Dog Diarrhea And Vomiting Problems And How To Avoid Them

Diarrhea can, and chances are will come to every dog you ever have in your lifetime and is a very common type of illness to have the same as it is common in humans, but in most cases is nothing serious and is not a cause to worry about like many new dog owners might think on first inspection, due to the natural instinct of wanting to care for their new pet as well as possible.

Lots of things can cause diarrhea in your dog and although on most cases the vet need not be contacted if it persists or becomes uncontrollable by your dog then it may need a better examination and diagnosis to prescribe the correct medicine.

Diarrhea is more common in puppies due to their immune system not being as strong as a dog’s immune system yet but diarrhea in dogs is also very common. Situations which cause diarrhea can be anything from a change in surroundings, worms, or conccidia, to a virus or pest your dog has caught.

A change in diet or food may have triggered the illness and it should be looked into to stop it happening again, dogs are very vulnerable to changes and it can affect them in many ways. Being over excited or having stressful days along with other emotional changes may bring this problem.

It is always important to look after your dog as well as possible during the time they are suffering and feeling the effects of this illness, puppies and dogs will get dehydrated in these times and you need to make sure they have enough fluids to stop further illness occurring.

While your dog has diarrhea they become weaker due to low body weight and they will not be getting sufficient vitamins so their immune system is lower making it easier to catch other viruses and illnesses and making this the time to watch your dogs health the most to avoid unwanted problems.

Keep a close eye on your dog when they have diarrhea and if you have fears of it being anything but a common diarrhea cause then seek a vet or professional for advice. There are plenty of advice leaflets and informational sheets around in pet shops and dog care specialist places, as long as you are aware of your dog’s problem and are aware of these facts you should be in good shape to maintain the health and well being of your canine.

Dog X-Ray

X-rays can be used to diagnose or detect many conditions and disorders in dogs. Bone fractures, bladder stones and tumors can easily be detected through this technique. Sometimes dogs swallow the most ridiculous things that can become lodged in their gastric-intestinal tract such as nails, rocks, fishhooks, safety pins, bones, toys etc…all these things can cause serious damage if not detected soon enough. Some dogs may also suffer from hereditary dog illnesses like elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, mitral valve disease, cardiomyopathy and most of these diseases can be identified using dog x-rays.

Hip dysplasia results into severe arthritis in dogs. In this dog illness, the socket joining the demur to the pelvis is shallow. The caput i.e. the ball of the femur is not round and smooth but is misshapen. This causes a lot of friction within the joint as it moves. This results in severe arthritis in the dog. The dog’s natural repair system will repair itself by adding new cartilage. However, the cartilage repair is a relatively slow process because the cartilage lacks blood flow, which is necessary for rapid bodily repairs. The degraded joint may not be able to support the body weight as expected. The joint then becomes inflamed leading to a cycle of cartilage damage and inflammation. The bones of the joint may also develop osteoarthritis, which is visible on a dog x-ray as small outcrops of bone. Hence, the dog x-rays can help us to recognize these fractures so that we can treat them efficiently.

However, taking x-rays require dogs to remain still. Sometimes, the dog squirms and moves during the x-ray. This results in unclear and distorted images of the dog’s insides, which can lead to wrong diagnosis. Sometimes, it so happens that a dog having hip dysplasia is not diagnosed because the veterinary surgeon cannot make out the slight shift of the bone. The dog is already living in infinite pain. On top of this, even after the dog is x-rayed and found to have nothing wrong in his system, do not think the efforts have been wasted. X-rays should always be neatly filed up for future references. To determine the dog illnesses, the x-ray is important and so it is vital for the owner and the vet to position the dog properly on the table and take some measures to keep it still. Some dogs are naturally obedient and won’t move a muscle if his or her owner instructs so. Sometimes, a light anaesthetic is registered to keep the dog still. if the dog is being x-rayed for the muscles, anesthesia is unavoidable.

It happens more often than not, that the dog x-rays might not turn out to be conclusive. In such cases, one should reserve breeding until the x-rays show something definite. By the time the dog is fully-grown the dog x-rays will reveal the proper status of the dog’s bone development. The OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) will not classify hips in dogs until they are two years of age.

There are other dog diseases like blood clots, esophageal achalasia and bladder stones which x-rays can detect. People are having their dogs x-rayed these days to detect possible bone fractures that the dog might have.

X-rays, therefore, have become inevitable in the field of veterinary practice. In this way, dog x-rays can help to cure the dog illnesses that trouble our cuddly friends.Dog X-Ray

X-rays can be used to diagnose or detect many conditions and disorders in dogs. Bone fractures, bladder stones and tumors can easily be detected through this technique. Some times dogs swallow the most ridiculous things that can become lodged in their gastro intestinal tract such as nails, rocks, fishhooks, safety pins, bones, toys etc.; all these things can cause serious damage if not detected soon. Some dogs may also suffer from hereditary dog illnesses like elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, mitral valve disease, cardiomyopathy and most of these diseases can be identified using dog x-rays.

Hip dysplasia results into severe arthritis in dogs. In this dog illness, the socket joining the femur to the pelvis is shallow. The caput i.e. the ball of the femur is not round and smooth but is misshapen. This causes a lot of friction within the joint as it moves. This results in severe arthritis in the dog. The dog¡¦s natural repair system will repair itself by adding new cartilage. However, the cartilage repair is a relatively slow process because the cartilage lacks blood flow, which is necessary for rapid bodily repairs. The degraded joint may not be able to support the body weight as expected. The joint then becomes inflamed leading to a cycle of cartilage damage and inflammation. The bones of the joint may also develop osteoarthritis, which is visible on a dog x-ray as small outcrops of bone. Hence, the dog x-rays can help us to recognize these fractures so that we can treat them efficiently.

However, taking x-rays require dog to remain still. Sometimes, the dog squirms and moves during the x-ray. This results in unclear and distorted images of the dog¡¦s insides. This can lead to wrong diagnosis. Sometimes, it so happens that a dog having hip dysplasia is not diagnosed because the veterinary surgeon cannot make out the slight shift of the bone. The dog is already living in infinite pain. On top of this, even after you x-ray him, you do not find any thing wrong in his system; do not think that your efforts have been wasted. X-rays should always be neatly filed up for future references. To determine the dog illnesses, the x-ray is important and so it is vital for the owner and the vet to position the dog properly on the table and take some measures to keep it still. Some dogs are naturally obedient and wont move a muscle if his or her owner instructs so. Sometimes, a light anaesthetic is registered to keep the dog still. If the dog is being x-rayed for the muscles, anesthesia is unavoidable.

It happens more often than not, that the dog x-rays might not turn out to be conclusive. In such cases, one should reserve breeding until the x-rays show something definite. By the time, the dog is fully-grown the dog x-rays will reveal the proper status of the dog¡¦s bone development. The OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) will not classify hips in dogs until they are two years of age.

There are other dog diseases like blood clots, oesophageal achalasia and bladder stones which x-rays can detect. People are having their dogs x-rayed these days to detect possible bone fractures that he or she may have. X-rays therefore, have become inevitable in the field of veterinary practice. In this way, dog x-rays can help to cure the dog illnesses which trouble our cuddly dogs.

Could You Identify Common Dog Symptoms of Illness?

Being able to recognize common dog symptoms of illness can help save your dog in an emergency situation by providing effective first aid. Your efforts could buy you some precious time while you take your dog to a medical treatment center. 

In order to decide whether your dog has symptoms of an illness, you’ll need to observe his behavior on a regular basis. You should pay attention to all his little weird habits and quirks every day. Does your dog have a tendency to chase his tail when it’s time to go out for a walk? Or does your dog chase his tail in the hopes of biting it? If it’s the second option, then your dog could have a bacterial infection.

By knowing your dog and understanding some basic facts about dogs, you can establish whether something is right or possibly wrong about his health. A dog’s body temperature is normally around 39 degrees Celsius or 102 degrees Fahrenheit. You have to take your dog’s temperature with a rectal thermometer. Make sure to have a pair of gloves and some alcohol swabs handy to clean the thermometer after you’ve taken the dog’s temperature.

To take your dog’s temperature, do it while your dog is calm and standing up on all fours. If he is tired because he just came back from a long walk, it’s even better as he may cooperate a little more. Do not allow your dog to sit down while taking his temperature as the thermometer could get pushed up inside of him and it could puncture or damage bodily tissues.

You can also check your dog’s pulse to look for any other symptoms of an illness. To check his pulse, place both hands on his heart, in his inner thigh or in his front legs. These points make it easy for you to feel his pulse.  Count the number of heartbeats during a 15-second period (keep an eye on a clock or a watch) and then multiply that number by 4 to get his average heartbeat per minute. Normal heart rate varies according to the breed, size or age of the dog. Larger dogs normally have lower heart rates and smaller dogs normally have faster heart rates.

A dog may also show symptoms of illness or injury through a change in their behavior.  For example, your dog could ignore your commands, withdraw from the family or other dogs, refuse to move, whine a lot, refuse to eat, refuse to urinate or defecate or remain really quiet. 

You should always keep an eye open for other dog symptoms of illness that could indicate physical pain. If your dog constantly licks or scratches himself or if he appears to be limping, this is a clear indication of pain. Bring your dog to see a veterinarian as soon as you can. It will you save you time, frustration and money in case the illness or pain continues to worsen. But most importantly, you will help your dog by taking him to a vet that will know how to relieve his pain. Keep an eye open for these basic dog symptoms and your dog will thank you.

6 best ways to treat a dog suffering from arthritis and rheumatism

6 best ways to treat a dog suffering from arthritis and rheumatism.

by Dennis Fisher

The signs of arthritis and rheumatism are very evident.  The dog will yelp when it gets up and will also show discomfort when it climbs stairs.   

In most cases it will be necessary for you to take your dog to a Veterinarian  for treatment, but there are a number of ways you can make your dog’s life  more comfortable.

1. See that your dog does not become overweight . Obesity is becoming a huge problem with dogs, due to the misguided belief by owners that they are doing their best for their dogs. But they are literally killing them with kindness.

2.  It’s important for you dog to have excercise, but not too vigorous or   strenuous    exercise  like chasing a frisbee.    Swimming is an excellent exercise and if you have an opportunity to allow your dog to swim it is an ideal form of exercise.

3.  See that the dog’s mattress if firm and comfortable.

4.  Make it easier for the dog to eat it’s meal without having to stretch down to the ground. Place the food on a small table or a box at a conveneint height.

 5. Use  medication like Glucosamine and Chondroitin, which is a very popular for  humans suffering from joint problems. It can be very effective also  for dogs.

 6. Visit Your Vet will probably prescribe Rimadyl, an excellent product especially made for dogs that suffer from joint problems.  It is only available on prescription from a Veterinarian. I can assure you from personal experience I had a few years ago when an old Great Dane experienced pain when getting up, that it does help enormously.

The above treatment suggestions will definitely make life easier and will relieve some of the pain  for your beloved pet, but it is important to get qualified professional advice from your Veterinarian.

Visist the following website, where you’ll find a great deal of helpful information about various dog illnesses:   http://www.freedogadvice.com

 

 

Dental Care for Dogs

Did you know that dental disease is the most common disease in our canine friends? Stinky dog breath isn’t just a nuisance- it’s harmful to your dog and a sign that something is wrong. Dogs don’t get cavities the way humans do, but they do get plaque, tarter, and gingivitis, all of which cause foul breath and tooth problems. Poor dental care for your dog can lead to dental infections that travel to your pup’s heart, causing major problems- or even death. A quick, simple way to help avoid tooth problems is brushing your dog’s teeth. Many people do not know how to brush their dog’s teeth, but it’s really quite simple.

You should always have your vet check your pet’s teeth before you start a tooth-brushing program. If your dog has gum disease or damaged teeth, teeth brushing will be painful and your dog will associate this pain with tooth brushing and you could also be bitten. When you are ready to start, you’ll need to buy a few things from a pet store or vet. You’ll want a toothbrush made for dog’s teeth. You can use a regular toothbrush with soft bristles, but the brushes made for dogs are much longer, and you will be able to reach the back teeth much easier. There are also toothbrushes that fit on your finger and dental wipes that you can buy for dogs that refuse to let you use a traditional brush. You should buy a tooth paste made especially for dogs. Do not use human toothpaste. The fluoride compound in human tooth paste isn’t suited for a dog and may make your dog ill. Dog tooth paste comes in many flavors including mint, beef, or poultry. Try them out and find a flavor your dog likes. You’ll want to have treats on hand to reward your dog for good behavior.

Prior to brushing you dog’s teeth, you should get your dog used to you looking into his mouth. Each time your dog lets you look into his mouth, reward him with a treat and praise. You should place your dog on a comfortable surface while brushing his teeth. It may be tricky to brush your dog’s teeth at first, but the more it is done, the easier it will be. Put some toothpaste on your dog’s toothbrush. Hold his muzzle gently and with a finger, lift his lip on one side. Gently brush the teeth using a circular motion, all the way to the gum line. Make sure you get the back teeth, and add more toothpaste if needed. When you are finished, make sure you clean the toothbrush and store it somewhere sanitary. Praise your dog and give him treats. You’ll want to let him get a drink of water to rinse his mouth out.

Try to make your dog’s tooth brushing a daily habit. If you can’t manage to do it daily, try every other day. With a little time and patience, you will find that while your dog doesn’t look forward to having his teeth brushed, he will at least cooperate, and his clean teeth and fresh breath are worth the effort.

Homeopathic Remedies for Your Dog

Sometimes dogs eat grass when they have pain in their stomach. As soon as they start eating the grass they will feel better. They find this as a natural remedy for their problems. Sometimes dogs eat grass when they did not get enough vegetables through their meals. That is when you know you should bring more vegetables into the diet.

Dogs’ Homeopathic Remedies

A homeopathic treatment is a type of treatment that works as a cure, similar to medicine. Homeopathy will induce certain symptoms into the healthy body and cure some illnesses in the unhealthy body. They work by stimulating the immune system and make it fight the underlying condition. These small remedies are given in small dosages to dogs.

Homeopathic Treatment and the Conventional Therapy for Dogs

Conventional therapy will introduce chemical agents into the body of the dog. These drugs can suppress the symptoms but sometimes they even suppress the dog’s natural defenses.

In this case the underlying disease is not addressed but only the symptoms. And a weak immune system is not good for the dog’s body.  The dog will be much more susceptible to get other diseases in the future. Plus, the homeopathic remedies are made of animal or plant material and also minerals. This means they have fewer side effects.

Homeopathic Treatments and the Diseases they cure

Homeopathic remedies can deal with many dog illnesses. Their effectiveness is great and the side effects are fewer and fewer. They can treat: chronic ailments, skin irritations, asthma, chronic intestinal disorders, allergies, some types of cancer, bleeding, acute diarrhea and stings.

Is it Safe for the dog?

Homeopathic treatments are not 100% safe and this is why they must be used in smaller dosages.  If they are used in the correct manner they will not produce any side effects and they will cure the disease.

Administering Homeopathic Treatment

You will get some tiny pellets. They can be placed in the dog’s mouth or dissolved in the water. But do not mix them with the food because these pellets must be taken half an hour after a meal. Under the homeopathic treatment it is best not to give the dog other treatments.

Also, sometimes, after the homeopathic treatment, the dog can experience some symptoms. They can last a while but they the situation will improve. Do not get scared. Talk to the vet about this and he will reassure you.

Aggressive Dog Training Tips, With Some Reasons Your Pet May Have Changed Temperament

Aggressive Dog Training Tips, With Some Reasons Your Pet May Have Changed Temperament

Every pet is different, but many owners find that their meek and mild dogs suddenly express aggressive behavior. Dogs have good reasons for the sometimes sudden change. Here are the four most common causes, and some aggressive dog training tips.

Is Your Pet Becoming a “Teen”? Maybe Your Pet Is Shy PTSD…Animals Get it, Too Is Your “Best Friend” Ill or Hurt?

Is Your Dog Becoming a “Teen”?
Like human children, canines go through developmental stages that produce hormonal changes, which may result in “passive-behavior dogs” becoming “aggressive-behavior dogs.” It is a myth that getting your pet “fixed” will address this issue. Your canine’s temperament will still be adjusting, especially at this time.

This is especially true for those who come from an aggressive family tree. Aggression will many times become manifest any time between 6-18 months of age. If your male puppy has not been neutered, his tendency will be strongest at this age to become aggressive–in particular against other males.

The first of the aggressive dog training tips is two-fold: expect this behavior at this age, and get your pet spayed or neutered to temper the degree to which he or she expresses this trait.

Maybe Your Pet Is Shy
Perhaps your little “Fido” is simply a bit shy, or needs to be acclimated to social settings. Owners who have more than one dog tend to believe this will provide enough socialization for their animal, but this is not the case. It is the unfamiliar dog that your sheltered pet will defend against, out of fear.

Every breed is going to display the ability or inability to adapt to new social setting differently. Your first puppy may be an angel, whereas your second is a little beast. Also, different breeds will want to socialize or play differently, which may lead to your pet’s display of sudden-onset aggression.

The second aggressive dog training tip is to have him leashed and under controlled settings as you acclimate your pet to new situations. Try to make your pet feel safe, with reassuring words and even removing your dog if he or she becomes overwhelmed. Using positive reinforcement, train your pet with rewards for good behavior. The use of a clicker and treats for this training is a great idea.

PTSD…Animals Get it, Too
Maybe your dog was traumatized somehow. This can be as simple as being attacked or made to feel threatened in a public setting. If your dog has been attacked, especially as a puppy, the deep-seated threat may incite your pet to respond aggressively in similar situations.

The next of the aggressive dog training tips is: you may need to get a training muzzle for public settings until you can train your dog to be confident around other dogs. There are quite a few dog training resources available online, or seek the help of a dog behavior specialist. Initially, reassure your dog of your presence when in public, kept under a leash, rewarding good behavior as you give a command such as the simple “heel” command.

Another great way to overcome this is to schedule a “dog’s day out” with other friends who have dogs. Introduce your dog to these other dogs, one at a time, while you socialize with your friend. As your dog acclimates to these other dogs, introduce more dogs to the meeting, one by one.

Is Your Dog Ill or Hurt?
Dog language is body language, so when your dog comes down with, say, arthritis, he may turn into an aggressive grump. You can’t blame the poor guy. When a sick pooch is jumped on by a playful puppy, for instance, aggressive behavior may result.

Aggressive dog behavior may be your dog’s indicator that he or she needs to see the vet. Don’t ignore the aggressiveness, it will only get worse over time if left untreated. You’ll want to either learn positive reinforcement techniques through online resources, or hire a professional dog behavior specialist/trainer if you can afford the higher cost. When “passive-behavior dogs” become “aggressive-behavior dogs,” it’s time to get aggressive dog training tips from a user-friendly, professional-grade handbook.

Your Dog Deserves The Best Health Insurance There Is

If you have a dog, then dog health insurance is a must and can help to allow for required vet care for injuries from accidents or unforeseen illness. Commonplace vet care, like annual checkups and inoculations are covered with several dog health insurance policies, but not all – you’d need to talk with your insurance broker to include it, if not included.

Finding and comparing dog health insurance

Data about pet health insurance can be found at several insurance company web sites by exploring the search engines. The sites normally offer specified information on what the various dog health insurance plans cover along with their monthly costs. Numerous pet health insurance companies offer free quotations, which often helps dog owners select the best value for money dog insurance program.

Which type of health insurance for dogs is best?

When picking out a dog health insurance policy, take into account whether a higher monthly premium for specialised insurance coverage including veterinary care or a low monthly premium for lower dog insurance coverage.  dog owners apply dog health insurance that only cover unexpected veterinary costs as yearly costs can be projected and budgeted accordingly.

Do insurance policies for older dogs cost more?

The age of the dog can impact the dog owners option for a dog insurance policy. Several dog insurance companies have specific insurance plans that cover more costs connected with dogs in their senior years.

Veterinary expenses

Veterinary attention can be extremely expensive. Treatments for cancer, auto accident as well as hip dysplasia are just cases of veterinary costs that can run into thousands.

While some dog health insurance policies cover only a small part of the costs for treatment for a small number of dog health illnesses, some health insurance offer the peace, that if the dog catches a dog disease or is hurt or injured, the largest part of the veterinary costs will be covered.

Are there consequences if not being insured?

If dog owners cannot supply required vet care to treat their dogs illness or accidental injury, the owner of the dog could be held liable by local authorities and could face criminal charges for animal cruelty or animal neglect. Taking out dog health insurance helps ensure that neither dog nor owner will suffer the consequences for want of veterinary care.

Boarding: dog insurance coverage inclusions

Many dog health insurance programs extend coverage for various dog ownership expenses like room and board at a kennel. Dog insurance policies may also offer an accidental death payment similar to life insurance for the dog.

Make sure you take care of your new pet dog to the full extent, it can be costly money-wise, bring personal heartache to the dog owner as well as the dog.

Dog Vitamins – Important Requirements for Your Pet’s Health

Dog vitamins and nutritional supplements and minerals are some of the most significant components in a healthful pet diet. Certainly if the vitamins and supplements in the everyday of your dog is balance, then it will have a very healthy and healthful life. You do not have to worry about it becoming sick as it has a strong immunity system, and hence, prepared to resistance all sorts of dog illnesses and conditions.

Owners should be aware of the different types of pet vitamins. For example, the fat soluble vitamins are the A, D, E, K vitamins. These are the water soluble type of dog vitamins.

On the other hand, cyanocobalamin, pyridoxine and thiamine are very important vitamins that help in the healthy function of the nervous system of your pet. Vitamin A is good for the skin and eyes of your beloved animals. If it gets to become deficient in Vitamin A, this will lead to skin lesions and eye conditions such as night blindness. Vitamin D works for the bones of your dog. A deficiency on this type of vitamin will lead to the bone and skeletal weakening and softening.

While pet vitamin deficiency is one of the most common dietary problems, not to be ignored is another problem which is dog vitamin toxicity. This can also happen especially if animal owners have the wrong notion that giving their pets excessive vitamins will do them good.

Actually, excessive vitamins like A and D can cause toxicity and lead to internal organ problems and even death. Hence it is a must that the right dosage of dog vitamins and minerals should be administered to your dogs to maintain excellent health condition. Avoid too much vitamin feeding to prevent toxicity from happening.

For more interesting and relevant articles and discussions on dog vitamins, preventive pet medicine and pet dogs and cats in general, do visit our Pinoy Pet Blog.

Dog Food Secrets – Exposed – Don’t Let Your Dog Die Young!

The shocking truth about commercial dog food and dog health. Do you know that the dog food you are feeding your pet could be a cause of early death? The number one cause of dog illness can be accredited to commercial dog food. Your loveable best friend may already be on the road to suffering a slow and excruciating death!

The information contained inside “Dog Food Secrets” eBook is very graphic and disturbing. But, it may be the only information that could save and extend the life of your pet by over 100%! Learn which dog foods still contain up to 6 deadly chemicals that have been banned from human foods because of causing cancer an many other diseases.

Discover the dog food secrets that major dog food companies don’t want you to know. The fact is that the life span of your dog can be increased by up to 8 years just by changing the food. Also, many unwanted dog behavior problems can be solved simply by changing the diet of your dog.

Leading veterinarians and dog health experts agree that many dog foods are deficient in key nutrients. Feeding such foods to your dog causes it to be overly sensitive to its environment. By not eating enough natural foods your dogs adrenal glands become unable to produce enough cortisol. This is a vital hormone needed for a dog to be healthy and to be able to resist disease.

If you want your dog to live a long and happy life, you should do the following three things starting today:

1. Stop feeding your dog with commercial dog food until you learn which ones are not harmful to your dog.

2. Learn how to interpret the nutritional labels on commercial dog foods.

3. Start feeding your dog with well-balanced, healthy home made foods.

The way your dog performs everyday tasks, how he/she feels and acts are the best measurements of the quality of the food. “Dog Food Secrets” educates you about how to keep your dog healthy and happy. Any questions you may have about dog health are answered in this amazing eBook. You also get a free mini-course that contains dog health tips and gourmet recipes so that you may provide your dog with a well-balanced, healthy diet.

Ultimately, you are the one responsible for giving the best care you know how. Remember just because your dog isn’t complaining, it doesn’t always mean you’re doing the right thing.

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