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Diseases in Older Dogs

Monday, December 19th, 2011

Diseases that affect older dogs can be more serious simply because the dog is older.

Our pet dogs are susceptible to many of the same diseases that we as humans have to deal with. Here is a list of the most common diseases that can affect your pet and the symptoms or warning signs to guide you in knowing when to contact your vet. Some are serious and require immediate attention while others may have slow onsets and can be more difficult to diagnose. Many of these diseases affect older dogs more than younger ones, but a dog’s age does not render it immune to any of these debilitating diseases. When deciding whether any of these symptoms affecting your dog are serious enough to warrant a visit to the vet, you should always err on the side of caution and contact your vet when any of these symptoms persist in your pet.

Cancer

Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow
Sores that do not heal
Weight loss
Loss of appetite
Bleeding or discharge from any opening in the body
Unusually strong stinky odor
Difficulty eating or swallowing
Hesitant to exercise or suffers from a loss of stamina
Difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecating

Dental disease

Bad breath
Difficulty eating or swallowing
Weight loss

Arthritis

Difficulty getting up from prone position
Difficulty climbing steps and/or jumping
Behavior changes – irritable, reclusive
Urinating or defecating inside the house
Loss of muscle

Kidney disease/failure

Increased urination and thirst
Weight loss
Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Weakness
Pale gums
Diarrhea
Blood in vomit or black, tarry stool
Bad breath and oral ulcers
Behavior change

Prostate disease

Urinating or defecating inside the house
Dribbling urine
Blood in urine

Cataracts

Cloudy appearance to the eyes
Bumping into objects large enough to be avoided
Not retrieving objects when thrown

Hypothyroidism

Weight gain
Dry, thin coat
Lethargy and/or depression

Cushing’s disease

Thin coat and thin skin
Increased thirst and urination
Pot-bellied appearance
Abnormally increased appetite

Urinary incontinence

Urinating in the bed or the area where the dog was sleeping

Gastrointestinal disease

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Loss of weight
Blood in stool
Black and/or tarry stool

Inflammatory bowel disease

Diarrhea
Vomiting
Mucous or blood in stool
Increased frequency of defecation

Diabetes mellitus

Increased thirst and urination
Weight loss

Anemia

Exercise intolerance
Very light-colored gums

Liver disease

Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Behavior changes
Yellow or pale gums

As you can see from this list of symptoms, it would be nearly impossible to self-diagnose your pet with any of these diseases that can affect older dogs. If you notice that one or more of the above symptoms persist for any length of time, make an appointment with your vet and have your dog thoroughly checked for these serious diseases. You owe your faithful companion the best care you can afford.

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Tags: Cancer in Dogs, Cancer Signs, Disease Signs, Dog Cataracts, Dog Eye Problems, Dogs Health, Hypothyroidism Signs And Symptoms, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Kidney Disease, Kidney Problems in Dogs, Liver Disease in Dogs, Loss Of Appetite, Oral Ulcers, Pet Cancer, Pet Dogs, Prostate Disease, Prostate Problems in Dogs, Urine Blood
Posted in Arthritis and Dogs, Arthritis In Dogs, Asthma and Dogs, Asthma in Dogs, Cancer in Dogs, Diabetes in Dogs, Dog Diseases, Dog Medicine, Dog Vaccines, Dogs Diet and Health, Dogs Digestion, Dogs Exercise and Health, Dysplasia In Canines, Hip Dysplasia, Hip Dysplasia in Dogs, Nutrition for Dogs, Osteochondritis (OCD), Senior Dogs, Skin and Coat Problems, Veterinary Pet Care | No Comments »

Health Care For Older Dogs

Monday, September 19th, 2011

Proper health care for an older dog requires more attention from an owner than when it was a puppy or young adult dog.

It is important to know when your pet is a “senior citizen” so you can make appropriate changes in its diet and exercise to ensure a longer, healthy life. As a general rule of thumb, dogs are considered senior around seven years of age.

A quick look around your favorite pet store will reveal most dry packaged dog foods carry the inscription “For senior dogs 7 years or older”. As a general rule, larger dogs are considered to be seniors around five or six, and smaller dogs around nine years. There is such a large variety of dog breeds and sizes that there is no single age that automatically designates senior status.

Most dog owners feel their dogs do not live long enough. A recent survey of more than 1,000 people showed that one third of Americans who own a pet dog have no idea when their dog is a senior dog. And with 71 million pet-owning households in the United States, this translates to millions of dog owners that don’t know how to provide the best care for their dog’s senior years.

One of the most common misconceptions among dog owners is that pets and their owners age differently. While the rate at which dogs age is different than humans, the changes that take place with advancing age are very similar. Both pets and humans either gain or lose weight, develop arthritic joints, encounter problems with their heart, and often experience dental problems.

Another misconception that seems to be common among almost all dog owners is if a dog is overweight it isn’t a major health concern. While obesity should be a major health concern for dog owners, sudden weight loss is also a serious health worry. Diseases such as cancer, kidney failure, and diabetes can cause weight loss and you need to schedule a visit to your veterinarian if your dog has a sudden weight loss.

The usual symptoms of obesity can be managed with proper diet and exercise. Winston’s Digest All can aid your dog in losing weight if it is overweight or obese. Aching joints and lack of energy can also be managed successfully with natural supplements like Winston’s Joint System formula. This highly recommended product has helped thousands of dogs who were suffering from debilitating joint diseases such as hip dysplasia and arthritis.

One of the most popular misconceptions now found on the internet is that exercise and dog toys that entertain and engage a dog’s senses are the best ways to prevent cognitive decline. The reality is that cognitive decline, or geriatric dementia, although most often associated with older humans, also affects older dogs who are prone to age-related dementia also. Dementia in older dogs usually becomes evident with inappropriate acts like barking in the middle of the night, urinary accidents in house-trained dogs, or becoming disoriented in his familiar home, and a lessening of interaction with family members. Dementia, which exhibits itself as a general disorientation, usually causes stress, anxiety, and fear, both in the dog and its human owner.

Some common age-related changes to watch for as your pet dog ages: He or she becomes less active, sleeps more, often develops a reduced sense of hearing and sight, is less able to handle temperature changes, and loses muscle mass. These changes may be symptoms of a disease, so be aware of any sudden weight loss or gain, sudden loss of appetite, lethargy, increased thirst or urinating more than usual.

When your dog reaches the start of his senior years, he will need your loving care more than ever. This is the perfect time to start your dog on Winston’s Senior Complete Multi vitamin supplement. This is the most powerful and complete once-daily multi vitamin for dogs 5 years and older. It contains almost 50 active ingredients from the healthiest sources available.

Maintaining good health care for your older dog is is the best way to repay your aging dog for the loyalty and pleasure it has given you for so many years. Show him or her that you love them as much as they have loved you. Spend time petting and just being with them. You may be surprised at the calming effect it produces in both of you.

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Tags: Arthritic Joints, Dog Foods, Dog Owners, Dogs Health, Fat Dog, Kidney Failure, Losing Weight, Major Health, Obese Dog, Older Dogs, Proper Diet, Senior Dogs, Sudden Weight Loss, Symptoms Of Obesity, Veterinary Pet Care
Posted in Dog Medicine, Dog Treats and Snacks, Dogs Diet and Health, Dogs Digestion, Dogs Exercise and Health, Healthy Dogs, Man's Best Friend, Nutrition for Dogs, Senior Dogs, Skin and Coat Problems, Veterinary Pet Care | No Comments »

Ear Problems in Dogs

Monday, September 12th, 2011

A dog’s ears are important sense organs just like their noses are. But ear problems in dogs can cause them major distress and lead to deafness if not properly diagnosed and treated.

If you notice any of these symptoms in your pet, you should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible:
* Stinky odor from the ears
* Discharge of fluid from the ears
* Scratching or rubbing ears and head on any available surface
* Redness or swelling of the ear canal
* Forceful, frequent shaking of the head
* Sudden irritability or depression

Ear disease is one of the most common conditions afflicting dogs and it is estimated that up to 20% of the dog population is affected by it. There are many causes of ear disease. Some of the most common are:
* Allergies
* Bacterial and yeast infections
* Tumors
* Ear mites

Dogs with food allergies or who develop an allergic reaction to something their skin came into contact with, often will develop ear problems. A problem with a dog’s ears may be the first symptom of an allergy. Allergies are commonly treated with regular ear cleaning with an ear cleaning solution such as Ear Wash, an all-natural, proprietary blend of citrus oils with deionized water. It helps clear the ear canal of debris and reduces wax buildup without alcohol, harsh chemicals or irritants that are common in other leading brands.

Allergies will change the environment in a dog’s ears and can result in bacterial or yeast infections. In cases like this the allergy must be treated as well as the infection. Bacteria and yeast could not ask for a better environment to live in than a warm, dark, moist ear canal. Dogs with big floppy ears such as Cocker Spaniels and Golden Retrievers may have ear problems due to the excess moisture and wax that builds up in their ears.

Many types of bacteria can also cause ear infections. A dog’s normal, healthy ears have a built-in defense system against these types of organisms, but if the condition of the dog’s ears change due to allergies, excessive wax buildup, or excess moisture, the bacteria and yeast can rapidly multiply and destroy those defenses. Yeast alone can cause severe ear problems. Make it a regular habit to clean your dog’s ears daily using Ear Wash, but if you suspect your dog may have a yeast infection in its ears, contact your vet.

Bacterial ear infections give off a terrible odor from a yellowish fluid. If the infection is severe, just cleaning the ear or ears will not take care of the problem and your vet will probably prescribe antibiotics. Infections of the ear canal, if severe, can spread to the middle and inner ear and cause irreversible deafness, so a prompt visit to the vet is highly recommended.

If you suspect your dog has developed a tumor in one of its ears, your veterinarian will use an otoscope to look inside the dog’s ear canal and determine if the ear drum is affected or if there are any foreign bodies or tumors that may be causing the problem.

Ear mites can cause a dry, dark, crumbly debris in the ear that resembles coffee grounds. A thorough ear cleaning with a product like Ear Wash, followed by an ear medication from your vet, will kill the mites and eliminate the problem, The treatment will need to be continued for several weeks depending upon the medication the vet uses.

Regardless of the cause of ear problems in your dog, it is mandatory that you keep its ear canals clean. Your dog’s ear canal is L-shaped and debris will collect at the corner of the L. To remove debris, use an ear cleaner like Ear Wash, an all-natural blend of citrus oils. Massage the base of your dog’s ears for 20-30 seconds to soften the debris. Wipe out the loose debris and excess fluid with a cotton ball. Repeat this procedure until you see no more debris. Let your dog shake his head to remove any excess fluid. When you’ve finished, gently wipe the dog’s ear flap and the area below the ear with a soft towel. Cotton applicator swabs can be used to clean the inside of the ear flap and only the part of the ear canal you can see, but should not be used farther down in the dog’s ear canal since that can pack debris in the ear canal and cause further problems.

The key to keeping your dog’s ears healthy is to keep them clean. Check its ears weekly. A slight amount of waxy buildup is usually present in normal ears. However, if your dog swims a lot or has a history of ear disease, routine cleaning one to two times a week is recommended.

Remember, if your dog is showing severe discomfort, a bad smell is coming from its ears, or the ear canals look abnormal, see your veterinarian as soon as possible. Ear problems can be serious for a dog and if not treated early enough can result in deafness. Take good care of your companion and you will be rewarded beyond your expectations.

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Tags: Cleaning Dogs Ears, Dogs Health, Ear Mites, Floppy Ears, Food Allergies, Food Allergies in Dogs, Golden Retrievers, Infections Dogs Ears, Spaniels, Tumors, Types Of Bacteria, Veterinary Pet Care
Posted in Dog Medicine, Dogs Diet and Health, Dogs Exercise and Health, Hearing Loss in Dogs, Man's Best Friend, Skin and Coat Problems, Veterinary Pet Care | No Comments »

Cleaning House With a Long Haired Dog

Monday, April 4th, 2011

Cleaning house if you have a long haired dog can be an unwelcome chore and a problem for everyone living in the house.

If you have a pet dog, especially if it’s a long-haired breed, you know what it’s like to live with piles of hair appearing everywhere and maybe even the odor of urine on your rugs or carpet. Cleaning up after your dog doesn’t have to be an unpleasant or insurmountable task. You can make it easy on yourself and at the same time create a healthy environment in your home.

Cleaning house with a long haired dog in residence requires some simple steps to keep your dog and your home smelling fresh and clean.

Bathe your dog at least once a month or more often if needed. A dirty dog will carry its scent all over your home. A good bath will also remove excess hair and help keep your furniture hair free.

Vacuum your upholstered furniture at least once a week. The best way to clean chairs and sofas is to use a standard vacuum cleaner with a side attachment; just guide it along the furniture until all the hair is gone. A lint roller will also do a decent job of removing hair from your furniture.

Clean your floors at least once a week. Vacuum rugs and carpets for a longer time than you usually do in order to remove as much dirt and hair as possible.

If your floors are tiled, sweep them thoroughly, then apply regular household bleach full strength, and mop with clean soapy water. Bleach does a very effective job of killing bacteria. Rinse the floor well to keep it from being sticky.

Clean your air filters for the air conditioning and furnace at least once a month. You should also change the air filter once a month when you have a dog.

Disinfect all hard surfaces in your home daily. Removing surface bacteria will eliminate remaining odors. A high quality sanitizer can kill more than 99% of germs, and can be used on any surface in your home.

Using a standard spray air freshener to remove odors in your home usually only masks the scent and ends up smelling like your dog has been playing in a flower bed or wallowing in some exotic passion fruit garden. Use a spray that will remove the odors rather cover them up. A good air sanitizer will kill most of the airborne odor-causing bacteria and leave your home smelling fresh and clean.

Pet bedding should be cleaned at least two times a month. If it’s washable, launder in hot water then use a good quality spray for a fresh, clean scent.

These are just some of the ways to keep your home smelling fresh and looking clean if you have a long haired dog. This may seem like a lot of work, but once you get into a regular routine of house cleaning and bathing your dog, it will become second nature and no longer seem like an overwhelming chore.

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Tags: Dog Hair, Dogs Health, Dogs Shedding, long haired dog, Removing Hair, Rugs And Carpets, Shedding Dogs, Upholstered Furniture
Posted in Dog Allergies, Dog Grooming, Healthy Dogs, Large Dog Breeds, Man's Best Friend, Medium Dogs Breed, Puppy, Skin and Coat Problems, Small Dogs Breed | No Comments »

How To Choose a Groomer

Tuesday, November 9th, 2010

Have you been grooming your own dog and are now considering using a professional groomer, or do you have a new dog that definitely requires the skills of a trained groomer because its hair is too long, or the dog is too large to handle bathing and grooming it by yourself? If any of these applies to you here are the guidelines on how to choose a groomer.

Whatever the reason or reasons, it’s important that you choose a groomer who not only is convenient to your home and busy schedule, but more importantly, one that will care for your pet as if it belonged to them. Many dogs fear a visit to the groomer because they’ve been mistreated or they were subjected to a groomer who lacked the necessary “dog friendly skills” to correctly handle a pet averse to being bathed or groomed.

Depending on the breed of dog you have, a groomer may be an absolute necessity to keep your dog’s coat neatly groomed and clean.

When searching for a groomer it’s a good idea to first ask your family and friends for recommendations, or ask your vet. Many vets, especially those associated with clinics and animal hospitals, have on-site groomers trained to deal with most any kind of dog – reluctant ones, ticked off ones, and hyper ones.

Before you choose a grooming salon or a groomer in a clinic or animal hospital, ask the person who will be bathing and grooming your dog these questions:

* Does the groomer own a dog? If so, what breed or breeds of dog?
* Do they groom their own dog or dogs and are their dog’s coats kept neat and clean?
* How long have they been grooming dogs?
* Did the groomer go to school to learn grooming or did they learn it ‘on the job?’
* What breeds do they have experience grooming? Be sure your breed is one of them.
* Do they do different styles of cuts for different breeds or are they a “one cut fits all groomer”?
* What hours does the groomer work?
* Will you be notified when to pick your dog up?
* How far in advance do you need to book an appointment?
* What is the fee range for your breed of dog?
* Is the ear hair plucked from those breeds with hair in the ear canals?
* What if your dog ends up needing to be sedated for grooming? Is that service offered?
* If so, will it be the vet who sedates and monitors your dog?
* Will the groomer also trim your dog’s nails during the grooming appointment?
* What type of shampoos and conditioners does the groomer use?
* If your veterinarian recommends a certain shampoo do you need to pay for it?

It is equally as important that you do a self-analysis of the facility you’ll be entrusting your dog to.

* Is it kept clean, neat, and orderly?
* Are there unpleasant odors that bother you? If they bother you, think what the experience will be for your dog with its superior sense of smell.
* Where are dogs kept while waiting for their appointments and also while waiting to be picked up afterwards?
* Are they housed in groups with unfamiliar dogs or will they have their own space? Is it a cage they will be kept in? If so, how large is it and what kind of freedom of movement will they have in the cage? Are the cages or waiting areas clean and free of feces and urine after being used by each dog?
* How are clippers, scissors, nail grooming tools, etc. cleaned between grooming different dogs?

Your relationship with your dog’s groomer should be as important to you as the relationship you have with your own hairdresser or barber. They should listen to what you want and you should get the answers to your questions before making your decision about which groomer fits your needs, and the needs of your dog.

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Tags: Animal Hospital, Animal Hospitals, Breeds Of Dog, Dog Friendly, Dog Groomer, Grooming Dogs, Grooming Salon, New Dog, Professional Groomer, Vet, Vets
Posted in Allergies to Dogs, Canine Dog Obedience, Dog Grooming, Dog Treats and Snacks, Healthy Dogs, Medium Dogs Breed, Puppy, Skin and Coat Problems, Small Dogs Breed, Veterinary Pet Care | No Comments »

Archive for the ‘Skin and Coat Problems’ Category

Diseases in Older Dogs

Health Care For Older Dogs

Ear Problems in Dogs

Cleaning House With a Long Haired Dog

How To Choose a Groomer

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Archive for the ‘Skin and Coat Problems’ Category

Diseases in Older Dogs

Health Care For Older Dogs

Ear Problems in Dogs

Cleaning House With a Long Haired Dog

How To Choose a Groomer

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