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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.

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Like any other responsible pet owner, you should know what health problems may hit your pet cat. Cats may appear very quiet and resilient, but they are a target of many viruses, bacteria and parasites that may affect the health of your beloved pet. Pet owners should be familiar with common cat health problems so that they won’t escalate into something worse. Prevention and early treatment is key to preserving the health and life of your cat.

Here are some common sicknesses that your feline may encounter in its lifetime.

1. Cat cold

Colds are not for humans only, but it is also one of the common cat health problems. Your cat may still be active and normal even when it has the sniffles. If this is the case, then you shouldn’t be worried. But if the cold affects your cat adversely, then you should bring it to the veterinarian. Some symptoms of a bad cold include loss of appetite, inactivity and murky discharges from the nose and/or the eyes. Always remember never to give your cats medicine designed for humans as they might worsen their condition, or worse, lead to their death.

2. Feline Urological Syndrome (FUS)

FUS, or the Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) is one of the most common cat health problems that owners encounter with their cats. One of the symptoms of the disease that is easy to spot is the appearance of sand-like particles in the urine of your cat. Sometimes, the sand takes the appearance of stones, which can deal your cat great discomfort and pain. Leaving this untreated could mean your cat’s death.

As an owner, you could prevent this from happening by monitoring your feline’s diet. You should keep the cat’s magnesium levels low and ensure that it gets the proper amount of water to lessen its bladder retention time. The acidity of the cat’s urine should be also considered, as it should be kept acidic. Veterinarians say that feeding cats canned food is less likely to create kidney problems than dry food. Always make sure that there is a suitable area for cats to do their business inside the home especially in cold weather. Cats tend to hold in their urine in the cold, so exposing them to a place to do their business inside the warm house could help them take out their wastes properly, thus avoiding disease.

3. Wounds

Cats are active animals, and it can’t be helped if they get scratches and wounds. They have sharp claws and teeth that may injure other cats and themselves as well.

The most prominent problem that could present itself in this scenario is infections. Various cat health problems arise from an infected wound, and if left untreated could mean your cat losing a limb, or its life. If you notice a gash or a wound, clean it immediately with water and soap, then apply an antiseptic like iodine and cover it up with gauze to prevent the cat from licking it and ingesting the antiseptic. This is the first step of the prevention of a bigger infection problem.

 

A-Z of Cat Health and First Aid: A Holistic Veterinary Guide for Owners

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We all have questions and concerns about our pets. This article is about cancer in dogs and hopefully answers any pet health questions you may have.

1. Skin – Skin tumors are very common in older dogs, but much less common in cats. Most skin tumors in cats are malignant, but in dogs they are often benign. All skin tumors should be examined by your veterinarian.

2. Breast – Fifty percent of all breast tumors in dogs and 85% of all breast tumors in cats are malignant. Spaying your pet between 6 and 12 months of age will greatly reduce the risk of breast cancer. Surgery is the treatment of choice for this type of cancer.

3. Head & Neck – Cancer of the mouth is common in dogs and less common in cats. A mass on the gums, bleeding, odor, or difficult eating are signs to watch for. Many swellings are malignant, so early aggressive treatment is essential. Cancer may develop inside the nose of both cats and dogs. Bleeding from the nose, difficulty breathing, or facial swelling may occur.

4. Lymphoma – Lymphoma is a common form of cancer in dogs and cats. It is characterized by enlargement of one or many lymph nodes in the body. A virus causes most of these cancers in cats. Chemotherapy is frequently effective in controlling this type of cancer.

5. Feline Leukemia Complex – The feline leukemia virus is contagious among cats and will occasionally cause true cancer. There is no proof that it is contagious to humans. While a great deal of research is ongoing, no consistently effective treatment is presently available for virus-positive cats.

6. Testicles – Testicular tumors are rare in cats and common in dogs, especially those with retained testes. Most of these cancers are curable with surgery.

7. Abdominal Tumors – Tumors inside the abdomen are common. It is difficult to make an early diagnosis. Weight loss and abdominal enlargement are common signs of these tumors.

8. Bone – Bone tumors are most commonly seen in large breed dogs and rarely in cats. The leg bones, near joints, are the most common sites. Persistent lameness and swelling of the leg is an early sign of disease.

Common Signs of Cancer in Pets

* Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow

* Sores that do not heal

* Weight loss

* Loss of appetite

* Bleeding or discharge from any body opening

* Offensive odor

* Difficulty eating or swallowing

* Hesitance to exercise or loss of stamina

* Persistent lameness or stiffness

* Difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecating

Many of the above signs are also seen with noncancerous conditions but still warrant prompt attention by your veterinarian to determine the cause. Cancer is frequently treatable, and early diagnosis will aid your veterinarian in delivering the best care possible.

Each cancer requires individual care. Your veterinarian may use surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, cryosurgery (freezing), hyperthermia (heating) or immunotherapy to effectively treat cancers. Combination therapy is commonly employed.

What is the Success Rate?

This depends strongly on the type and extent of the cancer as well as the aggressiveness of therapy. Some cancers can be cured, and almost all patients can be helped to some degree. Your veterinarian will have a better chance to control or cure your pet’s cancer if it is detected early.

The way I discovered the material covered in Veterinary Secrets Revealed was by learning from many people. I read books-hundreds of books. I went to seminars and conferences, and still do. I consulted with holistic specialists- Homeopaths, Acupuncturists, Chiropractors, Massage therapists, Chinese Medicine practitioners and Herbalists.

I tried these remedies on my clients- and they often worked. I recall one of my first clients 15 years ago, a sweet little Jack Russel named Jessie.

Jessie came in to the clinic feeling sick. Blood tests, X-rays and a liver biopsy showed that Jessie had a severe liver disease that was ‘incurable’. I put her on all the conventional medication – It did not help one bit. As she got sicker, I felt helpless as to what to do.

So, I talked to an herbalist. She suggested trying an herb called Milk Thistle. I was skeptical, being a new graduate from Vet school – but I thought, why not try it? My boss thought it was a waste of time and money.

But it worked. Jessie recovered from the liver disease and her blood tests showed normal liver function 3 months later after taking it.

From that moment on, I was hooked. I incorporated alternative medicine into regular veterinary practice.

After treating thousands of pets for a variety of problems, I wrote my book, Veterinary Secrets Revealed.

Jessie is just one example of the many pets I’ve been fortunate enough to learn from. And it is the result of her successful recovery, and so many others that all went into ‘Veterinary Secrets Revealed’. In my book, I tell about every single at home remedy that I have used for every pet health problem imaginable.

Examination and treatment of common conditions of the Eyes, Ears and Nose

The Eyes

The surface of the eye (cornea) should be clear. The middle of the eye (pupil) should respond to light. You can shine a light into your pets’ eyes and see the pupil constrict. The right and left pupils should be equal size.

The lens, which sits behind the pupil, should be clear. If it appears cloudy, then your pet may be developing cataracts. This may be normal for an aging pet, or may be a sign of disease, such as diabetes.

The area around the eye, the white tissue, is called the sclera. It should be a clear white color. In cases of liver disease, it will become yellow (jaundiced).

The pink tissue around the eye is called the conjuctiva; it is normally a light pink color. In infections, it becomes a darker pink and the eyes will produce a white or greenish discharge. There are a number of home remedies to treat conjunctivitis.

TO THE KITCHEN. Tea is more than just a drink. It has a product in it called tannins, which are anti-inflammatory and have antimicrobial properties. Brew up a strong cup of black tea and place 3-4 drops in the affected eye three times daily. It should be made daily to prevent contamination. More details are found in my book.

The Eyelids should be free of any lumps or bumps; older pets commonly develop benign eyelid tumors, which may need removal by your veterinarian.

There should be no discharge from your pets’ eyes; excessive tearing may indicate a blocked tear duct.

The last part of the eyes to examine is the 3rd eyelid. It sits in the corner of the lower eye closest to the nose. It is not usually seen. In cases of conjunctivitis, it may become very red. It contains a gland that can pop out (prolapsed 3rd eyelid gland). This may respond to anti-inflammatory medication or have to be treated surgically.

The Ears

Your pet should not be shaking their head; if they do there may be an ear infection.

The outside of the ear (pinna) should be a light pink and palpate as being flat. Any thickening could indicate an ear infection, allergy or a blood blister in the ear (aural hematoma).

The inside of the ear (ear canal) should be easy to see and free of discharge. A small amount of light yellow discharge is probably normal wax. Any foul smelling odor indicates an infection. A yellowy discharge often indicates a yeast infection. Hard black debris in your cats’ ears likely indicates ear mites. If debris an odor are present, then clean your pets ears.

A safe home remedy involves a 50:50 mixture of vinegar and water. Drop the mixture in the ear canal, rub the base of the ear well to loosen up the debris, then wipe out the excess by placing a cotton ball as deep as you can into the ear canal. Repeat the cleaning until the debris appears removed from the ear. One home remedy involves garlic soaked in olive oil for 12 hours. Remove the garlic clove and apply 5-6 drops into the ear twice daily for 7-10 days. As ear infections are often a result of an allergic reaction, products that modulate your pet’s immune system will help.

Nose

Check for any signs of discharge from the right or left nostril. The occasional clear discharge is normal for some pets, but ongoing discharge indicates a problem, such as an allergy.

Your pet may benefit from a hypoallergenic diet, which can be bought commercially.

Home Allergy Diet for a 50 lb Dog

Boiled white fish or canned tuna 1 cup

Boiled potatoes or Cooked rice 4 cups

Calcium carbonate or Tums 1 teaspoon

Corn Oil 1 tablespoon

Potassium chloride (light salt) 1 teaspoon

One-a-day multivitamin 1 tablet

Mix all ingredients together and divide into equal portions, feeding 2 1/2 cups in the morning and 2 1/2 cups in the evening.

Feline Home Allergy Diet for a 10 lb Cat

Canned Tuna in Fish Oil 1 cup

Cooked White Rice 1 cup

Cod Liver Oil 1 tablespoon

Calcium Carbonate or Tums 1/2 teaspoon

Potassium Chloride 1/4 teaspoon

One-a-day Vitamin 1/2 tablet

Taurine 500mg

Mix all ingredients so they are well blended together. This will make 2 cups of food, enough for 2 days. Feed 1/2 cup in the morning and 1/2 cup in the evening.

Whatever food you choose, it must be fed for 12 weeks. If after 12 weeks your pet it still scratching, then she probably doesn’t have a food allergy.

Any purulent (thick, whitish) discharge is abnormal and indicates a bacterial infection in the nasal cavity or sinuses.

Feel that air is flowing through both nostrils by placing a hair in front of each nostril. An abnormal growth in the nose can block airflow into the nostril.

The nose may appear dry or wet; a wet nose means that the glands in the nose are producing more fluid. This is not a sign of disease.

The nose and end of the muzzle should be black or light pink. If it becomes inflamed and red, then your pet may have a condition called Collie Nose; this is a localized type of immune problem in which the immune system attacks the end of the nose.

Two simple home remedies involve removing plastic dishes if they are being used for feeding and applying a very safe topical herb, Aloe Vera.

I have over 1 thousand at-home remedies in my book. There are no other comparable Veterinary books out there.

Veterinary Secrets Revealed will provide all the information you need to keep your pet healthy or to improve the health of a sick pet.

In addition, Veterinary Secrets Revealed does it without medical jargon, without complicated procedures, and without an eye on the pharmaceutical companies’ bottom line (yes, we Vets face the same pressures as human doctors.)

Veterinary Secrets Revealed will help your pet.

To Your Pet’s Good Health!