In this post, we’ll explore the various treatments and lifestyle changes you can incorporate into your pet’s life to reduce the discomfort associated with stiff and aching joints.

1.   See a Vet

The first step to helping your pet with stiff and aching joints is to have them seen by a vet. A vet can help diagnose any underlying issues that may be causing the pain and provide treatment or medication to help manage the symptoms.

Usually, the vet will suggest a combination of treatments such as physical therapy, hydrotherapy, or medication. The vet can also provide you with a special diet for your pet that considers any dietary restrictions or needs due to joint problems.

Before taking your pet to the vet, write down all the symptoms they are exhibiting, and anything else you think might be relevant to the diagnosis.

2.   Consider Alternative Treatments

Herbal remedies are also available to help reduce inflammation and pain. While not as powerful as some medications, these remedies can be just as effective in treating joint pain. CBD oil is another alternative that is gaining popularity in the pet world, as it has been found to help with inflammation and pain relief.

CBD can be administered orally or topically, depending on your pet’s needs. Make sure to talk to your vet before using any CBD products for dogs and cats, as some products may contain ingredients that could be harmful. The vet can advise you on the best dosage and type of CBD for your pet.

3.   Supplement Their Diet

Adding glucosamine and chondroitin to your pet’s diet can help reduce inflammation and joint pain. You can find these supplements at most pet stores or online, so you don’t have to worry about getting a prescription from the vet. Make sure to follow the dosage instructions on the bottle, as too much can be toxic.

When looking for a supplement, it’s essential to check the ingredients list and make sure your pet won’t have any adverse reactions. Some supplements also contain omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation and pain.

4.   Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise can help reduce stiffness and pain in your pet’s joints. Low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, or playing with toys are great ways to keep your pet active without putting too much strain on their joints.

Make sure not to overdo it – start slow and gradually increase the duration and intensity of the activity, so your pet can build up its strength. Swimming is especially beneficial, as it takes the pressure off the joints while still providing your pet with exercise.

5.   Improve the Living Conditions

If your pet lives in an area with a lot of dirt or mud, the joint pain can worsen. Consider switching to a different type of flooring that is easier on your pet’s joints, such as carpet or rubber matting.

You should also provide plenty of comfortable and supportive bedding for your pet, as a soft surface will help reduce the pressure on their joints. Elevated beds are also a great option as they help keep your pet off the cold floor, which can worsen joint pain.

Finally, try to ensure your pet’s living space is manageable – lack of space can cause them to move around awkwardly and put too much strain on their joints.

6.   Manage Weight

Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for reducing joint pain in pets. Obesity can put extra pressure on your pet’s joints, so keep an eye on their diet and exercise routine.

Talk to your vet about a suitable diet and exercise plan for your pet, as this will help them reach and maintain a healthy weight.

Also, make sure not to overdo it – if your pet is already overweight, a sudden decrease in food and exercise can be dangerous. Slowly reduce your pet’s calories and gradually increase their activity level until they reach a healthy weight.

Joint pain in pets can be challenging to deal with. By following these tips and working with your vet, you can help manage the pain and keep your pet comfortable. With the right care, they can live happy and healthy lives.

The post 6 Ways to Help Your Pet With Stiff or Aching Joints appeared first on .

How to identify ticks

There are several tick species that can be found around the U.S. In colder parts of the country, ticks are most common as the weather starts to warm after winter, but they can be found year-round in some states. No matter where you live, however, your pets will be most at risk of picking up ticks in areas of dense foliage.

Ticks are tiny, eight-legged arachnids that are oval and generally smaller than your pinky nail unless fully engorged. Some ticks are reddish-brown or black while others can be grey, yellow, or white (especially when engorged). If you have long-haired pets, you should inspect for ticks regularly as they can be harder to spot on animals with thick or long fur. Signs of ticks include:

• Itchiness
• Small bumps under the fur
• Visible irritation of sensitive flesh, scabbing

Lethargy, appetite loss, fever and other signs of general illness may be signs that a tick has transmitted an infection to your pet. If you see these signs, you should take your pet to the vet even if you have already removed the tick. A blood panel may be necessary to ensure a more serious disease has not been transmitted.

How to properly remove a tick

While there has been some research into the use of local anesthetic as a method of tick removal, the safest, most effective way to remove ticks is still to pull them from your pet’s body with tweezers or a special tick removal tool. Plastic or metal tick removal tools are readily available at pet stores, veterinary practices, and, of course, online stores. However, you can also remove ticks safely with tweezers or string as long as you follow these simple steps:

1. Wash your hands

Removing a tick from your pet will create an open wound, so it is important to wash your hands thoroughly to prevent bacteria from entering the wound.

2. Pinch the tick close to the skin

Whether you use a tick removal tool, a bit of string, or a pair of tweezers, you must grip the tick close to the skin it has attached to. Grip it by the head, never the abdomen, as squeezing the abdomen will squeeze blood and internal material from the tick into the wound, drastically increasing the chance of infection.

3. Pull directly away

When removing the tick, pull gently but firmly and directly away from your pet’s body. Often gentle pressure will cause the tick to release on its own, but this is not always the case. If it doesn’t, just keep pulling and the pressure will forcibly remove it from the skin. Once it is out, dispose of it safely. Washing it down a drain or putting it in the toilet will prevent a live tick from making its way into your home.

4. Wash the area

Once you have disposed of the tick, wash the wound to clear bacteria from the area and allow it to heal properly.

Prevent further tick bites

Preventing ticks from attaching themselves to your pets (and yourself) is partly about being aware of where and when they are most active, and partly about clearing them from the foliage in your yard. Taking some preventative measures will save you a lot of time and stress in the long term.

The post How to Safely Remove a Tick From Your Pets appeared first on .

While all dogs might have madly wagging tails and a love of sticks and tennis balls, it is there the similarities often end; for example, some breeds are full of energy and need a great deal of exercise, whereas others prefer to spend their days curled up on the sofa as a couch potato extraordinaire.

It’s these breed characteristics, along with simple curiosity, that often leads the owners of mutts to ponder what’s gone into the making of their dog. While they’re obviously perfect without pedigree papers, it’s still nice to know what traits, for example, can be attributed to their heritage, and which facets of their personality are uniquely their own.

What if we told you that it didn’t have to remain a mystery any longer? Thanks to doggy DNA testing, it’s finally possible to find out what Fido’s family tree actually looks like.

How can you test your dog’s DNA?

If you think you might be interested in having your dog tested, you’ll probably be pleasantly surprised to learn how much it costs. Companies that specialize in this sort of science no longer charge the earth, with some pricing their products from as little as $60.

Available both online and from a number of pet stores, kits are really easy to get your hands on, and most require no more than a swab of your pooch’s cheek before they can get to work on testing their genetic makeup.

With that said, you will need to do some research before you buy. Not all tests are created equal, so if you want to ensure optimal accuracy, it’s worth looking into which of your options is truly the best DNA test for dogs. According to the site we’ve linked to, HomeDNA and Who’zTheDaddy, for example, both come highly recommended.

Why should I test my dog’s DNA?

Although testing your dog’s DNA won’t change their personality or make them any more or less special, there are some rather compelling reasons to have your pooch analyzed. Simple curiosity is often the primary motivator for dog owners, but even if you’re not overly bothered about having a label to put on your pet, DNA tests can help to reveal some very interesting information.

This is because certain breeds and breed crosses will be predisposed to particular genetic issues. Those with boxer DNA, for example, will be more prone to developing cancer, while dobermans often suffer from a breed-specific bleeding disorder that’s similar to hemophilia in humans.

Knowing that these potential risks might rear their head, you can ask your veterinarian firstly to keep an eye out for them, and secondly to educate yourself on any preventative measures you could take. Such enhanced awareness means that you’re much more likely to catch potential problems early on, allowing you to be proactive with treatment, and in doing so, increase your chances of success and decrease any resultant vet’s bills.

So, we humans aren’t the only ones with interesting heritages – your dog’s DNA is just as fascinating too. Interesting and potentially very useful, dog DNA testing can be well worth considering for those with crossbreed canines, or any canine for that matter. Is it something you’d be willing to try with your four-legged friend?

The post Doggy DNA Testing: Why Knowing Your Mutt’s Genetic Makeup Matters appeared first on .

Dogs’ poor short-term memory can have a great impact on their daily lives, especially when their humans come home after a long day at work to find that Rover has chewed up a good shoe or a couch pillow. It may be tempting to punish Rover for his indiscretion, but unless you catch him in the act, he’ll have absolutely no idea why he’s being punished and may come to associate punishment with your arrival home from work. He may become confused and stressed-out, and learn to fear you. You don’t want that!

Long-term memory is “associative” or “imprint” memory, and is indefinite. This is where she “remembers” in which room of the house she is most likely to get a treat, or she “associates” your putting on a certain pair of shoes or a certain coat with going for a walk. Scientists suspect that dogs can form long-term memories about a variety of experiences, but those with highly positive or highly negative connotations stick out the most.

“Important events, such as those related to food and survival, and events that have an emotional impact are more likely to be stored in the long-term memory,” says Claudia Fugazza, department of ethology at Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest.

Also of great importance to the formation of long-term memories is the time of life that the experiences and impressions occur. Puppies are most impressionable between 3 and 12 weeks of age. “Puppies and kittens both have periods early in their lives where they learn rapidly about many things in their world. The memories that are formed during this period influence how they behave for the rest of their lives,” says Dr. Kersti Seksel, a registered veterinary specialist of behavioral medicine at Sydney Animal Behaviour Service in Australia. “So, it’s extra important to expose them to the socialization and proper training and conditioning that they need during this time.”

It’s possible to help a dog convert a negative long-term memory into a positive one, one veterinarian says. If we respond to our dog’s stress at the vet clinic by becoming anxious ourselves, “then the memory of the building, the smell, and the people in that building will forever be scary.” So this vet encourages her clients to bring dogs to the clinic periodically for “happy visits,” where the dog gets a treat or some love, or just comes in and leaves. She has seen the demeanor and behavior of dogs do a complete turnaround.

What’s most important to remember about our dogs and their memories is, they do not remember the way humans do. They probably don’t remember the day you brought them home or the day you rescued them from the shelter. Their only permanent recollection of the shelter may be an anxiety around cages. Their short-term or “working” memory is inadequate to the task of remembering that they tore into the garbage while you were at work, so it makes absolutely no sense to yell at them or otherwise punish them for it. With a short-term memory of only 70 seconds, you really do have to catch them in the act. It is clear, however, that dogs remember YOU, that they love you, and that they look to you for guidance, for safety and security, and for that love that only you can give.

The post What Is Your Dog’s Memory Span? appeared first on .

1. Separation Anxiety Is A Panic Disorder

The dogs that are in the clutches of this condition are not being disobedient or spiteful despite that guilty look that many guardians claim to see when they arrive home. It is necessary that we understand that dogs suffering from separation anxiety are truly experiencing what is akin to a panic attack every time that they are left alone.  See http://malenademartini.com/logic-doesnt-apply-to-separation-anxiety/

2. Management Is Key

Putting a dog through continued anxiety by being left alone regularly or even on occasion will not allow the dog to make progress. Yes, what I am asking is that you safeguard the dog from experiencing anxiety during your training, and yes, this is a tall order. It is not an impossible request, it is however, an imperative one. See http://malenademartini.com/management-is-key/

3. Not Relying on Food Toys

This is a surprising topic for many, but read on and it might make some sense. It is often recommended to use interactive feeding toys when working with separation anxiety. The problem with this is that most all dogs will finish the food and then immediately begin to get anxious, that is of course if they will engage with the food at all. Use a process of very gradual and systematic training to teach the dog to be left alone in increments without relying on this initial crutch. See http://malenademartini.com/comfort-food/

4. Confinement Might Not Be The Solution
   Often times it is recommended to use a crate or a small room with a gate for confining a dog with separation anxiety. While this is not necessarily the wrong way to proceed, it is incredibly important to be aware that many dogs with separation anxiety can also suffer from confinement anxiety and in such cases a crate or baby gated area would actually exacerbate the problem. A thorough assessment of what is best for the dog is what is needed.

5. Stay at Or Beneath Threshold

A dog’s threshold is defined as the place wherein the dog is still comfortable or not experiencing anxiety when left alone. There are many body language indicators that a dog will display that will show us when a dog is starting to experience anxiety, most of them are pre-cursors to more obvious things like barking or destruction. When doing separation anxiety training it is important to stay at, or preferably beneath, this threshold in order to make the most optimal progress.

6. Use Technology to Watch

Because it is so important to work with that threshold we need a way to watch the dog when left alone. Technology has allowed us the luxury of tools that are effective and easily available to all including many free apps that are accessible on smartphones and easy programs via webcams.

7. Why Working With A Qualified Trainer Can Help
   The process of overcoming separation anxiety is simple, it’s just not entirely easy. A qualified trainer can guide through the process step by step and be the motivating factor as twists and turns come up. Creating almost daily incremental criteria steps is the cornerstone of separation anxiety training and a qualified trainer can do this based on carefully reading the dogs body language.

8. Why Talking With Your Vet Can Help
   Separation anxiety should be clinically diagnosed but there can also be other factors involved in why any dog might be reacting anxiously. First your vet can rule out other possibilities like pain or other health issues. Then depending on what might or might not be contributing, sometimes medication can be very useful as an adjunct to behavior modification.

9. Don’t Panic At Set-Backs

Because we are dealing with an anxiety disorder in particular, we have to accept that the learning process is not going to go in a completely straight line. There will be times that regressions happen or plateaus occur and that is entirely normal. Expect them, know that they are part of the process, it’s just information gathering as you move forward. Don’t panic, take it slow and forward progress will again happen.

10. How Long Will It Take To Resolve

This is understandably the most common question that trainers are asked by guardians. The answer is that every dog is a little different so patience is required, but the time and perseverance put forth is so very worth it when all parties are living a stress free life.  Fortunately, the severity of the case is not necessarily indicative of how long or difficult the problem will be to resolve.

The most important thing to know is that there is hope and there is help. Separation anxiety is a disorder that affects a significant percentage of dogs. The more professionals that become educated about it and work closely with guardians to overcome it, the more success that is being realized. Be ready to work in small increments, be prepared for patience, have great empathy, and most certainly be excited for the small successes along the way as there will be many. Resolving separation anxiety is one of the most rewarding experiences and you will never look back with regret on the accomplishment.

Malena DeMartini is renowned in the dog training world for her expertise in canine separation anxiety. She is the author of the book, Treating Separation Anxiety in Dogs, and has contributed articles on separation anxiety to publications around the world. She is a sought-after speaker internationally and is training worldwide dog professionals to work within this specialty through her Separation Anxiety Certification Program. Malena is passionate about furthering education in this field through science based research. Whether a dog professional or guardian, feel free to reach out to Malena at for a free phone 30-minute phone call. www.malenademartini.com.

The post The Separation Anxiety Top 10 List appeared first on .

Diarrhea is always a symptom of an underlying problem, and not a disease in itself. Diarrhea can be used to describe a varying severity of a problem, from occasional loose stools to a continuous watery stream of feces. Unfortunately there are many potential causes of diarrhea in dogs, and determining the cause can require a joint effort by you and your veterinarian.

One of the most common causes of diarrhea is intestinal upset. A sudden change in the type of food, giving an unfamiliar treat, or feeding table scraps can cause a bout of diarrhea. Diarrhea caused by food changes can often be resolved at home, so long as the diarrhea is not severe, and the dog continues to act and feel normally. Withholding food for 24 hours will allow the dogs digestive system to settle down (while continuing to encourage water consumption). After 24 hours, small amounts of a bland diet, such as white rice and chicken, can be offered. If the diarrhea subsides, you can gradually place the dog back on their original diet, and transition slowly to the new diet. If the diarrhea does not improve, or gets worse, veterinary treatment may be required.

In order to avoid intestinal upsets due to dietary changes, all changes in food should take place over several days, to allow the dog to get used to the new food. For the first three days of a food switch, feed ¼ of the new diet and ‘¾ of the old food. If your dog is doing well, then feed a half portion new food and half old food for another three days, then ‘¼ old food and ‘¾ new food for another three days. This slow transition will help to minimize intestinal upsets and decrease the chances of an episode of diarrhea.

Although many dogs regularly receive table scraps, care must be taken to ensure that the types of human foods are not too rich for the dogs system. Fatty foods especially can cause diarrhea and vomiting, and can also cause pancreatitis, a form of inflammation in the pancreas that can lead to chronic digestive problems. In addition, while dogs love most of the types of meat that we may be eating, the form they are accustomed to (in their dog food) is highly processed. Giving large amounts of meat from human plates can be far too rich for the dog, and cause diarrhea. It is also important to remember that dogs should NEVER be given turkey or chicken bones, as these can splinter into small pieces and puncture the stomach and intestines.

Intestinal Parasites can Cause Diarrhea in Dogs

Intestinal parasites are a very common cause of diarrhea in dogs. There are many types of parasites that can infect dogs, and diarrhea is often one of the most common symptoms of a parasite infection.

Roundworms are one of the most commonly seen intestinal parasites in puppies. Although roundworms are not commonly active in most adult dogs, puppies are especially susceptible to their presence and side effects. Dogs ingest the roundworm egg in the soil, and puppies can be passed the worm from their mothers. As the eggs hatch in the intestine, the larva is then carried to the lungs via the bloodstream. From the lungs, the worms crawl up the windpipe and cause gagging and coughing, before returning to the intestine to grow into adults. Roundworms can grow to up to seven inches long and appear spaghetti-like, long and thin. A pot-bellied appearance, poor growth and a rough, dull hair coat are signs of a worm infestation. Diarrhea and vomiting may be present as well, and the dog may expel worms in their stool or vomitus. If allowed to continue unchecked, the worms can cause pneumonia, intestinal obstructions and death.

Hookworms can be seen in dogs of all ages, but are most common in warmer, humid climates. Transmitted by ingestion of contaminated feces, mature hookworms attach to the lining of the intestinal tract and feed on the blood supply there. In pregnant dogs, the hookworms migrate into the fetuses, and begin to infest the puppies before they are even born. Hookworms in puppies can be devastating, as they can cause severe anemia, weakness and bloody diarrhea.

While not a worm, Giardia is an intestinal parasite caused by a single-celled organism that lives in the intestines of infected animals. Recent research has shown that Giardia is present in up to 11% of the general population of pets, and as many as 50% of puppies. Giardia can be transmitted from pet to pet, through contaminated feed or water, and through the soil. Pets who attend dog-park, doggy day care or are kenneled are at higher risk for infection. The most common symptom of Giardia is diarrhea of varying severity. However, many animals who are infected with Giardia can show no symptoms for extended periods of time, which makes routine testing even more important.

Coccidia is another single-celled organism that infects the small intestine of dogs. Dogs with coccidia may show know signs of illness, and some may have severe bouts of watery stools and bloody diarrhea, vomiting, depression and fever, and even death as a result of severe dehydration. These severe side effects of coccidia are most common in puppies and adult dogs suffering from other illnesses.

Diarrhea in puppies and young is of particular concern, because if is often the first symptom of severe and potentially fatal viral diseases such as the parvovirus, coronavirus and distemper.

Parvovirus is most commonly found in young dogs than adults, and puppies that are unvaccinated, or have not yet completed their vaccination series are most susceptible. The parvovirus attacks and kills the cells in the intestinal lining, rendering the dog unable to absorb nutrients or liquids. Dogs with parvo develop a high fever, lethargy and loss of appetite. Profuse, liquid diarrhea occurs as the damage to the intestinal tract progresses, and may be foul smelling, or have blood in the stool. The diarrhea leads to severe dehydration, shock and death, and is often fatal, even in dogs diagnosed and aggressively treated for the disease. Vaccination is the best prevention for development of Parvo.

Like Parvo, the coronavirus is a highly contagious virus causes gastrointestinal problems. Although adult dogs that contract corona may simply show symptoms like stomach flu, and recover within a few days without treatment, puppies can develop far more serious infections and complications. The signs of corona are similar to those of parvo- profuse watery diarrhea, which if left untreated can cause severe dehydration and secondary complications.

Canine Distemper Virus is a devastating disease that is highly contagious, and infects unvaccinated dogs and puppies. This virus normally localizes in the brain, intestinal tract and upper respiratory tract. A high fever is usually the first sign of infection, along with a cough, sneezing, and green discharge from the nostrils. The virus then affects the intestinal tract, causing vomiting, and dark, tar colored diarrhea. Finally the virus travels to the brain and spinal cord, causing seizures and uncontrollable twitching.

There is no cure for distemper- medical treatment is aimed at controlling the symptoms and supporting the dogs body to help survive the infection. Even with aggressive treatment, Distemper is often fatal, and dogs that do survive are often left with lifelong seizure disorders and other nervous system problems. Vaccination is the best way to prevent distemper.

Other causes of acute diarrhea in dogs can include bacterial infections, such as salmonella and E.coli, toxin exposure, such as from insecticide and lead, and even stress.

Treatment of acute diarrhea in dogs is aimed at diagnosing the underlying problem, and correcting that. If your dog has had loose stools for less than 24 hours, but is otherwise acting normally (normal energy level, eating and drinking normally), you may be able to take a conservative approach, and wait and see how he does. However, if your dog is showing any additional signs of distress, or has had increasing amounts of diarrhea for any length of time, a visit to your veterinarian in required.

Your veterinarian will first take a full history on your dogs condition, when the diarrhea first started, were there any precipitating factors, etc. After a comprehensive physical exam, your veterinarian may recommend:

Fecal testing– a sample of the diarrhea will be obtained, and checked for evidence of parasites such as roundworms and coccidia. In addition, an antigen test may be run on the fecal sample to check for the presence of Giardia.

Fecal Cultures may be recommended to test for the presence of bacteria in the stool, such as salmonella.

Blood work– Blood chemistries look at a variety of body systems, and will give your vet a reading as to the basic health of your dogs major organs such as the kidneys and liver. The CBC evaluates the components of your dogs blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. The CBC will help to diagnose or rule out infection as a potential cause of your dogs diarrhea.

Parvo test– In puppies, a parvovirus antigen test may be run. This quick ‘snap’ type test is run on a small sample of feces, and results may be available within minutes. The sooner parvo can be diagnosed and treated, the greater chance your puppy has for a favorable outcome.

X-rays– Radiographs of your dogs abdomen may be recommended to rule out potential intestinal obstructions, or foreign bodies that your dog may have ingested.

Treatment of your dogs diarrhea depends on what your vet suspects may be the cause. In cases of intestinal upset, a bland diet may be all that’s needed to settle the stomach. Parasites can be treated with de-wormers, and a drug may be prescribed to help return the digestive system to working order. Treatment of severe diarrhea will begin with intravenous fluid therapy, and balancing of electrolyte levels to combat the fluid loss caused by the diarrhea.

While acute cases of diarrhea can be cause for great concern, chronic diarrhea, while less common, is also reason for a visit to your veterinarian.

Diarrhea that persists for three or more weeks is considered chronic. Often the stool may begin to firm, only to become soft and unformed again. It is not uncommon to see mucous or even small amounts of blood in the sample. Because chronic diarrhea can lead to poor digestion and absorption of nutrients, often dogs will not eat well, have a low energy level and poor quality hair coat.

Food allergies and intolerances are a common cause of mild chronic diarrhea. Similar to lactose intolerance in people, dogs may have or develop allergies or sensitivities to variety of ingredients in dog food, leading to chronic inflammation in the intestinal tract.

Pancreatitis can present in dogs in both an acute form, as well as a chronic problem. The pancreatic gland is responsible for secreting hormones such as insulin and glucagons into the bloodstream to regulate blood sugar levels, as well as making the digestive enzymes that break down food for digestion. Pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas, can cause these digestive enzymes to decrease, and in severe cases the enzymes may begin to digest the actual organs of the dog instead of digesta. Diarreha, abdominal pain, vomiting and a poor appetite are the symptoms of pancreatitis, but because these symptoms are shared with so many other gastrointestinal problems, it can be hard to diagnose.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can also be a cause of chronic diarrhea in dogs. In affected dogs, the intestine is taken over by inflammatory cells, eventually leading to scar tissue throughout the lining of the digestive system. Although the exact cause of IBD is unknown, nutrition, genetics and the immune system are thought to play a role in its development. Dogs with a long history of diarrhea or weight loss that have been found to be free of parasites and diarrhea causing agents should be considered for IBD. Diagnosis of IBD can be difficult, and often requires an intestinal biopsy to confirm. Treatment is aimed at reducing the inflammation, as well as dietary changes to provide a more easily digestible food source.

Whether chronic or acute, diarrhea is almost always a sign of an underlying medical condition that needs to be addressed. Because diarrhea in itself has the potential to be life threatening, any dog suffering from more than a short-term bout of diarrhea, or dogs showing signs of other medical problems, should immediately be seen by a veterinarian. In addition, because young are so susceptible to several potentially fatal viruses, the presence of diarrhea in any puppy should be treated as a medical emergency until proven otherwise.

The post Dog Diarrhea – Treatment and Prevention of Diarrhea appeared first on .

This little Pug was smart, but could have died

While twenty-seven-year-old Jack Eichinger was at home on the telephone, his one-year-old Pug, Lily, slipped out of sight. She opened his closed bedroom door, jumped on his bed, grabbed the bottle of his prescription amoxicillin from the nightstand, chewed up the bottle and consumed seven of his meds. Luckily, Jack was able to get Lily to the vet, just four blocks away, who induced vomiting in order to save the dog’s life.

Jack notes from the experience, “We learned not to underestimate what she’s capable of.” Another vet, Dr. Fitzgerald advises, “My dog can open the refrigerator, assume anything a kid can get into, pets can get into.” It’s best to keep all medications and other possible toxins completely out of a pet’s reach.

Dogs are more susceptible to poisoning than cats

For anyone that has ever owned a cat, they can be much pickier than dogs when it comes to consuming food or other items left lying around. That didn’t stop a Siamese cat, also named Lilly, who began vomiting and was quickly taken in for treatment. The vet suspected she accidentally swallowed some of her owner’s blood-thinning medication, which also could have killed her.

Another dog, a three-year-old Cavachon named Annie, was hot on her owner’s heels when he was taking some Tylenol for a headache. When her master, Josh Berlin, accidently dropped a few on the floor, Josh recalls, “Before I could do anything, she had lapped one up.”

Knowing the toxic nature of the drug, Mr. and Mrs. Berlin took her in for treatment immediately. Mrs. Ronna Berlin recounts, “Anything on the kitchen floor, she thinks it’s fair game.” The lesson here is two-fold, be mindful of your pet when taking any medications and consider training them to “leave it alone,” when you drop something.

No one wants to lose a pet or face the dreaded decision of “putting them down,” so it’s better to be safe than sorry. With a little extra attention, and perhaps some additional training, we can help to keep poisons out of their paw’s reach. While we can’t poison-proof our pets completely, we can certainly help stack the deck in their favor.

Check out the infographic below to learn more about common toxins and dangerous foods found around the house:

The post The 10 Most Toxic Foods for Pets – Infographic appeared first on .

Cancer is a general term that encompasses over a hundred disease-types, involving the growth of abnormal cells. Cells in the body are constantly growing old or becoming damaged, and new cells that are exact replicas replace them. A careful balance exists where there are the same number of new cells are produced as there are dying off- and if this balance is disrupted, extra cells begin to replicate, undergo genetic changes, and it is these excess, mutated cells that gather together to form masses and tumors.

There are two types of tumors in dogs- malignant (cancerous) and benign (non-cancerous). Benign tumors are masses that for the most part stay contained within their own constraints, and do not typically invade surrounding tissues. Benign tumors may appear unsightly, but rarely cause severe health problems as a direct result of their presence.

In contrast, malignant tumors are made up of cells that are highly invasive, and have the ability to break away from the place they were formed to travel throughout the body via the bloodstream and lymphatic system. Once these cells have spread to other organs, the cancer has metastasized, and the cells have the ability to initiate new tumors throughout the body.

Types of Cancers in Dogs

While there are over a hundred types of cancers in dogs that can occur, there are several types that can compete for the dubious honor of most common types of cancers. In general, malignant cancers fall into two sub-categories.

Originating from epithelial cells (skin cells that cover the lining of body surfaces), Carcinomas can occur on the skin, bladder wall, and blood vessels that then pass into the surrounding tissues and organs.

Tumors originating from connective tissues (muscles, cartilage and lymphatic tissue) are sarcomas.

Lymphosarcoma, or lymphoma, is a type of cancer that occurs in the dogs’ lymphatic system, a cornerstone of the immune system. While lymphoid tissue is common in many parts of the body, cancers typically occur in the lymph nodes, liver, spleen and skin.

Pets affected with lymphoma of the gastrointestinal tract may have chronic vomiting, weight loss and decreased appetite, while a less common cutaneous, or skin form of the disease may cause the sudden appearance of multiple skin lesions and lumps. The most common form of lymphoma occurs in the lymph nodes, with lethargy and lymph node swelling the most common signs.

While lymphoma most often occurs in older dogs (over 7 years old), there is no strong breed disposition, and any pet can develop lymphoma. Chemotherapy is the treatment of choice in lymphoma, and may be employed in conjunction with anti-inflammatory medications. Lymphoma is considered one of the more treatable cancers, with good long-term survival rates when aggressive treatment is initiated.

Hemangiosarcoma is a sarcoma cancer that forms in the blood vessels, and develops in blood-rich areas of the body such as the spleen, liver and heart. Hemangiosarcoma’s typically go unnoticed for a period of time after onset, during which time they are quietly growing, accumulating infected blood vessels. When the tumor gets too large to stay intact, it may rupture, leading to severe weakness and anemia as a result of the loss of blood from the tumor. This initial episode is often the first symptom of the bigger, more serious problem going on, and by the time it occurs, the internal organ the tumor has resided has become heavily damaged.

Older dogs are most prone to hemangiosarcomas, and of these, several breeds, including German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers, have a much higher incidence of it’s occurrence than others.

Cancers in dogs that originate in the bones are Osteosarcomas. While they account for only 5% of all cancers in dogs, osteosarcomas are extremely painful, difficult to treat and have a poor long terms survival rate. Swelling and lameness are the most common symptoms, and radiographs will often readily show their presence. These tumors have an extremely high rate of metastasis, often traveling to the lungs where they quickly become deadly.

Osteosarcomas are common to large and giant breeds of dogs, including Rottweilers, Dobermans, Great Danes and Saint Bernard’s. Studies have shown that dogs weighing 80 lbs or more are 60 times more likely to become affected with osteosarcomas than smaller dogs, though the exact causes of this are not currently known. Typically amputation of the affected bone is performed (whenever possible) but due to the high prevalence of spread to the lungs, survival rates for osteosarcoma are generally poor.

Unlike many other cancers in dogs, mammary carcinomas in dogs are highly preventable. Studies have shown that in female dogs spayed before their first heat cycle, their risk of developing mammary cancer is 0.05%. This number rises to 8% in dogs spayed after their first heat, and 26% in dogs spayed after their second heat. By spaying your female dog before her first heat cycle, you can virtually guarantee she will not develop malignant mammary cancer.

Found most commonly in unsprayed, middle-aged female dogs, malignant mammary cancer in dogs is somewhat similar to breast cancer in humans. These tumors appear as a solid mass or several small growths or swellings, easily felt under the skin. They can appear suddenly and grow rapidly, necessitating quick action on your part in order for treatment to be initiated quickly.

Once it has developed in the mammary glands, mammary cancer can spread throughout the body through the lymph nodes, located close to the mammary glands. The nodes release cancer cells into the lungs and liver, creating secondary cancers in those locations. Surgical removal as soon as a mass appears is the best treatment, and further treatment may be required depending on the spread and involvement of surrounding tissues to the tumor.

Mast cell tumors are the most common type of malignant skin tumor in dogs. Formed by special cells that contain “attack” enzymes that can break down proteins of invading parasites into the body, mast cells are a component of the immune system and their unique make up makes them a distinctively behaving cancer. Mast cells form on the surface of the skin, and can appear in a variety of ways, making their diagnosis nearly impossible without a biopsy.

Once they occur, mast cell tumors can quickly grow from small “skin tag”-like growths on the surface to the skin to invading full thickness of the skin, and progressing to the lymph nodes for systemic infection. Surgery is often indicated in order to remove the affected tissue, and in conjunction with chemotherapy and radiation a complete cure is often possible in early stages of the disease.

Cancer of any type is a scary diagnosis for any pet owner, but with advances in diagnosis, treatment and medicines, it is not always a death sentence for dogs. Veterinary oncologists are a rapidly growing segment of the veterinary landscape, and their guidance and care for your dog can significantly improve his or her chances for surviving cancer.

The post Cancers in Dogs appeared first on .

Caused in dogs by the parasitic nematode Oslerus (filaroides) osleri, lungworms are Strongylida parasites that infect the lungs of many mammals. There are many types of lungworms identified, which in varying ways infect animals and migrate to the lungs and lower respiratory tract of their chosen host, causing a variety of respiratory problems such as bronchitis and pneumonia.

More commonly seen in livestock such as cattle, sheep and goats, lungworm infections are frequently the cause of livestock losses throughout the world.  Most livestock farms employ periodic broad-spectrum deworming programs that can control and treat lungworm infections.

In dogs, lungworms most commonly affect puppies, becoming infected from the saliva or feces of an infected dog, usually their mother. The parasite lives in the nodules of the trachea, laying eggs into the mucus membranes of the trachea, hatching out large numbers of the parasite, which then begin to travel further into bronchi and respiratory tract.

The most common symptoms of lungworm infection include airway irritation and persistent coughing. However, because lungworms are not terribly common in dogs, and there are many other, much more frequent causes for these same symptoms, a process of elimination must take place to diagnose the cause and treat the underlying condition.

Before lungworms should be considered as a cause for coughing in younger (less than 2 year old) dog, the following conditions should also be considered, as they are far more widespread.

Acute infectious tracheobronchitis, or Kennel Cough, is so named because of the highly contagious and quick spreading nature of this infection.  Most often caused by the bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica or the virus canine adenovirus, kennel cough is spread through the air by infected dogs sneezing and coughing, as well as with exposure to contaminated surfaces. It is most extremely common in areas where dogs are housed together or come into contact with each other, such as kennels, pet stores, shelters, dog shows and groomers.

The hallmark symptom of kennel cough is a harsh, hacking, non-productive cough, and a gagging “reverse sneeze”. The coughing may be seen at anytime during the day, but is most often evident when the dog is exited, exercising, or when any pressure is put on the trachea (such as when be walked on a collar and leash). Most dogs infected with kennel cough do not show any other signs of illness except for the terrible sounding cough. Fortunately, generally the symptoms of kennel cough are self-limiting, and most cases will resolve without medical intervention within 14 days. However, in rare cases the disease can progress to life-threatening pneumonia. Your veterinarian can prescribe medication to help shorten the length and severity of symptoms. The best prevention of kennel cough is through vaccination, and limiting exposure to areas where kennel cough is commonly seen.

In young puppies, other parasites such as roundworms should be considered when coughing and respiratory problems are present. As many as 85% of puppies are born with roundworms, transmitted to them from their mothers milk. . Roundworm eggs hatch in the intestine, and the larva are then carried to the lungs via the bloodstream to mature. The worms begin to crawl up the trachea, causing coughing, gagging and retching, until they are swallowed and taken back to the intestine to grow into adults.

Appearing quite spaghetti-like, roundworms can grow up to seven inches long, and mature quickly, causing severe side effects in puppies only a few weeks old. Along with coughing, a pot-bellied appearance, poor hair-coat and worms in the stool are signs of a worm infestation. If allowed to continue unchecked, the worms can cause pneumonia, intestinal obstructions and death.

Heartworm infection is a far more dangerous and potentially deadly parasite that lives in the heart of infected animals. A parasitic roundworm caused by the Dirofilaria immitis, heartworm is spread from animal to animal through the intermediate host, the mosquito. An infected mosquito bite spreads heartworm larvae through the bloodstream, and adult worms come to rest in the pulmonary artery of the dog, where they can reside for many years.

Signs Your Dog May Have Heartworms

Dogs show virtually no signs of heartworm infection until the time the worms have grown and reproduced, with adult worms up to 30cm in length. The main symptom of heartworm is coughing, first only during exercise, and progressing to coughing up blood, congestive heart failure and eventually, death. Heartworms are prevalent in virtually every part of the United States and Canada, as well as many other places in the world. Treatment of heartworm is difficult, expensive, and often dangerous. Heartworm is completely preventable with the use of monthly prophylactic medications, available from your veterinarian.

Allergies, allergic bronchitis and pneumonia must also be considered as possible cause for coughing and respiratory problems. Your veterinarian will examine your pet, take a complete medical history and decide what tests may be necessary to assist in diagnosis. Chest X-rays to check for pneumonia or abnormal lung appearance may be recommended as well as blood tests to determine if an infection is present in the dog, and to test for heartworm disease.  If other potential causes of coughing have been ruled out, lungworms may be considered as the culprit. A fecal examination is the most common way to diagnose lungworms in dogs.

In severe cases of pneumonia or respiratory problems, a trans-tracheal wash may be employed. This procedure takes a sample of fluid directly from the trachea of the dog, and can be useful in identifying infections and diagnosing respiratory issues. Because lungworms typically reside in this area, their presence may be inadvertently diagnosed through the trachea wash by the presence of lungworms in the sample.

If lungworms are identified as the cause of your dogs respiratory problems, several medications are available that will readily kill the parasite, and can be used to prevent further infestations. Preventing lungworms in dogs can be accomplished by ensuring that breeding dogs are parasite free before they become pregnant, and puppies and young dogs are treated with a broad-spectrum dewormer regularly.

The post Lungworms in Dogs appeared first on .

The itching must stop – for both your sakes!

Fleas are the number one cause of misery in dogs and their owners. One female flea can lay 2,000 eggs in her lifetime meaning even a few fleas is an imminent infestation. The flea lifecycle is much the same as a butterfly – females lay eggs that turn into larvae before becoming pupae. Pupae can live for years in their nice safe cocoons waiting for something warm to come close. Once a mammal walks past, they can shed their cocoon and jump up to four feet to land on their host – hibernation to feasting in less then three seconds!

Worse yet, the fleas you see are not the infestation, it is the flea eggs, larvae and pupae in the carpet, furniture and bedding that are the real problem. On average only five percent of the fleas in a room will be on the pet, while ten percent are pupae, thirty-five percent are larvae and fifty percent are flea eggs all in the carpet and furniture.

Fleas carry some serious diseases although we do not see them often in the western hemisphere. However, fleas carry tapeworms and can infect your pet with the nutrient sucking parasites!

So a few fleas may not seem like a problem now, but wait a month or two, you and your poor miserable pet will be knee deep in the nasty bloodsuckers. Then the fun really begins.

How to Get Rid of Fleas

Getting rid of them is not as difficult as it was even as recently as twenty years ago. Drug companies like Novartis®, Pfizer® and Bayer® have made giant steps in eradicating flea infestations with products such as Program™, Revolution™ and Advantage™.

Program™ was the first of the breakthrough flea products. It came on the market in the mid 90’s as a beef-flavored pill for dogs and a sweet tasting goo for cats, revolutionizing flea management in the veterinary industry. Still available, it works as birth control for fleas – they can still bite but they can no longer reproduce so in time and/or with household sprays, the infestation is stopped in its tracks. Soon after, an injectable form of Program™ was developed for cats, as not all were keen on the liquid goo form. The oral treatment is a monthly dose while the injectable Program™ lasts for up to six months.

Although this was a breakthrough, it was not fast enough to help the pets that suffered from flea allergies. What was needed was something that killed on contact.

Advantage™ was the next on the market. This topical insecticide is applied to the back of a pet’s neck and guarantees to kill 99% of fleas within 24 hours for up to a month. If Program™ revolutionized flea control, Advantage™ stood it on its ear!

Pfizer® decided to mix a few treatments in one with Revolution™. Again, it is topical and applied to the back and neck of the pet but not only does it kill fleas, it also kills ticks, ear mite, sarcoptic mange and kills and prevents heartworm. It also works on nematode intestinal worms – hookworms, whipworms and roundworms. Revolution™ is truly revolutionary, especially in hot or humid climates where heartworms and intestinal worms are an ongoing concern.

However, none of these products kills the flea eggs, larvae or pupae in the carpet so infestations will still occur as pupa hatch and leap onto you or your pet. Household sprays that include methoprene such as Precor™ kill pre-adult fleas and are effective in the environment for three to four months. Killing adult fleas in the house can be done with any of the sprays that include pyrethrins although care must be taken if there are pets in the house, especially cats. Read the instructions carefully before using and take their precautions seriously.

What is the best method for you, your pet and your home? In mild climates where fleas are a problem all year around, it is easiest to administer a monthly flea control product every four weeks religiously so the bloodsuckers never take a hold in your home. Areas of the country that do have a cold winter will have a season where the monthly flea control is unnecessary, as fleas stay dormant through the winter. If you live in an area where heartworm is a problem, have your pet tested for the parasite first and if clear, a monthly treatment of Revolution™ will control both problems at once.

If you do not have a pet, spray your house and furniture with Precor™ every three months or as soon as you notice a new hatching of adult fleas. It will take time for the infestations to stop but eventually you will be flea free!

Final note: if your pet has suffered through a flea infestation, have them treated for tapeworms. Tapeworms are highly infectious and are easily transmitted to humans. Deworming products are available through your veterinarian along with the flea control products recommended throughout this article.

The post Getting Rid of Fleas on My Dog – Eradicating Flea Infestations appeared first on .