Dog's Nose Changes Color

Pigmentation in a dog’s nose is determined by genetic factors, just the same as hair color. Depending on the breed, the dog’s nose may be black, pink, liver colored, or self colored (same color as coat). But, what does it mean if your dog’s nose changes color? If your dog’s nose is turning pink, specifically turning from black to pink, there could be many causes for the loss of pigmentation. Sometimes the change indicates a medical condition, and other times, a dog nose turning pink is a completely natural part of aging.

The most common cause of a fading nose is called “snow nose” or “winter nose,” because the dog’s nose will fade to pink or white during the winter months, and return to black once summer arrives. Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Bernese Mountain dogs, and Siberian Huskies have this seasonal variation in the color of the nasal planum. Some dogs within these breeds, and even dogs of other breeds, have noses that change from black to brown or pink as the animal ages. The cause is thought to be a breakdown of a certain enzyme called tyrosinase, which is responsible for producing pigment. Apparently, the enzyme becomes less efficient as the dog ages, causing the nose to fade from black to brown or pink. Tyrosinase is also temperature sensitive; it works more effectively in warmer weather, which explains the fading of the nose during winter months. While a dog with a completely pink nose (also known as a Dudley nose), can be disqualified from the show ring (depends on breed), dogs with originally black noses that fade to pink are still allowed to be shown.

Physical ailments and medical conditions may also cause a dog’s nose to fade from black to pink. Sometimes, the dog will lose pigment due to an illness or trauma, and then recover the pigment once healed. If your dog’s nose is scraped or suffers abrasion, it will usually turn pink as it heals, then to black once the scabs are gone. Contact dermatitis can also cause loss of pigmentation in the nose. Certain dogs are sensitive to plastics in food dishes, and the continual irritation will cause the nose to turn pink; the lips will also become inflamed. Switching to stainless steel food and water bowls will eliminate the possibility that your dog is suffering from contact dermatitis.

Vitiligo is an immune disease in dogs that will cause a pink nose, but dogs with vitiligo will commonly have white patches or hairs throughout the rest of their bodies. In animals with vitiligo, antibodies are formed against pigment-containing cells that are responsible for nose color. The antibodies destroy these cells, resulting in loss of color. A veterinarian can do a biopsy to confirm this diagnosis. Certain breeds are at greater risk for this disease, such as Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and Dachshunds. While the dog’s health is not adversely affected by this disease, nutritional supplements may help to restore the dog’s pigment.

If you have a dog with a pink nose, make sure that you protect him in the summer by applying sunscreen to avoid painful sunburn. While a black or brown nose is safe, a pink nose will burn and may blister if the sun damage is severe. Pink noses are accordingly more at risk for the development of cancer. In some cases, an owner can choose to have his dog’s nose tattooed with black ink to protect it from the sun. This practice is more common in dogs such as the Collie who will get nasty ulcerations from sun exposure.

Though the dog’s nose is one of his most important features, knowledge is lacking as to the reasons for color change, loss of pigment, and why some dog’s noses fade while others do not. If your dog’s nose is changing color, but he is otherwise happy, healthy, and maintaining a normal activity level, he is probably fine. If his nose is blistering, or seems chapped or dry, consult a veterinarian to see if there is a health reason behind your dog’s changing nose. A dog nose turning pink happens more often than most dog owners realize. Research your breed’s tendencies, seek help for a damaged nose, and make sure to protect your dog’s new pink nose from the sun!

(Article from Professorshouse)

The Importances of Grooming

Perhaps you might ask, why do pets need grooming? It is not a trend. Grooming is more than just having your pet to look good or feel good; it is integral part of dog care. It is vital for his health. It’s more than just a bath; it includes brushing, combing, keeping his teeth and ears clean, clipping nails, and keeping him in top shape.

The importances of grooming includes:

• Sociability. Clean and well-groomed pets are definitely more enjoyable companions to us. Grooming helps strengthening the relationship between the owner and pet. 
• Discovering external and internal health problems of your pet. His outward appearance reflects his health. Conditions of his coat and skin can be the signals of his health problems. 
• Eliminating the spread of dirt and disease. Ungroomed dogs/cats are more likely to be infected by internal and external parasites, which can harbor dangerous diseases that can affect human health. 
• Presenting a positive public image. Keeping your pet clean and healthy says something about you; it says you are a responsible owner and that you care for your pet. 

Remember, good grooming is essential to good health. Start grooming your pet regularly, it will be beneficial to you and your pet!

Human Foods Poisonous to Dogs

Most dogs love food and especially yearn for "people food". After begging and begging, often, owners will let their dogs ‘taste’ the food eventually. However some foods which are edible for humans, and even other species of animals, can pose hazards for dogs because of their different metabolism. Some may cause only mild digestive upsets, whereas, others can cause severe illness, and even death. Knowing what foods to avoid feeding your dog is important, so you can prevent food poisoning on your dog.

Grapes and Raisins

• Grapes and Raisins can cause irreversible damage to the kidneys, possible resulting in death.
• Ingesting as few as 4-5 grapes or raisins can be poisonous to a 20 pound dog, though the exact toxic dose is not established.
• Signs of toxicity include vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, abdominal pain, decreased urine production (possibly leading to lack of urine production), weakness and drunken gait.
• Onset of signs typically occurs within 24 hours (though they can start just a few hours after consumption)
• Your vet may start by inducing vomiting, or the stomach might be pumped (gastric lavage). Treatment involves aggressive supportive care - particularly fluid therapy and medications.

Chocolate

• Chocolate and cocoa contain a chemical called theobromide that can adversely affect the heart, lungs, kidney and central nervous system.
• Pure baking chocolate is most toxic, while milk chocolate requires a higher quantity to cause harm. A 20 pound dog can be poisoned after consuming about 2 ounces of baking chocolate, but it would take nearly 20 ounces of milk chocolate to cause harm. Ingestion of cacao bean mulch can also be toxic.
• Signs include excitement, tremors, seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal heart rate/rhythm, drunken gait, hyperthermia and coma.
• Your vet may induce vomiting or perform gastric lavage. Treatment includes administration of activated charcoal and aggressive supportive care with fluid therapy and medications.

Xylitol

• Xylitol is a sugar-free sweetener most often found in chewing gum and candy. In dogs, it stimulates the pancreas to secrete insulin, resulting in hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Xylitol ingestion can also cause severe liver damage.
• As few as two pieces of gum can be hypoglycemia to a 20 pound dog. A pack of gum can cause liver damage.
• Signs of toxicity can occur within 30-60 minutes and include weakness, drunken gait, collapse and seizures.
• Your vet may induce vomiting or perform gastric lavage. The affected dog will likely need to be treated intravenously with dextrose (sugar) and monitored closely for 1-2 days. Many dogs improve with supportive care if treated early enough, though liver damage can be permanent.

Onions

• Onions can cause a form of hemolytic anemia called Heinz body anemia, a condition that causes the destruction of red blood cells. Kidney damage may follow.
• Toxicity may occur from similar foods such as garlic and chives.
• It is not clear what quantity of onions is poisonous, but the effects can be cumulative. Poisoning can result from raw, cooked and dehydrated forms. Avoid feeding table scraps and any foods cooked with onions (including some baby foods). Check your ingredients!
• Signs are secondary to anemia, such as pale gums, rapid heart rate, weakness and lethargy. Other signs include vomiting, diarrhea, and bloody urine.
• Treatment: blood transfusions and/or oxygen administration may be necessary, followed by specific fluid therapy.

Caffeinated Items

• Caffeine is quite similar to the toxic chemical in chocolate. It can damage the heart, lungs, kidney and central nervous system.
• Commons sources of toxicity include caffeine pills, coffee beans and coffee, large amounts of tea, and chocolate.
• Signs typically begin with restlessness, hyperactivity and vomiting. These can be followed by panting, weakness, drunken gait increased heart rate, muscle tremors and convulsions.
• Your vet may induce vomiting or perform gastric lavage. Treatment includes administration of activated charcoal and supportive care with fluid therapy and medications.

Alcohol and Yeast Dough

• Alcoholic beverages contain ethanol - a seriously toxic chemical compound that causes central nervous system and respiratory depression.
• Uncooked yeast dough also produce ethanol.
• Even small amounts of ethanol can cause toxic effects.
• Signs include sedation, depression, lethargy, weakness, drunken gait and hypothermia (low body temperature).
• Ethanol is rapidly absorbed into the system, so it is important to seek medical attention quickly. It is not usually helpful to induce vomiting. Treatment includes aggressive supportive care with fluid therapy and medications.
• Under controlled circumstances, alcohol is used by veterinarians as an antidote for antifreeze (ethylene glycol) poisoning.

Macadamia Nuts

• Macadamia nuts, while generally not considered fatal, can cause your dog to experience severe illness.
• The actually toxin is not know, nor is the mechanism of toxicity.
• Ingestion of just a handful of nuts can cause adverse effects in any dog.
• Signs include vomiting, weakness, depression, drunken gait, joint/muscle pain, and joint swelling.
• Onset of signs typically occurs within 6-24 hours.
• Dogs are typically treated symptomatically and recover within 24-48 hours. In-hospital supportive care may be recommended for dogs that become very sick.

Fruit Pits and Seeds

• Apple seeds, cherry pits, peach pits, and plum pits contain the toxin cyanide.
• Signs of cyanide poisoning include vomiting, heavy breathing, apnea tachycardia, cardiac arrhythmias, coma, and skin irritation.
• In some cases, antidotes are available. Other treatments include oxygen therapy, fluids and supportive care.
• Also take note that the leaves, fruit, seeds and bark of avocados contain Persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. Also, the fat content is not healthy for dogs.

Rotten or Moldy Foods

Moldy or rotten foods can cause many problems for your dog, some more serious than others. Any food that seems "past its prime" should be kept out reach. Be especially careful to keep your dog away from trash cans.

• Botulism, often from garbage, can cause paralysis, slow heart rate, constipation, and urine retention. An antitoxin is effective only if poisoning is caught early enough.
• Rotten fruit produces ethanol, causing the same effects associated with alcohol or dough ingestion.
• Moldy foods contain toxins that may cause muscle tremors, convulsions and drunkenness.
• Therapy depends on the toxin. Your vet may induce vomiting. Sometimes, treatment includes activated charcoal. Supportive care with fluids and medications is often necessary.

Other Foods to Avoid

Certain foods, while not considered toxic, can still be unhealthy for your dog. Avoid any foods that are high in fat, sugar or sodium. These foods can contribute to indigestion, obesity, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and more. Dairy products may be difficult for dogs to digest. Corn cobs and bones can cause GI obstruction. Cooked bones may splinter and break easily, risking GI damage. 

Like people, too much junk food can cause poor condition and decreased energy. Remember that your dog is smaller than you and may be sensitive. What seems like "just a bite" for you is more like a small meal for your dog. If you want to feed homemade food, seek advice from your vet. You may wish to meet with a nutritionist for diet recommendations.

(Article from About.com)