Hookworm Infection In Dogs

Hookworm infection or ancylostomiasis is the most serious endoparasitic infection affecting the gastro-intestinal tract of dogs.

A typical three-week lifecycle of hookworm has different interesting aspects. Infection starts when the immature hookworm larvae enter the host animal either through oral route or by penetrating the skin. These larvae are also transmitted from the mother through the placental route or through mother's milk. These larvae enter the blood stream and make their way to the intestine. Here, these larvae mature into adults. Adult hookworms attach to the intestinal wall using their hook-like mouth parts that contain teeth-like structures. These worms are primarily blood-suckers. Female worms are prolific egg-producers laying up to 30,000 ova per day. These eggs are excreted into the environment along with feces. The eggs hatch in the outside environment and gradually develop into a third stage larvae, which are now ready to infect another host animal.

Diagnosis of hookworm infection in dogs is done using microscopic examination of stool sample. Presence of hookworm eggs in the feces indicates infection. It is hard to detect adult hookworms in the feces since these worms are really small in size and adhere firmly to the intestinal wall.

Hookworm infection causes severe anemia. Symptoms include severe weight loss, pale appearance, dry skin, dull-colored hair coat and blood in the stools. A severe hookworm infection can be fatal for the pups. There are a number of drugs used for the treatment of hookworm infection. Some of these include febendazole, mebendazole, febantel and dichlorophene. In case of young pups, blood transfusion might be required along with deworming so as to keep the baby alive.

Hookworm infection is most common in new born puppies. However, it is possible to control hookworm infection in dogs by following certain preventive measures. Strict hygienic conditions should be maintained in the surroundings. It is important to have the dogs dewormed periodically. Feces should be disposed promptly at isolated places. A nursing female dog should be treated along with her pups since nursing may reactivate infection in the mother.

Larvae of hookworms have also been known to infect humans causing a disease known as Cutaneous Larval Migrans (CLM). These larvae penetrate through the human skin causing a severe itching sensation known as ground itch.

Pitbulls - Exercising Your Pitbull

The owner should also pay attention to the mental and physical shape of his dog and regular exercises are likely to improve the dog's condition. The things to be done in order to immediately impact the dog's long term health are the following: besides providing him with a raw diet, the owner must make sure that his pit bull is walking 3 to 5 miles during every day because walking seems to be the best exercise when it comes to any canine pet.

And pit bulls are not the exceptions because they love to roam and to discover new places in the world around them. Hand walking is the best way to provide the dog with daily exercise and is also helping the owner in order to create a bond with his pit bull. This hand walking is helping the dog in order to build his mental health too. A pit bull has to see his owner as being a confident leader and therefore the dog's attitude towards hand walking will change dramatically because a dog that used to be a strong puller is likely to pull less after the first hand walking.

a heavy way or he appears stressed, the owner must back off in order not to exhaust his pet. If the dog becomes accustomed to walking for 5 miles, he will be ready to walk more and the distance may be increased to 10 miles.

The progress will be slow because the owner should consider the dog's health in order not to leave his dog breathless. If the dog is recovering well from his hand walking, the owner may add different outlets for exercises when it comes to choosing an exercise program. The distance is important because it has to be long enough in order to burn all the extra energy but short enough in order not to harm the dog's health.

The physical fitness program may start by taking a walk to the vet in order to ask for a professional advice because the exercise is to be considered the missing link that is needed in order that the owner makes a bond with his pit bull. Long hand walking can prevent the dog's problems when it comes to the way he behaves outside his house because one should consider that a tired pit bull can be a happy and healthy one.

The hand walking is considered to be a gift, the best one that an owner may give to his pet. A hand walking should start with the current level of daily exercise; the owner has to increase slowly the walking time and distance and should expect his dig to "tell" him when is high time to make the next move. The owner needs only to pay attention to his dog behavior; he should notice if his dog is feeling really sore after walking 3 miles because if the pit bull feels so, his owner must not push him to walk more until the animal recovers from being tired.

Choosing The Right Puppy - Boy or Girl?

So many decisions to make...but one of the hardest decisions is sometimes - "Shall we have a girl or boy puppy?" Many people feel that girls make better pets, However, I am here to tell you that some of the sweetest, most devoted pets I have ever seen have been neutered boys.

Here at Stoney Hollow Toy Poodles, I have a number of poodles that are my "personal poodles""who are my dear friends and close companions. These poodles are with me all day, every day. My closest companions and friends, they greet strangers, prospective puppy parents and friends with grace and decorum, never showing the slightest sign of bad manners - and they are all intact boys, usually working stud dogs.

These boys are attentive and eager to please. They have no personal agenda the way females sometimes do. Despite the "girls are better" myths commonly bandied about, I really have to disagree. Always available, always eager to love and be loved, I absolutely have to say that in my experience as a breeder and a lifelong dog-lover, boys make better pets.

I will concede that "intact males" - boys that have not been neutered- often display all the unpleasant territorial behavior that people dislike - leg-lifting, aggression, etc. which makes them slightly more difficult to handle as family pets. However, it has been my experience that if you would only have your little boy neutered at 5 months or so, you will eliminate those issues 95% of the time. Those bad behaviors are instinctive canine behaviors designed to let everyone know that this yard, car, house or whatever belongs only to HIM! But, these behaviors don't occur until the pup nears breeding age, when his hormones begin to kick in. Neutering eliminates the production of testosterone, the primary hormonal trouble-maker.

Should you have one of the 5% that still insists on marking territory, this is an easily solved training issue. As long as your dogs is house-trained, you are looking at a matter of teaching your male dog that the house belongs to you, not him. Simple, consistent correction if he makes a mistake will easily resolve the problem. All of my house-dogs are boys and are all intact - I do know that this works!

So, feel free to choose a little boy for your new family member - just be sure to have him neutered as soon as possible!

Soul Food Recipes - 3 Ways to Cook Confidently

Soul food recipes have enjoyed a tradition of down-home cooking and what we affectionately call comfort food. People in the south, especially African Americans see it as the holy grail of eating and good times.

It's used to celebrate, comfort and even heal, that's how important it is. But because of the tight economy more people choose to cook more meals at home and save money (25% -75%) rather than eating out.

The problem is most of us like soul food , but in this fast-food age less of us know how to cook those magical meals our grand mothers and great-grandmothers cooked with ease. If you're a new mother, wife, single man or house-husband you may have this desire or need to cook. But you may lack the mental tools and skills to pull it off.

Fortunately the internet has dozens of soul food recipe sites with those favorite dishes you enjoyed since you were a child. You know, the one's your great-grandma used to prepare for holidays, birthdays and special occasions. That's good news, but you may be one of the millions of "recipe challenged". Meaning you can read a recipe, but the results always turn out between weird looking and out-right disaster.

Don't panic, here's 3 ways to cook soul food recipes more confidently.

1. Know Your Cooking Terms.

This seems like a simple issue, but it may surprise you how much this will add to your cooking confidence. Plus, it may surprise you how many people don't know the correct cooking terms in a recipe, but think they know. For example, do you know the difference between mix and fold? Many cooks don't.

As a result, not knowing the difference between those two cooking terms is the difference between a scrumptious dish fit for a king or queen or garbage a starving dog wouldn't eat. I recommend getting a cooking dictionary or at least a book of cooking terms. When you come across a recipe term you're not sure of you can immediately look it up. By doing this simple action, you'll be a recipe expert in no time when it comes to cooking terms.

2. Know Your Seasonings.

If one skill defines soul food , meaning how to enjoy it and how to cook it, it's the seasoning. Knowing how to season and what to season with what food is one of the hallmarks of a good cook, especially when it comes to southern food.

Here's another tool that can give you a quick start and give you quick confidence. Get a soul food seasonings dictionary, available online. This will show you what seasoning go with what dishes at-a-glance. This information will help to make your cooking mistake free.

3. Know Your Measurements.

This is one of the quiet but important keys to cooking with confidence. Traditionally our grandmothers and great-grandmothers used guesstimates based on their experience. For example, a dash of this, a pinch of that. To give you quick confidence when preparing any recipe, get these 3 important - but inexpensive tools. A measuring cup, measuring spoons and a small scale. By using these simple tools you'll have the confidence your measurements are accurate and your portions are right. They will save you the cost of the recipe failures you have to throw in the garbage can. That cost savings alone is worth the small investment, Don't you agree?

By following these simple tips your cooking confidence will increase each time you apply them. The soul food recipes you choose will turn out more like the ones you see in the book or on the website for a change. In addition, they'll taste more like you imagined them to be.

How to Host a Mexican Fiesta

Any time is a great time to host a Mexican fiesta. This type of dinner party or get together is a wonderful way to show off your Mexican cooking skills. As far as menu choices, the possibilities are almost endless.

Mexican fiestas are typically very casual and colorful occasions. This goes for the atmosphere, food and decoration, alike. Mexican food options include everything from tamales and tacos to burritos to guacamole to salsa to refried beans to carne asada to quesadillas to margaritas to deep fried ice cream to Mexican wedding cookies to much more!

There are many dishes that can be made and frozen, ahead of time... even as far as several weeks in advance. Doing so makes it much easier to get things ready, on the day of the event.

Some recipes such as hot dips and even enchiladas or burritos can be prepared and served in crock pots, which can easily be placed along a table for serving. For outside fiestas, plugging the pots into a plug strip will eliminate the need for multiple electrical outlets.

Grilling is another great option, for outside fiestas. Even recipes as simple as grilled corn on the cob with chili butter, lime juice and a touch of cheese are more than festive when prepared in this manner.

Large green onions, also referred to as 'knob onions' are yummy grilled, as well. Grill with jalapeños, drizzle with lime juice and serve with carne asada, for a traditional treat. These onions can be found in Mexican markets.

Another idea for a Mexican fiesta, at home, is a taco bar. Similar to those seen in Mexican restaurants, a taco bar can include all the ingredients to assemble tacos, burritos, etc. be sure to include other side dishes such as tamales, nachos and refried beans.

No party, of any kind, is complete without a variety of cold beverages. Serve Mexican beer, sangria, margaritas and a selection of non-alcoholic drinks like iced tea, lemonade and soda... even ice cold water will be appreciated, by some.

To give your buffet tables a Southwestern feel you can use terra cotta tableware and serving bowls. You may also opt to use brightly covered disposable tableware that is now available in many south of the border patterns.

Pinatas are a must, for any fiesta... especially when there will be children in attendance. Again, as with the tableware, they can be purchased in many different varieties, both online and at party supply stores.

Use a very large sombrero, for a unique and inexpensive centerpiece. Place a balloon bouquet in the very center. Fill the remainder with corn chips. Place small bowls of guacamole, salsa and cheese dip around the sombrero. Enjoy!

Homemade salsa is quite simple to make. Consider making your own using one of the following Mexican recipes

Salsa Recipe

2 (10 ounce) cans tomatoes (Rotel brand-1 hot and 1 mild)
1 (14 ounce) can peeled tomato
1-2 jalapeño pepper, diced
1 (4 ounce) can green chilies
1/4 cup onion
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon sugar

Directions

Use a food processor to pulse the onions and jalapeño to desired consistency. (This should only take a few seconds.) Add tomatoes with juice and green chilies, process again. Transfer to a bowl and add spices.

Chill until flavors are combined, approximately 2 to 3 hours.

Pico de Gallo Recipe

3 ripe tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1/2 cup cucumber, peeled, seeded and chopped
2 to 3 cloves of garlic, minced
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped, no stems
1 or more jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
3 green onions, chopped
1 teaspoon fresh lime juice or more to taste
salt to taste

Directions

Slice the tomato in quarters and remove seeds and gel. Chop into small chunks.

Add the rest of the ingredients and stir. Allow the mixture to sit in the refrigerator 1 hour to let the flavors mingle.

Healthy Low Calorie Meals

The ideal way to keep your metabolism revved up is to eat small-frequent meals, which in turn makes it much easier to lose weight! Eating small, balanced meals of approximately 300 calories each, will help you to assure your weight loss and assist you in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

One of the easiest ways to cut the extra calories out of the diet is to cut out the empty calories. Empty calories are found primarily in soft drinks, juices and even alcoholic drinks. Regular consumption of these drinks usually account for all the daily calories required for simple day to day survival. Stick with water and low fat milk!

Here are some tasty foods you can eat on a low calorie meal plan.

poultry (no skin, chicken breast, turkey breast, ground turkey, etc.)
white fish
eggs
lean meat
fresh fruits and vegetables
skim milk
rice
low fat cheese
baked or boiled potatoes
whole grain bread
whole grain pasta
low calorie/low fat salad dressing
sugar free foods

Take the time to measure out a serving size. It will make meal planning and calorie counting a lot more productive and enjoyable.

Here is a breakdown of how to distribute your caloric intake throughout the day for a 1300 calorie per day diet. As long as you stay within your intake (of course with little to NO fats) you can choose just about anything you would like to eat.

Breakfast:400 calories
Morning Snack: 100 calories
Lunch: 400 calories
Afternoon Snack: 100 calories
Dinner: 200 calories
Evening snack: 100 calories

Inexpensive Cobb Pizza Oven With Multiple Other Uses

If you decide to buy a pizza oven for the home it will probably be electric and only capable of cooking pizza, nothing else. Since these ovens have such restricted use they tend to be used a couple of times, and then forgotten.

Instead of wasting money this way you may wish to consider a viable and inexpensive alternative, the Cobb Grill.

For those who are not familiar with the Cobb it is a compact multifunction cooker that makes an excellent pizza oven, but does much more as well. The fuel of choice for the Cobb is the humble charcoal briquette. 6 - 9 briquettes is sufficient for up to 3 hours cooking time.

For use in the home the Cobb is ideally sited close to the main kitchen cookers extraction hood. Unless your extraction can cope the Cobb should be lit outside and left for 15 minutes for the coals to turn grey. The design of the Cobb is such that the sides of the cooker remain cool, so when the Cobb is ready it can be picked up and brought inside. You are now ready to to use the Cobb as a pizza oven.

You will soon realise that the Cobb makes an excellent emergency cooker for the home in times of power cuts. It comes with its own carrying bag and is compact enough to take camping or use on a boat.

If you've ever watched the 'Hairy Bikers' on TV you'll recognise the Cobb they feature regularly. These two British Chefs have travelled the world cooking many different cuisines using the Cobb as their cooker of choice.

Whether at home or away the Cobb will cook everything from a full family breakfast to a roast dinner with all the trimmings. We've already mentioned its capabilities as a pizza oven, but it will do so much more. You can bake bread in it, smoke meat or fish, use it as a wok, cook stew and dumplings and it makes an excellent BBQ.

When we think of BBQ we're bound to think of the smoke and occasional flare ups. With the Cobb its not a problem. Meat juices are directed into a moat arrangement in the bottom, so never come into direct contact with the heat source and hence produces little or no smoke. For this same reason the Cobb doesn't flare up.

The moat serves several purposes. As well as collecting meat juices it can be part filled with water or wine etc. As the stove heats, the steam from the moat keeps the cooking meat above moist and helps prevent shrinkage. In addition, if you wrap vegetables in foil they can be cooked in the moat and not absorb the meat juices. The liquor left at the end of cooking makes an excellent base for gravy or a sauce.

As I said, the Cobb is much more than a pizza oven.