Dog Health

John Williams asked:


Unwanted substances or toxins in the body, kidney infections and conditions resulting in the blood pressure dropping suddenly are three common causes of acute kidney failure.

The first subject to be discussed in this article will be toxins. These constitute chemicals or substances that prevent the kidneys or other organs of the body from working properly. Ethylene glycol, found in engine coolant liquids, is one of the most common chemicals which cause this condition. It has a sweet taste which dogs don’t hesitate to lick up off of floors or roads hence making it especially dangerous for them. Ethylene glycol and other such chemicals will cause the kidneys to swell up which will initially result in a lack of urine. Later on, there will be an increase in urine as the swelling subsides causing the ability of the kidney to reabsorb water to be somewhat diminished.

Following the effects of toxins the second most common cause of acute kidney failure is where there is a sudden drop in the blood pressure. This sudden drop of blood pressure can be caused by a number of things including dehydration, heart failure, or adrenal gland failure or commonly known as Addison’s disease. Whatever the reason for this sudden drop in the blood pressure of the patients body may be they all point to the same thing, which is that the blood flowing through the kidney, which uses about 25 percent of the blood pumped through the body, would not be sufficient causing kidney failure.

The least common of the three causes of acute kidney failure mentioned above is kidney infections. A kidney infection can affect the dogs’ kidney in several different ways but can mostly be cured by antibiotics or an intravenous drip.

Other conditions affecting the kidney may include nephritic syndrome, renal medullary solute washout, glomerulonephritis and nephrosis. These conditions are very uncommon and hence won’t be discussed in this article but what needs to be known is that they require specialized tests and examinations.

What a professional voice may have to say

If the patient has been infected by a relatively small amount of toxins in the body, this can be cured by injecting fluids into the veins through drip lines to cleanse the unwanted toxins out of the body. This supportive care will help the kidney in returning to its normal functioning. If the amount of toxins that has been consumed is relatively large the cure may become a but more complicated and there are chances that the kidney may never completely return back to normal and in some cases it may turn out to be fatal for the dog.

If the acute kidney failure has been caused by a drop in the blood pressure then the key is to treat the drop in blood pressure. If dehydration caused this drop the vet may use hydrate the dog using an intravenous drip line. The same method will be used to flush the kidneys so they return to normal function. If the kidney failure has been caused by something other than dehydration then along with the intravenous drip the underlying cause will be treated.

If it is kidney infections that are responsible for the disease then after the appropriate examinations and tests the patient will normally be treated with antibiotics and intravenous fluids.



Abby

Terrie Simpson asked:


The grooming proceedure is not only a relaxing way to bond with your dog, it is also known to be stress buster for the owner. It has been rumored that people who have dogs have lower blood pressure. Before embarking on any grooming tasks such as nail clipping, flea dipping, bathing, triming, cleaning the eyes, ears, mouth and teeth, or anal gland expression always consult a professional. Many reputable breeders, groomers and veterinarians will give basic instruction to a new owner to help maintain the health and appearance of their new companion.

Most owners, especially of long coated dogs take their pet to a professional for grooming. All dogs including short coated breeds require some form of regular grooming. Grooming can be done professionally, but the benefits of learning some basic grooming tecniques are bountiful.

Grooming tools should include dog nail clippers, a pair of blunt nose scissors for long coated dogs, a comb, and a brush suitable for the length of the dogs hair. Plenty of patience and TLC are also required.

Starting your dog on a regular grooming routine should be introduced by gradual short sessions. Try not to frighten the dog by forcing the issue. As the dog becomes relaxed with the routine, the sessions can be lengthened and other aspects introduced.

Brushing is an easy routine to start and it has many benefits. In addition to having a dog with a shiny, mat free coat, it removes loose hairs that might otherwise end up on your clothes, furniture or carpet. While brushing the dog the owner can check the skin for various skin disease, lumps, hot spots, fleas and ticks.

Depending on the breed, types of exercise, and whether the dog is an indoor or outdoor dog, bathing requirements will differ. Bathing too frequently will remove essential natural oils and dry the skin. Check with a professional for recommendations for your specific breed of dog.

Nail trimming is another grooming technique which is beneficial for an owner to practice. Before attempting to cut your dogs nails, it is a good idea to get professional instruction. Untrimmed nails can ingrow, curl down into the pads, and cause the toes to spread making it difficult for the dog to walk. Long nails can scratch the floor, people, and tear furniture and carpet. Most dogs and their owners are quite nervous about clipping the nails. Clip only a little at a time, being careful not only to cut into the vein. Cutting into the vein not only hurts the dog but will also cause a lot of bleeding.

Grooming methods, tools, and other aids will vary depending on the proficiency of the owner, the breed of dog, and the situation for which the grooming may be necessary. This column touches only on basic items. It cannot be stressed too lightly that a new owner should seek professional help before embarking on anything new with their dog, be it grooming or exercise.



Tyson

Terrie Simpson asked:


Under all that copious fur there is skin. Skin that is susceptible to a myriad of diseases and afflictions just as we humans are. The difference being that in humans we can readily see a health problem. In a dog, skin health problems are not readily apparent until the dog gives us an indication. Usually, the indications are excessive licking and scratching. In general we humans tend to take our skin for granted. If we go out into the sun, we use sun screen. If we have dry skin, we use a lotion. And occasionally we notice irregularities and then we go to the doctor. We’re pretty complacent and tend to think of skin as the wrap that molds our body. With dogs, the skin goes beyond being a mold. It is an organ in itself. This organ regulates the heat in a dogs body and works in conjunction with the foot pads which allow the dog to perspire.

As with humans the skin communicates sensations such as pain, heat, cold, touch, etc. to the brain. An animals skin also processes vitamin D just as we do. When we take our pet to the veterinarian, one of the usual examinations done is one of the skin. When the veterinarian back brushes the fur he/she is not only looking for parasites such as fleas and mites, but they are also looking at the skin. Dry skin and fur can indicate illness. Yellow skin can indicate jaundice and blue skin can indicate heart problems. Rashes can mean allergies.

Dogs can have seasonal and environmental allergies as well as food allergies. Food allergies may not always be associated with new foods but can also come from foods they have eaten for years and have become sensitive to due to many reasons. So called “hot-spots”, for example may be a result of a dog no longer being able to digest a certain food. Your veterinarian will recommend ways to test your dogs diet and recommend a course of treatment. Many dogs such as spaniels have seasonal and environmental allergies which can manifest themselves not only with sneezing and watery eyes, but also with skin rashes.

Allergies to fleas and medicines can also cause skin rashes. There are now veterinarians who are specializing in animal allergies and dermatology. Should your veterinarian find it necessary a referral could be made for diagnosis and treatment.

There are also genetic skin disorders and glandular skin disorders. There are several diseases associated with ovarian and testicular problems. Diagnosis and treatment can be made by your veterinarian. Dogs are also susceptible to various types of skin fungus. They are highly contagious to humans and other animals. Mange is another skin disease that is contagious. Quick diagnosis and treatment is essential.

In addition to the previously mentioned skin problems, there are also seborreic (seborrhea) skin diseases, tumors, melanomas, infected sores, mites, etc., that can be diagnosed by your veterinarian.

The purpose of this article is to make owners aware that the care and regular examination of your dogs skin is essential. Before buying a dog, consult with the breeder and a veterinarian. Know the diseases which are specific to the breed you desire. Know your dogs body as you should know your own. Check for skin problems during regular grooming.

If you find an area of concern, consult your veterinarian immediately. Do not make a self diagnosis and start a course of treatment. Only a veterinarian can make a proper diagnosis and recommend oral and/or topical treatments. Delay in proper diagnosis and treatment can cause delay in recovery and possible spread of the ailment and unnecessary prolonged discomfort for your beloved pet.



Jamie

John Williams Dog Training asked:


Exercise is one of the main way in which dogs keep their muscle tone, bones, joints, and mind healthy, there are plenty of ways in which to exercise your dog. Some exercises are good for keeping you healthy as well, and others are more relaxed and effort free for those times when you get back from work and your dog is staring at you all excited and ready to play.

Some breeds of dogs are more active and need more exercise than others, and sometimes more than a lot of owners think they can give them due to other commitments like work and there not being enough hours in the day. But this doesn’t have to be the case as many professional dog trainers will tell you, and keeping your dog in shape can be fun and rewarding for both parties.

Here are some of the exercises that are popular in the dog community and reasons why –

Fetch

Starting off with the most well known of exercises, the fetch game involves you throwing a ball and your dog running after it and returning it to you. This can be little exercise for you and a lot for your dog if you use any throwing enhancing products that are on the market today.

Tug

The tug game involves both you and your dog pulling on either end of a tugging toy, requires little effort on your behalf and can be played while you sit and watch telly or between breaks of other activities.

Jogging

Jogging is a highly active sport and helps keep your health up as well as your dogs, your dog will love to pay this game with you and it will ensure a healthy and happy dog.

Cycling

Although cycling may seem like a difficult exercise for your dog to follow and keep an interest in, there are special leashes for you to use on your dog to maintain hands free control over your dog giving you a more subtle form of exercise. Care may be needed and basic dog training should be given to make sure your dog will be in no harm during the task.



Sierra

Tim Amherst asked:


All responsible dog owners know that when your pet shows signs of feeling ill or gets injured that it’s time for a visit to the veterinarian.

Naturally, it is important to take your pet to the vet when there is a problem, but many people forget the importance of taking their pets to the doctor when they are healthy! Taking your Pit Bull to the vet for routine well check-ups and vaccinations can prevent many serious medical conditions, and treat others early on before they have a chance to progress and endanger your Pit Bull’s health.

No matter how good the care you provide for your Pit Bull is, you may miss early signs of disease that the vet would be able to spot at a routine visit. Catching many diseases early can help prevent them from becoming major health issues. Animals often try to hide any sign of illness, because it can be a sign of weakness to other animals. Your Pit Bull’s ability to hide symptoms makes them that much harder to catch early on.

Taking your Pit Bull for preventative care can often save you quite a bit of money. Diseases left untreated can be very costly to treat, amassing tremendous bills along the way. By early diagnosis and treatment, you can prevent it from ever getting to that level, therefore saving yourself a lot of money.

By having routine visits with your Pit Bull, your veterinarian will learn what is normal for your dog, as no two animals are quite the same. In learning what is considered normal for your Pit Bull, your vet will be better able to tell when something isn’t quite right, and provide prompt medical treatment. Your vet will keep records of every visit, so that he can refer back to them, which will help in treating old problems, and diagnosing new ones.

At your yearly well checkup, your vet will also check to see if your Pit Bull is getting the right diet he needs. The vet will suggest changes to help if your Pit Bill is overweight, or malnourished. This can be vital to your pet’s health. Obesity is a major problem that can cause your pet to suffer from a variety of medical problems. It is also crucial that he get proper nutrition, and your vet can prescribe supplements as needed.

Providing routine veterinary care is a vital part of taking care of your Pit Bull. You are responsible for his well-being, and your vet can help you make sure everything is as it should be. Please don’t take these yearly preventative check-ups for granted, your Pit Bull’s health depends on them.



Lila

Isabel asked:


I want a dog but i am in the which dog stage and I want to know which one of the dogs below has the best health(like some of them are prone to bladder stones) Which one is least prone to stuff? And which one sheds the least?

Bichon Frise
Border Terrier
Dachshund
Labrador Retriever
Poodle(toy)

Alicia

Melanie McVarney asked:


If you have recently gotten a new dog or are considering to own, there are several aspects in relation to caring for a pet’s health that should be considered. Dogs need to be fed the right kind of food; they need exercise; they need vaccines and preventative treatments; they need to be groomed; and they need to have proper dental care. Here is a short overview of the most important health aspects to consider when owning a pet:

First of all, a healthy diet goes a long way! If your pet is being fed table scraps or dry food that is primarily composed of vegetable and grain, you may want to reconsider Fido’s diet. If your dog is often being fed “people” food from the dinner table, it can easily cause obesity. Dogs metabolisms and organs do not function just like humans do, dogs require special diets and food types to thrive…human food does not simply cut it. Also, dogs thrive on diets that consist of high protein and low vegetable and grain levels. Dogs are classified omnivores; that means they thrive on meat and vegetable diets. However, recent research strongly supports the theory that dog foods that are high in protein are more beneficial to pets. Talk to your local vet and they will help you find the best food choice for your dog.

Dogs also need exercise. Some dogs need more physical activity than others, depending on their breed. Be aware of your dog’s physical activity requirements and stick to them. If your dog’s breed needs a lot of exercise, give it to them! Keeping your pet healthy and happy should always be a top priority.

Next, dogs need vaccines and preventative treatments. Talk to your vet to find out what vaccines your dog needs (it sometimes varies on where you live or your dog’s breed), and make sure your pet gets vaccinated. Most dogs will also need heartworm treatments and flea and tick preventive treatments- several of these are applied topically between the shoulder blades.

Another important aspect of your dog’s health is simple grooming. Keep your dog clean; give him a bath regularly, brush his coat frequently and trim his nails. Many local pet supply stores offer grooming services, so you can shop while Fido is at the spa. Also, in many towns there are mobile pet grooming services that does home service and will ndrop by your home and groom your pet in their clean and safe mobile facility.

Finally, good dental health is always important not just for people! Buy your dog a doggie toothbrush and toothpaste (often sold at supply stores) and learn to brush your dog’s teeth. Dry dog food also aids in the reduction of plaque and tartar on the teeth and gums as well. There are also special chew toys that are designed to aid in keeping teeth clean as well.

As you adjust to your new dog or consider getting one, your pet’s health should always be a priority. A healthy pet makes for a happy pet!



Yahir

Elise Rogers asked:


Protein seems to be a foggy issue when it comes to our pet’s diets. There are vegetarian dog food diets, and there are some diets that are heavily meat-based. So, what kind of protein does your dog need? And how much protein should they have in their daily diet? Here are a few facts about your pet and protein, so you can make the best decision about your pet’s daily diet.

First of all, here is a thought of interest: felines are classified carnivores, and dogs are classified omnivores. This means that cats must have meat in their diet to survive, and dogs must have meat and vegetables in their diet to prosper. Because dogs are omnivores, they can survive on either plant or animal diets; however, for your pet to achieve their ultimate health, a combination of the two is necessary.

So what are some signs of a poor diet in dogs? Obesity or excess weight, dull or coarse coat, itchy or flaky skin, and low energy and sometimes low resistance to infection are often common signs of a poor diet. If your pet is exhibiting any of these signs, change their diet; if any symptoms still continue, take your pet to the vet immediately.

So, here is the key to your dog’s diet. Dogs thrive on meat-based diets. This means dog foods that are based in meat are healthier for your pet than those that are composed of primarily grains or only-meat diets that have no grains or vegetables. A balanced diet is the best diet for your pet.

Why are whole grain diets harmful for your pet? Grains such as corn, barley, wheat, oats and soybean meal primarily supply carbohydrates. While carbohydrates are good for your pet (and necessary), if grain is their primary source of food consumption, excess carbohydrate intake often leads to the storage of extra carbs, which simply turns into fat. If you then add protein to your pet’s diet, it takes the carbohydrates through the kidneys and out of the body! Basically, this creates instant weight loss. If you’re wondering about kidney damage to your pet…don’t. Dogs are specifically built to tolerate lots of protein in their diet, because they need it. Unless your dog is getting excess amount of protein in their diet, then their kidneys should remain safe from protein damage.

Also, if you have a young puppy or an elderly dog, an increase in protein in their diet can be beneficial to them. Puppies are rapidly growing into full-grown adult dogs. Therefore, they need protein to build their muscles, strength, and to simply grow like they are supposed to! Older dogs need higher levels of protein in their diet to help retain their muscle mass and to keep it strong.

So, what is in your pet’s diet? Is your pet demonstrating symptoms of a poor diet? Consider changing your pet’s diet if you are concerned. Though this article is a general guideline to dogs’ diets, conducting your own research is always helpful. Feel free to contact your vet or a pet nutritional specialist if you have any other concerns. Remember, an excellent diet makes for a happy dog!



Cade

scotty asked:


i have a 3mo. old teacup chi.

Kyra

funloving asked:


How bad compare to hamburger?

Christina