As we venture into this new spring season, we want to be able to enjoy everything this time of year has to offer with our feline friends. Certainly, the seasonal change is welcome, but with it comes a host of new allergens. Further, cats and dogs alike can both suffer from environmental and seasonal allergies. […]
The post Cat Allergy Signs: What to Look for appeared first on The Trupanion Blog.
Cancer is an unfortunate reality that many people with dogs must face. The scary truth is, the disease is quite common in pups. The Flint Animal Cancer Center at Colorado State University projects one in four dogs will experience the disease. Dog cancer is a serious issue facing all dog lovers.
In simple terms, cancer is a disease where some of the body’s cells divide without stopping and spread into surrounding areas of the body. Cancers can form solid tumors, which are masses of tissue. The tumors are malignant and can invade nearby tissue, or spread throughout the body, traveling via blood.
Cancer is equally life-threatening to both dogs and humans. That’s why it is important to learn about the disease and monitor your dog’s health.
The Flint Animal Cancer Center found that cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs, with as much as 50% of pups dying from the disease. Similar to humans, early detection is important so treatment can get started before the cancer has a chance to spread throughout the body. Keep in mind possible signs of cancer don’t immediately indicate cancer, but they’re definitely a reason to get to the vet:
Cancer is most prevalent in senior dogs. The American Kennel Club’s Canine Health Foundation estimates one-third of dogs over seven will experience cancer in their life. Cancer comes in all types like carcinoma, sarcoma, melanoma, lymphoma, and leukemia. It can occur at any age, to purebreds or mixed breeds.
According to the American Animal Hospital Association, these are the six more common types of cancer in dogs:
As with any type of cancer, the best way to beat it is early detection. Be mindful of changes in your dog’s behavior. If you notice abnormalities, do not wait to call your vet. Unfortunately, there aren’t clinical trials or statistical studies that prove you can prevent cancer in at-risk dogs. Stacey Hershman, DVM, a holistic housecall veterinarian told Whole Dog Journal, “But common sense and clinical experience make a strong case for avoiding anything that exposes an animal to known carcinogens or weakens the immune system.”
The best prevention is giving your dog a healthy lifestyle. Make sure your pup eats the right foods, gets enough exercise, breathes clean air, drinks clean water, and stays away from harmful substances. Poor oral hygiene has also been linked to some cancers, so be sure to keep your pup’s teeth clean.
There are many different types of cancer treatments for dogs. Some of them are:
Researchers are also developing new drugs to heal dogs. For examples, the Yale School of Medicine developed a new vaccine that may treat canine cancer. They are working with the Veterinary Cancer Center to test the vaccine on patients.
All those treatments sound expensive, right? There’s no way around it, treatment incurs a cost. We can’t provide you with a definite number, but here are some estimates provided by the National Canine Cancer Foundation. “An initial visit to confirm a cancer diagnosis can be upwards of $200. Major surgery….can start at $1,500. Chemotherapy treatments might range from $200 to $2,000. Radiation therapy can range from $2,000 to $6,000 or higher. You’ll also need to factor in additional medications that might be needed—such as pain relievers or antibiotics—which could cost another $30 to $50 per month for an indefinite period.”
The most important advice is this: know your dog’s regular behavior. If you notice changes or the symptoms mentioned above, it’s time to talk to the doctor. Do not delay.
The post Canine Cancer – What You Can Do To Protect Your Dog appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.
Bingo was diagnosed with allergies. Some dogs suffer from minor seasonal allergies but my Bingo has chronic year-round allergies!
Trupanion insurance has allowed him to keep comfortable and happy and this is no easy task.
The post Bingo gets a Remedy for Life-long Allergies appeared first on The Trupanion Blog.
Dog's name and age: Simba, 6 years
Adoption Story: Simba and his sister were left in a ditch on the side of a road as young puppies. Thankfully, they were both rescued! I had recently lost a dog, so my friend sent me a picture of Simba's adorable face. I wasn't sure I was ready for another dog yet, but once I met him, I changed my mind. It turns out that he was the perfect cure for my broken heart. He shares his home with my two other dogs, Mikey and Ellie.
How was he named? Simba was named after a character in my favorite Disney movie, The Lion King.
Dog's name and age: Luna, 2 years
Adoption Story: In Southern Missouri there is a huge backyard breeder problem. I followed (on Facebook) every rescue/shelter in the area I could find, watching the work they do to try to find homes for the many dogs in need. I saw Luna's picture just after the rescue posted it and I immediately applied, then met and adopted Luna that same weekend. Unfortunately, not long after taking her home, she showed signs of a severe sickness and it turns out she had aspiration pneumonia. She almost died but with proper care and time to heal she overcame it. She is the best dog I could have ever hoped for!
Luna Loves: Tearing the fuzz off tennis balls, playing tug, playing with cat wands, snuffle mats, and going to the dog park or dog daycare to play with her friends!
Best Trick: Luna's absolute favorite trick is 'Sit Pretty'
You want your dog to be in the best health possible – so that means regular visits with a doctor you trust. But how can you pick the right veterinarian for your dog? There are often many choices, and it’s difficult to determine who is the best fit for your pooch. These are some simple steps to select a good medical provider for your loved one.
Selecting a doctor for your dog is a critical decision because, as we mentioned, you want the best for them. Think about it this way: how would you find a doctor for yourself? You can apply most of the same methods when researching and determining who will provide regular care to your dog.
Don’t rush to Google and call the first hit when you search [your town] + [veterinarian]. Try some of these small steps to find some reputable nearby doctors.
Tap your network. Look to those around you for input. Talk to people you trust and ask how they like their vet. Dr. Patricia Patterson, Staff Veterinarian of the Best Friends Animal Society told PetMD, “I always tell people to go with word of mouth. Ask friends, relatives, neighbors, local shelters or rescues who they use.” This way you’ll get to ask the questions that are most important to you, instead of scrolling through what’s important to others.
Get a vet-approved referral. If you move out of the city or state, away from a doctor you and your pup love, ask if they have any recommendations. Just like you have a personal network, your former vet has a professional network that could be a good resource.
Google cautiously. An Internet search can tell you the doctors that are nearby and show reviews from other patients. Don’t put too much stock in feedback from these websites. The American Veterinary Medical Association offers this advice, “…although online review sites can be valuable for picking out a restaurant, we don’t recommend you rely on them when choosing your veterinarian because the reviews may not reflect the average client experience. Personal references, such as the others we’ve listed here, are more reliable sources for finding a veterinarian.”
Check the accreditation. When you’re looking at potential offices, figure out if they are accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). The accreditation means the animal hospital meets high veterinary care standards. They voluntarily complete an extensive evaluation of their services and equipment. Then an AAHA consultant evaluates the hospital to make sure it meets their high standards. You can find animal hospitals with AAHA accreditation with this site locator.
Learn the details. When you narrow down the list of veterinarians think about some key factors: where is the office located? What are the office hours? If you prefer to communicate via email, will they respond promptly? Are appointments required?
Now you’ve selected your vet’s perspective doctor. Consider each of the following elements.
Beware of table stakes. Take a look around the waiting and examination rooms. You want to see a place that is neat and orderly. If you smell unpleasant orders, that can be a bad sign. Note how you feel in the environment. If you get good vibes, that’s a positive sign (but not the only data to rely on).
Meet the professional staff. A veterinarian’s office isn’t just about the doctor. If you find the receptionist unpleasant or they don’t return phone messages, it could be uncomfortable bringing your dog into the office. Take note of the vet techs. They will work closely with the doctor and your pup, so you need to like them, too.
Learn about all doctors in the practice. Some offices have more than one vet. If you have your heart set on one specific doctor, ask if you are able to request appointments with them.
Ask about the services (and costs). Find out what can be done in the office. For example, do they provide emergency services? What about X-rays, ultrasound, bloodwork, and other diagnostics? Ask about general costs for services. You’ll want to know if the office takes pet insurance, or offers payment plans for costly medical care.
When you are in the examination room with the doctor and your pup it’s time to think about these critical components.
Schedule a meet and greet. Hopefully, you aren’t in the position of needing care immediately because your pup is sick. If you can, make an appointment to get to know the doctor before critical care is needed. It will be easier to evaluate the doctor in a calm situation.
Observe the doctor’s bedside manner. Some dogs are terrified of visiting the vet. If your pup is scared, take note of how the doctor handles the anxiety.
Consider your philosophies. How do you feel about euthanasia, cancer care, chronic disease planning, and spaying and neutering? You’ll want to discuss these issues with your doctor to make sure you are in alignment when it comes to care. In her interview with PetMD, Dr. Patterson said, “I would have an idea of what my principles and overall ethics on animal care are, and then I would ask the veterinarian and staff what they think.”
No two dogs or two humans are exactly alike. What may be a good choice for you and your dog, may not be a good choice for your friend and her pooch. With a little bit of homework and thoughtfulness on your part, you’ll be able to find the best caregiver for your pup. Most importantly, trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. After all, this person will be caring for a beloved family member, so do what’s best for you and your furry friend.
The post 4 Simple Steps to Choosing the Right Veterinarian for Your Dog And You appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.
There are many things to consider when considering getting a new puppy. At iHeartDogs.com, we believe adoption is the best option! Many of us are dead-set on certain breeds. Others aren’t quite sure. Regardless, cost is always a factor when deciding to add a dog to your home.
There are many things that bring up the cost of the dog outside of the purchase price – and these include crates, toys, beds, kennels, food, and health issues. While health testing is at an all-time high for breeders who are working hard to eliminate the problems in their breeds, there are still many people out there who simply don’t know or don’t care about how health problems can affect our lives as well as our dog’s. Below we’ve compiled a list of the most expensive dog breeds to have based on these criteria, and came up with the conclusions from our active, personal experience in showing and training dogs, as well as conversations with excellent breeders and veterinarians.
English Bulldogs are gaining popularity by the day, and their silly personalities are likely the reason why. But this breed comes at a cost, and we’re not just talking about the up-front purchase price of a puppy – which can reach up to $3,000 alone. English Bulldogs are prone to a multitude of health problems, which means excess trips to the veterinarian and more medical bills than your average breed. English Bulldogs are at high risk for heart conditions, hip and elbow dysplasia, cancer, multiple eye problems, allergies, skin issues, and even hyperthermia (over-heating). Despite their health concerns, English Bulldogs live roughly 8-10 years, which means there’s a chance you’ll be stuck with veterinarian bills for quite a while.
One of the most popular dogs in the world also happens to be one of the least healthy. It’s unfortunate, but true. A well-bred German Shepherd can be difficult to find, and you’re likely to spend around $2,500 regardless of bloodline. Like the English Bulldog, German Shepherds require more than just the purchase price of the puppy. It’s not uncommon for them to have allergies, gastrointestinal ailments, bloat, cancer, Degenerative Myelopathy, and have hip and elbow dysplasia. In fact, their decreasing health is part of the reason for their decline in work fields such as police, military, and search and rescue.
Just like their English cousins, French Bulldogs often have a multitude of ailments in just one specimen. Although their temperaments are typically wonderful, their physical health results in veterinarian bills that increase over time. A French Bulldog puppy is also not a cheap purchase, so keep these costs in mind when considering your next pet.
This Chinese breed is one of the oldest dog breeds in existence today, as confirmed by DNA tests studying these dogs and other breeds and their ancestors. Originally developed as a multi-purpose working dog, Chows have excelled at herding, hunting, guarding, and pulling. Due to the age of the breed, many changes have been made, some better than others. The breed is prone to certain health issues, such as multiple eye problems, cancer, diabetes, canine pemphigus, and autoimmune diseases. Not only do their health problems cause concern, their thick coats cannot go ignored. Not only are Chows more prone to having flea infestations (they will likely be infested before you realize they have fleas, because they are so hard to find in their coats), they need regular and frequent grooming to ensure they don’t get matted hair and infected skin. With Chows, your overall cost will be the purchase price, the cost of grooming over the lifetime of the dog, and any health issues that may have popped up.
Tibetan Mastiffs are large guardians, with thick coats and stubborn temperaments. While health issues don’t pop up as often in this breed, they are still there and are something to be aware of. Skin problems, allergies, eye conditions, hypothyroidism, cancer, and epilepsy are a few of the major problems. Of course, as with any large breed, hip and elbow dysplasia should also be of concern. Like the Chow Chow, the Tibetan Mastiff has a thick coat that can also more easily harbor fleas and mites, though a careful parent will be able to avoid infestations. Frequent, regular grooming is a must to prevent any matted fur and skin infections. Let’s not forget the recent story of the Tibetan Mastiff puppy that sold in China for $2 million, although the breed sells for far less elsewhere!
The Irish Wolfhound is the largest dog breed in existence, and their size must be taken into consideration when thinking about purchasing a puppy or adopting an older dog. Large dogs need more food, larger crates, beds, kennels, and toys. They are often more expensive to board at a kennel if you’re going out of town, and even regular medication for simple ailments or procedures are going to cost more money. Unfortunately, large dogs are typically prone to more health issues than smaller breeds, and Irish Wolfhounds are no exception. Ailments found in the breed are hip and elbow dysplasia, cardiac diseases, bloat, and eye conditions.
Another large breed like the Irish Wolfhound, the Great Dane comes at the same cost of every extremely large dog breed there is, including more food and medication, dog crates and beds, and boarding costs. Heart conditions, hip and elbow dysplasia, and bloat are common ailments in the breed that can result in expensive treatments that last the lifetime of the dog. These gentle giants have a personality that’s loved by many, and have been bittersweetly nicknamed “The Heartbreak Breed.”
These beautiful guardians can be quite expensive to purchase, as a puppy or as an adult dog. Because many are bred for working ability and show quality, the cost of the breed has gone up substantially. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean you’ll find yourself with a healthy pet, as there are many conditions that Rottweilers are predisposed to, and most not at fault of the breeder. The most common ailment in Rottweilers is cancer, which comes with extremely costly treatments should parents choose that route for their dogs. They are also prone to hip and elbow dysplasia and bloat, common in most large breeds. Eye and cardiac issues are also of concern, and the breed has been found to be very susceptible to contracting parvovirus as puppies. While the Rottweiler is a loyal and loving companion, the ailments found in the breed are unfortunately very expensive to treat.
Not only are these gentle giants prone to the vast majority of issues that all other large breeds have, they have thick coats that require regular grooming. While the coat needs only weekly brushing, their ears require special treatment as they can trap bacteria and become infected if not regular cleaned. Bernese Mountain Dogs have one of the highest incidences of cancer in all dog breeds, and parents of this breed report almost three times as many musculoskeletal problems than other breeds. Because of these issues, Bernese Mountain Dogs may face early loss of mobility and a decreased lifespan.
Bassets are a large breed in a smaller body, because of their shortened legs. Because of their dwarfism, they are typically kept and treated as larger breed dogs, such as bigger meals and more expensive medications. Unfortunately, this also means they are prone to the same ailments that large breeds can have. Bloat is common in Bassets, and their large ears are also more likely to become infected with bacteria and/or mites. Their droopy eyes can become infected if not kept clean, as well as the folds around their mouths and faces. As with other breeds, hip and elbow dysplasia are also concerns.
The post The 10 Most Expensive Dog Breeds To Own appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.
The reunion looks like so many happy endings. There’s a relieved human and a dog so filled with joyful exuberance that the entire body wags along with the tail. There’s a lot more to the story of this particular reunion, though.
This man is a homeless fellow who spent the very last of his money to take the bus to the shelter with the hope that his lost dog had been taken there. When an employee of the Dekalb County Animal Services came to work, the man was lying in front of the building after spending the night on the sidewalk. He was eager for the shelter to open so that he could learn whether or not they had his dog.
The dog had indeed been brought to the shelter as a presumed stray, but she had then been taken across town to a different facility. The shelter worker kindly paid for the man’s train ticket over there so that the two could be reunited. The shelter waived the usual fees so that the man could have his dog back despite his lack of funds.
A young dog imported from South Korea into Western Canada last fall brought along a dangerous hitchhiker: the Asia-1 strain of canine distemper virus (CDV), which had never before been reported in North America.
Scientists at Cornell’s Animal Health Diagnostic Center (AHDC) identified the virus in samples from the dog, which they suspect was part of a shipment of animals rescued from a Korean meat market by an animal welfare organization. Dogs that are already immunized against CDV likely are not at risk from the Asian strain. But if the virus comes into contact with wildlife, it may take a serious toll on wild carnivore populations.
Matt Thompson of Thompson Woodworking is a mighty handy guy. A craftsman and inventor of the Michigan Beer and Michigan Wine chairs, he recently turned his talents to creating a gizmo for his dogs, Bonnie and Clyde. Bonnie, a five-year-old Shepherd, is one of those head-butting-pet-me-now kind of pups, and while charming, it can also get in the way of a guy doing his job.
To satisfy Bonnie’s needs (and his own), Matt decided to build her a petting machine inspired by Rube Goldberg’s contraptions. He set to work cutting the wooden cogs with a band saw, then assembled them on a frame; an old corded drill serves as the low rpm motor, providing the speed he wanted and one he thought Bonnie would tolerate.
He tells us that it took a lot of treats to entice Bonnie under the wooden hand, and she’d still rather be petted by her humans. Little Clyde really likes it, but needs some help to get within petting range.
If you or anyone in your family suffers from allergies and are looking to bring a new dog into your home, hypoallergenic dog breeds are a wonderful consideration for your next animal companion. Not only are hypoallergenic dog breeds exceptional family dogs, but several of these pups are also a great mate for living in […]
The post Top Ten Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds appeared first on The Trupanion Blog.
We have to admit, we were a bit skeptical. A dog treat that both humans and dogs could eat, that actually tastes good?
But from the moment you tear open the bag and get a whiff of the smell, you begin to understand.
My 13 year old Siberian Husky is as picky as a cat when it comes to food and treats. I didn’t think she’d even give them a sniff.
But to my surprise, she couldn’t get enough. Her Riley’s treat has become a bit of an evening dessert routine now. After she cleans her dinner bowl, she’ll find a Rileys treat appeared in the bowl later in the evening. (She loves the Peanut Butter flavor best.)
Pro-Tip: Do not eat them with your dog present. They may give you a dirty look 🙂
There’s 3 tasty flavors to choose from: peanut butter & molasses, sweet potato, and pumpkin coconut, both available on Amazon Prime
Through our exclusive partnership with GreaterGood.org, each bag of treats you purchase on Amazon Prime will provide 5 healthy meals for shelter dogs across the country!
The post These Human-Grade Dog Treats Went Viral and Taste Amazing to Pups & People appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.
To obtain the rank of Eagle Scout, a boy scout must complete a project that benefits his community. This requirement has encouraged thousands of young men to give back in creative ways that have touched hundreds of lives.
One young man in Utah chose to use this opportunity to complete a project near and dear to his heart. Chance Call has always had a soft spot for pets. Like many of us, he would love to give every single shelter dog a home, but is unfortunately unable to open his home to the millions of pets in shelters nationwide. His project, though, is going to give the next-best thing: a comfortable bed!
Shelters often operate at or over capacity, and on very tight budgets. When prioritizing necessities, comforts like beds and blankets come in way after things like food, medicines, running water and electricity. Some dogs may have nothing but a cold, concrete floor.
Chance told FoxNews:
“I made these beds to help them be more comfortable and more relaxed. It feels really nice. I know there are a lot of animals that don’t get a house.”
Chance raised funds for his project, then gathered a group of friends, some PVC pipe and fabric and got to work! With over $3,000 and 120 hours of labor, Chance and his friends put together 150 beds to be distributed to Davis County Animal Care and Control for the pets in their facility!
The beds may not be a home – but they’ll provide a lot of comfort to dogs who are still waiting for their families to find them! The beds will be distributed on April 1st, and Davis County Animal Care and Control is excited to recieve them!
You may not be able to bring every dog home, but you can make a big difference in a lot of lives. Thank you for your hard work, Chance!
You can give a little comfort to a shelter dog too! Check out our buy a blanket/give a blanket program – Give Warmth!
H/T:FoxNews.com
The post Teen’s Eagle Scout Project Provides Beds for 150 Homeless Dogs! appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.
Janet Turner has turned her passion for rescue into a movement. She’s bringing awareness and raising funds for worthy pet rescues with #RunningForRescues, and her best friend, Gordon, has her back!
Janet Turner has many loves in her life. She has a house full of pets, including a few with special needs. Not long ago she adopted a dog named Molido from the Soi Dog Foundation in Phuket, Thailand. Molido was a street dog who was found in terrible condition by tourists. She lost the use of her back legs, but now lives happily with Janet. Her second special needs dog, Gordon, who also has no use of his legs, was adopted two years ago and accompanies Janet while she does one of the things she loves most: running. Sam, Leftee, and a cat named Carter round out Janet’s pack.
Janet has been running since she was 13, but it was only recently that she realized that she could combine her sport with her passion for animals to make a difference in the world. She tells iHeartDogs,
“I had run the Chicago Marathon and fundraised for one particular organization. I saw that I was able to advocate and educate well enough that I could raise money for animals.
“I found there were many organizations that were hurting. I thought why just have the mindset that you just want to help one, when you could help many and make a bigger impact on communities? I prefer fundraising for the little guy if you will. I prefer new rescues up-and-coming and shelters that get very little foot traffic in their areas.”
“I coined the phrase #RunningForRescues because I didn’t want to just run for one particular organization. I wanted to be able to support many organizations and I felt that I needed to pull away and let folks know that I was interested in supporting lots of folks. I didn’t want to tie up all the donations for one place when I could share the love. “
Janet’s goal is to help as many rescues as she can, spreading the word about helping out the little guy – the small local rescues who are doing something wonderful for pets on a small scale. They may not get the attention that bigger organizations get or help as many animals, but by raising awareness they can help the pets in their own backyards – and that’s important too!
Janet especially loves showing support for the rescues where she found her family. One of the first marathons she did in support of a rescue was the Marshall Marathon in Huntington, West Virginia for the Humane Society of Pleasants County, where she adopted Carter.
“That’s where my journey began in trying to help animals. I had initially volunteered at the shelter on Saturdays. And that truly is how things really got started and progress towards what we are doing today.”
Janet runs because she loves it, but she also does it for the causes she loves. She has raised thousands of dollars for worthy rescues – far surpassing her original goal.
“I initially absolutely surpassed my financial goal. My goal was $1,500 and I raised over $6,000 and I ended up raising over $16,000 in 22 months.
“My next goal is coming up in May. I am fundraising for a dog rescue out of California by the name of SOS Dog Rescue- Strength of Shadow. It is a new and up-and-coming rescue and they just recently purchased the Shadow Ranch.
“I am organizing a running team for SOS. The charity coordinator has been gracious enough to allow SOS to become a charity partner for the race. This is going to open the doors for the rescue in getting more people interested in supporting them. So, this particular goal is a step further than what I had been doing. This particular fundraiser will have a long term effect. Through future racing, SOS will continue to benefit not just in 2020.”
While fundraising for rescues Janet found that her cause was making a difference in her life, too. As an unexpected bonus, she saw herself growing as a person.
“Not only did I have a financial goal, I had a goal to grow as a human. I was a very shy and awkward on social media. I now have definitely surpassed any expectations of what I thought I would look like in the beginning to now.
“I do live videos frequently and very rarely am I nervous. I became much more confident person and really discovered that I was a very passionate about animals. I’ve always loved animals but I had no idea I was so passionate about them. I was extremely proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort zone and sometimes in life we have to do that to be able to make a difference.”
#RunningForRescues is a one-woman-movement, but Janet has never been on this journey alone. She’s always had supporters, and most importantly: her pack. Gordon accompanies Janet on her runs sitting in a backpack she carries with her. He may not be able to run on his own, but Janet says he loves to be with her.
“I enjoyed running with my late dog Moose and I knew that I wanted to run with Gordon before I adopted him. I purchased a backpack for him to ride in due to the fact that he was a paraplegic and would not be able to run by my side. Gordon absolutely loves being with me whether it in a backpack or just hanging out at home.”
Janet is only getting started. She has big plans coming up and is taking #RunningForRescues international – starting with the rescue that connected her with Molido, the Soi Dog Foundation.
“Not only am I going to run a race for them, I have plans to go visit them and volunteer for a week to let them know how much I appreciate what they’ve done for myself and for Molido.”
You can become a part of Janet’s team by supporting her work as she continues #RunningForRescues! Learn more about her cause and her pack on Facebook!
H/T: Dogster.com
Featured Photo: G-Dog Gordon/Facebook
The post This Woman is #RunningForRescues with Her Disabled Dog appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.
When the days start getting longer and the sun seems to shine just a little brighter, I know summer is approaching. More importantly, it’s pool time. Countless hours in the pool with my two favorite fur balls. In and out of the pool, chasing a ball or some improvised chew toy. Their coats hold so much water, that each time they get out of the pool, I swear I see the water level drop an inch. I love it. What I don’t love is what it does to my skin…and theirs. The water and chlorine are brutal, causing horribly dry skin. This always leads to licking. Then scratching. Then chewing. All – not good.
Medically known as canine atopic dermatitis (CAD), dry, itchy skin can be a major issue for dogs. If left untreated, it can lead to lesions, hair loss, or bacterial infections. It can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a hypersensitivity to allergens.
Allergies are a hypersensitive and damaging response of the immune system to external allergens, such as pollen and food. It’s the same for humans and dogs. However, with dogs the signs and symptoms may go unnoticed because our furry friends can’t tell us what’s wrong. So as the leader of the pack, we need to be hyperaware of what to look out for.
Fortunately, there are many ways to help boost your dog’s immune system and fight the itchy and dry skin. Some studies have shown promise with Omega-3 supplementation in the diet of dogs suffering from allergies. And although simply giving your dog a supplement is unlikely erase the symptoms, (always consult your vet for a complete treatment plan) there is pretty clear evidence that Omega-3 fatty acids provide benefits to the immune system, and many dogs are in fact deficient in Omega fatty acids due to the fact that dog’s cannot produce them on their own.
There are many sources of Omega fatty acids. Some believe that dog food delivers all the dog needs. Unfortunately, because Omega’s are susceptible to heat, most of the benefits become biologically unavailable to your dog due to the cooking/treatment temperatures of dog food. This is why many dog owners have turned to a supplement to provide their dog’s daily needs of essential fatty acids.
My dogs love our Omega-3-6-9 Select chews from Project Paws. I like them because they’re made from krill, which have some of the highest concentrations of Omega’s of any marine animal. Also, because these are tiny creatures with a shorter lifespan, they don’t contain the high level of toxins like fish. They’re also available in two sizes: one for small and large dogs. I love them because like all of our products sold on iHeartDogs.com, each purchase of Omega-3-6-9 Select chews provides meals for 14 shelter dogs!
The key to remember: Your dog needs Omega fatty acids (supplement, fish meat, whatever the source). So whatever you choose, just make it part of a healthier, happier lifestyle for your dog. It definitely made a splash with mine. Or was that the pool?
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional.
The post Dropping This In Your Dog’s Food Bowl Could Help With Painful Skin Itchiness appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.
Spring is here and we are ready to get out and explore with our pets by our side. Naturally, with the rising temperatures, the spring season prompts some necessary spring pet safety tips that every pet owner should be aware of. Whether you’re headed out for a long weekend or an extended spring vacation, knowing […]
The post Nine Essential Spring Pet Safety Tips to Know appeared first on The Trupanion Blog.
Denise Swank paid $6000 to a man to train her German Shepherd Gunnar, but it all went terribly wrong. A little over two weeks after the man took Gunnar to his training facility, the dog was dead. According to an autopsy, the cause of death was heat stress or hyperthermia.
An investigation into the conditions where police believe that Gunnar had been living revealed inhumane conditions. The dogs there were treated cruelly and, according to the official criminal complaint, deprived of food, water and proper shelter. Sadly, Gunnar apparently died a painful death that was completely avoidable.
Having tummy trouble is the worst. We humans feel powerless against nausea and the unpleasant things that go along with it. When our pups are sick, it’s enough to break our hearts. If you find yourself caring for a pup with a stomach bug, you may wonder what you can give him to alleviate the symptoms and make him feel better. Can you give your dog OTC human medicines? Let’s take a look at what you might have on hand and how it can be administered.
There are a few OTC human medications that are considered safe to treat common GI problems in dogs. Of course, you will want to consult with your veterinarian before giving any medication to your dog, especially for the first time. Also, just as you would for yourself, if symptoms persist you should take your dog to the vet.
Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate), Imodium (loperamide), and Pepcid (famotidine) are all generally considered safe for canine use with the appropriate dose and prior consultation with your dog’s veterinarian.
Dogs get upset tummies for an endless number of reasons. Their curiosity, foraging drive, and occasional desire to roll in or eat something really disgusting sometimes leads to illness. When our dogs get into something nasty, become overexcited, experience nervousness, or get car sick this occasionally leads to a solitary vomiting episode. One upchuck does not require medication. Your pup will probably act as if nothing at all has happened and carry on as usual. However, if your dog gets sick and then acts sluggish and is not interested in food, you may consider using Pepto-Bismol to soothe the upset tummy.
The same approach should be used if your dog has diarrhea. If your dog has watery stool, keep an eye on things first. One episode of diarrhea means she probably got whatever upset her intestines out and will be fine without any intervention. If she is constantly going out with a sense of urgency, has multiple uncharacteristic accidents, and seems to be experiencing cramps or spasms in the intestines, you should call your vet and ask if Imodium is an okay medication for your pup.
Pepcid works to reduce stomach acid and is often prescribed by vets to treat ulcers and other conditions related to stomach acid build up. It’s not recommended to treat your dog with Pepcid unless he has been diagnosed with a relevant condition and prescribed its use by a veterinarian.
Generally speaking, the appropriate dose of medication to give your dog is dependent on weight. If you have a puppy, older dog, pregnant or nursing dog, or your pup is on other medications, the recommended dose may differ from the general guidelines. You should always talk to your vet before administering any medication to your dog.
Pepcid is trickier in terms of dosing your dog as giving it with food decreases the efficacy. You have to place the pill in the back of your dog’s mouth, hold his snout, and rub the throat to get him to swallow the pill down. If you’ve never done it, it can be hard at first but with patience and practice you will persevere.
Side effects are possible with any medication so observe your dog after taking the medicine, especially after the first time you give it to your beloved baby. There are rare cases of serious side effects, which is why discussing their use with your vet is so important.
After giving your dog Pepto-Bismol, do not be alarmed if his tongue or stool is a very dark purple or black color. This happens with some people and dogs after taking the pink stuff and is not a cause for concern. However, if this continues it may actually be blood in the stool and should be discussed with a vet. Constipation is commonly reported as well.
Imodium can also lead to constipation if it overcorrects your dog’s intestines. It stops the runs by absorbing the water in the intestinal tract and naturally, this can lead to a clogged up system later. Give your pup plenty of water to remain hydrated and help get his system rebalanced. Your dog may also become fatigued, gassy, or super sleepy.
Pepcid commonly makes dogs lethargic with a loss of appetite. If you’ve given your dog too much Pepcid they may be restless, have a fast heart rate, vomit, or even collapse. Get your dog to a vet right away if they exhibit any of these side effects after taking Pepcid.
It’s never fun for you or your baby when he’s sick to his stomach. The next time your pup has tummy trouble, ask your vet if any of these OTC meds made for people can be used to alleviate his symptoms.
The post OTC Human Medications For Your Dog – Here’s What You Need To Know appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.
We all know the importance of oral hygiene for our dogs.
Sadly, over 80% of dogs over the age of 3 years old have some form of periodontal disease. By the time a dog is a senior, their dental health is often in dire straights, causing untold pain to the dog and horrific smelling breath.
Brushing and periodic veterinary cleaning are an absolute must, but many dogs don’t take well to at home dental care. As a result, many pet parents are desperate for a way to more easily clean their dog’s teeth. Enter the BreathBone!
The BreathBone includes a free packet of starter pet-safe toothpaste, but additional options are available as well. The toothpaste comes in chicken or peanut butter flavor, so even picky dogs are sure to enjoy.
We recommend always monitoring your dog with chews, especially anything new.
The BreathBone is constructed from ultra-durable, FDA complaint material and infused with mint flavor for an extra breath freshening boost.
BreathBones are available in 3 easy sizes:
The post Dogs are brushing their own teeth with this new “BreathBone” appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.
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