One of the major threats in canine health is a heart disease that can be acquired or congenital in nature. Heart disease in dogs occurs mainly when normal blood flow is restricted when the dog’s heart valves do not close properly or the muscular walls of the dog’s heart are thinned and weakened. Difficult breathing even while at rest, fainting, a loathing for exercise, loss of appetite, and weight loss are indicative of an impending heart failure.

The heartworm disease is caused by mosquito bites. Heartworm disease is not breed specific and can attack any dog even if the dog is mainly indoors most of the times, because the female mosquito responsible for transmission of heartworm is very tiny and can slip through cracks in windows and doors. If not treated in time, heartworm disease can be fatal at times.

Heartworm disease has the potential of spreading as lots of people travel with their dogs. Many states insist upon a health certificate from a qualified veterinarian. On return, dog owners should get their pet reexamined to ensure that it did not pick any parasite, external or internal, while traveling. Heartworm, hookworm, and roundworm are internal parasites whereas fleas and ticks are external.

The greatest single threat to dog population the world over is from the highly contagious disease caused by canine distemper virus. Puppies and younger dogs are at a higher risk on contracting the canine distemper virus. Although dogs that survive a natural infection develop enough immunity to canine distemper virus, the safest protection is vaccination.

Canine Parvovirus, Canine Bordetellosis (Kennel Cough), Canine Parainfluenza, and Canine Leptospirosis are some of the other problems that are caused by viral or bacterial infections, spread through contact, through fecal waste and nasal secretions of infested dogs, and other means.

All the conditions discussed above are serious in nature and can prove to be fatal in case they are not attended to in time. If abnormal symptoms, like loss of appetite, unwillingness to exercise, difficulty in breathing even while at rest, fainting, extensive coughing, vomiting, squinting, congestion of the eyes, and a discharge of pus from the eyes and diarrhea persist, a visit to the veterinarian is highly recommended.

Article courtesy of PetAlive

When you bring home a pet it means you are adding a member to the family. Just like other members of the family, pets too require health care. Although sometimes you will see a veterinarian prescribe similar to human drugs for your pets, health care for pets is however pretty different from what we are used to in regards to humans.

One of the most common mistakes that we commit is with regard to feeding our pets. We usually tend to associate our own dietary habits on our pets without realizing that pets are animals and are structured differently. For example, dogs require to be fed according to their weight and that too only once or twice a day. On the other hand, some pets like cats and dogs need to be neutered to avoid strong urine and unwanted pregnancies.

The important thing to remember is that you have your friends, family, and recreation, but your pet has only you. Pets too get sick and develop allergies. They also are source of certain allergies to humans too. Many of us do not realize that like any other family member, even pets can get heart attacks, arthritis, behavior problems, cancer, diarrhea, and other ailments that we generally associate with humans. This requires pet owners to be aware of all pet health related issues.

We handle minor ailments in humans easily with information passing down from generations. Small things like calming aggressive behavior, ticks, vomiting, and leaking bladder in pets need treatments that you have to be conversant with. Sometimes it is simply a matter of sugar content in food, or how many times a week you give your pet a bath that is the cause behind your pet behaving abnormally or developing symptoms of an ailment.

Physical changes in your pet are also important and a monthly hands-on examination will go a long way in understanding whether anything serious is developing. Troubled signs include exposed skin, thin or dry coat, ribs showing, lethargy, limp, or simply the absence of “spring” in step.

As with human medication nowadays, there are lots of alternate remedies available for pets too. You can ask your veterinarian or visit the World Wide Web for alternate remedies for pets. You may choose homeopathic medicine for your pets. There are also specific cat herbal remedies and dog herbal remedies available too and a thorough research on the subject will ensure a trouble free life for your pet and go a long way to enjoy having one at home.

Article courtesy of PetAlive ]]> http://betterhealthforpets.com/pet-health-guide/feed 1 http://betterhealthforpets.com/how-to-prevent-separation-anxiety-in-dogs http://betterhealthforpets.com/how-to-prevent-separation-anxiety-in-dogs#comments Fri, 09 Apr 2010 23:35:11 +0000 jepsca http://betterhealthforpets.com/?p=47 Dogs are emotional animals and are generally ‘one-person’ pets. This means that their allegiance generally lies with one member of the family. Unlike cats, dogs are not too attached with the house. And this strong bond between the master and the pet brings about something called the separation anxiety.

Dogs who suffer from separation anxiety tend to exhibit undesirable behavior when they do not see their owners for a certain period of time. Separation anxiety in dogs can be triggered of after long periods of absence like after a vacation. A significant change in routine or a change of place of residence can also cause separation anxiety.

Distinguishing bad behavior from separation anxiety in dogs is simple. A dog suffering from separation anxiety is likely to follow the master from room to room. Sometimes anxious pets act in a strange manner even when the owner is another room with the door shut. Undesirable behavior may include destructive behavior like scratching doors and window, excessive barking, attempt to escape, defecation at inappropriate places, inactivity, lethargy and loss of appetite. In rare cases, separation anxiety in dogs manifests itself in psychosomatic maladies like diarrhea, vomiting, and excessive coat licking.

Although dogs are prone to attachment due to their inherent nature, it is not uncommon for owners to inadvertently bring about anxiety in dogs. Moving the dog to a new home, taking the dog along to run errands, neglect and abuse are some of actions that can trigger separation anxiety in dogs.

Dealing with undesirable behaviors triggered by separation anxiety requires some element of planning. The planning needs to start as soon as you bring a puppy into your home.

To prevent separation anxiety, avoid situations that encourage an inordinate attachment. This makes it easier for the pet to live independently. Ensure that the dog does not follow you everywhere. Crate train your dog while he is still young.

Crate training done at a later stage and punishment do not produce the desired results. In case you have an adult dog that suffers from separation anxiety, you will need to slowly train him to accept your absence.

You can ensure this by leaving your dog for a few minutes and then returning and petting him and rewarding him if he does not show any signs of bad behavior. Continue this over time and slowly increase the length of time that you are away.

There are other things that you need to ensure. Don’t make going out a ritual. Don’t pet him excessively and feel guilty about leaving him alone. Dogs can sense feelings and if you are guilty about leaving him alone, there are chances that he can sense it. This causes anxiety. Throw some of your old clothes around the house before leaving to reassure your pet that you are there and shall be coming back.
Most of the times, the method of providing a “safety cue’ every time you leave your dog alone proves quite effective. A safety cue could be in the form of leaving a specific toy to play with or leaving the television or radio on or a phrase that you repeat every time you leave the house.

In some extreme cases relieving stress in pets may become difficult and you may have to resort to some anti-anxiety drugs to keep your dog calm. But you need to understand that these are temporary measures and are not permanent solutions towards your dog’s condition.

Article courtesy of PetAlive

* Itchy skin and eruptions.
* Inflammation in the ears and toes.
* Excessive licking.
* Intense itching near the anus and genitals.

Though these symptoms can appear anywhere the commonly affected areas are the lower back, nose and mouth. Ulcerative skin diseases known as lupus are the most dangerous autoimmune skin diseases that affect dogs, other pets and even humans.

Autoimmune related skin diseases are mostly caused by allergies. These allergies occur as a reaction in a dog due to certain food items, pollutants, chemicals, dust, pollen and other substances that are normally harmless. The affected organ responds to the allergen and the autoimmune reaction of the body causes certain symptoms. This reaction of the autoimmune system that is triggered to expel the foreign substance gives the condition the name – autoimmune disorders.

Another common cause of autoimmune skin disorders is unrestrained use of vaccinations, overdose of cortisone and commercial diets. Together these factors result in weakening the autoimmune system and increase vulnerability.

Autoimmune related skin disorders manifest themselves in various ways in dogs.

One set of conditions known as pemphigus is characterized by large thin-walled blisters (bullae). These blisters can arise from normal skin or mucous membranes. Later, they can ulcerate and form crusts. Another characteristic of pemphigus is red patches that change to pustules and later dry up to form yellow crusts. Normally these are restricted to the nose, the mouth and areas around the eyes and ears. The crusts bind to the skin underneath and can spread through out the body leading to de-pigmentation of the skin.

Another set of conditions is erythema. Erythema is an abnormal redness of the skin resulting from dilation of the blood vessels. Erythema multiforme is red rash caused by hypersensitivity to a drug, disease or another allergen. Systemic lupus erythematosus is an inflammatory disease of the connective tissue with multiple conditions. Typical symptoms include fever, weakness, abnormal fatigability and skin lesions on the face or neck or arms.

Toxic epidermal necrolysis is an autoimmune condition that leads to disintegration and shedding of dead tissue. This is a severe and painful condition in which blisters and ulcers form on the skin, mucous membranes and footpads.

Skin problems like canine and feline hair loss, feline acne and cat dandruff that appear to be minor can probably be harbingers of autoimmune skin conditions to come. An abnormality in any part of the skin noticed during routine pet care or grooming should be attended to and treated immediately. High doses of conventional drugs can cause autoimmune skin disorders. Alternative treatments like homeopathy remedies and natural treatments can be highly beneficial to your pet and aid in strengthening the immune system.

Article courtesy of PetAlive

In addition, each manufacturer launches numerous types of pet food under one brand. There are moist, semi moist and dry dog foods. Their use of terminology, like ‘premium’, ‘super-premium’, and ‘gourmet’ are mere nomenclatures since they hardly mean any thing. Even though the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) regulates what must be printed on the labels. The warnings are all mentioned in small print and therefore do not serve to warn the consumers adequately.

Apart from checking the nutritional adequacy and information about the manufacturer, you should focus on the ingredient list. Ethoxyquin is one of the most common preservatives used in dog food. This is used to prevent fats from turning rancid. There is verifiable evidence that there is a connection between Ethoxyquin and the accumulation of protoporphyrin IX and the elevation in liver related enzymes that can ultimately cause liver disease in dogs.

Some times dog owners indulge in over-feeding their dogs under the mistaken belief that the dog is hungry. Even a so called ‘light diet’ can lead to obesity in dogs if the calorie intake is more than recommended. Obesity can directly cause liver and heart conditions, diabetes, arthritis, skin disorders and cancer exposing the dog to a higher risk.

Diet plays an important role in liver health. It is one of the major reasons behind many diseases in cats too, including the feline liver disease. Instead of waiting for symptoms of liver disease in dogs or cats to surface, it is highly recommended that you be proactive and feed your dog with a healthy and nutritional diet to maintain health.

A huge majority of commercial foods contain toxins that destroy the immune system and gradually kill your dog as you feed him. Dogs are basically meat eaters. Meat based dog food may appear to be the best to provide the required proportions of proteins and other substances needed by the animal. Manufacturers, however, use synthetic additives and preservatives to increase shelf life, which can be detrimental to the health of your dog.

It is not only the type of food but also the quantity that makes a difference. The age, weight and breed of your pet are key aspects that determine the amount of proteins, carbohydrates and fats that the dog requires every day. The level of activity is another factor for arriving at the calorie intake. Your veterinarian is the best person to suggest where and how to source this information.

As much as possible feed your dog home cooked food, raw meat and a natural diet that is free from toxins. The purpose of a natural diet is to boost the immune system and help the liver to regenerate its cells so that it can function to its fullest capacity. A toxin free diet is the key to longevity and liver health.

Article courtesy of PetAlive

A dog’s body is capable of fighting minor diseases on its own. Frequent occurrences of skin disorders, allergies, respiratory and eye disorders and other general problems are sure signs of dysfunction of the immune system in pets. It is important to be on guard rather than letting the situation go out of hand. Maintaining the health of the immune system of your pet will not only restrict frequent occurrences of disease but also help in improving chances of survival in the event of a serious disease.

Antioxidants are one of the proven supplements that help in fighting disease. Antioxidants also limit cell damage and thus provide support to the immune system when disease occurs. Vitamins are a group of organic substances that are essential in small quantities to normal metabolism.

Vitamin C and E are specific antioxidants that are normally used as supplements to counter the oxidizing chemicals originating during cell damage. Vitamin C also plays a key role in enhancing the T-cell production for an increased resistance to bacterial and viral infection and allergies. Vitamin E, on the other hand prevents oxidation of Vitamin A, red blood cells and unsaturated fatty acids.

Carotene, an orange compound of an unsaturated hydrocarbon found in many plants is converted into vitamin A in the liver. It is indispensable for a healthy skin, growth, digestion and repair of body tissues and protecting mucous membranes of mouth, nose, throat and lungs for reducing vulnerability to infections.

Bioflavonoids or simply flavonoids, a group of antioxidant chemical compounds widely found often as a pigment in plants, fruits and vegetables, are termed as ‘nature’s biological response modifiers’. They have a strong inbuilt capacity to affect the way the body responds to allergens, viruses and carcinogens. Flavonoids are widely present in plants and protect them from microbes and insects.

Diseases like liver disease in dogs or feline liver disease are highly progressive diseases that are also difficult to diagnose and even lead to the death of your pet. Moreover, symptoms of liver disease in dogs and cats are varied and subtle and the disorder is likely to be diagnosed late. It would be unwise to look for vitamin supplements at the time of illness. The preferred approach should be to maintain the health of the immune system for reducing the incidence and severity of diseases in pets.

As much as you can, try to feed a natural diet to your dog. If you must buy commercial pet food gather enough information so that you can understand the contents mentioned on the label so as to be able to avoid those containing chemical preservatives. Chemical preservatives do more harm than the possible benefits of the ingredients.

To ensure that your dog is eating the best food, feed a home cooked diet that is rich in Vitamin C, E and A, antioxidants and Omega 3 fatty acids for best possible benefits for immune system. Even though dogs need meat based proteins, a healthy mix of meat and vegetables will go a long way to derive benefits that both vitamins and flavonoids can provide to the immune system.

Article courtesy of PetAlive

* Disorders of the central nervous system.
* Endocrinal disorders like Cushing’s disease and Addison’s disease.
* Neoplastic conditions that is growth of tumors.
* Immune mediated diseases.
* Emergency situations like spinal chord trauma.
* Inflammation related respiratory and bowel disorders.

Side effects of prednisone depend directly on the quantum and duration of the drug administered. Short term use of prednisone is less likely to cause any damaging side effects. It is only when the dose reaches an immunosuppressive level when the side effects start causing concern.

Overdose of prednisone can cause suppression of normal adrenal functions, Cushing’s disease in dogs and destabilization of metabolism if withdrawn abruptly. Short term use can cause excessive urination abnormal hunger and an increase in the appetite for dogs. Prolonged use, even in recommended dosages may cause:

* Diarrhea.
* Gastrointestinal ulcers.
* Inflammation in the pancreas.
* Muscle degeneration.
* Vomiting.
* Weight gain.
* Diabetes.
* Behavioral changes.
* Skin and hair coat problems.

Prednisone is normally termed as a ‘good drug that has bad side effects’. It becomes necessary to use the drug for serious ailments in dogs. But uncontrolled use can be extremely dangerous.

Some precautions can limit the downside of this useful drug to a large extent.

Avoid using prednisone along with diuretics as it can cause electrolyte imbalances. Potassium and digitalis level need to be monitored constantly.

If the body perceives that prednisone is being provided externally, it is likely that the natural production of the hormone will stop. One dose of prednisone lasts for more than a day. Once the condition is controlled it should be tapered off by increasing the intervals between doses. This keeps the adrenal glands active and prevents then from stopping production completely.

Dogs on systemic corticosteroids are more vulnerable to viral and bacterial infections. As systemic corticosteroids suppress immune responses, it is likely that the dog may not show signs of infection such as high temperature. Constant monitoring of such signs during the stage when the drug effects are at a low is important.

Do not use prednisone along with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These drugs can interfere and cause ulceration and bleeding in the stomach or intestines.

Prednisone should be used for diabetic patients only when required to save the life of the patient. Corticosteroids tend to increase the requirement of insulin and therefore, cause complications in the management of diabetes.

The female hormone, estrogen, interacts with corticosteroids by acting synergistically to increase the affect of prednisone and cause abortion. It should not be used when your dog is pregnant.

To be effective, prednisone must be converted to prednisolone by the liver. If the animal is already suffering from some hepatic disorders, it is advisable to administer prednisolone rather than prednisone.

Prednisone is not advisable for dogs having systemic fungal infections, except in cases where your dog is suffering from Addison’s disease. Avoid using prednisone for young dogs. If necessary, it should be used with care as it is liable to cause gastrointestinal ulcers.

Hyperadrenocorticism in a dog or Cushing’s disease is a life threatening condition and prednisone needs to be used. However, used indiscreetly it can actually cause Cushing’s disease in dogs. There is no reason why you cannot manage this contrarian situation by educating yourself about how and when to use the drug appropriately.

References:

http://www.wedgewoodpharmacy.com/monographs/prednisone.asp

http://www.transweb.org/reference/articles/drugs/pred.html

http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_prednisone.html

Article courtesy of PetAlive

Treating cancer, including canine and feline cancers with chemotherapeutic drugs is beset with dangers. Most veterinarians are against the use of these drugs since the affects are sometimes worse than the ailment. Mostly veterinarians suggest chemotherapy if the dog owner insists and is adamant to prolong the life of his dog, irrespective of its quality.

If you are looking for a better quality of life rather than just adding the number of years, you should look towards a holistic treatment for cancer. A natural approach is devoid of toxicity, has no side effects and attempts to fight cancer cells in a natural way. Success, of course, is not in your hands but you can provide a comfortable life to an already beleaguered animal.

The first step should be to clear the pet’s environment of all potentially carcinogenic materials and chemicals. Change his environment so that there is no contact with harmful pesticides, chemicals and toxic materials. Clean the household where remnants of these tend to accumulate. Throw out the plastic feeding bowl and use ceramic or metal. Start giving filtered water to the dog.

Homoeopathy can do wonders if a remedy is found that meets all the symptoms present in your dog. Such a remedy can prove to be one of the best tools to manage cancer.

There is a strong correlation between nutrition and cancer. Commercial foods available in the market carry preservative and synthetic substances that may be carcinogenic and may cause harm to the process of healthy cell multiplication. Home cooked and organic food is best for your dog’s health. If home food is not an option, opt for health foods for dogs that are available in health stores. Before buying make sure that they do not contain hormones, pesticides or antibiotics.

You may also choose to give therapeutic level supplements of antioxidants, Vitamin C and Vitamin A. Many herbs also help in fighting cancer and can be given directly or along with a meal. Discuss with your veterinarian and select a few herbs and natural foods that are rich in zinc, selenium and omega 3 fatty acids. Fish oil or flaxseed oil have anti cancer properties and increase oxygen uptake to cells.

Caring for a dog with cancer requires dog owners to be well-conversed with the minute details of how symptoms of cancer manifest in pets. Cancer tends to remain concealed till a long time. For example, the symptoms of liver cancer in dogs are vague and are normally ignored or associated with milder conditions. Creating a program for home cancer care will go a long way in curbing the growth of cancer cells. If you can start such a program right from the time you bring your dog home, it may even prevent the dreaded disease.

Article courtesy of PetAlive

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We all know that cancer takes time to be detected. We also know that it usually manifests itself when it is almost impossible to cure it completely. What most of us would like to know is why it is so. The term neoplasia is used interchangeably with cancer. Neoplasia is the pathological process that results in the formation and growth of a tumor. It requires a billion cells or thirty times of dividing and multiplying before a tumor can be seen. And malignancy occurs only when these rapidly dividing cancer cells invade normal tissue.

Malignant cancers can spread through the blood stream or lymphatic vessels. There are many types of cancers that spread to specific neighboring or distant organs but the most common sites are lymph nodes, lungs and liver. To add to the problem, symptoms of most types of cancer, like the symptoms of liver cancer in dogs, tend to surface prominently only when the disease has reached an advanced stage.

It is imperative that due attention be paid to even subtle behavioral and physical changes in dogs for ruling out or confirming the prevalence of cancer. Many types of cancer can be effectively treated, even cured, if they are attended to in the early stages. Some of the signs that may indicate cancer as an underlying cause are easily short listed into ten symptoms. It will not be out of place to mention here that these signs apply to humans also.

* An abnormal swelling that refuses to go away even after treatment.
* A sore, lesion or a wound that does not heal within a reasonable time period.
* Weight loss despite sufficient diet.
* Incessant bleeding or discharge from any opening in the body.
* Difficulty in urinating or passing stools.
* Chronic diarrhea or vomiting.
* Loss of stamina and difficulty in breathing.
* Subtle changes like increased sleep, lack of interest and refusal to play.
* Bad smell.
* Refusal to eat for more than two days.

Most of the symptoms can be noticed easily if you are observant and indulgent while grooming. Any abnormal sign that was not there when you last groomed the dog should be brought to the notice of the veterinarian. Nine time out of ten it may turn out to be a minor ailment but that should not reason to be negligent. Remember that early detection can save the life of your pet.

Article courtesy of PetAlive

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The immune system is the body’s internal and natural self-healing system of reciprocation that comes into action as soon it recognizes an intrusion of foreign bodies. We call a disease as immune mediated when some underlying cause has caused the immune system to stop recognizing foreign substances. The immune system stops creating antibodies for combating the invasion and produces an autoantibody that starts destroying normal cells. Such a disease may be restricted to a single organ or region or the whole animal.

Autoimmune diseases have far reaching consequences depending upon the extent to which they have affected the body of the dog. The pathological signs of multiple autoimmune diseases are normally seen in the same animal since the animal becomes more vulnerable to infections due to a weakened immune system. For example, symptoms of liver disease in dogs as well as feline liver disease are common once the immune system’s automatic responses are restricted.

Typically autoimmune diseases occur due to four types of actions that take place within the body:

* An autoantibody targets a specific organ. For example, autoimmune hemolytic anemia occurs when an autoantibody targets blood cells. In Addison’s disease the target is the adrenal gland.
* Antibodies that target different proteins in the body are produced. These circulate through out the body and cause multiple organ autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus. Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by complex immunoglobulin class molecules that are deposited in the lubricating fluid in the spaces between joints.
* Sometimes antibodies and T-cells act together to restrict the activity of an organ. T-cells are one of the two types of cells that carry out an immune response. Autoimmune hypothyroidism is an example of disease caused through this mechanism. The thyroid receives a large number of T-cells and also antibodies programmed to destroy thyroid cells.
* Autoimmune diseases also arise from deficiencies in the complement system. For example liver disease in dogs restricts production of complement serum enzymes that have to be activated to carry out an immune response.

Due to the innate nature of the disease, autoimmune disease has multiple symptoms that depend upon the organs, body systems that are being targeted. As most of the symptoms tend to confuse and mimic other conditions it requires proper investigation through blood, urine and other tests to confirm whether the condition is immune mediated or not. Some of the symptoms in dogs, reported prior to diagnosis, include:

* Diarrhea and colitis: with or without traces of blood
* Lethargy, depression and intolerance to exercise
* Muscle wasting and weakness in legs
* Skin sores, mouth ulcers, lesions, especially nasal and anal lesions
* Stiff joints, alteration in gait tending to lameness and stiff limbs
* Enlarged lymph nodes
* Anemia
* Seizures
* Loss of appetite and weight
* Body odor
* A marked change in bark
* Weight gain if thyroid is affected

A weakened immune system fails to do what it has been programmed to and starts rejecting body’s own tissue as foreign. This exposes a dog to repeated attacks by infections that further deteriorate an already serious condition. It is now coming to light that many well known diseases like hypothyroidism and diabetes may be immune mediated and caused by rejection of hormone producing cells.

Article courtesy of PetAlive

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