Dost Veteriner

Archive for October, 2011

Fish Food Food Value Bloodworms are a high protein food. About 60 percent of their dry matter is protein. This is comparable with Tubifex worms. Fish fed on either live or frozen bloodworms tend to grow quickly. Bloodworms are an excellent conditioning food for preparing fish for breeding. Frozen Bloodworms Frozen Bloodworms are a readily available and reasonably cheap form of fish food. It is easy to supplement your dry fish food with frozen Bloodworms, and fish usually love them. Small Fish I regularly feed frozen Bloodworms to fish as small as 2 cm (Less than an inch) long Neon Tetras and White Cloud Mountain Minnows. They have no trouble eating the food and grow quickly. Problems Although I have not had problems with Bloodworms myself, it is only reasonable to set down some that other people have had. Spoiling One boy lost some fish feeding bloodworms that had been thawed and allowed to warm up; he was well aware of how to look after frozen food. But he did not find out until afterwards what had happened to the Bloodworms earlier. This is not something confined to bloodworms, but applies to all frozen food whether fed to Animals or People. Frozen food should be kept frozen until it is going to be used, and should not be refrozen. Over Feeding Again this problem is not confined to bloodworms, but it is possible to overfeed with most types of food. Because fish like Bloodworms a lot, people sometimes give them too much and dangerously reduce the water quality. Related to this is the use of Bloodworms as almost the only food, rather than as part of a varied diet. Food Value Although Bloodworms are an excellent food, they should not be the only food fed. Fish and most animals need a variety of food. Just as I do not recommend that fish be fed only on flakes, I do not recommend that Bloodworms be the only food fed. Turtles are often fed on Bloodworms; they love them. But Bloodworms are rather low in Calcium and other foods should also be given to your Turtle. Indigestible Parts Dr Jim Greenwood B.V.Sc. of Canterbury Veterinary Clinic Canterbury, Victoria has suggested that the larger types of bloodworm that are imported and sold frozen should not be fed to Discus, Rainbows and some tetras because the Chitinous parts of the bloodworms can block up their digestive systems. Other people have observed problems which probably have the same cause. I have fed imported Bloodworms to all the types of fish he mentions and have had no trouble, but apparently Dr. Greenwood and some other people have. Possibly the people who have had this type of problem fed a higher proportion of Bloodworms and less other food to their fish than I do. Unsanitary Conditions In some countries where Bloodworms are produced for export, the water they live in is very unhealthy looking, and some people believe the frozen Bloodworms are not safe. All the Bloodworms imported into Australia are sterilized by Gamma Radiation. I presume that countries like the United States will also use an effective method of sterilization. Allergies It is possible for Humans to become allergic to all sorts of things. Allergies to frozen Bloodworms are not common, but can certainly happen.

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All pet owners go through health related issues with their dogs at some time. Common dog health questions will provide answers to the following health topics: constipation, healthy weight, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Erlichiosis, flea infestation and when your pet dies. Having answers to these common questions should help all dog owners to prepare and take corrective action if they observe their pets experiencing any of these health problems and what to do when their pet dies.

What Can I Do When My Dog Is Constipated?

If your dog is straining to move his bowels or has hard stools, he’s probably constipated. Give your veterinarian a call. There are many reasons why dogs can become blocked up – dehydration, a lack of fiber, or an enlarged prostate may play a role. But constipation can also indicate a more serious condition such as a blocked intestinal tract, hypothyroidism, tumors, or a neurological disorder.

So if you think your canine is constipated, try taking him for an extra walk and make sure he is drinking plenty of water. If that doesn’t relieve the problem, take him to the veterinarian for a thorough exam. Treatment will depend on the cause, but may include medication, a stool softener, or a high fiber diet.

How Do I Control My Dog’s Weight?

Dog owners can take several different steps to help control their dog’s weight and here are some suggestions:

The first is to cut back on treats and snacks. These are generally high in calories and may contribute to weight gain.
The second step can be to feed less of the regular dog food. This usually means measuring the amount of food that’s put into the dog’s dish to prevent the serving size from increasing over time. Remember that the suggesting serving amount on the package of dog food is just a guideline based on average dogs. An individual dog may need less, or more, than the average amount depending upon his breed and metabolism.
Third, owners can increase a dog’s exercise with additional walks or playtime each day. This may help the owner as well as the dog, and has the additional benefit of increasing the amount of time the dog and owner spend together.
Finally, a dog owner could consider switching to a low-calorie food. These products are designed to allow an owner to serve a nice-size portion while still reducing the calories the dog eats. It is always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian before putting a dog on a weight-loss program. The veterinarian can help tailor a weight-loss program for an individual dog and can track progress and help troubleshoot along the way.

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What are erlichiosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and why are they a concern?

Dogs are susceptible to a number of microbial diseases that are carried by infected ticks. Two of the most worrisome are erlichiosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. If detected in the early stages, these diseases can often be treated successfully with antibiotics. But success is not always a sure thing.

Susan Little, Professor of Veterinary Parisitology at Oklahoma State University, says that certain strains of erlichiosis in America’s Southwest progress very rapidly: “sometimes, with those severe cases…we will have fatalities.”

Little says the later phases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever can be equally devastating. The best way to protect your dog from these diseases is to use tick-control products all year-round.

What Are The Impacts of Canine Flea Infestation?

Fleas are common canine pests that can spell big trouble for your dog’s health and well-being.

It’s no secret that flea bites breed itching and discomfort, but woe is the dog that’s allergic to any of the fifteen substances in flea saliva. These irritating allergens can cause a reaction that spawns a nasty skin condition called flea allergy dermatitis. Constant biting and scratching can then lead to hair loss and infection.

Fleas can also transmit tapeworms and diseases, and in extreme cases, cause anemia, particularly in very young or weak animals. So treat a flea invasion as soon as you spot it, before the pesky critters can turn your pet’s peaceful life upside down.

What Are My Options When My Pet Dies?

There are a number of ways to dispose of your pet’s body when it dies. Here are some suggestions:

If you have the necessary real estate and the law allows it, you may choose to bury it under a tree, or on a high hill with a sweeping vista.
You could also opt for cremation instead, and ask the veterinarian to dispose of the ashes. Or you may decide to spread them yourself in a wooded area or in a special area in your garden. Ashes can also be saved in a memory box or vase.
Another possibility, although it’s quite expensive, is to have your pet buried in a pet cemetery, with a special headstone.

Talk to your veterinarian about your options. Whatever your circumstances, there’s a way to dispose of your pet’s body that will fit your individual needs. Decide which is best for you.

Conclusion

Common dog health questions hopefully has provided some answers to the most common health related causes found in dogs. In any case, anytime you should notice any sudden change in your dog’s behavior, always consult your veterinarian.

IAMS Smart Puppy Original Proactive Health Dry Dog Food, 3.5-Pound Bags (Pack of 5)

• Pack of 5, each bag holds 3.5 ounce (total of 17.5 ounce)
• Iams nutrition proactively nourishes your puppy to help keep him at his best
• Recommended for puppies ages 1-12 months and for pregnant or nursing dogs
• Contains antioxidants to help support a puppy’s developing immune system
• Promotes a smarter, more trainable puppy because it contains enhanced levels of DHA

Iams® ProActive Health Smart Puppy™ with DHA has all the nutrients your puppy needs for a healthy start in life. Natural fish oils with DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid), a nutrient vital for optimal brain development, promote smarter, more trainable pu

List Price: $ 30.71

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Some signs of ageing can be quite obvious in your dog and these indicators can include greying hair (especially around the muzzle), joint stiffness and slower reflexes, generally slowing down when out on walks and sleeping more at home.
Hearing loss, reduced vision and a lower sense of smell are also signs but these can be harder to detect and you might not realise straight away that you dog is having difficulty until the symptoms are more advanced.

You might not think that changing your dogs diet will make any difference at all, but there are a number of ingredients included in senior dog food that have been added to do just that. Here is just a small selection of those ingredients and their effects, to help you understand why you should consider moving you r dog onto a senior dog food when you see the first signs of ageing.

1) Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulphate

You may be familiar with Glucosamine and Chondroitin as they are common treatments to help relieve joint stiffness in people and you probably won’t be surprised to hear that they are used for the exact same purpose in dogs.

You will find Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulphate in a number of leading dog foods such as Arden Grange Senior Dog Food for all breeds and Eukanuba Mature/Senior Small Breed Dog Food.  Eukanuba also provide Mature/Senior dog food for medium breed and large breed dogs and lamb and rice senior/mature for all breeds.

Both of these senior dog foods can be purchased from Swell Pets along with a number of other dog supplies, as well as this you can also consult the experts there who can help you decide which foods is going to be best suited for your dog.

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2) Omega 3 and 6 and fatty acids

These are also ingredients that you will be familiar with as a number of adverts highlight the advantages of including Omega 3 and 6 in your diet.

Where dogs are concerned these ingredients are vital for helping to maintain their skin and coat and again you will find Omega 3 and 6 and/or Fatty Acids in a number of senior dog foods such as Royal Canin Maxi Mature Dog Food, Royal Canin also provide mature dog food for Mini and Medium Breed Dogs.  Nature Diet Senior Lite Wet Dog Food, James Wellbeloved Senior/Light Dog Food and Iams Senior and Mature Dog Food.

3) Anti-oxidants

Anti-oxidants are included in many dog foods to aid their immune system; these can be found in a number of dog food manufacturers’ senior foods including Hills Science Plan Mature Adult Dog Food.

Some manufacturers even reduce the fat and calories contained in their senior dog food to make it easier for you to maintain your dogs’ weight as certain breeds of dog can put weight on more easily as they get older and as you dog becomes less mobile and slows down you may find it more difficult to keep their weight at an ideal level.

It is vital that you do manage to keep your dogs weight under control as if your dog is carrying too much weight conditions such as joint stiffness and arthritis can be accentuated, making your dog’s life more difficult and uncomfortable.

When should you change your dog onto senior food?

There isn’t a specific age that all dog are classed as senior, a number of the dog food manufacturers seem to use age seven as a guideline but it really does depend on your dog and their breed.

Large breeds such as Great Danes can show signs of ageing from a young as five and Yorkshire Terriers can be as mature as 12 before they start to show any signs of slowing down.

So basically you need to pay attention to your dog, watch for the signs of ageing and then when they do appear don’t deny that they’re there.  In winter you might want to invest in a dog coat even if they have never had one before as older dogs can feel the cold more, just as people can.

You might also want to buy a ramp to make it easier for your dog to get in and out of the car, and you might decide to take them for hydro-therapy as this a good form of exercise which will not put too much strain on their joints.  Be aware though, that most hydro-therapy providers will ask for confirmation from your vets that your dog is up to date with their vaccinations and that they are of generally good health, so have your vets details to hand before you book.

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Cats, like humans, can come down with the common cold.  However, a minor cold can turn into an upper respiratory infection and if not treated, can result in hospitalization or more chronic cat health problems such as gingivitis, conjunctivitis or chronic breathing difficulties.  Knowing what the symptoms are and how to treat a respiratory infection are crucial for effective cat health care.

Ninety percent of feline upper respiratory infections are caused by either feline herpes (also called the “rhinotracheitis” virus) or feline calicivirus.  These infections can last up to 10 days and can be recurring despite treatment. Typically, cats from a shelter, outdoor cats, Persians and kittens are at the highest risk for getting an infection.  The infection can be spread through direct contact via eye, nasal and mouth discharges or through indirect contact such as food bowls or bedding.  Although it is not possible for you to contract an infection from your cat, respiratory infections are highly contagious amongst other felines. 

Your cat may have an upper respiratory infection if these symptoms are present: sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose, cough, ulcers, fevers or a hoarse meow.  Cats infected with the calicivirus may start to shed continuously and in huge amounts.  If your cat has a loss of appetite, serious congestion, high fever and extreme listlessness, your cat will need hospitalization so that your cat’s health can be monitored and more powerfully treated.

Treatment for an upper respiratory infection usually involve antibiotics, which doesn’t affect the virus, but attacks secondary bacterial infections.  Tetracycline is normally the most popular antibiotic.  Your vet may also prescribe nose drops for congestion relief.   For cats who are more predisposed to upper respiratory infections, you may decide to opt for a vaccination.  There are two types of vaccines: nasal and injectable.  With the injectable vaccine, you can choose to have your cat vaccinated for distemper, herpesvirus, calicivirus, and Chlamydophila felis or just for distemper, herpesvirus, and calicivirus. Some prefer to have their cat vaccinated with a nasal injection which seems to provide protection more rapidly.  Vaccination can cause side effects in a small number of cats, so it is important to discuss any cat health risks with your veterinarian before making a decision. 

To prevent your cat from getting an upper respiratory infection, there are several things you can do.  Keeping your cat indoors is the best way to minimize exposure to other cats.  Minimizing stress, keeping up to date on vaccines and regular veterinary exams are also ways to strengthen overall cat health.  If handling multiple cats, always practice good hygiene and wash your hands thoroughly.  By implementing preventive measures, you can be assured that your cat will have a healthy immune system to fight against infection and minimize cat health problems in the future.