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Dogs' Health

Archive for the ‘Dogs' Health’ Category

Give Your Dog Organic Food For These 3 Reasons

Friday, July 3rd, 2009

The concern to eat healthy foods seems to equally apply to humans and pets, since many animal owners prefer to buy organic products to feed their four-legged friends. The offer for organic dog food is incredibly large. The health issues affecting improperly fed animals are just as serious as those in the case of humans. Thus, organic dog food will reduce the risk of the pet developing skin diseases and allergies. The reason for the positive health impact is the lack of pesticides, additives, colorants and other chemicals. Instead there will be just grain extracts and high quality proteins as ingredients of organic dog food.

Organic dog food also offers more nutrients, and this aspect shows up best in the energy levels of a pet fed on it, plus, the risk of overweight is drastically reduced. Regular dog food is often behind diabetes and overweight with all the adjacent problems that accompany these illnesses: back ailment, organ failure and decreased mobility. What’s the trick about organic dog food here? Well, organic food items for pets are free of bulk fillers, these products are packed with nutrients to generate energy and not fat. Prevention of the disease is therefore the best situation.

The summary of the benefits brought by organic dog food are a good immune function and a better and healthier digestive system. Because of the lack of chemicals regularly present in normal pet food, your dog will no longer vomit, experience gas or diarrhea. A healthier metabolism is thus what you will mainly achieve with a constant healthy diet. Then, the risk of infections is also much lower thanks to the stimulation of the immune system by the nutrients available in organic dog food.

To put it in a nutshell, veterinarian experts claim that with organic dog food, your dog will gain in longevity and the ravages of old age will not be that difficult to cope with. In the majority of cases, pet owners that choose organic dog food, normally use organic products for their meals too. You can inquire about organic dog food with the pet food supplier, and if you don’t find what you need with the local shop, try to order it online. There are plenty of web pages that sell such products at fairly decent prices.

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Dog Heart Disease - How To Treat Them

Friday, July 3rd, 2009

Have you just came home from the vet and received the sad news that he or she has found heart disease in your dog? When you heard this prognosis, chances are you felt your own heart sink as this is your beloved pet. Did you know that there is plenty you can do in order to change what might look like bad news from your vet? As you read this article, you will find out how to prevent and treat heart disease in dogs.

 

When it comes to heart disease, prevention is definitely better than cure. Are you feeding your dog a healthy diet? If not this may be the cause of his deteriorating health. Don’t beat yourself up about this, but it’s time to get wise about healthy foods for dogs and what to feed your dog to speed his recovery.

 

Chemical medicines for heart disease in dogs do have known side effects. Make the effort to find a holistic vet who can prescribe herbal remedies such as hawthorn and dandelion which can both help strengthen the heart muscle and prevent fluid build up.

 

Make sure you take your dog to the vet for a yearly check up even though he seems healthy. if at any time your dog starts coughing, especially at night time or during exercise, rush him to the vet straight away as this could be one of the symptoms heart disease.

 

If your dog lacks energy and is not able to keep up with you while you are walking or there seems to be a difference in the way he’s breathing, then you should take your dog in for a vet visit. Other serious symptoms of heart disease in dogs include weight loss for no apparent reason, difficulty breathing and fainting.

 

Gentle exercise is very important and is as simple as taking your dog for a walk a few times a week. If your dog already has heart disease you may have to let him set the pace. Slow down or stop if he seems to be struggling to keep up or starts to cough.

 

your vet has diagnosed your dog with cardiac ischemia, which is a shortage of blood supply going to the heart, or reperfusion, which is damage to the heart tissue, then CoQ10 will help your dog. CoQ10 will not only help to slow down the progression of heart disease in your dog, but it will also improve your dog’s general health. We all know that a happy dog is a healthy dog.

 

In order to prevent bad cholesterol (LDL) in your dog and to help your dogs heart health, then we recommend some good old Vitamin E. You should give your dog Vitamin E in 200-500 IU each day.  

Another natural supplement for heart disease in dogs is L-Carnitine. It will help with deterioration of the heart muscle. When you combine L-Carnitine with Taurine, it will increase your dog’s life expectancy. You should give this to your dog in doses of 500-2000 mg each day.

 

In conclusion there are many ways to  improve your dog’s heart health, as long as you pay close attention to his health and remember to take him to his anuual visit to the vet each year or whenever you notice something wrong. Remember, heart disease in dogs could arise at any time, so please be watchful for any of the above symptoms.

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Diabetes cure could be found in sled dogs

Friday, July 3rd, 2009

Siberian Huskies that compete in the Iditarod are some of the most energy efficient animals on the globe. They have the facility to run hundreds of miles and not show the normal signs of fatigue

Could their skill for burning fat be the key to treating obesity in type 2 diabetes?

On the road to discover this is Michael Davis who as a professor, has studied exercise physiology in Siberian Huskies. Davis recently finished the initial research phase of examining how sled dogs training for the taxing Iditarod, become “insulin-sensitive” and effortlessly transform fat into energy.

“If we can figure out what exercise is doing to start the process, then we may be able to find how it can be applied to everyone, whether or not they are physically able to exercise,” he says.

Close to twenty million Americans have diabetes. It is widely believed that by exercising and eating a healthy diet, a person can help prevent the beginning of type 2 diabetes.

The Diabetes Action Research and Education Foundation has contributed one-third of the $30,000 research grant. Oklahoma State University is bankrolling the remainder.

Insulin, a hormone created in the pancreas, typically helps the cells in the body extract glucose from the blood stream and turns it into energy. People with type 2 diabetes often have problems absorbing glucose.

In January, Davis chose sixteen in Iditarod that were in prime shape from the kennel of one of the current racers and had the huskies run for twenty-two miles at a swift velocity of eight mph. Half the dogs were anesthetized for five minutes while researchers took small muscle biopsies from their legs; the other half were measured for insulin sensitivity using catheters.

Davis hopes to be able to understand how cells are reacting under various physical conditions by calculating the same dog’s metabolic stress on their muscles again after the summer, when they are no longer in shape.

Research done by Davis, spured the attention of at least one animal rights group that is against experimentation.

In response to their comments, Davis mentions that compares to smaller animals such as mice and rats, dogs share more DNA with humans. “There is a greater likelihood that something you discover in dogs will be directly relevant to humans,” he says.

 

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Fish Oil For Dogs

Friday, July 3rd, 2009

One of my partners called me yesterday, and he wanted to tell me about what one of the participants in our test group had told him. Our test group had tested my ultra pure pharmaceutical grade fish oil for a few months, before it was released, and the female participant that had spoken to my partner was one of our guinea pigs.

The woman is a nurse at a dialysis clinic, is around 50 years of age, widowed, and has two dogs, (and I’m talking real dogs…not those miniature rats that are so popular today), and the dogs are somewhere between 9 and 10 years old - in human years.

She took my pharmaceutical grade fish oil, because the stuff she was taking gave her “fish burps,” which she didn’t like, and she liked the the higher levels of EPA/DHA contained in my formula, which she couldn’t get in the stuff she picked up at the drugstore.

Her primary reason for using fish oil was to reduce arthritic discomfort. At over fifty, and being a full time nurse, she is on her feet for many hours at a time, and it’s taken its toll on her.

She had been taking my special fish oil formula for a month, when she told us that she had experienced a substantial decrease in her pain level. She even said it felt like she had new legs!

Here’s where the story goes to fish oil for dogs.

Her dogs, named Shaggy and Shea, were getting up in age and therefore were not as active as they were in their younger days, and Shea seemed to have a bit of limp. After being on the fish oil formula for a month and feeling great, she had the idea to give the dogs one soft gel at the same time as they got their dogfood. In only two weeks, the dogs’ energy levels were significantly increased and Shea was walking just fine.

Now I know this is not scientific, and I’m certainly not a veterinarian. I really don’t know what to make of it, other than it’s a good story. But if it has benefits…I’m not going to stand in the way of her giving fish oil for dogs.

Shea and Shaggy’s mom is certainly not the only person who has reported that fish oil is a great method for reducing pain associated with common arthritis. Taking pharmaceutical-grade fish oil is a tremendous help for those who are battling all sorts of joint troubles.

I read a study recently from Columbia University Medical Center that stated omega 3 fatty acids may help reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s by 19 to 24%. Pharmaceutical-grade fish oil can also help with heart, joint, and brain function.

Alzheimer’s is the #1 health fear of my generation, and the one that follows, too.

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Organic Dog Food

Friday, July 3rd, 2009

The concern to eat healthy foods seems to equally apply to humans and pets, since many animal owners prefer to buy organic products to feed their four-legged friends. One could be surprised at the large organic dog food offer available on the market. The health issues affecting improperly fed animals are just as serious as those in the case of humans. Thus, organic dog food will reduce the risk of the pet developing skin diseases and allergies. The explanation for the positive health impact is the absence of additives, chemicals, colorants or pesticides. Organic dog food contains only high quality protein and very good grain extracts.

organic dog foods

Organic dog food also offers more nutrients, and this aspect is reflected in the most relevant of ways in the higher levels of energy and the healthy weight of the pet. Regular dog food is often behind obesity and diabetes with all the adjacent problems that accompany these health issues: back ailment, organ failure and decreased mobility. How can organic dog food help here? Well, organic food items for pets do not contain bulk fillers, they are nutrient-packed products that create energy not fat deposits. Yet, it is best and a lot easier to prevent health issues than to treat them afterwards.

natural organic dog food

Good digestion and overall stronger immunity: these are other main benefits that come together with the use of organic dog food. While the chemicals in dog food often make the dog vomit or cause it diarrhea, such problems will no longer be the case with organic dog food. A healthier metabolism is thus what you will mainly achieve with a constant healthy diet. Then, the risk of infections is also much lower thanks to the stimulation of the immune system by the nutrients available in organic dog food.

organic dog food

To put it in a nutshell, veterinarian experts say that with organic dog food, the life span of any animal can increase significantly, not to mention the fact that it will go a lot better through old age. Most of the time, pet owners that choose organic dog food, are also interested in applying the same health rules to their own diet, sticking to clean natural products that boost up body functions and keep intoxications and disease away. Ask your dog food provider about organic dog food, and if there is none available with the local shop, try to order it online. Lots of web sites sell organic dog food for very good prices.

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The Balance of Nutrients for a Healthy Dog

Friday, July 3rd, 2009

In order that your dog grows properly and remains healthy, he needs access to certain vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. They provide him with energy and help support his metabolism. They also contribute to the rebuilding of muscles that have become inflamed or stressed. Basically, nutrients are the major source of your dogs overall health.

The good news is that most of them can be found in high-quality dog foods that you can buy at nearly any pet supply store. In site of what many pet owners believe, one does not need to prepare extra or special meals. Below, I’ll provide an overview of the most important nutrients that your pooch requires in order to stay healthy.  Proteins

Proteins are comprised of amino acids. Some of them are produced within your dog’s body, but most of them must be acquired by eating meat and plant products. These are important for processing the food intake into energy: active dogs need a regular supply. Chicken, turkey, fish, and many types of vegetables are great sources of protein.

Carbohydrates And Fiber

Carbohydrates - including fiber - are an important ingredient for the health of your dog’s tissues and intestinal tract. The key is fermentability. If it is too low, the fiber will not provide sufficient coverage of the intestines. On the other hand, if the fermentability is too high, the fiber can produce flatulence as well as mucus-related issues. Corn and soybeans are excellent sources of carbohydrates for your pooch.

Fats And Fatty Acids

Fats are the contributing factor to your dog being overweight. While it is true that fats can lead to excess weight gain in inactive dogs, they are also a potent source of energy (more so than proteins and carbohydrates). Also, fats are the element in your dogs processes to produce hormones.

Fatty acids are also considered important. They can help heal your pooch’s inflamed skin and protect him from dealing with a number of health issues (for example, inflammatory bowel disease).

Vitamins And Minerals

Vitamins and minerals are essential for your dog to absorb fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. They cannot be produced in sufficient amounts organically, so you must provide them in your canine’s diet. It is important to provide them with the proper amounts. Giving your pooch too many vitamins can lead to health problems. Plus, they need to be properly balanced with minerals to provide the most benefit. Commercial dog foods will normally be formulated to provide the proper ratios.

Water

Of course, water is one of the most important nutrients; every living organism needs it. These must be constantly available at all times for your dog. Even a small decrease in the percentage of water in his body can have long-lasting health impacts.

You’ll notice that each of the nutrients above is necessary for humans just as they are essential for dogs. Make sure your canine has access to them every day. As noted, you don’t need to prepare special meals for him. A high-grade commercial dog food will contain everything he needs except water. Keep you dog healthy and happy.

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Back Problems in Doxies

Monday, May 18th, 2009

Like any breed, Dachshunds are at risk for numerous diseases and conditions.  But because of their long bodies and short legs they are most at risk for spinal problems.One of the most common forms is a condition called Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD), actually an umbrella term for an abundance of problems.

Vertebrae are the hard bones that make up the spinal column support.They enclose the spinal cord and are separated by soft tissue called intervertebral discs, which provide a buffer between the bones.IVDD endangers a Doxie’s health in several different ways.

Excess jumping and other forms of back stress can cause a rupture of one or more discs, usually near the rear.  IVDD and other back problems occur most frequently by age four but can happen earlier, sometimes as young as two.  Simple age can cause the disc to decrease its fluid level, making it less elastic.That furthermore increases the probability of rupture or herniation.Frequently the spinal column becomes more fragile.

An abundance of serious possibilities exist if that occurs.

The spinal cord can be put at risk as a fragment of the spine loses vital support.If compression happens, paralysis is not far behind.Impediment of spinal fluid can have similar effect.Loss of circulation leads to nerve death, since the nerves are cut off from required nutrition.

Look for any instance of inability to lift the rear end off the ground or lowering near the tail.Some other signs include loss of bladder control or weakness in the rear legs.

In these extreme cases, medical care - usually surgery - within 24 hours is critical.The outcome is frequently permanent disability if left untreated.

Even in less serious incidents back pain is present.It can be hard to detect when a dog is in pain but symptoms include difficulty walking up stairs, lethargy and similar signs in an otherwise active dog.

Therapy with corticosteroids (such as Prednisone) is sometimes recommended but entails risks.  Apart from the usual risks of long-term steriod use, it is possible to overdo care.  Lessening pain is desirable, but if it is eliminated the dog can become too active again, leading to more injury.Adequan injections can help assist in disc healing.

Whether treated with steroids or just Rimadyl, it is advisable to kennel your Doxie or otherwise keep him calm, reducing physical activity.Given the Doxie’s confident and active nature that is difficult, but it is essential.

Don’t permit the dog to stand on its hind legs, which compresses the spine.Do not allow the dog to jump down stairs.Yard play should be restricted until the dog has completely healed.Always support the complete length of the spine when picking up your Dachshund.

With the right kind of care many Doxies recover completely to lead active, healthy, normal lives.But formal diagnosis as soon as possible is essential to improve the odds.

More tips, information and dog supplies can be found at LuvUrDog.com, just for Dog Lover’s

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