Cystitis in dogs: symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention

Cystitis is quite common in dogs and even more so in bitches. It must be treated quickly because without treatment, the animal risks serious complications. It is therefore necessary to be attentive to your little companion to detect the symptoms of cystitis. But before a treatment can be prescribed, the diagnosis must be confirmed and the cause identified. In any case, it is necessary to limit the recurrences. Zoom on cystitis in dogs, an inflammation of various origins that can sometimes be avoided.

Cystitis in dogs: symptoms

The symptoms of cystitis in a dog or a bitch are :

• Pollakiuria: very frequent urination,
• Dysuria: difficulty in urinating. Dysuria: difficulty in urinating. The dog makes an effort to urinate, even if only a small amount of urine is released.
• Stranguria: pain when urinating because it is difficult and sometimes does not allow any drop of urine to be released,
• Hematuria: bloody urine,
• Sustained and frequent licking of the genital area.

The dog may seem sad and lacking in energy.

Cystitis in dogs: diagnosis and treatment

This inflammation of the bladder wall must be diagnosed with certainty in order not to miss another health problem that may have one or more symptoms in common with cystitis. Usually, the veterinarian will order a urinalysis to identify the culprit if he or she thinks the dog has cystitis due to a bacterial infection.

Sometimes the veterinarian may need to investigate further to confirm the diagnosis, especially if another cause is suspected, such as stones obstructing the urethra. In this case, a blood test and an imaging examination are essential (ultrasound...).

Once the diagnosis is confirmed, a treatment is prescribed. The dog can be put on antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs depending on the case. A surgical intervention is necessary when the cause of the cystitis is a stone.

Preventing cystitis in dogs

To limit the risk of cystitis or recurrence, it is essential that the owner makes his dog drink very frequently to increase diuresis. Dogs that do not have free access to their water bowl may suffer more frequently than others from this type of inflammation. But it is also essential to allow the animal to urinate when it needs to. If your pet is confined to the house all day, and therefore obliged to refrain from relieving itself on the carpet, the risk of cystitis increases considerably.

Another solution is to acidify the animal's urine, but only on the advice of a veterinarian. The owner can then add a tablespoon of apple vinegar to the drinking water of his little companion, at a rate of one spoonful every two days.

Dogs that suffer from cystitis due to gallstones are usually forced to follow a special diet for many months, or even for life. This may include acidifying kibble, which can be purchased in specialty stores. This type of food is very useful and effective in the short term in the case of cystitis of bacterial origin. To acidify the urine - which limits the proliferation of bacteria - you can also add fruits rich in vitamin C to your dog's food or simply give your pet some cranberry juice.

Cystitis and urinary tract infections in dogs and bitches should never be ignored. If left untreated, depending on their origin, these problems do not disappear spontaneously and the dog may suffer complications. His bladder and/or kidneys are very exposed. Not to mention that cystitis can be very painful. The owner therefore has a duty to relieve his dog and to have him treated as soon as possible.

How to become a dog groomer? Which training ?

The profession of dog groomer requires special skills and qualities. It is for people who love animals. To practice, it is necessary to follow a training in order to obtain a diploma. Zoom on the rigorous profession of dog groomer.

Dog groomer: essential skills and qualities

Not everyone is a dog groomer. Before embarking on a training course that will allow you to exercise this profession, it is important to make sure that you have the necessary skills and qualities, namely

• The sense of relational: to like the contact is impossible to circumvent because the groomer is continuously relation with the owners of the dogs which are entrusted to him. He must be courteous, sociable, but also have a sense of commerce because in addition to grooming animals, he must sell care products. If he works independently, it is all the more important because the stake is to be able to develop customer loyalty in order to perpetuate his business.
• A good physical condition: it is better to have stamina and not to be reluctant about the efforts because this profession is very demanding. You have to be able to stand for many hours, carry relatively heavy dogs and resist those who are not always cooperative. Nervously, it can be a challenge.
• Be patient: not all dogs enjoy being groomed. However, the professional must remain calm so that the session can take place in good conditions. Gentleness is therefore required, as well as self-control so that the dog is not disturbed in any way and remains calm.

It is of course fundamental to be rigorous and to respect the animals you are grooming.

To know well the canines

The groomer must be a perfect connoisseur of all the canine breeds so that he adapts the grooming and the care according to the morphology of each dog but also to its anatomy. This perfect knowledge includes the specific character traits of a breed. He must also be able to understand the different ways a dog communicates (i.e. "dog language") in order to detect stress, fear, discomfort or pain for example.

Be deft and gentle

The dog groomer uses sharp, contending and cutting instruments. There is no question of being clumsy because there are many risks of injuring an animal or yourself during grooming. Delicacy and dexterity are therefore required. The dogs that he takes in charge must feel confident.

The training of a dog groomer

To be able to work as a dog groomer, the candidate has two possibilities.

Obtain the Brevet national de toiletteur canin, a state-approved diploma, at the end of a two-year training. The exam includes final tests as well as continuous assessment.

To obtain a certification of canine groomer which is delivered by the Chamber of Trades and Crafts. To qualify, the person must be between 16 and 25 years of age, have a 3rd grade level, and must pass a specific exam, after a training course. This training can be followed either through an apprenticeship or through a qualification contract. The training is both theoretical and practical. In France, the National Union of Grooming Training Centers governs the centers where it is possible to prepare this diploma. These trainings are recognized by the State.

Where to practice the profession of dog groomer ?

This profession answers different projects since it can be practiced :

• In a grooming salon,
• In a veterinary office,
• In a veterinary clinic,
• At the customer's home.

Whatever the place where the dog groomer exercises his activity, it is essential to be always in relation with a veterinarian so that an emergency intervention can be possible in case of need. It is also with the veterinarian that the groomer renews his products.

The Spanish Greyhound (Galgo), lively, protective and calm dog

The Spanish Greyhound, commonly called Galgo, is a lively, protective and calm animal. Mainly used for hunting in Spain, it can also be used as a guard dog and pet.

Characteristics of the Spanish Greyhound

Physically, the Galgo is not unlike any other dog in its class. Like most sighthounds, it develops a sublongitudinal structure with a supple, lean gait. This slender, but compact-boned dog measures between 60 and 70 cm and weighs between 25 and 30 kg. Its fine and elongated head gives an impression of thinness. The skull reveals a subconvex profile with a moderate stop, a small black nose, a long muzzle and dry lips. The Galgo has small almond-shaped eyes placed obliquely which emphasize an expression of softness and calm. As for the ears, they are triangular, wide at the base and thinner at the tip. This dog comes in two varieties: the one with a hard, semi-long coat, nicknamed "barbudo", and the one with fine, tight, short hair. The coat is very varied and the standard admits all colors. However, fawn, brindle or black dogs are the most sought after.

History of the Spanish Greyhound

As the title suggests, the Spanish Greyhound comes straight from the Iberian Peninsula. Its true origins are still not well known. It is said to have existed since ancient times. Another version says that he would have landed in Spain during the great Celtic invasions and would be a descendant of the North African Sloughi. A contribution of Greyhound blood is also probable and was made to develop its speed. In its country of origin, the Galgo is mainly used for hunting activities. Unfortunately, they are mistreated by hunters. The latter abandon or worse, eliminate the less efficient dogs once the hunting season is over.

Necessary living conditions and behavior of the Spanish Greyhound

The Galgo is mainly used in hunting activities. It is especially appreciated for its exceptional eyesight, which allows it to detect prey very quickly. It is an intelligent and sociable animal with humans as well as with other dogs. It shows a beautiful dynamism, patience and affection. He has no trouble getting along with children. Before adopting a Galgo, it is nevertheless necessary to be sporty, because to be happy and in shape, this dog needs to spend time and run. If this condition is respected, a life in the city is possible.

Nutrition and main health problems of the Spanish Greyhound

Sighthounds imported directly from Spain can develop certain parasitic diseases such as filariasis leading to heart failure, ehrlichiosis or leishmaniasis, which causes a skin condition and weight loss. This dog also has difficulty with the cold. From the point of view of its food, a classic but nutritious food will be appropriate for it. This food must be adapted to his physical activity, his age and his specific needs.

The American Foxhound, pure hunting dog

The American Foxhound is a pure hunting dog. It knows a strong popularity in the rural areas of the south of the United States where it comes from as well as in the states of the east coast. It can also be used as a pet, although this is quite marginal.

Characteristics of the American Foxhound

The American Foxhound presents several similarities with the English Foxhound. It has a long and slender body and stands out especially by its large size. Its muscular physique is another of its particularities. A female measures between 53 and 61 cm while a male is between 56 and 63.5 cm. The weight oscillates between 28 and 34 kg according to the age and the sex. The American Foxhound can be recognized by its head with a rounded and imposing skull. The stop is not very accentuated. The dog has huge hazel to brown eyes that are set wide apart and reveal a soft look. The ears are rather long and large also with tips that are rounded. They are folded forward, hanging and set low. The American Foxhound has a medium length coat that is dense and reveals a rough texture. As for the coat, the standard admits all colors. However, the most sought-after dogs usually have bi-color (white and fawn markings) or tri-color (black, white and fawn) coats.

History of the American Foxhound breed

The American Foxhound is said to be one of the first breeds to appear in the United States. However, it is difficult to prove the veracity of this information due to the lack of documents attesting to the stages of creation. The breed is a derivative of the English Foxhound which would have landed in the 17th century in the United States. The following century, crossbreeding between this British breed, the Kerry Beagle and other European hounds gave birth to the first American Foxhound. Then, in the 19th century, a mixture with Irish hounds was made so that the animal gained speed. This hound and pack dog is not very widespread outside the American borders.

Necessary living conditions and behavior of the American Foxhound

The American Foxhound is an outstanding hunter with an exceptional sense of smell. This talent makes him very popular with American hunters and farmers in the south of the country. The breed is rarely used as a pet and excels instead for work. The American Foxhound is a very energetic and athletic dog that needs to live in a large space. The small apartments will certainly not be appropriate for him. Be careful, his house must also be secured, because if his sense of smell detects a possible prey, he can try to escape to pursue it.

Food and main health problems of the American Foxhound

The American Foxhound is a real glutton and can be victim of overweight if it does not follow a very strict diet. It also needs to make a maximum of physical exercises to keep the line. On the health side, it is recommended to watch the appearance of deafness problem as well as hip dysplasia, common to large dogs.

Is there a discount if I insure several dogs?

Many people who own several dogs are reluctant to take out a health insurance policy for each of their little companions because the amount of the contributions represents a considerable sum. However, it is important to cover your pets, because it allows you to treat them at a lower cost in case of accident or illness. It is therefore recommended to turn to a dog insurance company that applies a sliding scale of premiums, which allows to reduce the insurance budget.

Take out a comprehensive contract with a pet insurance company

Every owner must pay particular attention to the health of his dogs and make sure that they are adequately insured so that, in case of need, he does not have to pay large sums of money for veterinary procedures and medication. The only solution is to contact mutual health insurance companies that offer comprehensive insurance. It is indeed possible to find companies that apply a sliding scale of charges to anyone who wishes to take out a multi-animal insurance policy.

Some insurers have understood the expectations of hunters or breeders for example who need to insure several dogs in order to protect the health of their animals at a lower cost. They therefore offer preferential rates on a case by case basis. But what discount can we expect?

The dog insurance comparator to find a discounted rate

Mutual insurance companies that offer multi-animal insurance allow owners to save on the totality of the contracts, and the savings made on the contributions are of the order of 15 to 20% from the 2nd insured dog. But these companies are not the most numerous. To identify them quickly and obtain different quotes, it is preferable to use a dog health insurance comparator.

Insure several dogs with different formulas

In addition to saving money on premiums when the insurer you contact applies a sliding scale of charges, insuring several dogs with the same mutual insurance company limits the administrative hassle. It is always preferable to have the same contact person who knows the files of his policyholders perfectly. But be careful to be precise when subscribing to this type of contract. Each dog has its own needs in terms of health - and therefore of coverage - and one may have to opt for a specific formula for each of them.

It can be wise, thanks to the comparator, to first select the most competitive companies, both in terms of guarantees and rates, and then to contact them before subscribing so that a discount can be applied, and so that each dog you wish to insure benefits from an adapted formula.

Another solution to find a health insurance company that applies degressive rates if you insure several dogs is to turn to an insurance broker. After having taken note of the pet owner's expectations, this expert will negotiate with the best insurers on behalf of his client. This is a reliable way to pay less for multi-dog insurance while choosing guarantees adapted to each one, according to the age of the animals, their sex, their breed, their state of health and their activity.

Top 10 dogs that love the cold and snow

Snow is a popular playground for dogs, just like the beach. The more resistant the dog is to the cold, the more he will enjoy it. Dogs from cold countries, or those with a dense coat are logically better equipped against the cold than short-haired dogs, those with a fine morphology, dwarf and miniature breeds. Beware, puppies and very old dogs, regardless of their breed, are less resistant to the cold. Here are the top 10 dogs that love the cold and snow because they are not afraid of it.

The Saint Bernard

The St. Bernard is known as a dog used to search for people caught in avalanches. It is indeed an intelligent dog. There are two distinct varieties, one long-haired and one short-haired. A true mountain dog, its stature is impressive and its average weight is between 51 and 80 kg.

The growth and weight gain of a St. Bernard are rapid and put a lot of strain on the animal's body. This is why, without proper nutrition and exercise, the dog risks a serious deterioration of its bone structure.

It is a gentle dog that can still bite hard. A strict education from a young age will make him a pleasant companion to live with on a daily basis who will only show aggression if his master is attacked. Very attached to its environment, it is an excellent watchdog. For its well-being, it is necessary to be able to give it much space.

The Tibetan Mastiff

The Tibetan Mastiff is also called Tibetan Mastiff. It is a breed of working dog, large in size, vigorous, with a massive bone structure and a thick coat. It is traditionally used by nomadic shepherds in the Himalayas. Its Tibetan name is "Do-khyi" which means "door dog" because it was also a guard dog in Tibetan monasteries.

It is not the most intelligent of dogs, but it is distinguished by good observation, analysis and protection skills. Distrustful by nature, it must be well socialized to avoid it becoming aggressive.

He is very calm and composed. Appreciating the tranquility, it is not, therefore, the best playmate that exists.

The American Akita

The American Akita is not a dog for everyone because it is a pack dog, whether it is made up of its fellow dogs or humans. This means that its instinct is to be dominant. The owner of an American Akita must therefore have the energy and willpower to discipline his dog until he reaches maturity.

Extremely intelligent, powerful and energetic, it is truly one of the most demanding dog breeds. In return for this strong commitment, you will have a happy companion with whom it will be pleasant to spend time. Loyal and devoted to his master and family, he is naturally protective, quickly learning to tell strangers from friends.

This large dog is a working dog that is easy to learn: it needs a strong daily stimulation by all kinds of activities such as hiking, hunting...

Norwegian Elkhound

The Norwegian Elkhound is a medium-sized, square-shaped dog that can withstand the cold to the point of accompanying a hunting expedition for several days. Fearless, reliable and energetic, they serve in the Norwegian army.

One of its characteristics is its independence, which allows it to hold off an elk until the hunter arrives. This trait can be a difficulty to get obeyed. His abilities as a guard dog are obvious. Well trained, it is an extremely loyal and affectionate dog.

Care should be taken if you have other small animals in the home as the Norwegian Elkhound may consider them prey.

Leonberger

The Leonberger is a dog that comes from Germany, named after the town where it was born. It is a dog appreciated in all Europe, recognized for its fidelity and its devotion.

Impressive for its size, it belongs to the group of molosses. Solid and well-proportioned, its silhouette remains elegant. His character is calm and measured. This makes it an ideal companion, which integrates easily in all the contexts, especially as it knows how to remain discrete.

Very intelligent, the Leonberger is sometimes used as a rescue dog, rather in the water. It is also very protective and fearless, which makes it an excellent guardian.

The Newfoundland

A working dog of exceptional strength, he knows how to stay calm when he has nothing to do. He has webbed feet, which makes him an excellent swimmer. His character is gentle and protective. The Newfoundland is never aggressive and would give his life for his master's. His ideal setting is a home with a park and a pond.

The Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a medium to large sized dog, originally used to guard buildings and cattle, and to pull milk carts. He regularly needs long walks. He is calm and never unnecessarily aggressive.

The Bernese Mountain Dog loves to play because it allows him to empty his excess energy. Loving to learn, he particularly likes educational games.

The Wolf Spitz

The Wolf Spitz is a direct descendant of the first dogs tamed by man: this is another breed of dog that is difficult to train, requiring subtlety because if you set yourself on a dominant-dominated mode, you risk making him aggressive. But once the relationship with your pet is established, the Wolf Spitz is a quick-witted dog with a very good capacity for analysis.

The Chow-Chow

Originally from Mongolia, this is one of the oldest dog breeds. As with the Spitz-Wolf, the education of the Chow-Chow must be conducted early in a subtle and firm manner. It needs a calm, patient and gentle master to establish a real complicity with him.

The long-haired variety requires a brushing and a grooming with a comb almost daily in order to avoid the formation of knots, while the short-haired variety requires only a quick brushing once or twice a week.

The Pyrenean Mountain Dog

A large, strongly built, long-haired dog with a white coat, this dog is famous from the French television series "Belle et Sébastien".

It is a shepherd's dog that has long been used to protect flocks against predators such as bears. Distrustful and solitary, the Pyrenean Mountain Dog also needs a master with the necessary knowledge to educate him correctly.

Sled dogs

We have excluded from this top 10 the sled dog breeds such as the Siberian Husky, the Alaskan Malamute, the Samoyed, the Greenlander or the Canadian Inuit Dog. It goes without saying that they love the cold and snow. But they are special dogs. Pack dogs, hating solitude, they are hunters. Sled dogs have a behavior and instincts that remind us of their ancestor, the wolf. For their well-being, they must be supervised by a professional who offers them activities such as sled pulling, hunting, etc.