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History of Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is mostly associated with love and romance. It is a day for lovers and romantic couples. How did it began and how did it become what it is now?

Valentine’s Day is celebrated by millions of people all over the world. The celebration falls on the 14th of February. On this day, lovers celebrate and show their love to each other by giving gifts and cards and perhaps by having a romantic dinner or a romantic getaway. What is the real meaning of Valentine’s Day? Why is it celebrated every fourteenth of February and what is the history behind this celebration?

Meaning of Valentine’s Day

Perhaps the first things that come to the minds of people when they hear the words Valentine’s Day are Cupid and his arrows as well as chocolates and candies packed in heart-shaped boxes. They may also picture a bunch of flowers as well as dinner dates among lovers. Valentine’s Day has been a celebration of love and affection particularly among romantically involved individuals. For centuries, it has taken a meaning of love and romance between two consenting adults or romantically involved individuals. It has long been associated with love, passion and affection.

Origin of Valentine’s Day

Centuries ago, the celebration of Valentine’s Day was not like how it is celebrated right now. The history of this day of hearts can be traced back thousands of years ago, during the time of ancient Rome. The term Valentine’s Day has been said to have been derived from the name of the martyr priest, St. Valentine, who was beheaded on the 14th of February.

Originally, the celebration was called Lupercalia, a Roman festival celebration of romance done in the honor of Juno and Pan. Lupercalia was a pagan practice and was met with disapproval by the Catholic Pope during that time. It was not until the fifth century that Lupercalia was changed and made into Valentine’s Day. The emphasis placed on love still remained on the celebration but instead of having this celebration in honor of the Roman gods, it was changed to honor St. Valentine.

The celebration of Lupercalia originally falls on the 15th of February but was later changed to February 14. Until now, February 14 continues to be the date for the celebration of Valentine’s Day. The history of Valentine’s Day continues to be based on theory and legends as there are no documents in the archives that could back the truthfulness of the story behind the celebration.

The Story of St. Valentine

Valentine was a priest in Rome during the reign of Claudius II. During that time, marriage between couples were strictly prohibited. The prohibition arose from the the emperor’s belief that married men would not make good soldiers as they were emotionally attached to their families. At that time, extreme crisis and chaos hit Rome and there was need for more soldiers. Claudius believed that banning marriage would make men better soldiers. The decree was met with disapproval by the people but they were helpless against the emperor’s will.

But the people who wanted to marry found an ally in Valentine. Secretly, Valentine performed marriage ceremonies to young couples. Not long afterwards, Valentine’s secret deeds reached the ears of the emperor. Claudius was furious and he had Valentine arrested. Even in prison, Valentine continued his Christian deeds. He preached the gospel and tried to convert his fellow prisoners. He also made friends with the jailer’s daughter, a blind girl who was said to have been healed by Valentine.

Valentine was very successful with his efforts and was able to convert many inside the prison. He even attempted to convert the emperor, an act which angered Claudius so much. Claudius had Valentine executed and the schedule of his excution fell on the 14th of February. On that day, Valentine died as a Christian martyr. It is said that before he died, Valentine wrote a farewell letter which he signed with the words “From your Valentine”. In honor of his martyrdom and patriotism to Christianity, the Christian church named Valentine a saint and made February 14 of every year a commemoration of his death and martrydom.

Valentine’s Day Then and Now

In 18th century England, people celebrated Valentine’s Day with gift-giving or card-giving. Handmade Valentine cards decorated with ribbons, lace and hearts were popularly exchanged among young lovers. Until now, lovers still give each other gifts and Valentine cards to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

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History

History of Blood Diamonds: The Horror Behind the Mining of Conflict Diamonds

Diamonds are among the most precious stones in the whole world. They are sought by many. The beauty of these gems, however, is hounded by a horrifying history.

For thousands of years, diamonds have been highly regarded by everyone from kings and queens to ordinary people. Diamonds are a symbol for wealth, elegance, love, and power. Centuries ago, they were also a symbol of courage, invincibility and strength. What is less commonly known is that these stones are also a symbol of terror and death. Conflicts arise from the mining of these gems; many people have died and many are perhaps still dying because of the mining of these precious stones.

The Discovery of Diamonds

Although the exact date is unclear, the first diamond discovery in Africa was sometime between late 1866 and early 1867. The discovery of these precious stones began when a 15-year old farm boy by the name of Stephanus Erasmus Jacobs found a sparkling white pebble on the grounds of the De Kalk farm along the southeastern part of the Orange River, an area formerly known as the Cape Colony. Jacobs gave the pebble to his friend, Schalk van Niekirk who later gave it to a travelling trader named John O’Reilly. The stone was passed from hand to hand after that. It was later discovered that the pebble was not merely a stone but a “Eureka” diamond. In 1867, the diamond was displayed at the Paris Exhibition.

The Diamond Rush to Africa

In 1869, approximately two years after the discovery of the “Eureka” diamond, another brilliant white diamond was found near the banks of the Orange River. This time, the diamond was found on the farm of the De Beers brothers: Joahannes and Diederik. Niekirk bought the diamond from the person who found it and sold it to the Lilienfeld brothers, who later sold it to the Earl of Dudley. This diamond was named the “Star of Africa”. The discovery of the “Star of Africa” sparked the beginning of the diamond rush to Africa.

De Beers Group and the Diamond Mines

The De Beers farmland were turned into diamond mines. It has at least two diamond mines, namely, the Premier and Kimberly mines. There were too many diamond seekers trying to find diamonds in their land and eventually, the De Beers brothers were not able to handle the stress of constantly protecting their land from the great number of diamond seekers. They sold their land to Cecile Rhodes, who later merged diamond mines as one corporation called the De Beers Consolidated Mines. There were other diamond mining companies but the De Beers Group was the biggest.

The Diamond Monopoly

The biggest share of diamond mining was controlled by the De Beers Group. Its chairman, Sir Ernest Oppenheimer, initiated a single-channel marketing campaign. To keep the value of the diamonds at a high level and to keep the stability of the diamond trade, they controlled the stone’s availability. The company was said to have been involved in shady dealings such as price fixing. They also managed to have a stranglehold on the diamond supply and production. They were known to be ruthless to their competitors, stomping out any competition that came their way. They prevented the rise of competition by convincing people that diamonds are most precious when left untouched by others. The company launched a marketing campaign which helped prevent the rise of secondary markets for diamonds. The rarity of the diamonds made the gems more precious and in demand. And with the high demand for these precious stones came terror and death to people working in the diamond mines.

A Diamond is Forever

In the 1930s, the Depression rocked many countries of the globe. This situation affected the diamond market greatly, causing sales to plummet dramatically. The 1940s did not bring much improvement in the diamond market while World War II was raging. To improve the sale of diamonds, the De Beers Group launched a marketing campaign bearing the slogan “A Diamond is Forever.” This was meant to entice women to buy diamonds and keep the stones with them forever. The marketing campaign was a success and, subsequently, the De Beers Group was able to take control of the entire diamond trade. Without any competition, they sold diamonds at exorbitant prices. It was the marketing campaign of the De Beers Group that have made diamonds as popular as they are now.

Conflict Diamonds

Conflict diamonds are mined in Sierra Leone, Cote d’Ivoire, Angola, Congo and Liberia, where unstable governments and various rebel groups are in constant conflict. Rebels and other armed insurgents mine diamonds and sell them to finance the purchase of weapons and ammunition. Common people such as farmers, including children, are forced to work in diamond mines and suffer extreme violence. Mass murders are common and those who fail to obey orders, are caught for petty crimes or are not able to produce enough diamonds are either shot on the spot or have their arms amputated. The popularity of diamonds has escalated such crimes. It has encouraged the rebels to mine more diamonds to be able to purchase more arms.

Kimberly Process Certification Scheme

To stop the violence associated with the mining of blood diamonds, the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) was adopted by the UN Assembly. The KPCS prohibits the sales and purchase of diamonds from areas where violence is common. With KPCS, consumers may demand conflict-free diamonds from suppliers.

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Pets

Dog Urinary Tract Infection Prevention and Treatment

Canine urinary tract infections can be prevented in a number of ways. Prevention is the most practical way to save dogs from the dangers of urinary tract infections.

According to statistics, around 14% of the entire dog population in the whole world can suffer from dog urinary tract infection at one time or another. Canine UTI is an extremely common disorder, particularly in the female species of dogs. Dog urinary tract infection may show only mild symptoms and may not harm the dog to a large extent at some instances.

However, when the situation lingers for a longer period and no treatment has been done, the infection can spread and cause more harm. The spread of infection may put the life of the animal in great danger. While dog urinary tract infection is common, this does not mean that there is no way to prevent it. Urinary tract infection in dogs is highly preventable.

What are the Ways of Preventing Dog Urinary Tract Infection?

There are several ways to keep dogs from contracting canine urinary tract infection. These include the following:

  • Providing the animal with enough clean water everyday. Dog urinary tract infection may be caused by bacteria that may have entered the dog’s body through the water it drinks everyday. If the water is contaminated with any type of bacteria or microorganism, this can easily turn into infection in the dog’s urinary tract. It is advisable to make sure that the water given to the animal is free from any contamination. To do this, distilled water may be given instead of tap water. Clean water is very important because it washes away bacteria that may accumulate in the dog’s urinary tract.
  • Cleaning the dog’s food and water bowl regularly. A dirty food and water bowl may have microorganisms that can well harm the dog if they are able to penetrate the animal’s inner system. To keep bacteria and other microorganisms from penetrating into the dog’s urinary system, it is advisable to always ensure that the food and water bowl are clean.
  • Giving the dog vitamin C regularly. Vitamin C has properties that can help strengthen a dog’s immune system. Vitamin C can be given to the animal in the form of pellets. It can also be sourced from citrus juices.
  • Giving the dog proper diet. Diet is very important. Avoid giving dogs food that contain a lot of preservatives. Some types of preservatives may cause UTI in dogs.
  • Washing the dog regularly with clean, uncontaminated water. This can greatly help prevent bacteria from entering into the dog’s urinary system.
  • Walking the dog regularly. A dog that gets regular exercise can have healthier urinary habits and as such, bacteria are prevented from accumulating inside the animal’s urinary system.

Treatment for Dog Urinary Tract Infection


If dog UTI has not been prevented and the dog still suffers from the infection despite doing every prevention methods possible, it may be advisable to seek the help of a veterinarian. The veterinarian will know exactly how to treat urinary tract infection in dogs. To determine what type of treatment is needed, the vet may have to perform several tests. Once a diagnosis is reached, the vet may then proceed with the treatment. Often, dogs with UTI are given antibiotics. In some instances, surgery may be needed.

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Pets

Dog Urinary Tract Infection: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment of Dog UTI

Dog urinary tract infection is one of the most common problems suffered by dogs. This can be caused by a number of reasons.

Dog urinary tract infection is a common disorder among canine pets. According to statistics, at least 14% of dogs all over the world can suffer from this disorder. More prominent in female dogs than in male dogs, dog UTI can cause a lot of pain to the animal. If not treated properly and immediately, it may even put the life of the pet at risk. To prevent dogs from suffering from this disorder, it may help if pet owners know the symptoms and causes of dog urinary tract infection.

What is Dog Urinary Tract Infection?

Dog urinary tract infection is a disease or infection affecting any part of the urinary tract of dogs. This is most common in female dogs because they have a shorter urethra. Having a shorter urethra means they are more prone to accumulating bacteria and other microorganisms in their system that may put them at risk against infection.

Causes of Dog Urinary Tract Infection

Dog urinary tract infection is mainly caused by bacteria. The bacteria that can be blamed for this type of problem in dogs come in several types. These include klebsiella, pseudomonas, proteus mirabilis, esterococcus, coagulase positive straphyloccocus, and escherichia coli bacteria. Bacteria may accumulate in the dog’s urinary system through water and food intake as well as lack of hygiene. It is for this reason that pet owners should always make sure that the water and food they are giving their pets are free from contamination of any sort. They must also ensure that their pets are always clean. The causes of dog urinary tract infection can be determined through laboratory tests which are often performed by veterinarians.

Symptoms of Dog Urinary Tract Infection

The symptoms of dog urinary tract infection can be easily determined by the pet owner if he or she knows what to look for. The symptoms can vary in every canine pet but they mostly include the following:

  • pain during urination
  • bloody urine
  • foul-smelling urine
  • straining to urinate
  • urinating in the most inappropriate places in the house
  • incontinence
  • loss of appetite
  • loss of weight
  • lethargy
  • fever

Dogs not urinating or passing only a small amount of urine is also a sign of dog UTI.

Treatment for Dog Urinary Tract Infection

The first step for treating dog urinary tract infection is diagnosis. The animal has to be taken to a veterinarian. The vet will make proper procedures to determine the culprit behind the dog’s urinary problems. Once dog UTI is ruled out, the vet may then proceed with giving the dog proper treatment. Dog UTI may be treated in several ways, the most common of which is the use of antibiotics. Antibiotics are known to kill bacteria that may have caused the infection. Dog UTI can also be treated with homeopathic remedies. More serious UTI may require surgery and other forms of medical intervention.

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Health and Fitness

SIDS and Infant Sleep Apnea

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS, is one of the leading causes of infant deaths in the United States. Infant sleep apnea can be one of the causes of SIDS.

A study has linked sleep apnea to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). For years, the causes of SIDS have remained a mystery. Researchers have tried their best to learn the causes behind this terrible phenomenon in infants and children but the specific causes of this problem still remain a big question. However, there has been some improvements in the results of the study and scientists have already pointed some probable factors that may have triggered the occurrence of SIDS. One of these factors is infant sleep apnea syndrome.

What is SIDS?

Short for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, SIDS is a phenomenon where babies die peacefully in their sleep. Also known as “crib death,” SIDS has been the center of studies of many scientists for years because of the mystery behind it and the fact that thousands of infants fall victim to this terrible occurrence every year. Most infants that die from SIDS have been found to have died without a struggle, which means they could not have died from choking or from other outside circumstances. Moreover, autopsies and other examinations made on children who died from SIDS do not show any evidence as to the causes of death.

Who is Prone to SIDS?

It has been found that even healthy children can succumb to SIDS. This may mean that this occurrence is not a result of any medical condition or illness. The usual victims of this terror are children who are at least two to four years of age. There is a theory that children who sleep in a prone position may be more susceptible to SIDS. This theory, though, is not yet certain due to lack of evidence although sleeping on their backs have greatly reduced the occurrence of SIDS in some babies. Also, not all babies who sleep on their stomach have fallen victim to SIDS, which means sleeping position may not necessarily have something to do with SIDS.

What is Infant Sleep Apnea and How Can It Be Related to SIDS?

Infant sleep apnea is a condition in babies where momentary pauses or cessation of breathing occurs. Pauses in breathing may be normal for most babies but when these occur in longer or prolonged periods, this can be a cause of worry. Longer periods of cessation in breathing may result in certain complications such as ALTE (life-threatening event) and SIDS. Both ALTE and SIDS can be frightening, although these conditions may have different characteristics. Babies suffering from ALTE often turn blue and limp. Resuscitation may be needed in this situation. If not helped, this can result to crib death or what is known as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

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DIY

Steps to Fixing a Squeaking Wooden Rocking Chair

Eliminating creaking and squeaking noises from a wooden rocking chair is relatively easy. There are simple tools that can be easily sourced from your household when taking this task into your own hands.

Rocking chairs are made up of conjoined wooden parts. When these wooden parts loosen over time, the chair may start producing eerie squeaking noises particularly when someone sits on it and begins rocking. Below are some simple steps that may help you get rid of the unnecessary rocking chair squeaking noises.

What You Need

:

  • Screwdriver or wrench
  • Expanding wood glue
  • Spray lubricant
  • Talcum powder
  • Cotton towel

Procedure:

Step 1: Determine the Source of the Noise

Pinpoint the exact area where the noises originate. This will help you formulate a proper plan later on how you will be able to solve the squeaking problem. To determine the source of the trouble, you may ask someone to sit on the chair and rock. The chair may not make noises when stationary.

Step 2: Perform a Thorough Inspection on the Chair

Turn the rocking chair over and inspect the parts for looseness. Usually, loosening of the parts occur in the joints that connect the rod to the rocker. If you find some loose parts, perform step 3. If you cannot find parts that have loosened, perform step 4.

Step 3: Tighten the Loose Parts

Use the wrench or screwdriver to tighten the loose parts of the wooden rocking chair. Make sure that all fixtures and screws are all properly fitted. If wear and tear is the cause of the loosening, you may apply expanding wood glue on the worn areas.

Step 4: Apply Lubricant

Spray ample amount of lubricant into the joints, particularly on the metal components, to reduce friction on the noisy parts. This will help eliminate the squeaking on the rocking chair. If a commercial lubricant is not available, you can use oil soap or cooking oil as alternatives.

If the squeaking noises do not go away apply following the above steps, you may repeat applying lubricant or tightening the screws until the squeaks are eliminated.

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Health and Fitness

Scabies Treatment and Prevention

Scabies is a treatable disease. Its onset may also be prevented. Learn how to prevent scabies and how to treat a person with this condition.

Scabies is an extremely contagious disease. Once a person has it, he or she may likely pass the disease to another. The mite that causes this condition, known as Sarcoptes scabiei, can be passed from person to person through shared blankets, sheets, clothing, linens, towels, beds, and other objects. It an also be passed through prolonged skin contact. Persons who have sexual contact with individuals having scabies are most likely to contact this disease as well.

The condition is most common in places where sanitation is lacking but it can also happen to people living in well-maintained areas. The mites can live up to two to three days in the clothing and things of infected people and can be transferred without warning to even the most health-conscious individuals. Cleanliness, therefore, is not a guarantee that an individual will not be infected with this disease.

How Long Does It Take for Symptoms of Scabies to Appear?


People infected with the parasitic mites may not show symptoms immediately. It may take a few days to a few months for symptoms to appear. There are other people, though, who may feel symptoms after only a short period of contracting the Sarcoptes scabiei mites. This is usually true to people suffering from reinfestation or those who have previous cases with this disease.

The first symptom that usually takes place in an infected individual is intense itching that becomes even worse at night. The itching is often caused by the skin’s allergic reactions to the mites movement as well as the faeces that are left on the burrows made on the skin. This itching can cause sleep problems to the individual. It may also lead to complications such as secondary bacterial infection.

Treatment for Scabies

Scabies is a serious condition but otherwise treatable. There are topical treatments created especially for this condition. The most common forms of treatments for scabies include the application of scabicide drugs such as Kwell and Permethrin lotions. These products contain chemicals such as malathion that can kill the mites. Medicated creams may also be given by doctors for the treatment of scabies.

The scabicide lotions and creams are often applied from the neck downwards, making sure that all body parts are covered. These treatments are left on the body for 10 to 12 hours and are often applied at night. After 12 hours, the treatment can be washed off and may not be repeated until after one week. Scabies symptoms such as itching may continue for weeks after treatment even though treatment may be a success.

For infants and children below two years old, Permethrin may be applied also to the face and head.

Lindane is another type of treatment for scabies. However, this is seldom used because it may cause seizures in some individuals. This treatment is not recommended for use by pregnant and nursing women, children under two years old, elders, people weighing less than 110 pounds, and those suffering from skin sores.

Other forms of treatment for scabies include Crotamiton 10% lotion and 10% cream and Ivermectin. Ivermectin is an oral scabicide. Both may not be used for treating scabicide in children and infants.

Can Scabies Be Treated with Home Remedies?


There may be a number of products promising effective home remedies for scabies but a doctor should be consulted first. The doctor will perform proper examinations and tests to come up with an appropriate diagnosis to the individual’s condition. Treatment may likewise include the administration of drugs so the mites can really be killed. Some forms of treatment may also contain chemicals that may be harmful to health. Therefore, before trying any forms of scabies treatment at home, it may be advisable to seek the expertise of a doctor first.

How to Prevent Scabies Infestation

Prevention of scabies infestation can be done in a number of ways. One of the best ways to keep away from this disease is to stay away from people who have this condition. Using things such as towels, clothing, bedsheets, linen, and beds utilized by infected individuals should also be avoided. Infected clothing and other things should be washed in hot water and kept away for a certain period of time before they can be used again. Sarcoptes scabiei mites cannot live for long without a human host and isolating things infected with these mites for a few days can kill the mites and prevent the spread or reinfestation of these parasites.

Resources:

Medicinenet.com. Scabies. Retrieved April 28, 2010

Medicinenet.com. What is the Treatment for Scabies Infestation? Retrieved April 28, 2010

eMedicinehealth.com. Scabies Treatment. Retrieved April 28, 2010.

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Health and Fitness

Five Fat-Burning Foods

Losing weight can be done the natural way. There are hundreds of foods that can actually help the body in burning excessive and unwanted fats that usually lead to obesity.

Obesity is a growing problem in society. Everyone knows that this is a serious problem as being overweight can lead to many other health problems. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity and being overweight are among several factors that have caused certain types of chronic diseases in some people. Medical conditions such as chronic heart diseases, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and other chronic health conditions are only among the many types of diseases that can affect a person who is overweight or obese.

The growing problem of weight gain and obesity has been counteracted by other people through the use of pills and other medications meant to help them lose weight. Unknown to many, there are actually healthier alternatives to the use of weight loss medications. Aside from regular exercise, people can lose and maintain a healthier weight by changing their usual diet. There are fat burning foods that can help them lose weight the natural way. The following are five fat burning foods for a healthier weight loss regimen.

Foods Rich in Vitamin C


Vitamin C found in fruits and other types of food has the ability to break down certain amounts of cholesterol and unwanted body fats. It also helps to flush fats out of the body. Regular eating of

vitamin C-rich foods such as limes, oranges, tangerines, grapefruits, guavas and other citrus fruits variety may help maintain a figure that is free from excessive fats.

Foods Rich in Fiber

Fiber-rich foods can greatly help boost a healthier digestive system. These types of food help stabilize the production of blood sugar and also helps in the process of metabolism. People who eat these types of food may feel a sense of being “full;” therefore, they are able to feel less hungry and do not crave for more food. Fiber-rich foods also encourage the faster movement or disposal of fats in the body’s digestive tract. In the process, only a small amount of fats are absorbed in the body. Fiber-rich foods can certainly help people get rid of a bulging stomach.

Protein-rich Foods

Eating foods rich in protein is another way of burning body fats the natural way . Protein-rich foods such as grains, lentils, eggs, milk, yogurt, cheese help provide the right amount of amino acids that are needed for a healthier body. When eaten together with fiber-rich foods, these can help lead to a healthier weight for individuals.

Calcium-rich Foods

Dairy products and other types of food that are rich in calcium are also good regimen for losing weight the natural way. A calcium-rich diet can help the body to breakdown fats faster. Research results have shown that foods rich in calcium are excellent fat burners. People who have problems with excessive weight gain and eat at least three servings of calcium-rich foods a day everyday may have higher chances of losing belly fats than those who do not include calcium in their diet.

Foods That Have Antioxidant Properties

Other types of food that can help people lose fat the natural way are those that contain antioxidant properties. Fruits that have antioxidants are excellent fat burners. The antioxidants contained in these kinds of foods can help the body to absorb more water and to flush out unwanted belly fats. The result is a healthier and slimmer body.

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Pets

Dog Mange: What Is It and How Does It Affect Dogs?

Dogs are prone to a variety of health conditions and illnesses, one of which is dog mange. Know about this disease and how it affects dogs.
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Like any other pets, dogs are prone to illnesses and diseases. They can suffer from all types of ill-health conditions at any time in their lives. Considered as man’s best friend and definitely one of the most favorite pets in every household, it can be upsetting for dog owners to notice that their dogs are suffering from a certain type of health condition. One of the many conditions that can affect dogs is dog mange. This condition can be serious and can threaten the dog’s life if not treated immediately.

What is Dog Mange

Dog mange is a type of skin disease in dogs. It is characterized by severe itching in the dog’s skin and it can be extremely painful. Canine pets having this disease may experience great suffering. When not given proper medical care immediately or if left unnoticed for a long period, this condition can worsen and dogs may experience scaling and scabbing on their skin until their bodies are devoid of hair. Without treatment, the constant scratching of the dog can lead to worse scenarios. Secondary bacterial infections may take effect. These infections may later on affect the bloodstream, leading to sepsis. With sepsis, a dog may eventually die.

Symptoms of Dog Mange

Dog mange can be characterized by a variety of symptoms. Signs of this disease in dogs may include the following:

  • severe itching
  • extremely dry, wrinkled, and crusty skin which may also be thickened
  • blisters and sores on the different parts of the body
  • extreme foul odor
  • loss of hair or fur

Causes of Dog Mange


Dog mange is caused by parasites, particularly mites that have made the dog’s body their abode. These mites burrow deep into the hair follicles and skin of the dog, causing extreme itching and discomfort to the animal. These parasitic mites can grow in big numbers and can attack the different parts of the pet’s body. They can cause great damage to the dog’s body parts including the ears, mouth, face and even the limbs.

Types of Dog Mange

Dog mange is classified into two distinct primary types: sarcoptic mange and demodectic mange. Sarcoptic mange is caused by mites that are called Sarcoptes scabiei canis. These parasites are microscopic and may not be readily seen by the naked eye, so their presence in the dog’s hair follicles and skin may not be easily detected by the untrained eye. Sarcoptic mange is more commonly known as dog scabies. Demodectic mange, on the other hand, is caused by mites that are called Demodex canis. These mites have the ability to multiply rapidly and once they have penetrated the dog’s outer skin, they can greatly decrease the dog’s resistance to disease. Usually, canine pets that fall victim to this kind of condition are puppies that are aged 3 to 12 months. Demodectic mange is also commonly known as Red Mange or Demodecosis. If not treated immediately, dogs with this condition can lose their lives.

Dangers of Dog Mange

Dog mange is a serious disease not only because it can cost a dog’s life but also that it can affect humans as well. Human beings who may get in contact with dogs suffering from dog mange may also suffer from this condition. Dog mange is a contagious disease that not only affects pets but humans as well.

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Pets

Alternative Treatment for Dog UTI

Antibiotics has always been used to address the symptoms of urinary tract infection in dogs. But there are natural remedies that may be as effective as antibiotics.

The most common form of treatment for dog urinary tract infection is often the use of antibiotics. For years, antibiotics have been widely used for the treatment of different types of infections and diseases in dogs as well as in other animals. It has been proven to be truly effective. However, it has also been discovered that prolonged use of this type of treatment may lead to adverse side effects. Moreover, recurrence of the infection may occur in some instances even when the dog has been treated with this drug. Because of the downsides of using antibiotics, some people have turned to homeopathic remedies for treating dog UTI.

What are Homeopathic Remedies?

Homeopathic remedies are natural forms of treating illnesses and diseases. Also called homeopathics, this type of treatment do not use conventional medicines or drugs to treat certain forms of diseases. Instead, it uses natural ingredients such as plants, plant extracts, fruits and other organic matters. Basically, the use of this treatment is based on three principles, 1) like cures like, 2) minimal dose, and 3) single remedy.
The first principle is based on the belief that what may have caused the illness may also be the cure. For example, if the condition is caused by the bite of a particular insect, then the venom of that insect may also be the cure. The second principle means that only a part of the remedy can be taken by the patient. This means that the remedy must be extremely diluted before it can be given to the patient. Normally, a small portion of the remedy has to be diluted with 1,000,000,000,000 parts of clean water. The third principle is based on the presumption that one homeopathic remedy is enough to address all symptoms, no matter how many they are.

How Effective are Homeopathic Remedies for Dog UTI?

Homeopathic remedies may be highly effective in treating urinary tract infection in dogs. They may also be safe for pets despite regular or daily use. These remedies are known to have properties that can strengthen the immune system with prolonged use. However, not all types of homeopathic remedy may work for a particular dog with UTI. For the dog to be cured of the symptoms of UTI or from UTI itself, it is crucial that the right homeopathic remedy and not just any type of homeopathic remedy be given. This can be a little catchy as it may take time to really determine the right ingredient that can heal the dog’s condition. With the help of veterinarians, though, finding the right homepathic treatment for UTI in dogs may be a little easier.

What are the Different Homeopathic Remedies for Urinary Tract Infection in Dogs?

There are several types of natural ingredients that can be used to make homeopathic remedies for urinary tract infection in dogs. Some of the most common ingredients used are the following:

  • Cantharis. Cantharis is a homeopathic remedy made from the body of the Spanish fly or the Lytta vesicatora beetle that is indigenous in Asia, southern Spain, and France. The beetle’s body is combined with other natural ingredients such as herbs to make the Cantharis.
  • Uva ursi. Uva ursi or bearberry is a shrub. It contains antibacterial and astringent properties. The leaves of this herb has been used by native Americans since the 2nd century for the treatment of urinary tract infections.
  • Staphysagris. This is a prostate tonic used to relieve bladder infections.
  • Berberis vulgaris. This ingredient is produced from the bark of the Barberry plant. It is believed to have properties that can help reduce soreness of the urinary tract.
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