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How To Get Rid Of Carpenter Bees

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You might have been able to imagine what harms can be caused by carpenter bees—as its name suggest. Different from other families of bees which prefer open spaces and organic matters to build the nests around, carpenter bees dig a hole—or worse, a tunnel inside your wood trims and porches.  Hence, this species of bees is different from other kinds of bees in that carpenter bees do not live in hives. Instead, they may drill several holes along whatever woods they might find, such as benches, fences, wood trims, and porches. Pollinator bees might be beneficial for humans and wildlife, yet carpenter bees drilling holes into your house should be aware of and eliminate before they cause more severe damages to the structure of the house, especially during fall, when their offspring come out of the nests, drilling the holes of their own.

Identifying carpenter bee infestation

To make sure you indeed have carpenter bee infestation, you might need to pay attention to some signs these critters may leave behind, such as:

  1. A half-inch holes on any wooden structures, such as a porch, wood trims, furniture arms, and any other wood-based materials. There can be a single or more than one holes in the suspected areas, which is usually trimmed almost perfectly.
  2. Sawdust under the holes made. This sawdust cannot be easily removed since it tends to reappear every day, as carpenter bees keep drilling their nests. Pay attention to some left sawdust around the half-inch holes the bees have made.
  3. Droppings, which are whitish and located around the dug holes.
  4. Male carpenter bees wandering around the holes, coming in and out.
  5. Drilling sound from inside the dug holes.

How to kill carpenter bees

Carpenter bees are in fact a great pollinator, and wild plants require this animal. However, this family of bee can cause severe damages when infesting houses and other wooden buildings. Starting from a half-inch hole, the female living inside the nest keeps digging the tunnel inside any wood foundation the nest is located. Eventually, this will cause major problems, especially if the infestation is severe and large. Because of this, some homeowners have no choice other than killing the critters to prevent worse infestation. There are some methods used to kill carpenter bees, such as:

  1. Trapping them inside the nest and spraying pesticides into it.

Clogging the bees inside their built nest can be done using powdered pesticides sprayed into the nest. This is done to target female bees drilling the holes through the wood structure. Foam pesticides meant for carpenter bees should be effective. Choose one containing boric acid for maximizing the effects.

Look for the holes made by carpenter bees anywhere around the wood structure and spray the foam pesticide into it. The poisonous chemicals kill the bees and the foam effectively traps the bees inside the nest, eventually leaving them dead.

  1. Using petrol to kill carpenter bees.

If you decide to kill carpenter bees while they are still in their nests, you can spray petrol into it. The function is similar to the foam pesticides and is going to kill the bees inside the nests. However, petrol is harmful when inhaled and flammable. Hence, you need to be cautious when using this remedy to get rid of carpenter bees nesting inside your house structure. Make sure you wear a face mask when spraying it and do not use it around the fire source. Hence, killing carpenter bees making nests on the pile of woods or the wood structure around the fireplace is not a wise decision, since petrol you sprayed might leave a residue which is still flammable.

  1. Spray bees’ burrows with carburetor cleaner or machine lubricant

Carburetor cleaner may not be a gentle product to use in getting rid of carpenter bees infesting the house. However, this product is affordable, easy to find, and has an extension tube for the can, which is effective for reaching the burrows dug by the bees. Hence, it may reach the female bees and destroy the entire colony. WD40 is one of the cleaning product which is often used for this purpose. Use the extension neck for spraying the bee tunnel and let it sit for 20 minutes. Some bees are going to be trapped and die, while the nest cannot be used any longer.

  1. Zapping them with an electric racket.

Male carpenter bees are the workers of the swarms and can be seen outside, coming back and forth the nest, while the female stays inside, digging up the tunnel for nesting. If you prefer not to use any chemical pesticides to kill the swarms, you can give an electric racket a try. This is a temporary solution for a light infestation of carpenter bees. However, if the infestation is getting severe, you will need to take action to get rid of the entire colony, instead of only the wandering male bees.

Making traps for carpenter bees

Since carpenter bees’ nests are located inside a wood structure, it is hard to see how severe the damage it may cause. However, if you spot some holes created around the wood structures, you will need to take immediate actions, before carpenter bees do worse damages to the entire wood pillars and foundation around the house. Trapping carpenter bees have become an effective solution which has been done by various homeowners with carpenter bees digging holes on their house. Some homeowners might think that carpenter bees are very beneficial pollinators for the wild plants. However, considering the damages they may cause, bee infestation in the attic or around some other parts of the house should be taken into account immediately, and trapping is one of the ways of performing this treatment.

What you need to make carpenter bee jar traps:

  1. A mason jar or two recycled soft drink bottles
  2. A cubical wooden box in coordinative measurement with the bottle or jar diameter
  3. A drill
  4. An eye hook

To install the trap, follow these simple directions:

  1. Drill a half-inch hole near the top of each side and a half-inch hole on the bottom center of the box.
  2. If you are using a mason jar, put the jar covering the center hole you previously made. To do this, use a strong compound glue to prevent the jar from falling.
  3. If you are using a recycled soft drink bottle, cut the bottle in halves and take the upper part of the bottle only. Staple or strong glue the bottle to the bottom of the trap, covering the hole you have made earlier. Remove the cap. Afterward, cut another bottle into two parts, making sure that the upper part is 1.5 times longer than the first cut one. Place the second cut bottleneck onto the first one. Staple on the same spots. Do not remove the cap this time.
  4. Put the eye hook onto the upper center of the cubical box to hang the trap onto the house construction.
  5. The trapped bees will go down into the Mason jar or soft drink bottle, yet will not be able to climb back up. With soapy water inside the jar, the bees are likely to drown and eventually die.
  6. You can make and install several jar traps on suspected areas with high carpenter bee traffic. With the Mason jar version, you will have to replace the jar once in a while, or when it gets too full of bees and other trapped insects. With the soft drink bottle version, you can empty the bottle by removing the bottle cap and let the bees out. However, you have to do this cautiously, making sure you will not get stung by any alive carpenter bees.
  7. To make the trap work more effectively, add an attractant or bait inside the jar. To kill the bees quicker, in addition, add soapy water to one-third part of the jar or bottle which will cause bees to drown and hence, die faster.

Carpenter bees can be a nuisance. However, they are also beneficial for many kinds of flowering and plants. Hence, do not kill the bees unless it potentially damages your house and surrounding. Preventing the bees from building the nests at all is wiser than having to kill them. Hence, seal off cracks and crevices on woods and add varnish or paint regularly to keep the bees away.

How To Get Rid Of Centipede

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There are various species of centipede living outdoor and can be found residing under stones, piles of leaves, or damp soil. However, house centipedes can be found foraging around the house. In a certain period of the year, centipede infestation raises due to the dropped temperature and food shortage. Although centipedes are not aggressive and rarely approach humans, their bites can be venomous and cause swelling. Hence, homeowners assume that centipede extermination should be done to prevent the pest from infesting the house.

Centipedes in the house

House centipede looks alike silverfish and has got a dozen of legs and a pair of antennae. Their movement is quick and they can be anywhere in the house. However, they have no intention to scare humans and prefer isolated, dark, humid spots around the house. Hence, to check if you have some house centipedes, you might want to check their possible habitat. Centipedes may reside in spots which are rarely disturbed. Hence, the cracks on the wall, damp soil, piles of stored clothes, and other rarely used places in the house should be checked. Centipedes also like the place fulfilled with foods—which in their case, bugs. Hence, the places around the house with possible bug infestation might be the place where centipedes reside. Check the cabinets, drawers, under the sink, bathtub, even the shoe racks. You might find centipedes staying around those places to prey on smaller bugs and spiders. However, in some cases, house centipedes reported occurring on the bed and carpet placed around the rooms. This is not impossible since you might leave some crumbs which invite ants and other bugs. Hence, centipedes come after these pests to prey on them. For some homeowners, leaving centipedes alone is a better thing, since the invertebrate helps to keep the house insect-free. Centipedes also will not feed on humans’ foods, so that they will not be a destruction as ants, roaches, and other insects will. Moreover, centipedes do not transmit any diseases and bacteria to humans, so that their infestation at the house will not be a definite nuisance. However, for some people, centipedes can be a nightmare, because of the prehistoric appearance and the venom they produce. Around the house, centipedes do not only linger inside the building. There are some centipedes staying in the grass outside and can also be a nuisance.

House centipede control

As gross they are, centipedes are harmless and rarely bite persons for defenses. In fact, their jaws may not be strong enough to pierce our skin. However, the occurrence of centipedes in the house can be a sign that you have the infestation of their food sources—small insects. Hence, if you spot one centipede and kill it directly, you might have handled all possible infestation of this numerous-legged crawly. To do house centipede control, you might want to consider one of the various methods.

 

Kill centipedes on sight

Many people are concerned about how scary centipedes look like and decide to kill them on spot in order to avoid further infestation. To kill centipedes, one of these methods can be performed:

  • Stomping on centipedes. This is the easiest way to kill centipedes if you have the courage to approach the animal. However, their creepy look often makes people reluctant to go near them.
  • Using bug spray or ant killer. Spraying centipedes with bug spray or ant killer might be effective. However, the poison might need a while to take a reaction before eventually kill the centipede.
  • Many people choose to suck the centipedes with a vacuum cleaner and leave it dead.
  • Put traps for centipedes. Sticky traps can be effective for smaller centipedes. You can buy a ready-to-use one and set it up around the areas where centipedes pass through when trying to find some food sources. Setting up sticky traps near the cracks and crevices may be helpful. When trapped, centipedes may not instantly die, but it will eventually do. Disposing of the trapped centipedes may also help to relocate it outside.

Setting up barrier near any possible entrances

Centipedes, including house centipedes, are not indoor critters. Hence, they originate outside and come inside for foods. Therefore, setting up some barriers near any possible entrance from which these critters may get into the house can minimize its infestation indoor. Put some sticky traps or insecticides on those spots to kill any invading centipedes before they exploit the house further.

Professional helps

Although very rarely, people might find severe centipede infestation at home. If this is what happens in your house—signed by several centipedes in a variety of sizes spotted around consecutive days, you will need a professional help. Severe infestation needs a special care and handling techniques because you will need to find the nest and possible centipede eggs which will grow into adult crawlies. This service also prevents centipedes from infesting the house in the future.

Natural remedies for centipedes

Getting rid of centipedes can also be done by applying some effective natural remedies. These ingredients are more natural than chemical sprays and are easier to get around the house.

  1. Food grade diatomaceous earth

DE can be used to control not only centipedes but also small insects which they feed on. This natural remedy can be found in hardware stores and can be applied easily. To use DE as a natural remedy for controlling centipede infestation, sprinkle it directly over the places you suspect to be the spots where centipedes’ activities take place. Food grade DE is not poisonous for humans and pets, but is deadly for small insects, since it tears their exoskeleton and internal organs. Sprinkling the DE can be effective for killing centipedes not only inside the house but also in the lawn and other outdoor areas. This method also kills smaller insects and thus, minimize centipedes’ food sources, so that their infestation can also be controlled.

  1. Boric acid

Boric acid is also effective for killing centipedes and other creepy crawlies. This substance contained in powdered borax works by drying up the internal organs, leaving the critters to die. You can either sprinkle powdered borax around the suspected areas or mix it with other bait for more effective treatment. Boric acid also kills roaches, ants, silverfish, and other small house insects, which means limiting food sources for centipedes.

  1. Jar

This method is not only natural, but also very humane. If you prefer this method, you will only need to prepare one thing—your courage to approach centipede. You will use the jar directly to trap it and relocate the animal outside. This is an effective method for getting rid of centipede from inside the house and put it back to its natural habitat outside. There will be no residue left and it suits those who do not want to kill any animals.

Preventing infestation

Among all treatments and remedies, people can do about centipedes getting into the house, preventing it from coming in at all is the most effective one. Do these things to prevent centipede infestation around and inside your house.

Keep the house dry

In order to live, centipedes require a moist environment. In a dry environment, this critter will dry out and eventually die. Hence, you will need to do things which ensure that you are living in a dry—not moist household, such as:

  • Installing a room dehumidifier

This will regulate your house moisture and keeps the entire rooms and house dry. Centipedes do not like this kind of environment and will likely to leave the house alone. Dehumidifier also keeps smaller insects away, which is beneficial for the whole centipede control.

  • Wash dirty clothes as soon as possible

A pile of dirty clothes creates a damp, humid environment, which may invite centipedes to come in. hence, you will need to wash these clothes as soon as possible, as the humid pile might be a perfect hiding place for centipedes.

  • Check the shoe rack

Centipedes may also hide inside your shoes. This can be harmful since it may hurt you when you fail to inspect the shoes before wearing them. Some people get stung by centipedes when wearing sandals and shoes which are rarely worn. To avoid this, knock the shoes onto the ground before you wear them, especially when the pair is rarely worn. Stored shoes must be placed inside the box, to avoid small insect bites, which will invite bigger centipedes. Using plastic-based shoe boxes is better than using the cardboard ones, since cardboard shoe boxes may invite small insects to feed.

  • Get rid of compost and other piles of wood in the garden

Centipedes live outdoor, but they may get inside the house through small gaps and entry points. Hence, preventing them from infesting the garden will likely to prevent their infestation inside. Get rid of wood piles and compost in the garden to prevent centipedes from infesting and thus, get into the house for foods.

  • Putting silica gel inside the cupboards, drawers, and cabinets

Silica is an affordable, yet effective absorbent which can be used to control house humidity, especially in some unventilated spots, such as cupboards, cabinets, and drawers. You can easily find wrapped silica gels in chemical stores. Simply put some small bags of silica gel inside some potential places and replace it within two weeks. This will be helpful to keep the spots dry and thus, keep centipedes at the bay. You can also put silica inside any stored shoes and sandals to prevent centipedes from hiding inside those.

Get rid of insects

Insects infesting your house has a big role in centipede infestation since centipedes feed on these small insects. Make sure you get rid of small insects in the house to limit food sources centipedes might look for when infesting the house. To get rid of insects, you will need to:

  • Wipe off food crumbs and spill stains around the house
  • Remove card boards in the storage rooms
  • Remove organic things around the garden
  • Empty any indoor trash cans regularly
  • Caulk any entry points such as window gaps, wall cracks, and any other small holes
  • Remove pet food from the bowl

Remove water source for centipedes around the house

Centipedes may get indoor for several reasons, and one of them is finding food and water to survive. Outdoor water source, such as the garden faucet and rain gutter can be a beneficial water source for centipedes. Make sure you cut off these water sources to avoid centipedes from infesting by doing some simple things:

  • Fix any leaked faucets outside the house

Leaked faucets drop water and not only provide a water source for centipedes but also humidify the surrounding soil or pavement around it. Remember, centipedes love humid places, and those humidified spots will invite them to come to feed.

  • Empty rain gutter

Rainwater is also a nice water source for centipedes, and your rain gutter clogged with leaves and other organic things provide this need well. To avoid this, directly empty your rain gutter from rain water and any clogging materials, making sure that centipedes do not feed and build the nest there.

  • Empty pet water bowl

Inside, the water left in your pet’s bowl can be the source of water inviting centipedes. Remove any left water from the bowl to avoid this. You will also remove any spilled water around the bowl and under the sink, as they may cause humidity liked by centipedes.

Use natural centipede repellents

In order to keep centipedes at the bay, you can use various repellents which are natural and effective. Those centipede repellents include:

  • Salt
  • Cayenne pepper

These home remedies can be sprinkled around the entrance to keep centipedes and other insects away. This is a natural ingredient which has no harms to your home pets and children, although they should be kept away from the remedies.

Centipede infestation inside the house is rare and commonly not severe. In most households, only one or two centipedes are usually found, and centipede eggs and nest are not frequently spotted. Damp, humid places are their favorite spots, especially when supported with food and water sources. Hence, dehumidifying the house and removing the sources of food will keep centipedes away. Removing spotted centipedes in the garden can also be an attempt of preventing it from moving indoor. Closing up all entrance points also keeps these critters outside. Hence, all cracks on the wall and small holes should be caulked, since centipedes can get infest the house through small entrance points.

What To Do When Your Dog Has A Seizure

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There are several moments in life that are scarier than a moment of your dog having a seizure. You are scared for your pet’s well-being, as just moments ago he was completely normal and happy, and the next he is drooling, twitching, with glazed eyes, and even losing control over his bowels and bladder. Sometimes, seizures last only a few seconds, but whenever they happen those seconds feel like hours.

In these situations, you may feel helpless, but nothing can be further from the truth. You are your dog’s primary caretaker and the one who can make him go through the whole experience easier and safer. So, what should you do when your pet is having a seizure?

 

Step-by-step

  • Don’t panic. Giving away to your own anxiety and having a panic attack will not help your dog at all, and it will only make it harder for you to do the right thing for him/her. Breathe in and out and try to calm yourself down, because only then will you be able to come to your best friend’s aid properly.
  • Focus on your dog and his needs. Seizures are rarely life-threatening and they do not cause pain to your dog, so freaking out about that is completely unnecessary.
  • Let your pet handle the seizure. Your dog will probably become unaware of its surroundings and can get quite anxious and even blind.
  • Do not hold your dog during the seizure. Since dogs cannot control their behavior during a seizure, avoid holding them and hugging them when this happens, as even the smallest and harmless of dogs can injure you quite seriously, even if the only thing you are trying to do is comfort them.
  • Remove all harmful objects away from your dog. Instead of moving the dog, try to move all the objects away from him, especially those around his mouth, as he may try to bite you or those objects as he loses control over his movement and muscles. Your dog may stumble uncontrollably around the room, so it is better to move a chair or a lamp than to attempt to move your dog in this situation.
  • Make notes or take a video. It is important to know when the seizure started and how long it lasted, so take a notepad and write all of that down, or even better, take a video that you can later show to the vet. This way, you won’t miss any details and you won’t have to describe what happened. Most likely you won’t even remember everything, so taking a video is the best option in this case.

 

Additional Advice

  • Do not grab your dog’s tongue. It rarely happens that a dog swallows its tongue during a seizure, so do not try to grab it. You can get injured because your dog loses control over its muscles. It can sometimes happen that a dog bites its own tongue during a seizure, but those injuries are minor and nothing to worry about.
  • Make the fall comfortable. If your dog falls over and lands on a hard surface, put a pillow under its head to lower the risks of head trauma.
  • Do not wrap your dog in a blanket. Since dogs tend to generate a lot of heat during seizures, it is not advisable to wrap them in blankets even when it seems like they are cold due to shivering.
  • Contact the vet. Once the seizure is over, contact your dog’s vet and show him or her the video you took off the seizure. The vet will advise you on the next steps you should take to prevent future seizures.
  • Change your dog’s diet. Since the vet will probably prescribe certain medications for seizures, they will most likely cause your dog to gain weight. Therefore, it is essential to follow a specific diet that the vet will recommend.
  • Keep your dog away from water. Stay away from pools and rivers. If your dog is epileptic, he may drown if he gets a seizure when swimming.
  • Cut out salty treats. If your dog is on potassium bromide, salty treats can cause further seizures, therefore it is best to cut them out of your dog’s diet.
  • Keep your dog cool. Since they tend to overheat during a seizure, put some cold water on your dog’s paws and even turn on a fan to lower the temperature, but avoid putting water on your dog’s back.

Filed Under: Dog

Why Is My Dog Throwing Up Yellow Mucus

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Your dog may vomit here or there when it over-eating on the delicious food and treats, but what if it vomits something far more suspicious such as mucus? When dogs have nausea, they often drool and swallow a lot more than they normally do, and their stomach can move in an attempt to bring up whatever they are trying to remove from their bodies. Since dogs tend to eat almost anything they can find in their way, most of them will at some point vomit out whatever they ate.

However, when your dog starts vomiting yellow mucus, it is a cause for concern and a symptom of something that might be wrong with your pup. Keep on reading to find out why.

 

What is Not Vomiting?

Regurgitation happens when your dog’s esophagus malfunctions. Normally, the food will pass through it right to the stomach quite quickly, but sometimes, the esophagus loses its tone and sometimes even becomes dilated, which makes the food passing harder and less efficient. Instead of passing to the stomach freely, the food is ejected after eating.

Unlike vomiting, regurgitation is a passive process, and the only thing needed is for your dog to bend its head and the food will come out. When it does, it is often covered in mucus, and often the dog will try to eat the expelled food back. The bile is unlikely to be present here, and other symptoms can include gagging and coughing.

In other cases, also confusable with vomiting is when your dog hacks up the mucus while his chest and ribs alone are moving. This can be a sign of a respiratory system issue or a problem with the sinuses or the heart. In these instances, the dog will eject thick clear mucus.

When it comes to vomiting itself, the dog will usually vomit due to digestive issues, for example when it over-eats or consumes something inappropriate, such as grass.

 

Why is It Throwing Up Yellow Mucus?

When you see your dog vomiting yellow substances, most probably it is vomiting bile. Bile is an enzyme produces in the liver and stored in the gallbladder. The bile is distributed to your dog’s digestive tract to help digest the food faster, but if it is not used the way it’s supposed to, for example when the dog is not eating, he will most likely vomit the excess.

In cases when the bile irritates the dog’s stomach, he will vomit thick yellow mucus, and this is referred to as bilious vomiting syndrome. The mucus thrown up can be either dark or bright yellow color, but it can also appear to be greenish.

Usually, the vomiting will occur in the morning or late at night, as these are the times of the day when your dog goes without food the longest. This means that this occurrence is most common with dogs that get fed only once a day, but it can also happen when the dog is inactive.

Sometimes, vomiting of yellow mucus can be a sign of pregnancy. However, yellow mucus can also be a sign of a stomach blockage or another gastrointestinal condition. In these cases, this happens because the dog refuses to eat, therefore an excess of bile is formed in its stomach, causing him or her to throw it up.

 

Treatment Options

If your dog vomits only occasionally, you can deal with it at home. Firstly, you can start with a fast. This means that you should not feed your dog for about 12 hours, as this will clear its stomach when the cause of vomiting is stomach upsets. You should also give your dog heartworm pills.

After about 12 to 24 hours, you can give your dog some food. Start with sugar water, and if you see that your dog does not throw up, you can give him or her small amounts of bland food. Keep adding his regular food and stop the process if the dog starts vomiting again.

If you notice red specks in the vomit and if your dog has a high fever and is shaking, this could be the sign of something far more serious. Take your dog to the vet as they will set a diagnosis and figure out what exactly is wrong. Take a sample of vomit so the vet can examine it properly. The vet will probably prescribe an antibiotic or another treatment depending on the condition your dog is suffering from.

Filed Under: Dog

Why Is My Dog Teeth Chattering

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Chattering of teeth in canines can be a sign of a myriad of different things, anywhere from a bad mood to potential dental issues. If you notice that your dog’s teeth are chattering, pay some attention to the things that are happening around it to determine the cause. If, however, you are unable to do it yourself, do not hesitate to contact the vet who may be able to find out what the underlying cause of this chattering is.

Listed below are the possible reasons and explanations of why your dog may be clacking his teeth. Ranging from behavioral reasons to the atmospheric ones, there is a number of possible causes and interpretations, and one of them should give you the answer you are seeking for.

 Behavioral Reasons

Behavioral reasons take the first place on our list since they are the most common ones for tooth chattering. He may be excited for a number of reasons, starting with something quite simple such as you coming home from work or school, or just your dog trying to overcome his excitement during his playtime or cuddling sessions with you. So if you notice that your dog starts chattering his teeth while you are playing with him or being affectionate, there is no need to worry since he’s just enjoying the quality time he’s spending with you.

On the other hand, the chattering can be a sign of your dog’s preparation for a threat. He may be sensing immediate danger coming his way, or just being protective over the person he loves when they are in danger. You will most probably notice that your dog does this around other dogs or cats.

Also, a scent of another dog may lead your dog to chatter his teeth, especially if your dog is a male and is near a female dog in heat. Additionally, a dog may clack his teeth when smelling another dog’s urine, but this is not a sign of anything serious or dangerous. The dog may simply be assessing the odor of the urine by using his Jacobson organ, which is a structure found in your dog’s nose that has a special duct known as incisive papilla, located between its front teeth. The chattering, in this case, is a sign of a dog sending scent molecules to the incisive papilla in order for them to reach the Jacobson organ.

 He May Be Cold

One of the most obvious reasons for the chattering of your dog’s teeth is simply the possibility of him being cold. If you live in the cold climate and own a dog which was not bread for such conditions, such as a short-haired breed, this may be the reason why. If you suspect this, simply get your dog somewhere warm, and invest in a dog sweater which you can put on him when you’re going for a walk to shelter him from harsh winters.

Dental Problems

In some cases, the chattering of your puppy’s teeth can be a sign of an ailment that demands medical attention. One of such conditions can be a periodontal disease, and you should be able to look for signs while you are cleaning your dog’s teeth.

If your dog is chattering its teeth it can be a sign of gum problems or pain in his teeth or jaws. Sometimes you won’t be able to notice the dental issues straight away, and an x-ray would be needed.

 Neurological Issues

Chattering can also be a sign of epilepsy. Epilepsy is quite common in canines and could be caused by a number of reasons that can range from food allergies to serious issues such as cancer. Make sure you feed your dog a healthy diet and take him to the vet if he starts having seizures. In this case, a seizure may only be partial, otherwise known as focal, so detecting this problem as soon as possible is essential for the health of your dog.

One way of checking is to determine the responsiveness of your dog. When you notice that he is chattering his teeth, try talking to him and capturing his attention. If he fails to respond, that is the sign of a seizure, and you should take him to the vet as soon as the seizure is over. Also, take a video of the whole situation so you can show it to the vet, as he or she will be able to assess the situation better with physical evidence, rather than just your explanation.

 Hereditary Reasons

Some of the ailments can be linked to your dog’s breed and heredity, for example, breeds such as Maltese, Bichon Frieses, and Cocker Spaniels can suffer from a multisystem degeneration. Therefore, teeth chattering can be a sign of this, followed by muscle tremors and issues with balance. Also, smaller breeds such as Chihuahuas are more prone to chattering their teeth when they are nervous.

Filed Under: Dog

What Can Trigger A Seizure In A Dog

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Your little furry friend is usually happy and chipper, but suddenly it seems confused and disoriented and then flops to the floor. He is having a seizure. You panic and rush to the vet immediately, but, in the end, you really want to know why this happened in the first place.

If your beloved dog has seizures often, he may be suffering from a seizure disorder, also known as epilepsy (which is a condition that hits humans as well). Seizures happen because of the abnormal bursts of electrical activity in the brain of your dog, and they can have a great effect on the quality of your friend’s life, his behavior, and the way he looks. Seizures in a dog can look like a twitch or shaking of the whole body, and they can last from half a minute to even several minutes. But what can actually trigger a seizure in a dog?

 

Triggers of Seizures in Dogs

Unfortunately, triggers of dog seizures are still unknown, however, it has been noticed that many dogs get seizures when they are excessively excited. The excitement, in this case, can be either positive or negative, so your dog may experience a seizure when he or she sees you after a longer period of time, or when they are going to the vet.

The important thing to note is that you should not confuse seizures with dreaming. It is quite common for dogs to shake, bark, run or do something else while they are sleeping, but remember that you can always wake up a dreaming dog, while you cannot do the same with a dog who has a seizure.

Causes of Seizures in Dogs

There is a number of causes of seizures in dogs, which can range from diseases to other conditions. Some of the most common causes for seizures are congenital defects (which are the traits of an animal that exist since birth), high or low blood glucose levels (diabetes mellitus – a disease caused by the inability of pancreas to produce insulin, or hypoglycemia), low levels of oxygen in the blood (which can be caused by heart problems, breathing issues, or anemia), kidney and liver disorders, various infections (such as canine distemper (a virus that can affect the brain, eyes, respiratory and intestinal tract, and the skin of a dog).

Furthermore, a seizure can be caused by a brain tumor, by the exposure to various toxins such as lead, chocolate, or antifreeze, by hyperthermia and fever, from various medications, low calcium levels in female dogs that are nursing, epilepsy (primary and idiopathic), and brain damage caused by trauma or poor blood flow, stroke.

In the next section, we will cover several types of seizures caused by different factors, and list the pieces of advice and the general reasons for their occurrence, so keep on reading.

Liver Disease Seizures

The liver is the organ which cleans the blood from the waste and filters it back to the rest of your dog’s body, so when the functioning of the liver is compromised, your dog may experience seizures. The toxins can spread throughout your dog’s body, too many organs, including the brain, and this malfunction is known as hepatic encephalopathy, which basically means that there is an excess of ammonia in your pet’s body.

Be aware of the signs of liver failure: your dog may be confused after meals, it may be disoriented, comatose, suddenly aggressive, lethargic. Its urine can be dark in color, he can have diarrhea, vomit, and finally, experience seizures. In these cases, it is of an essence to examine the liver to determine the cause of its malfunction and the proper treatment.

The vet will prescribe the proper medication after the diagnosis, and he or she will most likely recommend a diet change for your dog in order to relieve the stress put on the liver and kidneys. Use zinc supplements that you can add to your dog’s food to help him metabolize it quicker. If your dog is eating meat, make sure to purchase good quality cubed or ground meat, such as chicken or turkey neck. Never feed your dog cooked bones.

Epilepsy Caused Seizures

Epilepsy is a brain disorder which can make your dog have uncontrollable and sudden seizures. Some of these can actually lead to the loss of consciousness, but others can have the dog fully awake. Epilepsy can be caused by genetic abnormalities or idiopathic, which basically means that it happens for an unknown reason.

Symptoms of the epileptic seizure can be the following: your dog can become stiff, fall onto its side, urinate, salivate, defecate, or paddle with all four of its limbs. These attacks can last from thirty to ninety seconds, and will usually happen while your dog is asleep or resting. It is important to note that the attacks are more aggressive the younger the dog is and that before the age of two, most dogs will respond quite well to the medication. Remember that epilepsy treatment is long-term, and should be monitored by a professional, in this case, a vet.

Kidney Failure Caused Seizures

Any dog can experience kidney failure and kidney disease, but dogs that are most likely to develop these problems are elderly and senior dogs. Kidney failure can be caused by a myriad of reasons such as diabetes, urinary blockage, genetic causes, lymphoma, and even some medications. Kidney failure may lead to seizures, but also depression, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, blood in your dog’s urine, acute blindness, and increased thirst among others.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for chronic kidney failure, but there are medications that can help manage the condition and elevate the quality of your dog’s life. The most common treatments will correct the psychological and biochemical abnormalities that are the result of the disease. Your vet will probably recommend one or a combination of these possible methods of treatment: specialized diet, fluid therapy, ulcer medication, nutritional supplements, blood pressure medication, supplements which increase the levels of potassium and lower the levels of phosphorous in the blood, protein reduction medication, and medications and supplements that combat anemia.

Poison Caused Seizures

More often than not, your dog will roam and explore the places he is not supposed to, and in the process, get in contact with dangerous chemicals. Always make sure to dog-proof your house, especially cabinets and doors. If your dog comes into contact with substances such as tobacco, aspirin, antidepressants, marijuana, alcohol, gasoline, insecticides, drain cleaners, and furniture polish, he may get a seizure upon ingestion.

When your dog is outside he can still get into contact with harmful natural substances that can cause a seizure such as venomous snakes, horse chestnut, various spiders such as the brown recluse spider, and poisonous toads such the Florida marine toad. Always keep an eye on your puppy and carry with you medications that can help if something happens.

Blood Sugar Levels Caused Seizures

Unfortunately, dogs can become diabetic, and that is due to the fact that dogs have a very limited glucose storing function. When a dog has low blood sugar levels, he can experience a seizure, and this is most prominent in puppies because their livers are still underdeveloped and have a lower capacity of glucose storing.

Luckily, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can be treated fairly easily once diagnosed. This can be as easy as topping your dog’s food with a couple of tablespoons of vanilla ice cream or rubbing some ice cream inside his cheeks.

Brain Cancer Caused Seizures

Brain cancer in dogs can develop in the membranes that cover the brain, in the pituitary gland, or some other part of the brain. Cancer can affect your dog’s behavior and functioning and can cause seizures which are often accompanied by the oversensitivity to pain, vision issues, and altered mental status.

Once diagnosed, possible treatments for cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Also, a vet can prescribe medications that can prevent the growth of the tumor and the development of further tumors. These medications will also help your dog cope with seizures.

Filed Under: Dog

What Are The Symptoms Of A Dog Having A Seizure

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Hot to tell if your beloved dog is experiencing a seizure? Seizures can be quite scary for dog owners and can often leave you in tears, but most important thing you should think at that moment is how to help your best friend. In this article, you will find the most common symptoms of seizures in dogs, so the next time it happens you will be prepared and know exactly what you are dealing with.

 

Symptoms

Generally speaking, there are several types of seizures that can affect dogs, partial or focal seizures, grand mal or generalized seizures, and focal seizures with secondary generalization.

Partial seizures will affect a small part of your dog’s brain and can manifest in a number of different ways. In the case of partial seizures, you will notice that only one side of the body, only one limb, or just the face of your dog is affected.

With grand mal seizures, both sides and the entire body of your dog will be affected. These will often manifest in involuntary jerking and twitching in all limbs, and often be accompanied by the loss of consciousness.

When a seizure happens, your dog will most likely fall on its side and become stiff, it will chomp its jaw, urinate, vocalize, defecate, and salivate a lot. It will also most likely paddle with all four of its limbs. Such seizures can last anywhere from 30 to 90 seconds.

With grand mal or generalized seizures, most dogs will have altered behavior known as aura. In this time, you may notice some of these signs: confusion, agitation, nervousness, he may seek seclusion and become clingy or seek attention, he can stare into space, and be generally restless. These seizures most commonly start and end abruptly and are characterized by these traits: weakness, frantic barking, vomiting, drooling, urination and defecation, twitching of the muscles especially in the facial area, cessation of breathing, rhythmic jerking of legs, trembling, rigid extension of extremities, collapsing, biting invisible objects, chomping of the teeth, your dog may lose awareness to its immediate environment, or become temporarily blind.

In the case of status epilepticus, a seizure can last for five or more minutes, and if your dog has two or more seizures within one day, he may suffer from cluster seizures.

 

Breeds at Risk

The sad part is that seizures can affect a dog of any age, breed, or sex, however, seizures caused by toxins and primary epileptic seizures are most common in dogs who are younger, and older dogs usually get seizures caused by brain tumors.

Some of the breeds that can have a genetic predisposition to having seizures are the Dachshund, the German Shepherd, Beagle, Belgian Tervuren, and Keeshond. Also, there are breeds which are prone to seizures but without a hereditary cause and those include the Cocker Spaniel, Collie, Irish Setter, Golden Retriever, Poodle, Miniature Schnauzer, Labrador Retriever, Siberian Husky, Wire Fox Terrier, and the Siberian Husky.

Filed Under: Dog

How To Treat Dog Rotten Teeth

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Like humans, dogs can suffer from tooth decay as well, and although it is less likely that they will get cavities in comparison to humans, there can be a buildup of tartar in the gum line which can cause them to recede. The result of this is various periodontal infections that can lead to the occurrence of abscesses (pockets of pus under the gums). This condition is painful for the dog, and it can lead to quite serious illnesses if untreated.

Since unlike humans, dogs do not brush their teeth, taking extra precautions to keep their dental hygiene and health is of the essence. The bacteria that can accumulate in the mouth of your dog is the same kind that can affect its lungs, heart, and kidneys, therefore it should be taken seriously.

 

Symptoms

Bad breath. Bad breath can be the first sign of a possible tooth decay in your dog. The bacteria that collects around your dog’s gums is the result of decaying food, and it can cause infection and gingivitis in his mouth, which results in a very bad breath. If you detect a sour, pungent odor coming from your dog’s mouth, that can be a sign of a disease inside the mouth or other internal organs of your pet.

Inflamed gums. Another symptom is the inflamed gums, also known as gingivitis. This disease causes the gums to become inflamed, red, and sometimes even to bleed. This happens because the bacteria collect in your dog’s mouth as a result of leftover food in his teeth. The bacteria usually build up under the gum line and teeth roots and causes an infection that can lead to bone degeneration, tooth rotting and loss, and in more serious cases, it can lead to disease of major organs.

Calculus and plaque. Since dental plaque is made of the leftover food particles and saliva that mix and make a sticky film that covers your dog’s teeth, it is no wonder that it can be a sign of something more serious when it reaches a certain point. If the plaque is not removed from the teeth, it will harden over time and become a thick, bone-like formation known as tartar, or calculus. Calculus can cover the whole tooth and cover the infection going on underneath.

Swollen jaw. When the infection collects around the root of the tooth it can create an abscess, which is the swelling of the jaw that can be visible to the naked eye. You will notice a lump on the lower jaw close to the neck, or on the upper jaw under the eye socket of your dog. If the abscess grows big enough, it can burst and break through the skin and you can see the pus oozing onto the fur of your dog through a small hole in the formed lump.

Problems with chewing. If you notice that your dog has issues when chewing the food, or that it stops chewing it altogether, it can be a sign of tooth decay. You may even notice loose and missing teeth, and even the rotting and the infection of the teeth and gums. When your dog has rotting teeth, it can feel a lot of pain, and when its teeth become loose it can even have a lot of trouble eating and chewing its food on a daily basis.

Sneezing and nasal discharge. If your puppy’s teeth are infected in his upper jaw, the abscesses can form in the roots of his teeth and create the pockets of pus. This infection can travel up to your dog’s sinuses which lead to a runny nose and excess sneezing.

 

Treatment at the Vet

Once you’ve established that your pet has tooth decay issues, visit a vet and schedule dental cleaning session. The vet will determine the stage of tooth problem and he or she can schedule a blood screen test to see if there are any signs of problems with the other organs of your pet.

Dental cleaning is done under general anesthesia, especially if the dog is older or has other health issues. The vet will perform an X-ray to discover any possible abscesses or pockets of pus in the roots of your dog’s teeth. This will also determine if there are signs of bone deterioration in your dog’s jaws.

Using a water pick, the vet will scrape any plaque and calculus off your dog’s teeth, and scrape the space underneath the gum line. If needed, some of your dog’s teeth can be pulled if they are so rotten and broken, and no longer useful for the dog. The vet can also inject certain antibiotics into the gum cavity to prevent the spread of the infection.

There is a new dental vaccine known as the porphyry monas vaccine, which is used to kill off certain types of bacteria that cause the dental diseases in dogs. These strains of bacteria can cause kidney, heart, and lung diseases in dogs, and also affect the bone loss in the jaws of canines. This vaccine is administered every six to twelve months after a veterinary cleaning.

 

Home and Natural Remedies

There is a number of things you can do to help your dog with the dental issues.

Brushing its teeth regularly should be number one on your list. Not only will regular brushing help prevent the possible tooth decay, it will also help with the bad breath. You can purchase toothpaste and toothbrushes designed specifically for dogs at any pet store and use them daily using downward strokes. You can do this only on the outer part of your dog’s teeth, as the inside of its mouth will be naturally cleaned by your dog’s saliva and tongue. Never use toothpaste made for humans on your dog, as they contain harmful chemicals that can mess up your dog’s digestive tract.

Chew toys and treats can also be bought at pet stores, and they are made to help clean your dog’s teeth while he chews on them. These dental treats and toys are perfect, as dogs love to chew on things, so this habit becomes a perfect opportunity of preventing the possible tooth problems.

Hard food and kibble can also be quite beneficial, as the dog will scrape his teeth clean as he chews on harder food. Find kibble that will satisfy your dog’s nutrient needs and you should be set.

Herbs. Echinacea can be used directly on the gums of your dog and applied with a cotton swab to help with the irritated gums. Oregon grape tincture will inhibit the growth of bacteria. It can be applied with a cotton swab and it is a great antiseptic and promotes gum tissue growth. Other good choices are Myrrh and Goldenseal as well. Calendula is great for bleeding gums, and it can be applied directly to the gums as well. Fennel can freshen your puppy’s breath, and it is packed with vitamin C. Parsley and dill have antimicrobial properties, and can help fight the infections and bad breath.

Supplements. Coenzyme Q10 can help with swollen, red, and bleeding gums. Grapefruit seed extract is a great natural antiseptic that can kill microbes and can be used externally and internally. For gum cleaning, dilute two to four drops of it in about five ounces of water and apply with a Q-tip to the gums and teeth of your dog. Bee propolis has antimicrobial properties and is great for infected gums and ulcers.

Healthy diet. Feed your dog a healthy diet and avoid sugary snacks and foods that are rich in starch. Mix in fresh vegetables, for example, leafy greens and broccoli in your dog’s food, and also give him hard raw veggies such as carrots as treats. Raw bones are rich in calcium and have enzymes that promote the healthy bacterial flora in the mouth of your dog. Never give cooked bones to your dog, and rather opt for knuckle bones and organic marrow bones.

Foods rich in calcium should be included in your dog’s diet as well, so try feeding him more swiss cheese, carob powder, kelp, collard greens, and dark leafy greens. Foods rich in phosphorus should also be eaten regularly, and those include squash and pumpkin seeds, nuts, sunflower seeds, cheddar cheese, wheat bran and wheat germ.

Another interesting addition to your dog’s diet can be cranberries which help stop the bacteria from sticking to your dog’s teeth. Cranberry juice is also a great option when it comes to the prevention of cavities.

Filed Under: Dog

Dog Having Trouble Urinating – Cause & Treatment

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Urination for dogs should be as comfortable as, well, urinating usually is. The flow should be steady and strong, no matter what the age and gender of your dog are. However, if you notice that your dog is trying harder than usual to urinate, there is a reason for that, and you should examine the situation closely to find out what the underlying cause is.

 

Signs and Symptoms

Firstly and most importantly, you should examine your dog’s genitals closely. You can do this by starting a belly-rub session with your pet. While you are rubbing its belly, look for signs of chewing, scratching, and licking on your dog’s genitals. You should be able to locate saliva staining in the form of copper-colored discoloration on your dog’s fur, redness on his skin, excoriations, and wounds. While you are assessing the situation, look for other changes in your dog’s appearance, such as pigmentation, rashes, or blisters, as well as the discharge from your dog’s genitals.

On the other hand, if your dog has complete urinary tract obstruction, that is a serious emergency that requires medical attention. This obstruction can be the result of inflammation or compression of the urethra, and treatment for this is absolutely possible depending on the severity of the issue. The first symptom of this issue is the straining to urinate. This can remind of constipation because your dog will likely hunch over while attempting to urinate. Since the passage of urine is blocked, the stream can be interrupted and appear cloudy, and urine can be tinged with blood and dark in color.

This issue causes a lot of pain to the dog, therefore he may cry out repeatedly and refuse to eat. He may even become depressed, vomit, and retching. If he goes without medical attention, he can develop renal failure which can lead to death.

Your dog can be suffering from functional urinary retention as well, which may result in several complications, such as those of urinary tract infection, which can spread to your dog’s bladder. Other possible complications may include the rupture of the urethra, and atony and permanent injury to the detrusor muscle. This is more likely to happen to male dogs than female ones.

Possible symptoms of this issue include ineffective attempts to urinate, weak or interrupted urine stream, bladder so full that it leaks urine, pain in the abdominal area, muscular issues, and abdominal distension.

 

Causes

There are several possible causes of urinary problems in dogs, ranging from urinary tract stones, prostate and urinary diseases, the accumulation of minerals in the tract, tumors, scar tissue, and lesions.

Causes of urinary tract obstruction include lesions of the pelvic nerves, electrolyte disturbances (for example hypocalcemia, hypokalemia, hypercalcemia), lesions of the sacral and supra sacral spinal cord, neuropathy, midbrain disorders, abnormal functioning of the autonomic nervous system, and Cushing’s disease.

Causes of functional urinary obstruction include anticholinergic medications, excessive urethral resistance, and possible side effects of the previous urethral and pelvic surgery.

 

Treatment

Urinary tract infections must be treated by a vet who will be able to tackle the underlying disorders which could include neurologic lesions or electrolyte disturbances. The vet will be able to normalize the levels of urea and other substances in your dog’s blood.

The obstruction in the urinary tract should be relieved, and often, sedation will be necessary. The vet may perform urethral massage or fluids to push out the obstruction from the urethra and into the bladder. Once the obstruction is pushed to the bladder, a catheter can be placed and left there for at least one day. Usually, the vet will administer intravenous fluids in order to normalize your dog’s electrolyte levels. Some pain medications will most likely be prescribed.

After the treatment at the vet, you will need to monitor your dog’s urine flow to look for signs of possible complications. You may also be asked to change your dog’s diet in order to prevent possible formation of stones, crystals, or other causes for future obstruction. Also, you will have to make sure that your dog urinates regularly to relieve the pressure from the bladder.

Filed Under: Dog

Can My Dog Eat Grapes?

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Can my dog eat grapes? Dogs are known for their ability to eat anything and everything that crosses their paths, but some of those things can be quite dangerous and even have detrimental and deadly effects on them. One of these things is grapes.

The answer to the previous question would be a simple no. But why is that? According to PetMD, raisins and grapes are well known for their high toxicity for dogs. It is yet to be discovered which substance exactly is that toxic and causes such a reaction, but this information alone should be enough for you to instantly remove any chance of your dog getting his paws on a bowl of grapes.

 

What are the Risks?

First of all, it is very important to note that dogs of any age, breed, or gender can be affected by the toxic effect of grapes. Additionally, there is no amount of grapes that is proven to be safe for dogs, so prevention is the key when it comes to this. Raisin and grape toxicity can be fatal for dogs when they ingest them, and the effect can be acute kidney failure. Also, anuria, also known as the lack of urine production is another possible outcome, however, not all dogs will suffer from kidney failure upon the ingestion of grapes.

Symptoms

There is a number of symptoms and signs of grape poisoning in dogs and they may exhibit one or more of these symptoms:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Vomiting and diarrhea which happens within hours or ingestion. The fecal contents and the vomit may contain pieces of grapes or raisins you dog ingested.
  • Dehydration (symptoms: dry nose and mouth, pale gums, panting)
  • Lethargy
  • Weakness and quietness of unusual nature
  • Abdominal pain. Your dog’s stomach will be tender upon touching
  • Bad breath
  • Oral ulcers
  • Seizures
  • Tremor
  • Anuria or oliguria (when only a small amount of urine is passed)
  • Kidney failure which can be fatal
  • Coma

 

Treatment

If your dog has eaten grapes of raisins within the past two hours, it is an emergency which requires immediate attention. You will have to induce vomiting as soon as you notice that, before the toxins that the fruit contains have the chance to be absorbed. Note that if your dog is unconscious, having trouble breathing, if he is showing signs of shock, or if you are unsure what he has eaten, do not try to induce vomiting.

If the dog has already thrown up, do not induce more vomiting, and instead call your vet and ask for advice. If the vet recommends that you induce vomiting again, try giving your dog a small meal if he hasn’t eaten in the past two hours. This will make it possible for your dog to vomit again.

Get some 3% hydrogen peroxide and measure one milliliter per pound of your dog’s weight. The maximum amount you should take is 45ml even if the weight of your dog surpasses that number. Using a syringe, squirt the hydrogen peroxide into the back of your dog’s mouth, and if he does not vomit in fifteen minutes, try once more. Make sure not to do this more than twice, and if the dog does not vomit after the second time, do not use anything stronger to induce vomiting. Instead, take your dog to the vet.

Whatever the case is, vomiting or not, take your dog to the vet as soon as possible. The vet may have to perform a gastric lavage or give your dog activated charcoal which will deal with the remaining toxins in your dog’s stomach. The vet will most likely have to perform an intravenous fluid therapy which will flush out the toxins out of the bloodstream of your dog.

If your dog has severe kidney failure, one which makes him unable to produce urine, he may need hemodialysis until his kidneys have time to recover. Sometimes, a kidney transplant will be required, but in most cases, euthanasia remains as the only options if the dog’s kidneys stop working altogether.

 What Can Be Done?

The best and the first thing you should do is very simple. Prevention is the key in this case. Since dogs will eat almost anything, make sure to keep raisins and grapes out of the reach of your pet. Tell all your housemates and family members not to keep grapes and raisins in an easily reachable place, and tell them never to give your dog even one grape or raisin. Other than grapes, keep chocolate, garlic, onions, and other harmful foods away from pets.

Another thing you should do is to act immediately if you find that your dog has eaten raisins or grapes. This will increase the likelihood of your dog’s survival immensely.

Filed Under: Dog

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