Name: Joyce
Pets species and breed: Cocker Spaniel
Pets age and weight: 3 years (?), 33 pounds
Pets health status: Good
Are they spayed or neutered? Yes
Brand of food: Evangers & Pure Vita
Animal owned for: 1 year (rescue dog)
Question:
When Mugsy first came to live with me, he had problems with diet. He would go off his feed and then get softer and softer bowl movements (not really diarrhea), and then a bloody plug type thing. After that he would gradually eat better and feel better. Since putting him on Evangers and Pure Vita, he has been fine.
I am concerned about the tear staining. I have read the pros and cons regarding Angel Eyes, and I don”t know what to do. Would his history of dietary problems indicate a possible problem with Tylosan? Is the staining caused by a yeast infection? Or does it indicate that his tear ducts need to be opened?
I don”t want to do anything that would hurt him, but I sure would like to clear up the problem.
Thanks, Joyce
Answer:
Hi Joyce–I am glad to here Mugsy’s digestive troubles have resolved! It is important to determine the reason for tear staining. Normally tears flow over the surface of the eye and into the tear duct in the corner of the eyelids. The problems can be:
Excess tear production. For example, if the eye is experiencing irritation–from an allergy, foreign particle or an abnormal eyelid or eyelash–the eye tries to protect itself by producing more tears. The normal drainage system is overwhelmed and tears spill out and leads to stains.
Abnormal eye drainage system. Cocker Spaniels commonly experience eyelid abnormalities (ectropion, entropion), eyelash problems or blockages of the tear ducts which can result in tears spilling out instead of draining properly. Any previous trauma or scarring of the eyelids can also block normal drainage. Some pets are just born with a defective drainage system.
It is important to see your veterinarian to determine if there is an underlying eye problem before beginning a “tear stain” removal treatment. Many times eyelid or eyelash abnormalities can be fixed or the ducts flushed and the problem resolves naturally. Hope this helps.
Dr. Donna Spector
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K9 Cuisine is a provider of premium dog food. We’re committed to providing our customers with the knowledge, and the products, to help their faithful friends be the best they can be.
There’s a great deal you can do to prevent injury and provide basic medical care for your dog right at home. However, sometimes a sick dog has to go to the vet. This guide will give you an idea of how to tell the difference between an emergency situation that requires the expertise of a veterinarian and something that you can go to your kitchen cabinet to find a remedy. Ready to get started?
Let’s begin by going over the symptoms that require immediate professional care:
Difficulty breathing: noisy respiration, blue tongue, gasping for breath
Bleeding that does not stop from any part of the body. Apply pressure with a clean cloth and go!
Bloated or distended abdomen or swollen or painful abdomen with or without vomiting
Inability to urinate or move bowels but continues to try or has bloody stool or urine or painful defecation or urination
Heatstroke: heavy panting, extreme weakness, body temperature about 104 degrees
Inability to deliver puppies or kittens, labor contractions for longer than one hour or more than 15 minutes of labor with the fetus or membrane showing.
Loss of balance or consciousness or seizure, including: tremors, coma, staggering, convulsions, sudden blindness, tilting of the head, biting at imaginary objects, sudden changes in disposition such as unusual withdrawal or out-of-character aggressiveness
Pain, severe or continuous
Major trauma, injury, or shock from falls, vehicle accidents, wounds, cuts, broken bones. Signs to look for: weakness, collapse, shallow breathing, rapid heartbeat, bewildered appearance, dilated pupils
Ingested poison. Bring the container of the product or a list of ingredients if you have it
Penetrating wounds anywhere on the body, but especially in the chest or abdomen
Vomiting or diarrhea with blood or violent episodes
Lameness and cannot bear any weight on the leg
If your pet has any of the above symptoms, you need to seek a vet immediately! Stay tuned for Part II on Over-The-Counter Medications You Can Give Your Pet.
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This information was provided by Susan Hartzler with AlphaDog PR, which is based in Los Angeles and a chosen resource for editors, producers, writers and reporters. Alpha Dog PR is dedicated to providing the media with the most up-to-the-minute information about the rapidly growing pet industry. For more information, please visit www.alphadogpr.com or call (818) 998-6299.
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K9 Cuisine is a provider of premium dog food. We’re committed to providing our customers with the knowledge, and the products, to help their faithful friends be the best they can be.
We are already quite aware of the threat that fleas and ticks pose to our dogs and cats. But what about bed bugs? Are our family pets at risk from those pesky bed bugs that occasionally infest a family member and their bedding or clothes?
We were recently called to the aid of a local city housing authority that was dealing with a huge and long-standing problem: a 150-apartment low-income housing complex had become completely infested with bed bugs. The city agency was evacuating all of the residents, including the pets, prior to a massive fumigation effort, and the city wanted to ensure all of the resident’s cats and dogs were free from bed bugs prior to moving to nearby temporary quarters as the housing complex infestation was resolved.
Doing some quick research, I discovered that bed bugs are extremely similar to fleas. Fleas do not have wings but have a characteristic jumping movement that enables them to move. Bed bugs don’t jump or fly but instead crawl. Both feed on mammals. Both avoid light. Bed bugs often attack humans while they sleep (in the dark) then escape to cracks and crevices during the day, only to return the next night to feed again. Fleas, on the other hand, may remain on their host, buried deep down in clumps of hair. Both are blood-sucking insects that cause significant irritation to the host. Fleas can carry disease; bed bugs do not. Severe infestations can lead to acute anemia due to the continual blood loss from these blood-suckers.
Okay, so how would we attack any bed bugs we encountered? Additional research found that Neem oil products were recommended to rid dogs and cats of both fleas and bed bugs. Beautiful. We already had a Neem oil product in our inventory: Nature’s Specialties Quick Relief Neem shampoo. Neem oil is a terrific holistic herb that contributes to a strong immune system, healthy skin, healthy teeth, and shinier coat.
So armed with knowledge about bed bugs and our stock of Neem shampoo, we arrived at the housing complex to find eleven dogs and cats in line for treatment. We visually examined each pet prior to treatment, looking for signs of fleas and bed bugs using a very-finely-toothed flea comb (see picture). Common areas for fleas (and perhaps bed bugs) to congregate are the neck area, the area just forward of the tail, and the groin area. Combing thru the coat we carefully inspected what debris the comb removed. We did indeed find either bed bugs or fleas on the majority of the eleven pets. Jackpot!
We shampooed each dog and cat with the Neem product, leaving the product on for several minutes, and thoroughly rinsed the pet. Kiss the bed bugs gone. In addition to ridding the dog and cat of the insects, the shampoo also soothes any existing bugs bites.
Note: while the Neem shampoo will eliminate any fleas and bed bugs (and ticks) on the pet, its effect is short-lived. To prevent re-infestation, pets should be provided with any of a variety of preventive or treatments such as Frontline Plus or Advantage.
The resulting score of our day’s venture at the housing complex: Pets 11, Bed Bugs 0.
K9 Cuisine is a provider of premium dog food. We’re committed to providing our customers with the knowledge, and the products, to help their faithful friends be the best they can be.
We all enjoy a snack between meals, either as a treat or to give us an energy boost to get through the rest of the day. Our dogs also enjoy a little snack at times, and sharing our treats is a great way of showing him affection. Just as we try and choose a healthy alternative to snack on, we should make sure our dog’s snacks are good for him.
There are some snacks that are a definite no-no for our dogs. Chocolate is quite toxic to them, it contains theobromine which, if given in large enough amounts, can cause depression, vomiting, seizures and even death. Even so called dog chocolate contains theobromine, so it’s not safe either. Choose carob treats for your dog, and keep those yummy chocolate snacks for yourself.
Grapes and sultanas are great for us to nibble on but they’re potentially deadly for our dogs. They can cause acute kidney failure, which is often fatal. Not all dogs are adversely affected by grapes, but there’s no way of telling if your dog will become ill if he eats them. As few as six sultanas can be enough to make a dog sick. To be safe, never feed your dog grapes or sultanas.
Fortunately there are healthy snack alternatives for your dog. Vegetables are by far the healthiest option. Gently steamed pieces of carrot, or other diced vegetables are tasty and fat free.
Dogs love chopped hot dogs and sausages, and these are fine in small amounts. They do however have a high fat content, and if you’re not careful, they’ll contribute to your dog’s expanding waistline.
Dried liver is a tasty favorite, and is very lean, however your dog can have too much of a good thing. Feeding your dog too much liver will lead to excess vitamin A intake, which can cause depression, weight loss and a dull coat.
Wherever you choose to purchase your dog treats, read the labels carefully. Treats that are labeled as “low fat” often contain lots of sugar. The result is the same – too many calories.
If you’re handy in the kitchen, you may want to bake your own dog snacks. That way, you’ll know exactly what the ingredients are, and you know they’re fresh. There are many recipe books for dogs available, so you’re sure to find a snack that your dog will enjoy.
The main risk when it comes to giving your dog snacks is the quantity. Dogs are the same as people, and they’re very much at risk of obesity and the associated health problems.
If you avoid the obviously dangerous snacks, then the only rule you need to follow is “everything in moderation”. Your dog can have little bits of hot dogs, and liver, and vegetables, as well as your delicious home bake. Just don’t give him too much, and he’ll stay lean and healthy.
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This guest post is brought to you be Dog Fence DIY’s staff veterinarian Dr. Susan Wright. Dog Fence DIY will help you choose the right system for you and your pet, help you install it properly, and also help you train your pet to use the new system. Dog Fence DIY has a variety of underground fence systems at the best available prices to you.
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K9 Cuisine is a provider of premium dog food. We’re committed to providing our customers with the knowledge, and the products, to help their faithful friends be the best they can be.
As unpleasant at it may sound, your dog’s stool is a clue to their health.
Dry, hard stools that cause your dog to strain on elimination may be a sign your dog isn’t getting enough water, or oil.
Squiggly, rice-shaped segments in the feces indicate worms.
Diarrhea, straining, or mucous-or blood-tinged stool lasting more than two days should prompt a visit to the vet.
A healthy dog’s stools are small, firm, and moist. It’s not unusual for an occasional stool to be loose or liquid or to contain mucous or even a tinge of blood. But if the elimination problem is accompanied by other signs — fever, vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, bloody diarrhea — call the vet immediately.
HINT: Pumpkin filling can be used to aid in helping dogs who are suffering from diarrhea. So can steamed white rice. Make sure your dog is hydrated too. For the final touch, give that pup a soothing massage, they deserve it for letting you play Doctor.
This information was provided by Susan Hartzler with AlphaDog PR, which is based in Los Angeles and a chosen resource for editors, producers, writers and reporters. Alpha Dog PR is dedicated to providing the media with the most up-to-the-minute information about the rapidly growing pet industry. For more information, please visit www.alphadogpr.com or call (818) 998-6299.
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K9 Cuisine is a provider of premium dog food. We’re committed to providing our customers with the knowledge, and the products, to help their faithful friends be the best they can be.
I think we all know that over weight or under weight is a sign of a problem, don’t ignore it. We all know that carrying extra weight isn’t healthy for humans, and the same goes for dogs. Obesity is the most common canine nutritional disease in this country, occurring in up to 25 percent of the population. Chubby dogs are more likely to develop serious diseases like diabetes, joint problems, infections, skin disease, and even certain cancers.
Of course, the best thing for your dog is not to let him get fat in the first place. Good habits start young, so if you have a puppy, don’t overfeed him, and don’t leave food out all day for your dog to nibble, cut out snacks, and make sure he gets exercise.
No more free feeding! Food is for mealtime only.
Exercise your dog daily.
Be careful about the type of exercise you give your puppy. Make sure it is age appropriate.
A veterinary checkup will ensure your dog doesn’t have any health problems that would preclude regular exercise and a change in food and current exercise. Your vet will also advise you on the safest rate of weight loss; losing too much weight too fast can be dangerous. Monitor your dog’s progress with weekly weigh-ins, either at the veterinarian’s office or at home.
HINT: To determine whether your dog is already too heavy, stand over him and check for a waist — a visible indentation behind his ribs. Then give him a hands-on test. Can you feel his ribs? They shouldn’t be sticking out, but you should be able to find them through a layer of skin and muscle. If all you feel is rolls of fat, it’s time to work with your veterinarian and develop a diet and exercise plan.
Offer the best quality all natural food at mealtimes. Offer pieces of fruit (apples or bananas) or vegetables (carrots or broccoli) for treats. Dogs love them. The right food is more important than anything else, make smart choices.
This information was provided by Susan Hartzler with AlphaDog PR, which is based in Los Angeles and a chosen resource for editors, producers, writers and reporters. Alpha Dog PR is dedicated to providing the media with the most up-to-the-minute information about the rapidly growing pet industry. For more information, please visit www.alphadogpr.com or call (818) 998-6299.
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K9 Cuisine is a provider of premium dog food. We’re committed to providing our customers with the knowledge, and the products, to help their faithful friends be the best they can be.
Name: Lynda
Pets species and breed: Toy Poodle
Pets age and weight: 10 lbs., 10 yrs. old.
Pets health status: Excellent
Are they spayed or neutered? Yes
Brand of food: Wenaewe
Animal owned for: Since her birth
Question:
Her stool is mushy. It has been going on for most of the last year and a half. I took her to a high tech animal hospital in Downers Grove, IL where they ran all kinds of tests on her. They said she was in great shape and that I should add a teaspoon of Benefiber to the wet food in the mornings and to the dry food I give her in the evening. At that time, she had been on prescription vet food - salmon and potato – and when I learned they had no solution other than Benefiber, I tried Wenaewe, which she has been on for over a year.
The Benefiber does not work, and I don’t know what else to try. Thank you!
Answer:
Dear Lynda,
Many dogs are plagued with soft stool problems, and the solution can be easy–such as adding fiber to the diet–or more complicated, depending on the problem.
I am unsure what tests your vets have run but “fiber-responsive diarrhea” is a common condition in dogs. Many dogs require more fiber in their diet to maintain digestive health as they age. Fiber can improve the stool consistency and it helps produce fatty acids that nourish the colon and discourage the overgrowth of potentially harmful bacteria.
There are two types of fiber: soluble and insoluble. Neither type of fiber is digested by the body and therefore can have beneficial effects on colon health. Soluble fiber forms a gel when mixed with liquid, while insoluble fiber does not–it passes through the intestine largely intact. Benefiber is classified as a strictly soluble fiber. Dogs with “fiber-responsive diarrhea” often require a healthy mix of both fiber types or just insoluble fiber in order to have improvement in their stool. Good natural sources of insoluble fiber include wheat bran, whole grains and certain vegetables (root vegetables and skins). This form of fiber may be “just what the doctor ordered”.
Also consider selecting a food that has both prebiotics and probiotics that help promote excellent intestinal health. Read my article here to learn more about the addition of these to your dogs diet here.
If your dog still has no response, speak to your veterinarian about Inflammatory Bowel Disease, as this is another common problem that often causes diarrhea. You can read more about it here.
Hope this helps.
Dr. Donna Spector
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K9 Cuisine is a provider of premium dog food. We’re committed to providing our customers with the knowledge, and the products, to help their faithful friends be the best they can be.
October usually means that the holidays are upon us. Many traditions, decorations and parties get planned and executed throughout October, November and December.
This also provides your pets with new objects to sink their teeth into. Remember to ensure your pet’s safety this holiday season with these top tips. Your pet will love you even more when they are safe and sound.
Planning a Halloween party? It’s fun to decorate the home with scary things and eerie sounds, but how does that affect your pet? If you are putting out Halloween decorations, be sure your pet is not the one that gets the pee scared out of him! Trick or Theaters are just the beginning – think about your doorbell and how many times it will ring on Halloween. The constant ringing of the doorbell and people coming and going can cause some pets to become stressed out, and stressed out pets can be unpredictable, run out the door or even lash out at people. The neighborhood kids can be cute in their costumes, but to your pet, they are unrecognizable, so be careful even with even familiar neighborhood kids. You may want to move your pet to another room during the party or trick or treat time, give them a treat to chew on or turn the TV on to distract them from the door. If you know your dogs stresses around crowds, consider day camp or overnight boarding. This gives you peace of mind that your pet is taken care of while you can focus on your guests.
We all pig out during the holidays, right? Well, just as over-eating turkey & dressing, potatoes and pumpkin pie can upset your stomach, feeding your pets table scraps can also make them sick. Too much fatty foods can be detrimental to your pets, such as pancreatitis in dogs and can make cats vomit easily. In addition, animal bones from dinner can be a tempting but potentially deadly treat. Everyone has heard this before, but NEVER let dogs or cats eat chocolate. It contains theobromine that is extremely toxic to pets. Even though the amount of chocolate varies that can be harmful depends on your pet’s size and how much it consumes, small pets can die from eating too much chocolate. It’s simple, do not feed your pet chocolate and keep it out of reach. If you pet does ingest chocolate, contact your veterinarian or local emergency clinic immediately.
The smell of a fresh Christmas tree is great during the holidays. It can also be a great tree for your dog to relieve himself on or a fun climb for your cat! Placing the tree in an area your pets can’t get to will help to preserve the beauty of your tree and the health of your little ones. If not, try to create barriers around the tree and always supervise your pets when they are near it. Halloween, Hanukkah, and Christmas often mean candles will be burning in the home. If the Festival of Lights fills your home, make sure to keep your pets away from your menorah. A jumping cat or waging tail can knock candles over and easily start a fire during your Hanukkah or Kwanzaa celebrations. Never leave burning candles unsupervised when pets are near.
The Christmas tree is not the only thing to be careful with. All the decorations that go along with it can have potentially dangerous consequences for your pet. Tinsel or popcorn on a string looks especially inviting to cats and dogs. While cats are less likely to eat a glass ornament, some dogs may think it is a ball and chomp down on it, ending up with a mouthful of glass. If this happens, call your nearest veterinarian or local emergency clinic immediately. Don’t forget about all the live plants that make the holidays special. Poinsettias, mistletoe, holly and amaryllis plants can be toxic to pets, so let your pets admire those plants from afar.
The holidays can also mean cold weather….. brrr! Keep your pets safe and warn during the season. Dogs’ paws are extremely sensitive to the cold. If there is ice or snow, booties are a way to protect them from the elements. If your dog doesn’t like booties, make sure to wash your dog’s paws after they have been outside to get any ice that may have collected between their toes. Cats like warm places and what better place than uner the hood of a car! If your cat has access to the garage or you have outside cats, make sure to check your automobile for sleeping cats before you start the engine. If your pets are normally outside and you bring them in during cold weather, keep in mind the change in air and humidity, which can dry out a pet’s coat. Brushing your pet more often will keep their coats clean and shiny.
The holidays are a wonderful time of year filled with family, friends and get togethers. Make sure your pets are included in a safe and appropriate way with treats, toys and most of all, love. Being prepared can prevent mishaps and trips to the vet’s office. However you chose to celebrate the holidays, we hope you have a dog-gone good time!
This article was written by Stacey Copeland, owner and operator of Camp Bow Wow and Home Buddies SWDallas located at 519 U.S. Highway 67 in Duncanville, TX. Camp Bow Wow is the Premier Dog Daycare & Overnight Camp, also providing in-home pet services. For more information, contact Stacey at 972-296-WOOF.
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K9 Cuisine is a provider of premium dog food. We’re committed to providing our customers with the knowledge, and the products, to help their faithful friends be the best they can be.
Following is our next post in our series of articles on “Evaluating Your Dog’s Health”. This week — Paws and Toes!
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Don’t overlook routine dog paw care. Because your dog spends so much time on their feet — without the protection of shoes – they are prone to punctures or wounds from glass and other sharp objects, as well as scrapes and abrasions from cement and gravel walkways. Their little pads can even get burned on a hot sidewalk. Examine your dog’s feet on a regular basis to make sure they have not picked up any foxtails, stickers or something else sharp.
Look for any foreign objects stuck on their feet or between the toes
Look for cracked, dry, irritated skin, or swelling
Watch their gate, see if they are limping
Are the toenails to long?
Small cuts or mild skin disease may cause infections in the sweat glands of your dog’s feet, resulting in swelling or abscesses between the toes – Soaking the afflicted foot in warm salt water often will relieve the pain. A more severe or persistent infection calls for veterinary care, antibiotics, and other follow-up treatment.
Invest in a pair of booties, for the hot sidewalk or the snow
HINT: If your dog steps in something gooey soften it up by rubbing the foot with margarine, peanut butter, or shortening; then work it off. Apply ice to chewing gum to make it brittle and easier to remove. You can also try soaking the foot in a mixture of warm salt water and olive or mineral oil.
This information was provided by Susan Hartzler with AlphaDog PR, which is based in Los Angeles and a chosen resource for editors, producers, writers and reporters. Alpha Dog PR is dedicated to providing the media with the most up-to-the-minute information about the rapidly growing pet industry. For more information, please visit www.alphadogpr.com or call (818) 998-6299.
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K9 Cuisine is a provider of premium dog food. We’re committed to providing our customers with the knowledge, and the products, to help their faithful friends be the best they can be.
This article was written by Dr. Susan Wright, a licensed veterinarian who writes for DogFenceDIY.com. We provide do-it-yourself petsafe underground fence solutions and free step-by-step guide to installation and dog fence training.
It’s not easy to watch our beloved dogs develop the signs of advancing age. It reminds us that they don’t live as long as we do, and that our time with them is limited. Advances in veterinary care mean our dogs are living longer than ever.
Dogs are considered elderly at different ages, depending on their breed. Large breeds such as Bull Mastiffs and Great Danes are old at 6-8 years, whereas smaller breeds such as Chihuahuas often don’t start to slow down until they’re well over 10.
As our dogs age, they can develop a range of conditions that make life less enjoyable. Although many of these conditions are not reversible, there are things we can do to reduce their impact on our dog’s well being.
Most geriatric dogs will have a degree of arthritis and joint pain. This can make it uncomfortable to go for a stroll, walk up stairs, or jump into the car. Fortunately, there are some very effective pain relief medications that will help your dog feel so much better, and these are the mainstay of arthritis treatment. Other things you can do for your stiff and sore senior is to avoid slippery floors which can be difficult to walk on without falling, and give them a soft bed that keeps them off the hard floor. In cold weather, a hot water bottle or heating pad can make their nights more pleasant.
You may be aware that elderly dogs, like elderly people, can develop a type of dementia known as cognitive dysfunction, which comes on slowly and gradually. This doesn’t just distress your dog, but it plays havoc with your lifestyle. These old souls often wake at night and pace the floor, they go to the toilet in inappropriate places, and seem to forget everything they’ve learned. They can have separation anxiety if they’re left alone, and they are easily frightened by loud noises. You can see why you could find it frustrating!
While medication can really help settle these dogs, it’s also very important to manage their environment. They do well if they can stick to a familiar routine, and it helps if you don’t make sudden changes to their daily life. They enjoy outings – while they may not be up to a long walk, they’d love to go to the park to sniff the trees. Gentle playtime with other dogs is also an activity that can improve their state of mind.
Losing the senses is another unpleasant part of advancing years. Dogs develop nuclear sclerosis, a white hazy appearance to the lens of the eye. This affects their vision. It’s also not uncommon for them to go deaf. There’s not a lot you can do about either of these. As they lose their senses, these old dogs also lose touch with their world around them, and can become more anxious and afraid. Some dogs adapt better than others, but again, it’s critical to keep their environment and routine as familiar as possible. Don’t go moving the furniture if your dog can’t see, and approach them gently with a soft touch so they don’t get a fright.
Virtually all elderly dogs have a degree of dental disease. This can hurt when they eat, but more importantly, it can act as a source of infection that can affect other organs in the body, particularly the heart. If a dog has gingivitis, having his teeth cleaned by the vet will make dinnertime more enjoyable and remove the infection which could be making him feel a bit off color. You may be surprised at the improvement in his demeanor.
Female spayed dogs may become incontinent with age. This can lead to urine scalding around the vulva, and possibly a secondary bacterial infection. This is extremely painful. There are medications that will improve their bladder control and prevent scalding, and trimming the fur in this area will help keep it dry.
For dogs, getting old is inevitable. Being uncomfortable is not. If you work closely with your vet to manage these age related conditions, you’ll make sure your dog’s twilight years are as good as they can be.
Dr. Susan Wright
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K9 Cuisine is a provider of premium dog food. We’re committed to providing our customers with the knowledge, and the products, to help their faithful friends be the best they can be.
