fitdogdiets.com|Pet health information
Apr
29
Filed Under (Pets) by BobHob
Derek Wood asked:
The statistics of pet ownership has been climbing for years. Every day many more people go out and become new pet owners, and some of us have had pets longer then some jobs or even marriages. Regardless of how long you have had your pet, you will have to deal with at least two of the issues I am about to address, that of summer health issues and the age or weight of your pets.
At present we have 4 dogs being take care of at our small kennel. Recently we acquired two new German Shepherd puppies, both are now just over 3 months old, and we are caring for two older German shepherds, one at age 8 and the other at age 13.
Like humans, age and conditioning play an important part of our activities during the summer months. Regrettably we often fail to notice the effects that summer has on our four legged friends.
Pets do not have the same ability to cool down as you and I do. When it is excessively hot, like it can be during the summer months, we can sit in front of a fan, grab a cold soda, or crank up the air conditioners. But your pet must pant and pant until his body temperature is regulated. Even in an air conditioned room, your pet can be too hot if you have been outside running them around for a while. Remember, it will take considerable more time for him to cool down from his exercise, then it will for you.
To avoid putting your pet’s health at serious risk this summer, follow a few simple steps that can make a big difference:
Walk your pets early in the morning or late at night. These times of day are much cooler, and they will appreciate not having the blazing sun on their fur coat.
Bring a large water bottle for your pet. Water bottles are not just for you. Get one for your pet. Use one that has a ****** top as they can lick the water out easier, and you will not spill as much.
Take your time walking your pet. If you must walk your pet during the hottest hours, (hey we all have schedules), then make sure you can go at a slow pace. Cut the walk short if you need to and take rest breaks during the walk. Better to walk your dog again later then to overdo it at noon time.
Monitor your pet’s health. The more time you spend with your pet, the more you should know about your pet’s health condition. Like the four dogs we have, I know the puppies are young, vibrant and healthy. They can walk much longer then the overweight or older dogs. You need to know the limits of the pets you have.
Always consider the weakest pet health link. If you have more then one pet, then make sure you always keep in mind that pet which will have the highest risk factors. The overweight German shepherd is a far greater risk factor in the summer then the older, but lighter dog. Even though she is an older dog, she is not lugging around extra fat.
Keeping your pet healthy during the summer is not hard at all. Simply keep in mind that they are much like us in some regards. They want to relax, have a cool drink and perhaps a dip in the pool. If you are going to walk them, and you should, just make sure that they can handle it as well as you can. Take your time, let them rest, give then a nice treat of some ice cubes when you’re done. They will love you for the walk, and love you more for caring enough not to put them in harms way.
Create a video blog…instantly.
The statistics of pet ownership has been climbing for years. Every day many more people go out and become new pet owners, and some of us have had pets longer then some jobs or even marriages. Regardless of how long you have had your pet, you will have to deal with at least two of the issues I am about to address, that of summer health issues and the age or weight of your pets.
At present we have 4 dogs being take care of at our small kennel. Recently we acquired two new German Shepherd puppies, both are now just over 3 months old, and we are caring for two older German shepherds, one at age 8 and the other at age 13.
Like humans, age and conditioning play an important part of our activities during the summer months. Regrettably we often fail to notice the effects that summer has on our four legged friends.
Pets do not have the same ability to cool down as you and I do. When it is excessively hot, like it can be during the summer months, we can sit in front of a fan, grab a cold soda, or crank up the air conditioners. But your pet must pant and pant until his body temperature is regulated. Even in an air conditioned room, your pet can be too hot if you have been outside running them around for a while. Remember, it will take considerable more time for him to cool down from his exercise, then it will for you.
To avoid putting your pet’s health at serious risk this summer, follow a few simple steps that can make a big difference:
Walk your pets early in the morning or late at night. These times of day are much cooler, and they will appreciate not having the blazing sun on their fur coat.
Bring a large water bottle for your pet. Water bottles are not just for you. Get one for your pet. Use one that has a ****** top as they can lick the water out easier, and you will not spill as much.
Take your time walking your pet. If you must walk your pet during the hottest hours, (hey we all have schedules), then make sure you can go at a slow pace. Cut the walk short if you need to and take rest breaks during the walk. Better to walk your dog again later then to overdo it at noon time.
Monitor your pet’s health. The more time you spend with your pet, the more you should know about your pet’s health condition. Like the four dogs we have, I know the puppies are young, vibrant and healthy. They can walk much longer then the overweight or older dogs. You need to know the limits of the pets you have.
Always consider the weakest pet health link. If you have more then one pet, then make sure you always keep in mind that pet which will have the highest risk factors. The overweight German shepherd is a far greater risk factor in the summer then the older, but lighter dog. Even though she is an older dog, she is not lugging around extra fat.
Keeping your pet healthy during the summer is not hard at all. Simply keep in mind that they are much like us in some regards. They want to relax, have a cool drink and perhaps a dip in the pool. If you are going to walk them, and you should, just make sure that they can handle it as well as you can. Take your time, let them rest, give then a nice treat of some ice cubes when you’re done. They will love you for the walk, and love you more for caring enough not to put them in harms way.
Create a video blog…instantly.
Apr
21
Filed Under (Pets) by BobHob
Jay Schindler asked:
The general population thinks of cowboys, Quarter Horses, rattlesnakes, Brahma bulls, and Longhorn steers when they think about the livestock and pets typically found in the Lone Star State. When they think of pets they probably think of Australian Heelers, Heinz fifty-seven mixes, barn cats, and other ranch related working animals. What you probably don’t think of is English Cocker Spaniels. You should. Texas A&M University School of Veterinary Medicine just announced that they have a new genetic test for Familial Nephropathy in English Cocker Spaniels.
Familial Nephropathy is an inherited renal disease that is recessive. Breeders of English Cocker Spaniels have been aware of Familial Nephropathy for more them fifty years. Typical symptoms of Familial Nephropathy are excessive drinking, excessive urination, the dog is suddenly loosing weight because they don’t have much of an appetite, vomiting and diarrhea. Most signs of Familial Nephropathy start to show up when the dog is somewhere between six and twenty-four months old.
Dogs that are going to develop Familial Nephropathy are difficult to predict because they are born with two completely normal kidneys. As the dog grows and develops the kidneys start to deteriorate from the lack of a certain type of collagen.
Familial Nephropathy is normally fatal. Because it is a genetic disorder most pet health insurance plans will not cover the cost of any treatments the dog owners wish to pursue. In addition to researching Familial Nephropathy Texas A&M University sees over 11,500 small animals a year. That is 11,500 pet owners that could have saved money by purchasing a pet health care policy for their family pet.
Some pet owners in the state of Texas like snakes, the more exotic the snake is the happier the pet owner. Like with all pets there are certain health care needs that snakes have that other pets do not. Typical snake health care issues can be respiratory infections, eye infections, mite infestation, metabolic bone disease, abscesses, belly burns, and parasites. The problem with pet snakes and other pet reptiles is that signs of health care issues are not as easy to identify as with their mammal counterparts. A big part of maintaining the health and well being of your pet snake is finding a veterinarian. One of the first things you need to do when selecting a veterinarian for your snake is making sure they are comfortable around snakes. The reality of the world is that everybody has phobia and lots of people are phobic about snakes. If your veterinarian is uncomfortable handling your treasured snake they will not be able to accurately diagnosis any health problems it might be having. In addition to the typical dogs, cats and horses, many Texans also have exotic pets such as ferrets, wallabies, glider squirrels, and Coatimundi’s. People who purchase exotic pets should realize that the more exotic the pet the harder it is going to be to find the proper veterinary care and the more the veterinary care is going to cost. Before you purchase an exotic pet you might want to research how much you could potentially spend on veterinary care during the pets life time and find out if it is possible to purchase a pet health insurance plan.
Caffeinated Content
The general population thinks of cowboys, Quarter Horses, rattlesnakes, Brahma bulls, and Longhorn steers when they think about the livestock and pets typically found in the Lone Star State. When they think of pets they probably think of Australian Heelers, Heinz fifty-seven mixes, barn cats, and other ranch related working animals. What you probably don’t think of is English Cocker Spaniels. You should. Texas A&M University School of Veterinary Medicine just announced that they have a new genetic test for Familial Nephropathy in English Cocker Spaniels.
Familial Nephropathy is an inherited renal disease that is recessive. Breeders of English Cocker Spaniels have been aware of Familial Nephropathy for more them fifty years. Typical symptoms of Familial Nephropathy are excessive drinking, excessive urination, the dog is suddenly loosing weight because they don’t have much of an appetite, vomiting and diarrhea. Most signs of Familial Nephropathy start to show up when the dog is somewhere between six and twenty-four months old.
Dogs that are going to develop Familial Nephropathy are difficult to predict because they are born with two completely normal kidneys. As the dog grows and develops the kidneys start to deteriorate from the lack of a certain type of collagen.
Familial Nephropathy is normally fatal. Because it is a genetic disorder most pet health insurance plans will not cover the cost of any treatments the dog owners wish to pursue. In addition to researching Familial Nephropathy Texas A&M University sees over 11,500 small animals a year. That is 11,500 pet owners that could have saved money by purchasing a pet health care policy for their family pet.
Some pet owners in the state of Texas like snakes, the more exotic the snake is the happier the pet owner. Like with all pets there are certain health care needs that snakes have that other pets do not. Typical snake health care issues can be respiratory infections, eye infections, mite infestation, metabolic bone disease, abscesses, belly burns, and parasites. The problem with pet snakes and other pet reptiles is that signs of health care issues are not as easy to identify as with their mammal counterparts. A big part of maintaining the health and well being of your pet snake is finding a veterinarian. One of the first things you need to do when selecting a veterinarian for your snake is making sure they are comfortable around snakes. The reality of the world is that everybody has phobia and lots of people are phobic about snakes. If your veterinarian is uncomfortable handling your treasured snake they will not be able to accurately diagnosis any health problems it might be having. In addition to the typical dogs, cats and horses, many Texans also have exotic pets such as ferrets, wallabies, glider squirrels, and Coatimundi’s. People who purchase exotic pets should realize that the more exotic the pet the harder it is going to be to find the proper veterinary care and the more the veterinary care is going to cost. Before you purchase an exotic pet you might want to research how much you could potentially spend on veterinary care during the pets life time and find out if it is possible to purchase a pet health insurance plan.
Caffeinated Content
Apr
17
Filed Under (Pets) by BobHob
Carol Osborne asked:
Research has shown that health is influenced by physical, mental, and emotional factors.
Holistic medicine includes an evaluation of diet, emotions, behavior, and lifestyle, in addition to the routine physical exam. Holistic Medicine is also
called Alternative Medicine and is an approach that deals with the whole patient, not just the presenting complaint.
The veterinarian will need to know as much as possible about your pet’s environment. History taking will include your dog’s living arrangements as well as past medical problems and treatments. Owners need to be prepared to answer questions concerning their pets fears, food preferences and emotions. The time of day a problem occurs is also an important factor in making a diagnosis. Vets will take extra time to discuss how to monitor results of specific therapies and how to determine whether or not certain environmental factors are influencing their pet’s health.
HERBALISM
Using plants and herbs for medicinal purposes is an ancient practice. You can cut up fresh herbs and mix them into the food, or use the liquid “tincture” form, which is the most potent and the best choice in most cases. Herbs can be used externally as dips and tonics for skin problems. They also have unique properties when it comes to stimulating the immune system for diseases like cancer that are largely un-treatable by traditional methods.
Certain herbs are potentially toxic at any dose and should be avoided. These include: Chaparral, Comfrey, Pennyroyal, Garlic, Tea Tree and Mahuang.
HOMEOPATHY
Homeopathists believe that giving an extremely dilute form of a substance similar to the one causing the symptoms, stimulates the body to overcome the illness itself. The remedies used are all natural and are derived from plants, minerals, or animal products. They are precisely diluted one part to 90 parts alcohol then vigorously shaken to become activated. The more dilute the remedy, the stronger it gets and the more intrinsic energy it releases. This energy rebalances the body’s “vital force” or “chi”, which stimulates the body’s immune system to heal itself.
You can buy most homeopathic remedies in a specific strength. The number after the name indicates the strength, for example, Arsenica album 6c. The remedies can be given as pellets or crushed to powder and given by mouth. They must be handled and given according to specific guidelines as they can easily become inactivated.
Homeopathic remedies are compatible with nutritional and chiropractic therapies. However, they should not be used with acupuncture or strong herbal tintures because they can inactivate each other. Working with a homepathic vet is essential for successful therapy.
OTHER ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES
There are many more alternative therapies than those described here including Aromatherapy, Detoxification, Magnetic Field Therapy and Energetic Therapies like Reiki. As traditional research continues to uncover the efficiency of these treatments, more will find their way into mainstream veterinary medicine.
FLOWER ESSENCES
Flower essences are diluted flower preparations that are used to treat behavioral problems, fears and other psychological problems, especially those associated with stress. They help to rebalance mental and emotional well-being. Originally, Edward Bach, a British physician in the 1930’s, developed 38 different flower essences, each of which was used to rebalance a different emotional situation. These essences are therefore also called Bach Flower Remedies.
Rescue Remedy is one of the most popular. It is a mixture of five flower essences and is commonly used after a physical or emotional trauma or a stressful situation. For example, with a dog stressed by a major change in his or her home life, two drops in or on the mouth or tongue two to three times daily is often an effective remedy. You can also put two to three drops into the water bowl. Most dogs relax and adjust to the change more easily.
ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is the insertion of needles into specific body points to stimulate the body’s immune system to heal itself. It is used to relieve pain caused by arthritic conditions like Hip Dysplasia and Spinal Disc Disease as well as skin allergies, Chronic Bowel Diseases and nervous disorders including Epilepsy. The relief is generally temporary and several treatments are often needed for positive results.
CHIROPRACTIC CARE
Chiropractic Care involves manipulating the spinal cord to adjust misplaced vertebrae that may be impinging on nerves and impeding movement. It can be useful to relieve musculoskeletal pain resulting from trauma and arthritis as well as other degenerative processes affecting the spine, joints, and bony skeleton.
NATUROPATHY
Naturopaths believe that diseases are caused by a buildup of toxins in the body. They recommend a regime of good nutrition and exercise combined with bathing, massage, and sunshine.
GLANDULAR THERAPY
These are biologically active nutritional supplements given as treats or mixed with food. Many contain glands from hormone secreting organs, such as the thyroid, and are used to stimulate a weakened gland to function normally. These are very safe.
Create a video blog…instantly.
Research has shown that health is influenced by physical, mental, and emotional factors.
Holistic medicine includes an evaluation of diet, emotions, behavior, and lifestyle, in addition to the routine physical exam. Holistic Medicine is also
called Alternative Medicine and is an approach that deals with the whole patient, not just the presenting complaint.
The veterinarian will need to know as much as possible about your pet’s environment. History taking will include your dog’s living arrangements as well as past medical problems and treatments. Owners need to be prepared to answer questions concerning their pets fears, food preferences and emotions. The time of day a problem occurs is also an important factor in making a diagnosis. Vets will take extra time to discuss how to monitor results of specific therapies and how to determine whether or not certain environmental factors are influencing their pet’s health.
HERBALISM
Using plants and herbs for medicinal purposes is an ancient practice. You can cut up fresh herbs and mix them into the food, or use the liquid “tincture” form, which is the most potent and the best choice in most cases. Herbs can be used externally as dips and tonics for skin problems. They also have unique properties when it comes to stimulating the immune system for diseases like cancer that are largely un-treatable by traditional methods.
Certain herbs are potentially toxic at any dose and should be avoided. These include: Chaparral, Comfrey, Pennyroyal, Garlic, Tea Tree and Mahuang.
HOMEOPATHY
Homeopathists believe that giving an extremely dilute form of a substance similar to the one causing the symptoms, stimulates the body to overcome the illness itself. The remedies used are all natural and are derived from plants, minerals, or animal products. They are precisely diluted one part to 90 parts alcohol then vigorously shaken to become activated. The more dilute the remedy, the stronger it gets and the more intrinsic energy it releases. This energy rebalances the body’s “vital force” or “chi”, which stimulates the body’s immune system to heal itself.
You can buy most homeopathic remedies in a specific strength. The number after the name indicates the strength, for example, Arsenica album 6c. The remedies can be given as pellets or crushed to powder and given by mouth. They must be handled and given according to specific guidelines as they can easily become inactivated.
Homeopathic remedies are compatible with nutritional and chiropractic therapies. However, they should not be used with acupuncture or strong herbal tintures because they can inactivate each other. Working with a homepathic vet is essential for successful therapy.
OTHER ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES
There are many more alternative therapies than those described here including Aromatherapy, Detoxification, Magnetic Field Therapy and Energetic Therapies like Reiki. As traditional research continues to uncover the efficiency of these treatments, more will find their way into mainstream veterinary medicine.
FLOWER ESSENCES
Flower essences are diluted flower preparations that are used to treat behavioral problems, fears and other psychological problems, especially those associated with stress. They help to rebalance mental and emotional well-being. Originally, Edward Bach, a British physician in the 1930’s, developed 38 different flower essences, each of which was used to rebalance a different emotional situation. These essences are therefore also called Bach Flower Remedies.
Rescue Remedy is one of the most popular. It is a mixture of five flower essences and is commonly used after a physical or emotional trauma or a stressful situation. For example, with a dog stressed by a major change in his or her home life, two drops in or on the mouth or tongue two to three times daily is often an effective remedy. You can also put two to three drops into the water bowl. Most dogs relax and adjust to the change more easily.
ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is the insertion of needles into specific body points to stimulate the body’s immune system to heal itself. It is used to relieve pain caused by arthritic conditions like Hip Dysplasia and Spinal Disc Disease as well as skin allergies, Chronic Bowel Diseases and nervous disorders including Epilepsy. The relief is generally temporary and several treatments are often needed for positive results.
CHIROPRACTIC CARE
Chiropractic Care involves manipulating the spinal cord to adjust misplaced vertebrae that may be impinging on nerves and impeding movement. It can be useful to relieve musculoskeletal pain resulting from trauma and arthritis as well as other degenerative processes affecting the spine, joints, and bony skeleton.
NATUROPATHY
Naturopaths believe that diseases are caused by a buildup of toxins in the body. They recommend a regime of good nutrition and exercise combined with bathing, massage, and sunshine.
GLANDULAR THERAPY
These are biologically active nutritional supplements given as treats or mixed with food. Many contain glands from hormone secreting organs, such as the thyroid, and are used to stimulate a weakened gland to function normally. These are very safe.
Create a video blog…instantly.
Apr
02
Filed Under (Pets) by BobHob
Jay Schindler asked:
Pet health insurance companies are hoping that someday pet owners in the United States will catch up with European pet owners. A recent poll taken of American pet owners suggested that approximately three percent of American pet owners had purchased pet health insurance for their family pet. A veterinarian who was interviewed after the survey was stunned by the results. She felt that the survey was generous. She believes that less then one percent of her patients have any health care insurance.
In Europe approximately twenty-five percent of all pet owners have some sort of pet health insurance on their pets. The numbers are even higher in Sweden where approximately fifty percent of all pet owners rely on pet health insurance to help pay their pet’s medical expenses.
Some experts believe that the reason so many pet owners in the United Kingdom have pet health care insurance is because of an act passed in 1971. In the United Kingdom dog owners are liable for any accident that their pet is found responsible for. This means that if a dog darts out into traffic and causes a seven car pile up the dog’s owner is responsible for paying all the damages. Unwilling to dip into their own pickets to cover their pet’s misadventures pet owners in the United Kingdom purchase something called third party insurance. Third party insurance is a simply a liability insurance specifically geared to pet owners.
Many American pet owners don’t realize that there are similar pet liability insurance plans available in the United States. Pet owners who would like to purchase pet liability insurance to cover any damages their pets might be responsible rather should be aware that certain breeds of dogs are listed as high risk insurance cases and the owners will be required to pay extra high insurance policies.
It is unclear why more pet owners in the United States don’t purchase pet health insurance. One possibility is that pet owners simply don’t understand exactly how expensive pet health care is. Fifteen minutes spent in a veterinarian’s office can sometimes cost as much as a hundred dollars. When a pet owner finds themselves facing the cost of an emergency surgery or has to take their family pet to a university hospital to have an illness treated they quickly find themselves whishing they had something to help cover the enormous vet bill. All too often pet owners who find themselves in an emergency situation are forced to euthanize their beloved pet for economic reasons.
Pet owners who are city dwellers probably feel that they don’t need to worry about something like pet health insurance because they can’t possibly for see when they would need it. Their pets live inside, what could possibly happen to them. What these pet owners don’t realize is that illness can sometimes affect house pets the hardest because their immune systems haven’t had a chance to build up any resistance.
Farmers and ranchers have a very clear cut idea of how fast and accident and how expensive vet care is. Most of them would like to insure the health of their pets but there simply isn’t enough extra money to afford the monthly premiums. Ranchers and farmers also tend to have a working knowledge of illnesses and injuries that lets them treat their pets on their own.
Caffeinated Content
Pet health insurance companies are hoping that someday pet owners in the United States will catch up with European pet owners. A recent poll taken of American pet owners suggested that approximately three percent of American pet owners had purchased pet health insurance for their family pet. A veterinarian who was interviewed after the survey was stunned by the results. She felt that the survey was generous. She believes that less then one percent of her patients have any health care insurance.
In Europe approximately twenty-five percent of all pet owners have some sort of pet health insurance on their pets. The numbers are even higher in Sweden where approximately fifty percent of all pet owners rely on pet health insurance to help pay their pet’s medical expenses.
Some experts believe that the reason so many pet owners in the United Kingdom have pet health care insurance is because of an act passed in 1971. In the United Kingdom dog owners are liable for any accident that their pet is found responsible for. This means that if a dog darts out into traffic and causes a seven car pile up the dog’s owner is responsible for paying all the damages. Unwilling to dip into their own pickets to cover their pet’s misadventures pet owners in the United Kingdom purchase something called third party insurance. Third party insurance is a simply a liability insurance specifically geared to pet owners.
Many American pet owners don’t realize that there are similar pet liability insurance plans available in the United States. Pet owners who would like to purchase pet liability insurance to cover any damages their pets might be responsible rather should be aware that certain breeds of dogs are listed as high risk insurance cases and the owners will be required to pay extra high insurance policies.
It is unclear why more pet owners in the United States don’t purchase pet health insurance. One possibility is that pet owners simply don’t understand exactly how expensive pet health care is. Fifteen minutes spent in a veterinarian’s office can sometimes cost as much as a hundred dollars. When a pet owner finds themselves facing the cost of an emergency surgery or has to take their family pet to a university hospital to have an illness treated they quickly find themselves whishing they had something to help cover the enormous vet bill. All too often pet owners who find themselves in an emergency situation are forced to euthanize their beloved pet for economic reasons.
Pet owners who are city dwellers probably feel that they don’t need to worry about something like pet health insurance because they can’t possibly for see when they would need it. Their pets live inside, what could possibly happen to them. What these pet owners don’t realize is that illness can sometimes affect house pets the hardest because their immune systems haven’t had a chance to build up any resistance.
Farmers and ranchers have a very clear cut idea of how fast and accident and how expensive vet care is. Most of them would like to insure the health of their pets but there simply isn’t enough extra money to afford the monthly premiums. Ranchers and farmers also tend to have a working knowledge of illnesses and injuries that lets them treat their pets on their own.
Caffeinated Content
