Thursday, April 27, 2017
17 Ways To Keep KEEP YOUR DOG HEALTHY : Your Pet Doctor
- KEEP YOUR DOG HEALTHY
- Go to the Veterinarian
- Set up a schedule for regular check-ups with your veterinarian. Ask the vet questions about your dog's diet, behavior, activity level or other concerns. Contact the veterinarian at once if your dog seems ill or in pain. As a special registration benefit, the AKC has arranged 30 days of pet insurance coverage from AKC Pet Insurance* for newly registered puppies. Details about this special complimentary benefit will be sent to you shortly after registration.
- Feed a Good Diet
Work with your veterinarian or breeder to find the food that is best for your dog's age, size and activity level. Keep the diet consistent. Always provide plenty of fresh, clean water. - Exercise
Dogs need regular exercise to ensure continuing good health. Take your dog for walks, run around in the yard, throw a ball around - anything to get him up and moving. This will benefit his health and could prevent behavior problems. - Vaccinate
Dogs should follow a strict schedule of vaccinations to prevent diseases. Keep your dog current on his vaccinations, following the schedule recommended by your veterinarian. Keep a copy of your dog's vaccination records handy. - Prevent Disease
You can take steps to prevent other diseases not covered by the regular series of vaccinations. Depending on the area of the country you live in, your dog could be at risk for diseases such as heartworm and Lyme disease. Ask your veterinarian for advice on prevention. - Repel Fleas and Ticks
Aside from discomfort, parasites such as fleas and ticks can cause serious diseases. Keep your dog, his bedding, and your home free from parasites by using the method recommended by your veterinarian. - Know Your Dog's Patterns
You should become familiar with your dog's patterns in terms of eating, drinking, sleeping and relieving himself. Any major variations in these patterns could indicate illness and should be reported to your veterinarian. - Provide Chew Toys
Dogs never outgrow the need to chew. Protect your possessions by providing a variety of chew toys to satisfy your dog's urges. - Bathe Your Dog
A clean dog is a healthy dog. Bathe your dog on a regular basis appropriate to his breed and environment. Overbathing can be harmful to a dog's skin. Use a good shampoo and be sure to rinse well. If bathing your dog is more than you can handle, take him to a groomer or veterinarian for help. - Groom Your Dog
All dogs should be groomed regularly for health and best appearance. Some short-coated breeds need just a quick brushing every week, while some longer-coated breeds need daily brushing to prevent matting and to reduce shedding. If your dog requires clipping or sculpting, you may want to consult a professional groomer. - Clip Those Nails
Keeping your dog's nails short will keep him comfortable, prevent injury to his feet, and may save the surface of your floors. If you can hear your dog's nails click on a hard surface, they need to be trimmed. Ask your veterinarian for advice on clipping your dog's nails yourself. - Clean Those Teeth
To prevent tooth decay and gum disease, clean your dog's teeth regularly. Most dogs will accept a "toothbrush" if introduced to it slowly and gently. You can also give your dog products such as hard biscuits, rope bones and nylon chews to keep his teeth clean. - Prevent Obesity
Keep your dog healthy by maintaining him at an appropriate weight. Feed him a well-balanced diet and give him plenty of exercise. Don't give in to begging - "people food" is generally bad for dogs. - Know Your Breed's Health Risks
You should be aware of common health problems in your breed, how to prevent them, and how to recognize their onset. For example, some giant breeds are prone to bloat, while some short-faced breeds are prone to respiratory problems. Ask your breeder or veterinarian for information about any signs or symptoms you should watch for in your pet. - Protect From Poisons
Make sure that your home and yard are free from poisonous substances, such as antifreeze, which tastes good but can cause serious illness or even death. Keep your veterinarian's number handy in case of accidental ingestion. - Be Alert to Changing Needs
As your dog ages, his needs will change. He may require a different diet, need more sleep, and be less active. Do what you can to keep him comfortable. Your dog may not be as "fun" as he once was, but he is the same dog you loved as a puppy. You should do everything you can to pamper him in his final years. - End Suffering
If, due to illness or old age, your dog reaches a point where his quality of life is severely compromised, arrange to end his life humanely. Letting go is sometimes the kindest thing you can do. Don't prolong the suffering because you fear the pain of losing your dog.
Dog Nutrition Facts :Your Pet Doctor
Dog Nutrition Tips
- A balanced diet is critically important to your dog’s cell maintenance and growth and overall health. Barring any special needs, illness-related deficiencies, or instructions from your vet, your pet should be able to get all the nutrients he or she needs from high-quality commercial pet foods, which are specially formulated with these standards in mind.
- But dogs of different ages have different nutritional requirements. So, how much—or how little—should you be feeding your four-legged friend? Read on to learn what your pet’s body needs at the various stages of life.
Nutrients Your Dog Needs
- Nutrients are substances obtained from food and used by an animal as a source of energy and as part of the metabolic machinery necessary for maintenance and growth. There are the six essential classes of nutrients dogs need for optimum healthy living.
- Essential to life, water accounts for between 60 to 70% of an adult pet’s body weight. While food may help meet some of your pet's water needs (dry food has up to 10% moisture, while canned food has up to 78% moisture), pets must have fresh clean water available to them at all times. A deficiency of water may have serious repercussions for pets. A 10% decrease in body water can cause serious illness, while a 15% loss can result in death.
- Proteins
- Proteins are the basic building blocks for cells, tissues, organs, enzymes, hormones and antibodies, and are essential for growth, maintenance, reproduction and repair. Proteins can be obtained from a number of sources including animal-based meats such as chicken, lamb, turkey, beef, fish and eggs (which have complete amino acid profiles) and in vegetables, cereals and soy (but these are considered incomplete proteins).
- Please note: Do not give your pet raw eggs. Raw egg white contains avidin, an anti-vitamin that interferes with the metabolism of fats, glucose, amino acids and energy.
- Fats
- Fats are the most concentrated form of food energy, providing your pet with more than twice the energy of proteins or carbohydrates. Fats are essential in the structure of cells, needed for the production of some hormones, and are required for absorption and utilization of certain vitamins. Fats also provide insulation and protection for internal organs. A deficiency of essential fatty acids (such as linoleic acid) may result in reduced growth or increased skin problems.
- Carbohydrates
- Carbohydrates provide energy, play a vital role in the health of the intestine, and are important for reproduction. While there is no minimum carbohydrate requirement, there is a minimum glucose requirement necessary to supply energy to critical organs such as the brain.
- Fibers are kinds of carbohydrates that alter the bacterial population in the small intestine, which can help manage chronic diarrhea in dogs. For dogs to obtain the most benefit from fiber, the fiber source must be moderately fermentable. Moderately fermentable fibers—including beet pulp, which is commonly used in dog foods—are best to promote a healthy gut while avoiding the undesirable side effects of highly fermentable fibers, like flatulence and excess mucus.
- Other examples of moderately fermentable fibers include brans (corn, rice and wheat) and wheat middlings. Foods that are high in fiber are not good for dogs with high energy requirements, and who are young and growing.
- Vitamins
- Tiny amounts of vitamins are necessary in dogs for normal metabolic functioning. Most vitamins cannot be synthesized in the body, and therefore are essential to obtain in the diet.
- Please note that when feeding your dog a complete and balanced diet, it is unnecessary to give a vitamin supplement unless a specific vitamin deficiency is diagnosed by a veterinarian. Due to over supplementation, poisoning due to excess vitamins (hypervitaminosis) is more common these days than vitamin deficiency (hypovitaminosis). Excess vitamin A may result in bone and joint pain, brittle bones and dry skin. Excess vitamin D may result in very dense bones, soft tissue calcification and kidney failure.
- Minerals
- Minerals are nutrients that cannot be synthesized by animals and must be provided in the diet. In general, minerals are most important as structural constituents of bones and teeth, for maintaining fluid balance and for their involvement in many metabolic reactions.
Thursday, April 20, 2017
Bloat in Dogs: Symptoms & Prevention
When a dog’s stomach fills with gas, it bloats. The expansion of the stomach puts pressure on the diaphragm, which in turn makes it hard for the dog to breathe. The stomach will also twist, causing terrible shock and rapid death. Therefore, bloating should always be treated as a dire emergency.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
Bloating can happen to any breed of dog at any age. However, large breeds with deep chests, like Great Danes or the large Setters, are more likely to suffer from this type of emergency. In certain instances, bloating is noted when the dog exercises immediately after eating. The most obvious symptom is, of course, an enlarged abdomen. You may also observe labored breathing, excessive drooling, vomiting, a weak pulse, and paleness in the nose and mouth.
PRIMARY CAUSE
Although there are environmental and genetic factors that remain unknown, the chances of bloating are increased by overeating and excessive drinking. Allowing a dog to exercise or especially roll shortly after a meal can also cause problems.
IMMEDIATE CARE
Take the dog to a vet right away. There, she will be stabilized and likely undergo gastric decompression. Depending on the circumstances, you may need to treat the dog for shock on your way to the emergency hospital.
PREVENTION
Providing the dog normal-sized food portions and allowing her time to digest after a meal can help prevent occurrences of bloating, at all ages. Some veterinarians will recommend that breeds more commonly affected with bloating undergo gastropexy, a surgical procedure in which the stomach is attached to the body wall to prevent it from shifting or twisting.
Dehydration in dogs : Your Pet Doctor
Dehydration is a common emergency in which a dog loses the ability to replace lost fluids orally. These fluids are comprised of vital electrolytes and water.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
The most common symptom of dehydration is the loss of elasticity in the skin. When pulled lightly, the skin will not readily come back to its original place. Another alarming symptom is xerostomia, in which the gums lose moistness and become dry and sticky, and the saliva becomes thick. In advanced dehydration, the eyes sink in and the dog may collapse with shock.
PRIMARY CAUSE
In addition to persistent vomiting and diarrhea, illness, fever, heat stroke, and a deficiency in fluid intake can all cause dehydration.
IMMEDIATE CARE
If there is moderate dehydration and the dog is not throwing up, you can treat the dog with Ringer's lactate (“lactated Ringers” with 5% dextrose in water). You can also administer an electrolytic solution at a rate of 2 to 4 ml per pound (1 to 2 ml per kilogram) of the dog's body weight per hour. Electrolyte-enhanced waters may be of assistance as well. If you have questions concerning dosage, contact your veterinarian.
If your dog is suffering from severe dehydration, however, seek immediate medical attention. They will be able to administer intravenous fluids to avoid further loss of fluids and to replace the present loss.
PREVENTION
For a dog with continuous and severe bouts of vomiting and diarrhea, you can prevent dehydration by giving the dog electrolytic solutions until the illness passes. IV fluids, however, may be the only solution in severe cases.
Hypothermia in dogs How to treat : Your Pet Doctor
Despite their thick fur, extreme low temperatures can cause a dog's body temperature to fall, leading to hypothermia. If sustained, low body temperature may lead to several complications and even become fatal. To prevent this, immediate care is paramount.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
The first sign of hypothermia is paleness and strong shivering. This may be followed by listlessness to the point of lethargy and frostbite of certain body parts such as the tail, tips of the ears, scrotum, and foot pads. If left untreated,coma and heart failure may occur.
PRIMARY CAUSE
Hypothermia can occur in any of the following situations:
- Exposure to cold for a long time
- Wet fur and skin
- Submersion in cold water for long time
- Shock
- Anesthesia given for a long duration
IMMEDIATE CARE
- Warm some blankets on a radiator or in the clothes dryer with haste.
- Wrap the dog in the blankets.
- Wrap a hot water bottle in a towel and place it against the dog’s abdomen. Do not use it unwrapped, as this will burn the skin.
- If the dog is conscious, give him warmed fluids to drink.
- Check the dog’s temperature every 10 minutes: if it is below 98°F (36.7°C), get immediate veterinary attention.
- Once the temperature is above 100°F ( 37.8°C), you can remove the hot water bottle to avoid overheating. Keep the dog in a warm room.
PREVENTION
Hypothermia can be prevented by avoiding prolonged exposure to cold temperatures. This is especially important for dogs that are considered to be at-risk. Factors that increase an animal's risk for hypothermia include very young or old age, low body fat, hypothyroidism, and anesthesia. Dog clothes, boots, and other accessories can help breeds with thinner fur and those less used to cold weather.
How To Treat Dog Constipation: Your Pet Doctor
Dog constipation is defined as the inability to defecate normally. Much like humans, older dogs are more prone to this condition, though it can happen to any breed of dog at any age. Constipation in dogs should not be ignored, as extended periods of distress can cause serious health concerns.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
A constipated dog, especially if it is well-trained and evacuates at regular intervals daily, is described as being constipated if it is experiencing difficult bowel movements and physical distress. (In addition, severe diarrhea andcolitis may lead to straining.) Grass particles, matted feces, string, or other objects in or around the anus is also indicative of constipation. The size of the feces will be abnormally small and once the condition has progressed, lethargy, vomiting, and loss of appetite may develop.
PRIMARY CAUSE
The most common cause of dog constipation is swallowing objects that are not easily digested, if at all, such as a piece of dry bone. However, it can also be caused by:
- Slower intestinal processes
- Enlarged prostates
- Concurrent kidney disease
- Hernias
- Simply swallowing grass or hair
IMMEDIATE CARE
If you can see a thread or string in the anus, do not pull it. This can cause internal damage. Other important things to note:
- Always wear rubber gloves when dealing with feces and related anal problems.
- If you can see grass in the anus, gently ease it out.
- If feces are matted around the anus, trim carefully with scissors. (For long-haired dogs, see below.)
- Wash the anal region with warm, soapy water and apply a soothing, water-soluble jelly (such as K-Y) to the inflamed area.
- Take the dog’s temperature. If it is abnormally high or there is blood on the thermometer or resistance when inserting the thermometer, see your veterinarian immediately (within 24 hours).
Long-haired dogs, especially small ones like Yorkies and Lhasa Apsos, can become frantic with the discomfort caused by matted feces around the anus and the trimming process. You may need to soak the dog’s posterior in warm water before you begin trimming to make it more comfortable.
VETERINARY CARE
Diagnosis
Radiographs, abdominal ultrasound and blood work are some of the more common tests recommended for identifying the underlying cause of the constipated dog.
Treatment
In some cases, a dog may need to be hospitalized and given enemas to remove or pass an obstruction located in the anus. If in doubt, or in the cases noted above, call your vet and have the dog examined. Fluids under the skin may be administered to ensure good hydration to the intestinal tract. In cases of intact males where the prostate is the cause of the constipation, castration will be recommended. And in severe cases of constipation, your veterinarian may administer fluids intravenously.
LIVING AND MANAGEMENT
Some dogs have a history of periodic constipation, especially as they get older. Adding a little mineral oil to the dog's meal can help in these cases. The proper dosage for a dog is 1 tsp for every 11 lbs (5kg). However, you should never administer the oil orally; if it ends up in the lungs, which can occur easily, it can cause pneumonia. Your veterinarian may also recommend stool softeners as well as fiber supplementation to assist in the intestinal transit.
PREVENTION
Although it is natural for a dog to eat grass on occasion, this habit should be controlled as much as possible. Avoid giving your dog bones; substitute a nylon chew toy instead. Use purpose-made laxatives to soften the stool and above all else, provide your dog with water regularly. Neutering your dog at an early age will also prevent growth of the prostate, which can lead to constipation in dogs.
Wednesday, April 19, 2017
4 Reasons Life Stage Diets Help Improve Cat Health : Your Pet Doctor
Balanced and complete nutrition is important for any animal. However, the nutritional needs will vary depending on the cat's life stage. For instance, the nutritional needs of a kitten are much different than the needs of an adult cat that leads a sedentary life. Conversely, as our cats age, their nutritional needs may change again.
Here are four reasons to make sure that your pet's food is designed specifically for their life stage.
- Kittens that are growing require pet foods with a higher protein level and a higher calorie count than most cats to meet their growth requirements. If these nutritional demands are not met, your pet’s growth may be stunted and/or your pet may become ill.
- Obesity is the most common nutritional disease seen in cats today. One reason for this is improper life stage feeding. For example, a cat — especially one that leads a sedentary lifestyle — may become overweight or even obese if fed pet food meant for kittens. Of course cats eating a food designed for adult maintenance can also become overweight if overfed, but the higher calorie levels in kitten foods will certainly contribute to the problem.
- Female cats that are pregnant or nursing have higher nutritional demands than those that are not active reproductively. During the pregnancy and while nursing, the mother cat is literally eating for more than one. If her nutritional demands are not met, her kittens may suffer from a lack of milk as a result. In other words, the mother cat may be unable to produce an adequate amount of milk to feed all of her kittens. In addition, nutritional deficits may also lead to disease for the mother as well. For example, a calcium deficiency can lead to a serious disease called eclampsia, which involves tremors, seizures and even death for the mother.
- Senior cats often have special nutritional requirements as well. Cats with mobility issues may benefit from a pet food that contains glucosamine and/or fatty acids such as DHA and EPA. Older cats may also suffer from illnesses such as chronic kidney disease or heart disease. In some cases, feeding the appropriate cat food can actually be an effective method to manage these diseases.
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