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.

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.

Canine Diabetes - Tips For Regulating Your Dog's Blood Sugar Levels

Your pet has just been diagnosed with canine diabetes. Regulating your pet's blood sugar levels is an important part of managing diabetes in dogs. Here's what you need to know.



What Are Blood Sugar Levels, And Why Are They Important?



The carbohydrates in the food your pet eats are broken down into glucose during the digestive process. Glucose is what your pet's body uses for energy, and it's sent to all parts of her body via the bloodstream. It's normal for blood glucose levels to rise after your pet eats.



This is when insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, is released, to keep blood sugar levels from getting too high. Normally your pet's body will regulate the balance between blood glucose levels and insulin levels on its own.



Blood sugar levels are measured in millegrams per deciliter (mg/dL). The normal range for a canine is between 75 and 120 mg/dL. It's normal for blood glucose levels to rise after a meal, but they should come back down quickly. If the blood glucose levels remain above 180, the body will attempt to get rid of the extra glucose by excreting it in the urine. This is called a "sugar spill."



Elevated blood sugar levels over a period of time will damage your pet's organ systems, including her eyes and her kidneys. Diabetic ketoacidosis can result, which is a life-threatening crisis.



It's important that your pet's blood sugar levels don't get too low, either. Blood glucose levels around 80 are considered low. If they fall to 60 or below, your pet can start having seizures and die very quickly.



How Do You Monitor Blood Sugar Levels In Dogs With Diabetes?



You can use a urine strip to check the amount of sugar present in your pet's urine. Or you can use a blood glucose meter to measure blood glucose levels. Your vet will let you know which is best for your pet.



Feeding And Insulin



You'll need to get into a routine of feeding your pet twice a day, usually every twelve hours. Your vet will probably recommend a low-fat, high-fiber food.



Insulin shots are usually given at mealtimes. It's best to wait until after your pet has eaten to give her the shot. If you give it before the meal, and then she doesn't feel like eating, her blood sugar levels will drop to dangerously low levels. In this case, you'll need to get your pet to the vet immediately.



Insulin is stored in the refrigerator. Take the time to warm the vial in your hand before injecting the insulin. It will be painful for your pet if you give it to her cold.



Regulating Diabetes In Dogs Takes Time



It can take several months to get the balance between food and insulin right for your pet. The ideal is to keep her blood sugar at normal levels all the time. In real life, her blood sugar may get a little higher or a little lower during the day. The key is to prevent extreme highs and lows.



Can I Ever Stop Giving My Diabetic Canine Insulin Shots?



No, you'll need to give her insulin for the rest of her life. There is no cure for this disease right now.



How To Prevent Canine Diabetes



Prevention is the best cure. Overweight pets are at high risk for developing this disease, so put your obese pet on a diet. Regular exercise will help burn those extra calories, and is a great way to naturally control blood sugar levels.



Many pet owners also use natural remedies for dogs to keep blood sugar levels under control. Research has shown that certain herbs and dietary supplements are effective for regulating blood glucose levels in pets.



Protect your pet from becoming a canine diabetic by learning more about natural remedies for dogs today.

Canine Diabetes - Will Your Dog Go Blind From Cataracts in Dogs?

If your canine companion has developed diabetes in dogs, he faces the threat of going blind. Cataracts in dogs are an unfortunate side effect for dogs with diabetes. Is there anything you can do to help him?



Why Are Cataracts In Dogs A Problem for Canine Diabetics?



This is only one of many problems that happen when glucose levels in your pet's blood become too high. In a nutshell, this is what happens. The lens of your pet's eye is a hard, clear structure that's normally in a dehydrated state, compared to the rest of his body. Your pet's body is 98 percent water, but the lens of his eye has a moisture level of only 66 percent.



When blood glucose levels get too high, there's also excess sugar in the fluid inside your pet's eyeball. Since the lens receives all its nutrients from this fluid, this means the sugar levels in the lens go up, as well. The lens absorbs more moisture to try to balance these levels.



Unfortunately, as the lens absorbs extra moisture, it becomes cloudy and opaque, so your pet is no longer able to see through it. When this happens, your pet will go blind.



This can happen very quickly, often in a matter of weeks. Sometimes this is the first symptom of canine diabetes that a pet owner will notice.



Is There Any Hope?



After your pet's blood sugar levels are stabilized, surgery can be performed on your pet's eyes. Usually it takes about three months before the operation can be done. Cataract surgery in canines usually has a good outcome, as over three-quarters of dogs operated on regain their sight.



This operation is quite expensive, though, and not everyone is able to afford it. It's awful to realize that your beloved pet is blind, but don't despair, as blind dogs adjust quickly. Usually the owner is more upset over it than the pet is. A blind dog can live happily for many years, although your vet will have to monitor his eyes to be sure no more complications develop.



Can Natural Remedies For Dogs Protect Your Pet's Vision?



Pet owners often want to know if bilberry can protect their pet's eyes. Bilberry has a reputation in folk medicine as an herb that can prevent the formation of cataracts. Some herbalists go so far as to say that bilberry not only slows down the progression of cataracts, but can reverse them as well.



Studies have shown than bilberries contain anthocyanins, which are antioxidants which neutralize free radicals that damage the eyes. Bilberries are a close relative of blueberries, and they're perfectly safe for your pet.



A natural pet remedy is now available that contains bilberry, combined with the herbs goat's rue, fenugreek, and astragalus, along with the mineral chromium. This remedy can help to regulate glucose levels in dogs with diabetes while protecting their eyes at the same time.



Now that you know how natural remedies for dogs can be used to treat canine diabetes, you'll want to learn more right away, so you can keep your pet healthy and maybe even preserve his vision as well.

Can Canine Diabetes Be Deadly In Dogs?

Dogs can fall prey to diabetes just like us humans. Canine diabetes can have serious consequences for Fido. Dogs suffer from Type 1 diabetes or diabetes mellitus. In such cases; either the insulin produced in the body is insufficient for glucose metabolism or the pancreas may not produce any insulin at all. Treatment involves regular insulin injections for the life of the animal. Dogs do not suffer from Type 2 diabetes which is the only type that affects cats.



As with so many other conditions, diabetes mellitus too is found more commonly in some breeds. Dachshunds and beagles are more likely to fall prey to this condition. Obese and dogs that have reached middle age as well as sexually whole females are more at risk from diabetes. Diabetes can be a hereditary condition or can be caused by pancreatitis. If diabetes is a result of other conditions such as medical treatment with steroids then it is termed secondary diabetes. It usually goes away once the condition causing it is treated.



Given that diabetes is often hereditary in nature; it becomes very important to select the right puppy to bring home. Get a written assurance on the pup's health as well as the health characteristics of its parents. A good diet and exercise will help prevent the condition from occurring in healthy pets. If your pet dog is susceptible to diabetes due to its age or breed, it becomes all the more important that you don't feed it fatty processed foods and see that it gets its daily exercise. Controlling heredity may not be totally in our hands but the animal's lifestyle can and should be regulated to minimize the chances of health issues arising.



Pets have two strikes against them: their diets and their general lack of exercise. Just like with people, an inappropriate diet and inactivity can lead to becoming overweight, and fat hinders a body's ability to use insulin.



If the dog is diabetic, it will display symptoms such as drinking water frequently; frequent urination; eating more food; wasting of muscles, etc. The vet will perform a blood and urine test to verify that the animal is indeed diabetic. High levels of sugar in the blood and presence of sugar / ketones in the urine indicate diabetes. Early detection and treatment make a huge difference to the prognosis. If the disease is caught early, it can be checked and the condition regulated before serious system deterioration and conditions such as hypoglycemina and ketoacidosis occur.



See that the animal gets its food on time everyday. This will help you regulate its blood sugar levels effectively. Diet for diabetic dogs is ideally rich in protein and complex carbohydrates. Don't let it go hungry.

Lymphoma in Dogs: Prednisone Treatment

Lymphoma in dogs is a cancer of lymphoid cells. As these cells circulate throughout the body via the lymphatic system, lymphoma can develop on any part of the body. Tumors can occur in the lymph nodes, gastrointestinal tract, chest, skin, spleen, liver and bone marrow.



The condition can be found in dogs of various breeds and ages. It is however most common in certain breeds such as Airedale Terrier, Basset Hound, Boxer, German Shepherd and Rottweiler. Lymphoma tends to occur in middle aged or older dogs.



Treatment for Lymphoma in Dogs



Chemotherapy is the main treatment for lymphoma in dogs.



Prednisone therapy is the other dog lymphoma treatment. Prednisone is a corticosteroid that can kill tumor cells. However, it is not as effective as chemotherapy for treating lymphoma in dogs. Prednisone is primarily used to manage symptoms of the disease.



When to Use Prednisone as Treatment for Lymphoma in Dogs



The decision to use prednisone for treating lymphoma in dogs depends on a number of factors. The main one is cost as it tends to be less expensive than chemotherapy.



Some pet owners are not in favor of chemotherapy due to its toxicity. They may opt for prednisone therapy as it can help to relieve symptoms and make their dogs more comfortable in the short term.



Side Effects of Prednisone



Like most drugs, there are some side effects to using prednisone for treating lymphoma in dogs. Interestingly, some of these side effects are similar to those experienced by humans who also use the drug.



The side effects of prednisone include:



- Increased thirst and hunger: Dogs will eat more than usual and urinate more frequently due to increased water intake.



- Diabetes: Prednisone can cause insulin resistance. This results in high glucose levels in the blood that can eventually cause diabetes.



- Loss of hair and changes in coat: Hair loss is a frequent side effect of using prednisone on dogs. In some cases, not only does the dog's coat become thinner, the healthy sheen also disappears. Some dogs will also develop hard to heal skin infections.



- Gastrointestinal problems: These include diarrhea, stomach ulcers and even vomiting.



- Cushing's disease: This condition can be quite serious. Canine Cushing's disease results in an overproduction of cortisone. This hormonal imbalance has a number of symptoms, such as an impaired immune system, weight gain or loss and increased thirst.



- Changes in behavior: Prednisone use also results in dogs becoming restless and even aggressive.



Dogs treated with prednisone alone usually live for 2-3 months only. When prednisone is given in combination with other chemotherapy drugs, the expected lifespan is about a year.