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Signs and Symptoms Of Dogs Cushing’s Disease-Have You Got A Beagle with A Pot Belly?

September 26th, 2009 No comments

What is dog’s Cushing’s disease? Dogs Cushing’s disease is a common problem that affects elder pets, and is caused by overactive adrenal glands. This condition can easily be confused with premature signs of aging in dogs. Cushing’s disease symptoms include:

* weight gain * hair loss * urinating in the house * increased consumption of water * increased urination * increase in appetite

Thankfully, this disease is treatable and once treated your dog can live a much longer and healthier life. This condition can be treated at home using homeopathic remedies.

In dogs, Cushing’s disease can look like the debilitating effects of aging, so some pet owners may mistakenly consider euthanasia in order to let their pets go peacefully. It is very important to understand when your dog is truly just aging or if they are suffering from Cushing’s disease. Your vet can help you determine what your pet is facing.

In dogs, Cushing’s disease is usually found in pets that are around ten years old. Cushing’s disease is more likely to strike in miniature dogs and in spayed/neutered dogs. Since it can strike just about any dog and there are very few known predispositions for the disease it is sometimes hard to diagnose. Even the physical signs of the disease can be similar to a variety of other health problems.

Because the symptoms are so much like aging it is important to note the symptoms that are more than common signs of aging. These can be extreme drinking(water) as 80-85% of Cushing’s dogs will drink 2-10 times their normal amount. Another possible sign is a change in the color of your dog’s coat, 85-100% of Cushing’s dogs have a change in the skin or coat. 90-95% of dogs will also take on a pot-bellied appearance. By recognizing these signs you can treat the disease and make your dog live longer and more comfortably. Once you suspect the problem, a simple blood test could prove that your dog is suffering from Cushing’s.

If Cushing’s disease is left to progress without treatment it can lead to even more serious problems such as diabetes, congestive heart failure, failure of the liver and kidneys, and other problems like infections in numerous places on the body. These problems combined with Cushing’s disease can prove fatal to your pet. So if you pet is exhibiting any of the symptoms for dog’s Cushing’s disease and they are over 6 years of age, it is best to take them to a vet right away for a diagnosis.

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Buying The Correct Lawn Mower

September 26th, 2009 No comments

You have finally made the big move out of an apartment in the city to a home in the suburbs. You love your new home with your own space outside. The trees and flowers are growing nicely, but there is one problem, management has not cut the grass in weeks. You suddenly realize, you are management and it is time to get a lawn mower.

When you get to the hardware store you realize that there may be more to buying the right lawn mower than you expected. There are several mowers available.

If you have a small lawn, you may find that a push mower that has no power other than what you supply does great. These lawn mowers have the advantage of actually cutting the lawn with a scissor action and help to avoid the brown tips at the ends of the blades of grass. One disadvantage is that mowing must be done regularly as these mowers do not do well in tall grass.

You move on to look at the gasoline mowers. They require somewhat less energy to push through the grass and do a good job at cutting grass. They do require the strength to pull a rope for starting which can be a problem for some people. Most find it pretty easy to start these machines.

These gasoline mowers come in a variety of widths between eighteen and twenty-two inches. The narrower mowers are lighter in weight and easier to push, but the larger mowers mean fewer passes across the lawn to complete the task.

To make the job even less work, you can choose a self-propelled mower. These mowers use energy from the gasoline motor to power the wheels. All you have to do is walk behind and steer the mower.

Some subdivisions have rules regarding the use of gasoline mowers and due to the noise level that they produce require residents to choose electric mowers. Electric mowers are lighter in weight and much quieter to operate than gasoline mowers. In addition, the operator does not have to use a pull rope to start the mower. Once it is plugged in, just turn on the switch and the mower is working. The major disadvantage is that they have to have a long extension cord to operate. If you are using an electric mower, be sure that you do not mow over the cord.

For very large lawns you may need a riding lawn mower. These mowers cut up to fifty inches with one pass. Lawns mowed with riding mowers are very smooth in appearance that is not possible with other lawn mowers. You will find optional equipment for these mowers such as small trailers that can be used for transportation of landscaping materials instead of having to use a wheelbarrow. Riding mowers are the most expensive of the mowers.

As a homeowner in the suburbs, you are now management and responsible for your own lawn care. That includes mowing the grass. While some homeowners feel that mowing is a chore, others find that maintaining a beautiful lawn is a source of pride. Not only do they enjoy mowing the lawn, but also fertilizing and watering become a part of the hobby.

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