Category: Dog Health

Dog health issues helping you understand and treat

Dealing with Pets shedding Season

Shedding dogs
Most of us, pet owners, have to deal with our dogs and cat shedding year round. Bur it gets so much worse when season changes. Sometimes i need to vacuum the house even twice a day with my 3 dogs and two cats. Yes, it’s quite annoying, but i would not change anything.  With the love and happiness they bring home, this is only a small fee to pay.


Shedding can not be eliminated totally, but there are few steps to ease the pain (of my arm from cleaning).


This one goes to cats and dogs – grooming. Use a good brush and let them enjoy. Do it as often as you can. If you can do it daily that is great. You should choose the right brush to fit pup’s hair / fur. Cats have their brush too.


Bath your doggie – I know it’s not an easy task convince most pups to bath (i know mine when it’s time, and they hide like it helps them). After bathing brush him and you’ll collect all the loos hair that would be on the floor tomorrow if he did not bath today.


Try changing his diet – Healthy and balanced diet gives the fur shining and healthy look. Always check the ingredient and make sure Protein, meat, minerals are in first line. Low nutrients may cause excessive shedding and vice versa.

Supplements for anti-shedding – vitamins, and essential oils may improve shedding. The best is to ask your vet for recommendation.


Other than that – just vacuum and use the sticky lint roller remover, and do not wear Black….Yea :)

If you a tip to add here, please do.

Preventative Pet Care: Tips for a Healthier, Happier Pet

Happy-Dog

You want what is best for your pet, and just like any other family member, you want them to live happily and in good health for as long as they can.  However, the same sweet little pooch that is content to just sit in your lap might have serious health issues that he or she can’t tell you about. Also, injuries and accidents happen at the worst possible times and emergency vet bills can be expensive.  Taking a few simple precautions can save you big money in the long run.

Besides plenty of exercise, socialization, vaccinations and regular vet checkups, there are many different ways with which to extend your dog’s life.  Many dog breeds are more prone to specific health issues like hip dysplasia, glaucoma, breathing disorder, bone cancer and digestive disorders.  Ask your vet about what illnesses your dog may be susceptible to. and check the natural supplements for dogs

Listed below are other ways to help your dog stay healthy and age with ease and grace:

Grooming

Keep your dog’s nails clipped and their hair brushed.  Even inside dogs can develop joint pains and develop matts associated with poor grooming.  You don’t have to take them to the groomer and run up a big bill either.  Just regularly brush your pet and buy a cheap pair of nail clippers to do the job.  Many vets provide grooming services, as well.

Teeth

Canine dental health is directly related to their overall health.  Gum and tooth disease is highly preventable.  According to Darlene Arden, author of The Angell Memorial Animal Hospital Book of Wellness and Preventive Care for Dogs (McGraw-Hill), “Rotting teeth and gums are breeding grounds for harmful bacteria, which end up in the bloodstream and can shorten a pet’s life by damaging the heart, liver and kidneys.” Cheap plaque removing treats and dog toothbrushes are available at www.4-legged.com

Heartworm Prevention

Pets.webmd.com states:  “A [heartworm] prevention program should be started at 6 to 8 weeks of age in endemic areas, or as soon thereafter as climate conditions dictate. In the Deep South, where mosquitoes are a year-round problem, dogs should be kept on preventive drugs all year long.” Medications like Heartgard can be purchased at major retailers, and the Heartgard even markets prevention medications against fleas and ticks, Or check the natural and healthier way with shampoo and spray to prevent flea and ticks

Neuter/Spay

Have your pet spayed or neutered as early as possible, preferably before they reach sexual maturity—younger dogs heal faster.  This will prevent a multitude of health and behavior problems in the future, including many types of cancer.  Your dog will not gain weight—that is a myth. Neutering prevents behavioral issues like escaping, becoming aggressive, and spraying when males smell a female in heat. Spayed females are more likely to have an even temperament.

Another important outcome will be reducing the dogs (and cats) population, meaning, less unwanted shelters animal killings

Food

Feed your dog foods that fit the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standarts. A balanced diet consists of good proteins, veggies and fruits and whole grains.  Try and avoid foods that contain large amounts of corn and by-products.  A healthy dog on higher quality food will ultimately avoid illnesses across the spectrum.

Pet Insurance

Pet insurance companies help you prepare for the emergencies.  They usually involve a monthly fee, a little paperwork, and require a pet to be healthy for a year and have no preexisting conditions.  It’s important to get your dog on pet insurance while they are young.

Following these guidelines will help prevent major catastrophes with your dog, will help to extend their lives, and will prepare them (and your wallet) for old age.  So hold your Chihuahua (or Husky that thinks she’s a lapdog) a little longer knowing that with your help, they’ll be with you for a long time.


Thanksgiving Dinner – Not For Your Pet

I am sure you are already thinking about the foods on the Thanksgiving dinner table. I am sure most dogs would love to join the dinner table too, but you have to keep in mind that the human food is bad for the pets. Really bad. In general food and scraps may cause diarrhea, and allergy symptoms.  Some pets, when owner replaces their food with new food get the same reaction. It is recommended to give a pet (dog or cat) at first just a pinch, and slowly replacing the old food with the new one. That way the chances are better that he would not have side effects from the food he is not used to.
Sharp bones may get stuck in your pet’s throat or pierce the gastric intestinal or stomach
Fatty food affects –  bloody stool, and vomiting
The best way preventing from pets eating the food is keeping them in a separate area. You know how people like to sneak under the table some “good food” for the “poor doogie”. Most likely someone will do that even if you ask not to.
Also, the overflowed garbage can will be left alone, without a dog or cat sniffing and testing the content.

A veterinary pet insurance company found that In 2011, out of the 267,915 claims processed during the holiday months (November through January), 17,421 claims were associated with vomiting and diarrhea resulting from human food.
Any dog or cat owner should always avoid giving these foods as they are toxic to animals, may cause potentially life-threatening cardiac and even death.  Chocolate, onion, garlic, fatty foods, such as roasts, gravy, nuts, egg nog. Your garbage contain some or most of these foods.
Have a tasty and a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Safe And Happy Halloween For Your 4-Legged

Scary Cat From www.catspictures.net
Scary Cat From www.catspictures.net

 

Although Halloween is fun for humans, it can be scary and even deadly for your cat and dog. But with few simple steps you’ll keep them healthy and happy this night.
Sweets and chocolate in particular are harmful for pets. Especially dark or baking chocolate is toxic for pets. Keep them in your bucket and not in your pet bowl.
Keep sweets wrappers away.Chewing them and ingesting may choke the furry baby.
Bell ringing and lot of strangers with scary clothing at the entrance can be frightening for dogs and cats. Also, open doors are tempting for a pet to take a long walk around the neighborhood. It’s best to keep them behind a door in another room with ID tag and on leash. You can never know when Fido decides to use his genius to open the door. Don’t forget to leave water and maybe some treats and a toy.
Pay attention the light wires are not with pets’ reach. Chewing it may cause electrical shock and burns.
Going out with your pet in costume…make sure he likes and feels good in it , that it’s not too small, too big, too heavy or burly, and he can breath and move freely. Some dogs don’t like the clothing idea. Do not force them just because you are enjoying it. In general, use a simple costume as possible. You don’t have one yet? Check out our Halloween dog costumes, shirts and accessories

 

Happy Halloween  …   BOO

Keeping Pets Safe During Winter

Like us humans, dogs (and cats) do suffer from the cold weather, you can keep your pet safe with some simple steps.

Keep Pets Warm
Winter-Coat- to -Keep-Dog_warm-During-Winter

Some breeds are use to handle the cold because the thick fur, but others, especially teacup, small breeds and short hair dogs do not handle cold so good.  Even if you do not like to dress your dog, it would be good solution to have a coat or sweater for the daily walk to keep pooch warm.

Booties protect the paws from the salt used on roads, that can irritate the skin. They also keep your house clean from the outside mud.

Antifreeze is extremely toxic for all pets, and even small amount can kill your pet. The main problem with the antifreeze is that it has sweet taste that dogs love.  Keep it in close place, be careful not to spill while using it. Pet that come in contact with the antifreeze should visit the vet immediately.

Try keeping your dog (and cat)  inside. If he has an outside house, it needs to be heated to keep the dog warm and preventing his water from freezing.  Heated bed and heated food and water bowls can help. But the best is if you can bring your dog inside during the winter season.

In areas where ponds freeze, do not let Fido run by himself on that area. The danger of ice breaking and the dog fall into the freezing water can cause hypothermia or even kill him.

When pets stays home alone, or during the night, keep the heat on a comfortable temperature for the pets.

If you’re bringing inside your plants before the first freeze, be sure the plants are not toxic for your dog or cat.

Don’t leave cat or dog unsupervised when the fireplace working.

Cats (and other small pets) are vulnerable to the cold as dogs are and even more. You can find heated beds for dogs and cats to keep them warm and prevent cold or even hypothermia.

Think about your pet in the same terms you think about humans and you all survive the cold winter days healthy and happy.

 

 

 

Oral Health For Dogs and Cats

Do you brush your teeth every day…i hope you do. Do you brush your dog or cat teeth? If you do not, then it’s time you start do so.

Why? Because about 70% of cats and 80% of dogs have dental disease by age 2. The reason is  plaque and tartar buildup that if not removed can lead to gingivitis that cause pain and gum inflammation, teeth lost and infections of other organs in the body.

The easiest way avoiding it is by brushing your pet’s teeth regularly. You can find cats and dog toothbrushes and toothpaste for just few dollars. Do not use human toothpaste on your pet!!

Some factors that contribute to oral health.

AGE – more common in older pets

BREED – since small dogs sometimes have overcrowded teeth, it’s hard to keep them clean. Ask your vet for advice on how to keep them clean and healthy.

FOOD – sticky food leads to more rapid buildup of plaque. You’ll find in pet stores treats that help clean the plaque and are tasty for your dog.  Dental dog toys can also help with cleaning dog teeth.

If pet teeth are in bad condition, your vet will do the cleaning under anesthesia, and it’s not cheap. So start brushing and buy your pooch or kitty new toy with the vet cleaning money instead.

 

Partial source  – hills prescription diet

Some Human foods Dogs Should Eat

We feed our dog with meat and some vegetables, but do you give Fido Herring ??

My guess is NO.  Cooked herring may be beneficial for dogs with arthritic as it has fatty acids. Also good for skin and coat.

Tuna water, you can add it to your dog food. My cats, wherever they are, i open tuna can they are next to me meowing. Most of the time they get the water and the tuna. How can i say no…would you :)

Cheese, good source of calcium and protein. Dogs LOVE yellow cheese, and i use it when i am training my pooch.

Chicken broth, use low sodium for doggie and for you too. Add a little to his dry food. My libbi dose not like her dry food. So i add some chicken broth or peace of leftover meat. That’s enough for her to enjoy the whole dish.

Peppermint, add it to his cookies. Believed to be beneficial in treating stomach problems.

Cinnamon, believed to have anti-cancer and anti bacterial benefits. Add to his cookies.

Spaghetti squash, high in beta carotene, which is beneficial for eyesight. Good cooked or raw.

Barley grass, high in antioxidants and can be a treat for dogs when lawns are covered by snow.  Barley grass is the “cat grass” in many pet stores.

Also – freeze leftover meat. Give it as treat.

Peanut butter – fill in  a Kong and let him enjoy it.

 

 

Source – www.moderndogmagazine.com

Keep Pet Safe This Spring / Summer From Toxic in Your Yard

We love the summer (well….i do),  the Green backyard and the color of our plants but we should not forget the hazards in out backyards.

Fertilizer – Although it feeds the plants, it can heart pet digestive.

You need to follow instructions and wait the appropriate period before letting your pet enjoy the outside again.

Insecticides – Same as the fertilizer it contains toxic materials. Always store pesticides in safe areas and read manufacturer’s label for correct use.

Poisonous Plants – There are lot of plants that are poison for pets, can cause liver failure or affect the heart. Before planting outdoor greens look for a list of all toxic plants to avoid or plant them out of reach.

Mulch –Chocolate is bad for pets!! It can cause vomiting, diarrhea and muscle tremors elevated heart rate, hyperactivity and even seizures. Using cocoa mulch (made of cocoa bean shells) has sweet smell that attracts dogs and depending on the amount digested it can heart dogs. Use other mulch (it’s still toxic but less then the cocoa mulch)

Compost – If you going Green and composting, keep in mind that some human foods are toxic for dogs and cats, like moldy food, chocolate, coffee and certain types of fruit and vegetables. Check the list of those foods and try to avoid them.

Lime Disease – Some areas are more exposed to ticks that cause Lime dieses. As always, keep your pet up to date with all vaccines. Consult your vet regarding the Lime disease vaccine.

Id Tag – Keep id tag with your phone number on your pet at all times. You never know when he’ll decides on going for a walk alone.

Toxic Mulch That Is HIGHLY Toxic To Dogs And Cats.

The doting owner of two young lab mixes purchased Cocoa Mulch from Target to use in their garden. The dogs loved the way it smelled and it was advertised to keep cats away from their garden. Their dog (Calypso) decided the mulch smelled good  enough to eat and devoured a large helping.  She vomited a few times which was typical when she eats something new but wasn’t acting lethargic in any way.  The next day, Mom woke up and took Calypso out for her morningwalk. Half way through the walk, she had a seizure and died instantly.

Although the mulch had NO warnings printed on the label, upon further investigation on the company’s web site, this product is HIGHLY toxic to dogs and cats.

Cocoa Mulch is manufactured by Hershey’s, and they claim that “It is true that studies have shown that 50% of the dogs that eat Cocoa Mulch can suffer  physical  harm  to a variety of  degrees (depending on each individual dog).  However, 98% of all dogs won’t eat it.”

Cocoa Mulch, which is sold by Home Depot, Foreman’s Garden Supply and other Garden supply stores contains a lethal ingredient called ‘Theobromine’. It is lethal to dogs and cats. It smells like chocolate and it really attracts dogs. They will ingest this stuff and die. Several deaths already occurred in the last 2-3 weeks.

Theobromine is in all chocolate, especially dark or baker’s chocolate which is toxic to dogs. Cocoa bean shells contain potentially toxic quantities of theobromine, a xanthine compound similar in effects to caffeine and theophylline.  A dog that ingested a lethal quantity of garden  mulch made from cacao bean shells developed severe convulsions and died 17 hours later. Analysis of the stomach contents and the ingested cacao bean shells revealed the presence of lethal amounts of theobromine.

Please note: You should investigate more regarding this product. This article is based on information i received via email. Regarding the theobromine  that is mentioned in this article – the ASPCA confirms that cocoa beans can hurt dogs.