While small pooches are cute and innocent to look, the large dogs are majestic and great to look at. However, all dogs have one thing in common and that is called “Love�. In return all dogs need to be cared equally no matter their sizes. As a matter of fact large dog care is a bit difficult when compared to the small pooch care. First of all you should know which dogs fall under the category of the large one. The dogs with more than 50 lbs of weight are commonly termed as the large dogs. As you may be aware that German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, Greyhounds etc are the common large dogs found all over the country. Despites their size and aggression, these large dogs are excellent pets for those who care them. As these dogs are so special, they need special attention in all aspects such as food, clothing, shelter and comfort.

Do you know what the smallest dog breed in this planet is? It is the Chihuahua. Feeding this smallest dog breed needs great care that you are not over-feeding them which will reduce their lifespan and also will cause diabetes. In the case of the large dogs, it is obviously the opposite. The large dog should get enough food, particularly lot of food with great nutritional value. Without proper nutritional food, the large dogs will not be brisk. In fact you need to take care of the nutritional balance of these large dogs to ensure proper metabolism.

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You will be well aware of the fact that selecting the clothes for even the small dogs will be a great challenge. When it comes to the large dog clothing, the things are even worse. The regular dog costumes will not be suitable for these large dogs and in fact these dogs will get irritated with improper clothing. Researches indicate that improper large dog clothes will induce aggression in them. Thankfully, there are specially made large dog costumes available in the market. These large dog clothes will perfectly fit these majestic dogs making them feel more comfortable than ever before.

Large dog care doesn’t end here. It is Christmas season and this is the right time to express your affection to your pet dog. The large Santa dog suits are already in the shelves of the do care stores. The large Santa dog suits will make you dog look majestic, celebrative and more comfortable this Christmas season.

These are a few things to know about large dog care.

Give your dog a gentle massage by applying firm but gentle pressure starting across the bridge of the nose and then working to the ears, neck, down the back and then across the legs. Relax your dog and relieve arthritis or joint pain with a massage using instruction from a veterinarian in this free video on dog massage. Expert: Dr. James Talbott Bio: Dr. James R. Talbott is a staff veterinarian at Belle Forest Animal Hospital and Kennel in Nashville, Tenn. Filmmaker: Dimitri LaBarge

Canine Influenza H3N9 is especially risky for puppies, dogs with suppressed immune systems and senior dogs.  Don’t put your dog at risk…learn more about this dog flu, before it’s too late!

Since Labor Day Weekend 2009, this highly contagious respiratory viral infection of dogs has roared like a wild fire, up the East Coast from Miami to New England.
It is caused by the subtype H3N8 of the influenza A virus.
It is the source of acute respiratory infection in dogs.  It can cause respiratory disease alone, or in combination with other canine respiratory pathogens.
It is not seasonal…dogs can contract it year round.
All dogs regardless of age or breed are at risk.
Affects dogs only.
100% of dogs are susceptible…80% will show signs, 20% will not become ill, but can still be a carrier.
Dogs not exhibiting symptoms can spread the disease.
Symptoms are: persistent coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and transient low-grade fever, lack of appetite, lack of energy.  The cough can last up to 1 month.
Coughing is the dog’s way of ridding the virus from their body.  Do not give cough suppressant!
Take precautions to prevent secondary infections such as a yellow-green nasal discharge and pneumonia.
It is spread through airborne pathogens (coughing or sneezing), direct contact (licking, kissing, nuzzling, shared bowls) and contaminated surfaces (hands, clothing, furniture, bedding, dog bedding, crates, kennels, toys, bowls, dog collars, dog leashes and other surfaces)
It can be treated with antibiotics, to avoid or lessen risks of secondary infection.
If inoculated before infected, severity may be reduced with the H3N8 vaccine – given in 2 doses, 2-4 weeks apart, followed by an annual revaccination.
Dogs currently vaccinated for Bordetella (kennel cough) are likely candidates for the CIV H3N8.
Unless inoculated, avoid large gatherings of dogs.
Washing hands, clothing, and other items in soap and water can easily inactivate the virus. (virus can survive for up to 48 hours otherwise)
Concrete and metal surfaces should be cleaned with a 1-part bleach to 9-parts water.
For the first 7-10 days, infected dogs shed the virus through respiratory secretions.  Avoid contact with other dogs during this period if possible!
The virus usually runs its course usually in 2 weeks.  After that, the dog is no longer contagious.

Don’t take the risk!  If your dog shows the symptoms, get them to your vet, before secondary infections set in.

If they don’t show the symptoms, talk to your vet about the H3N8 vaccine.

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