Man's Best Friend and Toxocara Infection in Children

There are so many reasons to teach young children to keep their fingers out of their mouths and not to eat dirt. Add the fact that there are so many dogs and puppies using our yard for a bathroom; your own, a neighbors, even a stray.

In the United States, most puppies and many adult dogs are infected with the roundworm, Toxocara canis.

Infection of the adult dog with this parasite happens when they ingest eggs from the contaminated environment. The puppies usually get this parasite from the mother before birth through her milk. The puppies will start passing eggs in their feces by 3 weeks of age.

This parasite can be spread to humans by ingestions of eggs from the soil or from contaminated hands. Most at risk are young children under 5 years of age, especially those with a history of eating dirt and exposure to puppies.

One study showed that 20-60% of soil samples from backyard residences, public parks and children's sandboxes were contaminated with Toxocara canis eggs. Though it is found throughout the U.S., diagnosis of disease in children is made most frequently in the south.

Light infections in humans are usually asymptomatic, and probably occur quite frequently.

Human infection with Toxocara usually takes one of two forms; visceral larval migrans (VLM), this is where the larvae migrate aimlessly. They usually end up migrating to the liver, but almost any tissue can be invaded.

The other more rare disease is ocular larval migrans (OLM), where the larvae enter the eye where permanent vision loss is possible.

The diagnosis of Toxocara is usually based on clinical signs, history of exposure to puppies, laboratory findings (including eosinophilia), and the detection of antibodies to Toxocara. Stool samples are not useful for examination since the larvae don't mature to adults in humans. Anti-parasitic drugs are available for treating VLM. You cannot treat OLM with antiparasitics and is usually left to trying to prevent more damage to the eye.

The best treatment may be to increase prevention by reducing the accidental ingestion of eggs.

Prevention measures include:

• keep the dogs & puppies under a veterinarian's care for early and regular deworming
• clean up after the pet and dispose of stool
• keep animals' play area clean
• wash hands after playing with dogs or cats
• keep children from playing in areas where animals have soiled
• cover sandboxes to keep out animals
• Don't let children eat dirt.

I have over 20 years experience in clinical and public health microbiology and infectious diseases. I want to enlighten and inform about infectious diseases that could affect you, rare and common, and what you can do to protect you and your family from these dreaded afflictions. See more of my work at http://www.examiner.com/x-7707-Tampa-Disease-Prevention-Examiner

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_Herriman

Be a Volunteer to Walk Dogs at the Humane Society - It's Good For You

Imagine if you were locked up in a small cage all day. Wouldn't you get excited if someone came along to take you out? The dogs at the humane society experience this every day. Sometimes a volunteer comes along to take them for a walk. This is usually the highlight of their day and makes them happy. Why not volunteer at the humane society yourself? The dogs would love it and it could also be good for you.

Any time you volunteer for a good cause, it should make you feel great about yourself. It's called generosity. But when you walk dogs, you get something special in return. You get a new companion that instantly loves you. And, companionship is good for you. Sure, they're not human beings and there's no substitute for human interaction, but companionship is companionship, no matter what. And, dogs provide that.

Not only that, volunteering to walk dogs at the humane society is good for your health, too. North Americans don't exercise as much as they should. Perhaps exercise just bores them. Think about how much more interesting it would be to get your exercise while walking dogs. It sure beats the mundane thought of walking by yourself. And, yes, walking is considered exercise.

Most people have time to spare. Just think about all the hours you spend in front of the television every week. If you take just two hours away from TV time, you too could find the time to do volunteer work at the humane society. Like I said, it's good for you!

Tino writes a blog about lottery winners stories, which includes stories about people that have won big jackpots in lottery games.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tino_Sundin

7 Things You Have To Know About Choosing A Puppy

We've all done it, fallen in love with a cute little puppy in an advert or in a picture or magazine article. I know I did, I always wanted a Border Collie. They looked so lovely and that was my only decision making criteria. Cuteness.

When we eventually decided that the time was right for buying a puppy, it was a Border Collie for me and only a Border Collie. That was until a close friend sat me down and asked one vital question. "Have you really thought the practicalities through?" She then pointed out to me the many pitfalls of my choice of puppy. Things that hadn't even occurred to me, she then said that the reason there were so many abandoned puppies was because people just hadn't thought things through.

I went away and drew up a list of pros and cons on buying a border collie and soon realised that she was completely correct. A Border Collie just wouldn't be right for me, my family or our lifestyle, no matter how cute. I then used my list to find which puppy would be right. It didn't take me long to find a Border Terrier. The breed ticked all the pro boxes for us and none of the cons. It was the best decision because our Border Terrier is the centre of our world.

If you are making the same decision about which puppy breed to buy then the following points helped me make my decision.

• You - Is the puppy being bought as a family pet or as company or for security? It is important to choose the right breed for how you see the puppy fitting into your lifestyle.

• Carer - Who is going to be the main carer of the puppy i.e. who will be feeding the "little one". If it's going to be a child or women you don't want a massive Great Dane or an aggressive breed. You will need a breed of dog that will not think itself higher in the old "pecking order" than the carer otherwise there will not be any control.

• Walking - Who will be the main person walking the dog. If it's going to be a man then a strong dog will not be a problem to control.

• Time - How much time will be devoted to walking and playing i.e. every day, every couple of days, a long walk once a week and shorter walks in between? If you choose a breed like a Border Collie or Red Setter that needs a lot of exercise and you can only take it for a walk once a week then you are definitely going to give yourself problems.

• Space - How big is your house? If you live in a small two up two down in town then neither you nor the puppy is going to be comfortably if you choose an Old English Sheep Dog or an Irish Wolfhound.

• Training - If you choose a breed that needs a lot of intense training and you are out at work all day and exhausted when you come home then you may come home to find your house is not your home anymore but resembles a demolition site!

• Noise - If you live in an apartment or flat you won't want a dog that constantly barks and causes the neighbours to complain. A lot of this is down to training of course, but some breeds are "yappier" than others and it's worth considering this in your choice.

Answer the following points truthfully then search through the breeds until you find a breed that will fit in with your lifestyle as closely as possible. There will always need to be some changes and compromises, but if you keep them to the minimum then the happier you will all be together.

Good Luck!

And remember, a puppy is for life.

If you want to learn more about how to choose which puppy then visit

http://www.sitpooch.com

and get your COMPLIMENTARY e-book on how to make the right choice for YOU.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennie_Cook

Puppy Clicker Training - Mind-Blowing Puppy Training Tips

Puppy clicker training is a lot more simple to pick up than the usual command-driven training. Clicker training encompasses all types of animals, no matter the age. Puppies especially respond to it. Here are a few tips to get you going:

1. Before you proceed with your puppy clicker training, take some time and bond with your dog, and be ready to please.

2. Acquire the attention of your pup by calling its name in a apparent but habitual voice, and coax the pup to you. If your pup has not gathered the fundamental command 'come', you can teach that to it first. Say the pup's name initially before the command. (Such as "Fido, come".) Keep the command short and sweet. Saying its name first gets the attention of the pup, and the regular demand after that tells the pup what you want.

3. Press the clicker when you dog comes to you,, at that time give the pup a treat when he or she reaches you. This is reinforcing clear behavior, and soon your dog will understand that he or she can respond to a command and a treat will go along that click. The dog will actually initiate to watch you and take note, which is what you aspire.

4. Train your dog. With your pup in front of you, the treats in your left hand and the clicker in your right, the two of you are ready. Move the hand that has the treatover your dog's head amid its ears. As he or she looks up, click and treat. Recap this several times.

5. Slant over your dog just a tiny so with the intention of he or she leans back. As soon as his or her back legs begin to fold, click and treat. Recap this several times.

6. Be long-suffering with puppy clicker training. Eventually your dog will sit. Click and treat. Relocate to an extra part of the room and see if your dog follows. If not, call him or her to you, then take your left hand out over his or her head. Don't say anything, see if the dog sits by itself. Click and treat. Then move again and do again the process several times. Many dogs will begin to follow their owner around and sit, in suspense for a treat! Have enjoyment with your dog!

7. Train the puppy to stay seated by having him or her sit, but delay a few moments, then click and treat. Repeat this several times.

by Jamie Katz

About the Author

Discover more useful tips on how to quickly train your dog to listen to anything you say, by Clicking Here => Puppy Clicker Training

Dog Agility Training - The Benefits For Your Dog

A dog's happiest moment should be spent running, jumping, catching, and stretching; dog agility training can really help turn idle dogs into active dogs that age gracefully and happily. You might be surprised to learn that the hardest part is starting, but once you have started the sense of achievement as you and your dog progress is reward in itself. Dog agility training can be great fun for both you and your dog as it consists of high energy and quick thinking movements. Dog agility training has many benefits it can

* Transform an idle dog into an active one * Increase your dogs confidence * Improve physical development * Allows for mental stimulation with its quick thinking movements * Most of all is fun

How Does Dog Agility Training Work

Through verbal cues or body language given by the instructor a dog that is off the leash is guided through a range of obstacles. The trainer needs to be aware of the course and the order of the obstacles and the dog needs to focus on the trainer and the cues given by them to conquer each obstacle.

In an obstacle course you will find a variety of exercises such as

* Jumping through a tyre * Running through tunnels * Running up and down a frame * Weaving through poles * Jumping across barriers

Training your dog

When you begin to train your dog you need to take into consideration the dog's maturity.

Dog agility training can only begin when your dog reaches a certain maturity and can respond well to basic commands. Each dog has their own starting points, for smaller dogs which weigh less than 50 pounds you need to wait till they are 9-12 months old for large dogs you will need to wait till they are around 10-14 months. If you begin training your dog too early you are putting them at risk of causing serious injuries.

A Few Rules To Consider

* The first few times your dog goes through the obstacles, ensure that you go at the dogs pace and make sure that it is a fun experience for them.

* Ensure that your dog is under control and listens to your commands this will decrease any risk of potential injuries.

* Treats and happy talk to encourage your dog through the obstacles are a must. Keep the mood happy and positive.

* Reward your pet when they have reached a goal and have performed a correct action. Gradually teach each obstacle first and then join then together to form the course.

* If your dog does not want to participate do not force them, the sport is intended to be fun for both you and your dog. If your dog does not want to initially participate then stop and bring then back to it in a couple of days.

* Have fun and always end your training on a positive note.

Like everything we all need to start somewhere and your dogs agility training is no different. Having a positive attitude and guidance your dog can master the world of dog agility training.

About the Author

For more information on what obstacles to choose for dog agility training then visit http://www.dogbeddingandmore.com

Housebreaking a beagle puppy

When you start housebreaking a beagle puppy, one thing to keep in mind is that these dogs are a very intelligent breed. However, when it comes to housebreaking they fall short. They have a unique independence about them, making them somewhat stubborn. They want to play when you take them outside to the bathroom, or chase things with their highly sensitive nose when you take them for a walk. These are just characteristics of the breed and make them unique.

Fully housebreaking a beagle can take anywhere from 6 months to 1 year despite their intelligent nature. This shouldn't be a cause for concern however but you will need to keep a close eye on them when in the house. Crate training seems to work best for this breed although after you take them out of the crate, they may want to pee right there. That's why it's a good idea to position your crate close to the door and not leave them in there more than a few hours at a time if you can help it.

Exercise is also very important when house breaking a beagle puppy. Beagles are a very active breed and need exercise to simulate their mind and keep their muscles toned. You should try playing fetch with your puppy when you go out for a bathroom break. He may not want to go potty right away, but after you start playing with him he will realize he has to go. Praise is also very important. You should always praise your beagle when he goes to the bathroom in the right spot. You can also give him a treat, that way he knows he did a good job and will try to do it again. Using the same door when going out may also help because if you see your puppy standing by that door it is a good indication that he has to go outside. Remember that beagles want to please you. Don't give up on them and they won't give up on you.

About the Author

Jay Even is a successful dog trainer and breeder and thinks house training your beagle is something you can do yourself. If you are serious about house training your beagle and need advice, go to http://www.squidoo.com/house-training-a-beagle

Dig Leash Training

Dogs walk faster than humans can. Naturally, if you put them on a leash, they'll start pulling to get to whatever they're looking at faster. A dog, having what is called an opposition reflex, would lean on a pressure it feels on its neck and chest. Understanding this makes it clear that if you want to have a leisurely walk with your dog on a leash, you must begin dog leash training while your pet is still a few weeks-old puppy.

Begin by allowing your dog time to get used to the collar around his neck. When you put it on for the first time, your puppy will scratch, roll around or try to get it off. Make sure you fasten the collar securely and don't remove it when the dog is trying to. When he finally calmed down and shows signs of being comfortable with it, you can remove the collar for a short while. This teaches the dog two important things: first, that the collar won't come off when he wants it so he'd best get used to it and second, the collar is not a permanent attachment. Check the collar regularly to make sure it isn't too tight. Your dog grows in size and you need to adjust the collar regularly.

When the dog is ready, attach a leash to the collar and allow the dog time to adjust to the leash. Allot a few minutes every day to for leash training with your puppy and have some treats handy. Your goal is to be able to walk around with your dog on a leash without him pulling at the other end. This means you should be able to stand still with your dog and walk around at your pace, not his.

To get started, fasten the collar securely around your pup's neck and attach the leash. Hold the other end securely. Try and have the dog stand still beside you. When he starts to wander too far and pulls on the leash, call the dog back to your side and reward him with a treat when he does. When he finally is able to stand still beside you for the time you wish to, you can begin walking him around. When he wanders too far to the point of pulling on the leash, call him back to your side. Pull on the leash if needed. When the dog returns to a comfortable distance - walks beside you without pulling on the leash, reward him with a treat.

Do these training exercises with a reward system for several days or weeks or until your dog learns to consistently respect the leash. When your dog is finally able to stand still beside you or walk around your house or backyard with a loose leash, reward your dog with a lot of praise, hugs or pats and some treats. He is ready to be taken out for a walk.

Remember that to condition your dog to respect the leash, focus on allowing your dog to progress forward when the leash is loose. If you allow your pet to proceed forward when the leash is tight, you're teaching him to pull.

Pet Article courtesy of http://pet-articles.blogspot.com.