Don’t Your Pets Deserve the Best?

 Diarrhea in dogs is a disease that should not be taken for granted for it can be very fatal and can cause dehydration and loss of fluids. It should be given the proper treatment so as not to worsen the condition of your pet.

There are various causes of dog diarrhea. The most common of all is when your dog eats foods that are contaminated or contain harmful bacteria. So everytime you give something to your dog, make sure that what he’s getting is clean and cooked well, and feed him healthy treats like lamb dog treats.

Parasites such as worms can also be a cause of dog diarrhea. In such a case, giving him enough water will help you to flush the parasites out of his system. Give your dog water during the first 24 hours you noticed the problem. By so doing, you will be able to clean the stomach and eradicate the bacteria, parasites, or even viruses that may be present in there. Water treatment can also counter the dehydration caused by the canine diarrhea.

You can also treat the disease by feeding your dog with a bland diet. This kind of diet means that you will only feed you k9 with boiled rice and skinless chicken. All the foods should be free from oil, preservatives, and salt.

If you see there is blood in your dog’s poop, you should take your dog to the vet immediately for tests. More often than not, it could be an indication of a severe case of diarrhea or something else. The veterinarian can address the problem and prescribe certain antibiotics.

So how will you know if your dog is suffering from diarrhea? Well, the symptoms are pretty simple to determine. If you notice that your dog has watery stool and you rarely see solids in his dog poop, chances are he is enduring diarrhea. You will also notice a sudden change in his appetite and he might act lethargic.

Heartworm Caused by Mosquitoes

Heartworm disease is caused by a parasite called Dirofilaria immitis, which lives in the right side of the heart and the adjacent blood vessels. Its presence in these blood vessels causes cardiovascular weakness, compromised lung incapacity, and eventual death. Heartworm disease occurs primarily in dogs but can occur in cats and other animals on rare occasions.

Heartworm is transmitted from dog to dog (and cat to cat) by mosquitoes. Over 70 species of mosquitoes have already been implicated. Transmission of the parasite occurs as follows: when a mosquito draws blood from a dog or cat infected with heartworm, it takes with it a number of small immature worms called microfilariae. Once inside the mosquito, the microfilariae develop into larvae. Later, when the mosquito bites a new victim, the larvae are injected and that dog or cat becomes infected.

It takes about six and a half to seven months for the larvae to mature and start producing thousands of new microfilariae inside the circulatory system. The adult worms end up occupying the right chamber of the heart and the pulmonary arteries, while the microscopic microfilariae circulate throughout the bloodstream.

All these worms within the blood vessels produce an increased workload on the heart, along with restricted blood flow to the lungs, kidneys, and liver, eventually causing multiple organ failure. At first, pets may exhibit a chronic cough and reduced exercise tolerance, followed by sudden collapse and death.

Once infected, one pet can easily become a “carrier” or reservoir of infection for an entire neighbourhood. Sometimes, a dog or cat may have heartworm disease but show no symptoms. By the time symptoms do occur, the disease is well advanced.

Prevention is preferred to treatment. While there are effective treatments available, most veterinarians prefer to promote prevention of heartworm disease. Oral and topical medications that are administered monthly and have shown to be highly effective in preventing heartworm disease are available from your veterinarian.

When giving heartworm preventative medication to your dog, such as Heartguard, Interceptor, or Sentinel, use it as a reward.  Most dogs love the flavor of Heartguard, but just to be sure, act as if its a dog treat for them, like cow ears , so they wont refuse it every month.

Core Vaccinations
Rabies
The Rabies virus is transmitted by the bite of an infected animal, most commonly bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes.  It causes a fatal brain and spinal cord infection, and signs of disease can vary from depression and dementia to aggressiveness.  The virus can be shed for up to 14 days before signs of infection are apparent.  The virus can be shed by the infected animal for a variable length of time, ranging from days to months.  This disease is not only fatal to the infected animal, but is a considerable public health issue because it can be transmitted in the same manner to humans.  Vaccination against Rabies is generally required by law, and is done once at 16 weeks of age and then boostered once a year.  Depending on public health regulations, new three-year vaccines may now be used by your veterinarian.

Canine Distemper Virus
Distemper in dogs was once very common, but thanks to widespread vaccination, has now become quite rare and almost unheard of in vaccinated dogs.  This virus affects multiple organ systems and can involve the brain.  Again, signs of infection can vary and include discharge from the eyes and nose, coughing, vomiting, and diarrhea; neurological signs soon follow, progressing to trouble walking and seizures. Treatment is usually futile and the prognosis for survival is poor, which is why vaccination against this disease is so important.  This vaccine is given at 8, 12, and 16 weeks, and then boostered once a year from then on.

Adenovirus Type 2
Canine Adenovirus Type 2 is a component of a syndrome known as Kennel Cough, characterized by a hacking cough, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.  This vaccine also protects against Infectious Canine Hepatitis, an often acutely fatal disease that causes destruction of the liver.  This vaccine is given to puppies along with the other core vaccines at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age, and then boostered yearly.

Parainfluenza
This virus causes a respiratory infection known as Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis, and is another major component of Kennel Cough.  It is acquired by close contact with other infected dogs, most commonly at boarding facilities, dog parks, and puppy classes.  Signs to watch for include: coughing, gagging, and retching.  This vaccine is given in combination with the other core vaccines at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age, and then boostered once a year from then on.

Canine Parvovirus
Canine Parvoviral Enteritis is a serious and not uncommon disease in unvaccinated puppies.  The virus destroys the cells in the intestines, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and intestinal bleeding.  Immune suppression can also result when the virus infects the bone marrow.  For some unknown reason, there is evidence that Doberman Pinchers, Rottweilers, Pit Bulls, and Labrador Retrievers are more susceptible to infection.  The virus persists for a long time in its environment, and thrives in unsanitary conditions.  The vaccine for Canine Parvovirus is given to puppies in combination with the other core vaccines at 8, 12, and 16 weeks, and then once yearly.

As always, it would be a great idea when your dog comes home from a tough day at the vet, to let him lay down, and chew on his favorite dog treat, like cow ears.

Obesity is one of the most common medical conditions affecting dogs and cats in the U.S., according to recent studies indicating that 30 to 40 percent of U.S. pets are overweight and 25 percent of pets in the U.S. are obese. Similar to people, too much weight causes health issues in pets such as respiratory problems, diabetes, arthritis and heart disease. Overweight pets also have a greater chance of tearing ligaments and wearing down their joints, both of which make getting around painful.

Pets weigh much less than people, so an extra pound or two makes a big difference. It is important to keep an eye on your pet’s diet, exercise routine and weight throughout his or her life. Average-sized cats should weigh between eight and 10 pounds, while a dog’s ideal weight varies with his breed and size. A small dog may weigh about the same as a cat, while large-breed dogs may weigh sixty pounds or more. Your veterinarian can tell you what your dog’s ideal weight should be based on his size and breed.

How do I determine if my pet is overweight?
Your veterinarian can tell you if your pet is overweight during your pet’s regular wellness exam. Your veterinarian may take a sample of your pet’s blood for laboratory tests to determine if there is a medical reason for your pet’s increased weight. If your pet is older, his weight gain may be attributed to lower activity and metabolism levels. Another cause of weight gain is giving your pet too many treats.

At home, you can monitor your pet’s weight by feeling her ribs. Place your fingers on the side of her rib cage and press or rub gently. If you can easily feel your pet’s ribs, she is probably not overweight, but if you have to press against her sides to feel her ribs, she may be overweight. You should also be able to easily spot your pet’s “waist,” that is, her body should become more slender as you look from the end of the ribs to the hindquarters.

What should I feed my pet?
The same weight loss methods that work in humans also apply to pets. Controlling your pet’s caloric intake and making sure he gets the right amount of exercise is the best way to help keep your pet at a healthy weight. Your veterinarian can help you develop a diet and exercise plan to keep your pet fit and trim.

If your pet needs to lose weight, he should do so gradually — a one to two percent loss per week is best. You can control his caloric intake in a few ways:

Give him less food
Give him dry food rather than canned food (dry food usually has fewer calories)

Your veterinarian may prescribe a special diet designed specifically for weight loss
For dogs, the best diet is low in fat and high in fiber. Puppies (dogs that are less than one-year old) need a diet with extra protein, calcium and iron that is specially formulated for their developing bodies. Cats need a diet that is higher in protein.

“Treat” your pet right
If your dog gets too many treats because you just can’t resist his charm, try feeding him low-calorie treats, (like beef trachea) Your dog may enjoy fruits and raw vegetables such as apples, oranges, carrots, broccoli, potatoes and green beans. If he has trouble digesting raw vegetables and fruit or if the weather is hot, you can also give him an ice cube for a calorie-free treat!

Dog and cat treats are widely available at pet food and grocery stores. It is important to consider your pet’s entire daily caloric intake, no matter what type of treat you give him. Therefore, you should not add treats to his daily food allotment, but rather substitute treats for a small portion of your pet’s food. An easy way to do this is to take a few pieces of dry food from one of your pet’s meals and give them as treats.

Never give your pet table scraps. People food usually contains fat, salt and other ingredients that your pet does not need and will cause him to gain weight. People food may even cause indigestion or diarrhea in your pet. Make sure to keep all people food in a place where your pet can’t reach, such as your refrigerator or a covered trash can.

Most pets get the appropriate amount of fat, protein and other nutrients from their pet food, so treats should be only occasional indulgences. You should not make it a habit to vary from your pet’s regular diet of pet food. Talk to your veterinarian about the best diet and treat plan to meet your pet’s unique needs.

Your pet’s diet is just half the battle

Fluffy may love her ball of yarn, and Rover may chase after that darn stick all day, but pet owners must be cautious when offering toys to their pets. Many household items that become pet toys, either with or without your knowledge, can be dangerous-even fatal-to your furry or feathered friend. If not used in the appropriate manner, some store-bought pet toys, too, can cause problems.
Pet owners should take note of the following potential toy hazards:

Sticks and bones can splinter and cause choking or vomiting, or they can perforate the mouth, throat or intestine. Hard bones can easily damage teeth. Instead, use hard, non-splintering chew toys to play fetch or to allow your pet to gnaw.

Soft, latex toys can be shredded by a chewing pet. If the toy includes a squeaking mechanism, the squeaker can be easily swallowed or cause choking.
Superballs can cause intestinal obstruction if ingested. Other types of balls, such as tennis balls or handballs, may be too small for the pet playing with them and cause choking.

Towels, socks, underwear and other similar clothing or materials can be swallowed by a rambunctious pet, causing intestinal obstruction.

Some dogs like to chew on or eat rocks-bad idea! Rocks can cause broken teeth and serious intestinal obstruction if swallowed.

Be careful if you offer your pet rawhides, as these can also cause intestinal obstruction if swallowed, and some are preserved with arsenic, which is toxic to pets. Instead, offer them other long lasting, healthier chews, such as bully sticks.

Some cats enjoy hiding out in plastic bags, but if they get their head stuck in the handles and panic, choking or suffocating could occur.

String, yarn, feathers and rubber bands often offer enticing play for cats, but these can be swallowed whole, possibly lodging in the intestinal tract and causing blockage. If only partially swallowed, this, too, can result in severe problems. For instance, one end of the string can wrap around the cat’s tongue while the rest of the string is swallowed. If you ever see your kitty with string (or a similar object) caught in its mouth, NEVER try to pull it out. If the string is lodged internally, pulling it can cut the cat’s intestines, killing him. Instead, see your veterinarian immediately.

Be aware of sharp objects that can cut skin, feet, eyes or ears.

For birds, bells can be problematic. Most medium-sized or larger parrots can take apart a bell and choke on the clapper.

         - Leather, if not specially tanned, can be toxic to birds.

         - Paint and wood preservatives can also be toxic to your feathered friend.

“Probably the most common hazards are toys that are inappropriately sized for the pet,” says Dr. Jennifer Zablotny, an AAHA veterinarian. “Generally, the toy is too small for the size of the pet and can be destroyed and cause choking.” If you notice anything unusual about your pet’s behavior or health, call your veterinarian right away. If a toy or part of a toy is swallowed, signs of problems (like intestinal upset or blockage) may occur within minutes or hours; other times, you may not notice anything unusual for days. The obstruction may pass through with no more signs than vomiting or diarrhea. Or it may cause blockage, in which case your pet may be constipated or not want to eat. In any case, if you even suspect that your pet has swallowed a foreign object, call the veterinarian immediately.

Used appropriately and with common sense, many household and store-bought pet toys can provide hours of entertainment and exercise for your pet. It’s a good idea, however, to supervise your pet during play. Not only will this minimize the chance of accidents happening, but you’ll also be providing your pet with quality time spent with his or her favorite toy-YOU!