As your puppy is almost a year old, you may wonder when you can start leaving him alone, and loose, in your house. In general, don't rush this. Some active sporting breeds may not be ready for this step until well past eighteen months of age. A more laid back pup may be all set at eleven months. Each puppy is unique.

Should I confine my puppy if I leave him alone?
Confining a puppy when you're out, whether in a crate or a gated area, is not just about preventing housebreaking mistakes, it's also about preventing other bad habits from developing. Puppies, with their inquisitive minds and active jaws, can find all sorts of things to get into long after being reliably housebroken. For example, once a pup experiences the canine joy of shredding a Sunday newspaper, or tearing open a pillow from the couch, you will have a new and annoying problem to manage. It's far better if your pup never discovers such things.

Most pups should stay safely confined until they are a year old. If, for the last month or so, your pup has exhibited exemplary behavior when you are home, and no stress when left alone, then it may be time for a slow introduction to more freedom. Your job? Setting your pup up to succeed.

First steps
Giving your puppy brief bouts of freedom, interspersed with regular confinement, is a good way to start. This should not be a cold turkey situation where, all of a sudden, your pup goes from the usual confines of his crate to total freedom all day long. That kind of rapid and extreme shift in schedule can stress any pup, and stress leads to problems.

Instead, start by leaving him out while you make a quick run to the ATM or video store. Take him on a nice long walk before, do a little training, give him a special chew toy then go. Start slow, build on success.

Set your puppy up for success by puppy-proofing your home. Make sure that anything that can harm your puppy (cords he can get tangled in, objects small enough for him to ingest, etc.) are put out of reach. It's also a good idea to move any breakable objects so they will be out of a playful pup's way.

Start out by leaving your puppy in one puppy-proofed room, and close the doors to other rooms. Give your puppy a little freedom at a time. When that's gone well for a few weeks, grant access to another area. Remember: pups will often pick the least used area of the house if they are going to make a housebreaking mistake. Under the dining room table or in the guest room are frequent choices.

Leaving and greeting your puppy
When you leave, avoid heightened emotions. If you make a big deal out of leaving your puppy alone he'll react as though it is a big deal. The same goes for when you return. Huge emotional celebrations when you walk in the door condition your pup to expect a lot of excitement, and that sets him up to stress as he awaits your return. As with so many things, act the way you want your puppy to act. If you want him to be calm and matter-of-fact about your comings and goings then be calm and matter-of-fact about them yourself.

Taking things slowly, and carefully arranging success for your puppy, can make the transition from crate to freedom go as smoothly as possible, whenever it is that your pup is ready.

Are two dogs better than one? How will your new cat get along with your dog? Read this story for some tips on helping your animals get along with each other.

A dog may consider himself to be special, but he may not be the only pet in your home. Here are a few tips on helping your dog to get along with other animal companions:

Dog and dog

A second dog is an ideal companion for a dog. Two dogs will be company for each other, and can thus be left alone for a while. Two dogs, however, each need their own space. They should be able to go their separate ways at times, and they should have their own food dishes.

Two dogs are not much more trouble than one – and there’s no difference between walking with one dog or with two. What is important is that every dog must be trained separately.

The ideal partners are a male dog and a female dog. If you don't want offspring, one of the two dogs should be sterilized. Two males who grew up together can usually be good friends. It’s best to choose two puppies from one litter.

If a dog has already been living a long time in one home, he won't be enthusiastic about a new dog. The best place for them to become acquainted is on neutral ground such as the park.

Then, once the second dog is installed in the home, the first dog needs to get the usual attention and care from his owners. But, in order to prevent fights between him and the newcomer, both dogs must clearly understand that the owner is the “boss.”

Dog and cat

Dogs and cats need to get to know each other first, because their body language is totally different. For instance, if a cat swishes her tail, it means she’s irritated; if a dog wags his tail, he’s happy. This is a difference they have to learn. Similarly, how would a cat know a dog is angry and should be left alone if he’s growling low in his throat? The cat will perceive the growling as purring, which means satisfaction and well being in cat language. And, if a dog raises his paw, saying, “Let's play,” it means rejection in cat language.

If a cat and dog grow up together, though, they’ll learn each other’s language and become playmates.

If a cat comes into a home with a dog, things should go relatively well. The two pets should be kept apart for a few days, but should be able to hear each other from behind closed doors. Then they can make their first acquaintance with each other: Hold the cat in your arms and show her that the dog is a quiet, friendly animal. The dog, used to a pack, will accept the cat as a new member of the family – his pack. The cat will take longer to get used to the dog.

If the cat is already living in the home and a dog comes to live there, the cat will need time to see that the dog is friendly.

Dogs and other animals

Animals get used to each other easily if they’ve already had contact with other animals during their socialization phase. Dogs get to know other animals mainly by smell. So, animals should be able to smell each other before they see each other. You can help with this process by providing your dog with something that smells like the other animal—a blanket or a bit of sawdust, depending on the animal. You can place these items beside the dog's sleeping place. The next step is to allow the dog to see , from a distance, the other animal when it’s asleep, all the while saying comforting things to the dog.

Please note that at the beginning of this new relationship, it’s important not to leave the dog alone with the other animal.

Many dogs experience depigmentation of the nose, which is when the nose turns from black to pink. This can happen for a number of reasons, many of which are harmless. But because this problem can be confused with many different conditions, a veterinary consultation is highly recommended.

They include:

1. "Winter, or Snow, Nose."

Some dogs' noses have a decrease in the black pigment in the winter, due to seasonal changes. Complete loss of pigmentation is not seen and the color darkens again in spring and summer.

It occurs in Siberian huskies, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and Bernese mountain dogs. Though some people have tried sun lamps to counteract this, the change appears to be related to temperature more than sunlight. This is harmless.

2. Nasal depigmentation. (This is also called "Dudley Nose.")

For no apparent reason, some breeds lose the black pigment in their nose and it can turn pink or even white permanently.

It's been reported in Afghan Hounds, Samoyeds, White German shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Poodles, Doberman Pinschers, Irish Setters, and Pointers. A few patients recover spontaneously - for others it will come and go, sometimes seasonally.

This does not appear to be dangerous either.

3. A contact allergy.

Your dog may be allergic to his rubber or plastic bowls. Try changing them to ceramic or metal.

4. Vitiligo.

This is a skin condition that causes dogs to lose their pigmentation. It is generally not concentrated only on the nose - you should see patches of white fur or skin elsewhere on your dog as well. Vitiligo is common in certain breeds like Rottweilers and Labs, but doesn't appear to affect the dog's general health.

5. Pemphigus.

This is an immune-mediated skin disorder, where the immune system is reacting inappropriately, similar to an allergy. With pemphigus, you will see other blisters, pustules, or crusty areas on your dog's face and ears. See your veterinarian because Pemphigus is a treatable condition.

6. Discoid lupus is another immune-mediated skin disease.

You'll see sores or a change in the texture of your dog's nose. The symptoms will appear to worsen with exposure to UV light.

7. Idiopathic, or unknown cause.

This is mainly seen in Newfoundlands, and often involves depigmentation of the lips and eyelids also.

8. Some skin cancers involving the nose can cause depigmentation.

Go to the vet immediately if:

Examine your dog's face and body, and take him to the vet right away if you note any of these symptoms:
Scales
Sores
Other whitening of the skin or fur
Blisters
Discoloration of the mouth or any other tissue.
Change in texture
Always consult with your vet to rule out anything serious and to discuss whether your dog may need sun protection - his newly pink nose may burn more easily in the sun.

Is your puppy turning your yard into a minefield? If you answered yes, discovering the reason why your puppy is digging up your lawn will help you deal most appropriately with his behavior.

Why puppies dig:

Fun: Puppies dig because they have a lot of energy, and digging helps them expend some of it. If your puppy is digging to have fun and expend energy, you can discourage his digging by providing other outlets for him. Keep your puppy busy and active by playing games with him, and taking him for walks. Keeping your puppy active and occupied will help use the energy he formerly used for digging.

Nesting: A hole in the ground may provide a comfortable nest for your puppy. On a hot day the cold soil may also provide relief from the heat. Help your puppy keep cool by providing fresh water for him to drink, a shady area for him to retreat to, and maybe even a small plastic wading pool for him to cool off in.

Escape: Is your puppy digging because he has discovered that it provides an escape from the yard? Ensure that your fence is in good shape so as not to make the escape easier. If your neighbors welcome your puppy with treats ask them to stop. The treats may be encouraging your puppy to visit them, perhaps by digging an escape route under your fence! Supervision is the best prevention.

Fright: Is your puppy digging because he is frightened at being alone? Let your puppy know that you are not abandoning him when he is left alone for a short time. Leave your puppy for a few minutes, and then return with a treat for him. Do this again, letting the interval you are out of sight last a little longer. After doing this a few times, your puppy will understand that just because you are out of sight doesn't mean you have abandoned him. Of course, your puppy should never be left unsupervised for long periods.

Ear mites can affect a dog at any age, however they're more common in puppies because puppies haven't built up immunity to them. Ear mites are tiny crab-like parasites that live in the ear canals, and sometimes on the body, of dogs. They feed on earwax and other secretions in the ear canal. They rarely bite but they can cause a severe inflammation in affected dog's ears. Excessive shaking of the head or scratching of the ears or an odor coming from your puppy's ears may be signs that ear mites have moved into his ear canal. You can check for ear mites by looking inside your puppy's ear. If you see a thick crusty substance that looks similar to ground coffee this is usually a sign that ear mites are there.

Treating ear mites
Ear mites are one of the most common causes of canine ear troubles and can be persistent, however they're easy to diagnose and you can treat them at home. If you suspect your puppy is suffering from ear mites visit your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will check to make sure your puppy's ear irritation is a result of ear mites and not an infection of some kind. Because the signs indicating ear mites are similar to other ear problems it's important to check with your veterinarian. If you misdiagnosed your puppy's problem and treated an infection with ear mite medication it could make the infection worse. Your veterinarian will clean out your puppy's ears and prescribe anti-mite eardrops. It usually takes 4-6 weeks of treatment to get rid of the mites. Once treatment starts the mites may decide to move somewhere else on your puppy's body, usually to the base of his tail. To prevent this use a flea powder or spray on your puppy's whole body at the same time treatment of his ears is going on. Ear mites are very contagious and can be passed from any furry animal to your puppy. Because of this it's necessary to treat all furry animals that share a home with the affected puppy.

Puppy

Up until your dog is around 12 months of age (or later, depending on the breed), he's considered to be a puppy. A puppy's health and nutritional needs are constantly changing. Puppies require extra nutrition and calories to support his rapid growth and high energy level. And while he may look like an adult at six months, he should continue to eat puppy food until he's fully mature. This is also a time when your puppy learns basic obedience and begins to develop his own personality.

Puppy: Teeth

Your puppy's gums should be firm and pink (or pigmented), and he should have around 23 teeth. Like humans, puppies lose their baby teeth which are then replaced by permanent teeth. To ensure your puppy's good health later on in life, start taking care of his teeth now by brushing his teeth once a week with a special dog toothpaste (do not use human toothpaste). Crunchy dry food will also help break down tartar.

When your puppy gets older, you may choose to take him in for professional cleanings, though you should still continue to brush at home. Getting your pup used to it early will avoid any hassles later on.

Puppy: Eyes

Your puppy's eyes should be bright and shiny, with little or no discharge or watering. Puppies have a third eyelid that protects their eyes from dust and other particles that can be picked up from the ground. However, it doesn't provide protection from tossed sticks or toys, so be careful when you're playing interactive games with your pup. The most frequent eye infection in puppies is conjunctivitis, caused by drafts, foreign bodies, eyelids in the wrong position, or many other things. Weepy eyes are the most obvious symptom, but inflammation of the "inner eye" can also occur. If you notice eye disorders of any kind, consult a vet as soon as possible.

Puppy: Ears

Keeping your puppy's ears clean is very important, as the ear is susceptible to trapping all sorts of bacteria, mites and yeast infections. This is especially true with puppies who have longer ears. There are commercial cleaning solutions available that you can use to clean the ears - just ask your vet to make a recommendation. To clean your puppy's ears, use a cotton ball soaked in the cleaning solution and wipe the inner ear, taking care not to go too deep. Signs of ear infection include a red, swollen ear, discharge, head shaking, ear itching or a foul odor. If you notice these signs, take your puppy to the vet immediately.

Puppy:Skin&Coat

A puppy's coat should be glossy and clean, with no excess oil or dandruff. A puppy's coat feels shorter and thinner than an adult's coat. The skin underneath will range from pink to black, depending on his breed. Puppies generally shed their coats when they are 9 to 10 months of age. Even the color of the coat can change. Puppies don't need as frequent grooming as adult dogs, however, it is a good time to teach him to lie on the table and stay still while you brush. This fun and easy grooming time early on will help prepare him and you for the weekly grooming sessions required by an adult dog. When he gets older, regular grooming becomes more important in maintaining healthy skin and coat.

When a vet is estimating the nutritional condition of your puppy, he or she will consider the ideal weight for that particular breed of dog. This ideal varies according to a dog's age, developmental stage, individual characteristics, and other factors. Puppies and young dogs should on no account be overweight. To check your pup's weight, you should be able to feel your pup's ribs, but they shouldn't be pronounced or visible. Your puppy's waist, when viewed from above, should be visible but not too pronounced. There should be no substantial fatty deposits on your pup's body. Above all, however, the criterion for the good health of a puppy is the activity and curiosity that he shows.

Puppy:Pawcare

With all that playing and walking, you can imagine the daily beating those soft puppy paws endure. Dog pads are made to be strong and sturdy but puppy pads haven't hardened and may require a little extra care.

Pay attention to changed behavior that may indicate your pup has a sore paw. For example: If your pup is walking differently, or is favoring a leg or foot, he may have an injury that needs to be examined by your veterinarian. Also, paw lifting may mean your puppy wants to play but it could also mean that he has a sore paw he wants you to look at.

And don't forget his nails. Nail trimming is important for your puppy's health and comfort. It can be painful for him to walk on untrimmed nails. Ask your veterinarian to show you how to trim your puppy's nails the first time. It's not difficult but it's easier to learn if you see it done once or twice.

Puppy:Submissive Urination

Some puppies will leak a small amount of urine when they are excited or nervous, even after they are housetrained. This may indicate that they suffer from a condition called submissive urination. It's important to remember that puppies who suffer from submissive urination don't have much control over their actions - it's a reflective action that they may not be aware of. For example, some puppies are so excited to see their owner return from work that they may urinate a small amount when greeting them.

Puppies become more confident as they grow older and many puppies outgrow this condition before they are a year old.

Don't assume that your puppy is suffering from submissive urination because his behavior meets the description. See your veterinarian so your puppy can have a physical examination to rule out any medical problems that may be the reason for his inappropriate urination.

Puppy:Diarrhea

In puppies diarrhea is particularly serious, because the puppy can quickly become dehydrated - which can in turn lead to organ damage.

In puppies, the causes of diarrhea are primarily infectious diseases, worms, incorrect feeding, sudden change in types of food given, or stress due to a change in environment. If your puppy is suffering from diarrhea consult your veterinarian sooner rather than later.

Puppy:Worms

Most puppies are infected with worms at some point in their life. The good news about worms is that they sound worse than they are. Getting rid of them is not difficult - but prevention and treatment are very important. Your veterinarian can diagnose what kind of worms your puppy has and recommend the appropriate prescription. The bad news is that worms can cause weight loss, weakness and dehydration. Some types, if left untreated, may even be transferred to humans. Most puppies experience worms at some point in their life so it is important to know how to recognize and treat worms. The four most common types of worms are: tapeworms, hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms.

To aid in the prevention of worms, puppies should start receiving treatment a few weeks after they are born, before they show signs of the infection. When you bring your puppy home for the first time, or if you suspect he has worms, take a stool sample to your veterinarian to have it checked microscopically for intestinal parasites.

Keep your puppy free from fleas and this will help prevent tapeworm.

Always clean up after your puppy. Infected stools that haven't been cleaned up can re-infect him.

Depending on the size and breed, a dog is fully mature around the 12 to 18 month mark. At this stage, your dog is in peak condition with plenty of energy and a distinct personality. He will also be at his full height and weight according to the specifications of his breed. Nutritionally speaking, a complete and balanced diet is a must however he won't require the high-calorie diet that he needed as a puppy.

Adult:Teeth.

The average adult dog has 42 teeth. Taking care of your adult dog's teeth will go a long way in ensuring good health later on. That's because dental disease can lead to far more serious problems elsewhere in the body. Bacteria from infected teeth or gum disease can circulate throughout the body and affect the major organs. Have your dog's teeth examined by your veterinarian on a regular basis, and brush your dog's teeth at home at least three times a week. You can also get special dental chew toys and dog food that assist in reducing plaque.

Giving your dog hard crunch snacks and kibble, will help keep his teeth clean if he takes the time to chew them, rather than swallow them whole. Their abrasive action will scrape off some of the plaque.

Adult:Eyes

The adult dog's eyes should be clear, bright and alert. There should be no discharge or redness. Various conditions, such as cataracts or the increase of pressure inside the eye, can lead to the opacity of the lens and poor eyesight.

Adult:Ears

Caring for your dog's ears should be a part of his regular grooming process. If your dog's ears have a foul odor, it could indicate an infection. If your dog is constantly shaking his head and scratching ears, check for ear mites. To do this, place a bit of the dog's ear wax on a piece of paper and look at it under a bright light. Any tiny white specks that appear to be moving are ear mites. Your vet will be able to provide you with the proper treatment. Mites are very contagious, so any other pets in the home will also need to be treated.

Adult:Coat&Skin

Your dog's coat should be shiny, healthy and free of mats. To check skin condition, separate the hairs to ensure skin is smooth, clean and uniform in color.

Adult:Weight

Standing above your dog, look down and check for a 'waist' - pets at the proper weight will have a visible indentation behind their ribs. Place both hands, palms down, lightly on your dog's ribs. You should be able to feel the ribs, but they shouldn't be sticking out. If you cannot feel the ribs, chances are your dog is overweight.

Adult:Bladder&Kidneys

Bladder and kidney infections are common problems in adult dogs. Symptoms can include increased frequency of urination, urinating in the house, difficulty urinating, bloody urine, and increased thirst. The cause is usually a bacterial infection that can also include the formation of stones in the bladder. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your vet immediately as these types of infections can cause kidney damage.

Adult:Joints

The main function of a dog's joints are to provide motion and flexibility, as well as to act as shock absorbers. Joint injuries can be quite painful. To prevent your dog from getting joint injuries, avoid rough play and don't encourage your dog to jump from significant heights. This is especially true for smaller dogs. Also, keeping your dog from getting overweight will prevent any undue stress on his joints.

Adult:Feet

Dogs spend a lot of time on their feet. So it's important that they receive the same amount of care and attention as the rest of your dog's body. This is especially true for dogs who spend a lot of time outdoors. Check between the toes for any unusual lumps, sores, mats, burrs or ticks. Also be sure to check the pads for any cracks or cuts.

Depending on the breed, most dogs are considered to be senior as young as six. Some of the changes are easy to notice, like the graying of the fur around your dog's muzzle or eyebrows. Other changes are less noticeable, like a slower metabolism, a loss of hearing or vision and other stresses of aging.

There are also a number of nutrition and health issues that you'll need to know about - like the importance of protein to help maintain lean muscle mass or vitamins E, C and selenium to help fight the stresses of aging.

Senior:Teeth

Why, for example, would a dog as young as six, prefer a soft ball to a hard stick? One of the most common changes seen in older dogs is dental disease. Unless you've ensured that your dog has had proper dental care since he was a pup, it's highly likely that your dog has some sort of dental disease. In fact, studies have shown that by the age of four, 85% of dogs have begun to show signs of dental disease. Teeth and gums can become more sensitive for dogs as young as six. That's why we're introducing new PEDIGREE HEALTHY MATURITY TM, an easier to crunch food for dogs over six.

Dental disease may lead to infections that can spread to vital organs and cause serious damage. While you can take your dog to the vet for regular, professional cleanings, brushing your dog's teeth at home will help lengthen the time between visits. Try to brush his teeth at least three times a week. This will not only help reduce bad breath and plaque build-up, it will benefit your dog's overall health and well-being.

Senior:Taste&Smell

Older dogs often experience a reduced sense of smell and taste. When this happens, their food becomes less appealing, which could lead to unhealthy weight loss. You can help your dog enjoy his food again by simply warming up his food to enhance the aroma. If your dog eats a lot of dry food, try mixing in some wet food to make it more appetizing.

Senior:Eyes

It's not uncommon for aging dogs to develop nuclear sclerosis, a condition where the eye lens appears cloudy and bluish. It may cause difficulty for your dog to focus close-up on objects. Cataracts and glaucoma, on the other hand, are much more serious and could lead to blindness. Typically, a cataract is white in color. Here are a few signs to watch for:

Tripping and running into furniture or doorways
Dilated pupils
Eyes that seem to be 'glowing'
Cloudy eye surface
Red, painful looking eye

If your dog appears to be slow or inconsistent in responding to your commands or seems to be oblivious to noises, there's a good chance he's experiencing hearing loss. There are a few ways you can help your dog cope with hearing loss. Don't let him roam around freely in open areas as he won't be able to hear approaching cars, people or other dogs. You should also be careful when waking up your dog. Dogs with hearing loss sleep very soundly, and if you disturb him he may snap at you because he's startled. Finally, start incorporating hand signals into commands like sit, stay or come.

Senior:Thyroid

The hormones produced by the thyroid play a major role in your dog's metabolism. As a dog ages, however, its production of the thyroid hormone gradually drops. On one level, this means that your dog will have less tolerance to cold because of the reduced function of the thyroid and adrenal glands. On a more serious level, if the thyroid is producing a less than adequate amount of thyroid hormone (known as thyroxine), it can result in a condition known as hypothyroidism. The symptoms of hypothyroidism aren't always obvious and tend to occur gradually. What's more, many of the classic symptoms (which include lethargy, obesity, and reduced exercise tolerance) are often chalked up to being a normal part of a dog's aging process. Other symptoms, like decreased mental sharpness and personality changes are other clues that your dog may be experiencing hypothyroidism.

Senior:Heart

As a dog ages, the artery walls of the heart begin to stiffen and lose elasticity, increasing the resistance to blood flow. This stiffening of the arteries also occurs throughout the body, reducing the blood supply to all the major organs. When the flow of blood is impaired, blood may back up into the heart, lungs or other organs causing constriction of the blood vessels, resulting in high blood pressure, congestion of the lungs or fluid buildup in the abdomen or other tissues. The kidneys also may have trouble expelling toxins. The type of heart disease a dog can get usually depends on the dog's size. Smaller dogs tend to have problems with the heart valves, which can lead to endocardiosis. Larger dogs tend to suffer from diseases of the heart muscle itself, causing abnormal rhythms and muscle weakness. This condition is known as cardiomyopathy.

The kidneys act as a filter for your dog's body, removing waste materials and toxic substances from the bloodstream and regulating body fluids. They also reabsorb the nutrients that your dog's body needs and controls the balance of body acids. When kidney disease occurs, the kidneys lose the ability to remove waste products and excess nutrients from the blood, which can ultimately lead to death. Kidney disease is one of the most common medical problems faced by older dogs. The signs of kidney disease can often go unrecognized until two thirds of the total kidney function has been lost. In fact, the majority of adult dogs have some degree of kidney damage present. The causes of kidney disease are varied. It could be a result of inherited defects, infections or toxic substances.

Senior:Weight

While being overweight is unhealthy for dogs at any age, it becomes an even greater risk for an aging dog, adding increased stress on the heart, joints and other organs. Many older dogs will gain weight because their metabolism tends to slow down as they age. Nor are they getting the same amount of exercise they enjoyed when they were younger, either because they have less energy or health issues like painful joints prevent them from being more active. Whatever the case may be, it's important to get your dog back down to a healthy weight. If you can, try to exercise your dog as much as he is able. The more muscle he maintains, the more calories he'll burn and less fat he'll carry. Ensuring your dog gets sufficient protein is important at this stage in his life as it helps maintain lean muscle mass.

Senior:Skin

It's not uncommon for older dogs to develop tumors on their skin. As a senior dog's cells get older, they begin to mutate. And the more these mutations occur, the more likely it is that one will develop into a tumor. That's not to say, however, that all lumps are tumors - nor are all tumors malignant. Generally, benign lumps appear and grow more slowly. If you notice that your dog's lumps are growing rapidly, appear to be painful, or if there's any hair loss or bleeding, you should go the veterinarian immediately. If you're unsure as to whether the lump is harmful or not, take your dog to the vet and he or she will let you know whether it needs to be removed.

Senior:Joints

As dogs age, they can develop joint problems. Arthritis is a common disease in older dogs, affecting joint cartilage. With arthritis, lubrication within the joint is decreased making movement painful and difficult. If your dog has arthritis, you may notice that he has trouble walking, limping or experiencing a slow, stiff gait. He may also have difficulty in getting up from a lying position and climbing stairs. Dogs with arthritis may also try to 'nip' at you when you pet them as you could be touching a painful spot. Light exercise and keeping your dog from getting overweight can help alleviate the symptoms. Vitamins E and C, and selenium are also helpful in supporting joint health. Severe cases of arthritis may require medication and regular therapy.

related terms: cherry eye, eversion or inversion of third eyelid cartilage, prolapse of nictitating membrane

What is the third eyelid?

The third eyelid is a triangular shaped structure in the inner corners of your dog's eyes that you may notice sometimes partly covers the eye. It consists of a t-shaped cartilage to provide support, and a tear gland. The third eyelid is important in protection of the surface of the eye, and in tear production. It is also called the nictitating membrane (or membrana nictitans) and haw.
Abnormalities:
A prolapse of the gland or "cherry eye" occurs when the base of the gland (embedded in the cartilage) flips up and is seen above and behind the border of the third eyelid. The prolapsed gland becomes swollen and inflamed. The condition frequently occurs in both eyes and is most common in young dogs of the breeds listed below.
Eversion of the cartilage appears as a scroll-like curling of the cartilage, usually in an outward direction, although inward curling also occurs (inversion of the cartilage). It is most common in young large breed dogs.
Another condition of the third eyelid is atypical pannus. This occurs in German shepherds.
How are abnormalities of the third eyelid inherited?

It has not been proven that this condition is inherited, but dogs of the breeds listed below are predisposed.

What breeds are affected by abnormalities of the third eyelid?

prolapsed gland of the third eyelid: Basset hound, Beagle, Bloodhound, Boston Terrier, Boxer, French Bulldogs, English bulldog, Shar-Pei, Cocker Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Newfoundland, Shih tzu, Saint Bernard

eversion of the cartilage of the third eyelid: German short-haired pointer, Irish setter, Newfoundland, Saint Bernard, and Weimaraner

For many breeds and many disorders, the studies to determine the mode of inheritance or the frequency in the breed have not been carried out, or are inconclusive. We have listed breeds for which there is a consensus among those investigating in this field and among veterinary practitioners, that the condition is significant in this breed.

What do abnormalities of the third eyelid mean to your dog & you?

Both conditions cause chronic irritation of the conjunctiva and cornea, and if untreated, can lead to keratoconjunctivitis sicca.

How are these conditions diagnosed?

Both conditions generally occur in younger dogs and are readily diagnosed from the appearance of the eye. In cherry eye, the glandular tissue protruding behind the third eyelid may be markedly swollen and inflamed. It must be distinguished from a tumour of the third eyelid, which is rare.

How are these conditions treated?

prolapsed gland: The gland and cartilage are anchored surgically in the proper position. Sometimes the prolapse recurs. The gland itself must not be removed, as inadequate tear production will result causing keratoconjunctivitis sicca.

eversion of cartilage: The abnormal folded cartilage is removed surgically.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS DISORDER, PLEASE SEE YOUR VETERINARIAN.

French Bulldog noses may be dry, crusty, or flakey. Put some vaseline or petroleum jelly on the nose 2 or 3 times a day to restore a crusty nose and a couple of times a week to prevent it. The dog will try and lick the petroleum jelly off but enough will soak in to soften the nose again. In severe cases petroleum jelly the nose up to 6 times a day - you'll be surprised at how quickly the nose recovers.

1/8 of a tablet of zinc (human dose- over the counter) once a day will clear up any nasty crusty residue. This will work faster using Vaseline or other lubricant.

Every brachycephalic breed has an elongated soft palate to a certain degree, this is because of the shape of their heads (ie: brachycephalic - short nosed). These problems are generally most common and severe in the English bulldog. Other brachycephalic breeds in which this syndrome is found include the pug, Boston terrier, Pekingese, Cavalier King Charles spaniel, Chinese shar-pei, French bulldog, Lhasa apso, and shih tzu.

In most cases this causes nothing more than snoring, but in severe cases may cause your bulldog difficulty in breathing. Heat and exercise will cause loud, gurgly breathing, (commonly known as "roaring") and your dog may appear to be "lazy". The severity can range from loud breathing when excited, during/after exercise to total exercise intolerance, regurgitation of food to permanent breathing difficulties. The condition can be corrected with surgery and you need to be sure that the vet you chose to carry out this surgery totally understand brachycephalic breeds.

How is brachycephalic syndrome treated?

Medical treatment (oxygen therapy, corticosteroids) can be used for short term relief of airway inflammation. Surgery is required where severe anatomic faults interfere with breathing. Most commonly this involves removal of some of the excess fleshy soft palate, and widening of air passages at the nostrils.
It is important to keep your dog from becoming overweight, as this will worsen his or her respiratory difficulties in the long run.