Archive for the ‘Pet Health’ Category

Many Dogs Suffer From Arthritis – Does Yours? Know the Warning S

By Terry in Pet Health, Pets
Jan 25

Arthritis isn’t just a human disease. Dogs get it, too. And they get it a lot more often than you might think.

Arthritis is a degenerative joint disease that wears away the smooth joint cartilage, causing the exposed raw bone surfaces to rub together. This results in an ongoing degeneration of the joint, pain and impaired mobility.

This painful disease will affect 20 percent of dogs. Dogs of any age or breed can get arthritis, but there are certain risk factors that increase a dog’s chances of getting the disease. Do you know what they are?

Veterinarians at Novartis Animal Health recognize these 5 common risk factors for arthritis:

  • Genetic predisposition. Certain breeds have a much higher risk of
    contracting this disease simply because of their gene pool. Up to 70 percent of dogs in these breeds will be affected by canine arthritis. These breeds include Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds.

  • Obesity. Studies show that, on average, obese dogs are likely to
    develop osteoarthritis 3 years earlier than lean dogs.

  • Joint abnormalities . Joint conditions such as canine hip dysplasia (the leading cause of lameness in dogs) put excessive stress on a dog’s joints. This can increase a dog’s risk of developing osteoarthritis.

  • Joint stress and trauma. Getting hit by a car can lead to arthritis. Injuries that damage ligaments, tissues or bones increase a dog’s risk of developing osteoarthritis. Dogs that put repeated stress on their joints through high activity and demanding activities are also more likely to develop the disease.

  • Infection . Various bacterial, viral and fungal infections create conditions
    that can affect joints and contribute to arthritis. These include Ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, which can be carried by ticks.

So how do you know if your dog has arthritis? Pay attention.

Arthritis causes a dog to become less active. He has trouble getting up or lying down. He is reluctant to do stairs or he becomes lame. Some dogs may simply slow down and become more reluctant to do the things they used to do. These are all signs that your dog is experiencing joint pain.

If you think your dog is in pain, see your veterinarian. Your vet can diagnose the disease and treat it with various medical and surgical treatments, depending on your unique situation. Considerations include your dog’s age, the severity of the disease and your financial situation. Diet, exercise and anti-inflammatory pain control medications can also help. Many vets also recommend natural holistic remedies that support strong healthy joints.

Until next time,

Dr. Jon

P.S.  Do you have pet insurance? It can be a tremendous help in treating conditions like osteoarthritis. Good veterinary care can be expensive, but pet insurance can help pay for medications, ongoing treatment, diagnostic testing, surgery, and much more. To learn more about pet insurance and to get a free no-obligation quote, go to PurinaCare.com. You’ll be glad you did.

P.P.S. All pet insurance plans are different. A website that allows consumers to review pet insurance companies – petinsurancereview.com – currently has PurinaCare® Pet Health Insurance rated 8.77 points out of a possible 10. I think that’s very impressive customer satisfaction score. So why not get a free quote and find out if it is right for you and your pet? Go to www.PurinaCare.com . Do it today. You’ll be glad you did.

PurinaCare® Insurance Services, Inc. is a paid sponsor of petplace. PurinaCare® Pet Health Insurance is offered by PurinaCare® Insurance Services, Inc. Insurance underwritten by Central States Indemnity Co. of Omaha. Issuance of coverage subject to underwriting review and approval. The description herein is a summary only. It does not include all terms, conditions and exclusions of the coverage described. Please refer to the actual policy for complete details of coverage and exclusions.

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IS YOUR DOG FAT?

By Terry in Pet Health, Pets
Jan 21

Dogs and people have a lot in common. Both enjoy a loving family, a nice nap and a good meal. We also share something else with our furry canine friends – the risk for obesity.

In our society, dogs tend to eat too much and exercise too little. (Just like people.)

Research shows that almost half of the dogs in America are overweight. Is yours one of them?

How can you help your dog shed those extra pounds?

It’s not WHAT your dog eats that makes him fat … it’s HOW MUCH. You indulge him with food and treats. You give him table scraps. He begs for more and you naturally give in.

Stress can also cause a dog to overeat.

In a multi-pet household pets “compete” for food. The overweight dog steals food from his rival, making him even more likely to become obese.

An active dog is a healthy dog. But many dogs don’t get enough exercise. When your dog takes in more calories than he burns, the excess is stored as fat.

Pay attention because your dog gains weight slowly over time. (Another thing we have in common.) Watch for signs of obesity. A healthy body is proportional – the ribs can be felt and fat folds aren’t noticeable. A fat dog has a noticeable “paunch”, the ribs cannot be easily seen or felt, and no “tuck” is seen in front of the hindquarters.

Along with obesity comes the increased threat of serious health risks. An obese dog may have difficulty breathing or walking, or be unable to tolerate heat and exercise. He may have depression and a lower quality of life. He has increased risks for a shorter lifespan, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory and liver disease, arthritis and orthopedic problems, and cancer. He also has a greater chance of needing surgery.

Treatment costs for chronic diseases and surgeries could strain your budget. That’s why I recommend pet insurance to my readers. While you may not have thousands of dollars when an emergency strikes, you can insure your dog for about $30 a month. This way you will always be able to give your pet the quality medical care he needs.

For New Years, most of us resolve to lose weight and get in shape. If you’ve got a fat dog, this is also the perfect time to turn his life around. Here’s how:

  • Switch to a lower-calorie food
  • Feed only the recommended amount (Measure!)
  • Limit snacks
  • Quit feeding table scraps
  • Replace high-calorie snacks with low-calorie snacks, air-popped popcorn and vegetables
  • Encourage your dog to play and be active
  • Get your dog to swim (swimming is great exercise)
  • See your veterinarian
It’s best to take weight off the same way we put it on – gradually. Make it a family affair so everyone has to stick to the plan. It might be best if only one person feeds your dog, but everyone can help keep him active.

Make a New Years fitness resolution for you AND your dog. Before you know it, you’ll both be on your way to a happier healthier life.

Happy New Year!

Dr. Jon

P.S. If you don’t have pet insurance, you owe it to yourself (and your dog) to take a closer look. All pet insurance plans are not created equal. PurinaCare® Pet Health Insurance is currently rated 8.77 points out of a possible 10 by a website that allows consumers to review pet insurance companies – www.petinsurancereview.com. Go to PurinaCare.com and get a free quote today. It will only take a minute to find out if pet insurance is right for you and your dog. You can apply for insurance for any cat or dog over 8 weeks of age. So go to www. PurinaCare.com

for more information and a free quote. You’ll be glad you did.

P.P.S. If you don’t have pet insurance, make sure that you have a little nest egg put aside for your dog’s medical emergencies. Saving money is never easy, but keep that nest egg intact, no matter what. That way, the money will be there when you need it.

PurinaCare® Insurance Services, Inc. is a paid sponsor of petplace. PurinaCare® Pet Health Insurance is offered by PurinaCare® Insurance Services, Inc. Insurance underwritten by Central States Indemnity Co. of Omaha. Issuance of coverage subject to underwriting review and approval. The description herein is a summary only. It does not include all terms, conditions and exclusions of the coverage described. Please refer to the actual policy for complete details of coverage and exclusions.

 
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