Allergies
Between 15% to 20% of all dogs in the United States suffer from allergies. As in humans, allergies may manifest in different ways producing varied symptoms in your pet. Knowing the signs of allergy suffering will bring your dog faster relief and happier days. continue reading article
Allergies are one of the most common complaints among dog owners. Truly, not too many puppies have allergies their first year but many are already becoming sensitized to things in their environment. If your puppy already shows signs of allergies, and some do, don't hesitate to get it treated. You may head off a lifetime of trouble if you get a handle on it early. Allergies get worse every year if left untreated. continue reading article
Atopic dermatitis (allergic dermatitis, inhalant dermatitis, atopy) is an inherited predisposition to develop allergic symptoms after repeated exposure to some otherwise harmless substance, and "allergen" such as dust, dust mites, grasses, or pollen. Most dogs begin to show their allergic signs between 1 and 3 years of age. A few dogs may show clinical symptoms at 6 months of age. It is also unusual to see clinical symptoms start after 7 years of age. continue reading article
Arthritis
Did you know that arthritis affects one in five dogs over the age of seven? It is a painful condition that affects the joints and can occur in your pet’s neck, hips, shoulders, elbows and back. However, there are many simple solutions that you can provide at home that will relieve the aches and pains in your dog’s joints. Continue reading article
Bloat
Bloat refers to the bloating of the stomach. Essentially it is a build up of gas in the stomach which is unable to be released. Bloat with Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV) occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists 180 to 360 degrees on it's axis between the esophagus and duodenum or the entrance and exit parts of the stomach. Bloat is a very serious problem in large breed dogs. continue reading article
Let's face it...It's not a pretty subject. But dog flatulence or doggie gas can be an important indicator of serious problems for a senior dog. Some breeds are more prone to this room-clearing disorder than others. Understanding that bloat could be a serious problem rather than just an odorous annoyance is essential.
Disk Disease
As a part of the normal aging process, these disks deteriorate, resulting in so-called disk disease. Normally, each disk consists of an outer fibrous ring and an inner gelatinous center (a good analogy would be a jelly doughnut). With age this ring becomes fragmented an the inner "jelly" center hardens to a consistency of hard cheese. The fragmented outer ring may no longer be able to hold this hard center in place, and movement of the vertebrae on either side may suddenly squeeze the disk out of its normal position. continue reading article
"The improper use of collars is the number one cause of cervical (neck) subluxations in dogs. Of all the places to put undue stress, the cervical region, especially the upper two cervical vertebrae, is the most harmful. It is at this point that the body meets the brain." (Dr. Daniel Kamen, The Well Adjusted Dog, p. 24) continue reading article
Ear Problems
Routine home dog ear care is very important to the health of your dog. Performed between your regular checkups with the veterinarian, it will help keep your dog’s ears healthy and pain free. continue reading article
Dogs and cats have an incredible sense of hearing. To protect their hearing and prevent damage to the ear drum, their ear canals are L-shaped. The problem with this design is that it allows the ears to trap parasites, moisture, debris, and earwax, and any of these can lead to ear infections. continue reading article
By performing ear inspections you will be able to detect problems early. Use both your eyes and your nose. A small flashlight will assist you in seeing problems. continue reading article
Foxtail Grass Dangers
The "seedlings" are physically built to burrow. While some animals do not have difficulty with the plant (horses can eat them with no side effects), and people seem to be able to remove them easily, dogs appear to have the most severe reactions to them. continue reading article
The seeds found in the ears, eyes and nose are very serious and can become life threatening. But no body part is immune. The seeds have been found in the urethra, vagina, anal glands, brain, and spinal cord. In one case a veterinarian found the seed in the lung but the original site of entry was the paw. The seeds also gain entry through open wounds. continue reading article
Heart Disease
Heart failure is the end-result of heart disease and occurs when the heart is decompensating from its heart disease and is working inefficiently to cope with the body's needs. It is associated with signs of congestion/edema, poor perfusion and low blood pressure. This condition always necessitates treatment. continue reading article
Heartworm
Heartworms can cause a serious and sometimes fatal disease of the heart, lungs, and other organs. Heartworm disease can be cured with appropriate therapy. More important, it can be prevented with heartworm medication. This education sheet will help you learn more about heartworms. continue reading article
The heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) is a deadly parasite that is carried by mosquitoes. The highest infection rates are in areas within 150 miles of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts and along the Mississippi River and its major tributaries. Other areas with large mosquito populations also have a high rate of infestation. Heartworm disease is present on every continent except Antarctica. continue reading article
Most responsible pet owners know of the hazards from mosquito bites associated with heartworm disease in cats and dogs. Mosquitoes carry parasite larvae, which they transmit to your pet once they bite continue reading article
Joint Disease
Joint disease can be a problem faced by many dogs. Hip dysplasia is the most common that people are familiar with as a cause of rear limb lameness. Its front limb counterpart is elbow dysplasia. continue reading article
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is caused by an organism known as a spirochete, which is a coiled rod-shaped bacterium and named Borrelia burgdorferi. It is passed to dogs and people by deer ticks carrying the infection; the ticks get the infection from the white-footed mouse, which acts as a carrier. continue reading article
Parasites
Fleas and ticks are responsible for a number of diseases in pets and people. Some types of ticks, for example, can transmit the bacteria that cause Lyme disease to animals and humans and some fleas can harbor tapeworm larvae, which grow into adult tapeworms in the intestines of pets or people. continue reading article
Fleas belong to the insect order Siphonaptera. They are common pests and may attack many mammals, including man. They can be a year round problem because they infest not only pets but also the home of the owner. continue reading article
Mosquitoes feed on blood, and they will take it where they can find it. Only the female bites, the males feed on plant nectar. While the female may have preferred hosts, she must have protein from blood to produce eggs. continue reading article
Seizures
Symptoms Pain Illness
Dog owners, who recognize the early signs and symptoms of illness or pain in their dogs, will not only relieve their loved one’s suffering but may also be able to save themselves an expensive trip to the veterinarian. Not only is it important to
recognize these signs early to relieve pain and suffering, but it is much more effective to treat an illness when it is detected early. continue reading article
Toxic Food / Plants
Have you checked your yard for flowers or plants that may be toxic to your pet? If you have a cat or dog, you may want to do some research on plants, before you bring them home, to determine which could be harmful to your pet. Here are a few plants that are toxic to cats and dogs. continue reading article
Thanks to a more educated public, fewer fatalities from foods like chocolate are being reported these days. But it's important to keep up with what's currently known about foods and their effects on dogs health. continue reading article
Veterinarian (choosing)
If you haven't already found one, or worked with one in the past, you need to find a vet. Pick one you feel comfortable with, and who answers your questions in full, completely and gives you answers you can understand. You don't need a vet who talks down to you, or acts like you're too dumb to understand what they're saying! continue reading article
