Posts Tagged ‘dog health’
Monday, July 6th, 2009
We often use the expression “dog breath” to refer to bad breath, but dogs do not deserve this reputation! Ok, so a dog’s breath may not be as pleasant-smelling as a human’s, but there is no reason it has be foul, too! If your dog has severely bad breath to a point where it becomes uncomfortable to be around him or her, you might want to check for signs of periodontal disease, which is one of the primary causes of bad breath in dogs.
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease or gingivitis is the inflammation of gums and the loss of the support structures of the teeth, which may eventually cause your dog’s teeth to fall out.
How can you tell if your dog has this disease?
In healthy dogs, the gums are a pink color and although the breath may not be pleasant, it is also not extremely foul. In the early stages of this disease, you might find brown deposits on you dog’s teeth and there may be a red line running around your dog’s gums.
How do you prevent it?
Regular dental care (see our previous articles on the subject here and here) can go a long way in preventing your dog from developing this disease. Make sure you brush your dog’s teeth and gums regularly. Studies have also shown that dogs with dry kibble diets are less prone to the disease than dogs who eat soft food.
If you think your pet may have periodontal disease or gingivitis, please consult your veterinarian for treatment options.
Tags: bad breath caused by gingivitis, bad breath caused by periodontal disease, bad breath in dogs, caring for your dog's gums, caring for your dog's teeth, dental care, dental health, dental problems, dog, dog bad breath, dog car, dog health, dog hygiene, dogs, gingivitis in dogs, healthy teeth for your dogs, home dental care, how to prevent periodontal disease in dogs, how to treat periodontal disease in dogs, periodontal disease in dogs, signs of periodontal disease in dogs, symptoms of periodontal disease in dogs, teeth care, what causes bad breath in dogs, what is periodontal disease
Posted in Pet News | No Comments »
Thursday, July 2nd, 2009
As a responsible pet owner, there are a few things that you have to do in order to keep your dog clean and healthy. Some of these things may be inconvenient for you and uncomfortable for your dog, but that doesn’t mean you can just skip it altogether. One of these such things, along with clipping your dog’s nails (See our article on that here), is cleaning your dog’s ears. It can be dangerous if not done right, so here are our tips on how to clean your dog’s ears:
- Firstly, like we always say, if you are not confident that you have enough patience or skill to do it, then it might be best to let a grooming professional or a vet do it. Still, there is no reason why you can’t do it yourself. Just keep these tips in mind.
- When cleaning your dog’s ears, make sure that you are using a solution that is made specifically for that purpose. From experience, I’ve also found that cotton pads work best because they are thinner and easier to manage than cotton balls.
- When you are about to clean your dog’s ears, also ensure that you have allotted a lot of time for it. Do not do it when you have to rush somewhere. You should be able to take your time and do the process calmly.
- Another important tip is to have your dog lie in a position that is comfortable for him or her. Having his or her ears cleaned is uncomfortable enough, so make sure that the rest of his body is. My dog, for one, prefers to lie on her side.
- When cleaning your pet’s ears, do not go right in the canal. Set the cotton pad and dog ear cleaning solution aside. The first thing you must do is to massage your dog’s ears. Most dogs will enjoy it and it gets them used to having their ears touched.
- Once your dog looks sufficiently comfortable, then you can start with the actual cleaning. Put some cleaning solution on the pad and start with the other parts of your dog’s ear, working slowly down. The further down you go, the more sensitive they will be so you have to be extremely gentle as you are doing it.
- Even as you are going further down, you should only be dealing with the outer ear area. Do not try going down your dog’s ear canal. This type of cleaning should only be done by a professional.
- When you are applying the cleaning solution on the cotton pad, make sure that it is just moist and not soaking wet. It would be quite uncomfortable for your dog to have the solution constantly dripping in his ear. This could lead to an ear infection later on. As you are cleaning your dog’s ears, he or she will most likely be shaking his or her head every once in a while to get rid of the excess moisture. It’s important that you allow your dog to do this to prevent future ear infections.
- Speaking of ear infections, please take note that the tips we have outlined here are not to be followed if your dog has one. You should not attempt to clean your dog’s ears if he has an infection. In this case, consult a professional. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Tags: advice on cleaning your dog's ears, cleaning your dog's ears, dog, dog care, dog ear cleaning solution, dog ear infection, dog grooming, dog health, dog hygiene, dogs, how to clean your dog's ears, tips on cleaning your dog's ears
Posted in Pet News | No Comments »
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.
Tags: alleviating pain from arthritis, aqua paws underwater treadmill system, cargo step, definition of arthritis, dog, dog arthritis, dog care, dog health, dog massage, dogs, improving your pet's condition, lift-n-aid, pet arthritis, pet care, pet health, pet massage, pet ramp, reducing pain from arthritis, soothing pain from arthritis, symptoms, tread-a-stair, treatment of arthritis
Posted in Natural Dog Health | No Comments »
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.
Tags: caring for your dog's gums, caring for your dog's teeth, caring for your pet's gums, caring for your pet's teeth, dental care, dental health, dental problems, dental toys, dog, dog care, dog health, dog hygiene, dog toothbrush, dog toothpaste, dogs, dry kibble, dry pet food diet, gum care, healthy teeth for your dogs, home dental care, home oral exam, pet, pet care, pet health, pets, teeth brushing, teeth brushing routine, teeth care, tips for teeth brushing, tooth brush, tooth brushing routine, tooth care
Posted in Natural Dog Health | 1 Comment »
Monday, June 22nd, 2009
Cutting your dog’s nails is probably the one part of your dog’s grooming routine that you often overlook. It’s such a struggle to get your dog to stay put while you cut his nails that most of the time, you just don’t bother with it anymore. However, clipping your dog’s nails is more important than you think. Not only does it prevent your dog from hurting you and your family when he only means to scratch playfully, but it can also save your dog from a lot of potential pain. Long nails can lead to a nail bed infection and ingrown nails. Trust me, you’ll find that the hassle you are putting up with now is well worth it. And besides, clipping your dog’s nails isn’t all that difficult. You only need to know how.
- As with most things, you should clip your dog’s nails regularly from when he is a pup. If you do it as early in his lifetime as possible, you will grow up with a dog who is used to it and will consider it as part of his regular grooming schedule.
- Dogs usually hate getting their nails clipped because they are uncomfortable with having their paws touched. Before you cut your dog’s nails, why don’t you try and teach him to relax as you hold his paws? Once he gets used to this, try gently squeezing his paws and nails one at a time. Reward him after so he won’t mind the next time you do it. Also use a lot of positive reinforcement. Tell him, “Good dog” as you keep on stroking his paws.
- To avoid hurting your dog while you clip his nails, you should also learn what each nail is made of. Each nail consists of a hard outer cover, which is what you clip off, and the quick, which is the soft inner part comprised of blood vessels and nerve endings. If you are not careful and cut into the quick, you will be subjecting your dog to a lot of pain and bleeding. As a general rule, it is better to clip off a little bit of the tips at a time.
- Some dogs have light-colored nails, which makes it easier to detect where the outer cover ends and where the quick starts. The pinkish part should indicate where the quick is. However, most dogs will have black nails, which make this more difficult. One way to detect the quick is to look out for a dark area in the middle of a newly clipped part. But again, it is important to cut off a little bit at the tip at a time to ensure that there are no accidents.
- But what to do if there has indeed been an accident and you’ve clipped off too much thereby hurting the quick? Well, firstly do not panic at the sight of blood. Most of the time it’s really not as big a deal as most people make it out to be. Just calm down your dog, soothe his nerves with kind words and a treat or two, and hold a tissue against his paw until it stops bleeding. The bleeding should last for about 5-7 minutes. If it persists for longer than this, then take your dog to see a vet.
- One last word about clipping your dog’s nails- If you’ve tried the abovementioned steps and are still uncomfortable and unsuccessful at clipping your dog’s nails, then don’t force the issue. Take your dog to a professional groomer instead. There’s no shame in it! With some pet owners, this is just a better – and also, safer – option!
Tags: clip dog's nails, clipping dog's nails, components of a dog's nail, cut dog's nails, cutting dog's nails, dog, dog care, dog grooming, dog health, dogs, how to clip your dog's nails, outer cover, parts of a dog's nail, quick, techniques for how to clip your dog's nails, what does a dog's nail consist of, what is a dog's nail made of
Posted in Pet News | 1 Comment »
Monday, June 22nd, 2009
Almost all dogs go through a shedding cycle, which is perfectly normal especially during warmer months. They shed off their winter coat and grow a thinner coat for higher temperatures. Your dog’s shedding cycle could be very inconvenient. You soon find yourself rolling around their shedded fur on your bed and on your couch. You wake up with their fur sticking to the sides of your mouth or end up going to work with hair (that’s not yours) all over your work clothes. How do you deal with it?
- Firstly, there is no way to prevent or stop it completely. Shedding is going to be a regular occurrence in your pet’s life so for the most part, you just have to deal with it. Make your lint brush your best friend
- Secondly, although all dogs shed you have to be observant and find out if your dog is shedding as much as he usually does or if he is shedding more than usual. If it is the latter, it might be a good idea to take him to the vet. Excess shedding can be symptoms of skin parasites, allergies, or malnutrition.
- To minimize the chances of your dog leaving excess hair around the house, groom him regularly. Do it at least once a week and make it a routine for both your dog and you.
- Find the right brush for your dog. Different brushes work for different dogs. For example, a fine comb will work well with short hair, while brushes with long bristles and wide-toothed combs are best for thicker coats.
Shedding is unavoidable, but these tips ought to lessen the inconvenience and help you better deal with your dog’s shedding cycle.
Tags: correct grooming brush for your dog, dealing with your dog's shedding, dog, dog care, dog grooming, dog health, dog shedding, dog's shedding cycle, dogs, excess shedding, excessive shedding, how to deal with your dog shedding, regular grooming, right comb for your dog, right grooming brush for your dog, shedding fur
Posted in Pet News | No Comments »
Saturday, June 20th, 2009
Dogs can be very sneaky especially when it comes to food. You may be at the table having a nice, quiet dinner when suddenly he jumps up from the floor, pounces on your plate, runs off and eats the chicken bones he has stolen. Although usually chewing on bones is good for them, chicken bones are an exception. They are potentially dangerous because they are very brittle, may splinter off and damage your dog’s intestines and internal organs. If your dog has eaten some chicken bones, here are some tips that will hopefully help you deal with the situation:
1. As with all emergency cases, do not panic. The first thing to do is to find out whether the chicken bones were raw or cooked. Raw chicken bones are not as brittle as cooked ones and in most cases, raw chicken bones should give you no cause to worry.
2. If, however, your dog has eaten cooked chicken bones, what you should do first is observe his behavior. Does he seem to be in pain? Is he choking? If yes, immediately call a veterinarian.
3. If your dog seems fine, it still won’t hurt to observe extra caution. Many vets will advise you to feed him canned pumpkin. This stuffs them up and induces vomiting, which will hopefully get rid of the bone. Also look at his stool and see if the bone is there or if there is any sign of blood. Blood will probably mean that he has hurt his stomach. Take him to a vet immediately if this is the case.
Tags: bloody stool, canned pumpkin for chicken bones, cooked chicken bones, danger of chicken bones, dog, dog and chicken bones, dog care, dog health, dogs, induce vomiting, raw chicken bones, what to do if you dog eats chicken bones
Posted in Pet News | No Comments »
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.
Tags: absence seizure, behavioral seizure, causes of epilepsy, causes of seizures, cluster seizure, complex partial seizure, diagnose, dog, dog care, dog epilepsy, dog health, dog seizure, dog seizures, dogs, focal seizure, generalized seizure, genetic epilepsy, grand mal seizure, idiopathic epilepsy, kinds of epilepsy, kinds of seizure, mild seizure, partial seizure, pet, pet care, pet health, petit mal seizure, pets, primary epilepsy, psychomotor seizure, secondary epilepsy, status epilepticus, tonic-clonic seizure, treatment, types of epilepsy, types of seizure
Posted in Natural Dog Health | No Comments »
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
Posted in Natural Dog Health | No Comments »
Thursday, June 4th, 2009
It’s not easy to diagnose allergic reactions in dogs. Not knowing what to do can cause an owner a lot of stress and distress. But with the proper care and medication you can make sure that your pet does not suffer so much. Here are a few alternatives that vets commonly prescribe to treat allergic reactions in pets.
Symptomatic Therapy- Relieving your pet’s discomfort will be your primary concern until medications can start working. One popular treatment used to soothe skin irritation in pets is cool skin baths with non-scented soaps and shampoos, colloidal oatmeal and Epsom salts, and medicated shampoos. You can repeat this as many times as you want but do not use any non-prescription medication. Synthetic creams and OTC sprays may aggravate the condition due to their chemical content. Dermacool and Cortispray are two simple sprays you can use in case your pet is getting really restless.
Diet control- Dogs can be allergic to a single ingredient in dog food. Try to avoid commercial dog food for an entire day and use only homemade ingredients that are available at home. Use a combination of simple proteins and carbs and avoid anything commercially prepared like biscuits, chew toys and any type of pills.
Immunotherapy-Vets may advise giving your pet allergic shots to improve his condition. But do not expect miracles as these injections take time to take effect. The injections take about ten months to produce results and are quite expensive. It may take six to twelve months before signs of improvement are seen. Intra-dermal allergic skin testing is also possible, but the process is also costly. Your dog is sedated and will be tested for over 60 common allergens. The allergens show up as raised patches on the skin and a trained vet is required to read and interpret the skin reactions.
Corticosteroids- Steroids are used to suppress the body’s immune reaction that causes the skin effects of allergy. It is important to note, however, that steroids are powerful drugs and they can have serious long term side effects on the animal. Most vets do not prescribe steroids unless it’s absolutely essential, as there are side effects like increased thirst and appetite, increased urination and even behavioral changes. Continued use of the drugs can cause diabetes, seizures and very frequent infections.
Antihistamines- Antihistamines are one of the most common medications used to control allergic reactions and they work very well in dogs. The only side effect is drowsiness. Common antihistamines used in dogs for allergic skin reaction are Atarax and Seldane.
Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids- Omega-3 fatty acids and Omega- 6 fatty acids are all great for suppressing the immune reaction in pets. They are not dangerous and definitely help the dog to have a healthier skin and a glossy coat.
Clean your house- If one of the allergens is something similar to plastic or dust then rid your interiors of the material at once. Even if you have already started using allergy shots to control the reactions, it’s a good idea to clean your home of the irritant immediately. This makes the living situation more comfortable for the dog and prevents future breakouts.
No matter what medication you use, do get your pet thoroughly checked by a vet to make absolute sure that they are well cared for!
Tags: allergic reactions, allergies, allergy, allergy symptoms, antihistamine, corticosteroids, diagnose, diet, dog, dog allergens, dog allergies, dog care, dog health, dog itching, dog scratching, dogs, fatty acids, food, immunotherapy, omega 3, omega 6, skin allergies, symptomatic therapy, treatment of allergies
Posted in Natural Dog Health | No Comments »
