all about dogs

My wife used to joke about my 8 year old German Shepherd (“Toby”) as she stated that she wanted to go and get him a nose job. This past year, his nose started to get extremely dry and the skin actually started to peel. Being the bad pet owner that I am, I just thought it was due to the weather and kept on as normal. I figured if it was something that was hurting him he would show signs of pain or discomfort and I would get it checked out. My wife’s joke became common and we went on with our lives as normal.

A few months ago, I received a telephone call from my wife. She stated that Toby’s nose appeared to be extremely irritated, that it seemed to be causing him discomfort, and that she believed that he had Lupus. I was very attentive to her until she said “Lupus” at which point I began to laugh hysterically. Not that Lupus is funny as it is not. It is a serious autoimmune disease that inflicts approximately 5 million people worldwide. The reason for the laughter is because of HouseMD. This is one of our favorite television shows (and those of you who watch it will understand) and the most common diagnosis (when the doctors on the show cannot think of anything else) is Lupus. It has become a trade mark of the television show and a “House MD Lupus” montage can even be found on YouTube. I just naturally thought that my wife was joking. However, she wasn’t.

After I stopped laughing, my wife told me to look it up on Google. I type in the search “lupus in dogs” and went to “Google images” (do it yourself and see what I saw). The enormous amount of images that returned was mainly German Shepherds with noses exactly like Toby. My laughing quickly turned to concern as without an actual diagnosis, I was instantly convinced that my dog had Lupus.

There are many symptoms of Lupus in dogs; however, here are a few of the most common (obtained from Petwave.com).

* Depigmentation (paleness) of the skin on the bridge of the nose

* Skin redness (erythema), especially on the bridge of the nose, face and lips

* Skin scaling and flaking, especially on the bridge of the nose, face and lips

* Skin erosions (sores), especially on the bridge of the nose, face and lips

* Skin ulcerations, especially on the bridge of the nose, face and lips

* Skin crusting, especially on the bridge of the nose, face and lips

* Scarring, especially on the bridge of the nose, face and lips

* Pain at affected areas

* Itchiness (pruritis), may or may not be present

* Scratching at affected areas (variable)

* Secondary bacterial infections (pyoderma)

After spending approximately 0 at the veterinarian (OUCH!!!), I was given some medicine that I was to apply to his nose on a daily basis. This was done for the 1st couple of days however there did not appear to be an improvement. As we were told by the veterinarian that the dog would be fine as long as we kept him out of the sun, we believed that this was the only thing we could do as the medicine did not appear to be working.

A couple of weeks ago, my wife was in the bathroom with a tube of Aquaphor in her hand. The dog came in at that time and my wife decided to jokingly apply some to his nose. Hey, Aquaphor got us through the 1st 4 years of our daughter’s life so why wouldn’t it work on the dog’s nose? This was just about as funny as when she first told me he had Lupus. The next day, to both of our disbelief, the nose of the dog looked almost completely healed. It was black, wet, and there was little sign of peeling or irritation. This has now become a ritual that we do every couple of days and his nose looks normal.

Throughout this whole situation, I learned some important things. The first is that dogs can get Lupus. The second is that sometimes there are inexpensive ways to take care of expensive problems. And finallyalways listen to your wife (she is right most of the time).

Is there anything more significant than defending yourself and your family from attack in the world where crime rate is constantly increasing? Self defense products have zoomed into importance in the last decade due to their persistent success in law enforcement.

The empty alley, dark parking lot and late metro can be seriously scary if you are travelling alone. With the rise in rape, assault, murder, home invasion and car jacking incidents, it has become crucial to make a strategy for self-defense.

Self defense tools are the great way to guard you from the assailants. Stun guns are one of the most efficient security devices to get you out of unwanted situations and build confidence. Stun guns are hand held electric device that generally contain two metal prongs on one end which emit strong electric shock.

When applied to a goon for more than 3 seconds, the electric charge would immobilize him instantly. By paralyzing a mugger momentarily, this self defense device provides you time to escape from danger and inform the police about attack. As these powerful stun guns work at low amperage, you need not worry about any serious damage.

Many people do not realize the importance of having a stun gun at the ready when they require it. How frightening can it be to pull out your stun gun to ward off a threat and to find out that the gun is out of batteries? When buying a stun gun, you should always consider one that has a feature of recharging the gun.

With rechargeable batteries, you can be confident about your stun gun that it will perform efficiently when it is required. Apart from providing you peace of mind, selecting a rechargeable stun gun is also a cost-saving measure. You need not buy expensive alkaline batteries to get your stun guns back in to action. When your effective security device is low on power, you can recharge it by just plugging it into the charger for few hours.

Guard Dog stun guns are convenient, easy to carry and rechargeable self-defense tools that can protect you from attackers. Several variants of Guard Dog stun guns are available in the market. You can select one according to your requirements and preferences.

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The History of the Boxer

Most historians of canines trace the origins of the Boxer back to the mid-19th century, when the type was developed by German Breeders through the crossing a German breed called the Bullenbeisser with the English Bulldog.

Today, the Boxer comes in numerous varieties of two distinct phenotypes, fawn and brindle. Additionally, coat patterns can be anywhere from extremely flashy’ ( to the point of looking white) to reversed brindle (which gives the appearance of being black).

A look at the history of the Boxer helped us to better understand not only the physical aspects of our dogs, but also many of his behavioral patterns.

As we mentioned above Boxer dog history includes a mix of the now extinct Bullenbeisser and the English Bulldog.

The history and the noble characteristics of both breeds are combined in the present day Boxer so we begin our history with an in depth look at both parent breeds and even delve a bit into their predecessors.

The English Bulldog is, of course, alive and well, so we’ll leave the reader to do their own research on that breed. The Boxer dog history here focuses more on the predecessors that are either now extinct or not as well known.

The Bullenbeisser (Bull Biter)

Due to extensive cross-breeding (which spawned breeds such as today’s Boxer) there are no longer any pure Bullenbeissers(right).

Historians believe the ‘Bullenbesser’ name was used interchangeably with ‘Barenbeisser’(Bear Biter) in the 18th and 19th century in Central Europe.

The closest living example of the breed can be found in the Spanish Alano though this breed is probably considerably smaller than the Bullenbeisser.

The Bullenbeisser was a hunting dog of a very “hands on” type- that is: it wasn’t a retriever of kills, but rather was charged with catching and holding down the hunted animals ( usually Bears or Wild Boar) until their masters arrived to finish the kill. Such hunts must have been something to behold!

In my opinion this trait in Boxer dog history plays out today in the way Boxers love to jump up when they meet a friend, traits that would have been useful in bringing down a reared up bear.

Also you can see some of their past in the unique way they literally “box” their toys into the ground. They pound everything: balls, toys, shoes, you name it, with both front paws in a way I haven’t seen other breeds do. I think this can all be traced back to the hunt.

In fact, one of my Boxers likes to hold down stray cats that venture into our garden! She never bites, just pins them down till we tell her to let the tabby go.

The Bullenbeissers, in turn count as ancestors, the fighting dogs known as the Alaunts, which were brought as war dogs to Europe from Asia minor by the Alan invaders beginning in circa 370 AD.

The Alaunts

The Alaunt’s masters, the Alani, were an Indo-Iranian people who are noted in history as exceptional animal husbandrymen, especially of horses and dogs. As a nomadic people they bred their dogs for working, either as shepherds or as guard dogs.

In about 370 AD the Alan were forced into a diaspora by the conquering Huns and were sundered into three groups. The group of interest to our study is the one who joined with the with the Vandals in their invasion of Gaul (France).

During the migration into Gaul the Alani turned their attention to breeding dogs of war- and these dogs took part in many famous battles between 370 and the 6th Centrury AD, during which period the Alans were subsumed by the Franks and the Visigoths.

For example, descendants of today’s Boxers took part in the Battle of Chalons, where Attilla the Hun was finally repelled from Europe.

In the interest of knowing our dogs better, it is useful to note the pastoral/ warrior mix in the Alaunt- such ancestry helps explain not only today’s Boxer’s strong athletic build and powerful jaws, but also why they are universally recognized as one of the gentlest dogs with children and other creatures smaller than themselves.

They have an instinct to care for the harmless, but have no fear in the face of a strong opponent.

Of the Alaunts own ancestry, the Alabai still exits today. These are a Central Asian Shepherd Dog, and most of today’s Alabai live in Russia. This ancestry pre-dates the Alani’s migration into Asia Minor.

However, the Alaunt’s masters bred the Alabai with the hounds of South Asia and Persia- these hounds are direct descendants of today’s Whippets and Greyhounds, which helps explain the speed and grace found in some (not all!) Boxers. These genes may also partially explain why today’s Boxer Dog is short haired.

The Italian Greyhound (left) may be indicative of the dogs that formed this part of the present day Boxer Dog lineage.

The Alani (and the groups with which they later amalgamated) migrated to, or conquered lands throughout Europe, and in each corner of Europe their dogs, the Alaunts evolved differently, in accordance with their environments and the work that they were used for.

The Alabi and Hound mixes that evolved in present day Germany and Central Europe became known as the Bullenbeisser.

The specific strain identified as the ‘Brabanter’ Bullenbeisser was the branch selected by German breeders Roberth, Konig and Hopner in the late 1870s to cross with the English Bulldog to create the German Boxer.

The Brabanter was primarily a hunting dog (boars) of the nobles. Periodic literature caricatures them as a powerful, strong and agile dog.

In spite of the working dog nature of the Brabanter Bullenbeisser, they were also described as household pets when they were not working, proving to be trustworthy, loving and protective to the women and children.

Since the Brabanter was the smaller of the bull baiter types of the era, scholars believe that it was probably used as a house dog as well as a worker- a part of Boxer dog history that is reflected in the gentle, if playful, nature of the breed today.

Early Boxers

In the early 20th century the breed that was to become the Boxer Dog was about 50% Bullenbeisser and 50% English Bulldog.

However, German breeders continued to introduce more Bullenbeisser blood into the breed. Today the mix is estimated at about 70% Bullenbeisser 30% English Bulldog. This is an important time in Boxer dog history as it not only altered the breed’s colors, but also added an element of grace to the dog’s make-up as the breed began to look more “Brabanter” and less “Bull Dog”.

Early Boxer Dogs were also predominantly white dogs.

It wasn’t long after the first German Boxer show in 1902 that the type was standardized as a breed.

The reason for the introduction of more Bullenbeisser blood into the breed was to dilute the white color genes of the Bulldog, most probably, for military purposes before WW I and during the inter-war years. White Boxers were too visible at night.

Boxer dogs were distinguished guard, attack and medic dogs during both great wars.

Phillip Stockman, husband of Fr. Friedrun Stockman, (one of the more important early breeders of the German Boxer and an important part of Boxer Dog History) set up the German Army’s Boxer training program for WWI.

Anyone who has seen a brindle or reverse brindle Boxer dog at night will attest to the breeders’ success in selectively breeding a natural camouflage into the German Boxer.

They are practically invisible at night, even under a bright moon. Yet another (and hopefully the last) example of a battle trait bred into this otherwise fun-loving and affectionate dog.

The movie and music industry is a tough business. No one knows that better than Whitney Houston. Drug addiction knows no boundaries as well. No one knows that better than Whiney Houston either. So many celebrities have come forward with their drug addiction problems with strength that many people are in awe of. Perhaps it’s because of their celebrity or maybe it’s just because they are being so honest with their fans and the public.

It doesn’t matter. Celebrity drug use is a given in the world they live in. Whitney Houston came upon fame rather quickly becoming a sweetheart of 1990′s music. She was arrested in January of 2000 for possession of marijuana at an airport after two baggies of pot and three partially smoked joints were found in her luggage.

When she married fellow songster Bobby Brown, it seemed her drug use became more intense. Whitney has been in and out of rehab repeatedly to overcome addictions to marijuana, cocaine, and assorted pills. But the good news is that she found help for her drug addiction.

Life isn’t always easy. Many of us want a way out of the crazy hustle and bustle. The easy way out is to use drugs. The drugs work on the mind making everyday problems seems trivial. Think about what it might be like for a celebrity like Whitney Houston whose everyday problems involve record contracts, the media, and huge money issues.

It’s not a wonder we’re a drug addicted society. The most promising part of Whitney’s addiction is that she realized that she had a drug problem and sought out help with that drug addiction. She entered a rehab facility as so many other celebrities have done and found ways to cope with not only the stressors of life, but also with the pull towards drugs that she was bound to feel.

Just like Whitney Houston, you are not alone in your drug addiction. There are places you can go to seek help, and it doesn’t have to be an expensive drug rehab center. Seek help from your community. Look for self-help organizations through a church, a therapist, or even in the telephone book.

Sure, Whitney Houston has been through a lot with her drug addiction, but now she’s on the road to recovery. You can be just like her. All it takes is a little honesty with yourself and a little bit of courage. Let the people who are out there to help you lead you along the way. You won’t be sorry, just like Whitney isn’t sorry either!

As with humans, dogs also grow to be burdened for a lots of causes including, but not confined to, splitting up, travel, noises as well as unknown house guests. When a dog turns out to be stressed, and also nervous, the canine will normally bark constantly, eliminate himself, become inappropriately aggressive as well as too much chewing along with excessive scratching. No person likes finding their own puppy going through physical or psychological discomfort and fortunately there is something that can be done to calm your own anxious pup.

While some scenarios require a competent doggy coach, veterinarian as well as canine behaviorist, there are certain things you can test in your house first for comforting an eager dog. If your canine has only moderate anxiousness and not extreme anxiousness, then here some tips pertaining to comforting an eager pet dog:

1. Physical Activity – Providing exercise as well as physical activity can help your pet dog calm down reducing anxiety. A brief half an hour stroll each and every morning plus in the evening hours can be quite successful in comforting an eager pet. Numerous claim that when a pet is exhausted, he/she is happy.

2. Set up a Plan – For many pets, the reason why they grow to be anxious and also stressed is as they feel out of whack. There isn’t much “point” to their life because they don’t have a set time to consume food, quick sleep, play, potty and stroll. By concentrating on establishing a plan for your puppy on a daily basis and also sticking to this – the same time daily and also the same timetable at the appropriate time every single day – your dog will gradually turn out to be less uneasy once they have that peace of mind of what exactly is likely to happen next.

3. Modify Eating Routine – Incorporating turkey to your own canine’s diet, particularly when you are away if your pet dog suffers from separation anxiety, could decrease the level of strain which your puppy dog is under. Turkey is high in L-tryptophan, which may help calm him/her. Nonetheless, if your canine has digestive system issues then turkey isn’t suggested because it is also full of fiber.

4. Natural Treatments – There are a lot of herbal remedies which can have an awesome calming influence on your puppy. During times of tension, try out putting a little bit of peppermint oil on the paws of your own puppy and/or you can attempt using a couple of drops of Bach’s Rescue Treatment in your own dog’s drinking water bowl.

5. Comforting Tracks – Whilst classical songs may possibly agitate an individual, they really are comforting to your anxious dog. Research workers claim that classical tracks impact pets like no other songs. Jazz, soft rock as well as heavy metal tracks really should be avoided unless you have experienced first-hand that it has got some sort of soothing impact for your puppy; otherwise, it’s going to probably cause them to grow a lot more restless.

In case you have tried the above mentioned relaxing recommendations plus they have not proved helpful, you will need to seek advice from your veterinarian. The strain and also anxiety may very well be way too much for you along with your dog to control by yourself. You might want to seek out suggestions and maybe even anti-anxiety medicine. Behaviorists along with coaches may additionally support you cope with the particular anxiety problem in an appropriate way.