Stroke - Your Dog's Chances Of Recovering From A Stroke

If your dog has had a stroke and you have sought out the proper medical attention, the good news at this point is knowing that your dog will recover from his stroke much faster than a person would. In fact, all dogs seem to progress to better health after having a stroke than humans who suffer the same experience.

Most dogs who are suffering from vestibular disease and responds to treatment within a few days has an excellent chance of recovering. However, he may be left with a slight physical dysfunction such as a tilted head or dizziness. Some dogs are unfortunately left with seizure episodes for the rest of their lives. And if the animal has cancer which was the cause of the stroke to begin with, his seizures will increase in quantity as time goes on.

Two thirds of all dogs who suffer from strokes (not strokes related to vestibular disease) are found to recover well. Only about one third of these dogs will experience further medical complications in the future. As with all deep rooted diseases, the number one influence on a dog's recovery is the treatment of the underlying cause itself and if left untreated, there is a higher chance of more strokes to come.

Preventing Strokes

Prevention is one of those ideas that most people think of after it's too late. But if you are reading this article and are still lucky enough to have a healthy dog at home who has not suffered from a stroke then it is your duty to do what you can keep them healthy.

This is especially true if your dog has already suffered a stroke in the past. He will need extra preventive measures taken from you so that he does not suffer more stroke-related complications. In addition to regular checkups and specific blood tests which can detect diseases contributing to strokes, your veterinarian can also recommend other products which may be helpful.

Two such prevention items are antioxidants and aspirin. Antioxidants are considered a nutraceutical that can be given to older dogs. And aspirin is good for decreasing clot formation. However, aspirin should never be given to a dog whose previous stroke involved bleeding. Contact your veterinarian for further details and never give your dog anything unless approved by the doctor.

Dog Health - 5 Natural Ways To Increase Your Puppy's Energy Levels

Does your puppy have the attention span of a two-year-old child? And does he seem a little too fatigued and tired throughout the day? If you have already taken your dog to the veterinarian for a full examination and he checks out okay, you may want to take it upon yourself to help increase his energy levels and attention span by going the "natural" route.

Of course animal medicines do have their place, but if your veterinarian does not see a major health problem then your best choice is to follow some of the guidelines below to get your puppy feeling better and acting more alert:

1. As long as your puppy is more than six weeks old, try reducing his feeding times to only twice per day. In an attempt to keep our puppies growing and healthy, some dog owners make the mistake of overfeeding the little pups, which can result in lethargic energy levels as well as very short attention spans. You can help your puppy by cutting back on his meals.

2. Check the food labels and be sure that the food you are feeding your puppy has a complete digestibility level of at least 85% to 90%.

3. Protein is a very important nutrient for good health and energy in dogs. Unfortunately, many dog foods sold in stores are made up of mostly carbohydrates. Dogs need meat and lots of protein to be at their best. This is especially true of young puppies. So be sure that each meal has a high level protein source when feeding your puppy.

4. As far as supplements are concerned, is always smart to first check with your veterinarian. But we have a recommendation that may help your dog and that is to supplement his food with brewers yeast. Brewers yeast is chock full of B vitamins and protein.

5. Last but not least, the latest trend in supplements for both people and animals are omega-3 fatty acids. But there is good reason for this popular trend and that is because these oils are extremely healthy and are known to raise concentration levels in dogs as well as create a healthy shine on their coat. You can find omega-3 fatty acids in fish oils and flaxseed oils.

Raw Food Diet

For nearly 6 months straight my dog became violently ill with terrible episodes of diarrhea anytime he ate his meals. We tried feeding him all types of dog food and eventually came to the understanding that he was allergic to every type of protein he was eating. Is there any thing that I can do to get my dog the necessary nutrients it needs without resorting to commercial dog food?

While it appears that all hope is lost for getting your dog back on track with a nutritional plan that will not make him sick, the good news is that you have tried every option except for the most important one: all natural raw foods.

Consider feeding your dog raw protein from now on. Totally raw, whole food diets, are the natural way our pets were meant to eat. It has only been the increased commercialism from pet food companies that has caused dog and cat owners to believe that their animals must eat food that comes in a can or large plastic bag. This could not be further from the truth!

Be sure to start a raw food diet in small portions. In addition to clean raw meats, consider raw fish, lamb, wheat, dairy, and yeast. These types of ingredients can be found in most whole food recipes. Calcium would be a supplement to consider as well, especially if the raw food you are feeding your dog does not have "crushed bone" or any other source of calcium in it. A vitamin/mineral supplement and fish oil are also recommended.

Dog Cough

I have a German Shepherd that is going to be seven years old come this Christmas and he has had a seasonal cough his entire life. After taking him to the vet year after year, I was instructed to give the dog Robitussin. This cough syrup did not seem to help and he eventually started coughing the entire winter season. Specialists after specialist had me give my dog antibiotics, diarrhea pills which were supposed to help, Cipro, and even theophylline. Nothing seems to help.

Veterinarians that prefer to take a more holistic approach to dog care generally disapprove of trying to suppress a dog's cough unless it is absolutely mandatory. There has been a lot of success with treating these types of coughing conditions with homeopathics and herbal remedies.

If you have not began such treatments then consider researching some of these all-natural products that are on the market today, such as Astragalus 16 and Pinellia 16. These products are only recommendations so please do your research and find one that you feel comfortable with.

It is believed that canine hip dysplasia has increased since large breeds of dogs evolved into companion dogs from the hunting or guard functions for which they were bred and kept for in the past. One piece of evidence is the way breeders had selectively bred aggressiveness out, and tamed the dog down, so as to create a desirable trait.

This was strikingly apparent in the German Shepherd from the time of its post-World War 1 introduction into the United States until its present role of popularity. A study of the canine hip dysplasia breed frequency figures published by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals shows a genuine relationship between calm disposition and occurrence of hip dysplasia.

Another unexplained aspect of the occurrence of canine hip dysplasia was discovered at an Animal Hospital in Boston (Angell Memorial). The first recorded diagnosed cases of the disease took place in the early 1930's, from a kennel of Setters and Pointers bred and kept solely for work in the field. Three English Setters had recognizable hip dysplasia and the owner, being an intensely practical man, had the dogs put to sleep.

For about a period of fifteen years or so, this kennel was kept on close track and not another case of canine hip dysplasia turned up. Although no x-ray diagnostic program was carried out, the owner started working his dogs at about three or four months of age and would surely have noticed any dogs that were incapacitated in one way or another.

A similar, but not the same circumstance, was in 1954 when a record of 80 x-ray diagnosed cases of canine hip dysplasia turned up, mostly by the Boxer breed. Subsequent to this, although boxers were popular in the city of Boston, the incidence of diagnosed hip dysplasia cases declined in this breed. There was no breed effort at hip dysplasia reduction similar to that of the Swedish Kennel Club, although there was a change in the general type of the breed during those years.

While an x-ray test is the only accepted method of accurate diagnosis of the mild case of canine hip dysplasia, the breeder should decide whether radiographic deviation from perfection of the hip joint is a characteristic so undesirable to the breed involved that, it should not be bred, regardless of the other desirable traits of the dog.

Canine hip dysplasia will be around until we discover much more about its cause. For now, breeders should select dogs for breeding that are entirely sound of body and mind, and judged at maturity on all aspects of their movement, form, temperament, and any qualities that make them desirable companion for humans.

Stroke - Signs, Symptoms, And Causes Of Strokes In Dogs

Everybody is familiar with the fact that humans have strokes. It is a serious medical issue that people must be aware of when it comes to their own health. However, most of us do not realize that our pets can also suffer a stroke and receive severe brain damage. Experts use to claim that dog strokes were very rare, however during recent MRI scanning documentation, it appears that strokes in dogs is a lot more prevalent than we think.

What Exactly Is A Stroke?

A stroke is caused when the brain becomes suddenly damaged by a lack of blood supply. This could be caused by a blood clot or bleeding to the brain from a ruptured vessel (hemorrhaging). If the bleeding is not stopped as soon as possible, further damage will occur. The extra pressure against the skull from swelling can cause a lot of brain tissue to be destroyed in the process.

What Are The Signs & Symptoms Of Dog Stroke?

The most common signs of dog stroke will be in the form of vestibular disease. The vestibular system includes the brain stem, cerebellum, inner ear nerves, and position detectors which run to the joints and tendons. Stroke, parasites, trauma, infection, or inflammation in any part of this system will cause a variety of symptoms. Such symptoms include staggering, falling, circling, dizziness, vomiting, eyes rolling back and forth, and the inability to get up on all fours.

If your dog has a stroke then it will happen very quickly, but if the bleeding is slow then the signs may come on a bit gradual. Some dogs have very minor strokes which shows signs that only last a couple of days. Although parts of their brain is damaged, you may not notice what has happened until he has a more serious stroke.

If the stroke happens in a different part of the dog's brain, he may show slightly more subtle signs of the stroke. Of course this depends on which part of his brain is damaged and how bad the damage is. Such symptoms include drooling, seizures, collapsing, stiff neck, blindness, having a dazed look, and the inability to get up on all four legs.

What Are The Causes Of Dog Stroke?

The end result of a stroke is caused directly by clotting or severe bleeding to the brain. And this clotting or bleeding can be caused by a variety of diseases. Such diseases may include but are not limited to infection, toxins, cancer, high blood pressure, amyloidosis, cardiac disease, Cushing's disease, hypothyroidism, inflammation, kidney disease, and septicemia.

Parasites - Get To Know These Annoying And Harmful Bugs

Dog Fleas - Itchy!

At one point or another, your dog will catch a flea, and sometimes maybe even two. However, it only takes two fleas to create an entire army. Regardless of where you live, how often you take him outside, and how careful you are, there is a 99% chance that your dog will get a flea in his lifetime.

So how do you deal with this parasite issue? Getting rid of fleas is a big factor for dog owners. Some dogs are allergic and sensitive to flea bites and can get flea bite dermatitis, which is a skin condition that is painful and difficult to cure.

These nasty fleas can also cause tapeworms and anemia in your pet. In rare but serious circumstances, fleas can carry bubonic plague to humans. On a less serious but nonetheless very annoying case, they can infest your home and live and breed underneath your carpet, your sofa, your furniture, and even under your bed!

Dog Ticks - Ouch!

This is another type of parasite that frequently attacks your dog. More than irritating your dog, ticks can transmit Lyme disease as well as other forms of illnesses. The tick has to attach itself to your pet for up to 72 hours to be able to transmit the disease. Although many illnesses that are associated with ticks are easily treatable, it is better to prevent it from happening.

Worms - Yuck!

These are also common parasites, but live inside your dog. Your pet can get these nasty pests by eating fleas, sniffing on other dog feces, or through a mosquito bite. Your dog may even encountered one by simply walking, since some types of worms are easily absorbed through his feet (and also through yours.)

There are several types of worms that can infest your dog. The most common ones are roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, and heartworms. Roundworms and tapeworms are easily detected in your dog's feces. Roundworms look like a spaghetti noodle and are transmitted to your dog by sniffing the feces of an infected dog.

Tapeworms look like grains of white rice, and your dog catches them when they eat the infected fleas. Hookworms are transmitted to your dog through the feces of roundworms and is carried to the intestinal tract. Heartworms are contracted by mosquitoes and are common during summertime and in places with warm climates.

Heartworms can be fatal. There is a preventive medicine that your dog can take in order to prevent this parasite from living inside his body. Also, have you vet test your pet for this type of worm as well as other worms during his yearly examination.

First Aid - The Dangers Of Snakes & Insect Bites Your Dog May Face

When your dog is having fun running around in nature's great outdoors, there is always a good possibility that he will be bit by bugs or even a snake, as well as stung by creatures like scorpions and bees.

Most of these outdoor injuries are minor and although your dog may experience some discomfort, these small bites and stings will pass after a day or two. But if you are a little more concerned about your dog safety and the possibility that he may be suffering more pain than he lets on, the following information can help you prepare for these types of injuries:

When your dog is stung or bitten by insects

Most insect bites are just a minor annoyance to a dog, similar to how it feels when you or I get bit by a mosquito. There is just a small red spot with some swelling, but life goes on, and after a day or so, the bite mark subsides. On the other hand, if your dog is allergic to the bite or sting that he experiences, this may cause a severe reaction that is often proved to be life-threatening. You'll know if your dog is allergic to specific types of insect bites and stings if he is showing such conditions as joint pain, vomiting, swelling, diarrhea, and fever.

On the extreme side, if your dog is highly allergic to any number of bug bites and stings, there is the possibility that he will go into respiratory failure. If this does happen, there is a real chance that he could die within minutes. There is a term for this reaction and it is called "anaphylaxis" which requires the immediate attention of your veterinarian.

When your dog is bitten by a snake

Snake bites are rare in most locations but in some areas where there is an abundance of bushes and trees, and even streams of water, snakes may pose a serious threat to your dog. The good news is that most makes are not poisonous and many dogs suffer only mild pain for a few days after being bitten. However, there are those venomous snakes which can cause severe illness if your dog is bitten by one.

How can you tell if the snakes in your area are poisonous? You will know if you are living around poisonous snakes by reading the following basic guidelines:

1. In North America, most of the snakes that are solid in color or have stripes that run down the entire length of their body are considered to be nonpoisonous.

2. Poisonous snakes in North America include water moccasins, cottonmouths, rattlesnakes, and copperheads. Most of the snakes will display stripes of color that run around their body. Blotchy color patterns are also signs of a venomous snake. And of course, the classic diamondback design on a snake is a most definitely a poisonous threat to your dog.

Ticks are amazingly efficient at surviving almost any attack. The rate of propagation and resistance to insecticides is phenomenal to say the least. In heated kennels and homes, ticks breed all year round. When the weather is cold, they'll withdraw to cracks and crevices to await warmer times.

Since it takes twenty to thirty days for eggs to hatch, an infested home should be treated at ten-day intervals, at least four times, then once a month for two or three months. Sprays and insecticides used should be marked as a acaracide. Other insecticides appear to have little-to-no effect.

Usually it is only necessary to spray as high as two or three feet from the floor up the walls (unless tick infestation is heavy). If the family dog is accustomed to sleeping on the sofa or in overstuffed chairs, spraying should include those areas, paying particular attention to cushions as well as the edges of rugs and baseboards.

To man, the tick represents the disease known as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Originally, it was thought that the disease was restricted to the region of the Rocky Mountains - thus its name. However, it is not regional at all, and may be acquired over a considerable portion of the United States, east and west, and even in Canada. (The tick is also responsible for "rabbit fever" in rodents, which is transmissible to man.)

In the southern portion of the United States, as well as in France and Africa, there is an intestinal protozoan parasite - Babesia - which attacks blood cells in a dog and causes extreme anemia. This protozoan is spread from dog to dog by ticks. Heavy infestation of ticks upon a dog can cause an extreme loss of blood, anemia, paralysis, and even death.

Flea and tick collars are available commercially, but while such collars might eventually cause the tick to die, much damage and infestation can be done in the interim. Veterinarians can also prescribe tablets, which, when given to a dog, ensure that any tick that bites the dog will die.

The consequences of tick infestation should dictate the importance of tick control in homes and kennels. The approach of warmer weather signals the approach of Rhipicephalus Sanquineus. Now if THAT sounds like a blood-sucking monster from a science fiction movie, you're partially right. Blood sucking monster? Yes! Science fiction? No way!

Disaster Preparation: Is Your Dog Safe If The Next Katrina Hits Your Town?

Before Hurricane Katrina, there was no law that said that all pets and service animals needed to be evacuated, rescued, and sheltered during an emergency or disaster. When the deadly storm hit the state of Louisiana, an estimated of 600,000 animals were left behind, deserted, and thousands died from drowning, starvation, and sickness.

The devastating affect of this storm has prompted the government, both local and federal, to either change their policies or add new ones to include the safety of these pets and service animals. In addition, different agencies are also teaming up with the government and local animal rescues that will protect our pets in times of disasters.

Our pets depend on us for their safety and survival. As pet owners, we have the obligation to know what to do in case a disaster strikes, which can occur at a moment's notice. Whether they are natural disasters such as fires, storms and floods, or man-made disasters such as terrorist attacks, the best way to beat it and come out it safe is through proper planning.

Having a good plan of action guarantees the safety and survival of you, your family, and your dogs.

The best time to think about the safety of your dog is before a disaster strikes. Proper planning and preparation is the key to keeping your dog safe and secured during this frightening time. Keep in mind the following safety measures:

1. Crate train your dog. In case of an emergency or disaster, you should be able to put your dog in the crate as soon as possible and without difficulty.

2. You may have to ask a neighbor to help you with the evacuation, especially if you have more than one pet.

3. Plan ahead of time. If you are away from your home when disaster strikes, designate someone who can go to your house as soon as possible to rescue your dogs.

4. Know ahead of time where you are taking your dog, during and after the disaster, until you can safely go back to your home.

5. Leave your house as soon as you receive the notice to evacuate. Never wait until the last minute.

6. Even if the disaster does not strike, evacuation is still necessary until you are absolutely sure that you and your pets are going to be safe.

7. Keep a disaster supply kit for your dog in a convenient location in the house. Among these important items be sure to include food and water (at least 3 days supply for each pet), a first aid kit, crate, can opener, leashes and harnesses, and newspaper or potty pads.

8. Finally, make sure that your dog wears an ID tag with a current phone number securely fastened to his collar. This number should be to a cell phone that you carry with you at all times.

I'll never forget my very first dog. Her name was Scarlet and she was the most well-behaved Golden Retriever anyone has ever seen. Loving, kind, playful and obedient - Scarlet was supposed to last forever - at least in my young mind.

But my worst nightmare happened as I never expected to see her lying in the street across from our house, bleeding, hurt, broken bones - in severe shock. I was not prepared and because of this I lost my lovable dog.

It May Happen To You

At one time or another there is a good chance that every dog owner will find him or herself in a position which requires immediate action if the dog's life is to be saved. All too often, people will simply rush their family pet to the nearest veterinarian, only to find their canine friend dead on arrival. Properly administered first aid could quite possibly have saved the animal's life, since many deaths are the result of shock and not of the actual injury itself.

Any time a dog is injured - whether it be a major a minor injury - there are two primary steps that should be taken. Step one is to stop the bleeding, and step two is to treat for shock. If the injury is considered major, a third step is indicated: getting the dog to the nearest veterinarian. Too often, steps one and two are overlooked - and step three is then no longer applicable due to the death of the dog.

Proper Education

Any person who has ever sat through first aid lectures, whether given by military personnel, public schools, or Red Cross representatives, has heard the terms "in shock" or "going into shock", as well as the term "treat for shock." Too often, such lectures fail to tell the student just exactly what "shock" is, why it is, and just why treating for "it" is important; yet shock can be the primary cause of death.

Shock can accompany such things as bee stings, snake or insect bites, fear, trauma, hemorrhage, burns and certain toxins or other forms of intense pain. It can occur in any situation in which something unusual has happened. Every dog owner should be aware of the simple treatment steps to follow. And even if a dog shows no signs of shock following an injury, it should be treated for it as a preventative measure.

Symptoms Of Shock

If an injured dog displays pale and grayish gums and a weak but rapid heartbeat, the animal is already in a state of shock. The body of the animal will be cold, producing a bluish skin and pale mucous membrane - this is especially noticeable around the lips. The dog may be panting quite heavily, and may be either conscious or unconscious.