Itchy Skin: Dermatitis in Pets

Snowy scratched and bit at his skin so much that it bled. The 3-year-old West Highland white terrier was miserable.

Skin allergies are common problems among dogs and cats. We often forget that sometimes, just as with humans, our pets can suffer from allergies too. But instead of sniffing and wheezing, dogs and cats often demonstrate their allergies in the form of skin problems.

Dogs with Congestive Heart Failure

Jesse commented that she thought her dog may be showing signs of congestive heart failure. Her friend Sara asked what the signs are.  She described a dog that was lethargic and showing an inability to cope with exercise. Sara noted that if those were the only signs, all of her lazy, fat dogs would be candidates for congestive heart failure.

Cancer In Dogs

The Samoyed was a beautiful dog, and just one look at his face told you there was something wrong. One cheek was more distended than the other. On palpation, a tumor larger than a golf ball had been growing in the dog’s mouth for some time. His owners only noticed that he had stopped eating and started walking into walls (a neurological sign). After much inspection, it was found that the cancer had metastasized well into the dog’s skull, and she had to be euthanized. The veterinarian was distraught because she felt that the dog could have had a longer life, or at least more humane existence, with treatment if the owner’s had noticed the growth long before the dog stopped eating.

Cancer—it’s a frightening word to hear whether regarding a friend or the family pet. Dogs, like people, can get cancer. But just like for people, there are therapies to help reduce, cure or maintain dogs that have been diagnosed with cancer.

Numerous types of cancer can afflict dogs. Depending on the type of cancer, treatments exist such as chemotherapy or radiation. Mast cell tumors are small skin cancers that can be either malignant or benign. Sometimes treatment may require removal of the tumors to prevent further spread. Other cancers include hemangiosarcoma, cancer of the blood vessels, or lymphoma, which attacks the lymph nodes or other organs.
Dogs that have not been spayed or neutered are at greater risk for developing cancers of the reproductive tract organs such as mammary gland or testicular tumors. In fact, testicular cancer is the most common cancer in older, unneutered dogs. You can reduce your dog’s chances of suffering these types of cancers by spaying or neutering the dog.

Osteosarcoma, or bone cancer, is more likely to attack large breed dogs. In fact, many experts believe that large heavy dogs (like the Great Pyrenese or St. Bernard) are more than 60% more likely to develop this cancer than their smaller peers. These bony growths usually occur on the legs below the elbow or knee joints. This type of cancer is aggressive, and though there are medications that can attack the cancer, dogs may require amputation of the affected leg to prevent metastasis.

Signs of Cancer

Growths are the usual sign of cancer; however, numerous other signs can accompany tumor growth including weight loss, hair loss, vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, wheezing or shortness of breath, listlessness, pain, etc. If your dog has growths, look for other signs.

Cancer Treatment

Therapies exist such as surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. Your dog may have a successful outcome if he is diagnosed with cancer. Regardless of whether there is a treatment for your dog’s cancer, your top goal is to keep him comfortable and pain free. Pain-relieving medications can keep him more comfortable. Make sure his living environmental, especially sleeping area, is comfortable and stress-free—like a soft dog bed in a quiet room.

Just as for people, cancer therapies have progressed for pets. Though your dog may be diagnosed with cancer, his cancer may be benign or treatable. The goal is to pay close attention to your pet’s body and  behavior so you know when a growth appears or when something is bothering your pet. Know the changes in his body, and seek veterinary care when such signs appear

Treating your Dog for Gastroenteritis

Soothing the Upset Tummy: Gastroenteritis in Dogs
Stomach upset, vomiting and diarrhea are not unusual problems for dogs—especially since some of them seem to have no sense of taste with regard to what they might eat. Some dogs seem to have a penchant for raiding garbage cans; whereas others enjoy taking part of an occasional sock or two.

Guarding Your Pet’s Heart from Heartworms

Weeks after Tony found the German Shepherd puppy he named Shep, he noticed that the dog coughed after their runs in the park. Shep was also thin, but Tony thought that was a result of his being out on his own for some time.

Tony would soon find out from the veterinarian that Shep was suffering from heartworm infestation—a parasitic infection with subtle early signs that could be easily overlooked.

Dental Disease Affects Dogs and Cats

Did you know that one of the most common problems seen in veterinary clinics is also one of the most preventable? Most veterinarians will agree that 75% or more of the health problems that they see in clinic practice are related to dental disease—gum disease or periodontal disease. In fact, studies show that most animals already have signs of dental disease by age 3 or 4!

Just like us humans, dogs and cats are as susceptible to gingivitis and periodontal disease. And like us, preventative care can help prevent such problems and keep your pet’s mouth pain free.

In gum disease, plaque forms around the toothline causing inflammation (gingivitis). As the gums get inflamed, they swell and form pockets that trap bacteria. The bacteria eat away at the tooth support system. If allowed to progress, eventually the problem leads to tooth and jaw bone loss.  Also, many experts believe that the bacteria involved in this process can enter the blood stream and cause other serious problems like kidney or heart disease.

Signs of Gingivitis

Early signs of gingivitis are redness around the gum line, bleeding, inability or discomfort while eating, and bad breath.

Veterinary Treatment

For dental care to treat periodontal disease, your veterinarian may recommend professional cleaning. At the veterinary clinic, your pet would be anesthetized. Then the tartar and plaque can be removed by the veterinarian by scaling devices (much like when your teeth are scraped during a cleaning). Teeth needing repairs like fillings or root canals can be fixed, and teeth beyond repair can be removed. Then the veterinarian polishes the teeth, which slows the progression of further plaque development. If there are signs of bone loss or other more serious oral problems, your veterinarian can evaluate and may wish to refer your pet to veterinary dental care specialist for further care.

Home Prevention

Many products are available to assist you in keeping your pet’s mouth healthy from toothbrushes and toothpaste specifically manufactured for pets to dental care treats and even dental care additives to put in your pet’s water bowl. Tooth cleaning towelettes as well as finger-shaped dental treatment devices are also available for owners whose pets may be less cooperative for tooth brushing. Also, tartar-control food is available for both dogs and cats. Your veterinarian can help you determine which home treatments are best for you and your pet. He or she can also show you how to brush your pet’s teeth. Regular veterinary exams every 6months to every year and a half will help you determine how successful your home treatment is.
Good preventative care now can help keep your pet’s mouth health and pain free while also saving you from a larger veterinary bill later on!

Coping with Arthritis

When Shep started having trouble laying down and getting up, his owners sadly thought they were seeing the inevitable signs of aging. But, much like for humans, research into arthritis and treatments has made many arthritic dogs far more comfortable as they mature into their golden years.

What Is Arthritis?

There are two types of arthritis—a degenerative form that can occur during the normal aging process and an infectious form that can be caused by an infection or immune system disorder. In degenerative arthritis, which may affect one or two joints, the cartilage that protects the bones in joints wears away. In inflammatory joint arthritis, which typically affects several joints throughout the body, the cause of the inflammation can be a bacterial infection such as that from a tick borne-disease like Rocky Mountain spotted fever or an immune-system disorder like lupus.

Signs of Arthritis

Much like for humans, the signs of arthritis in dogs include difficulty in laying down or getting up, lameness or stiff gait, slowing down on walks and reluctance to play. Other signs include personality changes or cringing/flinching when being touched.

Treatment for Arthritis

For dogs with infectious arthritis, the root cause of the issue would need to be diagnosed by the veterinarian to determine treatment. For degenerative arthritis, several treatments are available for dogs to give them greater comfort including painkilling medication and a program of exercise and rest—both as recommended by the veterinarian, in addition to a healthy diet. Many dog owners also report seeing benefits with adding supplements containing glucosamine, chondroitin, methylsulfonyl methane (MSM), and/or hyaluronic acid to a dog’s diet.

Other options for degenerative arthritis include prescription medication such as carprofen (trade name: Rimadyl) and polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (trade name: Adequan). Surgery may also be an option. Your veterinarian can help you weigh your dog’s options.

Diet and Arthritis

The risk of developing arthritis is increased when a dog faces particular stresses on his joints. In addition to stress involved from constant overexertion, like excessive jumping, diet can not only aggravate existing arthritis but it can also play a role in the dog’s eventual development of the disease.

To help prevent arthritis, ensure that your dog is fed a complete, balanced and healthy diet. If you’re unsure of what that means, talk with your veterinarian. One of the most important things you can do to prevent and alleviate effects of arthritis is by helping your dog to maintain a healthy weight and not allowing him to become obese. If your dog is overweight, he is at greater risk of developing arthritis, and if he is already arthritic, the extra weight puts greater burden on already unhealthy and overtaxed joints.

Quality of Life



Like people, dogs with arthritis can’t often do the things they could before. Arthritic dogs have more difficulty getting up into cars or onto a couch or bed. Products like pet stairs can help both you and your dog by allowing him the access to those favorite places while also helping you by not having to lift him.

Your dog’s sleeping place should be warm, dry and comfortable, whether he is arthritic or not, but especially so for the arthritic dog. Orthopedic and heated or thermo-regulating pet beds can provide more comfort to arthritic dogs.

With numerous options available, you can help keep your arthritic dog more comfortable and feeling like his old self.

Halftime at the dog show

Necessity Of Good Nourishment For Your Dog

Good nutrition is a primary necessary for your dog. It influences their health and long life by contribution a vital balance of proteins, fats, complex carbohydrates and the draw nutrients and minerals their bodies must for growth, fix and maintains of sound resistant system.
Nutrition is a composite and essential part oEdit Postsf your dog’s talent to think plainly, inferior strain levels and create soother activities.

Is camping with your dog a good idea?

Anywhere that you go outdoors is completely appropriate for your dog as well, right? While many pet owners believe that as long as they are not going onto someone else's property or indoors where pets are not welcome, that it is completely appropriate to bring their dog along. While this is not always true, taking your dog camping with you is a great idea for many reasons.

How to stop your puppy or older dog from biting

World Class Trainers Tips To Raising a Well Behaved Dog.

Compiled by Lateef Olajide

This little book goes forth—a finger-post on the road of positive reinforcement training. It is hoped that if you follow the steps according to the index you will arrive at a state of peace of mind with your dog. You are advised to call on a dog-training professional, veterinarian or animal behavior specialist if you notice unusual behavior in your dog.

To get this 96 page ebook for free complete the information below and you will have immediate access.

Warning for pet owners!!! (Cocoa Mulch Warning!!!)

Please tell every dog or cat owner you know. Even if  you don't have a pet,  please pass this to those who do.  Over the weekend, the doting owner of two young lab mixes  purchased Cocoa Mulch  from Target to use in their garden. The dogs loved the way it smelled and it was advertised to  keep cats away from their garden. Their dog  (Calypso) decided the mulch smelled good enough to eat and devoured a large helping.  She vomited a few times which was typical when she eats something  new but wasn't acting lethargic in any way.  The next day, Mom woke up and took Calypso out for her morning  walk. Halfway through the walk, she had a seizure and died instantly. Although the mulch had NO warnings printed on the label, upon further investigation on the company's web site, This product is HIGHLY toxic to  dogs  and cats.  Cocoa Mulch is manufactured by Hershey's,  and they claim that "It is true that studies have shown that 50%  of the dogs that eat Cocoa Mulch can suffer physical harm to a variety of degrees (depending on each individual dog).  However, 98% of all dogs won't eat it." *Snopes site gives the following information: http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/cocoamulch.asp * Cocoa Mulch, which is sold by Home Depot, Foreman's Garden Supply and other garden supply  stores contains a  lethal ingredient called 'Theobromine'. It is lethal to dogs and  cats. It smells like chocolate and it really attracts dogs. They will ingest this stuff and die. Several deaths already occurred in the last 2-3 weeks. Theobromine is in all chocolate, especially dark or baker's  chocolate which is  toxic to dogs. Cocoa bean shells contain potentially toxic  quantities of theobromine, a xanthine compound similar in effects to caffeine and theophylline.  A dog that ingested a lethal quantity of garden  mulch made from cacao bean shells developed severe convulsions and died 17 hours later. Analysis of the stomach contents and the ingested cacao bean shells revealed the presence of lethal amounts of theobromine.      **PLEASE  PASS  THIS ON**