CANINE ARTHRITIS

A Labrador Retriever standing with hind legs closes together to compensate 

for weak hips caused by an altered gait from hip dysplasia. 

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Is your dog a little less enthusiastic about his daily walks?  Is he reluctant to get up or lie down?  Do his joints click as he walks?  If so, there’s a chance your buddy is suffering from canine arthritis.

Just as with humans, arthritis in dogs can be one of a variety of types, but the most common is osteoarthritis.

What is Osteoarthritis and what causes it?

Cartilage in joints acts as a buffer between bones. Sometimes, that cartilage degrades and deteriorates, reducing the buffer between bones, sometimes to the point where there is direct bone-to-bone contact, which is extremely painful for the dog.

There is no single cause of arthritis.  Genetics and breeding have made certain breeds more susceptible to hip dysplasia, which often leads to arthritis.  Obesity in dogs can also contribute to arthritic conditions.  Sometimes young dogs can suffer from arthritis if their bones don’t develop correctly.  An injury to a limb can also result in arthritis later in life.

Symptoms

If your dog displays some of the following symptoms, you should consult a veterinarian regarding the possibility of canine arthritis:

·    Inactivity

·    Favoring of one limb

·    Reluctance to get up or lie down

·    Clicking of joints

·    Visible pain when walking

·    Swelling of Joints

·    Whimpering/Crying

·    Reluctance to climb stairs

·    Stiffness after getting up

Treatment

There is no cure for canine arthritis.  Generally, treatment is dedicated to reducing the inflammation, and managing the pain.  You and your veterinarian should decide whether prescribed drugs are warranted.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin have shown good results in reducing the inflammation, and therefore the pain, in the joints in many dogs.  Commercial supplements providing this combination include Cosequin and Arthogen, among others. They are available without a prescription.

Changing the animal’s diet might also help.  For overweight dogs, a “light” product may be in order.  Some pet owners may prefer to go the all-natural route, while others might consider dog food that contains Glucosamine and Chondroitin.

Alternative treatments, such as acupuncture and chiropractic have also had positive results for some arthritic canines.

What Can I Do to Make my Arthritic Dog More Comfortable?

If your dog shows signs of arthritis in his neck or shoulders, raise his food and water bowl by using a stand or “dog diner”.

When the weather is cold or damp, keep your buddy cozy and warm.

Apply moist heat to arthritic joints, in the form of a hot towel, or a towel-wrapped hot water bottle. Never use a heating pad, as it could lead to accidental burning.

Utilize ramps instead of stairs when possible.

Maintain a reasonable activity level. Exercise and mild activity will help stop joints from deteriorating further.

Conclusion

The sad fact is, that once a dog develops arthritis, he will suffer with it for the rest of his life, and all that can be done for him is to make him as comfortable as possible by maintaining a reasonable activity level, feeding the proper diet, and/or treating with over-the-counter medications, prescribed drugs, or holistic remedies. And a lot of love.

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Caring For Your OLDER DOG

Once your dog becomes older it is time to take some preventative steps in order for them remain healthy, happy and active. Have your vet examine your pet annually or more often, if necessary.

As in humans, keep your dogs weight within the proper or optimum range. An overweight dog has far more health problems such as joint problems, arthritis, diabetes and liver or kidney malfunctions. Cut down on the amount of treats given to your pet. 

Old Dog - Photo  by       Siza Padovan  (cc)

It is hard to resist their soulful eyes but always remember that it is for their own good. You do not want to kill your pet by thinking you are being kind to them. Feed your pet once a day or smaller amounts twice a day but remove the food if there is any left. If you have children, explain to them why they should not sneak food to the family pet. 

As with dogs of any age, make sure there is always fresh, cool water available. Some older dogs have problems getting to the water bowl so either take the water to them or place bowls of water in several different places so they do not have to go far for a drink.

If possible take your dog for a short walk daily. This helps the dog's blood circulation and provides some new sights and smells to stimulate them and it gives you quality time to spend with your pet. He may be older but still curious.

You may need to switch from dry food to a moist or canned food as your dog ages.  His teeth may not be able to handle the hardness of dry kibbles. Looking after your older dog and taking him to the vet regularly helps keep your dog healthy and happy longer. 

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Tough Time Finding Good DOG CARE Patterns Use These Ideas

Anybody can go out and get a dog and bring him home. But if you wish to properly care for your dog, you've got to know what you're doing. Concentrate on the following useful information on ringworm canine so that you can confirm your dog has everything it needs so as to live and long and healthy life.

Cookie: "What, I gotta shower too?" Me: "That little red patch looks suspicious.
Might be ringworm." Cookie: "Gunfunnit."Photo   by       effin_peaz  (cc)

If you get a dog that was in a pound or shelter, you must see a vet straight away. Shelter dogs may be sick or exposed to different viruses. Giving your dog shots before taking it home will keep everyone healthy.

To make certain that your dog is healthy, be sure to allow it to get access to clean water at all points during the daytime. Just like with all living beings, water is one of the most important elements. The sole exception would be that you would want to keep water from a puppy dog for three hours before bedtime.

Lift your dog correctly. If you have a little dog or puppy dog, place your one hand under their chest and use your other hand for supporting their rump and hind legs. If you're lifting a huge dog, lift them from their underside supporting their chest using your one arm and using your other arm to support their rear end. Never lift a dog by their back legs, tail, or the nape of their neck.

You have to give careful thought to a decision to bring a dog into your life. Often, it is difficult to resist the delightful face of a puppy or dog, but don't forget how much is concerned in the care of a pet. Take everything into account first to be sure you can supply your little puppy with everything that he needs and to be in a position to manage it successfully.

Consider young dog coaching classes for your young pet. Puppies are eager to learn, and a class is a superb atmosphere to let them do so in. Classes are also regularly less expensive than individual lessons. This could teach your pup necessary behavior abilities and permit both of you bonding time too.

Your dog loves you completely, and you would like to ensure you supply the most for him. it's important that you utilize the information you have been given so you can work towards taking great care of your pet. Your pet merits correct care, and you can now provide that to him.

Author: Scott Araiza

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Understanding DOG FLEAS: How Fleas Breed & Affect Your Dog's Health

Fleas belong to the insect order Siphonaptera. They are common pests and may attack many mammals, including man. They can be a year round problem because they infest not only pets but also the home of the owner. Because of this, treatment of the pet alone may only temporarily solve a flea infestation.

Scratching - Photo  by    ☺ Lee J Haywood   (cc)

Although many species of fleas feed primarily on one type of animal, the common cat, and dog flea will readily take blood from a variety of animals, including man. Flea infestations of pets and their homes will most likely involve the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis and occasionally the dog flea, C. canis.

Fleas are small (2 to 4 mm in length), brownish to black insects which are characteristically flattened from side to side. Adults are wingless and capable of jumping relatively long distances. Adults feed exclusively on blood with their piercing-sucking mouthparts. When not actively feeding, adult fleas often hide in locations frequented by the host animal such as your dog bedding, sofas, or carpeted areas.

The common cat and dog fleas breed throughout the year. After feeding and mating, the female deposits her eggs, usually on the host. Several eggs are laid daily and up to several hundred over a lifetime. Eggs normally fall off the host into bedding material or similar areas and hatch within two weeks.

Flea eggs accumulate in areas where the host spends most of its time. In addition, adult fleas defecate small pellets of digested blood which also drop off into the environment. A flea comb will often gather this fecal matter at the base of the tines providing a good sign of flea infestation. The combination of white flea eggs and black dried blood specks may appear as a sprinkling of salt and pepper were an infested animal has slept.

Fleas undergo complete metamorphosis, that is, they pass through four developmental stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Immature fleas do not resemble adults at all.

Flea larvae are tiny, light colored, and, worm-like, without legs. They feed primarily on various debris and organic material including the droppings of the adults which contains digested blood. Flea larvae occur indoors and outdoors, wherever the eggs have fallen off the host. In houses, flea larvae live in carpeting, furniture, animal bedding and other protected areas with high humidity. Flea larvae also live outdoors in areas where animals spend time such as under porches in and around dog houses, etc.

Because flea larvae depend on the adult’s fecal pellets of dried blood as a food source, they cannot live in lawns or other outdoor areas unless the pet visits those areas enough to provide this food.

Depending on the species of flea and environmental conditions the larvae will pupate in one week to several months. The pupa is contained within a loose silken cocoon which is often covered by bits of debris. Under average conditions, the life cycle of the flea normally requires between 30 and 75 days but may take much longer. Adult fleas inside the cocoon, called pre-emerged fleas, will stay in that condition for weeks to months if no external cues from a host is available.

However, when disturbed by the presence of a host such as vibrations or carbon dioxide from exhaled breath, the fleas emerge simultaneously and attack the host. This is why it is possible to return to a house or apartment that has been empty for months and find it full of fleas.

When the normal host is available, fleas may feed several times a day but they are capable of surviving extended periods of starvation. In household situations, the normal host is a cat or dog. However, if the normal host is removed, starved fleas will readily seek other sources of blood and more often than not, man is the alternate host. In severe infestations, fleas will attack humans even though the normal host is present.

Certain species of fleas have been known to transmit such diseases as bubonic plague and murine typhus. These have never been a major problem. The major problems with fleas is a nuisance pest of pets. The irritation and itching from flea bites result in scratching and potential secondary infection. Fleas may also transmit the double-pored dog tapeworm to dogs and cats.

Finally, persistent attacks from fleas can cause severe allergic responses in some people and pets. Once sensitized, a single flea bite may produce symptoms including hair loss, usually around the base of the tail, dermatitis, and intense itching. In worse cases, puppies and young kittens can also die from serious fleas infestations.

With proper flea management knowledge, flea problems will not be a big issue and can be a battle and win over easily.

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LYME DISEASES In Dogs Is A Serious Matter

Lyme disease is caused by an organism known as a spirochete, which is a coiled rod-shaped bacterium and named Borrelia burgdorferi. It is passed to dogs and people by deer ticks carrying the infection; the ticks get the infection from the white-footed mouse, which acts as a carrier. The only way a tick can transmit the bacteria is to remain attached to the animal's skin for one to two days. Unfortunately, these ticks are very small and easily can go unnoticed.

Don't tick me off - Photo by frankieleon 

Lyme disease in dogs has been found orldwide and in ancient Chinese medical literature they actually describe a syndrome very similar to Lyme disease, thousands of years before Lyme , Connecticut was named. In the United States , more than 90% of the cases occur in the Northeast, with California and Mississippi second. Lyme disease in dogs is fairly common, but rarely seen in cats, although some cats have been infected with it.

The main clinical signs of Lyme disease in dogs include a sudden yet recurring lameness that may shift from leg to leg. Sometimes this lameness is associated with a fever and depression. Occasionally you will see swollen lymph nodes. Sometimes the joints may be swollen, feel warm, and it's very painful. The dog infected will usually walk stiffly with a hunched back. Lyme disease in dogs is really very painful and they commonly are very sensitive to touch and may cry out with even the slightest touch. Many dogs with Lyme disease that were diagnosed with slipped discs in their neck and crying in pain and it was actually Lyme disease causes muscle spasms in the neck and they only improved when they were administered the appropriate antibiotic. Sometimes you will see the classic red round target lesion around a tick bite on your pet and within a few days they may show the signs of lameness, fever and sensitivity to touch. If you suspect your pet has Lyme disease, take them to the vet immediately for treatment.

Treatment

Treatment involves the use of an appropriate antibiotic, such as doxycycline, for at least three to four weeks.

Prognosis

Dogs should begin to show signs of recovery two to three days after beginning treatment. However, the disease may recur within a few weeks or months; in these cases, the dog will need to return to antibiotic therapy for extended periods.

Prevention

There is a vaccine for the prevention of Lyme disease. Quick removal of a tick also will help prevent Lyme disease because the tick must remain attached to the dog's body for one to two days before the disease can be transmitted. Consult with a veterinarian about the different tick prevention products that are available, as they can be an effective way to prevent the disease. The sooner you start treatment, the sooner your pet will be without pain.

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Knowing CANINE DISEASES

Proper education about the dog’s illness can help to find the best remedy suited for his suffering. Let’s take time knowing what these diseases of our buddy can have:

Rabies – this is a dreadful and most feared among other diseases of dogs. This is transmitted through animal (usually wild ones) bites infected with the rabies virus. Attacking the nervous system of the victim is what the virus commonly does. The most effective mode of prevention is still the vaccination for 3-years. Having the dog vaccinated is required by the state and even local laws.

Photo by olo81

Kennel Cough – this is caught by the dogs being kenneled for a longer period of time due to the wide range of viruses they contract. A vaccination every six months is recommended to prevent this respiratory disease. Symptoms are cough, with the inflammation of the respiratory organs.

Heartworm – These are the types of parasitic culprits that rapidly grow and multiply in heart and in the lung arteries of a dog. This makes the dog tired, sluggish, and an eminent death will follow if not treated immediately.

Lyme disease or Borreliosis – this is mainly caused by a bacteria transmitted through the bite of an infected tick. Common signs of dogs infected with the disease are lameness, muscle stiffness, lethargy and lack of appetite. Antibiotics such as the tetracycline will help cure the infection.

Canine Distemper – Death is almost unavoidable in puppies infected with the distemper virus, while 50% among older dogs lose their life. Immune boosters are advised for dogs to get protected from the illness brought about by the virus. This is highly contagious mostly contracted at an early age and the vaccination should be administered to puppies about 6-12 weeks of age.

Leptospirosis – This is also an infective illness caused by a type of bacteria resulting too lethargy, kidney inflammation, vomiting, and the inflammation of the mucous membranes. Unexpected blood clotting may also be also evident

Parvovirus – virus of this infection can stand disinfectants and temperature changes. It can also persist in a surface for several months. Infected dogs are being killed, especially the young, and older dogs survive it well. Symptoms include diarrhea and vomiting. Vaccination is also recommended for a lifetime for protection.

Obesity – proper diet is a great help to maintain the ideal body weight of a dog. It must be given foods enough for its daily needs. However, providing your dog foods preferably for humans is not a good idea. Sometimes it contains fatty substance which the digestive system of a dog cannot tolerate. In turn, that fatty content remains in its body causing him to increase much weight. Treatment for this is engaging your dog to exercise and other physical activities.

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What's The Appropriate ASPIRIN Dosage For Dogs?

When we suffer from headaches, chances are that we will turn to an over-the-counter solution, like Ibuprofen. It's a great way to alleviate discomfort, but one cannot say that the same dose should be given to pets. For this reason, I would like to discuss what the proper aspirin dosage for dogs entails. If you'd like to know what this entails, here are just a few of the most striking details that you would be wise to consider in the long term.

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If you're curious to know what the proper aspirin dosage for dogs entails, you should try to focus on older dogs especially. These are the pets that should be given this solution, since it can be especially harmful to smaller or younger dogs that do not have the strongest biological systems. Even if this component can be used for older dogs, it would be a lie to say that further medical expertise cannot prove to be helpful.

Even though aspirin may not be the ideal solution for extensive care, there are certain food products one can give their aching dog. Did you know that fish oil can lead to a decrease in inflammation? This can be seen in the canine's joints, back, and - of course - their head. Of course, this is yet another quick remedy that virtually anyone can get their hands on. In order to correct this problem, ensuring that it doesn't crop up again, the proper authorities must be consulted.

For ways to correct this problem, from a medical standpoint, try to look into companies such as Assisi Animal Health. Seeing as how they have been able to work with numerous pets in the past, wouldn't it make sense for them to understand the proper aspirin dosage for dogs as well? In addition, you can become informed of other pain relief solutions, such as the Assisi Loop. With how well it can transit electromagnetic waves for healing purposes, this is another option that's worthy of your attention.

As you can see, there exist many details to consider when it comes to the proper aspirin dosage for dogs. Keep in mind that this should not be used as a long-term solution, since the care that a veterinarian can offer is nothing short of worthwhile. Nonetheless, if you're careful about how much is given, aspirin can prove to be an effective remedy in the short term. Consider consulting your vet earlier if you feel like you can benefit from additional details.

About the Author: Robin Setser Contact Assisi Animal Health for additional info about what you have just read.. Check here for free reprint license: What's The Appropriate Aspirin Dosage For Dogs?.

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HIP DYSPLASIA And Golden RETRIEVERS

Hip dysplasia is a poor formation of the hip joints, which is a common growing disease with younger dogs of virtually every breed.  With larger breeds, unsteady hip joints are common, although hip dysplasia can be a serious problem that will limit the physical activity of your Golden.  Although many Golden Retriever owners don’t realize it, hip dysplasia is something that dogs inherit from their parents, and gets worse with age.

A Labrador Retriever standing with hind legs close together to compensate
for weak hips caused by an altered gait from hip dysplasia.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The signs and symptoms of hip dysplasia is nearly impossible to detect with Golden puppies, although it will start to show once the pup has reached the age of nine months.  Even though you may take your Golden to the vet to have him looked at, your vet will tell you that you need to wait to see if the symptoms are there, once the Golden Retriever has reached a certain age.

The symptoms and signs of hip dysplasia vary, although the most common include crippling or the inability to walk properly.  This disease can get better once the dog gets older though, due to the joints stabilizing, the inflammation going down, and the muscles in the hips getting stronger and more mature.  Keep in mind however, that Golden’s who have hip dysplasia when they are younger will more than likely develop arthritis when they get older.

Golden Retrievers that suffer from hip dysplasia aren’t fit for breeding, although they can still live a long and healthy life.  There are certain drugs that your vet can prescribe to your dog, which will help him control his weight and help control the disease.  These drugs can also cut down on the pain as well, helping your Golden enjoy himself as much as possible.

Some Golden Retrievers that have hip dysplasia won’t begin to show any signs at all until they get a few years old, once the muscles start to wear down and the damage to the hip muscles start to become more noticeable.  Although your dog may be active and healthy for most of his puppy years, dysplasia can slow everything down and make your dog look as if he is old and is suffering from the physical attributes of arthritis.

To eliminate the pain of hip dysplasia, there are surgery options available.  Golden Retrievers have a high threshold for pain, and won’t normally show any signs of being in pain, even though you know they are.  X-rays won’t show any signs of pain, although the limping or slow walking will tell you that your dog is hurting.  Golden Retriever’s who have this disease won’t know it - which is why you should help as much as possible.  If you do your part and help your dog seek relief - he will feel better than ever before - although he won’t let you know he hurt any at all.

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Do parasites cause “SCOOTING”?

Anus of dog (bitch) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Parasites too cause the scooting. Scooting is a an anal sac disease. First let's understand what scooting is in detail. This is the dragging of anus with the hind limbs in an extended state. Parasites causing irritation in the anus regions lead to such type of actions in animals like dogs.

However, one should not be under the impression that it is the parasite that alone causes such scooting in case of dogs.  There are many occasions in which the dog may have the scooting without any parasite based etiological agent.  For example, the anal gland infections, tumors at the anus and injuries near the anal regions also may lead to such type of dragging of anus region, frequently by the affected dogs. 

Flea bite allergy often causes irritation at the anus region and the animal may try to bite the anus region and the irritations due to these factors lead to the final dragging of anus region on the ground. Cestodiasis in dogs is the condition caused by tapeworms.

In such occasions, if the animal is not treated in time, the animal may be seen exhibiting the scooting activities.  Tapeworm segments passed in the stool create crawling like activities near anus.

Such crawling activities of the tapeworm segments lead to severe itching at these regions. Hence, to make a relief from this type of constant irritation, the animal starts pressing the anus region on the ground first and then tries to drag it on the ground with typical extension of rear limbs. 

Usually there is a packet of eggs when the fecal sample is examined by microscope. However, the flotation technique leads to breakage of these packets to burst and hence, diagnosis is difficult in such occasions. Scooting dogs need to be examined to rule out tapeworm segments, which look like rice like pieces.

These segments are white in color and turn yellow when taken from the body.  Tapeworms themselves may be seen in the motion or near anus below the tail regions.  Consult your veterinarian for specific cures for this.

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