Just like humans, dogs can become constipated. It can happen without warning, and for several different reasons. In most cases, dog constipation is caused by something that is easily fixed, although in other cases, it is a sign of a bigger health problem.

Not Enough Fiber

The most frequent reason why a dog becomes constipated is due to a lack of fiber. This can be quickly remedied by adding a little fiber to your best friends daily diet. Although this nutrient isn’t considered necessary for dogs, it is very beneficial which is why most dog food brands include a source of fiber in their foods.

Wrong Food

Some dogs will eat pretty much anything. If your dog is constipated, the cause may be as close as your garbage pail. Your dog may be rummaging in the garbage or has eaten something that it shouldn’t have outside, which may cause constipation or diarrhea.

Hernias

A hernia near the rectum will block a bowel movement. The only cure for this condition is an operation.

Bacterial Infection

A bacterial infection, such as E-coli will cause constipation. A Veterinarian can prescribe antibiotics to correct the situation.

If you notice your dog is constipated, you should seek the medical advice of a veterinarian. It may be nothing to worry about, but it could be indicative of a much larger health problem. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

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The FDA is currently investigating several cases of Salmonella associated with products distributed through the Peanut Corporation of America (PCA). Certain pet foods including dog biscuits have proven to be contaminated.

Salmonellosis is an infection with bacteria called Salmonella. Animals can carry Salmonella and pass it in their feces. People can get Salmonella if they don’t wash their hands thoroughly after handling a pet or cleaning its cage or bedding. Good hygiene practices are generally all that are required to prevent the risk of contracting any bacterial infection.

In healthy pets and people, the infection can cause flu-like symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea. It can be more serious in older pets and people because of a weakened immune system.

Salmonella is more common in dogs than in cats and is often related to a raw food diet. For more information go to the following websites: www.cdc.gov or www.fda.gov.

I kept an Iguana for one of our sons who was away from home for two years without any prior knowledge of how to care for one and it wasn’t fun! Since then I’ve learned some things that I think you would find interesting if you are considering one for a pet.

Iguana’s can live for 15 to 20 years. They can grow to a size of 5 to 7 feet. Their main growth is in the first three years of life.

Housing is extremely important. You can use a glass tank or a cage. The cage needs to be at least 8-10 feet in length, 6 feet in height, and no less than 3-5 deep.

The right temperature for an Iguana is 80-88 degrees during the day and 75-80 degrees at night. One side of the cage should be on the cooler side of the day temperature and the other side of the cage should reach the higher temperature of the day time range. You can use basking lights for the day and lights made for night time temperatures. A heating pad (set on low) can be used for the sleep area. Their sleep habits are similar to ours…up at dawn and in bed at sunset.

To keep your Iguana from dehydrating and maintain a healthy skin keep adequate humidity in the cage by misting at least twice a day. You may also choose to bathe your pet each day which will keep their skin soft.

Make the cage a proper habitat for the Iguana by providing a tree branch about as round as the Iguana’s body for climbing and resting on. Putting leaves and other branches in the cage will allow your Iguana to hide on occasion. You may also want to put artificial grass on the bottom of the cage, but be sure to melt or bind the edges so strands or tuffs won’t be ingested. Newspaper also works.

A good diet for your Iguana includes leafy greens and vegetables (shredded). Fruit may also be given (not more than 10% of the diet).

They are fun pets. However, you need to know enough to be well prepared to take good care of them.