Dog Food Allergy Symptoms Treatment

Dog Food Allergy Symptoms Treatment

Fellow Dog Owner, If You’d Cry If Your Dog Died, Then You Need To See This!

Discover The Deadly Secret The Dog Food Industry Spends Millions To Make Sure You Never Find Out!

Dog Food Allergy Symptoms Treatment With regards to Dog Food Allergy Symptoms Treatment choosing pet food for the dog, it’s really a challenging choice. There are so many various pet food brands, tastes, dimensions, and shapes of pet food out there that creating an option can be hard. If you are choosing food for the canine, you want to make sure that you receive them the best possible food. They should get meals that will help keep them wholesome, match, and happy. So, when you are choosing the food for your canine, you’ll have to think about dietary requirements, the manufacturers accessible, your personal choices, and maybe the cost of the food. However, before you make your final choice, the following are several questions you should ask.Query Number1 – What Size is Your Dog? – To begin with, you are going to have to Dog Food Allergy Symptoms Treatment think about about how big your dog. Have you got a very large canine, a moderate dog, or perhaps a little or toy dog? How big your dog is definitely going to influence the type of meals that you buy. When you are searching for food, look for pet food that is specific to the size of your dog. Small canines won’t be able to get their mouths round the meals designed for big canines, and enormous canines will need something more considerable than meals Dog Food Allergy Symptoms Treatment designed for smaller canines.Question Number2 – Does Your Pet Have Allergies? – You should also ask yourself regardless of whether your dog has any allergies when you’re selecting dog food too. Should there be certain ingredients that your pet is hypersensitive to, you’ll have to be cautious when creating your decision. Ensure that there are no ingredients within the dog food that may cause an allergic reaction with your dog.

Dog Food Allergy Symptoms Treatment

Dog Food Allergy Symptoms Treatment Question #3 – What is Your Canines Grow older? – The age of your pet is another important consideration when you are picking out food for your canine. Is the dog an older canine, a young adult canine, or a small puppy? There are different meals available depending on the chronilogical age of your pet. You’ll find puppy food for young puppies, adult pet food for grownup dogs, and there is older pet food available for the dogs that are getting older. A dogs requirements are very different as they age, so you’ll need to get the right dog foods for their age.Question #4 – Are there Any Dog Food Allergy Symptoms Treatment Health Concerns to think about? – Any health issues that the canine may have can influence the kind of dog food you purchase for the dog as well. Does your pet take some dog dietary supplements within the meals to assist with health issues like eye issues, stylish dysplasia, or perhaps other joint problems? Also, some components may not be easily broken down by canines which have health issues, so keep this in mind as well.Query Number5 – How Active may be the Canine – It’s also wise to think about about the level of activity of the dog as well. Is your canine really energetic or perhaps is your dog more on the inactive aspect? You will find dog meals available which are especially for canines that are very energetic. Nevertheless, ensure give this sort of pet food to some dog that is not as active.Query #6 – Is There Real Beef within the Meals? – An additional query to ask is whether or not there is any real meat within the food that you choose. The beef ought to be within the first few components, and great beef consists of fish, lamb, poultry, and goose. When there is no meat, there ought to at least be “meal” indexed by the first couple ingredients.Question #7 – Is the Food Produced by an excellent Company? – The caliber of the company that makes your meals are certainly essential as nicely. You would like to be sure that the food comes from a organization that you can trust which will supply your pet with the healthy meals that is needed. Take time to check into the company as well as their background before you choose food from that company.So, prior to choosing any type of food for the dog, make sure to request all of these questions. If you are sure to request all these concerns before you choose the dog food, you will be sure to get the kind of meals that your canine enjoys. Also, you will get meals that is high quality and healthy for the dog as well.Dr. Mayra Alfonso, the writer from the new ebook Dog Food Allergy Symptoms Treatment InchThe Nature of Dog Recovery, The Conclusive Alternative Guide for your CanineInch has compiled a very reference on dogs, including the problems they face in health and nutrition. This ebook is an excellent supply for anyone who want to be aware of real information about their dogs’ health. Visit Doctor. Alfonso’s blog at [http:Or/www.CoolDogHallofFame.org] ,to obtain the latest, enjoyable and useful information about dogs.Significantly increase the pleased years of your pet by looking into my totally free report. I expose all of the secrets and techniques I have personally accustomed to develop a happy, more healthy canine. Go to [http:OrOrworld wide web.DogNaturalHealing.org/83percent.html] right now prior to we wise up and choose to no longer give this unique report free of charge!
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Symptoms and Treatment of Dog Disease Pyometra

Symptoms and Treatment of Dog Disease Pyometra

The dog disease Pyometra. How to avoid it. What age group can it happen to and most importantly, what is Pyometra. The symptoms, treatment topics and much more in this article. The main cause of Pyometra is usually an imbalance of female hormones, primarily progesterone which results is an overactive uterus lining. Secretions accumulate in the cavity of this organ and cause distention. Bacteria entering through the vagina may cause secondary infection in some cases; however, many of the pus-filled organs are sterile when cultured. Pyometra usually occurs from one week to three months after a heat (but may occur at any time during any heat cycle) and may concur with a Pseudocyesis (false pregnancy) but there has not been enough evidence to suggest an establishment between these hormone-controlled diseases. The disease occurs in female dogs who have not bred for a prolonged period of time and those having produced litters. Diagnose of Pyometra can be detected form the clinical signs and the history of a recent heat. The most common signs are digestive disorders such as loss of appetite, diarrhea, and vomiting. Owners might also want to be watchful of symptoms which may include swollen abdomen, excessive drinking of water, listlessness and vaginal discharge; which is often foul-smelling. Discharges indicate that the cervix is still open and this will reduce some of the abdominal pressure and toxicity associated with Pyometra. Radiographs and blood counts will be necessary to confirm the disease. An x-ray (radiograph) will show the large, pus-filled uterus quite clearly in most cases. The white blood cell count may increase (indicating infection) two to ten times over normal limit. The best way to avoid Pyometra is of course spaying your dog. This prevents the disease from developing as the uterus and ovaries are removed. Is surgery going to be safe? As most veterinarians will agree, Pyometra is a surgical disease that requires the diseased organ to be removed for an increased chance of a complete recovery. As surgery suggest, there are certain potential risks to be held into consideration especially if performed on an older dog. Heart disease, kidney disorders, and other medical conditions may increase the risk of surgery. If proper supportive therapy is carried out, even the highest risk patients stand a good chance of survival and recovery. Consult your vet for their advice and best recommendations.

July 25, 2009 – Posted by Mamata | pyometra | blood cell count, clinical signs, excessive drinking, female dogs, female hormones, loss of appetite, prolonged period, vaginal discharge, white blood cell, white blood cell count

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Canine PTSD: Its Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

How Can You Determine If Your Dog Has PTSD? 
 Originally published in “My Puppy, My Self,” at PsychologyToday.com, August 8, 2012.
 

“Reactivity” in Dogs
I got the following email message the other day from a company called Dogwise. They publish and sell books primarily about reward-based dog training. 

“Probably the hottest topic in dog behavior and training circles right now is reactivity. You may never be able to ‘cure’ a dog who is reactive—it’s hard to counter poor socialization and/or genetics—but there are a number of ways you may be able to control it, at least some of the time…”

My first reaction was to the word “reactive.” I’ve never understood how or why that term is being applied to behavior problems in dogs. It seems to me that if a dog doesn’t react to stimuli, that’s when he’s got serious physical, emotional or behavioral problems. 

Then, when the blurb informed me that “you may never be able to ‘cure’ a dog who is reactive,” I chalked that up to the fact that behavioral science techniques are usually ineffective, or at the very least only mildly effective, at solving most behavioral problems in dogs, because in my experience they’re geared to focus on changing outward behaviors rather than finding and changing the underlying cause. 

But as I thought more about it I realized that a very high percentage of the dogs being described as “reactive,” are actually over-reacting to stimuli, which suggests that they may be suffering from Canine PTSD, which is, indeed, very “difficult to cure.” 

Stress: The Underlying Cause
The database of the National Technical Information Service—an agency of the U.S. Government—shows that as many as 70% of individuals [human beings] living in the United States have experienced at least one serious traumatic event during their lifetime. But according to investigators at Boston University School of Medicine only 8% of those people who’ve experienced some form of trauma have developed PTSD as a result. 

Unfortunately, we don’t have a database showing the percentage of dogs who’ve experienced trauma. But given the number of dogs abandoned or brought to shelters every year, plus the number injured in fights with other dogs, and the number who’ve been mistreated by their owners, or mishandled by their trainers, groomers or vet techs (it happens), not to mention those who’ve been struck by a car, gotten lost, were fought over during a divorce, etc, etc, etc, I would be very surprised if the number of dogs who’ve experienced some type of trauma wasn’t at least 70%. And I’d also be surprised if the number of dogs who’ve developed symptoms of PTSD as a result of such wasn’t very close to the figure of 8% found in human beings. 

This would suggests that since there are roughly 75 million pet dogs in America, there’s a real possibility that more than 6 million American dogs might have PTSD. 

Meanwhile, The New York Times reports that “more than 5 percent of the approximately 650 deployed military dogs are developing some form of canine PTSD,” meaning that there are only 30 or so who’ve developed the disorder. Granted, in working military dogs the symptoms are usually much more severe than what see in pet dogs. But the problem still exists pet dogs, and in much larger numbers. 

So when does a traumatic event of any kind stay a one-time thing, and when does it actually cause PTSD? And can we apply any of the criteria used in diagnosing PTSD in humans to diagnose our dogs as well? 

I think so. 

Diagnosing Canine PTSD
In humans, PTSD is not just caused by a traumatic experience, but one that causes a tremendous amount of stress. The traumatic event causes the body to release a cocktail of hormones and neurochemicals specifically designed to deal with that stress. But in large doses those chemical agents also can reportedly cause the same or similar kinds of neurological damage found in patients with a traumatic brain injury (TBI). This can adversely affect mood, memory and learning in deep and lasting ways. (See: “Does PTSD Cause Brain Damage in Dogs?”) *

Since much of the literature on how stress affects memory, learning, and behavior in humans comes from animal studies—primarily on rats and mice—and since a dog’s body produces the same basic kinds of stress hormones produced by rats and humans, it’s very likely that dogs—even pet dogs—can develop symptoms of PTSD. 

In humans these symptoms include re-experiencing the original trauma, fearful avoidance of stimuli associated with that event, and increased forms of arousal such as an sleep disturbances, rage, aggression, and lastly hypervigilance, or in the lingua obscura of some dog trainers: “reactivity.” 

Granted, our lives are much more complicated and stressful than the kind our dogs lead. A human being can develop PTSD simply by observing the scene of an accident or natural disaster. Some can develop symptoms just by looking at videos or photographs. Dogs aren’t as deeply affected by the passive observation of horrific events as we are. 

On the other hand, there are far more cultural taboos and legal restrictions against doing harm to human beings than there are about hurting dogs. Remember, up until a few years ago the most popular training book in America—How to Be Your Dog’s Best Friend, by the Monks of New Skete—contained the following “training” advice: “How hard should you hit your dog? If she doesn’t yelp in pain you haven’t hit her hard enough.” 

Hurting dogs is pervasive in our country. People like Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick—who spent time in prison for running a dog-fighting ring out of his home—are just a drop in the bucket in terms of the kind of people out there brutalizing dogs on a regular basis.

With all that in mind I would be very surprised to find that the number of dogs in America who have Canine PTSD isn’t more than double or even triple the 6 million I suggested above. 

Diagnostic Signs of PTSD in Human Beings

• Criterion A – Exposure to a traumatic stressor. 


• Criterion B – Re-experiencing the event (flashbacks). 


• Criterion C – Avoidance and numbing. 


• Criterion D – Hyperarousal. 


• Criterion E – Duration of symptoms for at least 1 month. 


• Criterion F – Significant impairment of normal functioning. 

Personally, I think dogs can exhibit all 5 of these signs and symptoms. The only one that might seem controversial is the idea that dogs can have “flashbacks.” I think that depends on how we view the differences between how memory operates in humans and dogs.
 
In human beings, memory operates on three basic levels: physical (i.e., unconscious or procedural) memory, emotional (or affective) memory, and mental, or declarative memory (which includes semantic, episodic, and autobiographical memory). Only the last requires both a sense of self and a linear sense of time (knowing that there’s a past, present, and future), forms of cognition that dogs don’t have (or don’t seem to). 

In human subjects, flashbacks come primarily from sense memory; the sound of chopper blades for example. This then triggers emotional memory, where the fear, panic and helplessness experienced during the original trauma, come flooding back, raising blood pressure, releasing stress hormones, etc, etc. In many cases, the subject doesn’t even realize that he or she is not actually safe in bed or hiding in the closet, but is convinced that he or she is back on the battlefield or is about to be sexually assaulted, etc. 

It seems to me that dogs are quite capable of experiencing both sense memory and emotional memory. In fact, the work of two Russians—physiologist Ivan Pavlov and theater director (and inventor of “method acting”) Constantin Stanislavsky—show quite clearly that sense memory and emotional memory are inextricably linked. 

I should point out that the 5 diagnostic criteria I mentioned above are only broad categories, and that there are many much finer points to be looked at when diagnosing PTSD in humans. I think the same should hold true for diagnosing Canine PTSD as well. 

To help with thisI’ve created a mock-up for a potential Canine PTSD questionnaire to be filled out by a dog’s owner, veterinarian, trainer or behaviorist. It can be found by clicking here. (I would be very interested in getting feedback, whether some things should be added, subtracted, or tossed out altogether.) 

Please keep in mind that most of what I’m saying is hypothetical. We need more research, we need to create a much larger yet credible database. We need to start thinking along new lines. PTSD is not something that can only happen to human beings, or to our military dogs. Those brave and hardworking four-legged members of our armed forces are showing us that there’s a much larger problem right under our noses, affecting millions of American doggies, animals who are currently nestled safely on their doggie beds or sleeping on our couches, and yet who may be in emotional distress and need our help. 

If you agree with or relate to anything I’ve said, please pass it on to your vet, dog trainer, and anyone else you think might be able to help us move forward in making this problem more widely known. 

I firmly believe that Canine PTSD is a very real condition that can be found in a great many pet dogs, and we need to start addressing it now.

LCK
“Changing the World, One Dog at a Time”
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My Puppy, My Self (archived)

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Parvo Treatment

Parvo virus was first identified in 1978 and within two years’ it had spread all over the world. In addition, over the years, the parvo virus has mutated into at least two different strains. Every case of canine parvo virus, or CPV, comes from these two strains.

Every different species has its own parvo virus and it cannot be spread outside of the species, so there is a human parvo virus, a canine parvo virus, a feline parvo virus, and so on. However, it can be spread by contact. For instance, if your cat would wander through your neighbor’s yard and would pick up the virus on her feet, she can track it inside of your house and infect your dog. Sadly enough, my neighbour’s puppy contracted parvo virus. The puppy had all of the classic dog parvo symptoms, yet my neighbour really did not know what was wrong until he took the puppy to the vet.

Once he did that, parvo treatment began immediately. After several days of intensive treatment for parvo virus, the puppy was free to come home. The puppy was lucky. Many dogs die from parvo virus before they can be treated.

The parvo virus works in two ways either through the intestines or through the heart. When a dog gets an intestinal infection, it is picked up by the animal through oral contact with contaminated feces. Simply put, your dog would have to come into contaminated feces from another dog. The intestinal dog parvo symptoms occur when the virus attacks the bone marrow, rapidly dividing cells in the intestinal crypts and the lymph nodes.

This allows normally occurring bacteria from the intestines to enter the blood stream to make the animal septic. The virus can be shed in the stool for up to three weeks thus making this a very contagious disease for pets that have not been inoculated.

The cardio form of this infection is usually seen in puppies that are infected before birth or shortly thereafter. It is noteworthy that the cardiac form of CPV is not as common since the mother passes immunity on to her pups from birth. The parvo virus will then attack the heart in the infected puppy and death will occur shortly afterwards. Dog parvo symptoms usually present themselves within 3 to 10 days of contact. They include the following: lethargy, vomiting, fever and diarrhea. The diarrhea can cause severe dehydration and secondary infections.

The dog will not usually die from the virus but from a secondary infection. Survival rate depends on how quickly CPV is diagnosed and treatment is begun. When the case is not caught early the best treatment option is an IV through which fluids are pushed to re-hydrate the animal more quickly, in addition anti-nausea and antibiotic shots may be given intramuscular. The prognosis is good with proper care but an absolute death sentence without it.

There have been a few reports that the human antiviral, Tamiflu, can be effective in treating CPV but there are no studies to substantiate this. A veterinarian will advise you to give your pet a parvo shot about eight weeks after they are weaned. With the prevalence of the virus and its ability to kill some precaution should be taken to protect your canine.

For more information on parvo symptoms and ideas on treating parvo without needles and potentially harmful chemicals, consider treating parvo virus naturally.

Signs, Symptoms And Treatment Of Heat Stroke In Dogs

by Lorie Huston, DVM 

Heat stroke is a serious and potentially life-threatening situation. It is especially common in dogs that have been left untended in cars We all know it is not safe to leave an animal in a closed car when the outside temperature is extremely warm.

However, even in temperatures as mild as 70-75°F, the temperature inside of a closed car can increase as much as 40° or more in one hour! 

That means the temperature inside of the car can increase to 110-115°F even when the temperature outside is mild!

Besides the car scenario, there are other situations in which heat stroke becomes more likely for our pets as well.

• Dogs (or other animals) left outside on hot and/or humid days without the availability of adequate shade and/or water are likely to suffer heat stroke.


• Animals that are exercised heavily on a hot and/or humid day may also suffer heat stroke.


• Brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds of dogs and cats may be more likely to develop hyperthermia (an elevated temperature) and suffer heat stroke because their ability to pant effectively is hampered by their anatomy.


• Obesity can affect an animal’s airways and make panting less effective at dissipating heat for the animal, predisposing the animal to heat stroke.


• Other diseases that hamper the airway can also alter the effectiveness of the panting mechanism that dogs and cats rely on to dissipate body heat, resulting in heat stroke.


• Animals exposed to forced heat, such as a hair dryer, may also suffer heat stroke.

Symptoms and Signs of Heat Stroke

Early symptoms seen with heat stroke include restlessness and excessive panting. The respiratory rate and heart rate will increase. Excessive drooling may also occur.

Vomiting and/or diarrhea may occur. Dehydration and depression will occur as the symptoms worsen.

As the situation progresses, the animal’s gums may turn brick red in color or even purple or blue as oxygen saturation declines.

Your dog may have difficulty breathing and may appear to be gasping. He will become weak and may stagger. Seizures may occur and the animal may become totally comatose. Petechial hemorrhages, small red areas that resemble bruising, may appear. As the pet nears death, the temperature may actually decrease to below normal.

A body temperature higher than 105°F is cause for alarm.

It is important to remember that an elevated temperature can have many different causes and heat stroke is only one of those potential causes. However, often there are clues in the environment or the recent history of the pet that easily lead to the probability of a diagnosis of heat stroke. For instance, a dog found locked in a car that has symptoms consistent with heat stroke is likely suffering from heat stroke rather than another disease.

Treatment of Heat Stroke in Dogs

Any dog suffering from heat stroke should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible!

However, measures may be taken to begin cooling the pet before transport. It is important not to lower the body temperature of the dog or cat too much or too quickly. Cool wet towels can be placed around or over the animal. Towels soaked in cool water can also be placed between the legs, both front and rear. Placing cool water on the ears and paws may help cool the pet also.

Naturally, the pet should be removed from the environment which caused the heat stroke. If possible, direct a fan toward the dog or cat.

Do not use ice or extremely cold water to cool a dog or cat suffering from heat stroke. Doing so may actually make the condition worse.

Though cooling the pet is part of treating for heat stroke, other procedures will also likely be necessary to save the animal’s life and rapid evaluation and treatment at a veterinary facility is usually necessary.

Heat stroke affects all body systems and causes thermal damage to numerous tissues.

• The kidneys are damaged, leading to acute kidney failure.


• The gastrointestinal tract is damaged and may lead to bacterial translocation from the intestinal tract into the blood stream.


• Damage to the liver and to the heart can occur due to thermal damage.


• There may be swelling within the brain and infarctions that cause further brain damage.


• Clotting deficits may occur, leading to bleeding abnormalities.

Treatment for heat stroke will vary depending on the condition of the animal, but intravenous fluid support is usually necessary.

Blood transfusions may be required. Oxygen therapy may be necessary for animals suffering respiratory depression. Cerebral swelling (swelling within the brain) may require specialized medications, such as mannitol to reduce the swelling. Antibiotics may be necessary if there has been damage to the gastrointestinal tract to combat sepsis caused by bacterial translocation. Other therapies may be required.

Severely affected may not survive despite best attempts at resuscitation.

Preventing Heat Stroke in Dogs

In most cases, heat stroke is preventable by taking some simple precautions.

• Do not leave animals caged, tied or otherwise confined outside without adequate shade and water. At very high temperature, animals should be moved indoors rather than being kept outside for prolonged periods of time.


• Do not leave animals in closed compartments exposed to the sun, such as a closed car.


• Increased caution should be used with animals that are obese, have respiratory difficulties, are geriatric or are otherwise unhealthy.


• Be aware that some animals will lie in a sunny window long enough to become subject to heat stroke. Restrict access to these areas if necessary by closing blinds or draperies.


• Provide adequate water for animals that are performing strenuous exercises in warm temperatures. Be aware that animals performing arduous physical activities require more water, sometimes as much as twice the amount or more, than animals at rest.

***

Lorie Huston has been practicing veterinary medicine for over 20 years. Besides a successful career in a busy small animal hospital in Providence, RI, Lorie is also a successful freelance writer specializing in pet care and pet health topics. 

Currently, she is the feature writer for the Pet Care section at Suite101.com and the National Pet Health Examiner at Examiner.com. Lorie also publishes her own blog, The Pet Health Care Gazette and manages an increasingly popular facebook page, The Voice of Pet Care. 

Articles by Dr. Huston:
Lyme Is Lame (Pun Intended)
The Ticking Bomb
Don’t Let Heartworm Become A Heartbreak!
Summer Perils: Blue-green Algae
Your Dog And Leptospirosis
Canine Parvovirus
Canine Distemper Virus
Why Is My Dog So Itchy? Top 5 Causes Of Itching In Dogs 
Vaccination Concerns and Potential Side Effects 
Natural Flea Control for Dogs

Related articles:
Hypo- Versus Hyperthermia
Know Your Dog’s Enemies: Heat Stroke Is No Light Matter!

Kennel Cough Symptoms Treatment

The walks at dusk in winter not dry the mantle of our dogs or sudden temperature changes in winter please multiply cases. This condition is characterized by being highly contagious, though not usually have complications, and is located exclusively in the upper airway. The real name is ‘canine infectious tracheobronchitis’, but everybody is known as kennel cough, since low temperatures and overcrowding makes the disease spread quickly through the kennels or shelters where many animals live together.

How is Kennel Cough transmitted?
Transmission is by direct contact, entry is by air, since it occurs through droplets expelled the dog when sneezing or coughing. This makes a single copy can spread to many, the play in the parkin the street or sleep near them. At this point we should note that on no account be passed to humans.It is more common in nurseries and animal communities as kennel because the stress, overcrowding and environmental factors such as lack of ventilation or poor hygiene, can alter the immune system of these, Which makes them vulnerable to viruses.

Kennel Cough Symptoms and Treatment
The most prominent symptom is very marked dry cough, often exacerbated with exercise, in states of excitement or when you press the neck with the leash. Sometimes, there is also nasal discharge. In most cases sick dogs eat well and stay active. In these patients, generally, clinical signs resolved spontaneously, without having to resort to vet. We must exercise caution in very young puppies, or dogs immunosuppressed animals with pre-existing lung disorders, since they might present complications such as pneumonia. This disease is not serious for the animal, since in most cases refer to two weeks usually set up for the process. May be prescribed antitussivesProvided they are not suspected of presence of liquid in the lungs, and advised rest for at least seven days.

What precautions can you take?
The best practice is to have our pet in the best nutritional and hygienic conditions, avoid stressful situationsIn this way, even in case of infection, the prognosis is always favorable. Logically, we can not Prevent our mascot is related to other dogs in the park and play with them, so there is always a small risk.In the case of animals living in shelters, protective or kennel it is advisable annuallySince vaccinated they are much more exposed to the virus that a dog who lives at home, eating Which has a right and a strong immune system. In short, our pets with the arrival of cold, suffer a kind of canine influenza that has no major complications that we usually suffer us.

Canine arthritis: Symptoms and treatment options for arthritis in dogs

While I’m busy recovering from some back surgery, you have the good fortune of reading posts from some of my favorite doggie bloggers!  Today’s post comes from Dr. Lorie Huston who blogs regularly at Examiner.com.   Please make her feel welcome by posting your wonderful comments.  Be back soon! 

Best wishes,

Dr. Nancy Kay

Canine arthritis is a common and painful disease for affected dogs.

Canine arthritis is also commonly referred to as degenerative joint disease. Arthritis in dogs can have many causes. It may be:

• caused by a congenital deformity in the affected joint, as in hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia


• caused by a previous injury


• caused by aging and the resultant “wear and tear” on the affected joint


• caused by infectious agents, such as Lyme disease


• caused by autoimmune disorders

Symptoms of canine arthritis

Whatever the cause of arthritis, degenerative joint disease in dogs causes pain in the affected joint. Arthritis may affect any joint in the body, including hips, knees, elbows, shoulders, and spines. Arthritis may involve many joints or may affect only one joint.

Symptoms commonly seen with arthritis are related to pain in the affected joint and may include:

• an abnormal gait (i.e. limping or carrying the painful leg)


• stiffness


• difficulty going up and down stairs or climbing into cars, onto furniture, etc.


• difficulty finding a comfortable way to rest or lie


• difficulty rising from a sleeping or seated position


• lack of appetite


• irritability

Treatment of arthritis in dogs

Treatment of arthritis in dogs may involve many different tactics. The immediate objective in treating arthritis is to decrease the pain associated with arthritis, which is often done through the use of pain relief medications. However, there are many other things which may also be recommended to improve the joint health of dogs suffering from arthritis.

Weight control is important for arthritic dogs

For those arthritic dogs which are overweight or obese, weight control should be a top priority. Besides adding additional weight to diseased joints leading to increased pain, fat as a tissue is increasingly being recognized as a secretory organ which produces substances which may in themselves contribute to causing pain. By reducing the weight of an arthritic dog, if appropriate, joint-related pain may become easier to manage.

Pain control for arthritic dogs

There are numerous pain control medications available for dogs with arthritis, including numerous NSAIDS (such as Rimadyl, Etogesic, Deramaxx, Metacam, Previcox and others) as well as medications such as tramadol, gabapentin and amantadine.

Cortisone or steroid products, such as prednisone, prednisolone or dexamethasone, are sometimes used to control the pain associated with arthritis under certain circumstances as well. These medications do have side effects and should be used as directed by the veterinarian. NSAIDs are contra-indicated when these products are being administered.

Nutraceuticals and other medications which may improve joint health

Various dietary supplements have been identified which may help to improve the health of affected joints, thereby easing the symptoms of arthritis. These supplements, also known as nutriceuticals, include:

• glucosamine


• chondroitin


• omega-3 fatty acids


• Methyl-sulfonyl-methane (MSM)

Pet owners should use caution in choosing nutriceuticals for their pets, however and should deal only with reputable drug manufacturers. Nutriceuticals are not regulated as most other pharmaceutical medications are in the United States and there have been many instances of labelling discrepancies with some of these medications.

Adequan is another medication which is often used to help improve the health of an arthritic joint. Adequan is an injectable medication which contains a protective cartilage component known as polysulfated glycosaminoglycan. Adequan has been used with success in relieving pain for some dogs with arthritis and other forms of degenerative joint disease.

Alternative medicine options for relief of arthritis pain in dogs

Acupuncture is being used more commonly to relieve the pain associated with arthritis in dogs and may an alternative in some communities where the services are readily available.

Physical rehabilitation is also becoming more widely used to control chronic pain such as that seen with arthritis as well. Physical therapy may range from modalities such as laser therapy or hydrotherapy to range-of-motion exercises which loosen and strengthen injured muscles, tendons and joints.

Adult stem cell therapy in treating canine arthritis

Stem cell therapy is another treatment option which is showing promise in the treatment of canine arthritis. Adult stem cell therapy has been used for several years as a treatment for muscle, joint and tendon injuries in horses and has more recently become available as a treatment option for dogs with similar injuries or diseases.

Multi-modal treatment approach to treating canine arthritis

In most cases of joint pain and arthritis in dogs, a multi-modal approach which incorporates one or more of the available treatment modalities is advisable. Weight loss for those dogs which are overweight is essential and may in itself provide some pain relief. Nutriceuticals may be used to help improve joint health and provide long-term pain relief. In the shorter term, pain medications or other options, such as acupuncture, may provide more immediate relief from pain. Physical therapy may also be indicated to help keep otherwise unsued muscles strong and healthy.

Dr. Lorie Huston

http://www.examiner.com/pet-health-in-national/canine-arthritis-symptoms-and-treatment-options-for-arthritis-dogs

Lorie Huston currently works as a small animal veterinarian in Providence, dealing primarily with dogs and cats. She has been practicing veterinary medicine since 1986. Lorie is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Rhode Island Veterinary Medical Association and the Veterinary Information Network. She also does a large amount of work for the Volunteer Services for Animals, a non-profit local group dedicated to helping pet owners and their pets. Lorie has been writing online since 2001. She has published numerous articles to various E-zines and newsletters, as well as providing news material to PRWeb. Currently, she is also writing for Ehow.com and Suite101.com.

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Nancy Kay, DVM
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
Author of  Speaking for Spot: Be the Advocate Your Dog Needs to Live a Happy, Healthy, Longer Life
Recipient, American Animal Hospital Association 2009 Animal Welfare and Humane Ethics Award
Recipient, 2009 Dog Writers Association of America Award for Best Blog
Recipient, 2009 Eukanuba Canine Health Award
Become a Fan of Speaking for Spot on Facebook 

Please visit http://www.speakingforspot.com to read excerpts from Speaking for Spot. There you will also find “Advocacy Aids”- helpful health forms you can download and use for your own dog, and a collection of published articles on advocating for your pet’s health. Speaking for Spot is available at Amazon.com, local bookstores, and your favorite online book seller. 

Free Christmas or Chanukah gift wrap with books purchased between now and December 25th (www.speakingforspot.com/purchase.html).

Tags: acupuncture, adequan, canine arthritis, canine arthritis causes, canine arthritis symptoms, chondroitin, Dr. Lorie Huston, examiner.com, glucosamine, methyl-sulfonyl-methane (MSM), nutriceuticals, omega-3 fatty acids, pain control for arthritic dogs, phyusical rehabilitation, Speaking for Spot, stem cell therapy for canine arthritis, weight control

This entry was posted on December 6, 2010 at 7:10 am and is filed under Canine Symptoms, Dog care tips, Guest Bloggers, Medications, Nutritional supplements for pets, Speaking for Spot, Veterinary Supplements. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

Dog Lyme-disease Symptoms | Treatment

Lyme disease is not only able to transmit to humans, but also can attack your pets, like your dog! The disease is caused by bacteria what we call as ‘Borrelia burgdorferi’ (it is a kind of spirochete bacteria which can spread to human and pets through a bite of deer tick). If you love your dog and you live in areas with high population of deer tick, you need to clearly understand about Lymes disease symptoms in dogs!

You may also like to read about dog arthritis treatment and congestive heart failure in dogs, before continuing!

Old Lyme is a town in the U.S where the disease discovered for the first time in 1975. And today, there are more states in the U.S that are suggested as the high population of deer tick — for more in-depth information, ask to a local health department!

How is Lyme disease transmitted to dogs?

The period from ‘spring’ to ‘autumn’ is the most active period of ticks — grass and tall brush are some of common places where they live in this period. As written before, Lyme disease in dogs is spread by deer tick or also familiar called as ‘Ixodes scapularis’.

We all agree that summer is great time to enjoy outdoor with your dog, but it also can be major factor to put you and your dog at higher risk of getting a tick bite. And like Lyme disease in humans, the disease can be spread to dog through a tick bite (especially by an infected tick).

Once your dog get an attached tick & tick bite (in many cases it attaches around ear, neck, feet, and head area), your dog has a higher risk of having Lyme disease. Dogs with high exposure of ticks might be more prone to have Lyme disease. 

Additionally, there are also other types of tick that also can affect the health of your dog. Some of them are ‘Dermacentor variabilis’ (the American tick) and ‘Rhipicephalus sanguineus’ (brown dog tick).

How to notice any tick in your dog?

You need to extra precautions during the active season of ticks. Fortunately, we can see an attached tick with our naked eyes. Check your dog regularly during warmer months!

If you notice any attached tick in your dog, be careful in removing it. If you in doubt on how to do it properly, call a pet healthcare or veterinarian if necessary to remove the attached ticks completely and prevent/eliminate future infection! Any contact with the blood of tick can spread the infection to you and your dog. Make sure the attached tick is completely removed as soon as possible, because the transmission of Lyme disease ‘from an infected tick to your dog’ usually only takes a few hours.

Dog Lyme disease symptoms

Once your dog has had Lyme disease, there is chance for your dog to experience the same condition for the second time — particularly for the recurrent lameness of the limbs which usually caused by the joint inflammation.

Dogs with Lyme disease may experience acute lameness in the legs. It usually lasts for 2-4 days, but will come back /recur days or weeks later in the same of area (the infected leg of dog) or may also infect other legs if left untreated.

Untreated Lyme disease in dog may also generate problems associated with the kidney, which then may cause dysfunction & inflammation in the glomeruli of the kidney! This condition finally will lead to the kidney failure and then will generate some symptoms, such as; fluid buildup in some areas of the body (under the skin, legs, and abdomen), weight loss (poor appetite), vomiting, thirst /increased urination, and diarrhea.

Other signs of dogs with Lyme disease may include:

1. In rare cases, dog may also experience complications associated with nervous system.


2. Swollen in the site of getting a bite tick.


3. Shortness of breath /difficult to breath. And in rare cases, problems that indicate heart abnormalities may occur.


4. Your dog is getting more sensitive if you touch!


5. And fever.

Furthermore, a tick bite is not only associated with Lyme disease. There are also other complications that can be caused by a tick bite in your dog. Some of them are skin irritation, anemia or blood loss, tick paralysis, and ehrlichiosis!

How about with the prevention and treatment?

The best idea in preventing Lyme disease is by protecting your dog to keep far away from a tick bite. There are available some products that not only effective to kill ticks but also can treat fleas. These products are usually also purposed to protect your dog from the future infection. Dogs with the environment of high tick population are usually recommended to use these topical treatments.

Talk more with a vet to find the right advices about a specific product that you should choose for your pets! Ask also to her/him for more tips to eliminate the distribution of ticks in your local environment! Don’t forget also to ask about the use of vaccine for your dog, it may help your pet in preventing Lyme disease.

How about with the treatment? Below are helpful checklists:

1. Like the treatment of Lyme disease in humans, the treatment of the disease in dogs also involves antibiotics. And antibiotics are the primer component of the treatment in any stage of Lyme disease. There are some types of antibiotics to choose from. The right one that will be given by your vet is closely dependent to the stage of the disease and the symptoms that occur. 


2. Infected dog with mild symptoms (the early stage of Lyme disease) are usually considered with outpatient treatment, unless if its condition is severe!


3. Your vet usually gives advice to keep your pet in warm & dry place. Furthermore, you need to keep monitoring the activities of your pet and the progress of its symptoms!


4. You may want to use some pain medications, but much better to avoid them until your vet recommends them!


5. How about with the dietary changes? It is usually not required, but sometimes may be recommended by your vet.

In addition, read also the previous post about Lyme disease in children!

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Reference: WebMD and PetMD
Image credit to ‘shutterstock’ for illustration

Dog Health: Spider Bite Treatment

So, we now knew that Lilly suffered a spider bite and ensuing infection. But, we’ll never know what kind of spider or where or how it happened, but she needed treatment and fast.

Again, if you are sensitive at all, fair warning … what unfolds next isn’t particularly gross, but it is upsetting if you understand the potential outcomes of a fearful dog going through something both painful and scary.

You can catch up via Dog Spider Bite Part 1, Dog Spider Bite Part 2, and Dog Spider Bite Part 3 of our latest veterinary emergency saga.

Dog Spider Bite Treatment

Once our veterinarian cleaned the spider bite surface with alcohol and drained the fluid, Lilly needed treatment and fast. That meant both massive antibiotics and massive steroids by injection to kick-start her recovery.

We’d, then, follow-up with at-home meds — both antibiotics and steroids — for a week.

It also probably helped — or least didn’t hurt — that I’d dosed Lilly with benadryl in anticipation of preventing a vaccine reaction for the lepto vaccine we had planned for this routine wellness exam that turned into anything but.

“Hold on to her, talk to her,” my veterinarian instructed. “This is going to sting.”

Now, I’ve held Lilly for many other kinds of injections over the years, but I was NOT prepared for her response to this one.

Suffice it to say, I did not hold on TIGHT ENOUGH.

As soon as the veterinarian began to “push” the injection into Lilly’s back, Lilly screamed.

I mean, yipe … Yipe … YIPE. YIPE, YIPE … screams that went on and on.

This is a dog who has survived TWO painful rattlesnake bites to the face without a whimper.

Lilly whipped her head around and came as close to biting as I’ve ever seen. Clearly, I should have had a better hold. (Note to self and others … these kinds of shots HURT. Hold on tight.)

Her head otter sleek, with ears pinned entirely back. Her lips, long and thin, stretched back into a grimace, and she chattered her teeth at our veterinarian. I’ve seen a few dogs do this before, and I’m not sure … but it looks almost like they’re saying, “I want to bite, but I know I shouldn’t, so I’m just going to click my teeth at you.”

As soon as all the meds were in, Lilly broke loose, flung herself to the floor, and tried to lick and/or soothe the spot on her back. She literally writhed on the floor.

For you Harry Potter fans, it felt like watching the Cruciatus Curse. Not good.

I’m sure I looked both shocked and panicked at Lilly’s reaction. “Is she going to be OK?” I asked.

“It’ll hurt for about 10 minutes, then she’ll be OK,” our veterinarian assured.

So, while she gave me going-home instructions, I did my best to comfort and console Lilly. Our spider-bite-watch rules included:

• Start pills the next morning because the injection would cover her needs until then.


• If she seems in distress at all overnight (poor breathing, lethargy, vomiting, etc.), take her to the veterinary ER.


• If she seems worse the next day (lethargy, not eating, increased swelling), call and bring her back in so that they can do surgery to clean out the infection and put in a drain right away.


• Otherwise, bring her back Wednesday for a recheck, and if the vets don’t like what they see, then surgery. So, don’t feed her breakfast Wednesday, just in case.

As a safety measure, our veterinarian asked another one to come in the exam room and feel Lilly’s lump so that he knew what was what and would be able to assess her for us if necessary the next day.

He helped us with Lilly’s second rattlesnake bite, so we’ve met before. We joked a little about how I thought at first this was another snake bite and how that would have been the last doggone straw for me. He teased that she’s clearly moved on to other biting creatures.

(Flies also find Lilly rather inviting … that story here … Lilly, The Larva Rancher.)

“I hope NOT to see you tomorrow,” I told him.

I ran Lilly out to my car, where she could relax, while I paid our bill and got her at-home medicines.

I called Tom from the parking lot. “You’re not going to believe this…” I began.

Lilly and I had promised to get some spicy, gooey Mexican takeout on the way home, so we upheld the bargain.

Once home, she had dinner … as did I, before updating our fans and friends online, then falling onto the sofa.

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We’ll continue this tale tomorrow with the debate over surgery.

Symptoms, Causes and Treatment for a Pet with a Fever

By Linda Cole

It’s not always easy to determine if a pet has a fever or not. The general way many pet owners decide if their dog or cat is running a temperature is by feeling their nose. If it’s wet and cool, that’s a good sign the pet is healthy, but if it’s dry and hot that could mean the pet has a fever. However, there are better signs of fever in pets. Pet parents can tell right away when a pet isn’t feeling well, especially when they pass up their favorite CANIDAE or FELIDAE meal. We can also tell if they’re warm by touching them. If your pet is running a fever, you need to know for sure, otherwise you may miss the reason for their fever. The best way to know for certain is to actually take their temperature using a rectal thermometer.

Symptoms and Causes of Fever in Dogs and Cats

The first thing to remember is that our pet’s body temperature is higher than ours. We have a normal body temperature at 97.6 up to 99.6. A dog’s normal body temperature is 101 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. The normal temperature for cats is 100.4 to 102.5 degrees. Indications of a fever include loss of appetite, lack of energy, depression, shivering, a runny nose, coughing, dehydration, lack of grooming or vomiting.

An infection or inflammation can produce a fever in pets. Anytime their body temperature is over 103 degrees Fahrenheit is cause for concern. A temperature of 106 degrees or higher can damage a pet’s internal organs and can be fatal. High fever in cats isn’t as harmful for them as it is for dogs, but it’s always best to get a high fever down as quickly as possible. If you can’t bring it down on your own within a day or two, a trip to the vet is recommended for specialized care and to determine why they have a fever.

A fever can be an indication your pet is fighting an infection inside the body or outside. An unnoticed cut on a paw pad or between a toe could have become infected. A bite or scratch from another dog or cat, an ear infection, a bad tooth or an abscess (common in cats) can cause infection. Urinary tract infection, pneumonia, encephalitis, fungal, bacterial or viral diseases can all cause your pet to run a fever. Complications during birth can also cause a pet to have a fever.

Dogs often pick up things they find on the ground, and both dogs and cats will nibble on plants. Many inside and outside plants are toxic to pets and can cause them to have a fever. Antifreeze poisoning, human medications, eating toxic human food or drinking alcohol can cause a rise in body temperature. If you suspect poisoning, take your pet to the vet immediately.

Sometimes the cause of a fever is unknown, and that could indicate problems with their immune system, an infection that hasn’t been found yet, or cancer. Many pets will run a low grade fever after their yearly vaccinations, and it’s recommended to keep a watchful eye on them for a few days after getting their updated shots. As long as their temperature remains under 103 degrees there’s no cause for concern, unless it lasts longer than 48 hours.

How to Take Your Pet’s Temperature

A digital rectal thermometer made specifically for pets is recommended. It will register your pet’s temperature in less than 60 seconds which for the pet is a good thing. Lubricate the thermometer with petroleum jelly or baby oil. Carefully and gently insert it about an inch into your pet’s anus and then remove it as soon as you have a reading. It is not recommended to use a glass thermometer or the type we use in our ears or mouth.

Reducing a Pet’s Fever

To help reduce a pet’s high fever that’s over 105, apply cool water around their ears and paws. You can put them in front of a fan and as their fur dries it will help them cool down. It’s important to monitor their temperature with a thermometer and remove them from in front of a fan and stop applying water once their temperature has dropped to 103. Try to get them to drink small amounts of water.

Never give dogs or cats human medication like acetaminophen or aspirin to reduce a fever. Aspirin is extremely toxic for pets. Applying water to cats to reduce a fever is not recommended. However, if a dog or cat is suffering from heat stroke, applying water around the ears, paws and back of the neck will help cool them down. Do not use ice if your pet is suffering from heat stroke.

Photo by Marlana Shipley 

Read more articles by Linda Cole

Symptoms and Treatment of Stomach Cancer in Dogs

Stomach cancer in dogs is very rare with most dogs not surviving longer than 6 months. Symptoms are generally only noticed in the late stages of the cancers development.

Stomach cancer in dogs is more commonly found in males as well as certain breeds of dog.

Symptoms include:

·         Vomiting with traces of blood in the vomit.

·         Traces of blood in the faeces

·         Poor appetite

·         Weight loss and poor general condition

·         Very vocal such as whining

·         Low energy levels

·         Anti-social

·         Tries to avoid physical contact as a result of physical pain.

If taken to a vet they may do a number of different tests to see if the dog has got stomach cancer, these include x-rays, ultra sounds or blood tests.

Treatment of stomach cancer in dogs is unfortunately not successful in the long term and the cancer can spread quite quickly to the rest of the organs.

Tumours in the stomach need to be surgically removed as they can obstruct the pathway of food into the stomach.

Dogs with stomach cancer lose weight quite rapidly so it is advisable to get the dog on to the correct diet to help keep on the weight and strengthen the immune system.

Chemotherapy can be used to try and prevent any further cancerous cells from developing but often proves unsuccessful.

Radiation treatment can be done to help treat the pain.

After surgery regular tests should be done to monitor the dogs’ condition. Any some cases the tumours will re-grow in other cases the tumours may never come back.

Other treatment options include herbal treatments. There are a number of natural products on the market which can be given to a dog with stomach cancer which will help boost its immune system as well as improve its mental state.

From start to end you should make your pet as comfortable as possible. You can also comfort your dog with cuddles and love and show him how important he is to the family.