Dog Gone Doggies

After you have brought home your new puppy it's important to start right away on a consistent routine. If you are unsure where to start this article will help with some simple tips.

So you don't frustrate you or your dog keep training sessions to about 15 minutes, you should always praise your dog when he is doing good and end a training session on a good note.

When talking about consistency that includes taking your puppy out to potty, or walk. Try to take your dog out to potty at the same time everyday and when you walk do the same. Your dog will expect this and may have accidents when you are late.

Dogs get bored and when they are bored they become destructive this is probably why they are chewing up your stuff. To avoid this make sure you exercise and play with your dog to keep him busy. Get your dog high quality toys that don't resemble items you don't want them to chew on, for example slippers.

While it may seem cruel to some, crate training is the best thing you can do for your dog. You may not know it but dogs instinctively don't potty when in their "den". Never use the crate as a source of discipline, it's where your dog goes to get away from it all, and stay when you are out. Do not leave your dog in the crate for hours at a time if you do it will seem like punishment.

Puppies like children put stuff in their mouths they shouldn't, one of the first training commands you should teach your puppy is to leave it or drop it. Pick one of the commands and use it whenever they have something in their mouth that is a danger to them or one of your belongings.

Do you remember when you were a kid and your mom used your first, middle and last name, you knew you were in trouble. Use your dog's name in positive manner otherwise he may associate his name with being punished and will not come when you call.

If you begin a routine and stay consistent, be patient your dog will understand what the rules are. Boundaries are important for both you an your dog as it will reduce stress on the both of you.

Pet owners have a lot of questions about heartworms, probably the most asked question with regards to heartworms is. Does it affect more than pet dogs? Yes it does, although you don't hear much about it foxes, wolves, ferrets and cats can get heartworms, there is no cure for cats at the moment. Here are more questions.

Are heartworms curable?

Yes, they are and close to 100% percent preventable.

What are the signs that my doggie may have heartworms?

A few active dogs show early signs and symptoms by coughing particularly following exercise, and the dog tires out easily, other pet dogs demonstrate no signs in any way. After the heartworms grow to adults and spread towards the cardiovascular system this is when you could possibly notice more severe symptoms.


What medication is prescribed for heartworms?

The drug Ivermectin or Milbemycon oxime is oftentimes used to prevent heartworms.

How do dogs get heartworms?

Your dog can only acquire heartworms through a mosquito carrying the parasite. Heartworms are not transmittable from one dog to another one, so if you have one pet dog that is infected the other dog is not going to contract heartworms unless of course bitten by another infected mosquito. Once bitten it takes about six to seven months to work its way through your dog system, and testing for heartworms during this period will not help, the heartworms won't show up until later on.

Is the medication for heartworms for other types of worms too?

Yes, and no this will depend on the medication some can be used to treat other parasites.

Heartguard (Ivermectin) is for heartworms only, Heartguard plus is made for heartworms, hookworms and roundworms.

Interceptor (milbemycin oxime) a second brand for taking care of heartworms is also for hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms in dogs and puppies.

Last but not least there is the brand Sentinel with the active ingredient in Interceptor plus they add lufenuron which sterilizes those horrible fleas.

Is there one region that heartworms are more widespread?

As a matter of fact the southern part of the United States was where heartworms showed up the most, where mosquitos are more rampant. Now virtually all states are reporting heartworms, some cases have been noted as far away as Japan. Where there are mosquito's you will find heartworms too.

What is the best way to guard against heartworms?

Honestly the easiest way to steer clear of heartworms is to start your puppy or doggie on prophylactic treatment. The average cost to treat your pet is generally about 50 - 90 bucks yearly, the bigger the dog the more costly. Heartworm medication is in the form of monthly pills, a 6 month shot twice a year or those liquid spot treatments you apply on your dogs’ neck like flea meds. Remember if you start adding treatment for the additional parasite preventatives (hookworms, roundworms, fleas) the cost can go up.

Once your pet has a confirmed case of heartworms then it becomes real expensive to help remedy. And not just that, when your pet dog is in treatment you need to do your best to keep your pet dog from physical exercise and overexerting themselves as it can cause death.


Since mosquito's are more common in summer can I stop treatment in the winter?

While it sounds like a sensible way to save cash if you are giving your dog year round treatment and fail to remember in the month of let's say in December your pet ought to be fine. But if you continue to fail to remember then your dog has a much greater opportunity to contract heartworms.

I really hope that clarified the questions you had about heartworms, you should for your dog's sake go to your vet get them examined then start right away on heartworm medication.