September 2008

With advances in veterinary medicine, more complex surgical procedures are being performed on our beloved pets. Thus, there is an increased need for blood bank programs to supply life-saving blood components. In the past, Veterinarians had to use their own dogs, dogs owned by their staff, or even dogs borrowed from their clients as blood donors in the absence of animal blood banks.

Animal blood banks depend solely on animal blood donors. Animal blood is specific to certain specie, dogs can receive dog blood only, and similarly, cats can only receive cat blood. Moreover, dogs have blood types just like humans. Among the eleven different blood groups of dogs, the most important one is the A1/A2 system. Canines with A negative blood types are considered universal donors.

It is recommended that all recipients be cross matched before receiving a blood transfusion to ensure donor and recipient compatibility despite the fact that canines rarely have isoantibodies against other blood types.

The major and minor cross matching is the two types of cross-matching tests. If major cross matching is done, red cells from the donor are mixed with serum from the recipient, then it is observed to see if there is a reaction. The recipient cells may attack donor cells and reject them. In the event that there is a major cross-match incompatibility, transfusion shouldn’t be done. For a minor cross-match test, the red cells of the recipient are compared with the serum of the donor. If there is a minor cross-match incompatibility, only parts of the donor’s blood can be given to the recipient.

A healthy animal with no history of metabolic or heart disease or seizures, has lean body weight (greater than 50 kg), and is 1-7 years of age is a potential donor. In addition, they should not be on any medication (except heartworm and parasite meds), have a good temperament, have been neutered and nulliparous, have jugular veins that are easily visualized and palpated and should have constant vaccinations. The Greyhounds are ideal blood donors due to their amenable disposition and high PCV.

As with human donors, screening is done to the animal donor’s blood for metabolic and infectious diseases after blood type determination. The following labs are done: CBC, biochemical profile, U/A, fecal exam, von Willebrand’s factor, and testing for Dirofilaria immiti, Ehrlichia canis, Babesia canis, B. gibsoni, Brucella canis (in intact or previously bred dogs), and Bartonella.

There is no preparation before going to the donation center and no fasting is required. Donor dogs are not sedated and the donation itself takes less than half an hour. The dog is welcomed in and lifted onto a table. Blood is taken from the jugular vein, which is a large vein in the neck. A small patch of hair on the neck is shaved to expose the skin right over the vein. The area is then swabbed with alcohol and a needle is inserted into the vein. Blood goes into the needle, through a tube, and then into the collection bag. After the blood is collected, pressure is applied to stop any bleeding and the donor is then lifted off the table. There might be a mild bruising at the site.

Fluid and nutrients are then replaced by giving water and food after blood is drawn. The body compensates by producing new red blood cells immediately after the donation. In the next 24 hours after donating, strenuous activities should be avoided. Two months must elapse before the dog can donate blood again. By that time, the blood volume and red blood cell count will be back to normal.

As soon as they have made their donation, animal donors are compensated with various gifts and treats. They may be rewarded with a tag that identifies him or her as a blood donor, edible rewards that may include dog biscuits, a jar of baby food, a can or a bag of dog food, brand new toys and cool donor bandanas.

After the collection, the different blood components - red cells, plasma, and platelets will be separated. Anemic recipients are given red cells. Plasma builds up blood volume, thus it is given to animals that are not making enough or are losing large amounts of protein. For those recipients whose platelets are depleted or dysfunctional, they are given platelet-rich plasma.

Now, there several animal blood banks that supply blood products to Veterinary hospitals. Fortunately, dog owners have a positive response to the plea for blood donations. Every year, the animal blood bank processes roughly 2,000 units of blood donated by dogs. The donated blood is then brought in to the bank at the Veterinary hospital and to the bank’s bloodmobile, which visits Veterinary clinics and kennel clubs.

Some animal blood banks depend solely on the generosity of pet owners who enroll their dogs in canine blood donor programs and take them to their scheduled appointments. Animal blood banks hold drives to encourage animal blood donations, just like what the Red Cross and other health organizations do.

Do you have a friendly, healthy dog that fits the average weight and age requirements to be a donor volunteer? Would you like your dog save the lives of other dogs? Check the location of regional blood banks for dogs and cats or the list of Veterinary Hospitals and University Veterinary Medical Centers that manage their own blood donor/blood bank programs. You can also contact the one nearest you or ask your Veterinarian if there’s an animal blood donor program with a donation site in your area.

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All poodle puppies are cute, cuddly, and curly and definitely a pet anyone would want to take home. Poodles make great pets, and have the most fun with them you will need to know as much about poodle puppies so that they are comfortable when you take them home, so read on to see what you should know in order to be a responsible poodle owner.

No matter which poodle breed you decide to purchase, you should know that some poodles tend to be a little reclusive or anti-social, and aren’t very friendly around strangers - unless they are trained. You will need to socialize your poodle puppies by placing them in an environment where people will be present often, so that it won’t be so overwhelming for the dogs when you have people over or take the puppies on an outing.

You should also make sure that you take your poodle puppies to the vet often for checkups, since poodles tend to have vision problems fairly often. Your poodle’s eyes should be alert and shiny, and if you start to notice a film around the eyes, or if you see that your puppy’s eyes are running often, this could be a sign of cataracts. Treating this condition in the early stages is key, so be sure to tell the vet if you notice that your dog’s vision is a little cloudy. Poodle puppies are also prone to ear infections, as are most other poodles, so be sure to have your puppy’s ears checked at the vet as well; hearing tests, as well as medication may need to be administered, and you should ask your animal doctor about dosages for your puppy as well.

Poodle’s tend to have sensitive skin and you may notice this often, so you have to make sure that some grooming products would not be used for grooming your poodle. It is common to see poodle owners dye their dog’s hair in different colors, or shampoo the fur with expensive shampoos. Be aware however, that the chemicals in some these products could be harmful to your poodle puppies, and this could cause skin irritations and rashes. Further your poodle might develop allergies with such products, so should notice that your poodle is sluggish, or is perhaps often sneezing, then you should leave the grooming to professionals or have them do it in your home.

Feeding your poodle puppies nutritious food, and making sure that dog food is free or harmful starches and gluten, which can harm your dog, is also important in preserving your puppy’s health. For more great information on how to care for your poodle puppies and monitor their growth, you can visit sites like www.poodle-lovers.com.

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A dogs diet should not contain any table scraps. A dogs nutritional needs are not the same as a ours. Yes we eat some of the same things, but feeding your pet table scraps is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. A dogs diet does not need all the added ingredients we put into our own meals.

People have often have weight problems like obesity. Well a dog can have this problem also. If your dogs diet involves mostly table scraps, then the chances are that your dog will not maintain a healthy weight. Even a few pounds over weight can make a large difference in the quality of health and length of your pet’s life.

When you have a dog that is not to particular what it eats, it can be very easy to let your pet become your garbage disposal at home, but really, this is a very bad idea. Certain foods we eat can harm your dog and therefore should never be considered to be part of your dogs diet. Grapes are one example, grapes have been known to cause serious problems for dogs. Chicken bones can also be a problem for your dog. Large quantities of chocolate can be very dangerous if allowed in a dogs diet.

When your dogs diet is not the best you can give it, then your pets outputs will be greater in size, smell, and mess. You will see the benefits of choosing a healthy diet for your dog, as you will notice that your pet is healthier and happier.

There are the odd occasions when a supplement or treat from your kitchen may be okay to use, but never in excess. You should talk to your vet about the use of healthy snacks for your dogs diet. Many vets recommend you give your pet ice cubes or pieces of carrot to snack on between there regular feeding times. By providing your pet these healthy alternatives to people food gives you the chance to choose the right healthy and nutritious snack for your dogs diet.

The next time your pet starts eyeing your food, what you need to do is redirect there attention. Do not use your table scraps. Instead give your dog a refreshing ice cube to munch on. A baby carrot will keep your dog happy and make you feel good about the right choices you have made for the nutritional value of your dogs diet. If you follow these steps you will know that you are your pet a high-quality.

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Although the Poodle is definitely a great breed of dog, there are a few issues that should be taken seriously into consideration by any would-be Poodle owner. This is because Poodles are very high maintenance dogs, and they require a lot more care and maintenance than most other breeds.

Anyone who is going to be able and willing to put forth this effort would make an ideal owner for a Poodle however, and they really do make wonderful pets as well as companions. One of the most important issues with Poodles is Poodle care. Particularly in regards to their nutrition, proper care is necessary in order for a Poodle to live a long and healthy life. It does not have to be difficult to take proper care of a Poodle, but there are a few aspects in particular that need be implemented in order to properly care for these dogs.
On the topic of Poodle care, one of the most important issues is nutrition. It is important that a Poodle, just as with any other breed of dog, be fed the right foods and gets lots of regular exercise. There are literally hundreds of different options to choose from for dog food, and if the dog has a weight problem or dislikes certain foods, there will still be many great choices.

In terms of exercise, Poodles love to be outside and get out for walks, so it is important to try to let them get out at least once a day. Their walks do not have to be really long, but the more exercise they get the healthier they are going to be. Exercise is important for any dog, and they need both physical and mental stimulation provided by their owners by daily exercise. For owners who are unable to get out much, there are doggy treadmills that can be purchased and used inside the home.
Proper Poodle nutrition is essential to ensure that the dog lives as happy and healthy a lifestyle as possible. There are certain things that are important to remember, and one of the most important is to avoid over feeding the dog, because this will only make them unhealthy and overweight. Check with your vet about the many commercial dog foods available today. Or find a good dog food recipe and make your own dog food at home. By using fresh ingredients you will know you are supplying your poodle with the best nutrition available.

It is necessary to understand that protein ratios are also very important for the dog, and they should be appropriate for the dog’s particular breed and age. Keep in mind that each dog is different and so his or her personal characteristics and needs will need to be taken into consideration. Poodles are wonderful dogs and make great pets and friends, but they must be properly cared for.

Proper Poodle care is essential for any owner who wants their dog to live a long and healthy life. Poodle dog food recipes can be very helpful here because they will provide the dog with the nutrients and vitamins that they need to strive.

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If you are looking for a cute, cuddly little dog, then the Bichon Frise is a great option for you. They are truly ideal pets, and are even great around young children. They are small, sturdy little white powder puffs of a dog, and they have a very merry temperament, which is what makes them such a fan favorite in the dog world. They have no gross or incapacitating exaggerations and therefore have very good balance and proper movement.

They are really beautiful dogs, and adults and children alike absolutely adore them. If you are interested in getting one of these dogs for yourself however, you are going to want to make yourself educated on the matter of Bichon Frise care first. The Bichon Frise requires daily care, and so you have to be willing and able to provide this for them or you should consider going with another breed of dog.
One of the most important parts of Bichon Frise care is the bathing. It is important that you bathe them at least once to twice every week otherwise their fur tends to become matted and tangled. Immediately before and after you give these dogs a bath you want to go through their fur with a fine toothed comb, so that you can get all the little knots out and keep it from getting stuck together.

You want to trim around their eyes and ears with blunt nosed scissors, and clean their eyes to prevent staining. As with many other breeds of dog, if you let the liquids that develop in the eye stay on the fur they will end up staining it and even with the most thorough cleaning you will sometimes not be able to get rid of it at this point. Cleaning their teeth and gums is very important as well, especially because they are a dog that tends to acquire a lot of tartar and frequent gum infections.
Bichon Frise nutrition is obviously very important, and something that you definitely have to be aware of, before you choose to get one of these dogs. They, like all other dog breeds, require good nutrition to maintain good health. High quality commercially made dog foods can supply the basic nutritional needs, but your dog may not like the food. A good alternative is to make your own fresh dog food. By searching the Internet you can find very specific dog foods recipes that your dog will love. You will have peace of mind knowing exactly what your dog is eating and that his nutritional needs are being met.

As long as you groom your dog regularly and give them enough attention, they will grow up to be happy and healthy dogs. Also make sure that you train them properly, because this will also be important in regards to their temperament and behavior. You want to socialize them early so that they will know how to interact properly with others, not only other people but other dogs as well.

Bichon Frise care is very important, and if you are an owner of this breed this is the only way to keep them happy and healthy. There are many Bichon Frise dog food recipes to choose from, all of which will help provide your dog with the nutrition that they need.

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There are so many benefits that come from giving proper Pomeranian nutrition that there are probably too many to compose a complete list. But, there are a few that are so obvious and so important that it is important for everyone to understand. Besides giving your dog many extra years onto their life, which means you get their companionship, you also will save yourself an incredible amount of money in vet bills. While most people seem to think that by getting their dog the higher quality foods that they are going to be out more money, it is in fact just the opposite.

Remember, dogs are like children in that they look up to us for guidance, love, support, and their care that is needed. They do not have the ability to ask for the right foods for their little bodies so it is up to the owner to do what is best for them. A well balanced diet doesn’t cost the owner as much as one may tend to think and it certainly gives many benefits to both the animal that gets the food and the owner who is buying it.
By spending a little bit of extra money upfront, you will save yourself thousands of dollars in vet bills. The lack of nutrition tends to lead to yeast infections in their ears, along with thyroid, kidney, and liver problems. And then there is also the hot spots and the itchy and flaky skin that can come about because the lack of proper Pomeranian nutrition. These problems, even if fixed with the help of a vet can continue to creep up again and again if the diet of the animal is not changed.

There are many dog foods available on the market that contain a lot of the nutrients that your Pomeranian needs. These nutrients are those that would normally be found in the breed’s native environment that their ancestors roamed. These nutrients are best for your pet as they are not a foreign diet for their glandular and digestive systems. Every Pomeranian needs to have the right amount of fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals within their diet and your local vet can help point you in the direction of manufactured dog food that is best for your pup.
Another way to help save money but to make sure that your dog gets the proper Pomeranian nutrition is by making your own dog food at home. A lot of people tend to think that this is very time consuming and they can’t be making dog food everyday. A lot of people also believe that by making food from scratch that it will actually end up costing more then just buying the more expensive brands at the store. But these thoughts and fears are wrong, as it is not only the cheapest way but also possibly the safest.

By making your own dog food you are able to control the environment where the food is made and with the health concerns over dog food contamination that has happened in the past, it is no wonder that people are starting to seek other options. There is not a lot of time needed either as most Pomeranian dog food recipes can be made a week in advance and only take a couple of hours. This little bit of extra effort may be all that is needed in keeping your Pomeranian safe and healthy.

Pomeranian care and nutrition are what stands in the mind as being one of the most important things for owners to learn about. Finding Pomeranian dog food recipes is as easy as doing a small search on the Internet or talking with your vet.

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Whenever you are thinking about good pet care, you should be thinking about proper Yorkshire Terrier nutrition. As with any other pet owners, dog owners must make sure that they are thinking about what is the best diet to feed their Yorkie. The reasons behind making sure that your dog’s diet is full of everything they need is important in order for your little one to remain happy, healthy, and to live a nice long life with you.

There are more reasons for making sure that your Yorkie is given a proper diet besides just making them happy. The benefits that can come from giving your puppy the best attention are almost endless. It does not take a lot of time to make sure that you are taking the proper steps are taken in order to show your puppy the love that you feel. Never judge a book by the cover when it comes to selecting dog food and remember, not all dog food brands and types are created equally.
Just as a lot of people have problems with overeating, your puppy can have the same issues. That is another part of proper and healthy Yorkshire Terrier nutrition as it is not only about what type of food that you feed them, but also how much of it. Even the healthiest of choices have to be taken in with moderation. By keeping an eye on feeding times and only providing food to your pup when it is time to eat and in the portion sizes that they need to have, you can help keep your puppy healthy.

Another reason besides gaining weight for watching how much your Yorkie eats is the fact that this breed is highly prone to getting different kinds of digestive and stomach issues which can be avoided by eating the right foods and in the right amounts. Making sure that your pup gets the necessary nutrition, you will be giving your pup the gift of love and compassion, as you want the very best for him or her.
You can often get the best advice from your Yorkie’s vet when trying to determine which is the best dog food that is currently available on the market. It is essential to make sure that you understand everything that should be looked for in the ingredients of the different dog foods as the Yorkshire Terrier nutrition is something that has to be approached with caution and concern. This is to make sure that you are giving your little dog the best that you can.

Your vet may also suggest that you research and try out some of the different Yorkshire Terrier dog food recipes as these home made meals will often provide the essential nutrients that are required for excellent Yorkshire Terrior care. Taking the appropriate steps now will make sure that you will have a long and healthy life with your Yorkie. It isn’t hard to take that few extra moments and try something new in order to benefit your pup.

Yorkshire Terrier care includes everything from love to providing your pup with the best nutrition that is available. When deciding your plan of action for proper nutrition, it is best to cover all options such as preparing meals from different Yorkshire Terrier dog food recipes.

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Do you have same menu everyday? Almost no one of us has the same menu day after day. But your Shih Tzu does. This is why you should be more careful about Shih Tzu nutrition while selecting dog food. Not all dog food producers put enough care at the time they are preparing the dog food. The result is the inclusion of many undesired ingredients into the dog food such as chemical preservatives, soy products, wheat and many others that may affect the health of Shih Tzu adversely.

It is vital to know about all the required ingredients that should be used in the preparation of pet dog food. When you really care about Shih Tzu nutrition, you should understand the details of the ingredients written on the label of the food packaging. You must check the label to identify whether the product is veterinarian formulated or not. In fact, you need to check whether the formula is prepared by nationally recognized experienced veterinarians or simply by an unknown veterinarian. You can put your faith on the former one about their exclusive contribution in Shih Tzu nutrition.
In order to attain best quality Shih Tzu nutrition, it is important to keep your eye open on the quality and freshness of the product. “Fast-cook” is a useful process, which ensures that the freshness of natural ingredients is preserved during the process. So, while buying food you must make it sure that the food you are buying is prepared by following this process. In addition, you must know that those foods prepared in smaller quantities and in more frequent intervals are of higher qualities than those produced in larger amounts at a time. Hence, always look for manufacturers who produce food in smaller quantities.

Protein, carbohydrates, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals all combine to make a perfect blend of Shih Tzu nutrition. If you are a dog owner, you should pay attention to see whether the nutritional demand of your Shih Tzu is getting fulfilled or not. While considering safety and quality control issues, APHIS certification is preferred authentication over the United States government regulations. APHSI certification confirms the highest level of safety and quality control all over the European market. This regulation is more rigorous compared to those applicable only in the U.S. market.
In current days, high animal and poultry fat combine the huge portion of Shih Tzu nutrition. Fat is not stored within the body of a Shih Tzu, it is converted into energy within few hours. So, it is recommended to feed Shih Tzu smaller quantities of food rich in high fat and protein at regular intervals throughout the day. Diets prepared with the combination of poultry, barley and rice are good for satisfying the nutritional demand of Shih Tzu, however diets prepared with beef, yellow corn or oats are highly discouraged.

The nutritional demand largely varies depending on the developmental age. That means the demand of a puppy will not be as same as the demand of the adult. Gender, activity level and many other factors may play significant role at the time of designing the nutritional plan of a particular Shih Tzu. So, it is better to seek advice from experts who can design the nutritional plan for your Shih Tzu by analyzing different factors such as age, gender, weight, activity level, water source, living environment and medical history.

Shih Tzu care seems incomplete without the proper nutritional management. If you are seeking information about Shih Tzu dog food recipes, this article has some information for you.

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Maintaining proper Havanese nutrition is a vital part of owning one of these special little dogs. Their predisposition to certain genetic defects and health conditions makes it even more important to maintain the absolute best diet possible for your Havanese. Although there are several schools of thought as to what type of diet is best to feed a Havanese, everyone agrees that there is no substitute for the proper balance between meats, vegetables, and grains.

One of the most popular types of diet for the Havanese is the raw food diet. Due to the recent health scares that many dog owners faced when they learned that many commercial dog foods had become contaminated it almost makes more certain sense that a raw food diet prepared in your own kitchen is far more preferable than taking the chance that your Havanese nutrition may be compromised by tainted food. It is this diet that we want to focus on here.
The biggest part of Havanese nutrition is making certain that they are getting all of the nutrients necessary to maintain their naturally long, shiny coat and playful nature. The main premise behind the raw diet being the best diet to feed your Havanese, is that the essential vitamins and nutrients in the meats and vegetables are not cooked out as they are in commercially processed dog food. This is especially vital for the Havanese, as they are prone to congenital defects, which can greatly affect their health.

You don’t have to buy expensive raw food from a fancy boutique, either. You can actually make the best diet to feed your Havanese right in your very own kitchen. The most important part of making raw food a part of your Havanese nutrition, is to remember to perfectly balance the mixture with meats (such as chicken, beef, and lamb), vegetables (such as carrots), and add well-cooked long grain rice as a binder.
Once you have made your homemade raw dog food for your Havanese, it is important that you remember not to over feed them. Havanese are a very small, toy variety dog, and only require about a cup of food each day (some dogs may require more, others less). One of the most important parts of Havanese nutrition is remembering to not overfeed your dog, as they can quickly become sick with digestive problems.

With all of the recent scares that many dog owners have had with commercial dog foods being contaminated, wouldn’t it be nice to know that your Havanese nutrition was perfectly balanced and made in the comfort of your own home, where there are no worries of it becoming tainted? It is much cheaper than one may think to give their dog the proper balance of food. And the peace of mind you get with knowing that your Havanese is getting the very best diet possible is well worth any cost.

One of the most important parts of Havanese care is ensuring that your dog maintains a proper balance of nutrition. For dog owners looking for the very best Havanese dog food recipes, this article will show you the best way to feed your dog a healthy diet.

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There are plenty things that you can do to be sure that your pet dog is living the most healthy life that he can. The first and foremost thing that you have to do is take a close look at the dog food health. The dog food health is the level of nutrition that your pet is getting with the food that you are feeding him. Your dog’s dog food health should be very high – and the only way to be sure that it is high is to feed him the right type of food. Only good quality dog foods can promote good dog food health, and there are a number ways to ensure that the food you feed your dog is good quality dog food.

Why Is It essential?
Many pet owners think that they can feed their dog whatever they like and their dog will not be hurt. But, the food that your dog eats is very important – which is why the dog food health is so critical. The food that your dog eats is very important – because the food is the only thing that your dog has that goes into his body. When a person eats, they can eat a variety of foods and they can also take things like supplements in order to maintain their health. But, your pet dog only has the food that you feed him, and if that food is not enough to keep him healthy he will not be. Therefore, the dog food health is very important for you to think about.

for starters, you have to check the ilist of ngredients in your dog food to determine the dog food health of it. The ingredients should be as much pure meat and vegetable as they can be. You want to avoid foods that have things such as meat meal in them, because meat meal might mean any type of animal product, including hooves and feathers, and other parts that are not suitable for humans to eat. If you can avoid meat meal, and avoid as many preservatives and by-products as you possibly can, you will find that your dog’s dog food health only goes up.

The ingredients are important, but you also need to look at the way that the food was processed and what this might mean for your pet dog’s health. You want to make sure that the food was processed in such a way to create strong bonds between the various ingredients and that you won’t have to worry about things like bacteria coming into the food making process.

Another important thing that you have to do for your pet is to make sure that it is properly house trained.
crate train a dog
Toilet training puppies
toilet training puppies
This task need not be an ordeal if you follow the advice in the articles.

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