2013年9月17日星期二

Diabetes In Dogs |


Seeing that your aging dog receives regular expert vet care is vital in maintaining its good health. Regular checkups and preventive veterinary care can add years to the life of an older dog.



Many pet dogs are living longer lives due to early diagnosis of diseases and quicker treatments. Early intervention in a disease means the dog has a better chance of recovering and living a longer life. Most veterinary clinics and animal hospitals have special preventive care programs for older dogs. These programs may go under the moniker of “geriatric wellness programs,” or “senior care programs.” These exams usually include blood tests, urine tests, stool tests, and x-rays.


A dog’s health is partly determined by the health of its parents when conception occurred. The rest is up to the dog’s owner. A dog should have the necessary vaccinations, proper nutrition, good dental care, heartworm prevention, and other professional vet care during its life because all of these will have a direct bearing on a dog’s health as it ages. The healthier a dog is while growing up, the better its chances of being healthy as it grows older.


Appointments with a veterinarian usually include measuring the dog’s weight each visit. Any rapid or unexplained weight gain or weight loss is often the first sign of disease. Regular visits to the vet should be a part of every dog’s health care. It’s also very important to follow the vet’s recommendations on the proper feeding of older dogs. This helps ensure the dog is receiving the correct nutrition as it ages, and assists in preventing obesity which is one of the most common and preventable diseases in older dogs.


Older dogs should receive regular physical exams. How often these exams should be given depends a lot on the health of the dog; but older dogs, no matter their health status, should be examined by a vet at least once a year. Some older dogs who are diagnosed with health problems will need more visits with the veterinarian.


A physical assessment of the dog will include an examination of the mouth, teeth, gums, tongue, and throat. A rectal exam is also a part of the examination of an aging dog. The veterinarian will examine the inner pelvic area, the lining of the colon, check the dog’s lymph nodes, and the prostate in male dogs.


The physical exam will also include checking the dog’s skin and ears for ticks, fleas, or mites. Heartworm prevention is another important treatment for dogs of all ages but more so for aging dogs. Heartworm medications are available at all pet stores so it’s not difficult to prevent this disease.


If a dog shows any warning signs of heart, lung, kidney, or liver disease, X-rays will need to be taken. When a dog grows older and is still healthy, an X-ray of its chest and abdomen should be taken in case the dog later develops signs of disease. An X-ray taken when the dog was in good health can be compared to a new X-ray and will be valuable in diagnosing any symptoms the dog exhibits.


Owners of senior dogs should understand that the immune system of an older dog is not as strong as it was when the dog was younger, so it’s imperative that an aging dog be kept up-to-date on its vaccinations.


The problem of trying to control an animal’s pain must be handled by the vet. There are medications available that can help relieve pain in older dogs and make their lives a little more comfortable.


Older dogs need expert vet care to help prevent disease and to diagnose any health problems that can be treated and cured with the proper care. A veterinarian is the best partner a dog owner can have for keeping their dog healthy and making its senior years pleasurable.





Just as in humans, taking care of a senior dog means being aware of and recognizing potential health problems before they occur. Do you have problems with your senior dog and sometimes feel overwhelmed by your pet’s neediness? Older dogs have greater needs and they require more care than younger, more active dogs.



Some signs to look for that may indicate your dog is not feeling well or may need medical attention include the following:


Excessive Water Consumption
When a dog begins to drink excessive amounts of water, it’s usually an indication that something is wrong. Excessive water consumption can be an indicator of diabetes, adrenal hormone imbalance (Cushing’s disease), urinary tract infection, uterine infection, or side effects from medications.


Your dog should drink about one cup of water for every five pounds of body weight per day. Your dog may drink more water during very hot days, but by being aware of the amount of water your dog drinks on normal days, you’ll know if it’s consuming abnormally large amounts of waters on a continuous basis, which may be a symptom of a serious problem.


Lumps on Your Dog
While petting or stroking your dog, be conscious of any irregularities in or under the skin. If you feel a lump or cyst, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. Lumps can be malignant, but the only way to know for sure will be for your vet to perform a biopsy or an aspiration of cells with a needle.


Breathing Problems
Coughing, wheezing or breathing problems could indicate that there is a cardiovascular or lung problem with a geriatric dog. Laryngeal Paralysis also causes breathing problems and definitely requires an exam by your vet at the first sign of hoarseness or very rapid breathing not caused by heat exhaustion or heavy exercise.


Lazy or Lethargic Older Dogs
All dogs experience a decrease in energy levels as they become older and older dogs tire more easily and take more naps than younger, more active dogs. But if you find your dog is sleeping excessively, has trouble getting up from a nap, or has restricted mobility, it may be suffering from an acute form of arthritis common among older dogs. Arthritis is painful but there are medications and alternative treatments available that can bring relief to your dog for these types of conditions. The best supplement I have found for my own dog who has arthritis is Winston’s Joint System, an all-natural formula developed by a Naturopathic Doctor to heal his own beloved dog.


Changes in Vision
As your dog gets older, it’s normal for it to develop a hazy, bluish appearance in its eyes. This usually doesn’t affect the dog’s eyesight, but if it develops a hazy, white filmy substance over its eyes, it could be the onset of cataracts that can eventually lead to blindness.


An older dog will go through a number of changes as it progressively ages and may be more vulnerable to diseases specific to older dogs. Most dogs are considered senior dogs when they reach the age of 7 or 8 years, although some giant breeds are considered senior dogs as early as the age of 5 due to their shorter life span.


Some of the most common aging symptoms include slower movement and reduced activity, gray hair (especially around the muzzle), joint pain, a decrease in appetite, and sometimes depression.


Diseases in Older Dogs
Some old-age diseases in dogs call for special care. The most common old age diseases affecting dogs are cancer, arthritis and hip dysplasia.


Cancer is a malignant tumor that starts in one area of the body and then spreads to other areas through the blood. Malignant tumors can be removed, but they may reoccur. If the cancer is advanced, radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy may be necessary to save the dog’s life.


Arthritis and hip dysplasia are not curable diseases. Your dog may suffer from varying degrees of joint pain and the diseases may also prevent your dog from performing its normal activities. At the first sign of arthritis or hip dysplasia, I recommend you begin treating your pet with a daily regimen of Winston’s Joint System.


Winston’s Joint System is a combination of three, totally-natural whole food supplements developed by a Naturopathic Doctor for his own dog. There are no drugs with their serious side-effects, and no dosage problems because the dog’s body uses only what it needs. Within the first 30 days of treatment, dogs on Winston’s Joint System show noticeable and often remarkable improvement.


Diets For Older Dogs
Taking care of a senior dog usually includes changing its diet to accommodate any health condition. Wet food is recommended for senior dogs, as it’s easier to digest and may reduce the risk of developing liver and kidney disease. As your dog becomes older, it becomes less active and you will need to cut down on the amount of calories to prevent obesity.


Some of the diseases that affect aging dogs may be preventable. Daily teeth brushing as well as a regular exercise program can maintain your dog’s health and lead to a longer life. Be sure your senior dog has routine check-ups at least once per year, even if it appears to be in great physical shape. Early detection of diseases, followed by proper treatment, can add years to a dog’s life.


I empathize with you if you”re having problems taking care of a senior dog; so do I. But one thing I will do for my loving companion is treat him as I would wish to be treated when I get that old. The love you receive in exchange might just add years to YOUR life too!





Diseases that affect older dogs can be more serious simply because the dog is older.



Our pet dogs are susceptible to many of the same diseases that we as humans have to deal with. Here is a list of the most common diseases that can affect your pet and the symptoms or warning signs to guide you in knowing when to contact your vet. Some are serious and require immediate attention while others may have slow onsets and can be more difficult to diagnose. Many of these diseases affect older dogs more than younger ones, but a dog’s age does not render it immune to any of these debilitating diseases. When deciding whether any of these symptoms affecting your dog are serious enough to warrant a visit to the vet, you should always err on the side of caution and contact your vet when any of these symptoms persist in your pet.



    Cancer – Signs and Symptoms

Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow
Sores that do not heal
Weight loss
Loss of appetite
Bleeding or discharge from any opening in the body
Unusually strong stinky odor
Difficulty eating or swallowing
Hesitant to exercise or suffers from a loss of stamina
Difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecating



    Dental disease – Signs and Symptoms

Bad breath
Difficulty eating or swallowing
Weight loss



    Arthritis – Signs and Symptoms

Difficulty getting up from prone position
Difficulty climbing steps and/or jumping
Behavior changes – irritable, reclusive
Urinating or defecating inside the house
Loss of muscle



    Kidney disease/failure – Signs and Symptoms

Increased urination and thirst
Weight loss
Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Weakness
Pale gums
Diarrhea
Blood in vomit or black, tarry stool
Bad breath and oral ulcers
Behavior change



    Prostate disease – Signs and Symptoms

Urinating or defecating inside the house
Dribbling urine
Blood in urine



    Cataracts – Signs and Symptoms

Cloudy appearance to the eyes
Bumping into objects large enough to be avoided
Not retrieving objects when thrown



    Hypothyroidism – Signs and Symptoms

Weight gain
Dry, thin coat
Lethargy and/or depression



    Cushing’s disease – Signs and Symptoms

Thin coat and thin skin
Increased thirst and urination
Pot-bellied appearance
Abnormally increased appetite



    Urinary incontinence – Signs and Symptoms

Urinating in the bed or the area where the dog was sleeping



    Gastrointestinal disease – Signs and Symptoms

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Loss of weight
Blood in stool
Black and/or tarry stool



    Inflammatory bowel disease – Signs and Symptoms

Diarrhea
Vomiting
Mucous or blood in stool
Increased frequency of defecation



    Diabetes mellitus – Signs and Symptoms

Increased thirst and urination
Weight loss



    Anemia – Signs and Symptoms

Exercise intolerance
Very light-colored gums



    Liver disease – Signs and Symptoms

Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Behavior changes
Yellow or pale gums


As you can see from this list of symptoms, it would be nearly impossible to self-diagnose your pet with any of these diseases that can affect older dogs. If you notice that one or more of the above symptoms persist for any length of time, make an appointment with your vet and have your dog thoroughly checked for these serious diseases. You owe your faithful companion the best care you can afford.





Is your grass turning yellow because dogs are urinating on your lawn?



Perhaps you’ve had the unpleasant experience of a neighbor cursing you because your dog just urinated on his freshly manicured lawn. Or maybe it’s your own lawn that’s showing the effects from your dog’s urine. We can excuse our pet dogs for many of their little eccentricities, but when the result of your beloved dog urinating on your lawn is an unsightly mosaic of brown and green, it’s time to do something about it. Dog urine contains a high concentration of nitrogen and can leave unsightly brown “doggy spots” on your lawn. The urine is absorbed into the soil, which damages the roots of the grass, and the result is a patchwork of brown spots and green lawn. This is a frustrating problem for many homeowners, but there are some preventative steps you can take to keep your lawn green.


One alternative for preventing doggy urine spots is to plant a urine-resistant grass, such as fescue or ryegrass. These grasses are not as affected by dog urine as is Kentucky Bluegrass, for example. Another preventive measure you can take is to avoid using lawn fertilizers with nitrogen as an ingredient. If the fertilizer has nitrogen in it, your lawn will be getting a double dose wherever your dog urinates. What I have done at times is to use a hose and immediately flood the area where my dog has just urinated. This dilutes the nitrogen and spreads it over my yard so it’s not as concentrated in one area. This usually prevents the grass from turning brown.


Another treatment I have used and found to be very effective is Lawn Aid from Dogs Health. I’ve been giving it to my dog all this past year here in the desert where we have green grass all year-round (that is if you water the lawn every day during the triple digit temperatures).


Lawn Aid balances my dog’s urine pH and helps prevent discoloration of the grass. It’s a combination of Cranberry, Yucca, DL-Methionine and Brewer’s Yeast and it helps keep my grass green all year long. The Cranberry Extract also helps support good urinary tract health in my dog.


Urine, when produced as a waste product in animals, primarily removes excess nitrogen from the body via the kidneys. Nitrogen waste products are the result of protein breakdown through normal bodily processes. Dogs have a considerable protein requirement, and their urine volume varies due to the dog’s size and its metabolism. Urine becomes a serious problem for lawns because it hits the grass all at once, acting like a liquid fertilizer.


Most types of grass can handle dogs urinating on the lawn because small amounts of nitrogen as not as damaging as a heavy, sudden dose of fertilizer. Female dogs are more likely to squat when urinating and are the primary culprits of lawn damage since they will urinate anywhere on a lawn and usually all at once. The result is a single nitrogen dump concentrated on a small patch of grass. The brown spot that results often has a green ring around the perimeter. The nitrogen overload at the center causes the burn. This characteristic brown spot – green ring pattern has been called “female dog spot disease”.


You may live in a part of the country where you have green grass for only a few months out of the year and your lawn turns brown or is covered with snow most of the winter. If that is the case you may want to try Lawn Aid before summer ends, but for those of us who live in temperate climates, Lawn Aid comes in very handy all year-round.


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