Archive for the ‘Natural Dog Health’ Category
Saturday, February 13th, 2010
Folks always feel that dogs are the ideal pets and great companions that would give and receive love totally. Dogs would always be your side whenever you are happy or sad and will even silently bear your crabby moods. A dog is always a responsibility, commitment that would last for the lifetime of the pet. We always love our furry pets; but they have a tendency to leave behind an odor. Those who own a dog have come across the age-old problem of dog odor removal. However there are several ways to keep your dog away from smelling. Perhaps there is odor prevention, odor cover-up and odor removal. They all work together since the ultimate goal is not to have odor in your house.smells,dog smells bad,dog urine smell,dog urine smell out,dog urine smells,dogs begin to smell,dogs c
Here there are some easy ways to keep your dog away from odor:
- Dry your pets when you give them a shower. Use towels or a hair dryer on the lowest heat setting so that there would be no watery substance and allow it to completely dry.
- Dogs also get feces or some kind of smelly things stuck in their fur. Keep a regular check on his paws and around his anus. It’s a good idea to shave his hair in a circle around his anus to reduce that possibility.
- Keep his mouth clean by making him use Listerine or other brand of mouthwash. Put some on a washcloth and clean your dog’s coat, then rinse or shampoo off. If that isn’t working, add some baking soda to the mix.
- At times your dog will also have bad breaths then you can give him Greenies.
- Make sure that he bathes regularly particularly if he spends much time outside.
- Even giving a shampoo bath every six weeks or so is good way to keep your pets away from bad odor. Then follow with a nice conditioner or make your own using a little baking soda in lukewarm water.
- One of the important aspects is to keep a good diet for your pets. Feed them with a balanced, finest dog food that smells fine to you and make sure his dog food hasn’t spoiled or developed mold. Dog food packaging should point out its expiration date. Always check at the store before you buy it.
- Check his ears and also clean his ears regularly. Ear infections are a common cause of bad smells. Make sure he doesn’t have any discharges, bad odors or odd colors or insects in his ears. Infections need to be treated by a check right away.
- Keep his possessions clean so that they don’t let him smell bad.
Furthermore you can buy odor remover products online or at pet stores. Vacuum beads, candles, carpet sprinkles, and air fresheners all work well to cover up odors. They come in a range of fragrance to bout your home and to ensemble your needs. Not all dogs smell bad, but at times even the cleanliest dog attracts a tainted smelling odor. Once that happens it is good to know how to get rid of dog odor.
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Saturday, February 13th, 2010
The dog is generally kept as a pet by most of the people as it is regarded as the man’s best friend. Dogs perform a variety of roles for the people, like protection, hunting, companionship, herding, assisting military and police. One can find various breed of dogs. Some of the most common breeds include Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Beagles, Boxer, Bulldogs, Dalmatian, Doberman, Spitz, Cocker Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Rottweiler, Pomeranian, Alsatian and lots more. If you have kept any dog as a pet, you have to take care of them also. At times they also get diseased, infected like dog ear infection or meet with an accident. At this point you have to treat them as one of your own family member.
As ear infection is common in human beings. In the same way your dog ears may also get infected at times. Dog ear infection is very common. Here the question arises as how do dogs get infection in their ears? The dogs ear canal has a horizontal and a vertical component. This leads to ear infections as dust or any other unwanted matter must work its way upward rather than straight out. Over-production of wax is the main cause for ear infection. Other causes include foreign bodies (like fox tails or grass awns), untreated ear mites, usage of cotton tip to clean the ears which further pushes wax or unwanted things deep inside the ear, wet ears which are not dried after bathing or swimming, and hair growth deep inside the canal (most common in schnauzers and poodles).Infections and bacterial growth result due to the moisture present in the wax. If the treatment is not provided in time, then formation of pus can occur, which becomes more chronic.
One can avoid ear infections in dogs by keeping your dogs ear clean and dry. Various ear cleaners are available in the market. Time by time keep a check on the smell emitted by the dogs ear. If the smell is unusual visit your veterinarians for the ear check up of your dog.
Some of the most common symptoms shown by the dog include discomfort around the ears, rubbing or scratching the ears on the furniture or floor, tilted head or shaking the head, unusual eye movements, lack of balance. If the infection is left untreated, it progresses deep inside the ear, leaving the dog in pain. This will make the dog dizzy, with poor coordination and balance. At times he may vomit and walk around in circles.
Some of the medicines used for treating dog ear infection are nystatin, thiabendazole, chloramphenicol, clortrimazole, miconazole, gentamicin, cortisone. Besides these medicines there are certain home remedies as well. For example, if you see a pink brownish wax in the dogs ear, which is caused by yeast, you can treat it with vinegar or acetic acid. To avoid ear mite’s infection, put few drops of olive oil or almond oil onto the ear canal of the dogs ear. You can also use mineral oil with an herbal mixture to act as a natural antibiotic.
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Saturday, February 13th, 2010
Dog foods are especially meant for dogs or any other canines. The digestive system of dogs is different from humans and hence the food that should be fed to dogs should be according to their needs. Nowadays dog foods are readily available in markets in packaged form.
The dog food treats are available in wet and dry forms. The dogs should not be given entirely wet food because of the large water content. Wet food is generally used as filler in the dry food. One should be aware of the ingredients that are contained in the packet. Broadly classifying the dog foods, it is fund in three varieties: Meat-and bone meals, grains by products and horse meat.
One must stay away from less expensive brands as they do not contain meat, they contain only animal by product and also a large amount of grain fillers. The expensive brands contain dog food made from organic products and good quality meat. There are sections of people world wide that are of the belief that natural dog treats are best for their dogs. They believe that food in raw form works best for their dogs. Packaging and increasing shelf life of the food makes its quality poor. Preservatives, additive and added flavours harm the dog in the long run. All these preservatives are added to the packaged foods to increase the shelf life. Hence they believe that dog treats should be natural.
The Food and Drug Administration does not ban the use of raw foods to feed the dogs but it insists that the food should be fresh and hygienic. One should always check out with the ingredients and whether it suits their dogs or not. Packaged or natural dog treats…you should choose the one that suits well with your dog. There are special foods available in the markets that are suits the sensitive needs of some dog. They contain foods that are made from barley or gluten. They do not cause allergies or irritation. The foods can be many forms. The foods can be frozen, dehydrated, fresh and homemade.
The frozen foods are kept in deep refrigeration to keep the ingredients fresh. The dehydrated food is dried to keep it germ free. Refrigeration keeps it fresh. The food is cooked lightly and sealed in vacuum packs. The refrigerated foods have of 2 to 4 months. Homemade diet is packed inn plastic containers. Small companies have stared making cooked food and sell them in stores. Many pet owners support home cooked food for their pets. Some pet owners also believe in giving vitamin supplements to their dogs in addition to the dog foods. Dog treats are available with added vitamins also.
The battle still rages on whether to feed their dogs with leftovers or raw foods or packaged foods. Many argue that dogs have been fed with leftover from their owners’ house for many centuries. They believe that leftovers work best for their dogs. Some support natural dog treats which is very apt according to their point of view. Now you must decide which dog treats works well for their dogs and feed them accordingly.
Tags: dog food, dog food recipe, dog food recipes, dog food treat, dog food treats
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Saturday, February 13th, 2010
Taking care of your pet is a vital necessity and its personal hygiene is as important as its foods. There are n numbers of products that cater to the needs of pets…especially dogs. Dogs have a tendency to attract germs and their coats become a breeding ground for germs. The skin of your pet can then become flaky and itchy. Hence, it becomes crucial to keep the dog in clean conditions. Dog shampoos are a great way to clean your dog and keep his coat shiny.
Dog shampoos are special types of shampoos that are formulated for dogs in particular. They are made to keep the pH of the skin unaltered. As dogs have a relatively higher pH value of their skin, it is advisable to use shampoos that are formulated for high pH value. The ingredients of a dog shampoo should be well selected. It should contain fatty acids which is an essential requirement.
Fatty acids provide nutrients to the skin and coat hence help in making the coat shiny and smooth. Vitamins are also required in the shampoo. Hence one must check out if the shampoo contains them. Pro vitamin B5 and biotin are very popular ingredients in shampoo for dogs. The coat hair is thickened by the regular use of these ingredients. Another ingredient to look out for is Vitamin E. it is really great for dog’s skin. It does wonders for the dogs’ skin. When it comes to dog shampoos, there is nothing like natural shampoo. These shampoos contain natural extracts. The extracts include Aloe Vera, citrus fruits, eucalyptus extracts and tea tree oils. You must keep one thing in mind, though. Test these shampoos before using because your dog may be sensitive to some of these extracts. Don’t be misled by the ‘natural’ tag because some of these ingredients may be allergens.
The only thing that is not welcomed in shampoos is the added fragrance that might cause irritation and allergies. Check out if the shampoo you choose contains no added fragrances. Natural fragrances do not cause any harm though. If the shampoo for dogs is burning a deep hole in your pocket, then you must try out methods of cleaning your dog using products from home. Here is how you can do it at home. Sprinkle some baking soda on the coat then rub the coat with your hands. After that, brush the coat. This will instantly clean the coat and make it shiny and smooth. Baking soda also removes odour from the coat. Why baking soda works is that it is fragrance free, naturally kills fleas and also neutralises odour rather than covering it up. Baking soda can also be mixed with water and applied just like a shampoo.
If all these parameters confuse you rather solving problem then you can do best by asking the vet to recommend the shampoo for dogs. The market is flooded with numerous shampoos for dogs. You can choose according to the ingredients that suit your dog.
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Wednesday, July 1st, 2009
There are few things more terrifying than seeing your beloved dog having a seizure on the floor as you look on helplessly. A little knowledge on epilepsy should make things a little easier for you and your precious pet.
Stages of a Seizure
There are 4 stages to a seizure, namely:
The prodome stage: This stage can occur a few days to a few hours before the actual seizure. The most common symptom is a change in your pet’s behavior- perhaps he or she might be acting more moody and sulky than usual. In humans, the prodome stage shows up as headaches and mood changes. We aren’t really sure what pets experience since they cannot articulate how they are feeling, but generally, you might notice subtle changes in behavior.
The aura or preictal stage is the signal of an impending seizure. Symptoms of an impending seizure are salivation, aimless wandering, running hysterically or sometimes whining or trembling without any particular reason.
The ictal stage also known as the seizure stage is the actual seizure which lasts for 1-3 minutes and can display increases in muscle tone, loss of consciousness etc.
The post-ictal stage exhibits signs that are seen after a seizure. Mostly the dog is confused or shows signs of restlessness for a few minutes or sometimes even days after the seizure. During this stage your pet is conscious but not fully functional. Some dogs may appear tired and lethargic. However, a large percentage of dogs (especially young dogs) bounce back from a seizure within minutes as if nothing ever happened.
What can you do when your dog seizures?
Keep a note on how long the seizures last. Stroke your pet to comfort them and ensure that their surroundings are safe, cool and isolated. Keep other dogs away as it may scare them and change their behavior towards the affected dog. Occasionally dogs can bite their tongue during a seizure. Absolutely NEVER try to stick your hand inside their mouth to free their tongue as you may get bitten severely. It’s best to use a wooden spoon or another equally strong utensil to free the tongue. Once the seizure has passed, get him to a veterinarian immediately. Typically seizures last from 30 seconds to 2-3 minutes. If a seizure has not let up after this period of time, contact your nearest veterinarian and prepare to transport your dog there as soon as you can.
Diagnosing Epilepsy
1. The first time your pet has a seizure, get a complete neurological and physical test done. Usually, for a single seizure no medication or care is required but if the process repeats itself then you will have to keep a close eye on your pet. No medication is required until all the diagnoses are complete. Ensure that blood work, urine analysis and fecal testing are performed. Consider performing advanced imaging techniques like CT scans, MRI and getting a referral from a veterinary neurologist if necessary.
2. You can help your vet out by making a chart that records the date, time, and duration, as well as a detailed description of seizure activity.
3. Ensure that you mention to your vet all the information you have about any vaccinations given, previous illness/injuries, current diet, and potential exposure to toxins.
Treatment
It’s extremely necessary to start medication for pets that have seizures more than once a month. Your veterinarian will guide you accurately on what medications you should use for your pet. The most common drugs prescribed to pets to control epilepsy are Phenobarbital and Potassium Bromide (KBr). Drug therapy is only successful if the pet owner follows the doctor’s instructions exactly. A disorganized or haphazard drug administration regimen is of no use to you or your pet and can eventually push your pet into Status Epilepticus. Status Epilepticus is an extremely dangerous state of uncontrolled and continuous epileptic fits. You have to follow the rules to the tee to prevent any problems.
Phenobarbital- As mentioned, one of the most commonly prescribed drugs is Phenobarbital. Dogs generally develop a quick tolerance to the sedative action of Phenobarbital. Long term, and often life-long usage of this drug is required to help control seizure activity. It is common for the dose of the drug to be increased over time and for your veterinarian to measure its level in your pet’s blood. Since long-term usage can result in liver damage, periodic blood work should be performed to look out for any damage and to modify the treatment protocol if need be. If the drug is stopped suddenly, adverse symptoms such as restlessness or tremors and full-blown seizures may occur. Do not stop the medication suddenly or reduce the dosage on your own without consulting a professional.
Diazepam- For the treatment of Status Epilepticus, Diazepam is also commonly used. Please get in touch with your veterinarian regarding exact dosages and for more information.
Potassium Bromide- One of the drugs that is gaining recognition to treat canine epilepsy is potassium bromide. It was also used to treat human epileptics and it is the prescribed drug for canines that suffer from liver disease. Sodium bromide also works well for canines that have kidney problems. However, as with every drug, there are potential side effects- in this case, depression and muscle pain. A combination of Potassium Bromide and Sodium Bromide is useful for patients who are not responding to Phenobarbital or Primidone alone.
Monitoring Drug Treatment- You should constantly monitor the amount of seizure medication prescribed to your pet in order to learn how much of the medication is required for the drug to be effective. Overdosing on medication can lead to liver and kidney damage. If your dogs are on drugs, make it a point to visit the veterinarian regularly and to observe the blood serum levels to ensure that your pet is being prescribed the right amount of drugs to avoid any harmful side effects.
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Wednesday, July 1st, 2009
Does your pet have arthritis?
Arthritis is an extremely painful joint condition affecting nearly 1.3 million humans every year, and the same condition commonly affects almost one in every four dogs as they age. If you cannot bear to see a family member or a loved one in pain due to arthritis then imagine the pain faced by a pet which cannot even understand the reason for arthritic pain.
What is arthritis and how often does it affect dogs?
Arthritis is a term used to describe abnormal changes in a joint. Each joint in the body has a protective pad of cartilage inside it which prevents the hard bones from rubbing against each other. The pad acts like a cushion to lessen the impact created during movement and it also serves as a lubricating pillow to allow easy movement. Inflammatory diseases, joint injuries, stress on joints, infections etc. can all attack and irreparably damage the cartilage pad inside the joint. When the damaged cartilage can no longer protect the bones, they start grinding against each other, causing pain and swellings. Each joint is also guarded by a joint capsule to protect the cartilage and the bones. However, with increasing friction between the bones of the joint, the capsule thickens and becomes less elastic. The thicker the joint capsule becomes the more effort is required to carry out any type of motion, thus leading to more injury and pain. In an effort to decrease the pain, pets try to limit the amount of movement of the joint. But more problems arise as reduced activity causes weight gain, thereby increasing the weight that the painful joint has to bear. It’s a vicious cycle of injury which has no permanent treatment.
However, it’s not as hopeless as it sounds. Modern medicine has improved by leaps and bounds in the last few years and there are now ways to enable your pet to lead a comfortable life even if he has arthritis. Just make sure you get them checked by a vet at least twice a year. The sooner you diagnose your pet as having arthritis, the sooner you will be able to help alleviate his pain.
Be a caring and observant owner, and watch out for these symptoms:
1. Increased weight gain- If your pet is in pain from arthritis, they will start to decrease their movement to control the pain from sore joints. The first sign most pet owners notice is an increased amount of weight gain, more sleep periods and a sudden decrease in alertness.
2. Slowing down- As your pet dog gets older, there will be a normal amount of slowing down in activities and enthusiasm level. Arthritis brings subtle changes, like a hesitation in climbing stairs, an increased reluctance for movement in cold or rainy weather, stiffness while getting up or lying down, hesitation about jumping up or down from high areas, etc. If your pet looks reluctant to greet you when you come home or does not like to perform an energetic action then there’s a chance your pet could have joint disease. All of these signs can indicate painful joints.
Making It Easier on Your Pet
Controlling weight- Exercising your dog is not easy, but the following simple and fun appliances can get your dog to lose weight while still keeping his arthritis under control.
• Lift-N-Aid is a really cool harness that pet owners can use to lift the weight of the dog’s body off his hip joints and limbs.
• Tread-a-Stair- These steps are designed to help a pet up and down raised surfaces without exerting his joints.
• Pet Ramp and Cargo step are the same as the Tread-a-stair but they are designed for heavier and bigger dogs.
• Aqua Paws Underwater Treadmill System is a great device which helps your dog exercise while also reducing the friction on painful joints. It’s a little expensive for personal home use, but some animal physiotherapy centers carry them.
Slip-free Flooring- Smooth tile floors are a little rough on the joints of arthritic dogs. Try placing soft carpeting or throw rugs in the areas frequented by your pet. Remember to put an anti-slip padding under each rug to prevent injuries and fractures.
Soft bedding- This is one of the best ways that you can support your pet’s arthritic joints. Use a soft foam mattress or even a waterbed or a hammock to make lying down and getting up as comfortable as possible.
Massage- Gentle massaging of your pets arthritic joints can increase their feeling of well-being . It also helps to soothe the pain of sore joints and improves blood circulation in these areas. You can either learn to do this yourself or call in a professional who can do it more efficiently for a fee.
The only way you can alleviate your pet’s health problems is by paying close attention to them especially as they get older. One rule of thumb is that the older your pet gets, the more frequently you should have them checked by a veterinarian. Don’t wait for symptoms to crop up; a biannual check-up for older dogs is necessary as they are more likely to suffer from arthritis.
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Wednesday, June 24th, 2009
We love our pets and care for them a lot. We get them the best in food, toys and bedding to show our love for them. And yet even as we try to do right by them, we realize that there are still some areas in which we can still use some improvement. One example is dental care. According to the American Veterinary Dental Association at least 80% of all household pets develop serious dental problems by the time they are three years old! This is a very high percentage considering the fact that most household pets have owners who are genuinely looking out for their well-being.
But the statistics have little to do with how much we care and more to do with how little we might actually know. The fact is that pet owners are probably not aware of the proper ways to care for the dental health of their pets or how to prevent common dental problems. Actually taking care of your pet’s oral hygiene is relatively simple. Just be guided by these simple tips:
Home Care for Healthy Teeth
1. Follow a good tooth brushing routine to ensure that your pet’s teeth are regularly cleaned and well-maintained. Try to brush your pet’s teeth at least three times a week. Use soft toothbrushes with tasty toothpaste to make it a fun experience both for you and your pet. Do not use human toothpastes; specially formulated pet toothpastes are available in the market. If you are finding it difficult to make your pet behave while brushing his teeth, try using finger toothbrushes which work just as well. These toothbrushes resemble gloves which can be worn over fingers. They are smaller and much easier to use inside a pet’s mouth.
2. Feed your pet a good dry pet food diet- The dry kibble formulated for dogs keeps teeth cleaner and healthier. Even if you are feeding your pet canned food, make sure that you feed him dry treats afterwards.
3. Select the right toys- Find pet toys which are specifically made for dogs. Do not let your dog chew on something which may be too hard for him. A fractured tooth can be really painful for your pet, plus it could potentially be really expensive for you to get it treated! Nylon bones, rubber toys and lots of other alternatives are available in the market and are designed for dogs to chew on. The right toys could also be great for massaging your pet’s gums while also rubbing off the plaque.
4. Breath fresheners- Dogs can have smelly breath even when they don’t have any dental problems. In addition to cleaning his teeth, use a breath-freshener, which contains chlorhexidine solutions to clean out the bacteria in his mouth.
5. Home oral exams- carry out a thorough check-up of your pet’s mouth at least once a week to make sure that there are no hidden problems. Warning signs of serious dental problems are foul breath, bleeding and swollen gums, discolored and missing teeth, unexplained bumps and lumps, tartar or hard yellow deposits around the gums and teeth, and bleeding and pus when you press down on the teeth and the gums.
6. Regular vet visits- Regardless of how committed you are to your pet’s oral hygiene, it’s always helpful to seek professional opinion. Get a vet to check your dog’s teeth and gums at least two times a year. If you have a good cleaning and tooth brushing routine in place, the vet should not have too much left to do. A trained vet can also catch hidden problems early on. Early detection also means early treatment.
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Tuesday, June 16th, 2009
Nothing is more terrifying than seeing your dog on the floor having a seizure for the first time. They can twitch, shake, paddle their legs, drool, lose bowel control and vocalize.
This traumatizing ordeal can be as short as 30 seconds and can last as long as several minutes. In more severe cases dogs can have horrible seizures that do not stop without medical intervention, and that can lead to death if not treated immediately.
Seizure activity in dogs can be the result of many different causes, including but not limited to epilepsy, cancer, infection, toxins, trauma, and metabolic disturbances. Of these, the most common cause of seizures in dogs is epilepsy.
What is epilepsy?
Epilepsy in pets can be due to several reasons. The main cause of the condition is the garbling of the messages coming from the brain down to the body. Usually messages from the brain come in an orderly pattern that the body muscles recognize and then co-ordinate accordingly to perform functions. But sometimes, changes to the brain or the neural pathways cause electrical message impulses to malfunction in several ways resulting in a loss of physical, sensory and motor functions.
What are the different types of epilepsy?
1. Primary epilepsy is also called idiopathic or genetic epilepsy. There is no exact method by which doctors can diagnose idiopathic epilepsy. Primary epilepsy typically occurs at an early age between 6 months to about 4 years. There are several breeds that are predisposed to epilepsy due to a genetic component. The most common breeds that may be at risk of seizures are Beagles, Dachshunds, German Shepherds, Keeshonds, Cocker Spaniels, Boxers, Irish Setters, Labrador Retrievers, Miniature Schnauzers, Siberian Huskies, and Wire-Haired Terriers.
2. Secondary epilepsy occurs due to underlying medical conditions that can be diagnosed. Pets that get epileptic seizures after the age of four are more likely to have secondary epilepsy. This type of epilepsy be caused by the following:
• Trauma to the brain and the head
• Degenerative diseases of the body and brain
• Developmental defects like Hydrocephalus
• Metabolic conditions like low blood sugar and liver failure
• Kidney disorders
• Tumors
• Certain medications
• Low calcium levels in lactating females
• Severe body infections like Canine distemper
• Toxins like lead, arsenic, insecticide and metaldehyde poisoning
• Low blood oxygen levels that affect functioning of the brain
• Nutritional defects like thiamine deficiencies and parasites
Types of seizures:
If you know that your pet is susceptible to fits or seizures, it is helpful if you note the symptoms properly before you take your pet to the veterinarian. A veterinarian may be able to diagnose the cause of your pet’s seizure and prescribe the ideal medication for it only after you give a detailed medical history of your pet. The main types of seizures are described below.
Generalized Seizure: These seizures are also called Tonic-clonic, Grand Mal or Mild seizures and they can be really scary for the pet owner who experiences them for the first time. This type of seizure has 2 phases. Initially the pet in the tonic phase may faint and all his limbs will extend rapidly into different directions. There is a strong possibility that respiration may stop for a few seconds. After all the limbs have extended, they then start flexing for about 10-30 seconds.
Symptoms that indicate a clonic phase include:
1. Paddling of the limbs
2. Dilation of pupils
3. Excessive salivation
4. Uncontrolled defecation and urination
5. A mild attack will show nothing except for a loss of temporary consciousness but a prolonged attack may be a sign of primary seizures
6. Seizures lasting longer than 5 minutes have the potential to cause lasting brain damage and can result in death if left untreated.
Petit Mal Seizures or Focal Seizures: This is also called Absence Seizures. The main problem with this type of seizure is that it sometimes goes totally unnoticed simply because the symptoms are so mild. A typical Petit Mal Seizure lasts for only a few seconds and pet owners may think nothing of it. Symptoms of a typical petit mal seizure are:
1. Temporary unconsciousness
2. Blank stare by your dog that can last anywhere from a minute to a few seconds. Many pet owners regard this condition as nothing but a temporary distraction.
3. Lax muscles for a few minutes
4. Decreased eye movement or even a temporary rolling upward of your dog’s eyes
Partial Seizures: Partial seizures occur when only a part of your pet’s body gets affected. The symptoms of a partial seizure sometimes mimic tonic-clonic seizure and it might be difficult for pet owners to differentiate both. A few of the more common symptoms include:
1. Frequent head turns toward a particular direction
2. Limb bends which may look involuntary and painful to the dog
3. Most partial seizures may progress into complete tonic-clonic seizures if left unattended
Complex Partial Seizures: Complex Partial Seizures are also called Psychomotor or Behavioral Seizures and are extremely difficult to diagnose. Even in humans this type of seizure is characterized by peculiar and highly complex behavior. The same odd (abnormal) behavior is also seen in pets with visual, auditory, olfactory and gustatory hallucinations. Abnormal aggression and unexplained snapping are also signs. Other symptoms observed are:
1. Salivation
2. Diarrhea
3. Vomiting
4. Blindness
5. Excessive thirst
6. Sometimes unwary pet owners are frightened of their pet’s odd behavior and leave them unattended until the behavior subsides. Ignoring it, however, can result in the seizure progressing into generalized tonic-clonic seizures.
Cluster Seizures: Cluster Seizures are several seizures of a shorter duration that can affect your pet multiple times in a short period of time with periods of unconsciousness in between.
Status Epilepticus: Status Epilepticus occurs as a single continuous seizure, which lasts 30 minutes or more. Status Epilepticus can also occur as a sequence of multiple seizures within a small time interval with periods of unconsciousness. Any pet in status epilepticus requires prompt veterinary care and medical intervention to avoid permanent damage.
I hope this short article has educated you about epilepsy and how to detect its signs. If, at any time, you feel that your pet could be suffering from epilepsy, get in touch with a veterinarian immediately.
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Sunday, June 14th, 2009
Who said that dogs don’t get cavities? They do and it can be just as serious and painful as it is for us humans. Compared to humans, however, dogs get cavities pretty rarely because their diet is not as rich in high-sugar and processed food as ours. But that does not mean you can get away with not brushing your pet’s teeth! Apart from cavities, the main dental problems you have to watch out for are gum disease and foul odor. Gum disease can cause severe pain and loss of teeth. Bad oral hygiene can also cause severe heart and kidney disease in your pet later on in their lifetime. Take care of your pet’s teeth early on by developing a routine of brushing and good oral hygiene. It might be inconvenient for you at times, but you will save your pet a world of pain later on.
The right way to brush your pet’s teeth is to start small and slow. Dogs don’t really like anyone putting their hands inside their mouth, even if it is their master. Just start a little bit each day and gradually work up to full mouth brushing.
Step #1- Try dipping your hands in something tasty like beef bouillon so that your dog gets accustomed to your hands inside his mouth.
Step #2- Let your pet lick your fingers as a treat for good behavior. Repeat this several times and your dog should get accustomed to the taste as well as the experience of having your fingers in his mouth. This will also teach him not to bite your fingers.
Steps #3- Gradually rub the bouillon on his gums and teeth while he’s licking your fingers. Once he’s accustomed to your fingers in his mouth, cover your fingers with a piece of gauze. Dip the gauze in bouillon and then use it to rub on his gums and teeth. Once he gets used to the gauze you can start using toothbrushes and a dental sponge. There are several different varieties of toothbrushes for pets that are available in the market. Just be sure that the bristles are soft enough so as not to hurt your pet’s gums.
Step # 4- Once your dog is used to the cleaning gauze, you should start using a teeth cleaning solution and a toothpaste. Dental toothpastes for pets are different in formulations with flavors like poultry and malt. Get your dog used to the flavor by rubbing the toothpaste on his gums. If he takes to it well, then try letting him lick it off your fingers and the toothbrush that you have bought for him. If he reacts positively to it, praise him for his good behavior and repeat this same process for several days.
Step #5- By following the abovementioned steps, your dog should eventually get accustomed to the toothbrush and toothpaste. Approach the tooth brushing session just like a play session. Teach your pet that brushing can be enjoyable and that it doesn’t have to be a chore. Start by rubbing the toothpaste on to his gums. Chat with your pet as you carry out the process and constantly praise him for being cooperative. Once he seems comfortable with the process, start brushing his canine teeth in both upper and lower jaws. Clean two teeth at a time.
Step #6- Once your pet is accustomed to having his teeth brushed two teeth at a time, you can proceed to cleaning all his teeth in a single session. Make each tooth cleaning session a playful and fun experience that gives you the opportunity to bond with your pet. If you approach it with this mindset, it won’t seem like so much of a struggle!
Tags: bouillon, dental care, dental problems, dog, dog bad breath, dog cavities, dogs, foul odor, gum disease, oral hygiene, teeth brushing, teeth care, tip for teeth brushing, tooth brush, tooth care, toothpaste
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Thursday, June 11th, 2009
The term arthritis simply translates into inflammation of the joints. For pets who are accustomed to being enthusiastic and energetic, the disease can be hard to bear. Although there is no complete cure for the disease, there are several alternatives that you can try to make your pet’s life easier and more comfortable.
Bedding and food bowls- Adding something soft and warm for your pet to lie on can do wonders for their joints on cold days. You can choose an old mattress, a soft foam mattress or even an old baby mattress that is at least four inches in height. The soft foam or cotton will coddle your pet’s joints as they sleep. Remember to keep the mattress at least four inches to one foot thick, as this is the ideal height to allow your pet to get up and down with the least amount of wear and tear on their joints. Similarly, raise your dog’s food bowl to a comfortable height to decrease any unnecessary bending motions towards the floor.
Exercise- Pets who already have arthritis tend to slow down their daily routines as each movement is painful. Take note, however, that complete rest is not something which will help your pet. Limited gentle exercise, such as walking one or two blocks, is ideal and can also help keep your pet’s weight under control. Nothing too strenuous or energetic, just two or three walks throughout the week and rest on the weekends should be beneficial for your dog. Swimming can also be an enjoyable activity which has the added benefit of having low impact on the joints.
Diet and weight control- Overweight dogs have a greater tendency to develop arthritis as they age. This is due to the fact that the extra weight puts more pressure and demand on joints which can, in turn, lead to premature cartilage damage. As dogs find it more and more difficult to be mobile because of arthritis, they tend to exercise less, leading to an even greater weight gain. This vicious cycle can only be broken if you strictly supervise your pet’s diet and exercise routine. Naturally, maintaining your dog at an appropriate weight from an early age will cause you the least amount of problems, but if your dog is older and overweight, there is no need to despair. Older dogs that need to lose extra weight should be put on reduced calorie diets, treats should be minimized and moderate exercise ought to be a must. Don’t expect to see results overnight, but with time, appropriate diet, and sufficient activity, you should see a noticeable difference in your dog’s weight!
Supplements/nutraceuticals for joint health- There are thousands of products on market shelves that claim to improve joint health. An educated consumer should be advised that not all of them will succeed at doing what they promise. Most supplements contain helpful ingredients like Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM, Hyaluronic Acid, Omega-3 Fatty Acids and fish oils, which do work especially if taken with the right vitamins and minerals. Get in touch with your holistic veterinary practitioner before you start giving your dog any of these supplements, as not all dogs are the same and what works for one may not work for another. Do not give your pet medicines intended for human use unless you have been specifically instructed by a veterinarian. Although there is no permanent treatment for arthritis, pet owners can take comfort in the fact that researchers are constantly finding newer and better drugs to help affected pets.
Pain relieving medications like Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) can be essential for dogs that are suffering from severe discomfort due to arthritis. Please be advised, however, that all medications can have a side effect. Before giving your pets any medication, remember to consult with a trained veterinarian about the potential side effects. In addition to prescription medications, ask your veterinarian about complementary therapies that can improve your dog’s condition, such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, massage, and the use of supplements.
Arthritis is a painful condition but if you arm yourself with knowledge and the right tools, you will be able to alleviate your pet’s discomfort and suffering and enjoy their company for several years more. Arthritis may not be curable but neither is it a hopeless case. Your pet can have arthritis but still have an active, comfortable life. It’s up to you to take an active role in fighting the disease and ensuring your pet’s health and well-being.
Tags: acupuncture, chiropractic care, chondroitin, complementary therapy, diet, dog, dog arthritis, dog care, dog exercise, dog health, dogs, fatty acids, fish oil, glucosamine, joint health, NSAIDs, nutraceuticals, omega 3, pain killers, pet arthritis, pet care, pets, prescription medication, reduced calorie diet, supplements, weight control, weight management
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