Showing posts with label dogs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dogs. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
Ear Infection In Dogs Symptoms
Ear Infection In Dogs Symptoms
Ch01: Diseases Of The Pinna - Decker Intellectual Properties
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Otitis Externa In Animals - Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia
Small raw circles or patches in a dogs ear, (detailed image) Otitis externa is an inflammation of the outer ear and ear canal. Animals are commonly prone to ear infection, and this is one of the most common manifestations of allergy in dogs. Symptoms Severe otitis ... Read Article
Fluconazole For Dogs Ear Infections, Otc, Australia
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WALTHAM Focus Vol 10 No 3 2000 Diagnosis Of Otitis Media in Dogs
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St. Francis Animal Hospital Treats Allergies And Common Pet Infections
LAS VEGAS, Nov. 29, 2015-- St. Francis Animal Hospital treats common pet allergies and infections such as ear infections in the Las Vegas area. Small pets often suffer from allergies due to the warm, dry ... Read News
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Otitis Externa - Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia
In either case, but more often with infection, the ear canal skin swells and may become painful or tender to touch. Classification Edit. In contrast to the chronic otitis externa, acute Because the symptoms of external otitis lead many people to attempt to clean out the ear canal (or ... Read Article
What Causes Ear Infections In Adults - ENT - Tonsillitis
What Are Symptoms of an Ear Infection? How Are Ear Infections Treated? How to Prevent a Middle Ear Infection. What Are Symptoms of an Ear Infection? Ear, Nose, & Throat Disorders Essentials What are some common disorders of the ears, nose & throat? ... Read Article
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HEALTH CONDITIONS AND DISEASES COMMON TO GOLDEN RETRIEVERS
Symptoms Most dogs with heartworm infection do not show signs of disease. Some dogs may show decreased an untreated ear infection continually causes pain for the dog. In Golden Retrievers, this is a disease that occurs in older dogs. ... Retrieve Here
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Vestibular Disease in Dogs And Cats V
Vestibular Disease in Dogs and Cats How do I know if my pet estibular disorders are not unique Less common causes are middle ear infection (e.g., from a severe ear mite infestation), He has a few trace symptoms still, ... Fetch Full Source
Dog Ear Infection Symptoms, Causes And Treatments - YouTube
Dog Ear Infection:symptoms, causes and treatments Ear infections in dogs are common and most dogs suffer from this painful condition sometime in their life. Scratching and rubbing at the ear(s) and head shaking are common signs. You may also notice an abnormal odor from the ear or see ... View Video
Ear Infections in Dogs And Cats - Signs, Causes, Treatment ...
Learn what to watch for and how to prevent ear infections in dogs and cats. Symptoms and Diagnosis of Ear Infections in Cats Symptoms of ear infections will vary depending on the cause, Causes of Ear Infections in Dogs In some cases, an ear infection in a dog may be easily treated and cured. ... Read Article
Dog Ear Infection Pictures - YouTube
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3 The Pathophysiology Of The ear - World Health Organization
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Ear Infection/Yeast Overgrowth - Nebula.wsimg.com
Ear Infection/Yeast Overgrowth Ear Mites A patient receiving steroids will not experience the usual symptoms of urinary tract infection because the steroid will suppress the inflammation and discomfort commonly associated with a Yeast Infection Ear Mites in Dogs C ... Read Full Source
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Natural Help for Dog Ear Mites Dog Ear Mites What are Ear Mites? Dog ear mite symptoms usually involves frequent scratching of the ear and shaking ... View Full Source
Understanding Scottish Terrier Allergies
6 Common Symptoms of Dog Allergies Dogs exhibit different signs as a result of having allergies. Scratching or tilting of the head can be signs of an ear infection caused by allergies. Symptoms of Allergies ... Retrieve Document
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Sunday, December 25, 2016
Low Blood Sugar Symptoms in Dogs
Low Blood Sugar Symptoms in Dogs
Sniff sniff!
Dogs have the ability to smell hypoglycemia and alert their owners to take measures before the attack. Most trainers claim that accuracy of trained canines to warn low blood sugar is 90%. But what if your dog has this condition. In that case, you must learn to identify the symptoms...Glucose is the main source of energy for humans and animals. It is obtained when the body breaks down carbohydrates from foods. There are many factors which might cause the blood glucose to drop to dangerously low levels causing a condition called hypoglycemia. According to most experts, in dogs, hypoglycemia occurs when their blood glucose levels fall below 70 mg/dl. The condition affects puppies more severely than adult dogs. Severely hypoglycemic puppies can have seizures or go into a coma. Sometimes, affected puppies may succumb to the condition. Being aware of the main symptoms of the condition can help you act before it gets too late to save your pet.
Your Dog May be Hypoglycemic if he...
...is more lethargic or sleepier than usual.
...is showing signs of depression, nervousness or anxiety for no apparent reason.
...has muscle weakness or has a wobbly gait.
...walks with a tilted head.
...is abnormally hungry or thirsty.
...has dilated pupils.
...is sweating more than usual, and has trembling lips.
...is not responding to your calls.
...is having trouble seeing.
...has jerky or clumsy body movements.
...has seizures.
...is going into a coma.
Things you Can Do
Once you notice the symptoms of hypoglycemia in your dog, feed him with corn syrup or similar sugar products. Administer the syrup with a needleless syringe. Avoid giving any liquid if your dog is unconscious; simply rub the sugar on the gums and under the tongue. This should be done before you take your pet to a veterinary hospital.
When the blood sugar level drops, dogs may feel extremely cold and so keeping them warm is also important.
Any medicines which have been prescribed by the vet should be followed according to the recommended dosages, and regular check-ups are a must.
Regular and frequent feeding (4 times a day), routine vaccinations, and deworming procedures should also be a part of the treatment for low blood sugar in dogs.
Susceptible Dog Breeds
1. Dogs employed mainly for hunting activities
Why?
- Such dogs are highly susceptible to hypoglycemia given their intense physical exertion.
2. Diabetic dogs
Why?
- Insulin overdose puts such dogs at high risk of low blood sugar.
3. Toy breed puppies especially those who are 6 and 12 weeks of age
Why?
- They lack the ability to regulate their blood sugar levels.
4. Dogs with insulinoma (tumor of the pancreas)
Why?
- Such tumors secrete insulin which acts to lower glucose levels in the blood.
Hypoglycemia in dogs is not a severe condition if it is tend to immediately. Owners whose dogs are diabetic must exercise extra caution. They should keep a close watch on their pets for any signs of low or high blood sugar level and also see to it that they are getting the proper amount of feeding and exercise too.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a qualified vet.
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Friday, December 23, 2016
Heart Murmur in Dogs
Heart Murmur in Dogs
Heart murmur is a cardiac problem which occurs in dogs, as a result of turbulence in the blood flow. This disorder is mostly found in young dogs. The heart murmur can be heard in the form of blood flowing in the heart and the blood vessels adjacent to it. The degree or intensity of the problem is influenced by various factors such as the physical state and health of the dog. It is generally seen that the murmur in the heart stops, as the dog grows up. The heart murmur, in many cases, may also require medications and surgical treatment.
Causes of Canine Heart Murmur
Leakage in the valves present in the heart, is one of the important reasons behind heart murmur in dogs. Mitral valve dysplasia is a condition in which the valve leaks and results into heart murmur. Ventricular septal defect is a condition in which holes are present in the walls of the chambers that pump blood. When a puppy is in the phase of rapid growth, the level of cardiac output is raised, which results into an increase in the velocity of the blood flow. The turbulence that is created due to the rise in velocity, results into heart murmur. There many other reasons behind the turbulence caused by the rise in blood flow. The value of blood viscosity becomes high, due to anemia or fever. It is also a cause behind the turbulence. Pulmonary stenosis, is a condition in which the outflow from the right ventricle creates turbulence as a result of the narrowing of the pulmonary artery. A similar condition in which the aorta becomes narrow is known as the aortic stenosis.
Dog Heart Murmur Symptoms
Dogs with heart murmurs dont exhibit any kind of well-defined symptoms. The general symptoms that show up in this cardiac disorder, are fainting spells, lack of oxygen that might cause the dog to collapse, a slowdown in the regular activities and increased panting even when the dog is resting. The tongue and the gums develop a bluish tinge, if the dog is suffering from heart murmur. The dog might also exhibit problems in breathing and coughing is also observed sometimes.
Diagnosis of Heart Murmur
Most of the time, a thorough physical examination is enough to understand the condition of the dog and confirm the occurrence of heart murmur. However, a few tests such as chest X-ray, heart ultrasound and blood tests need to be conducted. The heart ultrasound test proves to be of a great help as it allows an insight into the actual cause and the depth of the problem. Any kind of underlying causes that result into major problems, are also detected with the help of a heart ultrasound.
Canine Heart Murmur Treatment
The canine heart murmurs could be either benign or acquired. For the proper treatment of the disorder, a thorough examination of the dog is carried out. It determines whether the heart murmur is benign or acquired. The benign heart murmur doesnt need any kind of treatment. This minor form of heart murmur is treated by providing a low sodium diet to the dog. Medications used for the treatment of heart murmur are Enalapril, Lasix or Benazepril. Medications are used to lower the blood pressure and to increase the strength of contractions in the heart. In critical situations, surgery remains the only option to treat the damaged valves present in the heart.
Heart murmur found in younger dogs, is mostly congenital, while the older dogs exhibit heart murmur associated with valve diseases. One of the common disease in dogs, heart murmur can be cured with the help of proper treatment and care.
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Wednesday, December 21, 2016
Remedies for your Dogs Upset Stomach
Remedies for your Dogs Upset Stomach
An upset stomach, is a common dog health problem that can cause nasty episodes of diarrhea and vomiting in dogs leaving the canines and their owners quite distressed. This can be even more problematic if you little puppy loves to wander around the neighborhood and chews on just about anything that it can find. A sudden change in the diet, eating large quantities of food, dietary indiscretion and mental stress in dogs can all contribute to the upset stomach problems. While there are a number of over the counter antacids that are available, it is best to stick to simple upset stomach remedies for dogs to prevent any side effects of the medications. Here is a look at the causes, symptoms and remedies for an upset stomach in dogs.
Upset Stomach Causes in Dogs
Eating inadequate, toxic, chemical or decomposed food is one of the major causes of upset stomach in dogs. A sudden change in diet can also worsen the problem. In addition diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, inflammatory bowel disease in dogs and poor digestion can also contribute to the problem. Stress and other such problems can also trigger off an upset stomach.
Upset Stomach Symptoms in Dogs
You can identify that your dog is suffering from an upset stomach when it displays certain symptoms. Some of the common upset stomach symptoms include constipation, loss of appetite, abdominal pain. Other symptoms of upset stomach in dogs include:
- Vomiting
- Loose watery, and in some cases bloody stool
- Lethargy
- Persistent high fever
- Increased thirst
- Dehydration
Restrict Food: For dogs suffering from an upset stomach, the first rule is to restrict the food for a minimum of twelve hours. An overnight fast gives your dogs stomach time to recover.
Bland Diet: After the period of fasting, feed the dog a bland diet consisting of boiled rice and chicken or boiled rice and hamburger. Chicken should be fed only after taking off the skin and make sure the hamburger is fat free before serving it to the dog. Make sure that you serve the food in small quantities and continue with the diet till the vomiting subsides.
Eating Grass: No I am not bonkers. Eating grass helps the dog vomit out the food and ease the symptoms of an upset stomach.
Avoid Dehydration: The constant vomiting and loose stool increase the odds of your dog becoming dehydrated. Fill its bowl with half water and half Gatorade or give it some Pedialyte to replace the electrolytes. A dog suffering from upset stomach should not be fed water continuously. This can only make the condition worse by increasing the vomiting. Check if your dog is getting dehydrated by lifting the skin on its shoulder and back. If it stays firm instead of flapping back, then you might need to consult a veterinarian for introduction of subcutaneous fluids.
Yogurt: Probiotic yogurt and cottage cheese contains bacteria that is quite effective in soothing the upset stomach and the irritated intestines.
Herbal Remedies: Herbal remedies are known to be effective in soothing the disgestive system and restore its balance. Some well-known herbal remedies include plantain, Podophyllum and Alchemilla vulgaris. While plantain is great for animals in hot weather, the others are suitable for animals suffering from upset stomach in hot weather.
While most mild cases of diarrhea and upset stomach can be cured in a few days with these simple upset stomach remedies for dogs, remember that the vomiting and other symptoms can be the result of something serious. These serious issues can result in persistent symptoms which are extremely difficult to treat. So if the symptoms do not subside in a few days, it is a good idea to consult a veterinarian.
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Leptospirosis in Dogs
Leptospirosis in Dogs
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can affect humans and a large number of animals including, cats and dogs. This disease is somewhat rare in cats. But, dogs are more likely to get affected by this bacterial disease. If not treated on time, it can lead to serious dog health problems, as the disease can damage the liver and the kidneys. It has basically three main forms: hemorrhagic leptospirosis, icteric leptospirosis and renal leptospirosis. Hemorrhagic leptospirosis can cause bleeding and infection of the blood in dog, while icteric leptospirosis affects the liver and cause jaundice. Renal leptospirosis can lead to kidney failure.
It is relatively common in dogs, especially among the dogs kept in unsanitary conditions and in crowded places. So, factors like housing can affect the incidence of the disease. In the recent years, there has been an increase in the number of cases of canine leptospirosis, especially in certain parts of United States and Canada. The disease is more common in tropical regions, and during warm and wet weather. High rainfall is another favorable factor for the survival and spread of bacteria that causes leptospirosis. In general, dogs that have an increased likelihood of coming in contact with infected urine of the carrier animals like, rodents and raccoons that are more likely to get infected with leptospira bacteria.
Causes of Leptospirosis
There are more than two hundred strains of Leptospira bacteria, but out of these only eight strains or serovars have been identified to cause leptospirosis in pets. These strains are known as, Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae, L. grippotyphosa, L. pomona, L. canicola, L. bratislava, L. bataviae, L. hardjo, L. autumnalis and L. grippotyphosa. Again, out of these eight strains, Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae, L. canicola, L. grippotyphosa, L. pomona are more commonly associated with canine leptospirosis.
The disease is transmitted through contact with the infected body fluids, more commonly urine of the infected animals. Even contact with contaminated water and soil can cause the disease. Animals like, rats, raccoons, skunks and foxes are the carriers of this disease. The bacteria can enter the body through open wounds, or broken skin or mucous membrane and then eventually cause kidney and liver problems in dogs.
Symptoms of Leptospirosis
It can produce several symptoms like uveitis and conjunctivitis, etc. which are listed below:
- Fever (103 to 105 degree Fahrenheit)
- Loss of Appetite
- Muscle pain or tenderness
- Joint pain
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Lethargy
- Dehydration
- Increased thirst
- Depression
- Change in urine color (orange or red colored urine)
- Frequent urination
- Jaundice
Treatment for Leptospirosis
Canine leptospirosis is treated with antibiotics. Usually, more than one type of antibiotics are used to treat it. Along with antibiotics, supportive therapy in the form of fluid therapy may be required. Supportive therapy is mainly required to reverse the kidney damage caused by the infection. It helps to increase the blood flow to the kidney, and restore kidney filtration and urine production. If the infection is too severe and has caused significant damage to the kidneys, then hemodialysis can be required. The prognosis depends on several factors, such as, the particular strain of the bacteria that has infected the dog, and for how long the animal has been infected before starting the treatment.
Nowadays, vaccination are available for certain strains of Leptospira bacteria. To prevent this condition and restore dog health, be sure to take appropriate dog care and keep them away from the potential sources of infection such as, the carrier animals, animals infected with Leptospira and contaminated water and foods. Moreover, humans too can contract this disease from infected animals, especially through contact with the infected urine or vomit of the animals. Therefore, infected dogs and other pets should be handled carefully, and any area contaminated with their urine should be cleaned and disinfected immediately.
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Tuesday, December 20, 2016
Bacterial Infections in Dogs
Bacterial Infections in Dogs
Dogs are susceptible to a variety of bacterial and viral infections, some of which can even prove fatal for them. Skin, eye, ear, urinary tract, kidneys, nervous system and even the respiratory system of the dog is vulnerable to such bacterial infections. Even minor infections can lead to severe dog health problems when left untreated, and therefore it is necessary to identify the problem and initiate treatment at the earliest.
Bacterial Skin Infections: Staphylococcal pyoderma is a skin condition in dogs caused by a Staphylococcus sp. infection. This bacteria is in fact a part of the dogs normal skin flora. However, in case of wounded skin, or skin that has aberrations and cuts, the bacterium may enter under the skin and cause skin infections. A staph infection in dogs is characterized by itchiness, crusted skin, pustules and small, raised lesions. As the severity of the infection increases, there is loss of hair, and dried discharge is given out in the affected area. Most of the time, it affects the superficial layer of the dogs skin. However, if there is deep laceration then the inner folds of the skin are also affected. To treat skin infections in dogs, topical medication along with antibiotic doses is prescribed, especially to eliminate recurrence of the disease.
Leptospirosis Infections: Leptospirosis affects both humans and animals throughout the world. Leptospirosis is caused by a group of bacteria called Spirochaetes. This highly contagious disease affects dogs when they come in contact with urine of infected animals or contaminated stagnant water. Transmission is also seen via mating, being bitten by another infected dog, or through the consumption of infected carcasses (seen in case of wild dogs rather than pet dogs). The initial signs of Leptospirosis are fever, redness of the mucous membranes and depression. This is often accompanied by vomiting. The dog seems to ache all over and becomes extremely lethargic. In extreme cases, dogs may develop kidney inflammation, causing permanent damage to the kidney.
Brucellosis Infection: Brucellosis in dogs, is caused by Brucella canis bacteria. The transmission of the bacteria is through the mucous membranes. The bacteria may hence enter the body through nose, mouth, conjunctiva of the eye and the vagina. It is commonly transmitted via mating, and hence usually occurs in the breeding season. While the male dogs may develop prostatitis, the infected pregnant females abort their fetuses; if born, puppies die shortly afterwards. It should be noted, that Brucella canis can also cause disease in humans.
Actinomycosis and Nocardiosis Infection: While Actinomycosis is caused by the Actinomyces sp., the causative agent of Nocardiosis is Nocardia sp., mainly those living in the soil. Both these infections are usually caused by the bacteria entering the skin wounds and other abscesses. Both of these diseases are uncommon and usually result in the swelling of the lymph nodes around the wounded site. If the infection is carried deeper into the body, it may break into the chest or the abdomen, causing pus to accumulate there.
Streptococcal Infections: Streptococcal infections caused by various species of the genus Streptococcus are prevalent among puppies and older dogs due to a weakened immune system.
Staphylococcal Infection: Caused by the Staphylococcus sp., these bacterial infections affect the upper respiratory tract of animals or the skin of the host. It is usually transmitted between animals. The disease also has a zoonotic risk attached to it (i.e. it can be transmitted from an infected dog to a human being).
Plague in Dogs: A bacterial infection caused by the Yersinia pestis, plague is usually transmitted in dogs by rodent fleas. Dogs can become infected through the bite of infected fleas or by eating a rodent, rabbit or other animal carrying infected fleas. However, in contrast to other domestic animals, dogs are pretty resistant to this bacterial infection and may develop only swollen lymph nodes.
Bacterial Ear Infections: Numerous types of bacteria, and a yeast species called Malassezia pachydermatis, cause ear infections in dogs. While a normal, healthy dog has good defense against these organisms, environmental changes, dog allergies, hormone abnormalities or moisture, can make the ear susceptible to a bacterial or yeast infection.
If you find signs of bacterial infection in your dog, it is important that you take them to the veterinarian, to ascertain the cause of the disease. Based on the type of infection, the vet may recommend various treatment options, such as antibiotic and anti-inflammatory medications, allergy shots or certain shampoos. Remember, that by making dietary changes and regular exercising, the dogs immune system can be strengthened in order to help it ward off the infection.
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Monday, December 19, 2016
Home Remedies for Dry Skin on Dogs
Home Remedies for Dry Skin on Dogs
While your puppy or dog may be a playful little companion for you, and you probably believe that having a pet is all fun and games, the truth is even this little one is prone to its own set of problems and illnesses. Among the many problems that afflict dogs is that of dry skin. It may be manageable in the initial stages, but later gets worse when the itching sets in due to skin problems. Dry skin usually indicates a problem with your dogs health, that most probably, it is not getting the nutrients it requires for healthy skin. Another reason that may contribute to dry skin on your dog is that you are over bathing it. The chemicals in the shampoos, etc. that you use to clean your dogs may strip their skin off its natural moisture, thereby, leaving it dry. Fortunately, these conditions can be remedied at home by following some simple steps.
Home Remedies
The following remedies are suitable when the condition is not too serious. If you find that your dogs skin is too dry and is becoming itchy, visit the vet immediately, who will then treat it with appropriate medication.
- Use a special shampoo meant for dry skin on dogs. Just like our skin is prone to drying out in winters, so is the case with dogs. As such, in the winters, dont bathe your dog too often, and use a shampoo that has been specifically made for dogs with dry skin. This will ensure that its skin does not dry out as much.
- Pet your dog often. Petting your dog often will promote the circulation of natural oils in the dogs skin, that will then keep the skin moisturized. Alternately, you may also brush your dogs coat often to ensure this circulation. Brushing will also get rid of the flaky skin and promote the development of healthy new skin.
- Improve your dogs diet. As mentioned earlier, more often than not, dog health problems emerge from a poor diet. Thus, give your pet high-grade dog food that is meant to improve its overall health, and the quality of its skin and coat. It has been found that adding a teaspoon of olive oil or flaxseed oil to your dogs food will treat dry skin on dogs belly and every other body part, and make it healthy. Flaxseed oil consists of omega 3 essential fatty acids that are a good nutrient for healthy skin.
- Try an oatmeal bath. Dog health experts suggest that soaking your dog in colloidal oatmeal while bathing, for about 15 minutes, will relieve the itchy skin that is most often the result of dry skin.
- Tackle the source of dry skin. Sometimes dry skin in dogs is caused due to parasitic infestations. For instance, if you notice dry skin on dogs ears, it is probably ear mites in dogs that are causing the itching and the associated dry skin. Use some mineral oil dipped in a cotton ball on the affected area to get rid of the ear mites and relieve the itching and dry skin temporarily.
- Use olive oil on the affected area. Many a time you will notice dry skin on a localized patch and nowhere else on its body. For instance, a lot of people have noticed dry skin on dogs nose without a trace of any other illness. This can be treated simply by applying a swab of cotton lightly dipped in olive oil on the affected area, as many times as required, to treat it.
Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only and does not in any way attempt to replace the advice offered by an expert on the subject.
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Symptoms and Treatment for Diabetes in Dogs
Symptoms and Treatment for Diabetes in Dogs
Canine diabetes is one of the major dog health problems, caused due to improper insulin production or insulin resistance. Insulin is a hormone, secreted by the beta cells of pancreas, responsible for maintaining blood glucose level. Insulin causes the bodys cells to take up glucose from the blood to be used as a source of energy. When the body produces very little or no insulin (type 1 diabetes), the bodys cells fail to take up glucose from the blood. In another case, when the bodys cells are resistant to insulin (type 2 diabetes), they fail to use sugar from the blood and hence, sugar remains in the blood stream only. In both the cases, the result is increase in the blood sugar level or hyperglycemia, which is a characteristic of diabetes mellitus. Majority of the dogs suffer from type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Causes
This diabetes is more common in obese dogs; in addition, genetic and environmental factors are also an added factor. Many a time, viral infections, low immune system, pancreatic infections and other hormonal disorders form a basis for the causing this diabetes. There are certain dog breeds such as poodles, beagles, schnauzers, keeshonds, dachshunds, etc., which are more susceptible to this disease than the other breeds. Mostly dogs suffer from diabetes at the age of seven to nine years.
Symptoms
The symptoms are vague and dog owners have to be careful enough to analyze the noticeable signs. The major reason for all body disorders is due to failure of bodys cell to utilize blood glucose, which is one of the major energy fuels. The notable symptoms of diabetes in dogs are increased urination (polyuria), increased thirst (polydipsia) and increased hunger (polyphagia). Blood sample of a diabetic dog contains high sugar level in which the kidney cant filter efficiently, resulting in excreting glucose in the urine. This results in loss of a large volume of body fluid because of osmosis. Consequently, a diabetic dog feels thirstier to compensate the lost fluid. Since body is deprived of energy fuel, it also suffers from an increased hunger and eats more in order to carry out the normal body metabolism.
A diabetic dog may also suffer from ketoacidosis (a life-threatening complication due to insulin deficiency and an increase in stress hormones), dehydration, weight loss, increased fatigue, lethargy, fungal infections and other health complications.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis is done by physical examination, followed by a series of urine and blood tests. Normal blood sugar level for a dog will be 70 - 150 mg/dl (milligrams per deciliter). Canine diabetes is diagnosed, if a dogs blood sugar is greater than 200 mg/dl.
Diabetes in dogs is treated by controlling the blood glucose level, which is achieved by giving insulin injections. There are three ranges of insulin injections for dogs - short-acting, medium-range and long-range. Short-acting lasts from one to four hours; medium-range remains effective for four to 24 hours and long-range lasts for eight to 28 hours. Injecting insulin should be followed carefully in accordance with the veterinarians prescriptions, since an overdose can lead to lowering of the blood glucose level than normal (hypoglycemia). In addition, a dog owner has to be careful about the pets diet and the oral medication prescribed by the veterinarian. Diet should include foods with less sugar content. The amount of red meat and dry dog food should be kept to a minimum, instead one can add soft moist and homemade food. Diabetic dogs should be fed smaller meals at least twice or thrice a day.
Dog owners need to be careful about their dogs health and try to observe any change in the dogs behavior. It is always recommended to discuss with your veterinarian or a qualified specialist for any notable signs or symptoms. There should be proper dog care along with regular medical examination and blood test, at least twice annually to prevent canine diabetes.
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Saturday, December 17, 2016
Detangler for Dogs
Detangler for Dogs
I am sure you feel proud to own a smart canine at home. Yeah, you surely do! However, you would call yourself proud only if you take the necessary care of your dog which includes its health, food, grooming etc. When I say dog grooming, there are so many things to take into account, and the best way to go about it is by maintaining proper hygiene and basically looking after it like you would for your baby! Maintaining hygiene includes bathing it every alternate day or at least once a week. So, basically what you need is a dog shampoo which acts as a hair detangler especially if you happen to own a very furry species. And this is what we are going to talk about in the paragraphs coming up. I would suggest, you keep reading.
As the name suggests, detangler is basically used to detangle (loosen) the hair or mat growth on the dogs body. It is a kind of shampoo mixture which helps through the process. If you are wondering how to choose the best detangler for your dog, well, make sure you go for the homemade detangler, since they have been proven to be effective and useful, alike and would not harm the pets skin, in any case. The dog fur is delicate, needs special attention and technique to go about it so let us see the steps involved in detangling your canines hair.
Step 1
Well, as I said, it is better to go for the homemade detangler recipe since it really works wonders. First of all, arrange for the homemade dog shampoo, aloe vera based conditioner, distilled water, wheat germs, essential oils (preferably scentless), spray bottle and of course, a dog comb.
Step 2
Next, make your dog ready for a healthy bath, keep him engaged and happy so that the whole process goes by with ease. Meanwhile, keep the distilled water (8 ounces) in the microwave for 30 seconds only so that it becomes lukewarm.
Step 3
Take a big spray bottle which works properly and add same amounts (8 ounces) of the conditioner in the bottle. Here, if you dont get aloe vera conditioner, you could mix aloe vera gel with a commercial dog conditioner and use the same. Now, add the distilled water and mix well.
Step 4
Next, take 3 tablespoons of wheat germ and add to the above mixture. Along with it, add few drops of essential oil as well and again shake the whole mixture vigorously so that all the ingredients are mixed evenly.
Step 5
Now comes the main step. Take the comb suitable for your dog fur in one hand and larger mats in another, spray the mixture and comb simultaneously. Keep on doing this so as to detangle the entire fur coat. Once done, again spray the detangler mixture all over the body and give your canine a nice bath. Use sufficient amounts of water to wash off the traces of the shampoo and conditioner. This is the end! You have succeeded in your goal! The next obvious query is, how often should you wash your dog? Make sure it is at least once a week.
Now you know how to go about using the detangler for dog grooming. One suggestion I would like to give here is avoid use of baby or human shampoos. Use good quality recommended dog products only and I can vouch that the whole process would be more of fun then!
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Friday, December 16, 2016
Dementia Symptoms in Dogs
Dementia Symptoms in Dogs
Have you recently seen your dog look all bored and sleepy as if it has just lost the zest for life? It not only has stopped greeting you joyfully at the door, but has also forgotten the old tricks you taught it! Well, this might be the result of dementia or cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), which usually affects aging pet dogs. Although most of us disregard the apparent dementia symptoms in dogs as the part of the normal aging process, it is important to remember that the symptoms of the condition are not a part of the dogs growing old.
Canine dementia or senile dementia in dogs is sometimes compared to Alzheimers disease in humans. It is usually caused as a result of old age when the brain begins to naturally accumulate beta amyloid, a protein found that damages nerves. As this buildup increases, the starch like protein causes plaque in the brain which inhibits the transmission of neurological signals. This leads to progressively a more severe cognitive dysfunction or dementia in your dog. The disease is also referred to as old dog syndrome", "brain aging", "doggie dementia" or "senility". Here are some common symptoms of dementia in dogs.
Identifying Dog Dementia Symptoms
Disorientation: One of the most common signs of canine dementia is a feeling of disorientation or the "lost look" in your dog. They may display a wide variety of unusual behavioral attributes including:
- No longer responding to his name or familiar commands.
- Getting stuck behind furniture or in corners.
- Appearing lost or confused in familiar surroundings.
- Walking in circles compulsively.
- Staring blankly at walls or at nothing.
Irritability and Unresponsiveness: As the dementia progresses you may observe changes in the dog behaviord. Your pet may appear to have become more and more "anti-social" as it no longer greets friends and family or seeks petting, praise and affection. You may find your dog simply walking away when being petted. All the attempts of showing affection may just fall flat as the dog tends to isolate itself. It will also be increasingly irritable and annoyed, especially near children.
Changes in Sleeping Habits: Canine dementia will also affect a dogs sleeping habits as dogs display insomnia-like symptoms. Most times, instead of sleeping they just wander around, or on the other hand, are nearly constantly asleep. Sometimes they have the day and night reversed, so they end up sleeping in the morning and are awake all night.
Training Slip Ups: If your dog is afflicted with dementia then watch out for the "accidents" in the house. Many a time, this is due to a physical loss of bladder and bowel movement control. The dogs will also stop asking to be let out or when outside, they often forget the reason for being there and return home and soil the carpet underneath or behind furniture.
It is observed that the large dog breeds are more prone to dementia than the small dogs. However, by 11 years of age, it is observed that one in every three dogs are affected by the disease. If you believe that your dog has dementia then it is best to consult a veterinarian as fast as possible. Once diagnostic tests are performed the doctor may be able to distinguish it from other dog related health problems with similar symptoms such as hydrocephalus, encephalitis, renal or heart failure and urinary tract infections. Based on this the doctor may recommend treatment options like behavior modification exercises or a specific drug therapy.
Having said thus, that dementia in canines is a confusing and alarming disease for which there is no cure. However, identifying the dementia symptoms in dogs and watching out for it may allow a chance for the disease to be controlled and the cognitive ability improved in your aging dog.
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Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Stress Symptoms in Dogs
Stress Symptoms in Dogs
Just like humans, dogs too can experience stress when they are faced with difficult situations. Stress could be the underlying cause of certain health problems in canines. If it goes unrecognized, it may have serious psychological implications for your dog. It may be responsible for inappropriate and erratic dog behavior. As a dog owner, it is essential that you learn about the common contributory factors for stress in canines.
Stressors for Canines
Separation
Dogs are social animals. Since they share a strong bond with their owners, they may display abnormal or erratic behavior when left alone. This erratic behavior could be a sign of separation anxiety. The abnormal behavior may include barking, urinating, defecating, digging, or chewing. If confined, the affected dog may try to escape from the confined area. Such a behavior could even result in self-injury. This condition affects the dog physically as well as emotionally. The incidence of separation anxiety is high in case of dogs that have been neglected or abandoned by their previous owners. There may be a sudden onset of anxiety if the dog experiences a traumatic event while the owner was away. Bad treatment by previous owners or trainers could also make them susceptible.
Introduction of a New Puppy
The introduction of a new pet in the house could also arouse feelings of stress in the old dog. Dogs have territorial instincts. The old dog would instinctively try to defend its home. The introduction of another dog could trigger stress especially if the dogs have not been introduced to each other in a right manner.
Disruption in Routine
Dogs are used to going out for walks and having meals at a certain time. Its essential that their daily routine is not disrupted. It is hard for canines to adjust to changes. Dog owners must therefore pay a lot of attention when they are relocating or planning a vacation. Presence of unfamiliar people or absence of the owner can certainly cause stress to the dog. Dogs could get stressed due to boredom. They need to play. Lack of exercise can cause them to get stressed. Stress levels could increase if the owner doesnt spend time with the dog.
Other Causes
Dogs could also develop anxiety if they are in pain and discomfort due to an injury or an illness. Older dogs who suffer from an illness may become more attached to the owner as their dependence on the owner increases. They may develop anxiety if left alone. The abnormal behavior that they exhibit is their way of relieving the tension. Fear of loud noises or any phobia could also be contributory factors.
Symptoms
It is extremely essential to ascertain what triggers stress. Here is a list of symptoms of stress in dogs and the steps that can be taken to prevent them.
Unusual Behavior: If a dog is under stress, it may not follow commands and concentrate on training. It may appear quiet or withdrawn and may not show response to pampering. Affected dogs may refuse to eat. They may exhibit compulsive behavior.
Excessive Barking or Whining: If a dog is stressed, it may bark or whine too much. The barking may continue for an extended period of time without any particular reason and can get quite troublesome for the family members.
Panting: Dogs usually pant if they are tired from physical activity or due to thirst. But if your dog has been panting excessively even if its not tired or thirsty, it could be one of the signs of stress in the dog.
Trembling or Shivering: Fear can also induce stress. If your dog is trembling or shivering, it may be feeling threatened. When frightened, dogs may keep their tail between legs.
Restlessness: Restlessness in dogs could be a heat-related symptom, especially in female dogs. Female dogs in heat tend to get increasingly restless due to the various changes taking place in their body during that period. It could also indicate that your dog is stressed out or worried.
Destructive Behavior: Most dogs tend to indulge in destructive chewing to show their unhappiness regarding certain things. It may also mean that your dog is trying to signal its discomfort or nervousness regarding a person or another animal.
Lethargy: When your dog is stressed out, it may fall asleep more often just to avoid anxiety. It may refuse to indulge in any kind of physical activity like playing, going for walks, etc. It may refuse to move within the house and may confine itself to a corner in the home or its crate. In extreme cases, it may also refuse to eat or drink.
Other symptoms include sweating of the paws, furrowed brows and glazed eyes, droopy body posture, diarrhea, persistent skin and coat problems and considerable weight loss.
What Can be Done
Spend time with your dog. Lack of human contact and contact with other dogs can cause stress in dogs.
Protect your dog from situations that may generate fear or stress. Make sure that your pet is treated well by all the members of the family. Dont let other dogs bully your pet.
It is essential to adhere to the established routine. But if theres going to be any change in your routines, and you think that you wouldnt be able to spend as much time with your pet, it would be best to prepare your dog.
Desensitization and counter-conditioning program are required for treating separation anxiety in canines. Leave your dog alone for shorter periods. Increase the time gradually.
Emotional goodbyes should be avoided. Just a quick pat would suffice. Keep chew toys so as to provide your pet with a way of relieving tension.
If possible, get someone to stay at home in your absence. Ensure that your dog is not overtly dependent on you.
Follow all the necessary steps while introducing a new puppy to the old dog.
A dog under stress will need a lot of care and love. As responsible dog owners, you should watch out for the aforementioned symptoms and take adequate measures to prevent stress in your dog. If these symptoms persist, it would be best to consult a veterinarian.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a qualified vet.
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Friday, December 9, 2016
Welcome! My journey in service dogs so far
Welcome! My journey in service dogs so far
Hi and welcome to my blog, "From Puppy to Public Access"! I suppose you could say that my journey with service dogs began in 1994 when I first applied to a large national service dog organization. I was accepted into the program and told that I would get a dog more quickly if I raised some or all of the necessary funds (between $20,000 and $30,000, I believe) myself.I quickly realized that while I could have raised money for a friend in need, I didnt feel comfortable doing it for myself. After about five years of waiting, another representative of the organization contacted me to let me know that my application had been lost when the regional trainer left and arranged to come to the house to video tape another application. I was accepted again and because I was hoping to get a Standard Poodle service dog, I made arrangements with Ravendune Kennels to donate a litter of puppies to the organization. The new regional trainer told me that would be great but that it wouldnt reduce the amount of money I needed to raise. She also said that there wasnt anyone raising money in the Cleveland area so it could be 7 years before I would get a dog.
In 2004, my health had continued to deteriorate and what were once simple tasks had become more difficult. Since I wasnt hearing anything about getting a dog from the service dog training organization, I decided to research all my options and discovered the possibility of raising and training my own. I spent about 18 months reading about various dog breeds, the ADA portions regarding service dogs, service dog training etc. I joined several Yahoo service dog lists and contacted some local obedience dog trainers. While I wasnt successful in finding local service dog trainers to work with, I decided to pursue a puppy anyway. In the end, my husband, Brent, and I decided to attempt to raise and train my own. Although I had had Standard Poodles my entire life and successfully trained and competed in AKC Obedience with them when we were first married, based on the research I had done, to my surprise, I decided to switch breeds and get a Labrador Retriever puppy instead. I can no longer handle the grooming myself so paying to have a Standard Poodle groomed every 4-6 weeks would have been a significant expense. Labs and Standard Poodles are about the same size but Labs are sturdier dogs and because I use a very heavy power wheelchair, I thought a Lab would do better if I ran over a foot accidentally. Also, I think people recognize Labs as service dogs and generally feel safe and comfortable around them.
So, early in 2006, I started talking to Lab breeders and was hoping to find a puppy that summer. Coincidentally, our daughter,Kristen, was performing at a theater in Shawnee-on-the-Delaware, PA during that summer. A friend of hers mother had a litter of English Lab puppies born at the beginning of June. Kristen was there for their birth and visited them every day. When we went to visit, she convinced us to come see them and although we made no commitments, we named the littlest puppy (and Kristens favorite) on our way home. We returned to bring Shawnees Mountain Laurel (Laurel) home at the end of July.
Laurel didnt have the best natural self-control so we started working on that immediately as well as doing lots and lots of socialization with people, locations and other animals. I had developed a training plan and continue to keep training and socialization journals. We were very fortunate to find a positive reinforcement trainer, Ginger Alpine to work with. Her training facility, Fortunate Fido, was on Clevelands west side, about 35 miles away from our home. Laurel became my "cross over" dog and we started puppy classes when she was about 4 months old. We took various obedience classes as well as pre-sports and participated in play groups. Per my plan, Laurel achieved her CGC (AKCs Canine Good Citizen) at about 14 months and by the time she was 18 months old, she had earned her first rally obedience title (APDTs Level 1).
Through May 2009, Laurel and I took 3-4 classes a week at Fortunate Fido and competed in rally and obedience in a number of different venues (AKC, APDT & C-WAGS). We continue to compete because we enjoy it but also because there is no standardized certification testing of service dogs in the United States and getting titles shows that we have continued to train and be "tested". We took agility classes for fun and trained for public access and service dog tasks.
Last summer, Fortunate Fido moved to a location about 50 miles away from us and then my husband took a job with a 35 mile commute. I counted on my husbands help and it became impossible for him to come to class with us so we started training full time at another facility, Canine Affair Center, about 8 miles away from home. We had been taking agility there and now also take a variety of obedience classes too. I have also begun teaching a class there once a week. We began competing in CPE Agility in January.
I attended Clicker Expo when it was in Cleveland in the spring of 2007 and met a number of different trainers, one of whom was Sue Alexander, a behaviorist who specializes in aggressive dogs; is also a service dog handler and a psychiatric service dog trainer. Then in February 2008, we attended Sues first service dog seminar in Guelph, Ontario. Because I still hadnt found a service dog trainer I wanted to work with and I was so impressed with Sues knowledge and ability to communicate, I asked if she would be our trainer. She agreed and we figured out how to work together long distance. In August 2008, Laurel and I passed a public access test Sue administered and Laurel went from service dog in-training status to service dog.
Besides doing a number of typical mobility tasks, when Laurel was about 6 months old, I realized that she was alerting to something I didnt even know dogs could. One evening, she threw herself across my stomach and tried to pin me down. I thought she was just being more obnoxious than usual (she is, after all, a Lab) and I put her in her crate where she screamed! We had never heard anything like it before nor have we since. About 45 minutes later, I developed very severe abdominal muscle spasms. Thinking back, I realized that she had done the same thing at least two times before. I started tracking these occurrences in her training journal and realized that Laurel reliably and consistently alerted to my muscle spasms about 45-60 minutes before they began. Not only does she know when they will happen, she also knows what muscles are going to be involved. Because having her throw herself on me is not very subtle, I retrained the alert so that if she can reach the body part, she nudges it and if not, she nudges my hand. She will continue to do so until she sees me take my medications and then she relaxes.
About three months after I realized Laurel was alerting to my muscle spasms, I had a flair of rheumatoid arthritis in my chest wall (which feels like a heart attack). I quickly recognized that Laurel had a different alert for that and again, after tracking it for awhile in her training journal, I confirmed that she consistently and accurately alerted for that, too.
Last August, Laurel started licking me around my mouth. It was a new behavior and she was very persistent. My husband asked me if I didnt think she was alerting to something. I couldnt think what that might be and since I found the behavior to be pretty distasteful, I untrained it. A month later, my rheumatologists office called to ask if I knew that another doctor had done blood tests in August which showed that my blood sugar was 400. I had developed steroid induced diabetes. Laurel knew and was trying to tell me. I retrained the alert to cover high and low blood sugar levels with the use of a specific toy. She only brings that particular one to me when she is alerting.
Laurels mobility tasks help me save energy, keep me from falling down or hurting myself and certainly help to mitigate the effects of my disability but the alerts have really changed my life in major ways. Being able to take the medications before the spasms start or the rheumatoid kicks in means that the episodes are much less severe and shorter. I used to end up in the hospital in full rigid body spasms and that hasnt happened since Laurel began alerting.
Doing three alerts on top of her mobility tasks means that Laurel is working most of the time. She awakens me at night to alert, keeps track of me all day long and when I leave her at home, checks me over thoroughly when I get back. I began to worry that this was too much for one dog and about a year ago, began considering getting a puppy to become her successor sooner rather than later.
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Wednesday, December 7, 2016
Miniature Dogs
Miniature Dogs
These dogs breeds are very popular due to their tiny size. There are many types of these dogs that are well suited for families with a small backyard or those who live in apartments. These dogs are also very sweet and friendly and can be easily handled as compared to large dog breeds. These miniature dog breeds look like cute little puppy dogs and thus become a favorite among children. You will find there are many breeds that will overwhelm you in deciding, which is the right breed for your home.
Best Dogs in a Miniature Size
Although small in size, each breed has some pros and cons attached to it. The best dogs are those that are suited for your lifestyle. You will find some dogs need some exercising, as they are miniature versions of large dog breeds. Some miniature dog breeds bark a lot and are probably not suited for apartment life, unless of course, you have a soundproof home. These dogs were bred for hunting and therefore they bark a lot. In such a case, you need to find yourself small dogs that dont bark and best small dog breeds.
A few types require a lot of dog grooming and therefore not suitable for those who are working. Therefore, before choosing the best dogs for yourself and your family, make sure you go into the breed details like temperament, grooming requirements, tendency to bark, small dogs good with children, etc. Since these dogs do not have extra weight, they are prone to dehydration. Thus, they require a lot of good dog care. Let us now look at some of the miniature dog breeds.
Types of Miniature Dog Breeds
The breeds are also commonly referred to as toy breed dogs and small dog types. Some of the small dog types like Pekingese dogs were referred to as sleeve dogs, tea cup or pocket sized dogs like:
- Teacup Yorkie
- Teacup Chihuahua
- Teacup Maltese
- Teacup Pomeranian
- Teacup Poodles
- Teacup Pug
- Teacup Shih Tzu
- Teacup Silky Terrier
- Teacup Terrier
- Teacup Yorkshire Terriers
- Affenpinscher
- Bichon Frise
- Bolognese
- Border Terrier
- Boston Terrier
- Brussels Griffon
- Cairn Terrier
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Chihuahua
- Chinese Crested
- Coton De Tulear
- Dachshund
- English Toy Spaniel
- French Bulldog
- Glen of Imaal Terrier
- Havanese
- Italian Greyhound
- Japanese Chin
- Lakeland Terrier
- Lhasa Apso
- Maltese
- Miniature Bull Terrier
- Miniature Pinscher
- Miniature Schnauzer
- Norfolk Terrier
- Norwich Terrier
- Papillon
- Pekingese
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi
- Pomeranian
- Pug
- Schipperke
- Scottish Terrier
- Sealyham Terrier
- Shetland Sheepdog
- Shih Tzu
- Silky Terrier
- Tibetan Spaniel
- Tibetan Terrier
- Toy Fox Terrier
- Toy Poodle
- West Highland White Terrier
- Wire Fox Terrier
- Yorkshire Terrier
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Tuesday, December 6, 2016
Stroke Symptoms in Dogs
Stroke Symptoms in Dogs
A stroke, which is also referred to as a cerebrovascular accident, is a medical condition wherein distressing neurological symptoms occur due to disruption of blood supply to a part of the brain. This condition can also affect dogs. Though this condition is not commonly observed in dogs, it may occur as a result of an underlying disease.
Symptoms
A stroke can lead to a sudden deterioration in the dogs health. Here are some of the common symptoms that are indicative of a canine stroke:
- A stroke can cause tilting of the head on one side
- The dog may turn the wrong way on being called
- Loss of balance
- Sudden behavioral changes
- Lethargy
- Circling, house soiling and falling over very often
- Difficulty in walking
- Loss of control over bladder and bowel
- Vomiting
- Eyes may roll back and forth
- Confusion
- Loss of vision
Canine strokes are categorized into two types; ischemic and hemorrhagic. Ischemic stroke occurs when there is a lack of blood supply to the brain. This could be due to the formation of a blood clot or blockage that prevents blood from reaching the brain. Hypertension, diabetes, obesity, tumors or medical conditions associated with the heart, kidney and liver could increase the risk of ischemic stroke. On the other hand, a hemorrhagic stroke occurs when blood vessels in the brain rupture, thereby causing blood to leak. Traumatic injury, vasculitis, lung worm, brain tumor or abnormalities in the blood vessels in the brain could increase the risk for this kind of stroke. Such a leakage of blood could adversely affect the blood supply to the brain. Physical and neurological symptoms appear when blood enriched with nutrients and oxygen doesnt reach the brain. Bulldogs and pugs are more susceptible to such a condition. It is believed that their narrow respiratory pathways increases the risk of strokes. Hence, extra precautions should be taken by people who have such kinds of dogs as their pets. Very old and very young dogs are also susceptible to strokes.
Treatment
There is not much that can be done at home for the treatment of stroke in dogs. So, take your dog to a veterinarian without wasting any time. What can be done at home is proper feeding and anything that may improve your dogs quality of life. So, if you observe any of the aforementioned symptoms in your pet, it would be best to take your dog to the vet. Diagnostic tests such as the CT scan and MRI can certainly help in identifying the underlying cause. Though the damage caused by this condition could be irreversible, pet owners can at least make the necessary changes and take steps to prevent another stroke in future. Once the underlying medical condition has been identified, the veterinarian can suggest the best treatment option. The prognosis of stroke is definitely better in dogs than in humans. The affected dog may be able to recover motor functions within a few weeks. However, the time a dog could take to recover would vary depending on the intensity of the stroke. Once a dog has had a stroke, the dog owners must be ready to accept the behavioral changes and help the dog.
Prevention is always better than cure. So, do take your dog for regular checkups. Several diseases can increase the risk of canine stroke, so make sure that you give your dog good quality dog food. Exercise is also essential, so make sure that your dog stays active. This will help to lower the risk of obesity in dogs. If the dog receives proper treatment without any delay, it can recover completely within weeks and can live a healthy life.
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Saturday, December 3, 2016
Hardy had another big day at Dogs in the Park
Hardy had another big day at Dogs in the Park
John posted this last night on Facebook:
"Hardy Update: Little chocolate lab enjoyed 2 Puppy Classes, followed by a great outdoor puppy walk with friends Brody, Gulliver, Lexie, Cooper, Akira, Cheyenne and Lacy! Then the little guy protested through the 7pm puppy class - telling us all how grossly unfair it was to not be his turn."
When I pointed out that with four hours of puppy class and puppy walk, Hardy should have been sound asleep at 7:00, John responded:
"Yes, youre absolutely right, Linda! And by staying in his crate during the 7pm class and sleeping through parts of it, Hardy is beginning to learn both how to take turns, and how to self regulate. BTW, he thoroughly impressed his classmates with a fantastic whistle recall from out of group play, in the lake and out of sight! He is one well trained and smart little pup!"Since I did the homework after the Instant Recall workshop in July, and actually blew the whistle and then treated 50 times in one session each day for a week, Im hoping that helped his ability to do such a great job with the recall!
I understand also that although his eyes are still somewhat goopy, they are getting better and dont seem to bother him at all!
Also, not that Im counting but in 11 days, well see the little puddly in person again!
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Wednesday, November 30, 2016
Dry Nose Symptoms in Dogs
Dry Nose Symptoms in Dogs
Generally, wet nose of a dog is associated with the dogs good health. Your dogs nose remains wet due to humidity produced in the lateral nasal glands of the nose. In case of dehydration, your dogs nose becomes dry temporarily indicating a possible underlying health problem. Your dogs nose may also become dry due to changes in the temperature (dry in cold, moist in warm conditions) and humidity levels during the day and not necessarily because it is sick. This is a normal occurrence and can happen a few times in a day. A dog that has recovered from a viral infection at an early age, may suffer from dry nose permanently.
What Causes Dry Nose in Dogs?
Fever - This is a common cause of a dry nose in dogs. If your dog is sick and has an extremely dry nose, it may be due to fever.
Infection - Dry nose in dogs is caused mainly by infections, which may affect your dogs whole body or may be centered in the nose. There are some changes in the appearance of your dogs nose at this time. It may become flaky and crusty in texture. There may be a loss of pigmentation. If the dogs nose is cracked, then it can cause extreme pain to the dog and you must immediately contact a veterinarian for a check up, especially if the nose starts to scab or has remained so for a long time. Along with such symptoms, you should also look for considerable changes in its behavior. If your dog is ill, then it often has a warm, dry nose along with other symptoms including reduced or loss of appetite, lethargy, depression, fever, diarrhea or vomiting.
Dermatological Problem - In case there is an absence of other physical signs and there may be certain dermatological problems such as Pemphigus Foliaceus in the nasal area. An itchy and cracking nose is also a sign that your pet may be suffering from other dermatological health problems or a flu. If your dogs nose becomes light pink in color, then you should consult the vet dermatologist about skin protection. It may be due to solar dermatitis in pets which means that your dog could be at a high risk of developing skin cancer.
Respiratory Problem - If the dogs dry nose is accompanied by nasal discharge, coughing or sneezing and it appears to be struggling to breathe properly, this is not normal and it could be a sign of a respiratory problem. Nevertheless, the dog must be treated soon.
Allergy - Dry nose symptoms can also arise in a dog if its nose has come in contact with anything it is allergic to. Pay attention to the new things that may have been introduced in its environment. Some dogs are sensitive towards a few ingredients found in their food like wheat, animal by-products and even chemicals found in plastic . Ensure that you use stainless steel utensils to feed the dog.
If your dog is suffering from dry nose, you should give it plenty of liquids more frequently. You can add small quantity of milk to its drinking water. Keep your dog clean. Application of moisturizer is also helpful to keep the nose moist. However, if the condition persists for a long time, then you should take your dog to the veterinarian to seek an appropriate treatment. Dry nose can be one of signs of serious health problems in dogs.
Disclaimer: This article does not seek to replace medical advice. Please do consult a certified veterinarian for the diagnosis of your pets health ailment(s).
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Sunday, November 27, 2016
Corneal Ulcer in Dogs
Corneal Ulcer in Dogs
Corneal ulcer or ulcerative keratitis is a very common canine eye diseases and it can sometimes affect cats too. In general, a corneal ulcer can be defined as a condition in which the outer layer of the cornea is damaged and lost. This condition develops due to various reasons, like trauma, eye infections or by exposure to chemicals. Corneal ulcer in dogs is a serious medical condition that may lead to loss of vision. Hence, early diagnosis and immediate treatment is absolutely necessary. As a pet owner, you must have a basic idea about this canine eye condition, its causes, symptoms and treatment.
Dogs Cornea
In order to understand the disease, you may need to know more about the cornea of dogs. A dogs cornea is made up of four layers - outer epithelium, followed by the corneal stroma, then Descemets membrane and the last endothelium. Cornea, as a whole, is a transparent membrane that is around one millimeter thick in the case of dogs and cats. This part of the eye does not have any blood vessels or pigmentation and so, it is transparent in nature. The arrangement of collagen fibers also contribute to the transparency of the cornea. However, nerves are present in the cornea and pressure and pain receptors are also there. The cornea is responsible for refracting light, thereby enabling the pet to focus on an object and to protect the inner layers of the eye.
Corneal Ulcer in Canines
The condition denotes the cell loss in the corneal epithelium (that may be accompanied by a loss of the underlying corneal collagen) due to various reasons that will be discussed later. Injury to the corneal epithelium is common in dogs and cats. In most cases, the lost cells are naturally replaced by new ones and the ulcer is healed fully. But in some cases, either the new cells are not formed or the newly formed cells are weak to cause further injury or infection. Such corneal ulcers may allow microorganisms to enter the eye and the eye gets infected. Otherwise the ulcer may spread to the deeper layers of the eye and may lead to eye ruptures.
Corneal ulcer in dogs can be of two types - superficial and deep. While the superficial ulcers involve a loss of the outer layer of the cornea (partial or full), deep ulcers cause a loss of more than one half the thickness of the cornea, as it extends through the stroma. Superficial ulcers take only a few days to heal, whereas the deep ones need much more time for healing. The latter category may leave a corneal scar or may re-ulcerate or may refuse to heal. The healing process involves either by a shifting of the surrounding epithelial cells to fill the space by rapid cell division or by an introduction of blood vessels to that area from the conjunctiva. In the latter case, white blood cells and fibroblasts produce scar tissue to cover the area. The first type of healing can be seen in superficial ulcers and the second type occurs in deep ulcers.
Causes and Symptoms
Dogs eyes are prone to corneal ulcers, as they indulge in many activities that may cause scratches and injuries to the cornea. A scratched cornea in dogs may occur by their own paw rubbing, by a blade of grass, by fighting with other animals and by ingrown or misplaced eyelashes. Ulcers may also develop from eye infections caused by viruses or bacteria, exposure to chemicals (like that in harsh shampoos) and heat or smoke. Dry eye or keratoconjunctivitis sicca (reduction in tear production) is another reason for corneal ulcers in dogs. Inadequate blink responses may also give rise to this condition. However, it is mostly seen in dog breeds with protuberant eyes and also in older dogs. As the condition is painful, the symptoms of corneal ulcer in dogs include increased pawing or rubbing at the eye, squinting, redness, tearing, cloudy cornea, red or green mucus discharge form the eye, redness of the eyelids and the area surrounding the cornea, lethargy and changes in normal dog behavior.
Treatment for Canine Corneal Ulcer
If you notice any of the above said symptoms, take your pet dog to a veterinarian immediately. The doctor will conduct a diagnosis through direct observation, after using fluorescein stain. They may also resort to tests like, Schirmers test for detecting dry eyes or tests to analyze facial nerve function, to detect facial nerve paralysis. If the cause is eye infection by bacteria or virus, samples are collected for conducting cytology, culture and antibiotic sensitivity, in order to find out the particular infectious agent.
The most common treatment for corneal ulcer in dogs includes pain medication and topical application of antibiotics to prevent the infection. This treatment may be sufficient to heal superficial corneal ulcers, but deep ones may require suturing, conjunctival grafts or conjunctival flaps. In some cases, soft contact lenses are used, whereas some others may undergo corneal transplant. The affected dogs may be fitted with an e-collar around their necks, to prevent them form rubbing the eyes with paws. For severe corneal infections, oral antibiotics are also administered and oral anti-inflammatory drugs are given if there is inflammation inside the eye. However, topical application of corticosteroids and anesthetics is avoided, as these drugs can make the situation worse.
However, the most important point is that you have to treat the condition of your pet dog at the earliest, to avoid complications, like loss of sight. With good dog care this common dog illness can be easily overcome.
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Saturday, November 26, 2016
Hemolytic Anemia in Dogs
Hemolytic Anemia in Dogs
Hemolytic anemia is a serious dog illness that can affect canines of any breed at any age. The severity of it can vary from being mild, requiring only timely medication to being life-threatening, requiring complete and undivided attention from the pet owner. Hence, it is important to understand in detail, what exactly is this disease and how to cure it.
Hemolytic anemia in dogs, is a type of anemia, where the red blood cells get destructed prematurely, due to a variety of factors leading to a shortage of functional red blood cells, which may result in hypoxia and even death. It is a relatively uncommon dog health problem.
Types and Causes
Hemolytic anemia can occur due to various reasons. It can be hereditary, which is present from birth and which starts showing symptoms quite earlier on, or it can be acquired due to a disease or due to toxins. It is important to know the root cause underlying the disease, so as to reach a proper diagnosis and thus, chalk out an effective treatment plan.
Membrane Defect Hemolytic Anemia: This condition is caused due to defective membranes of the red blood cells. This includes sickle cell anemia, hereditary spherocytosis and hereditary elliptocytosis.
Hemoglobin Defective Hemloytic Anemia: This type of hemolytic anemia occurs due to malfunctioning or unstable hemoglobin in the red blood cell. This is one of the main hemolytic anemia causes. This type also includes thalassemia.
Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia: In this condition, the immune system of the dog is involved, where the body starts generating antibodies against the red blood cells, by wrongly identifying them as foreign bodies. This leads to destruction of healthy red blood cells.
Induced Hemolytic Anemia: One of the rarer hemolytic anemia causes is, when its induced due to an infection or drugs. This occurs in severe cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome, septicemia, pneumonia, disseminated intravascular coagulation, etc. Also, certain drugs can induce an allergic reaction, which manifests itself as hemolytic anemia in dogs. These include drugs such as dapsone, chlorates, etc.
Hemolytic Anemia Symptoms
Mentioned below is a list of hemolytic anemia symptoms found in dogs:
- Fatigue: Due to depleted levels of oxygen, hemolytic anemia in dogs typically manifests as weakness, fatigue and severe lethargy. Your canine may get tired after running short distances. He may start panting or suddenly sit down after running.
- Jaundice: It is often seen that in hemolytic anemia, bilirubin levels shoot up, due to the excessive destruction of red blood cells. This typically manifests as jaundice. Due to this high rate of red blood cell breakdown in hemolytic anemia, bilirubin levels may even accumulate in the blood and be excreted in urine, leading to darkening of urine. This is one of the most serious symptoms. There are also raised levels of other enzymes in dogs hemolytic anemia, which help in diagnosing the condition.
- Hypertrophy of Spleen: Due to overload on the spleen, for the increased rate of destruction of red blood cells, the spleen increases in size, which is known as splenomegaly. However, on most occasions, the bone marrow cannot keep up with the fall in red blood cell count, thus leading to eventual worsening of the condition.
- Breathlessness: Breathlessness is one of the first symptoms. The dog shows rapid breathing (tachypnea) after even routine activities like running.
- Depletion of Folate Levels: Due to continuing hemolysis, there is a depletion of folate levels, which is one of the hemolytic anemia symptoms
- Miscellaneous symptoms: Fever, seizures, hematuria (presence of blood in urine), peripheral neuropathy. Most of these symptoms in dogs, occur towards the last stages of the disease
Here are some tests that can help you diagnose the problem:
- Peripheral Blood Smear: This test will normally reveal fragments of red blood cells, which are ruptured. In case of hereditary spherocytosis, the blood cells maybe smaller and rounder. Reticulocyte count is often elevated.
- Packed Cell Volume Test: This is a relatively simple, and quick test which helps in finding the number of red blood cells present.
- Coombs Test: This test is also called the antiglobulin test or direct Coombs test. It is the perfect test to confirm autoimmune hemolytic anemia symptoms. This test checks for the presence of antibodies that cause premature destruction of the red blood cells.
- Hemoglobin Electrophoresis Test: This helps to test for hemoglobin instability, especially in cases of membrane defect hemolytic anemia.
- Radiographs: In certain cases, radiographs and ultrasound examinations maybe helpful in confirming the presence of hemolytic anemia.
- Miscellaneous tests: There are certain tests that check for pigments and enzymes, whose levels are altered in hemolytic anemia. Bilirubin, lactate dehydrogenase and urobilinogen show elevated levels, while the levels of haptogloben go down in hemolytic anemia
Hemolytic anemia treatment has to be formulated after a detailed analysis of the case at hand. The treatment plan will differ depending on the severity of the case, the type of hemolytic anemia present and various other factors. Hence, it is imperative that a veterinarian pay special attention to the dogs signs and symptoms before starting the treatment.
Use of Corticosteroids: Many steroids are very helpful in cases of autoimmune hemolytic anemia in dogs. These normally form the mainstay of hemolytic anemia treatment. Ideally, steroids should suffice in treating autoimmune related hemolytic anemia, at least in the early stages of the disease. Prednisone is one of the commonly used steroid. Although this is not a definitive treatment, it helps bring the severity of the disease under control. It must only be prescribed in the right dose by a certified veterinarian, as overuse of this drug can lead to prednisone side effects in dogs. If steroids fail to bring the condition under control, then stronger drugs like azathioprine, cyclophosphamide and cyclosporine can be used. At later stages danazol can be administered, after tapering down the dosage of corticosteroids.
Blood Transfusion: In severe cases, when the hemoglobin level of the dog falls drastically, blood transfusions may become a necessary part of hemolytic anemia treatment. But before transfusion, the blood must be typed and matched to prevent any transfusion reactions. Transfusions should be given only in very severe cases, as the introduction of foreign proteins can intensify the situation in some dogs.
Intravenous Immunoglobulin: Human intravenous immunoglobulin contains immunoglobulins, which is extracted from human blood plasma. It is used in certain canines which do not respond to other therapies.
Splenectomy: This is a surgery which is done to remove the spleen. It is occasionally recommended for non-responsive cases of hemolytic anemia. It helps improve the condition of the dog by generating less antibodies against the red blood cells. It is a rare option in hemolytic anemia treatment.
Administration of Folic Acid and Intravenous Fluids: Normally, ongoing hemolysis of red blood cells can lead to depleted levels of folic acid. For this, the dog may require additional externally administered folic acid. The exact dosage is to be given by the veterinarian. Also, often intravenous fluid administration is indicated for dogs, as this helps prevent dehydration and also aids in maintaining electrolyte balance.
Treating any Underlying Disease: In some cases, hemolytic anemia maybe a complication due to some other disease like infectious mononucleosis, pneumonia, malaria, septicemia, etc. In such cases, it is always important to get rid of the main disease present as soon as possible, as this will help automatically abate the severity of the disease and bring about a significant improvement in your dogs health. Also, certain chemicals or drugs may lead to hemolysis of red blood cells as an effect of an allergic reaction or poisoning. In such cases, as soon as such a reaction ensues, rush your dog to a veterinarian, as he may require a stomach lavage or an intravenous drug to counter the effects of the drug or poison.
Thus, it is important to pay attention to dog care when your canine has hemolytic anemia. Do not overstress the dog by excessively playing with him. Try to limit his physical activities. Provide adequate nutrition by giving your canine good dog food, along with the proper prescribed medication. And of course, visit the veterinarian regularly as it is a grievous condition, and you should do everything you can to cure it. After all, like they say, dog is a mans best friend, and youd do anything for your best friend, wouldnt you?
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