Do Animals Have Different Blood Types?
Humans and pets are alike in so many ways. Just as we have different blood types, so do our furry friends. Knowing about your pet’s blood type can be helpful in emergency situations. Here are some things about animal blood types that every pet owner should know.
Cat Blood Types
Unlike humans that have four blood types, cats only have three. Types A and B are common ones while AB is a rare type commonly seen in Absynnian cats. Like us, they exhibit negative reaction to blood transfusions of a different type of blood. Cats with type B blood generally show severe reactions to type A blood because of their present antibodies. Cats with type A blood, on the other hand, are more tolerant of type B transfusions. AB blood can be transfused to cats of all types without any adverse side effects. However, type AB blood occurs in only 1% of cats. In emergency situations, it is important that your pet is properly typed before any transfusion can be done. Transfusions of the wrong blood type would normally result in the death of the cat.
Dog blood types
There are 8 common blood types for dogs. Unlike humans and cats, they do not have naturally occurring antibodies in their blood. This means that they do not exhibit any negative reaction with a transfusion of another blood type. Earlier, it was believed that dogs did not have different blood types because of this characteristic.
This is very helpful, especially in emergency situations where blood has to be given to the dog. However, owners should take note that once a transfusion has been made, the dog will develop antibodies against the donor blood type so in the event they may need another transfusion, the proper type must be administered to avoid the body rejecting it.
Pet blood donation
In the event of an emergency, pet blood banks become of great help. Just as we humans can donate our blood to those who need it; pets can also help other sick pets. The blood type of pets can now be determined using sets that comprise of antibody strips. There is no compensation for blood donations made by pets but you may get discounts for veterinary services if you donate at the same place. Different qualifications set by the state have to be met before pets are allowed to donate blood. Pets should be at a healthy weight, free from medication, have no heart illness, and have no blood infectious diseases. There are only a few blood banks for pets in the country so if your pet is not afraid of the vet and matches all of the mentioned criteria, donating blood may be a good idea.
TweetShould You Spay or Neuter Your Dog?
The Facts Behind Neutering
Most animal welfare organizations and owners advocate spaying and neutering pooches. These procedures are safe when performed by a veterinarian; removing your dog’s/cat’s reproductive organs is thought to be an effective animal birth control method.
A handful of industry pundits may say that doing so at a very early is a recipe for disaster, since the pooch ends up somewhat anxious and distressed; thus, it is important to zero in on potential benefits. Neutered male dogs may be less likely to experience prostate problems and testicular tumors in their senior years, whereas, spayed female pets have a reduced chance of becoming afflicted with ovarian cancer and other serious illnesses.
Indeed, the benefits of spaying or neutering your animal outweighs the disadvantages noted. Among the advantages, comes curbing the number of unwanted or neglected populations roaming the streets and lesser incidences of canine disease.
The question that also crops up, is how much will spaying and neutering cost? A veterinarian and referral service can direct caretakers to suitable clinics that perform these services at discounted prices. There are actually low-cost clinics in a many participating states.
Spayed/Neutered pets tend to be healthier and happier than those that aren’t. We must cast aside misconceptions (such as having a prolonged puppy-like behavior) on spaying/neutering. With less sexual tension and a lower risk of developing certain diseases, us owners are able to save costs on medical treatments in the long run, while adding to their pup’s longevity. Canines also stand to have less behavioral and temperamental problems when “fixed.”
Exercising these practices with your pets eliminates unwanted pregnancies and facilitates easier health care. Males that are neutered manifest improved behavior, whereas spayed females will not go into heat. It is important to be well-informed on this topic, as it may increase the days of your beloved’s life.
Thanks to evolutionsupply.com for contributing to this article.
This Big Guy is Getting Some Serious ZZZZZZZ’s!
Nothing is better than a nap on Monday!
One reason we love dogs so much is because they are so genuine and know hoe to live in the moment. Look at this big guy getting some ZZZZ’s on a lazy Monday. Sometimes I wish I could enjoy a nap this much; especially on a Monday!!
do not disturb.
Trivia:
How many hours a day does the average dog in the US sleep?
Well if my dog’s were are any indication I would have to say 12……
According to the American veterinary Association (https://www.avma.org), it depends on the type of breed, size, activity level, and age. For example the large breeds like Mastiffs and Newfoundlands often sleep as much a 18 hours every day; although 12 – 14 is typical. They enjoy sleeping in the same place and often in areas where people are.
Medium size, and smaller dogs typically sleep 8 to 12 hours per day, again their lifestyle effects this quite a bit.
Since dogs love being with people so much, they will typically stay awake when their is activity in the house. While they may lay down, they will often have “one eye open” to see if their master leaves the room. If he does, you can bet the dog will not be far behind! When dog’s are laying down like this they are not so much sleeping as they are relaxing. I love it when our dogs do this. It is calming to know your dog(s) is relaxing near you, ready to spring to action when you move.
So how many hours a day does your dog sleep or relax, leave us a note on our facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/evolutionsupply, we’d love to know!
TweetHow to Cure Dog Rash
My Dog Has Dry Itchy Skin. He Occasionally Gets Rashes, Bumps or Hot Spots. What Can I Do?
Is your pet suffering from various skin disorders that at times, the amount of bumps, rashes and hot spots are getting quite out of control? It is true that over the years, thousands and thousands of animals have been suffering from different types of skin diseases brought about by allergies. In fact, it has already been proven that most canine-ailments nowadays are mostly skin-related. So, if your beloved canine companion is suffering from itchy skin resulting in unwanted spots and speckles, rest assured that you are not alone.
When it comes to allergies, take note that there are four categories you need to consider:
- Allergies caused by fleas or other insects that bite
- Allergies caused by dust mites, molds, grasses, or any small particles that can be inhaled
- Allergies caused by consumed food and drink
- Allergies that are contracted from contagious sources
The aforementioned have direct links to the itchy sensation your bud feels. What can you do to address these problems? The good news is, there are plenty of natural cures and treatments to minimize the presence of spots and rashes on your beloved pooch. Here are some of them:
- Coconut Oil is considered to be effective against dry and itchy skin. With a handful of coconut oil, massage their fur at least once per week; after doing so, apply a good herbal shampoo before completely rinsing out with water.
- Using Aloe Vera cream is also a good idea, as it is known to heal almost any type of external disease.
- Another substance said to heal almost any type of skin-related disease is Milk of Magnesia. Using it is simple; just pour a small amount on a ball of cotton and rub it all over their skin. In the case of your pet, simply add a couple of drops to their water.
- Apple Cider Vinegar is also an alternative solution. Mix a small amount in bath water two to three times a week until you are sure the spots or rashes are completely gone.
- This list wouldn’t be complete without Baking Soda, the all-around cure. Again, mix it with the water and the itching will be gone with haste.
As an owner, it is your responsibility to distinguish first and foremost the type of allergy your pup has; then, you may proceed to using the treatments above to eliminate the itching once and for all.
TweetWhy Do Dogs Shed?
Shedding is a dog’s natural way of getting rid of old or damaged hair. It occurs in virtually all dogs, unless of course the dog in question is also virtually hairless, such as the American Hairless Terrier. Because hair has a normal cycle of growth and falling out, shedding occurs all year round. A dog’s breed greatly determines how much and how frequent it will shed, although age, overall health, and the environment are also influencing factors.
Breed and Shedding
Although it may seem ironic, dogs whose hairs grow long shed less. While a pet Labrador, a shorthaired dog, might appear to shed less than a Poodle (a longhaired one), the opposite is actually the case. Long haired dogs have longer hair shafts which allow their hair to grow longer before naturally falling off. In other words, a long haired dog’s hair cycle occurs at a slower pace, making it shed less often.
New Coats for the Season
Aside from signaling the growth of new hair, shedding also indicates the arrival of a new season. As protection against the low temperatures of winter, dogs grow thicker fur, which they gradually shed off as summer approaches. This is a process called blowing coat, and some breeds, like the Newfoundland and Siberian Husky, shed so profusely that their owners end up finding hair all over their homes, persons, and even in their food.
Shedding and Bald Spots
Even though shedding is to be expected among dogs, pet owners must also be careful to note when shedding becomes excessive. When a dog starts having bald spots in its coat, it is best to consult with a veterinarian. Bald spots may be a sign of infection, allergy, or a nutritional deficiency. A sick or a poorly fed dog will tend to have an unhealthy coat because the nutritional resources needed to make the fur sleek and shiny are used for more important processes, such as infection control.
Coping with Dander
Because shedding is normal among dogs, aiming to completely eradicate fur sheds is impossible.
However, a pet owner can keep up with it, and enjoy a clean and relatively dander-free household.
Grooming is the most important measure against shedding. Brushing will keep a dog’s coat soft and clean; it also distributes the natural oils that keep hair free from mats. And because dog hair will eventually fall off on its own, it is best to remove these excess hairs with a comb before they can lodge into hard to clean areas like carpets, sofas, and clothes.
Proper nutrition will not only make the dog feel good, but also look good. A diet high in protein and essential nutrients will give the dog energy, mental alertness, and a sleeker coat. Occasional bathing, especially during the summer, will also be beneficial. Aside from helping the dog cope with the warmer weather, bathing will also remove dirt, dust and possible parasites that can lodge in its coat.
TweetEnzymes for Dog Skin Problems
Digestive Enzymes For Dog Skin Problems
Digestive enzymes for dog skin problems are used for the treatment of many skin problems to include itchy skin, excessive scratching, mange, and even dermatitis. Canine skin infections ere typically caused by weak and damaged skin cells and outer skin membranes which does not allow the already dwindling and weak skin to remain healthy and guide itself against the problems of the skin. Healthy dogs will experience unhealthy skin because the skin cells will not have the capacity to procedure and absorb the required nutrients necessary for a healthy coat and skin. This is where enzymes for dogs come in to help repair the damaged skin by increasing the effectiveness and infection fighting process of the skin’s immune system. Hence, irrespective of the best diet, the dog may not be able to process the vitamins, nutrients and minerals effectively.
How Do Enzymes Help with Dog Skin Problems?
Remember the fact that dogs have digestive systems that are meant for natural foods, raw meats as well as organic compounds. For this reason, they don’t process the precise digestive dog enzymes required for the processing and absorption of nutrients in today’s diets. Hence, the lack of definite nutrients and minerals that first appears on their coat and skin. These deficiencies due to lack of specific nutrients and minerals will bring about weakness of the sebum glands, skin cells, follicles and outer skin membrane. One important thing to remember with digestive enzymes for dogs is that they are living enzymes and as a result it is very important to insure that they are fresh and not over 6 months old. Older enzymes are much less effective and eventually will no healing value at all.
If all these signs persist for a long period of time, they can cause infections and skin problems that will eventually become very difficult to get rid of as they would have advanced to acnes, hot spots, itching, rashes, scratching, infections and yeast infections.
Digestive Enzymes Explained!
Digestive enzymes are dynamic proteins that commence and gear-up the process of digestion. They function as mechanism for breaking down food to nutrients which are taken up by the body. Enzymes can be derived from meat, vegetable, fruit and in the digestive area of animal and human beings.
A balanced and healthy diet that contains unprocessed and raw foods gives the essential enzymes that will encourage healthy digestion. Nevertheless, illness dietary imbalances as well as aging can cause enzyme exhaustion that causes digestive problems in dogs.
Reasons for using Digestive Enzymes for Dog Skin Problems.
Many reasons are associated with using digestive enzymes for dog skin problems.
1. Digestion is being aided in dog by enzymes that are produced in the pancreas and other organs. Nevertheless, due to organ failure problem in some dogs which makes digestion of food to be expected, digestive enzymes are added in the diet of dogs to avoid organ failure and aid adequate food digestion. Also, for the fact that dogs eat fast as if they will not eat again, they may likely have gas and flatulence problems as a result of inadequate enzymes.
2. You can also use digestive enzymes for dog skin problems to get rid of dermatitis on the coat, avoid intestinal ailments that can meddle with the normal digestive process since dogs are in the habit of feeding on rotten items in the garbage bins. If these problems are not controlled with digestive enzymes, it will result to pH imbalance as well as burning of lining of the stomach that will make the dog drink water more than necessary and vomit profusely.
3. Giving digestive enzymes to dogs with their food is indispensable when all the natural enzymes in their food get destroyed as a result of cooking. The truth is that uncooked meat and food provide the essential enzymes that dogs need for digestion. Don’t forget that when these dogs were wild, they don’t feed on cooked meat and they are used to eating their meat raw with enzymes in it. Also, dogs need 30 percent fat (minimum) in their meat.
Enzymes can help this dog stop scratching and licking
Why SkinPlex Enzymes Are The Best For Treating Dog Skin Problems
1. SkinPlex will deal permanently with the cause and not just the symptoms of the skin problems.
2. It is only SkinPlex among other products that offers the most favorable balance of zinc to rebalance the skin cell layer to finest health because above 90 percent of available dogs lacks zinc which are of great benefit to them.
3. Furthermore, SkinPlex Plus is enhanced with Omega 3 and Omega 6 from organic kelp, zinc and twenty five vitamins.
4. It contains the most complete gamut of nutrients and enzymes that will relief your dog from allergies, epilepsy, skin conditions, hip and joint pains and other health problems.
5. Use the following coupon code at www.evolutionpets.com to receive a discount off your next order of Skin Plex ‘15AX’ for 15% off coupon code. You may also call Evolution Pets directly at 678 918 8672.
Thank you for visiting our site and investigating the skin problems and the benefits of digestive enzymes for skin problems. Remember that spring time often brings with it skin allergies for our pets. Start providing your dog with SkinPlex now to protect him from the effects of skin allergies and skin related infections!