An Overview of the Most Common Old Dog Diseases

When discussing old dog diseases, it is always good to ask the question, "What exactly is an old dog?" After all, some ailments are far more commonly known as old dog diseases than others.



Depending on the breed, the meaning of "old" can vary, but it usually starts around 10 years of age. As a dog gets older, its behavior changes too. The signs of aging in a dog are very similar to those of humans. For example, old dogs have reduced energy levels. They sleep longer, they have less enthusiasm for energetic activities, and just don't play like they used to. Older dogs also experience changes in fur and skin (fur becomes matted more frequently, it takes longer for wounds to heal, and old dogs generally become more sensitive to extremes in temperature). And of course, older dogs experience changes in vision and hearing, making it tough sometimes to navigate the house.



Now, there are other, more serious diseases that old dogs are prone to. These include cancer, arthritis, gastrointestinal disorders and diabetes. Let's look at each one in more detail.



Cancer is a tragic disease that can move surprisingly quickly, both in people and in pets. Symptoms include abnormal growths under the skin, as well as swellings that don't go away. Cancer may also manifest itself through bleeding or bloody discharge (from the eyes, mouth, ears, or any other opening). This, combined with difficulty eating, breathing, urinating or pooping, can be symptoms of cancer in old dogs.



Another common ailment is arthritis. Though not as life-threatening as cancer, arthritis in old dogs can be a debilitating disease that robs your pet of much of the enjoyment of life. Symptoms include difficulty rising, stiffness, irritability or reclusiveness. You may also notice that your old dog's muscles are atrophying as his activity level declines.



Kidney disease is also common among old dogs. If you notice increased thirst, urination, coupled with weight loss, your dog may be suffering form kidney malfunction. Vomiting and blood in urine or poop are serious symptoms, and if you notice them, contact your vet immediately. Of course, these symptoms could be caused by one of many old dog diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease or bladder stones. Again, see a vet right away.



Diabetes is common among people, but it is also common among dogs. You may notice increased thirst and urination, weight loss, weakness, and increasing levels of lethargy and depression in a diabetic dog. Diabetes, if left untreated, can be fatal. There is no cure for canine diabetes, but it can be controlled with insulin injections.



Finally, cataracts are also common in older dogs. The eyes become cloudy, the dog is unable to navigate around objects, and stops retrieving objects. Note, however, that all old dogs develop a graying of the eyes which is due to a hardening of the lens. Generally, this does not affect the old dog's ability to see. However, cataracts are a more serious condition that can eventually lead to vision loss. As in humans, canine cataracts can be treated with surgery



An old dog normally suffers some loss in energy and mobility, just like an elderly human. Helping your companion through as he gets older means treating him with extra patience and kindness. Give him more time to sleep, and more time to wake up in the morning. Understand that long walks may not be so long
anymore. Make it easier for him to reach his food, get outside when nature calls, and provide comfortable resting places.



And keep an eye out for symptoms of the more old dog diseases, such as cancer and diabetes, that your pet can be more susceptible to. Your dog will live longer and provide you with more years of loving companionship.

Tips For Treating Your Dog's Urinary Tract Infection

Reacting to a dog's urinary tract infection (UTI) depends on the severity of the infection and the cause. The infection can lead to inflammation of the urethra, prostate, bladder, ureters and kidneys. In severe cases the problem can cause kidney failure. In most cases the problem is caused by bacteria or fungus passing from your dog's gastrointestinal tract into the urethra (tube that carries urine from the body) and bladder.



Dog's with strong immune systems and properly working urinary systems usually do not contract the problem. Is is important that a healthy dog is drinking enough so she is urinating frequently and with a strong flow. When these two systems are out of balance then your dog's urinary tract infection can take hold. The urine itself is natures way of fighting your dog's UTI. When the urine PH becomes too high or low, or has too much urea or acid, then it becomes less effective.



Symptoms of your Dog's Urinary Tract Infection



Symptoms of canine UTI may not be noticeable for an extended period of time. Common dog urinary tract symptoms include urine that doesn't smell right, difficulty with urination and lethargy or tired behavior.



As the condition worsens it can aid the formation of stones which lead to kidney failure. Since you don't know if your dog's UTI will go away immediately or progress, you should immediately seek veterinary care if you suspect this canine health problem.



Diagnosis of Your Dog's Urinary Tract Infection



Your veterinarian could diagnose UTI with just a physical and by taking your dog's history. If needed she will conduct tests such as urinalysis which will test the level of bacter ia and possibly stone remnants in the urine. She will also look for signs of neoplasia, which is a cancerous growth of cells in the urinary tract or bladder. Neoplasia is rare in dogs. It is difficult to determine if your dog's UTI is confined to the urinary tract or has moved to the kidneys and prostate.



Treatment of Your Dog's Urinary Tract Infection



Urine testing will indicate what type of bacteria or fungus is infecting your dog and will point to the specific antibiotic that is needed. Common antibiotics that are prescribed include amoxicilin and fluroquinolones. Treatment will last for 14 days. If the infection spread to the prostate or kidneys then treatment will last 30 days. After treatment ends your dog will be retested to see if the infection is gone.



If your dog has canine diabetes mellitus then additional treatment may be needed with the drug Amphotericin B. If medication alone doesn't cure the problem then your veterinarian will look for other causes such as a physical problem with the urinary system with focus on the prostate gland.



Prevention of Your Dog's Urinary Tract Infection



If your dog's UTI frequently returns then you need to consider other approaches. You can try a combination of medications for a 6 month period period and possibly natural medicine associated with the establishment of a normal PH in the urinary system. Natural remedies such as Arctostaphylos uva ursi, Berberis vulgaris, Cantharis (6C) and Staphysagris are all associated with urinary support and should be discussed with your veterinarian. There are also prescription diets specifically made to help with your dog's urinary tract infection.

This Diabetic Dog Food May Cure Your Dog's Problem Altogether

Searching for the best diabetic dog food should lead you to a cure, rather than simply to stop the symptoms getting worse. The reason being is that the food you feed your dog may be the cause of the diabetes.



You may well be insulted by this remark. After all, you do your best. You choose the best dog food recommended by your learned and trusted veterinarian. Surely they know best? And it isn't as if you buy cheap food. You may be spending a lot on the dog food that you believe is the best.



Let's run through a few facts that may lead your vet to recommend a product.



Universities around the world are finding the financial burden greater and greater as inflation and recession take their toll. All universities are looking for ways to reduce their financial burden. One way is to take advantage of the carrots wealthy companies danger in front of them.



The pet food industry is hugely lucrative and wealthy. When representatives help universities, they do so as long as they can influence the students, as they know this will lead to increased profits from recommendations.



However, it doesn't mean the information is good or accurate.



Most commercial dog food starts off with low quality meat, or meat by-products (which come from a rendering plant where carcasses, fat and waste products are taken). This is then bulked out with cheap fillers - for economic reasons, not for your dog's health.



Often this filler is sugar.



You may now be able to see a clear link to the diet you feed your dog and your dog's diabetes.



Because the dog food is poor quality, it is nutrient poor, so the pet food companies try to redress this imbalance by including isolated and synthetic 'nutrients'. Isolated and synthetic 'nutrients' as well as the rest of the chemical cocktail, are not easily digested at best, and can cause real damage at worst.



It's best not to blame the system for being corrupt, or your vet for being gullible. It's simply best to take control of your dog's health yourself (and preferably your own, too) and work out what a good diet really is.



Nature has all the answers. Nature is timeless. Nature is not corrupt. Nature is not driven by profit. Nature has no ulterior motive - other than to provide the best possible conditions for the longest life.



Feeding your dog according to natural laws is not difficult, is not expensive, is not time consuming. And it is highly beneficial to your dog's good and lasting health.

The Truth About Canine Liver Disease

When dealing with an unhealthy liver canine owners do have options. If your dog is exhibiting symptoms, a natural dog treatment program may be your answer. The liver is the largest organ in your dog's body, and it is also one of the most important to his health. Canine liver disease is the 5th leading cause of death in dogs. Because so many essential physiological functions happen in the liver, it is critical that the liver is in a healthy state. As with any pet health issue, prevention is always better than treating disease. However, many times we do not recognize that there is a problem until symptoms begin to appear.



Symptoms of a diseased liver in canines can vary widely and are hard to detect in the early stages of the problem. Some common symptoms are:



Loss of appetite



Weight loss - Obviously the loss of appetite will contribute to weight loss. If the liver is not functioning well, fats, proteins and carbohydrates will not be metabolized properly.



Low energy - also linked to appetite loss and metabolism problems



Light colored stools - indicating bile production is not normal



Excessive thirst and urination



Vomiting or diarrhea



Tender abdomen



Behavioral changes



Pale gums or orange colored urine - which can indicate jaundice



You know your dog's habits better than anyone, and this information will be invaluable to your veterinarian in making a diagnosis. A blood panel may be ordered to help your vet in the diagnostic process. Because the liver is intimately connected with other important organs, the symptoms it exhibits can mimic disease in those other organs. This can sometimes make the diagnosis challenging.



Causes of liver disease in canines include the following:



Exposure to toxins: Household chemicals (indoor & outdoor), medications found in your home (Tylenol, aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.), molds, medications your pet may be taking, pesticides. All of these can be extremely toxic to the liver.



Trauma: A past injury such as being hit by a car or other severe bruising to the liver.



Infections: Bacterial or viral infections can cause inflammation of the liver.



Secondary diseases: If other systems are not functioning well and are putting stress on the liver canine health is compromised.



Genetic predisposition: Some breeds are more prone to liver problems. Bedlington Terriers, Doberman Pinschers, Skye Terriers and West Highland White Terriers sometimes have a condition in which they accumulate copper in their systems because it is not being excreted properly.



The importance of a properly functioning liver to canine health cannot be underestimated. The canine liver has great reserve power. This can be both good and bad. On the good side it means the liver is only using a small portion of its resources at one time, but on the negative side, it can take much longer to diagnose the problem. Unlike most other organs in your dog's body, the liver has the ability to regenerate itself.



This is where a [ natural dog treatment ] program can prove invaluable. Natural remedies for treating the liver canine owners may be searching for will help protect the liver from disease and also reverse and heal liver damage. Many times a diseased liver can be returned to normal function.

Canine Strokes - An Owner's Guide to Strokes in Dogs

Strokes in dogs are very rare. They occur when the blood flow to the brain has been impaired. There are two types of strokes, namely hemorrhagic and schemic. The former occurs when a vessel breaks, while the latter occurs when blood supply is diminished for some reason.



Causes



Canine strokes can occur for a number of reasons. Some occur because of severe trauma to the head, such as being hit by a car. Dogs that ingest poisons may also have a stroke. Underlying medical conditions can also be to blame. Common conditions include Cushing's disease, heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, and brain tumors.



Symptoms



Unfortunately, strokes in dogs can produce some of the same symptoms caused by other diseases or conditions. Some of the most common signs include head tilting, constant circling, and difficulty walking. It is also common for dogs to experience sudden behavioral changes, loss of bowel control, and blindness.



Diagnosis



If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, you will need to seek medical assistance quickly. Quick diagnosis and treatment goes a long way towards a complete recovery. The veterinarian will start out by physically examining your dog. If your dog has had a stroke, he will perform a CT scan or MRI to try to determine the cause. These two procedures require that your dog be anesthetized.



Treatment



Canine strokes are treated by determining the underlying medical condition and treated it if possible. Successful treatment of this condition will prevent future strokes. Unfortunately, the damage caused by these strokes is irreparable. Most dogs recover motor functions and have a complete recovery within a few weeks. However, your dog may have certain behavioral changes after having one.

Common Diabetes Symptoms That You Should Watch Out For

Unlike other diseases, diabetes does not have obvious symptoms that define if one person has it or not. It does not cause constant high fever, it does not make a patient vomit for no apparent reason and most of all, no bleeding ever occurs. And because of that, any person can have it without really knowing it.



Now that can be a pretty disturbing thought right? Then again, knowing that you have diabetes is not really that hard especially if you are in tuned with your body. According to a diabetes blog, you just have to watch out for certain symptoms including:



1. The weird feeling of being thirsty all the time. Note that the "thirst" of course should not be considered a symptom if you live in a pretty humid area and if you have just spent a few hours getting some exercise.



2. Together with being thirsty all the time, you also feel unusually hungry quite frequently and even if you have just finished a meal.



3. Frequent trips to the bathroom to urinate.



4. Unexplained feeling of fatigue.



5. Quick weight loss even if you are not trying to do anything to shed off some pounds.



Those are the common symptoms that you should be watching out for. Now if you notice that you have been experiencing them for quite some time, then stop the guess work and go to a doctor to have your sugar level be tested as soon as possible. This is important because delaying it may cause you to eventually have more problems.



If after testing your doctor unfortunately confirmed your great fear, then the only thing left for you to do is to agree to get appropriate diabetes treatment and maybe think of getting a healthier lifestyle to help your condition from getting worse.

3 Signs of Diabetes That Most People Don't See Because They Seem So Normal

When it comes to noticing the warnings signs of diabetes, most people tend to overlook them because these signs can seem so normal. That's why many have termed this disease the "silent killer." You won't lose your hair like cancer or develop sores on your body like other serious diseases. But make no mistake: even thought the diabetic symptoms may seem subtle, this is still a very dangerous illness to have.



Doctors now believe that noticing these signs of diabetes and getting officially diagnosed is crucial. Getting treated for this disease as soon as possible has shown to minimize the long term effects. So basically, the earlier you get treated, the less this disease will affect you. So what are these symptoms that tend to get overlooked?



The 3 Signs of Diabetes That Most People Miss:



1. Constant thirst. If you are always thirsty, it would be wise to go see a doctor and get a blood glucose test. This warning sign especially gets pushed aside during the summer months and for those that are very physically active (whether with exercise or with work). But under normal circumstances, drinking a few glass of water should end this thirst. Not so for those who have diabetes. Their thirst never gets satisfied.



2. Frequent Urination. Who would have thought that going to the bathroom too much could be cause for concern? But this is one of the most common signs of diabetes. And if you consume alcoholic beverages on a daily basis, you are just going to assume that your going to the bathroom often is the result of your drinking.



3. Fatigue. Who doesn't get tired every once in a while, right? But if that tiredness doesn't go away, then you may have diabetes. This is especially true if you are getting plenty of sleep and are eating healthy. Feeling tired all the time is the body's way of letting you know that something's wrong.



When it comes to diabetes, time is of the essence. Knowing how to spot these three subtle signs of diabetes can be lifesaving. If you or someone you love experience any of these symptoms and they don't away, it would be smart to go see a physician as soon as you can.

The Diabetic Dog Diet-Should You Prepare It Yourself

As the pet healthcare industry becomes more proficient, pets are able to live longer life even if they should contact diseases like diabetes. More manageable than ever before, diabetes in dogs can be treated and control with medication and most importantly a properly control diet.



The first most important aspect of a control diabetic diet is to not allow your dog to gain and lose too much weight. Weight changes would affect the amount of insulin needed to control diabetes and any planned changes to gain or slim down have to be done under the supervision and guidance of a veterinarian.



A control diabetic diet should avoid both natural and added simple sugars. Many soft foods, such as the semi-moist "burgers" and treat, contain a higher than recommended amount of sugar. Their relatively high moisture content, combined with this higher sugar content, may cause a spike in the dog's blood sugar after eating.



Routine is an important part of the diabetic dog's diet. The most difficult part that most diabetic dog owners face is the controlling of the dog's blood sugar level over a long period of time. A well-established routine that features a regular schedule of meals, treats, and exercise is important and of great benefit in terms of maintaining a diabetic dog's good health. A well-planned good routine that manages to maintain the dog's weight at an ideal level might reduce or even stop the need to treat the dog with insulin.



Homemade Diets
Although many dog owners enjoy cooking and taking care of their diabetic dog, most homemade diets are not recommended for diabetic dogs, unless you really know what you are doing. Homemade diets are too variable to be suitable, even if high-quality ingredients are used. One of the few occasion that a homemade diet is recommended for a diabetic dog is when the dog refuses to eat a commercial diet.



Commercial Diets
Commercial diabetic canine diets are varied, to give the owner and veterinarian more options when prescribing food for an affected dog. These dogs have lower protein than that which the dog might get in a homemade diet, ranging from about 5 percent dry weight to about 8 percent dry weight.



The advantages of a commercial diabetic diet over home prepared diet is that the commercial ones are more consistent in the uses of their ingredients, that makes controlling the sugar level more manageable. Nevertheless, not all dogs will eat them and it might take the owners to try various different formulations before finding one that your dog will enjoy eating. One tip to help a diabetic dog likes his food is to try mixing his food with different flavor of prescription canned food. This method is helpful for many diabetic dogs out there.

Dog Sickness Symptoms

The dog won't eat



Typically speaking we are assured our dog is feeling great when they gobble down their food, although you can be sure that something isn't right when the dog won't eat. It is a weird thing for a dog to skip a meal and this is a telling warning sign that you have a lethargic dog on your hands. If you find your dog hasn't eaten in 24 hours it is time for a veterinarian visit. However if you have observed your dogs eating patterns have gone the other way, such as suddenly the dog has changed into a food crook and is raiding the bins this would mean that something has changed within the dog, this behaviour will unquestionably be outlined as one of the dog sickness symptoms, and it should preferably be checked out by a vet



The dog is urinating a lot



If you find your dog drinking water more routinely than typically or peeing more or you see the dog drooling this can potentially be a cause of diabetes or possibly kidney disease. It will be tough to notice if your dog is drinking too much water although you should certainly see her unusual need to go outside and you can certainly additionally start seeing more incidents indoors in terms of urinating.



Do you have a lethargic dog?



subdued dog sickness symptoms is inactivity or rather more technically lethargy, this would consist of disinclination to go on walks, or you might see that the dog wont eat in the face of this being the feature of their day, and neglecting to give you attention, this is a definite symptom that something is wrong, particularly if you have a very old dog, it may be a sign of death. If you do start seeing this then a trip to the vet is suggested.



Vomiting



An unsubtle signal is throwing up which could very well be followed by excessive drooling in dogs and highly undoubtedly dehydration in dogs. Throwing up is as stirring in the canine world as it is for us, and really like us they could be throwing up to get ride of some thing distressing they might have consumed. If this is the situation then it isn't anything to be anxious about, then again if the queasiness continues on then sure enough leap in the car and head to the vets as these are dog sickness symptoms that ought to not be over looked.



Poo



As a very last note, poo. Yes you are encouraged to inspect your dogs poo every now and again, you don't have to poke and prod at it but solely make sure everything is normal, is it a familiar colour and dimension. If you detect it is runny or discoloured such as yellow this is a symptom of poor nutrition or he has ingested something strange at one point. The procedure is the same as with people, simply just feed them dreary food until finally their stomach can reconcile, so plain rice is crucial. If you are endlessly nervous or blood in the stool then to the vets it is. Furthermore be aware of that dogs have a tendency chiefly when young to eat their own poo, so if you start noticing there is a sudden decline in the amount he secretes this could easily be the explanation why the dog won't eat, this will likely also be the reason you have a lethargic dog in the first place.

Causes and Symptoms of Canine Diabetes

Finding out the causes and symptoms of diabetes in dogs is a humane thing to do for those who really love their pets. For a dog to suffer with a disease such as diabetes can be just as dangerous as it is for a human.



Here in this informative article on the causes and symptoms of diabetes in dogs, we will take a look at the facts that will help you to learn what causes diabetes in dogs and how to recognize its symptoms. This can help you give your pet a longer, happier life.



The cause of diabetes in dogs is similar to the cause of diabetes in humans in that the pancreas, the organ that produces insulin for the body, becomes damaged. Insulin is small protein and a hormone used in the body of your dog to regulate metabolism. The cells in the pancreas of the dog are destroyed by a problem with the immune system and when that happens, the vital insulin production can be decreased or terminated altogether.



This means that the body of your dog can no longer use the food that it eats. When glucose can not be processed in the body, the energy from the food you give your pet is not used. Insulin is the ingredient that allows the body of your dog to use the glucose produced by the digestion of food. When insulin is not present, this more than likely will become a cause of diabetes in dogs. Problems with the pancreas are the main cause of diabetes in dogs and one to keep a watchful eye on.



Some lesser causes of diabetes in dogs are; a reaction to drugs, genetic problems, and Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Dogs that are middle aged dogs are the likely target for diabetes. Middle aged is considered six to nine years. Younger dogs can also have problems with diabetes. Do not look at any certain age-limit as an automatic risk factor for when your dog may develop the symptoms of diabetes. Young or old, your dog has the possibility of developing diabetes.



The breeds that may be subject to diabetes at an earlier age are Golden Retrievers and Keeshonds. Other possible causes of diabetes in dogs are lethargic lifestyles and obesity.



Taking a look at the symptoms of diabetes in dogs, we find that the symptoms in dogs are similar to humans. Your dog can maintain a strong appetite and even overeat and still be a dog with diabetes. A list of the symptoms are: being overly thirsty, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss or weight gain, blurred vision, increased infections, sores that heal too slowly, and vomiting.



The more common and less noticeable symptoms of diabetes in dogs, such as being very thirsty and frequent urination can be overlooked easily. They are not a sure sign by themselves that your dog has diabetes, but it is wise to be vigilant as they can be the first sign of diabetes.



If the symptoms of diabetes in dogs are allowed to progress and grow, partial blindness or blindness can result. Cataracts can form in the eyes of your dog as diabetes works its silent way into the life of your pet. The cataracts form in the eyes as sugar in the bloodstream is collected there. These cataracts will not go away without special surgery even after your dog is diagnosed and then treated for diabetes. Some good news about diabetes-induced cataracts is that some of those cataracts will not grow or change. This can mean that if the symptoms of diabetes in your dog are caught early, the eyes can be spared more damage.



Now that you know the causes and symptoms of diabetes in dogs, taking an active interest in the health of your dog will allow your pet to live longer and have a more productive life without the effects of diabetes.

Common Dog Illnesses and Meds That Can Help

When you first get a dog, you never really think that down the road at some point your pet will get sick. Thankfully, most common canine ailments are readily treatable with medication, so dogs can live long happy lives as modern medicine keeps their illnesses at bay. Common dog illnesses that can be managed with medication include ear infections,heart disease, heartworm, kidney disease and arthritis.



Ear Infections



Ear infections are a very common treatable ailment that can affect dogs. Some breeds, especially those with large floppy or hairy ears, are more prone to these types of infections of the outer ear canal (otitis externa). Dogs with ear infections exhibit symptoms such as head shaking and ear scratching. Ears can also become inflamed, crusty, and malodorous.



One medication used to treat ear infections is Mometamax Otic Solution. This medication is used to treat otitis externa caused by various strains of yeast and bacteria. Mometamax Otic Suspension contains gentamicin sulfate, mometasone furoate monohydrate, and clotrimazole in a mineral oil-base. For dogs weighing less than 30 pounds, four drops per day must be used for each infected ear. Dogs over 30 pounds should receive 8 drops per infected ear daily.



Heart Disease



One of the more serious dog ailments is congestive heart failure. This condition is caused by an abnormality in the function or structure of the heart, which leaves it unable to pump blood normally to the tissues of the body. This leads to fluid retention in the lungs and body cavities. This in turn causes congestive heart failure.



Benazepril hydrocloride is one of the medications used to treat congestive heart failure, high blood pressure and some types of kidney disease in dogs. It is an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor; a vasodilator and anti-hypertension agent. This means it dilates the veins and decreases fluid retention. Dosage is usually once daily, but it is necessary to follow your veterinarian's instructions as prescribed. Dogs taking this medication will usually need to remain on it for the rest of their lives.



Kidney Disease



Chronic renal (kidney) failure (CRF) is a common problem in all dog breeds. With CRF, the kidneys are unable to remove waste products cause by food digestion. This leads to the buildup of toxins in the blood. Symptoms of CRF include excessive thirst and urination, weakness, bad breath, uncoordinated walking, vomiting and lethargy.



CRF usually affects older pets, but if caught early enough, dogs with this disease can still live a comfortable life with medication. One such medication is Furosemide(Rx). Furosemide is a diuretic, which removes the excess body fluids that are a byproduct of CRF. This medication is available in tablet or liquid form. Dosage is usually one to three tablets per day as prescribed by your veterinarian. Pets that are dehydrated or have an electrolyte imbalance should not use this drug.



Heartworm



Heartworm (dirofilariasis) is a common yet deadly disease that is spread by a simple mosquito bite. When a mosquito bites an infected dog and then goes on to bite another dog,the infected larvae of the heartworms are passed on. Heartworms are essentially long white worms that live in the right side of the heart in the adjacent blood vessels of an infected dog. These worms impair blood circulation, which in turn damages the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys. These worms can be present long before any symptoms show up,so it is important to check for the disease before you see signs.



As with any disease, prevention is the best solution, so treatment with products such as Heartgard Plus is advised. Heartgard prevents heartworm disease by eliminating the tissue stage of heartworm larvae for 30 days. Heartgard Plus is a combination of the anti-parasitic drugs Ivermectin and Pyrantel Pamoate. Heartgard prevents heartworm infection and treats and controls roundworms and hookworms. This product is chewable and may be given with or without food. Veterinarians will usually authorize a maximum of 12 months of heartworm preventative medicine per pet per year to insure proper dosing.



Arthritis



Just like people, older dogs can suffer from arthritis, making it difficult to climb stairs and even walk without stiffness and pain. Symptoms of canine arthritis include stiffness,reluctance to jump, run, stand or climb stairs. But rather than watch your dog suffer doing the things he enjoys, there are drugs that will ease mobility.



One such medication is Deramaxx chewable tablets. These pills will not cure osteoarthritis, but they will help control the pain and inflammation that comes with it. Deramaxx is a prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) of the coxib class. It is flavored to make giving it to your pet a bit easier. Consult with your veterinarian for the proper dosage for your dog's age, breed and weight.



Though no one wants to see their pet suffer from diseases or ailments related to age, thankfully, modern medicine can provide either a cure or some relief from the symptoms that hamper their lives. By taking your dog to annual veterinary check-ups and being an observant pet owner, you can catch any problems before they become unmanageable. Though no one wants to see their dog on medication, these drugs can help not only their quality of life but prolong it as well.

Blood in Canine Urine

It can come as a shock to walk your dog and notice blood when your dog urinates! Obviously that's not good. It's also not something to ignore in the hopes that it will go away on its own.



There are many possible causes for canine blood in urine, but none are reliably minor and several can potentially lead to your pet's death. If you do see blood in canine urine, the first thing to do is get your dog to the vet immediately. Until you know what your dog has, and how far it has progressed, you are in a poor position to evaluate how dangerous the condition is. Do not delay.



The presence of blood itself can threaten your dog's health: if blood clots cut off the flow of urine from the bladder so that your pet is unable to urinate the resulting damage to the bladder and kidneys can kill. When you find blood in canine urine it may be there as a result of a urinary tract infection, internal injuries, infection of the prostate or the uterus, stones forming in the urine, or other causes. Any of these can be serious.



One of the primary causes of canine blood in urine is a urinary tract infection (UTI), usually caused by e. coli your dog has accidentally transferred from his rectum. Like e. coli infections in humans, if the infection goes untreated it can lead to a wide range of complications, including kidney failure. Even in the early stages a UTI can cause discomfort and damage to the bladder and urethra.



Once your veterinarian has made a diagnosis and determined a method of treatment, you can ask if there are any ways you can support or supplement the medicines and therapies recommended. Some vets appreciate an approach that augments medication and therapeutic diet with holistic approaches like homeopathic treatments.



Better still would be to prevent UTIs before they become critical. Using antibiotics are not an appropriate preventative method, however. As well as having side effects on the digestive health of your pet, long-term antibiotic use and broad spectrum antibiotic use as a preventive are known to promote antibiotic resistance in multiple bacterial strains, endangering not only your animal but any susceptible pets who might contract an infection from your dog.



Natural methods dealing with diet, environment, and natural supplements are a much better approach, reducing the factors that promote bacterial growth while strengthening your dog's natural defenses.



In any case you will be providing your dog with an antibiotic, an appropriate food, plenty and of water to dilute the urine and clean out the system. A warm environment, peace and love, and your dog should be well on the way to health. Just remember, if you see canine blood in urine, you must not delay. Call your vet immediately and arrange for your pet to be cared for. His life may depend on it.

Why is My Dog Losing Weight? Dog Weight Loss Causes and Treatment

The media is full of reports about the increasing obesity problem in pet dogs. So, if your dog is losing weight, you should be pleased, right? If you have cut back on his food intake and increased his exercise, then you can certainly expect him to weigh less. However, if there has been no change to his diet and lifestyle, a sudden loss of weight may be a cause for concern.



There are three main reasons for such weight loss in dogs, and we will have a look at each one in turn.



1. Your dog may have difficulty absorbing food, so he's not actually getting enough nutrients to maintain his body condition. This can stem from a deficiency of digestive enzymes, so that his food can't be broken down enough for his intestines to absorb it. Alternatively, the problem can be with his intestinal wall, and nutrients may not actually be able to pass into his bloodstream.



2. If the nutrients in your dog's food are absorbed normally, there may be something wrong with how his body uses these nutrients. A good example is diabetes - a diabetic dog doesn't produce enough of the hormone insulin, so he doesn't metabolise glucose properly. One of the symptoms of diabetes in dogs is weight loss.



3. Lastly, your dog may be using up nutrients faster than he can take them in. This is sometimes normal, for example a bitch feeding her pups - making milk uses up a lot of energy and nutrients. However, it can also occur in conditions such as cancer, where the growth of tumors can increase the body's metabolic rate.



What do you do if you are concerned about your dog's weight loss? Here are some guidelines, but do keep in mind that if you are in any doubt about your dog's health, make an appointment with your vet straight away.



If your dog is bright and alert, and otherwise appears perfectly healthy, you may want to play the waiting game for a little while. Feed him a little more at dinnertime, or change his kibble to one with a higher fat content. Make sure you treat him for intestinal worms, just in case they are contributing to the problem. If his body condition doesn't improve or he continues to lose weight, it's time to investigate.



Look for other symptoms that can give you a clue about what's happening inside your dog's body. For example, if he is a diabetic, he will drink lots of water, and urinate frequently. A problem with absorption of his food will often lead to diarrhea. As mentioned in "Why Does My Dog Have Diarrhea - Dog Diarrhea Causes and Treatment" there are also other reasons your dog may develop diarrhea. If your dog is showing any abnormal behavior in association with his weight loss, he needs to be seen by a vet.



You can expect that your vet will want to perform blood tests and to examine your dog's stool. They may recommend x-rays or an ultrasound examination to check for tumors on the inside. Treatment depends on the diagnosis, but may include regular insulin injections to manage diabetes or the addition of digestive enzymes to your dog's food. Excessive drinking may not mean your dog has diabetes. My next article in this series, "Why Is My Dog Drinking Alot? Excessive Drinking In Dogs," discusses the reasons behind excessive drinking and urination in dogs.



Our dogs are like family to us and so naturally it's very upsetting when they become sick. Wouldn't it be wonderful if you knew how to give your dog a check-up, so you could spot a problem early? Before it became truly serious or even life threatening?

What Are the Symptoms of Diabetes?

Diabetes Mellitus is a medical condition in the human body wherein the pancreas do not supply the normal or even the required amount of insulin to the body resulting in high sugar levels. Before you can ask what are the symptoms of diabetes, you should be aware that there are mainly two types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is a type of autoimmune disease. Meaning, the body's immune system turns against a particular body part itself. The immune system attacks the insulin-producing pancreas. A person has to take insulin doses daily for this. Type 2 diabetes is more common and is usually associated with a number of factors like old age, obesity, family history of diabetes, ethnicity, etc. The other form of diabetes is known as gestational diabetes, which occurs during pregnancy. It can also affect children.



In order to determine symptoms of diabetes, you can make an observation from your daily life. Extreme hunger or extreme thirst, blurry vision, frequent urination, etc. are some of the common and easily detectable signs of diabetes. Many other symptoms are likely to be overlooked or mistaken. These are usually ignored as insignificant everyday happenings. If you account for more than two of these symptoms, then you should get yourself checked.



So, what are some of the common symptoms of diabetes? The following are the list of symptoms of diabetes, apart from the ones mentioned above - increased fatigue, polydispia, irritability, weight fluctuation, infections, slow healing of wounds, tingling or numbness in your hands or feet, dry and itchy skin, etc. These symptoms should be noted and not be ignored. People with type 1 diabetes include dehydration, weight loss, nausea and vomiting, drowsiness, etc. Some symptoms of type 2 diabetes include numbness or tingling, blurred vision and a few others along with the symptoms of type 1 diabetes. Leaving the blood sugar levels uncontrolled often leads to additional health complications in the diabetic.



Determine the symptoms of diabetes that you show, before you consult your family doctor. Look online or get yourself a book that explains the ways of this disease. Most websites online give good, detailed information on what are the symptoms of diabetes. These can usually be found on clinical websites as an article or even better, on blogs. You can also find treatment options too. Some websites even educate you on the various symptoms of diabetes and offer you quizzes so that you can determine if you have it.

Diabetes Mellitus Symptoms

There are many people who are not able to detect diabetes mellitus symptoms. Symptoms should be detected in the early stage, otherwise a person may develop serious health problems. It is advisable that you do not take diabetes lightly. Generally diabetes mellitus symptoms are very hard to detect and they cannot be identified at the early stage.



If a person has diabetes mellitus then there are no noticeable changes seen externally. Symptoms do not generally cause pain because the disease is working in the background. If the symptoms remain undetected for a longer period of time, a person has to face some serious consequences. Immediate change to ones diet is the first step in treatment.



No person can cope with diabetes on their own. If a person shows up any diabetes mellitus symptoms then it is always advisable to consult a doctor as soon as possible. If these symptoms are left and no precautions are taken then a person can easily develop some heart and kidney diseases. Even blindness may occur if proper precautions and medications are not taken on time.



The amount of sugar in the body is controlled by the insulin which is released from the pancreas. Whenever people drink or eat the food, it gets converted into materials which include sugar. Sugar is very necessary for the body to function and for energy. Sugar stimulates the pancreas which is absorbed by the bloodstream in order to produce insulin. Sugar also enters the cells from the blood with the help of the insulin.



Once the sugar reaches into the cells it gets converted into energy. This energy can be stored by the body or can be used immediately. When the body fails to produce enough insulin, the sugar is not able to move to the cells, this can lead to diabetes. Whenever the body fails to produce enough insulin sugar in the blood increases and cells get inadequate amount of sugar. This malfunction in the body creates certain diabetes mellitus symptoms.



It is always advisable that regular visit to a doctor are very necessary for everyone. Regular visits to a doctor can help a person to see the signs of diabetes mellitus symptoms. People afflicted with diabetes can lead healthy, normal lives if proper precautions and medication is taken in the initial stage.

The Right Diabetic Dog Food May Reverse Diabetes

If you change to the right diabetic dog food, you stand a chance of reversing the diabetes. Yes, you did read that correctly. No, I'm not telling you porkies. This may be dependent on the length of time your dog has had diabetes, and the treatment he has had. Although these factors are less important than the overall health of your dog.



I can be confident in making this claim because it is usually the food causing the diabetes in the first place. If you remove the cause, the effect goes away. What passes for dog food in the highly lucrative pet food industry is nothing short of shocking. Shocking because it is nutrient poor, so you're starving your dog.



Shocking because it often contains harmful filler such as sugar, which goes a long way to creating diabetes. Shocking because the claims on the label about being 'preservative free' are normally a blatant lie. How else can the indefinite long shelf life be attained? Shocking because the synthesised and isolated 'nutrients' will do nothing at best, and create havoc at worst.



By making the simple switch to feeding your dog a wholesome, raw, quality, home prepared diet, you will probably cure the diabetes. Wild dogs, the ancestors of your domestic dog, hunt and scavenge. Their food is raw, though not necessarily fresh. It contains muscle meat, organ meat and bones in the perfect proportion.



Don't ever be fooled by the exaggerated claims made by those who profit by the claims. No processed dog food can come close to the natural diet of wild dogs.



Holistic veterinarians around the world are claiming enormous health benefits when dogs are fed a quality, raw, balanced diet. It can cure not only diabetes, but other serious and chronic conditions such as infertility, leukemia and cancer, too.

Is Your Dachshund Sick?

You feel that you have been taking good care of your Dachshund since the day he entered your door. But despite your best efforts to ensure his health, sickness will always find its way to invade your dog's life. Some of these illnesses are common and curable. But these common and curable illnesses can be the way to serious and dangerous disease if left untreated at the right time.



A Dachshund is characterized with long spinal column and short rib cage. That is the reason why they are more prone to health problems related to spine. They are more likely to suffer intervertebral disk disease, one of the most common canine back problems affecting Dachshund dogs. Intervertebral disk disease occurs when the jelly like in the inner layer of the disk protrudes through the fibrous outer layer into the vertebral canal and presses on the spinal cord.



This intervertebral disk disease comes in three types. Type 1, usually appears in dogs three to six years of age. In this type, the rupture in the vertebral canal may increase because the disks of dogs become more like cartilage than fibrous tissue. Type 11 is just a partial protrusion and appears in dogs six to ten years of age. Type 111 is usually rare but causes damage the most. In this type, the disc herniates severally and may actually enter the spinal cord and cause severe damage. This damage may be so severe and incurable and may require euthanasia.



A dachshund suffering from this disease may feel pain in the region of the neck and weakness or paralysis in the limbs. IVDD can be treated through anti inflammatory medication and in surgery in serious cases to relieve the spinal cord. Other treatments include hydrotherapy, massage and herbal homeopathic treatments.



Diabetes is another disease that may affect your Dachshund. Diabetes is common to dogs especially to obese ones. A dachshund with diabetes may want to drink more and urinate more. Other symptoms include weight loss, increased appetite, dehydration and cataract formation. Diabetes left untreated may result to ketotic and additional symptoms such as depression, weakness, vomiting and rapid breathing may be experienced.



Canine diabetes is treated through careful diet and insulin therapy, just like in humans. Foods rich in fiber and carbohydrates are recommended to dogs with diabetes.



Some Dachshunds are found out to have urolithiasis, a disease caused by excessive amount of crystals in the urinary tract. Symptoms of this disease include frequent urination, bloody and dribbling urine, weakness, depression, loss of appetite, vomiting and pain. Contact your veterinarian for recommendations on treatment when your dog has any of these symptoms.



Selective breeding plays an important role in prevention of these diseases. Dogs with any of these diseases should not be included in breeding to prevent dogs from acquiring disease.

My Dog Has Diabetes - Now What?

Diabetes is becoming more common in people and pets alike. Experts say that one in every 300-400 dogs and cats seen by a veterinarian will be diagnosed with diabetes. The reason this could be is that our pets are living longer and are being fed more lest leading to being overweight. In dogs, diabetes mellitus is caused by an autoimmune disease that attack the insulin producing cells in the pancreas. Without enough insulin the blood glucose (sugar) levels rise. Obese dogs are more prone to the disease because being overweight is often associated with insulin resistance.



Be sure to feed your dog a high-quality low-fat diet and exercise them regularly. Some common signs of diabetes is excessive drinking and urinating, weight loss and loss of vision. If your dog shows any of these symptoms please schedule an appointment with your veterinarian immediately. Early detection is certainly key.



If your dog is diagnosed with diabetes please don't despair! Blood sugar (glucose) monitors are available through most veterinarians that help you monitor your dogs levels. Insulin injections are painless for your dog and with very little practice, quite simple for you to administer. There are prescription diets available that help and are readily available at most veterinary hospitals. Remember that diabetes is a disease you can successfully manage in your dog after some practice and coaching from your dogs veterinarian. Working closely with your vet you will be able to provide your dog with a good quality of life for many years to come. Our pets are our family and we can do many things to keep them with us for a good long time!

Pancreatitis in Dogs - What is It?

Just what is pancreatitis in dogs, anyway? It's simply an inflammation of your pooch's pancreas. So what's a pancreas? It's a little gland located near the stomach. It has two main jobs--to produce enzymes that help digest food, and to produce insulin, which regulates the blood sugar level.



Miniature Schnauzers have a genetic susceptibility to this condition. Yorkshire and Silky Terriers, Miniature Poodles, and Cocker Spaniels also seem to be more susceptible. It tends to occur more frequently in dogs that are older, overweight or diabetic.



Types of Pancreatitis in Dogs



Pancreatitis is usually classified as either chronic or acute. What's the difference? Well, the chronic version is actually milder, but it's a continuing inflammatory disease that often causes slow, irreversible damage over a period of time. On the other hand, while acute pancreatitis is usually more severe, when it's over, there's no long-term damage to your dog's internal organs.



Another less common (fortunately) type is called hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis. In this case, the damage is so severe that portions of the pancreas are actually destroyed. It can be fatal without early intervention and aggressive treatment.



Causes of Pancreatitis in Dogs



What a dog eats has a great deal to do with whether or not he'll get pancreatitis. Dogs with diets high in fat, or who have been fed greasy table scraps (or have recently gotten into the garbage) have a greater chance of ending up with this condition.



Even one high-fat meal can cause pancreatitis in a dog who normally eats a moderate or low-fat diet. That's why vet clinics see a lot of sick dogs around holiday times. We just can't resist sharing our high-fat leftovers with furry family members.



Some other factors contributing to the development of pancreatitis include:
* Obesity
* Lack of exercise
* Long-term use of corticosteroids
* Cushing's disease
* Chronic kidney or liver disease
* Trauma
* Recent abdominal surgery



Symptoms of Pancreatitis



Because chronic pancreatitis symptoms are milder, they're often mistaken for other illnesses, or just an upset tummy. Besides obvious signs of abdominal pain--such as standing with front legs down on the ground as in a bowing position--here are some other symptoms you can watch for:
* Fever
* Lack of appetite
* Depression, lethargy, weakness
* Vomiting
* Diarrhea or yellow, greasy stool
* Irritability
* Rapid breathing and/or heart rate
* Difficulty breathing



Diagnosis and Treatment For Pancreatitis



Canine pancreatitis can easily be mistaken for several other conditions, which makes it tougher for your vet to make an accurate diagnosis. But he'll do his best by taking your dog's medical history (especially what he's been eating lately), doing a thorough physical exam, and running some laboratory tests.



What your vet decides to do for your dog will depend on how severe the case is, and how long your dog's been sick. Dogs with a mild case of chronic pancreatitis may be treated at home, while those with a severe case of acute pancreatitis will require hospitalization and intensive care. A dog with pancreatitis can develop severe complications, so it's important to follow your vet's instructions to the letter, and entrust your pooch to in-patient clinic care if necessary.



Will It Happen Again?



Pancreatitis in dogs can be a very unpredictable condition. Most of the time, if your dog suffered a one-time mild episode, chances of his full recovery are quite good. Simply avoiding high fat foods may be all he needs to do to keep from going through it all over again. That means not sharing holiday goodies with your pooch, and keeping him out of the garbage.



It would also be a good idea, if your Chunky Charlie has a serious weight problem, to work on eliminating that extra fat. Add exercise gradually, and help your pooch regain his slim, youthful figure so he can ward off future pancreatitis problems. He'll feel a lot better, too!

Homeopathy Cures Diabetes - It's Best For Treating Diabetes

Diabetes is one of the disorders of the body that can be managed with all cautions. There are various types of remedies - prescription medication, home remedies, Yoga, Pranayama, Homeopathy, and so on. 'Homeopathic medicine for diabetes' is not a new approach to cure diabetes. Homeopathic treatment has been in practice from long years as an alternative medicine. Though some people may question the concept of homeopathic cure option, there is sufficient evidence to claim that homeopathy cures diabetes. As an alternative system of medicine, homeopathy is quite safe and has no side effect. A minimum dose of homeopathic medicines can cure or even prevent diabetes in chronic conditions. It is a proven fact that homeopathic medicines are not only potent to reducing blood sugar levels but also extending help to promote health for overall wellness.



In this method of treatment for diabetes, Arsenic and Phosphorus are used. As Phosphoric acid and Lactic acid are best for treating diabetes, these two acids are used in this type of treatment. The treatment varies from one patient to another with individualization. The same medicine cannot be recommended in homeopathy for all diabetic patients. The doses are also adjusted to suit the body condition of the diabetic.



To start with, a homeopath diagnoses the actual condition of the diabetic body with elevated blood sugar. After a thorough case study, medicine is prescribed in line with the symptom of diabetes.



For example, many of the diabetic patients may report excessive thirst as one of the common symptoms. But detailed questioning is done as one patient may tell as if in need of much quantity of water in one take, and another patient may expose his thirst for frequent drinking with limited cups at intervals. Some may prefer warm water and some others cold cups. Treatment is given to suit the individual needs. The greatness of the homeopathic treatment is Mild and majestic with no side effects.

Diabetic Dog Symptoms

Has your dog been acting odd, or eating the same yet losing weight? Learn what the symptoms of canine diabetes are and when you may need to see the vet.



Of course, if your dog seems to be acting in any unusual way, you are the best judge, of when your pet needs to visit the Veterinarian. With this in mind, what are some Dog Diabetes Symptoms? In early stage dog diabetes, you may notice that your fuzz ball is drinking unusually large amounts of water, frequent urination's also accompanies this insatiable apatite for water. If you find yourself filling your dogs water dish more often, or it seems that your dog constantly needs to go potty, this may be a sign of something more. Another early sign of uncontrolled blood sugar is lethargy, if your pet seems to lay around more than usual or has no interest in play this can be a sign that your dogs blood sugar is uneven.



In later stage and severe diabetes you may notice that your dog is eating normally or even more than usual yet is loosing weight. Uneven sugars tend to change the way that your dog will digest food, you may also notice unexplained loose stool. Other signs of canine diabetes are extreme weakness, vomiting, and shaking, should you notice any of these symptoms you should see your vet immediately.



Only your Veterinarian can tell you for sure if your dog is diabetic, this is usually done be taking multiple blood samples at different times of the day, and different days of the week, from this testing, your Doctor can make a base line of your dogs blood sugar. If your dog is diagnosed with diabetes, this is absolutely not a death sentence. Your dogs blood sugar can easily be controlled with insulin. Just as in humans, diet and exercise go a very long way in controlling this disease. Unfortunately there is no oral medication for dealing with your dogs sugar levels, injections are currently the only available medical treatment.



Your canine will usually adjust very quickly to having his or her blood tested. You may consider making your dog a diabetic dog treat recipe, and reward your dogs glucose testing with a special treat, followed by some play time. Play and exercise are very important parts of treating your dog, exercise stimulates your dogs metabolism, thus increasing insulin production. One other key component in treating your diabetic dog is feeding smaller portions more times throughout the day, this type of feeding will reduce sugar spikes.



When properly treated, your diabetic dog can live a long and happy life.

Canine Kidney Symptoms - Pay Attention to These Critical Signs of Renal Failure in Your Dog

Humans aren't the only ones that suffer from kidney ailments. There are a number of diseases and conditions which can cause dogs to suffer as well The problem is, they can't tell you when they are in pain or feeling discomfort. That's why it is important for you to be able to recognize canine kidney symptoms in your dog. Even though a number of conditions produce the same types of symptoms, recognizing that something unusual is happening can encourage you to get a diagnosis and provide your dog with the care he needs before he goes into total renal failure.



Many people don't even realize that dogs can develop kidney problems just like humans do, much less know what the symptoms are. Many dogs will begin drinking more water and urinating more than usual when they develop the disease. Although this can signal other diseases, there are often others that accompany them.



Your dog may be losing weight even though he is consuming his usual amount of food. Increased drinking and urination are the most common canine kidney symptoms, but you may also observe changes in its coat, vomiting, weakness, and dehydration. Other reasons your dog may exhibit the excessive drinking and urinating could be due to liver disease, high blood calcium, or pituitary gland problems.



If your dog is showing difficulty in passing urine, there is likely something blocking the flow of urine. Sometimes dogs will develop calcium stones and there will often be blood in the urine. Whenever you spot troubling canine kidney symptoms, it important to see a vet for diagnosis.



There are two different types of kidney disease that affect dogs: acute and chronic. Acute forms of canine kidney disease show symptoms quickly and suddenly while the chronic form will begin slowly and progress gradually over time.



Different canine kidney symptoms occur for each instance. With the sudden appearance of an acute condition, the symptoms may appear suddenly with the fast onset of the illness. These diseases can lead to dehydration which can be determined from the elasticity of your dog's skin. Reduced or no urine production usually signals an acute condition. In some pets, stiff legs or an arched back can mean they are experiencing pain associated with the condition.



Chronic conditions my produce symptoms such as decreased appetite and resulting weight loss along with an increase in thirst, often the first warning signs An increase in urination, loss of bladder control, vomiting and depression are other common canine kidney symptoms. If your dog shows even one of these symptoms, get him checked out by a vet.



Many conditions can be treated in the early stages and further damage to the kidneys may be prevented. If your dog has been treated for a urinary or kidney ailment, take preventative measures to be sure the problem does not come back.

My Dog Is Trembling - Is This a Symptom of an Illness?

Sometimes dogs seem to shiver and shake all over, worrying their owners. Here are a few reasons why your dog may be trembling.



• Dogs get cold and shiver just like we do, especially those with very short hair. That's why you see so many Chihuahuas in sweaters, and why the little dogs seem to be shaking all the time.



• A trembling dog can also be a dog experiencing pain. If your dog seems to hesitate before doing a normal activity, it might indicate that something hurts. A sore back or an upset stomach can make a dog shake.



• A fearful dog is a shaky dog. If your pet is scared or nervous, she may tremble all over and run to hide. There are many dogs that are anxious by nature, and shake often.



• Shaking and trembling that doesn't stop can indicate something more serious than a tummy ache. Diabetes and kidney disease, among other serious medical conditions, can cause shaking in a dog's legs. Trembling paired with weakness could mean that there is damage or illness in the brain or spine. Poisoning can also cause shaking, which is usually followed by seizures.



Now that you know some of the common causes of trembling and shaking in your dog, you might be wondering how to tell one from the other.



• If you are feeling cold, and your dog is shivering, she's probably chilly. They feel the chill in the air just as much as we do, so you might want to pick up a doggie sweater. They come in several sizes, are not pricey, and keep your pet more comfortable. You can also help by letting your dog in the house when it's cold, or at least providing a warm place for her to go. A bed that is out of the wind and up off the cold ground is ideal, and providing some blankets or an old comforter will give her something to burrow under.



• We all know our dogs well, so you're probably aware already if you have a dog that is prone to nervousness and anxiety. A dog that is nervous will shake when she feels threatened or scared, but won't show any other signs of a problem. Dogs can have an anxiety disorder just like people can, and there are treatments and medications available for them, too. There is no reason for your dog to be a nervous wreck all the time.



• Dogs are great at pretending that everything is fine, even when they are in pain. It is up to you as the owner to spot the subtle signs that your dog may be hurting. In addition to shaking, your dog may seem hesitant to move and refuse to jump or climb stairs. Obviously, limping and moving stiffly are indicative of pain, and a dog that normally knocks you down for his supper who won't come eat is probably hurting. Take him to the vet, who can offer many different kinds of medications and treatments so your pet won't be hurting.



• When the shaking is due to something more serious, there are often some other signs of an underlying problem. Vomiting and depression are often noticed in dogs with kidney or brain disease and diabetes. These conditions can also cause your dog to drink excessive amounts of water.



If you notice any of these last signs and symptoms in your dog, in addition to trembling, take him to a vet. These diseases respond best to treatment when they're caught early.



Also, if you are worried or the shaking doesn't seem to have a cause (or just won't stop), take him to the vet just in case. It is better to get a clean bill of health than to possibly miss something serious.



The next article in this series will discuss coughing in dogs, and the common causes of it.



The article will hopefully help you learn to notice possible serious conditions in your pet before they get out of hand.



Most of us think of our dogs as loved ones, and anything we can do to keep them from getting sick or hurt is well worth the extra reading. Noticing a problem and getting your dog to a vet in time to stop a serious problem is priceless.

Age-Related Canine Diseases

Our senior dogs are living longer and healthier lives due to better nutrition, owner care and advances in veterinary medicine. However, as our dogs get older, they become subject to a number of age-related canine diseases. What is "old" for a dog? Probably the best definition is the last 25% of your dog's life. Our aging dogs have been our loving companions for many years and we have learned to appreciate their good, or at least predictable, behavior and calm demeanor. However you recently may have started to notice changes in your dog's appearance, activity level and disposition. In two earlier articles I discussed the symptoms and treatments for the two most common age-related diseases - Canine Arthritis and Dog Diabetes. These are two diseases that can be managed if you recognize the symptoms early enough to seek help from your veterinarian. However, there are a number of other diseases that dog owners should be watching for.



As always, when you observe any significant changes in your dogs diet, activity level, temperament and/or weight loss, then consult with your veterinarian. Treatment costs can be expensive and the early purchase of pet health insurance may be a good decision. Some other common age-related diseases such as Deafness, Blindness, Glaucoma, Cataracts, Dental Disease and Cancer are discussed below.



Deafness or hearing loss in older dogs is fairly common. As dogs age their internal hearing structures often start to deteriorate. Behavior changes and symptoms include: continued sleeping when you arrive home, ignoring voice commands, startling easily and even snapping when woken. You will have to adapt and train your pet to recognize hand signals. In order to get your dogs attention, you will have to resort to stamping your feet or flicking a flashlight on and off or even purchasing a remote control vibrating collar. Some attempts have been made to use hearing aids with deaf dogs with poor success as many dogs won't tolerate them.



Cataracts cause some loss of vision and can be inherited or develop with age. Most cataracts develop slowly with age and cause cloudiness in the clear eye lens. If cataracts are allowed to develop, they will eventually cause blindness and become quite difficult to correct. Early symptoms are cloudiness in the clear eye lens and impaired vision resulting in clumsy behavior or cautious movements in unfamiliar locations. If you notice your dog bumping into furniture, then it is time to have your vet examine him for vision problems. Cataracts can be removed but the treatment is quite expensive.



Glaucoma is a very painful disease in which fluid pressure increases inside the eyeball. The tendency to develop glaucoma can be inherited or it can develop in older dogs or dogs with untreated cataracts. Glaucoma can occur very suddenly and needs to be treated immediately to prevent blindness. Symptoms include pawing at a painful eye, excessive tearing, cloudy eye lens, bloodshot eye, enlarged eyeball and tipping of head to one side to try and relieve the pressure. Take your dog to the vet immediately, who, upon diagnosing glaucoma, will prescribe eye drops to be given to your dog several times per day.



Blindness or partial blindness tends to develop more often in elderly dogs as a result of cataracts, glaucoma or more often progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Unlike the first two causes, there is no cure for PRA, in which the retina progressively deteriorates over time. The tendency for PRA can be inherited and it is why breeders test the breeding parents for the disease before selling their pure-bred puppies. Symptoms include clumsiness, reluctance to go outside at night, moving more cautiously and permanently dilated pupils. Your dog can still have a good quality of life as a blind dog but you will have to adapt to meet his needs. Always keep his food and toys in the same place and don't rearrange furniture. Pick up objects that he may trip over. Expect your dog to always be near you as he will be dependant on you. If your dog has partial sight, then keep the lights on at night so he can find his way around.



Cancer is the major cause of death in senior dogs. Early diagnosis of cancer can result in successful treatment. There are a wide range of symptoms that can alert you to problems that may be caused by cancer. These include: difficulty in eating or swallowing, weight loss, loss of appetite, sores that won't heal, abnormal growths or swellings, and bleeding or discharge from body openings. Your vet will look for external and internal cancerous growths and then do a biopsy. If the growth is cancerous then he may suggest surgery, radiation or chemotherapy. Your veterinarian will discuss the cost and probability of success of the various alternative treatments.



Dental Disease or periodontal disease is very prevalent in middle-aged and older dogs. Just like in people, the bacteria on a dog's teeth turn into plaque and tartar deposits. Unless the plaque is removed, the bacteria can attack the gums and cause pain and inflammation, gum recession and loose teeth. Symptoms include receding gums, bleeding gums, loose teeth and bad breath odor. Your vet can recommend the best treatment. Brushing your dog's teeth needs to be started when they are puppies, otherwise your dog will refuse to tolerate it and you will have to have your vet regularly clean your dog's teeth under anesthetic. A number of products will help control plaque. These include rawhide chews, dental chew toys such as Hercules bones and Greenies. However if the dental disease is advanced then don't give your dog hard chew toys which may result in broken teeth.

Adult Diabetes Symptoms - How To Spot Diabetes In Adults

As an adult, diabetes is something that can creep up on you without any warning. Well, that's not quite true -- there are definite warning signs for adult-onset diabetes, but they're often ignored or mistaken for other things. Since diabetes is a serious disease, it's important to recognize these signs as early as possible in order to minimize health problems and other complications. This is especially true of overweight adults, who are very much at risk of diabetes.



The classic signs of adult diabetes are frequent urination and constant thirst. The thirst is actually a side-effect of the urination, since the body is trying to prevent dehydration. Frequent or excessive urination is particularly a sign of diabetes insipidus, a form of diabetes that is hormonal in nature, unlike the more common diabetes mellitus, which is due to abnormal levels of insulin and/or resistance to insulin's effects.



Blurry vision is definitely one sign you should take seriously, as it often occurs after long periods with elevated blood sugar levels. Many adults will ignore this symptom, ascribing it to fatigue or the effects of aging. A visit to the optometrist should be scheduled as quickly as possible to determine if the blurred vision is in fact due to adult-onset diabetes or some other health problem.



Other symptoms of adult diabetes include unexplained weight loss, perhaps oddly coupled with increased hunger, as well as fatigue and irritability. Of course, there are many diseases and conditions that can cause some or all of these symptoms, especially in adults, which is what makes diagnosis of diabetes so difficult. Who hasn't been irritable, after all, or fatigued? But it's the chronic appearance of these symptoms that are worrisome. It's one thing to be fatigued for a day or two, but if you're feeling off for a couple of weeks, it's time to visit the doctor.



The good news is that diabetes responds well to treatment if caught early, especially in adults. If sugar or insulin resistance is the problem, careful control of diet and exercise may be all that's needed to keep the disease in check. For others, medication will also be required. The earlier it's diagnosed, though, the better chance you'll have of dealing with adult diabetes.

Recognizing the Symptoms and Causes of Canine Pancreatitis and How to Treat It

Will the dog die from canine pancreatitis?



Can something be done to make sure it doesn't appear?



If my dog has Canine Pancreatitis, how do I treat it?



For the first question, you should know that only the cases that get to severe stages can become fatal. The other two questions can be answered if you know how the Pancreas works and what it is.



The disease appears when those enzymes leak instead of getting to the intestines. The end result is an inflammation, which as it advances, so does the severity of the disease.



There are a number of causes which make this disease to appear. Below you can see some of the possible causes for Canine pancreatitis:



- a diet with too much fat
- obesity
- a disease of the liver
- traumas
- drug reactions
- giving the pet too many leftover that are fatty



Some of the symptoms that you can expect:



- decreased appetite
- abdomen that hurts
- greasy and yellow feces
- dehydration
- vomit



If the pancreatitis is acute, these are the symptoms that you can expect:



- body wide spread infection
- heart rhythm that is irregular
- organs get inflamed if they're in the vicinity of the pancreas



Another side effect of acute pancreatitis is that the dog might get a disseminated intravascular coagulation. To put it simply, this happens when the white blood cells increase and the blood clots. When the blood begins to clot it can't be reversed and it will kill the dog in most cases.



There are two main things you should do to treat him:



- giving him fluid therapy
- don't give him water or food for 1-2 days



When the dog doesn't get any water or food, the pancreas has the chance to stop the production of enzymes, so the inflammation isn't stimulated anymore. After one or two days, you can start reintroducing the food, and it should consist of food that is easy to digest, with low protein and fat. If the dog is dehydrated, they can receive fluids intravenously, so they get their electrolyte and hydration balance.



If you have reason to suspect that your dog suffers from canine pancreatitis, you should visit a doctor immediately.

Hypoglycemia Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

The diabetes complication is the most common cause of Hypoglycemia. Body fails to use glucose, and the diabetes occurs. It happens because the pancreas is not capable enough to produce insulin. On the other hand, insulin is available but not effective. According to body system, glucose has to enter into body cells, whether it prepares in the blood. Hypoglycemia occurs mostly when people use insulin to keep their blood sugar low. Type 1 diabetics and some patients of type 2 diabetes use insulin. Type 2 diabetics taking oral drugs, sulfonylureas are risky in low blood sugar episode.



The Symptoms of hypoglycemia reveals biochemical response of the body usually starts when sugars are in the high/mid 70's. Regarding this, liver releases and the hormones activate. Data find the fact that the process occurs without any clinical symptoms in many people. The symptoms of hypoglycemia also suggests when the blood glucose level is at 60's, the first set of symptoms of hypoglycemia occurs. Adrenergic or sympathetic is the first set of symptoms. It relates to the response of hypoglycemia of the nervous system, and patients can experience any of the following.



1. Nervousness
2. Sweating
3. Intense hunger
4. Trembling
5. Weakness
6. Palpitations
7. Trouble speaking often.



These symptoms are recognizable in most patients. The most patients with diabetes experience this degree of hypoglycemia, if they are on medication or insulin. Persons do not care about diet for raising blood glucose, the levels continues dropping, and if it is at the range of 50 mg/dl, or under 50 mg/dl, most patients progress to neuro-glyco-penic ranges, it means brain is not getting enough glucose. Symptoms become confusing covering drowsiness, behavior changes, coma and seizure.



The causes of hypoglycemia include excessive medication, no meal or little amount of food for taken insulin. It can also be strenuous exercise, or alcoholism. Insulin reaction is often considered the reference of Hypoglycemia. Therefore, the other causes of hypoglycemia can be alimentary problems, idiopathic, fasting, insulinoma, endocrine, extra pancreatic, hepatic disease and the combination of the factors. It is found that sometimes the causes of hypoglycemia are unknown, such as idiopathic. On the contrary, diabetics and non-diabetics experience these symptoms. Low blood sugar causes the hypoglycemia, as physicians diagnoses the blood sugar level to find out the causes. Children and teens without diabetes may suffer from a rare type of hypoglycemia, and it is known as reactive hypoglycemia.



The treatment of hypoglycemia can be the rapid delivery of a source of easily absorbed sugar. Therefore, the options can be -



1. Regular soda
2. Fruit juice
3. Lifesaver
4. Table sugar
5. The dose of 15 gm glucose based on assessment of the symptoms, and blood glucose level.



If patient does not benefited after 10 minutes, another 10 to 15 grams should be given, and it can be repeated up to three times. The acute treatment can be sugar combined with fat and protein. If deems necessary, call ambulance and go hospital.

Canine Blood in Urine - What Does it Mean?

The presence of canine blood in urine can be of great concern. This is a normal reaction, but the emotional stress the owner feels at the time must be tempered with calm action. Any sign of blood in canine urine must be investigated in order to determine what is causing it. This article examines a few of the more common reasons.



Injury



While there are many reasons for the presence of blood in canine urine, injury is one of the more common. A dog that has been injured in some way may have internal damage to its organs. The presence of canine blood in urine or stool may be a sign that your dog was hit by a car or suffered some other form of trauma.



The only way to know if there is internal damage is to take your dog to veterinarian, where x-rays and other tests can be performed.



Dog Bladder Stones



Bladder stones in dogs can also cause blood in canine urine. The stones form from small crystals that, over time, clump together and get bigger. At some point, they become big enough to be called stones. These stones can cause inflammation and irritation to the bladder, thus leading to internal bleeding within the bladder. Some types of stones (struvite) can often be dissolved without having to resort to surgery. Changes in diet as well as certain medications can be very helpful in ridding your dog of this problem.



It should be remembered, however, that some stones may have to be removed surgically. Should the stone block off the the flow of urine, your dog could die within days. If for no other reason, the presence of canine blood in urine should be a call to action in order to rule out the possibility of this lethal condition. Never let your dog go for more than one day without consulting with a dog health professional.



Urinary Infections in Dogs



Certain types of urinary infections in dogs can also bring on the presence of blood in canine urine. The method of treatment for the infection will depend on what type of organism is causing the infection. Normally, a course of antibiotics will be given which will clear up the infection over a matter of days. To keep infection (and stones) from returning after treatment is to make sure your dog is urinating frequently enough. This means more walks and always make sure fresh water is available. Natural approaches such as cranberry juice and a pet safe homeopathic remedy might also help to support the urinary system.



These are just a few of the reasons you might see canine blood in urine. To make sure that your pet is getting the best treatment for its problem, visit your veterinarian. If you see the same symptoms return, then some of the natural approaches might be worth a try.

Herbal Healing for Cat and Dog Diabetes

Natural herbs have been used over the ages to manage blood-sugar levels in humans, without using insulin. Only recently has cat and dog diabetes become a problem due to lack of exercise combined with improper food habits. Here is my list of four healing herbs you can use to help your furry diabetic friend.



Cat and dog diabetes are common in North American pets, with the majority of pet owners turning to natural treatments for pets with diabetes. Using natural diabetic treatments for cat and dog diabetes allows owners of pets with diabetes to naturally lower blood glucose levels, reverse insulin resistance, stimulate natural insulin production and avoid painful injections - all with no side effects of any consequence.



The successful treatment of dog diabetes lies in four primary herbs whose beneficial actions have stood the test of time: Turmeric root, Gymnema sylvestre, Bitter Melon, and Fenugreek seeds. Steeped into a tea or as a natural herbal extract, each herb has its own properties to treat cat or dog diabetes and keep the animal in good health while balancing blood-sugar.



A major herb used for treating dog diabetes, turmeric root, is part of the ginger spice family. The herb has a slightly bitter flavor but also a hot peppery flavor with a mustard smell. It is also known as Indian Saffron or Curcuma longa and is native to tropical South Asia.



Turmeric Root plays a major role in combating insulin resistance, inflammation and a reduction in body weight. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, used in India for thousands of years. Turmeric has been used as a general pain reliever, to aid digestion, an antibiotic, a natural antiseptic, and for many years has been known for its anti-inflammatory properties. There are numerous health problems that respond well to turmeric besides dog diabetes. These include



Alzheimer's Disease
Arthritis
Colon cancer
Cystic fibrosis
Inflammation-related obesity
Insulin resistance
Liver problems
Melanoma
Pancreatic cancer
Rheumatism
Type 2 diabetes



Gymnema sylvestre is part of Ayurvedic herbal medicine, nicknamed the "destroyer of sugar." Chewing on its leaves reduces the taste of sugar in foods that enter the mouth. It originated from the tropical forests of central and western India, Australia and tropical Africa, and has been used as a natural diabetic treatment for close to two millennia. Only recently has Gymnema sylvestre entered the United States and Europe. Clinical studies show that Gymnema is an effective dog diabetes treatment, reducing blood sugar levels in dogs over time.



Bitter Melon
In 2008, a study by the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica gathered four compounds from fresh bitter melon that was found to activate the enzyme AMPK. This is important because the enzyme AMPK is a protein that regulates fuel metabolism and enables glucose uptake to treat both human and dog diabetes with no known side effects.



"We can now understand at a molecular level why bitter melon works as a treatment for diabetes," said Professor David James, Director of the Diabetes and Obesity Program at Garvan. "By isolating the compounds we believe to be therapeutic, we can investigate how they work together in our cells." Without technology and advances in science, analyzing something as simple as bitter melon and how its compounds work on dog diabetes could never be done.



Bitter melon, also called bitter gourd, is grown in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean. It has been a traditional remedy for diabetes mellitus in the Pacific and Indian Ocean islands, lowing blood sugar in type 1 and type 2 diabetes (in its extract form). In addition to dog diabetes, bitter melon is also used for



Anticancer
Antiviral
Cardio-protective
Constipation
Gastrointestinal disease
Immunomodulation
Digestive aid



Fenugreek seeds are used as an herb and a food spice. It is primarily grown in India, with many people eating them like sunflower seeds. More commonly, Fenugreek seeds are used in the famous Curry dish or to taste as salt and pepper.



Used for dog diabetes and in people, in proper doses fenugreek seeds will reduce active hyperglycemia. The compound's powers are in its seeds. Some diabetics report good results soaking the Fenugreek seeds overnight to make a couple cups of morning and evening tea, achieving a drop of 20 to 30 BS points.



Fenugreek seeds, Turmeric root, Gymnema sylvestre and Bitter Melon make up the legendary formula for Primalix Blood-Sugar Balance, an herbal extract trusted by pet lovers everywhere for cat and dog diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes - Symptoms and Treatment

Type 1 diabetes affects about 1 million people in America. In most cases people that develop symptoms are less than 30 years old. The bodys immune system destroys the part of the body that creates insulin. Thus, without insulin the body cannot use the glucose it needs derived from the food you eat. With a high level of glucose in the blood, known as Hyperglycemia you develop symptoms that include.



· Thirsty all the time



· Your hungry all the time



· Tired or fatigued



· Weight loss



Type 1 is a common cause of blindness, amputation, heart disease and many other life threatening complications from the disease.



What treatments are there? Everyone with Type 1 diabetes should take insulin and watch their diets. The foods and quantities of each you eat are vital to maintaining proper levels of glucose in your blood. Your health care management team will help you with this important aspect. You also learn how to titrate the amount of insulin you will need to inject with an insulin syringe. Injections are done right after you test your blood glucose level with one of many meters. Usually type 1 patients test several times per day and may require several injections also.



Insulin Injection Alternatives Many diabetics will need alternative methods of insulin delivery due the need for multiple injections or an inability to do injections at all. Insulin pumps are available as well as insulin that is inhaled in a powered form. Both of these methods have their pluses and minuses and your physician will offer them only if necessary.

Cocker Spaniel Diabetes

Diabetes is one of the most recognizable endocrine diseases a Cocker Spaniel can get. In dogs it is the same as it is in humans. Not being able to metabolize sugars in the blood results from the lack of insulin the Pancreas is able to produce. This article will describe Cocker Spaniel diabetes and what to be aware of.



The deficiency of the insulin hormone comes in two types



Type l: the body does not produce enough insulin



Type ll: the body is no longer able to produce insulin effectively. Type ll diabetes in dogs is rare; they are more susceptible to Type l



Common Symptoms



Type I is entirely genetic in most cases, however, pinpointing the hereditary factors is difficult. So determining if your dog will contract diabetes is hard. There are several warning signs your dog may display if diabetes should become an issue.



The following are the most common symptoms for Cocker Spaniel diabetes



1) Excessive water drinking



2) Urinating more often



3) Noticeably becoming lethargic



4) Loss of muscle definition and body shape



5) Weight-loss even with a healthy appetite



6) Dog may appear to have gone blind suddenly



Diagnosing Diabetes



To determine if your Cocker Spaniel pup is a diabetic, a number of other diseases must be ruled out first by your vet. A full physical check-up and blood work-up will be necessary. The test will provide results for urinary tract infection, blood count, glucose levels, and pancreatitis as well.



Treatment for Dog Diabetes



Medication will be prescribed after diagnosing the Pancreas to determine to what level if any it is producing insulin. If the Pancreas is producing some insulin, then oral medication might be a solution. If the Pancreas has stop producing insulin then daily injections of insulin will be prescribed by your vet. In addition to treatment the dog should be fed a high fiber diet, get plenty of exercise and avoid food not part of a normal dog diet. There are also certain drugs to be avoided such as steroids.



While there is no cure for dog diabetes, surprisingly many dogs go on to live a normal life after being diagnosed and properly cared for. It does take a little adjustment at first. But the efforts you put in working with your Cocker Spaniel's diabetes will help keep your dog healthy for many years to come.

Canine Diabetes - Diagnosis and Treatment of Diabetes in Dogs

Dog Diabetes



There are two kinds of canine diabetes: diabetes mellitus and diabetes insipidus. Diabetes mellitus is much more common and involves problems with the breakdown of carbohydrates, and resultant problems maintaining sufficient levels of insulin. Diabetes insipidus occurs less frequently and is caused by reduced production of antidiuretc hormone.



Canine Diabetes Mellitus



This form of canine diabetes is the most common and is similar in many ways to diabetes in humans. It is generally an inherited condition, though in some cases it can be caused by reactions to medication or diets high in sugar.



Diabetes mellitus is characterized by the following symptoms:



ท Frequent urination (polyuria)



ท Extreme thirst (polydipsia)



ท Overeating (polyphagia)



ท Reduced immunity levels - Lower resistance to bacterial and viral infections causes a greater occurrence of bronchitis and pneumonia to occur. Also common is inflammation of the urinary tract (cystitis), prostate gland (prostatitis) or skin (dermatitis).



ท Weakened eyesight - In extreme cases cataracts might make the eyes appear cloudy.



Treatment options for diabetes mellitus include the following:



ท Changes in diet - Use a veterinary dog food, like Purina Veterinary Diets DCO Dual Fiber Control Dry Dog FoodorRoyal Canin Veterinary Diet Canine Diabetic HF 18 Dry Dog Food, that is specifically formulated to control blood sugar.



ท Insulin intake - Can be administered either orally or hypodermically.



ท Prescription of glycocemides - To stimulate natural insulin production.



Canine Diabetes Insipidus



This form of canine diabetes is relatively rare and is not inherited, but acquired. It is usually caused by a growth on the pituitary gland that results in reduced function and consequent reductions ADH hormone secretion. Similar problems in the hypothalamus gland can also help trigger the condition.



Dogs affected by canine diabetes often exhibit the following symptoms:



ท Frequent urination



ท Extreme thirst



A veterinarian might also be able to observe lesions in the hind brain as well as compression in the hypothalamus.



Treatment options for diabetes insipidus focus primarily on the use of medicated drops to help treat dryness in the eyes and nasal passages as a result of frequent urination.

Canine Liver Disease - A Little Knowledge Could Save Your Dog's Life

Canine liver disease is the 5th leading cause of non-accidental death amongst man's best friend. Just having a little knowledge of this common, but little written about condition, could save the life of your family pet.



When my West Highland Terrier Joe was diagnosed with a liver condition, I found to my angst that much of his suffering could have been avoided had I known the signs to look for and steps that I could have taken early on to aid his full recovery. Fortunately Joe is now, thanks to a few simple changes in his lifestyle, back on track to being the bouncy little scamp he was prior to his diagnosis.



Simply put, liver disease is a general term used to describe any medical disorder of the liver. The liver is responsible for removing toxins from your dog's bloodstream and can amazingly still perform this function with up to 75-80% of it affected by disease. The downside of this incredible statistic is that damage is consequently well advanced by the time many diagnoses are made.



Common Causes of liver disease in dogs include:



ท Exposure to high levels of toxic chemicals such as insecticides, lead, phosphorus and iron



ท Infections such as chronic ear and skin infections and other infections elsewhere in the body.



ท Hepatitis



ท Common Dental infections



ท Inherent liver disease is commonly more genetically inherent in certain breeds such as American and English cocker spaniels and West Highland terriers



ท Inbreeding



ท Prolonged use of some drugs such as cortisone, steroids, anti-convulsants, parasite control drugs and some antibiotics.



Common symptoms of liver disease in dogs include:



ท Jaundice - Eyes, Gums and skin turn a yellowy color



ท Vomiting, this may or may not be accompanied by blood



ท Diarreah, again this may or may not be accompanied by blood



ท Urinary changes may occur such as frequent urination and increased thirst. Urine may turn orange



ท Stools may be pale grey, orange or even yellow in color



ท Depression or lethargy - your dog may seem withdrawn and apathetic



ท Other behavioural changes such as aimless pacing around and circling



ท Swollen belly



Diet plays a major part in allowing your dogs liver to regenerate itself, as it is the liver that processes your pet's food and drink intake.



Foods to be avoided to keep your dogs liver healthy include sugar, chocolate, fried or grilled meat and bones, onion, red and green peppers and tomatoes.



Fresh distilled water is preferable to tap water.



It is also a good tip to use stainless steel food and drinking bowls instead of plastic ones.



It is of course your local Veterinary expert that should carry out the necessary tests and diagnose liver disease in your dog, but by being aware of the common symptoms and actively checking your pet you can play a part in making sure that treatment can begin a soon as possible.