite toys in the room and some of my clothes. My cat Alora loves to sleep on my clothes so I leave a little pile of dirty clothes for her. Basically whatever your pet loves put them in there with them. This room needs to be off limits to the workers. Tell the general contractor so he can tell his crew and also put a sign on the door so they know to keep out.

Tip #2 Clean Up

Clean up after the work is done everyday - especially nails or sharp objects. Put hazardous items such as paint or adhesives out of reach and be sure to unplug all of the power tools and put them on a table out of reach. Let your pet explore after the work is done and things are cleaned up, if it is safe. Pets are curious to see what was happening so let them smell around and that should put them more at ease.

Tip #3 Spend Quality Time With Them

If you are doing the work yourself I know you will be tired, but try to spend a few minutes with your pet letting them know everything is ok. Taking your dog for a walk or just spending time with them in their safe place will mean the world to them.

Tip #4 Try to be calm

I know that is easier said then done during a renovation but animals know when we are stressed and they will get stressed as well. Remember, they don't know what is going on and they will take their
cues from you. If you are happy and relaxed they will be as well.

Renovating With Pets: Tips to Keep Your Pet Safe
By Kathryn Haley
ezinearticles.com

Neon Tetra Fish

The neon tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) is a freshwater fish of the characin family (family Characidae) of order Characiformes. The type species of its genus,

Neon Tetra Fish Disease

Unfortunately, neon tetras are occasionally afflicted by the so-called "Neon Tetra Disease" (NTD) or Pleistophora, a sporozoan disease caused by Pleistophora hyphessobryconis. Despite being a well-known condition, it is currently incurable and often fatal to the fish.

The disease cycle begins when microsporidian parasite spores enter the fish after it consumes infected material such as the bodies of a dead fish, or live food such as tubifex, which may serve as intermediate hosts. The disease is most likely to be passed on from newly acquired fish, which have not been quarantined.

Symptoms:

1. Restlessness.
2. Fish begins to lose coloration.
3. As cysts develop, the body may become lumpy.
4. Fish has difficulty swimming.
5. In advanced cases the spine may become curved.
6. Secondary infections such as fin rot and bloating.

Note that there is a so-called "false neon disease", which is bacterial, and shows very similar symptoms. It is impossible for the home aquarist to determine for certain the difference between NTD and false NTD on the basis of visible symptoms alone, without laboratory backup. This disease has also been confused with Columnaris (mouth rot, mouth fungus, 'flex').

To date, there is no known cure: the only 'treatment' is the immediate removal of diseased fish to preserve the remaining fish, but no way to save the diseased fish. The use of a diatom filter, which can reduce the number of free parasites in the water, may help.

Neon Tetra Fish Breeding

The male is slender, and the blue line is straighter. The female is rounder, producing a bent blue line. Some say that the females look plumper when viewed from above but this is disputed. However, the 'straightness' of the line and the plumpness of the female might occasionally be due to the eggs she is carrying.

To breed Neon Tetras, place a pair of the species in a breeding tank without any light, and gradually increase the lighting until spawning occurs. Other inducers include mosquito larvae and a hardness of less than 4 degrees. Some also recommend letting the level of nitrates rise, then do at least 50% water change to simulate the fresh rain the tetras get in their natural habitat, the Amazon. It is recommended that everything you place in the aquarium be sterilized, as well as the aquarium top. Because the adults will often eat newly-hatched fry, it is best to remove them as soon as the eggs have been laid. The eggs are especially sensitive to light. Eggs will hatch within 24 hours of the laying. Fry can be fed infusoria, especially rotifers and egg yolk for 1 to 4 weeks, followed by nauplii of brine shrimp, shaved cattle liver, and formulated diets. Fry will achieve their adult coloration at approximately one month of age. Adults can spawn every two weeks.

Neon Tetra Fish Nutrition

Neon tetras are omnivores and will accept most flake foods, but should also have some small foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex, which can be stuck to the side of the aquarium, and micro pellet food to supplement their diet. A tropical sinking pellet is ideal as most brands of these include natural color enhancers that bring out the color in neon tetras. Some frozen foods including frozen blood worms add variety to their diet.

Neon Tetra Fish In the aquarium

While commercially bred neon tetras have adapted well to a wide range of water conditions, in the wild they inhabit very soft, acidic waters that are usually cooler than the 25°C most tropical aquaria are maintained at.[2] Neon Tetras can have a lifespan of up to 10 years, normally about 5 in an aquarium.

Neon tetras are considered easy to keep in a community aquarium that is at least 60 cm (24 inches), with a pH of 6.0–7.8 and KH of 1.0–2.0. However, they will die if traumatized by dramatic changes to their environment. They tend to be timid and, because of their small size, should not be kept with large or aggressive fish who may bully or simply eat them. Fish that mix well in an aquarium are other types of tetras, such as the rummy-nose tetra, cardinal tetra, and glowlight tetra, and other community fish that live well in an ideal Tetra water condition. Mid-level feeders, they are best kept in schools of six or more, for the shoaling effect when they move around the tank. They shoal naturally in the wild and are thus happier, more brightly colored, and more active when kept as a shoal as opposed to singly and feel more secure. Their colour and the iridescent stripe may become dim at night, and can be virtually invisible after a period of darkness. The color may also fade during a period of stress, such as human intervention into the tank. Neons are best kept in a densely planted tank with subdued light and an ideal temperature of 74-80 degrees Fahrenheit to resemble their native Amazon environment.

Neon Tetra Fish Economics

The Neon Tetra was first imported from South America and was described by renowned ichthyologist Dr. George S. Myers in 1936, and named after Dr. William T. Innes. P. innesi is one of the most popular aquarium fish, having been bred in tremendous numbers for the trade. Most neon tetras available in the United States are imported from Hong Kong, Singapore, and Thailand, where they are farm raised, or to a lesser extent (<5%) from Colombia, Peru, and Brazil, where they are collected from the wild. During a single month, an average of 1.8 million neon tetras with an estimated value of $175,000 are imported into the United States for the aquarium trade.[3] With the exception of home aquarists and a few commercial farms that breed neon tetras experimentally, captive breeding on a commercial scale is nonexistent in the United States.

four images Neon Tetra Fish

Description

The Neon Tetra has a light-blue back over a silver-white abdomen. The fish is characterized by an iridescent blue horizontal stripe along each side of the fish from its nose to the base of the adipose fin, and an iridescent red stripe that begins at the middle of the body and extends posteriorly to the base of the caudal fin. Most, if not all, will develop an olive green sheen lining their backs. The fish is completely transparent (including fins) except for these markings. During the night, the blue and red become silver as the fish rests—it reactivates once it becomes active in the morning. It grows to approximately 3 cm (1.2 in) in overall length. Sexual dimorphism is slight, the female having a slightly larger belly, and a bent iridescent stripe rather than the male's straight stripe.

2 Dog Poison Treatment Options

Dogs are born curious and use their mouths and noses to explore and investigate almost everything that they come in contact with; therefore, since your canine is probably a curious dog, poison can be a potential killer. Of course, the best way to save your dog from the dangers associated with poison is to make sure that all types of substances that could harm your pet are put away and securely closed and out of reach. However, in the event that your dog does become poisoned, you should get your dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Before you do so, however, here are some things you should do immediately.
Induce Vomiting

If your dog has not already vomited, you need to get him to vomit as soon as possible. You can induce vomiting by orally giving your dog 1 tablespoon of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide for every 20 pounds of body weight every 10 minutes.
Delay or Prevent Poison Absorption

Give the dog a mixture of one tablet of active charcoal with 10cc of water for every two pounds of body weight and then have the dog ingest at least a pint of water. Depending on the condition of the dog, you may require a stomach tube to accomplish this; therefore, a veterinarian may be required. Thirty minutes after you have given the sick dog the active charcoal and water mixture, administer one teaspoon of sodium sulfate (also known as Glaubers Salt) for every ten pounds of body weight. If the sodium sulfate is not available, you may substitute one teaspoonful of Milk of Magnesia for every five pounds of body weight.

If you don't have any of the agents that are listed in the above paragraph, then you can substitute milk, egg whites or vegetable oil to coat the stomach of the dog. Furthermore, you should also give the dog a warm water enema. Keep in mind that these procedures will not cure your dog; they simply slow the absorption of the poison into the bloodstream of the dog.
Tips for Corrosive Poisons

If your dog was poisoned by a corrosive type poison such as are found in many common household cleaning products, drain opening liquids and commercial solvents, the poison will usually burn the mouth, esophagus and stomach; therefore, you should never induce vomiting with these types of poisons. If you do, you run the risk of causing a rupture in the stomach or more serious burns in the dog's esophagus.

To help treat dogs that have been poisoned with corrosive poisons, you will need to determine if the poison is an acid or an alkali. If the poison was acidic in nature, give the dog 1 to 2 teaspoons of Milk of Magnesia or Pepto Bismol for every 5 pounds of body weight. If the poison was an alkali type of poison, then give the dog a mixture of vinegar or lemon juice and water. Use four parts water for every part of vinegar or lemon juice used. Give the dog at least 3 or 4 teaspoons, of the mixture, for every five pounds of the dog's body weight. After administering the antacid or other type of mixture rush the dog to the vet as soon as possible.

If you are unsure of how to treat your dog, rush the dog to the veterinarian without delay. If you are far away from the nearest vet, call the Pet Poison Control Hotline at 1-888-426-4435. They can instruct you on how to perform basic first aid for your dog that might save his life.

2 Natural Dog Food Recipes

Making natural dog food recipes at home provides healthy food for your pet, and it's very easy to do. Simply balance his proteins, fats and carbohydrates with the occasional mineral or vitamin supplement to add more nutritional value.

The following is a basic guideline of ingredients needed to feed your dog healthy meals. You will have to gear them according to his size and the amount of food he typically eats per day.
Stock up on Proteins, Grains and Vegetables

Cooked ground lamb, poultry and beef are ideal for mixing into natural dog food recipes. Use quality organic meats free of hormones, chemicals and antibiotics.

Pass on vegetables high in oxalic acid since they will interfere with your dog's ability to absorb calcium; stay away from spinach, rhubarb and swiss chard.
Wholesome ingredients to incorporate into your dog's diet

Quick cooking grains:

* Rolled oats
* Cornmeal
* Bulgur
* Whole-wheat
* Couscous
* Quinoa

Other grains:

* Brown rice
* Barley
* Millet
* Wheat berries.

Frozen vegetables:

* Cut green beans
* Lima beans
* Corn
* Peas

Fresh cooked vegetables:

* Finley grated carrots or zucchini
* Yams/sweet potatoes
* Baking potatoes
* Broccoli

Tip: Natural dog food recipes can sometimes lack enough calcium. Sprinkle a bit of eggshell powder into your dog's food to make sure he gets enough.
Two Natural Dog Food Recipes

Recipe for a medium to large-sized dog:

* 1 to 1 ½ cup roasted chicken pieces, cut small
* ½ cup cooked, shredded carrots
* ½ cup cooked, green beans
* 1 tablespoon plain, organic yogurt
* 1 cup cooked barley

Recipe for a small to mid-sized dog:

* ½ cup ground lamb, beef, or poultry
* ½ cup brown rice
* ¼ cup lentils or split peas
* ¼ cup cooked peas
* 1 teaspoon canola oil

2 Wheat Free Dog Treat Recipes

Dog treat recipes are useful ways of making healthy and fun snacks for your pet. They allow you to better control the foods that your dog eats, as some types of dog treats contain a variety of ingredients that are difficult to monitor completely. If your pet is allergic to wheat or has some other type of sensitivity, it's a good idea to avoid store bought dog treats. Instead, try one of these wheat free dog treat recipes for a good alternative for your pet.
1. Salmon Dog Treats

Salmon is a great source of many different vitamins and minerals. The salmon is a fatty fish that is rich in omega 3 fatty acids. These help to benefit your dog's body in a number of different ways. Salmon is a good alternate protein source from the standard beef, chicken and lamb that most dogs eat in regular food. To make delicious salmon dog treats for your pet, combine the following ingredients:

* 8 ounces of salmon juice
* 1 tsp dill weed
* 3 eggs, including shells
* 1/2 cup sesame seeds and 1/2 cup flax seeds, ground finely
* 1-1/4 cup oat flour

Mix all of the ingredients in a food processor and then spread them out as a dough. Roll out the dough and cut the treats into small squares. Bake them in the oven at 350 degrees for 20 minutes, or until they are firm enough to retain their shape.
2. Pumpkin Carob Treats

Pumpkin is another food item that is rich in nutrients for your pet. Many dogs love the taste of pumpkin, because it provides them with a very different flavor and texture from standard dog food. For this recipe, be sure to only use carob chips, because chocolate is highly poisonous to dogs and should be avoided at all costs. To make pumpkin carob treats, combine the following ingredients:

* 1 can of mashed pure pumpkin (not spiced pumpkin pie mix), 15 ounces
* 1/2 cup dry powdered milk
* 3/4 cup rice cereal

Mix the ingredients in a food processor until they are thoroughly blended. Drop the mixture out onto a baking sheet in small, bite size bits. Top each one with a single unsweetened carob chip, if desired. Bake the entire baking sheet at about 300 degrees for 15 minutes, or until the drops have partially solidified.

Before giving your dog any of these treats, be sure that they are completely cool. It's important to check in with the vet before giving your pet any type of treat, because some treats contain items that your pet may be sensitive or allergic to. Don't overfeed your pet when it comes to treats, because this is one of the primary ways that many dogs develop problems with being overweight or obese. Exercise moderation when using treats to help train your pet.

24 Best Dogs for Allergies: Love More and Sneeze Less

Believe it or not, there really is a select group of canines that currently hold the title "best dogs for allergies." Some are purebreds and others are special crossbreeds. Called "hypoallergenic dogs," these canines benefit the more than 50 million Americans that suffer from allergies but who also want to own a dog. There are a number of breeds and crossbreeds to choose from, so continue reading to find out the best dogs for allergies and the worst.

What are the best dogs for allergies?

Some of the best dogs for allergies are dogs that produce less dander and dogs that don't tend to drool. it's not actual dog hair that causes an allergic reaction, but rather saliva and dander. Some of the best dogs for allergies are:

AffenPoo (crossbreed)
Airedale Terrier
Bascotti (crossbreed)
Basenji
Bea-Tzu
Bedlington Terrier
Bouvier des Flandres
Cairn Terrier
Chihuahua
Chinese Crested
Cockapoo (crossbreed)
Coton De Tulear
Italian Greyhound
Labradoodle (crossbreed)
LhasaPoo (crossbreed)
Maltese
MaltiPoo (crossbreed)
Old English Sheepdog
Poodle and most poodle mixes
Schnauzer
Scotchon (crossbreed)
Taco Terrier (crossbreed)
Yorkshire Terrier

What are some of the worse dogs for allergies?

Dogs that may not be agreeable with most allergy sufferers are not "bad breeds." These dogs tend to produce an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals more often because they might shed more, produce more dander, and their saliva might contain more of the protein produced by the sebaceous glands that causes an allergic reaction. Dogs that tend to "trigger" allergy symptoms in sensitive individuals include:

Afghan Hound
Basset Hound
Dachshund
Doberman Pinscher
German Shepherd
Springer Spaniel

How do I should I choose the best dog for allergies?

One of the most important things to keep in mind when choosing the best dog for allergies is, not all hypoallergenic dogs are 100% allergy free. You really won't know if you will have a reaction to the dog until you have spent some time with him. In some allergic individuals, allergic reactions can be immediate, in others they can be delayed. Plan to spend several hours interacting with the dog before taking him home. Even better, ask if you can take the dog home for several days. Many breeders are perfectly fine with allowing potential pet parents the opportunity to "test" the pet. In addition, many breeders of and pet stores that carry hypoallergenic dogs will offer a money back guarantee or an acceptable return policy.

20 Possible Dog Brain Tumor Symptoms

Possible symptoms of a dog brain tumor range from imperceptible to extreme. Tumors may develop in any part of the brain, with symptoms evident over time or abruptly. As the person who knows your dog the best, you are likely to be the first one to notice any physical and psychological changes signaling a brain tumor. Both malignant and non-malignant tumors pose a threat, so it is important for you to know how to recognize symptoms, no matter how subtle. The sooner treatment begins, the better chance your dog has for survival.
Physical Symptoms of a Dog Brain Tumor

Signs a tumor may be impairing your dog's motor skills and bodily functioning are:

* Changes in gait, including a slower walk
* Falls due to loss of balance
* Difficulty jumping and climbing
* Loss of senses, including sight and smell
* Hypersensitivity to touch
* Difficulty moving the eyes
* Reduced appetite
* Difficulty swallowing
* Excessive thirst
* Weakness on one side of the body
* Facial paralysis
* Head tilting
* Pressing the face against a hard surface
* Vomiting
* Tremors
* Seizures

Psychological Symptoms of a Dog Brain Tumor

Signs a tumor may be compromising your dog's mental functioning and mental health are:

* Personality reversal-for example, docile dogs becoming aggressive and aggressive dogs becoming docile
* Compulsions, including eating and barking
* Depression
* Disorientation, including an inability to recognize your voice or find the way home

Your dog may also communicate the extreme discomfort and distress caused by a brain tumor by whimpering, whining and whelping. The presence of one or more symptoms of a dog brain tumor necessitates prompt evaluation by a vet. Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Such options can be highly effective, but extremely expensive.

24 Little-Known Facts About Dogs

There are many little-known facts about dogs (Canis lupus familiaris). Following are 24 rare informational facts about dogs:
Little-Known Dog Facts

1. Dogs are descended from wolves.
2. The normal body temperature of dogs is 101.5°F. They regulate their body temperature by panting.
3. Dogs have 231 bones and 42 permanent teeth.
4. Dogs are prone to tuberculosis.
5. Similar to humans, dogs tend to have a dominant hand they usually use when one one hand is needed.
6. Chocolate is toxic for dogs.
7. There are seven types of blood group in canines.
8. The average life span of dogs varies from 8 to 15 years.
9. The sweat glands in dogs are located between their paw pads.
10. Dogs mature at the age of approximately 6 months.
11. The normal gestation period of canines varies from 60 to 65 days.
12. Dogs' respiratory rates and heart rates vary from 10 to 30 breaths/minute and 70 to 120 beats/minute, respectively.
13. Dogs have night vision as the number of rod cells in their eyes is greater than that of cone cells.
14. Dogs can be identified by their nose prints.
15. Dalmatians develop black spots only after they grow older. The puppies are pure white in color.
16. Laika (named after the dog's Russian breed; literal meaning: "Barker") is the first dog to travel to outer space.
17. Saluki is the oldest breed of dog.
18. Lhasa Apso guarded Tibetan temples.
19. Pekingese, the royal dog of China, was once considered to be sacred; common men could not own this breed.

Little-Known Puppy Facts

1. Newborn puppies are blind, deaf and toothless.
2. In dogs, bladder control is attained 4 months after birth.
3. In the first week after birth, puppies spend almost 90% of their time sleeping and the rest of the time feeding. Later, they sleep for at least 12 to 14 hours a day.
4. The canine achieves his sense of smell only 3 weeks after birth.
5. The first teeth (milk teeth) appear between 3 and 7 weeks of age, and the adult teeth (permanent teeth) appear after four months.

10 Symptoms of Canine Heart Murmur

A canine heart murmur is caused when the blood flows abnormally in a canine heart. The abnormal change in the dog heart can cause the right side of the heart to not communicate well with the left side, sometimes affecting a dog's health.
Symptoms of a Heart Murmur in Dogs

* The dog's heartbeat seems irregular
* A hacking cough that does not seem to go away.
* Breathing that seems labored (excessive panting) even while the dog is resting
* The canine tires easily
* Lack of energy
* Collapsing or fainting
* The gums or tongue have a bluish color
* A racing pulse
* Severe water retention
* Lack of appetite

All of these symptoms may indicate health risks that are serious, but not necessarily a murmur. Only a veterinary doctor can diagnose a heart murmur in dogs.
Causes of Heart Murmurs in Dogs

Dogs can develop heart murmurs for a number of reasons. Some dogs may develop heart disease as they age, causing them to have an irregular heartbeat. Blood leakage from the heart valves to the atrium or high blood pressure could also be a cause. Some puppies are born with a birth defect that causes murmurs or they may be more genetically prone to this condition. Dogs that have anemia or a disease that affects the heart or blood vessels could make a canine more prone to developing a heart murmur.

Mitral valve stenosis, a condition in which the heart's valves leak, can result in a heart murmur in dogs. A condition where holes are present in the chamber that pumps blood, ventricular septal, can cause the blood to flood too rapidly in puppies, resulting in an irregular heartbeat. Pulmonary or aortic stenosis, the narrowing of the pulmonary or aortic artery, can cause an irregular blood flow, resulting in murmurs in dogs.
Diagnosing Heart Murmurs

When there is suspicion of a heart murmur in a canine, doctors will perform several different tests to confirm their diagnosis.

* Listening to the heart with a stethoscope
* Chest x-rays
* Heart ultrasound: to see all almost all of the functions of a dog's heart in real time and see if the heart has any irregularities
* Blood and urine tests: to check for any abnormalities in liver and kidney function
* Electrocardiogram: an assessment of the dog's heart activity over a period of time

Treating Heart Murmurs in Dogs

Heart murmurs in dogs can be nothing to worry about or a condition that can progressively get worse. If a puppy is found to have a murmur, it may not be treated until health problems are present. Heart murmurs cannot be cured, but they can be treated surgically, with medication, or dietary changes.

If you suspect your dog may have a problem with his or her heart, see your veterinarian as soon as possible. Share your concerns and questions with your vet and tell them about any lifestyle and activity changes.

11 Tips for Living with Blind Dogs

Living with blind dogs can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Try these tips for bringing a blind dog home, helping him find his way around, socializing the dog and going outdoors.

1. Try not to move any furniture around once your dog has grown accustomed to the layout of your home and keep floors clear.
2. You may want to cushion sharp corners on furniture and cabinets.
3. Use textured rugs to help your dog recognize certain areas of the house.
4. Scents are also a great way to mark 'zones' in your home, like the bottom or top of stairs or door openings. Use the same scent for all safe areas and something different for dangerous spots.
5. Avoid picking up a blind dog to bring him to his food or a toy of his; this can be confusing and he needs to learn on his own.
6. Put bells on other pets to alert your blind dog of their presence.
7. Talk to your blind dog often to comfort and guide him with positive encouragement. Set up your own voice commands and be consistent with them.
8. Be careful not to startle the dog when you approach him and also teach guests and small children to be cautious. A dog might snap at someone who startles him from behind or while he sleeps. New
9. people should allow the dog to smell their hand before petting him.
10. Use a harness when outside with your dog, especially when going to new areas.
11. Consider a bandana or marker to put on your dog that says 'I'm blind' to alert others of your dog's condition.