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Taylor

Common Illness in Dogs – Cataracts

Posted on February 20th, 2012 by Taylor
dog cataract

In a more advanced stage, cataracts are visible as bluish-grey clouds on the dog's eyes. Surgery is often required to repair the lens of the eye. Image via www.rcilinc.org.

There are many health conditions associated with your pet aging – dementia, arthritis, cancer. Cataracts are an illness that affect the lens of a dog’s eye, causing blindness or impaired vision. If you suspect your senior dog may be developing cataracts, learn about the symptoms and treatments here.

 

Causes

A cataract occurs when the lens in the eye becomes cloudy due to fluid build-up. Old age is the main culprit. Some breeds are also predisposed to developing cataracts – cocker spaniels, miniature schnauzers, golden retrievers, and Siberian huskies, to name a few. Diabetes mellitus may cause cataracts as well, due to high blood sugar levels that cause the lens of the eye to swell. Uveitis, an inflammation of the eye, and electric shocks can be responsible for your pet’s cataracts.

Symptoms

Cataracts in the early stages of development may show no signs at all. As the animal’s vision becomes more impaired, you may notice your pet bumping into furniture. Visible “cloudiness” of the eye will be seen in more advanced cases. Cataracts caused by diabetes mellitus may be accompanied by symptoms such as:

  • Increased thirst
  • Increased urination
  • Weight loss

Diagnosis and Treatment

A history of your dog’s symptoms and health will be taken by the veterinarian, followed by a physical exam focusing on the eye and head areas. If your dog has diabetes mellitus, blood work and a urinalysis may also be performed. Ultrasounds and electroretinography may be used as diagnostic tools to more closely view the animal’s eyes.

Surgery may be recommended by your veterinarian to avoid the disease from progressing into total blindness.

 

Cataracts are a condition caused by hereditary factors, diabetes, and old age. Symptoms can vary depending on the cause of the illness, but visible cloudiness and decreased vision are universal signs. Treatment may include surgery, depending on your vet’s recommendations. Most animals suffering from cataracts make a full recovery and are able to lead normal, happy lives. Healthy Paws Pet Insurance covers hereditary conditions, including cataracts, as long as symptoms are not present before or at time of enrollment.

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Taylor

Creating a Dog First Aid Kit

Posted on February 17th, 2012 by Taylor
dog first aid kit

Your dog can't nurse itself, so being a pet parent entails knowledge of what to do in an emergency health situation. Image via www.bestbullysticks.com.

Being prepared for any emergency situation is an essential part of pet parenthood. A first aid kit can hold all the supplies needed to save your dog’s life in a health crisis. In a natural disaster, you can use the first aid supplies in the kit if veterinary attention is not available. Home treatment with a first aid kit is not a replacement for professional veterinary care, it is only intended to save your pet’s life and stabilize their condition.

Building Your Kit

Find a sturdy container that is water-tight and easily transportable to hold your supplies. Plastic is preferable, as metal tends to rust. Specialized first aid kit containers and ammo boxes are sold online; these can be appropriate containers. Make copies of important documents related to your pet, including adoption papers, veterinarian and shelter contact info, and the number of the pet poison hotline. A cat first aid booklet can be an important addition as well; they can be purchased at bookstores, veterinary clinics, pet supply stores, and online. Place these paper documents in a sealed Ziploc bag for safekeeping.

Tools in Your Kit

  • Tweezers
  • Tick tweezers
  • Small magnifying glass
  • Rectal digital thermometer
  • Bandage scissors
  • Plastic syringes (for giving medicine)
  • Small flashlight
  • Eyedropper

Medical Supplies to Include

  • Medium and large sterilized gauze pads
  • Cotton balls and swabs
  • Elastic/ACE bandage wraps
  • Splint materials (a paper towel tube or rolled up newspaper and cloth strips work well)
  • Styptic pencil or powder
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Topical antibiotic ointment
  • Insect sting relief pads/pen
  • Saline eye wash
  • Instant cold pack
  • Karo or glucose syrup (for diabetic animals)

Transporting Your Dog

Include an emergency blanket to protect your pet in case of hypothermia. A pillow case can help transport smaller dogs during an emergency situation and keep the animal warm as well. A sturdy leash and muzzle can prove very useful to include in the kit; injured dogs can sometimes nip out of fear and pain.

You can customize your emergency first aid kit to meet your dog’s needs if they have a specific medical condition, like diabetes or . If your pet has prescription medications, place samples in the kit as well, noting their expiration date. Check all medical supplies and sterilized bandages for an expiration date and note that on the outside of the case, replacing them as they go bad.

 

Putting together an emergency first aid kid for your dog can save their life if a critical health situation arises. Knowing what to do in an emergency situation is essential for the prepared pet parent, whether it’s a paw scrape or a torn ligament. Your cat will thank you, and so will your vet!

 

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Taylor

Canine Cognitive Dysfunction – Dogs and Dementia

Posted on February 14th, 2012 by Taylor
senior dog

If your senior dog seems confused or shows signs of anxiety, he could have canine cognitive dysfunction. Image via www.dogquality.com.

As your dog ages, you may notice he or she starts to move around a little slower. Many health conditions – hip dysplasia, cancer, arthritis – are associated with aging pets. Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD), or dementia, is fairly common in senior dogs. Could your pet be developing this condition? Read on to find out.

 

Causes

As in humans, dementia is a geriatric condition – it typically affects only “senior” dogs. Larger dogs are considered seniors when they reach around 7 or 8 years old, while smaller breeds aren’t seniors until they’re 10 or 11 years old. Use a dog age calculator to determine how old your pet is in human years; a 6 year old large mixed breed dog is 47 in human years, and considered a senior. Some breeds are thought to be more genetically predisposed to developing dementia, but this has not been scientifically proven yet.

Symptoms

Disorientation and confusion are the main indicators of CCD. Your dog may not follow the years old boundaries and rules you have set and not go about his or her old routine, including changes in the sleep cycle. Lack of grooming, loss of appetite, and fecal or urinary incontinence are also signs of dementia. Increased irritability and anxiety may also arise.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Your vet will need a thorough description of your pet’s symptoms, including when they began. Routine tests, such as ultrasounds, x-rays, and a blood count profile will be completed to rule out other potential diseases. There is no cure for canine cognitive dysfunction, but with the proper management your dog can life a long, healthy life. Treatment is mainly focused on reducing the speed of mental decline by imposing a strict daily regimen of feeding, exercise, and bathroom breaks. Vitamin-rich foods may also help your pet; your veterinarian may recommend a specific type or brand of food for your pet.

Management

Make sure to stick to your vet-approved daily routine and diet; any changes may confuse your pet further. Try to keep your dog’s environment virtually the same – bed, food, and water in the same place, and if possible avoid moving furniture around. Checkups twice a year will help your veterinarian monitor your pet’s condition and note if the disease is progressing or has stabilized. Keep a close eye on your dog’s behavior and schedule an appointment with your vet if you notice any sudden changes.

 

Canine cognitive dysfunction can be a hard illness for a pet parent to come to terms with. There is no cure, but dietary changes and a stable routine can prevent CCD from progressing. Keep loving and enjoying the company of your pet; with the proper care, you have many long years left.

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Taylor

How to Clean Your Pet’s Ears

Posted on February 13th, 2012 by Taylor
cleaning dog's ears

If you use q-tips to clean your pet's ears, don't insert them into the ear any further than you can see to avoid damaging the eardrum. Image via www.thepetdoctorinc.com.

Proper grooming of your pets is essential; it can help prevent health issues and keeps your home fur-free. The ears are a sensitive part of your pet’s body, and can be difficult to clean. Without the proper knowledge, you can injure your cat or dog or cause the animal pain. Here are three simple steps to effortless ear cleaning in your cat or dog.

 

Tools and Supplies

  • Pet ear wash solution
  • Cotton balls or pads
  • Q-tips
  • Treats

1. Restraining Your Pet

Most animals don’t like having their ears cleaned and may wriggle around, making the job difficult. Calmly restraining your pet while still maintaining the animal’s comfort is important for both their safety and your own.

For cats and small dogs, place the animal in your lap on its stomach. Place your left forearm securely over the animal’s body, firmly grasping the jaw and head in your left hand. Gently pin the ear flap to the top of the head with your left thumb, leaving the ear canal open and visible.

Larger dogs should be laid on a table or raised surface on their stomach. You should stand on the side of the table opposite to the ear you will be cleaning, with your upper body firmly placed over the dog. Wrap your left arm around the dog’s neck and use your left hand to expose the ear canal. With your right arm lying on the dog’s shoulder, clean with your right hand. Laying your dog on his or her side may also work for squirmy pets; lay your left arm over your dog’s neck, grasping the elbow closest to the table to restrain the dog. You can then pull back the ear with your right hand and begin the cleaning process.

It may be helpful and easier to have another person with you to calm the animal or help you restrain larger pets. Try to keep your cat or dog calm at all times, praising them and petting them after every cleaned ear. Giving your pet treats after the ordeal may help cheer them up. It’s essential that cleaning your pet’s ears not be a traumatic or stressful procedure; this will make further grooming sessions more difficult.

2. Observing the Ear

One purpose of grooming your pet is to inspect the animal’s skin and fur for any abnormalities such as redness, sores, or lesions. The outside of the ear should be completely covered with fur; patchy fur or irritated skin at the base of the ear or on the tip indicate excessive itching. After you pull back the ear flap, inspect the inside of the cat or dog’s ear. The skin should be a pale to medium shade of pink with none of the following:

  • Black wax – This is an indicator of ear mites, small parasites that cause excessive scratching and head shaking in both dogs and cats.
  • Swelling accompanied by warmth – If your pet has been over-itching the inside of their ear, an aural hematoma can result from the trauma. Minor surgery is typically required to relieve the swelling and reduce chance of infection.
  • Foul-smelling discharge – Infections of the outer and inner ear are relatively common among pets. The discharge can be yellow or reddish-brown. Ear infections require antibiotics (either in oral or topical form), medicated ear washes, or possibly minor surgery; only your vet can give you the proper care.

3. Cleaning the Ears

Squeeze a few drops of ear wash onto the inside of the ear flap. Gently move the tip of the wash bottle a few millimeters into the ear canal and squeeze another few drops into the canal. Your pet may shake its head immediately after you do this, removing some of the wash. Massage the base of the ear to distribute the ear wash throughout the ear canal – most cats and dogs enjoy this part! Use cotton balls or pads to remove ear discharge from the ear flap. You can use q-tips to get into the ear’s crevices, but never stick a q-tip into your pet’s ear further than you can see. Just as in humans, excessive or too deep q-tip use can pack wax in the ear or even rupture the ear drum.

How Often to Clean

Groomers recommend you clean your pet’s ears at least once a month. Dog breeds with longer ears, such as spaniels and basset hounds, should have their ears inspected and cleaned bi-weekly, as they are more prone to contracting ear-related health conditions. If you feel uncomfortable cleaning your cat or dog’s ears, take them to a professional groomer.

 

Cleaning your pet’s ears is essential to prevent ear infections and parasites. The cleaning process can be painless if done properly; the important thing is to keep your pet calm and reward them after the procedure is over. If your dog or cat proves extremely resistant to having their ears cleaned, don’t force the issue and visit a professional groomer.

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Taylor

Dogs and Noise Phobias

Posted on February 7th, 2012 by Taylor
scared dog

If your dog runs for cover at the first sign of thunder, he or she may have a noise phobia. Image via www.forums.vwvortex.com.

Dogs and loud noises – as all pet parents know, they don’t mix well. Sudden sounds can cause symptoms of anxiety in your pet and even have detrimental effects on their health. There are several ways to recognize if your pet has a unusual fear or noise and many methods you can use to reduce your pet’s discomfort.

 

Causes

Most dogs are averse to loud noises such as fireworks, compression brakes, and thunderstorms; these can cause an animal to experience the symptoms of noise phobia. Some dog breeds are genetically predisposed to develop noise phobias, including types of herding dogs like shepherds, collies, cattle dogs, and sheepdogs. Animals who experience traumatic events that were accompanied by a specific type of noise may show signs of fear whenever they hear the noise again, associating it with the negative experience. Some loud noises have no sources visible to the dog, which can cause it to become frightened.

Symptoms

If your pet has a noise phobia, he or she may begin pacing, whining, and panting heavily at the first sign of the noise. Trembling or attempting to hide near or seek comfort from a pet parent is also a tell-tale sign. In some cases, fecal or urinary incontinence may arise, along with excessive licking or chewing.

Dogs who experience more severe noise phobia may present with dangerous symptoms such as:

  • Tachycardia (increased heart rate)
  • Hyperglycemia (increased blood sugar, especially dangerous for diabetic pets)
  • Stomach upset
  • Tachypnea (difficulty breathing)
  • Dermatitis

If your pet experiences any of the above symptoms, seek veterinary care; your dog may require vet-prescribed anti-anxiety medications.

Diagnosis and Treatment

A detailed history and description of symptoms will be taken by your vet in order to rule out other types of anxiety disorders. For most dogs the treatment entails desensitization and counter-conditioning training to modify the animal’s behavior and retrain your pet to discourage fear of the noise. For more severe cases, calming anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed.

Management

For pet parents with noise-phobic dogs, there are several things you can do in addition to vet-prescribed medications and training. Holding and petting your dog can compress the nerves, which has a calming effect on the animal. Wrapping your pet in a blanket – not against their will – may also prove effective. Special “thunder blankets” and jackets are available at pet supply stores and online; the “Thundershirt” is the most widely recognizable.

Prevention

If you have a puppy, try to acclimate the dog to common noises such as fireworks and thunderstorms by playing sound clips. Some puppy training programs incorporate sound therapy into their curriculum as well.

 

Like humans, dogs may also experience anxiety and fear conditions. If you notice your pet is showing signs of an unusual fear of noise, try some of the above techniques to reduce his or her symptoms. More severe noise phobias may require veterinary treatment, which can include medication and training programs.

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Taylor

Normal or Not? – Dogs and UTIs

Posted on February 6th, 2012 by Taylor
sad dog

Is your dog refusing to eat or depressed? The pain caused by UTIs and urinary tract obstructions can cause these symptoms. Image via www.ocawl-spca.org.

Dogs and their bathroom habits: sometimes it’s difficult to tell what’s normal and what’s not. An average adult dog goes to the bathroom two to four times a day. Side effects of medications can sometimes increase this, so talk to your vet if your pooch is exceeding the norm.

 

Causes

A UTI (urinary tract infection) is caused by bacteria in the lower urinary tract, or urethra. E. coli, Staphylococcus, and Proteus are the most common bugs at fault. Dehydration can also lead to contracting a UTI; urinating flushes out toxins in the urinary tract and bladder, and a dehydrated pet will urinate less frequently than normal. When your dog is forced to “hold it” or is not let out enough, there is also a greater chance of bacterial infection. Female dogs have shorter urinary tracts and are so more prone to UTIs.

Symptoms

The first sign that your pet could have a urinary tract infection is more frequent urination. In adult dogs, this is typically classified as more than four times a day. Your dog may also experience urinary incontinence and have “accidents” in the house. Bloody, cloudy, or foul-smelling urine are also signs of a UTI.

If your pet is straining to urinate, this could also be a symptom of a urinary tract obstruction. Your dog may hunch over while urinating. Crying out, refusing to eat, and vomiting may be caused by the pain from an obstruction or infection of the urethra.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Giving your veterinarian a complete history of your pet’s symptoms is the first step to diagnosing the condition. A physical exam, plus a urinalysis, and a blood count, will be performed.

Tests typically can determine the type of bacteria that caused the UTI, and corresponding antibiotics will be prescribed to treat the infection. Your vet may want an x-ray or ultrasonography to be performed to rule out the presence of stones – minerals accumulated in the urethra – or lesions. Don’t forget to submit your claim for these tests, if you have Healthy Paws Pet Insurance for your dog.

Prevention

UTIs can become serious, traveling to and infecting other organs. Letting your dog out two to four times every day, as well as providing them with plenty of water, can help prevent infection. Bathe your dog every month to prevent bacterial infections.

 

Urinary tract infections are a very common occurrence in dogs and are easily treatable if diagnosed early. Give your pet plenty of water and regular bathroom breaks, and keep an eye out for unusual bathroom habits. With prevention and a watchful eye, a loving pet parent can keep their canine safe and infection-free.

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Taylor

Common Illness in Dogs – Hypothyroidism

Posted on February 3rd, 2012 by Taylor
dog sleeping

Has your pooch suddenly began sleeping all day? Lethargy and decreased activity level are signs of hypothyroidism. Image via www.dogs.thefuntimesguide.com.

This condition is caused by a deficiency of a hormone produced by the thyroid gland. This hormone affects your dog’s metabolism – the biochemical process that changes food into energy. Hypothyroidism is not curable, but it is easily manageable. With loving, patient care from a pet parent, a dog diagnosed with hypothyroidism can lead a long, happy life.

 

Causes

There is no virus, bacteria, or parasite that causes hypothyroidism. There are several factors that increase a dog’s risk of developing the disease:

  • Age. Dogs between the ages of four and ten are at a higher risk.
  • Size. If your pet is mid-sized to large, their chances of developing hypothyroidism are heightened.
  • Breed. Some breeds of dogs have been proven to be more likely to acquire the illness, such as Doberman pinschers, Irish setters, golden retrievers, great Danes, dachshunds, miniature schnauzers, boxers, poodles, and cocker spaniels.
  • Gender. Male and female dogs that have been neutered/spayed have been shown to develop hypothyroidism more often.
  • Genetics. In some cases, hypothyroidism can be traced through generations and passed down to offspring.
  • Other illnesses. Thyroid cancer, iodine deficiencies, and post-surgery complications can also contribute to a dog’s chances of contracting hypothyroidism.

Symptoms

There are many outward signs of hypothyroidism; most are either behavioral or affect the animal’s skin and fur. Lethargy and inactivity, weakness, and mental dullness are the most common. When these are coupled with excessive hair loss and shedding, a dry/dull coat, and scaly skin, the diagnosis is most often hypothyroidism. Sudden, unexplained weight gain is the most distinctive symptom.

Diagnosis and Treatment

A thorough physical exam will be performed and a detailed medical history will need to be provided, including onset of symptoms. Diagnostic tests, including blood work, a urinalysis, and several on hormone levels will be run.

Since hypothyroidism cannot be cured, only managed, your dog will need loving care for the rest of their life. Your veterinarian will prescribe medications that contain synthetic thyroid hormones to fill your dog’s deficiency. A diet plan may also be constructed to promote weight loss or prevent obesity; animals with hypothyroidism often find their weight fluctuates quite frequently.

Management

Stick to the medication and diet regimen your vet constructed; never change anything unless directed by your veterinarian. It doesn’t take long for your pooch to return to their old ways.

 

Hypothyroidism is a condition that inhibits your dog’s ability to produce a hormone that controls their metabolism. This can lead to symptoms like obesity and decreased mental function. If you see any of the signs of hypothyroidism, make an appointment with your vet; these can also be indicative of other illnesses. The condition can be easily managed, but it does take life-long care from loving pet parents.

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Taylor

Keep Your Pet Healthy and Your Vet Bills Down

Posted on January 27th, 2012 by Taylor
brushing dogs teeth

Brushing your pet's teeth can greatly reduce their chance of developing painful mouth-related diseases like gum disease and cavities. Image via www.localpethealth.com.

Keeping your cat or dog in good health can have numerous benefits, the most obvious of which is lower or nonexistent vet bills! Some surgeries may be expensive but necessary to repair torn muscles or ligaments; this can put a pet parent in an unpleasant situation – your pet versus your wallet. Fortunately, there are many preventative measures you can take to ensure the continuing wellness of both your bank account and your furry companion.

 

Maintain a healthy weight. According to one pet insurance company, in 2009 policyholders filed over $17 million in obesity-related claims. In the United States, 93 million cats and dogs are overweight or obese – that’s 54% of all pets! If your cat or dog is obese, they’re at an increased risk for developing the following conditions:

  • Diabetes
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Ligament and bone injuries
  • Several types of cancer
  • Decreased life expectancy – up to 2.5 years less
  • Kidney disease
  • Heart and respiratory disease

Brush your pet’s teeth regularly. Taking care of your canine’s canines can help prevent nasty tooth-related illnesses like cavities, ulcers, painful inflammation, gum disease, and abscesses. Daily dental care for both dogs and cats is highly recommended. Getting your pet used to the procedure is the hardest step, but once you develop a routine it becomes no trouble at all! Here are some steps to decrease your pet’s risk of developing tooth-related conditions:

  • Feed your pet dry, hard food. Dry food is less likely to get stuck in crevices between teeth. There are veterinary dentist-recommended foods that also help keep your pet’s chompers clean.
  • Use “toothbrush” treats. There are many types of dog toys and treats that contain substances that clean the teeth as your pet chews on them. Avoid hard toys with an unforgiving surface – your pet could break, chip, or crack a tooth while chewing. Rawhide and rope toys are good options.

Protect your pet with vaccinations. Many illnesses are easily preventable nowadays with the plethora of preventative vaccines available. If you adopted your pet as a puppy or kitten, they should’ve been fully vaccinated. However, some inoculations require booster shots, so it’s best to schedule vet appointments yearly. FeLV (Feline Leukemia), FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus), feline influenza, rabies, feline distemper, canine parvovirus, and hepatitis are all common vaccinations that you should highly consider providing for your pet. In the United States, some core vaccines are required by law, like rabies, so check with your vet.

Spay or neuter your dog or cat. Female pets who are spayed as young animals have lower risks of contracting breast cancer and uterine infections – diseases with survival rates of 50% in dogs and only 10% in cats. Male dogs and cats neutered before they’re six months old have a decreased risk of testicular cancer as well! Spaying and neutering pets can also prevent them from producing litters; puppies and kittens are expensive to care for, especially if you’re not planning on keeping the offspring. Overpopulation is caused by pet parents not spaying and neutering their pets – millions of pets are euthanized in shelters every year because they can’t find loving homes. Neutered male animals are also less likely to run away from home and display aggressive behaviors.

 

Your pet’s health is extremely important – a healthy pet is a happy pet! Keeping your dog or cat in prime physical condition with vaccinations, exercise, spaying/neutering, and dental care can also make your wallet happy. Veterinary care can be expensive and it’s always unfortunate when a pet parent is put into a situation where they’re forced to choose between their pet and their finances. Prevent this situation from arising and use our helpful tips to keep your dog or cat healthful!

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Taylor

Common Illness in Puppies – Hookworms and Roundworms

Posted on January 9th, 2012 by Taylor

Hookworms are a life-threatening parasitic infection common in puppies. Image via www.askspikeonline.com.

These intestinal parasites most commonly affect puppies; their immune systems aren’t fully formed yet. If left untreated, these parasitic worms can cause death due to complications like malnutrition and anemia. With young dogs, it’s extremely important to watch for signs of infection and treat any cases as quickly as possible.

Causes

Both types of parasitic worms can be passed from an infected mother to her pups, either through milk or during the pregnancy. Puppies can also contract the worms by ingesting the eggs from contaminated food, water, vomit, or feces. Hookworm larvae may also penetrate an animal’s skin, infecting it. Entire litters of puppies can become infected with hookworms and roundworms, due to the cramped conditions in birthing dens.

Symptoms

Dogs infested with hookworms will appear malnourished and have poor eating habits. Nostrils, ears, and lips may appear pale, along with dark, tarry stool, diarrhea, and constipation. If the parasite has migrated into the lungs, a hacking cough will be present. Sudden death can occur if the infection becomes too severe.

Roundworm infections manifest as a variety of symptoms. Lethargy, anorexia, and colic may be present, as well as abdominal swelling, vomiting, and abnormal feces. When roundworm larvae have infected the lungs, the dog may exhibit a hacking cough.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Your vet will require a detailed description of your dog’s symptoms, including onset, frequency, and any abnormalities in behavior or stool. A physical exam will take place to search for symptoms like abdominal swelling and pale membranes. Bring a sample of your dog’s stool to your appointment; dead parasites are usually passed out in fecal matter, and tests will be performed as well.

Deworming medications will be prescribed, depending on the type of parasite. You may need to provide your puppy with additional nutritional supplements, depending on the severity of the infection. Rarely, puppies may require hospitalization for severe hookworm infections; this treatment entails oxygen and fluid therapies. In extreme cases of roundworm infestation, surgery will be needed to remove the worms.

Management and Prevention

Follow-up vet appointments will be required to determine if treatment is working; parasites can be tricky to get rid of, as larvae must be destroyed as well as adult worms. Thoroughly wash and bleach all food and water bowls and any areas the puppies came into contact with.

There are no vaccines for hookworms or roundworms, but keeping birthing areas clean can greatly reduce your puppies’ chances of contracting the parasites. Avoid having standing water near young puppies, as hookworms tend to lay their eggs near it. Watch young puppies closely for any changes in feeding and bathroom habits; quick treatment can save a dog’s life.

 

Parasites are dangerous to young animals, and tricky to get rid of. Adult worms lay their larvae inside the infected dog’s lungs and intestines, leading to nasty coughing, weight loss, and diarrhea. Keep a close eye on your puppy, as postponing treatment can lead to death.

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Taylor

Common Illness in Dogs – Food Allergies and Intolerances

Posted on January 6th, 2012 by Taylor

Could your dog's itching be caused by a foot allergy or intolerance? Image via www.the-happy-dog-spot.com.

With all the mysterious ingredients in pet foods nowadays, allergic reactions and intolerances are very common. Intolerances to food are different than allergies; the ingredient may not agree with the animal’s digestive system, but doesn’t invoke an immune response. Additives like wheat, corn, coloring, and dairy products aren’t what you’d normally consider to be dog food, but they’re all in there. Learn how to recognize the symptoms of food allergies and intolerances and what to do if you think your dog may have one.

Causes

Just like environmental allergies, food allergies are caused by antibodies in the dog’s intestines overreacting to a particular allergen, leading to a histamine response – this reaction is what causes the visible symptoms. Dogs can be lactose, wheat, and soy intolerant just like humans. Food allergies and intolerances aren’t influenced by gender, breed, size, or even age; dogs can develop them at any point in their lives.

A particular ingredient in their food causes the immune reaction. The following are – in order – the most common problem foods:

  • Beef
  • Dairy products
  • Chicken
  • Lamb
  • Fish
  • Chicken eggs
  • Corn
  • Wheat
  • Soy

Symptoms

Allergies and intolerances have many of the same symptoms, but very different internal responses. Allergies are caused by the immune system; antibodies within the digestive system can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive flatulence. Diarrhea, weight loss, vomiting, abdominal pain, excessive flatulence, and anorexia due to food intolerance occur because of the inability to digest the food.

Skin conditions are also a large part of allergies and intolerances. Histamines can prompt your dog’s skin to erupt in painful, itchy hives, plaques, pustules, scales, sores, and wheals, as well as cause hyperpigmentation and a leathery, bark-like texture. As an effect of the itchiness, the dog will scratch and irritate the skin, sometimes to the point of baldness and bleeding. Bacterial and fungal infections can arise from the open sores, so it’s extremely important to seek veterinary attention if your pet has any uncovered wounds.

Diagnosis and Treatment

A physical exam will be performed by the vet, as well as blood and urine tests to rule out any underlying diseases. A thorough history of the symptoms and any changes in your dog’s diet will also be needed in order to diagnose your pet.

A food elimination diet for four to thirteen weeks is the only effective way to treat food allergies and intolerances. Your vet will choose a generic food that your dog has not had access to before. It’s extremely important to stick to only this food – no treats or table scraps.

Management

If the elimination diet was successful, stick to a vet-recommended food that doesn’t contain the trigger. Make sure you carefully read the ingredients on treats, vitamins, chewable toys, and medications, checking that they are clean. Inform all family members of the new diet to ensure there are no slip-ups. Don’t feed your dog table scraps unless you are absolutely sure they do not contain the allergen.

 

Food allergies and intolerances are very common among dogs; they account for roughly 20% of all excessive scratching! See a vet if your dog’s itching becomes so severe that it causes bleeding, rawness, or baldness. Any diarrhea or vomiting warrants a vet appointment as well, as these can be symptoms of other diseases. If your vet recommends a specific diet, it’s extremely important to stick to it; allergies are often progressive, and symptoms can worsen with each feeding of the allergen.

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Pet insurance policies from Healthy Paws Pet Insurance are administered and/or issued by Healthy Paws Pet Insurance, LLC and/or Affinity Insurance Services, Inc./ Aon Affinity Insurance Services, Inc and underwritten by Markel Corporation, an 'A' rated insurer for long-term financial strength and stability.
Please refer to the Sample Policy for complete details of coverage and exclusions. © 2010-<%=DateTime.Today.Year %> Healthy Paws Pet Insurance. Healthy Paws Pet Insurance is a registered trademark. All rights reserved.