Posts Tagged veterinarian
Allergies in Dogs can Triggers Skin Infections Commonly Called ‘Hot Spots’
Posted by dogs@strollers in Dog Strollers on May 30, 2010
The dog’s skin is the largest organ of the body, yet there is a very limited number of ways in which it responds to trauma. “Hot Spots” or acute moist dermatitis are locations on the dog’s skin caused by the dog’s itching, biting and scratching and can often appear rather suddenly. A lot of these spots may become pretty large and can develop anyplace on the dog. I see it typically in the spring time once the temperatures are warmer as well as the humidity is high. The dogs with the thick undercoat, including Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers and rottweilers are vulnerable to developing these types of areas on their face and neck. Frequently, areas discovered at the base of the tail are very likely resulting from fleas since fleas love to gather in these spots. Some dogs are so allergic to fleas, the bite of one flea is sufficient to cause the dog to itch all over. Almost any trauma can begin the process which the dog then exacerbates by nonstop chewing and licking which often creates a vicious cycle and causes the hot spot to spread.
The dog ordinarily has bacteria that lives on their skin and as long as the skin is healthy, the bacteria hardly ever trigger any complications. But when a problem occurs, say for example a fleabite, cut or allergies, the dog begins to lick, bite, chew and scratch which often disrupts the protective layer of the skin. When that occurs, the bacteria on the skin, in addition to the germs in the mouth, setup housekeeping in the skin. This results in a quickly spreading infection which can be rather painful. The area on the skin is red, raw and seems moist because the wound oozes serum and pus. The hair then mats down over the wound and the infection then spreads beneath the hair.
A trip to the veterinarian is often called for. Frequently the fur will have to be clipped off to stop the spread of the infection. Sometimes, these hot spots are so painful, the dog may need to be sedated in order to have the region cleansed and shaved. Antibiotics are given to manage the infection and follow-up antibiotics are sent home. Sprays, ointments and medicated shampoos are often prescribed to continue treatment at home.. For some dogs, a special collar may be used that will prevent the dog from chewing at the places.
The particular root cause of the insult should also be tackled. If fleas are present, then year round flea control might be prescribed.(over the counter flea control is not recommended) Pollen, food, and other allergens can also precipitate an attack. Oftentimes special diets with essential fatty acids and a novel protein source for instance salmon, lamb or venison might be recommended to help heal the skin. Blood and skin tests can be preformed to help discover what the dog is allergic to and special allergy injections or prescription diets can be given.
Check your dog daily for itchy spots and use flea control suggested by your veterinarian year round to help you avert hot spots due to flea allergies. Daily grooming and brushing can keep mats from developing. If your dog is itching continuously, get him to the veterinarian to address the itching before the infection can manifest.
Dog Friendly Travel
Posted by dogstrollers in Dog Cages on July 20, 2009
- Image via Wikipedia
Hope you enjoy this great article from Maurice Aguirre who is an Examiner from Dallas. Travelling with your dog has many pitfalls but Maurice gives some great advice on how to travel successfully.
Many people get nervous when they have to travel with their pets, but traveling with your dog can be a very rewarding experience for both of you.
If you are planning a trip by car, the first thing you need to do is to get your dog used to riding in the car. The best way to do this is to take short trips in town to places such as pet stores, the dog park, or other places that are fun for your dog. He will learn that car trips mean great fun and you will experience much less of a hassle when traveling longer distances.
Another thing you need to do is decide how your dog will travel in the car. If your dog is crate trained, and your vehicle is large enough, you may want to consider crating him during car travel. This will help prevent him from roaming around the car and offer some protection in case of an accident. Bringing your dog’s crate with you will also help keep your dog safe and happy once you arrive at your destination. Many people choose to use other forms of restraint, such as canine seatbelts. These products usually hook on to a harness as well as your car’s seatbelt. You can choose which seat to put your dog in. He will remain restrained in that seat just as you are in yours. Canine seatbelts offer excellent protection in the event of an accident.
For those of you who prefer to keep your dog loose in the car, you may want to consider installing a divider of some sort. There are metal dividers and mesh dividers available for all budgets. These devices allow for your dog to have some roaming space in the back of the vehicle while keeping him from interfering with your driving. Whichever way you prefer to travel, it’s best to have a plan well in advance of a trip to get your dog used to the method of restraint you will be using.
The next thing to consider is what supplies you will need to bring with you. Make sure your dog has plenty of water available to him at all times. You may not be able to find clean, drinkable water available at rest stops along the way, so it is very important to have an ample supply of your own. Some dogs will drink directly from bottles, but if your dog does not, make sure you have a bowl available for your dog to drink from. If your dog will be crated, you can purchase a water bottle that attaches to his crate, just like those used to water small animals like gerbils. You will also want to make sure that you have an ample supply of food. Dogs’ digestive systems get used to their regular food. You do not want to run the risk of not being able to find his usual food, otherwise you may be dealing with loose stool or vomiting.
You will also want to make sure that you bring favorite toys to help keep your dog occupied on the road and when you arrive at your destination. It’s always a good idea to bring your veterinary records with you as well. Some places that you may stay require up to date records proving vaccination history. If your dog should happen to get sick, you will also need your records. Some states require health certificates for interstate travel so it is very important to check with your veterinarian if you will need one of these prior to traveling. Having your dog microchipped prior to travel in case he should lose his tags is a great way to ensure his safety.
Make sure to take frequent potty breaks along the way as sometimes the motion of the car and stress of traveling will make your dog need to go more often than usual. He will also need to stretch his legs frequently, just as you will.
If you will be staying in a hotel during your travels, make sure in advance that they will allow dogs. There are many resources on the internet that will help you find dog friendly accommodations.
Some dogs will get stressed out during travel. If this has been your experience in the past, make sure you talk with your veterinarian prior to travel. There are medications available to help calm your dog during events such as long car trips.
By following this advice and the advice of your veterinarian, you can be assured that your travel experience will be a great one for both you and your dog.
Have you travelled with your dog recently, please tell us about your experience in the comments below?
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What Do You Do When Vacation Time Comes Around?
Posted by dogstrollers in Puppy Supplies on April 13, 2009
This is a common problem – take the dog on vacation with you or put into a kennel for the duration.
Travel plans now commonly include pets: We don’t like leaving them behind and they can heighten the fun of experiencing new places or visiting old friends. But before you get caught up in the current acceptability of pets in public places, take a moment to consider if travel really suits your pet. Then plan carefully to accommodate your pet’s safety and special needs, and be sure to set aside quality time for your pet both while you’re traveling and after you reach your destination.
Yours may be a seasoned and enthusiastic traveler, but many pets, especially cats, are nervous passengers. Leaving them in the care of a conscientious pet sitter or even boarding them at a reputable kennel may be kinder than subjecting them to the anxiety they may experience during travel.
Unless you have a small dog or cat that can, by prearranged permission, ride with you on a plane, car travel is best for pets (see “Creature Comforts,” below). The Humane Society of the United States discourages air transport for pets, but if this is your only option, book a direct flight and ask to watch the loading and unloading of the crate from the cargo section of the plane. Short-nosed dogs are especially at risk since breathing can be a bigger effort for them than for longer-nosed canines, so consult your veterinarian beforehand. (Amtrak and Greyhound do not allow pets other than service animals.)
Many dogs love riding in cars, and safety harnesses now exist for them. Don’t let them hang their heads out of windows, and do not let them ride in the open bed of a pickup truck — it is illegal in some states, not to mention extremely dangerous should you hit a bump or make a sudden stop. Protect pets from rain, heat, or cold. In cars, cats should be crated, for their safety as well as comfort. Any dog or cat crate should allow enough room for the animal to stand and turn around comfortably. It’s a good idea to take your pet on a test run — a short excursion — before attempting a major road trip.
A few rules of the road: Always have identification on your pet; include address and phone number of your home as well as your destination. Make water available. Never leave your pet alone in a car — even with the windows cracked, temperatures can soar quickly, and people steal pets with heartbreaking frequency. Avoid giving pets a heavy meal just before traveling, especially if they’re prone to carsickness. Give dogs a relief stop every few hours, and always leash them on these short walks. Even a well-trained dog can become startled or confused or might make other travelers uncomfortable. Consideration for other travelers will help ensure that all of us will be able to include pets in future travels.
Travel has become more complicated for everyone. But pets and their owners deserve safety and peace of mind while experiencing the world away from home. What better way to enjoy it than with our best friends as companions?
Creature Comforts
The Humane Society of the United States offers information on traveling with pets, including legal regulations. Check its Website, hsus.org/ace, or call (202) 452-1100. Thousands of hotels accept pets, but many have restrictions; be sure to check ahead.
Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Vacationing with Pets
Does Your Dog’s Diet Include Fiber?
Posted by dogstrollers in Dog Doctors on March 24, 2009
Does your dog’s diet include fiber?
We know the benefits of fiber in our own diet, but are there any benefits of having fiber in a dog’s diet? Fiber was once just considered filler and bulk in year’s past, but today, the nutritional value of fiber in a dog’s diet has been finally realized.
What exactly is fiber? It is a part of the carbohydrate family and is not easily digestible by the body. Your dog’s diet can benefit from fiber in appropriate amounts. Just like humans, too much fiber in a diet can have negative effects on the digestive system. It is always important to monitor your dog’s diet to maintain a healthy level of fiber to suit your pet’s needs. Talk to your veterinarian about the benefits of fiber in your dog’s diet.
Too often, pet’s become overweight and having Fiber in your dog’s diet is a terrific way to help your pet lose excess weight. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial to the longevity and quality of your dog’s life. We know that fiber cannot accomplish weight loss on its own, but it can really make a difference as Fiber helps to keep your dog feeling full and content without the intake of large amounts of calories.
By combining fiber with strict portion control, you will be able to create a dog diet that is healthy and satisfying for your pet.
Again, similar to humans, constipation also occurs in pets. Your dog’s diet should contain fiber to help prevent this medical condition from occurring. As your dog ages, his or her diet should contain elevated levels of fiber. Senior dogs tend to have more issues with constipation and more frequently than their younger counterparts. For this reason, having a higher fiber content in senior dog diets is very important.
How does fiber help keep things moving? Fiber absorbs water, and because of the absorption of water by the fiber, the contents in the intestine have more bulk. This is what causes the movement along the intestinal tract and means that the passage time through the bowel becomes more normalized and regular.
Healthy amounts of fiber in your dog’s diet will contribute to fecal consistency. You will know when your pet is getting the proper amount of fiber when your dog relieves himself regularly. Too much fiber in your dog’s diet will result in loose and messy stools.
Some studies indicate that a slight increase in fiber can assist in the management of diabetes mellitus. The fiber helps to control blood sugar levels by slowing the absorption of sugar from the intestine.
Also remember that excessive amounts of fiber can have negative affects on your dog’s health. For this reason, it is important to buy high-quality dog food from reputable companies to ensure a healthy diet for your dog. Good sources of fiber in your dog’s diet include beet pulp, soybean hulls, rice bran, apple and tomato pomace, and peanut hulls. Grains such as oats and rice are examples of indigestible fiber.
Fiber does have benefits in your dog’s diet when used in proper amounts so talking with your vet will ensure that your dog receives the correct levels and maintains excellent health.
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