From the ArcaMax Publishing, Cats & Dogs Newsletter:
http://www.arcamax.com/news/catsanddogs/s-568509-284255
Some of the problem behaviors in dogs are a result of an infection
from parasite. These include internal parasites such as roundworm and
tapeworm, flea infestation, ear mites, and Hypermetria.
Many dog owners are not aware that most parasite infection such as
roundworm infestation is a condition that requires immediate
veterinary attention. The fact is that it is important for all puppies
to be dewormed as well as vaccinated against distemper and hepatitis.
Most problems related to internal parasitism involve owners who do not
know about the adverse effects of digestive malfunction, but still
expect a young dog to control his loose stools, be able to housetrain
successfully, and learn all the more complicated lessons of being an
ideal household pet. When the puppy does not respond well to the
training, the owner sometimes reacts by isolating, punishing or
rejecting the pet socially. The resulting confusion and mismanagement
of the pet often produce a wide spectrum of behavioral maladjustments.
The following problems are often shown in dogs with internal
parasites: Chewing; Digging; Barking; Whining; Unruliness (due to
being isolated as punishment); and Stool eating which is possibly due
to a fecal fixation resulting from excessive punishment associated
with stools.
Flea infestation has led to rejection by some dog owners. Most of them
will only try to get rid of fleas on the dog. They buy a flea collar
or flea spray, but usually do nothing about the fleas infesting the
dog's regular sleeping and resting areas. The result of this is that
the dog continues to be infested and is eventually moved to the yard.
The problems associated with such social isolation then may evolve.
Ear mite infestation led to isolation-based problems involving
destructive chewing. Often, the dog’s constant scratching drives his
owner crazy and will eventually result from the dog being shut away.
Some dog owners neglect the rather obvious ear odor commonly
associated with ear mites, and refuse to handle the behavioral problem
until the ear problem clears up. Consult your vet when you notice a
foul odor coming from your dog’s ear. Your vet will prescribe
treatment for the scratching problem which in turn will lead to
subsequent behavioral corrections.
It is amazing that most animals displaying signs of hypermetria had
histories of heavy roundworm or tapeworm infections as puppies. In
cases of Hypermetria, the dogs tend to bump into objects, usually
submerge their noses when drinking, and display an exaggerated
fore-throw of the front limbs when walking. Some cases of dogs
suffering from this condition are abnormally hostile and seemed to be
devoid of long-term memory. These dogs had to be re-taught simple
lessons every day.
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How can you tell if your dog is not feeling well? Is he ill or
just tired? What are the common symptoms of a dog health problem? The
more you get familiar with your dog’s habits and behaviors, the
easier it is to tell if he is experiencing a dog health problem. Your dog
might have a little cold, or something much more serious. Learning how
to know the difference is essential. We’ll offer tips on
understanding what your dog
symptoms mean, and some tips for making your dog comfortable when
he or she isn’t feeling quite up to par. Click here for more on Dog Health or Check out
http://www.dogsvitalsigns.com