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Archive for November, 2009

Hip Dysplasia in Dogs – An Arthritic Condition

Posted on 30-11-09, under PET. No Comments

Dog arthritis can be due to a number of causes, chief among them congenital abnormalities, injuries and of course, the effects of the aging process. Even minor injuries can result in arthritis in dogs. Certain conditions, such as hip dysplasia are more common in some dogs than others and this predisposition can also indicate a higher likelihood of arthritis in dogs. Of course, older dogs who have never suffered an injury may develop the ailment as they get older.

The most common dog arthritis is osteoarthritis which is a degenerative disease in the joints where the cartilage will need remodeling, and then the new bone causes the arthritis. The dog arthritis symptoms are usually a gradual onset of limpness in the limbs. In other words lameness will result to where the dog finds it difficult to walk. Most often a dog will also be less likely to be active such as walks, playing, or even going up stairs.

Dog arthritis begins as a gradual limpness in the affected limb or limbs and may progress to lameness. An advanced case will reveal itself as a dog that is less active in play, on walks and generally has difficulty walking. The stiffness and pain are more likely to be pronounced in the morning or after a nap – when the dog has been sleeping in the same position for some time. During the day when the dog is most active, the pain is generally minimal.

A dog afflicted with arthritis will tend to feel pain if their limbs are touched near to where the joint is inflamed. There is usually swelling as well, but this will not normally be visible to the naked eye.

Dogs with arthritis can be treated with medications which are available to help manage the inflammation. However, a lot of dog owners prefer to take a more natural route for the treatment of their pet’s dog arthritis. In a lot of cases, these treatments are more effective for the animal. The most popular natural remedies for arthritis in dogs are Glucosamine and MSM. Many experts believe MSM, Glucosamine and Chondroitin to be the three essential ingredients in a dog arthritis treatment regimen.

Glucosamine is naturally occurring in the body (it is an amino sugar). The process of aging tends to reduce the body’s capacity to produce this important sugar. Not found in any important food source, Glucosamine can be derived from the shells of shellfish. Its anti-inflammatory properties can be helpful in treating osteoarthritis both in humans and in animals.

In many cases, a change in diet may be sufficient to alleviate arthritis in dogs. Some arthritic conditions will respond to this step in conjunction with exercise. Obesity can be a factor in the development of arthritis; by keeping the animal at a healthy weight, the aches and pains of arthritis can be taken away, as well as keeping the dog in a better overall state of health.

For some dogs, arthritis remedies must be used in conjunction with a change in the animal’s diet to best treat the symptoms of dog arthritis.

To find out about arthritis in dogs and how to treat dog arthritis, you will find premier information , as well as how to purchase dog arthritis glucosamine online, at www.HealthyHappyDogs.com

Proper Veterinary Care For Older Dogs

Posted on 30-11-09, under PET. No Comments

When it comes to the need for medical attention, your pooch is like a human. As a puppy, he needed vaccinations and frequent check-ups. When he became an adult, routine exams were still important, but could be performed less frequently. As he grows older, his need for ongoing veterinary care becomes greater. His health – and by extension, his happiness – is heavily dependent upon the prevention of diseases, and early treatment in the event they are diagnosed.

Because canines are living longer, it is more important than ever for owners to arrange for their veterinary care. Below, we’ll provide a brief overview of the types of services and examinations older pooches need from their veterinarians.

Weight Control And Nutrition Advice

Weight and nutrition play key roles in your canine’s long-term health. One of the most prevalent conditions that have afflicted dogs over the last ten years is obesity. Left unchecked, it can lead to joint pain and long-term health issues.

Your veterinarian can help design a meal and exercise program that will help you control your pooch’s weight while making sure he receives the vitamins and nutrients he needs. If necessary, the vet can recommend supplements to compensate for any nutritional deficiencies.

Medical History And Physical Examination

A key to effective veterinary care is to start a medical history on your dog as soon as possible. That way, the vet can track symptoms and identify the onset of any health-related problems.

Periodic physical exams are an integral part of compiling this history. Normally, adult canines should undergo a full examination once per year. As your pooch grows older, your veterinarian may suggest he undergo exams twice or even three times per year. This is especially true if your dog suffers any serious health conditions that require regular monitoring.

Other Types Of Exams

Your vet will examine your canine’s teeth, gums, and mouth during the course of a routine physical examination. This can help prevent gum disease and other dental issues. If your pooch is unaccustomed to having his mouth opened by someone, he may need to be sedated.

Another important examination that your veterinarian will perform is a rectal exam. This too, is a regular component of the physical exam. The vet will take a look at your dog’s colon and prostate (in the case of a male). The lymph nodes and urinary tract should also be examined.

As canines age, they become more susceptible to problems that inflict their eyes. For example, they can develop cataracts and glaucoma. Your veterinarian will want to examine your pooch’s eyes in order to identify such issues early – before they can cause permanent vision impairment.

There are several additional services that your vet may want to perform to help ensure the long-term health of your dog. These might include treatment for parasites and heartworms, urinalysis, thyroid testing, blood pressure testing, and a complete blood count. In the end, trust the veterinarian and follow his or her recommendations. By doing so, you’ll help your four-legged friend live a long and happy life.

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Dog Heart Disease

Posted on 30-11-09, under PET. No Comments

In the event that your dog has a heart murmur, it indicates an abnormal amount of blood flow within the heart of your canine. This can be due to a change in your dog’s heart valves and their function or a number of other possible causes. There may be an abnormal communication better the left and the right side of your pup’s heart and this can lead to your dog having a heart murmur. There may be a variety of reasons for this. They may either be acquired or congenital. This usually means that the heart was affected after your pooch was born due to disease or age. There are two types of heart murmurs in dogs. The first is what is called a benign heart murmur and does not concern your dog’s health. On the other hand, it may be a serious heart murmur which may indicate congestive heart failure in dogs.

Dog heart murmur symptoms may include the following: coughing, bluish tinge to the tongue or gums, fainting, poor exercise ability and labored breathing. Some of these symptoms are suggestive to other health issues that your dog may have. However, the symptoms are similar between benign heart murmurs and the more severe kinds. If you are concerned about your dog’s health in the least you should consult your veterinarian. A few of these symptoms may be missed which includes a bluish tinge to the gums and poor exercise ability. If you suspect that your dog has any dog heart murmur symptoms, development of congestive heart failure or canine heart disease, contact your vet right away for an accurate diagnosis.

There are certain symptoms that indicate your dog may have serious health problems. The best way to identify the source and severity of a dog’s heart murmur is to have your dog thoroughly checked out by a veterinarian. However, additional testing may be necessary which may include a heart ultrasound, EKG, blood testing and chest x-rays. The ultrasound may be particularly beneficial because your veterinarian can measure the extent of your dog’s heart murmur. It will define whatever the cause of the underlying heart disease may be. It is vitally important to have the cause of your dog’s heart condition diagnosed because there are some cases where heart murmurs are treatable either by medication or surgery. Of course, you have to find out beforehand just how expensive various treatments may be so you won’t be surprised by an abnormally high vet bill. You may be surprised at the prices some vets may charge.

If your canine has a congenital heart murmur, then surgery may be necessary. On the other hand, you may have to give your pooch certain types of medication as non-congenital heart murmurs are often an underlying symptom of congestive heart failure in dogs. You will not be sure exactly what to do until you have consulted with the right veterinarian and have been given advice as to your dog’s health. You should not leave symptoms like these unchecked due to the fact that not every heart murmur is benign and there could be serious changes occurring in your dog’s heart.

It is very important that you share any questions or concerns with your vet especially when it comes to your pooch’s lifestyle and physical condition. If the diagnosis from your general veterinarian does not suit you, perhaps you should seek out a specialist for your dog. You could either go to an internist or a veterinary cardiologist. These vets have specialized training and they probably have a great deal of expertise in this field and other issues that you may have with your dog.

For information on dog heart murmur symptoms, dog heart disease of various types, and congestive heart failure in dogs, you will find a great information resource at HealthyHappyDogs.com

Scarlet cleaner shrimp – A Guide Concerning The Scarlet Cleaner Shrimp

Posted on 30-11-09, under PET. No Comments

The many regularly offered ornamental shrimp in the marine tank trade is indisputably the scarlet cleaner shrimp. They are largely collected from the Indo-Pacific and Sri Lanka.

Many people involved in the saltwater aquarium hobby have had a few cleaner shrimps in the past or currently. Due to their frequent nature, they are one of the cheaper shrimp on the market. A very hardy shrimp, it adapts exceedingly well to captive conditions.

They are called cleaner shrimp for their behavior in the wild. They clean other fishes of parasites by crawling over their bodies and picking them off. This detail makes them safe from many fishes that would otherwise eat such a small shrimp. However, this isn’t always the case. Fishes that are acknowledged to eat cleaner shrimps are cat sharks, triggerfish and lionfish.

When a fish recognizes a cleaner shrimp they will commonly remain immobile next to the shrimp for a clean up. This behavior is replicated in the saltwater tank, making them an outstanding addition.

Cleaner shrimps are mostly carnivores that will eat everything meaty. Several convenient choices include flake foods, sinking pellets in addition to frozen foods. If it manages to catch any amphipods or munnid isopods they become tasty treats. A top pellet brand to offer is those produced by newlife spectrum. But the cleaner shrimp are not finicky, they will eat many types of pellets offered. Ensure it is fed a good mix of food for variety.

Countless hobbyists in addition to companies have successfully bred the cleaner shrimp. It is moderately uncomplicated to pair two shrimp. Simply introduce two specimens into the same tank and wait. They are hermaphrodites that are able to change sex depending on to the situation. That means any two have the capability to pair up and mate.

Spawning takes place in captivity with great regularity. Raising the larvae is demanding and requires good water quality and the suitable food such as baby brine shrimp. However, the costs involved in breeding the cleaner shrimp means that many companies do not look into breeding them all that frequently. The task is left to smaller breeders and hobbyists.

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Dog Insurance is a Sensible Precaution

Posted on 30-11-09, under PET. No Comments

Most dog owners never consider dog insurance until they’re faced with a large veterinary bill. And the fact is that you can never foresee when you’ll need to seek veterinary care, or how much it will cost. Not infrequently, a visit to the vet to treat an injury or an unexpected illness can cost hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars. Ouch!

How easy would it be your dog or puppy to break his leg? It happens every day, regardless if these pets stay indoors or are allowed to roam free in the yard. And can you guess how much it will cost you out-of-pocket? The average veterinarian costs for a broken bone is around $900. The monthly premium for dog insurance is pennies compared to such an expense for medical care.

Dog Insurance Options

As with any type of insurance, dog insurance types vary from company to company. Some label their products as pet assurance, as opposed to pet insurance, but it’s pretty much the same type of cover. Either way, you can expect most dog health insurance plans to provide coverage for the following:

Spaying/Neutering: Unless you are a serious breeder then it is only ethical that you have your dog spayed or neutered. Your dog health insurance plan may cover up to 100% of the cost. And remember, having your dog fixed helps keep animal population under control and reduces the chances of dogs roaming the streets looking for a mate, often resulting in injuries due to fighting or other accidents.

Prescription Flea Control: Many over-the-counter flea control products do not work on every dog. Fleas are not only a nuisance to your pet, they can also cause warms and serious skin conditions. Dog insurance plans may be able to cover the costs of more potent, prescription-only flea control products.

Annual Veterinary Examination: This is essential for all dogs, even if you think your dog is in peak health. The annual checkup can identify illness and disease before it progresses into something much worse, so that treatment can start at the earliest opportunity. Many dog insurance policies cover the annual veterinary examination costs.

Heartworm Medication: If you forget your heartworm prevention meds, your dog may contract heartworm. This condition is more prevalent than most people realize. And it’s expensive to treat. Your dog health insurance plan is likely to cover this cost also.

Lab Costs: Blood tests and other lab work is covered by most dog health insurance plans. You never know when your vet may want to order blood work – especially if serious diseases are suspected, such as diabetes or heartworm.

Teeth Cleaning: Some dogs need their teeth cleaned under anaesthetic on a semi-regular basis. Other dogs may never need this procedure. But how do you know? Your dog may need his/her teeth cleaned, and if you have dog insurance, you’ll probably be covered for this.

Hospitalization Costs: As mentioned previously, accidents do happen and should your dog suffer a broken leg or get diagnosed with a serious illness, the high fees of hospitalization time can be enormous. Instead of paying thousands of dollars out of your pocket, you can be worry-free knowing that these fees are taken care of by your dog insurance coverage.

For dog insurance info and its alternatives, choose a cheap dog insurance to suit your budget.

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