Take Care Of Your Pet

The Best Online Pets Info

Take Care Of Your Pet

The Best Online Pets Info

For Dogs

Weight Management :-

Did you know that obesity affects more than 50 percent of America's pet population? If your pooch is overweight, he can develop all kinds of health problems, such as painful arthritis, heart disease, breathing difficulty, diabetes and even bladder cancer. For your dog, the excess weight and the resulting health problems can mean less play time and depression.

How can you tell if your dog is overweight? First, your veterinarian will weigh your dog at his regular check-ups. Between check-ups, place your hands on his side - are his ribs hard to feel or even impossible to feel? If so, he is likely overweight.

Here are some easily identifiable causes of weight gain in dogs:

Overfeeding - Dogs with unlimited access to food understandably eat more than they need

Overeating - Many commercial foods are loaded with salt and fat. This improves taste, which means your dog will want to gorge

Feeding habits - Feeding table scraps and "people food" can lead to obesity

Lack of exercise - Too much food and too little exercise produces a typical result: Obesity

Age - Older, less active dogs are prone to weight gain

Gender - Female dogs are more likely to become overweight

Neutering - Spayed or neutered dogs are twice as likely to become obese due to a more sedentary lifestyle. (There are many important health reasons to have your pet spayed or neutered - just be careful to monitor your dog's weight.)

Food plays a very important role in treating an overweight dog. Along with exercise, a low-fat and low-calorie food is essential in helping your dog lose weight and stay fit. Fibre is also a key ingredient since it helps your dog eat less while keeping his full. Once your dog has been overweight, he may be prone to weight gain and should have an ongoing weight-management plan based on good nutrition, exercise and regular check-ups and weigh-ins. For an accurate diagnosis and treatment options, always consult your veterinarian.

Urinary Tract Disease :-

You already know the food you feed your dog is extremely important in keeping him healthy. But feeding him the wrong kind of food can cause urolithiasis, a urinary tract disease in dogs in which crystals or stones form within the urinary tract and cause irritation, pain and possibly blockage.

If your dog exhibits these symptoms, he may have urolithiasis:

Straining to urinate

Urinating frequently

Blood in the urine

Reduced appetite

Lack of energy or interest in normal activities

Though there is no single cause of urinary tract disease, veterinarians recognise there are components that may contribute to the prevalence of the disease.

Dogs between the ages of 2 and 10 are most susceptible.

Both males and females get the disease with equal frequency, but males have a greater risk of life-threatening urethral obstruction from the crystals or stones.

Small breed dogs are more susceptible than large breed dogs.

Other contributing factors can be lack of exercise, inability to urinate frequently (typical in a confined indoor dog), or reduced water intake.

Foods high in magnesium, phosphorus, protein and calcium have been linked to stone formation. Veterinarians believe feeding your dog a food with restricted amounts of these minerals can assist in the dissolution of some types of stones that have formed in his urinary tract.

And remember, any pet that has been treated for urinary tract disease runs the risk of contracting it again. Therefore, it's important to continue with the nutritional management of the disease and watch closely for the recurring symptoms.

For an accurate diagnosis and treatment options, always consult your veterinarian.

Serious Illness, Accidents & Surgery :-

Imagine being hurt or injured and not able to ask for what you need to feel better. That is exactly what your dog feels during a serious illness, or after an accident or surgery. All she wants to do is run and play, but she needs adequate time and nutrition to recuperate. To help her recover fully, she'll need additional care and attention from you.

The dog food you feed her during this time can have a tremendous effect on her ability to recover. She will be under a lot of stress from healing and dealing with her injury, so she will need more energy to help her body cope. However, she may be reluctant to eat.

Most food won't have the right consistency or taste for dogs who don't feel like eating. These pets will need therapeutic food that provides exceptional taste and has the right consistency to be spoon fed, if needed. Also, her regular foods may not provide the added fat, protein and key nutrients dogs need during recovery. Feeding her a food that is highly digestible and has increased levels of key nutrients will speed her healing.

Remember to keep a close eye on your dog's condition to help her get through this difficult time. In addition, watch for other conditions and complications, such as infections. Last, but not least, be diligent in feeding her an excellent high-quality food to replenish all of her essential nutrients.

Liver Disease :-

The liver performs numerous important functions for your dog's body, including the filtering of toxins from the bloodstream. Because the liver works to rid the body of so many different substances, it is susceptible to damage from many different sources.

Liver disease can be caused by:

Viral and bacterial infections

Poisonous substances your dog has eaten

Altered blood flow to the liver due to heart disease or other congenital abnormality

Your dog's breed - certain breeds, such as Burlington's and West Highland white terriers, have difficulty excreting copper

Check your dog for the following signs of liver disease:

Loss in appetite

Sudden weight loss

Lack of energy or depression

Jaundice (yellowing of the gums, whites of the eyes or skin)

Other possible signs of liver disorders include dark-coloured urine, pale gums or a build up of fluid in the abdomen that could be mistaken for sudden weight gain. Your veterinarian can administer other tests to diagnose liver disease.

For an accurate diagnosis and treatment options, always consult your veterinarian.

Kidney Disease :-

The kidneys, the frequently forgotten but life-sustaining organs, remove waste from the bloodstream and regulate fluids in the body. If the kidneys are not able to do their job, the result could be life threatening for your dog.

If your dog experiences any of the following signs, he could be suffering from kidney disease:

Loss of appetite

Increased thirst

Frequent urination or no urination

Vomiting

Poor coat appearance

Depression

If your dog is diagnosed with kidney disease, your veterinarian may describe it as either acute or chronic.

Acute, or sudden, kidney disorders can be caused by:

Blood loss

Shock

Surgical stress

Trauma

Severe dehydration

Poisons

Drugs

Obstructed urine flow

Infection

Chronic, or long-term, kidney disease can result from the above factors, plus: Breed and hereditary tendencies, in coordination with nutritional factors and immune system defects.

Unfortunately, the signs of kidney disease usually do not appear until more than two-thirds of kidney function has been lost. Once chronic kidney failure develops, it cannot be reversed.

Heart Diseases :-

No matter your dog's size, he has a big heart - metaphorically speaking, of course. He has a personality all his own, he is a loyal companion and seems to know when you need a good laugh. But this same heart can be at risk for heart disease, an abnormal enlargement of his heart.

Heart disease is an unfortunate but tolerable condition for your dog. Although treatments cannot reverse heart disease, your dog can live a relatively normal life. Ageing is the most common reason dogs develop heart conditions, but other factors like heart worm can also lead to heart disease. 

If your dog exhibits the following symptoms, take him to your veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis:

A low-pitched cough that sometimes leads to gagging

Breathing difficulties that include shortness of breath

Reduced ability to exercise

Noticeable weight gain or loss

Swelling in the abdomen

These symptoms are common in other diseases, so it is important for your veterinarian to check for heart disease using some of the following methods:

A stethoscope exam can reveal murmurs and fluid in the lungs

Palpation can reveal unusual pulses

X-rays reveal heart enlargement

An EKG can identify heart enlargement and irregular rhythms

Blood and urine tests can reveal heart worms and the condition of other internal organs

Heart disease typically causes the heart to enlarge, and this enlargement causes a loss of efficiency. The heart then begins to hold more fluid than it should and this is where the real problems begin. For this reason, veterinarians recommend feeding dogs a low-sodium food that will help reduce fluid build-up and make it easier for their hearts to work effectively.

For an accurate diagnosis and treatment options, always consult your veterinarian.

Gastrointestinal Disorder :-

Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders and diseases affect a dog's stomach and intestines, resulting in pain and other problems.

Your dog may have a GI disorder if he suffers from:

Vomiting

Regurgitation

Flatulence

Weakness

Diarrhoea/Constipation

Veterinarians recognise many potential types of GI disorders including:

Colitis: An acute or chronic inflammation of the membrane lining the colon. Most frequently caused by whip worms (a parasite), tumours or polyps, a change in food, allergies (including those to food), swallowed foreign objects and certain other diseases.

Constipation: Usually caused by insufficient fibber and water intake, eating hair, bones or other foreign objects, ageing, tumours, trauma or fractures, prostate disease, spinal cord disease, large bowel nervous disorders, metabolic or endocrine disorders and debilitation.

Diarrhoea: Caused by infections, internal parasites, stress, a change in pet food, table scraps or rich snacks, eating spoiled food from the garbage and body organ dysfunction.

Gastroenteritis: Inflammation or infection of the gastrointestinal tract, primarily the stomach and intestines. Causes may include eating rancid or spoiled food, swallowing foreign objects, eating toxic plants, internal parasites, stress, food allergies and disease conditions.

Pancreatitis: An inflammation or infection of the pancreas (an elongated, tapered gland that is located behind the stomach). Origins are frequently unknown. Potential causes are feeding foods high in fat or rich table foods, infections, disease or trauma.

Your dog's food can have a significant impact on his GI tract health. Veterinarians recommend feeding dogs a food that is highly digestible to help prevent irritation to sensitive stomachs and intestines. Also, high-soluble and insoluble fibre foods combined with moderate fat levels in your dog's food help support proper intestinal function. Because several of these conditions may be ongoing, long-term nutritional management of the disorder may be required.

For an accurate diagnosis and treatment options, always consult your veterinarian.

Food Allergy & Food Intolerance :-

Allergies aren't fun for anyone, but especially not for your dog who can't tell you what's making him so sick. If your dog vomits frequently, has diarrhea, irritated skin, a poor coat condition or hair loss, then he may have a food allergy.

It may take months or years before your dog develops an allergic response to a particular food. However, once he's allergic, he will almost always have a negative reaction to that food.

Allergic reactions are most commonly associated with protein sources - usually the meat in your dog's food. If your dog has an allergic reaction to a certain meat, you may want to try a food with a new protein source - new to your dog, that is - such as egg, duck, salmon, lamb or whitefish.

If none of this helps, your dog may be allergic to all of these proteins and will need a food with specially broken-down proteins. Visiting your veterinarian will help make sure you and your dog are on the right track.

For an accurate diagnosis and treatment options, always consult your veterinarian.

Diabetes Mellitus :-

Just like in humans, diabetes in dogs is serious, but manageable. Your dog can develop diabetes if he has the following conditions:

Obesity

Genetic predisposition - females are twice as likely to develop diabetes

Poor nutrition

Hormonal abnormalities

Stress

If your dog appears weak or thirsty, frequently urinates, experiences rapid weight loss, is depressed, or has abdominal pain, he could be diabetic.

This condition is usually caused by damage to the pancreas. The pancreas is responsible for producing the proper amount of insulin to control sugar levels. If your dog's pancreas is damaged, long-term and potentially life-threatening symptoms could occur and must be managed.

While there is no cure for diabetes mellitus, veterinarians recognize it can be controlled with insulin, exercise and proper nutrition. Fiber is key in managing the disease because moderate to high-levels of fiber lower insulin requirements and blood glucose levels. Fiber also makes the body more responsive to insulin.

It's also important to be consistent in the food you feed your pet. Feeding a veterinarian-recommended food with a consistent nutrient profile will help keep your dog's metabolism level stable so he can stay healthy.

For an accurate diagnosis and treatment options, always consult your veterinarian.

Developmental Growth Disorder :-

Proper nutrition is the best opportunity to keep your puppy healthy throughout her life. If you start her with good nutrition and give her adequate veterinary care from the beginning, her chances of developing a growth disorder are greatly reduced.

Growth disorders include abnormal posture, bowed legs, severe obesity, painful joints, muscle wasting, hip dysplasia and difficulty walking. If your puppy grows too fast, she may develop those symptoms.

Large or giant breed puppies (those who will weigh more than 55 pounds when fully grown) are the breeds most at risk for growth disorders. Other factors like environment, genetics and nutrition also play a part in your dog's risk.

Feeding your puppy the right food in the right way is essential to her proper development. How should you feed your puppy? Veterinarians recommend these options for better control of growth rate and body weight:

Meal restrictions - Dividing daily food amount into two to three servings

Time-restrictions - Giving food for specific time intervals

It's much easier to prevent growth disorders than treat them, so properly feeding your puppy the right food will be the best preventative measure you can take. For large and giant breed puppies, veterinarians recommend a food with restricted energy and calcium. Medium and small breed puppies benefit from controlled intake of a properly balanced growth formula.

For an accurate diagnosis and treatment options, always consult your veterinarian.

Dental Disease :-

Spending a lot of face time with your pooch is a fun time for both of you - until you get a whiff of his breath! Taking care of your pet's teeth can do more than just freshen his breath - it could improve his quality of life.

Plaque, a colorless film on your dog's teeth, is the perpetrator of bad breath and gum disease. Because he doesn't brush his teeth like you do, this plaque can cause tartar buildup. The result is swelling, redness and inflammation of the gums - otherwise known as gingivitis. If not checked, your dog can develop periodontal disease, which destroys the gums and tissue that support his teeth.

The condition is serious, but don't worry: Dental disease is preventable and treatable in most pets. Ask your veterinarian for a complete oral checkup for your dog and schedule regular dental cleanings.

You can also help clean his teeth daily - just by feeding him. Normal dry pet food provides a dental benefit for your dog because when he crunches on the kibbles, the moderate scraping action cleans his teeth. If your dog exhibits the more serious symptoms of gingivitis, specially formulated foods are available that do a much better job of cleaning his teeth than normal dry food. Ask your veterinarian for help in selecting the best dog food for him.

Cancer :-

In many ways, your dog is a lot like you. You both need the basics of proper nutrition and exercise to stay active and healthy. The bad news: Dogs can develop cancer, just like humans. The good news: Dogs have cancer treatments, just like humans. To help prevent cancer, be aware of your dog's risks so you can be proactive in keeping her healthy. Here are the risk factors for cancer:

Age - Dogs are living longer, which increases the likelihood of cancer

Breed - Certain kinds of cancer are more common in specific breeds. Talk to your veterinarian to learn if your dog is more susceptible to certain illnesses

Gender - Some cancers are more common in one sex compared to another

Environment - Exposure to chemicals, such as pesticides or herbicides, may contribute to cancer

If your dog is at risk, check for these symptoms:

Abnormal swelling that grows or persists

Rapid or extreme weight loss

Ongoing and persistent sores

Significant change in appetite

Bleeding or discharge from the mouth, nose, ears or anus

Offensive odor

Difficulty swallowing or eating

Other common symptoms include no interest in exercise, loss of stamina, persistent lameness or stiffness, breathing difficulties and difficulty going to the bathroom.

Nutrition has been found to be a significant factor in improving both quality of life and extending life for dogs undergoing cancer treatment. Feeding your dog a food with increased fatty acids, protein and fat is beneficial because it helps meet a dog's additional energy requirements during recovery.

For an accurate diagnosis and treatment options, always consult your veterinarian.

Brain Ageing & Behavioural Changes :-

It's important to remember that ageing is a natural part of your dog's life. And as your dog ages, he may begin to act differently. Ageing takes a toll on a dog's entire body, including his brain. This may lead to behavioural changes.

Check the signs that affect your dog and discuss them with your veterinarian.

House-soiling accidents

No longer "asks" to go outside

Doesn't greet family members

Does not want attention/petting

Does not recognised familiar people or places

Does not respond to verbal cues

Sleeps more during the day or less at night

Appears lost or confused in the house or yard

Wanders or paces

Stares into space or at walls

CAUSE OF BRAIN AGEING

Why is the Brain Susceptible?

High lipid content, a prime target for free radicals

High demand for oxygen

Limited antioxidant defence and repair capabilities

Nervous System tissue is especially vulnerable to attack by free radicals.

Brain Of Dog 1

Brain Of Dog 2

The Effects of Brain Ageing

Neuronal loss and brain atrophy

Increased B-amyloid deposition (toxicity levels increase)

Increased free radical production

In recent years, scientists have made great strides in understanding the ageing process. Today, many experts agree that ageing is primarily caused by unstable oxygen molecules called free radicals.

Older, Compromised Mitochondria Produce Less Energy and More Highly Toxic Free Radicals

Mitochondria are a source of energy production within cells, but also produce highly toxic free radicals as a by-product

As the brain ages, mitochondria produce an ever-increasing number of free radicals

Damage caused by free radicals leads to reduced brain function and possible behavioural changes

Dog Membrane 1

Dog Membrane 2

The ageing process attacks every body system and organ in the dog, including the brain. The result is a loss of brain function, and often, the appearance of behavioural changes that were not present in the dog’s younger years.

The behaviour signs of brain ageing recognised by veterinarians are: disorientation, interaction changes, sleep or activity changes, and forgotten house training.

Ask your veterinarian if these signs could indicate brain ageing. To keep your dog acting young and healthy, proper nutrition is important. As your dog ages, continue to feed him foods rich in antioxidants and essential nutrients to keep him active and alert.

Below is a list of common behavioural changes in older dogs. Check the signs that affect your dog and discuss them with your veterinarian

BEHAVIOURAL CHECKLIST

Have you noticed these signs in your dog?

For an accurate diagnosis and treatment options, always consult your veterinarian.

Arthritis & Joint Pain :-

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a general term for abnormal changes in a joint. These changes occur when cartilage is worn away faster than it can be replaced. Cartilage acts as a cushion to protect the bones. When it wears away, joints become swollen and painful.

What causes arthritis in dogs?

Age           As pets get older, cartilage will begin to degenerate. Many senior dogs suffer from                           arthritis to some degree.

Breed   Large breeds are more prone to arthritis. These include Labradors, Golden Retrievers,                   German Shepherds and Rottweilers.

Excess

weight   Weight gain puts extra stress on the joints, which can lead to arthritis.

Accidents

and damage Joints can deteriorate as a result of stress or trauma caused by an accident.

Congenital

defects         Some pets are born with conditions that make arthritis more likely in later life.

Infection         Occasionally, an infection can lead to the destruction of joint tissue

                         and cartilage.

Does my pet have arthritis?

If your dog has arthritis, the first thing you'll notice is that he or she finds movement difficult and is reluctant to walk, run and jump. Your dog may also yelp or flinch when touched in the affected area.

IMPORTANT:

Some symptoms of arthritis are similar to those of other serious conditions. Make sure you consult your veterinarian if you notice any of these signs.

The Importance of Nutrition

The food your pet eats plays an important role in his or her overall health and well-being. Balanced nutrition is an essential part of an active, healthy lifestyle. If your pet has arthritis or mobility problems, ask your veterinarian if the right nutrition can help manage the condition and help keep your pet active and more comfortable.

Allergic Dermatitis :-

What Causes Skin Conditions in Dogs?

If you notice your dog's skin is rough, flaky or irritated and he is scratching, biting or licking it more than usual then he might be suffering from a skin condition, and your veterinarian may recommend tests to identify the exact reason. Common causes include:

Allergies                Your pet may be allergic to either food or environmental factors like dust,                                           pollen or mold.

Parasites                Fleas, lice and mites can all cause mild to severe skin irritation.

Hormonal

Imbalances        Pets with too much or too little of certain hormones are prone to                                                          skin problems.

Infections        Bacterial infections can cause skin problems.

The Importance of Nutrition

The food your pet eats plays an important role in his or her overall health and well-being. Balanced nutrition is an essential part of an active, healthy lifestyle. When your pet has a skin condition, it's even more important to feed the right food.

How can the right food help?

Some skin conditions can be cleared up quickly, while others need lifelong management. The good news is, most pets with skin conditions can be helped if you feed the right food, even if the cause of the condition is not dietary. Some important nutrients that can help heal protect your pet's skin include:

Protein

High-quality protein provides the building blocks for natural cell repair. Feeding unique protein sources, such as venison or duck, can also help reduce reaction in pets with a food allergy or intolerances to more common ingredients.

Essential Fatty Acids

A food containing high levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, found naturally in fish oil, will help nourish and protect your pet's skin to prevent dryness.

Antioxidants

Vitamin E and other antioxidants are vital in helping to maintain your pet's healthy immune system, and protect it from cellular oxidation caused by free radicals.

Combining these nutrients in a single pet food provides a convenient way to manage your pet's skin condition.

Does my pet have a skin condition?

Your pet's skin should be smooth and soft with no flaking, redness or signs of irritation. It should be neither too dry nor too oily and have no areas of hair loss. For an accurate diagnosis and treatment options, always consult your veterinarian.