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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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Are you considering getting pet health care insurance for your dog?

We all want to give our pets the best care possible. And we all know that pet health care costs are rising dramatically – just like ours are.

But does it really make sense to purchase pet health care insurance?

Let’s take a look. Here are answers to frequently asked question on pet health care insurance for dogs.

What Types Of Insurance Are Available?

There are essentially four types of pet health care insurance coverage for dogs. They are:

1. Routine and wellness coverage. This coverage typically includes things such as annual checkups, flea and heartworm control, spaying and neutering, dental scaling and polishing, and vaccinations.

2. Illness and chronic condition coverage. This type of policy covers illnesses and common chronic conditions such as allergies, osteoarthritis, diabetes, thyroid problems, and Addison’s disease. Continuing treatment of chronic conditions or long-term illnesses, such as cancer, beyond the first policy year when it occurred may have a reduced payout or may require a rider. Be sure to understand the coverage for chronic and long-term illnesses before signing up.

Coverage typically includes hospitalization, lab tests, diagnostic tests (x-ray, ultrasound, etc.), prescription drugs, non-elective surgery, dental services, and follow-up veterinary care related to the illness. Some policies also include euthanasia in case the dog does not survive.

3. Major medical coverage. This is the coverage used to protect against catastrophic events such as accidents and emergencies. Major medical usually has low monthly premiums and high deductibles.

The coverage includes essentially the same items as listed above for illness and chronic conditions, but would be limited to only those conditions resulting from the accident or emergency. Also, any conditions from the accident or emergency that carry into subsequent policy years may have a reduced payout or may require a rider.

4. Genetic condition coverage. This is one of the most expensive types of coverage and only a few companies offer it. However, some companies offer riders for specific conditions. The cost and coverage depend largely on the breed of dog.

There are hundreds of genetic conditions that affect dogs and some breeds are much more prone to them than others. If you are still searching for your pet, genetic conditions are something you should take into consideration when making your selection. It could save you a lot of heartache and a lot of money down the road.

Can Coverage Be Customized To My Individual Needs?

Most insurance companies can customize policies, combining elements from two or more of the general types of insurance. Riders are also usually available for specific elements of coverage not contained in the general policies.

When Is The Best Time To Purchase Insurance For My Dog?

If you are planning to get health insurance for your dog, it is best to start when the dog is young. The premiums are lower then and you shouldn’t have trouble getting coverage. Many companies won’t issue new policies for older dogs and, if a dog already has an illness or genetic problem, it often will not be covered.

Will I have To Change Vets?

Most companies will allow you to choose any licensed vet in your area, so you normally don’t have to worry about changing vets. However, this is something to verify before committing to a policy.

How Are Claims Processed?

You are responsible for paying the vet bill in full. You then mail a claims form and a copy of your receipt to the insurance company. Reimbursement is usually received in 2 – 3 weeks.

Typically, you are reimbursed for 80% of the cost, after meeting the deductable. However, there may also be per-claim, annual, or total-policy reimbursement limits. Be sure to understand these, as they will differ from policy to policy.

What Will The Insurance Cost?

The premiums are based on multiple factors, but the biggest ones are the age and breed of your dog. Premiums can start as low as $10 per month, but will typically run $20 – $40 per month. These latter rates equate to $240 – $480 per year and $2,880 – $5,760 over the life of a dog, assuming a nominal 12-year life span.

Most companies offer discounts if you insure more than one pet.

Where Do You Purchase Insurance?

Some of the most popular and best rated insurance plans are offered by:

- Pet Plan US (GoPetPlan-dot-com)

- Embrace Pet Insurance (EmbracePetInsurance-dot-com)

- PurinaCare Pet Health Insurance (PurinaCare-dot-com)

- Trupanion (TrupanionPetInsurance-dot-com)

Independent reviews of the different companies and their plans, along with customer comments on their satisfaction levels, can be found at PetInsuranceReviews-dot-com.

Summing Up:

The final decision whether or not to purchase pet health care insurance for your dog is one only you can make.

If you have an expensive dog, such as one used for breeding, a guide dog, a search and rescue dog, or a certified guard dog, then the choice is easy – get the very best insurance you can find.

On the other hand, for your typical family pet, the choice is a little more difficult. Here, the most important thing is to make an informed decision.

First, get more information. Learn as much as you can about your breed of dog and the medical conditions they are prone to, especially the genetic ones. Decide exactly what you want included in your coverage and then shop around and get quotes from a number of the top-ranked companies.

Only make a decision after you have detailed information for your specific dog and for the specific coverage that you want. And then, make the decision that is best for you, your family, and your pet.

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.

As a pet owner, you are no doubt concerned with the health and well being of your pet. Sometimes our pets have health issues that we do not have the answers for, and do not always know where to turn to find advice and answers on these pet health questions.

If you are concerned about your pet’s health and are not sure if it is something that should require a trip to the vet or medical attention, you are not alone. Many pet owners have questions on the health of their pets and it is hard to tell when your pet really does need medical attention. Pets have a way of hiding their symptoms and illnesses from us because they do not want to seem weak or hurt. Because of this, we as pet owners need to be responsible for getting them the care that they need when they need it.

Although you may not always be able to tell when your pet is hurting or not feeling well, there are some indicators that he or she may be sick. If your pet is exhibiting changes in the way they act and the amount of attention that they want from you, it could indicate there is trouble. Pets who are normally very affectionate and suddenly seem to be shying away from you, could be hiding the fact that they do not feel good. Pets who are normally very independent and who suddenly want to be around you more and need more attention could also be showing signs that something may not be right.

Other pet health questions owners typically have are in the eating habits of their pets. While it is common from time to time for pets to have different eating habits and some changes are normal, if your pet is showing extreme changes such as not eating hardly at all, or eating all of the time, this could be cause for alarm. If your pet is eating a lot more than normal but not gaining any weight, it could be a sign of worms or other digestive issue that they are experiencing.

Changes in the elimination habits of your pets can also be indicators that a sickness or problem is present. It is important to always keep an eye on the elimination habits of your pet so that you will be able to tell the difference between normal and when something may be wrong.

Changes in the appearance of your pet such as changes in the luster of the fur, texture of the fur and sudden bald spots could indicate ticks, rashes or other skin lesions that may not be visible to the naked eye. Cats who overly groom a particular area and create a bald spot could be exhibiting signs of sickness or even stress. If you notice any behaviors like that in your pet, you should talk to a vet to find out what could be causing it.

Pet health questions can be confusing, and you may not always know where to turn for accurate and helpful answers. There are many pet sources on the Internet that offer advice and information on anything from pet health to pet behavior. There are also sites that offer answers to any questions that you may have that you can ask a professional vet for a small fee and also catalogue previous questions and answers from pet owners that are relevant to your concerns for your pet. You can also check with your local vet to help answer any questions as well.

Pet health insurance is an old concept that has been gaining popularity through the years. Insurance companies may have seen the potential as pets are becoming part of the family in many households these days. But with the tough economic conditions, are people still willing to spend extra amount in order to insure their beloved pets?

The trend is still in the process of development. But the idea can be compared with the insurance policies of humans. There are deductibles, annual premiums and the owner can choose from various coverage plans. If you have just learned about this, here are some important notes that might fill in your curiosity.

One: The average annual deductible amount for most of the insurance companies is around $100. But the costs of policies vary depending on the kind of plan that the owner will get for their pets. There are even packages that you can choose to acquire.

If you are willing to spend more, the following can be covered with your pet’s insurance: routine care, preventive medications, annual checkups, periodic vaccinations and surgeries like spay or neuter. Simpler plans will only cover the basic, like illnesses and accidents.

There are plans, especially on new policies, that will cover accident claims and will allot 30 days for claims with regards to illnesses. There are companies that will insure additional pets at reduced rates when you already have a policy for another pet.

Two: The coverage of the plans will be based on the species of your pets. It will also look into pre-existing conditions and may also consider the lifestyle of your pet whether they are indoor or outdoor and similar circunstances.

Three: Most insurance companies begin the policies for pets when they are about 6 to 8 weeks old. But other companies have no requirements regarding the age. And the length of the policy also varies depending on the company. Others have a limit of over 20 years, while some offers an age limit of 10 or 8 years.

Four: The most common pre-existing condition among these insurance companies is that the animal has to be in stable condition and is not suffering from any terminal illnesses by the time the insurance coverage begins. There are a few companies that will choose the breeds of the animals that they will cover. They won’t accept those that are prone to certain kinds of diseases.

If your pet is refused by the insurance companies, you can ask your trusted veterinarian for advice. They will refer you to the wellness packages that are being offered by some hospitals. Such packages can give you discounts on certain programs like vaccinations, spay or neuter and a lot more. Other hospitals offer checkup packages intended for geriatric health.

If you cannot afford a good pet health insurance for your beloved pets, there are some non-profit organizations that can help you financially when your pet encounters some sickness or accidents. There are also veterinary offices that can support you at such instances through an emergency fund that they allocate for such situation.