A neurosis may be defined as a functional nervous disorder with no sign of disease of the central nervous system. Psychoneurosis is described as an “emotional maladaptation” due to unresolved unconscious conflicts, and may also be used to describe the condition of many so-called neurotic dogs. This means, to recognize a neurotic dog, we must identify some defective nervous behavioral functions, while ruling out physical injury or disease, such as hydrocephalus, brain tumors, etc.

This can be done in some cases through neurological examinations. Urine and blood analysis can often indicate internal chemical imbalances which are of an organic cause. On the other hand, they may also indicate the presence of severe environmental stressors. Combined with behavioral information, physiologic examinations might indicate a neuroses or the basis for a psychosis. For practical purposes, a dog may be considered neurotic if he shows signs of a functional nervous disorder combined with behavior that is both abnormal and maladaptive for dogs in general.

But how is a functional nervous disorder described in behavioral terms? The following descriptions are helpful:

* The dog that fails to inhibit the orienting (alerting) response to stimuli that occurs repeatedly and are known to the animal to be neither harmful nor rewarding. These dogs are almost always in a state of anxiety.

* The dog that responds to novel objects, sounds, touches, movements and even odors with exaggerated active or passive defensive responses. These dogs often lack adequate early social experience.

* The dog that fails to retain (in some cases, even to develop) voluntary or involuntary conditioned reflexes. This cannot be applied to the dog’s total behavior, but usually is pertinent to a failure to form and/or retain learned associations involving defense and social behaviorisms.

* The dog that displays hyperkinesis. Signs include excessive salivation, elevated pulse and respiration, abnormally low urine output, and increased energy metabolism revealed through excessive, sometimes stereotyped activity, especially in close confinement.

* Displays fixations on objects, exhibiting ritualized behavior, usually repetitive and with no apparent objective. “Obsessive-compulsive” is the current diagnostic label of choice. While it is often treated with drugs, careful diagnosis shows that these dogs are suffering from frustration due to a lack of function in their lives. They are “making work,” and receiving internal neurochemical rewards.

Over excitability is the term used to describe most of the problem dogs we see, especially when they are stressed by new surroundings, strangers, other dogs, social isolation, physical restraint, stimulation, and sudden loud noises. At the other end of the spectrum of behavioral reactivity, we see highly inhibited animals that react to stress by total inaction or slow, stiff movements, and apparent depression, seeming to lose contact with environmental stimuli. The problem usually occurs while the owners sleep at night, or when the dogs are left alone, especially for a long period of time. The stress of being ignored, even if the owners are there, stimulates the mother to introverted behavior (self-mutilation) and stimulates the extremely excitable son toward extroverted over-activity.

Both excitability and inhibition can be heightened by many herbs and synthetic drugs, as well as those extracted from living tissues. The fact that such drugs do not affect all individuals (dogs or people) in the same way supports the belief that the balance among internal neurochemicals may be the primary factor influencing the behavioral expression of excitability or inhibition.

The individual body chemistry of animals develops and fluctuates throughout life. Hormonal imbalances produce not only structural and physiologic, but behavioral changes as well. Among the body’s hormone-producing glands and controlling organs, the emotional centers of the brain’s limbic system appear to exert considerable influence. Certain drugs not only influence the balance among these factors, but mild or extreme psychological stress can produce subtle and gross neurochemical imbalances.

The fact that seemingly mildly stressful experiences induce these reactions may help explain a good deal of what is generally described as “spontaneous aggression” or the popularly labeled “Springer rage syndrome”. In this case, the nervous processes responsible for defensive behavior, such as a dog’s biting, can be sensitized but not fully activated by mildly threatening stimuli. However, depending on the particular dog’s nervous system makeup, repeated stimulation can push the dog over the brink and into a full-blown “rage avalanche,” where up to several minutes of furious behavior are necessary to exhaust the imbalance and restore equilibrium. The dog then often resumes its usual gregarious personality or appear contrite, confused.

Most dogs that are highly excitable usually exhibit a behavior problem for which the owners have applied various degrees and types of punishment. These included scolding (a stimulus that can facilitate a snapping response), muzzle-clamping with the hands, shaking by the scruff or jowls, physical take-downs, and mild to severe hitting with the hands or objects such as rolled up newspapers.

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.

It is our job as dog owners to make sure that our pets are happy and healthy. However, it is not always an easy job given that our dogs are curious and intelligent creatures with a tendency to get themselves into all kinds of trouble. And when they do get in sick or hurt, it is up to us to examine them and find out exactly what the problem is.

While there is no substitute for veterinary care, especially when your dog is seriously hurt or injured, there are many things you can do to save your dog’s life and make him feel comfortable. The care and attention that you give to your dog during the first few minutes of an emergency can make all the difference between life and death.

Having the basic knowledge of giving first aid treatment is crucial in that time between the beginning of the emergency and upon arriving at your vet’s office. However, do not use first aid treatments as a way of delaying much needed professional help. A more prolonged treatment can only be applied if you cannot reach medical care immediately.

In order to properly administer first aid treatments, it is important to plan ahead and have the necessary supplies on hand placed in a convenient location. Do not wait for the emergency to happen before you start putting together tools and remedies or to start reading “how to do it” manuals. By being prepared, you can help keep small problems from turning into big ones.

First aid supplies

The following are list of supplies that you need to have available in case of an emergency. You can either buy first aid kits at online catalogs or pet stores, or you can stock up on your own.

Here is what a first aid kit should include: Ammonia water, Hydrogen peroxide, Antibiotic treatment, Hydro cortisone ointment, Eyewash, and Antihistamine liquid.

The following are basic materials that you may need: adhesive tape, absorbent cotton, gauze rolls or pads, scissors (preferably with rounded tips), tweezers, a rectal thermometer; syringes (without the needle) for giving oral medications; two blankets (thick and strong), elastic bandages, an enema bag, soap, and a plastic bowl for preparing dilutions.

It is also important to have your vet’s phone number available as well as the phone number of an emergency weekend visit or nighttime vet. You will also need a veterinary first aid manual to know exactly what to do in time of crisis.

Nasal discharge, breathing problems, Gagging

Sneezing or Nasal Discharge

It is very common for all dogs to sneeze on an occasional basis, especially when they first wake up. However, allergic sneezing is typically a nonproductive sneeze that occurs in paroxysms and the infections will often produce puss. If you notice a bloody discharge from a single nostril then that is an indication of a tumor or a foreign object.

What to do: If your dog is displaying such symptoms then immediately consult your veterinarian for the correct diagnosis. While eliminating the cause of allergic sneezing is the best option, it can also be reduced by giving your dog antihistamines. Medications will need to be administered if there is an infection. These infections can be viral, bacterial, or fungal. If there is indeed a tumor, then surgery will be the only option. And in the fortunate event that your dog merely has a foreign object stuck in his nostril, then the object can be sneezed forward enough until the vet can reach it and remove the object.

Abnormal Breathing Habits

If your dog is displaying abnormal breathing habits then do not take it lightly. Distressed or unusual rhythmic breathing can be a life-threating sign of a major problem to your dog’s health. Pleural effusions of blood and puss can cause a persistent cough, in addition to breathing troubles. Your dog may also show a complete lack of energy and movement. If there is shallow breathing, then this may be an indication of damage to your dog’s ribs. And be on the watch for rapid breathing, which could be a severe problem due to long, heart, or kidney disease.

What to do: Consult your veterinarian right away if you detect the above breathing symptoms. Do not waste time in getting your dog medical attention just because you cannot see or feel an injury. Remember, there may be severe internal damage coming from your dog’s body. Your vet may have to use pleural effusions which are surgically tapped and drained to reduce pressure on the lungs.

Constant Gagging of Coughing

If your dog is showing signs of persistent coughing or gagging, he may have poor heart function, a collapsed windpipe, chronic bronchitis, or some type of worm parasite. Fluid builds up in the lungs, which causes a gag. In time the cough will get more and more announced, especially after exercise.

What to do: If you suspect your dog of having any of the above problems then the vest may have to insert an artificial windpipe, administer medications, or at worst, surgery. Improvement to cardiac function controls heart related coughing.

Acute coughing, snoring, voice-changing

Acute Coughing

Although we have discussed the issue of your dog having a persistent and constant coughing problem, acute coughing can be a sign of something a little less dangerous, but important nevertheless. Acute coughing may be a sign of kennel cough, acute bronchitis, inhalation pneumonia, a foreign object in the airway, or even an infection of the tonsils, larynx, or pharynx. Kennel cough is contracted from other dogs which causes inflammation of the voice box. Bronchitis is caused by a bacterial or allergic inflammation to the bronchi in the lungs. And of course any foreign object stuck in the lung will cause acute coughing.

What to do: Kennel cough is extremely contagious so be sure to isolate your dog and get him to the veterinarian right away. Cough suppressants can be given to your dog to ease the pain. Medications an be administered to treat any of the above infections. And if there is only a foreign object stuck, then the vet can pull it out with forceps.

Snoring

There are many breed of dogs that have elongated soft palates that hang at the back of the throat, especially those dogs with compressed faces. This soft palate interferes with the larynx and produces a snore. An allergic inflammation in the throat can also be the cause of your dog’s snoring problem. Also, snoring is enhanced if the dog has narrow nostrils and larynx.

What to do: Although snoring may not seem like a series issue, it is always best to consult your vet for a full checkup. And if you have a dog breed such as the Pekingese or Pug that snores, this could be a sign of potential heart and breathing problems. Your dog may have surgical reduction of the length of the soft palate to reduce or eliminate the snoring issue.

Changing Of Your Dog’s Voice

If you notice that your dog’s bark is altered in any way, then it could be due to damage of the larynx. Also, allergic reactions from bee stings can cause laryngeal swelling. Worst case scenario for the older dog is that a tumor has developed.

What to do: Your vest may give your dog antihistamines or anti-inflammatories to reduce allergic swelling. If the problem is as severe as a tumors, then your dog will undergo surgery to have the tumor removed.

Drooling, reluctance to chewing, misaligned bite

Excessive Drooling

If your dog is showing sings of excessive drooling then it may be caused by a salivary cyst, a periodontal disease, tongue injury, or simply a foreign object. Salivary cysts look like large blisters that occur under the tongue. If your dog has periodontal disease then the cement that holds his teeth in place gets destroyed. Tongue wounds can occur from self infliction or by getting info fights with dogs.

What to do: If your dog’s drooling is the result of salivary cysts, then they will be need to be drained by your veterinarian. The damaged saliva gland must be removed as well. If your dog is suffering from periodontal disease then his teeth will have to be removed if the problem has persisted to the point of loosened teeth. Bites and burns will also need the veterinarian’s attention. And it may be too painful for your dog to eat under these circumstances, so be sure to feed him small soft pieces of food.

Reluctance to Chewing

Some dogs develop certain mouth and tooth problems which keeps them from wanting to chew or bite down all of the way. This can be a result of a tooth cavity, a tooth root abscess, a fractured tooth, or distemper teeth. Large cavities are visible as damage to the tooth enamel and often occur at the gum margin. Root abscesses may be a bit difficult to see. The molars are the teeth that most commonly fracture. And your dog may have contracted the distemper virus as a puppy, which causes his teeth to look eroded as the dog grows up to be an adult.

What to do: Most of the time the best practical thing for your veterinarian to do is to remove the tooth that is causing your dog’s pain. Routine tooth decay can be treated with fillings. If your dog is suffering from abscesses and/or fractures then this will require root canal work. And lastly, if there is tooth damage from the distemper virus, those teeth that are damaged will have to be removed by your vet, because distemper damage is permanent and cannot be reversed.

Misaligned Bite

Many dogs have an undershot jaw or an overshot jaw. When looking at your dog’s mouth, the upper and lower teeth should mesh perfectly when he closes his mouth. Breeds such as the Pekingese and Bulldog tend to have an undershot bite, while Doberman and Collies tend to show an overshot bite.

What to do: Fortunately for your dog, no action is typically necessary unless the bite misalignment is causing your dog discomfort. Discomfort is most likely to occur with overshot jaws as opposed to undershot ones. Your vet can fit a removable tool over the upper front teeth and hard palate, which will help aid the dog’s bit to move to a more comfortable position.

Prevention is the main key in order to avoid diseases and illness from attacking your dog. In fact, the best prevention begins even before you start breeding the dog. But what do you do if your pet was born with a health problem? There are a few options for you to choose from when helping your dog that is born with a congenital defect. Often times, surgery can correct a structural defect. Other aspects such as good feeding, good amount of exercise, proper grooming and veterinary care all help in controlling certain disorder and symptoms from occurring. But the most effective treatment for congenital defects is in preventing them from happening in the first place.

Here are five ways on how you can prevent congenital problems in your dog:

1. Never breed unhealthy dogs. Get together two unhealthy dogs and you have the perfect recipe for unhealthy offspring. Even if one dog is in good health, mating that healthy dog with one that is in poor condition still produces a very high risk of congenital problems to develop in their offspring. You must avoid breeding pets that have obvious birth defects or behavior problems. Although the dog may not have a specific genetic problem, its overall support system is not a good candidate for developing healthy offspring. In addition, avoid acquiring such pets unless you are willing to give them the special care they require.

2. Avoid breeding or selecting dogs with family health disorders. Do not breed dogs if their close relatives have congenital defects, physical problems, or inheritable behavior and temperament. Try to find out the medical histories of both parents and what percentage of related puppies has had birth defects. If the percentage of birth defects is less than 5 percent, chances are they have a very low risk of producing unhealthy offspring.

3. Avoid breeding close relatives. Breeding two dogs within the same family such as siblings, parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles has a tendency to “fix” latent defects into their offspring.

4. Do not select or breed inbred dogs. Be extra careful with dogs that are currently popular in your area because it is likely that they have been weakened by intensive inbreeding.

5. Choose breeds that best resemble their canine ancestors. Features to look for are face shape, size, color, ear shape, coat texture and length, tail shape, and limb proportion that most closely resemble that of wolves. See if you can match at least four or five of these traits. Examples of such breeds include most of the retrievers, basenjis, shepherds, sled dogs, spitzs, and pointers.

There is no question that Pit Bulls are good looking animals. But while they possess a certain noble look that many people find irresistible, their most distinguishing feature is in their personality.

Almost all Pit Bulls share similar traits. They all carry with them a legacy of physical as well as mental characteristics that were once essential for their ancestors’ survival. Pit Bulls are exceptional dogs who need exceptional owners. Whether their traits are considered positive aspects of the dog’s personality or an obstacle to the owner in creating a lasting bond, depends entirely on the owner.

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Nowadays, Pit Bulls are recognized as fun loving dogs that would make wonderful additions to any family. But that way of thinking has not always been the case. Before they were considered great pets, these dogs once endured awful prejudice and unfairness because of their ability and strength.

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