Dog Health Blog

If you have a pet, be it a rabbit or a rottweiler, you are of course concerned about your pet’s health. In this article we’re going to focus on dogs specifically, but the general principles apply to any household pet, with the possible exception of that pet rock you’re still keeping around in the attic from the 1970’s. Like any pet owner, you have a lot of pet health questions.

Your pet’s diet is no doubt the number one thing you can manage to ensure that your pet has a long, happy and healthy life. But at the same time, many pet owners know very little about nutrition, or that their pet may have specific needs that are going unmet by the pet food available at the local grocery store. There is a lot to know, but don’t be discouraged. Like anything that’s important to you, you’ll manage to learn more about the subject if you ever thought possible. Your pet is a member of the family, and when it comes to the health of your family, you’ll be amazed what you can do.

The first person you’ll want to go to with any pet health questions you may have is obvious: your veterinarian can provide you with a lot of information on a healthy diet tailored to your pet and geared towards achieving optimum health. This may involve anything from switching brands of pet food to making your own pet food at home, but as with any issue involving your pet, your vet should be the first stop.
With that caveat, the internet also contains a lot of information and tips for the pet owner.

For instance, is your pet overweight? If so, what should be done about it? You can find information on that topic, as well as read how others have managed their pet’s weight problems on some of the many websites devoted to pet health questions.
How can you get your pet’s dull coat back to a healthy shine? What foods should my pet not have, or have more of? All of these pet diet and health questions have answers. Have a talk with your vet, and peruse the pet websites for further reading.
The best way to approach this is when you find what seems to be an answer to your question, write it down to refer to next time you speak with your veterinarian. You’ll want their advice before proceeding with any course of action which may effect the health of your pet.

Take advantage of the goldmine of answers to your pet health questions that the web has made available to nearly every pet owner, but read carefully. Make sure to cross reference when possible. As we all know, the phrase “your mileage may vary” was coined for a reason. But rest assured, between your vet and the many other resources accessible to the pet owning public, the answer to your question is there.

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Many common household items can pose a threat to your pets. Even some items specifically meant for pets could cause health problems. To protect your pet, simply use common sense and take the same precautions you would with a child.

1. Rodent poisons and insecticides are the most common sources of pet poisoning.

2. Antifreeze that contains ethylene glycol has a sweet taste that attracts animals but is deadly if consumed in even small quantities; one teaspoon can kill a seven-pound cat. The HSUS recommends pet owners use a safe antifreeze in their vehicles. Look for antifreeze that contains propylene glycol, which is safe for animals if ingested in small amounts. Ethylene glycol can also be found in common household products like snow globes, so be sure to keep these things out the reach of animals.

3. Cocoa mulch contains ingredients that can be deadly to pets if ingested. The mulch, sold in garden supply stores, has a chocolate scent that is appetizing to some animals.

4. Chemicals used on lawns and gardens, such as fertilizer and plant food, can be easily accessible and fatal to a pet allowed in the yard unsupervised.

5. Cedar and other soft wood shavings, including pine, emit fumes that may be dangerous to small mammals like hamsters and gerbils.

6. Chocolate is poisonous to dogs, cats, and ferrets.

7. De-icing salts used to melt snow and ice are paw irritants that can be poisonous if licked off. Paws should be washed and dried as soon as the animal comes in from the snow. Other options include doggie boots with Velcro straps to protect Fido’s feet, and making cats indoor pets.

8. Insect control products, such as the insecticides used in many over-the-counter flea and tick remedies, may be toxic to companion animals. Prescription flea and tick control products are much safer and more effective. Pet owners should never use any product without first consulting a veterinarian.

9. Fumes from nonstick cooking surfaces and self-cleaning ovens can be deadly to birds. Always be cautious when using any pump or aerosol spray around birds.

10. Human medications such as pain killers (including aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen), cold medicines, anti-cancer drugs, anti-depressants, vitamins, and diet pills can all be toxic to animals. Keep medication containers and tubes of ointments and creams away from pets who could chew through them, and be vigilant about finding and disposing of any dropped pills.

11. Leftovers such as chicken bones easily shatter and can choke a cat or dog. Other human foods to keep away from pets include onions and onion powder; alcoholic beverages; yeast dough; coffee grounds and beans; salt; macadamia nuts; tomato, potato, and rhubarb leaves and stems; avocados (toxic to birds, mice, rabbits, horses, cattle, and dairy goats); and anything with mold growing on it.

12. Poisonous household plants include azalea, geraniums, dieffenbachia (dumb cane), lilies, mistletoe, and philodendron, among others.

13. Rawhide doggie chews may be contaminated with Salmonella, which can infect pets and humans who come in contact with the chews. These kinds of chews should be offered to a pet only with supervision, as they can pose a choking hazard as well.

14. String, yarn, rubber bands, and even dental floss are easy to swallow and can cause intestinal blockages or strangulation.

15. Toys with removable parts—like squeaky toys or stuffed animals with plastic eyes—can pose a choking hazard to animals. Take the same precautions with pets as you would with a small child.

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1. Skin - Skin tumors are very common in older dogs, but much less common in cats. Most skin tumors in cats are malignant, but in dogs they are often benign. All skin tumors should be examined by your veterinarian.

2. Breast - Fifty percent of all breast tumors in dogs and 85% of all breast tumors in cats are malignant. Spaying your pet between 6 and 12 months of age will greatly reduce the risk of breast cancer. Surgery is the treatment of choice for this type of cancer.

3. Head & Neck - Cancer of the mouth is common in dogs and less common in cats. A mass on the gums, bleeding, odor, or difficult eating are signs to watch for. Many swellings are malignant, so early aggressive treatment is essential. Cancer may develop inside the nose of both cats and dogs. Bleeding from the nose, difficulty breathing, or facial swelling may occur.

4. Lymphoma - Lymphoma is a common form of cancer in dogs and cats. It is characterized by enlargement of one or many lymph nodes in the body. A virus causes most of these cancers in cats. Chemotherapy is frequently effective in controlling this type of cancer.

5. Feline Leukemia Complex - The feline leukemia virus is contagious among cats and will occasionally cause true cancer. There is no proof that it is contagious to humans. While a great deal of research is ongoing, no consistently effective treatment is presently available for virus-positive cats.

6. Testicles - Testicular tumors are rare in cats and common in dogs, especially those with retained testes. Most of these cancers are curable with surgery.

7. Abdominal Tumors - Tumors inside the abdomen are common. It is difficult to make an early diagnosis. Weight loss and abdominal enlargement are common signs of these tumors.

8. Bone - Bone tumors are most commonly seen in large breed dogs and rarely in cats. The leg bones, near joints, are the most common sites. Persistent lameness and swelling of the leg is an early sign of disease.

Common Signs of Cancer in Pets

* Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow
* Sores that do not heal
* Weight loss
* Loss of appetite
* Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
* Offensive odor
* Difficulty eating or swallowing
* Hesitance to exercise or loss of stamina
* Persistent lameness or stiffness
* Difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecating

Many of the above signs are also seen with noncancerous conditions but still warrant prompt attention by your veterinarian to determine the cause. Cancer is frequently treatable, and early diagnosis will aid your veterinarian in delivering the best care possible.

Treatment
Each cancer requires individual care. Your veterinarian may use surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, cryosurgery (freezing), hyperthermia (heating) or immunotherapy to effectively treat cancers. Combination therapy is commonly employed.

What is the Success Rate?
This depends strongly on the type and extent of the cancer as well as the aggressiveness of therapy. Some cancers can be cured, and almost all patients can be helped to some degree. Your veterinarian will have a better chance to control or cure your pet’s cancer if it is detected early.

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Here is an article outlining the benefits of having your male dog neutered. Hopefully it answers any pet health questions you may have about neutering.

Many of us have concerns over whether or not to neuter our dog. We worry that perhaps the dog will suffer some sort of sexual identity crisis or that there will be excessive weight gain. We wonder if our dog will become lazy and depressed. Some are concerned about the cost of neutering. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the neutering of your male dog, hopefully this article will help to alleviate some or all of your fears. The benefits of neutering far outweigh any arguments against it. Neutering is beneficial to dogs for a variety of reasons.

1. Dogs that have been neutered show a reduced sexual interest in females after approximately six to 12 months.

2. Should stop episodes of aggression towards other male dogs.

3. In 60 per cent of cases, inter-male aggression is reduced, as is mounting of people.

4. Roaming (i.e. running away from home) is also reduced in about 90 per cent of cases.

5. Territorial urine marking in the house, if it occurs, is reduced in half the cases.

The health effects of neutering are quite significant.

6. There is a reduced incidence of perianal adenomas (i.e. tumours of the rectal area) and testicular tumours are completely eliminated.

7. There is also a reduced incidence of perineal hernias.

8 With neutering, the incidence of many prostatic diseases, such a prostatic hyperplasia and prostatitis, are greatly reduced, as is the incidence of prostatic cancer. Without neutering, the incidence of these problems is quite high.

It is important to realize that neutering does not change a dog’s personality nor does it affect a working dog’s ability to perform. Neutering may contribute slightly to obesity (i.e. in about 10 per cent of cases) or reduced physical activity.

Neutering does not affect a dog’s natural instinct to protect home and family. A dog’s personality is formed more by genetics and environment than by sex hormones.

Pets don’t have any concept of sexual identity or ego. Neutering will not change a pet’s basic personality. He doesn’t suffer any kind of emotional reaction or identity crisis when neutered.

The cost of neutering depends on the sex, size, and age of the pet, your veterinarian’s fees, and a number of other variables. But whatever the actual price, neuter surgery is a one-time cost, a relatively small cost when compared to all the benefits. Most importantly, it’s a very small price to pay for the health of your dog and the prevention of the births of more unwanted pets.

About the Author (text)
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As a pet owner, it is an important responsibility on your
part to keep your dog healthy. You must bring your dog to
the vet regularly. Even a healthy puppy will require many
visits to the vet. Vaccinations, exams, worming, spaying,
neutering and flea control are a few of the things that
requires to be done to your dog on its first year of life
to protect it from disease and other dog health problems.

Your dog cannot tell you when it feels sick. It is very
important that you are familiar with your dog’s normal
behavior. Any sudden change to his physical or social
behavior may signal the onset of a dog health problem, and
early detection may save your dog’s life. If your dog gets
sick, take him to the vet right away. Veterinary care
protects your health as well as your pet’s, as the dog may
carry a disease that can be transmitted to people. The most
dangerous and well-known transmittable disease by far is
rabies, a disease that causes almost certain death if not
treated immediately.

You should learn to recognize signs of illness in your dog.
A sick dog usually tires easily, drinks excessive amounts
of water and/or refuse to eat. Other signs may include
convulsions, fever, dry cough, runny or red eyes, and a dry
nose. Frequent vomiting and loose bowel movement may also
indicate a medical problem.

Parasitic worms are also a cause for concern as these
parasites cause various dog health problems. Blood tests to
check for heartworms should be included in your dog’s
annual checkup. These parasites are transmitted by
mosquitoes and can cause serious illness. Your vet can
prescribe you medicine that will protect your dog against
heartworms.

Fleas and ticks are also a nuisance to your pet’s health.
They can cause anemia or paralysis. Keeping your dog clean
and well groomed can help minimize this threat. Cleaning
and dusting your pet’s quarters with flea powder weekly can
also help keep your dog free of fleas.

As an owner there are preventive measures that you can take
in order to prevent dog health problems from manifesting.
Make sure that you give your dog the best nutrition
possible in order for him to develop a shield against
common diseases associated with malnutrition or improper
diet. Keep your pet healthy and in shape by giving him
plenty of room and time to exercise. Follow your
veterinarian’s vaccination schedule and regularly bring
your dog for check-ups in order to detect any early signs
of trouble. Give your dog its regular prevention medicine
for heartworm and other parasites. Always keep your dog
well-groomed and clean. Brush your dog’s teeth or give it
a tooth cleaning treat every week to avoid any gum or
dental problems. Most of all, do not forget to give your
dog lots of affection and firm but fair discipline to help
keep him mentally healthy and happy.

Your vet can tell you more about common dog health problems
for your dog’s particular breed, so make sure you ask about
them on your dog’s next visit.

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Want to learn more information on any dog health problems?
Then go to http://www.healthydogcareonline.com to find out.