Posts Tagged ‘dog illnesses’

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Cancer in Dogs

Henrik | November 21st, 2009

Just like in humans, cancer in dogs is a very serious condition which can seriously impact the life of both the pet and its owner. There are several treatment options available depending on the nature and severity of the dog cancer, and often a combination of conventional and alternative therapies can be the most effective.

The exact cause of the disease is unknown, but it is believed that environmental and hereditary factors do play a role. Exposure to toxins, poor dietary habits, lack of exercise and underlying health issues can all increase the risk. Symptoms of cancer in dogs will depend on the location of the tumor, and can range from gastrointestinal problems such as bleeding, vomiting and diarrhea to seizures, urinary problems, Cushing’s and loss of coordination.

Getting an accurate diagnosis is crucial, so it’s important to have your dog tested immediately if you notice any changes in its behavior, notice any discomfort or can see or feel any stange bodily masses.

Your veterinarian will be able to perform diganostic tests to determine where the cancer is located and how severe the condition is. Based on this analysis he or she can recommend a course of action to treat the condtion effectively and maintain the health of your pet

What are the treatment options for cancer in dogs?

Depending on the nature and location of the cancer, there are several treatment options, including chemotherapy, radiation and surgery to remove the growth and possibly the surrounding tissues. Medications may also be administered.

Other treatment options that are often used in conjunction with conventional methods are natural remedies such as C-Caps that can help treat dog cancer as well as slow cancerous growths, boost immune function and improve general health and well-being.

Although there is no cure for canine cancer at this time, medical science is getting closer, and the treatment available today is much better than what it was just a decade ago. Symptoms of cancer in dogs can be managed effectively, and conventional and natural therapies are proving effective in this battle.

Do you part to ensure your dog’s health with a proper high quality diet, regular exercise and a clean, toxin-free environment. If you suspect cancer, make sure you talk to your vet right away. Find out all of the treatment options that are available.

Please note you should always consult your veterinarian or other qualified practitioner before taking any steps to treat cancer in dogs, including administering any medications or natural remedies. He or she will be able to help you decide if a natural treatment is the right choice for your pet.

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Constipation in Dogs

Henrik | November 18th, 2009

Constipation in dogs, as in humans, is usually due to dietary issues, where something your pet is or isn’t eating is causing the problem. But there could be other reasons as well.

A lack of fiber in the diet can lead to dog constipation, as well as a lack of fresh drinking water. Ingested foreign objects such as bones, rocks, garbage or other materials can disrupt your dog’s digestive system as well. Other causes could include lack of exercise, worm infestation, and underlying medical problems.

Prolonged canine constipation can lead to serious gastrointestinal problems, including a condition known as megacolon, where your dog is no longer able to expel feces effectively. Fortunately, there is effective treatment available.

If you would like to read about a natural treatment to relieve dog constipation just follow the link. Following is more information on the subject.

How do you know if you have a constipated dog?

There are a number of symptoms that are easily recognizable, such as strenuous effort to produce a bowel movement with no results, small, dry and/or hard fecal matter and long stretches of time between movements. Other signs of constipation in dogs are loss of appetite and abdominal pain.

There are several ways to remedy the situation. Changing your dog’s diet and exercise regimen is important, as is maintaining a fresh supply of water at all times. Mild laxatives may also remedy the situation.

Research research shows that herbal supplements may also be an effective treatment for canine constipation as they can maintain bowel and digestive health, build and strengthen the immune system, remove harmful toxins and improve general health and well-being.

One of the most promising natural supplements for canine constipation relief is called Pet Alive Natural Moves which contains all natural ingredients including herbal extracts and biochemic salts that can relieve dog constipation safely and effectively.

Natural Moves can also help keep your dog regular, reduce cholesterol and thryroid levels, keep skin and bones strong and boost your dog’s immunity.

Please note you should always consult with your veterinarian before deciding on a treatment to relieve dog constipation. He or she will help you decide if a natural supplement is right for your pet.

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