Beagle

Henrik | December 3rd, 2009

beagle Beagle

Beagle Information

AKA – English Beagle
Size – Small
Ease of training – Low
Grooming – Low
Shedding – Medium
Exercise needed – Daily walk
Energy level – Medium
Protection – Medium, will bark at a strangers
Good with children – Yes
Health clearances – OFA, CERF
Popularity – 5/155

Beagle Temperament

Playful, good natured, and very sociable, the Beagle is a dog that is well suited to inexperienced dog owners as well as the more experienced. These are dogs that are well suited to households with children, as they get along well with kids. They also get on well and enjoy the company of other dogs in their pack. They have a tendency to chase smaller animals. The Beagle is a dog with bags of love and attention to give to his family. He is always happy to see you when you come home, and will wag his tail of and greet you with kisses. He is a dog that loves to explore and follow his nose! Sometimes his curious streak (what is that lovely smell and where is it coming from?) can lead him into trouble and even danger. Beagles love food and are always “starving hungry”, or so they pretend, which makes them prone to obesity. So you must only feed him the right amount of food to fulfill his daily nutritional requirements, and no more.

Obedience training of a consistent nature is essential for this breed, as he can otherwise be stubborn and this can make it hard to get him to obey you. Younger Beagles love to chew, so don’t leave this breed alone with your best furniture. The Beagle has a bright and cheerful disposition, and is a great companion dog. With strangers the Beagle can be vocal and territorial and their alertness and tendency to bark as a warning makes them good watchdogs. This breed loves to eat and when steal food whenever given the chance. He can also be very difficult to housebreak. The Beagle’s tendency to wander off and explore means that you should ensure that he is in a very safe and secure, fenced area if he is allowed to play off the leash. He is an excellent digger and climber, and will dig under, or climb his way over, the fence if he sets his mind on it, so you must ensure that your fence is secure enough to keep him secure.
Beagle Appearance

There are two sized of Beagle, and in terms of height these vary from up to t13 inches and from 13-15 inches. The weight of a Beagle can vary from 16-30 pounds depending on his height. These dogs have short, sleek, and dense coats, and the coloring of the coat can vary and includes red and white, tan and white, lemon and white, blue shading, and the most common, which is tri-colored with black, tan and white. The ears of the breed fall to the sides of the face, and these dogs have wallowing dark eyes and an intelligent expression.
Beagle Grooming

The short, sleek coat of the Beagle does not take much in terms of maintenance, and a quick brushing and occasional wipe down with a damp cloth should help to keep the coat in good, glossy condition. You should ensure that you clean the ears of the Beagle regularly to reduce the chances of infections. He is a moderate year round shedder.
Beagle Health Problems and Life Expectancy

The Beagle has a life expectancy of around 10-14 years. There are various health problems and issues linked to this breed, and some of these include thyroid problems, epilepsy, spinal problems, cataracts, glaucoma, retinal atrophy, hip dysplasia, and bleeding disorders. The parents of your Beagle puppy should have CERF and OFA certificates.
Beagle History

The Beagle is a dog that originates from Great Britain, and boasts a history that spans centuries, having been around since King Henry VIII was on the throne. Once bred for hare hunting, these dogs became very popular in the United States in the mid-twentieth century, becoming the most popular breed in America in the 1950s. The breed was registered with the AKC in 1885.

VN:F [1.7.5_995]
Rating: 9.0/10 (1 vote cast)
VN:F [1.7.5_995]
Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)

German Shepherd Dog

Henrik | December 2nd, 2009

german shepherd dog 300x207 German Shepherd Dog

German Shepherd Dog Information

AKA-  Alsatian, Deutscher Schaferhund
Size –  Large
Ease of training – High
Grooming –  Low
Shedding – High
Exercise needed –  Daily walk and a run
Energy level – Medium
Protection –  High, will bark and attack
Good with children – Yes
Health clearances – OFA, CERF
Popularity – 3/155

German Shepherd Dog Temperament

The German Shepherd Dog is a very popular breed as reflected by his position on the AKC popularity list. This is an alert, lively, loyal, and very intelligent breed. He is often used as a military, police or search and rescue dog. These dogs are obedient and very quick to learn. He is one of the easiest of all breeds to train due to his high intelligence. The German Shepherd is active, full of energy, courageous, confident, and independent. In fact, The high intelligence and responsive nature of the breed makes this one of the easiest dogs to train. Some German Shepherd Dogs can be quite aloof and serious, and some can be dominant and sharp. However, these are very capable dogs, and are eager to please their owners, although their personality makes them best suited to those with some experience of dog ownership. You will need to ensure that you provide your German Shepherd with physical and mental stimulation, and these dogs do not fare well when isolated or neglected. The German Shepherd will need regular exercise, including daily walks and regular runs, although this should obviously be either in a safe and secured area or on the leash.

The German Shepherd is known to get along very well with children, although you should bear in mind his size if you have younger children. Early socialization is important if you have other pets, as these dogs may chase smaller animals such as cats, and can also be aggressive or dominant with other dogs of the same sex. Whining can be a problem with the German Shepherd, as some will whine a lot. The German Shepherd is known for its protectiveness too, and therefore makes a very affective watchdog and will not back down if he feels that he or his loved ones are being threatened.
German Shepherd Dog Appearance

The German Shepherd Dog is a handsome and powerful creature, with a well built, athletic body, an alert expression, and tall, erect ears. His coat is straight, hard, and medium in length, and he also has a dense undercoat. The coloring of the German Shepherd Dog can vary and includes black and tan, sable, and black. The German Shepherd Dog weighs in at 60-80 pounds for females, and 75-100 pounds for males.
German Shepherd Dog Grooming

The grooming requirements for the German Shepherd Dog are not excessive, and brushing his coat every couple of days should help to control shedding, although you will need to step up the grooming at certain times of the year when he is shedding more heavily. That said, the German Shepherd Dog is a heavy shedder all year round, and is therefore not well suited to allergy sufferers.
German Shepherd Dog Health Problems and Life Expectancy

The life expectancy of the German Shepherd Dog is around 12 years, and there are a number of health problems that are associated with this breed. This includes spinal problems, bloat and torsion, HD and elbow dysplasia, OCD, epilepsy, pancreas problems, and eye problems. The parents of the German Shepherd Dog puppy should have OFA and CERF certificates.
German Shepherd Dog History

The German Shepherd Dog originates from Germany, and was originally used for herding. However, the intelligence, watchfulness, obedience, and protectiveness of the breed saw the German Shepherd Dog become a very popular choice in professions such as police work and military work, guard dogs, search and rescue, etc. The bred was registered with the AKC in 1908.

VN:F [1.7.5_995]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)
VN:F [1.7.5_995]
Rating: +1 (from 1 vote)

Golden Retriever

Henrik | December 1st, 2009

Dog Breds - Golden-retriever

Golden Retriever Facts

AKA – Yellow Retriever
Size - Large
Ease of training –  High
Grooming –  Medium
Shedding – High
Exercise needed –  Daily walk
Energy level –  Medium
Protection – Low
Good with children –  Yes
Health clearances- OFA, CERF, vWD, SAS
Popularity – 4/155

Golden Retriever Temperament

A very popular breed, the Golden Retriever is a dog that is stable, loving, eager to please, and gentle. These dogs make wonderful companions and family pets, and they love to give and receive attention. The Golden Retriever is a loyal and devoted dog, with mild manners, a responsive nature, and a playful streak. These dogs love the company of humans, and are not suited to those that cannot commit much time to their pet. They are quite energetic, and in particular they love to swim. These dogs have a real passion for life and for everything they do, and are extremely sociable dogs that will get along with almost everyone.

Their love for just about everyone makes Golden Retrievers poor watchdogs, but the good news is that they get on well with children, strangers, and other pets. He loves to eat! Golden Retrievers suffer obesity because they eat and eat and eat and eat, so you must watch how much you feed him. These dogs do have a tendency to chew, and therefore should be provided with appropriate toys so that your own belongings and furnishings don’t suffer. The Golden Retriever is a fast learner and a highly intelligent dog, which makes training easy and makes this breed suitable for inexperienced owners. He is a highly trainable dog. Positive obedience training with lots of praise and treats should begin from the moment you bring him home to ensure that he learns his manners. Trusting, obedient, sweet natured, and loving, the Golden Retriever is the perfect family pet and companion.
Golden Retriever Appearance

The Golden Retriever is a large dog with a powerful, robust build and a very sweet face. His coat is soft and flat or can be wavy with feathering. The undercoat of the Golden Retriever is weatherproof. The coloring of the coat can be in one a variety of shades of cream and gold. The Golden Retriever always looks keen and eager. In terms of the weight these dogs are around 55-65 pounds for females and 65-75 pounds for males. Females are around 21-23 inches in height, and males are around 23-24 inches.
Golden Retriever Grooming

The grooming requirements for the Golden Retriever are moderate, and you will need to brush his coat twice weekly – more often when he is shedding more heavily – and keep an eye on straggly hairs, which will need to be trimmed. The hair around his bottom will also need to be trimmed for hygiene reasons, and you should check his ears are clean and dry regularly to reduce the risk of infection. The Golden Retriever is a very heavy shedder and is not suited to those with allergies.
Golden Retriever Health Problems and Life Expectancy

The life expectancy of the Golden Retriever is around 10-14 years, and there are a number of health problems that have been linked to this breed. This includes cataracts, entropion, allergies, thyroid problems, cancer, epilepsy, OCD, HD, and vWD. Parents of the Golden Retriever puppy should have OFA and CERF certificates.
Golden Retriever History

The Golden Retriever originates from Great Britain, and was bred as a water retriever and a hunter. The obedience and intelligence of the breed has now made them popular as guide dogs for the blind. The breed was registered with the AKC in 1925.

VN:F [1.7.5_995]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)
VN:F [1.7.5_995]
Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)

Canine Liver Disease

Henrik | November 30th, 2009

Canine liver disease is among the top five leading causes of non-accidental death in dogs and as such should be taken seriously. The liver is responsible for a number of essential bodily functions, and if it is compromised in any way your dog’s overall health is in jeopardy.

Among the liver’s many responsibilities are blood detoxification, waste removal and bile production to aid digestion. This large gland is involved in just about every process in the body. As such, it is very resilient, with the ability to work even during the onset of liver disease in dogs.

Canine liver disease can be caused by bacterial infections, ingested materials, genetics or existing health conditions. Some of the more common symptoms of liver problems in dogs include weight loss, lethargy, jaundice, loss of appetite, pale gums and abdominal fluid buildup.

If you would like to learn more about a natural supplement that may help prevent and treat dog liver disease just click the link provided or continue reading to find out more info.

How can liver disease in dogs be treated?

If you notice any of the above symptoms, make sure you consult your veterinarian as soon as possible. Because the liver is able to function effectively even at 70-80% capacity, the disease may be in its advanced stages by the time the condition manifests itself.

Your vet can perform blood tests to check liver enzyme levels among other indicators. He or she can also look and feel for liver enlargement, jaundice or other signs of canine liver disease.

Treatment will depend on the cause of the problem and the severity of damage to the gland. Unlike other organs in the body, it can regenerate itself so if the problem is isolated there is a good chance of recovery.

Dietary adjustments can be extremely effective in treating dog liver disease. Providing the right vitamins, minerals, fats and other nutrients can help restore liver function. Reducing chemical additives and preservatives from your dog’s diet can lighten the liver’s workload.

Another consideration for preventing and/or treating canine liver disease is including supplements that can help improve liver function and ward off disease. There are herbal extracts and other nutrients that have been shown to help eliminate toxins, strengthen immunity and assist with bile production.

If you are interested in a supplement that can strengthen your dog’s liver and help prevent liver disease, you might want to consider PetAlive Liver Aid, a special natural treatment with herbal and homeopathic ingredients that can stimulate liver function and improve general health and well-being.

Please note you should always consult your veterinarian or other qualified practitioner before choosing a preventative treatment for dog liver disease. He or she will help you decide if a natural alternative is the right solution for your pet.

VN:F [1.7.5_995]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)
VN:F [1.7.5_995]
Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)

Labrador Retriever

Henrik | November 29th, 2009

Dog Breed - labrador-retriever

Labrador Retriever Information

AKA – NA
Size – Large
Ease of training – High
Grooming –  Low
Shedding – Medium
Exercise needed – Daily walks
Energy level – Medium/High
Protection  - Effective watchdog
Good with children  - Yes
Health clearances –  OFA, CERF
Popularity – 1/155

Labrador Retriever Temperament

The most popular of all the AKC breeds, the Labrador Retriever is a good natured, loving, and loyal dog that makes a wonderful family pet. These dogs are intelligent, responsive, and obedient, which makes them one of the easiest breeds to obedience train. The Labrador Retriever is well suited to both inexperienced and experienced dog owners. He is very quick to learn, and is friendly and sociable, with a mild manner and a very amiable attitude. The temperament and personality of the Labrador Retriever reflects his number one position on the AKC popularity list. He is full of energy, loves to join in with a wide range of activities, and has plenty of love and affection to shower upon his family.

The Labrador Retriever is not a dog that is suited to those with little time for their pets, as these dogs thrive on companionship and affection from their loved ones. Some do have a tendency to chew, and in particular can indulge in destructive chewing if neglected. Although these dogs have plenty of spirit and some can be quite independent, they are usually easy to train, as they are clever and eager to please. This breed gets along with just about everyone, from children and strangers to pets and other animals. These active dogs do require regular exercise, and will fare well with a secure, safe area in which to play and enjoy some exercise.
Labrador Retriever Appearance

The Labrador Retriever is a handsome, sturdy, and robust dog that is large in size. He has dark, wallowing eyes, and an eager and intelligent expression. The coat of the Labrador Retriever is short, close fitting, and sleek, and the coloring can be black, yellow, or chocolate. The weight of the Labrador Retriever is around 55-70 pounds for females, and around 65-80 pounds for males. In terms of height the Labrador Retriever reaches around 21-24 inches for females, and around 22-25 inches for males.
Labrador Retriever Grooming

The Labrador Retriever is a low maintenance dog when it comes to grooming, and his coat needs to be brushed on a weekly basis to keep it sleek and in good condition. He is a medium shedder, and can shed more heavily on a seasonal basis, so he is not the ideal choice for those with allergies. You will also need to step up the grooming at times of the year when he is shedding more heavily.
Labrador Retriever Health Problems and Life Expectancy

There are a number of health issues and disorders linked to this breed, and some of these include: eye problems, HD and elbow dysplasia, CMO, thyroid problems, vWD, diabetes, PRA, OCD, allergies, seizures, and heart problems. The life expectancy of the Labrador Retriever is around 10-12 years. The parents of the Labrador Retriever puppy should have OFA and CERF certificates.
Labrador Retriever History

Originating from Canada, the Labrador Retriever was once used to retrieve fish that fell from nets as well as water birds. This is a very versatile breed, and has since gone on to perform all sorts of duties, from assisting police to working with the blind. The breed was registered with the AKC in 1917.

VN:F [1.7.5_995]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)
VN:F [1.7.5_995]
Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)

How to Lead Train Young Dogs

Henrik | November 28th, 2009

All young dogs are inquisitive by nature, and want to explore. This can make lead training difficult, as the puppy wants to be everywhere but by the owner when they go for a walk. The sights, sounds and smells of new places can be irresistible to a puppy, and it is important to catch poor lead behavior very early on before it develops in to something more difficult to control.

The Pulling Game

Many dogs don’t go through an adequate socialization or lead training programm when they are young. This leads to pulling, biting and snapping when other dogs come in to view. The dog makes a harsh rasping noise as he tries to pull away from the lead, making walking an exhaustive process for the owner. A well-trained dog can be a pleasure to walk, but a poorly-trained one can be frustrating.

The First Principles of Lead Training

Firstly, a dog needs to be well socialised. This means that he is used to other dogs and responds well to them. This is why it is very important to introduce the dog to as many others of his species as possible as soon as he has had his inoculations against disease. Going to socialisation classes early on is invaluable, or even just taking the dog to the park and letting him romp with others, or introducing him to friends and family who have dogs too, so he can get used to being around all manner of breeds and temperaments.

Starting Lead Training

As soon as the pup is ready to go out, use the lead as part of toilet training. Pop him on it when he goes in to the garden and walk with him as he has a good explore. Encourage him to go where he likes on the lead, letting him get accustomed to it and praising him for good behaviours. Reward with treats or puppy biscuits if he comes back to you, even on a lead, and wears the lead without chafing at it or jumping about. Gradually, the puppy will understand that the lead is a positive thing that lets him go out, rather than something that will tether or restrict him.

Continuing Lead Training in the Outside World

When your pup is comfortable with the lead, it is time to go on the first walk together. Get lots of treats and set out when the puppy is feeling confident. The best possible beginning is to take another dog along too, as the puppy will focus on the dog rather than pulling. If having another dog along on the walk is not possible, take the following steps to achieve a perfect walk: Reward the puppy when he stays near you without pulling Keep him focused by showing him treats and encouraging him Try not to pull on the lead, or shout, as the puppy will need to trust his owner if things get frightening Engage his attention with a favourite squeaky toy if he gets distracted Walk at an easy, gentle pace without stopping so he understand he needs to walk beside you Try to keep going – don’t stop unless he needs to go to the toilet, as this will make your pace more difficult to second-guess and understand Always keep calm, confident and relaxed, as tension from the owner will wind the puppy up. If the puppy does well, reward him with lots of love and affection. A walk that goes well the very first time should be the best possible experience for owner and puppy, and this can be repeated again and again with positive reinforcement for a happy and relaxed future together.

VN:F [1.7.5_995]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)
VN:F [1.7.5_995]
Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)

Dog Itching

Henrik | November 27th, 2009

Dog itching is quite common, and can be due to a number of conditions, from a mild case of fleas to a more serious case of mange or fungal infection.

A number of factors can play a role in causing your dog to scratch, including allergic reactions, bcaterial and parasitic infections, environmental sensitivities and nutritional deficiencies. If the problem persists, it’s important to see your veterinarian to determine the exact cause and figure out a plan of action to treat your itchy dog.

If you are looking for a safe natural dog itch remedy that can relieve itching, restore healthy skin and improve the overall health of your dog’s coat then click the link provided to learn about Pet Alive’s Skin and Coat Tonic.

How can you treat dog itching effectively?

There are several things you can do to help prevent dog itchy skin as well as other skin and coat issues in your pet. Regular brushing can release protective oils that will encourage blood flow and keep the coat vibrant.

Try to avoid exposure to external toxins, such as herbicides, pesticides and flea powder. Note any allergic reactions to grasses, plants or other things your dog might come into contact with. A flea-infested dog is an itchy dog, so keep them off your pet. Olive oil and fatty acids can improve skin health, as will a healthy diet and exercise program.

Another way to ensure coat health and prevent/treat dog itching and other skin problems is a natural supplement with ingredients that can promote healthy skin, speed up healing and relieve dog itchy skin.

A skin tonic with therapeutic herbal extracts can offer a safe, natural treatment for an itchy dog, offering relief from dermatitis and ensuring that the condition is not recurring.

One of the best supplement we have found to effectively treat dog itching is called Pet Alive Skin and Coat Tonic, a special natural formula that can restore healthy skin, treat dog itchy skin, allergic reactions, eczema and other skin-related problems, and improve your pets’s overall health.

VN:F [1.7.5_995]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)
VN:F [1.7.5_995]
Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)

Dog Supplements

Henrik | November 26th, 2009

Just like the multivitamins we take, dog supplements can offer numerous benefits to your pet’s health – preventing illness, boosting immunity and promoting general well-being.

Poor diet, aging and illness and other factors can lead to nutrient depletion and an increased need for vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other nutrients necessary for maintaining bodily functions and warding off disease.

Natural pet supplements not only offer a way to ensure that your dog or cat is getting proper nutrition, they can also be effective treatments for a variety of health conditions, from heartworm to distemper to arthritis. Many of the most common health problems can be treated with dog supplements formulated specifically for those ailments.

If you are interested in dog supplements that can boost your dog’s health and treat common health conditions take a look at Pet Alive’s line of natural products. They have an entire line of safe, effective herbal and homeopathic remedies for you pets.

How do supplements differ from conventional medications?

Although prescription drugs can be effective in treating a number of health problems that your dog may face during its lifetime, there are unfortunately a number of side effects to contend with, just as there are with our medications.

These chemical-based drugs only treat symptoms, without taking into account the cause of the problem or your pet’s health as a whole. Dog supplements are all natural, usually containing a wide spectrum of nutrients that can safely treat symptoms, as well as prevent reoccurrence and stimulate general health and well-being.

Natural pet supplements deal with the entire picture of health, not just masking symptoms like most pharmaceutical medications.

Since many dogs are allergic to pet meds, or experience serious side effects such as liver and kidney damage, dog supplements offer a safe, natural alternative, and in many cases they can be just as effective as their pharmaceutical counterparts.

So if natural supplements for your dog are something you want to consider, take a look at Pet Alive Natural Supplements and discover how you can improve your dog’s health today!

VN:F [1.7.5_995]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)
VN:F [1.7.5_995]
Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)

Canine Flu Symptoms

Henrik | November 25th, 2009

Much like the human form, canine flu is a highly infectious virus induced disease with the propensity to cause great harm to your animal. It is an emerging disease that shares a variety of similarities with the equine flu, so there is a possibility that the canine flu actually developed first in horses. The canine flu symptoms in your pet will consist mainly of respiratory problems and, if left untreated, could progress into other severe illnesses, including pneumonia.

There are two general forms of the canine flu, each with different, varying degrees of symptoms. Mild form canine flu symptoms include a cough, much like that of Òkennel cough,Ó and a runny nose with thick nasal discharge, usually green in color. The severe form contains canine flu symptoms that include a high fever and symptoms of the early stages of pneumonia. While the fatality rate of dogs with canine flu is relatively low at five to eight percent, it should be noted that the canine flu is highly contagious, and if a dog comes into contact with the virus, there is an eighty percent or greater chance that it will be affected by the virus. There is currently no vaccine or natural immunity to the canine flu, so every dog is at equal risk of infection. With its high rate of infectivity, the canine flu virus can be spread either through direct contact with infected dogs, or with your dogÕs contact with infected chew toys, food, etc.

A cough is generally the first sign of a canine flu outbreak in your animal. At this point, the best remedy is to simply take care of your dog, making sure it gets a healthy amount of healthy food, and generally keeping it warm and cozy. If and when your pet progresses to a phase where it is seeping green snot from the nose, then you will want to consult your veterinarian to obtain some broad spectrum antibiotics to help combat the bacterial that has taken hold of your petÕs weakened immune system after the canine flu virus was cleared. With the severe form of canine flu symptoms, make sure your animal stays well hydrated, as liquid is the key to preventing a major pneumonia infection in the time after the canine flu was cleared. In order to prevent the spread of the canine flu, be sure to keep your infected animal away from kennels, dog grooming facilities or any area where your dog may be at risk of spreading the canine flu to other dogs. Anything which comes in contact with a canine flu infected animal should be immediately washed to prevent a canine flu outbreak from spreading.

How do you treat canine flu symptoms?

Since the canine flu is caused by a virus, there is no real cure, naturally or via prescription medication, to eradicate it in your animal. While Tami flu is an option, it has not been tested nor approved for pets, so you will want to steer clear of that treatment unless you are absolutely desperate and willing to let your dog brave severe side effects.

A popular natural treatment for canine flu among other bacterial and viral illnesses in your dog is grapefruit seed extract (GSE), which, as the name implies, is made from the mashed up seeds of grapefruit. Tests in laboratories world over have come up with positive results from a GSE treatment. As an added benefit, there are no known side effects to the dosage. If you choose to treat the canine flu symptoms with grapefruit seed extract, simply mix some in with your dogÕs regular meals. Other natural means of fighting the canine flu in your pet include the use of: elecampane, fenugreek, mullein, maritime pine, rosehips, kelp, and coltsfoot. Each of these natural ingredients helps fight respiratory infection and boost the immune system to help control the canine flu virus.

Be sure to consult your veterinarian before deciding on a conventional or natural treatment to prevent canine flu outbreak.

VN:F [1.7.5_995]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)
VN:F [1.7.5_995]
Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)

Cushings Disease

Henrik | November 24th, 2009

Cushings disease in dogs is a terrible disorder that usually affects older canines. Most often it can be mistaken for the dog’s natural aging process, due to similar symptoms. While Cushings is the common name for the disorder, a more accurate medical term is actually hyperadrenocorticism, so if your veterinarian gives a diagnosis with that term, do not be alarmed, your dog actually has Canine Cushings Disease. It is marked by the generation of far too many hormones, such as corticosteroids, from their adrenal glands, giving rise to their ailments.

So how do you know if your animal has canine cushings disease or is simply getting old? Well, Cushings Disease in dogs is generally characterized by increased appetite, drinking and urination, as well as massive shedding and heavy panting. While these are all symptoms of an aging, or perhaps diabetic dog, there are also specific traits to look out for. Cushings Disease dogs will have noticeable thinning of the skin, and an increased amount of skin infections. Furthermore, be aware of hard lumps under the skin, as this could be a sign.

If you notice any of the symptoms above, consult your veterinarian for a diagnosis. Don’t worry; the process is simple and relatively painless for your pooch. The main method of diagnosis is a simple blood test how high the adrenal gland hormone levels are. If the veterinarian determines the levels are far above normal, Cushings Disease in dogs may be too blame, and your animal will undergo a series of x-ray tests to determine the extent of the problem. It is generally caused by tumors in either the pituitary gland or the adrenal gland, so the x-ray is helpful in determining which gland should pinpointed for therapy.

What are the treatment options?

Some of the most promising and newest remedies for Cushing’s are natural treatments that can normalize adrenal function and reduce circulating levels of corticosteroids such as Cushex Drops from Pet Alive Natural Products.

Cushings Disease dogs will greatly benefit if they have an adrenal gland tumor, as the practiced treatment for such ailment is to simply remove the whole gland. Unfortunately Cushings disease in dogs is blamed on an adrenal gland tumor only fifteen percent of the time, so a good eighty five percent of cases are due to pituitary gland tumors. In the case that cushings disease in dogs has manifested itself in your animal’s pituitary gland, then a mechanical removal becomes out of the question since risk of damage to the gland is too high to be considered practical. Instead, the common chemotherapy for cushings disease in dogs is to use either Lysodren or Ketaconazole to destroy the tumor. Much like with human chemotherapies, expect some adverse results to the chemicals. The symptoms to watch for include: lethargy, lack of appetite, diarrhea and vomiting. As always, be sure to let your veterinarian know if your dog is exhibiting any of those symptoms.

Maybe you’re not a fan of treating cushings disease dogs with powerful chemicals. If that’s the case, then perhaps a diet change is all a dog really needs. A natural diet, consisting of raw meats and plenty of vegetables may be just what the doctor ordered as a healthy alternative cure for cushings disease in dogs. There are various diets available that help balance the metabolism to support a normal relationship between the adrenal glands and the rest of the dog’s systems. Also, since a buildup of corticosteroids ultimately damages your canine cushings disease stricken dog’s immune system, you can get diets consisting mostly of antioxidants to combat tumors and strengthen immune systems with one fell swoop.

Recently, two new drugs have become available to treat cushings disease in dogs. These include Anipryl and Vetoryl. Vetoryl is currently undergoing FDA approval for animals, but Anipryl is fully approved in the United States for treating cushings disease in dogs. Anipryl takes longer to take effect in animals, but has a very high effectiveness in the long run. Also, since Anipryl is not a chemotherapeutic drug, it has no adverse side effects. So you may want to consider it as a first choice for treating your dog’s Canine Cushings Disease.

VN:F [1.7.5_995]
Rating: 0.0/10 (0 votes cast)
VN:F [1.7.5_995]
Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)