Thursday, January 29, 2009

Signs That Your Dog Is Sick

Your dog isn't able to let you know when she's ill. You need to pay attention and notice when she's not acting like usual. This will provide you with a strong warning that there might be something amiss. Read on to learn about the most common ailments that dogs experience, and how you can stop them in their tracks.

Fleas. Fleas don't entrench themselves in a dog’s coat. However, they do thrive on the skin. To steer clear of fleas that are determined to take over your dog, don't take your pet for a walk in areas that are wooded or locations where fleas travel. Typically, fleas will gather in the grass in your own backyard. Therefore, you need to brush your dog each day with a flea comb.

Ticks. These pests are another common cause of sickness for dogs. Ticks often get embedded in a dog's undercoat where they can easily transmit disease. Once they become attached to your pet's body, it can be very painful to remove them. You really need to stay away from areas where your dog can pick up ticks. Don't walk her in tick territory, which includes any parks or forested areas that have dense bushes. In particular, avoid shady spots where ticks like to make their homes.

Ear mites. Another typical health problem among dogs is ear mites. You might notice that your dog is scratching her ears a lot. If so, take a look to see if her ears are leaking. The infection caused by ear mites results in mucus seepage that is brown in color. This is a sure sign that your pet's ear is infected. You'll need to take her to the vet.

Worms. There are all sorts of worms that can lead to health problems in a dog. The most typical invaders are heartworms, tapeworms, hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms. It's particularly essential that your dog be examined for these parasites because they are highly likely to be passed along to your kids.

Allergies. Yes, even dogs suffer from allergies. An insect bite or sting can lead to a severe reaction in allergic dogs. If your dog suddenly starts to swell up in a specific area or experiences diarrhea or vomiting, don't delay in taking her to the veterinarian.

Even though you can steer clear of many of these ailments, oftentimes it's beyond your control. However, you should always use caution in order to keep your dog healthy.

Friday, January 9, 2009

Your Pet Can Benefit From Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is a well-known treatment for various human conditions. It’s traditionally known to help people with mind and body ailments, but it’s gaining a reputation for its effectiveness on pets as well.

Pets, like humans, can suffer from many of the same medical conditions. Arthritis, for instance, is a painful condition that can affect a Chihuahua the same way it affects its 65-year old owner.

No one likes to see their pet suffer. It can be heartbreaking because to most pet owners, their four-legged friend is a part of the family. Aromatherapy can be the non-intrusive, affordable remedy you need to help your pet feel better.

While we may not be able to know the exact mindset of our pets, we do know that pets sometimes exhibit anxious feelings when they’re feeling scared, intimidated, or unsure of their surroundings.

These feelings can cause them to lose sleep and be on edge, often snapping at those they love. Some pets will “voice” their frustrations while others will be quiet, but their nervous conditions cause chunks of their fur to fall out. Aromatherapy can have a calming effect on your pet.

Hyper-activeness is another condition some pets may experience. Certain scents used to deliver a calming effect during aromatherapy can help calm your pet down to a certain degree and will work wonders when paired with positive training.

Some pets can benefit from adding aromatherapy to the medical treatments they’re receiving from their veterinarians. It sometimes helps the medical treatments work faster and may calm the animal down enough to have these treatments performed on them without extreme anxiety and fear.

Before starting an aromatherapy program on your pet, educate yourself thoroughly. While traditional aromatherapies are effective and safe for humans, not all are recommended for pets.

Animals can be sensitive to some aromas and the oils should be diluted before using this therapy on them. Consult your vet on which oils can be used and how much they should be diluted.

It’s also important to know that oils are the best form for use in pet aromatherapy. Candles can be easily knocked over by the pet and they may even try to lick the hot liquid from the candle.

Dried potpourri flowers aren’t recommended either, since the pet could try to eat them and they’re not good for their digestion. Oils are the best form, but they should be kept well away from the pet’s reach. Consult your vet before starting any aromatherapy program for your pets.

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Common Diseases Among Terriers

Because the group of terrier breeds is so diverse it's difficult to find a single set of diseases common to all. Even calling a condition common is a little misleading, since it means only that it tends to occur more often within that breed. It does not mean that most individuals get that disease.

That said, here are a few things to watch out for when buying a terrier puppy or caring for your dog.

von Willebrand Disease

Also referred to as vWD, von Willebrand's disease is an inherited condition that may lead to excessive bleeding, similar to hemophilia in humans. The absence of a certain protein may cause some dogs to bleed profusely when their quicks are nipped during nail grooming, for example. But it can occur at other times, producing bloody urine, bleeding at the gums and nose, and elsewhere.

Several breeds can have the condition, with pure breds at greater risk than those of mixed parentage. Jack Russells acquire vWD, but less often than others. It's more common in Scottish Terriers and Miniature Schnauzers.

Testing prospective parents can help avoid the production of new puppies with this genetic disorder.

Legg-Perthes Disease

Another condition that has a strong genetic component, Legg-Perthes causes the tip of the femur (the thigh bone) to degenerate. The result is pain and a limping gait. While it occurs in only a small percentage of individuals, it's most common among Yorkshires. The cause is thought to be insufficient circulation around the hip joint more common in these than in other terrier breeds.

When it does occur, it's most likely to be seen within the first 6-8 months of life. Surgical treatment can usually correct the condition, though, by removing the affected portion of the bone. Fibrous tissue then forms, which prevents the wear on the joint. The procedure does, however, leave the dog with a slightly shorter leg so it should be discussed thoroughly with your vet.

Patellar Luxation

Patellar luxation is another genetic defect more often found in Yorkies than other terriers. Their weaker ligaments and tendons supporting the knee joint can cause the cap to slip out of the V-shaped groove in which it naturally lies.

The result is considerable pain and lameness. A similar condition can occur to humans and any who have suffered from it can report that it is very uncomfortable. Here again, surgery can correct the defect, often with excellent results. However, the procedure doesn't strengthen the components that help hold the joint in place. Affected dogs should maintain a less vigorous lifestyle than otherwise.

Heart Disease

Terriers can suffer from various heart ailments, most of them the result of a genetic defect.

While unlikely, cardiomyopathy is one of the more common. This abnormality of the heart muscle can lead to lung edema (fluid into the lung). One of the symptoms is weakness during mild exercise. It occurs in Jack Russells and others. In other diseases, valves may not open and close properly, causing abnormal blood flow. American Staffordshire Terriers are somewhat more prone than others to this defect. Among Bull Terriers aortic stenosis is more common.

Like many other breeds, worms can be responsible for heart problems if proper vaccination schedules haven't been followed. That can affect any breed. A series of heart tests is always wise when any heart malfunction is suspected.

Most terriers, at least until old age when many body systems weaken, will lead healthy lives. They're energetic and have great endurance. Simply be on the lookout for any unusual dampening of those high spirits and seek professional advice when they occur.

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Health Care for Your Golden Retriever

Any dog owner will want to take the best possible care of his or her companion. For Golden Retrievers, that can be a challenge. Because of their popularity they've had a long history that has involved a fair amount of inbreeding.

Mating dogs that are too closely related increases the chances that specific genes will be emphasized. This has resulted in a large number of Goldens with various weaknesses. Hip dysplasia and certain kinds of cancers are among the two most common. But each breed has its weak points, and Golden Retrievers are no more liable to health problems than any other breed.

To keep them in good shape is actually pretty easy, just by following some basic guidelines.

From the earliest age possible they should have the best diet you can afford. There are different views about what that is, with many citing the benefits of a fresh meat diet. All dogs are meat eaters. But the right meat protein is more important according to most studies than that the meat be fresh. Fresh meat comes with its own risks, for example, such as contamination and spoilage.

Golden Retrievers in particular have a somewhat higher tendency to sensitivity to the grain products that are found in many commercial dog foods. Wheat and, to a lesser extent, corn can cause itching and some nasal or stomach sensitivity. Signs of skin problems are excessive paw licking and scratching of the face on the carpet or grass. For those with digestive sensitivity, the problem is even easier to spot: feces will be runny. In either case, that's the time to consult your vet about switching food.

A good diet will help them develop bones and joints that are resistant to hip dysplasia, minimize skin problems and produce a healthy looking coat. And, since they're such an active breed, it gives them all the nutrition and calories they need to run and play, which also keeps them mentally active and physically fit. Goldens are very active and a high meat protein, moderate fat diet is essential for energy and building strong muscles.

Regular vet visits for the appropriate shots are also a matter of some controversy, with some arguing that vets tend to over-medicate. Weighing the pros and cons, take into account how much contact your Golden Retriever has with other dogs, since most of the diseases that vaccinations guard against are spread by contact.

Parvo, lepto, distemper and others are the most common for Golden Retrievers to be vaccinated against. Shots should start young and be carried out according to your vet's proposed schedule, usually every six months to a year past the initial shots they receive at 6-8 weeks.

Rabies in Golden Retrievers is a little harder to advise about. It's rare, but the consequences are so severe that most will want to get the shots, provided their pet isn't unusually sensitive and the right vaccine is used. In any case, most states require the shots be given at least every other year for the first few years.

Apart from diet and vaccinations, the best thing you can do for your Golden Retriever is give it a healthy lifestyle. Lots of outdoor activity in a low-risk environment keeps both you and your dog happy and in great shape.