Caring for Immobile Dogs

Dogs that went through an accident or have a certain illness could become immobile. They could lose the ability to move and control their legs, have difficulty walking or end up lying around all day. This is a sad situation but there are still a few things that dog owners can do to help their pets be able to move again.

Therapy

Dog owners can now sign their dogs up for physical therapy sessions at their local animal clinic or hospital. There are some physical therapists that specialize in animals but some vets are also knowledgeable about the practices and therapies to help dogs be able to walk again. Dogs who undergo therapy, especially the ones that are ill with degenerative myelopathy, tend to develop the illness slower and regain control of their paws.

Ramps

Little things like ramps and elevations can help your dog get around the house or into your car a bit easier. You don’t have to purchase those expensive ramps, you can just create one out of some wood or even just get the inexpensive ones. These help your do move up the stairs, get into cars and even go from one floor to another in your house.

Booties and mats

If your dog has a hard time standing up because it can’t control its lower limbs anymore, let them wear a bootie so that they can have a better grip on the floor. Another way to help them out is to place mats on areas in the house where they might need to turn. This helps to avoid them from slipping and tripping. This helps dogs with arthritis and degenerative myelopathywhen keeping their balance and not falling off.

Wheelchairs

If your dog has completely lost its ability to move its hind legs, then getting it a wheelchair will help. Ask your vet id they can offer a good doctor that can fit your dog a wheelchair. Don’t just get any readymade one since this could not be the right fit and size for your dog. 

Medication
Although some immobility problems are not curable, you can still help minimize symptoms by giving your dog some medication. Other vets would just advise some additional food supplement and extra exercise. Before giving your dog any form of medication or food supplement, make sure that the vet approves it first. Regular check-ups are also advisable.

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Adopted Dogs – Helping them through their Adjustment Problems

Adopting a dog is a wonderful thing to do. You are giving a helpless dog a second chance in life, taking them out of a life in cages and holding pens, or worse, a fate that may involve them being put to sleep. Taking in an adopted dog to a new home usually calls for minor adjustment problems, both for you and your family as well as the new pet. However, some adopted dogs have been through a lot of abuse and suffering. Even if the animal shelter says that the dog is cleared for adoption, they may not have looked at factors that could cause the dog to feel fear, anxiety and even extreme hyperactivity when they move it with their new owners.

So how do you deal with your dog’s odd behavior?
Just let it be. You can simply keep it calm and make it feel that it’s going to be fine. Try to make it feel that it’s not such as big deal. He will soon find out that his fears and worries are just for nothing. However, sometimes this is not enough.

Professional intervention

If your dog has a tendency to want to escape or run away from the house, act violently and snarls or bites,  constantly keeps on hiding away from other people, does not eat even if you try to hand feed it, or gets seizure attacks, then you will need to get a professional to help you with the problem. This could be either a health or behavioral problem.

Talk to a Veterinarian

Make sure that it’s not a health issue that’s causing the dog to act strangely. If the dog constantly shakes, have it tested for illnesses like degenerative myelopathy or other nerve problems. If he does not eat or vomits, check if his stomach and digestion is ok. They could also be suffering from internal damages, so have a few tests run on them just to make sure.

Ask Help from a Trainer
You can definitely ask help from a trainer to modify your dog’s behavior. Choose one that concentrates more on positive reinforcement then punishment. It may take the dog a longer time to learn, but he will not feel threatened if he does not follow orders.

Family

Make sure that your family knows how to deal with the dog. Younger children need to be watched over very careful around the dog since they might place themselves and the dog in harm. If you adopted a dog that is already ill with a progressing illness, such as arthritis or degenerative myelopathy, you will have to make sure that you and the other family members can actually give time to help the dog recover and get better. 

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Common Nerve Disorders Amongst Dogs

In humans and animals, nerves control all body movement. Any disorder that affects the nervous system is bound to cause mobility problems. In many cases, the normal function of that body part will never get back to normal. Dogs are also affected with nerve disorders, especially if they are already in their senior years. Below are some common nerve disorders amongst dogs that you should know about.

Peripheral Neuropathy

This illness is caused by damage or an injury caused by outside sources. Nerves that are spread all though-out the body, controlling the different systems and sending back responses to external and internal stimuli, become weakened as a result of the problem. Loss of consciousness, instability, and spatial disorientation are also other symptoms. This could be caused by toxins, infections, immune or metabolic diseases, and even certain medications that are used to treat cancer.

Radial Nerve Paralysis

Radial nerve paralysis is by far one of the most common nerve problems experienced by dogs. When the dog has this, they have a very hard time using their front legs, resulting with them dragging their paws while walking and damaging their nails. This is usually caused by an injury or excessive stretching. The dog will need some form of therapy and rehabilitation to be able to walk properly again.

Degenerative Myelopathy

Genetics plays a vital roles in this illness. Degenerative myelopathy or DM in dogs, is an illness that affects the dog’s spine and nerves. It usually first affects the dog’s hind legs, causing it drag them while walking. The dog will also shake and lose balance because of the loss of control. The illness will progress and begin to affect the dog’s body, moving up to its torso, front legs, and then their head. DM in dogs eventually results in full body paralysis and manifests in dogs that are in their older years.

Neuromuscular Disorder

With neuromuscular disorders, illnesses such as diabetes, Cushing’s disease, botulism, Addison’s disease, cancer, and tetanus could affect the dog’s neuromuscular system. These disorders could cause swelling of the nerves, leaving the dog in pain. They may also have a hard time when exercising, eating, and even supporting their own weight.

Axonotmesis

This is when nerve fibers rupture due to prolonged pressure, crushing and pinching. It normally takes the dog about a few weeks to a few months to recover from the damage.  Depending on how damaged the body part is, the dog may not regain full ability and control of that part of the body.

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Puppy Care – 8 Vitamins your Pup Needs

Although many of us just buy a random bag of dog food for our dog, it’s actually important that they get a specific blend or formula, especially if they are still puppies. If puppies do not get the right amount of vitamins and minerals, they are more prone to develop illnesses such as DM in dogs and heart problems. Below is a short list of the different types of vitamins your puppy needs to develop a strong and healthy body.

Vitamin A

This is to ensure that the dog’s eyesight stays in top shape. It also helps build a healthy immune system. It’s important however to never overdose your dog on vitamin A since it’s fat soluble and sticks to the dog’s body fats.

Vitamin D

This vitamin is needed for strong muscles and bones. As with vitamin A, it’s a fat soluble vitamin so you should not overdose your dog with it.

Vitamin B

Your dg will need different types of vitamin Bs. Thiamin or vitamin B1 for high carbohydrate metabolism and energy. B6 is needed for a healthy immune, blood, and nervous system. The right amount of B6 also helps prevent DM in dogs. B6 deficiency can cause muscle twitching, weight loss and anemia. Lastly, B12, riboflavin and niacin is needed to help the dog prevent low levels of white blood cells and low appetite.

Calcium
Calcium is needed for strong teeth and bones. The right amount of calcium also helps normal blood coagulation and a strong nervous system. Lack of calcium will cause skeletal abnormalities.
Copper

This might sound unusual, but it’s also very important for proper bone, cell, and tissue formation. It also helps their fur color stay at its best.

Iron

Red blood cells need iron to work properly. These cells transport oxygen all over the body, and if the dog does not get enough of this substance, they become weak and lethargic.

Iodine

Iodine is needed for proper metabolism and thyroid function. Symptoms of Iodine deficiency would include thyroid gland enlargement, dry and sparse fur, and sudden weight gain.

Zinc
Dogs need this to maintain healthy skin and hair. Not having enough zinc can cause skin lesion, vomiting and low weight gain.

The best way to make sure your dog gets enough of the right vitamins and minerals is to get dog food that is appropriate for its age. You can also give it food supplements.

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Advantages of Adopting Dogs Instead of Buying a Puppy

Finding the right pet for your kids can be a bit of a challenge, but the most popular pets by far have to be dogs. After all, they are man’s best friends and they can help watch over their children. The question of where to get the dog comes to mind. Many people would think about just buying a new dog from the pet shop. However, have you thought about adopting one instead? Adopting a dog may just give you more benefits; for one, you not only give a dog a new home and family to love, you get to help the local pound and animal shelter as well.

 Below are more reasons that may compel you to adopt a dog instead of buy a new puppy.

Choices

You have more than one or two dogs to choose from if you adopt. Take a trip to the local animal shelter and check out what dogs are available for adoption. There are probably hundreds of dogs, with different sizes and personalities, which you can take a pick from.

They are handpicked
Most dogs that are up for adoption are chosen carefully. Animal shelters make sure that the dogs are healty and fit to be taken into a new family. Another benefit is that these dogs have already been given their shots, so you don’t have to worry about going to the vet and get them immunized before taking them home.

You can “test drive” them

Animal shelters usually let potential new families take the dog home for a day or two to see how they deal with the new environment. Shelters also allow potential owners to pay dogs regular visits to give time for play and interaction, allowing them to be familiar with their potential pets before adoption.

Find the right one for you
Like people, dogs have different personalities. Some dogs may be a little lazy and prefer to lie around, while other loves to jump up, run and play with people. By adopting, you can choose the dog that fits your personality and lifestyle.

Healthy

Dogs that are up for adoption are generally healthier. However, there are some illnesses, like degenerative myelopathy, that you cannot detect when the dog is still young. Always ask for the dog’s health history so you can review it.

Sharing the love

Some animal shelters let you adopt dogs who have health issues and physical disabilities. For example, some animal shelters would allow you to take care of a dog that has degenerative myelopathy during its earlier stage. It’s a form of therapy for the dog to feel the love and support that a family would give.

 

 

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Care for Dogs during summer

When the warmer seasons start rolling in, expect a lot of people going out and enjoying the sun. Many of these people would bring their dogs out to enjoy themselves and also have a good time. However, too much heat might cause the dog to get sick. Below are a few tips that can help your keep your beloved pet dog safe during summer.

No parking

You should never, in under any circumstance, leave your dog inside the car. It does not matter if you parked in the shade or in a covered car park. The interior of your car will heat up and it’s very dangerous for dogs to stay in very hot places. If you are off running errands, leave your dog or bring a leash so you can take it around with you. When taking your pet out, also make sure that its leash is securely on it so that it will not run off or get lost.

Give it a lot of water

Make sure your dog is well hydrated. Give it a good amount of water and make sure their water bowl is full with clean water all the time. Dogs that are paralyzes, such as the ones suffering from dm in dogs, will need assistance in keeping them hydrated. You can use a feeding tube and squirt water into their mouth so it goes into their system. If you are planning to go out with your pet dog, bring a small container of water along with you.

Cut their hair

Grooming your pet will not only make it look good, it will also help them keep cool. Dogs that have long and shaggy hair commonly suffer from heat strokes. Keeping their fur well kept, clean and trimmed will be a big help. Bigger dogs are more prone to heat strokes during summer. Other illnesses that dogs also be prone due to the heat are DM in dogs, arthritis, and bone and muscle problems. A dog who is suffering from a heat stroke are constantly panting, staring at blank spaces, refuse to obey any commands, has dry skin, being tired all the time, and vomiting.

Crank up the cooling system

Dogs who are more use in living in colder areas will love you for it. Boost the temperature of your cooling system to a relaxing and comfortable temperature. Another way to keep them cool is to give them a bath. Once or twice a week should cover it.

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Puppy Care – Setting the Right Diet

One of the most frequently asked questions dog owners ask their veterinarians is what to feed to their puppies. Puppies, like human babies, required a more complex diet in order for them to grow well. They are still growing and need more than the usual combination and amount of nutrients to develop normally. Giving them the right diet will also help prevent them from developing any genetic illnesses such as degenerative myelopathy. Below are a few common food choices that dog owners give to their puppies and their pros and cons.

Table Scraps

Many people give their puppy table scraps thinking that they are enough to give them the nutrients they need. It’s also a very cheap way to feet you pets—you basically cook for yourself and your dog.  However, table scraps are not enough for a growing puppy. Scraps still lack the nutrients they need to develop strong muscles and bones.  If you are planning to give your puppy table scraps, you will need to give it food supplements to make up for the lacking vitamins and minerals.

Meat

Meat is also another common thing that dog owners give to their pets. Some vets have also recommended giving dogs meat because of its high protein content. A down side when it comes to serving meat to puppies everyday is that the protein content of meat can be too much for their kidneys. Also, you have to prepare and cook the meat properly to prevent the puppy from getting food poisoning. It can also be a bit expensive over time if you go with an all-meat diet.

Dog Food

This is the best type of food to give to dogs, no matter how old they are. High quality dog food contains all the right nutrients, vitamins and minerals specifically formulated for growing puppies. There are even dog food brands that offer a specific blend for puppy size and breeds. Dog food becomes very cheap if you buy it in sacks of bulks and its available everywhere. However, care must be taken when switching dog food, since puppies have sensitive stomachs and may react negatively when introduced to a new brand. A good way to stop this is to integrate the new dog food slowly into their diet so that their system can get used to it.

Since puppies are still developing, it is a good idea to give them supplements to make sure they are getting enough nutrients. Another thing to be careful about is their diet. Puppies grow very fast, and you have to make sure you do not over feed them. Over weight dogs are more prone to illnesses like cardio vascular problems, degenerative myelopathy, hip dysplasia and bone disease.

 Puppy Care Video

 

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Taking Care of an Older Dog

A few people might end up getting an older or an adult dog instead of a puppy. So might consider adopting a dog from the local pound and give it a family that it deserves. Others might get one from a friend or family member that is not able to take care of it anymore. Taking care of an older dog might sound easier compared to taking care of a puppy, but it’s actually more complex then you think. Older dogs face a few certain types of illnesses that puppies may not experience. Here is a guideline on how you can take care of an older dog.

Keep a very close eye on their weight

Like humans, dogs tend to have a more active metabolism when they are younger. As they age, it slows down and it’s easier for them to gain a few pounds. To assure that the dog’s weight is just right for their height and breed, weight the dog regularly. Keep a small notebook or list with you or use a track chart and write down any changes on their weight. You need to keep their weight at a certain rage to keep them healthy and prevent any illnesses. If you do not have a scale, you can go to the vet and ask them if you can use theirs. Most vet office let their clients use their scale for free.

Include more healty activities
An excellent diet is not enough to keep your dog healthy. It will also need some exercise and physical activity. A great way to let your dog get some exercise and also let you enjoy spending time with it is to play games. A popular game that most dog owners sign up for is dog Frisbee. You and your dog can enjoy running around in a field, throwing and catching a Frisbee. Some games even have competitions and many dog owners would train their dogs to become the best. Keeping an older dog active helps minimize the possibility of them getting arthritis, degenerative myelopathy, hip dyspepsia and more.

Visit the vet more often

Making frequent visits to the vet is needed for older dogs. More frequent visits will detect any illnesses while it is still on its early stages. Illnesses that only affect older dogs, like degenerative myelopathy, can be tested for. Vets know what is best for your dog during this age so talk to them and ask for a few care tips as well.

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