There’s so much more to know about raising a German Shepherd Dog! Here are some more tips for taking the best possible care of your dog. Raise her right, and she’ll be your best friend for life. We’ll start with some things you need to consider before you bring your dog home, such as finding the right professionals and securing your yard. Then we’ll look at some health and nutrition issues. And finally, the hard topic of what to do when your best friend reaches the end of her life. Pet Professionals Although dogs have been our companions for thousands of years, you will find that you need some help with your new dog. Enlisting the help of some experienced pet professionals can help you keep your dog healthy, well behaved, and well cared for throughout her lifetime.

Veterinarian The veterinarian to whom you choose to give your business… Read the rest

Chronic superficial keratitis (CSK), also known as pannus or Uberreiter’s disease, is an inflammatory condition of the cornea in dogs, particularly seen in the German Shepherd Dog

Affected breeds
Chronic superficial keratitis is most commonly seen in German Shepherd Dogs, but it is also found in Belgian Tervurens, Greyhounds, Siberian Huskies, Australian Shepherds, and Border Collies.

Cause
CSK is immune-mediated in nature, characterized by an infiltration of white blood cells into the superficial stroma of the cornea. These cells are predominately CD4-expressing T lymphocytes and to a lesser extent CD8-expressing T cells. The CD4-expressing T-cells secrete gamma interferon, which causes expression of the major histocompatibility complex class II molecules in the cells of the cornea. These class II molecules cause further inflammation by interacting with the T cells and triggering an immune response. Ultraviolet light is important in the genesis of the disease which… Read the rest

In today’s active society, outdoor games are becoming increasingly popular. One common group activity similar to “King of the Mountain” or “Capture the Flag” is paintball, a sport where participants shoot opposing team members with pellets of paint in an effort to eliminate them and win the game. However, most pet owners may not be aware that these paint-filled pellets can be potentially harmful to their canine companions.

Since 2001, the number of cases the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center receives each year has increased, with over 100 occurring in 2004 alone. “Companion animal owners should be aware of the potential risks,” advises Dr. Steven Hansen, Senior Vice President of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, “and take precautions, such as not allowing their pets to accompany them during paintball games, and storing pellets in areas where animals cannot reach them.”

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